Catalog Copycat

Psalm 73: 7
" These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! " (NLT)


Believe me, you don't want to be one of the people  David is referring to in this psalm. By the end of the chapter they are doomed! Their hearts are not wishing for the right things, they are far from God. Even though David admits that he initially admired them, until he "entered the sanctuary of God" (vs.17NIV), and it became clear that God was all he needed. "God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (vs.26NIV). Thank you, Lord, that you have already provided us with everything we need...You! Amen.

Speaking of everything we need... actually, more like anything my heart could ever wish for, I received another Talbots catalog in the mail this week. I wish for everything!! But that certainly is not practical, is it? So after a closer inspection, I found I already have similar pieces of some of those great outfits in my wardrobe. Some of them are even from Talbots. That's why I love classic clothing, and Talbots certainly fits the bill.

Here's what I wore yesterday...

Knit top-Talbots (no longer available)
White strait leg jeans- Gloria Vanderbilt (gift)

and here's a picture from the May 2016 Talbots catalog...

Talbots Catalog- Savor Summer
Page 46.

Now don't get me wrong, here, I know it's not exact. The idea is to see a style you like in a catalog, and try to duplicate what you can with what you already own. And of course there is nothing wrong with adding some great new pieces to freshen things up. I actually had some other similar pieces too, that I'll show you next week. So fun! By the way, a big round of applause for my favorite 9 (nearly 10) year old photographer! 

I pray you have a wonderful weekend!

 We're having a big, big day here at our house, my favorite husband is turning 50 today! 

Let the festivities begin!!!

***Don't forget to leave a comment, so you can be entered in the 10,000 Giveaway***

Watch that scene, digging the Sandwich Queen

John 6: 58
" This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever. "


Jesus is the bread of life. Whoever feeds on him will live forever! Got it? Good!

I love to eat!! And when you have a big, busy family like I do, there is a lot of eating going on around here. Lately we've been so busy, that we have been eating A LOT of sandwiches. A LOT!  I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite dinners over the last  few weeks that were simply sandwiches and simply delicious.

The Princess of Pork...
OMG. I'm pretty sure I've shared this one with you before. I make it in my crockpot all of the time, but a couple of months ago I broke my crockpot, and I haven't replaced it yet. So, here's what I did last week. I browned my pork with a little olive oil and salt and pepper on my stove top and then, I placed it in a covered  pot with 12 oz of root beer in a preheated oven at 290* for about 3 hrs and then turned it down to 270* for about 2 more. It was perfection. The pork was so tender it practically fell apart all by itself. I served it with coleslaw, rolls and bbq sauce on the side (honestly, it was so flavorful you didn't even need it).

(pic from allrecipes.com)

Chicken Salad.

I don't even follow a recipe for this. I just make it up as I go along. 

-Take 2 large boneless chicken breasts and bake in the oven with olive oil and salt and pepper for about 30-45 minutes at 350* 

- When chicken is cooled, cut into bite sized pieces

- In a large bowl, combine chicken with  a couple of stalks of celery, chopped fresh parsley, a drizzle of lemon juice, about 1 tbsp of course ground mustard, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and mayonnaise to taste (my mom doesn't care for a lot of mayo, my daughter loves it). 

- Serve with rolls or some nice bread (I like a good dark grain bread) with lettuce and tomato, or even on a simple salad.

Mine looks similar to this
(image found on Google Images- here)

And what's a sandwich without soup (not bad, but better!).

I made this soup on Monday with some BLT's. It was the bomb!!!

Cheesy Cauliflower Soup- The Pioneer Woman (who else??)

(Click here for recipe)

(Image found on The Pioneer Woman website)

Even my youngest loved it and asked for more! 

Don't forget to write a comment to be entered into my 10,000 Giveaway. 

I pray you have a simply wonderful day! 

Bloom where you are planted

1 Corinthians 7: 20
" Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. "


Happy Earth Day!

The outside of my house is looking so great this year! My beautiful trees are in full bloom, my lilac bushes are nearly bursting forth their fragrant treasures (hopefully sometime this weekend!), and we just put in a couple of new azalea bushes that are a deep, beautiful pink. Spring is definitely in bloom. What does the above Bible verse mean? Remain in the situation I was in when God called me? Huh? The title of today's blog post sums it up nicely. When we are called to Christ, we are not all called to leave our jobs and our homes and begin missionary work or go to seminary and become pastors or priests, or even leave behind a spouse or family member or friend that may not be "saved". We are to spread the gospel, the good news and love of Christ, where we are, and who we are with. If God wants to change your circumstances, than by all means, listen to his call. But as you grow in Christ, your light will shine and you'll see sprouts budding all around you. You may not even notice them at first, but in a few seasons, you may even see a beautiful garden in full bloom. Thank you, Lord, that I am where I am. I may not see it yet, but all around me you are planting seeds, help me to bloom and grow where I've been planted. Amen.

I need to plant some new annuals around the house. I've made that my weekend mission. I love red geraniums, so that's a no brainer. This year though, I'm going to mix in some pink ones too. I have a three year old that loves pink. So hopefully, I'll have some nice pics to share with you next week of my new pretty prettys.

Here are some pics from last year...

And, so far this year...

Enjoy your Earth Day, and I pray you have a blessed weekend!!!

***Don't forget to leave a comment so you can be entered into the 10,000 Giveaway***

Flash, Ah ah!

1 Corinthians 15: 52

" In a flash, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. "

This verse is from the end of 1Corinthians. It is about the physical body vs. the spiritual body, and the last days when we will be raised up. We will be transformed from the physical; the dust that created Adam, to the spiritual; in the image of the heavenly(vs. 49b NKJV).  We are to remain faithful and grow in our faith so that when the last trumpet sounds we will be raised, joyful and triumphant. Amen!

So, when I opened my e-mail this morning, I got this great notification from Talbots: Flash Sale! Sounds good to me! I love Talbots' classic clothing. 

Click here- Talbots- Shop Flash Sale

Here are a couple of things I'm longing for...

This dress!!
Sailboat- Print Shirtdress- Talbots

This skirt!
Fruits & Blooms Skirt- Talbots

Definitely peruse their catalog (Talbots -April 2016). I love the outfits and mix and match combinations they feature. I really just want them all!!

Don't be a "flash" in the pan today, make every moment count today and tomorrow. Make a difference in someone's life. Make a difference, even in a small way, to those around you, all the time.

 I pray your day is a good one!

***Leave a comment for the 10,000 Giveaway. We're even closer today!!***

This land is your land

Psalm 33: 12
" Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his heritage. "


It's been on my heart, through this election season, to pray for our nation. Whatever your political view, praying for our candidates, our state and local representatives, our senators and congressmen, and our president, is so important. And, "Lord, smite them all" (on either/any side of the aisle), is NOT appropriate!! Let's get together and pray for God to guide our representatives and to continue to bless our nation. We, as Americans, are so blessed. Why do you think we have an immigration problem? People are just clambering to get in!! Lord, thank you that I live in the greatest nation in the world. A place where I am free to write down and share my thoughts and my beliefs. I pray that we never lose sight of the sacrifices of those that have gone before us, and of those that continue to protect us and represent us, to make our nation the "Land of the free and the home of the brave"! Play Ball!! (I don't know why I put that at the end, it just sounded right, lol!)

I think my husband's mission in life is to find me/us the perfect place to live. We've narrowed it down. Somewhere in the U.S. will be perfect!  We love Maryland, specifically for the change of seasons and that we are so close to the beaches, the mountains, and to D.C.  Annapolis is one of the prettiest places we've ever lived because of the Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay and the culture of the capital city with it's history, and the Naval Academy. Harford County is beautiful for it's rolling hills and agriculture and it's close proximity to Philadelphia and Baltimore. So many beautiful spots. We spend a lot of our weekends driving around and looking at our future possibilities. After church on Sunday, we drove to the eastern shore. We looked at some beautiful rural communities with picturesque views and landscapes. And... there was the promise of a crab cake dinner involved! Aren't I lucky to live where I live?

Here's a couple of pics from our excursion on Sunday.

My favorite, almost 10 yr old,  photographer took this pic.
I'm wearing a navy and white striped handkerchief bottomed tank from The Pink Silhouette (no longer available)
I found this similar top at TJ Maxx- Crochet Shoulder Top 

I turned the tables on my photographer.
Isn't she cute!

This particular piece of property backs up to a vineyard!
Oh yeah!!

I got my crab cake sandwich, here.
Harris Crab House is a family friendly restaurant on the Kent Narrows in Grasonville MD.
What a great view!

If you could live anywhere, where would you live?? I'd love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.***Remember, leaving a comment on the day I reach 10,000 views will get you entered into the 10,000 contest*** We are sooo close.

I pray you have a terrific Tuesday!

Wardrobe basics

1 Timothy 6: 20
" Timothy, guard what has been entrusted in your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, "


"Guard what has been entrusted in your care ". The first thing that comes into my mind is our children. There are many things we are entrusted with here on earth, though; our hearts, our minds, our faith, our friends, our families, our homes, our communities, the earth itself for heaven's sake. God also entrusted us with our finances. Oh boy, did He have a challenge with me!!! Financial things are things us Christians don't like to delve into; publicly. But you need to be sure you seek Biblical knowledge and advice about it. Certainly being entrusted with money, doesn't mean we hoard it (oh, if only that were my issue!!), we are to use it to serve others and to build up our churches for His service. We are to use it for the purposes of God. Lord, thank you for your many blessings in this life. I pray that you would help us to be good stewards of all that we have. Amen.

I have a very small clothing budget, so I have to make the things that I purchase for me and my family count.
That's why, earlier this week, I tried a tool to help me maximize my existing wardrobe while still staying current and in style. Here's where I found it...

Alison at GYPO (Get Your Pretty On), has a free 14 piece capsule wardrobe shopping list & a sample outfit. I love that I already have most of the pieces that she recommended and without spending a fortune, I can look up to date. One of the tops on the list is similar to this one.

Does this look familiar???
This top could be yours if you comment on one of my posts and are chosen for the 10,000 Giveaway.
Free sure fits my budget!
Women's Ultimate Striped Crew Tee- Merona - Target

Don't forget to leave a comment so you can be entered into the drawing for the 10,000 Giveaway.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Try, try again!

Job 17: 10
" But come on, all of you, try again! I will not find a wise man among you. "


So, poor Job, a good man whose life was filled with turmoil and injustice, still has to deal with his goofy friends. Been there, done that. Actually as a goofy friend though, certainly not as Job!!  I'm pretty sure I have foot in mouth disease. So please forgive me, if I offend you. I'm almost certain it's completely unintentional!

I need to try again today. Certainly, once again, in my walk with God (I had a derailment last night with one teenage son!!!), but on a more minor note, with my fitness goals... yes, fitness. Uuuugghhh!!! I'm so frustrated with myself right now. I know better! I stepped on the scale this morning and the number not only didn't go down since I first posted that I was going to get more healthy, it went up! So here I go; try, try again.  This morning I actually took pictures of myself (that you will NEVER see!) so I could take some more pics again in another month. I want to see results. I want to be accountable to myself.  So, pray for me, and if you see me with something unhealthy or calorie laden, please save me from myself, I'll help you, too.                             (Only if you want me to, no offense! there goes my foot-in mouth again!)

A friend of mine posted this little diddy on Facebook this morning. Perfect timing.

Thank you, Kelli!!
(Image found on Facebook)

Oh yeah, I took the pictures of myself in the cutest foundation items I have ever purchased. They actually look like a bathing suit set (again, you won't see me, EVER, in these items), but I wanted to share them with you. I only paid about $12 for the set because Victoria Secret was having a special yesterday. I love it so much, I may need to go back and buy some more. There are so many cute styles and colors.

This is one of many styles of the bralette, New Seamless Cutout Bralette- Victoria Secret. I chose blue.
I purchased the matching Seamless Little Cutout Hiphuggers to match. So cute!

Thank you, Lord, that you have given us another day to start afresh.

 I pray this is the day that we all try, try again.

***Don't forget to leave a comment, you don't want to miss being 10,000***

Coffee Talk

1 Corinthians 10: 31
" So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. "


I now raise my mug to you, God, in appreciation for coffee!

 Have you ever gone to church and not had a coffee hour, or a carafe of coffee at Bible study, or a church meeting without a big urn of coffee waiting for you on a table with styrofoam cups?? I'm pretty sure it's a commandment that wasn't listed on the tablets from Mt. Sinai. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love coffee (and chocolate, but I digress). I also like coffee flavored ice cream, yogurt, and I love the blended coffee drinks that so many places are selling now. Here are just a couple of my favorite coffee treats, that I just can't get enough of.

this...

Makes me proud to be part Greek! This yogurt was on sale last week at my local grocery store, and I went back for more.
The only problem I had was hiding it from the children!
(Oikos Cafe Latte- Dannon)

and this...

YES! Frosted Coffee from Chick fil A!
Give it a try, you'll like it.

Oh yeah, and I wanted to show you a cute pic of my girl from our spa day yesterday. I can't stand all the cuteness!!!

After her pedicure, she relaxed with a yogurt mask
and some cucumber slices.

And, apparently they made for an excellent snack!!

I pray today, that in all you do, you give God the glory!

***Don't forget to leave a comment, 10,000 is coming!!!***

Sicky

3 John 1: 2
" Dear Friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. "


Well friends, I was a little under the weather this weekend. Nothing major, just a low grade fever and some aches and pains. Even though the thermometer is registering normal today, I'm just exhausted! What up with that?? So, even though I was up early to make lunches and to make sure everyone got out of the door and on a bus or in a car, I want to go back to bed. But, like many other moms out there, I can't! I have my 3 year old at home with me and she apparently still wants to eat and play. Again, what up with that?? Here's what I'm going to try to do to make the day go a little easier...spa day!

(pic found here- Pinterest)

I think we'll start with a Sprout Stretch, followed by a fun footbath and pedi. I do have cucumbers and some yogurt, so, voila, facial time. Of course we'll need some nice steamy washcloths and some zen music to wind down (and hopefully a nap!).  Wish me luck!

This is a Sprout Stretch !
Click this link to find one on Sprout!
(image found on Google images)

\

I pray you have a day of rest and restoration, even if you're busy like me!

PS. Don't forget to comment, we're fast approaching 10,000 views!!

This book is for the dogs

Matthew 15: 27
" 'Yes it is, Lord.' , she said. 'Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table.' "


This is a great story in Matthew about Jesus healing a woman's daughter. What is so remarkable about this story, is that at first, Jesus seems to be sending the woman on her way.  This woman is persistent, though, and by the end of their conversation, the woman's daughter is healed. That is how you want us to be, Lord, with you. We need to come to you with persistence in our prayers and petitions. Thank you, Lord, for hearing us. Never give up, be persistent, there is hope in the cross!

I think dogs are my favorite animals. There was a brief period where it was horses, but I do love me some doggies!! My favorite dog growing up was my "Sugar". We chose her in a litter of puppies and I got to name her. It was probably a misnomer, but I loved her just the same. Then my next favorite dog was "Honey". I did not name her, but somebody got it right! She was the sweetest golden retriever in the world (I'm pretty sure!).  We currently have a dog who is also sweet, her name is "Sophia". I named her thinking I was finished having children, and that was one of my favorite girl names. Obviously, I'm not very perceptive.  I currently have a new dog in my life, it's "Charlie, the Ranch Dog".  If you follow my blog, you know that I love the Pioneer Woman- Ree Drummond. Well, while at the library last week, I came upon these fun books for my daughter written by Ree Drummond (and Diane deGroat) about her dog, Charlie, and his adventures on the ranch. So cute! They are found in the "I Can Read" section, and are the perfect length to hold my active preschooler's attention. Thank you, Pioneer Woman, not only are you feeding my family, you are entertaining them now as well!

Here's one of the books...

I found the book, here on the internet.

Here is my daughter with another one of the books at my local library.

And, here's our sweet Sophia...

We were told she is part Plott Hound and part Bluetick Coonhound.
She ain't nothin' but a Hound dog!

Don't forget about the giveaway. Every day I'm getting closer to 10,000 views. Make sure you comment every day, one comment will be randomly chosen on the day I hit 10,000 views and that person will receive a fabulous prize!! I pray the rest of your week is fabulous, too!

10,000

Matthew 18: 24
" As he began the settlement, a man who owed him 10,000 bags of gold was brought to him. "


Read this parable in Matthew 18. In this chapter, Jesus shares several parables. This parable is about forgiveness and mercy. I am amazed by some of the circumstances people extend forgiveness and mercy towards others. Just watch the news, and even through the day's lists of dirty laundry, you will inevitably hear a story of graciousness and mercy. I wish we weren't so amazed. I think it's hard for us to understand, because if we put ourselves in place of the person forgiving, we aren't sure if we would be able to extend such a gift in the face of our loss or grief. I pray we never have to make such a grand gesture towards another, that our circumstances would be less formidable. We do, daily, make that decision in much smaller ways. Someone cuts you off on the highway, your husband is away on a business trip for a week and doesn't bring you a gift or take you out to lunch..., you didn't get that bonus, your friend said something that hurt you: the list is inexhaustible. Remember, though, the gift of forgiveness we have already been given, by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His sacrifice for us, undeserved and unearned. Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and your forgiveness. Help me, Lord, to be more like you. Amen.

10,000 is on my mind today. Thank you to everyone who has been reading this blog for the last year and a quarter. Apparently almost 10,000 times, someone has taken the time to read my blog! Of course most of those views were probably my mother (5,000 or 6,00 at least!).  I am humbled that anyone would take the time to see what I am up to and what current calamity or blessing I'm in the midst of. I pray you've tried a recipe I've shared, tried something I've tried, you've updated your wardrobe, you've shopped somewhere I've shopped, or gone somewhere I've gone. More importantly, that you've opened your Bible and didn't even take my word for it, but you read a verse or story and were led by the spirit to believe and to want to know more. Thank you 10,000 times over. I am truly blessed.

On the day that I reach 10,000 views, I will be giving away something to a random person that leaves a comment on the blog. For each comment left, your name will be entered into a drawing. Try to comment daily, because I won't know exactly which day this will occur. Thanks again, you are truly appreciated.

What should I give away?? Here's what I'm thinking so far.

Jamberrys wraps?

Trunk Show- Jamberry

These sunglasses from Nordstrom?

BP. 47mm Round Mirrored Sunglasses- Nordstrom

This coffee mug?

Gold Blogging Day Mug- Francesca's 

Or, maybe this striped T-shirt?

Women's Ultimate Striped Crew Tee- Merona- Target
You can never have too many nautical striped dresses or t-shirts in your wardrobe. Really.

Let me know what you think. Remember start commenting below today and everyday. On the day that I reach 10,000 views, I'll randomly select 1 comment. The person that left that comment will win one of these fabulous prizes! Good luck!!

I pray your Tuesday is terrific, 10,00 times over!

O' pening Day!

John 1: 1
" In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. "


I love new beginnings, don't you? When you begin a new game, it doesn't matter who won the last game; you start over. No one is in the lead, no one starts in the negative, you begin from the beginning; a fresh start. We are so blessed to have a God that begins anew with us. We have a fresh new beginning every time we go to him with a our sin and ask for forgiveness. God pushes the reset button, we are washed clean, we have a new day, a new beginning. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! " (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Thank you, Lord, for beginning again, with me. Today is my opening day!

The O's have their home opener today. Yay! Go O's!! It's a new season, so we start today and play 162 games in the regular season. Hopefully we'll get to play some more in the postseason, too. I egregiously forgot about this event, in my post last week, Eventless in April. Forgive me. We won't be going anywhere, it'll be just another busy day in my home, but I do try to make it a little more memorable, a little more special.

Here's what we'll probably do today...

First of all, we'll don our orange and black.

This was 2 years ago. I can't believe how much my baby girl has changed!

 We'll definitely, need a fun menu.

Popcorn!
(Image found on Pinterest- here)

Image found on Pinterest- here.
(Article from Rachel Ray Every Day)

And dessert. I made this orange cake a few months ago, but it would be perfect for today.

Click here for recipe- A Mystery to Me

I had a post last year with some other fun ideas, you can look at that here- Home Opener. 

Let me know if you have any special plans for today. Leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you.

 I pray you have a fun day, and great new beginning!

What (I did) not to wear

Job 40: 15
" Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. "


For the sake of argument we are going to assume that "Behemoth" referenced here in Job, is an elephant. Please forgive me if you think it is a rhinoceros or a dinosaur. Throughout Job we see a seemingly good man (Job) go through the most horrible of circumstances. And Job is a good man, but he is a man. God wants Job to recognize himself as a sinful creature, and God as, well, God! Let us never forget, that God is not just our creator, but the creator of all. He is almighty, all powerful, all goodness, all mercy, all...awe. When you are in your quiet time today, remember the power and might of our Creator. Be in awe of His all.

Here's where the elephant comes in...

So last week I was picking out my Easter dress, and I picked this one.

 Dress- Lilly Pulitzer -Rosie Square Neck-Seeing Pink Elephants
(no longer available- click link above for similar dress) 

I purchased this dress on sale last fall from The Pink Silhouette, and it is so pretty! It still had the tags on it, it was fresh and new and so cute. But, Sunday was a bit chilly. I did not wear this pretty dress. Instead, I wore my navy blue lace, Chaps dress that my fave husband bought me for Christmas. And I forgot to take a picture of it (I just can't seem to get a handle on this whole "selfie" thing!).  It also still had the tags on it, so it was fresh and new, too. I wore a beautiful peach colored necklace with it. It was a great classic outfit, hopefully you'll see a pic of it sometime. I looked marvelous!! ( insert Billy Crystal impersonating Fernando Lamas voice here).

Here's a pic of the necklace...

and here's that stripe and floral outfit I put together last spring!

And here's a similar dress to the one my husband bought me (mine is no longer available)

My dress is also not sparkly.
He purchased my dress at Kohl's last Christmas.
(click here for information on this dress)

And last, but not least, here's a pic of my babydoll on Easter in her pretty Easter dress.

(you can find details about this pretty dress and shoes here)

I pray you all have a wonderful weekend!!