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Back in the Saddle & Book Giveaway Winner
This picture has nothing to do with my post, but it makes me happy! Hydrangeas are my absolute favorite cut flower and this year, for the first time in my life, I have them in my own yard! Not just one bush, but about 10! And, they’re blooming beautifully! The island in my kitchen has a nice bouquet of blooms and I’m looking forward to cutting some more in the next few days. Next year, I’m going to work on getting some of them to turn blue. Anyone have any great tips on that?? My little guy turned 1 month old yesterday! It’s amazing to me how fast time flies!…
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Book Giveaway in Honor of Mother’s Day
There’s a giveaway here on the blog this week, and just in time for Mother’s Day! No, it’s not a gift that you will give to your mom, it’s a gift that is simply in honor of Mother’s Day, because it is a book for children. The publisher for this book graciously sent me a copy to giveaway to one of you. Here’s what they had to say about the book: “Over 7 million people around the world have discovered their own love language through the best-selling series of books by Dr. Gary Chapman, The 5 Love Languages. But what about our children? Surely they too must have their own unique…
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Brown Paper Package that Made my Day
This arrived on my doorstep the other day and I am SO excited about its contents!! I’ve been waiting about a year to use this product, and with some Christmas and birthday money combined, I was able to finally purchase some…. That’s right, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! I’ve read many posts about people using this paint and really loving it, so it’s my turn to have a try at it now. My last big project for the nursery is to paint a dresser, and I’m hopeful that using this paint will help it to go smoothly and quickly. Stay tuned for my personal review of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.
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A Few Blogs Worth Mentioning
Over the past few months I’ve come across some blogs that I’m really enjoying. I love gaining inspiration for food, the home, and life, so I thought I would share with you my recent blog finds. First of all, Mignois Home, is a blog that I was introduced to last week, via a highlight from another blog. After reading Jen’s introduction of her blog, I spent the next 30 minutes or so browsing her blog and looking through all of her great pictures. Here’s one of my favorites: her kitchen. via Another new favorite is Sand and Sisal, by Kim Wilson. She inspires me all the time with her DIY…
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Knock it Off
Whenever I get a store catalog in the mail I can’t wait to get into bed later that night and peruse it. Not for the purpose of purchasing anything, but simply for the purpose of being inspired. I have countless pages of catalogs turned over with ideas of projects that I would love to recreate! I’ve yet to really try my hand at most of them, but it’s always fun to try and figure out how I might make what I see. I thought I’d give you some pictures of items and let your creative juices flow with ways that you might be able to recreate them for a fraction…
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7 Fun Ways to Package Valentine’s Treats
My favorite holiday candy to make. Giving little gifts of treats on Valentine’s Day is a fun way to share a little bit of love. Follow this recipe {just substitute Valentine’s M&M’s instead of Easter ones} to make some delicious Valentine’s candies, and then choose one of these great ideas below to wrap them up and send. Make your own mini gift bags following some simple directions. Source: marthastewart.com via Lauren on Pinterest Embellish plastic cups with tissue paper and ribbon for some beautiful and simple treat cups. Source: marthastewart.com via Lauren on Pinterest A cone-shaped goody bag makes an elegant looking gift. Source: marthastewart.com via Lauren on Pinterest You can’t…
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2012 Word of the Year
Today Layla, over at The Lettered Cottage, is hosting a Word of the Year Link Party. I’ve never chosen a word of the year, but I’ve read that it’s the new way of making a New Year’s Resolution. Perhaps keeping to one word will be easier for me. Here’s the word I’ve chosen: It may seem a strange word to some of you. Why didn’t I just choose love, passion, or something like that? Well, let me explain, for there are several ways in which I want to improve the condition of my heart this year. 1. Examine my heart. Recently, I’ve found that there are many areas of…
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Slowly Getting Organized, Project #1
We’ve lived in our home now for almost a year, and I’m sad to say that there are many areas that have been neglected in the area of organization. Right after we moved in last January, life sort of snowballed with various circumstances, and left me feeling behind for the remainder of the year. Now, with a baby coming in April, I decided it’s about time to get ‘caught up’ and organize so that life will be a bit smoother with three little ones. My first project was pretty simple, but has made my life so much better! There has been a drawer in my kitchen that has held gadgets,…
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Top Ten Posts of 2011
As we approach the close of 2011, I thought it would be fun to look back on my posts from this year and see which ones made the ‘top ten’ list. These posts are ones that have received the most views from readers, so you all have generated this list! Some of my personal favorites didn’t make the cut, but that’s okay; hope you enjoy looking back with me on my ‘Posts in Review’. #10: Crockpot Breakfast Casserole. This recipe is so easy and people that have eaten it love it! #9: Christmas Tablescapes. This is a collection of tablescapes from our church’s Christmas dinner a few weeks ago. I…
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Merry Christmas!
Wishing you all a blessed Christmas! May you be reminded of the greatest gift ever given in the birth of Jesus, this Christmas season. Our hearts are full as we celebrate the life we’ve been given through Christ. Love, Lauren