Friday, January 27, 2012

I'm Pretty Sure I've Found My Dream Home


Yep. But it's in Little Rock. And we aren't gonna be moving. But it's my Dream Home nonetheless. Her colors and decor make me smile. It seems like such a happy place.

Guess I should just "borrow" some decorating ideas & start transforming my own rooms....

Have a look around...











Now... how could you not be smiling after that???

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Books, Books, Books!

Books, Books, Books
I love to write. I’m sure that’s pretty obvious since I pen this column every week. But more than that, I love to read. Call me a nerd or a bookworm, or whatever other “bookish” nickname you can think of, it won’t bother me. I have always enjoyed reading, and am proud to say so.

As young children my cousin, Alayna, and I used to spend Sunday afternoons at Granny’s house playing “library” with Little Golden Books and the droves of other picture books and chapter books in the playroom. (See I told you I was a bit of a nerd!)

When I was in grade school, I enjoyed reading novels by Judy Blume, especially the “Ramona” series and “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.” I remember laughing hysterically at the trouble those characters caused. Then, “Encyclopedia Brown” mysteries captured my attention. I used to read and re-read trying to find all the clues to solve the cases. Some of them I figured out, some of them were a bit trickier, but thankfully the author included the solution along with the clues that should lead the reader to the culprit.


Then I became enamored with the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” series. (Did you know there was more than one Charlie book? Yep!) Later, I read each and every “Sweet Valley High” paperback. As a teenager, I read Corrie Ten Boom’s “The Hiding Place” and it remains to this day one of my all-time favorites as does “God’s Smuggler” by Brother Andrew.

Many times growing up, books were my world. What better way to live in the realm of princesses and dragons, or travel through space, or be knee-deep in a murder-mystery or ride with Charlie and Willy Wonka in a glass elevator that goes up to the sky?
I remember one summer that my brother and I had to move up north with my dad for a construction job. I didn’t know anyone and it was a very lonely summer…until I found the library! All of the sudden, it didn’t matter so much that I was hours away from everyone I knew and the rest of my family. I had books to keep me company. (My books and my Strawberry Shortcake dolls, who stayed close by while I was reading.)

I have never lost that love for books, and I still consider them my friends. When I am feeling stressed I can get lost in the pages of a novel and forget (for a while) my troubles. Other times, when I just want to relax, I pull out a book and spend some time lost in the storyline. Books are a part of my bedtime routine, as almost every night, I read in bed before turning out the light.

There isn’t any one particular genre that I enjoy reading more than others. Sometimes I like to read mysteries, other times chic lit, drama, sci-fi, or historical fiction. I even enjoy non-fiction. (Another of my hobbies is learning new things and soaking up information – so I will occasionally pick up a book to do just that.) I love to read anything by Beth Moore. She has a way of conveying simple truths in ways that no other can. Love her!

In the past few years, I have read a great many Karen Kingsbury novels. I began with her “Redemption” series, and then moved on to the spin-off series that told the rest of the story of the Baxter family. I highly recommend Kingsbury’s books. I can honestly say I grew as a person from reading them. Just be sure to read them in order so that the plot lines aren’t ruined. (Some people have no problem reading books out of order, but not me. I must begin at the beginning!)
Another great series that I would recommend is the “Mark of the Lion” series by Francine Rivers. The first one is “A Voice in the “Wind.” It had me hooked almost from page one. This is one of those series that I could not put down. The story is that of Hadassah, who was taken prisoner and sold into slavery in Rome. It is a story of unending love and betrayal and redemption. I could not put them down. This is quite possibly the best series I have ever read. (And I have read a lot!) This series is powerful in so many ways, and the message is timeless. If you pick up the first book, have the second one at the ready, because you will not want to wait to continue the story.

Another book that changed my entire perspective was “Safely Home” by Randy Alcorn. I will never look at tiny Christmas lights the same way again. It tells the story of persecuted Christians in China. If the un-put-down-ableness were the only thing going for this book, that alone would earn it top billing on my must-share-with-others list. However, it stirred up a passion within me that compels me to urge you to read it.
On the comedy side, I have read all of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels. Beginning with “One For the Money,” Evanovich kept me in stitches with Plum’s bounty hunting hijinks and the antics of her laughably insane relatives all the way through “Sizzling Sixteen.” Number seventeen is coming out the end of this month, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
I believe I have written before about my love for the “Hunger Games” series. They are categorized as youth fiction, but the story line is diverse enough for readers of any age. Set in post-apocolyptic America, the series tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, a teen doomed to compete for her life in the games for the amusement of the evil dictators who now run the country.

I just finished the “Bride Quartet” series from Nora Roberts after putting it off for a long time. It had been recommended to me by a friend, but I’d assumed it was a steamy romance sort and I can do without those. I’m glad I finally caved in and read them, because they were very enjoyable. (And not too terribly steamy after all.)
Although it might be a difficult task to recommend something that I haven’t already read, I would like to ask readers to do just that.

Meanwhile, I am currently reading an oldie by Nora Roberts titled “Montana Sky.” I have just begun to read it and am only on chapter 10, so it will keep me busy for a few days. I look forward to hearing about some of your favorite books!
Until next time, take care and God bless!

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Wow! I have fallen in love with the clock revamps on the Attempting Aloha blog.
This one is my favorite, but it is no longer available.

However, she has other designs for which she offers free downloads

Want a copy for yourself? Click here.
She has the generic (no personalization) version available as a free download for you! Simply click on the downward pointing arrow, and your PDF will display. Print both of them at full size (don't reduce to fit margins, etc. if your printer asks). Please live Aloha and become a follower if you use one of her free downloads. ;)

Details available on the Aloha blog for free personalization.

Thursday, December 02, 2010


I came across the most wonderfully beautiful gift wrapping here at Style Me Pretty There is a fabulous little tutorial for handmade fabric pom (shown in the center) I cannot wait to try! I am going to be using these ideas for Christmas gifts this year. Although they are gorgeous, they also look fairly easy to replicate. And let me just tell you that with my schedule right now, I could do with some easy!

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Love, not Glee


I have gotta say that although I have enjoyed nearly every episode of Glee... this week's episode was not a favorite. I believe they painted Christians in a bad light. Can anyone say stereotype?

Sadly, Glee has been one of my very favorite shows, and up until now I have gladly recommended it to friends.

Last night's episode did make me pause and consider a few things, however.

It breaks my heart that people would turn their back on God because of the attitude of people who claim to be His followers, but fail to follow one of His  greatest commandments. To Love one another.

For the record, I believe that what someone is or does in no way makes them less worthy of Love... ours or God's. Yes, there are things that God plainly lists as sin. However, who are we to cast blame and ostracize someone, when none of us is without sin? We might not agree with choices people make, but in the end, we are commanded to love them in spite of it. 

"Hate the sin, not the sinner." I'm not sure where I first heard that, but I remind myself of it often. Especially when someone is unkind or deceitful. Or when someone hurts a person I love. It's one of the most difficult things we have to do as Christians. I know I cannot do it alone, so I have to ask for God's strength in it. Being able to separate the person from the action is sometimes next to impossible, but I have found that it is very difficult to hate someone I am praying for. Eventually, God warms my heart toward them, and my prayers change focus. Sometimes, I might even see a small change in them that gives a glimmer of hope that God is working in them. But mostly, God works on me. He changes my attitude in the midst of the situation.

And in case you are wondering... no, I do not condone behaviors that are contrary to God's Word. But here's where I believe things should be different... Yes! It is OK be angry, and yes it should make our hearts sorrowful when someone disregards God's commandments. But we should be not take that anger out on people. We should not criticize and berate someone because of their choices. As Christians, we should instead focus on having a right heart attitude, and not stand in judgement of others. Rather, we should pray for God to soften their hearts toward Him. If more of us were transparent enough to admit that we do not have our own lives in perfect order, perhaps when we expressed our beliefs, it wouldn't seem like such an affront to others. 

When I say I am a Christian, I am not claiming to have it all together. I am admitting that I cannot on my own behalf live a perfect life. I am saying that all that I am and all that I hope to be is because of Jesus Christ. And after all.... He didn't come here to die for those who thought they knew all the answers and who thought they were without flaws. He came to save those who are full of mistakes and baggage.  He chose to spend His time here on earth with the outcasts, with the sinners, and with those the religious zealots scorned. He chose to befriend regular people with problems much like my own. 

So for those who choose to express hatred toward someone in the name of God: The next time you are tempted to shout from a street corner that all those within earshot are sinners bound for Hell, stop and think about what Jesus did. He went to the homes of those who were hated, ate dinner with them, spent time talking to them, and most of all, showed them kindness and love. The Bible tells us that no sin is strong enough to separate us from God's love. It is that love, in the end, that makes all the difference. It was that love that caused Him to choose to pay for the sins that we commit each and every day. It is that love that provides hope for those who choose to believe in the power of forgiveness. 



Sunday, March 07, 2010

I think I'm in love!

Let me just start by saying I adore junking. Dumpsters and roadside castaways call my name. "I have treasures!!!" or "Take me home!" I love to find a discarded something & imagine what it could become.

So when I heard that Ki Nassauer of Junk Market Style was teaming up with Matthew Mead to create a new magazine called Flea Market Style I just knew I had to have a copy.



So, the waiting began. It would be 2 months before it was to be released. So in the meantime, I stalked the Flea Market Style Blog Oh, the inspiration! I drooled over the deliciousness & counted down the days until the release.

So, the big day finally came & I began my quest to find a copy.
I searched & searched & .....nothing. Sold out.... everywhere. Now mind you, I live in Podunk, USA, so there aren't really a lot of shopping options, but I searched everywhere that I could think of.

I even entered some blog giveaways hoping to be lucky enough to win a copy. I wasn't the lucky winner.

So yesterday, the girls & I went on a shopping trip to the metro St. Louis area. I just knew that I would find one there. I stopped by the B&N only to find that they had JUST sold their last copy that morning. None anywhere else, either.

I came home disheartened. again. I determined to check again today after church at our local B&N just in case they got more in. Nope. Then Wally World. No dice.

Sad & dejected, I returned to the car with nothing in my hands.

The hubs has been such a trooper listening to me whine about not being able to find a copy. So, he took another route home & we stopped at the Wally World in his hometown. Although he had plans to do some treasure hunting of his own (metal detecting), he waited (patiently) in the car with the girls while I ran in real fast to see if maybe by chance they might still have one.

So off to the magazines I marched... determined to search every nook & cranny. None in sight. Ugh! Then, as I peeked behind a copy of In Style, there THEY were!!! Not one, but 5 copies of Flea Market Style!!! WOOT!!!! I refrained from buying all 5 copies & only purchased one. Instead, I moved the wayward magazines to the front, so the next lucky treasure hunter can find their way to them.

Oh, Happy Day!!! I know how I'm gonna spend my evening... Soaking in every little page of goodness these lovely pages hold.

Here's hoping you find your treasure... whatever it may be ;*)

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Vintage Printables

If you are like me, you LOVE vintage images.



For art projects, for display, for inspiration.... the reason for your endearment doesn't matter.

And if you are like me, you cannot afford to purchase original books & prints (or you just live in Podunk, USA and cannot find any to buy even if you could afford them, lol).

Here's
the go-to site for all the vintage image goodness you need for your daily dose of happy. Vintage Printable has TONS of images that you can print, download & use for any purpose you desire. All copyright free. Now THAT makes me happy!


Thursday, December 24, 2009

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Found a great new blog....

...and I will be stalking it often!

How Does She is chock full of tips and tricks and all kinds of Need To Know stuff for Busy Moms & Wives.

Amazing gift ideas, recipes, coupons, household tips, craft ideas & tutorial links, giveaways... I could go on and on :*)

My favorite so far has been the Neighbor Christmas Gift ideas! I am soo stealing these for the Secret Santa Swap I am in at work.

So love!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Makes me happy....

This song has been making me happy today! What makes you happy?
Say Hey

Monday, July 27, 2009

3 new items...

in my etsy.
I listed some Vintage Wallpaper Packs. The really yummy stuff with the raised paint. They just don't make wallpaper like they used to.

The first pack is in greens and blues. I especially love the dark blue paper with the blue flowers & green vines. That is gorgeous in real life.

Another vintage Wallpaper pack in peaches & creams.

and some vintage cotton darning thread, which is the very same stuff that is sold today as Baker's twine. This is a delicious chocolate brown and cream color. Can't wait to use some of it in my own art projects.

I'm brand new to this etsy thing, so I would love some feedback & helpful suggestions.

I am working on getting together some Scrapbook kits and Vintage paper packs and embellishments to list as well. Look for shop updates this week.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Finally...

...I have an etsy shop!

I am so excited! Ive been wanting to set one up for a very long time. Madison helped me create the cutest little banner on Photoshop. That girl is uber-talented. She really ought to make custom web stuff for people.

Isn't it adorable?!

Now, I just have to get some stuff listed.
I'm gonna start with some of the vintage wallpaper I found the other day..... so yum!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

numinous...


(def.) full of divine majesty; feeling that you are in the presence of God or something greater than yourself, filled with awe or wonder.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Vintage...

...babies.

I don't know about you, but I am a sucker for vintage images. I adore them.
Here are a couple that you can use in your collage or other artwork.

Enjoy!!!

Saturday, July 04, 2009

I am so jealous...

...of this wall!

Isn't it great?!? Ok, so great is not enough of an adjective. Perhaps fantastic or wonderful? No... I think delicious would be more appropriate. Definitely delicious!

But that's not all I am jealous of. You see, there's so much more where that came from.

This all belongs to Donna Layton over at Under the Red Roof. I am seriously sinning here, people. Thou shalt not Covet. It's one of the BIG TEN. So I am trying really hard to just be happy for her to have such a stash. But it is soooo hard!

I have been searching for years for Vintage wallpaper. Yes, years! I live in Podunk, USA, ya know. And here in Podunk, people do not save stuff like that. They don't put it in yard sales or antique stores or keep it in their attics until they pass for their relatives to sort through and auction off at an estate sale.

If I am lucky, I might be able to find a roll from the 80's. And really, who wants that? It's the vintage stuff from the 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's and even the 70's that I crave. You know, the pink cabbage roses, robin's egg blue damask and the flocked velveteen stuff that makes my heart whirl. Especially the red flocked. That stuff is so yummy I could eat it!


So surely I will be forgiven for spending a few hours drooling over Donna's compilation of the stuff. And wondering how in the world she unearthed so much vintage goodness? It seems incomprehensible to me. Was there a vintage wallpaper store with all of their inventory for sale at one time? I would really like to know some secrets about finding this stuff.

And yes, I know... You can sometimes find it for sale on feeBay or on etsy, but my budget does not allow for spending 50 bucks on whimsy. Wish it did. Nope. I need to happen across a barrel full of it at a yard sale or auction for about $1 a roll. What? You think I am unfounded? One can hope for a miracle, can't she?

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Read them again...


...for the first time!


I just finished reading the Twilight Saga again. It has been a couple of years since I first fell in love with Edward. I read the series before all the hoopla. Heck, I might have been one of the main purpetraors of all the hoopla. I spread the love throughout my community. I begged my local library to order the books. They did. I convinced nearly all the teachers at the elementary school to get their hands on a copy. They did. Then I started in on the Junior High teachers. Now they have read the entire series as well.

So, I figured it was high time I visited Forks again. I gotta tell you, I loved all four books just as much the second time around.

Hands down, this is one of the best stories I have ever read. I am so in love.

I believe this is the first set of books I have ever re-read. I have never been the type to re-visit. I figured been there, read that. Not this time. I have missed the Twilight characters. I needed more. And since there are no more books, I figured, hey! Why not. Maybe I should just read them again. I am so very glad I did.

I've had my Edward fix and I am so very happy. Yup, he is just my brand of heroin.

So my plan is to read them again every couple of years. Definitely. They are that good!

If you haven't read them yet, what are you waiting for? And don't tell me you don't like vampire stories, either, because in case you haven't already heard, this is not your typical vampire story. Not even close. Like I told all my teacher friends, just give it a chance. I betcha you will be hooked. I haven't been wrong yet :*)

Oh, yeah. And the movie was fabulous, too! So if you are not a reader, spend a couple hours enjoying the condensed version on the big screen.
New Moon is coming out 11.20.09. I'll be there!







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Monday, June 29, 2009

New look....

...Finally!!!!

It's been a long time coming!

I'd been wanting to use this layout for quite a long while. I finally figured out how to import all of my links into the new blogger layout. Geesh! I though the new layouts were supposed to be easier to use?!

So, I used a template from http://www.simplyfabulousbloggertemplates.com/

There are all kinds of really cool templates there. If you are tired of your old template, check it out. Best of all, it is free! And there are even tutorials on how to do stuff. (Like import html links) lol!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Goodbye, my dear... Hello, my love!

Goodbye, my Dear... I will miss you terribly.

My beloved iMac G5 became seriously ill on May 8. As this happened after downloading a dmg file, I thought she had caught one of the few known viruses that will attack the Mac OS. She began pixellating then spinning the beachball of death at every turn. I know something was wrong, I just didn't realize how serious it was. I knew I had to back up my photographs and do it quickly. So I began. I could copy a few files, then Boom! Spinning beach ball & lockup. Each restart proved more detrimental. She would start in safe mode, God love her, so I could begin the process of backing up vital files (including the last year's photos which I had neglected to back up). It seems she knew when my back up was complete, because immediately after, the real trouble began. After much prodding, fervent backups, erase and installs of the system, and other revival attempts with no good end in sight, even Safe mode would no longer work. Just a pixellated screen then blackness. Nothing. I finally took her to the professionals at the Mac hospital where she was pronounced dead. In the end, they found that some of the diodes on the Mother Board were bloated from high current electricity.

It seems the terrible storms that ravaged our area during the beginning of March and specifically May 8, found a way to fry her mother board. She held on, though. While I was trying to save her life, she was helping me save mine. I would have been devastated to lose all the files I hadn't backed up.

I hated to say goodbye to my precious Snow White. She was too young to die.

I learned some very important lessons through my loss of a dear friend.

First, BACK UP your files regularly. Once a month at least. Once a week if you upload photos. Seriously. I already knew this, but I wasn't faithful about it. You never think it will happen to you. Especially if you have a Mac. They don't just die. I just never considered the possibility that they could be killed.

Second, replace your surge protector often. Yearly would probably be best. Every other year would still be practical. I'd had the same one since I bought my iMac 5 years ago. Apparently, they fail after being in use for so long. I didn't know that could happen. It had never been tripped. It didn't trip this time. Perhaps it was faulty from the beginning? Who knows?

Third, it is probably worth the extra cost to buy a rider on house insurance to cover electronics. It would have been over $1000 to replace her brain. Then there was no guarantee that she wouldn't need more repair. Insurance would have paid much of the cost to replace her.

So, alas, I bid farewell to my faithful companion and put her to rest. She will be recycled by the good folks at Apple for free. Sleep well, my sweet. Sleep well.

So began the search for a new Mac. I considered purchasing a used one. However, with the great deals at Apple.com I decided to buy a brand spanking new 20" iMac in Aluminum.

Hello, my love!!!!


His name is iMaxx and I love him!

Seriously, even if he wasn't so SWEET, how could I resist when I got a brand spanking new iPod Touch absolutely free with purchase of a computer. Oh, yeah!


You just can't walk away from a deal like that. (Especially if you are in mourning and need some good retail therapy). Although I still want to cry over the death of my wonderful Snow White iMac, I am sure she would want me to be happy. Don't you think so?
I do.

Monday, June 08, 2009

Japanese Stab Binding Tutorial

I found a great Tutorial on Japanese Stab Binding complete with video at Vanilla Joy.

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Snazz Out Your Walls....


.... or your laptop

.... or your car....


I just love the vinyl designs from lewasdesigns.com You can get your own at http://www.lewasdesigns.etsy.com

Of course, I love the Birdies the best!

Friday, May 01, 2009

Aren't these just gorgeous?!



It's the new Life To the Full Collection from Dayspring

I am loving all the happy colors & the script writing. Yup. I'm putting them on my wish list.

The Nester is hosting a give-a-way for 3 pieces on her blog.

While you are there, you gotta check out all her wonderful decorating ideas. I just found her blog yesterday & I spent over an hour reading & being inspired. I especially love her ideas for Window Mistreatments. Yup. Easy-peasy no sewing involved gorgeous window decor. Now that's what I'm talking about!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Encouragement.....

... from k.barteski. I am absolutely in love with these

I have been coveting these since I saw them on Ali's blog! I love love love all of them & it would be so fun just to put them in random places about the house for my family to find in unplanned moments!

BUT... I would definitely give the penguin one to my youngest daughter. She LOVES penguins! and I definately believe she is Awesome! Sometimes She might just need to hear it from a penguin.

The lab one would go to my Hubs (probably snuck into his lunchbox on the sly...) Aside from the fact that he adores our lab, Sophie, he really needs to know that I appreciate everything he does for our family and he should be proud of the husband and father he is.

The one with the deer would go to my oldest daughter. She is at the age where she is trying to find her wings. She needs to know that even if she makes a mistake, we will be there for her and love her no matter what. We think she is awesome.

I would keep the one with the bird for myself. Sometimes I need to be reminded not to ponder the "what ifs" and just know that I am right where I was meant to be. Every choice has led to HERE and I wouldn't trade HERE for anything. ever.

So... maybe the rest might find there was anonymously into a coworker's mailbox or desktop. Everyone could use a little encouragement now and then, huh?

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Friday Finds and a little fun...

Found some goodies at the local Thrift Store Friday afternoon. Lots of neat material, including a couple of vintage pieces! {score!}

If you look closely, you can see the 3 pairs of vintage earrings I found. Couldn't pass up the set of 4 glasses, either. Vintage, of course!


Got a little crafty this weekend working on a Circle Journal.
Oh! And I already made use of one of the vintage material designs.
I scanned the material and voila! Instant one-of-a-kind patterned paper for my layout! The theme of this album was documenting a certain time during our weekdays.

Hope ya like it, Stacy!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Working on....

... Ali Edwards A Week In The Life Album. This was a class that she taught at CKU in the past. Ali shared the plan for the album on her blog a couple of weeks ago, and I fully intended to begin the project right along with her.
Life, being the whirlwind that it is at times, kept me from doing the project until this week.

Let me just say that it is definately a challenge for me to remember to photograph the mundane things we do everyday. I haven't managed - even once, to remember to take pics at breakfast time or even while getting ready for school/work. Seems I forget to take my camera with me when I leave the house. But... I will not give up. I have taken LOTS of photos after work and in the evenings. I will just have to make do with those.

I have placed my camera strategically at my place at the kitchen table in hopes that I will not look at it and say "What is this doing here?" and then promptly put it back in its case only to remember after fully awakening and regaining my metal faculties that I was supposed to actually use the darn thing! Yup! I would do that. Let's just say that mornings aren't my thing and leave it at that, ok.

So anyway, here are a couple of photos that I managed to take so far this week.





















Not too bad, I'd say. And yes, this is only part of them. I will post the album when it is finished.
This is the first scrappy-type project I've done in a long while. I've made a couple of cards, but that's it. Now that I am getting my studio in order, perhaps I will be more inspired to make stuff. I have found it kind of hard to create when surrounded by mess.

Feel free to join in and make your own album! Ali has lots of inspiration over on her blog. No time for a whole week? Then do just one day. It will still be an awesome project. I just know I'm gonna love mine when it's done.

hugs!