Good morning and happy Monday! I am *so very thankful* for your love, prayers and support during the last two weeks. It’s been hard. Grief stinks big time. It’s been harder for me than I anticipated.

I’m working on getting my blogging mojo back, so I thought I would share a few of my favorite things today. This could potentially be an ongoing theme sprinkled throughout what I share here. Yay!

I bought these Anthropologie latte bowls for myself for Christmas last year. I love them so much. I use them every day and they make me smile…big

On my quest for eating healthfully, I use herbs and spices liberally. These two are my go-to seasonings – Herbamare and Real Salt. I use them every day on meat and vegetables. They are delicious, nourishing, healthy seasonings. Yum!

Several months ago, I bought these Adidas cushioned socks from Academy. There’s actually a third pair with aqua accents, but it was in the laundry basket and I didn’t think you wanted to see a picture of dirty socks. Ha! I never dreamed the difference that these socks would make when I walk, run or bike. They are like magic energy on my feet.

Our faithful Kitchen Aid blender {a wedding gift 7 years ago} died a few months ago. It was a sad day. We bought this Ninja Pulse system on sale at Kohl’s and it was love at first use. I use this machine every single day for smoothies or baby food. I also use the pitcher attachment for making homemade salsa. It is perfect.

You might think it’s a little funny, but these items are my go-to sanity aids. With the emotional roller coaster of the last few weeks, I have kept them very close by. Rescue Remedy, Sublingual Bs {which are also great for morning sickness}, Joy and Valor Essential Oil Blends really help with stress, anxiety, grief etc.

Those are a few of my favorite things today! I would love to hear…do you use any of these items?

xoxo

Myra

P.S. I did use affiliate links in this post. Mwah!

Hey dear friends! It’s been a tough week. The celebration service remembering Memaw was on Tuesday at 11 AM. I was so very honored to be able to have a part in the service by reading this tribute…the eulogy. I’m posting it here because I want to have it somewhere forever and this is a good place to keep such things. I would love if you read.

The last two weeks have been full of reminiscing, memory making, tears, laughter and love as we cared for our beloved Memaw as she lived her last days after learning of her terminal illness. I’m thankful for the time we had to love on her, sing with her and say Psalm 23 together around her until that sacred moment when she drew her last breath. Surely if we had listened more carefully we would have heard the angels wings ready and waiting to carry her home.

She answered to many names. Memaw. Grandmother. Grandmama. She was Memaw to me and always will be. I’m speaking today to honor her memory.

Today is a celebration of her life. We grieve for ourselves. Not for her because she’s in such a better place with our dearest Granddaddy who we’ve been missing for nearly 17 years.

Memaw was what I like to call a “sweet firecracker.” She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She spent her life taking care of us. Her love language must have been acts of service and she loved on us with food. Delicious food. It’s a legacy that I hope follows for generations to come. Just a few weeks ago, while in the hospital, she wanted to get out of bed and fix us a meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans or butter beans with pound cake for dessert. I’m sure she would have had dr. pepper to drink too.

You may wonder why I call her a firecracker. If you knew her, you know she had no reservations about speaking her mind. Two days before she left us, she was ordering us around to do different things. I loved that precocious aspect of her personality.

Memaw was one of the most resourceful, frugal and creative people that I’ve ever known. She was the epitomy of tight-wad which brought out the most creative spirit in her. She was an incredible cook, fabulous seamstress, master gardener and food preservationist. She was always willing to teach us how to do different things.  She taught me how to can tomatoes, cut corn off the cob and shell peas.

Memaw was also the spray paint master. I’m convinced that her spray paint love rubbed off on me. Every Spring, Memaw loved to give her backyard swing and outdoor furniture a new coat of white spray paint.

My family and I will never forget Memaw’s dislike of snakes. We will remember the time she crushed and buried our snake eggs and the time she fell trying to run up the hill behind her house after a snake. There was probably a snake memo that said to watch out for the old lady brandishing a hoe.

Memaw was the glue that brought us all together for holidays and family get togethers. May we honor the memory of both Memawand Granddaddy by our continued love for each other and our love and obedience to God. Their legacy lives on through us.

I’m thankful that Memaw was trusting Jesus when she left this earth for her heavenly home. She always had a tender heart toward the things of God. In the hospital, Dad began reciting these words and Memaw finished them…

“I need no other argument, I need no other plea. It is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.”

Today is not “Goodbye.” It’s just a “See you later.”

Thank you for walking beside me through this difficult time. I am so incredibly grateful.

xoxo

Myra

Hi dear friends and readers. My beautiful Memaw passed from this world into heaven on Saturday just after 6 p.m. We were with her and held her hands as she slipped away. It was a quiet, sacred, beautiful thing.

Today we are celebrating her life.

This is so, SO hard. I fell apart driving up the driveway on Sunday night and her house was completely dark. That lamplight that I’ve seen shine for the last 30 years was missing and it made me realize just how big the hole is in my heart.

Two days before she left us. Her hairdresser came to the house and fixed her hair.

Please pray for us.

I will be back here as soon as I can.

xoxo

Myra

Hey y’all!  You know how much I adore my BOB stroller, right? Well, I’m excited to tell you about the BOB Strollers Find Your Escape Sweepstakes going on. I could totally use a vacation right now. Wouldn’t that be fun for Mother’s Day?

Love to travel? Check out this awesome sweepstakes that BOB Strollers is hosting … where BOB fans will actually get to select the vacation package that they will be giving away!

HOW IT WORKS
Beginning on May 1, 2013, tell us which vacation package you would most like to win by visiting the “Find Your ESCAPE” photo album on the BOB Facebook page and “liking” the photo that corresponds with the vacation package. The vacation package that has received the most votes by May 31, 2013 will be offered as a giveaway to one grand prize winner in the BOB “Find Your ESCAPE” sweepstakes, beginning on June 3, 2013 and ending on June 30, 2013.

Which vacation package would YOU select?

*****

Also, BOB Strollers is giving away a $100 Spa Finder gift certificate to one of you! Woot!

To Enter: 

• Leave a comment on this post telling me what you would love for Mother’s Day. It can be something as simple as breakfast in bed.

Bonus Entry:

• Vote on your favorite vacation package and leave another comment here letting me know you did.

This giveaway ends Monday, May 13.

Have a great day!

xoxo

Myra

Happy Wednesday! Few things are as fabulous as a delicious blueberry muffin recipe for breakfast. Ridley has asked for muffins the last several days, so I’ve whipped up this simple blueberry muffin recipe a few times. These muffins have a “must-have-more” element to them. You’ll be lucky if any are left over for a mid-morning snack. *wink

YUM!!!

Do you love muffins for breakfast? What’s your favorite cookie? 

xoxo

Myra

Sharing at: Chic & Crafty and I’m Lovin’ It!

Good morning, dear friends! Thank you SO much for your thoughts, prayers and kind words, comments and emails for my family and especially for my Memaw. I’ve edited last week’s post with an update.

Cameron has been a bit under the weather, so I’ve had some extra time at home to work on projects and recipes. I’ve been looking forward to sharing my vintage lamp makeover with y’all and today is the day!

I LOVE this lamp…especially with it’s new look.  It’s a little bit funky, a little bit vintage, a little weird and I totally get that this look is not for everyone.

This lamp has a LOT of sentimental value. It was given to me by a very dear friend – my college interior design internship boss. It made the trip from SC to AL and has survived six moves. There wasn’t anything wrong with it being red or having a black shade, but I was just tired of it and wanted something more….calm.

First up, I spray painted it.

I taped it off and got my white spray paint on.

The white spray paint made it much better.

The shade was beginning to split at the seam, so I decided to live on the edge by tearing it apart. Then I tore a bunch of muslin fabric strips and tied them to the shade.

It’s called using what you have.

Then the bright white spray paint began to get on my nerves. It was just too bright. I broke out my el-cheapo brunches and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint supplies from my friend Shaunna @ Perfectly Imperfect. I used a “Soft White” sample and clear wax.

Ahhh! She’s so much better with the chalk paint.

Pretty. And not so bright-in-your-face white.

I added the muslin fabric scrappy shade and called it good.

I very lightly distressed the edges, but you can’t tell too much. I didn’t want to do a lot of distressing because I didn’t want the red to show through.

Let’s visit the before & after again, shall we?

This Vintage Lamp Makeover is the next step in making over my dining room. I can’t wait to show you the whole thing!

Do you have a lamp that’s just begging for a makeover? 

xoxo

Myra

Sharing at: Tips & Tutes, Chic & Crafty, I’m Lovin’ It, Before & After Party!

Hi dearest blog readers! It’s been a rough last few days for my family. Our precious 97 year-old Memaw has just been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. She has been in stellar health all her life and this is now the beginning of “goodbye.” Preparing to let a loved one leave our arms for the arms of God is never an easy thing. This is hard.

Memaw is my last living grandparent. She’s a treasure. She’s one of the most ornery, stubborn people I have ever known. My family {immediate and extended} is incredibly close-knit. We are a tribe of fiercely loyal people who love to laugh, love to eat and love to have fun. And right now, we’re hugging each other close and encouraging each other to let tears flow.

There are so very many memories that have come pouring back to my mind over the last few days. I reminded Memaw of the time that she chased a snake up the little hill behind her house. She fell down and the snake acted like it was going to strike at her. She used a hoe and managed to kill that snake. Haha! And then there was the time that a patio chair rusted through. She sat down, the chair broke, and she ended up with her feet in the air. Granddaddy left her like that for a few minutes just so he could laugh.

{taken Easter Sunday 2013}

There are also memories that are still in the making as we spend time around her bed – talking, laughing, crying, singing, praying and just loving each other.

Memaw is scheduled to have surgery today to help make her more comfortable during this time. The surgery is risky, so we are praying that it is successful.

I may be a bit scarce around here…because more than diy projects, recipes, tips or tricks…my family comes first. Always. I will try to update here as I can.

Thank you so much for sticking by me through this. You all are the best readers and friends in the world. I’m so blessed.

Edit: Update – 5/5/13 – Memaw is now home with Hospice care. She is much more relaxed at home. Her hospital bed is in her den right where her comfy chair has always been. She can see outside if she wants to as well. Today, I visited her and she looked so pretty in her pink gown and hot pink shawl that she made years ago. She woke up twice and gave me smiles that are worth more to me than a million dollars. I’m so thankful for these precious days with her. Please pray for Memaw and my family as we all pitch in to care for her as we are able.

xoxo

Myra

Happy Friday! We are loving the warm, Springtime weather that has finally arrived in Alabama. One of my favorite things about the warmer months is being able to be outside and filling our lungs with fresh air. Obviously, pollen isn’t the best ever, but the benefits of sunshine and fresh air are amazing – mentally and physically. This Dr. Mom tip doesn’t cost a thing – free Vitamin D3 and oxygen.

I thought it would be fun to share our 10 Favorite Outdoor Activities…

1. Ride bikes

Ridley loves to go bike riding with his daddy. It amazes me how well he keeps up, but it must be his young, strong legs.

2. Go on a walk

We’ve been going on walks after supper. It’s one of my favorite times of day. I can relax, breathe deep and enjoy being with my family.

3. Draw with sidewalk chalk

When I need a few moments of quiet, I send Ridley outside to draw some sidewalk chalk pictures. Ahhhh!

4. Blow bubbles

When we’re at home, Ridley enjoys playing outside blowing bubbles and watching them float and pop.

5. Go fishing

Ridley loved catching his first fish a few weeks ago, when fishing with his uncle. Fun times!

6. Have a picnic

Several times a week, I serve Ridley his lunch on the back porch or in the back yard. He loves it and I do too.

7. Work in the garden

A few weeks ago, we worked outside planting flowers and herbs. There’s something invigorating about getting your fingers in the dirt.

8. Play catch

On weeknights, while I finish up supper, Ridley and Ernie go outside and play catch. It’s so fun for them and Ridley really has some athletic talent.

9. Play at the park

We love to go on park play-dates with friends. So fun!

10. This is where you come in! What outdoor activity do your children love?

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, so we all have a lot more ideas to encourage our families to enjoy more time outside for our health!

xoxo

Myra

I hope y’all are having a marvelous week. A couple of weeks ago, I made Chocolate Chip Bars for my Mom’s birthday. We’ve loved celebrating birthdays with cookie cakes for many years. I used my Granny’s amazing Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, and modified it just a bit for this cookie cake. These Chocolate Chip Bars got rave reviews from my family. And y’all? They are so quick and easy to make.

Drool.

Do you love chocolate chip bars? What’s your favorite cookie? 

xoxo

Myra

Sharing at: Chic & Crafty and I’m Lovin’ It!

Good morning! It was quiet here yesterday because we had a crazy busy weekend with two drop-in wedding receptions that I decorated for. My brother, as well as another church friend, had out-of-town weddings last month, so both couples came this weekend and our church hosted receptions. It was fun for local friends to “meet-the-bride and greet-the-groom.”

Ahhh! I love how everything came together for the receptions. One reception was Saturday from 2-4 and the other was Sunday from 2-4.

We setup the space on Friday night. A bunch of folks showed up to help which made everything go quickly and easily.

Hello tulips! I have a growing collection of aqua blue Ball jars that I love to decorate with.  I recently received a case of Vintage Style Blue Ball jars to try out. These jars are fabulous! The color is stunning.  This year is the 100th Anniversary of the Ball brother’s Perfect Mason Jar, a first-of-its-kind combination of jars, lids and bands. These vintage-inspired jars feature a pretty blue tint and embossed logos and they are available for a limited time.

Aqua Ball jars are perfect for flowers as well as peanuts. Pretzels, gold fish or other candy would be fun too.

My sister made fabulous Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Frosting. Aren’t they pretty?!  I heard they were quite delicious.

We also served veggies with Ranch dressing, sausage balls, spinach dip with crackers and lots of fruit.

I used my salvaged barn door on the table along with some gray chevron and lace.  The candelabra was a gift from my hubby before he was my hubby. He knew I loved it and conspired with my co-workers to surprise me. So sweet!

Yummy cupcakes.

We served ice water with lemon and lime slices, as well as, punch made from white grape peach juice with Sprite.

The wooden piece under the candelabra is from Southern Accents in Cullman, Alabama. I really love how the white and yellow tulips shine in the vintage style Ball jars.

Another table shot…

I just had to share this photo of my niece, my sister, my new sister-in-law and me. Love them!

Do you collect aqua Ball jars? Have you ever been to a drop-in “Meet-the Bride & Greet-the-Groom” reception?

xoxo

Myra