I purchased this small bedside table at our local antique store a couple years ago. I paid $20.00 for it and have been very pleased with how strong and sturdy it is. My daughter has used it as her bedside table since the day I brought it home. It was cute, as it was, but I always intended to paint it.
Several weeks ago, I purchased Annie Sloan chalk paint in the color called Antoinette. It is a chalky light pink color.
I began the makeover by removing the drawer and removing the original knob on the drawer.
I painted the entire piece including the front of the drawer. I allowed it to dry. This chalk paint dries very quickly! I then applied a second coat of paint and allowed that to dry.
I then used a block of sandpaper to rough it up a bit. I did this to the edges, corners and raised pieces that would naturally show wear over time. I was just "antiquing it" early! I then dusted the chalk away that had fallen naturally from the sandpaper. The next step was to use the Annie Sloan wax to cover the entire painted area. I used the clear wax and the Annie Sloan wax brush (which I highly recommend.)
Inside the drawer I used a Sharpie permanent marker to add a Bible verse that I chose for my daughter. I thought 1 Peter 3:34 was especially appropriate for a young girl to have in a pink drawer in her bedroom. Having it "tucked" in the drawer by her bed makes me think of her having it "tucked" in her heart as well.
I then added a new knob - a cream and black Paris knob! My daughter is a big fan of the Eiffel Tower and all things Paris! I purchased this knob at the same shop where I picked up the paint. It was $3.99.
And done!
And one more look....
My daughter was delighted with her new custom made piece of furniture and I sure enjoyed bringing this great piece of furniture back to life. I am also now hooked on chalk paint!
A hot cup of coffee, next to an open window,
listening to birds is a great way to start your day.
Talk to God. A lot. All the time.
What matters in high school will matter very
little in the future.
A good night’s sleep really does help most
anything.
Eat whole foods, organic whole foods, as much as possible.
You can be strong and lady-like at the same time.
Taking time for yourself will make you a better
wife, mother, colleague, friend.
Don’t ever feel guilty about making time for
yourself either!
It’s more important to have good friends, true friends, than it is to have lots of friends. Choose carefully.
Human touch is very important. Accept hugs and
be a hugger. Hold hands with loved ones.
Ask God for wisdom and direction in all that you
do each day.
Be a good listener. Listen more than you talk.
When someone is talking to you, look them in the
eye. Show them that you care about what they have to say.
Smile at strangers.
Pay cash whenever possible. Stay out of debt.
Don’t follow fads. Develop your own style that
is comfortable and represents you.
Get a career, not just a job.
Keep your promises.
Be careful what you promise.
Go barefoot.
An education is something no one can take away
from you.
Clutter weighs you down. It’s just stuff. Get
rid of it. Clear surfaces = clear thinking.
Remember that most of what you worry about will
never happen.
See the world. There’s so much out there.
Always wear a seatbelt.
Go for a walk in the woods whenever possible.
Fall in love with someone who really looks at
you and listens to what you have to say.
Keep dancing.
Don’t underestimate the power of music.
Keep a journal. It is so good to go back and
read the thoughts of a younger you.
You may think you know what you want, but God
always has the best plan.
It’s okay to say “no.”
Enjoy your youth. Being a grown-up isn’t all it's cracked up to be.
Smile and laugh. Laugh a lot!
Drink lots of water every day.
There is nothing you could do now or ever that
will make me stop loving you.
Spend more time looking up – at the sky, trees,
birds, a loved one’s face – than you do looking down at your phone.
Keep doing yoga. It is so good for you.
It’s okay to cry. Even for no good reason.
Some people are dead-set on being miserable.
Avoid these people but pray for them and be kind to them.
When you’re wrapping a gift for someone, say a
prayer for them.
When passing by little kid lemonade stands, stop
and buy some. Buy painted rocks too.
Attend concerts, the theater, art museums, and
high school football games too.
When you’re a mom, learn to trust your motherly
instinct. It will amaze you.
DosomethingCrEaTiVeeveryday.
Remember you have to do what is best for you. Don’t worry about what other
people think.
There is nothing more important than family.
Marvel at flowers blooming, baby toes,
rainbows, snowflakes, our Great Lakes. There are so many miracles surrounding us. YOU are a
miracle.
Own a dog. Or three.
Make wishes/prayers on stars.
There is always, always something to look forward to.
Count your blessings. Every single day.
Spend time outside. Every single day.
Sometimes you just have to take a mental health
day. That’s okay.
Your daddy adores you and always will. The way
he treats you is how boys should treat you.
There are so many good books. Read as many as
you can and then share them with others.
Don’t hold a grudge. It’ll eat at you more than
it bothers the person who hurt you.
Admit when you’re wrong. Apologize and don’t be
afraid to say, “I’m sorry” first.
Plant a garden. It is so rewarding in so many
ways.
Stand and applaud for veterans.
Have a couple rooms in your house that do not
have a clock in them.
Use sunscreen. Being healthy is more attractive
than being tan.
Graciously accept bouquets of dandelions.
If it makes you uncomfortable, consider avoiding it.
Photographs make the best souvenirs.
Marriage can be so, so good. It’s not always
easy but it is so worth working at.
Your thoughts and feelings matter.
Vinegar and baking soda are the best cleaning
supplies.
Send handwritten notes.
Be nice.
Every day wake up assuming it is going to be the
best day of your life!
If your bananas go bad and you can’t find time
to make banana bread, just throw them out and don’t feel guilty about it.
Don’t forget how good it feels to go on a
bicycle ride.
As your brother Oliver says, “Follow your dreams
and make things happen.”
Pay attention to how foods make you feel. Avoid
things that don’t agree with you.
Don’t be afraid to try something new. You never
know….
Don’t be embarrassed or afraid of your ideas. Everything once began as someone’s idea.
When you feel overwhelmed, make your bed and
throw dinner in the crockpot. It’ll help you to feel that you are starting to
get it all together.
Greet loved ones with a big smile, a hug and
kiss, and a warm greeting. Ask how their day went and genuinely care to hear
about it.
Allow your home to reflect you - filled with people and things that bring you JOY!
Don't compare yourself to others. God made you unique. You are your own person and you are amazing!
If you can't find something, start cleaning. Once everything is where it belongs, whatever is missing will be what's left!
Consider everything a gift from God: your family, your job, your home, your pets, your shoes, the food you have to eat....Give Him thanks for ALL of it.
The happiest people in the world are those who give to others, not those who are just taking. Be generous.
Your siblings are the greatest gifts your parents will ever give you. Really.
Epsom salt, lavender oil baths, cozy pajamas and slippers, and hot tea are great ways to wind down after a busy day.
Watch the sun rise and watch the sun set as often as you can.
Memorize the no-bake cookie recipe. You won't regret it.
When making decisions, you can consider others' opinions, but your opinion is what matters most.
On summer nights, lay in the grass and stare at the sky. During summer days, lay in the grass and watch the clouds.
This too shall pass.
People may not see or know your good deeds but God does. That's all that matters.
Be spontaneous sometimes. It's fun.
Take a multivitamin.
You are an artist. Everyone is an artist. It's just a matter of whether or not you are brave. Be brave.
Be kind, patient, helpful and respectful to the elderly.
Sometimes, choose to stay at bed and breakfasts. Get to know the owners.
Avoid artificial sweeteners.
Being productive is great...but avoid multitasking. It messes with your head. Just start one thing, give it your full attention and then finish before moving onto the next thing.
Remember - LOVE & KINDNESS in all you do. LOVE & KINDNESS!
I remember years ago, as a newlywed and not yet a mother, I sat in an adult Sunday School class at our church and one of the other ladies spoke about being so busy and so exhausted at the end of each day. She said, "I'm so whipped at the end of the day that all I can do is say, 'Thank you, Jesus' before I fall asleep." At the time she was a working mom of two teenage children. "Thank you, Jesus" is wonderful. And I'm sure Jesus was delighted. However, this worn out mom was desperate for a way to connect to God throughout the chaos of the day. She needed Him for strength, for direction, and for that calming connection in the midst of a regular day. Since becoming a mom myself, I have thought about this mom's comment so many years ago. I can SO relate now. Though I am still a work in progress, here are some ways our family has made connecting with God part of our busy days.
1. Sing - Joy, Joy, Joy Down in my Heart!
I started this routine several years ago. On Mondays I pick up the neighbor girls to bring them to school too and my mom van is filled with children! We began singing this every Monday on the short drive to school. We even worked out special solo and duet parts that we consistently stick to and we end the song in grand fashion, belting out the last few words as I put the van in park. Even on the hardest Monday mornings, singing this lightens the mood and lifts the spirit!
Need a refresher of this song? Check out THIS VIDEO!
Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30
2. Pray together before leaving for school/work in the mornings
Every morning before my husband leaves for work he calls us all together in the living room. We all hold hands, bow our heads and daddy prays for each one of us individually before we part ways to begin our day. I love this routine and love my husband even more for making it happen!
Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Matthew 18:19-20
3. "Thank you, God for________________"
I am a firm believer that finding a $5.00 bill in my pocket (that I didn't know was there) is totally a "God thing." I thank Him for little things. And my kids hear it - "Thank you, God, that we got home safely." "Thank you, God, that our homework is done." "Thank you, God, that we have a refrigerator full of food." The kids can also be heard randomly thanking God for the little things as well as the big.
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness;
I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.
Pslam 7:17
4. Stop & smell the roses.
Throughout the day, just stop. Stop and watch a nest of robins hatch, notice the wind in the trees, the colors of the sunset. Point out these things to your kids. Marvel at nature together.
Listen to a piece of music with your eyes closed. Notice the different instruments, the dynamics changing, consider the singer/composer's talent. Listen to music with your children and talk about what you hear.
Stop and look at your children. Really look at them. They are a gift from God. They are fearfully and wonderfully made. He chose the shape of their hands, the color of their eyes, their sweet smile. Tell your kids you are proud of them. Tell them they are the best gift God ever gave you. Remind them they are fearfully and wonderfully made.
It's so easy (and so typical) for moms to just be on "auto pilot" doing what must be done. But if we take a minute and slow down and appreciate the simple beauty gifted to us by our Creator, it will reduce stress, put things into perspective and demonstrate gratitude to our children.
How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number -
living things both large and small.Psalm 104-105
5. Have "messages" all over the house.
I have a chalkboard hanging in our dining room. I write Bible verses or uplifting messages on it and change them every now and then. In addition to the chalkboard, wall hangings, knick-knacks, magnets, and wooden signs can be found in our home reminding us of Bible verses or words of wisdom. Two of my three kids are readers and the youngest is almost there! Whether they are reading or not though, these special words become part of our environment and therefore, part of our life. We may read them together and talk about what they mean. I have picked up my son and pointed out the "Fruits of the Spirit" wall hanging I have to remind him God calls us to be gentle and use self-control!
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-3:17
See HERE for the tutorial how I transformed this garage sale find into a family chalkboard.
This chalkboard was purchased at a farmer's market booth a few summers ago. It is in our dining room.
I got this FAITH sign from Family Christian Store. It is hanging in our living room.
This is business card size and I have it near my kitchen sink. God is with me in all that I do - even dishes!
My daughter Claire picked out this cross at Hobby Lobby a few years ago. I ordered the "Family Routine" sign online many years ago but unfortunately, I can't tell you where.
With intention, we can add small "God Moments" to our day and make it a habit. In doing so, hopefully our children will see that saying a prayer before bed or a meal is not the only time God wants to hear from us but rather, He wants to be involved in all parts of our life throughout the day...even ordinary, crazy, hectic days!
The trees aflame with vibrant colors, the subtle golden light in the evenings as the days get shorter, the crisp, clear air, the call of geese overhead, fields dotted with bright orange pumpkins, pumpkin spice lattes....oh, autumn! What's not to love? Today I am sharing some of my favorite fall things...
I love fall and I love Michigan. This mug just feels cozy to me. This mug has been greeting me each morning before anyone in my family does! I met the artist, Katie Doucette when I was in Saugatuck in August. She has tons of unique, charming gifts including lots more mug designs, signs, coasters and custom pieces. I own several of her items now and have given a few as gifts. Check out her Etsy shop to start your Christmas shopping and follow her on Facebook.
2. Gray Shawl
I ordered this shawl through Zulily two years ago. It is perfect for fall days - you know how October may still be 70 degrees during the day but then chilly in the evening? Just wrap up in this. It's like getting a nice warm hug! Perfect for football games, campfires, or an evening walk in the woods. This particular shawl is made by David & Young but similar ones can be found at Target HERE or in cozy alpaca wool from this Etsy shop HERE!
I preordered this cookbook before it was released last year so I got it as soon as possible! My copy is filled with sticky notes - trying them all! I love cooking with the seasons and this cookbook hits the spot. My favorite recipe is the Grain Free Pumpkin Muffins. They are so easy and so good! The kids gobble them down. Perfect on busy fall mornings. If you are a pumpkin lover, you've gotta have this book!
Is there anything more comfy and cozy than a bowl of soup? I don't think so. I love making soup as the days get cooler. A few years ago I instituted what I called "Soup Sundays" in our home - a new soup every Sunday from September through December. I enjoy trying new recipes and am always on the lookout for recipes that highlight fall produce. Harvesting squash, pumpkins, peppers, leeks, and onions from our garden to incorporate in my soups just make our Soup Sundays more special.
When I saw this soup tureen at Walmart, I knew it'd be perfect for my homemade soups. It is! It is a great price - about $15.00 and comes with a ceramic ladle. It keeps soups hot for a long time and makes for a pretty centerpiece on the table.
Check out some of my favorite tried and true soup, chowder, and chili recipes HERE.
This is one of my favorite stories to share with my students and my own three children each October. And honestly, I think when my kids are grown and I have retired from teaching, I will still read this every autumn. It is so good. In this story, the main character, Rebecca Estelle HATES pumpkins and does all she can to avoid them until one day a pumpkin accidentally tumbles out of the back of a truck as it passes her home. What to do? Rebecca Estelle teaches the reader hard work, generosity, independence, and making lemonade out of lemons....or rather, pies out of pumpkins! It is such a sweet story with glorious illustrations that makes you feel as if you are right there with her. This is a must read for all ages.
Have you seen this magazine?! Oh. My. Heavens. I am so in love with this magazine! It is not your ordinary magazine. For starters, it costs about $20. Pretty steep for a magazine, huh? Not at all. Not one like this. This "magazine" is more like a book, for one thing. It is thick and printed on great quality paper. The photographs pull you in...you can't wait to turn the page to see what other gem you will feast your eyes upon. And here's the thing...it's not just a magazine. This book is like a get-away, an oasis, the calm after a hectic day. It's not one of those with "Miracle Diet" in bold on the front cover that you read and then donate to your doctor's office waiting room. Nope. This is a book you savor. It makes you slow down. It makes you relax and think and reflect. I'm telling you, you will hug it to your chest.
It is filled with writing prompts like "What would your perfect day look like?" and room to write. It is for journaling too. It is for list making. And not just blank, white pages but beautiful pages that make you want to touch it with your pen and make your mark, become part of it. This is a magazine like no other and this fall issue will not disappoint.
I have been wanting a new bike for about a year. I researched bikes for petite women as I am only 5 feet tall. I Pinned lots of images of bikes that I liked and was going for that vintage-straw hat-sundress-flowers-French bread in the basket look that is all over Pinterest!
A friend noticed my Bicycle board on Pinterest (HERE) and asked me if I was in the market for a new bicycle. I told her I was, indeed! She then recommended a local bike shop in our little bitty town. Huh.....I hadn't even thought of checking there. So my husband and I went to see what they had.
We were pleasantly surprised. I tried out a couple bicycles in the parking lot of the bike shop and discussed the options available for a petite lady like myself. The bike shop owner is a man in his sixties who is 5'1". I know this because he told me. I found that I really liked the Nirve bikes - with the look of them, the smooth ride, the size of the frame, and the adjustments he made to the seat and handlebars to accommodate my short stature, I thought a Nirve bike might be the way to go. I told the owner I needed to think about it. I thought about it. And then we went back and got this beauty....
Ladies and gentlemen.....meetBetsy!
Isn't she lovely? I love the cheerful yellow of the frame, the mint green within the tires, the subtle embossed flower design pressed into the seat and handle bar covers, and the sunflower detail. This bike is called the Nirve Sunflower Beach Cruiser. I got this Nantucket bike basket from Amazon.
Just for fun I donned a white sundress with yellow belt, straw hat with yellow ribbon, yellow flowered scarf, orange high heels, sunglasses and lipstick for a quick informal photo shoot with Betsy. A beautiful spring orange and yellow bouquet and a loaf of French bread completed the Pinterest look I was going for. Ahhh....
My daughter Claire (7) thought the whole photo shoot was fancy....and silly! What fun! Claire and I have been enjoying long evening bike rides all over town since Betsy became part of the family.
I am really looking forward to lots of bike riding time with the kids this summer.
I am so thankful to have found this bicycle. Footloose and fancy free! That's me this summer....I hope.
My mom and my sister have Christmas dinnerware that they get out and use for Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas day brunch, etc. I have always been envious of their special dishes. I want some. For years, I hadn't found any that I completely fell in love with though so....no special Christmas dishes for me. I do always make the table Christmasy for the special occasion meals though but with paper and plastic! :)
Anyway, last year I came across a set of Christmas dishes I really liked while doing some online shopping. I really, really liked them. A lot. I debated but didn't order them. I figured the cost I'd be spending on myself would be equivalent to the price of a very nice gift for one of my family members. These are the dishes I was admiring...
This year I found them online again at Target.com. So this year, Black Friday cyber week + free shipping + a coupon.....I did it. I ordered them. And I was SO excited! I kept checking the tracking information right up until I knew they were sitting on my front porch! As soon as I got home I tore into that big box. And found this....
I was so bummed. So disappointed. I checked the packing slip. It was right. It said 222 Fifth Winter Cardinal and had the correct price. That's just not what they sent. I immediately got on the phone and called Target. I was on hold a very long time. I finally got to talk to someone...sort of. He wasn't terribly helpful. He was just like, "Ok. Send them back." I was like, "BUT....Target made this mistake!" He said, "Yeah, we'll pay for shipping. You'll have to get ahold of FedEx and have them pick it up though." This was happening the week of two big Christmas program productions (that I was in charge of) at my school, the week of my daughter's birthday party, two weeks before Christmas....you get the idea. The Target representative said they'd send the right set when I sent the wrong ones back. That sounds reasonable except that they took 8 days to arrive! I wasn't looking forward to messing with returning the huge, fragile box and then waiting another 8 days. In the midst of this conversation with the Target rep, we got disconnected. Seriously?!?! I let the whole thing go for a few hours while I concentrated on one of the two Christmas programs. Then I explained the whole dilemma to my husband who really doesn't care what we eat off from, as long as we eat. I showed him the photos online of what I had wanted and then showed him what I got. His response?! "I like these better." He then pointed out that there is a log cabin on the Andover set - like his parents have and a horse drawn sleigh - like my parents have. I really do like the Andover set - a lot...but it's just not what I had wanted. I then whined the whole story to my mom who said I needed to consider if it was worth it to go through the hassle of returning a set that both Ryan and I liked. We also discussed that the Andover set cost more than what I had originally ordered. She said some day I may want to give this set to one of my children and then I could get another set I really wanted. I also pointed out that the Andover set I could actually see and liked whereas the Winter Cardinal set I had only seen online - never in person. So, I'm keeping them. And I must say, I am getting excited about them now. The red on them is a deep, rustic red. I have decided to make a rustic sort of tablescape with them for our Christmas day brunch. Maybe something like this...
Target sending the wrong item, getting disconnected from the Target rep, the design reminding us of our parents, the fact that my husband loves the pattern....perhaps it's meant to be. I'm really disappointed in Target....my beloved Target....but I'll forgive them. In addition to being pretty, the dinnerware is heavy duty and may stand up okay to use by my children. I'm looking forward to our first festive meal with our new dinnerware. I'll share photos when it happens!
