Are you getting excited for Thanksgiving? Usually, we gather with friends and family we rarely see and enjoy those foods we only eat at Thanksgiving. If I'm hosting the meal, I put almost as much effort into creating a beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescape as I do the meal. I have to admit, for me, it isn't all about the food. Though I have shared a few recipes that would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu. My Far East Celery is crunchy and light and makes a perfect accompaniment to turkey and stuffing. Or a true fall dish that you can enjoy as a salad or … [Read more...]
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Welcome to Day 31 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our "skin" and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. Whew! This has been the fastest month on record. It's been a joy to meet the challenge of writing each day. Though it has been a little more challenging that I imagined. When I embarked on this journey with you I thought that the task ahead would be much more light-hearted. I truly had no idea that as I … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 25 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. Small Things Being faithful in "small things" is about our character. It takes discipline. Daily. Not only is it our attention to those "small things" that makes a difference in the world. They make a difference in our personal lives too. This image is available as a 5x7 printable. Download … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 21 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. When was the last time you invited someone to your home? Is the question causing you to feel a little defensive? Maybe that's okay. Why? Because hospitality is not about comfort. Yup. I said it. If you're a good cook....people will enjoy your comfort food. If you're a great home … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 20 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. Last Sunday we took a drive with some friends to visit a local university's gardens in the country. On our way home we drove past a small lake and were totally blown away by the awesome color. Four excited adults exited the car and quietly shouted for joy, exclaiming the glories of the beautiful colors, and … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 13 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. Do you live in a spot where you can view a sunrise or sunset? Right now we're living at the beginning of a private cul de sac. It's a half mile from beginning to end. This little road runs from east to west. Or west to east depending on your perspective. The beauty for me is that each morning I can sit in … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 3 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. Somewhere I came across this quote and saved it to share later. “Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher Later came, and I read it again. At first, the words seemed wonderful. And then I realized this is NOT how I want to paint … [Read more...]
I'm all about creating moments. Moments? Yes...those small sweet vignettes that you create around your home to embrace the season. Recently I shared a few coastal moments with you here and here. But, now that we're moving into Fall, I wanted to create a new seasonal moment. Remember the free fall subway printable that I created for you to kick off the first day of this #InspiredFallNesting series? I printed it off on some nice photo paper and slipped it into an 11x14 photo frame that included a mat and a place for an 8x10 picture. This is one of … [Read more...]
This past weekend we went from summer to fall in just a few hours. The weather was picture perfect in every way. Sunshine, temperature, the sky was even a gorgeous fall blue. It was just what I needed to get in the mood for fall. That got me thinking about some of my favorite fall things. Actually I came up with... 20 Things I Love About Fall! Homemade Apple Crisp or Apple Pie Amazing Fall Sunsets & Clouds Hot Spiced Apple Cider Wooly Bear Caterpillars Crisp Cool Air Apple Cinnamon Donuts from the Cider Mill Colorful Gourds Bowls of Steaming … [Read more...]
Spending the day at the beach isn't always possible. So when you find yourself dreaming of splashing waves and sand between your toes.... Put together a beach vignette. Don't roll your eyes....it really is a sweet band-aid solution. And it's super easy to do. Have you ever noticed play sand for sale at the garden center? When you do...be sure to buy a bag. Yes...it may be more than you need, but I'm pretty certain that once you have your bag of sand, you'll be glad you bought it (and it certainly won't break the bank). Plus, you'll find lots of ways to use that sand. In … [Read more...]
When my world gets turned upside down, I love to go on a nature walk. This quote by Sara Moss-Wolfe says it all. Nature is my medicine. Maybe you are like me.... Or, maybe another activity feeds your soul. When you're weary and worn and need to set things right, what do you do or where do you go? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Catch up on all that's Extraordinary... this week at An Extraordinary Day: Here's a rundown of the posts... … [Read more...]
When I came across this character quote I immediately identified with it. "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved." - Helen Keller It might not seem helpful, nor is it pleasant to go through a patch of trying circumstances. But somewhere in the midst, it does help me to know that something good will come of these trials. That I will be a better person because of it. At the very least I believe I will be more compassionate of others suffering through … [Read more...]
"Never lose an opportunity for seeing anything that is beautiful; For beauty is God's handwriting -- a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, And thank God for it as a cup of His blessing." - Ralph Waldo Emerson Have you taken time to go for a walk? Not the kind where you try to see how quickly you can get the miles in. But, the kind where you try to see how much beauty you can take in. I dare you to play "I Spy" with your walking partner. I think Emerson had it right. Beauty is God's handwriting. Just look at … [Read more...]
An Extraordinary Day! is a place of joy and inspiration. Some days, the inspiration is as much for me, as it is for you. Sometimes we just need a ray of hope. The golden hour is the time when I prefer to take a walk. It's the time when I can get the best photos. Or at least I make the attempt. Not many, but when they happen they are dramatic thanks to the lovely light. Isn't this white Echinacea stunning in the light? As long as there is sunshine and flowers...there is hope. and then again... Hope is the only bee that makes honey without flowers. Robert … [Read more...]
Patience. Most of us don't have enough, let alone some to spare. I don't talk much about patience. Mostly because I'm an impatient person and I have this crazy idea that if I don't talk about, or don't ask for more, it will be a non issue. When I read this quote: "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson I realized that nature is always in wait. When the earth's temperature is warm enough, plants emerge from their winter hiding places and seeds sprout. As the days shorten and temperatures drop, the life-giving nutrients reverse … [Read more...]
For summer gatherings I always enjoy lighter fare. Foods that are delicious, high in flavor, and refreshing. On the Fourth of July, we were invited to enjoy a meal with some friends. It's always good to hang out with good friends and catch up on all the latest. When one of those friends is a great cook, it makes that gathering even more special. I love walking into a home where we're expected for dinner and seeing a few beautifully presented appetizers and beverages. It makes me feel wanted and anticipated. Some people are so good at that. Me? I need to improve in the appetizer department. But, I … [Read more...]
It's time to display our red, white, and blue! Stars and stripes! Buntings, banners, garlands, wreaths, and.... Old Glory! It's time to get in the spirit of the holiday! Here's a simple, but festive way to.... Decorate a Vintage Window with a Patriotic Wreath and Garland for the 4th of July This garland might look a little bit familiar. I made a similar more simple star garland for my sunroom, which is all decked out for the Fourth of July! A handful of stars were left over from that project...just enough to create a garland for the vintage … [Read more...]
