Ruby Moon Designs

Getting Ready for {Spring}

2012-01-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

As I've done my post-Christmas clean-up I've been sprucing things up for Spring...almost every area of our home has gotten a few tweaks here and there and I'm loving the refreshed look. I found the prettiest little blue frame at Hobby Lobby and set it in a vignette on my kitchen table. I was trying to search for the perfect quote for Spring but just couldn't find what I wanted...so I made up my own! While the World is Sleeping the Earth takes a Breath and Exhales SPRING...ah, just what I wanted! :)

Here are a few snippets of our home getting ready for the next season!

For decorating I've been enjoying framed photos of my favorite people, jars with various textures and colors of moss, fresh green plants and stacked books! You can't go wrong with any of those!

Blessings,
Grace

Merry & Bright...Our {HoMe} at Christmas!

2011-12-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

Hello y'all, and Merry Christmas! It's hard to believe that Christmas less than 2 weeks away! My goodness, the time has flown! We've been in the holly jolly spirit around here since before Thanksgiving, so I figured it was about time I showed y'all some pics of our holiday home! I had a lot of fun this year decorating, and almost every room in our home has some Christmas spirit. Here are just a few pics of our home at Christmastime...

...I found this branch outside in our wood pile and knew it would be the perfect perch for my little Christmas bird!

I had fun making some glitter letters this year...

..."May your days be merry and BRIGHT!!!"

Our mantel with its large stone surround is the perfect backdrop for some Christmas decorating!

JOY!!!

The Nativity...which Johnathan had fun setting up!

The empty drawer from this dresser became a shelf on the wall...as seen later in this post!

I love our stockings...especially the ones that represent our sweet babies in Heaven...from left to right: Johnathan's, Aaron's, Gideon's, Angel Baby #1, BoBo's (our dog!), Angel Baby #2, Daniel's, Mine and Eli's stocking. NINE!!!

A Christmas wreath I made using sheet music paper chains.

Just some holiday stuff on a wall in the living room...with the drawer turned wall shelf!

The living room, all decked out for Christmas!

I didn't want to deal with the boys unwrapping presents under the tree before Christmas...so I dragged in a dresser we weren't using and I'm using it as my present table! So far the boys haven't even taken notice of it! ;)

I found these awesome shutter doors in an alley near my sister's house about a month back...they are the perfect place to hang up Christmas cards and photos...just slide 'em into the slot and they are beautifully displayed!

Another view of the living room.

Merry Christmas!

Blessings, Grace

Linked up to The Inspired Room

& to Nesting Place

My Autumn Mantel

2011-11-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

Nothing fancy this year for my my fall mantel. Just a few autumnal pieces to give my mantel the feeling of fall...

...you can just barely see the little ticking pumpkin I made...I made a few of these little babies with both ticking fabric and burlap...they turned out really cute!

My Fall Mantel/Fireplace...complete with my basket full of firewood...and we actually already had a fire, and it was beautiful!

Happy Fall Y'all!
Blessings, Grace

Cozying it up for Fall {Coffee Sack Pillows}

2011-09-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

***Yes, it's been about 5 months since I last posted...no, I didn't fall off the face of the earth, yes, I still love to blog...but lately I've been doing more "living blogging" about life with my boys than crafty blogging. Since I last posted we moved across state, my husband finished residency and started working in a multi-specialty medical group (Yay, honey!) and we have settled into a new community. I am LOVING decorating our new home...and hopefully some day (maybe soon, maybe not) I'll share some photos of our new digs...but, in the meantime you'll get some scattered posts when I feel the urge to make something creative!***

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With Fall (supposedly) approaching I have been wanting to cozy up our home a bit. Since we're fairly new to this house, and there are a lot of blank walls that I have no clue what to do with, I've been struggling with how to make our house more homey. Enter pillows, my go-to home decor element that seems to instantly adds a statement to any room. I've had these on my agenda to make for a while...I got the burlap coffee sacks off of Etsy a couple months ago...but I never found time (or made the time) to make them 'til today. And no, I certainly did not let my son watch a couple hours worth of his favorite Huckle shows while I made them so that he would stay out of my way, of course not! ;)

I got all my sewing stuff out during baby brother's naptime and got them pretty much made before he woke up. I am so happy with how they turned out and I love the warmth and texture they bring to our living room. Tell me what you think!

Linking up to http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/

Blessings,
Grace

My {Spring} Mantel

2011-03-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Spring is in full bloom here and the bug to decorate for the season has definitely bit me...problem is we're moving relatively soon and I just don't have the desire to purchase anything new to update my mantel...however, with just a few items that I found while packing up my home I came up with the perfect solution to cure the bug to decorate for spring...problem solved!

The antique window has been on my mantel for a while...I just love it so much so I don't switch it out. In fact, my mantel had stayed pretty much the same for a while now with just a few things being switched out or rearranged.
I grabbed up the burlap frame that used to be in my craft area and gave it a nice coat of blue paint and then added some cute little chalk board frames that say Blessed be the Name of the Lord...

...then I snatched up the little white frame that used to be under this silver nest holder and just kept it simple with a piece of scrap book paper inside for some pattern...

...and this is what it changed from. My previous "fall" mantel (although it too looks a little spring-y...I don't like "fall" colors!).

And again, here it is now! Easy-peasy update!

Happy Spring!!!

Blessings, Grace

I am linking up to Beth's Spring Mantel Party at:

{Pretty} in PINK: Blooms

2011-02-10T20:44:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I was reading a favorite blog of mine and was inspired to pink it up a little around here. Being that I live in a house full of boys...the hubby (a boy, obviously)...two sons...heck, even the dog is a boy...it's not often that I get to see much pink. I wouldn't consider my home overly masculine by any means, but I usually stick to fairly neutral colors and the "colors" that I do use are blues/greens/whites/shades of brown...so nothing that just screams girl! So, the easiest (and cheapest) way for me to add a little pink was to hit our local grocery store and grab a $4 bunch of bright pink baby roses. I think that I got 13 roses for my four dollars...not bad! They add the perfect amount of pink to bring a little girlie-ness to my home.

Isn't their color just lovely???

I like their pretty pops of pink on my kitchen windowsill...don't look too close, I didn't clean the window (or sink for that matter) for the pic! ;)

This little bloom fell off her stem, but still has plenty of life in her nestled in this cute little egg cup.

And these 3 lovely ladies are just now starting to really open up...

...I {LoVe} pink roses!

$4 roses in an up-cycled bottle...cheap thrills! It really is the simple things in life that are the sweetest!

Pink it up in your home too!

Blessings, Grace

I {Finally} Caved: Chalkboard Style

2011-02-06T20:47:00.001-08:00

Okay, so we all know that chalkboards/chalkboard painting has been super hot in the blog/DIY decorating world for awhile now...but, I have resisted doing anything with it even though I really love the look. I really loved how you could personalize your home the way the folks over at TLC did with THIS spring-inspired mantel...and I love the way that Sarah Down Under used her chalkboard paint in an unusual yet creative way...and I always love the uses that MMS comes up with when she puts a modern twist on the ol' chalkboard...still, I resisted...that is until now!

A couple of weeks ago I was reading my sweet SIL's blog and saw this...and I knew I couldn't resist any longer...and like Kayla said "who can resist a cute little chalkboard thingy?"...not me, that's for sure, even though I sure tried to, hard! ;)

After seeing those cute little chalkboard tags I knew I could let go of my aversion to writing with chalk long enough to jot something down on those little tags, used in a creative way in our home. And, after reading her post about those lil' cuties I really couldn't wait to go to World Market to get some of my own. So much for resisting chalkboards, I was ready to give in!

It's been a bit chilly here, especially for our part of the state, and being stuck indoors for a part of last week gave me plenty of time to organize some less than neat areas of our home. Chalkboard tags to the rescue! I set about organizing our DVD collection, and this is what I came up with...

...now this is a piece of furniture that I definitely wouldn't call "my style"...but organizing it makes it much easier to live with, haha! I took almost 100 DVDs out of their cases (donated the cases to Goodwill) and put the movies into plastic movie sleeves that I purchased at Target. All of those movies fit into these 3 baskets, which I already had...what a space saver! The "Family Friendly" basket holds all our non-animated movies that our boys can watch (I have a separate area for all our kid movies)...and the "A-M" & "N-Z" baskets hold all of our other DVDs. I don't actually have the DVDs alphabetically organized within the baskets...if they fit the criteria on the tag, that's the basket they're in, but we have to just go through them once we get to the basket...I think that if I did have them organized in the basket I would go crazy making sure they stayed that way. This way I avoid that hassle. There is such a thing as being too organized! The basket on the left of the very bottom shelf hold the remotes and the small basket with the ticking fabric top holds extra candles that I keep stored there when not in use.

Anyways, I finally caved in the chalkboard arena, a little bit at least! But I still can't stand writing with chalk...maybe I should try out those chalkboard markers I've heard about...

Blessings,
Grace

Keepin' Cozy in 2011

2011-01-31T20:07:00.000-08:00

Wow, so this blog has seriously suffered from an extreme lack of posts...that only means that my "personal life" has been overflowing with what comes with being the mommy of an extremely active almost 3 yr. old boy and an almost even more active 8 month old baby boy, along with planning for a big move and just the regular daily happenings. We have been busy with life around here, so I apologize, dear blog, you have been left on the back-burner for way too long, and I haven't even told you Happy 2011 yet!

Happy Two-Thousand-Eleven, Blog! Hope it's a good one for ya! ;)

The weather here is fairly mild, but you just can't go wrong with the cozy glow of flickering flames from a fireplace. So, in the absence of a "real" fire, I made this little display to add some ambiance to our evenings here at home. I used the mason jars which I already had and bought candles of different sizes. Normally I go for scent when I buy candles, but for this display I went with color...even tho the candles that are scented do smell pretty good.

I used the floral pillow for color inspiration. I just love the clean crispness of white paired with the blue and green. I am planning on using these colors a lot throughout our home once we move away from our rental here...I have been having fun thinking of the color scheme for our next place.

I know this is a horrible picture...but you can get the idea of the coziness that my little fireplace brings to the room. It is really quite quaint, haha!

Blessings for 2011!

Grace

I'm {Dreaming} of a White Christmas

2010-11-13T13:14:00.001-08:00

I have got the Christmas itch...and although I have doubts that I'll wake up to a white Christmas, I am ready for all the fun the holiday season brings...the problem is, I am almost totally clueless as to what gifts I'm going to give this year. Usually I have a rough idea of what I would like to get the people on my list, but this year my creativity is definitely lacking! What's a girl to do? I need ideas, big time.

Last year Christmas came and went, and our sweet, almost 2 year old son had to have his Christmas morning sweets stuffed in his "Baby's First Christmas" stocking...because, well, I was too lazy and didn't get around to buying him a "real" stocking. This year though I will be ready with this cute stocking for him, courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids, and also with a coordinating one for baby brother! I am in love with these boyish Christmas stockings, and I can't wait to fill them with goodies for my two precious sons.

(Pictures from PB Kids)

If you have any good Christmas gift ideas, feel free to pass them along my way...I have a long list and I am short on creativity! I really need to get my act together!

Blessings, Grace

White Pumpkins = The Perfect Solution!!!

2010-09-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

I am not a big fan of fall colors...never have been...at least not inside my home. I love to see the trees change color as the summer gives way to fall, but I enjoy looking at those colors outside and prefer to keep my home fairly neutral when it comes to the changing of the seasons. My mantel did need a bit of a lift though, and the bright pink flowers I had on it previously were a bit too summery. So, I took a quick trip to my dear ol' Hobby Lobby and found the perfect solution...white pumpkins! I added a bit of fake greenery, or "faux-liage" as sweet Ms. Layla of TLC calls it! That with a bit of real moss tucked inside of my mason jar made for a perfectly neutral fall display. Just a hint of Autumn is all right with me!

A {Perfect} Sunday

2010-08-23T07:26:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I was just about to head out to the store with my 2 yr. old, and when I ran into our kitchen to get my grocery list I saw this...

...isn't it a pretty picture?! I love the simple things in life, and something like a clean kitchen, a yummy smelling candle burning and the beginnings of a breakfast omelet being made by my dear hubby makes me very happy. This picture pretty much sums up our day yesterday...simple yet beautiful...a {perfect} Sunday!

{In Love} with Blue Mason Jars

2010-07-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I got on a Blue Mason Jar kick...and I decided to add to my "collection" by searching them out via antique shops and eBay...I was not disappointed! Within a few days of looking for them I had amassed quite a few, and here is how I have them displayed so far...

...holding some wine corks and twigs in twine in my kitchen...

...I love looking at them when the light comes in through the window...they are so lovely that way!

I also have a few on my Spring/Summer mantel...

...they make great vases and are pretty just standing alone!

Any other blue mason jar lovers out there???

Lookie What I Made!!! ;)

2010-06-11T11:27:00.001-07:00

Hello blog-world, here's my latest creation, and boy, it's a doozie!!!

After some fairly major complications with my pregnancy at 35 weeks, I delivered this little guy via emergency C-section. And, after only 1 week in the NICU, we got to bring our sweet Eli home! I am doing great, he is a super-duper wonderful baby, and all in all we are feeling extremely blessed that things turned out the way they did. Weighing in at just a bit over 5 pounds we're calling this precious boy our little piglet...you should hear this little man when he's hungry!

Thanks to those of you who have checked in on me...it means so much!

Blessings, Grace

Keeping Up with the Joneses

2010-04-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Do any of you ever feel like you're stuck in the phrase..."keeping up with the Joneses" when it comes to blogging? I know I do. Blogging feels like a competition sometimes, and if you don't keep making the newest and trendiest crafts to show all of blogland then you somehow feel like you're unworthy to blog at all...well, maybe not totally unworthy, but still, it's hard to keep up with all that's going on out there in the world of blogging...especially if blogging is more of a leisure activity and not something you do to bring in the bacon.

I am, obviously, speaking from my own point of view. I love to blog, but for me it gets in the way of me living my life at times...a life that right now is charging ahead, full steam, with plenty of beautiful everyday activities that pertain to being the mommy of a {very} active 2 year old with another beautiful boy's appearance coming closer as each day goes by. It's a lovely life, but it's not always conducive to blogging, and that's okay. When writing about my life gets in the way of me living my life that's not a good thing. So I know my boundaries, but oh, how I miss being here more often! Haha! I miss all my bloggy friends, I do, I do!

Recently I have been working on some totally cutesy favors for the baby shower that I am having. Just imagine a sweet little twig nest filled with blue chocolate eggs and all wrapped up with some tulle and twine with a pretty little nest-stamped label attached! I'll show pics when I'm done making them. They are going to be too precious!

Shoe & Scarf Organizer...A {Sister} Project!

2010-04-05T06:42:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my sweet sister, Gloria, came to visit for Spring Break. We had a great time together, and during our visit we decided to work on a project that would help her to keep all of her shoes/scarves/belts/etc. organized and neat! College dorm rooms can be rather cramped and crowded, so the more space saving and organization you can do the better! We made a trip to HL and picked out the materials for our project. We sort of made it on the fly, figuring out what to do as we went, and it turned out really great I think!

Here is our finished project! Too cute, right?!! A sturdy dowel rod wrapped with jute upholstery webbing provides support to hold up all the shoes that will be hanging here.

There is space for 16 (or more) pairs of shoes in the cute little shoe pockets that we made. Burlap (of course!), doubled-up, provides the backing for the shoe slots. And sweet little bows attach the dowel rod to just a regular hanger.

I am pretty sure that we used a yard of burlap and 2 yards of the Americana fabric...like I said, we sort of did it on the fly, so I can't remember exactly!

For extra storage, you can put shoes in the slots and also hang them from the outside too! A better hanger might be in order to do that though...I can see that plastic one snapping from too much weight!

At first I questioned the lighter blue bows...but I think that they help to lighten and brighten this little shoe hanger, and I like them much better on the finished project.

Okay, now, for one of my favorite parts...we attached 6 wooden bangles to the back with ribbon...sewed onto the burlap...and it is perfect for hanging scarves or belts or necklaces. Isn't this just perfect for a college dorm closet! Pretty & Practical = Perfection!!!

The bangles were so easy to attach...and by far the most unique touch on this little craft project.

Along the bottom of the side, opposite of the shoe pockets, is one large sleeve, open at both ends, to hold a pair of boots.

I really had a fun time working on this with my sister, and I am tempted to make one for myself too! It probably took about 3 hours or so with both us working together...and that was with some interruptions from my little toddler. You could do this yourself easily in an afternoon.

Linking up to:
Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow
Talented Tuesday @ My Frugal Family

Quiet on the Homefront...

2010-04-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

I know that I've been a bit quiet here on my blog, not that things here at my home have been the same...in fact we've been quite busy here...and all because this little guy turned 2 yesterday!!!

So as soon as things settle down here...and as soon as I clean all the cake crumbs off the floor and dispose of all the wrapping paper & find places for new toys I will be back! I have a fun project to show off that my sister and I made together about a week ago. It's super cute and will help her out a lot to keep things organized at college! Stay tuned!!!

The Five Dollar Challenge & My Easter Topiary {Tutorial}...again!

2010-03-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was inspired by The Five Dollar Challenge by Living with Lindsay to create something to decorate for Spring using as little money as possible. I made a trip, my first, to a local Dollar Tree store, and as I went inside I really had no clue as to what I would make. I browsed the aisles one at a time and sort of just let my inspiration come to me as I looked at all of the items the store had to offer. When I saw the beautiful Robin's egg blue bowls I knew that they would be the perfect base for a sweet little Easter topiary. So, I snatched it up and then went on the hunt to find some other supplies to make a topiary. My goal when I went in the store was to spend as little as possible on my craft, so I also kept in mind what supplies I had on hand at home.

I bought this beautiful blue bowl and the "eggs" for my topiary are simply bubble gum eggs! Bowl = $1, Eggs = $1, so $2 total so far.

I bought the floral foam, the styrofoam balls, a second blue bowl...to give a second topiary as a gift to my aunt...and I also needed some more gum to complete my second topiary (another $4) and that's all I had to pay out-of-pocket at the store for my project. $6 total for two topiaries isn't bad! (And, btw, my aunt {LoVeD} getting her sweet little Spring surprise from me! It was fun to be able to give one away!)

I found some unused pencils that I had at home and pulled out some ribbon from my ribbon stash to wrap around the pencils.

After sticking the pencil into the foam ball, I removed it briefly and squirted some hot glue in the hole before reinserting the pencil.

Once the glue hardened around the pencil I began wrapping my ribbon around the pencil. Hot gluing it at the top to keep it in place.

Here are my two wrapped pencils. Ready for the next step...

...I grabbed some Spanish moss that I already had in my craft supplies and simply hot glued some around the foam ball. This made a perfect "nesting" area for the bubble gum eggs!

After the foam ball was adequately covered with the moss I started hot gluing on my eggs. I just started at the very top and went down from there. I didn't pack them extremely tight that way you could see some of the moss poking through. It took 4 dozen gum eggs per topiary...or, $1 worth of gum!

After my eggs were glued all around the topiary form, I trimmed the floral foam and hot glued it to the bottom of the bowl.

I also hot glued the left over foam and wedged them into the corners to add stability. I made a hole and inserted some more hot glue and then stuck in the topiary and held it 'til the glue hardened.

Once the topiary was in place I covered the floral foam with a bit of moss...

...and here is my finished Easter Topiary. I tied a sweet little bow beneath it to add an extra touch! Not bad for just 3 dollars, is it?!! I really love it, and love that I was "forced", haha, to be extra creative to come up with it! It is probably my favorite craft that I have made this year!

I think that it is the perfect addition to My {Sweet} Spring Mantel, don't you?!!

*I originally posted this tutorial a few days ago, but changed it up just a tad for today's challenge!*

I am linking this little sweetie up to The $5 Challenge at:

{Giveaway} Winner!

2010-03-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

Random.org has spoken, and we have a winner in my little Lolita Martini glass Giveaway...and the lucky lady is:

Cindy from Creations by Cindy! Congratulations! You can send your address to me at rubymoondesigns@gmail.com, and I will get your gift out to you asap!

Thanks to you sweet ladies who participated!

Easter Topiary {Tutorial}

2010-03-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was inspired to create something to decorate for Spring using as little money as possible. I made a trip, my first, to a local Dollar Tree store, and as I went inside I really had no clue as to what I would make. I browsed the aisles one at a time and sort of just let my inspiration come to me as I looked at all of the items the store had to offer. When I saw the beautiful Robin's egg blue bowls I knew that they would be the perfect base for a sweet little Easter topiary. So, I snatched it up and then went on the hunt to find some other supplies to make a topiary. My goal when I went in the store was to spend as little as possible on my craft, so I also kept in mind what supplies I had on hand at home.

I bought this beautiful blue bowl and the "eggs" for my topiary are simply bubble gum eggs! Bowl = $1, Eggs = $1, so $2 total so far.

I bought the floral foam, the styrofoam balls, a second blue bowl...to give a second topiary as a gift to my aunt...and I also need some more gum to complete my second topiary (another $4) and that's all I had to pay out-of-pocket at the store for my project. $6 total for two topiaries isn't bad!

I found some unused pencils that I had at home and pulled out some ribbon from my ribbon stash to wrap around the pencils.

After sticking the pencil into the foam ball, I removed it briefly and squirted some hot glue in the hole before reinserting the pencil.

Once the glue hardened around the pencil I began wrapping my ribbon around the pencil. Hot gluing it at the top to keep it in place.

Here are my two wrapped pencils. Ready for the next step...

...I grabbed some Spanish moss that I already had in my craft supplies and simply hot glued some around the foam ball. This made a perfect "nesting" area for the bubble gum eggs!

After the foam ball was adequately covered with the moss I started hot gluing on my eggs. I just started at the very top and went down from there. I didn't pack them extremely tight that way you could see some of the moss poking through. It took 4 dozen gum eggs per topiary...or, $1 worth of gum!

After my eggs were glued all around the topiary form, I trimmed the floral foam and hot glued it to the bottom of the bowl.

I also hot glued the left over foam and wedged them into the corners to add stability. I made a hole and inserted some more hot glue and then stuck in the topiary and held it 'til the glue hardened.

Once the topiary was in place I covered the floral foam with a bit of moss...

...and here is my finished Easter Topiary. I tied a sweet little bow beneath it to add an extra touch!

I think that it is the perfect addition to My {Sweet} Spring Mantel, don't you?!!

Linking up to:

Make it For Monday @ Cottage Instincts
Met. Monday @ BNOTP
Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow
Talented Tuesday @ My Frugal Family
Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays @ Coastal Charm

Saturday {Giveaway}!!!

2010-03-20T09:57:00.001-07:00

In my nesting craze and obsession with all things being organized, I have come across a few items in my home that I totally forgot I even had...isn't it fun to find a surprise you already own?!! Anyways, one of the things I found was a cute Lolita Shopaholic Too martini glass like the one pictured below. It was still in it's original box and I have never even used it...in fact, I've never even had a martini, ha! I thought of stashing it away in my ever-growing garage sale pile, but then I thought, heck, why not give it away! It really is a fun little glass, and I am sure someone will be able to enjoy it more than me. You could use it for its intended purpose, or re-purpose it to hold little odds and ends on a desk or in the kitchen.

To enter giveaway simply follow me and leave a comment or let me know that you already follow Ruby Moon Designs. Pretty easy, right?! Giveaway closes on Monday, March 22nd at midnight (CST) and winner will be picked at random on Tuesday! Sound good?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

My {Favorite} Shoes!

2010-03-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

Beth over at The Stories of A 2 Z is hosting a "Show me Your Shoes Party"...so of course I had to join! I am going to make this quick tho...my little one is asleep, and my baby-building body is telling me to take a nap as well...so as soon as I tell you a little about my favorite shoes, I am hitting the hay! Like a lot of my tastes, my preference in shoes is pretty simple and practical...so here is what I wear almost every day:

Flip Flops!

I have this pair from Old Navy...and probably at least a dozen others as well. I pretty much wear them every day, every month of the year...thankfully we live in a warm climate or else my little toes would freeze right off! I also love any sort of sandals, and have quite a few of them in my closet to prove it! I like to wear heels...occasionally, but not often...and I don't like to wear tennis-shoes...too hot on my feet! Probably my very favorite thing to wear on my feet is nothing at all! I {LoVe} going bare foot, but can only get away with it when I'm at home...therefore, flip flops are the next best thing when I'm out and about!

I love having painted toe nails too...but right now it's a bit rough to bend over and paint them myself...maybe a pedicure is in my future???!!! With the rest of my body being taken over by this little baby maybe my toes could look pretty at the very least! Haha!

Okay, ladies, I'm off to catch some ZZZZzzzz's. Don't forget to head over to Beth's blog to see some other fun footwear!

I Finally Fell...in {LoVe} with PB!

2010-03-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

After reading about so many bloggers infatuation with all things Pottery Barn, I finally decided to check them out...for some reason I had held off until just this past week...and I'm not sure exactly why...perhaps because I knew that PB was a bit too expensive for my current budget...perhaps because I didn't want to just join the crowd...in the end though it was inevitable, and when I fell for PB, I fell hard! I am in {LoVe}!

I had their catalog sent to me, and being the Pottery Barn virgin that I was, I didn't even glance at the cover until I was ready to soak it all in. On a sunny afternoon a few days ago, I sat out in my front yard, enjoying a picnic lunch with my son, and as he played in the yard I soaked up some rays and some Pottery Barn! There is so much to gain from browsing through the beautiful photos in the catalog...and online...and I had the best time looking through everything, and now I know what all the hype is about! I still won't be able to afford their stuff, but I can have fun creating some of the PB look with the budget that I do have!

Here are some of the photos of some of the Pottery Barn items that I really love...click on individual photos to be directed to their website for more product info.

Aren't these lovely?! Vintage found canning jars...I would love some of these...but I will have to find my own!

I love all the storage on this media wall...though with a toddler I think that I would have to keep the scissors out of reach!

I just love this collector's shadow box...and it would be very easy to create on my own too I think! Something to keep in the idea files!

I just like the look of this photo...the lovely framed black and white prints, the soothing blue wall, the bench with the storage baskets underneath...I {LoVe} baskets and have tons scattered around my home holding various necessities.

These beachcomber baskets are beautiful! Would {LoVe} some of these...I have some similar ones that I found at Joann's...and I must admit the price tag @ J's is a little more my style!

And, lastly, these rustic wooden risers with the nests snuggled sweetly under the cloches. Beautiful! This look could fit right in on my front porch. Lovely!

So, y'all, there you go. I am a Pottery Barn virgin no longer! ;)

My {Sweet} Spring Mantel

2010-03-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired by Beth over at Stories of A 2 Z and all of her creative mantel ideas. To be perfectly honest, I used to be quite content with setting up a few vignettes on my mantel and leaving it at that...for months at a time, with no change...however, after Beth hosted several mantel parties at her blog a while back, and I got the itch to change things up on a more regular basis...but I still wanted it to be fairly easy to do. So, this is what I came up with!

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I bought this lovely old vintage window for $1 while out garage sale shopping last fall. It was sitting in my garage just waiting for inspiration to hit! I hot-glued burlap to the back of it to break up a bit of the wood paneling on the wall (I like the wood paneling, but a whole house
full of it gets a bit boring on the eye sometimes). I like that I can stick up whatever pictures I want on the window, whenever I want to, and can change out the look of the
focal point of my mantel with ease!

This little birdie was purchased at the Dollar Tree and painted blue to help spruce up my {Sweet} Spring Mantel!

The little white birdies were also purchased at DT, and left as is.

I made the cute little Easter topiary - materials from the DT - total cost under $3.

I just love how my topiary turned out! It was sooooo easy to make (and yes, I do have a tutorial, but I am waiting to put that up 'til later...you'll see why!).

My aunt gave me these lovely white tulips which are tucked in a vintage jar that I found at a garage sale last fall for about 50 cents I think. I also jumped on the tassel train and made two sweet little tassels from vintage thread spools and some leftover jute twine and other ribbon scraps. They are hanging from my soap dishes turned candle holders!

The little white pitcher was a cheap-o find at ROSS for a few bucks.

Here are two previous looks that my mantel had...this first one had been there, without change (not counting the little I did for Christmas) for about a year!

I switched it out for this one...but only for a day, and then changed it back to the previous look before changing it to what I have now.

I like the brighter look of my new mantel much better...I know, it's hard to tell from these pictures, but it really is much lighter looking in person...during the day. The only lighting in this room is from the two very small light fixtures over the mantel and a few other lamps I have in our living room. It is a fairly decent sized room, and I do not know why there is no overhead lighting...it gets really annoying and I really dislike the dim look this room has when the natural light isn't coming through the windows. Oh, well, I guess it'll have to do for now...there's only so much you can do when you rent! I am really loving my {Sweet} Spring Mantel...especially because the total cost to make it pretty for the fresh season of spring was only about $10! Can't go wrong with that!

Linking up to:
Toot your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow
Talented Tuesday @ My Frugal Family
Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays @ Coastal Charm

{Nesting}

2010-03-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it's because I'm expecting a baby in a few months, or if it's from the fast approaching season of spring, but I have been in {Nesting} mode here for the past several weeks. And, it's not just in decorating...I have been on an organizing frenzy...I'll chalk that up to my motherly nesting instincts. Decorating-wise I have added splashes of spring around my home. I love the fresh look that spring brings, and I am having so much fun bringing that look inside...in my own way of course! Here are a few snippets of my home...inspired by spring...and {Nesting}!

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Sweet little birds rest in this nook in my living room. I found the white one at Hobby Lobby for 1/2 off, and the lovely blue one is from my favorite local shop...which just happens to be about a 1 minute drive from my house! Lucky me! I think that the little tea light bird cage is from Michael's...I got it on clearance last year.

Isn't this wine bottle topper awesome?! I found this at my favorite little shop too! It combines my love of birdies and my love of candles! I made the sweet little robin's eggs...which I wrote about here...and I tucked them in their nest in a little glass apothecary jar that I found 1/2 off at HL. Other spring inspired decor from HL or from stuff I already had at home.

Another sweet little nest that sits under my sheet music shade lamp.

Isn't this little framed nest precious? Cheapest thing ever too...I simply cut it out of a magazine and stuck it in the frame that I had. It is hanging with some leftover burlap that I frayed and made into a ribbon. Simple and Sweet!

This little birdie nest is tucked inside a vintage mason jar that I got from my great-grandparent's home.

Don't you love how this little candle has a nest of its own too?! I do!!! You can check out my love for this candle and bird cage here! ;)

More {Nesting}! For an easy glass "cloche" simply turn over a glass cup with a pretty object tucked inside!

So that's a bit of the {Nesting} that has been going on here! I'm sure there's more to come!

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Recently I was inspired by The Inspired Room (how fitting, right?!) to create a lovely and inviting outdoor living space. So, I've been working on my front porch and will be tweaking it a bit here and there before it's ready to show off. It will be simple, and hopefully a fun and relaxing place for my family to enjoy. So far I've added a few plants, one of my vintage windows, and a sweet and shabby bird house, a very cool over-sized decorative key that I found on clearance at HL and a few other things. I think that it will look really nice once I have it all set up!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend, and have a wonderful start to your week!

Linking up to :
Make it For Monday @ Cottage Instincts

Birds on the Brain

2010-03-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

About a week ago I made my first trip to the Dollar Tree...where, just like they say, everything really is just one dollar! Woohoo! Since I have been a bit of a "bird brain" lately...meaning that birds are on the brain, and I am just loving adding some sweet little birdies to my decor!...I decided to purchase a few little birds to come back with me. I was anxious to see what happened creativity-wise with them when I got home!

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This little guy used to be black and yellow...but I really wanted him to be blue! So, I got out some of my craft paint and gave him a nice pretty blue coat of paint, and then I shabbied him up a bit to look oh-so-cute like he does now!

I also grabbed up these little sweeties sitting on either side of my newly made topiary (which I will be posting about in detail soon!). I left them as-is because I really liked their simple off-white color. Don't they look sweet sitting on my mantel?!

I scored a few other things at the Dollar Tree as well...okay, actually I grabbed up quite a few of those little birds and will be using them throughout my house. At just $1 a pop they were too hard to resist!

I am linking this post to:

Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow
DIY Day @ ASPTL
Talented Tuesday @ My Frugal Family
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays @ Coastal Charm

{Free} and Simple Beauty

2010-03-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon I spent some time out in our front yard, just lazying around with my sweet little shadow, i.e. my toddler! Leave it to a child to help show you the beauty in the simple things...like the bugs that he sees crawling on the ground, the birds flying overhead or the "flowers" (aka, weeds!) that are growing in the grass. I love the glimpses that I get when I look through my son's eyes...the world is such a carefree place, and it is filled with wonderful things, simple things.

After traipsing through our jungle of a front yard, I gathered up a few little pretties to display on my kitchen window sill above my sink. Isn't it refreshing to incorporate some free & simple beauty into your home?! I sure think so!

I love this sweet little blue glass vase, it is just perfect for holding
my little treasures from the yard.

To check out some other inspirational and {free} decorating tips, visit my friend, Janean, here.

I am linking this up to:

Making Practical Beautiful

2010-03-02T06:59:00.000-08:00

As most everyone knows, having a toddler means having messes...lots and lots of messes! And all of those messes and spills and dirty little chubby hands that need wiping use up a lot of wash cloths! I stopped using paper towels about a year ago, mostly because I knew that there could be a better way to clean up spills and not waste so much paper, but what to do with all of those wash cloths that were piling up between laundry loads??? Once again my burlap stash came to the rescue and I made this cute little wash cloth bag that hangs on the door to my pantry in my kitchen. The loose weave of the burlap allows air circulation so that the cloths don't start to sour...a smell that I just abhor...and the sweet little love birds that I painted on the bag add a bit of whimsy to what is really just a matter of practicality. I really do love making practical beautiful!

I am linking this up to:

Thanks & A Shout Out!

2010-03-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I won this fabulous giveaway at The Shabby Chic Cottage. It is a beautiful set of paper pretties from SweetBeaker...check out all the other wonderful things that SweetBeaker has to offer here. And make sure to go by Gina's blog, The Shabby Chic Cottage to find inspiration for your heart and home!

I have been working on a few projects here around the house, but I am trying to focus on actually cleaning my little nest today...so I will be back later to show off what I've been up to lately...until then, know that I will up to my elbows cleaning up the mess that happens when you have a toddler and a dog...not to mention a husband!...living in the same home!

My Burlap Epic Fail Turned Mod Podge Miracle!

2010-02-22T06:08:00.001-08:00

I have had this little wrought iron corner lamp stand/shelf for our entire married life. I think that it was the cheapest thing that I could afford at the time that fit a corner in our house that needed some extra light. Anyways...the lamp shade that I have on it isn't the one that it came with...the original one sits on top of the lamp that is sitting behind my newly remade bookshelf, which you can see here. I found that lamp in our garage without a shade and switched it out with the one from the corner shelf...okay, so the whole point of this is that I didn't like this lamp shade, which I referred to as the "burnt chicken"...and so I set out to make a new one, using the current shade as the base.

Lamp shade before...

...and this is my Burlap Epic Failure! Somehow this idea looked great in my mind's eye...obviously my mind's eye was blind! This is so {UgLy}...even my husband was telling me how hideous it was, and I had to agree! Y-U-C-K-Y!!! It didn't help that I had cut the burlap too short, and that I spaced the ripples too far apart. I can describe this in one word...DISASTER!!!

However, if I hadn't burlapped my lamp shade, and then tried to rip off said burlap, I would have never know that I could also tear off the "burnt chicken"...I thought it was a permanent part of the lamp shade! SO glad that I failed so that I could try again...with a renewed vision of how I wanted my lamp shade to look.

Here is my Mod Podge Miracle! Isn't she a beauty?!! I simply cut out some sheet music that I printed off of the internet and painted the Mod Podge directly on the lamp shade, and then again over the music after I stuck it on the shade. I tucked the overhang underneath the shade. I might add some decorative fringe to the edges of the lamp shade, but for now it stays like this.

And, while I was re-doing my lamp shade I figured I'd have some fun and re-do a few things on the shelves as well. Like this sweet little nest that I have all tucked inside a silver urn, which is nestled inside of a photo frame. The sweet little birdie was a Hobby Lobby find.

If you want to find out how to make your own Robin's Eggs, you can go here. For the nest I simply balled up some loose burlap threads and some jute twine, and then glued them together in a nest shape.

I love how the edges of the pages look on these antique books. They are from my great grandmother's home. All the books sit atop a new book that I covered with scrap book paper to match my color theme I have going on here.

I picked out some songs that are specially dear to me to cover my lamp shade...I love that doing that gives it extra special meaning.

I am linking this up to:

Make it for Monday @ Cottage Instincts
Met Monday @ BNOTP
Make Your Monday @ Twice Remembered

Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow
Do It Yourself Day @ ASPTL

Talented Tuesday @ My Frugal Family

Get Your Craft On! @ Today's Creative Blog
Penny Pinching Party @ The Thrifty Home
Show & Tell Every Wednesday @ Blue Cricket Design
Get Your Craft on Thurs @ Life as Lori
Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
I Made It! @ Everything Etsy

Show & Tell Fridays @ My Romantic Home

What a simple coat of paint can do...

2010-02-18T08:24:00.001-08:00

When my husband and I married almost 7 years ago, we somehow acquired this (ugly) little bookshelf...I think that it might have been his as a child, and as far as holding books go, it's great...but it does lack that aesthetic appeal...the faux wood paneling is not exactly pleasing to the (mainly {MY}) eye! So, yesterday I decided to spruce up my little shelf by simply painting back behind the shelves. I am in full-blown nesting mode...and my due date is still 4 months away!...but since I am probably not really supposed to be around paint fumes much I took the easier route of just painting this shelf enough to keep myself from going crazy. Maybe someday I'll paint the whole thing, for now though I am satisfied! I mixed up some of my craft paints...a variety of aqua, pale blue, navy, sea foam green and even a bit of brown to get the color I wanted.

This is the before...

...and here is my after! I rearranged my collection of vintage books and other vintage odds and ends to fit in better with the newly painted "back splash" on my bookcase. The curtain hides some of our board games, and just a few of the (too) many medical books that my husband has.

The top shelf holds some antique books from my husband's grandfather who was a preacher, and a plate that my sister gave me for a birthday years ago.

I really love the color that my paint mixture turned into! Very fresh looking! I turned a lot of the books around because all of the different colors of the spines were too much. I wanted a more neutral palette.

Some more vintage books and a handmade pottery dish that my sister, Gloria, made when she was little...inside the dish is a picture of sweet Gloria herself...back before she was all grown up! The pedestal I purchased off of Etsy from sweet Miss Mustard Seed!

My red berries in front of yet some more vintage books...the small red book on top is a Bible that is over 100 years old!

This shelf holds a collection of books and other mementos from my late great-grandfather...pictured in the small frame. He was a beloved physician and a wonderful man, and I have so many sweet things from his and my great-grandmother's home...one of my favorite possessions acquired from him is my antique wrought iron bed, which I showed you here.

So that's what a simple coat of paint can do...with a little tweaking here and there with the accessories! Hope you enjoyed!

I am linking this post up to:

Before & After - A Face Transformation!

2010-02-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

Today I am joining the other brave women who have dared to get their face on - inspired by "Get Your Face On" by Beth @ the Stories of A 2 Z. If you would like to see the post that was the inspiration for this party where Beth shows us her (beautiful) before & (gorgeous) after when she decorated her face, please just click here. Beth is a huge inspiration to me when it comes to crafting and decorating, and it seems as though she is not only good at decorating her home...she is good at making over her face too! ;) Thanks, Beth, for putting on this fun (although slightly scary) party. It's not every day that you just let people see you in the "before" mode...although, I think that we really shouldn't worry that much about what people think about the real us...I am quite confident that I am worthy or "worth it"...not because of how I look, but because of WHO I have inside of me---Jesus! He is all I need to feel beautiful and special...and having a hubby who loves me just the way I am helps too! Okay ladies...here I go...extra 25 preggo pounds and gaining (yikes!)...in all my baby-glowing glory!

Fresh out of the shower...which is in itself an accomplishment! ;) You moms of little ones know how hard it is sometimes to squeeze that in! And, speaking of little ones, for my facial moisturizer, I simply use J & J Baby Lotion. For me it works the best...although I may need to "grow up" and find one to help with those smile lines that I see creeping up around my eyes!

My face after adding a bit of matte powder (Cover Girl) and some Maybelline Mineral Power loose powder blush. (I really don't like wearing foundation, and never have...it always feels too thick on my face).

Whoa, there's my eye! I added a little (elf) black eye liner (which I sometimes wear, sometimes don't) and some eyeshadow (Cover Girl Shimmering Sands) and Maybelline Mascara...Colassal in very black for the top lashes and Discovery (the slim mascara) for the bottom lashes...the larger brush always seems to smeer onto my skin when I try it on the lower lashes. Oh, and I also smudged the eye liner with a Q-tip before adding the eye shadow...I like the "smoky" look I guess! I put just a tad of eye shadow underneath my lower lashes too for some extra sparkle!

Okay, view from the top of my eyelids/lashes...don't pay attention to my nose...I think that I need to use some of those biore nose strips! Haha! I'll blame any and all skin problems on my pregnancy! ;)

My face after "adding" my eyes, and after putting on just a bit of Burt's Bees chapstick to moisten my lips a bit.

And, to finish up I just added a bit of Cover Girl's lip stain to my lips to add a bit of color and then some Neutrogena lip gloss for a bit of shine.

Viola, I'm done! Now, my hair...that's another story. I am extrememly low maintenance with it...it is usually just air-dried, brushed and then either put up in a pony tail or held back with a head band. Someday I'll add making my hair all pretty to my beautification routine!

The few simple (and inexpensive) things that I use on my face. Sorry, no major beauty tips here, but this is what works for me!

Thanks again Beth for encouraging us and inspiring us to do this! Blessings!

I am linking this up to:

Like Candy in a Jar {Ribbon Storage}

2010-02-16T07:09:00.000-08:00

Back in the fall I was inspired by a post from Miss Mustard Seed...Inspired Ribbon Storage...which you can read here. I am a ribbon-a-holic, I just love all the beautiful colors & textures. I love grosgrain ribbon and rick-rack probably the best...just so simple and playful. Anywhooo...I had a drawer in my craft room (aka the dog's room/our sun room) that was stuffed with spools of ribbon, much of it unspun from the spool and tangled up in a huge jumbled mess. My toddler had found that taking ribbon off of the spool was just was fun as unrolling the toilet paper(!), but that didn't exactly make for easy access to my ribbon while I was crafting. So, during the last week I've been working on untangling all that ribbon & organizing it, using the inspiration from sweet Miss Mustard Seed as my guide.

I don't have any before pictures...trust me, it wasn't pretty...but here are some of my afters!

I love my "Inspiration Desk"...you can read about how I organized it here.

I bought two of the jars (the two larger ones) at Hobby Lobby when they were half off. The smaller one I already had - it previously held the most delicious salsa I've ever eaten.

I painted the larger jar's lid so that it wasn't so shiny and silver. I like the matte aqua blue much better.

I added some cute scrapbook paper to the lids of the mason jars.

I also bought these sweet little clothespins at Hobby Lobby...I didn't have any lovely vintage ones like Miss Mustard Seed...but these do the job quite nicely. I just rolled my ribbon up and then pinched it in the center with the clothespins.

This smaller jar houses my ribbon scraps. Waste not, want not!

Wider ribbon is stored in the bigger jar...as pretty as candy (and way fewer calories!!!).

I am linking this up to:

Penny Pinching Party @ The Thrifty Home

"Show & Tell" Wednesdays @ Blue Cricket Design

Super Easy {belated} Valentine's Craft

2010-02-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

I know that {LoVe} day was yesterday, and I should have posted these little pretties sooner...but I only finished them up yesterday afternoon and then rushed them over to my aunt's house to give to her and my cousins...yes, I am a Valentine's Day procrastinator, but at least I did get them delivered on the right day!

I have been saving baby food jars to use as different craft ideas are born in my head...and this one was super-duper easy. Just peel off the label, wash out the jar and lid & wipe dry. Wrap some cute scrapbooking paper around jar and attach with glue. Paint lid desired color and add a bit of ribbon around the edge for embellishment. Stick a cute bow on top, fill jars with treats, and you're good to go!

My sweet little Valentine's, all ready to go...and if you're interested about reading about where I got that adorable stand that my Valentine's are on, you can read that story here!

Happy President's Day!

Look What Came in the Mail!

2010-02-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I received a knock on the door, and when I opened it up I saw a package waiting for me on my front porch...when I looked into the box, this is what I found inside...cute, right?!! A special delivery straight from Miss Mustard Seed herself...want to see what's underneath that cute wrapping???

Inside was this beautiful cake pedestal (accessories not included!)...isn't she just gorgeous?!!!

Ever since I saw this on Miss Mustard Seed's blog, I have wanted it as my own...

...and then when I saw it in her Etsy shop, I knew that it would be mine! I wasted no time in snatching it up!

I love the light aqua blue color it's painted with the hand painted white detailing.

Picture proof that this is from the painting genius herself! Thanks so much, Marian, I will treasure this!!!

My {TV} Mantelscape

2010-02-12T10:55:00.001-08:00

Ever since Beth over @ The Stories of A 2 Z started her Mantel Party Every Friday, I have been itching to be the type of woman who can re-make her mantel every week to show off to the world...I, am, however, not that type of woman...I can get up the courage (and the time) to remake it every once in a while, but sadly I lack the gusto to change it up weekly...I can show you something that is, as Beth would say "mantelesque in nature"...so that will be my addition to this week's Mantel Party! Here is my "mantel" above our entertainment center. There isn't anything fancy about it, but I wanted to come to the party!!! ;)

Simple, just the way I like it!

My sweet little lamp and birdcage, which you can read all about here, along with one of my favorite family photos.

My blue Mason jar, filled with some twigs from the tree outside my front door...and my sweet little robin's eggs (tutorial here), all nesting and covered with an overturned stem-less wine glass. Miniature birdcage from Hobby Lobby, and an old vintage book from my husband's grandfather.

Just a picture of my sweet boy and a few things to fill in the spaces.

Come see the other lovely mantels at:

Pieces of Grace

2010-02-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

I am sure that we all have things in our home that have extra special meaning to us. Things that have sentimental value and items we really couldn't put a price on. I would like to share just a few of those things with you today.

I was named after my great-grandmother, Grace, and even though I really didn't get to know her...she passed away when I was just a young child...I have always felt a special connection to her through our shared name, which I just love. We share many things in common---she loved poetry, horses, collecting things of personal interest in scrapbooks...I own one of her rodeo scrapbooks, full of old vintage rodeo postcards and rodeo programs.

In the last year or so I have tried to use things from the past in my current decorating scheme. Here are some of the "Pieces of Grace" that I have from my lovely great grandmother...

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...I had been holing on to some lovely white vintage buttons, stored in an old pill bottle from my name-sake, and I didn't know what to use them for until I made over my bed...

...they were just the perfect accent for one of my blue pillows, and I just love the special meaning that this pillow has...it is more than a decorative accent...it has ties to the past...ties to my family...it's a piece of Grace.

Another treasure from my great-grandmother are the recipe cards that I have tucked into the tall glass jar. I love that I can see her handwriting...which is really lovely...and I enjoy reading through the recipes and knowing what she used to cook. These are priceless to me.

Thanks for stopping by Ruby Moon Designs, and for indulging me as I shared some mementos from my sweet great-grandma Grace.

*Love you, Gammy!*

I am linking this up to:

at the ColoradoLady

and to:

Retail Therapy

2010-02-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Today was my son's first day of "school"...really just a mother's day out program, but school is so much easier for him to grasp...and, being that I am a full-time stay at home mommy, this was the first day in I don't know how long that I've had multiple hours alone to myself...I really didn't quite know what to do with all of my free time! 5 whole hours to call my own, what a gift! Truth be told, I was pretty reluctant to let go, and had convinced myself last night that I was the worst mother in the world---who just lets their not even 2 year old "grow up" like that???---me! When I woke up this morning I knew that I had made the right decision, and the tears from the night before (which had my husband wondering what the heck was wrong with me) were *almost* forgotten.

So, what did I do with all of my "me time" today...some good old fashioned retail therapy, that's what! I ran a few errands (including a trip to Michael's to grab up some craft supplies) and then I hit my very favorite little gift shop that is overflowing with all things girly and homey and fun. It was nice to be able to browse through the shop, sipping on the complimentary coffee, without having to worry about having to rush right home. I think that I spent a whole hour just looking around, breathing in the aroma of coffee and candles, and it was wonderful!

Here are a few things that I grabbed up today!

I saw this cute lamp...and after doing a double-take I snatched it up so fast that I almost spilled my coffee! I just love the color and the price wasn't too outrageous, actually, quite reasonable in my opinion for a new lamp - $25 for the lamp and shade.

The bird cage I found at Michael's for $6! It was 40% off of the original $10. I have been looking for a birdie cage for awhile now, and I finally found one that is just perfect!

What a cozy little lamp! Can you be in love with a lamp???...because I think that I am! *wink!!!*

Inside the bird cage is one of my absolute favorite candle scents, Dolce Vita by Tyler Candle Co. I absolutely LOVE Tyler candles! They are simply wonderful!

The candle is nestled sweetly in a nest of jute twine.

I had a few more minor purchases to complete my retail therapy "session" today...which I am sure you will see in later posts! But this is all for now! Have a great Tuesday, y'all!!!

I am linking this post to Toot Your Horn Tuesday at:

A Robin's Egg from Nutmeg!

2010-02-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was sharing with you my love of Robin's Egg Blue, and the photos that I shared with you inspired me to make some cute little eggs of my own. I have had some whole nutmeg sitting around my house in various jars and vases---when surrounding a candle they smell glorious when the candle heats them all up---and I thought that I could put a few to use as "robin's eggs" since they are the perfect size. Here is what I came up with to make my robin's eggs from stuff I had on hand...yet another "free" project!

I pulled out some lovely Jamaican Blue, Victorian Green and Espresso brown acrylic paint from my small store of paints.

Whole nutmeg are usually expensive...but I found these at World Market for about $1.00 per pkg...compared to the $7ish dollars or so that they cost at the grocery store that is a steal!

I mixed up my own cocktail of colors from the 3 paints, and then left a bit of the espresso brown to speckle the eggs.

To make painting easier, I stuck a toothpick into the bottom of the nutmeg.

All painted up and getting some speckles!

Here are my eggs, drying and waiting to be placed in their nest homes!

Finally, a real home for my little nutmeg eggs!

They are a little too speckled...if I do this again I will lay off some of the "freckles!"

This little nest looks cozy here on my lovely blue plate.

I read somewhere that robin's usually lay 2-5 eggs, with 5 being very rare...so this little nest is pretty much at capacity!

My nest also looks cute in this sweet little spot on my kitchen window sill.

Take note of the "Nest" in my inspiration words...perfect spot for these little beauties!!!

Now I'm not bragging or anything...okay, maybe I am...I think these little robin's eggs are pretty darn cute! Hope y'all are having a fabulous day!

I am linking this up to:

Robin's Egg Blue - An Obsession

2010-02-03T15:02:00.000-08:00

Like a lot of you out there, I have an obsession with robin's egg blue. Blue has always been my very favorite color...even though it is sometimes referred to as a "boy's color"...and pink, a "girl's color"...I have always preferred blue, in all of it's many different shades and hues. However, the peaceful and soothing blue that is found most perfectly in nature in the robin's nest just can't be topped, in my opinion. I found the following images while browing the internet for some robin nest pics. Aren't they lovely?!! And the bottom image was taken of my favorite decorative plate...I just love its color!

All of these beautiful blues have inspired the project that I worked on today...which I will be back with tomorrow to show all of you all! For now just enjoy God's beauty, whose handiwork cannot be outshined!!!

My Cozy Little Bedroom

2010-02-02T07:16:00.001-08:00

*Although I originally posted this on my family blog in the middle of last year, I think it is fitting that I share it with you all too...I am pretty sure that I meant to post it here last year, but it slipped my memory! I love this "newer" version of my bedroom, although it has changed a little since this post. I especially love that a few of my favorite projects are seen in this post...especially my pillows! I'm linking this up to Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow

I've been working on figuring out my new camera's features (still haven't quite figured them out!)...so bear with me...

View from my bedroom doorway, taken with the Sepia setting...
loving the vintage slat door on the side of the picture!

Several issues of my favorite magazine, Country Living, sit inside a wire basket that is on top of the burlap runner that I made to cover my hopechest.

View of our baby memory wall...pictures and mementos of our Heaven babies sit on the shelves and adorn the walls.

Doorway view in color, although it was taken after dark so I had to use the flash instead of natural light.

Blue pillows that I made using several repurposed items...I will blog about them further in a later post!

A lace curtain hides the clothes hanging up in the closet. I made an old wine bottle into a vase for some of my pothos plants to root in. An "extra" wine glass serves as a tea light holder...nestled on top of wine corks in coffee beans, of course!

Front view of the bed...I love my little birdie pillow...and the white buttons...they have a special meaning to me too...check back later for details!

Here is the wall hanging that I made using an old wooden cupboard door. For a wedding gift (almost 7 years ago!), my grandmother stitched Grace & Aaron United in Christ on top of the quilt that we used to have on our bed before I switched to the white...I always liked the phrase and wanted to keep it in our bedroom, so I incorporated it into my wall-hanging. The key symbolizes my husband holding the key to my heart...pretty sappy and sentimental, huh?!!!

Well, there y'all go! Hope you enjoyed my cozy little bedroom!

A Work in Progess

2010-02-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

As I was browsing some of my favorite blogs, I came across The Shabby Chic Cottage's Inspired Ideas Party...and I really wanted to join...after all, everyone loves a party!...however I am all out of inspired ideas today...and I have a toddler who is sick...and a mountain of laundry to do...and the list could go on and on...BUT, I am working on something that promises to be my greatest accomplishment of 2010...so I thought I'd share that with you all...

...As you can see, it's a work in progress...

...oh, and the inspiration...

...it came from here! When one is fun, why not have two! Happy Monday you all!

Simple, No Cost Burlap Wreath

2010-01-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

I got the inspiration for this on another blog...but for the life of me I can't remember where, and I wanted to give thanks where thanks is due...so if this was your idea, thank you so much!!!

I didn't take any before or during pics, just the afters. And, I didn't use a wreath form because I wanted to use things I already had, and I didn't have one of those, so I just cut up a piece of cardboard to use as my wreath form. All I really did was hot glue in a somewhat planned out hodge-podge order circular scraps of fabric (which I already had cut out from a previous project) and glued them, along with some burlap circles, to my wreath form. Most of you probably have scaps of random fabric at home, a bit of left-over burlap, a cardboard box you can sacrifice and lots of hot glue---this is the perfect project for that combination!!!

For now my wreath is just hanging on my son's closet door, but I would like to add a wooden "J" to it and then display it somewhere in his "big boy" room...which right now is currently decorated as the nursery, and will be updated whenever we move him out of the crib...which I am really not in a hurry to do. Anyways, I still wanted to make this wreath because the idea was so cute, and it can always wait to be properly displayed!

Bye for now!

For the Birds "Mantelscape"

2010-01-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, y'all, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and changing my mantel up...haha! As you can see though, most of the main elements are still there...mirror, candle sticks, "hope" sign & family photographs on the wall...but I figure that Beth's Mantel Party @ the Stories of A to Z is a good reason to rearrange a few things around here. I had fun looking around my house and pulling together some of my birdie items to put up on this week's mantelscape. I have only recently started to "shop my house", and it is really quite fun to see the different types of combinations I can come up with from things I already have. Anyways, here is my "For the Birds" Mantelscape:

I just couldn't take away my hope sign...I like it too much!

I just love this little bird house...it was in a flower pot, but now it's nestled in a jar of twigs weighted with coffee beans.

I found this lovely blue Mason jar at a garage sale. It's been in several different places in my home, but for now it looks pretty here as a home for more twigs. Quite perfect for a birdie theme!

These items were pulled from my bedroom, kitchen and living room. I found the bird house at Hobby Lobby for 50% off or something like that, and I got the little bird nest and birdie from there too...oh, and the sweet little bird tied onto the tart warmer is also a HL find...at 50% off! ;)

I LOVE this shabby little birdie tealight candle holder. I have seen these a few places (I think that Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage actually has a few similar to this in her ETSY store...you can check it out if you're interested). I found mine at a local gift shop that I just love...and I bought a few of them since they were so darn cute...and on sale!

Another sweet little bird next to my Mason jar and a cute little bird cage.

To see where my little jar of sticks normally is, click here.

Top view...it is so hard to take a picture with a mirror in the background without getting yourself in the picture!

The little bird cage is from...yep, you guessed it...Hobby Lobby! I just LOVE that store!

Alrighty ladies, that's it! Can't wait to check out some of y'all's beautiful mantels today! Have a great weekend!

I also linked this up to Show & Tell Friday at My Romantic Home.

Compromise in Decorating?

2010-01-21T09:17:00.000-08:00

For those of you who share a home with a husband and kids, how to you compromise in decorating to include some masculine touches and kid friendly decor? My dream home is filled with neutral colors, lots of pale blues and greens, shabby antiques, white couches and wood floors. However, a lot of my likes differ from my hubby's...who actually wants a say in how our home is decorated! Grr! Haha! Luckily for us we have several years before our dream home is a reality, so there is plenty of time to work up a solution that will make us both happy---and one that includes kid-friendly spaces as well.

Below are some images (taken from Country Living) of some rooms and pieces that I just love.

This little hutch is to die for...and that blue bench is just so quaint! Love it!

I would {LoVe} to have a china cabinet like this one, it is simply beautiful. And those blue dishes are right up my alley!

Lovely soothing white couches (that my husband just abhors!)...but they make me feel happy!

I love all the white. Very calming, especially when a little blue and grey is tossed in. Yep, I'm lovin' it!

That lovely mirror on the wall is simply breathtaking.

This is a couple's master bedroom...my hubby would definitely NOT go for the pink walls...honestly, I wouldn't either...but I do love the femininity of this Master Bedroom.

So, if any of you have any tips to have a nice balance of feminine, masculine and kid-friendly home please pass them along!

Small Places that Make Me Smile! :)

2010-01-20T09:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday as I was reading from the blog The Inspired Room, I had the idea to photograph certain small places in my home that make me smile. Melissa @ The Inspired Room was showing how to make certain spots in your home "mini destinations"...and so I photographed my smile destinations! Haha! Not sure if that was what she was talking about, but there are several little places in my house that I like to gaze at, places where I feel good about how things look...and places that keep my mind off the usual mess that comes from having a toddler roaming the house. Here are just a few of my favorite smile spots...

...My bird themed table centerpiece that I pulled together by "shopping the house"...it especially looks pretty at night all lit up!

I like this little area because it combines several natural elements...the small twigs, nestled in some jute twine, that my son and I collected in our front yard, some sand dollars that I found in the ocean and the natural look of the small little nest and shell-filled glass jar. I wasn't sure if the air/land/and sea elements would look okay together, but I think that they work!

This may seem like a funny place that would make me smile, but on the contrary I just LoVe these white canisters that my sis-in-law gave me for Christmas. They are simple and just perfect for this spot on my kitchen counter.
If you have to wash dishes, you might as well be able to look outside or have the beautiful sunlight streaming in while you're doing it! I love having a window by my kitchen sink...and I love the few simple things that the window ledge is decorated with...

...my "shabby chic" candle holder with the candle "sugar baby" by Tyler Candle Co. inside, the sea glass and shells that my son and I found by the ocean. Simple. Makes. Me. Smile.

Another kitchen smile spot...I am in the kitchen a lot, cooking and such, so why not smile too?!...oh, and you can see, more twigs! ;) This little pedestal tray was formerly just holding the empty white pitcher...and it looked rather sad. So, I shopped the house again (and the yard!) and came up with this!

I just LoVe the look of the natural tiny tree branches...aka sticks...they fit in quite nicely with my little birdie nest!

To keep the twigs upright I just wrapped some jute webbing around them...sort of making a nest as it were for them!

And, just to keep it real, this is what I normally look at all day as I chase and play with my sweet boy. It's a messy life, but it's a good life!

My Simple No Frills Mantel

2010-01-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

As promised, I am linking up some updated pics of my mantel to Beth's Mantel Party over @ Stories of A to Z. After reading her post and drooling over her gorgeous mantel I'm almost embarrassed to show mine...nah, just kidding. I can appreciate other people's creativity while I bask in the simplicity of my own mantel's humble adornment. So, here ya go...first off I included a pic of my mantel's "before" look...which you can tell by the after pics that I didn't really change things too much. Mostly I just removed the Christmas decor and added a few shells. Easy? Simple? Yes.

Christmas 2009 Mantel...my sweet son loved when we'd turn on the lights on the garland in the morning, and would exclaim, "wights, wights!"

Partial view of my simple mantel...the shells are from my sweet neighbor next door.

Full-view...pretty easy look. No Frills!

I love the pic of my and my hubby at the beach. Sweet memories!

Our family pooch pictured here...his beautiful white coat fits perfectly with my neutral palette! Haha!

This handy-dandy "candle holder" is supposed to be a soap dish. I found two of them at 50% off at a local shop and re-purposed them to hold some candles and placed them on both sides of my mantel.

Well there you have it, folks. My simple, no frills mantel, which suits me just fine! And, just for fun, I want to share an adorable picture that I took yesterday of my precious son making his trail-mix snacks. Have a great weekend, y'all!

All I Have to Offer is Me...

2010-01-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

The past couple of weeks I have been avoiding writing here at Ruby Moon Designs. I guess you could say that I've hit a slump, and honestly, when I read about everyone else's wonderful design ideas and crafting abilities I have thought to myself..."what do I have to offer?"..."what could I dream up to interest people in my life...and in my blog?" Well folks, all I have to offer is me. The good, the bad, the interesting and the everyday life that I call all my own. So, my focus here at Ruby Moon Designs is going to shift somewhat. I am going to be completely real here...and though that might not always mean that I'm going to try to wow you with my creative talent, I will let you have a glimpse into my world. So, that being said, what have I been up to lately?...

...the past few weeks have been spent recuperating from a minor surgery I had done, a lot of time has been devoted to finding places for new Christmas things...and even more time has been devoted to cleaning and decluttering. Am I the only one who gets spring-cleaning fever in January? Probably not! My home is slowly but surely returning to normal...which means that I'll soon have extra time on my hands to tinker around with the way that things look. I added a few cute things to my mantle after taking down all the Christmas stuff---but I'll be linking that up to the Mantle Party @ the Stories of A to Z tomorrow. So stay tuned.

Thanks to those of you who have stuck with me!

Blessings for 2010!!!

2009-12-31T15:09:00.000-08:00

I realize that I have been less than faithful in logging my ideas and thoughts in this blog...and I really wish that I had more inspiration...but for the moment I am seriously lacking in that area. I am going to blame it on the fact that I am all crafted-out from making Christmas gifts...that and the fact that I am feeling a little more than overwhelmed with the mountain of mess that is currently in my home. The day after we got home from our Christmas vacation was spent at the doctor's office taking care of some pre-op stuff I had to do for a minor surgery procedure that I had this past Tuesday to help me keep my baby to term...no worries though, I am doing well and just have to take it easy for the next week. You'd think that all of this down time would give me plenty of time to upload some new and exciting ideas, but I am all out of energy and ideas on so many levels. So, I'm "resting" as best as I can and will hopefully be "inspired" to share some more fun crafty/design ideas soon.

Thanks to those of you who still check up on me...that means so much! I got an e-mail from a blogger friend who told me that I've been in her thoughts and prayers lately, and she just wanted to make sure that I was okay---wow, is that wonderful or what?!! I am blessed in so many ways, and even when I feel like I'm in a designing valley I still feel like I matter---thanks, Beth!

Here's to a wonderful and blessed 2010! I know it will be an interesting year for our own family as our *second* child makes his/her way into the world. What a wonderful day that will be!

Blessings to you all,
Grace

Hello again!

2009-12-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

Whew, after a long absence I still don't have much to bring to the table here. Though don't get me wrong, I have been doing plenty here at home. I have tried to make as many gifts this year as I can, but I can't post any of my beautiful creations here since some of my family reads my blog...and I sure don't want to spoil any of my surprises!

I have done a little decorating for Christmas, but just didn't have the energy for the full-out decking of all the halls, boughs of holly and all that jazz. I am happy with what I did, and I might post a few pics so that I can remember what this Christmas looked like, but it's nothing too fancy. Simple, festive, yes, but nothing over the top...nothing like so many of my beautiful bloggy friends' homes! There are some real show stoppers out there in blog land!

I do have a totally non-decorating related question to ask those of you who have been pregnant before...did any of you lose hair during your pregnancy? Mine is falling out like crazy...sort of the way it did after I gave birth to my son...and I don't know what to do. I seriously feel like I'm going to go bald! And I don't want that! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I'll be back soon, I'm sure, although right now I am really trying to focus on my sweet little toddler, getting in lots of playtime and recording our daily happenings on my blog that I have for him. In the meantime though you can bet that I'll be visiting all of your blogs...which I still look at almost daily, even if I don't comment!

Please Be Patient!

2009-12-01T06:37:00.000-08:00

Not that any of y'all are just dying to read my next post or anything, but I thought I'd just pop in for a bit and let you know to please be patient...I'll be back to "regular" posting soon. Between having a couple of groups of family come to stay before and during Thanksgiving, the craziness of preparing for my Thanksgiving hosting debut and the extreme tiredness that I've been feeling from the pregnancy, I just haven't had the energy to blog...and that's not normal for me! ;) I'll be back soon though, I have some lovely pictures of our Thanksgiving to post as well as some updated pics of my Christmas decor! See you soon!

Chubby Baby Car Seat Cover GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-11-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

With a new baby on the way you can bet that I've already thought ahead to new baby gear...although if we have another boy we're pretty much all set. However, if a little girl comes along it would be sort of nice to have a few things that are more "sugar & spice"...which is where this guest giveaway comes in! I just saw this today over at Grosgrain, and immediately knew it would be the perfect way to save some money and have a new look at the same time! If you want to check out this very creative idea for recovering car seats just click on the link below the pictures!

Chubby Baby Car Seat Cover GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Thanksgiving Tablescape Preview!

2009-11-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

I have been working feverishly the last couple of weeks on making everything for my Thanksgiving Tablescape. I made the wall decor a week or so ago, but that was only the beginning. Since then I have made the table runner, 12 napkins, 12 napkin holders and 12 placemats! And thank goodness (or unfortunately) after almost completing the very last placemat my sewing machine decided to quit on me! I put on the finishing touches with my handy dandy glue gun---though I don't know what I'm going to do since I was planning on a quite a few sewing projects for Christmas! Looks like a trip to the sewing machine repair place will be in my very near future! It figures that my machine would go out today though...it's been sort of a frustrating day. My sweet son has been a little pill! The check that I mailed off to the bank over a week ago never made it, so I can only assume that it got taken or lost in the mail---and I really needed that check! Plus, for some reason I am just super tired today. I guess this baby-creating business is really taking a toll on me! Anyhow, there's plenty to be thankful for today too - - - - - like my Tablescape!!! Okay, here we go!

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Obviously there will be more chairs at the table...and more place settings...just remember, this is a preview! ;)

The runner was by far the easiest thing to make. Just take a long length of burlap (mine is about 9 feet long to account for the extra leaf we'll be putting in the table) and cut it the desired width. Then simply pull off about 10 or so threads from each side to create a fringe and you're done!

I mimicked the red berries in the napkins with a few sprigs on the table & in the candle holder.

The three center jars house some cinnamon sticks, some vintage recipe cards passed down to me from my great-grandmother/red berries, and some wine corks. In the tops of the jars are tealight candles nestled in whole coffee beans. The two outside jars are dollar store candles with a bit the print fabric tied around them.

I really like how my placemats turned out! Too bad my sewing machine quit on me!

Aren't my little napkin holders cute?! Hot glue gun, baby!

I think I need more red berries.

Alrighty, y'all. That's it for now! I think I'll go take a break while my little sweetie is napping!

I'm linking this up to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch...

...and to Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage.

The Brass Hussy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-11-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

I am a sucker for giveaways...and I just wanted to share this one with you! Just check out this cute little squirrel/acorn necklace! Isn't it ingenious! You can check out more fabulous one-of-a-kind jewelry by clicking on the link below the picture! Have a great Wednesday, y'all!

The Brass Hussy GU EST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Hello to a New Friend & Holiday Potpourri

2009-11-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

Last week I had to say goodbye to my dear old vintage oven/cooking range...you can read the sad tale by going here...but today I want to introduce you to my new buddy---my brand new oven & stove! There's nothing spectacular about it, but it works, which is something our old oven couldn't boast! I not really a fan of the modern more rounded chunky look that this oven has, but I don't want to complain. I am grateful that we have it just in time for Thanksgiving, and I'm sure my guests will be glad for it as well...otherwise it would have been frozen TV dinners cooked in the toaster oven! Okay, probably not, but I was going to have to use some major creativity if our oven hadn't arrived in time!

Right now as I'm writing this the wonderful aroma of the easiest ever potpourri to make is wafting through the air in our home. It is so simple that I'm almost embarrassed of how amazingly good it smells. Sometimes the simplest things are the best though, aren't they?! If you want your home to smell delightful for the holidays, all you need to do is get a small sauce pan, fill it 3/4 full with water and set it on the stove on low. Add the peel of one orange, about 1 tablespoon of whole cloves and about 6 cinnamon sticks. That's it! Let it slowly simmer all day and your mouth will be watering with the delicious smell that will permeate your home. Caution: Just check the water level throughout the day. I made the mistake of not doing that a few weeks back which resulted in my pot getting a 7 day soak before all the burned on gunk would come off!

Okay, ladies, I'm off to continue making my little pretties for my Thanksgiving table! Sneak peek to come soon! Have a great Tuesday!

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The rounded top of the oven where the dials are keeps me from using it as a shelf like I did with my old stove...I miss that!

Since our new oven is quite a bit smaller (width-wise) I brought in a little round table to stick in the empty spot in the corner. I covered it with a vintage linen table cloth that I purchased a couple of weeks back.

Cozy little kitchen!

While I was eating an orange this morning I was inspired to make my potpourri. No sense in letting all that good peel go to waste!

This stuff smells so good you'll wish you could eat it!

Saturday Nite Special!

2009-11-14T08:41:00.000-08:00

I'm participating in my first "Linky" party over at Funky Junk's Saturday Nite Special! I entered my Thanksgiving Banner post which you can read by going here...or just follow me over to Funky Junk Interiors and have a look-see at all the creative ideas posted by the beautiful people in blogland! Happy Saturday!

Ode to a Vintage Oven

2009-11-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I had to say goodbye to an old friend...our vintage enamel oven/cooktop. We have actually been living without the oven portion in working order for over a year and half, but we somehow managed to survive on meals cooked in the toaster oven or made on the stove. However, since I am hosting Thanksgiving for the first time this year, I figured that the toaster oven probably wouldn't cut it---I couldn't really see cramming a whole turkey in there! So, with the cooperation of our kind landlady, we decided to get a whole new oven & cooking range. I really hated to part with the old one, and I'm not really even sure how far it dated back, but it was old enough to have the parts that weren't functional discontinued...too bad! I LOVED the large cooking surface on the top & the vintage feel of the enamel surface, and even though almost all of the numbers had worn off of the cooking dials, I sort of liked that too. You could tell that lots of love had faded this old oven. I certainly gave it my share, coaxing it to bring forth hot meals for my family, gently wiping away any spills that managed to escape over the edges of pots and pans doing their duty to feed my sweet boys. Yes, lots of love indeed, and I miss my dear old oven---yes, even though it didn't work!

The morning of the oven removal I took some pictures - - - okay, I took lots of pictures. I want to remember this oven, and I'll probably send a few pics to my landlady as well...one of the first things that she said to us when we moved in was how much she loved that oven! I'm sure that she's sad that it's gone too!

So, to my oven: Thanks for all the hard work you've done over the years. I'm sad to see you go, but I will remember you and all the times we had working side by side!

I

My First Blog Award! Woohoo!!! ;)

2009-11-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

Lisa over at Recaptured Charm was kind enough to pass along the Kreativ Blogger award to me! I first saw Lisa on Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday. She made over this beautiful table. Isn't it gorgeous?!! Thanks so much, Lisa! I am so excited to display my new award!!!

So here's the deal, I am supposed to

-Thank the person who nominated me for the award

-Copy the logo and place it on my blog

-Link to the person who nominated you

-Name 7 things about myself that people may not know...hmm, should be interesting!

-Nominate 7 creative (or should I say "Kreativ") bloggers

-Post their links

-Leave a comment on each of the 7 blogs

...so okay, 7 things you probably don't know about me...

1) Both of my pinkies are crooked---seriously, it looks like I broke them, but they were just made that way---and my son J has the same exact pinkies! They look pretty cute on his little hands though!

2) I could live on just drinking coffee and Dr. Pepper...although I am cutting down on the caffeine now due to my new little "bun in the oven."

3) I used to let our 100 pound labrador retriever sleep in the bed with me when my hubby was away...but he always squished me into the corner of the bed, so that had to stop!

4) I have always wanted to be a homemaker, from the time I was a little girl, and I am now living my dream!

5) I could have never married my husband if his feet had been ugly...okay, maybe I could have, but I'm just glad his feet look okay!

6) I love to make jewelry but rarely wear it---I am a minimalist when it comes to accessorizing myself, although I will wear earrings frequently.

7) I have 5 beautiful (and talented sisters) and one very amazing brother!

Okay, there are the 7 things! Now, onto my 7 nominees...

-Lynsey @ Yonder Way Farm...her blog is full of green-living, God-loving and all around inspirational posts...plus, she is an awesome photographer!

-Beth @ The Stories of A to Z...she is always so inspirational and transparent. She is a true "blog gem" and I always love reading her posts.

-Gail @ The Nurtured Nes t...new to the blog scene, Gail is already full of helpful advice and her passions are homemaking, green-living and a love for family. Plus, she is my precious sister! Love you, Gail!

-Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage...stop by her blog, but also take time to check out her fantastic Etsy shop...Christmas is coming, y'all!!!

-Megan @ Megity's Handmade...she has a very inspirational blog, and also some cute stuff at her Etsy store...her handmade tassels are just gorgeous!

-Joanne @ Aprons Gone Wild...I can't remember where exactly I found this wonderful blog, but what caught my eye was her fantastic handmade aprons...and yes, you guessed it, she has at Etsy store! (Can you tell I'm in love with Etsy?!!)

-Marian a.k.a. "Miss Mustard Seed" @ Mustard Seed Creations...her blog is a huge inspiration, and although I haven't tackled any furniture re-do's just yet, when I do in the future I'll have plenty of ideas from her wealth of knowledge!

Thanks again, Lisa for the award! You're a dear!

*Grace*

~Thanksgiving Banner~

2009-11-09T11:34:00.001-08:00

I want to thank those of you who gave your helpful suggestions about how to decorate my Thanksgiving Day table---I think that I will be able to incorporate many of your ideas and use a few tricks that I have up my own sleeve as well! ;)

Yesterday I went to the fabric/craft store, hoping to be inspired as I browsed the aisles for anything that caught my eye. I found a few pretty red berry branches, and some stuff to make my topiary, which I wrote about here, but nothing to really tie together a festive Thanksgiving table. Then I saw it, the most fitting Thanksgiving fabric, just begging me to make something out of it! I am not a huge fan of the traditional "autumn" colors---oranges, reds & yellows just don't do it for me---but when I saw this cute print, I knew that I could incorporate my favorite color, blue, in with the other fall colors! Woohoo! Using the floral print as my color scheme, I dashed about the store gathering bits of this and that to pull together what is going to be one really lovely table! I bought some blue burlap, which coordinates perfectly with the print fabric, and I am going to make a table runner out of that. The cotton floral print has already been washed, and I've already completed 2 napkins (of 12) out of that. I bought some pretty gold-ish felt that I am going to make place mats out of, and some green felt to make some leaf napkin rings out of! The red berry branches will go on the table, nestled around some candles and tucked into a decorative jar that I already have on the table. I think that's about it, but there could be more, you just never know...like my banner, that was totally unplanned, but a happy little accident made from the leftover fabric scraps! So here's a sneak peek of my Thanksgiving Day color scheme!

My easy sew (or no-sew if you prefer) Thanksgiving Banner. This could easily be made using fabric remnants and a glue stick!

Extra burlap provides a backdrop for my "Give Thanks"...simply printed off the computer onto card stock and glued right on the burlap.

I just love how this turned out!

Isn't the print just gorgeous! I love the "non-autumn" colors mixed in with the more traditional colors of fall!

Easy-cheesy probably 2 dollars tops decoration! Just the way I like it!

Oh, I was also picked for the Kreativ Blogger award, which I will post about as soon as I take care of my mommy-duties here at the house! Have a great day, y'all!

*Grace*

Decorating for Christmas & My First Tutorial - A Shell Topiary

2009-11-08T17:18:00.001-08:00

Probably a month or so ago, my husband asked..."when are you going to start decorating for Christmas?"...to which I replied "oh, the day after Halloween!" I said that as a joke, but in all seriousness, I really did want to start decorating early this year. The Christmas season is my very favorite, and it always passes all too quickly - so why not extend it by decorating early?!! So, today I started getting out my decorations, and tackled the mantle first. It probably will get some extra holiday love, but I wanted to get a few things up and the mantle is always the easiest place to start for me!

You may be wondering, why we have so many stockings, well each one has a special story to tell, from left to right...1) My husband's stocking, nothing too fancy, but I did hand stitch the name on it myself when I was pregnant and on bedrest with our first son. 2) Our sweet boy J's stocking, which actually needs to be switched out since he is going on his second Christmas! Woohoo! 3) Stocking in memory of our first precious son, who went to Heaven in December of 2003. 4) Stocking in memory of our second sweet boy, who joined his big brother in Heaven in September of 2004. 5) Stocking in memory of our 3rd child, also joining his/her siblings in Heaven, April of 2006. 6) Stocking in memory of our 4th child, who like baby #3 joined his/her siblings in Heaven April of 2007. 7) Stocking for our furry baby, our doggie, BoBo! 8) My stocking, lovingly handmade by my mother almost 30 years ago. And last, but not least, 9) Little bitty stocking hanging on mine to honor the newest little blessing in our lives! We're expecting our little miracle next Summer! So there you go, the stories of all our stockings!

Okay, onto my first tutorial about how to make a sea shell topiary! You will need 1) and assortment of sea shells, 2) a styrofoam ball - whatever size you desire, I used a small, 3 inch one, 3) some burlap or some type of neutral fabric to cover up the ball, 4) hot glue gun & lots of glue sticks, 5) something to place your topiary inside once you're finished. And, for ease of use, I temporarily used a rubber-band and a stick while I was gluing on all the shells, but removed them once I was finished. Okay, here we go...

Gather all the necessary items in one place, carve out about 30 minutes of time and you're good to go!

I started by placing my styrofoam ball in the center of a square of burlap with the corners trimmed off, and I secured the burlap with a drop of glue that was squeezed onto the ball.

With a stick poking into the underside of the ball, tie the rubber band around the loose ends of the burlap, you could use of piece of string or even a hair band for this since you won't be keeping it on...use what you have readily available!

Place ball where you intend to display it to get a reference line for where you will want the shells to be. Glue one shell on, and then keep on gluing until you have a lovely mound of shells overlapping and placed topsy-turvy all over the styrofoam ball.

The end result should look something like this! Although, I wasn't happy with the container that I chose to host my sea shell topiary...

So I tried this one instead, and still didn't like it...

...eventually, I ended up using this! I replaced the other loose shells which were previously displayed in this vase, which I wrote about here. What do you think?!!

Have a great rest of your Sunday, and a blessed start to your week!

*Grace*

Thanksgiving Ideas??? Please Help!!!

2009-11-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

Okay all you wonderful bloggy friends, here's the deal---I am hosting Thanksgiving this year, for the very first time in my life, and I need some serious help to get our home ready for Turkey day. I am working on my menu this weekend, and thankfully I have wonderful family members who are willing to help out with some of the dishes, so I'm not too worried about that - although feel free to pass along any tasty ideas, I can always use new recipes! I do need some ideas to spruce up our home, the dining table especially, to make it festive for the big day. Limitations: our Budget! I want to make a few cute things without breaking the bank, and I would love any suggestions as to what you think is a can't-do-without for Thanksgiving. The gathering won't be that big at all---just 9 people including two toddlers, but still, Thanksgiving is a major holiday, and I want it to be special. So, please help a first-timer out with any suggestions that will make my debut as Thanksgiving host a day to remember! Thanks, ladies!

*Grace*

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 10

2009-11-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

Well, today is our final day of the Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge, but that's not to say that we're off the hook just because it's finished, no way! I have really been enjoying reading through these verses and thinking about how to apply the attributes listed in my own life. It will be a lifelong goal of mine to become more and more like this "Virtuous Woman"...and ultimately like Christ who is the Greatest Example of all!

The last verses that we're about to dig into are extremely important for us as women. Let's go ahead and read them...

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates. -Proverbs 31:30&31

If you're like me, then you have spent a large portion of time throughout your life catering to your "need" to feel beautiful on the outside. I can remember stressing out over a hair-do that just wasn't working, getting upset when my skin was less than perfect and bemoaning the fact that my body wasn't the shape/size that I wanted it to be. Wanting to take good care of ourselves is one thing, but we have to remember to cultivate our inner beauty which won't fade. The world wants us to focus on our outward looks---it tells us which size we should be, what our skin should look like, which clothes we should buy and what products will make us more vibrant and beautiful---because we're "worth it." Let me tell you, we're "worth it" because of who we are, not what we look like! Spend time with the Lord, let HIM be your mirror and you will always like what you see! The Lord looks at the heart, so let that be your focus!

When I read verse 31 it reminds me of the parable in Matthew about the master who had entrusted some of his money to his servants and told the ones who had been wise in their actions "Well done, good and faithful servant." I want to be the servant that the Lord is proud of, and I want to take good care of the things which He has already entrusted into my care---my family, our belongings, my time, my relationships, etc. If I lean on HIM, I have everything that I need to be wise with what He's given me.

So, onto our last challenge!

Challenge - Day 10

-Take time to focus today (and in the days to come) on your beauty which will last...your inner beauty. Be thankful for how God made you on the outside---being happy with that will make you shine from the inside out. The countenance of a peace-filled woman is a beautiful thing!

-Take stock of what responsibilities God has entrusted you with, and search for ways where you can take some steps to "earn interest" with what He's given into your care.

Alright ladies, that's the end of our challenge. I've really enjoy doing this and I might just have to do another challenge in the future! Hmm, I'll be thinking on that! Enjoy your day and take care of the people and things that God has blessed you with!

*Grace*

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 9

2009-11-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

Well today has been a wonderful day...lots of time just hanging out with my mom, which is very fitting for today's verses! I know that I am blessed to have such a wonderful mother. She's been such a great example to me of a woman after God's own heart, and she was my original example of the Proverbs 31 Woman! She (and my dad, can't leave him out!) raised 7 beautiful (!) kids & homeschooled us all---teaching us book knowledge and every day life lessons, and I consider her one of my very closest friends. It's awesome to have a mom like her!

Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
“ Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.” -Proverbs 31:28 & 29

I am sure that many of us would do just about anything to have our children (and husband) think of us in such high regard. And though on some days we may feel like we're falling short of being worthy for our children to rise up and bless us, we have to keep in mind that 1) we can only be a true blessing to others when we're allowing Christ to live in and through us and 2) that our children (and husband!) are a work in progress too! I believe that if we let Jesus take the driver's seat then in due time we will be the women that He wants us to be and the mothers and wives that our children and husbands are proud to have as their own! So don't be discouraged, and let every day bring you closer to the goal of one day having your "children rise up and call {you} blessed!"

Challenge - Day 9

-Take time to thank your own mother, or motherly/mentor figure in your life, for what she has been to you.

-Be a blessing to your children and husband. Do something special just for them---it doesn't have to be anything big, but go out of your way to make them feel loved.

Tata for now, folks. See you back again tomorrow!

GO BE A BLESSING!!!

*Grace*

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 8

2009-11-02T14:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday y'all, and welcome to our Challenge Day 8! Since I am a little late in posting this, I am just going to jump right in with our verses:

She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness. -Proverbs 31:26&27

I like how the importance of our speech is listed as one of the character qualities of the Proverbs 31 Woman. And, it is not just what we say that is important, it is how we say it---wisdom tempered with kindness = a great combination! Also, I like how the Virtuous Woman "does not eat the bread of idleness"...I mean, how could she?!! From what we've already read we know that she's a woman on the go! She's probably lucky to just eat bread! So, what are our challenges for today? Well, here you go!

Challenge - Day 8

-Make note of ways you will purposefully change your speech to convey kindness through your words. AND/OR make a point to speak with gentleness to someone who you may normally be a bit short with (i.e. a grumpy kiddo!). You can still use disciplinary words with kindness! Try it!

-Examine if there are any ways in which you are "idle" and work on a remedy! You don't have to be on the go 100% of the time, and there is room for fun in every day---but if your "idleness" is causing certain areas of your home to fall in disrepair then you've got a problem! ;)

Okay, y'all, I've gotta go---my mom just came in town, and I am going to go spend some quality (& quantity!) mother/daughter time with her!

Blessings!
*Grace*

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 7

2009-11-01T06:19:00.000-08:00

First off, sorry to skip yesterday's day 7 post---but I was extremely worn out for some reason, and I didn't even log onto my blog, which is very abnormal for me. I did however spend the whole day just hanging out with my boys---the big boy, the little boy and the hairy boy (i.e. the pooch!). We had a great time lazying around, watching movies, goofing around on the floor, and I feel much better today after some R&R. Anyways, all of that to say that today is "day 7"...so let's get to it!

She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come. -Proverbs 31:24 & 25

We can see here that the Proverbs 31 Woman is industrious and uses her skills to benefit her family's finances. She did not consider it beneath her to offer her wares for sale, and even though her husband is seen as a successful man, she still wants to contribute to the income of her family. Now, I don't think that every woman has to operate a business from home, and I do think that God calls some women to work outside of the home. Whether or not you've been called to stay at home or work outside the home, I KNOW that every woman can contribute to her family's finances---by earning an income or by saving and spending wisely what has been earned by her husband. I remember my mom saying that "saving money is like making money." If you save $20 on the grocery bill by using coupons, then you just "made" 20 bucks for your family!

*NOTE* I just want to mention that money can be a issue of division between a couple, especially if both dad and mom are working outside of the home. I think that it is important to realize that both partners are working toward the same goal---providing for the family as a whole---and there shouldn't be a rivalry between who makes the most and who contributes "more" in order to hang it over the other person's head. And if you are called to stay at home you shouldn't feel "less than" because you're not making the majority of the income. The well-being of your family depends on much more than just monetary security. Realizing what each person is bringing to the table in order to provide for each and every area of your family's needs is what is important. Dad & Mom need to be a team, both with unique roles but the same goal.

Back to our verses, when I read verse 25...Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come...I sense that the Virtuous Woman is "clothed" with something far more important than outer garments (although don't get me wrong, regular clothes are important---don't go without them!). It is also important to be "covered" in the character qualities which you can only get by seeking the Lord. And the Proverbs 31 Woman had that. Also, she was prepared for what the future would hold, and was able to rejoice (also translated "to laugh") at what would come. She did not worry! (Hmm, interesting that that is in here!)

So, what are our challenges for today? Let's see...

Challenge - Day 7

-Think about what role you play in your family, and examine what you can do to fulfill that role to it's utmost potential.

-Focus on the inward beauty---spend time with the Lord, leaning on Him to give you the strength that you will need to face your future with a big smile on your face!

Okay y'all, that's it for today. Thanks for hanging in there! Have a blessed Sunday!

*Grace*

Me, "laughing" at the days to come!

Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday---Don't Miss It!!!

2009-10-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that everyone gets to showcase their beautiful furniture make-overs, fantastic furniture finds and just plain ol' furniture loves at Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday. And, today I have the happy privilege of being this week's giveaway sponsor! Thanks so much, Miss Mustard Seed, for this wonderful opportunity! I am so excited to be a part of this fun weekly tradition! To check out how to win this...

...just visit Mustard Seed Creations' blog by going here. I am so excited to see all the entries, and if they are anything like last week's they will be truly inspiring! And, to check out the woman behind this week's furniture feature, Lisa, please visit her at Recaptured Charm. Happy Furniture Feature Friday, y'all!!!

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 6

2009-10-30T05:06:00.000-07:00

Good morning all, and Happy Friday! I have to admit that I am a bit sleepy this morning, but I am still awake before the rest of my household, and I am ready to conquer another set of challenges! And just a side note, if you're finding it hard to complete the challenges on the actual day of, don't you worry. This Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge should be a lifestyle, and there are plenty of days in the future to continue becoming a Woman of Virtue, whose worth is Far Above Rubies!!!

Let's take a look at the challenge verses for today:

She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land. -Proverbs 31:22&23

Now I am no theologian, so this is just my own take on these verses---we need to take care of ourselves, and we need to realize that we play a role in our husbands' success.

I have heard of a lot of women who neglect themselves when the role of being a mommy and wife demands too much of their time, and I admit that I too have fit into this category a few times myself. We can't "let ourselves go" though, and we must find time to properly care for our own bodies. I read up on some different interpretations of this verse, and I like how middletownbiblechurch.org explains it..."She did not consider it a mark of spirituality to go around looking impoverished, dilapidated, and threadbare." The site went on to comment that though the Proverbs 31 Woman is dressed nicely, she wasn't doing it at her family's expense---she was wise with her money, and she was able to dress that way without putting any strain on her family's "budget." We shouldn't spend money that we don't have, so don't go out and "charge it" just to have a fancy wardrobe. Spend wisely, and you can dress nicely within your means.

As far as verse 23 goes, it seems obvious that the Virtuous Woman plays a direct role in the success and respect of her husband. Many of us may feel like our husband's lead a "double life"---we might not really understand what it is that they do, especially if we've never seen them "in action" at the workplace, and we feel disconnected from their life outside of the home. But, that doesn't mean that we aren't partly responsible for their successes. Providing a safe and inviting home, and a place where your husband feels respected and loved will translate into his feeling confident when he leaves the front door. And there are little ways to bolster his confidence such as leaving a simple note telling him how thankful you are for all his hard work for the family, how proud you are of the job that he's done and how blessed you are to have him for your life's mate! I am always confident in my man, and I am pretty sure that it makes a difference in how he feels about himself---though he gets a bit bashful when I pour on the thanks too much! Humility is a great quality, as long as it doesn't come from an attitude of being not good enough. Realizing that you have done something that deserves gratitude is not a bad thing!

Okay, that was a lot of rambling, but the challenges will be to the point!

Challenge - Day 6

-Take extra time today to take care of yourself...take an extra long soak in the tub, give your nails a fresh splash of color, dress in a favorite outfit, do your hair, etc. Just do whatever it is that you've rushed through due to the demands of mommyhood.

-Give your husband the respect that he deserves as the leader of your family. Keep his confidence up, and let him go out into his workplace knowing that he is the king of your heart. A respected husband is a happy husband---and you have no idea what a happy man is capable of---only GREAT things! ;)

Okay folks, that's it for today. Many blessings as you care for yourself and your precious husband!

*Grace*

Me and my happy husband, enjoying a beautiful sunset by the bay.

Furniture Feature Friday - Thanks Miss Mustard Seed!!!

2009-10-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

Hello all! I have the honor of being this week's giveaway sponsor at Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday. If you have an inspiring and creative furniture before and after story, stop by Mustard Seed Creations' blog here, and enter to win this *beautiful* giveaway, made especially for you by none other than myself! ;)

Amazonite Gemstone, Swarovski Crystal & Sterling Silver Bracelet made especially for Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday!

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 5

2009-10-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was another good challenge day, and I got my desk all organized, worked on a neglected project and spent quality time with my sweet boys. I'm not saying that I have things 100% put together around here, there are still dishes in the sink, and somehow the laundry grew into another load needing to be washed, but I am content with the state of my home. There is a lot of love floating around here right now, and if that means that the dishes stay dirty just a little longer, then that's okay with me.

She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet. -Proverbs 31:20&21

Sometimes we get so busy in our own little environment that we forget to look out for the needs of those beyond our front door. I agree that our home life and caring for the needs within our family must be our first priority, but it is also good to look beyond ourselves and to see the needs of those around us who may not have the same resources that we do to care for themselves.

We don't get snow around these parts (well, it did snow one time several years back which was a huge phenomenon!) but my family can still be clothed well---and on a tight budget too! You don't have to spend a gazillion dollars for you family to be "clothed with scarlet!" Okay, for today's challenges...

Challenge - Day 5

-Make a point to see if there are any items around your home that aren't getting any use that someone else could be in real need of. Bag whatever you find a make a stop at whatever organization you please that will use your leftovers to help those less fortunate. Several weeks ago I took about 8 big trash bags full of clothes and other items to Goodwill. I had originally planned on doing a garage sale, but that never panned out, and I have to admit that it did feel really good to be able to donate my unused stuff to help people who are trying to get back on their feet, or folks who just can't afford to buy things new---OR to bargain hunters (like me!) who want a good deal! :) There are so many ways that we can help "the poor" and "needy"...monetary donations, donations of time & energy (clean up programs, soup kitchens, etc). Whatever God is prompting you to do, do it! Also, I just received an e-mail from Focus on the Family telling of this event. I have a heart for these little ones who certainly need someone to stand up for them and reach out and help them. Check out this link for more info.

-Evaluate the clothing needs of your family and make a plan to remedy any wardrobe blanks. And no, it doesn't have to be "scarlet", but it does have to be season appropriate! And you can be smart about where you shop too. Just a couple of weeks ago I went to a local children's resale shop here. I had previously dropped off some stuff to sell to them, and out of a huge laundry basket full of stuff, they decided that they could only use about 12 items! No worries, I just donated the rest. I chose to get store credit for the items that they purchased from me...about 13 bucks...and I decided to do my son's fall clothes shopping right then and there. I came home with a jacket and pant set, the cutest pair of Levi's jeans you've ever seen, and about 6 long sleeve shirts. Combined with a few things I had already bought (on sale!) at a different clothing store, I have my son outfitted for fall/winter for less than 40 bucks! eBay is also a great way to buy kid's clothes---there are a lot of new items too for a fraction of the original (probably overpriced) cost!

Okay, just to break it down a bit more simply---look to how you can help the needy & look at your own family's clothing needs and do something about it! Easy cheesy!

Alrighty, I'm off to continue looking to the needs of my family and those around me! Have a great Thursday, y'all!!!

Blessings!
*Grace*

My son in his cute lil' Levi's and "new" to him shirt! Great outfit for just a few bucks!

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 4

2009-10-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

This whole challenge has really been changing the way that I view my role as a mother & wife. The past few days have been really great, and I have gone about my days with a renewed purpose to be all that I can be (through Christ!) for my family. And, though I've added a few extra tasks, i.e. the challenges, it seems as if my days have been more relaxed, and I have just had so much fun spending quality & quantity time with my son especially. It's pretty interesting---when I am fulfilling my God-given role the way I that I should then he is a much happier child! Hmm, who would have thought?!!

I started reading a book last night called Shepherding a Child's Heart (by Tedd Tripp) and one sentence near the beginning really stood out to me. It said something like in today's culture the notion of quality time has replaced quantity time. I used to think that quality time was a good substitution for quantity, but if you think about it, would our children enjoy 20-30 minutes of uninterrupted time with us, or would a whole day of meaningful interactions make them feel more loved, understood and protected? Not to say that we have to make our days all about our kids, but lately I have tried to stop what I'm doing when my son comes up to me, showing me his latest block creation or wanting to play ball for a bit. And yesterday morning, as I sat on the floor on his level, he snuggled up into my lap for at least 20 minutes or more as he watched his show on TV---he never sits with me for that long! It just made me realize how much it must mean to him when I get down and see the world from his angle. How many snuggling opportunities have I missed by being too busy to sit on the floor and interact with my child? Anyways, this challenge is teaching me to embrace all that it is to be a mommy and helpmate---there is a lot involved, but the rewards are priceless.

Onto our verses for today...

...She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle. -Proverbs 31:18 & 19

Many of us know what it is like to stay up into the wee hours of the night, but you can see here that those hours aren't spent being lazy. If you're like me, you have a hard time being idle for any length of time. Sure I like just sitting down and enjoying a good movie now and then, but often I find that it is hard to "waste" my time without being productive in some way---I guess that's a good thing?!!

As far as verse 19 above goes, most of us probably don't spin our own thread and weave our own textiles, but I'm sure that we each have something that we make from scratch. And, just as the distaff (a device used to keep unspun fibers from tangling during the process of making thread) is used to keep things untangled and organized...and I might be going out on a limb here theologically...we need to make an effort to keep our projects and homes organized too! So, onto today's challenge!

Challenge - Day 4

-Evaluate the state of your home, and if necessary keep the lamp oil burning in order to finish up a neglected project. Yes, you need your rest, but the more things you let pile up the harder it will be to get out from under the load! And speaking of loads, I think that I'll finish up the laundry that didn't get done on Monday! ;)

-Organize something &/or make something from scratch! I am going to declutter my craft room (again!) today. Seems as if it is a magnet for stray objects, so back to the drawing board I go to find a way to store things and keep things orderly in the process!

Okay y'all, that's it for today! Spend some quality quantity time with your kiddos (and hubby too!) & have fun making and decluttering! ;)

What my desk looks like without all the clutter on it! You can read about how I originally organized my desk by going here.

Can You Believe He Called This Junk?!!!!!!! ;)

2009-10-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that I am not the first woman to bring home a treasure only to have it lovingly called "junk" by those who can't see its potential. You all know what I'm talking about, don't you? You walk in, giddy with excitement about your latest find, and you are received with rolling eyes and questions like "how much did you pay for that (junk)?" Then you try to explain the merits of your treasure, and how it will enhance your life...and the eyes keep rolling, but a smile erupts and you continue on your way with plans to display your newest member of the family in its proper place.

Here are some of the most recent treasures that I brought home to show my hubby. Can you believe he called this junk?!!

I found this vintage ATLAS E-Z Seal Canning Jar at a garage sale for 50 cents! It makes the perfect little vase for a few autumn roses and fern clippings.

I purchased the vintage galvanized Sugar & Flour canisters at the same garage sale, and when the lady told me "1.00 for the pair" I was beside myself with joy! I really like these canisters!

And here I am, pictured on my wedding day, going on 7 years ago! Whew, time flies!

I am so proud of my dear husband's doctorate degree hanging on the wall!

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 3

2009-10-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

Good morning on this very wet (at least here) Challenge Day Three! Yesterday's challenge was, well, a bit challenging for me---and I'm sorry to say that the laundry did not get put up---and one load didn't even get folded! *Tisk, tisk!* Haha! I'm not going to be too hard on myself though because I know that things come up, and sometimes, no matter how good our intentions are to get things accomplished, we often have to make adjustments for the unexpected, which is what I had to do yesterday. I did work with my hands (though not on the pillows like I had planned, but on a giveaway that I will be doing through one extremely talented lady's blog later on this week!). Oh, I did take time to make a healthy and yummy dinner! Two outta three ain't bad!!! ;)

(Edited to Add: I forgot to mention that our faithful pooch got lots of extra lovin' and treats yesterday. I tried to go out of my way to make him feel like an important part of the family---lots of extra pats, a few more plates to "clean" and plenty of crumbs to lick up!)

I'm going to get straight to today's challenge, since I'm up a bit later than normal and will probably hear the sweet cries of my son before long, wanting to eat his breakfast!

She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms. -Proverbs 31:16 & 17

Challenge - Day 3

I am not considering a big purchase any time soon, but I have realized lately what an impact all my little purchases make overall in our budget. All those little craft materials add up! So, my challenge tasks for today are:

-Look over our budget (and past months expenses) and see where I can be more frugal and where I need to have more discretion. Also, take care of bills that need to be paid (I usually do this on Fridays, but I'll fit it in today to go along with the theme of having some money sense!)

-Work out! There are many forms of working out, and you don't have to be a gym member in order to be fit. I enjoy walking with my son, and believe me, pushing that big ol' stroller in the high winds that we usually have around here is a workout! Plus I get to spend some quality time with him outdoors, which we both love. It's important to stay in shape as mommies. We need it ourselves, our children need to have a mom with enough energy to care for them---and I'm guessing that our husbands won't complain if we're doing what we can to stay tight and trim! ;)

Okay, well that's it for today. Spend Wise. Stay Strong!

Going for a walk with a few extra pounds to carry around - the precious baby boy which are the cute pounds, and the baby-weight which I am proud to say is all off now! Yay for walking!

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 2

2009-10-26T04:49:00.000-07:00

I woke up early this morning, and of course one of my first thoughts was the "challenge", wondering what today's goals would be as I strive to live up to the standards that God has set before me. Well, would you just look at the challenge verses for today:

She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants. -Proverbs 31:13-15

I am already on top of things by rising early! Woohoo---now for the providing food part and working with my hands! ;)

I can remember reading these verses in days past and thinking to myself, well, most of these things sound pretty good...but rising while it is still night...I don't think so! But the fact is, the last few weeks I have been getting up quite early (for me), usually around 6:30 or a bit before that, and I love it! I don't know if I'm turning into a morning person or not, but I am enjoying being awake while the house is quiet, the world still sleeping around me, and I can have time to collect my thoughts and sort of plan my day. It's wonderful! Enough of that though, let's get onto the challenge!

Challenge - Day 2

-Find a project that needs to be finished (or started and worked on) that involves working with your hands. I personally have been wanting to make a couple of pillows to add to our living room, and have been putting it off for a week or more. So I will start with those! I also have a couple of loads of laundry that need folding, and seeing that I'll be working with my hands to get that done I'll tackle that first! Yes, laundry counts!

-Plan a thoughtful meal that your whole family will enjoy. Some days I concentrate too much on my own little projects around the house that I tend to rush meal prep time, and the food comes out so-so. Today I want to take time to put a little more effort into preparing meal that's healthy for my family and that tastes great too!

-Most of us don't have servants, but a lot of us have "furry friends" who help us around the house, no questions asked, and would like nothing more than some pats on the head and scratches behind the ears. Our dog, BoBo, will have to be the stand-in for the "maidservants"---he is actually quite handy around the house---he will clean the dishes for me (provided that they're caked with yummy leftovers to lick clean), he is a wonderful crumb-off-of-the-floor remover, and he protects us better than any security system. So, if you have a "servant" who doesn't require wages, take time today to provide a little extra treat for them and give some extra pats and scratches!

Challenge Day 2 is already off to a good start here---I have plenty of time to begin thinking on meal menu ideas, and might even start getting that laundry done---okay, maybe not quite yet, but it will get folded and put up---today!

*Oh, quick re-cap of yesterday: I made my hubby some yummy pancakes and bacon for breakfast...he was very excited about that!...and I tried to go out of my way to make him feel loved and respected. I also tried to stop what I was doing when he would ask me a question or talk to me so that I could concentrate on what he was saying. All in all it was a pretty good challenge day, and I will continue to work on the "challenges" in the days/weeks/months/years to come!*

Our faithful family pooch, BoBo!

Happy Challenge Day 2!!!

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 1

2009-10-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about doing this challenge for a couple of weeks now, and thought to myself why not start today?! I was planning on beginning tomorrow---but today I have my sweet husband home ALL day---and since the first day of the "challenge" centers around honoring my husband---why not begin today where I'll have all day to "practice" being a loving, honoring, virtuous woman.

I have always loved the picture of godly womanhood from Proverbs 31:10-31 in the Bible. I like how the Virtuous Woman respects and honors her life mate, cares for her children and household, enjoys working with her hands and creating things and most importantly how loving the Lord and trusting in Him are seen as top priority. She is my role model and I would like to put into practice what it means to be a virtuous wife.

So, today it begins. My 10 day Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge. Feel free to join in, and as the next week and a half go by I know that our husbands and families will be happier for the fact that we're living up to the standards of the woman spoken of in Proverbs 31...

...Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life. -Proverbs 31:10-12

Challenge - Day 1

-Find practical ways to honor and respect my husband (i.e. taking time to make him breakfast!)

-Go out of my way to shower him with kindness, and make today (and days in the future) special by giving him my undivided attention

-Pray for him! As my thoughts turn to him throughout the day, I want to take time to lift him up in prayer, thanking God for him, asking for guidance to love him the way he needs to be loved, and requesting protection and peace over his life outside of our home---the workplace can be brutal---especially with his job!

-Praise him! Thank him for all the hard work he does for our family.

-Do anything that comes to mind that will make him feel special and loved.

So there is the challenge for day one. Making today a day that is all about respecting/honoring/loving my sweet husband. He might think that I have something up my sleeve, but I will reassure him that there are no strings attached to this special treatment! I'll let you know how it goes, and for those of you who want to participate, fill me in on the details too!

Go LOVE your husband!

Me and my boys, taken last year at Thanksgiving!

Ruby Moon Designs

Getting Ready for {Spring}

Merry & Bright...Our {HoMe} at Christmas!

My Autumn Mantel

Cozying it up for Fall {Coffee Sack Pillows}

My {Spring} Mantel

{Pretty} in PINK: Blooms

I {Finally} Caved: Chalkboard Style

Keepin' Cozy in 2011

I'm {Dreaming} of a White Christmas

White Pumpkins = The Perfect Solution!!!

A {Perfect} Sunday

{In Love} with Blue Mason Jars

Lookie What I Made!!! ;)

Keeping Up with the Joneses

Shoe & Scarf Organizer...A {Sister} Project!

Quiet on the Homefront...

The Five Dollar Challenge & My Easter Topiary {Tutorial}...again!

{Giveaway} Winner!

Easter Topiary {Tutorial}

Saturday {Giveaway}!!!

My {Favorite} Shoes!

I Finally Fell...in {LoVe} with PB!

My {Sweet} Spring Mantel

{Nesting}

Birds on the Brain

{Free} and Simple Beauty

Making Practical Beautiful

Thanks & A Shout Out!

My Burlap Epic Fail Turned Mod Podge Miracle!

What a simple coat of paint can do...

Before & After - A Face Transformation!

Like Candy in a Jar {Ribbon Storage}

Super Easy {belated} Valentine's Craft

Look What Came in the Mail!

My {TV} Mantelscape

Pieces of Grace

Retail Therapy

A Robin's Egg from Nutmeg!

Robin's Egg Blue - An Obsession

My Cozy Little Bedroom

A Work in Progess

Simple, No Cost Burlap Wreath

For the Birds "Mantelscape"

Compromise in Decorating?

Small Places that Make Me Smile! :)

My Simple No Frills Mantel

All I Have to Offer is Me...

Blessings for 2010!!!

Hello again!

Please Be Patient!

Chubby Baby Car Seat Cover GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Thanksgiving Tablescape Preview!

The Brass Hussy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Hello to a New Friend & Holiday Potpourri

Saturday Nite Special!

Ode to a Vintage Oven

My First Blog Award! Woohoo!!! ;)

~~~Thanksgiving Banner~~~

Decorating for Christmas & My First Tutorial - A Shell Topiary

Thanksgiving Ideas??? Please Help!!!

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 10

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 9

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 8

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day *7*

Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday---Don't Miss It!!!

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 6

Furniture Feature Friday - Thanks Miss Mustard Seed!!!

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 5

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 4

Can You Believe He Called This Junk?!!!!!!! ;)

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 3

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 2

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 1

~Thanksgiving Banner~

The Proverbs 31 Woman Challenge - Day 7