Come visit me!

Come visit me!

Monday, January 30, 2012

1 comment

Hi there! You should come check out my prayer rocks! I am blogging about them over at Worthy of the Prize today, for their Hope for the Home series. Won't you come say hi?

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What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #17}

What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #17}

Friday, January 27, 2012

2 comments

Hey thrifty friends. Welcome back for another thrifty link up. First I want to announce that Comment #11 who is Kristine Kuert is the lucky winner of the store credit for the  live.laugh.rowe giveaway. Congrats Kristine!

I went to 2 thrift stores this week, very quickly. I found absolutely nothing! Hate it when that happens. So I have no photos to share this week.

Last week I asked for your tips on reselling your thrifty finds. Which by the way please share more tips. I want to thank Laurie who shared the link to download this book Etsy 101 for free! And even better when you down load the book, inside it shows you how you can also request a free hard copy! While supplies last. I requested mine and already got it in the mail today!!! Yippee! Thank you Laurie for the great tip!

I do want to share these lovely dishes that Just a Little Southern Hospitality linked up.

These dishes bring back so many memories. My mother has a pretty large collection of these. And they were used at my bridal shower. They were used again for my baby shower. So pretty and fancy, perfect for a lovely luncheon.

Okay friends, so what did you find this week? And be sure to share any selling tips in the comments. Tips on etsy, ebay, shipping and anything else you feel would be useful.

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{What Do I Know of Holy}: Perfume on a Casket

{What Do I Know of Holy}: Perfume on a Casket

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

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Authenticity. Sincerity. Openness. Honesty.

What do these 4 words have in common, you ask?! Why do I bring them up?

Unfortunately, I have found them to be scare, almost non-existent, in today's churches and religious circles.

What about you? Has this been your experience?

Show me in the Bible where it says that we need to cover-up our sin, hide our mistakes and just put on a "happy face" no matter what trials, tribulations, tragedies, struggles, etc we are going through.

Have you struggled with this - or even been told that you need to "wear the mask"?

Last week we talked about the fact that God does not ask us to "get our act together" before coming to him and that churches are not a "museum for the good" but on the contrary, a "hospital for the broken." Go here to catch up if you missed it. And go here to watch the incredible video that this I HATE RELIGION series is based upon.

Today I would like to take it one step further and urge you to...

Be. Real.

Image and artwork by one of my favorite little etsy shops, Barn Owl Primitives.

Do not be influenced by "fake" Christians. You know the ones I am talking about - who seem to have it "all together," always telling you "what you want to hear," putting up a wall and pretending everything is okay when they are dying inside.

I do not want to be harsh or critical, so hear me when I say that all churches and followers of Christ are not this way. But this is a trend in our society that has infiltrated many churches and religious circles. And I want to be clear in saying - this trend is not of God. God does not ask us to mask our problems and lie to those who care about us.

In fact, doing this gives Satan a stronghold and allows him to thrive. And when this happens, Christ's mission is derailed.

Life is tough. Trials are many. And it is during these times that we need support from our brothers and sisters in Christ more than ever.

Now, am I saying that we need to "boast in our sin" or "air our dirty laundry"? Absolutely not.

In fact, go here and read what Amanda of Baby Bangs has to say on the subject. Amanda is a fellow pastor's wife and happens to be the daughter of Beth Moore. She discusses this very topic here and says it better than I ever could.

They can't fix their problems and so they just mask it - not realizing that religion is like spraying perfume on a casket. 

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Classmate Valentine Printable

Classmate Valentine Printable

Monday, January 23, 2012

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Here's a fantastic idea for a valentine for your kiddo's classmates! This adorable pop bottle was illustrated by my wonderful husband. I took his drawing and transformed it into a Valentine envelope that reads "I think you're tops!" and "Happy Valentine's Day". And a to and from for you to fill in.

It's perfect for stuffing with a bottle cap necklace or bottle cap magnet. Which by the way we have a tutorial for each! Necklace here and magnet here. (We make it so easy on you.)

We did these last year for my son's 1st-grade class and they were an absolute hit! Classmates got the necklace and teacher the magnets. And everyone loved them!

To Make:
Print our Valentine envelope HERE.
Print on regular 8.5x11 paper.
Cut around the edge. Cut inside the outline so that no black is left.
Next, you need to fold back the big tab where the arrows show below.

You will now have something that looks like the photo below. Fold the flap that sticks out, upward. Again where the arrow is showing in the photo below.

Now you have this. Tuck that flap under the top layer.

Run a glue stick across the under flap and attach to top layer.

When you flip it over it should look like this.

Simply fold the top and bottom flaps. Add glue stick to the bottom flap and leave the top open for stuffing.

You can either glue stick the top after stuffing or use a cute Valentine sticker to close that flap.

Now go check out our bottle cap necklace tutorial and bottle cap magnet tutorial to complete your Valentine. These are sure to be a hit!

The bottle cap in our photo was done with our inkjet printer using the same method as our magnet tutorial. That bottle cap art in the photo by Sincerely Susan.

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What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #16}

What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #16}

Friday, January 20, 2012

4 comments

Hey! Thanks for joining me and the linksters (that's you awesome people that link up to this party) for our thrifty link up. But first! If you missed yesterdays post I encourage you to check it out. There is a giveaway!!! And some creative ways to say I Love You and a free printable.

So what do you love about the thrift store? I'd love for you to share in the comments section. You guys inspire my thrifty outings. Truly, I mean just read this post and not want to go thrifting or saleing (yard sale shopping)!

So one thing I notice often is that some of you sell your thrift finds. Well I decided recently that I was gonna have a go at that! And I also noticed that there is so much more to buy when you are shopping to resell. I see tons of things that I like but don't buy cause lets face it, I just don't need it.

Anyway thank you all for the inspiration. I will share when I do have some active listings. Any tips you'd care to share about this would be fantastic! Pah pah pah PLEASE! Tips on etsy, ebay, shipping and anything else you feel would be useful.

So here's what I found this week. A Miche bag, a lovely milk glass cake stand, a wooden pedestal style bowl that I see a makeover for in the near future. And a bag full of wine corks that we will be using for a class project.

Here's what y'all linked up last week!

Tatter and Fray (I must hang out with this woman some day) always finds the best stuff. Check out these glasses. She is one of you that I mentioned sells her finds.

Cheerful Thrifty Door found these neat glasses. Hey Cheerful do you sell?

Granny Sue found a whole load of stuff! Including this sugar dish.



And I also wanted to mention that Having a Hallelujah Good Time is teaching her son well! Go see how he turned his $2 into 4 PS2 games and $1.20 in GameStop store credit. Well done!!!

This my friends is what I love about the thrift store! So what did you find?

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

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Guest Blogger: Creative Ways to say {I Love You} by Live.Laugh.Rowe

Guest Blogger: Creative Ways to say {I Love You} by Live.Laugh.Rowe

Thursday, January 19, 2012

22 comments

Hello friends! My name is Kelly of live.laugh.rowe. I'm currently a stay at home wife. I stay busy blogging, crafting, cleaning and taking care of my boys...my husband and my two furry friends {smile}.

I'm tickled silly to be guest blogging here today. With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, we have so many options as to how we can express our love. Hopefully, we're all expressing our love for our family and friends everyday -- but, Valentine's Day is one of the special days where you can go about it a little more creatively, passionately and excitably {yay}! So, how do you go about doing that each year? Do you buy a box of chocolates? Send a card? Or maybe you just make a phone call to say, "I love you." I thought I'd share some creative ways you might say those three special words this year.

{Message Pillow Cases}
Desiree over at The 36th Avenue came up with ingenious idea -- and what a great way to say those three special words of I love you all year long. Leave little notes of admiration, love, and encouragement. See her tutorial here.

picture credit here

{I Love You Cards}
I saw these featured in a magazine a couple of years ago and thought they were pretty cool. I purchased a pack and leave them laying around the house, in my husbands car, lunches, etc. I've often thrown one in a card to a friend too. Something small and thoughtful that makes that friend, spouse, or child know that someone, somewhere loves them. For $5.00 you get 20 hot pink cards. Well worth it!

{Duty Free Coupons}
One year for a creative gift I gave my husband a half dozen Duty Free cards. They could be redeemed whenever he wanted to pass on his daily duties or weekly chores (whatever the case may be) -- taking the garbage out, cleaning the dishes, recycling, picking up after the dogs, etc. I've attached a sheet that is downloadable for you to use. These are great for your husband, wife, or kids. The sky is the limit. It's creatively FUN! p.s. Ladies, my husband {loved} these! You could even design your own. I personally liked the minimalist approach, plus men aren't that picky. Print on a piece of white or colored card-stock paper, cut and gift. Super easy! Download my version here.

{Frame this I Corinthians 13 Printable}
This is something I put together and will be printing a few as Valentine's Cards. I thought I would share it with you. It's sized to print as a 5x7. Print and frame it or have it printed on a card. Gift some inspirational love. Download this printable here.

So there we have a few inexpensive ways to say I love you this year. Now, to spread even more love, I'm going to give away a $10 store credit to my little Etsy shop, called House 129. Right now, it's more or less little expressions of crafty love with owls, birds, etc. I have so much more I want to add, but time seems to keep getting away from me. Anywho, check out the Valentine's Day aisle, you might see a little something to gift this year.

To Enter:

Visit House 129 and have a looksy! Come back here and comment about a favorite item from their site. This is mandatory before extra entries count!

Extra Entries (leave a comment for each):

-Follow Live.Laugh.Rowe blog.

-Become a fan of Live.Laugh Rowe on Facebook and suggest her page to friends.

-Become a fan of House 129 on Facebook and suggest her page to friends.

-Make a purchase from House 129 and earn 5 extra entries (please leave 5 comments)

-Follow Kelly on Pinterest.

This giveaway is open to US residents and Canada through Thursday, January 26th. The $10 store credit cannot be used towards shipping costs. Winner will have 72 hrs to respond and claim their prize. Make sure we have a way to contact you if you should win.

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{What Do I Know of Holy}: A Hospital for the Broken

{What Do I Know of Holy}: A Hospital for the Broken

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

1 comment

For those of you who are new around here, my name is Erin and I blog over at Worthy of the Prize. I am so glad that you have decided to join us today - we are on a journey to find true joy this year, knowing that it can only be found in Christ alone.

If you missed last week's introduction to our I HATE RELIGION series, please go here to get caught up and to watch an incredible video that we are going to discuss in depth over the next several weeks, starting right now.

Have you believed the lie that you have to "get it all together" before coming to God?

Do you feel like you need to straighten-up, shape-up or study-up in order to step foot in a church?

Are you worried that you are not good enough?

Please hear me when I say...you are NOT good enough and you NEVER will be. Period.

So stop trying. And hear what the scriptures have to say.

I waited patiently for the LORD;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

{Psalm 40:1-3}

Did you hear that?

God is the one who does the lifting. the changing. the saving. NOT you.

All you have to do is turn to him. come to him. trust him.

Will you stop believing Satan's lies and take that first step?

Church is not a museum for the good. It's a hospital for the broken.

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Family Number Necklace {New in the Shop}

Family Number Necklace {New in the Shop}

Monday, January 16, 2012

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Just added to the shop is the Family Number necklace. It features 2 sterling silver discs that are hand stamped and soldered together. The number represents the members in a family and then the family/last name is hand stamped below. A single freshwater pearl and a sterling silver ball chain finish it off. 

This would be great for grandma too with the number of grand kids. Come check it out!

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What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #15}

What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #15}

Friday, January 13, 2012

3 comments

Welcome to this week's thrifty link party. I've got 2 things to share today. Please try to ignore all the clutter in the background. :)

I had to pick this up because I love to make jewelry and this makes a great display area for my pieces! I could not pass it up. It's HUGE and holds lots of jewelry. Sorry no inside photos but it has a pretty blue lining, a spot for rings and lots of divided compartments. And 3 large drawers. And the lock with key!

Next is this globe. Awhile back I found this in my brother's yard sale which made this one FREE! Yippee! I've been really drawn to globes lately and maps. Huh??? I've got a vision going on in my mind for my long overdue office re-decorating. Vintage - shabby - industrial! Make sense? lol! I thought so! (wink)

Thank you all who linked up last week! I love checking out your finds. The only bad thing is I get a major itch to go out immediately and look for great stuff!

Kiss My Brass if sharing some lovely Pyrex. And lots of it! There's more too, go see.

Tatter and Fray has these neat book ends. Can you guess what she used to make these book ends?

This my friends is what I love about the thrift store! So what did you find?

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{What Do I Know of Holy}: I HATE RELIGION

{What Do I Know of Holy}: I HATE RELIGION

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

4 comments

Last week I told you that my one word for 2012 was...JOY! Go here to read why if you missed it.

I have been praying for God to reveal to me what he wants me to share with you here every Wednesday and boy did he make it clear.

There is only 1 thing that can bring you true JOY in this life and that is a personal relationship with our savior, Jesus Christ.

I am not talking about happiness. Happiness is circumstantial.

But you can have JOY regardless of what is going on in your life. Despite it, in fact. And I am going to explain to you over the next few weeks how it is possible.

Will you take this journey with me?

Watch this incredible video, which we will discuss in depth over the next few weeks. Go ahead and leave me some comments with your thoughts. I would love to know your initial reaction, where you currently stand. And I strongly encourage you to share it with your friends. Talk to you next week! ;)



To the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. {Romans 4:5}


Just joining us?

Here are the posts that you have missed in our I HATE RELIGION series so far...

A Hospital for the Broken
Perfume on a Casket
Church is NOT a Building
Facebook Religion
A Powerful Reminder
It is Finished
Is Jesus Welcome at Your Church?
Jesus Came to Abolish Religion

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{Hope for the Home} New Blog Series

{Hope for the Home} New Blog Series

Monday, January 9, 2012

1 comment

Hi y'all! I want to share this new blog series that is just starting over at Worthy of the Prize Ministries.

It's called Hope for the Home - Finding God in the Everyday. Every Monday they will share an idea on doing intentional things in your daily life that spur thoughts/conversations about God, making your home and life a living testimony.

It may be a craft that teaches your child a Bible story, a piece of decor for your home, a devotional thought or an object lesson, a recipe with a spiritual parallel, an inspirational printable to display in your home or anything that people can use to make God a part of their everyday life and home.

You will hear from Worthy of the Prize AND some great guest bloggers for this new series which includes yours truly on occasion. If the interest is there this may even become a linky, so that you can link-up your own ideas too!

There is an overload of this kind of stuff around the holidays but it would be nice to have a place to share ideas year round! Yeah???

I encourage you to check it out, share it with everyone.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. {Deuteronomy 6:4-9}

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What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #14}

What I Love About the Thrift Store {link party #14}

Friday, January 6, 2012

4 comments

Hello! We have a giveaway going on over HERE! Go check it out. I posted this photo sometime back and never said what I ended up doing with these thrift store frames.

We made a family art gallery in our dining room.

We painted the frames all different colors cause as mentioned before I am a color freak! Spray paint works best. I tried craft paint cause of the great color selection but it was not covering very well. We added a wire to the back side of each frame and a clip for hanging our art work. We added one small shelf for a tiny easel art piece. And we added some vinyl wording that says Family Art Gallery.

Here is some of our handy work lol! 

We love it because we can change out the art as often as we please. And seeing our art displayed encourages my kiddos to want to create more art! LOVE THAT!!! All the frames were picked up at the thrift store for under 2 bucks each and one was given to me by my mom. Can't beat that!

Now lets see what you linked up last time.

Jeannie Marie & Company found these Friendly Village dishes.

Sweetpea's GoodJunks found some Pyrex! I love all the Pyrex finds. I don't come across too much Pyrex around here.

And this my friend is what I love about the thrift store. So what did you find lately? Share it!

Linking up at:
S- Fleamarket Finds M- Apron Thrift Girl Tu- House of Grace, Coastal Charm, F- Shabby Nest, The Thrifty Groove S- Penny Worthy Project

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{What Do I Know of Holy}: JOY

{What Do I Know of Holy}: JOY

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

2 comments

2011 was a rough year and I am not sad to see it go. Anyone else feel this way?

Ministry triumphs were in abundance but unfortunately, so were personal trials.

As the freshly fallen snow covers the cold, hard ground, may the grace of God cover over a multitude of sins as he washes us whiter than snow.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. {Philippians 3:13-14}

As for 2012, I look forward with great hope to the possibilities it brings. A new beginning. A clean slate. A fresh start.

And after much thought and prayer, I have decided that my one word for 2012 will be...JOY!

Have you heard of the one word movement? Do you have a word that you are going to focus on this year?

I am not much for resolutions. I usually get overwhelmed and quit. So last year when I discovered the one word movement, I was so excited. It simply gives me one thing to focus on in the new year. One thing that I want to accomplish. One thing to filter everything else through to make sure that I stay on track and am not adding anything to my life/schedule that does not fit with my God-given purpose and goals.

I suggest you consider doing it too. That way you can head into the new year with a goal, but without setting yourself up for disappointment, failure and frustration.

What do you say? 

Tough things may come my way. Unknowns may be scary. Yet, I am determined to find joy in the journey in 2012!

This print designed for us by 517 Creations, which has also been featured at Be Different Act Normal, 517 Creations and Printable Decor.

I may have to look hard to find it at times, and some days I may even have to choose joy, but the bottom line is that my God is with me, he has a plan for me and his mercies are new every morning.

A big part of this is going to be living a life of gratitude, being thankful for all of his blessings, not taking the little things for granted. And learning to embrace/cherish the special moments along the way.

My husband is a wonderful, loving, Godly man of character and integrity. I have 2 beautiful, healthy boys who light up our home. And if nothing else, by the grace of God {through faith}, I have a personal relationship with my savior Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life in heaven with him!

I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. {Philippians 3:8}

These are the things I will cling to when the going gets tough. 

So, whose with me? Tell me your 2012 word!

Go here for 5 tips to help you decide your one word.

And by the way, I plan to print the {above} 517 Creations  print to display in my home this year, as a reminder of my one word and my goals. I already put it on the left sidebar of my blog. I also plan to purchase this necklace from The Adopt Shoppe to wear as a daily reminder as well.

I am sure that Cap Creations or my talented friends over at The Adopt Shoppe and 517 Creations would love to design a necklace and/or a word art print with your word on it for you. Just let them know that I sent you!

Also, my friend Melanie at Only a Breath is giving away free blog buttons with your one word on it!

Happy New Year, friends! May God bless you as you seek him in 2012!

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. {Jeremiah 29:13}

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My Memories Scrapbook Software Review, Giveaway & Discount

My Memories Scrapbook Software Review, Giveaway & Discount

Monday, January 2, 2012

7 comments

If you've been around this blog for any amount of time, you know I absolutely love to create. Creating jewelry is my favorite but my next best thing is creating printable items. Invitations and party goods such as favor packaging, cupcake toppers, banners and more are what I love best. I also love making pretty and fun prints for the home. So you can imagine my excitement when My Memories contacted me to test out their My Memories Suite software! Yippee I get to play with a new program that will help me create!!!

My Memories offers a fantastic digital scrapbooking software that is perfect for creating digital scrapbooks. It is super easy to use and they have lots of templates so even a beginner can create a scrapbook in no time. My Memories Suite is rated #1 by Amazon and top ten reviews. It's great too because it can even be used to create the printables and such I was talking about before!

Check these out! I made these free printables for you with the My Memories Suite software. Click on them to download and send to your local photo lab and print at a 5x7 size. Frame them and adore! They are great inspiration for the new year! Hold the Key (with Matthew 16:19) meaning you are key to your own accomplishments or achievements and Unlock meaning you have the key to unlock your own greatness. Great inspiration right?

Key element from The Graphics Fairy

I'm telling you folks this software was super easy to use! My Memories also has a great website where you can find tons of scrapbooking kits for sale from several designers. And the program even works with other digital kits that are not necessarily from their site. I have to admit I'm kind of addicted to scrap kits and had fun looking around the site!

Buy It
If you are looking to purchase the award winning My Memories Suite software here's a sweet deal! The software is currently priced at $39.97 but Cap Creations readers can use coupon code STMMMS65694 to get $10 off! You will also get a $10 coupon to spend in the MyMemories.com store! So for $29.97 you will get the software and $10 in store credit! Purchase HERE.

Win It
My Memories has offered one lucky winner their very own copy of the My Memories Suite software! Yep one of you will get to play with this program too!

To Enter: (mandatory)
Visit the My Memories website then come back here and leave a comment telling us your favorite scrap kit. This must be done before extra entries will count.

Extra Entries: (these are optional)
• Follow the My Memories Blog and tell them in a comment Cap Creations sent you.
• Like My Memories on Facebook and tell them you want to win the giveaway at Cap Creations.
• Follow My Memories on Twitter.
• Blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway. Each can be done daily.
• Follow the Cap Creations blog.

Good Luck!

Leave a separate comment for each entry.

Make sure we have a way to contact you. 

Last day to enter is 1/9/12.

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