Bonus Day

Tomorrow is February 29th......a sweet little bonus day for Leap Year.

What will you do with this extra day? Might I suggest you make it extra special by doing something very intentional.

Here are a few ideas of some fun things you might do:
- Write a letter to yourself to read on the next leap year.
- Put together a time capsule
- Watch the movie Leap Year
- Try something brand new like painting or some other craft
- Experience a new restaurant
- Have a self-care day and do all those things that you always wish you had time for
- Try a brand new recipe
- Wear your hair in a new style

If you are on Instagram or Facebook make sure you are following me there and I invite you to post a picture of you "leaping".

Leap with care, ladies, keep it safe and make sure you have a safe, sound landing.....no one wants their new experience being a trip to Urgent Care.

Have a great weekend!

Smiling :)

Do you know people who just naturally smile ALL THE TIME?

I can remember in 6th grade P.E. we were doing the Presidential Physical Fitness Test and so that meant several of us sat on the sideline while the teacher timed other students doing their various parts of the test.  There was a girl named Kim who smiled the enter time she was doing the Shuttle Run.....she was smiling while running.  Obviously that was such a bizarre thing to me that I still remember it to this day.

I don't think it is super natural to me.  My resting face is not a smiling one.  I can remember sitting in church one Sunday and the camera landing on me and showing me on the monitor.  I was shocked at how serious.....no smile at all..... I looked.  It was a pivotal moment for me.  I thought..... I hope that's not how people see me when they look at me.  I hope when someone mentions my name people picture me with a smile.

We went out to eat recently and there was a young man, who did not look happy. He was setting up tables for a large party.  He was methodically working through the process and doing a very nice job, but he just did not look happy.  So when he passed by our table I made a concerted effort to make eye contact and just smile at him.  Honestly, I could tell it caught him off guard and then he half smiled back.

You know what Wednesday is......a really good day to smile more.

Who knows maybe it will make a difference to someone.....sure can't hurt.

Have a great cheerful Wednesday!

Preparing for Lent

If you have passed thru any grocery store or even the Target Dollar spot you know the world is preparing for Mardi Gras.  There are king cakes and purple, green and gold beads everywhere.

It is time for us to prepare for Lent and this Resurrection Season. Lent will begin on this Wednesday so let's take these next couple of days to get ourselves ready.  I, of course, always enjoy using candles as part of the season. If you need a refresher on how you can use candles, check out Becky Kiser's video

It is a video from last year so pay no attention to the dates she mentions.  Just know that we will begin on Wednesday.

The Dollar Tree has some great tall slender candles that I have used for several years.  But you can, of course, use any candles of your choice.

This year I grabbed these from Home Goods and placed them on the cake pedestals I got from Hobby Lobby.

Remember you will need seven candles.

Then next we need to prepare what we might focus on in our lives.  Several people use Lent as a time of fasting.  Giving up all kinds of things like breads, or sweets or even tv or social media.  In past years I have given up some things that really pulled on some tough things for me.  One year I gave up shopping and literally did not buy anything but groceries and necessities.  Other years I have given up my snooze button.  That was a tough one.  I may be addicted to just "nine more minutes" and hit the snooze multiple times each morning.

Of course, some people use the time to focus on developing a positive habit so they add something positive like exercise, or drinking more water or paying a compliment each day.

Whatever it is you decide to add or subtract from your life remember it is all shored up through prayer and really can be a meaningful time to surrender our habits and worship through sacrifice.

Let's take these next two days to prepare and be ready to begin on Wednesday.

I hope you have a great week!

My first order from Portland Leather Goods

My friend Jennifer showed me a new purse she ordered and the leather and the look were wonderful.  I immediately went to the website and scoped out some goodies.

They have great handbags and totes and small accessories and so many good things.  I was taking a full tour of the website and ran into a mystery box option.  I am a sucker for a mystery box or a mystery bag.  It gets me every time.  So they had a couple of options.  One was just a mystery tote....so essentially you would get one of their totes.....could be various sizes, with or without a zipper, one of their several color options.  That sounded tempting.

But then there was a Tote plus Eight option.  In this one you got a mystery tote plus 8 of their other accessories.....this was the option for me.

I think I ordered it on a Wednesday and received my package on Saturday.  Here's what I received in my mystery box

I was super pleased

First up, this key fob.  I don't carry a key fob but here is what I will use this for - I will secure my handbag to the shopping cart with it.  

This journal.....I love it.  It has the prettiest details

Just plain paper inside, but lovely.

Then these two.  The one on the left is a passport holder the other has a small notepad inside

Then there is this little guy

It has two pockets inside, I think you could use as a small wallet or credit card holder but I plan on using to hold business cards.

This next one goes around a mason jar and makes a cute little leather coozie.  I think this would be a really fun gift for groomsmen or any guys on your list.  When ordering from the site you can get initials or names on them.

and then this beautiful toiletry bag

I quite honestly have no idea what this last one is......I am guessing maybe a cord holder or something to keep headphones in.......but I am not sure

And lastly this is the tote I received.  It is a beautiful leather with the dark leather handles......and it has a zipper.  I have a small chromebook and it even fits nicely inside.

It has one large leather pocket and key keeper inside.

The leather is just beautiful on all of these.  It feels great.  It smells wonderful and I can already tell it is just going to get better and better as I carry it.

So I tried out several of the pieces and I must say this will now be a website that I bookmark and go back to time after time for me and for gifts. Of course, it is a mystery box so what you receive might be completely different.  I really want one of the totes in the deep water color so I may just have to go back and order it now.

Have a wonderful weekend.

The Letter Challenge

Anyone remember writing letters.....like real letters????

You know pages that actually started off with Dear So and So......and went on to ask "How are you doing?".....and then proceeded to detail everything that happened in your life, like your vacation plans, who you've recently talked to or even what is going on with people in the family.

I am certain that as a child I must have driven my mother crazy.  I was always wanting to write and mail letters.  My friend Robyn lived in New York before she moved to Alabama and I used to write her letters all of the time.  And then I had cousins all around the country and I would write to them. I never had a random Pen Pal......y'all already know I was too scared to be exchanging personal letters with someone I didn't know.  Yep, even at nine I had intense stranger danger.

But I have to tell you I still enjoy writing and receiving a good letter in the mail.

So here is the challenge - Write an actual letter to someone

Trust me......it may actually freak them out, but I also think they may actually LOVE receiving it.  And the post office will for sure be pumped if the letter volume amped up a little.

Need help thinking of who you could write to

- If you have an older relative, they would definitely enjoy getting a real letter especially if they feel disconnected with all the social media everyone else is doing

- A college student.....always a good choice but they may want a letter with a gift card :)

- Someone from your church who is dealing with an illness that prevents their attendance

- Someone you used to work with or go to school with

- a former neighbor

One actual letter to anyone of your choosing......Are you up for the challenge?

We can do this!

Meet you back here on Friday.....I tried a new company and I will tell you all about my first order from them.

See you then!

The Best Love

I hope you know and feel that you are greatly loved today.  Make sure you let someone in your life know they are loved too.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!!

January Book Review

Welcome to the January Book Review.....it was a good month.

But first here are the winners of the Blogaversary Giveaway

stayce.d********
rhharris*******
younglt*******

Congratulations..... let me know if you want your gift card from Amazon, Target or Nordstrom.


Now lets get started with the books......

First up




In Pieces by Sally Field. You all know how I enjoy a good memoire. Well this one was good but I gotta tell you, I was surprised by 80% of it.  I guess I didn't really know anything about Sally Field's upbringing or life choices. I just knew I enjoyed her in lots of movies.  I thought this was interesting and perhaps a little one sided.....I know.....it is her telling her story so it is by design one sided.  I guess I just thought she was critical about a few things that other people did that she was also doing.  It didn't change my feelings about her....just interesting.  I enjoyed it.  Like I always say, you can't beat real life.

Then for Christmas I got




American Royals by Katharine McGee.  The premise of this book is that America has a King rather than a President.  Now lots of other things we think about America hold true, but we just have this whole Royal Family business going on.  I thought this one was well written and could easily see this royal American family carrying out their lives.  If you are worn out on suspense books and tragic stores, cleanse your mental pallette with this one.   It was especially interesting thinking about an American Royal family with all the Meghan and Harry stuff going on right now.


Next up,



Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane. This is a very deep and complex story about two families that become neighbors, the odd relationship between them, the unbreakable bond between their children and the unspeakable tragedy that will not fade even over the decades.  This is a story that brings home the whole idea of you never know what goes on behind closed doors.  It is very well written and I cheered for all the characters even though they were making some weird decisions.  I read with my fingers crossed and pulled for them until the very end.  Very enjoyable.  Definitely give it a read.

Lastly for the month



Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes. A young woman loses her husband.  She's faced with helping his legacy live up to who the world thought he was while battling the hurt that came from who she really knew him to be.  She opens her extra room to a pitcher who has lost his way in baseball.  Together they might help each other survive and actually start over.  Cute, fun, enjoyable read.

Hope you are reading some good stuff and hope you will share it with me.

Celebrating - Blogaversary

I am fairly certain Blogaversary is not a real word......but we have to insert some creative license in life, right?

I started this little blog about this time in 2017 and who would have thought it.....but here we are now.

In 2017 I posted 143 different blog posts.
In 2018 I posted 153 different blog posts.
In 2019 I posted 148 different blog posts.

And here we are well on our way to similar numbers for 2020.

I cannot tell you how much fun it is to think, plan and try to reasonably execute some content here.  It is a lot of work.....all the photos....and digging up links.....and goodness just the stress of thinking 'does anyone really care about this or that"......but it is so worth it.

I have always enjoyed sharing little tidbits and finds with my friends and now I have a way to share with all of you at one time......this sure does save me from having to send a milion texts or emails.

I know we are all so busy and the fact that any of you click on your phone or computer to check in here means the world.  As long as you are willing to click, I am willing to write.

You know by now my favorite way of celebrating is giving gifts and this celebration is no exception.

And because this is the 3 Year Anniversary - there will be 3 winners.

Nothing complicated at all to enter.  If you subscribe and get an email notification that a new blog has been published, you are already entered.  If you haven't subscribed yet, just enter your email in the appropriate spot at the top right of the blog page.  Now remember you are going to get an email from Feedburner just asking you to confirm your subscription.  Your email is only coming to me.  It does not go anywhere else.

There are a handful of you that put your email in but didn't complete the Feedburner click so technically you haven't subscribed yet......it is ok, just give it another go.

On Tuesday (Feb 11th) at 10:00pm CST, I will select 3 winners from the subscribers and announce those winners here on Wednesday.

Those 3 winners will each receive a $30 gift card to their choice of Amazon, Nordstrom or Target.

Simple as that.  Just my way of saying thanks to all of you!!!

See you back here on Wednesday with my book review and to announce the winners.

Have a great week!

What to wear for Valentine's Day

Regardless of what your plans might be, go ahead and embrace the day and fancy yourself up with a little outfit or two.  I shopped my closet just to put a few ideas together.  I did buy one little cute sweater that I will share with you.  But mostly encouraging you to shop your closet , however,  if you really need to pick up a few things, I will share links on my actual items when I can. If I can't find my exact item to link, similar items will be linked at the bottom of the post.

First up, fun and casual

Maybe hard to tell from the picture but this is a pink top under a red sweater, some dark wash jeans and casual wedges. Pink actually looks really cute with red, especially this time of year

Here is a more basic look

Red cardigan, same jeans, navy loafer, red belt and white tee.

Then how about a little blazer action

Red blazer, black pants, ivory top, scarf and black mules

Maybe a look for the office

Red Blazer, black pants, floral top and black boots

I found this sweater at TJ Maxx for $19.99

Heart sweater, same jeans, same boots.

If you want to see all their heart themed sweaters click here or head to store near you.  I saw lots more in the store than is showing on the website.

Now for the items I couldn't find exact links to here are some similar items that you might like.

Pink Ribbed Top

Old Navy Cardigan

Navy Loafer

Red Skinny Belt

Ivory Top

Patterned Scarf

Black Bootie

Have a lovely weekend!

February's Gift Guide

Welcome to February and a gift guide for you

Maybe you have a birthday, shower or.......Valentine's day you need a little gift for......well here are a few ideas that I hope you find helpful

If you have a Beauty Lover on your list, give them

Laneige Lip Mask

I have this on my nightstand and it is most lovely.  If you don't have any one to gift it to....buy it for yourself.  I am pretty sure you will love it.

If you need a HOME gift, check out

Chicwrap

This is the Best plastic wrap and dispenser.  If you have, a battle with plastic wrap this will end it all.  There are several different designs to choose from and you can always buy refills for it.  It is one of my favorite kitchen items and still fits nicely in my kitchen drawer.

For the Men on your list

Weathertek CupFone

This is a handy little thing. It can be adjusted to fit many size cupholders and then secures your cell phone while you are in the car.

Any Kids on your list need a gift this month.

My "kids" love Disney plus and subscribed right away.  It is less than $10 a month and promises lots of hours of entertainment.

Now for any of your Girlfriends

Slip Silk Pillowcase

Now this is a bit of a splurge item but lots of people love it.  If you don't want to splurge that much click here for a more affordable version from Amazon.

Don't forget you can always refer back to previous month's gift list for even more ideas.  

January's Gift Ideas

And don't forget if you have a birthday this month, get yourself to Kendra Scott for your half -price item......Ann T. , I am looking at you!

Hope that's helpful.  Happy shopping and gifting.

February's Focus on Worship

I hope you had a great weekend and feel rested and refreshed.  There is a surprise at the end of this post so read all the way through......I will try to be as brief as possible.

First up, let's get this month started with our focus on Worship

February Printable

We are all, all who have breath, called to worship the Lord.  The birds are certainly faithful at it, aren't they?  Without fail they start every morning with chirps of praise.

How far into your day is it before you whisper the first words of adoration and praise to the Lord?  Maybe you are extremely disciplined and have developed a great first morning routine. That is wonderful.  If you haven't developed that yet, this month would be a great time to do it.  Find something that works for you.  Maybe it is some time reading your Bible.  Maybe it is turning on praise music instead of the news.  Maybe it is starting the day with prayer.  Whatever method of worship will work for you, I hope you consistently start today that way and it propels you throughout the month.

I want to start the day, walk through the day and finish the day in that same worshipful spirit.

Let's look for ways that all through the day we can continue in this worship experience.  We have breath, join me in praising our Lord.

To help us stay focused I have surprise for you

Please meet Murphy

Y'all this kid........is AMAZING.  She has a joyful spirit and just makes you smile.  I love a kid I can have a conversation with.  I love a kid who is engaging.  She blows me away!!!! She is eleven years old and already has her own business.  She makes the most adorable custom bracelets.  I thought she would be perfect to make us a bracelet to remind us of our Word of the Year - Worship!

Look at how cute

I ordered enough so that I can give one of you a bracelet each month and she delivered them in such a cute way

Every month when we roll out the Worship verse, I am going to randomly select one of you who subscribes to this blog to receive your own WORSHIP bracelet.

Today's winner is 

jlro****@gmail

Congrats!!!!

If you want to subscribe to the blog:

Make sure you are viewing a web version of the blog page. (scroll all the way to the  bottom of the blog and click on view web version)

Enter your email in the box on the top right of the blog page

You will receive an email from Feedburner asking you to confirm that you do want to subscribe.

Complete the clicks in that email and you are all set.

Now, back to Sweet Murphy.  Maybe you have a different word for this year.  She can make it.  I think I am going to ask her for one that says Surrender and Intention.  Those were my words the previous two years and I would like to have those too.  

If you want something special made just for you, Murphy can be reached by email at murphyg08@att.net or her Instagram is @sparkle.shoppe.

These bracelets are only $6 and can be made in the color of your choice.  She has lots of examples on her Instagram.  

Praising God for you and Murphy who really is a sparkle in my life.

Have a wonderful, worshipful week.

See you back on Wednesday!