Valentine's Decor ~ Part 1

I love how the changing of seasons brings fresh inspiration. With February just around the corner, I got bit by the love bug!! First off, I wanted to switch out the ornaments in my apothecary jar to something that would fit the Valentine's theme. I had some jelly hearts that I used for a pop of red, which I layered with puffed marshmallows. I like the final result....except I'm somewhat tempted to EAT the candy when I walk past! );

The runner on the kitchen table was looking rather bland, so I decided to create a new one. After visiting Walmart, I found some white burlap [as opposed to the natural color], which I loved. A yard was only $3.74 and I only needed about half that amount!

I started by cutting it to the size I needed, and then pulled threads until I had the desired fringe length. [Call me weird, but I love doing this!! (;]

Now I cut the fringe so that it's even. If you are able to cut in a straight line to begin with...you can eliminate this step! ha

To give it a bit of pizazz, I added some ribbon ~ red, to be exact!! Here's where some basic sewing skills come in handy. Just lay it on the burlap, and pin it in place if you like. I just stitched it fast on one side of the ribbon, but you could do both. A sewing machine would be faster, but I don't own one. Furthermore, I get a kick out of stitching. Don't ask why!

Tada!! The finished product, completed in about 15 minutes! Check back soon for part 2 of my Valentine's decor.

Friday is nearly here...and the beaches in Florida. I.can't.wait.  Love to all!

Chalkboard Makeover!

Happy Monday y'all!! I'm excited to share a project I did a few weeks ago! 

I'd been on the lookout for a chalkboard to hang in my kitchen for quite some time...with no luck. I didn't want just any chalkboard; it needed to be oval...and in my price range. 
After a trip to Goodwill, I found the "perfect" solution. It was this gorgeous dated picture for $4.95! [The cashier commented on how beautiful it was, but I didn't have the heart to tell her my plans for it!! haha] 

I thought I had taken pictures of the painting process but couldn't find them. I sprayed the frame with an ivory color, and coated the glass with a few coats of the chalkboard paint. I was pleased that it worked so well on the glass! [The spray can had instructions on the number of coats needed and the drying time as well.]

Voila! My chalkboard!!! I get such a bang out of writing messages on it...a carryover from the days I was obsessed with being a schoolteacher, no doubt. Maybe I'll even use it for menus when we have guests! 

Have you painted anything with chalkboard paint recently?

World View Wednesday ~ Guatemala

The beautiful country of Guatemala became dear to my heart in 2005, when I spent 8 weeks working at an orphanage located in the mountains, not far from Guatemala City. I went as a volunteer through Orphan Resources International, http://www.orphanresources.org/index.html, an organization based in Lititz, PA. They provide food and medical supplies to numerous orphanages in Guatemala, as well as send out work teams to help maintain the homes and pour out love on the hurting and abandoned children who live there. I was privileged to spend my time at the Fundaninos Children's Home, and just fell in love with the kids there! Their stories were heart-wrenching; many of them had been abandoned, had lived in abusive homes or had parents who simply couldn't provide for them. All of them were looking for someone to love them, for a place to call home. 

These little chicos were a rodeo!! My job was to help bath them and tuck them into bed at night, which was no easy task [but totally worth it] when they would sweetly say, "I love you"! 


These little kids are some of many who are forgotten, neglected and unloved. The number of orphans in Guatemala has only increased through the years, and there is a huge need for workers who will give of their time and resources for this ministry! If you are interested in learning to know more about this work, click on the link above or message me. I treasure the memories I made there, and dream of the day I can return...hopefully, this time with Eddie and Hadassah! 


Tonight...I will kiss my baby and thank God she will grow up in a home with a mommy & daddy who love her. And I will say a prayer for the many sweet children who don't even know who their parents are! Will you join me?


"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." James 1:27

Word for the Year

The beginning of a new year always makes me introspective.

I love to remember. 

I like to think about where I've been and where I'm headed.

I like to have goals to work towards, even if they get a little lost in the shuffle of life!

Last year, I chose one word that summed up my purpose. 

It was worship.

As I discussed my "word for the year" with my sister-in-law, suddenly I knew what it would be!

TRUST.

In times of change, difficulty and grief, I struggle to trust that my Father knows best. 

That He cares.

But in the past few months, I've felt Him asking me to simply choose to trust.

I won't always understand.

It won't always be easy.

And sometimes, it will hurt.

But He has my good in mind and loves me with a love that I can't fathom!

So, with His help, I choose to open my heart and trust.

What is your word for 2012? I'd love to hear it!