I've been doing a lot of chewing lately and I'm not talking about burgers, potato salad, or s'mores. Maybe you're like me....one day it's disappointment, the next it may be weariness or lack. Some days I chew on blessings, a faithful husband, dear friends, good food, wildflowers, and sunset reflections over a beautiful lake. You can pretty much tell what I'm chewing on. It shows all over my face. What have you been chewing on lately? For quite a few years I saved my calendars. My favorites were always the ones featuring a Bible verse and the artwork of Ellen Stouffer. As I … [Read more...]
I love wildflowers! One of my favorite things to do is to walk the roadside and pick bouquets for decorating the table(s) for the Fourth of July. Earlier this week it rained quite heavily for a few days, so the wildflowers were pretty beat up. But, Wednesday, I went for a very long walk and discovered just what I wanted. Happy Day! The next morning I went for another walk scissors in hand. To my dismay, the massive scissors of the local road crew had come through and leveled my wildflower garden. You should have seen my face. I think it fell to my knees. Why, at … [Read more...]
We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls. ~Robert J. McCracken Happy Fourth of July!! Thank you for stopping by today. I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day. Wishing you An Extraordinary Independence Day! Diane To receive FREE bits of inspiration like this in your inbox or reader, subscribe now. I'd be delighted if you'd share the goodness here with your friends. Click any of the sharing buttons at the bottom. … [Read more...]
Need a few last minute Fourth of July ideas for your holiday celebration? We've got you covered! Left to Right... Fourth of July Porch by Twelve Oaks Manor Patriotic Grunge by Paper Seedlings Red, White, & Blue Cupcake Wrappers Free Printable by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom Sparkler Straw Pinwheel Centerpiece by Hoopla Palooza Patriotic Fruit Skewers by Three Kids and a Fish 4th of July Flag Tree with Cornstarch Ornaments by Adventures of a DIY Mom Homemade Star Marshmallows by Confessions of a Secret Crafter 4th of July Breakfast Flag Holes by Jacolyn Murphy DIY Fourth of July … [Read more...]
What's your favorite way to decorate for the Fourth of July? Me? I love to use American flags. Lots of flags. The more stars and stripes the better. Here's a little Fourth of July spectacular from the archives to inspire your holiday decorating. Speaking of the Fourth of July.... Last weekend I shared some really Extraordinary Inspiration for decorating and entertaining for the 4th of July or any patriotic holiday. What a great round-up of festive ideas from last week's link party!! There's more.... Click here if you missed it! This is one fun … [Read more...]
Raise your hand if you want God's blessing. Generally when we pray, we ask God to bless us. As I was reading this verse I had an AH HA moment... God tells us what we can do to receive his blessing. Depend on the Lord; trust him, and he will take care of you. Psalm 37:5 We often admire people who are self sufficient. I was brought up to be self sufficient. But...there's a danger in self sufficiency. If we're self sufficient we don't need other people. And we may fall into the dangerous mindset of thinking we don't need God either. And, if we're not "needing" God...we probably … [Read more...]
Extraordinary Inspiration for Your Weekend No. 4 25 Ideas for a Memorable Fourth of July The American celebration of Independence Day is less than a week away! Many of us celebrate by hanging the stars and stripes, hosting a BBQ, and attending a local fireworks show. If you'd like to make your celebration just a little extraordinary, be inspired here.... Red, White, & Blue Frozen Fruit Puree Shooters by Little Miss Celebration Patriotic Porch Decor by Sweethaute Patriotic Drop Cloth Pillow by Confessions of a Serial DIYer Red, White, and … [Read more...]
Is chalkboard art still popular? Or has it already become yesterday's news? Seriously....I have no idea. But, sometimes what I was in love with last year needs to stay in last year. Then again....sometimes I don't care. Actually most of the time I don't care. If I love it...whatever "it" is...."it" hangs around until I get tired of "it." Yeah...pretty much forever. [wink] Last summer I had a bazillion projects going on at one time. And while I was supposed to be packing for a move, I finished up my laundry room with more than just this laundry room chalkboard … [Read more...]
This week I went exploring in a new neighborhood. The area is rural and wooded. And overflowing with poison ivy. I had a bad case of poison ivy two summers ago, and now I know to stay clear of leaves of three. [wink] Here it mingles with wildflowers and joins the multitude of leaves to make a magical tapestry of greens. As I walk the roadside I'm continually noticing the beauty and stopping to take snapshots of the lovely wildflowers. It's a beautiful place. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! Psalm 84:1 When I need to … [Read more...]
It's summertime and entertaining is easy. Or at least it's supposed to be. This week's features center around summer foods and entertaining. I'm drooling over all these delicious recipes for sure. Let's see who's been extraordinary this week! Suzanne made an ice cream pie with berries. Everyone loves ice cream especially in the summer. There is no doubt that this is sure to be a hit! Berries and Ice Cream Pie by Simply Suzannes Sherry has me drooling over her gorgeous cherry pie. Now if we only could meet at the beach house to enjoy a slice! Beach House Baking & … [Read more...]
It's just mid June and already things are heating up. Usually when it starts to warm up outside, we want to keep the house cool inside. We can do things like close the windows and curtains to keep out the heat from the sun, strategically use fans, and if we're blessed to have air conditioning, set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. All those things are great. But, in the summer we can also turn the temp down and cool off with blue and white in our homes. And to keep things fresh and simple for summer, I've also found that it also helps to make sure our horizontal surfaces are … [Read more...]
I could say it's been one of those weeks. We've all had them. My world got turned upside down. One thing I know for sure.... I could not have navigated these past few days without God's help.... and your prayers, and the open arms of a few friends. This verse speaks expresses my heart: The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart.He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. Psalm 28:7 Today is Joy Day! Whatever kind of week you've had....wonderful or just plain awful.... when we take time to give thanks things get … [Read more...]
Mason jars are a staple of summer entertaining and decor. Sometime ago, I was blessed with many authentic vintage Ball jars and use them as flower vases and hurricanes for tea candles all summer long. Are Mason jars a part of your summer, too? Last summer, I decided to dress up a Mason jar with pleated book page collars. So many people commented that they wanted to know how to make them, that I put together a tutorial. On the chance that you, too, might enjoy dressing up your Mason jars.... here's the tutorial. And now...on to our party! Mary Beth from Cupcakes and … [Read more...]
Do you ever feel like you're playing the waiting game? Often we find ourselves waiting in line at the grocery store, the post office, and this time of year at the ice cream shop. We wait for what seems like forever at red lights, or for the man in brown to deliver that package we're expecting. Sometimes our wait is for things much more serious such as watching the hands of the clock move so slowly while a family member or friend undergoes a tricky surgery. Are tired of playing the waiting game? Yeah...me too. I've been waiting for quite a while for God to move. In fact … [Read more...]
Welcome to our second edition of Extraordinary Inspiration for Your Weekend Just in case you missed the first edition, let me fill you in on the purpose of this weekend supplement to our Project Inspire{d} Link Party. Many of you know my motto is "Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary," And though many of you may not be aware of my motto....you surely live it out. I'm amazed at the number of truly extraordinary and inspiring projects that fellow bloggers link up at our Project Inspire{d} Link Party. You amaze me with your talent. Each week I struggle with choosing … [Read more...]
This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated through your purchase at these links. Raise your hand if you're a huge fan of red, white, and blue, and all things patriotic. Image From Memorial Day through the Fourth of July, I love accenting my home with stars and stripes. This sweet kitchen sets the stage beautifully for Christmas decorating, fall decor, or yes....a spectacular Fourth of July. It's so easy to do with the addition of a mason jar filled with American flags, a collection of bowls or containers in any combination of reds, whites, and blues. And of course table runners, … [Read more...]
Several houses and towns ago, my neighbor enjoying hosting a few ladies for coffee and tea. She usually orchestrated it so that those of us who were working could enjoy a lovely weekday morning together. It wasn't anything elaborate, but it was very thoughtful and pretty. One thing she always did was to purchase some beautiful paper napkins. You know the ones with the gorgeous designs that are too pretty to use? She would set her table with special dishes. Pieces she picked up here and there from antiquing. They didn't necessarily match, but everything always looked beautiful. And of … [Read more...]
