Get Into The Spirit Of Fall With Wreaths!

www.countryhome.com

It's amazing how something as simple as a wreath can transform a home and make you feel warm inside at the same time.  Okay, well at least that's what wreaths do for me, especially fall and Christmas wreaths.  There is nothing like a wreath to add instant nostalgia, warmth and seasonal cheer.  Though I personally prefer all natural wreaths like the ones featured in this post, I appreciate them in all styles and mediums. Bring it on!

www.freshhomeideas.com

After such a grueling week with my dad suffering a health crisis, I really needed to relax and just enjoy being surrounded by beautiful things.  Making one of these gorgeous wreaths was a perfect distraction.  My wreath is not quite finished yet but it is coming along and it will be beautiful when it is done.  The good things about it is, it is made from dried natural materials so I can keep it for quite a while.  I decided to add cinnamon sticks to mine so could you imagine how great this will smell....   Well, without further ado, here are some wreath ideas I just had to share with you.  You just can't look at these and not smile or feel happy.  Am not kidding.

Now, don't you feel happier?  I bet you do!

Images featured are from:

www.countryhome.com

www.freshhomeideas.com

www.hottie-biscotti.com

http://robbiehoney.com

Cherio!

Be Still My Soul

I have always loved this song, it has never failed to touch my heart and bring healing to me emotionally, even if it's just a good cry.  Today was no exception.  I got some really bad news about my dad and it was so hard to process, I was floored.  My dad is in the hospital due to a sudden illness and we, his loved ones are just waiting to see if he pulls through.  For those of you who have been there, you know how torturous the waiting is.  Unbearable.  As I sat there praying though, I heard this song in my spirit, then I started to sing it. 

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end...

As I sang it, I began to feel encouraged.  I am not alone, God is with me, my family and my dad.  Be still my soul. Be still.  

Hip Hip Beret!

With winter fast approaching and the weather getting cooler by the day, there is nothing more chic, sassy and smart than a beret!  Did I mention that it's warm too...   


The slouchy beret is my absolute favorite.  It is loose fitting on the head so it allows me the versatility of totally covering all of my hair  or leaving sections of it out.  I really like that.  A lot. 

Okay, so I want one in every color, I can't help myself.

And guess what?  You can find so many of these on Amazon and on various Etsy stores for really affordable prices. Honestly, the color and style options are endless.  Right now I can't get enough of the the knitted looks but, I also adore the classic french beret too.  Oh la la!  Yes indeed. 


Cherio!

They Really, Really Love Me!

I won the versatile blogger award! Again, but hey it's great to be loved.  Ha ha, blog lovin is sweet!  Thanks to Lisa from  ifeelsounnecessary, you rock!

The rules for this award is:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you

 2. Share 7 things about yourself

 3. Send it along to 15 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!

So here goes...

7 Things About  Me:

1. Snakes freak me out, even large worms...

2. Love old, old movies, diggin TCM

3. Wednesday is my favorite day of the week

4. I hardly ever leave the house without forgetting something

5. If I sleep on my back, I have nightmares.  Strange but true.

6. My glass is always half full

7. Love to bake, love to eat what I bake even more

Now,without further ado, here are my nominees for this award. Some of them may have received this before and I fully understand why.  This is a melting pot of the funniest, informative, creative and entertaining bloggers out there.  Check em out!

mommydelicious

inthekitchenwithholly

themannequinmemoirs

alicelynnalfred

mindfullyfrugalmom

thegleemansbaby

mimilovesall8

mommygrowingup

barefootnparadise

gumdroppass

meanqueen-lifeaftermoney

bettermebetterworld

taracl2011.blogspot

inspire-me-heather

conceivewriting

Native American Design...All kinds of Amazing

 For as long as I can remember, I have been totally fascinated by Native American Art.   The textiles, crafts, and jewelry all seem to have a spirit/story that gives it a life of it's own.  And, the craftsmanship..........well, it's just exquisite.  

Native American artwork is crafted with care and patience, and is still handmade by many different tribes. These very skilled artist have many religious and spiritual beliefs which they infuse into their design.   As a result, the pieces are both beautiful and expressive. 

Wood has always been and still stands as one of the most worked-with materials in Native American art but there is so much more to the art.   Bone beads, seed beads, coral, silver, feathers, turquoise, seeds, animal skins and even porcupine quills are all used in the art and jewelry making as well. In other words they were "green" before we even thought about it.  Native  Americans love the earth and they believe in taking care of it.  Their relationship with the land is one of total inter-dependence.

Here is a a beautiful quote by Owatsinas of the Nuxalk nation that about sums it up.
"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees."
~ Qwatsinas, Nuxalk Nation

There will always be a special place in my heart for Native American design.  The skill, creativity, patience and love that goes into each piece makes the Art so very special.  

Here are a few of my favorites!

Cherio!

What's Your Fashion/Design Style?

I came across these two quizzes today and of course I couldn't resist taking it.  The results 

were spot on, plus it's fun...so, relax and.enjoy!

Design/Style-Maker-Quiz   (helps you figure your design style) 

WhatsYourStyleQuiz  (helps you figure your fashion style) 

And just for the heck of it  What-fashion-era-do-you-belong-to

(tells you which era your style is most reminiscent of...) 

Cherio! 

What I learned from Katherine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn is one of my favorite style icons.....ever.  She was classically beautiful, independent, feisty, stylish and a trend setter. Katherine wore pants before it was fashionable or feminine.  She also refused to wear makeup and never allowed herself to become the stereotypical "female image" of her time.  She loved wearing pearls, but she was just as comfortable and chic in safari wear.  Despite being outspoken or maybe because of it, Katherine was an inspiration to many American designers, especially for sportswear.  Her modern sensibilities, effortless grace and style makes her a true style icon. 

A trail blazer,

quintessential

 fashionista, and inspiration to us all, 

Katherine, I salute you.

What I learned from Katherine Hepburn: 

. High-necked blouses and shirts can be feminine and sexy with the right accessories

. A great pair of pants is tres chic! Add some flavor with a generous helping of your 

  own  style and you've got a winner!

. You can never go wrong with pearls............Try them in different colors, and styles

. Having amazing cheekbones and genetics is like winning the lottery.....seriously.    

   Katherine had them, but if you don't, work what you have with flattering hairstyles and  

   cosmetics that enhance your natural beauty

. Get your swag on!  Nothing looks better on you than self confidence

Cherio!

 


 

Sensational Boudoirs

I've always had a soft spot for bedrooms....nah, nothing weird, kinky or crazy.  The Bedroom just happens to be my favorite room to decorate or admire.  It's such an intimate space.

Think about it, 
. It's where we rest and renew ourselves
. Where we go to escape from stress or have some quiet time
. The place we tuck our precious babies in at bedtime
. And for us married folks, its where the magic happens that made those babies
. And last but not least, it's where us ladies keep our closet!  Need I say more...

Bedrooms are the one place you can let the romantic in you roam free.  Whether you are married or single you can create a space that is, inviting, relaxing, and tailor made to suit your taste, whatever it is.  After all, your boudoir is all about you!

Here are some beautiful bedrooms that really inspired me, I hope they inspire you too.

Cherio!