October Madness – Free Downloadable October Wallpaper for your iPhone and iPad.

October is here!! Which officially means that even though we haven’t gotten past Halloween yet.  We are fast Approaching the Holiday Season.  Which normally makes me very generous.  In that spirit, we thought we would share with you a Free Downloadable Wallpaper for your iPhone and your iPad, designed by Stage Presents.

Follow the Link Below – Right Click – Save – Enjoy!!

October Calendar Mockups

 

Click here to download the Stage Presents iPhone wallpaper for October

Click here to download the Stage Presents iPad wallpaper for October

 

 

Trend Alert – Over-sized Letters and a Quick DIY!!

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For as far back as when my youngest daughter, (now 4) was born, I think I have been obsessed with typography and lettering and the custom/personalized feel  that it brings to Home Decor.  Over the last couple of years, I think that I have become enamored with over-sized letters specifically.  And… so the hunt began.  Of course I would see them EVERYWHERE.  But, the catch is always the same, either they don’t have the letters that I am looking for, I can’t find the size I need, or the price is astronomical. (Or at least as far as this Momma is concerned)

So… I was at my 2nd Favorite Fabric Store….. you guessed it,  Joann’s Fabric on a totally unrelated quest, when I ran smack dab into these HUGE Cardboard Letters, which of course were going to come home with me.

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Admittedly, I had no idea what was next, because as much as I was stalking all the Over-sized Letter pins  on Pinterest.  My intention was to buy them and not to turn it into a DIY Project.  Naturally, you would think the next step would have been to look up directions.  But, NOPE.   I decided to go home and see what I already had in my Craft Closet (also known, as the JUNK CLOSET).  SCORE!!

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I sprayed the letters with Krylon Short Cuts Hobby Craft Paint.  And, to be honest, I loved that look and could have just left it at that.  It had a leathery rustic look.  But, since the A was actually an addition to my dh’s office decor.  It had to tie into the Chalkboard Walls, that are soon to come.

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What do you think?? I like it Brown.

I know that there should be a picture of the final step with the Martha Stewart Multi-Surface Chalk Board Paint.  But, I had to download all my pics from my iPhone to make room for the iOS 8 upgrade.

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Here is the completed project!! As you can see it hasn’t made it to its intended home yet, because Hubby’s Office is still a work in progress.  All in all, the whole project probably cost me no more than $7.00.

Who can be mad at that??  Have you decorated any spaces in your home with Lettering?  What was your favorite project?  I’d love to hear about it!!

 

 

And …. We’re Live!! – Restricted Members Only Content

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Many of you have noticed that there were some Cosmetic Changes happening on the Site, yesterday.  That is because we were going through the process of creating a Members Only Section.  If you sign up to become a member of our Blog, you will have access to Exclusive Content.  I believe that everything is working as it should.  However,  please excuse the changes, as we work out all kinks.

We Appreciate your Understanding and Your Patience.

In the meantime and in between time,  Register for your FREE Membership and take Advantage of our Exclusive Fall Printables!!

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Jumping Head First into Fall – Our Fall Home Tour

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Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons.  After particularly hot summers here in Georgia, when the seasons start to change, I feel the need to bring as much warmth in doors as possible, enter my Fall Décor.

I feel that the Entry to Your Home Sets the Tone for the Entire House.  So, I normally start with my Front Door and Work My way All the Back to the Kitchen.  But, this year, I was literally chomping at the bit, to pull out the Fall Decorations.  So I started indoors, that way the neighbors wouldn’t  know how crazy I am , lol.  I had also promised my hubby, I would wait at least until September 1st, to start decorating for Fall, and that is literally how long I waited.

I started with the hardest part, the Fall Tablescape.  To me, that is the make or break it point.  All other décor  gets married to this room.  I was pretty sure that I could use most of the items that I purchased last year, but still create a different look than last years.

Here is a glimpse of last year’s décor.

2013 Fall Centerpiece

 

2013 Fall Tablescape

Fast Forward to this Year:

2014 Fall Tablescape found on www.stage-presents.com

 

2014 Fall Tablesetting found on www.stage-presents.com

 

Side Buffet - Decorating for Fall - www.stage-presents.com

 

The Burnt Orange Bird Cages were something that my hubby picked up last year, when we were trying to figure out how to style the Side Buffet and the Mantle.  Luckily, they were already the perfect color, the only thing I added to them, were some fall leaves to line the cage.  I had a rather large ceramic pumpkin, and I simply put inside my glass cake plate, and added a few fall leaves and floral accents.  Then I decorated the table with other ceramic pumpkins and gourds.  Next,  I set the table with Fall Leaf place mats I bought last year from Bed Bath & Beyond,  in brown and gold.    I used Pier 1  pear and pumpkin salt and pepper shakers from last year and large fall leaves I purchased from Joann’s Fabrics, to make the table settings pop.  And, the scripted napkins were also something that I bought last year.  So I recycled pretty much everything while creating a new and I think a better look than last year.

Next Up, was my Foyer.  It gets a facelift on a constant basis.  I change up the Art Work and Décor based on Season Changes, Birthdays, and Holidays..  After all it’s the first thing you see when you come through my front door.

Past Foyer Looks:

Fall 2013 Foyer Decor

 

Christmas 2013 - Foyer Decor

 

This Year’s Look:

Fall 2014 - Foyer Decor

My Formal Dining Room flows directly into My Formal Living Room.  I didn’t do much in this room, but change out the centerpiece, just to give the whole space a uniform look.

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Fall 2014 – Living Room Centerpiece found on www.stage-presents.com

Then, I carried the decorations over into the Kitchen by adding these Chalkboard Candles to the Window Sill in the Kitchen.

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Fall 2014 Kitchen Window Display

Last Up, was the Front Door Area.  Here are some pics from the last two years.

2013 Fall Door

2012 Fall Door

And, finally this year!!

2014 Fall Door

Thanks for joining us on Our Fall Home Tour.  As always it’s a joy to decorate my home for my family, and to share it, with you.

A Quest for Answers: Motherhood Part 1

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“The days are long, but the years are short.” – Gretchen Ruben

Summer Break is over, here at our house, so I am trying to jump in with both feet, and get back into a Blogging Routine.   In a previous post, I Walk The Line, I promised to share with you some of the findings that I came across about Motherhood.

So here goes… I reached out to several Mothers in my Circle.  Surprisingly, I think they were all a little reluctant.  But, I get it, no one really wants their parenting called into question.  So I offered to post each response anonymously.

Mom 1 writes:

Honestly, I am both humbled and honored when someone mentions that I’m doing a great job parenting. I can’t tell you how many times I felt like I was doing a terrible job…cuz it’s a really tough job! Parenting is particularly challenging if you have more than one child, since each child requires customized parenting…that’s just my opinion.

I have three daughters. What works for my youngest daughter, does not work for my older twin daughters, and I’m convinced it has nothing to do with the age difference. It’s sheer personality!

Here’s one rule of thumb. As parents, I believe investing individual quality time with each child makes a world of difference. You’ll learn how to communicate with that individual child, separate from communicating with all your children as a group. You’ll find that this is more effective if your children all feel they are perceived as individuals with unique needs. They will respect and honor your views more. Try that for a change!

My Notes:  I really loved what Mom 1 had to say.  Especially because it’s easy to fall into the habit of trying to get everyone on the same page in a family setting. But, more often than not, EVERYONE really is not going to enjoy the same things.  I remember growing up my Mom made these awesome Chicken Croquettes, (which reminds me, I need to get that recipe), and we(my sister and I), loved them.   At some point, she stopped making it and when we asked her why, she said because Daddy didn’t like them.  I remember thinking …. SOOO…. lol.  I am sure it was just easier for her to make something that everybody wanted to eat than have to cater to our individual preferences.  But, I remember thinking that we outnumbered Dad and certainly should have had the deciding vote.  I said all that to say, we all want to have our individual needs catered to.  As adults and yes, as children.  I will be trying(Key Words:trying) harder on my end to consider the needs of everyone.

Question for Thought:  Just like with anyone else, do we teach our children how to treat us? I recently asked a friend how she taught her children to recognize and accept that Mommy needs both quiet and alone time.  She didn’t have an answer.  And, I haven’t found one either.  But, I have a greater need to make that known now that I am a Stay At Home Mom.  Love you guys, but now that you are little older, we don’t have to be together ALL THE TIME.  I would love to hear your thoughts on this as well.  (Mind you this was written, as my four year old was sitting as close to me as was humanly possible.  I literally had to put my headphones on in order to get in a good writing space.

Are you Interested in Teaching Your Children to Be Givers?        Check out this Great Post by Money Saving Mom.

Being Human….

They say confession is good for the soul.  So here is my confession.  For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with my time versus others time.  Even in my relationship with God.  When I want something I want it RIGHT NOW!!  I took comfort in the fact that this seemed to be the norm for my generation. After all, we were the first ones to really take advantage of sperm donors, surrogates and even instant Kraft Mac and Cheese.  You know the one  just individual consumption.

My mom always tells me that The Lord will keep putting certain things in my path until I learn how to effectively deal with it.  I have to say, I ALWAYS frown when she says that.  I mean really who wants to hear that.  That falls under the category of if you exercise more and eat better, you will lose weight…. NO… REALLY.

To that end, I was gifted with a child who could care less about my time.  Or anyone else’s for that matter she is sloooooooooowwwwwwww.  Even when she’s motivated she is still, say it with me,  sllllooow.  

This morning, my devotion read: August 6, 2014:  Maintain vitality in spiritual reality, and refuse to get stuck in the issues of life.  This is a time when you need to rise above emotional responses and all things that keep you in bondage, says the Lord.  It is My desire that you walk in freedom in all things.  Systematically extricate yourself from everything that opposes and prevents your complete liberty.  Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

So as I felt myself getting heated this morning with her slowing around, I was immediately brought back to those words.  And, then as I was making her lunch and trying to bring myself down, so that I could be the patient loving Mom she deserves, I also remembered two devotions that I read yesterday from Daily Wisdom for Women 2013 Devotional Collection.

I will just take two small excerpts.  The first read. – “There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless around them.”  God weaves a life of tapestry for each of us; when we focus on the knotted thread, we don’t see any beauty.    The second one read – Sincere love clings to what is good.  Sincere love always protects.  It is always patient and kind.  It always seeks to bring honor to others.  Sincere love always builds up and never tears down.

There are some days when my God Whispers are more like screams for me to come back and find my refuge in him.  After I dropped her off at school, I was in the car on my way to the grocery store and the song Running back to you by Commissioned came on…

Some of the words —

“How can you forgive me, when I’ve often gone astray? How can you think of me, when I do things my way?  Turning my back from you, the one who loved me first, having my own desires, renewing worldly thirsts.  You told me you loved me and I should make up my mind.  You tell me come back now, but I keep wasting time.  Feeling so very week, you say I can be strong.  I feel I’ve gone too far, you tell me to come home… you love me still.  And, I know this is real… and I am running back to you, I see you are standing there for me.  You arms are open wide, and I don’t have to cry no more.  Your standing there for me and I am running back to you.  Why do I go away, when I know I am no good when I am on my own.”

I struggle with being easily frustrated and aggravated.  Whether its the kids, or my coworkers or just life in general.  In 2014, I said I would make a conscious  effort to keep my mind stayed on him, and not allow the things of this world to take such a toll on me.  Needless to say half way through the year, I am still needing constant reminders(just like my baby girl).  Thank God, I serve a God who is way more patient than I am.

Still a Work in Progress….

Mommy Taxi Cab Confessions — The Summer Edition!!

Blogging over this summer is proving to be quite the challenge.  I feel like I need to get a voice to text app and start recording my thoughts in the car since that’s where I’m spending most of my days lately.

My 9 year old started her extended school year this past Monday.  And, as always, at least in our house, with change comes anxiety.  We had been talking about this since before the regular school year ended.  But, as the days grew closer, I could sense the “stomach clench”, maybe because mine was doing the same thing.  The days before were filled with lots of questions, which I tried my best to answer with the information I had.  The morning of we got to the school early, and as we sat outside and waited, I could see the tears welling up in her eyes.  New School (not her home school), New Teachers and New Kids. Ugh!!  And out came her teacher Ms. D.  She was a ball of sunshine and energy. And, even though she was scared, she took her hand and walked into the school.

Less than an hour later, I got a pic of a Happy Little Girl and I breathed a Sigh of Relief.  The next 4 days went perfectly and she told me she made a friend.  And, just like that, all is right with the world.  Whew!! These Growing Pains are as hard on the Parents as the Kids!!

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I have also spent a great deal of time driving my 17 year old around trying to help him find a job.  And, finally he scored a gig at Chick-fil-A. – Insert 1 Happy Momma!!

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The only person relaxing this summer is my little one.  She rides with me when she feels like it, and hangs out with Dad when she’s tired of the running around…

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So there you have it!!

The Start of the Summer 2014

As, I am sure you noticed by now, you can find me more on Facebook and Instagram these days.  It will probably be like that through the summer month’s since I am playing Mommy Taxi.  The summer is already flying by.  I can’t believe that it has been almost a month since the kids have been out of school.  And, next week my 9 year old, starts Extended School Year.  We have been trying to pack in as much fun as we can.  And, this Momma is tired.  We finished a crafting project we have been working on for a little while.  It started out as a paint project, and we, or I never followed through on the last part of it.  So, the girls were super excited to finally have their own Barrette and Clip Holders. We also went to Washington Farms, and tried our hands at Strawberry Picking.  I am soo not an outdoors person, but we loved it and had an amazing time.

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After Strawberry picking 2 gallons worth of strawberries, we had a lot left over, so we made Strawberry Lemonade using Laylita’s Recipe, with a tweak here or there.

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My Tweeks:  The recipe calls for 2 lemons, but we added 2 more lemons (or you can use lemon juice – if you prefer.)  The recipe calls for honey or sugar as a sweetener, but feel free to use Splenda, or whatever other sugar substitute you desire.  The straining is a little time consuming, but it is worth the time.  Lastly, its the perfect mixture to add to a more grown up concoction!! To top it all off we garnished it with Fresh Peppermint from our Garden.

Hope you all are having a great time as well, I’d love to hear about all the fun things going on over at your house this summer.

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Free Father’s Day Downloadable Printable (PDF File)

With Father’s Day only Thirteen Days Away, we thought we would share with you this great Father’s Day Printable that we created for our Facebook and Instagram Fans!!

To Download: Simply Click the Link Following the Picture and Enjoy!!

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DOWNLOAD HERE

Roots and Wings ….

PARENTING IS SUCH A DEEPLY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

If you want to see a Mom or Dad lose it, call into questions their methods.  Challenge their ability to parent effectively or even blame them for their child’s shortcomings, and you are almost sure to get a less than pleasurable response.

Parenting Quote - Roots and Wings

Photo Source: Pinterest

 

Roots:

plural noun: roots 

1.  the part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, typically underground, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant via numerous branches and fibers.

2.  the basic cause, source, or origin of something.

Wings:

plural noun: wings

1.  any number of specialized paired appendages that enable some animals to fly in particular.

2.  a rigid horizontal structure that projects from both sides of an aircraft and supports it in the air.

So when it  comes to our little people, what exactly constitutes roots.  I have always thought that had something to do with teaching them to be grounded.  As well as teaching them about their history and their heritage.

Wings, I see wings as providing them with the tools necessary to be successful, compassionate, loving and empathetic humans.

The fact of the matter is that (at jumping off point), most of us have a general idea of what kind of child we want to raise.  After all we have had 9 months to think on it.  We’ve tried our hardest to diligently plan every detail.  If you are like me (a lil anal retentive), you created a Excel Spreadsheet with every item you thought your lovejoy could possibly need and you checked off each item.  You packed your bags and waited for what you were sure would be a Chart Stopper of a day and it was!!  You bring your lovejoy home only to realize, well he’s not all that lovable or joyous, lol.  He’s got colic, wants to be held all the time, and came out  all Type A and demanding your attention all the time.  Which maybe wouldn’t be so bad, if you didn’t have two other kids on deck.

Fast Forward through some years and you’ve managed to get a General Ebb and Flow, you’ve found a way to cater to all the little and BIG personalities in your home.

And, you finally learn that:

1.  EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT.

2. TO PARENT THE CHILD YOU’VE GOT AND NOT THE ONE YOU WANTED.

3. AND MAYBE BY NOW YOU’VE LEARNED THEIR INDIVIDUAL LOVE LANGUAGES.

You think you are finally getting this Insane Ride of Motherhood Down Pat.  You’ve got Square Pegs – Fitting Into Circle Holes.  You are rocking the Hell out of Life.  Only to Realize…. You are Just Getting Started.