Welcome to my annual year in review posts--a chance for us to look back on the past year's favorite projects.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Monday, December 28, 2015
These are a Few of my Favorite Things--2015 in Review
It hardly seems possible, I mean I am pretty sure I just got accustomed to writing 2015 rather than 14, but it is time for my annual year in review posts.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Sunday Verses
Happy Sunday! Do you have the post Christmas blues and exhaustion? We get so busy making sure everyone else is taken care of during the holidays that we sometimes (okay, often times!) forget ourselves. After all, aren't we supposed to love on others? Yes! But, we forget the second part of this commandment: Love others like we love ourselves. Wait, it is alright to love ourselves and take care of us? Yes! We need to remember to take time for a little self care and self love. If we don't, we aren't going to have anything to give to others. Now that you have done all the shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning, activity planning,serving--loving others, let's focus this week on loving ourselves and taking care of ourselves. Rest, relax, take time for a favorite activity--do what you need to do to show yourself some love! Amen?
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Sunday Verses
Happy Sunday! By this time next week Christmas will be done, over, finished. Some of you will have your trees down and the home undecorated, presents will be opened, some returned or broken already, leftovers will be dwindling and we will be lamenting everything we ate, but shouldn't have. What will be left? My hope and God's plan is that we will have peace, the peace that Jesus came to give us. Peace that is internal and can't be taken away from us by the things going on in our lives. My hope is that we will have a continuing sense of goodwill towards others--those tough to love folks, the broken and hurt. Enjoy this week leading up to the celebration of Jesus' birth and may He have the glory while we rest in His peace and goodness.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
12 Days of Christmas, Day 12, Last Minute Gift
Here we are, a week away from Christmas eve. Are you ready? Still need a gift for someone special?
With some scrap wood, hooks, and about an hour's worth of time you can create this gorgeous coat hook.
With some scrap wood, hooks, and about an hour's worth of time you can create this gorgeous coat hook.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Sunday Verses
Happy Sunday! When I was a kid, a favorite song from Sunday school that I liked to sing was, "They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they will know we are Christians by our love." I am guessing that just about every day we encounter people who do not know God, do not know His love and saving grace. We might be the only "sermon" they ever hear, the only "Bible" they read, the only light to shine in the dark for these folks. Some days I forget this. I do not show God's love and patience to others, I do not let them see God's goodness in me. In this season, when things are busy and rushed and hurried, when some people are depressed and lonely, others angry and hurt--let's remember to let God's light and good deeds shine through us so that others might know Him.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
12 Days of Christmas, Day 11, HOW TO Make Simple Wreaths
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
12 Days of Christmas, Day 10, How to Upcycle Stockings
What do you do when you are changing your Christmas theme (again), but you don't really have making all new stockings (again) in you?
You upcycle some old stockings with "boot socks".
You upcycle some old stockings with "boot socks".
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Home for Christmas, Home Tour & Blog Hop
Hello, and welcome to the Hometalk.com and CountryLiving.com Christmas Home Tour and Blog Hop. Settle in with a mug of something warm and yummy because there are many wonderful homes and Christmas ideas to see.
Sunday Verses
Happy Sunday! During this Christmas season I have been thinking about the song O Holy Night and in particular the line, "the weary world rejoices". How, when there is so much turmoil and strife in the world, are we to rejoice? We rejoice because we trust that God is still God, and while we may be tired and weary, He is not. We celebrate, knowing that God is resilient, He never gets worn out or stressed. It takes faith and hope to rest in God, but Jesus came to earth to give us hope, hope of an everlasting life with our Father who NEVER gets weary and that is something to celebrate!
Friday, December 4, 2015
12 Days of Christmas, Day 9, Easy, Outdoorsy Ornaments
I needed a little more woodsy, a little more nature on my tree so I got crafty. I love being able to create what I want--so much easier than searching stores for the perfect item and MUCH cheaper!!
When I was a kid one of my favorite Christmas activities was making salt dough ornaments. Mom would make the dough from flour and salt and we would roll it out, use the Tupperware red cookie cutters, pray the dough would not stick, cut them out, bake them and then paint them. I wanted to make them year after year, and did.
These ornaments are reminiscent of those salt dough days--except easier and not as fragile because they are made with Model Magic.
When I was a kid one of my favorite Christmas activities was making salt dough ornaments. Mom would make the dough from flour and salt and we would roll it out, use the Tupperware red cookie cutters, pray the dough would not stick, cut them out, bake them and then paint them. I wanted to make them year after year, and did.
These ornaments are reminiscent of those salt dough days--except easier and not as fragile because they are made with Model Magic.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
12 Days of Christmas, Day 8, Woodland Christmas Centerpiece
So, it is confession time--centerpieces have never been my forte. A bowl of fruit in the middle of the table, some mail scattered around it and I was good.
But, the last few years I have had fun creating unique, SUPER inexpensive centerpieces with items I find around the house.
This year was no different. After making my Christmas table runner (details HERE) and picking my woodland theme, I knew a centerpiece to fit the theme would be easy. This year's centerpiece took less than 30 minutes to gather and put together.
But, the last few years I have had fun creating unique, SUPER inexpensive centerpieces with items I find around the house.
This year was no different. After making my Christmas table runner (details HERE) and picking my woodland theme, I knew a centerpiece to fit the theme would be easy. This year's centerpiece took less than 30 minutes to gather and put together.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Unique Gift Ideas from Uncommon Good
If you read my blog at all, you know I do very few sponsored posts--mostly because I often am not in love with the product someone wants me to share with you.
BUT, when Uncommon Goods asked if I would like a gift or product to review, ten minutes perusing their page and I knew the only hard part about saying yes would be picking something to show you.
Then, as if by intuition, hubby hollered up the stairs that we really needed a log carrier to transport wood from our wood room (yes, we have a separate room in our old schoolhouse for wood) to the wood stove.
Ya see, heating in our new old house has been interesting to say the least. No natural gas so we have three alternative heat sources. The wood stove has proven to be our best source.
So each weekend my daughter and husband take wood from the wood room, split it with the wood splitter, and stack it near the wood stove. This awesome log carrier from Uncommon Goods is making that job much easier.
I love that it is made from recycled firehouse--unique and heavy duty!!
I love so many products on their page. Check out the custom lake cribbage board, the literary scarves, or the construction plate and utensils for kids.
There really is something for everyone and especially those hard to buy for people on your list. Be sure to peruse Uncommon Goods today!
*This is a sponsored post: I received product or payment for an honest review. All opinions are solely mine.
BUT, when Uncommon Goods asked if I would like a gift or product to review, ten minutes perusing their page and I knew the only hard part about saying yes would be picking something to show you.
Then, as if by intuition, hubby hollered up the stairs that we really needed a log carrier to transport wood from our wood room (yes, we have a separate room in our old schoolhouse for wood) to the wood stove.
Ya see, heating in our new old house has been interesting to say the least. No natural gas so we have three alternative heat sources. The wood stove has proven to be our best source.
So each weekend my daughter and husband take wood from the wood room, split it with the wood splitter, and stack it near the wood stove. This awesome log carrier from Uncommon Goods is making that job much easier.
I love that it is made from recycled firehouse--unique and heavy duty!!
I love so many products on their page. Check out the custom lake cribbage board, the literary scarves, or the construction plate and utensils for kids.
There really is something for everyone and especially those hard to buy for people on your list. Be sure to peruse Uncommon Goods today!
*This is a sponsored post: I received product or payment for an honest review. All opinions are solely mine.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Sunday Verses
Happy Sunday! Is there something you have been wanting to do, waiting to do because it is hard and scary? I think we all have at least one thing that we want to do, but we hold back for any number of reasons. Ezra felt the same way until Shecaniah encouraged him with these words. I love this motivational speech (and I think Nike probably does too!). I love that Shecaniah tells Ezra they are with him. You know, if we are going to do the hard, scary things, we need someone to support us. Surround yourself with cheerleaders, supporters who will encourage you. Then, remember to be strong, after all God is with us giving us strength and courage. And then, go for it, just do it with the faith that God is with you no matter what. Have a great week and just do it!
Friday, November 27, 2015
12 Days of Christmas, Day 7, Candy Cane Holder
Today's 12 days of Christmas (that I had the goal of being done with by Thanksgiving--ho, hum!) is a special one because it is also part of Project Challenge--bloggers creating something with the same material.
This month's challenge was to use beadboard.
I created an industrial style candy cane holder.
This month's challenge was to use beadboard.
I created an industrial style candy cane holder.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
12 Days of Christmas, Day 6, Warm & Cozy Ornaments
If you saw Day 5 post, you saw that I decided to change up my Christmas decor theme (again) this year which means I need some new ornaments, right?
Now, if I didn't do this on a budget I would not change my decor so much. But, when it is all said and done, I will spend around $50 and that is a gift I a willing to buy myself.
I wanted some large, warm and fuzzy, Christmas ornaments for the tree and after a little thinking, figured out how to make some.
Now, if I didn't do this on a budget I would not change my decor so much. But, when it is all said and done, I will spend around $50 and that is a gift I a willing to buy myself.
I wanted some large, warm and fuzzy, Christmas ornaments for the tree and after a little thinking, figured out how to make some.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Sunday Verses
Happy Sunday! Ok, stop reread this verse, I will wait...How does it say we are made? We are made fearfully--which means awesomely and we are made wonderfully!! And y'all, deep in our soul somewhere we know it. But, we forget. We get caught up in this world and let outward things determine our worth: what we do, how much money we make, the number on the scale or pair of jeans, how our children "perform" and behave, the number of likes on an Instagram post, who we are married to, what our homes look like, how many times we go to the gym--all things we allow to tell us how good we are (or aren't). I have told my children many times, and need to remind myself--what the world thinks of us, what we do, how good we are at something does not tell us who we are or decide our worth. Those things can be taken from us in an instant. God tells us who we are, He tells us that we are precious and wonderful and priceless. Let's work on remembering that, let's see others and ourselves through God's eyes--awesome beings created in His image!
Saturday, November 21, 2015
12 Days of Christmas, Day 5, Table Runner, Pillows, and Towels
Dear Family,
I really was not going to change the Christmas theme and decor this year, really. After all, I changed it all last year, and by golly, it was cute! (See my Funky Lodge LOOK HERE.)
But...I was Christmas shopping at TJ Maxx, for others, and well, they had these adorable tea towels, and well...
I put one set in my cart and then I took it out, and then I put it back in, along with two others. They were only $5 for two towels. There were lots of different styles and I started seeing more than towels...
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
12 Days of Christmas, Day 4, Garland
Yes, we have made it to day 4 of the 12 Days of Christmas.
Today's Christmas project is a very simple garland upcycle.
I started with this gorgeous garland from Tree Classics. This is the 9 ft. lit Noble Fir garland, and oh my goodness, it couldn't look more real.
It is beautiful by itself--so full and easy to work with and "shape" as you need. Even close up it looks real!
I decided to dress it up a bit, but not too much because I didn't want to cover up the gorgeous branches.
I added a "LET IT SNOW" that I painted on wood slices. The wood slices are cut from some of our firewood, but you can buy wood slices at a a craft store. I like to keep greenery and lights up through January so I went with a winter theme rather than a Christmas one. Because this garland is fake I won't have to worry about all those needles.
I used white paint and finished the wood slices with some coconut oil to keep the wood light.
I also added some snowflakes from the craft store that I painted with Fusion Mineral Paints Mathew Mead metallic line--I used the copper, silver, and champagne (you will be seeing more of these colors in upcoming Christmas projects).
I tied everything on with jute.
I had a tough time deciding where I wanted to hang the garland, but decided I wanted it where I would see it often so I placed it over my French doors that lead from the kitchen to the solarium. (Sometimes, I feel like I live in a Clue game--I say things like, "It is in the library. It is the solarium.")
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: I was given free product to review, the opinions represented in this post are solely mine.
Today's Christmas project is a very simple garland upcycle.
I started with this gorgeous garland from Tree Classics. This is the 9 ft. lit Noble Fir garland, and oh my goodness, it couldn't look more real.
It is beautiful by itself--so full and easy to work with and "shape" as you need. Even close up it looks real!
I decided to dress it up a bit, but not too much because I didn't want to cover up the gorgeous branches.
I added a "LET IT SNOW" that I painted on wood slices. The wood slices are cut from some of our firewood, but you can buy wood slices at a a craft store. I like to keep greenery and lights up through January so I went with a winter theme rather than a Christmas one. Because this garland is fake I won't have to worry about all those needles.
I used white paint and finished the wood slices with some coconut oil to keep the wood light.
I also added some snowflakes from the craft store that I painted with Fusion Mineral Paints Mathew Mead metallic line--I used the copper, silver, and champagne (you will be seeing more of these colors in upcoming Christmas projects).
I tied everything on with jute.
I had a tough time deciding where I wanted to hang the garland, but decided I wanted it where I would see it often so I placed it over my French doors that lead from the kitchen to the solarium. (Sometimes, I feel like I live in a Clue game--I say things like, "It is in the library. It is the solarium.")
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: I was given free product to review, the opinions represented in this post are solely mine.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Sunday Verses
Happy Sunday! Goodness, what a tough week with the attacks in Paris, coming on the heels of a downed plane in Egypt, and so many more tragedies and horrific things happening in our lives. It is enough to make a person want to hide, shut out the world, and try our best to not collapse with anxiety and fear. But, God tells us to NOT FEAR. He tells us He is with us, He is with us no matter what. He strengthens us and upholds us. Fear and anxiety is not from God. We are not meant to worry about what might happen. This week let's try to focus on this truth and not live in fear, but in the peace of knowing God is with us always.
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