Blogging Inspiration

I have been so inpsired this week in blogland, that I just have to share.

So many bloggers have inspired me to really make an effort to read more.

After the girls go to bed, I snuggle under my warm fleece(yes, fleece)sheets and curl up with a book.

Of course, I have Edie from Life in Grace to thank for her sharing her love of reading with us. (Edie, I am waiting for Mere Christianity to arrive in the mail any day now!)

And, the wonderful Lissa from Humble Pie who raved about Paula Deen's autobiography, which I ordered right away and it arrived yesterday! (I bought it USED on Borders.com for $1.00, but it was never read!)

And today I went with my dad to the Dollar Store and found Paula White's Book You're All That! for a dollar!

Of course, i have also been inspired by so many beautiful homes like Humble Pie (sigh!) and Dreamy Whites (sigh again!) that I went out and bought Mrs. Meyer's Lavender Hand Soap. I don't know what it is, but there is something inspiring and wanting things clean when you have such a great scent!

Happy Weekend!

Happy Anniversary Humble Pie!

Photo courtesy of Humble Pie

If you don't know Sweet Lissa from Humble Pie, you are missing out!

She is the Martha Stewart of Blogland. There is not a cleaner, more charming house than hers.

Oh, and did I mention the recipes and mouth-watering photos of what she prepares for her family?

I have been following her for a long time and I am offering a $25.00 gift certificate to my etsy shop as a special thank you to her for all of her inspiration and hard work on her beautiful blog, which is two years old this week!

IKEA Inspiration

Do I dare admit? I have only been to IKEA once.

Well, including today, twice.

It opened about three years ago in Massachusetts and I was there right after it opened and it was pure CHAOS.

Today, we had ARCTIC temperatures, but my mom and I had another obligation, so we just happened to drive by IKEA and happened to go in!

Of course, my mom is a regular. Hmmmm. She knew just where to park for the best spot.

And I fell in love with their pilllow cushions. Especially for someone like me who doesn't sew. YET. I am working on that!

What I am reading and New Etsy Items

With two girls under the age of three, I don't have a lot of time to myself.

I don't have any time to myself.

But I try to read most nights before going to bed.

I am currently reading The Help by Kathryn Stocket. I bring the book with me everywhere I go and everyone has the same comment, "Oh, I loved that book!"

I also have been adding "new" old items to my Etsy shop!

Happy Thursday!

Amazing Giveaway

Photo courtesy of French Larkspur

The generosity of so many here in blogland is truly amazing.

I have had some conversations with some truly amazing and inspiring ladies here in blogland recently as I am still learning the ropes.

Have you checked out Tracey's giveaway over at French Larkspur yet?

I am planning my own little giveaway soon because the generosity is so contagious!

Oh me, Oh my, Oh makeover!

Ahhh, I wish it were me personally getting the makeover!

Instead, my little ole' Etsy shop, is getting a makeover!

And I have the wonderful Miss Sarah Ohme to thank!

Sarah has her own Etsy shop, and she is WONDERFUL to work with!

Thanks Sarah! And I can't wait to reveal my shop's new look!

Apron love and a giveaway!

I absolutely love,love, love this apron!

And the best part is, you can win it over at I Love Pretty Little Things!

Etsy Pretties

Just some pretties from a few of my favorite Etsy shops:
1. Burlap Table Runner from eabdesigns
2. Pillow from Olive
3. Hooray banner from Nice
4. Rosemary burlap bag from VintageJunkyStyle

Read all about it!

After reading Dust Lu Interiors' current blog post about her giveaway, I kept hearing "Read all about it!" ringing in my head.

She has written an article in the New York Times about a new store and blog, A Beautiful Mess Antiques.

CONGRATS to both of you on your accomplishments!

I love seeing other ladies accomplish their goals, it is very INSPIRING.

And the best part is, they are having a lovely giveaway. I have included photos of the really cute basket and cheese markers.

SEW in LOVE

Photo courtesy of Paperhill on Etsy.

I just created my first Etsy treasury, titled, "SEW in LOVE". http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d2c95a6e5306d919a992911/sew-in-love

Lots of vintage and handmade pretties for Valentine's Day!

Lemon Love and a Giveaway

I seem to be drawn to lemon and the color yellow recently.


It is CLEAN and CALMING.


Perfect for my Re-New Year!


The chenille pillow is from Sassy Cat Creations on Etsy. And the other photos are from William Sonoma.

Please check out http://www.perfectlyimperfectblog.com for her sweet little giveaway!



Happy Monday!

Happy Re-new Year!

When I googled an image for RENEW, I found this picture from a church website and thought it was appropriate.

I have decided that my word for this year will be RENEW.

I will renew my relationship with GOD.
I will continue reading Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity along with Calm My Anxious Heart.
I am the type of person who loves lists, loves writing things down on a calender.
So I will begin writing down excerpts from the Bible for me to remember.

I will renew my relationship with my HEALTH.
I have started eating clean (again!).
I will use my brand new treadmill that my hubby bought me for Christmas.
I need to do this for my family as much as for myself.

I will renew my relationship with my HUBBY.
Sometimes things get so busy day to day, we don't take the time to have a meaningful conversation.

I will renew my relationship with my HOME.
I am so grateful to God that He has provided us with a home.
I want to make sure I really spend the time cleaning and doing necessary projects and improvements.

And I am thankful to GOD that I do not need to renew my relationship with my GIRLS.
They have always been my number one priority and they will continue to be!

Grace and Gratitude

I have to be honest
If it were not for Edie's loss, I would not know who she was.

She would just be another blog, another face, out there in blogland.

I first read about her just last week.
Like so many of you, my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

Since then, I have been heading over to her blog
reading her posts little by little.

This morning, I cam across her post from November 22nd.
The title is "Thankful for Home" Have you read it?

Words cannot express her loss, but I am GRATEFUL I have found a new friend and I just know God has big things planned for Edie and her family in the new year.