We took an old, yucky, and abandoned Speedway gas station and made it refreshed and renewed. It is truly a bright little and beautiful little corner that thousands have shopped since we opened.
We have been open for five and a half months, and my mind is blown!!! I mean truly! Every goal I set was destroyed! Every purchase, every share on social media, every time you simply stop by with a new friend, and every review left on Google to let us know how we are doing!
Here is a quick rundown of 2022 (three months) in numbers...
We were cleaned out! That means we now have more room for all new products for this spring! We have already gotten five new spring candle scents, nearly 10 new lines, a whole bunch of coffee drank while shopping (Did you know we have free coffee?), and we even hosted our first mini maker class and adult make and take (cookie decorating).
If you are anywhere near Marion, Indiana we would love to see you!!! And of course we have some items listed online. Look for more every week!
]]>So we committed to praying this prayer EVERY SINGLE DAY, multiple times a day. Every time we sit down to do school work I will pray this over the three of us. I thought I would share it with y'all in case any of you could use a little encouragement yourself.
Here it is...
This is literally what I have been and will prayer every single day before starting school time. So I and my children will hear it at least twice a day.
Dear Jesus,
Let us work our very hardest to glorify you.
Give us patience with ourselves and each other.
Help us speak kindly.
Thank you for the gift of this time together.
May we glorify you with our school time, in our attitude and our work.
We pray all this in Jesus’ Name.
Amen
I hope this encourages even one of you. We can do this and we will be better, stronger, and more refined on the other side of all this. As people and as families we will be better. Claiming that over my own life and yours.
]]>I cannot wait to hear your ideas! Let's celebrate all we get to do rather than focusing on what we aren't able to do.
]]>With my kids home for the next three to eight weeks, I am totally focused on the fun. You will not find a color-coded chart of our day here… I am realistic and know that will never work for me. We do have daily tasks that have to happen at some point! They are as follows…
Ok, let me break these down just a bit more.
There you have it. My very unofficial, official plan for our house. No schedule, just a list we plan to accomplish each day. Are you a strict schedule kind of person or are you more footloose and fancy-free like me?!? No matter the case, let’s just do our best.
With all this time at home, as I said, I have lots of fun to share with yall! I commit to blogging AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK! I am starting with this recipe! That was a lot of words to get here. Haha. Welcome to life with me. All the words, all the time.
This recipe came about because I went to a baby shower for my gorgeous friend Heather and my talented friends Kelly, Bridgette, and Courtney hosted. Super yummy food and even better company. Needless to say, they served this butternut squash dish I couldn’t stop thinking about. Several ingredients were mentioned but I didn’t get the actual recipe before I left. So…here we are. One random trip to Meijer and I snagged a butternut squash and decided to give it a go.
It actually turned out great! You will need to play with the ingredients to fit your liking. I got it as close to theirs as I could. I may add a little more salt and honey the next time. I hope you enjoy and tag me if you make it! I want to see if you and your kids liked it. One of mine did…the other not so much. Ha.
Happy creating. Wash your hands, stay home, love your people, and God Bless!
]]>Yes, I know we are half-way through January but I can still talk about my goals, right? This year my phrase is “surprise yourself!” I am looking forward to seeing how that happens but I have also planned to set myself up for success in little ways. The good, tried and true ways of being healthy…up before my kiddos reading scripture and praying, moving my body and drinking more water.
While all of those listed in one place does feel a little overwhelming, I know I can do it. To make sure it happens I have done some little things, like the project I am going to show you to make sure it is as easy as possible to make those goals happen.
I joked on Instagram that this is the easiest DIY you can tackle this year. I am not even sure it counts as a DIY, it is that easy. All you need is a jug and a sharpie. For mine specifically, I wanted a glass jug and an oil-based sharpie so it would be permanent on the glass.
You have all seen those jugs on the internet like this one, this one, and this one. I made my own version last year with a gallon water jug from the grocery store and a normal sharpie but as I mentioned earlier I really wanted mine to be glass. I often put oils, lemon juice or fresh fruit in my water and specifically the oils can draw toxins out of the plastic. That issue, among others, prompted me to get this glass jug.
I love this for many reasons. First off it is better for my overall health to use glass. Secondly, it is better for the environment that I can reuse this indefinitely as it will hold up longer. Lastly, it was nearly half the price of the less sturdy plastic options. So for less than $20 I had my own custom glass water jug.
The jug itself was less than $14 and shipped for free thanks to amazon prime. You can get the single marker at Walmart for $2.50 or a multi-pack online for around $7.
So for less than $20 and 15 minutes, it can be filled, chilling in your fridge and ready to point you to better health in 2020. Ha. Ok, so maybe that is a lot of pressure for a little glass water jug but I did say I was trying to make the journey to health easier for myself so I am claiming this little guy is going to help me in big ways.
My favorite part of this project was that could customize it to me. Call that selfish but I like that it has wording that fits my day in particular. For example, I know that all I want from 2-4 is sugar, EVERY SINGLE DAY, so my note on that hour reminds me that I am working hard to avoid that. For you after dinner may be the trigger time, or maybe you just need to be reminded that you are beautiful, strong and need to stay the course to better health.
Before I jump into the actual instructions here is a list of reasons to drink water. Of course this is not all of them, just a few! Better skin, less wrinkles and zits (I mean this alone is worth it), aids in kidney and other bodily functions, helps with weight loss (who doesn’t want this), lubricates the joints, delivers oxygen to the body, helps in digestion, regulates body temperature, maintains blood pressure, and did I mention less wrinkles and weight loss (just sayin’).
The only negative to drinking water is that nobody will ever see your beautiful clear, wrinkle-free skin, see all the pounds you are dropping, or know your bones aren’t creaking because you will spend your whole day on the toilet! Ha! All joking aside, of course you will spend more time checking out the local bathroom décor but it will be worth it to feel better in your own body.
Ok, we get it Abby, get to the point already and tell us how to make this thing.
There isn’t a tutorial for this y’all. It is that easy. You can use tape to mark it off or you can get really crazy and eyeball it all. Nobody will know the difference unless well you post it to the internet (which I would love for you to do, so I can see that I am not the only one using the bathroom ALL DAY LONG.) If for no other reason, I would love to see the messages you left for yourself throughout the day.
I kept mine very simple.
7 am- mornin’ beautiful
9 am- start with intention
11 am- nearly lunch
1 pm- drink up
3 pm- no sugar! Chug H2O
5 pm- stay the course
7 pm- almost done Abby
9 pm- Surprise Yourself!!!
Others I would include might be…
So what is something that you can do that will set you up on your goals for this year? I would love to hear what some of your goals are and how you are tackling them. Also, I’m not kidding, what are some of the phrases you would use on your jug to encourage you? I want to know!
Well, I am off to drink my water, sit in the bathroom all day and work towards being more healthy! I hope you have a joyful week!
]]>As fall has finally come to Indiana I find my desire to snuggle up to read as well as prepare my home for the many gatherings we host over the holiday season in a constant battle with one another. Hence this list! I can do both. Enjoy a good read the sparks some inspiration for my own home as we enter snuggly weather and a season filled with all manner of people in our home!
I feel like there are so darn many good books out lately and I want them all! There are so many wonderful home interior and entertaining book so I am focusing specifically on those for this post. There is no particular order as honestly I really love them all!
1. Fraiche Food, Full Hearts- Jillian and Tori are two of my absolute very favorite influencers to follow! They are so genuine, authentic and filled with amazing content! I cannot wait to get my hands on this book! I have pre-ordered and I am hoping it arrives on October 1! Having family and friends in my home is my absolute favorite thing in the world and I am excited to try these recipes and be inspired by the beautiful photos and how I may bring some of their look into my home. It has vegetarian, nut-free, vegan and dairy-free options with most recipes which I am thrilled about since several close friends and family have some dietary restrictions.
2. Mary's Household Tips and Tricks: Your Guide to Happiness in the Home- Who else loves Mary Berry?! She is the literal best! I randomly came upon her book at the library the week it came out! I couldn't get enough. There are amazing tips, tricks and of course stunning pictures. I have loved her for years since watching her on "the Great British Bakeoff" and now I get to learn from her further from the pages of her book.
3. Beautifully Organized: A Guide to Function and Style In Your Home- I cannot remember how I found Nikki but I am so glad I did. She has a very clean and crisp style. I cannot wait to see the pretty space inspiration tucked away in these pages.
4. Eat What You Love- I am no health food blogger but I love food and good food that makes me feel good. Danielle Walker's Stuff is some of my favorite. They are actually manageable recipes that taste good and my family will eat. Her story is incredible to me. It makes me feel like I can actually make more healthy choices for the sake of my body and for the sake of my children's future health.
5. Cozy Minimalist Home- I know I am late to the game on this one but I cannot wait to get my hands on this book! I have thumbed through a friends copy but I cannot wait to have my own. Since I am about 70% of the way through my own massive purge I look forward to using all her tips in my new design aesthetic in my own home.
6. Pull Up A Chair- I mean I loved Kelly Kapowski as a kid and I love her all the more now that she is a kick-butt food and lifestyle blogger. Tiffani, her family and home look like a real-life dream come true. She keeps it real and beautiful and it inspires me on every level. I love this book and all the recipes and themes it lays out! it is categorized by the event which makes it super helpful.
7. Homebody - I know. I know. The whole world has read this. Well, I have not. It made my list because well JoAnna does everything well so I am sure it is wonderful and I do love her simple, classic style. I am hoping to get a copy and read through it this winter.
8. Cozy White Cottage- If you have not been following Liz then run and start! She is such a gem. I am amazed at all the content this little lady manages to put out each week. She has a very cozy (hence the name) and casual, layered farmhouse look. She and her family are too stinking cute and it has been thrilling to watch their journey. I look forward to the inspiration the pages of her book will hold.
9. Whiskey in a Tea Cup- I was gifted this book a year ago when it came out and I read it in one day! I could not put it down, like I stayed awake for hours past when I usually go to bed just to keep reading. I loved it! I grew up in the south so I enjoyed her stories very much. It has already inspired so much in my life and I know you will enjoy the pretty pages as well as the stories and yummy recipes.
10. The Home Edit- I started following the home edit on Instagram I am sure around the same time the rest of the world did. Their photos are like pure eye candy to my organization loving mind. I am sure this book is filled with helpful tips and tricks. I love that it allows us "common folk" to learn from people who work with stars like Khloe Kardashian, Katy Perry, and Reese Witherspoon.
I hope you love these books as much as me. There is something about fall and the cooler air that makes me get excited to bake, cook, entertain, and gather. Do you have any of these books or do you have others in this same genre you recommend? I am always looking for more books!
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While the purge isn't done it is no longer in my dining room which means I can finally bring out the fall decor! Keeping in mind that I want to keep my home a bit more minimal I resisted the urge to buy all new things and put a million layers on layers on layers.
I loved this process very much. It was so much fun to be back decorating my home. The only thing I bought for this was the chargers, placemats and the acorns. All items were 40% off or more so it cost me very little. It is a fun challenge to use items we already have.
I love having a table with different place settings. I ended up with two place settings on this table but you could do all the same or even making all different but coordinating.
I also kept the middle of my table sparse because I plan to have a dinner party in the next few weeks and want to leave space for actual food to go on the table.
I will be honest. The gold acorns are my favorite detail to this table. I am debating going back and buying four more because I would love one at every seat. I keep telling myself.."Keep it simple. Keep it simple."
Like I said, most of this is old so these links are to similar items.
gingham napkins l white napkins l chargers l placemats l acorns l plates l candlesticks l runner
I am off to get my kiddos and cook a big ole pot of chili for dinner tonight. Can I tell you a secret before I go? I feel like I need to make this confession so we can be real friends. While I am the most basic girl ever when it comes to fall, I have never, and I mean never, had a pumpkin spice latte or seen the movie Hocus Pocus!
I know, I know. Crazy! I promise I am as big of a fan of fall as you, even without having done these two things. Ha. I have them on my "to do" list for fall, so don't worry. Can we still be friends? I sure hope so. What is your favorite fall "thing"? A movie, a pumpkin patch tradition, a certain flower, etc.?
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That being said, if you are anything like me you want to fill your kid’s Easter baskets with something other than candy. For one if I’m spending money I like it to be on something that will last longer than a jelly bean and a toy or game won't rot their teeth. Ha.
Also, I recognize that Easter is this week so everything I am linking has two-day shipping with Amazon or to be honest can just serve as ideas for you to then head to your local store to pick up either the exact thing or something similar.
My kids are boys and range from age 4-8 but I would say these are not gender specific toys and could range much higher in terms of age as well. I know lots of pre-teens who would be thrilled with nerf guns. Ha. I just wanted you to know the ages I was buying for so it helped you navigate your decisions.
I hope this is in some way helpful. Do you do baskets for your kiddos or even your spouse? My mom still sometimes makes up little baskets for myself, my brother and our spouses with things like movie theatre gift cards, our favorite candy, or just small gift cards to our favorite places. What would you want in an Easter basket as an adult? Maybe I will need to do a post on that next year. Ha!
Happy Easter and may it be filled with more than fun gifts in a basket. Hoping it is packed with family and friends around the table, lots of laughter and celebration over our risen Savior!
He is risen just as He said!
]]>The show goes through March 17th and I have lots of FREE TICKETS. Please let me know how many you need! I was able to participate in two panels on outdoor entertaining last weekend and there are two more on Sunday at noon and 3 PM if you would like to come please let me know and I will get tickets to you.
Ok back to the fun of creating this table!
The tables were built by Boone County Uniques and people could purchase them for $165 after the show! I had a customer ask me the first day to buy. I would too...such a great piece and so affordable.
The florist was Lori with Elsie's Flowers and holy moly y'all, she and her team were fabulous! We simply gave them our wishlists, ideas and inspirations and they made our dreams come true.
I blew through about forty options in the first 24 hours of planning until I finally settled on my inspiration board of a girlfriend brunch.
I am usually a very neutral gal. White everything with white and green floral arrangements so I stretched myself just a bit and added in some muted pastels. I am thrilled with the outcome. I will try my best to post as many sources as I am able to find for you.
The wooden lanterns Brenda was nice enough to let me use from the shop and I have to say they bring the impact I was hoping for. Originally I planned to have them down the middle of the table but since the width didn't allow me to do that I shifted my plan to group them on one end. They are $30-$40 depending on the size and are so versatile. They can hold anything (candles, greenery, florals, etc.) and are so easy to change with the seasons.
The chargers are from World Market years ago but they still have the same ones.
The tumblers are from (you won't believe this) ALDI! Sadly I cannot find any similar online. They were $5 for two and I love the style of them compared to the typical moscow mule mugs.
The candlesticks are from Hobby Lobby and I got them for 50% off (of course, NEVER pay full price) They always have a sale or use the coupon online.
The dishes and the silverware are our personal items but they are Pioneer Woman from Walmart and Crate and Barrel. They don't have my same set but these and these are similar. We love the gold silverware and these are ours.
The star of the show had to have been the napkins! I literally found these and they were the foundation for inspiration. They are great quality and I cannot wait to get them home to use them all the time in my own home. Thank you, Amazon for these beauties!
Other details included the silhouette place cards that I made but could be done on your own after purchasing silhouettes from my shop. Obviously, this would be done for special occasions and in smaller groups. The champagne flutes and mason jar glasses are mine from home but you can get these anywhere for very inexpensive. I did add a tray for my framed information and business cards after photos were taken but you would see in person. Here is a very similar tray.
Lastly, the cupcake stand and votives that are holding the flower arrangements I got from the target dollar spot years ago and TJ Maxx. I am sorry am not more helpful with these items but they should be pretty easy to find look-alikes. These are actually super cute and now I am tempted to buy these. Ha.
The show runs until Sunday, March 17th and I have FREE TICKETS! I am speaking with five other designers on two panels Sunday at noon and 3 PM and will be there all day. I would love to meet you so please let me know if you want and need tickets! Also...did I mention Chris Lambton from DIY Network (formerly on the Bachelorette) will be there too! He is at 1 PM. Yep...I will be on the same stage that Chris will be on. Ha. What is this life? Not at the same time of course but who cares. I can stand where he stood and act like I am besties with him and his gorgeous wife.
I digress. Have a beautiful day and truly if you want tickets, email me, call me, text, message me on Instagram or mail a letter. I would LOVE TO SEE YOU!
]]>Last year we did masks and they were a HUGE hit. Different staff members at my son's school even asked if I had extras so they could take them to their kiddos. Ha.
Being that this holiday is all about pink, red and glitter and I am a boy mom I try to give some more gender neutral options. My boys were huge fans of these two and even gave me ideas for what to do.
Happy creating with your littles. These are so simple.
Print, Cut and attach the toy. You can either use glue dots, hot glue or tie them on as well.
One of my kiddos picked Pokemon and I have to tell you these were too fun to make for him. He was so excited about them! Do your kids love pokemon? Mine love reading and looking at books filled with all their names, skills, and types. We have several friends with girls who love Pokemon as well so I thought this was a great choice for both boys and girls. You can find a pack of pokemon toys in various size and even toy options...erasers, pikachu pack, assorted groups.
My youngest wanted Dinosaur Valentine's. He loved picking which dinosaurs to put on the cards for his classmates. I ordered this pack off amazon. Super inexpensive and lots of options. Again there are several options of size and assortment.
Do you try to go with a candy-free option? While it is sometimes a little more work I have found it usually isn't and my kids love them! Make sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see how you get your kids involved and which style they picked.
Again both download options are here... Pokemon and Dinosaurs.
Happy Valentine's Day!
]]>I am not kidding when I say this y’all…This has been the fastest year of my life without question. I tend to be a person who packs a lot of living into a year. This year I tried so intentionally to take things off my plate. I did only one show as opposed to the five I did the previous year. I made less new products and I even took the summer off work to be with my kiddos and yet I feel like 2018 was more overwhelming than ever. How does that happen?!
I know it is super cliché to do the whole new year, new you, goal setting thing…blah blah blah. However, that is what I am here to do. Just call me basic. Ha. Instead of a new you though, I think the reality is we are still who we are but we can work hard to be refined and better versions of the people we are. To me, there always seems to be a great deal of shame in this season. Looking at all the things we don't like about who we are and how we want to be better, while forgetting we are amazing humans with unique giftings and talents that don't have to be being skinny, eating gluten-free and saving a million dollars.
All that aside I do really enjoy the reflection over the past year and looking forward to the new. I will say however I nearly always rush the whole process. Like I do most other events in life (I am an enneagram 7) I get excited about the process and then I push through to get to the next thing or to start the goal instead of sitting in it. This year I am choosing to sit. I am resting in the uncomfortable in-between time, where I am looking both backward and forward, and choosing not to move.
That awkward week between Christmas and the New Year is where I am leaning into the discomfort of the unknown. I pile on the expectations and then come up with a solution so I feel like I am taking action. Since I am sitting in the weird in between I thought I would bring you along.
I plan to gather with a few close friends in the following weeks to share all the things. Our highs and lows of the year as well as what we have learned from them. Even if you are not able to gather with someone or a group I do hope these downloads are helpful to you in getting your thoughts out in the open.
There is one for reviewing 2018, looking forward, and picking a word, phrase or mantra for 2019.
If you do want to gather a group of friends...KEEP IT LOW KEY! This is not to add another expectation for you. You don't have to have a Pinterest worthy centerpiece, a full catered meal, or even printed papers for that matter.
Mine will be small! I plan to have drinks and honestly that is it at this point. I am sure everyone will be trying to be healthy so making a bunch of food that nobody will eat is a waste of time and energy.
For me, the goal of doing this with others is simply for accountability. I want strong, passionate friends to hear my goals and speak into them. To encourage or to tell me to bring it in and quit being so extra, which let’s be honest is a real possibility, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha!
We will spend time praying together, sharing about out highs and lows as well as ending the night with a fun little DIY project! I am making us all leather keychains that we will hand stamp with our words for the year!
I think it would be fun to write your word on mugs or even do a hand-lettered framed piece. So many fun options.
Of course, I have been praying over all my thoughts and will continue to pray over them. I deeply desire to be a person who is grounded, planned and has intention. This doesn’t come naturally for me since I am a huge extrovert with total FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), I want to dive into EVERYTHING. My husband even teased me that I would just use all my friend’s goals as soon as they shared them. Ha. He isn’t wrong. I love every idea I hear, which is why I am working ahead now to have a plan when we meet so I can share and listen and not be distracted.
Do you have your goals set? Do you pick a word each year or is that too restricting for you?
Regardless, Happy New Year and I do hope you look more forward to this year than any other.
Whether your goal is to lose 30 lbs., purge your home, save money, be kind to your husband, stop yelling, or to simplify your life...I hope you reach and even exceed every goal.
Please remember there is no shame in looking back and seeing how we can be better. There is no shame in wanting to be better. There is no shame in setting a goal. It does not mean you have failed, aren't worthy or that you aren't great at something else. Be proud of your strenghts and work hard to better them as well as your weaknesses.
]]>This world can tend to be pretty self-focused, at least mine is. Ha. Full disclosure. In the past few months, I have been trying to get creative with ways I can care for others. For me, I ended up thinking of my kiddos' teachers. I have a deep fondness for the hard work teachers put in each day. Not only do they teach our kids but they care for their little spirits, help them build confidence and tools for life but they also deal with crazy parents and hard family situations.
Here in enters the little project I wanted to share with you. Again it came from my desire to bless the teachers in my community. After I shared my idea with a few friends we decided to make a “Mom squad” for our school. There are eight of us who are each assigned a grade or members of the administration. We rotate monthly and our only task is to take them some sort of treat the first week of the month.
It has ranged from homemade cookies, scones, and granola to dollar spot goodie bags and gift cards. It does not have to be fancy, detailed or extravagant. Just sincere.
I have had so much fun the past few months already that I wanted to share with y’all some of what we were doing so you might be able to take it to your communities.
I had the kindergarten teachers last month and made up these simple Starbucks cups and included a gift card. You, of course, would not even need to do the cups. You could simply print and tie them around gift cards. Done and done.
If any of you are teachers I would love ideas for treats we could do in the future. I plan to share our future projects here so you will hopefully have several ideas leading up to the holidays that you could use. Of course, you don’t have to wait for Christmas. You can do it anytime. Random blessings are the best. Am I right?
Here is your free download! Enjoy sharing the love!
Have a great week and bless someone around you.
]]>I am a mom of two little boys who both love creating and if yours is anything like our home your kids come home with 5 billion pieces of paper and or paper plates that they have cut, colored, glued and smashed. Of course, each one is a masterpiece to them and they just cannot wait for you to display their work all over your home! Let's be honest a fridge can only hold so much.
Don’t get me wrong. I Ooh and Aah over each one and then I secretly sneak it into the trash after they have gone to bed and hope they don’t ask for that particular paper plate craft again. I kept up these game until I created a designated space just for all their work.
This space has been a game changer! I now hang any and all items they want up on the wall until it is too full and then I just slowly start pulling the “art” that is towards the back and throwing it away.
I came up with this concept when I wanted to have an advent calendar for the kiddos as well. So I strategically placed 24 hooks on three different boards. Super simple!
Y’all this is an easy-peasy weekend project that is a game changer for your home.
Supply list:
3 boards (size to fit your space. My boards are 6 feet long by 7 inches tall.)
Stain (I used Jacobean) You could totally paint too if you want them to blend in more with your wall or even pop with a bright color.
24 clips (I got a huge roll from Michaels on clearance)
Some kind of glue
A few random screws
Please keep in mind you can literally use and change any of these directions to make something that best fits your space.
I went and bought three boards knowing I wanted to fill a huge chunk of our hallway. I then used stain I already had to stain the sides and front of each board.
After they dry for 24 hours I measured out where I wanted each of the clips to be. Because I wanted 24 for my advent calendar that meant I needed eight on each board. If you don’t necessarily want it to be an advent calendar you could put as few or as many clips as you like.
I initially used hot glue to put each clip in place but they have slowly fallen off over time and I have since used gorilla glue to keep each clip in place. You could also run a little screw or nail through your clips depending on how they are shaped.
Lastly, I measured my wall space, centered the boards on the space I wanted them and then just drilled straight into the wall. Please keep in mind I don’t plan anything so I didn’t find studs or anchor them in any way. I am sure you perfectionist, math minds are screaming right now but it works for me. Imagine an ashamed face emoji here. Ha. It has stayed fine in the wall. If you think your kids will pull on it find the studs but neither of my kids mess with the boards at all. They literally come home and either hang their creations themselves or ask me to put their artwork up for them.
There you have it! For 11 months out of the year these boards are bursting with paintings, plates, glitter, and crayons and then in December I put it all of that in the trash, ha, or save some of their favorites for next year.
I got my advent bags at the dollar spot two years ago but there are some other great options online. You can determine the size you need. We do very small items, candy, and letters so mine didn’t need to be big at all. This year I actually did more notes than anything so I could have gone even smaller on the bags. Another change we made this year is that I actually had the boys open the last bag on Christmas morning and it had the baby Jesus that goes in our nativity set. So we started the day by putting Jesus in the manger and talking about His birth. It was a very sweet time that I look forward to next year.
I know twenty years from now I will miss all the many many children’s crafts that line these walls, my floor and countertops but for now I keep them as contained as possible so that I am truly able to enjoy them rather than loathing when they walk in the door with yet another ten pieces of paper with one line of marker on each, claiming that they are of course all their favorites and said line on the paper is actually a beautiful drawing of our family.
If you don't have a space this large but still want a way to display your child's artwork I have a few other options in the shop. They are found here and here. They are great alone or even as a part of a gallery wall. I am happy to customize with a name or quote as well.
Do you store and keep your kids art in any special way?
]]>So if you follow along on Instagram you probably remember my post about Jillian Harris and Janna Allbritton. They both featured a buffalo plaid wall and y'all...my heart filled to bursting! I love all things that include mixing patterns (I mean I wear stripes, polka dots and leopard all in one outfit!) and if it includes buffalo plaid all the better!
I waited a bit to pull the trigger but I wish I had done it weeks ago. It took me approximately five minutes to unbox, move the furniture and get to hanging. Ha. My seven year old snapped this quick photo. It was done so quick I am glad to have one in process picture.
You all need to do this! It is around $30 for the roll and it is removable if you decide against it. That was my main selling feature. I loathe removing wallpaper so knowing that I can easily just pull it off was just another reason I couldn't wait to get this in the mail and hung!
You may not know this about me but I am not a girl who never measures or overthinks much when it comes to decorating. I literally just dive in! In total this whole project took me ten minutes! I am not even kidding!
For the bottom cuts and even around the outlet I used a normal old steak knife to cut the length and did a total hack job around the outlet but it was covered by the outlet cover. There you have it! Easy Peasy! That isn't a word, I don't think, but you get the point.
it was so fast and turned out better than I thought. Target also has black and cream wallpaper, so if grey isn't your jam, no problem!
I plan to put it in my laundry room as well?
Where would you want to put it in your house?
BEFORE...(sorry, only shot I can find)
And AFTER...yes, please! I plan to paint a sign to fit perfectly above the shelf space as well. What quote do you think I should paint?
]]>I am traveling this week and it is going to be the best time ever. I cannot wait to get on that plane, kid free with a HOT coffee and a People magazine but getting to the flight feels like all of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in a single morning. I don't think Frodo had near the pressure I do on a morning that I am trying to finish all the things to perfection and get out the door.
My list is a mile long and all I want to do is sit and hold my kids while I read them a book that will, of course, make them brilliantly smart, kind, and perfectly well behaved. Ha.
I actually started giggling thinking about when my hubby travels. His only thing to check on..."Hey Abby, are all my clothes clean?"
Literally, he packs his bag, gives kisses and hugs and is out the door. Hear me very clearly! My hubs is the best! He is a great dad, amazing husband, very helpful and very competent. But dudes just don't get what all we women do!
As I fought tear after tear after tear this morning I actually texted my girlfriends and asked for prayer. My list kept getting put off because I couldn't stop crying. I felt guilt over leaving, guilt over having to get others to pick my kids up from school, guilt for not having the dishes all done and put away, guilt for my youngest having a runny nose and guilt for asking my husband to man the fort while I was gone for three days! Three days Y'all! Three stinking days. It is not like I am leaving for a month or even a full week.
I am just sharing this to encourage any others out there today or next week or next year who read this and need to know they aren't crazy. We all experience it and it is ok. We are normal for wanting to follow God's call to be a great mom as well as a great working woman!
I am leaving my home pretty clean, a fridge stocked with a week full of food so my family is fed, medicine to care for my sick kid and a note on my husband's pillow thanking him for being so supportive of this working life I love!
We can do hard and wonderful things ladies! Let's go love those around us today. Looking forward to what we are going to and not guilty over what we are leaving behind because my kids will be fine. My house will be fine. Hy husband will be fine and my business will be fine when I come back.
So if you need me in the next few days, I will be fighting back tears, drinking my coffee, reading my magazine and enjoying being away for work but also looking forward to coming back home to this life I love.
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I have always been a lover of Valentine’s Day. With or without a guy, it was just always a day to celebrate the people I loved. I will say it is all the more fun with kids. We don’t do a whole lot in our house in terms of gifts since neither my hubs or I really care, but since having the boys I have loved including them in making their valentines.
These are my kiddos by the way. At 7 and 3 they are both all boy and love everything wild and adventurous!
I have gone candy free the last two years and wanted to try again this year. I knew I couldn’t bake anything since the whole world is allergic to everything and there are, like, four million laws prohibiting you bringing anything you even pretend is homemade into a public school. So I took to the internet to help inspire me. There were so many cute ideas on Pinterest and you can see some of my faves here and even follow along with everything else I am loving if you are interested. After scrolling and scrolling, I decided my criteria would be…
So I narrowed down a few of my inspiration pics and ultimately decided I wanted to go with a “super” theme since both my boys love all things superhero, battling and now He-Man. (Not that he wears a mask. But thank you Netflix for letting me relive my youth.) I then decided I wanted to try and make my own design on my iPad and Y'all…I love playing on my iPad. It is like adult coloring on steroids! It is totally fun and the boys actually helped with some of the coloring as well. More than I liked if I am honest, but alas it was their project and it was more about fun than perfection.
I hopped on Amazon and ordered these since it included enough for both my boys’ classes and thanks to our bestie, Amazon Prime, they arrived two days later and I am now way ahead of the Valentine’s game and I couldn’t be happier. There are obviously several different mask options and combinations. I picked mine, again, because of quantity. If you are super mom you could totally make these with felt yourself but that fell WAY OUTSIDE my criteria of NOT MAKING ANYTHING!
You don’t probably care about all this but I fit as many cards as I could on a page, printed them on cardstock, let the boys hole punch them and then tied these little cuties to every mask. Easy peasy and the boys loved it! If you follow along on Insta Stories you can see my oldest cutting them all out. He was obsessed with the hole punch as well which was a win win. He worked for me, improved his fine motor skills and his grip strength!
Now I just need to keep them hidden till it is actually time to take them to school in a few weeks.
I hope this has inspired you to have a little fun with your kiddos and I would love to gift you the free printable to use yourself if you want to.
I would love to see your pictures if you choose to use the idea or printable so make sure you tag me on Insta or Facebook so I can see your amazing work! Feel free to share this printable with anyone you like!
Here is your Super Hero Download! Enjoy!
Happy creating with your kiddos and let me know what your Valentine's Day plans are! We will have a quiet dinner in with the boys on the day but I am hosting my first Murder Mystery Dinner the weekend following which is what I am considering my Valentine’s Day plans so I don’t sound lame to all you cool kids.
Love,
Abby
]]>They love the whole process. The mess, the sneaking bites, the mess, time with me, being creative, did I mention the mess?! Truly, they both love being in the kitchen but I rarely make time or have the patience to enjoy creating food with them but this is a tradition I try to keep every few months. Starting with
Valentine's Day, then Easter, usually Halloween, and for sure Christmas.
I shared back in October that I would show you all a simple way to look like you are super mom while actually being incredibly average just like me. Then guess what, life happened and I forgot all about posting my little secret. So here I am three and a half months later ready to spill the beans on how I make average look fancy.
I started baking cookies with my boys in the last year and a half when my boys were both old enough to help or at least halfway enjoy making a mess. Ha.
You start with whatever your favorite sugar cookie recipe is. I love this one by Katrina at Katrina’s Kitchen. I have included the link as well as Katrina’s full instructions. She has FAQ’s on the link which may be helpful to those of you who have never made sugar cookies.
I have used this recipe more times than I can count and I really love it. So now on to my secret little mom trick. All of you are always so impressed with my royal icing skills. DON’T BE! Y’all for real, I have no clue what I am doing and if I can do it you can too! I make cookies the boys probably 3 to 4 times a year, as I mentioned earlier, so I am no expert. Of course, if you make cookies all the time I would recommend making your own but I did that one time and then found this little-boxed gem! It saves time and thinking which is worth its weight in gold to me.
I will say that I don’t actually follow it’s measurements. I put a couple tablespoons of water in and then just add more water till I get to the consistency I want. Easy peasy friends! I buy mine at our local Meijer like I said with the cookie cutters but you can obviously get it online as well.
Here are a few of my tips for beautiful cookies.
Have so much fun with decorating! I put out all manner of sprinkles for the kids to get bonkers with. I will shoot you real straight here…I struggle with releasing control to let them just have fun so I always sit half aside for me to decorate myself after they are done. That way it limits my yelling at them and takes away my desire to control what every cookie looks like. All you super moms who are chill and your children are perfect don’t understand this side of the process but for all you normal moms can I get an AMEN?!?!?
There you have it. The easy way to look like super mom! Buy the icing in a box, let your kids go crazy and then pour yourself a glass or wine, coffee, water, milk (whatever suits your fancy), crank the new “Greatest Showman Soundtrack” and ice your picture-perfect cookies.
We will take them to friends, as well as flowers to some ladies we know who no longer have husbands living. This is actually my favorite thing to do. We go to my favorite local florist and get fresh bouquets and then just spend the afternoon driving around and delivering them to each woman and telling them we were thinking of them. It makes me proud to see my boys learning to love and serve others.
Do you have any little traditions you keep each year that don’t revolve around Christmas? I am all for traditions year round and would love to hear about yours!
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2018! Here we go. You may feel like me and look at everyone else thinking how do they have it all together? Maybe you are one of those who already has it together. Maybe you are watching all of us on this hamster wheel of life and just giggling at our expense. No matter where you are on the journey I hope you are moving forward. That is my goal.
I am absolutely one of those people that get swept away in life. I honestly feel like life happens to me instead of me dictating what I want my life to look like. I mean who doesn’t get a little overwhelmed with all the expectations we are given.
Eat clean, eat vegetarian, eat only lean meats, eat vegan, juice daily, never mind smoothies are better and fats are actually great for brain development.
Recycle, waste less, have all the newest trends. In your home and in your closet! Wear heels, wear flats, and God forbid you wear white before Easter and after Labor day! Don’t ever be underdressed or overdressed and make sure you always wear matching underwear.
Look fashion forward at all times, rock the athleisure look without sweating, workout every day, don’t weigh yourself ever, fit into a size 0 jean and an XXS top, but of course, have an abnormally large chest and rear for that size zero waist. Wear the perfect red lip, oh never mind, a neutral lip is all the rage. Use copious amounts of skincare products so you don’t actually look your God-given age and make sure that each of the products is clean of harmful products and animal cruelty.
Read to your kids an hour a day, don’t let them watch TV because their brain melts, don’t buy toys from China because well, toxins. Have a beautifully staged basket of your great grandma’s childhood toys but don’t let your kids touch them because lead paint will kill us all. Teach your kids to clean like a maid at age two so your home is always Instagram spotless while you post pictures of them doing that homemade craft that will be thrown in the trash as soon as the picture is posted and you have yelled at them for making a bigger mess than is acceptable.
Have a perfectly cozy farmhouse chic home filled with layers and layers of shiplap, old books, and vintage everything. Or a minimalist home with two chairs, a cardboard box couch that closes up for easy storage and only one perfectly placed candle to photograph and read by because of course, you don’t own a television.
Enough is enough!
My prayer for my home, myself and for 2018! Less for more!
Not less is more, but less for more.
It requires action and intention on my part! None of the above expectations matter.
In my life I want...
Less stuff and more intention.
Less extensive commitments to fill my calendar and more margin to spend time with those I love.
Less food and more health.
Less clutter in my home and more space to make real memories.
Less spending on items and more experiences together with the money we saved.
Less worry and more peace.
Ultimately less of me and more of Jesus!
What do you want? Not in 2018 but in life? You and your creator get to set your own expectations for yourself! Nobody else gets to determine what you are and do.
If you want to be a boho chic minimalist, who loves watching Daniel Tiger with your kids, making a mess baking and loves Zumba classes, you do that!
If you want to be a spin teacher who rocks yoga pants, a top knot, and tennis shoes all day while shopping at Walmart for made in China toys for your newborn, eating pizza on Tuesdays and beer on Fridays, you do that!
If I want to be a thick girl who wishes she liked working out, loves carbs and cheese but is learning to care for my body in the most healthy way, Let me! I Can switch up my style between casual v-necks and dresses while caring for my tribe…let me! If I say no to the dinner out or the PTO meeting, LET ME! I am on a journey folks. A long journey to know what God’s best is for me and to know that I am not defined even by my outward appearance or surroundings.
I am not saying, you do you, I am saying let Jesus be the framework that tells you what you can and should be. Follow Him and forget about everyone else’s opinions.
2017 in numbers!
I look forward to 2018 and all the adventure, challenge, growth and joy it will hold!
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Let me make a few things VERY CLEAR to those of you who don’t know me well yet.
First, I look forward to knowing you. Truly, people are my favorite part of life!
Second, I am not a whizz in the kitchen. We all know those people. I am not one of them. My friend Andrea can make something amazing out of nothing without batting a lash. She hosts with ease, presents a beautiful table, incredible wine, and tremendous food. I however, am lucky to cook a few times a week and it is typically spaghetti or pizza. Ha! You can ask my husband.
Third, soup season saves me! Forget pumpkin spice, just give me soup season. Maybe I should make that a sign? Bahaha. I make great chili, vegetable soup, cheesy potato… but this my friends -is my best! It is clean, easy and a crowd pleaser. So without further delay, please meet your new go to meal this fall!
I have been making this soup for years but it all came from me googling homemade tomato soup. I have no clue where the original recipe came from but I know that I don’t make it like I did when I first started making it, so oh well. If you are specific measurer don’t be worried, I will walk you through. But for my people who are “dumpers” (gross word but you know what I mean – you don’t use measurements and just “dump” stuff in a pot) you are in good company.
With fresh tomato season rapidly coming to a close, you better get cooking!
Between 2 and 3 lbs of tomatoes…enough to cut up and fill a cookie sheet.
1 large onion
3-4 fresh garlic cloves
1 can of coconut milk (I only use the kind pictured because of personal preference)
A little olive oil
A few shakes of pepper…around ½ tsp
1 tsp or so of salt. (I will cover this through recipe)
A handful of fresh basil (you can use the tube or dried kind but I prefer fresh)
Start by preheating your oven to 400 and getting out two cookie sheets. I cover mine in foil but you do not have to. I just prefer easier cleanup. Then you get to chopping. Here is where you will understand that I do not measure. I cut up enough tomatoes to fill a cookie sheet! Like pack them in. You do not have to peel them. Just rinse and cut! I use a mixture of tomatoes because I think it makes the soup taste fuller but you can use all one type or a mixture like me. You cannot mess this up! Once you have them all cut and the tray full, you can drizzle with olive oil and then salt and pepper the whole tray!
Once you have the tomatoes in slice your onion and peel your garlic cloves. You will then drizzle with oil, salt and pepper these on the second cooking sheet and place them in the top rack of the oven.
Once your tomatoes are soft (like mushy) and your onions are more clear looking and soft as well you will take them all out of the oven. In my oven it is around 20 minutes. Again, you aren’t going to mess this up. Just set a timer for 20 and then check every five minutes following till you feel like they look good to you.
Now, go get an apron! I have splattered myself EVERY SINGLE TIME and I still never learn. Ha! You will use a spoon or spatula to scoop all your cooked goodies into a blender. Once you have them all in you add your basil and coconut milk.
Like I mentioned before this is the only kind I use because it gives you the creaminess of tomato soup without any coconut flavor. Additionally, you can use the whole can but I only use the thick fatty, white part that is more solid on the top of the can. Again total personal preference but I like the thick creamier soups.
Once you have your lid good an closed blend away. You could use an immersion blender but I have always preferred to use a regular blender for mine because it ensures less chunks and a more smooth, creamy texture. Again, preference.
Ta-da! You are welcome in advance. I have taken this meal to new moms, friends battling cancer, dinner parties and much more. I love that it is not only clean (dairy free, nut free, gluten free) but it is so yummy. If you are fans of dairy and gluten like we are in our home it pairs amazingly well with your favorite grilled cheese. My personal fave is pepper jack but to each his own.
Have fun and let me know how you like it! What are some of your favorite soups to make as it gets cooler?
Happy Cooking!
Abby
]]>Did you know that some of the world’s most influential people eliminate as many small decisions as possible? For example, what the heck to wear every morning when they bound out of bed. Well, rolled out if you are anything like me. I really want a coffee pot on my night stand. We should make that a thing. Back to the point at hand…Obama wore a gray or navy suit every day. Steve Jobs, black on black on jeans. We have all seen it. Even every day folks like you and me worldwide have bought into the whole idea of a daily uniform. I’m all for uniforms if you ask me. Ha. I mean not having to figure out what my kiddos are wearing everyday would be a dream.
I love my shirts for lots of reason but their ease and diversity is the biggest reason. They go with anything and for any occasion. Stay at home mom busy running errands? No problem.
Headed to the office for meetings? I have you covered. Literally.
Going to the gym after a full day? You will look great doing it.
Everyone loves to make their lives as easy as possible. Well, at least I do. Remember my night stand coffee pot idea… as silly as it sounds a good graphic t-shirt can do just that. It never fails that every morning I go and stand in my closet filled with clothes and after a few moments I reach for a graphic tee that I feel good in but also reminds me of important biblical truths.
My goal in the next year is to print all of my shirts using ethically made and sustainable brands so that not only are you buying a product that is screen printed with a biblical truth but also reinforces those beliefs through the ethical employment of those who make the shirts.
I will go ahead and answer these questions now because inevitably I will get them.
The shirts do not shrink. I wash mine on cold and it has held up for more washes than I can begin to count.
They are screen-printed, not vinyl so they will not need to be washed or ironed in a specific way to maintain the design.
I do not hand paint each shirt. I have my design digitized and that is what they use to screen print.