worley house

UNBLOGGER by Darrell Vesterfelt E-Book Release

2013-05-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday friends! Thank you for your honest and sincere feed back from last Wednesday's post, I really appreciate you as readers, thank you for sharing letting me share my heart. Today I have a fun treat for you today that goes along with my post and what has been stirring in my heart as of late.

Let me introduce you to my friend Darrell Vesterfelt author of UNBLOGGER. I met Darrell through my husband back in college, they were roommates in college together. Darrel has been a much needed voice in the blogging and social media world. I appreciate his approach and honesty in a world that can be so self consuming.

A little bit more about Darrell;

Darrell Vesterfelt is the author of UNBLOGGER: Discovering the Power of Story in a 'How-To' World. He is also the co-founder of Prodigal Press and Prodigal Magazine. You can connect with him on Twitter at @dvest or on his blog DarrellVesterfelt.com

His e-book UNBLOGGER releases today on Amazon, and is free for you to download and read for this week only. I was able to read an advanced copy of UNBLOGGER, and I'm so glad that I did. As a blogger I was challenged by what I read, and walked away once again re evaluating my blog and making sure the voice of my blog matched my heart. I know you will love it too and be challenged in some way as well with your blogging.

I thought it would be fun to do a little question/answer with Darrel to find out more about the release of UNBLOGGER.

What inspired you to write UNBLOGGER?

I wrote UNBLOGGER because I was seeing a growing frustration in the blogging community. There were so many voices, and they all seemed to be saying the same thing. I know that it was always easy for me to fall into the trap of blogging for all the wrong reasons. I wanted to write an eBook, really a manifesto of sorts, to remind those of us who blog that we can do it for the right reasons. And that when we do blog for the right reasons, we will find a lot more meaning in our work.

What is one thing you hope people will take away from reading UNBLOGGER?

I hope people will asses their motives behind their blogging efforts. I think it is easy for us to let these motives go unchecked, and that can turn into a dangerous thing. If we can sit back and ask ourselves the hard questions today, we will save ourselves a lot of trouble in future. Bad motives turn into action, and those kinds of actions lead us into a really unfulfilling and meaningless place.

Since you shut down your blog, do you ever see yourself opening up another blog and sharing in that space?

Yes I do. In fact, I just launched a new blog this week! You can check it out at DarrellVesterfelt.com. Being an UNBLOGGER doesn't mean that we should all quit blogging, but it does mean that we need to start blogging for the right reasons. I hope this will be my expression of blogging for the right reasons.

This week only to celebrate the release of UNBLOGGER Darrell is offering it to you for FREE, please go here to purchase your free copy of UNBLOGGER.

hitting the pause button on blogging for a sec.

2013-05-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks I've been feeling a stirring in my heart about blogging, I'm constantly reevaluating what I'm putting out into the blogosphere, the words I write I want them to mean something not only to me first, but also to the person who reads this.

I remember the first blog I ever read and got hooked on, what hooked me wasn't the crafts, or pictures, it was the words. It was the way she told a story, and opened up even the smallest parts of her life. Showed you the beautiful along with the messy real life stuff. It's what inspired me to start my own blog and share life with each other.

To build a community. To connect to people.

I've been blogging for some time now, (5 years) this past February. Some really great friendships and connections have come from blogging, for that I am so thankful. Some of the purest moments and stories I've shared in this space.

I didn't even know what a sponsored post was until I was blogging for about 3 years, I didn't even know you could make money off your blog until around the same time. I didn't even make any money off my blog until just a year ago. Do I make money off my blog? Short answer, yes. Do I make a lot? No. Do I make a part time income? No.

There are sponsored posts written. There are ads on this blog, way at the bottom. Do I make enough to treat my family to dinner, yes. Do I make money and buy things for our home or pay my bills? Yes. Every time I've been approached to do this, I always run the opportunity through a check list in my mind.

Would it be something that I would normally like or write about on my blog?

Would I really do that in real life?

Do I even like the product/service, etc?

Does it fit with my readers?

I won't pretend that from time to time you might see sponsored content on this blog, because you will and you have. But I will make sure that it's authentic every time.

But more than sponsored content I want to share life with this online community. I still comment on every. single. blog I take the time to read.

I still read a lot of blogs with a lot of different content than my own.

I read this post today, and then this post which furthered in my heart what it was already stirring.

Everyone measures success in a different way, and so do bloggers. I don't know what your measure of success is but I'm thankful for the emails and comments from readers that I get that are so honest and encouraging.

More so than page views. I know I get passed up for a lot because I don't pull in the page views and numbers like others, but I'm honestly ok with that. I am thankful for the opportunities that have come my way, like writing for Modern Mom in which I got to write about something I'm passionate about.

I want blogging to be about sharing a story, even if I'm crafting in that post, or sharing pictures, or cooking. Whatever, there's a story behind it. There's a story that I want to share. I started the 5 Questions series because there's some amazing bloggers out there that I love and I wanted to share them with you.

I don't have awesome page views, and I don't have the thousands of followers like a lot of blogs I read. But I've gotten to the point where that doesn't matter. I want to write because I love it. I craft because I love it, and I love making my home and space to reflect myself and my family. I cook because I love doing it for my family, and every once in a while a recipe is worth sharing.

It's my desire for this space to be as authentic as it can be. That I reflects myself, and where I'm at in this season of life. At the end of the day I'm:

a Christ follower, wife, mother, creative thinker with a passion for family, friendship and people. I want to share that here.

My challenge for myself and for you today if you're a blogger is to remember why you started blogging in the first place, why you fell in love with it.

If you're a reader and don't have a blog, I challenge you to really jump in and be apart of a community. The true community that I believe this can be.

5 Questions: Andrea from J and A & Co.

2013-05-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today's 5 Questions comes from one of my favorite bloggers, I don't even really remember how I found Andrea's blog but I'm glad I did. I know I started reading it when I was pregnant with Ava and I instantly fell in love with her honesty about motherhood, and her great wisdom about parenthood.

Visit her blog here, and find her on Pinterest here.

Perfect Summer Tote Bags

2013-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

I love a good functional and fun bag! Purses and totes are a weakness for me. Now that summer is upon us every lady needs a good bag to get them through summer play dates, trips to the park & beach with ease.

The requirements: big enough to fit your normal essentials (keys, wallet, phone, etc.) plus snacks for your kids, your ipad and whatever else you may need. Also it needs to come in a fun color or fun pattern.

I've rounded up a few of my faves below, perfect for anyone and any budget!

Summer Tote Bags by worleyhouse featuring gap tote

Old Navy tote / Canvas tote / Canvas tote / Poppie Jones jelly tote / Gap tote / H&M straw handbag, $15 / Merona pink tote / Poppie Jones handbag / Gap tote

Happy Mother's Day.

2013-05-12T20:39:00.002-07:00

For some of you today is a happy and sad day all at the same time.

Some of you are holding your babies close tonight.

Some of you are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a little one.

Some of you have lost babies.

Some of you are missing your mamas that are no longer here.

Some of you are single mothers who don't have any help, who are just trying to make it.

To all the women out there; holding your babies, waiting for your babies to arrive, missing the ones you lost, or have yet to come you matter, you are special, you are brave, you are a warrior, you are amazing!

Today, my heart is praying for you.

Happy Mother's Day!

These little ones, I have to really say thank you. Thank you for making me a mama.

This year, I didn't want any gifts. All I wanted was a couple hours to myself. To run errands by myself.

I gloriously walked around Target for an hour today. Ran some errands, and sat in my driveway in my car after coming home enjoying a coke zero. Seriously.

The day before I enjoyed a nap, a nice long nap. Then we all went out to dinner together to celebrate.

I had dessert, which I haven't had in a month. It was awesome.

Then I pulled into the driveway today after my stint out today, and came through into the garage only to hear Zane screaming his head off. When I walked in the door my husband told me he'd been crying like that off and on for the 3 hours I was gone.

Back to reality. For realz.

Happy Mother's Day to you all.

Hope your day was beautiful.

Coffee Date // 5.9.13

2013-05-10T08:00:00.001-07:00

Hello friends, Happy Friday!

It's been a while since we had a coffee date, I'm excited to be having coffee with you today, enjoy!

IMG 2838 from Andrea Worley on Vimeo.

Linking up with Alissa today at Rags to Stitches.

brother & sister.

2013-05-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

these two, they have my heart.

i love that ava calls zane her baby.

i love that when he smiles at her, she says "he loves me."

my prayer, is that they grown to love each other and have a special relationship.

i have two brothers, they are quite a bit younger than me (6 and 8 years) but still we have a special relationship.

i love watching these two play together, and i'm starting to see that relationship.

morning snuggles.

morning laughter.

sharing of the toys and making sure "the baby" is ok during the day are some of my faves that she's expressing these days.

these two, man! those smiles, these faces.

i just love them to bits.

he's done.

2013-05-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

the last year and a half hubby has been working hard.

hard towards a goal.

this weekend he completed that goal.

graduating with his masters degree.

right before our 4th wedding anniversary he started his first class, we didn't really know how life was going to change.

we knew there were going to have to be sacrifices made so he could make school work.

but we did it, he did it.

my husband he works so hard, and has been working so hard at school these last few years. I'm so proud of him and couldn't be happier for him and a new chapter that starts now.

my husband is the first in his family to graduate college. and now the first to graduate with a masters degree.

he shows me over and over again that circumstances do not matter.

determination does.

goals do.

spirit and strength do.

and the will of God.

he makes me so proud.

he works so very hard for all of us. and he never asks for anything, ever.

he's truly one of the most selfless people i know.

so, today we celebrate him. we clap for him.

i'm thankful that God blessed me with such an amazing gift in my husband.

i'm thankful for him.

congrats Orion, we love you.

Ready for Summer: Suits & Accessories

2013-05-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for Summer? Here in Phoenix it's been already warming up for a few weeks now. Today, I'm sharing with you some of my fave picks for suits and accessories for your little ones.

Swimsuits for you Little Ones by worleyhouse on Polyvore

Cherokee Boys' Plaid Swim Trunk / Just One You by Carter's Infant Boys' Shark Rashguard and Swim trunk... / Gap Rainbow Ruffle One Piece / Gap Striped Racerback One Piece / Gap Multi Plaid Swim Trunks / Gap Ruffle Bow One Piece / Old Navy Girls Foil Polka Dot Swimsuits / Old Navy Boys Rugby Stripe Cargo Swim Trunks / swimwear

This season I'm loving all the bright colors and one shoulder pieces for girls. For boys I love the plaid prints, and the cute rash guard sets. You can't have swimwear without some awesome accessories right? Here's some fun picks.

Ready for Summer Accessories by worleyhouse featuring coppertone

Coppertone / baby shoes, girls' shoes, baby : Target / Old Navy Printed Flip Flops For Baby / Old Navy Straw Fedoras For Baby / Old Navy Canvas Bucket Hats For Baby / Gap Neon Fedora / Circo Infant Girls' Sunglasses Pink OSFM / Gap Side Bow Glitter Flip Flops / Gap Scalloped Trim Straw Hat / Old Navy Sunglasses For Baby / JUST ONE YOU Made by Carters Newborn Boys' Swim Goggles Multi Newborn / Gap Aviator Sunglasses / Boy's Shaun White Flip Flop Orange / Baby Natural Protection Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Every little one needs a pair of sunnies, or if you're like us maybe two or three. A great hat can be your best friend when the sun is harsh keeps it out of their face if they don't like sun glasses. Flip flops or flipplies as my Husband likes to call'em are perfect for slipping on an off when you're coming in an out from the back yard often. And the must have of summer? Lots and lots of sunscreen! I love Aveeno baby for little babes and Coppertone Sport for more active kids. Remember to re apply too, just one application is not enough for a full day outside. You can never be to safe in the sun.

What are your 'go to' items for summer? I hope it's starting to warm up wherever you are! Happy Summertime!

Safe Haven DVD Release & Giveaway

2013-05-02T08:00:00.001-07:00

I've been a long time fan of Nicholas Sparks' novels, I love even more when the books are made into movies and seeing the characters come to life on screen. Safe Haven is the latest to be made into a movie it comes out on DVD/Blu Ray May 7th. A little bit more about the movie,

Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough star in this spellbinding romantic drama based on the novel by best-selling author Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook). When a mysterious, beautiful woman named Katie (Hough), moves to Southport, North Carolina, she sparks the interest of the locals, especially Alex (Duhamel), a handsome widower. Although she is attracted to Alex, Katie is reluctant to trust him – that is, until a new friend (Cobie Smulders) convinces her to give Alex a chance. But before long, a dark secret from Katie’s past threatens her happiness in this thrilling romance directed by Lasse Hallström (Dear John).

Special DVD features include; Deleted Scenes, an alternate ending, set tour, Igniting the Romance in Safe Haven, Josh Duhamel's lessons in crabbing.

In celebration of Safe Haven’s home entertainment release, Twentieth Century Fox has compiled a list of fun, inexpensive, DIY décor tips for your abode:

I’m Open! – Don’t have enough cupboard space? Get a metal shelving unit. The open space can allow you to store kitchen staples in fun unique ways

Apothecary Meet Mason – storing them in apothecary or mason jars can gussy up everyday items like cotton balls and Q-Tips. Simple yet elegant.

Vase It – Any room will be immediately brightened up with a pretty vase and flowers, including the bathroom. No vase? Try a mason jar. Feeling experimental? Use wine bottles as vases and use brackets to hang them on the wall.

Today 1 lucky winner will get their very own copy of Safe Haven on Blu Ray & 1 copy of the novel by Nicholas Sparks. Please use the RaffleCopter below for your entries, all entries will be verified.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{featured} Ava's Birthday Party on Pizzazzerie

2013-05-01T15:09:00.004-07:00

Exciting day my friends, I've been dying to share with you Ava's 3rd birthday party! And today I'm excited to say it's featured up on the awesome entertaining site Pizzazzerie!

to see the full post click here.

I can't wait to hear what you think. :)

5 Questions: Sherry from Young House Love

2013-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday friends! Today kicks off my new series, I'm so excited about this new series and the list of bloggers I'm excited to share with you. First up, Sherry from Young House Love. I've been reading their blog since before the name change, they were one of my first DIY blog I got hooked on. Hubby bought me their book for Christmas last year and I've been scouring every last page, excited about the ideas it's giving me.

I took a leap and emailed Sherry about doing this series, and to my surprise she was the first blogger that responded from the list of bloggers I emailed. I really appreciate Sherry's response and being willing to be apart of this fun series with me.

I introduce you too 5 Questions......

I too love a good Chai Latte!

Thanks Sherry! Visit Young House Love here.

images via Young House Love.

{local events} Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market

2013-04-29T08:00:00.001-07:00

Good Morning friends. I had to share with you my adventures this past weekend. My friend Destiny and I hit up The Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market here in Phoenix. If you live locally you must hit up this event next time. They will run the market again in November. Visit their website here for more info.

Lots of old, vintage chippy goodness everywhere you looked. This was my first time to this market and I can't wait to go again this Fall. Seriously if you're local and have the chance to go please do! There was so much to look at, endless finds. I could have easily bought so much. And the thing that I love most about stuff like this is you're buying pieces that no one else is going to have in their home.

totally should have gotten a wooden arrow.

via @aplaceforus on instagram

{my junk finds included}

a cute table and chairs set

a vintage globe

a wine bottle crate

and a sign with the lyrics from The Potter's Hand

love all my finds.

the scene about 10 minutes after I got home with that table.

totally worth it.

{DIY} Gold Dot Coffee Mugs with #MarthaStewartCrafts #MothersDay

2013-04-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is fast approaching us, it's a great time to make some lovely DIY gifts for your special Mom. My mother lives out of state, and every time she visits it's so special. I love to soak up those moments with her sharing coffee together in my kitchen.

I wanted to make some special mugs for us to enjoy when she comes to visit us next week.

I used these Martha Stewart Crafts glass paint in metallic gold for this project. I'm really on a gold kick lately, I just love it. These mugs are totally Kate Spade inspired.

I bought two plain white mugs from the Dollar Tree, cleaned them with rubbing alcohol per the instructions on the paint box. Let them dry before applying the paint.

I started by putting a quarter size amount of paint on a plate, using a foam round brush (you can get these at any craft store.) I dabbed some gold dots around my mug. No pattern just randomly around the mug.

It'll look something like this once you're done.

Make sure you get the back side too.

Then do your other one. You need a pair to have coffee with mom ;)

You can air cure these for 21 days, or cure them in the oven. I chose to do mine in the oven. Set your oven to 350 degrees and place them in the oven right away before it's fully preheated. DO NOT place these in an already hot oven or it will not cure properly. Set your timer for 30 minutes. Let them cool in the oven and wait 72 hours before using them.

Now you have a pretty pair of mugs for your next coffee date!

Want to make your own mugs? Michaels is celebrating Moms with a special coupon! Click here to SAVE on your next shopping trip!

This post as part of a sponsored campaign with Plaid and The Blueprint Social. All opinions and love of Martha Stewart Crafts are my own, as always I only recommend & use products I really love and feel are a good fit for myself and my readers.

Introducing 5 Questions for the Blogger Series

2013-04-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

Remember that time I did a series called Blog Roll Monday here on the blog? Well, now that I've introduced you to all my fave blogs it's time to take it a bit deeper & have some fun. I'm introducing a new series to the blog that I'm really excited about on May 1st!

5 Questions for the blogger will showcase some of mine & your favorite bloggers, asking them 5 fun questions in hopes to get to know them better. Some of them you'll know, and others you'll be discovering for the first time but my hope is that you'll find another inspiring blogger and share the love.

Join me back here Wednesday, May 1st for my first interview with one of my fave DIY bloggers!

Happy Monday friends!

Spring Shoes Styles with Payless

2013-04-22T08:00:00.001-07:00

I got a coupon from Payless a couple weeks ago, and while I usually don't go there often I've found a few pairs of shoes over the years from there that I've liked. I also like some of their kids sandals and shoes.

Back to my coupon, it made me want to check out online some of what they had. I was happily surprised at how much I found that I liked. So, I rounded up some of my fave Spring styles from Payless.

From flats to wedges they have a little bit of everything.

Spring Shoe Finds at Payless by worleyhouse featuring high heel wedge sandals

Strappy shoes / Flat shoes / Strappy sandals / Rubber shoes / Wedge shoes / High heel wedge sandals / Strappy sandals / Ballerina shoes / Star shoes

Which ones are your faves? Got any secret shopping places too?

I was not paid at all to say this, nor am I affliated at all with Payless just love these styles.

Sitterati App Review for SitterCity

2013-04-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was able to test out a new app called Sitterati by SitterCity. This new app allows parents to book, pay and review sitters through their mobile device. I love the idea behind the Sittercity web site allowing parents to "share" sitters, give reviews and reccomend sitters to other families. Finding a sitter for your family is an important decision and when you find a good one you're likely to sing their praises and let other parents know how great they are.

The new Sitterati app allows you to post available sitting jobs for your family and see who's available on the dates you need. It also allows you to pay your sitter right from the app if you'd like instead of having to use cash. You don't have to pay your sitters this way but it's a nice option to do so if you'd like to go this route.

For a parent one of the benefits is that you can keep track of all your sitters in once place, you can also create a "job" and send it to all your sitters at once instead of sending individual messages. This helps save parents time, and I think that is so essential for any parent. You can also get confirmation right from your sitters via the app when they accept your job. All of these things can be done right from the app itself.

Over all I really liked the look and feel of the Sitterati app. The only thing that I don't like is that there is no back ground checks made via the app. The idea is that your using sitters you already know, or have shared with you by other parents. So you really need to do your research as a parent if you're looking to book sitters that you've never worked with or talked to before. I suggest doing this before you "book" a sitter and pay them.

Otherwise it's a great way for parents to connect and share sitters for when you need them.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Tex Mex Chicken Skillet

2013-04-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Adapted from 29 Minutes to Dinner from Pampered Chef

You'll need:
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 and a half cups corn
1 can black beans
3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1 package taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon oil

In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat, add corn cook until golden and just has slight brown marks on it. Remove from pan.

Add in chicken and cook through. Once cooked add taco seasoning with water according to the package. Add in corn, black beans, and cooked rice and heat through.

Top with cheese and melt.

Serve with chips and top with cilantro lime avocado dip.

A Mani/Pedi Party with Sally Hansen #iheartmynailart

2013-04-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

I love doing my nails at home, my Husband got me a foot spa for Christmas once and I love pampering myself at home this way. This past weekend we had some friends over for a BBQ. My friends also have daughters Ava's age so I thought it would be really fun to have ourselves a mani/pedi party and do our nails as well as each of our daughter's.

Lucky for me there's a Walgreens down the street from my house. I made a quick stop to check out some of the latest nail polishes and goodies that Sally Hansen had to offer. They had so many fun displays, and I loved this mint & coral color combo I saw right away. To see more of my shopping experience check out my Google+ album here.

Using my Balance Rewards card these are 2/ $5 at Walgreens. I loved this deal and picked up several of the Xtreme Wear polishes.

(3/31-4/27) Sally Hansen Extreme and Salon Effects 2/$5 w/ 1,000 points

I also picked up a Nail Art Pen, couldn't wait to use it. As well as a variety of Spring colors and glitter nail polishes. We had a lot of fun doing our girls' nails. Ava wanted hers pink with glitter, my kinda girl!

Just a few snippets from our mani/pedi party! Now, I want to show you how I did simple color blocking on my nails and added some fun to my nail art!

Some of the awesome Sally Hansen nail polishes that I picked up!

Color block Mani using Mint Sorbet & Coral Reef from Sally Hansen

Aren't these colors so fun and right on trend for Spring? I love them so much. I have a ton of mint going on in my closet right now so this was the perfect fit. You could do this mani in so many color combos but this is just the one I chose. I did a base coat of the Coral Reef, then I used some washi tape (thanks Kim.) and taped off half of the nail but at a diagonal and then did a coat of the Mint Sorbet. I really like the idea of an accent nail so I just did one this way. I then painted a top coat over it using the top coat strengthener.

For more color combos and ideas check out this one and this one from Sally Hansen.

Another fun product I loved is this Nail Art Pen, they come in just about every color I chose a white one. And did a polka dot effect on my thumbs, I loved how it turned out.

You could also use this pen to make stripes, flowers, stars, even a chevron pattern. The possibilities are endless. Just a tip: use a clear top coat to seal your nail art or else it'll wash off.

With so many fun options Sally Hansen has me covered and I can't wait to do my nails again at home.

click here

For more ideas and inspiration check out Sally Hansen here:

TWITTER:: FACEBOOK:: WALGREENS TWITTER

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and COTY #cbias #SocialFabric, all opinions are 100% my own. As always I only recommend products/services that I myself would use and feel are a good fit for my readers.

A Striped Half Bath Makeover

2013-04-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm back today with another house update. Slowly things are coming together, and we're taking our time. As a result I'm really loving how these spaces are coming together, even if this is the bathroom.

Today I'm going to show you how we made over our half bath room. Located just off the kitchen, it's the last stop before the garage. I wanted to do something fun, it's such a small space and I kinda think bathrooms get overlooked at times so I wanted to make it something fun since this is the bathroom our guests use when they come over.

Here's a quick before:

Our home was painted a nice neutral color so we decided to do thick horizontal stripes all over the bathroom. We started by taping our stripes off at 12 inches apart, using Frog Tape. That's my fave brand of tape to use.

Then we started painting. We used Olympic's "Snow" and painted stripes. I love Olympic paint because it's low VOC and I love that especially with two little ones in the house I don't have to worry about harsh fumes and chemicals.

When we finally ripped all the tape off it was pretty fun,

Then I started to decorate, we added some shelves above the toilet. Picked up some pretty yellow towels, and shopped the house for the rest of the stuff to add, here's the after.

I really loved how it all turned out, and it makes me so happy every time I walk into the bathroom. I still want to add a new light fixture but for now I'm really happy with it. Have you painted any bold stripes in any of your rooms lately? If not, you should they are so fun!

source list:
shelves// target
yellow towels// world market
flower on sink// lowes
mercury votives// target
dove// downeast basics
"W" monogram// our wedding cake topper
willow tree figure// gift
glass hurricanes// gift
candles// ikea
keep calm sign// groopdealz last year

Perfectly Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

2013-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Guys I have a special treat for you! Today, I'm sharing my perfectly soft chocolate chip cookies. These cookies come out of the oven soft and so good! Wanna make some of your own and wow your family?!

Good, let's get started!

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shorting

2 cups flour

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 and a half cups chocolate chips

Combine flour, baking soda and salt together. In another bowl combine softened butter, shorting, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Beat until creamy. Beat in egg. Gradually add flour mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips.

Bake 8 minutes.

This is the important part, don't bake over 8 minutes. Cookies will come out of the oven looking like they are gooey and not done, trust me they are.

Allow them to cool on the cookie sheet they will stiffen up a bit but will still be soft and gooey. Add a glass of milk and get ready to taste the best chocolate chip cookies ever!

Enjoy.

******************

Coffee Date: Slowing down, enough to wait.

2013-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday friends!

This week went by so fast, if I'm being honest it's been a hard long week. Do you ever have those weeks or days when the good stuff is overshadowed by all these hard things that happened? Where you're trying to just remember the bits and pieces that are good and great just so you don't get overwhelmed by the negative? Or maybe that's just me.

Today, no vlog. I may just cry if I did a vlog and who wants to see that?!

Today, I want to be honest. With myself, with you. Things aren't always running smoothly, I have my good days and bad just like any one else.

If we were having coffee today, I'd tell you that this has been my view for much of the week.

Holding this little guy.

Because if we we're having coffee today I'd share with you that the transition from 1 to 2 children has been hard on me. Much harder than I thought.

He has completely different needs than Ava did. He's teaching me how to parent all over again. It's a joy, but it's also very trying at times.

I've let the laundry and cleaning wait just one more day.

I've let the whole world stop pretty much this week just so I could focus on my babies and my home.

If we were having coffee today I'd share with you that even during these trying times in motherhood it's such a blessing. And, I'll be honest I've spent more time with me & the Lord. He's drawing me closer to him during these days when I feel like I could give up.

I wait.

I wait on the Lord.

This week I won't lie I feel a little weary. I feel a little overwhelmed. But, I'm thankful for my family. For this awesome gift of being a mom. For how the Lord encourages and sustains me.

If we were having coffee today I'd share with you some encouraging versus I've been praying and waiting on this week.

Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matt. 11:28-30

If we were having coffee today, what would you share with me?

linking up with Alissa today.

{DIY} Tissue Paper Tassels

2013-04-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends!

Today, I want to share with you another element from Ava's third birthday party. I made simple tissue paper tassels to decorate the dessert table for her party. These are really simple to make, and really add a fun element to your party decor.

Let's make our own, shall we? I bought my tissue paper at World Market it's a little pricey there but I had a coupon for 10% off so it was little better. I just loved there metallic color selection and colors. You can use any tissue paper you like, I choose three colors that matched her party decor.

First grab one sheet of paper and fold in half the long way, then fold it in half again as show below in the first two pictures on top.

Then cut your paper into strips across. Mine were about half an inch apart, as you can see the cuts weren't always straight either. That doesn't matter much since they are going to be folded just go with it. After you're done cutting your paper cut it again down the middle.

You'll then have two separate pieces. Open it up and roll it down the center, then once it's all rolled twist the paper around tightly but not to much you don't want it to tear or rip.

Then fold it over to make a loop. I used some masking tape to keep my tassels from unraveling. Each piece of tissue paper will make two tassels. Keep repeating the steps till you're all done with your tissue paper. Then string on some twine (I used some gold bakers twine) in a repeating pattern.

Then they are ready to hang for your party! These are so impressive I think and add a great touch to party decor!

Now that her party is over I just love them so much I want to hang them in her room. I'll be back in a few days with a full post of her beautiful birthday party!

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1 2 3 Months!

2013-04-02T08:00:00.001-07:00

Can you believe that my baby is three months old already?! The time has gone by fast and I find myself wanting time to slow down and even stop for a bit. I guess that's what happens when you have a baby 9 day before Christmas, have family in town for almost a month, celebrate your first born's three years of life and have more family in town.

Time just goes.

There's so many emotions and feelings that have come with adding another child to our mix, and the best possible way to describe it is the feeling that our family is now complete with Zane.

I felt this same feeling just a few short moments after he was born, I didn't want to say it out loud yet because you know he was just born. But now three months later I am still feeling that same way.

He brings so much joy to our life. He's changed the way I mother. And I love my two babies oh so much.

A little update on Zane; he's wearing size 2 diapers. He's currently sporting size 3 month clothing sometimes even 3-6 month clothing. He weighs just a little over 12 pounds.

He's quite the cat napper taking several 45 minute naps through out the day. Sleeping 4-5 hours at night and waking up to nurse.

There are so many differences between Ava and Zane as babies. Ava always slept really well from the beginning and Zane he's all over the place with sleep. His needs are so different than her's seemed to be as a baby, therefore I find myself parenting them completely different.

He's teaching me to slow down, and throw away everything I knew about parenting a baby in order to give him what he needs. It's crazy to me how different they are and have been.

His nursery is still not completely finished I'm hoping to have it done by the time he's 5 months old. There's just a few more things that I want to complete before I call it done. The process has been really fun this time around making a space for a little boy.

He is really starting to smile a ton, be more alert, coo and he's laughing which is so fun to listen to. He's already rolling over from his stomach to his back and has been for a while now. The first time he did that he was just over a month old. I couldn't believe it.

Ava is already anxious for him to start running around with her. Asking me all the time when he's going to walk with her. She loves him so and I love seeing their relationship already. I can tell they are going to be great buddies and I hope they will be great playmates for each other.

I am reminding myself daily to soak in these moments.

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Ok friends, Google Reader will be no more come this July! I know bummer.

So, I've been on the hunt for a new reader and I've been using Bloglovin' for the

last couple weeks. It's super simple and easy to use. I'd love it if you joined be there.

Cilantro Lime Avacado Dip

2013-03-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

I made this dip a couple weeks ago to go with our mexican inspired dinner. I'm not a big fan of guacamole but I do love avocados a lot! This is just a smoother version and no ad ons like in guac recipes. It's pretty simple, and delish!

4 avocados

6 limes

bunch of cilantro chopped

Mix your avocados in your food processor till smooth, add the juice of the limes and a handful of cilantro, mix again. Add salt to taste. Sprinkle cilantro on top as well for garnish.

And done.

Enjoy with chips. Top your fave mexican dishes with this instead of sour cream.