I know it has been a while since my last update, but this summer we did not make a lot of progress. We are rolling again since we got a little help from a friend and the pool is closed for the winter, so I will have some more updates for you! In my last update, we finished the wall framing and also tore down the drop ceiling structure. We took a break after completing the never ending framing to focus on replacing the entry door and tiny window, before the weather turned cold. We enlisted the help of our carpenter friend, because cutting a hole in the side of our house kinda scared me. I am sure we could have done it, but having it done all in one day was worth the extra money.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Blogging With Intention - Year End Goal Assessment
I have been sharing my goals with you over the past year and thought it would be good to take a look back and see where I am after twelve months.
Let's Recap!
Let's Recap!
Monday, December 26, 2016
What I am Wearing - 3 Reasons to Love Leggings
Up until last year, I had not really worn leggings since I was a teenager. I had the misconception that they made me look bigger than I really was and I did not really know how to style them. Leggings were mainly reserved for yoga or lounging around the house. Thanks to the legging craze, I picked up a black pair to wear under some of my longer tunics and I was converted!
I first started out with solids, (black, navy, brown) but now I own several patterned ones too! My most recent ones are from Simple Addiction, an online boutique. They carry a ton of colors and patterns, all under $10! You can use my code "MARY15" to save an extra 15% on your order!
I first started out with solids, (black, navy, brown) but now I own several patterned ones too! My most recent ones are from Simple Addiction, an online boutique. They carry a ton of colors and patterns, all under $10! You can use my code "MARY15" to save an extra 15% on your order!
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Bible Journaling - Rest in Him Devotional
It's Christmas Eve and all the presents have been wrapped, all the parties have been attended, and the busy season has almost ended. Are you worn out yet? If so, then my friend Bethany, at Pitter and Glink has created the perfect devotional for you! It's called "Rest in Him" and she even designed some of the cutest printables to download...all for free!
Here are some ideas to get you started!
Here are some ideas to get you started!
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Movie Night Gift Basket
I am a fan of making gift baskets because they are easy and inexpensive to fill, because you can usually find everything at the dollar store. If you need a quick neighbor gift, make this easy Redbox Movie Night basket.
Everyone can use a night in once in a while, especially after the busy holidays!
Everyone can use a night in once in a while, especially after the busy holidays!
Monday, December 19, 2016
Slow Cooker Recipe - Buffalo Chicken Chili
If you have been following me for a while, you may know that I do not like to eat soup in warm weather, but now that cooler weather is here, it is a staple. Another staple is my slow cooker...I literally can not live without it! It is great for working moms because it allows you to set it and forget it until dinner time.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
DIY Cedar Lined Closet
As part of our basement renovation, we built a closet in the new hallway, so we can store off-season clothes and free up some space in our coat closet and guest bedroom. The interior wall wall was made of cinder block (fall out shelter, maybe?) so my husband thought we needed to cover it up. We talked about lining it with cedar, but that was not in our budget, so we had decided to line it with some of the old paneling we removed. While at Haven Conference a few months back, I was introduced to CedarSafe and they generously agreed to partner with me and provide the materials for this project.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Tips for Hosting a Progressive Dinner - Appetizers
For the last several years, the youth group at our church has participated in a Progressive Dinner. If you have never heard of this concept, it is where different families host portions of the meal: Appetizers, Main Course, and Dessert. This is a fun way for the youth to interact with different families within the church. My family hosted the appetizer portion last year and agreed to host again this year. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have caught some of the fun in my InstaStory!
Monday, December 12, 2016
Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Pork over Rice
This post was sponsored by Smithfield as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. #RealFlavorRealFast
The holidays are super busy and most nights I do not have a lot of time to prepare a healthy dinner for my family. Smithfield® Marinated Pork brings you "Real Flavor Real fast" and helps get dinner on the table in lass than 30 minutes! This is perfect when my son asks me "What's for dinner?" as soon as I walk in the door!
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Christmas Home Tour
Welcome to my home!
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Cozy Themed Holiday Gift Basket
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BigLotsHoliday #CollectiveBias
The holiday season is upon us and Big Lots has everything you need for those last minute gifts you forgot about, like your neighbor or a friend at work. Since there always seems to be someone I forget about, I pick up a few extra gifts that I could quickly wrap up in a gift basket.
Monday, December 5, 2016
DIY Christmas Card Holder
Even though people do not seem to be sending Christmas cards in the mail as much as in years past, I still get several from family members. I always struggle with how to display them. I have put them up on the mantle, on the breakfast bar, taped them to the door, and even stuck them on a metal sun that hangs on my wall. This year I decided to make something to hold them.
It is so easy to make and only requires a couple of supplies. Bonus: you can use it as a frame after Christmas is over!
It is so easy to make and only requires a couple of supplies. Bonus: you can use it as a frame after Christmas is over!
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Cleaning a Microfiber Couch
Thanks to HomeRight for providing a SteamMachine Model 53 for review. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.
As you may know, we are getting close to finishing up a massive basement renovation. We have been doing it all on a tiny budget, which means being creative with furnishing the main living area. If you saw my "before" pictures, you would have noticed that all we had in the room before was a recliner, side table, and TV, (a.k.a. the castoffs) so we needed to purchase a few more pieces to make the space functional.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Cranberry Inspiration
Last month I shared a collection of Pumpkin posts with you, which I hope you enjoyed. I am excited to be joining with my fellow Social Fabric community members again this month to share some amazing cranberry themed recipes, projects, and decor ideas with you.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Personalized Dog Bowl Tutorial
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CarpetProtect #CollectiveBias
If you follow me on Instagram, you are probably already familiar with my handsome pup, Charlie. My husband never had dogs growing up, so Charlie is his first real experience with a dog. I have had dogs my entire life and knew I wanted one when we bought our house 7 years ago. We adopted Charlie from a friend at church (he was one of her dog's puppies) when he was about 3 months old. He is a Husky/Shepherd mix and is one of the most beautiful dogs I have ever seen.
Our pets are part of the family, so they need to be made to feel special. Why not personalize their food and water bowls for a unique gift?
Monday, November 28, 2016
Dollar Store DIY Neighbor Gift
The holidays are quickly approaching and my list of gifts I need to buy seems to be never ending. I try to save money by making some gifts myself, especially for friends and neighbors. I have one neighbor who frequently puts our garbage bins up and leaves treats in cute, handmade treat boxes that are customized to the current season or holiday, so I wanted to thank them with a gift.
I decided to customize a plain hand soap bottle and gift bag, using items I found at the Dollar Tree.
I decided to customize a plain hand soap bottle and gift bag, using items I found at the Dollar Tree.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Bible Journaling Using Printables
As you know, I love to spend time in my Bible creating beautiful illustrations and recently I shared how I use washi tape in my journaling. In that post, I mentioned that I use the washi tape to affix printable cards to the Bible pages. Today I am going to share some of the ways I use printables in my Bible journaling.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Personalized Winter Survival Kit for Men
I have received information and materials from Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc., McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post. This Men's Winter Survival Kit shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.
All opinions are mine alone. #WinOverWinter #CollectiveBias
All opinions are mine alone. #WinOverWinter #CollectiveBias
Winter is upon us, which means colds, muscle aches, and dry skin. I cannot always be with my teenage son while he is at his dad's house or on youth retreats, but I can still take care of him by sending along a winter survival kit. None of us can afford to be sick during this busy season!
Last weekend, my son went on a retreat in the mountains, which involved quite a bit of hiking, which led to sore muscles. Luckily he was prepared with the Ultra Strength BENGAY® Cream and Extra Strength TYLENOL® in his winter survival kit.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Christmas Star from Afar + A Giveaway! {CLOSED}
A special thanks to Christmas Star From Afar for providing a kit for me to review and one to give away! As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
Christmas is my favorite holiday; it represents family and traditions for me. For my family, we attend a Candlelight service on Christmas Eve and then watch A Christmas Story. I always struggle to keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas, instead of the commercialism that surrounds it.
Photo credit StarFromAfar.com |
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Journal the Word Bible + A Giveaway! {CLOSED}
Special thanks to the Blythe Daniel Agency and Thomas Nelson Bibles for sending me a copy of Journal the Word Bible to review and one to share!
I have been enjoying Bible journaling for well over a year now and the pages are starting to get filled with my illustrations. There are so many different journaling and note taking Bibles out there, that it can be overwhelming.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Salted Chile Caramel Latte
This Salted Chile Caramel Latte shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FlavorSplash #CollectiveBias
Fall is here and the weather has just started to turn cooler, which makes it perfect for sitting outside, watching the leaves turn, and sipping on your favorite hot beverage. I indulge in the occasional coffee house treat, but who can spend $5 every day? Not this girl...so I get creative and make my own flavorful coffee drinks, like this Salted Chile Caramel Latte, featuring Torani Bourbon Caramel Syrup.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Cranberry Thanksgiving Decor
Halloween has come and gone and I thought about skipping Thanksgiving decor and decorating my buffet for Christmas, but I was not ready to let go of Fall quite yet. Today I am sharing how I decorated my buffet to transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas by using cranberries in my decor.
I decided to get a little more decorating use out of my pumpkins and gourds that were on my front porch and create a harvest themed centerpiece.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Holiday Cookie Packaging Ideas
This Holiday Cookie Packaging Ideas shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ShareTheHoliday #CollectiveBias
I look forward to the holidays because I get to spend time with family and friends that I do not see often and share family recipes. One of my favorite events is a holiday cookie swap because I get to try my friends' yummy recipes, as well as share my own. One of the fun things about cookie swaps is getting to take a box of assorted cookies home with you or making a package to share with a neighbor.
I love to decorate my containers, so they are as festive as the cookies inside. Rubbermaid TakeAlongs makes it easy to share your favorite cookies and the Quik Clik Seal™ keeps them fresh for days (not that they will last that long!) The best part is that they are microwavable, top rack dishwasher, and freezer safe.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
The Nest Fest 2016
I love attending craft fairs because they are such a huge source of inspiration for a crafter and blogger like me. Recently I attended The Nest Fest in Midland, NC, which is only about and hour and a half from where I live. I was able to meet my bloggy bestie Bethany from Pitter and Glink. We connected on Instagram a while back and have been friends ever since. She also lives in NC, so we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to hang out and find some unique items. It was the perfect day, with perfect Fall weather, so I wanted to share it with you!
Thursday, November 10, 2016
No-Sew Beauty Emergency Kit
The No-Sew Beauty Emergency Kit and shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyPureRelief #CollectiveBias
Monday, November 7, 2016
Be the Light Challenge - Trust
If you caught my announcement post a couple of weeks ago, you will know I am joining 7 other lifestyle bloggers in a Be the Light Challenge, where we are sharing stories of encouragement during election week.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Restoring Old Headlights with WipeNew Headlight Restore
I realize this may be a little bit of a departure from my normal DIY posts, but I had to share this new product I discovered. My hubby has tried all of the leading brands that promise new headlights, with less than optimal results. Some would be OK for a month or two, but then they would be cloudy again. Others didn't work at all.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
My Favorite Things - A Stocking Stuffer Guide and Giveaway {CLOSED}!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience
Christmas is coming and hopefully you have started your shopping. One thing that I always seem to leave till the last minute is stocking stuffers! I have a husband and teenage boy to buy for, so I tend to have a hard time finding things to go in the stocking, which is why I love reading gift guides for ideas. Today I am sharing my favorite beauty tools that make excellent stocking stuffers AND giving you a chance to win your own set!
Monday, October 31, 2016
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Fall is upon us, which means it is pumpkin season. I have already had several PSL's from Starbucks, but I wanted to branch out with my pumpkin drinks. We love to drink smoothies at my house, so I got the idea to make a Pumpkin Pie smoothie.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Save On Health and Beauty with Groupon
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Groupon, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
You guys already know I am a fan of Groupon, if you caught my previous post. The site is amazing! You do not have to pay to become a member; you just sign up and start saving money. You can pretty much find a discount on anything you need, like beauty services, massages, and wellness products.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Pumpkin Inspiration
It is no secret that I love Pumpkins! If you have been following my blog or social media accounts, you will have seen all of the pumpkin projects I have been working on, fueled by PSL's from Starbucks. I am excited to be joining for the first time with some of my fellow Social Fabric bloggers to share some amazing pumpkin themed posts. Whether you like to cook with pumpkins, craft with them, or something in between, I have a post for you. Visit as many as you can for pumpkin inspiration and make sure you Pin your favorites for inspiration!
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Be the Light Challenge
In this day and time, it is easy to get discouraged from all the pain, violence, and brokenness in the world. I have to admit that I try to avoid the news because it ends up making me sad and worried for my child's future. I feel like now, more than ever, the world needs more love, peace, kindness, and hope. I am excited to be partnering with 7 other bloggers for a #bethelightchallenge!
Monday, October 24, 2016
DIY Pumpkin Clock
I love to decorate for Fall and have been looking for inexpensive ways to add more pumpkins to my decor. While at Haven conference, I received a round piece of wood and a clock kit (from Walnut Hollow) in the Deco Art session. I had just been using it to stage blog photos, but one day I had an idea that I could cut it into a pumpkin shape and make it into a seasonal clock!
Saturday, October 22, 2016
DIY Spooky Stepping Stones
I love to decorate for Halloween, despite the fact we generally do not get many trick-or-treaters. As a member of Rust-Oleum's Creators Studio, I received a pack of Testors Spray Chalk for a project challenge. Initially, I was kind of stumped what to do with it, other than draw on the driveway. But then I came up with an idea to make designs on our flagstone pavers, using a stencil.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Operation Christmas Child - Packing Shoeboxes of Hope
One of our family traditions each year is to pack a couple of boxes for Operation Christmas Child. If you are not familiar with this ministry, it is a part of Franklin Graham's organization, Samaritan's Purse.
"Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Monday, October 17, 2016
Creating a Workspace in a Small Area
Our house is a decent size, but it does not have an extra room that I could use for an an office, since I do not want to give up the guest bedroom. So, I usually ended up working on my laptop at either the breakfast bar or the dining room table. Of course this caused a problem, because when we had guests over, I would have to pack up my laptop, mouse, planner, and other crap piled on the table. My goal was to find somewhere in the house where I could steal a few feet to have a proper work space.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Jack Skellington Luminary - Halloween Popcorn Box Challenge
I was thrilled when my friend Melanie invited me to be a part of the Popcorn Box Challenge, hosted by Laura Kelly Designs and sponsored by World Market. I love Halloween, so I was definitely excited to see what I could come up with! I kicked around several ideas, but once I got my package and saw the striped paper and spider brad, I knew what I had to do!
Saturday, October 15, 2016
No Carve Decorative Pumpkin Tutorial
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Styling a Wood Watch
A special thanks to JORD Wood Watches for sponsoring this post. I received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own.
I am a watch girl, and even though I can easily see the time on my phone, I like having an old fashioned watch on my arm. Since my favorite watch (that I have had for probably 15 years) recently died, my wrist has felt naked. I tried a few of my other watches, but none were right. I like to have a watch that I can wear everyday, regardless of my style. After seeing these gorgeous wood watches by JORD on a few of my friends on Instagram, I knew I had to try one. I was lucky enough to receive one to review and give you a chance to win $75 e-gift code toward you own JORD Wood Watch!
Monday, October 10, 2016
Letting My Faith Be Bigger Than My Fear - Part 2
You may remember a few months ago I wrote about how I was struggling with what God's plan was for my life. Well, I wanted to give you an update on what has been going on, along with a couple of big announcements.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Neutral Painted Pumpkins
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience
Lately I have been inspired by all of the neutral fall decor looks I am seeing online and in magazines. I especially love the white and chalky teal pumpkins, so I decided I would put some of my Deco Art paint from Haven Conference to good use and update a few of my mini pumpkins.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
What I am Wearing - Fall Trends Featuring Aventura Clothing
Even though I am sad to see summer go, I love all the cozy textures and warm colors in fall clothing. Some of the pieces I most look forward to wearing are sweater dresses, leggings, boots, and cozy scarves. Today, I am sharing how to style some of the pieces I received from Aventura's Fall collection.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Decorating a Front Porch for Fall
Fall is upon us, and even though the weather where I am is unseasonably warm, I still got in the mood to decorate for Fall. I will probably be adding some Halloween decor soon, but this is how my front porch looks for now.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Sunflower Frame Art Using Cricut Explore Air
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience
Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers and they are the perfect colors for Fall decor. When I saw this Sunflower design in the Cricut design space, I knew I had to make something with it. I thought it would look cute in a wooden frame, sitting on the buffet in my dining room.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
DIY Halloween Costumes
Halloween is a little over a month away and I am starting to plan out my costume for this year. If you have read my "About Me" page, you will know I love dressing up for Halloween! Store bought costumes can be so expensive! Who wants to spend $60-100 on something you will wear once or twice? The last few years, I have made my own (thanks to Pinterest!) using things that I already had around the house or could buy cheaply. I spent less than $25 making these costumes!
Monday, September 26, 2016
Why My Teen is Amazing (Yoplait ® Go Big Challenge)
I was chosen to spread the word about a new Yoplait ® Go Big campaign and share how my teen is amazing. Sometimes we get so busy that we do not always make time to tell the ones we love how much they mean to us. I think this is especially important to do for our children, especially tweens and teens, because they tend to struggle with their identity and self worth during these years.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
DIY Jewelry Holder
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience
I do not know about you, but I own a lot of jewelry...like so much that my husband bought me a second standing jewelry chest last year! (Please tell me I am not the only one with an #accessoryproblem) I am embarrassed to say that my second chest is getting pretty full, so I have been scouring Pinterest for ideas on how to display some of my pretty pieces. I love the idea of using decorative knobs, shadow boxes, or re-purposing frames.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
DIY Stenciled Crate
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience
Monday, September 19, 2016
Vintage Style Chambray Wrap Dress
One thing I love about Instagram is finding boutiques that carry unique clothing. I found Shabby Apple through a blogger giveaway and immediately fell in love with their feminine, retro looking dresses!
Saturday, September 17, 2016
DIY Treat Boxes
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience
You may remember reading about the Gourmet Soup Party I hosted a few weeks ago. I wanted my guests to leave with a sweet treat after trying the soups, so I used my Cricut Explore to create these cute paper boxes to hold a couple of caramel kisses.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Save Money With Groupon Coupons
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Groupon, but all opinions are mine.
If you know me at all, you know I like to save money. I am the person that is always like "Wait! I think I have a coupon for this!" and always hits up the clearance section first. When I first heard about Groupon from a friend a few years ago, I had to try it out.
Monday, September 12, 2016
DIY Sunflower Centerpiece for a Gourmet Soup Party
Fall is right around the corner, which means pumpkins, sweaters, and soup! I am jump starting the season with a "Welcome to Fall" Gourmet Soup Tasting Party. I am one of those people who does not like to eat soup during the summer; can you relate? Since the weather is starting to cool down a little, it is the perfect time to introduce soup back into my meal planning and have an excuse to get together with my girl friends!
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