Monday, February 27, 2017

Why I Quit My Job (It's Not what You Might Think!)

First of all, I am not retiring and I am not making enough money blogging to call it my full-time job. (Both of those were questions I got when I gave my notice) If you have been following along with my personal story, you will know that I recently quit my job of 16 years to take a part time job at my church. I have shared some of the backstory in previous posts, but I want to give you an update today. My hope is that I can inspire one of you to follow God's call on your life, even when it is scary.

Why I quit my job and the story of God's calling on my life.

If you are new here, just a quick refresher: I left my comfortable job at the end of December to take an Office Manager position at my church. I felt stuck and unfulfilled in my job and had been praying for the last couple of years that God would show me where he wanted me. I knew I wanted to do something that allowed me to share my faith, and when my Pastor called several months ago with a proposal, I initially dismissed it, (because of the pay) but then I stopped to think that maybe this was my answered prayer. After much praying and crying and discussion and doubt and more praying, I decided I had to go for it!

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Our Basement Renovation - Drywall, Drywall, and More Drywall

In my last update, I shared some of the random projects we were finishing up so we could embark on our dry wall journey. We have mostly been consumed with hanging drywall over the last few months. We had a ton of area to cover..three entire rooms, a couple of hallways, a mudroom, and the ceilings. I am not going to lie...hanging drywall sucks, but the upside is that it is starting to look finished!

See what a difference drywall and lighting made in our basement!



Thursday, February 23, 2017

Instagram Style Challenges Decoded

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I post my outfits daily and use several different hashtags to participate in style challenges. Today, I am here to decode what an Instagram Style Challenge is and how you can participate!

I am here to decode what an Instagram Style Challenge is and how you can participate!


Monday, February 20, 2017

Geometric Painted Vase

Are you hoarding a bunch of generic vases  in your cabinet? You know...the ones you get with floral arrangements? You do not really use them because they are not pretty and don't match your decor, but you can't get rid of them! I am back this month joining the Crafty De-Stash Challenge, to use some things I have on hand to pretty up one of my boring vases for springtime.

Here is what you need to make a geometric vase to brighten up your work space, bedroom, or kitchen counter!


Here is what you need to make a geometric painted vase to brighten up your work space, bedroom, or kitchen counter!

Saturday, February 18, 2017

4 Cricut Projects made with Vinyl

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience

Since I have been using my Cricut the last few months, I think vinyl has been my favorite material to work with because it is so versatile! Today I am sharing 4 fun Cricut projects I created using vinyl; click on the links for the full tutorial.


I received the vinyl as part of one of the Cricut Mystery boxes. If you are just starting out with your Cricut Explore Air, these boxes are a great way to get an assortment of materials to use for your projects. The best part is you get $80 worth of product for around $30! Get your own here using my affiliate link.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Styling Leopard Print Sneakers + Link Up

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

First off, I am excited to be hosting Fabulous Friday with my stylish blogger friend Jennie from A Pocketful of Polka Dots! We have a similar sense of style and are both "Carolina girls." I have been following her blog and joining her link-up for probably around a year now and we have become insta-friends as well, because she is so sweet and supportive. I hope you will stick around at the end of this post and check out Jennie's blog, as well as some of the other lovely ladies that have linked up today.


Last summer, while at the beach, I hit up the outlet mall looking for some good deals. When I ran across these leopard print VANS on the clearance rack at Famous Footwear, I knew I had to have them! I had seen them all over Instagram and had wondered if I could pull them off. 

Monday, February 13, 2017

Painted Leather Earrings and Necklace Made With Cricut

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine. This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Did you know you could use your Cricut to cut materials other than paper or vinyl? When I saw a couple of my blogger friends making earrings out of faux leather, I had to try it! Cricut sells a faux leather, which I used in my Heart shaped barrette project, but I had real leather on hand, so I thought I would try it.

Did you know the Cricut can cut leather? Get the tutorial for a painted leather earrings and  necklace set.

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Painted Glitter Coffee Mug

Thanks to Rust-Oleum for providing the paint as part of the Creator's Studio Blogger Challenge! This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

I am a coffee addict and I have a to-go mug in my hand every morning when I walk out the door. I love pretty coffee mugs, but do not like spending money on them, so I only have a couple that I use daily. When I opened the box from Rust-Oleum for the blogger challenge and saw the pink glitter spray paint, I knew I had to use it to make a pretty coffee mug!

Do you love fancy coffee mugs, but not the price? Make your own painted glitter coffee mug with this tutorial.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

What I am Wearing - Double Hooded Sweatshirt and Leggings

Even though I usually dress up during the week, on the weekends you can find me in leggings and a comfy, over-sized shirt. Athletic wear does not have to look frumpy if you style it correctly. This outfit is perfect for working out at the gym, running errands, or a day of shopping with the girls!

A hooded sweatshirt and leggings is perfect for working out at the gym, running errands, or a day of shopping with the girls!


Monday, February 6, 2017

DIY Painted Journal Cover

I have a weakness for pretty notebooks and usually have several on hand, for taking notes or jotting down project ideas. Recently, I had a chance to work with Oriental Trading, so I picked out a pack of small journals with a white canvas cover. I thought they would be perfect for a Bible Journaling workshop I was hosting, for those who did not have a Bible.

Customize your journal with a DIY Painted cover!

I had to save one for myself so I could try my hand at painting my own cover. The design I picked was from a planner cover I saw on Instagram and I personalized it with one of my favorite quotes.

Saturday, February 4, 2017

DIY Rolling Storage Using Wooden Crates

Thanks to Rust-Oleum for providing the paint as part of the Creator's Studio Blogger Challenge! This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.


I have had two wooden crates c/o Crates and Palllet sitting around for months, while I was trying to decide how to use them. I have been pinning a ton of storage ideas for inspiration, but could not settle on one idea. When I was selected by Rust-Oleum to participate in their Creator's Studio Blogger Challenge, I decided I was going to finally make a storage project using the crates.

Need more storage space, but do not have room? This DIY Rolling Storage using wooden crates is the perfect solution!


The only requirement for the challenge is that I had to use at least one of the products in the box. The box contained several goodies: Glitter spray paint, chalboard spray paint, mirror paint, chalk gray spray paint, green spray paint, and a couple of cans of stain. I am pre-disposed to go with the spray paint, because that is truly my jam, but I decided to try the stain. Don't worry, I am sure you will see the spray paints used for future projects...I already have a couple in mind!

Thursday, February 2, 2017

3 Unique Ways to Wear a Blanket Scarf

The blanket scarf is one of my fall and winter wardrobe staples. It pulls together any outfit, while keeping you warm. Because of it's size, there are may ways to wear it, but it can also be intimidating. Today I am showing you three ways that I like to wear it. Below I have it draped around my neck for an effortless look.