Friday, February 28, 2014

a new adventure

If your eyes pay real close attention to detail, you may have noticed that new little tab up there that says "Excel". If you followed it, you saw an image that looks like this one...

Excel is a program I'm working on with some really great people that gives women the opportunity to learn new things and new people. We have a panel of experts that are top-notch women that have a passion for helping other women EXCEL at all things in life. Their skills range from painting to fitness, from fashion to foods, and all things in between.

Want to be a part of this? Visit our brand-spankin-new Facebook page. From there you can see our upcoming events, purchase tickets, meet other women and read about past workshops. I hope you will join us!

(PS. the excel page will be updated soon!)

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

only 2 more weeks



only 2 more weeks...



... to reach these little hearts.

... to teach about Jesus and His love for us.

... to shower them with love and smiles and hugs.

... to remind them to dribble the ball down the court and to stretch before they practice their jumps.

... to get REAL with their parents.

... to be intentional.

Monday, February 24, 2014

6 Pinterest DIY Pillows

Recently I shared some inspiration for the guest room in our home. Slowly, I'm starting to pull things together for the room. I want a ton of pillows for the cozy factor, but pillow covers and toss pillows themselves can be pretty spendy. Pinterest, of course, helped me find a few tutorials that I can use to get me the look I'm going for. Take a gander at these.



A / Burlap (or ribbon) wrapped pillows
B / Sequined skirt pillow
C / Heat-transfer pillows
D / Wood grain print pillow
E / Typography pillow
F / Sweater pillow 

Friday, February 21, 2014

Wrenn Jewelry



Came across the loveliest little jewlery shop through a friend on Instagram. I'll be treating myself to a few post-Valentines day treats soon... or maybe an early Easter gift? Whatever the excuse, I'm sure to make out with several goodies because I can't believe the price point of these pretty pieces! Check out Wrenn Jewelry's website and Etsy shop.


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

5 Eco-Friendly Tricks To Make Your Garage Warmer And Brighter

Morning, friends! I don't know about you, but I'm over this winter weather and cold temperatures. I'm ready to get back to house projects and building things! But it's so stinking cold that I can barely go into my garage without needing layers of clothing. Speaking of garages, mine is yearning to be organized and made pretty. A pretty garage sounds like a fairly girly thing to say, but I can't help it. I just want it bright and sunny and full of inspiration. So when Leslie contacted me about sharing some garage tips, it was kismet. I can't wait to do some of these in our garage!



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Is your garage a lot colder and darker than the other rooms inside your home? A lot of people don't look after their garage properly because they treat it like an attachment instead of a real room. If you look carefully you might find it's cold because air from the outside is getting in. It will be dark because it doesn't have the same light coming in from the outside as the other rooms in your home. Here are a few things you can do if you want to turn things around.
Install a skylight


If you go into the garage multiple times per day it's probably only for a couple of minutes each time. It's pointless switching the light on every time you go in, especially when there is a good chance you will forget to turn it off. You should think about installing a skylight because it will let plenty of light in during the day and you'll only need to switch the light on at night. It will also let a little heat in when it's sunny, but don't forget it could also let a little heat out too.

Seal cracks in the floor


After a while your garage floor might start to crack and you have to be careful because it's only going to get worse. If water gets into the cracks during winter it will freeze and you'll have to deal with even more damage. Air doesn't need a lot of room and when it starts seeping through your cracks the garage will end up freezing cold. Luckily it's not hard to seal cracks in the floor and even though a concrete floor isn't great for insulation it will heat up your room.

Insulate the outlets


Since cold air can get into even the tiniest of spaces and you must take care of all of them. Look for any outlets that could possibly have cracks on the seal connecting them to the walls. You should seal around the outside of your light switches. If you have a washing machine in your garage you should seal the pipes going into your garage wall. To make sure you get everything it's best if you go over every part of the wall thoroughly and you won't make any mistakes.

Seal the garage door

Having a cold garage is only a small problem because you don't spend much time in there. The real problem comes when the cold air gets into your main living space. It will cost you a lot of money heating up your home if the cold air from the garage is fighting against your central heating. The weatherstripping around the door frame should be intact. You can also lay a draft stopper on the floor. If your door isn't good enough at keeping the air out you can also change it.

Caulk between wall and floor

Another suspect place where cold air can seep through is the point where the floor touches the walls. This might have had a good seal when your garage was first built, but as the years go by and everything shrinks and expands it can create little gaps where air from the outside can get in. You don't need to make any big changes in order to solve the problem. You can just go around caulking the area where the two surfaces meet.

You'll enjoy it more
Even if you don't spend a considerable amount of time in your garage you'll still enjoy going when it's warmer and brighter. All the little jobs we've talked about today are so easy anyone could do them. Start working your way though the list whenever you have a time to spare.

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Author Bio:
This article is contributed by Leslie Kramer, a freelance blogger, who is currently writing for Designer Garage Doors, leading providers of custom garage doors in Perth. Leslie is a technophile and keeps herself updated with the latest trends in the world of technology.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

How to build a Jewelry Collection: Rings


Different than the other categories, I've divided rings into two sub-categories. Cocktail rings are much like statement bracelets, they can be worn with statement earrings. A cocktail ring could be in a coordinating color to your outfit or a detailed design. You would most likely wear this on a night out or a party. Shop ring 1 and ring 2. (ring 1 is no longer available; here is another option for a colorful cocktail ring.)

Casual rings are ones that you would wear day-to-day. They could be stacking rings that can give you different kinds of looks. Or it could be a classic design that goes with everything. These rings can be worn with any type of outfit and any type of other jewelry. Shop ring 3 and ring 4.


http://www.splendidactually.com/2014/02/how-to-build-jewelry-collection_11.html



Wednesday, February 12, 2014

How to Build a Jewelry Collection: Bracelets

Similarly to necklaces and earrings, there is a place in your collection for statement bracelets. Having said that, I think it's also important to remind you that you do not need to ever wear a statement necklace, with statement earrings, and a statement bracelet, as that would be a bit over the top. You can however pair a statement bracelet with statement earrings, because they are very separate from each other on your body. Shop bracelet 1 and bracelet 2.

Bangles or cuffs are great for everyday wear. They are small and normally tighter to your wrist. Some people prefer one over the other for comfort, so choose whichever suits your. Most thin bangles are sold in sets - getting you more bang for your buck. Shop bracelet 3 and bracelet 4. (bracelet 3 is no longer available; here is an alternative.)

Lastly, arm parties have been the rage the past couple of years. These two pieces I consider essentials to taking your arm party to VIP level. They are made to layer and extremely versatile. In fact, I dare you to try them together with a bangle or a cuff for an every day, casual look. Shop bracelet 5 and bracelet 6. (bracelet 6 is no longer available but here is another favorite.)





Tuesday, February 11, 2014

How to build a Jewelry Collection: Earrings

Similar to necklaces, there are three different categories for earring everyone should have in their collection. Studs are day-to-day earrings that go with everything, like the dainty category is for necklaces. Additionally, every collection should have two kinds of studs: a simple pearl or diamond stud and a dressier stud. Shop stud 1 and stud 2.

Statement earrings are perfect for when your hair is pulled back and your outfit needs that extra something fun. What is really fun about earring 4 is that the bottom part snaps off and the circular part can be worn as a stud- two pair in one! Shop earring 3 and earring 4. (earring 4 is no longer available but here is another option.)

The last category is a median between studs and statements. They are larger earrings that can be worn everyday but give your look just a little something extra. This is the category where hoops and drops fit. I think every collection needs one of each of these. Shop earring 5 and earring 6 (earring 6 is no longer available but here is a great alternative.)




http://www.splendidactually.com/2014/02/how-to-build-jewelry-collection_11.html


Monday, February 10, 2014

How to build a Jewelry Collection: Necklaces


There are three types of necklaces you should invest in to start or build your jewelry collection. Keeping in mind you will always want a variety of metals (silver/white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and hematite) make sure your collection consists of small, dainty necklaces, a large, statement necklace, and a long, layering necklace.

Dainty necklaces go with everything and can be worn anywhere, with any outfit. I consider them a "safe" choice when accessorizing.
Shop necklace 1 and necklace 2 (necklace 2 is no longer available but stella & dot still has some great options.)

Statement necklaces are a great choice when you are playing it safe with an outfit. They are really fun to play up a plain tshirt and jeans for a casual day outfit. They are also perfect to pair with a LBD for a night out.
Shop necklace 3 and necklace 4.

Long, layering necklaces are generally a long chain that can be looped and worn short or has a pendant. I love to pair these necklaces with flowy, sheer blouses for a bohemian style. These necklaces also look great layered with dainty necklaces.
Shop necklace 5 and necklace 6.


(Thanks to Megan for modeling for me!)


How to Build a Jewelry Collection

Over the next week I'm going to share my tips on how to build a jewelry collection. This is perfect for women who aren't sure what types of jewelry to pair with their outfits or what kinds of pieces they are looking for when out shopping. This guide is also great for women trying to clean out their collection and keep it to just the basics!

This page is the home base for the series. At the bottom of each post, you will find a button that will link back to this page. After each topic goes live, I will post a link below. That way, this post can be bookmarked or pinned and can serve as a home base for all the categories.