Spring Peek

Well what is better after a "snow" day than spring fashion?

Let's just have a quick look at some fun things we might could use for spring

Kendra Scott Dax Drop Earring

These are under $50 and there are four color options.

This lace J.Crew top is marked down 50%

Lace Top

And check out this light pink sandal

ONO Platform Wedge

It also comes in black.

If you need a good metallic shoe, try this one

Yora Wedge

I have this shoe in a couple of colors and it is super comfy.

Lastly this little dress just became available yesterday

Gibson Naples Dress

There are five color/pattern options and a whole range of sizes.

Ok, just a little something to start thinking about and dreaming of......it will be here before you know it.

See you back here on Friday.

Snow day????

I don't want to jinx anything but they are talking pretty confidently about a little snow on Tuesday.  So I thought today we should just fantasize about what we might do.....just in case.....we should be mentally prepared......and snack prepared!


One of my favorite things to do on an unexpected day home is organize a closet, a cupboard, a pantry or something of the sorts.....well due to other circumstances, we are at this present moment fairly organized and clutter free.....so what else to do.....well

I have a hand knitting project and a chalk paint project waiting in the wings.....so there's a possibility.  But for sure I may spend some quality time with Netflix.

Have you guys watched Tidying up with Marie Kondo?


Click here for the Netflix trailer.  I am loving this show.  It is not hoarders.....thankfully.  But it is just your basic people, holding on to too much, not being sure of how to best manage it and just run of the mill chaos.  I find it quite interesting and entertaining.

I've also been watching


Essentially three designers are given a room to decorate.  The designer with the best design each episode moves on in the competition.  It reminds me a lot of a show that would have been on HGTV back in the good old days......Hello, HGTV, we would love some real design shows back on the network.  I am sure they read this blog.  But until they respond enjoy this show on Netflix.

And I have been watching


Click here for the trailer.  This is a reality show set in Australia.  Teams compete to see who has the best instant hotel by visiting and staying in each other's establishments.  It has a little "Four Weddings" flair in that each ranks the hotels of their competitors after they stay there.  They are quite a cast of characters.  All are very different and definitely have a different sense of taste and style.  I also find this one really entertaining.

My go to snacks for snowy days are chips and dip, popcorn and something super fun like  or ....but  I am trying to snack a little healthier so I've made a little fruit salad with chopped mango, kiwi, pineapple and blueberries.....all drizzled with a little honey.

Trisha Yearwood made this dessert on Saturday morning


The complete recipe can be found by clicking here.  I was inspired by the fruit combination and only made that part for us to snack on.

If you indeed get snow.....enjoy the day.  If you don't get snow, enjoy the day anyway.

Remember this is our last week of January.  Please remember to finish the month strong with our prayer focus.

If you need to be reminded, see the original post by clicking here,

Have a wonderful week!

Can a Stick Vac change your life......

I have read about this little stick vac for a long time.  I have considered buying one but never did.  So this Christmas I received one as a gift.......has it changed my life? I gotta tell you.....it just may have.

I enjoy a lot of household chores.  I LOVE laundry!  I LOVE cooking! I totally enjoy bleaching some surfaces and sanitizing things. Vacuuming.....ummmm.....not so much.  I've had an Oreck upright for years.  It is not heavy, has been very reliable and does both my hard woods and rugs.  I'll grab it out and go to town just moving the plug and getting all the floors.  I never look forward to it.  In fact, if there is an idle child or husband in earshot, I will always ask them to run the vacuum.  But now This little stick vac

has me vacuuming myself and not even dreading it.  Here's what I love about it

1) it is super light weight

2) it charges when not in use and I can grab it and go with no cord

3) it is super easy to empty and no bags

4) it has a super low profile so I can reach everything

5) it does my hardwoods and rugs with no problem

6) it is great for stairs

Hmmmm, now that I think of it maybe it has made the bigger change for my family because now I am just grabbing and vacuuming on my own.

It is the little things, right? Small things that just make you smile or enjoy......or not dread doing something.  Maybe you could use a little Dyson Rechargeable Vac in your life.

By the way, this is not a sponsored post......I just want to share something I am loving because I think you might too.

Gotta go, I just spotted a piece of lint that I simply must vacuum up.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Freezer is full........

Remember me showing you these books that I got for Christmas

Well I have been working through the Church Supper Cookbook.......

I've made the Creamy Beef Enchiladas

I fortunately had about two tablespoons of the filling left after I filled these two dishes and got a chance to taste.  I cannot wait to pull this out of the freezer to enjoy.  It was delicious.

The Chicken Chili

I do love chili of any kind.  This recipe had a special seasoning mix that you mixed into the beans but also coated the chicken with it......and then baked the chicken.  This was a different twist on how I normally make it, but I followed the recipe to the letter and it turned out great.  It has green chiles, oregano, cumin and lots of tasty goodness.

The Navy Bean and Ham Soup

I always enjoy cooking with dry beans but I gotta tell you, I just laugh every time I read the bag and it says carefully sort the beans.....My daughter was cooking with me and I had to explain to her we had to check for stones and foreign debris.  I must say it is 2019 and I kind of feel like the bean people should have figured this out by now too.  Anyway, the soup has navy beans, ham, carrots and potatoes.  I filled up my containers and had about 1/4 cup left which I had for a little snack.  So very good.  Also excited this is in the freezer.

The Country Winter Soup

This one has smoked sausage, whole kernel corn and kale.  Oh my.... so very good.  I used a smoked turkey sausage to keep it slightly more healthful......Snow me in.......I have soups to eat!

The Jambalaya

This one used boneless, skinless chicken thighs, smoked sausage, tomatoes, celery, green pepper and lots of yummy seasonings.  And bonus.....this one cooked in the slow cooker.  It called for shrimp but I have some folks in the house who don't love shrimp.  When I pull this one from the freezer I may add a little shrimp for those who want it.  

You may have noticed I did one small container along with some larger containers for each batch.  The larger containers will stay here for us to enjoy and the smaller containers are headed to college so a little girl can have some home cooking.

I passed by my freezer and I am pretty sure it was smiling.  

I have like six more recipes already flagged to try.  I am excited that every recipe so far has turned out fantabulous.  

I love a good cookbook.  I read them just like I read any other book.  This one has a fun little blurb with each recipe which made it extra fun.  Fill up your freezer and enjoy a night of defrosting and sitting on the couch under a throw.......living our best lives.....yes ma'am.

See you Friday!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Enjoy today and remember



Here's to a harmonious community and world.

See you back on Wednesday!

Midweek at Marshalls

While, yes, this is my year of sensible shopping, sometimes it just feels good to walk around, touch and feel and maybe buy one or two things.  Where do you like to go when you have some time to just browse.  I have quite a list

TJ Maxx
Ross
Marshalls
Homegoods
Target
Tuesday Morning

But this day I had an hour or so..... which meant I could pick one place to browse a bit.  I chose Marshalls because they scratch all the itches.....clothes, shoes, home stuff and of course random items that you had no idea you even needed.

Here is what I found on my little browse about

These little calendars are only $3.99.  They are just so cute and the perfect size to put on a kitchen counter, a desk or even a nightstand.  I am pretty sure that is a llama, a flower and a puppy.  Here's a closer look

Does anyone else love blue and white?  I have none in my house but I still love it.  If you have anywhere you can use this lamp, you should totally grab it

how pretty is that

These were such a unique shape for a planter

and at really good prices

If you need to bring in some greenery for spring....they had a great selection of faux succulents

This is a great little jacket with a detachable hood.  Everyone needs an olive jacket in their wardrobe.

And then I thought these little toppers were cute......only $19.99

I brought this one home and thought it looked great with jeans and a white t-shirt.

But look how good it also looks with a plain black dress, a beaded necklace and some black pumps I pulled from my closet.

And when I am not wearing jeans and a white shirt, I am wearing black pants and a white shirt.....which it also looks good with

My last find was this little straw purse.  I put similar bags in my cart and took them out several times last year.  This one was only $39.99 so I decided to go for it.  

Here it is paired with my jeans and tee uniform in anticipation of summer.

Plus I think it will be a great bag for a couple of trips I have planned for the summer.

I gotta tell you, browsing with a little buying was just what I needed.  

I may try to get out this weekend and do a little more.

Have a great weekend.  Sounds cold, windy and wet for most of us.  Stay cozy!

Meet you back here on Monday!

Gifted books

So what do you get a reader for Christmas.....yes, books of course.  This is my Christmas haul

I got journals, a new May Designs book to keep up with my Christmas list, some spiritual reading, a prayer journal, a cookbook, a tablescape book and JoJo's new book which is like an a college course on design which I am not sure I can pass.

Of course I am busy filling out my Christmas gift book.  I also keep up with birthdays, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts in it.  Writing out everyone and everything I need to buy for the year is one of the first tasks I start after Christmas.  This year once my list was complete I headed to the store and bought all my cards for the year....

all those red envelopes are for Valentine's Day and all the other ones are birthdays.  I also got them all addressed and stamped.  By the way, postage is scheduled to increase from 50 cents to 55 cents on January 27th ....so buy your forever stamps NOW!

Y'all, the tablescape book is picture after picture, after picture of inspiration for decorating your table.  I am all about this.  I am slowly working my way through it but I did manage to put together this table as my first inpired project

One set of the candlesticks is actually a wedding gift.....still loving them. The other set I popped into a little thrift store and bought them for $6.  I had the silver tapers and all the other little trinkets.  I think it turned out great. I am so going to enjoy tablescaping through 2019!

As I work my way through the rest of these great books I will be sure to share with you here.

I hope you are having a great week.  See you back here on Friday!

December Book Review

I read quite a variety last month.  I have to say I quite enjoyed them all.  Here's a quick review:
First up, just a good basic read.  It is not light reading because it does have a few tough topics but a fairly quick read



All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin. Nina is from a small town, middle class family.  She marries into Nashville's elite.  She adapts quickly and well into the elite social scene.  Until.....her son is caught up in a provocative photo taken at a teen party.  Now Nina has to decide if her new life is worth sacrificing her true heart, her upbringing, her conscience.  It is a good, interesting read.  Not life changing but definitely entertaining.

And if you just need a good clean read free from suspense but still good, this one is for you



Last One Home by Debbie Macomber. Three sisters have grown up and gone their separate ways.  One sister who is known as the dad's favorite chose a very wrong and hard path.  Misunderstanding and assumptions cloud their relationships.  Now they all have to figure out if they can mend fences, forgive and move forward.  I enjoyed this one. Sometimes you just need to read something engaging but not heart pounding.

So you may want to save the one above to read after this one.  Because this one is intense



Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell. What happens when your 15 year old daughter leaves the house to study and never returns......well your whole life changes, the whole family changes, the whole world is different.  This story starts there but oh my where it ends was so very unexpected.  This is one I couldn't wait until time permitted to get back to.  I was seriously trying to figure it out the whole way through but I didn't. I couldn't.  I usually don't read books about children disappearing for obvious reasons.  I wasn't sure I would finish this one, but I couldn't stop once I got started.  Read this one.  I think you will like it.

This last one was just as good. I had to keep reminding myself that it was not a true story.  It is, however, based on a photo that appeared in the newspaper in 1948



Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris. A photographer captures a photo of two kids beside a For Sale sign......when this hits the papers a whole series of events, some very unintentional are kicked off.  When you accidentally ruin someone's life is there really anything you can do to make up for it?  Well the duo in this book certainly give it a try.  This book has a little of everything poverty, wealth, the mafia, romance and heart break.  It was a very engaging story and I enjoyed it tremendously.

All in all it was a very good reading month.  I honestly don't think you would be disappointed with any of them.  But if you only read one of them.....I'd highly recommend Then She was Gone.....but read them all.  They are worth it!

Have an absolutely wonderful week! Talk to you on Wednesday.

First week of the New Year.....

How's 2019 going so far?  It is tricky isn't it....coming down from all the holiday frenzy, white lights and general cheer.  But it is also a great new beginning - a whole new 12 months are spread before us.  A lot can happen.  A lot will happen.  Here are a few facts about January

January birthstone - Garnet

January flower - Carnation

January is known as one of the best months to find a new job - apparently even companies are feeling the newness of the year and doing more hiring. But maybe don't quit your current one until you land a new one.

January is also known as divorce month - okie dokie then......that was news to me.  But hang in there everyone.

Well don't forget how we are starting our January.  Join us in focused prayer.  If you missed the post just click here to get yourself all caught up.

One of my favorite places to buy shoes is also feeling the need to revitalize with the new year

Ok, they are only moving to the space next door while their store gets a face lift, but they are still having a sale.  I think it might be worth checking out.  Maybe I will see you there.

We have a few mottos going on at our house.....one is "Sensible Shopping".  We may have had a couple of bins of items that we bought over the year that we had no idea why or who we bought them for or in some cases when we even bought them.  So needless to say we made some fairly nice charity donations.  This year we are just trying to be a little more sensible in our shopping.  I have to say we have been doing really good for the last 10 days.......I know it is only 10 days....but you have to celebrate the small things too. However, I also have some obligations to the economy and the UPS guy who needs me to keep him on a stable route.  So here's a few things that were delivered in last 10 days

Fly London Yaz

I am going to be honest.  I was on the fence about this one.....I thought this could go great or not so great.  But you know what I love them.  They are actually super comfortable and very cute.  I got the graphite.  I originally ordered a 39 which is an 8-8.5 but I have since ordered a 38 which is a 7.5-8.  I am a solid size 8 in everything if that gives you an idea about your sizing. It has a lot of lift.  It is a 3 inch heel but has a platform so wears really easily.

Then this was also delivered

Fly London Mid Wedge

I got this in a size 38 in the black.  It is much lower only a  2 inch lift. 

Now if you are thinking I don't need to go to another shoe sale.....well that is where you would be wrong.  While I love Nordstrom with their free shipping and free returns, I also want to support locally owned stores like Valley Sole.  See....I am just thinking of others.....what can I say?

See you at the sale.  Have a great weekend.

Monday, we will be talking books.  See you then!

Wood is one of my love languages.....

I do love wood....wooden everything.  What can I say, I am drawn to it.  Apparently, those who buy gifts for me are aware of this little wooden love affair....

I received several beautiful wooden items.  I am loving this cutting board in shape of Alabama, the wooden slice with one of my favorite Bible verses, a handmade wooden carved cross and this notepad.

Here is a closeup of the cross

It is several layered pieces of hand carved wood put together to make this beautiful cross. My friend Teresa's husband Keith makes these.  My girls got me this one.  If you are interested in seeing his beautiful woodwork, check out his site here.  While you are there check out Teresa's quilt work.  I packed up my older daughter's t-shirts and mailed them all the way to Texas because I knew Teresa would do a fantabulous job on making a quilt from them......and she did.  Here is a little peek

They are quite the talented pair.....and they are just good, trustworthy people which is very important when you are ordering things on line.

So back to all my wooden treasures.  Here is what I treat them with to keep them well conditioned and looking great.

This is from Home Depot and please note the bottle says "food grade" which is very important when you are putting it on cutting boards, wooden spoons, etc.

Hope you are having a great week!

See you back on Friday!

Surrendering - A year of Prayer

You all know I love a good word for the year.  I can lose focus.  I get sidetracked and therefore fairly ineffective, so a word to keep coming back to helps me stay grounded and on the right track.  Last year we were INTENTIONAL and focused on doing some very intentional things to appreciate and encourage others.  

Over the holidays I was reflecting on the year and watching all the "look back" shows the networks like to do this time of year and I was struck by all the hard things that happened.  Yes, lots of good things happened, but here is the story that brought me to my knees.......a 9 year old girl commits suicide....I am still not over it.  It rocks me every time I think of it.  What is going on in this world when a 9 year old child can even carry out a suicide attempt.....but even more importantly when a child thinks this is their only solution?  I was moved to SURRENDERING......not in a give up kind of way but in a we need God in a more than ever kind of way.  Would you join me this year in surrendering a very specific topic each month to God?  A collective focus of prayer.  Here is our schedule for the year

If you want to print the plan and post it somewhere click here for a printable format.

I don't know a better place to start than Salvation.  Would you join me this month in praying for Salvation for the lost in our city, state, country, this world? 

Here is our inspiration verse for the month

I will be praying this month that God will open eyes and soften hearts to receive the salvation He has demonstrated and provided for us all.  I hope you will join me.

If you'd like to print and post the inspiration verses to help remind you of our focused prayer this month just click here for a printable format.

I am excited about us collectively surrendering our cares to our God!

Wishing you a great week.  See you back here on Wednesday.