Love!

1 John 3: 18
" Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth "


I'm already thinking ahead to Valentine's Day. One month from today, I will hopefully be opening up a beautiful card and unwrapping a delicious piece of dark chocolate (subliminal message for husband!)! I love me some chocolate!! We celebrate Valentine's Day, because we love. Plain and simple. There's nothing wrong with taking a day to show someone (whether it' your spouse, your children, your friends) that we love and appreciate them. God created us in His image, God is love, we are created to love. Amen.

The perfect jewelry gift for Valentine's Day is Brighton jewelry. They have so many pieces with their iconic heart signature logo. I am fortunate enough to already own a few. Coincidentally (or is it?), I am wearing some today.

I've had this necklace for years and it's still one of my favorite (thanks, Mom!).

This watch is really great!
The band actually swivels around from black leather with silver to  brown leather with gold accents, so versatile. 

This watch is very similar.
Cody 2 Tone Reversible Watch - Brighton  

Here's some more great accessories and jewelry from the Brighton website.

This tote!! Oh my!
Cerise Double Zip Medium Tote- Brighton

How perfect for Valentine's Day, Cupid and hearts!
Devotion Cupid's Dream French Wire Earrings - Brighton

Another beautiful heart necklace, this one comes in 2 different colors.
St Michel Heart Necklace - Brighton

There are so many beautiful things on the Brighton site, I hope you take a look. I'm also fortunate enough to live near a local shop, The Pink Silhouette, that sells Brighton and not too far away there is an entire Brighton store!! Somebody get me some smelling salts! 

I pray you have a day full of love and beauty! 

Hello, it's me

1 Samuel 3: 4
" Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, 'Here I am. "


I love this story in Samuel. God is calling Samuel and Samuel doesn't know it's God, he thinks it is Eli calling him. Not just once, but three times this happens. Eli finally tells him to go lay back down, it's God, next time He calls answer Him! Isn't that just like us to hear God calling us to do something and then thinking, "it can't be God", it's... indigestion, nature, a full moon, gas, satan (you get the idea, right?). Let's make a point to listen for God in our lives. That requires quiet time with God, to listen for his voice. Maybe your quiet time is first thing in the morning, or driving to work, or right before bedtime. Whenever it is, remember prayer is a conversation with God. Conversation requires two things: speaking and listening. Let's not forget to listen and obey. Here I am, Lord.

I finally got my NEW PHONE!!! Yay! Hello! I went the Samsung Galaxy S6 route. So far, so good. I just activated it last night. Not only did I get a new phone, my favorite husband bought me the perfect cell phone case. Yay, husband!

My new phone!!
(see it here)

My new phone case. Laaah! (the sound of angels singing)
You can find it here.

And, here's my first, daughter initiated, selfie...

Cookin' dinner, takin' a selfie!

I pray you have a terrific Tuesday!

The weigh in

Hebrews 12: 1

" Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sins which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, " (NKJV)

I know I've quoted this verse before. It applies so nicely to a lot of life's trials. We all get ensnared by sin from time to time. For most of us, we don't normally think our sin is a big deal; we meant well...but. But sin is sin, and daily we need to go before the Father and seek his forgiveness, "we confess that we have sinned against you in thought word and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone..." (BCP).  This is part of a prayer of confession that is said before communion in a church I attended. It's good stuff. Sometimes we sin when we don't do anything! It doesn't really seem fair, but that's sin for you, it's so easy to fall into. I pray today that you don't let sin weigh you down. Practice every day laying your sin out before God and asking for forgiveness. With this daily exercise you'll be able to run through life much easier. It's the best weight loss program you'll ever start. 

Speaking of weight...ugh. I need a new scale. I generally don't like to weigh myself. For me personally, I get obsessed by the number and I don't need that daily stress (of course it would be great if everyday the number was one that I liked).  However, we do need to be conscious of  how much we weigh for our health, so every now and then I step on the scale; very cautiously. Usually it's in the morning, after I've relieved myself and of course stripped down, naked! Try to clear your mind of that very graphic image, I apologize. This morning my weight didn't seem to change since I weighed myself Saturday afternoon, and when I got back on (because of course that couldn't be right!), it was almost 5 pounds less. I'm going with the second weight. lol! But seriously, I need a new scale! 

Here are few scales I'm considering.

This is probably what I'm going to go with. This scale is a bare bones digital readout scale, and it's affordable.
My last scale was very high tech and I never used any of the features.
(Taylor Lithium Digital Scale-Black - Target)

I love the look of this bamboo scale.
One day when I don't share a bathroom with the masses, I would consider getting this more attractive scale.
(American Weigh Scale Digital Bathroom Scale-330ECO - Target)

This is truly an impressive looking scale.
It says it can accurately weigh up to 400lbs...I hope I won't need that anytime soon.
(Salter Academy Professional Scale- Target)

For you high tech fitness gurus, this is an awesome scale.
It tracks weight, % body fat, and BMI, and you can link it through your wireless network and sync your information.
Pretty cool!
( Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale-Black - Target)

So many choices! I love the idea of the Fitbit scale, but I probably wouldn't use all of the great features. So, for now, it's just the basics for this girl. 

I pray you have a magnificent Monday, and that your morning weigh in with God, keeps you running with endurance the race before you today!

Casual Friday

1 Corinthians 16 : 2
" On the first day of the week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. "


Don't worry, this post is not about tithing or saving (although maybe a future post could be about financial responsibility...), I was looking for a day of the week or just the word week in the Bible. Our calendars just aren't compatible (apparently we didn't start using our "Western" calendar for about 1500 years after Jesus).  Today, is Friday!!! I love Friday, and if you're in the workforce out and about, your place of business just might let you dress casually on a Friday. Well, I'm a domestic goddess, so I can have casual Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,...you get the point. Dressing casually, in either situation doesn't mean sloppy, or looking like you're about to clean out your crawl space. You can still look good, and casual. Truth!

Since my birthday and Christmas are both in December, I get more clothes this time of the year than any other (yay!).  I got 4 beautiful new dresses, 2 pair of  great new shoes, some super comfy fleece jackets, and, the reason for my post, 2 adorable legging outfits. Leggings??? Yup, they've been back for a couple of years now, and I'm all for it. For my day to day wardrobe, I need easy, comfortable, active, washable, fun, cute clothes.  These 2 outfits fit the bill.

Outfit #1:

 I got a half-zip/ legging set from Victoria Secret for my birthday. Love,. Love.
Sporty, casual, love the color!!
(Ultimate Half Zip & Ultimate Legging Set- Victoria Secret)

Outfit #2:

My top actually says "But First Coffee" (another truth!) and it's white with black leggings.
I got this outfit at Kohl's after Christmas.
(click above link for details)

I imagine myself curled up on the sofa with a cup of hot cocoa, or a bowl of homemade chicken soup reading a good book or watching a great movie, in either one of these cute outfits this winter. The reality is, I walk the dog, crawl around on the floor with my toddler and scrub the toilets. But, more importantly, I look good doing it!!

I pray you have a blessed weekend,

 and that you get to do good, casual things with your family and friends!

Orange you glad I didn't say...

Proverbs 25: 11
" Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. "


Orange you glad I didn't say banana again! That was one of my best knock-knock joke punchlines. "Orange you glad... ", makes me think of things that I have done, or didn't do, have gotten, or didn't get. It's the opposite of regret. Looking back at something and thinking of how blessed you are because of what you did or didn't. One way we can be sure not to regret is to always seek the will of God. In all things. Do I always do this? Heck no!! I should. My prayer for you today, is that in all things you seek His will, His direction. His word, His way. Amen.

OK, so I couldn't find the word orange in the Bible. Some translations substitute "apricots" for "apples". Close enough. I'm thinking about oranges because I made that cake (click this link- A Mystery to Me) last night. Oh my!!! So delicious. You have to try it.  Orange also happens to be one of my favorite colors for spring and summer. My Baltimore Orioles sport that color.  Since my Ravens are done for the year, I'm now looking forward to baseball season. Come on Monday April, 4th!! (Opening Day at Oriole Park).

Here are a few pics of my fave things about baseball season!!

My favorite all time Oriole!!
He inspired me to be a catcher in my Rec/High School softball days.
GO #24!
(pic found on Rick Dempsey Official Website)

It'll be a few months until I change my flag, but this garden flag is a must for O's fans!
(The Party Animal Baltimore Orioles Garden/Window Flag only $9.99- Dicks)

And, of course, you have to dress the part. Ladies, please get at least one feminine fan T-shirt.
I love this one from Dicks. They have a lot of great ladies fan apparel. 

Why limit yourself to just spring and summer apparel?You can add some cold weather items to your fan gear.
This hat could be worn now, in anticipation for baseball season, or even for those chilly spring and hopefully late October games.
('47 Women's Baltimore Orioles Fiona Black Cuffed Knit $18.99- Dicks)

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday! 

NO RAGRETS!!(We're the Millers)

A Mystery to Me

Ephesians 3: 6
" This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. "


Where James was called to proclaim Christ to the Jews, Paul was sent to the Gentiles. Paul/Saul, whose life's mission was to find, punish and destroy followers of Jesus, became the writer of much of the New Testament and up until his death, never gave up sharing the love of Christ, the gospel, the good news to everyone. When someone tells you, "You/he/ she will never change", point them to the story in Acts 9 of Paul's (Saul's) conversion on the road to Damascus. With God all things are possible. Amen.

I've got mysteries on my mind today. While watching the Hallmark Channel this Christmas season, I was pleased to find that Allison Sweeney was starring as Hannah Swenson, in one of my favorite mystery writers made for TV movie series, "Murder She Baked". The author of the books, Joanne Fluke, has been writing this series of books for years. There are now 18 books in the Hannah Swenson mystery series, 3 of them have been adapted by Hallmark in the "Murder She Baked" movie series. So fun! My 9 year old and I just love them, not only is there a mystery to solve, there are recipes to make!! Warning: When you read these books, have a pot of coffee and some baked goods handy!

Here's a recipe I'm going to try today from "Key Lime Pie Murder" (the book we're currently reading)! I'll let you know how it turns out (the recipe, not the book).

Here's the book!  #9 in the series
(click here to see Joanne Fluke's website)

Kitty's Orange Cake 

1 box yellow cake mix

1- 3 oz. pkg orange Jell-O (not sugar-free)

1 cup of orange juice

1 tsp orange extract

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp orange zest

4 eggs

1 cup semi sweet mini chocolate chip morsels

Preheat oven 350*

Grease and flour Bundt pan. In mixing bowl with electric mixer combine cake mix, Jell-O, orange juice, orange extract, oil and orange zest. Mix all the ingredients until they are well blended.  Add the eggs one at a time. Beat 2 minutes on medium speed with electric mixer. Fold in mini chocolate morsels by hand. Pour batter into Bundt pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, until cake tester comes out dry. Cool on rack 20-25 minutes, loosen cake from side and center of the pan. tip cake out and let cool completely on rack.

Orange-Fudge Frosting:

2 Tbsp chilled butter

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1 tsp orange extract

2 Tbsp refrigerated orange juice

Place the butter in bottom of 2-cup microwave-safe bowl. Add the chocolate chips. Heat on high at 15 second intervals, stirring to check after each interval.  Add the orange extract and stir it in. Add the orange juice Tbsp by Tbsp, stirring after each Tbsp.  Pour frosting over the ridge of the cake, letting it run partway down the sides. It will be thicker on top.  Refrigerate cake without covering it , for at least 20 minutes before serving. 

(image found here)

I hope you try this recipe, too. And if baking isn't your thing, at least tune in on Sunday, January 10th, to see all 3 Hannah Swenson, "Murder She Baked" mysteries starting at 5pm EST. (I know I am!).  Nothing better in these cold months than to cuddle up with a good mystery (or 2 or 3!). 

I pray you have a terrific Tuesday!

Happy Anniversary +3

Psalm 100: 5
" For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. "


Happy Anniversary!! 1 year and 3 days ago, I started "Lipstick on an Elephant"! What a blessing it has been for me. I pray it has also been a blessing for you (that was kinda the point).  Through the last year I've been able to write and live this verse from Psalms. The Lord is good! Even though my life has not been all joy and light, I choose to live in it and seek it, " his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. ". Amen.

Of course, it's the beginning of the year and everyone is making resolutions. I do like to look back and see where I can improve and I do like to look forward to see what I can accomplish. Let's look forward together!!

Here are some specific things in my life that I am praying about, and hope to accomplish if not in this year, then certainly in this lifetime. I'm sure some of you can relate to them, and I know that if we pray specifically for and with each other, there is nothing the Lord can't do.

1.  A new home for my family. We currently live in a townhouse. And while I'm certainly blessed to live where I do, we are just bursting at the seams. We have 6 people living in a 3 bedroom house. I want to stay in this area, but we need a home that doesn't need a lot of renovation and that can accommodate my big family, and oh yeah, we have to be able to afford it!

Love the layout of this Bob Ward home.
This model is The Betterton- Trulia

2.  A clean, finished, organized home! (a girl can dream, right??!!). There's always room for improvement here. Some of this is beyond my control, right Honey? (he knows who he is!), but what I can control; I need to. Plain and simple.

I love this Blog.
There are always some great tips, and it is so beautifully done.
How to Clean Your Home in 30 Minutes a Day!- StoneGable

3.  A joyful, soulful, bountiful family. What?? I pray that we are so full of Jesus, that we can't help but exude joy, and blessings to those around us. Jesus Freaks! I also want to be more of a Biblical scholar. There is some good stuff in there. I pray that my family seeks Christ together, and his light shines through us in all that we do.

I've heard great things about this translation.
 I think you should use any tool that you can to help you to understand God's Word.
(The Message Ministry Edition: The Bible in Contemporary Language- Amazon.com)

4.  A healthy body and mind.  I know I need to do better in keeping not only myself, but my family, healthy. That includes regular wellness checkups for my husband, me and the children. As well as healthy eating and exercise habits for us. While I know I'm not the queen of clean eating, I know how to prepare a healthy meal. I hope to bring more healthy choices to my blog this year. Although, there's nothing wrong with a nice piece of cake and a cup of coffee- in moderation!

I found this great article on Pinterest.
(click here to read it)

Let me know what you're striving for this year. Is it a new home?  A day at the spa?  A loving family? Getting to know Jesus better? Share you're prayer request in the comment section. I'd love to hear from you and pray for you. I hope you are praying for me. " For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. " (Matthew 18 :20).  We can go to Him alone, but together we are stronger. 

I pray you have a wonderful week, and a terrific 2016!