I woke up this Monday thinking it was going to be an ordinary Monday. So, you can imagine my surprise when I hopped on my computer to discover a Virtual Baby Shower happening in blogland in my honor! That’s right: 18 of my dear blog friends conspired to throw a big ‘ole bash on their blogs to…
My Pop Pop sends me the most profound text messages. They read more like letters penned in calligraphy than digital chatter. Back in November, soon after we had shared our exciting news with my grandparents that they would soon be great-grandparents, Pop Pop sent me this message: I contend if a baby was born only once…
I have a passion for gift-giving. Especially the kind of gifts that are simple, unexpected, and don’t always fit in a box. Prime example: yummy drinks. And if there’s ever a season for yummy drinks, it’s fall! Amiright? Everything’s turning up roses pumpkin and cinnamon and apples. Yum, yum, and more yum. Thus, it felt…
When my friend Heather re-shared this beautiful Instagram by Bless’er House, I couldn’t help but heave a sigh of relief. “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald Ain’t it the truth? And it’s just one of the many reasons why I love fall. I have such fond…
Just two weeks ago, I didn’t even know the Periscope app existed. And here I am today with six broadcasts under my belt, an Ultimate Periscope Resource Page to share with you all, and now, a deeper discussion into why I think this app is worth exploring. As we’ve already established, I’ve caught Periscope fever! And while this is still a very…
Here’s a new first: This past Tuesday, Mark and I planned a date to discuss decor. Yes, you read that correctly: my dear hubby and I dedicated an entire hour to assessing each furniture item and accent piece in our living room and kitchen area, asking ourselves, “Should it stay or should it go?” And yes,…
Okay, this post is totally impromptu (literally, just decided this afternoon to write it), but I’ve got a burst of energy thanks to my signature Starbucks drink and a fresh new haircut, so I’m riding this wave of spontaneous inspiration! Let’s Talk Instagram I’ve always enjoyed Instagram. But the past month that enjoyment has transformed into a slight…
I’m not a procrastinator. I just work well under pressure. At least that’s how I’m choosing to see it! {Smile.} The tick of the clock, the quickened beat of my heart, the rattle of the impending deadline like a freight train charging down the track…they have been the soundtrack to some of my very best gift-giving. Because while last-minute…
G’day, mates! Yesterday, I shared how Mark and I are venturing into uncharted financial waters this new year: we’re going to try a cash budget envelope system. I have to say, I was really encouraged by the flood of comments, many from others who have adopted the same system! I’ve enjoyed seeing all of the…
Sigh…. I remember the good old days when we’d hear the clink of milk bottles arriving on the front doorstep. The glass bottles would be icy to the touch. For once, I actually wanted to drink my milk. No, I didn’t grow up in the early 1900s. When I was in middle school, my Mom signed up…
Want to create your own Flower Tab Paper Gift Box out of pretty scrapbook paper and add a handmade touch to your next Mother’s Day gift or party favor? Read on for the easy, breezy tutorial and access to the FREE printable download! One of the first Mother’s Day gifts I remember giving to my…
This May 29th is a very momentous occasion. My sweet sister Lisbeth will graduate with her Master’s in Counseling from Westminster Seminary in Pennsylvania. And since I cannot be there in person to hoot and holler as she crosses the stage to accept her diploma like the proud sister I am–I thought I would send…
Happy Friday, friends! So, the Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover series continues, but we’re going to take a little break from this talk of building and staining and pallet-ing (yes, it’s a verb now) to get a little crafty today. This should be a fun tutorial for ye lovers of felt and all things nautical!…
What is it about reclaimed pallet boards pieced together that our eyes love so much? Making order out of chaos? The Japanese principle of Shizen: nature with purpose and intention. I see such beauty in the rough hewn boards…especially when they turn gray like driftwood. Mark’s favorites are the ones with the criss-cross marks. So,…
Sung to the tune of “My Favorite Things” from the classic musical, The Sound of Music: Heat transfer vinyl and rhinestones for onesies, Printable foil in gold: also fun-sie. Tattoos to print out and cut ‘n any size, These are a few of my favorite supplies! (Rogers and Hammerstein are rolling in their graves right now,…
Here’s the thing about blogging: Oftentimes that post that you think is going to rock the blog-o-sphere and send the masses in droves upon droves to your blog, and who knows, maybe Better Homes & Gardens will want to feature it because it’s the simplest thing but turned out cute-as-a-button, and then before you know…
For Christmas this year, we had a Secret Santa gift exchange among the adults in Mark’s family. I drew my SIL Ashlee’s name, and one of the items on her wish-list was an insulated travel mug. Naturally, I snatched up one of Pick Your Plum’s daily deals on stainless steal mugs and immediately started scheming…
A year ago today, I hit “publish” on my post, 10 Tips for New Bloggers…From a New Blogger. In some ways, it felt strange to be offering up tips on blogging when I had only been in the game for two months. That’s why I needed to make things clear in my title. (“I’m still…
