We all have favorite moments, favorite things, and favorite people. This book page tablescape is my favorite tablescape, and I've create a few. I created it last year with what was around my house....books, mason jars, and crabapple blossoms. It came about because of some lovely limitations and forced me to be super creative. I'd love to hear about your most creative moment and how it came to be. And now...on to our party! Mary Beth from Cupcakes and Crinoline ~ Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday Stephanie Chan from The Silly … [Read more...]
I love the morning....especially the first light of the morning. A few days ago I awoke very early and looked out the window. I was greeted with a most beautiful sight. Imagine the sky as I saw it, still colored in twilight while being gently blushed with a transparent orange cast rising ever so gently from the horizon. And to my right...a huge brilliant star sparkled. At that moment, I was in awe and humble adoration of Creator God. In the morning, O Eternal One, listen for my voice; in the day’s first light, I will offer my prayer to You and watch expectantly for Your answer. … [Read more...]
Welcome to our first edition of Extraordinary Inspiration for Your Weekend My motto is "Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary?" I can't believe how many of you link up truly extraordinary and inspiring projects at our Project Inspire{d} Link Party each week. You amaze me with your talent. I have such a difficult time choosing just a few posts to feature from the many links. With that in mind I decided that it would be fun to recognize more of you who not only link up to the party, but specifically those who stop by An Extraordinary Day to link up. We will continue to have our usual features … [Read more...]
Memorial Day, a Day of Remembrance. What a debt of gratitude we owe to those who have given their lives in sacrifice for our dear country. May God's protection, guidance, and blessing be on each one currently serving and their families. And may we never forget the cost. I admit it, I'm a pretty patriotic gal. Usually, each year between Memorial Day and Independence Day I like to decorate with red, white, and blue around my house to show my country's colors. Last year, I put this little window vignette together. Maybe it will inspire you to decorate with red, white, and blue … [Read more...]
Today I picked up stones and roots while my friend ran the rototiller to prepare for her garden. Later, I noticed that I had an aroma about me. It's not what you think! But, I bet you know exactly the aroma I'm referring to if you've ever pushed a power lawn mower around your yard. Have you ever thought about your aroma? Did you just tilt your nose down and take a whiff of your shirt? I'm not talking about your perfume, toilet water, or cologne. I'm not talking about whether you used deodorant after your shower, though that is probably a good idea. [wink] There's another kind … [Read more...]
If you've been looking for a detailed tutorial so you can try your hand at chalk painting, you've come to the right place! Back when it was below freezing and the snow was driving sideways and the drifts were rising an inch an hour, my friend Alice asked me if I would be willing to help her paint her antique washstand. We live half an hour apart and there was no way I wanted to drive in that crazy winter weather, so I told her I'd love to, in the spring. Spring came and with it an opportunity to try out the new . This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Blueprint Social and … [Read more...]
I can't believe how fast the days on the calendar tick off. We're just a little more than a week away from Memorial Day. Last year I created a truly homespun and patriotic table. It's one I really enjoyed a lot, too. I hope that you'll be able to take away some Memorial Day tablescape ideas that you can use for your celebration this year. Click here to see lots of photos and inspiration. What do you usually do for Memorial Day weekend? Do you have a party planned? Speaking of party....I am sooo excited that you have joined us again this week. I … [Read more...]
Today I hurried out on an errand, not wanting to be late. At my final destination I had to stop at a desk. The woman there greeted me warmly and I responded in my usual fashion. But, I was surprised when she said. "You're one of those positive people, I can see it in your face, too." I had been 'zooming' all morning and here it was 11:45 already. The task at hand was one for which I was grateful, but on the other hand, I so wished that it wasn't necessary. Really, I can't say that I was 'feeling' all that positive. And then I pretty much put it out of my mind. Until this … [Read more...]
Have you ever made a new recipe that was so good your family begged for more? If you have a hungry crew, or kids who play baseball or soccer or lacrosse, this recipe for Italian Sausage and Spinach Soup with Tortellini is sure to please. There's nothing like coming home hungry to a hearty soup and thick slices of fresh bread in the springtime. I like to shop Aldi. Is there an Aldi in your neck of the woods? It's a different kind of shopping experience, but for the most part, I can save money, and get my shopping done more quickly in their small store. (This is not a sponsored … [Read more...]
We had a beautiful weekend here in our neck of the woods. Everything is in bloom and Spring is showing off in high style. Today...I thought I would share with you one of my favorite tablescapes.... Black and White Polka Dot Spring Tablescape This was such a quick and easy tablescape to put together. Stop here and find out how it all came together. I had no idea that it was so popular on Pinterest....it was pinned more than a thousand times. :) Wow! There's something about the classic look of black and white, but if I would do this again, my next color choice would be coral. … [Read more...]
Whether your relationship with your mom was good or not-so-good... on Mother's Day or any day, giving thanks for mom is the best way to honor her. I give thanks to my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3 Happy Mother's Day! Having said that, I know too well that Mother's Day is NOT a joyful day of celebration for a lot of people. Some of us were not blessed with knowing our mother, or having a good relationship with her. Some have miscarried or had children die prematurely. And some of us did not have children for a host of … [Read more...]
Camera in one hand and dog leash in the other, I went for a walk hoping to see some woodland flowers along the roadside. At first all I saw were mats and mats of decomposing leaves. After this past winter...that was no surprise. But...remember I wanted very much to see some sweet woodland flowers proclaiming, "It's spring!" As we walked along, squinting into the sunshine, hope ran high in my heart. I was not disappointed. Click here to download this quote as 5x7 free printable. I doubt that most people would see anything besides the twenty shades of … [Read more...]
My friend Jennifer Carroll who blogs at Celebrating Everyday Life has just finished the Anniversary Edition of her extraordinary magazine, Celebrating Everyday Life. It's chock full of the most amazing eye candy, recipes, crafts, home decor, and even a fabulous interview. Here's a sneak peek of some of the deliciousness that awaits you! Pretty amazing...wouldn't you agree? I hope you will purchase your fabulous copy here. Did you enter my 2nd Blogiversary Giveaway from DaySpring? Be sure to pop over now....the giveaway closes Tuesday at 9 PM EDT. And now...on to our party! Mary Beth … [Read more...]
This week my heart was encouraged as I read these verses.... Hurry with your answer, God! I’m nearly at the end of my rope.Don’t turn away; don’t ignore me! That would be certain death.If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I’ll go to sleep each night trusting in you.Point out the road I must travel; I’m all ears, all eyes before you.Save me from my enemies, God— you’re my only hope!Teach me how to live to please you, because you’re my God.Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland. Psalm 143:7-10 The Message Have you … [Read more...]
Take your cues from Mother Nature and set a bird's nest themed Easter table with these simple ideas. By now you all know that I'm a big time nature lover. I truly enjoy creating with the beauties of nature...like I did here and here and here. So when my friend enlisted my help in creating a tablescape for Easter I just had to add an extra touch or two from Mother Nature. Creating A Bird's Nest Themed Easter Table This springy bird's nest themed Easter table all started when my friend picked up a variety of ceramic birds in white, yellow, and blue earlier this … [Read more...]
Can you believe that it is already my.... I can hardly believe it! These have been the fastest two years in history! Who knew when I first pressed "Publish" on April 29th, 2012 that we would be where we are today? Many of my hopes and dreams have been realized. But, if you know me....I press ahead to make the blog and this space on the web even more meaningful and fruitful. And truly I am amazed that even in this "in between" we are growing together in so many ways. Thank you for being here, for taking time to comment and share bits of your life here, too. Your encouragement … [Read more...]
Spring planting season is around the corner for those of us who live "up north." Right now it's a great time to plant trees and yummy blueberry bushes. Do you have any blueberry bushes? I can't wait 'til I'm able to have my own fresh picked organic blueberries. Yum!! In the meantime, I'm dreaming of flowers to plant once we are frost-free. Do you have "go to" favorites every year, or are you into experimenting with colors and heights and textures? I do have a few "go to" favorites. But, they will always be used in the midst of my experimental containers. Because there is always … [Read more...]
