Sanity Saving Monday Tip: Don't Get Too Excited, Kid.

When I was a kid, the night before a big event I would stay awake for hours in anticipation for the next day. Even in high school I remember not sleeping at all the night before one of my plays, or a speech and debate tournament. (I know, I know. I'm a dork, ok? And I like it!)

 Lately, I've been getting excited about a lot of things going on in my life and needless to say I have not been getting much sleep.

We've got several projects we're working on in our business and in our family life that we need prayer for. Nothing major, just some things that we're hoping to accomplish in the next few months. I don't want to get too excited for these things, because some of them might not even come to pass. I just wanted you guys to know what's going on so that if I don't blog for a day, you'll know that it's not that I don't love you, it's that we're flat out busy. And I'm sleep deprived so I need to catch up on some much needed ZZZ's.

So, my Monday Tip is: Don't freak out and get too excited for things that might not even happen. Just keep focusing on what you KNOW is truth, and what you NEED to be doing in order to be successful and for your family to be happy.

If you're like me, it's hard to get an idea out of your head once you latch onto it. My advice is to get busy doing something you love, so that you're not focusing 100% of your attention on something that might not even happen. Read a new book. Work on a new craft. Bump up your exercise regimen. Get your mind on things that you KNOW.

Also, remember that "Our Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord gives grace and glory. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk in His path." Psalms 84:11.

That's all you need to know right there. As long as you're following JC, he's not going to withhold anything good from your life from happening. Comprende, amigos?

Oh, yeah. Don't forget that tonight is SEMO BLOGGERS first meeting! See ya at Calix at 6pm!

xoxo,
Les

Feelin' Crafty: Fabric Sachets.

With the spirit of re-purposing and making handmade gifts still in mind, last night I whipped up these little fragrant pouches. Good for your wardrobe drawers, your car, your office...anywhere you want a little burst of fresh scent.

I used pre-cut fabric "fat corners" as they're called at Hobby Lobby. I think they're used in quilting. Any scrap of fabric will work though.

This is the little packet-o-scent that I got from Wal-Mart for $1.00 each. I used about 1 1/2 packets per sachet, in the "Fresh Linen" scent. Lovely.

I sewed three edges together, then poured the fragrant beads into the pouch and sewed together the final edge. The finished product: fresh-smelling little pockets of cuteness.

Are you working on any projects currently?

Sort of off the topic here, but I'm looking for someone who can show me how to sew clothing from patterns. I'd like to start making dresses or tops myself, but I don't know how from patterns. Know anyone who would be willing to teach a few lessons? I can pay in food and/or swapping of goods :)

Have a great Thursday everyone!

Sanity Saving Tip: Must...Read.....Now....

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! I'm taking the day to recover from the festivities and catch up on some work stuff a bit, but I do want to share a couple of newish websites and blogs I've been following that are fantastically amazing and you should definitely check out. Not only are these great reads, but they also offer products or contests that are super fun.

1. Lauren Nicole Love. In a raw, unedited, love-filled way, this woman speaks to me. She has a passion for the world, for women's rights, for Christ. I'm convicted, convinced, and changed by her writing. Read her stuff. Now.

Also, check out her work on the Good Woman Project. More amazingness. You would never guess that this woman is only 23 years old. Crazy, I know!


2. Lauren's boyfriend is also a writer; Make It Mad by Max Andrew Dubinsky. Guy's point of view on pornography, sex, women, Jesus and all of the above; combined. Make your boyfriend or husband read this. Today.


3. From the love of both the above, check out their artwork....for sale. Signed prints to help them on their cross-country journey:

my choice. $40.00 to help these two with gas money is so worth it to me. They share love everyday with their writing, so I can share a bit as well, and nab a sweet new photo for my bathroom.


4. What I Wore. Fashion talk from a real sweetheart. This girl is seriously so nice. I of course have never met her but I can just tell through her writing, ya-know-what-I-mean? Her new book comes out TODAY so I'm buying it, TODAY. Can't wait!

Jessica Quirk, holding her new book, in an outfit she created using a dress as a top and an old skirt. Clever, huh? She also sews and makes her own clothes sometimes....love! She and I could be long lost sisters.



Anyway if you're having a slow day like me and have time to check out these sites, please do. You won't regret it.


Oh, and did I mention I'm now on Twitter? "Welcome to the Dark Side" --- words from @BobbyClubbs.

and the WINNER IS.......

First off, I just want to thank everyone for participating in my Summer Blog Contest. I feel that I've gotten to know you all a little better by finding out what you enjoy doing in your free time. I love doing giveaways, so this will definitely not be your last chance to win. I think I might even do another contest around my birthday, which is coming up on July 21st. So keep checking back for that!

Around 25 people participated in the contest--which is awesome! I put everybody's name into a bowl and drew one. John couldn't help me this time because he's already asleep, so my hubby had to be my official "witness" haha.

In case you can't tell from the photo.....the winner is........Christine Maire!!!! CONGRATS CHRISTINE! I can't wait to give you all your goodies, and go shopping with you at Target :)

Again, thanks so much to everyone who participated. Another contest coming soon! I hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend!

My New Happy Place.

Hi friends,

I know you're all anxious to see who the winner of the Summer Blog Contest is, but you'll just have to wait until this evening :) Do you feel like a kid at Christmas waiting for Santa to come?? I do too!

In the meantime, check out my new sewing station that my husband made for me. He conveniently sat it right next to the window, and the A/C! Much appreciated for a day like today with this 90+ degree temps and humidity. Also, the pillow that you see in the chair is the one that I'm giving away in the contest! I just finished sewing it this afternoon.

The table was left at one of our properties by vacated renters. The chair I found at a thrift store for $3.00! It's an adorable aqua blue (my favorite color, remember?) That floral magazine rack I made into my crochet/fabric bin. I can hardly wait to drink my coffee and relax in this space.

Do you have a favorite area/room in your home?

Check back this evening for the winner of the contest! There's still time to enter this afternoon if you haven't already!

Fashion Friday: Date Night.

Tonight for our date I'm wearing my two favorite colors: Aqua Blue and Mustard Yellow.

I got this leather clutch from Teen Challenge Thrift Store years ago. It goes perfectly with everything if you ask me.

These shoes are a new purchase from Target, Clearance $4.99.

Jessica Quirk from What I Wore has the same pair!! Isn't she adorable?

Maybe I'll see you out and about tonight at the Art Museums??

Friday About Town

Tonight we're having a DATE NIGHT!!

Daniel and I will be at Primo Vino tasting bar around 5pm, then heading downtown to the First Friday Art Walk. We'll be visiting Past Times Antiques for their 8th Anniversary Sale and MoZaic Art Studio to see Aunt Marti's newest creations! If you've never been to downtown Cape on the first Friday of the month, you're really missing out!

We will also be hanging up fliers promoting the upcoming SEMO Bloggers first meeting. My husband is such a champ to be willing to help me :)

My Fashion Friday post will come later and I'll show you what I'm wearing on our date.

Maybe I'll see you downtown?? xoxo