Monthly Archives: February 2014

J’adore 3

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February is over… Can you believe it?  The good thing about that, is that Warmer Weather is right around the corner, and my little one has a birthday in March.  So these are things to look forward to.

My latest obsession is Herringbone.  From Beadboards, to Backsplashes, to Floors.  I am even feeling this Herringbone Fabric.  You may find that showing up in Pillow Form in our Etsy Store soon.  Shhhh….

I have also Fallen in Love with Inslee Haynes. Apparently, I am VERY LATE, where her illustrations are concerned.  But, these are my favorites.   So far, I keep finding new ones.

Good

Better

Best

And…It’s About That Time to Get your Spring Cleaning Plan Together… I am starting with my Digital Spring Cleaning.  I spent a good portion of today, deleting Spam, and Cleaning Out My InBox.  Check out these 17 Apps for all Kinds of Spring Cleaning.

Lastly, I am sad to see Black History Month Go.  I spent this month finding Black History Facts to post on our FB Page, and I learned so much.  Here’s a link to my Tribute to Black History Month.

“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”
― Nelson Mandela

 

 

The Greatness From Whence we Came — A Tribute to Black History Month

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During the month of February(Black History Month), I have been sharing Black History Facts on our Facebook Page.  And, I was amazed at how much I didn’t know, almost every person that I shared, I either didn’t know about before, or knew nothing of the scope of their contribution to society.

The Greatness from Whence We Came - A Tribute to Black History Month

The whole experience left me in awe of the “greatness from whence we came”.  The ability to overcome and conquer the circumstances under which we were forced to live and the injustices that we had to endure created DIAMONDS.  “When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” – Peter Marshall

Our contributions to this country are immeasurable and continuous. These quotes by many of the “GREATS”, give a glimpse into the struggle and those who fought to not be defined by it.

If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves and allow those responsible to salve their conscience by believing that they have our acceptance and concurrence. We should, therefore, protest openly everything . . . that smacks of discrimination or slander. – Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) “Certain Unalienable Rights”
It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others. . . . One ever feels his twoness,—an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warrings ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder. -W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) The Souls of Black Folk (1903)
I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. . . . Even in the helter-skelter skirmish that is my life, I have seen that the world is to the strong regardless of a little pigmentation more or less. No, I do not weep at the world—I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife. – Zora Neale Hurston (1901-1960) “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” (1928)
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed. – Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) Up From Slavery (1901)

I am both proud and humbled.

J’adore 2

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Fotor0221204240This week was a busy and trying one, but somehow it still seemed like it flew by.

So, anyway lets jump right in with things that are on my radar this week..

Currently obsessing over this color scheme.

Trying to rationalize purchasing this Smila SOL Ceiling Lamp, even though it doesn’t match the decor in either of the girl’s rooms.  Wondering if it is too kiddie for my office, lol.

Slowly, being talked into decorating for Easter/Spring, by the [voices in my head].  And, all the great inspiration found here and here and here.

Anyway, the weekend is calling… So, I must run… Hope you all have an AMAZING WEEKEND!!

 

J’adore….

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Always looking for a way to both display my jewelry as well as keep it organized, I am always tickled pink by setups like this one.

I am always looking for a way to pack more into my day.  No matter, what I do, I could always think of more things I could have gotten done in my day.  So I am always reading articles about time management.

I am not all that interested in “Functional Fashion for my Refrigerator”.  But, I hate cleaning the Fridge.  Ick!! So these caught my eye.  Anything that makes my job easier. Working smarter, and not harder…. and all that jazz.

Even though we have a Fireplace in the Family Room, we rarely use it.  So it stays a little chilly down there, I have been on the hunt for a throw, that is both warm, and (sexy).  You know, one that makes my living room look we aren’t just Mommy and Daddy.  I love this one, but not the price, so I am still on the prowl!!

Finally, I love to put you all on… to blogs that I have recently fallen in love with. This isn’t a new one for me, but lately, she’s been back on my radar.  So check out the Polished Pebble.

Until next time…

Valentine’s Day Across The Web!!

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I literally wish I could do all of the amazing crafts and Valentine’s Day ideas that I have found across the web, but that would be virtually impossible.   So….. instead, I will share some of my favorite links.

Valentine's Day Craft Ideas from around the Web (Links Below)

There’s only a day left, but these are easy enough that you can work on them today, if needs be. I finished early this year, but it looks like the kid’s wont get to celebrate with their friends this year, due to the weather.

Do you have a little “foodie”, in your family?  If so this Free Valentine’s Day Printable Lunch Box Notes, will be perfect for you.

Got Construction Paper, and some Hand Eye Coordination, this Super Easy “Bee Mine” Valentine’s Day Craft is Super Cute!!

I know a lot of folks think Valentine’s Day is for the ladies, but I think our little men would beg to differ.  Check out this amazing Lego Valentine’s Day Boxes  made over @ The Blackberry Vine.  In 2012, she did this Lego Darth Vader Valentine Box.

I shared this on Facebook, last week sometime. But, I think it bears repeating. You can use things you already have at home to set a Festive Table for Valentine’s Day!! Ambiance, Ambiance, Ambiance.

Set up An Easy Valentine's Day Tablescape with things you have at home.

I used Scrap Fabric, Scrapbook Paper, A Valentine’s Snow Globe, and my Dinnerware and Silverware to create a Festive Table-setting.

Easy Tablesetting for Valentine's Day (with things you have at home)

Hope you all have the Happiest of Valentine’s Days, with the ones you love.  Be it your significant other or the whole family!!

Valentine's Day Quote Photo Source: Pinterest

Revisiting Goals

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I decided to start off 2014, posting Monthly Goals.  That didn’t go soo well, for me last month.  I could list a ton of excuses, but instead I will just list the things I did accomplish. Going forward, I am going to be listing my bi-weekly goals, and I hope to see more progress.

Revisiting Goals for January 2014

Personal Goals:

Lower my Carb Intake

Start my day off with Daily Wisdom for Women – 2014 Devotional Collection

Finish Confessions of a Prayer Slacker by Diane Moody ½ way there

Reread “Their Eyes Were Watching God” – by Zora Neale Hurston Deleted

Parenting Goals:

Finish Reading Amelia Bedelia Storybook Treasury with the Girls  Half Way Through

Help Morgan(3) to Write her Whole Name ( Work in Progress)

Teach Jai(9) to Make a Grill Cheese Sandwich (Fostering Independence) and Work On Vocabulary Words and Start Working On Science Project

Complete Valentine’s Day Cards — To Avoid the Mad Rush in February!!

Business Goals:

Write/Research Daily

Decide on Items (First Installment) for On-line Store 

We are starting with Throw Pillows.

Goals for 2/4/14 – 2/18/14

Personal Goals:

Exercise 3 days per week

Finish Reading Confessions of a Prayer Slacker by Diane Moody

Finish Reading Act Now!  A Daily Action Log for Achieving Your Goals by Peter D. Winiarski

Increase my Water Intake

Lower My Carb Intake

Parenting Goals:

Finish Amelia Bedelia Storybook Treasury with The Girls

Complete Second Set of 3rd Grade Vocabulary Words with Jai(9)

Schedule IEP Meeting  for Jai(9)

Complete Valentine’s for Grandparents with Jai and Morgan

Continue to work on Morgan’s(3) Name/Writing

Business Goals:

Complete 6 more Pillows

Open Etsy Store

Organize Online Home Decor Sale

Blog Post @ least twice a week