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Monday, May 30, 2011

A Few Favorites


These are bad because they're SO good. Seriously, don't try them unless you want to be addicted. ;-)
I'm bringing you four of my favorite blog/website finds this past week.

Beautiful photographer's blog

Tons of tutorials for sewing projects. I am gonna have to try some of these (in my spare time).

Virtual interior designer

Crafty mommy blog
And of course, my new favorite... my Etsy shop! I'm so excited that it's open and I made my first sale! Yay!

Thank you to all of our soldiers and their families on this Memorial day. I am so very thankful for the sacrifice of so many that allows us to have the freedoms and the strength in our nation. May the Lord bless those that have sacrificed their lives, their time, and their family members for this cause.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Pineapple Boats


This project is a fun thing I learned from an incredible friend of mine, Irma. Enjoy!


First, here's what you need:


A large pineapple, a medium-sized, serrated knife, a smaller, pointy, serrated knife, and a cutting board.

Cut the pineapple in half, lengthwise.


Be sure to cut the top as well.


It will look like this when you're through with this part:


Then cut each piece in half, lengthwise, like this:


I usually score the top first in order because it's hard to get this cut straight. Remember to continue your cut through the top green part of the pineapple.

When you are finished with that part, you should have four pieces, like this:


Now, use your smaller, pointy knife and insert it under the core (harder center part) of the pineapple like this:


Make your cut down the length of the core.


Now turn your knife so that the blade is pointing the other direction (back where you started that cut)...


and continue to cut so that the fruit is separated from the outside peel


Here's what it will look like when you are done with that part. Now the pineapple fruit (the part you eat) should be completely separated from the core and peel. You could remove it at this point if you wanted... but don't remove it yet!


Now use your pointy knife to cut straight down, starting under the core



It should look like this once you've done the whole piece:


Finally, you just separate the pieces, pushing them out halfway, alternating.



That's it, you're done! You may want to do a test run before you take this to a party so that you can practice your knife skills. And by all means, please be careful and don't cut yourself!!!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Dedication


ded-i-cate
(-verb, used with object):
to devote wholly and earnestly, as to some person or purpose

On Mother's Day, we dedicated our baby girl, Keeley Summer, to God. As much as I love my children, I know that God gave them to me and they belong to Him. Which also means that He loves them more than I do. Because I know this, I can trust Him with them. I can trust my loving Father to take care of my children. The dedication service is my way of formally sharing with others that I entrust my child to the care of my Heavenly Father. In light of the recent death of two different friends' children, trusting God with my child is hard. Knowing in my head that He loves my child is one thing, but feeling that He loves my child is another. Sometimes I ask him why He lets little children die or why He lets bad things happen. I haven't sorted all of that out, but I know that His thoughts are greater than mine and that I do not have to understand everything in order to trust Him. That is the faith that my friends are living right now. Still, I choose to trust Him for the best in my life and in my child's life.

I believe that God has a plan for Keeley Summer and for David Russell.

My family came to the service, and my friend Shannon came too! I was so happy almost everyone could make it. (My brother had to work.) I am not a formal person, so I didn't really feel the need for a super-long, white christening gown. But I got her a light-pink, smocked dress. She was so pretty. Unfortunately, no one thought to take photos before or after the service, so all I have are these that were taken at church. (Not the best lighting) I did the best I could to edit them nicely.

Keeley slept through the entire ceremony.





Here is the scripture verse we chose for the ceremony for Keeley:


But this is the one I wanted to do.

Song of Solomon 4:7 ESV
You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.

We didn't want people to think that we thought our child was perfect... but here's why I wanted this verse:

I struggle with feelings of inadequacy. I can never do enough or be good enough. I want my daughter {and my son too!} to know that she does not have to be good enough. She just has to recognize that she can never be good enough and accept the gift of forgiveness from Jesus Christ. God sees us as perfect and flawless through the blood of Jesus Christ.

I just read this blog post from my favorite blog (Jones Design Company) about this very subject and it was very touching to me:

In retrospect, I probably would have made a bigger fuss about Keeley's dedication if I had more time. It would have been neat to get photos and throw a luncheon at my house afterwards. But you can't do everything (still a lesson I'm learning).

Time for bed!

Favorite Finds This Week


Again, this week has been busy... and this weekend, even crazier. Though it is after 2am, I am still considering this Sunday... and posting favorite finds for THIS week. ;-)

I am limiting it, this time, to my three favorite finds.

This incredibly creative and innovative blog is likely to become one of my favorite reads.

Ideas, thoughts, and cute photos

Creative crafts and ideas

I hope you enjoy checking out these great blogs! Hopefully, by limiting it to three, you won't be overwhelmed by too much to read. I ran across some other good blogs, so if you want those links too, just let me know and I'll get you the info.

I am currently working 2-3 days per week (depending on the week), raising two children, starting a little Etsy business (hopefully it will be up soon), and doing photography... that's why I haven't been able to post as much as I would like. As soon as things slow down, I hope to do more projects and have more interesting thoughts to share!

Have a great night everyone... and try not to stay up too late. ;-)

J

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Plotting and Pondering


As you can see, I have a new header. I figured it was time for something more customized than the standard Blogspot deal, so here is what I designed. It was actually my husband's idea to emphasize the "art" part of heart and I am really happy with how it turned out. =) I also designed a button to go along with it, so if you have a blog, you can add me to your page now! Yay!

I am working to open an Etsy shop soon, but I am getting my products ready and working out all the little details before I get it open. I will post a link just as soon as I get things up and running. I will be selling my little headbands and flowers and hopefully some cute prints as well. Here are a couple of photos:


My adorable baby girl is modeling for me here.

I have also started a Pinterest account and you can check out all the eye candy that I have been collecting for the past week or so. Pinterest is like a visual collection of all your favorite things. Check out my pinboards here.

One thing I noticed as I have been collecting pins is that it seems like there are only 9-12 visual representations of women's interests on Pinterest... in the form of pinboards. Perhaps it is because those are the pinboards suggested to you when you join, but I have a feeling that maybe it is because we all have a lot of the same interests. I see boards for:

home decorating
food/desserts/baking
beautiful places we'd like to be or visit
fashion/clothing
photography
art
words/sayings/quotes
DIY Projects
Parties and celebrations

Perhaps those are just very broad categories or perhaps they are most easily represented visually. Anyway, I mentioned it to my husband as an interesting item and he responded that men also only have a few categories of interest. Those might include:

cars
video games
women
food
and ummm.....

Just kidding. My husband has lots and lots of interests... like sailing, bicycling, learning, dancing, garage sale-ing, and much more.

Over and out for now. I'll ponder the interesting things I come across until next time I can share my pondering with you. =)

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Favorite Finds LAST Week

So last week was kinda crazy and I never got around to posting my online finds for your reading pleasure. So here I am posting them for last week. I'll have more for you later this week.

Designer Blog

Artsy Fashion Blog

Creative lady who provides lots of inspiration.
Recipes, photos, and crafty ideas

Professional looking inspiration and projects.

Lists and ruffles and everything nice.
Bright textiles and project inspiration.

Parties, projects, and print design.

Homey interior design blog.

The title of her blog says it all.
I'll stop there in order to avoid overwhelming you. If you like blogs, or if you like projects or design, or cooking/baking, check these out. You'll find some great stuff!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Stash

Stash: A wonderful store full of unique furniture (with personality) at affordable prices. Also, a new favorite of mine. These kind of finds aren't everyday kind of finds! It's so refreshing to find a store that doesn't sell the same, same, same. Check it out...

A nice little armoire. Almost looks like an antique.
Love this sort of rustic table and linen covered chairs. SOLD... bummer.

My mom loves all things red... she would love this furniture set.


And I do dearly love this combo. The poppies POP off the pillow with their peppy color.


Love this artwork.

And this!

Such an elegant display. See all those white chairs in the background? You can choose the style you like best and have it covered with the fabric you like best.


Here is a better photo of some of the styles that are available.


Here is the sign that hangs over the white gaggle of chairs.


Great color green!


More great artwork for your living room.


Gorgeous painted buffet.


Beautiful chair.


More about Stash.


Cool eye chart.



And a beautiful red chair.


Cool concept for a sitting area.



Nice combo.


Their logo says it all.

Check them out at their website or on Facebook.