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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
You might remember this Easter subway art printable from last year. This was the first time I had never created something like this and was amazed at the wonderful reception it received. So....I thought that I would feature it again, just in time for Easter. Though certainly it would be lovely all spring or even longer. Click here to download your 8x10 Subway Art Easter Printable. For personal use only. It's that time we've all been waiting for.... Mary Beth from Cupcakes and Crinoline ~ Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday Stephanie Chan … [Read more...]
Do you realize, Easter is less than two weeks away?! I haven't even begun to think about Easter decorating. But, I know many of you have it on your mind. In fact, this rustic burlap Easter egg wreath I made last year has been getting lots and lots of views this year. I love that it was quick and easy and inexpensive to put together. And there's plenty of time if you want to make one too! Here's a glimpse of what was extraordinary on the blog this past week.... Sharing Encouraging Words | Joy Day! Celebrate Your Joys Now...I can't wait to see … [Read more...]
Today feels like spring! Finally! We haven't managed to keep the sun shining...but I can't complain when it's 60 degrees!! I even got a chance to get outside and play in the yard a bit. I thought it would be fun today to revisit a popular post from last year.... This shabby spring window sings spring and the little birdies make me happy. Right now, my window is slightly open and I can hear birdsong. It's the most wonderful thing. After a long winter, it's music to my ears!! Here's a glimpse of what was extraordinary on the blog this past week.... The Promise of … [Read more...]
What are your favorite spring flowers? I confess that I'm a traditionalist. I love forsythia and tulips and daffodils and hyacinths and anemones and hellebores. Yeah. Pretty much everything. [wink] Which pretty much explains why I created this spring tulip wreath with forsythia. Although I made this wreath a while back, it's still perfectly in style today. All the details on how it all came together are here. Just in case you want to try your hand at making a spring tulip wreath. And if you missed seeing my crisp white spring mantel...click … [Read more...]
May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours. That stay with you all the year long. Irish Blessing This year I used book pages to help decorate the mantel for St. Patrick's Day. If you missed the post, check it out here. And now, on to our Extraordinary Link Party.... I am so excited to join with Mary Beth from Cupcake and Crinoline, Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday, and Stephanie from The Silly Pearl, my co-hosts here at Project Inspire{d} to see what you've been working on this week! Your … [Read more...]
Back in October I wrote a 31-Day Series, "31 Extraordinary Days to Be..." In a nutshell I took us on a journey to learn to Be… fully and beautifully alive in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. Each week during the series, I addressed how we could Be...Encouraging. It's always great to be on the receiving end of encouragement. Some of you are amazingly encouraging and I have been the blessed recipient of your kind words. Others of us don't come by it naturally, so I put together a list of 52 Practical and Thoughtful Ways to Encourage Others. Essentially one for each week … [Read more...]
