Now Read This...

Posts that have encouraged me lately...

• "Overwhelmed?" from Susie Davis the Good News Girl
• "Pancakes for Lunch" from Ashley Ann at Under the Sycamore
• "5 ways to breathe in a breathless world" by Emily at Chatting at the Sky
  

beautiful infinity-style pool/fountain at The Cleveland Clinic

All The Things I Don't Have

Last week, I kind of... window shopped while I read blogs.  I gathered ideas.  On Friday, when I had a chance to get to Target (yes, all my finds were at Target -- big surprise!), I took my handy list and went looking for all of the goods.

1.  Fleur de lis tealight candle jars.  I forget what blog I spotted these on.  They were so, so C-U-T-E!!!  Reminded me of mason jars, and seemed like a "must have."  They were supposed to be $2.50 (I thought each) in the dollar section at Target.  I laughed out loud when I saw them.  In reality, they were a set of 3 for $2.50, and were literally teeny tiny --just barely big enough to hold a tealight.  I had been more than deceived by the blog pictures, I guess.  I was totally imagining that these were "normal" mason-jar-size, and at $2.50ea, I was thinking I might be willing to purchase a few.  In reality, I wasn't willing to pay $2.50 once!  They were an easy "PASS" for me.

2.  Meanwhile, on the "Target Savers" page on Facebook, they mentioned that the White Stoneware Pantry Collection was 50% off this week.  This is a cute collection.  I thought about buying the cow-creamer (not shown), or those sweet milk cartons -- or maybe a milk bottle.  Another "PASS" -- NOT on sale around here!  Fuh-get-about-it.

I confess, I was kind of proud of myself... going out with a big plan, and having the will power to say no.  Me and Will Power aren't usually friendly.  All the way home I was thinking: 

All of those "things" (though cute) would've just taken up more space -- and that's at a premium around here. Believe me, I like buying new things as much as the next person. But, I'm learning where to draw the line, I guess.

On Saturday morning I got up, and opened e-mail to read a lovely note from Heather at Post Road Vintage.  In it, she recommended a visit to Andrea at Faded Plains -- and specifically recommended a post about what camera Andrea uses.  I was inspired.  You can click the link to Andrea (above) to read it.  She uses a simple point-and-shoot camera, and is about the only blogger (other than myself) that I've ever heard admit to that!  Get this, she also (like me) doesn't know a thing about PhotoShop, and just uses PicMonkey (like me)!

I left Andrea a comment saying that she had inspired me to keep using what works, and to keep things simple.  I don't need a fancy camera, or fancy photo-editing software.  I kind of like doing things the simple way.  Why am I telling you all of this?  Because, I want to encourage you to keep on keeping on with what you have, and learn how to use it to your advantage.

I know I've shared with some of you via e-mail (when responding to comments) that my camera is an Olympus fe-3010 12 megapixel.  It's the camera I had when I started blogging. No upgrade.  No money spent.  I've learned to work with what I have.  My blog is not a photography blog, so I have an "out" when a shot isn't the greatest.  On the other hand, as I've learned to work with my camera, and learned to put some of the quiet little features to work for me, I've often been pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

Did you "pass" on anything today?

Are you trying to "simplify?"

Have you learned to "make do"

with something you have

rather than spend money on something new?

Blog Bits #3

Just sharing some goodies...

My cousin Jessica has just started up a new blog

called "I bet I can make that..."

She's a creative soul -- and is inspired to try new projects,

especially if it involves sewing.

Do you sew?  You might want to stop by to see what Jessica is up to,

 and welcome her to the wonderful world of blogging.

{Tell her Sally sent you!}
***
Recently Pinned:
Aren't these Lighted Vine Pumpkins pretty?
They're from Pier One Imports.
 ***

There's a recipe for 4-ingredient Nutella Cookies at Tasty Kitchen.
I haven't tested these, but they sure look yummy!
How wrong could you go with only four ingredients?

Need a facelift on your blog?
24 new blog backgrounds were recently added at ShabbyBlogs.com
  ***
My sister, Jill shared a link to this great Fall Subway Art
from It Is What It Is.
***
I'm totally loving THIS POST by Emily Freeman
at Chatting at the Sky.
It's all about realizing your "passions" in life
-- and that it's okay if MY passions aren't your passions
and YOURS aren't mine.
Trust me & read it.
It'll change the way you see things.

Blog Bits #2

If you read my Ode to Pumpkin Waffles, then here is the end of the story:
 I am LOVING this Pumpkin Waffle recipe from Fake Ginger!

Here are 12 really cute free fall printables from My Blessed Life,
a great fall photo checklist from Simple As That,
and Everyday Lovely's home tour at Life Made Lovely.

How about a FREE [for a limited time] downloadable (Kindle Edition) pumpkin cookbook
from Gooseberry Patch?

And last, but not least:
FREE October desktop wallpaper
from Only A Breath.

These are just some goodies I've found
and wanted to share with you.

Blog Bits #1

Recent Favorites:

Miss Mustard Seed - shredded book pages for pumpkin nesting.

Nesting Place - 20 ways to decorate with book pages.

Cream Puffs In Venice - a Nutella Meringues recipe (imagine the goodness!)
My sweet friend (and scrapbooker extraordinaire) Suz
at Live a Life EXTRAordinary showed me these
great printable gift tags at Love vs. Design. 

Just Something I Made - free vintage digital images. Cool tags & clock faces.
Love Feast Shop - GORgeous velvet pumpkins! (Seriously. Who KNEW?) 

photo used with permission

Warm Fuzzies!

It hasn't been a creative week around here,

and I'm not sure where the time has gone.

The last few days I've found a few blog posts
that have really been an encouragement to me.

So, thinking that perhaps you might also need a "lift" this day,

let me tell you about them.

{1}

Do you know my friend Teresa at Meadowbrook Farm?

I've bragged on her blog a few times around here.

On those days when I feel strangled by the weight of things that need to be done,

I click on her blog, and know that I will see photography that transports me

to a different place -- even if just for a few minutes.

Go there and see for yourself.

All I know is, I've never seen those mountains or that scenery.

If you told me "Pack your bags and let's go,"

I'd say, "Who needs bags?  I'm ready."
Seriously. 

{2}

Susie is another friend.

We encourage one another (apparently).

It seems like every time I leave a comment
telling her how much she encourages me,
she comments back to me that I do the same for her.
It's kind of a lovely "vicious circle." (smiles)
The other day, Susie wrote about peace,
and about the choice we make each day upon waking.
This is real stuff folks, and it cuts right to the chase.
There's a reason Susie is called the "Good News Girl!"
I'm just sayin'.

{3}

Read this post by Ali Edwards.
It's really just a quote, but it's a good one,
and it spoke volumes to me.
See if it speaks to you.

{4} 
Some thoughts to ponder --

taken from my handwritten notes at the front of my Bible.

These are not my original thoughts,

but rather, thoughts pastors and/or friends shared with me.

"Our problems may be bigger than us,

but God is bigger than our problems!"

"The one who controls it all is totally committed to me!"

{5}

"Praise the Lord" by The Imperials

Imagine My Surprise!

What a nice surprise.

When I checked my blog comments this evening, there was a message from Veronica saying that she was awarding me the "Stylish Blogger Award!"  I had only seen a little chatter throughout the blog-world about this award - so I wasn't sure what to do, or who to thank.  I did a little "research."  Here's what you do!   

** Thank the person who awarded you (of course).

I would like to thank Veronica at Veronica Victoria Chronicles.   
Thanks so much!  You made my day!
I tried to follow a trail back to a place of origin to express thanks there as well.  It looks like that is a l-o-n-g trail.  If anyone has information on who started this award, I'd love to know.

** Tell 7 things you may not know about me.

1.  I have been married to my sweet hubby for 18 years.

2.  We have two children (teens) whom we homeschool.

3.  I have a bachelor's degree in Family and Child Development, but have only ever worked (before kids) in the accounting field.

4.  I hated math when I was in school, but loved working in accounting.

5.  As a kid, the only job I ever dreamed of was being a mom.  As it turns out, I got that job (without so much as an interview!), and love it the best!

6.  My favorite vacation is at the beach -- and our family loves the North Carolina beach.  It is affordable.  But, if money were no object, I have a feeling we would vacation in Hawaii regularly.

7.   I love to bake, but my sweet hubby is a far better baker than I.  (Today, he made The Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon rolls!)

** Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers. 
Oh my, this may prove a challenge.  There are so many great blogs out there.  I realize that some of the blogs I will list are "well established," and don't need accolades from me to gain readers.  That said, they are still "new to me" and I am appreciative of their example to me.  Perhaps you have already heard of some of them.  I hope that others will be new to you.  Please pay them a visit!  Meet a new friend.  Share the love.  You get the idea.
 1.  http://livealifeextraordinary.blogspot.com/
 2.  http://www.abeachcottage.com/ 
 3.  http://themeadowbrookblog.blogspot.com/
 4.  http://www.number17cherrytreelane.com/
 5.  http://makeroomfor.blogspot.com/
 6.  http://www.eclecticwhatnot.com/
 7.  http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/
 8.  http://katielloydphotography.blogspot.com/
 9.  http://www.rareandbeautifultreasures.com/
10. http://iammommy.typepad.com/
11. http://sitrelaxandread.blogspot.com/
12. http://bungalow56.blogspot.com/
13. http://westfurniturerevival.blogspot.com/
14. http://humblehomemaking.blogspot.com/
15. http://www.thecottagechick.com/

** Contact the bloggers, and tell them about the award.

{This part will keep me busy & out of trouble for a while, ay?} 

Faith+ Bloggers - Part 2

This is Part Two of "Faith+ Bloggers."

If you missed the first post, you can scroll down, or find it HERE. 

Grab a cup of tea, and let's get started with more favorites!

* Melissa Michaels is at The Inspired Room - a decorating blog.  She believes in "authentic living" - living a life that really works for you.  I confess that I pour over Melissa's blog.  Her home is so welcoming and has "grace" written all over it.  She has a style that is just so warm and welcoming, and says "sit a while" - and boy, wouldn't I like to!  Who wouldn't like to think that their home looks that welcoming!  I love this quote from Melissa: "I enjoy finding joy in living my own life and reflecting that joy in my surroundings."  Thank you for the inspiration, Melissa!  {You know JOY is my word for 2011, so Melissa's quote intrigues me!}

* Nester at Nesting Place says, "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful."  She uses her blog to share creative decorating ideas, and give decorating encouragement.  She has a beautiful home, but also one that her family feels free to really USE and live in -- it's not just a show place.  Nester has an amazing attitude about all the changes that her family has faced -- makes me wonder what my "attitude" looked like a few years back when my sweet husband was unemployed.

* Emily is Nester's sister.  You'll find her at Chatting at the sky: a place for your soul to breathe.  Emily is the wife of a senior high pastor, and shares lots of insights on faith - as well as beautiful pictures.  Her blog is a breath of fresh air - every time.  I often leave her blog having an "ahaaa!" moment.

* I have just recently come across Cyndi Spivey - Walking in His Grace and Traci at Beneath My Heart.  They are also sisters.  Yesterday (1/3/11), Cyndi and Traci began a series together called "Organizing your Heart and Home 2011."  It runs every Monday in January, & sounds like a good place to begin the new year.  I'm going to check it out.

Well, those are my current favorites.

What is your favorite faith-blog?  C'mon - share with us!

Faith+ Bloggers - Part 1

When I started blogging, I never dreamed that I would become part of a community where there is so much camaraderie, and genuine concern and care for one another.  As a Christian - a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ - I didn't know that I would find so many fellow-believers who were blogging about things they love, and sharing their faith at the same time.  Now mind you - there are believers of every shape, size, and color, and therefore believing bloggers who share their faith on many different levels.  But, that's what makes us all unique and different.  There are Christ-followers who write about...following Christ.  But, there are also Christ-followers who write about family, baking, cooking, and organizing, homemaking, entertaining and decorating... you name it!  LIFE!

Here are some of my favorites:

* You'll find Amanda at i am mommy and i am baker.  I am in awe of her sweet creations, and am especially impressed with her cut-out cookies, and cakes (as previously mentioned on this blog).  I especially love her reliance on God in all things, her ability to put a positive spin on negative things that come her way, and how (between her blog and twitter) she calls for prayer and passes things on that we can be praying for as a community of believers.  She has a sweet and tender heart.

* Rachel's address is No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane.  She will boldly tell you that nothing really matters but Christ.  That's what it's all about.  Rachel is a young mom, always challenging herself to be a better person - stronger in her faith, and being honest along the way - which I so appreciate.  She recently had a baby, and her story of the delivery and "her plan" is inspiring.  She had to let go of her plan, and recognize that whatever God had for her was even better.  How many of us have experienced that?  Rachel shares from her heart - something I love about her.

* Do you know Susie Davis - the good news girl?  She is a pastor's wife, and the author of several books.  Susie has so much to share, and such a sweet spirit about her.  You know we make impressions on one another as much through our written words as in person...and Susie makes an impression.  She has such good insights, and gently shares them in a way that makes you think.  She's also got a lot of good recipes to share - amongst other things!  She's the lady behind The Joy Challenge, and I have come to realize that she and I have so much in common -- MUCH to be thankful for, and JOYful about!

* Sandy Coughlin can be found at Reluctant Entertainer.  I received her book for Christmas, and I am enjoying strolling through the pages, and gathering information as well as courage to become a better entertainer.  I so admire Sandy, and all that she shares on her blog.  I've written about her in a previous post, but since then, I've gotten to know her even better through her book.  Sandy says she has a "normal" family (you know, the kind you and I like to tell ourselves we have?), and entertains as a way to get to know others.  She believes that ultimately, we should be having guests into our home to bless them, and not to impress them.  She also wants us each to use the gifts and talents that God gave us to bless others.

* Then, there is Kayla Aimee: only slightly neurotic who has recently (almost 8 weeks ago) given birth to a sweet preemie - Scarlette.  Oh, the stories that she has shared about the struggles that her little girl has endured in her short life.  Yet, Kayla Aimee's faith is ever-present.  She is such an inspiration!  Each of her posts prods me to pray for her sweet miracle baby.

These are some of my favorite spots to stop for a visit - but I've got more.  Come back soon for Part 2!

Happy 2011, Friends.

Here's to new beginnings, honest offerings, and sharing our faith!

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses and...

No - you didn't really think I was going to go THERE, did you?

But seriously, this seems to be the time of year when people are posting their favorite things - or things that inspire them, or make their lives easier.

Since I have just recently joined the world of blogging, I've been thinking a lot about the blogs that I follow, and why I follow them - are they just fun to read, do they help me, inspire me?

Here are some that top my list:

Ali Edwards Memory Keeping for the Modern World 

I LOVE Ali's approach to scrapbooking and memory keeping.  By approach, I guess I mean the simplicity and clean lines of her pages, because the interesting twist is that Ali is "a lot digital," and I am a-lot-NOT.  But I love Ali's style, and am a big fan.  She has shared tons of amazing ideas with her blog-followers, not the least of which are her "Week In The Life" and "December Daily" projects.  You know I am excitedly tackling the December Daily album this year!  C'mon December FIRST!  I'm ready for you!  A Week in (my) Life album may come in 2011, who knows?

Becky's Blog

This of course, is Becky Higgins - creator of "Project Life"  I love to read Becky's ideas for pictures of the day, her decorating & spray-painting tricks, and her suggestions for Project Life.  I used the kit version (vs. the digital version) for my Project 365 this year.  I have taken (at least) one picture every day all year, and have put them all in this album, using all the goodies that come with the kit.  It is a fun way to get a "snap shot" of your entire year without doing scrapbook layouts for every single event.  It is definitely a simplified approach, and I have enjoyed the journey.  It has also stretched my imagination for picture taking possibilities - even though I am strictly an amateur.  Becky recently revealed a Project Life sneak peek HERE. (Wait until you see the new designs & product options for 2011!)  I'm thinking about a different approach for next year - perhaps a week at a glance, and not necessarily a photo from each day.  There are so many ways to use this product.

Hooked on Houses

This blog is just plain fun.  If you are one of those people that watches movies and falls in love with the houses, or if you just like to look at interesting homes, Julia is the one to "hook" you up.  She has a passionate pastime, and it makes for one interesting blog.  The other day, I watched the movie "Stepmom," and I got to wondering about that house.  I asked Julia about it, and sure enough - she had pictures and info to share!

Reluctant Entertainer 

I found this blog recently, and have been challenged by what Sandy shares.  Her blog challenges us to open our homes more, and relax and enjoy that time with family and friends. She's got lots of good ideas for planning get-togethers, and plenty of recipes to pass along too! 

Kara Layne Photography & Design 
If you like to look at gorgeous pictures of normal people like you & me, check out Kara's blog.  She is a most-awesome photographer who captures her subjects in beautiful ways.  There are lots of family & wedding shots here -- so fun to look at... I know you will enjoy pouring over Kara's site.  She shares a lot of sweet stories too!

This is only a drop in the blog-bucket.  There are many other blogs that I frequently check in on.  I'll share more another time.

You must have favorites as well!  Please post a comment and tell me about your favorite blog -- perhaps with a link for easy access?

Enjoy your day!