Charming

Proverbs 31:30
" Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. "


"Charm is deceptive" I hope not all of the time. Certainly beauty is fleeting. Now that I'm going on 50, I'm more aware of that now than ever. I'm not saying I don't have a few good years ahead of me, but staring back at me in the mirror is not the beauty of my youth. There is beauty that is eternal, and that beauty comes from loving the Lord "with all your heart, all your soul and all of your mind" (see Matthew 22;37). That beauty is not external, but it makes you a beauty beyond measure to everyone around you.  Oh Lord, that you would mold me into a beautiful woman today. Transform my heart, my soul, and my mind to be more like you, Beautiful Savior.  Amen.

Speaking of charms... I still love my Pandora bracelet. Pandora is always updating the charms and even the type of bracelets or necklaces that are available.  They just e-mailed me about a Disney line of charms, and as we had a wonderful trip to Disney World this year, I'd love to add one to my collection. another new trend in charm bracelets is a great company called Alex and Ani.  It is an American company started by a woman who uses recycled metals to design charm bracelet. Each bracelet has a special meaning. The latest collection at my favorite local store The Pink Silhouette is inspired by the sea.

Here are some pics of some of the fun new jewelry from Pandora and Alex and Ani.

(Picture copied from Pandora website)

(above pics from Alex and Ani website)

I hope you enjoyed this "charming" Fashion Friday and  I pray you have a blessed weekend.!

Still?

Psalm 46: 10
" He says, ' Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.'  "


"Be still and know that I am God", I love this verse. My favorite time of the day is my quiet time with God in the morning. I can reflect on His goodness, cast all of my worries on Him, and just know that He is God. He is good. And then...my children wake up and all stillness is gone! God, just help me get through the day.  Don't get me wrong, I love my children. But stillness? It just doesn't happen unless they are not feeling well, and who wants that?

Today I wanted to write about what to do on a rainy day with less than still children. We had a long snowy winter and the last 2 weeks we're finally getting some much needed rain, but unfortunately it keeps us indoors. Here are a few things I like to do to keep my busy babies happy.

We have "Drop-in Storytime" at our library. I love to take my little girl (pictured on the right). They learn fingerplays, move to songs, and of course they hear some great books.

Play dress-up!

Do a craft with a friend (or 2!).

Here's a definite favorite of mine. Go to a local fast food restaurant with a play area. My local favorite is Chick-fil A.

I hope you've found something fun to do with your little ones. Comment below and share what you do to entertain your children when your day has to stay inside. I'd love to hear from you.

I pray you have a day filled with fun, joy, and (dare I say it?) peace!

Essentially OK.

James 5: 14-15
" Is anyone among you sick?  Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.  If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. "


I studied James last year and learned so much. In this verse we are given instruction on what to do when we or others are sick.  We are called to seek help from our church elders and be anointed with oil. Did the church elders or the oil heal those that were/are sick? Nope, God did it.  Did all of them, even those that followed this direction with the utmost of faith and fervor, get healed?  No again, not all will receive an earthly healing.  Did Jesus himself cry out to be saved from death?  Yes (see Hebrews 5:7). He was heard, but God's plan was to save many. My prayer for you today, is that even through our trials and struggles that we remain forever faithful to the One who is ever faithful, ever present, and everlasting. Amen.

I've been hearing a lot about Essential Oils lately, have you?  My sister-in-law swears by coconut oil. Surfing the web this morning I found a link to Dr Oz  for "99 Amazing Uses for Coconut Oil". I'm definitely going to do some more research. Here are a few more resources.

If you follow this link to doTERRA you can find out the many uses of a lot of different Essential Oils, including this FCO or Fractionated Coconut Oil.  If you want to find out more about doTERRA in general please contact Lori Hayes. She can personally help you make the right choices in Essential Oils.

Another company that sells Essential Oils is Young Living. Another blogger  Cyndi Spivey is someone you can contact to find out more about them. 

Do you use Essential Oils? I'd love to hear what you use and how you use them.  Please comment below and let me know.

I hope you had a wonderfully well day today!

Flowers in her hair, flowers everywhere

Song of Songs 2: 1
" I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. "


My front garden is almost all in bloom since the weekend.  It looks so pretty.  I'm glad to finally see color. It certainly beats the white and greys of winter. There is something so comforting about seeing my flowers in bloom.  It seems to be God's way of showing me that through the long winter, there is yet a new spring yet to be sprung. There is hope.

I'd love to tell you I spent the entire Memorial Day weekend working in my yard and beautifying my home. Nope! I did however plant some flowers in pots the last couple of weekends and my husband has cut the grass two weeks in a row with our new lawn mower!!  We have so many projects going on right now, I'm happy to get anything done. But my flowers; I love my flowers. Even though we have perennial trees, bushes and flowers that bloom mostly pink, I chose to plant red, purple and yellow flowers in my pots and planters this year.  I love that color combination. Here are a few pics of my flowers.

Here's the patio my husband installed in our backyard surrounding our deck .
I love this planter it's filled with flowers and some herbs.

These iron nesting tables were my grandmothers. I freshened them up this spring with a new coat of paint.

I just love geraniums . They are all about summer to me. 

I hope to keep you updated with some pictures of finished spaces in my home and garden (pray very hard for me please!).  I pray your week is a good one!

Panda-monium!

Luke 10: 41
" 'Martha, Martha', the Lord answered, ' you are worried and upset about many things,' "


If your life seems a bit hectic every now and again or even all the time, I encourage you to read this story in Luke 10: 38-42. It certainly gives me some perspective. I especially identify with the part where Martha is getting frustrated because she's doing all the work and her sister, Mary, is sitting at Jesus' feet.  The verse above is the beginning of His response to Martha's plea, "...Tell her to help me!"  Been there, done that!  Lord, I pray today that you would give me peace and joy and help me to seek your presence in the midst of  the chaos in my life. Amen!

Today, one of my babies (the panda lover) is graduating from college!  And for some reason, the University has scheduled it at 4pm near Washington DC on Memorial Day weekend!! Who was in charge of that decision?  Oh well, I'm sure it'll all be fine. Earlier in the week we went to see The Blue Angels perform.  Our tradition is to dress patriotically that day. And just in time for this Memorial Day weekend, here are a few pics of our outfits on this "Fashion Friday".

I picked up these separates on sale at Kohl's.- 

Jumping Beans® Patriotic Mix & Match

I love this dress from Carter's for my toddler.

I can't get through the summer without a new pair of flip flops. I purchased these Ginger Snaps flip flops at The Pink Silhouette. The great think about these is the anchor charms snap off and I can change them with other charms! 

This bracelet combination is perfect for a patriotic or nautical weekend.
 I purchased both of them at The Pink Silhouette as well.

I pray your weekend is full of peace and joy!

Blue Angels Day

Psalm 91: 11
" For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; "


" Angels watching over me every move I make" (Angels-Amy Grant).  We saw the Blue Angels yesterday in Annapolis.  Nearly every year since my husband and I have been married, that has been our tradition.  We have taken our babies to see them, some of them even slept through it despite the noise. We love this time of year.  The neat thing about the Blue Angels, is that even though they are performing an airshow, you realize that these are military jets and that similar jets are flown on air missions to protect us and our troops around the world.  What an awesome sight it is to see that something so powerful is there to protect you.  Can you imagine with His infinite power how much more awesome it is to know we have God's angels watching over us! Thank you, Lord, that your angels are watching over me and mine.

What a perfect day yesterday was for an airshow. The weather was sunny and in the 70's. I packed a picnic lunch and some sunscreen and it couldn't have been better.  We have "our spot" at the WWII Memorial, across the river from the Naval Academy that we go to every year.  I encourage you to start traditions with your family that take you outdoors. Here are some fun pics from the airshow.

Here's one of my favorite pics of the day. My handsome husband, and my 2 youngest daughters.

Here are the Blue Angels!

Me and my baby.

I pray you have a beautiful day today!

Well?!

1 Peter 5:7
" Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. "


Today, is "Wellness Wednesday" on the blog.  I was going to write about my next 5k coming up in a couple of weeks, but God had other plans for me (as usual).  I'm now going to write about mental wellness.  For me, running is not only for my physical health, but for my mental health.  I get a stride and a breathing pattern, and then I just keep running.  That's when I start to pray and give things over to God, and yes as I've told you before, I even get some worship in (look out for the crazy runner with her hands in the air!).

 I also want to talk about the importance of being connected to good Christian friends.  Yesterday, I had an opportunity to meet with a friend that I trust and respect, to mull over some things that are going on in my life.  It's good to know that someone has empathy for you, that they are coming from the same perspective as you are, and that they are praying for you. I know too, that God has placed each one of these women in my life to guide me and comfort me and lead me in His ways.  Thank you God for caring for me and giving me more than I can even imagine.

"The Baystone Wives Club".  Nothing is better than good friends for your mental wellness.
(unless of course it's good friends and a drink with an umbrella in it!)

Return home

Luke 8: 39
"  'Return home and and tell how much God has done for you.'  So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. "


So, I've never had demons cast out of me into pigs (see Luke 8:26-39).  But, I do have daily blessings. Sometimes I really have to think about them. Why is it that we often talk about the things that are wrong in our lives, instead of what is right?  Believe me, I'm guilty of it, too.  I know what destruction negativity can bring to your life.  I've made a conscious effort to reflect on the blessings: all the things that God has provided for me, the unexpected niceties that happen during the day, the positives. Some days are harder than others to come up with a few things but, they are there. This verse doesn't tell me to just think of my blessings, though, this verse tells me to share how much God has done for me.  I encourage you all today, to reflect on your life.  When you find those blessings in your life, first, thank God for them, then go and tell how much God has done for you.  Amen.

They are building beautiful new townhouses just down the road from ours.  We have been fortunate to be able to see inside of a few.  I love getting decorating ideas from model homes.  I have to say that sometimes, I get discouraged walking back into my house, after seeing some of the modern new houses.  I have to keep perspective that my house is about 25 years older and  things certainly have changed in 25 years.  Things like the number of electric outlets that are required by new building codes and such, are things you don't think of often when buying a house, but you sure notice when you live in an older home.  We are slowly but surely renovating our home to reflect some of the current design and building trends.

Here is a pic of what used to be my hall closet/the former owners pantry. My husband converted it to this great built-in with a bench seat for storage.. The other side of the wall is my kitchen and he made me an actual kitchen pantry. Love it!

The perfect spot to sit and tie your shoes, or lay down your purse or bags. I love this built-in for it's style and function.

Now go out there and tell all the good things that God has done for you! Have a great day!!

Thorns

Proverbs 24: 30-31
" I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. "


Please don't judge me by my yard.  I believe the only green you can see, while carefully mowed, are weeds! I do not consider myself a sluggard, but you get the idea of this proverb. I'm sure compared to my neighbor across the street with the perfectly manicured lawn and garden, we certainly seem like sluggards.  The proverb goes on to say, " I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw. " (vs. 32).  I think that's what God really wants us to do.  He gives us lessons every day and wants us to apply them to our hearts and learn.  God, help me to observe your ways today, that I may grow in wisdom and knowledge.  Amen.

It's Monday again (boo!).  But we get to talk about food (yay!).  Today I have graduation on my mind.  My second oldest daughter graduates from college on Friday. I am one proud momma!  So I'm thinking graduation parties, Memorial Day parties, and family and friend get togethers.  One of my favorite dishes to share is my Spinach Artichoke Dip. Pair it with some fancy crackers or crostini, and you have a delicious appetizer or snack.  The thorns in the proverb above are generally thought to be thistles, which are a relative to artichokes (just a little Bible trivia for you there!).


Spinach Artichoke Dip

1/3 cup of mayonnaise
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
2- 8oz. packages of cream cheese
2/3 cups of grated parmesan cheese
1- 14oz. and of quartered artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
1- 10oz package of spinach (thawed, drained and dry)

Preheat oven to 350*

Combine mayonnaise and cream cheese and garlic in a mixing bowl. Combine until creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, artichoke hearts and spinach.  Spread into an 11x7 baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese on top.

Bake for 25 minutes. 

I pray you observe and learn something new and inspirational today and that you apply it to your heart. 

Have a blessed start of the week!

Hats off...or on

  1 Corinthians 11: 6a
" For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off, "


Wow! I'm glad I'm not living in Ancient Corinth. I don't wear hats that often, and I'm liking my hair right now, so...

I've got hats on the brain today (no pun intended!).  Tomorrow is The Preakness here in Maryland, so hats are in.  A few weeks ago, I published a post about Preakness parties and fashion (see "Hold your horses"), and today for my first " Fashion Friday" I'll show you my great new hat and some other great things my friend Sarah makes and sells.

Sarah is the owner and creative genius behind The Custom Jewelry Find. She makes beautiful jewelry and accessories. Please click the link above to visit her website for some beautiful one-of -a -kind pieces, and as the name suggests she makes beautiful custom jewelry as well.

My favorite 8 yr old photographer snapped a few pics last night for me. Here's my great hat! I think it will be perfect for the beach, and of course Preakness.

A little out of focus, but I'm loving my crochet shorts.  I purchased them at Target for under $20. The top is a CAbi purchase from a few years ago (no longer available). I think this outfit with the hat looks very Boho Chic!!

Are you going to watch the Preakness? Are you going to the Preakness? Comment below and let me know how you're going to spend your Saturday.  I'd love to hear from you.  "And they're off!"...

   I pray you have a blessed weekend!

Out of the box

Matthew 26: 7 (KJV)
" There came unto to him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. "


In this translation of Matthew, "a woman" brings an alabaster box with precious oil to Jesus. In other translations it's a vial or jar of perfume. Can you imagine having someone come uninvited to your dinner party and pour a bottle of perfume all over your guest of honor? A sinful woman, no less!  Can you say mortifying? In today's world there would be body guards tackling her and she would be hauled away before you could even blink an eye.  This story is significant because Jesus is explaining to the disciples that the woman was anointing him, as if for a burial (of course they still don't understand) and that He will only be with them for a short time. After this verse he is then betrayed by Judas.  Let us always remember that we are on this earth for a short time, so we need to worship, love, and find joy in our every day. Thank you, Lord, for this day.

Thursday Tots

We just got a new lawnmower and it came in a great big box.  Let me tell you how much fun my 2 year old is having in this wonderful, big box. A lesson could certainly be learned from the simplicity and joy found in this box.

"The" box.  Why spend money on toys, when you can have this much fun with a box?

I pray you find joy, that you love with all your heart, and you take time to worship the one who gave you this beautiful day!

Home is where the heart is

Luke 12: 34
" For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "


I do not live in a mansion.  I live in a modest townhouse in a middle class area in Maryland.  Is it my dream home? No way! Do I want to move? Some day.  Why am I here?  My earthly treasure is here.  My family lives five miles away. My children are in a wonderful school district.  The children have made dear friends here, we are attending a great church here. My heart is here.  Are all my treasures here on earth? Certainly not! My ultimate treasure is in heaven. My heart is full.  Lord, help me to remember every day that I should not trust in things of this earth, " where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in, and steal" (Matthew 6: 19b).  Help me put my trust in you and you alone, for where you are, is where my heart should be.

Today you get a 2-fer!  I started this post yesterday morning and  had no time to finish.  The next 2 weeks will be hectic for me to say the least.  I have 2 spring concerts this week 2 nights of flag football , 2 afternoons of pre-season football weight training, and 2 field trips. Next week, I'll start all over again minus the concerts and 1 field trip, but add "The Blue Angels", and my daughter's college graduation.  No pressure!
I wanted to show you something around my house for "Habitat Tuesday", but I don't feel like it anymore...long story (let's just say, thank God my treasure's in heaven!).  So we'll just move onto "Wellness Wednesday".

For Mother's Day, my wonderful husband, Jim Bob (oops, wrong husband), set me free in Kohl's with his credit card for an hour without the kids to get a little something for myself. Roughly $54 later, I came out with an entire workout outfit; including a watch and  sport flip-flops. What does this have to do with wellness? Well, I don't know about you, but when I look good, I feel good. And when I have a cute workout outfit...I wanna work out! Here are a few pics of things I purchased.

These cuties were on sale and I have worn them everyday since I bought them. They are so cushiony!
Tek Gear Womens Molded Flip-Flops- on sale $11.99

I also picked up this tank.
Tek Gear Printed Racerback Yoga Tank-on sale $13.50

I also purchased this watch, and a pair of  Tek Gear Colorblock Workout Shorts- on sale for $15.60.

Armitron women's sport watch-Kohls 

I hope you find inspiration to go out and move.  I pray you have a day full of joy and wellness.

Begin Again

Ezra 3: 11
" With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: ' He is good; his love for Israel endures forever. '  And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. "


This portion of Ezra (chapter 3: 1-13) is about the rebuilding of the temple. The people were so thankful and full of praise, there was so much noise that no one knew if people were laughing or crying.  They were overwhelmed at being able to begin again. That's how I feel some mornings. God is so good, I have been given yet another new day. I have been given a new beginning, even after I haven't been a model Christian, a good mother, a respectful wife, or a  loving daughter.  I'm human.  Even in my humanity, I am new every morning. Hold your ears, I may start laughing and crying!

Happy 1st Monday Menus! Yesterday for Mother's Day I didn't have to cook one thing. Yay!! We spent the day in Baltimore at the B&O Train Museum, so by the time we got back in town we were hungry and stopped in a diner to eat.  It it a Greek owned diner so I had to try the Spinach Pie.  It came with a side of Greek Salad and a cup of soup so it was plenty of food and it was delicious.  It reminded me of a Spinach Pie recipe that I tried a few years ago (which was also delicious) that I haven't made since because as much as I enjoyed it, being a mom of younger children, they didn't like it as much as I did.


Here's my Spinach Pie recipe:
(adapted from  "The Chew")

 4lbs spinach (trimmed and washed)
3 cloves of garlic (chopped)
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Salt & Pepper
1/4 cup of Pine nuts
1 cup of fresh dill- leaves only
zest of 1 lemon (don't be heavy handed here)
3 cups of feta cheese (crumbled)
1 box of phyllo dough (thawed)
1/2 cup melted butter

-In a large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add spinach, garlic, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of fresh pepper.
-Saute until spinach is wilted then remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool. 
-Preheat oven 375*
-In saute pan over medium heat, add pine nuts and toast until golden brown and fragrant.  Remove to cool.
-Add pine nuts to spinach along with dill, lemon zest and feta.  Toss until thoroughly combined.
-Butter a 9x9 baking dish. Roll out phyllo dough and line inside of the pan.  Brush with butter and lay down another layer. (8 layers) 
-Spoon 1/2 Spinach mixture, then 3 layers of phyllo, topping each layer with butter.  Add remaining spinach mixture then 3 more layers of phyllo; each with butter. 
-Bake 30-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
-Cool slightly before serving.

Serve with a side of Greek Salad and some Sparkling Water. Delicious!

Spinach Pie- from my kitchen to you! (I wish!!)
(image found on Pinterest)

Mom

Genesis 3: 20
" Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living. "


Sometimes I feel like I'm the "mother of all the living"! There are certainly people that have more children than I do, though (Mom!).  I am so blessed to be the mother of these beautiful children that God gave me.  I still remember the excitement, anticipation, and even a little fear nearly 25 years ago when I first became a mom.  Even though I have to admit that every day has not been all rainbows and sunshine, I love my children so much and I am so proud of the gifts and talents each of these wonderful people have. Each a different creation.  Truly a miracle from up above- most days.  And of course as much love as I feel for these beautiful creatures, I know that my mother must feel the same -most days (at least for my brother,lol!).  I love my mother very much, and pray that my children love me as much.  So today, two days before Mother's Day 2015, I pray for those moms out there.  I pray for their children, too. I also pray for those who have lost their moms, that they find comfort in the memories, traditions and legacies that have been passed along from mom to mom.  Thank you, Mom. I love you!

Here are my beautiful creatures.

Me and my "babies".

Happy Mother's Day!

Simplify

Hebrews 12: 1b
" So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin that holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. "


I'm pretty sure I've used this verse before.  It's a good one!  I may even use it again, so get over it, lol. I used it today because of the first part of this section of verse 1, ' So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, '.  I think it means simply: simplify.   I would love to do this in my life.  I get very flustered when something I have taken the time to organize (fold, clean, etc.) gets undone. My poor children.  Simplicity seems to be the answer.  Being overwhelmed by things of this earth, takes me away from much more important things that I'm given from heaven above.  Forgive me, Lord, for the things, and the sins that take me away from you.

I've been trying to organize and eliminate clutter in my home.  We are having a community yard sale this weekend, so hopefully we can have some fun and make a little money getting rid of a few things.  To that end, I've also decided to simplify my blog.  I am going to have a schedule for my posts.  Example:  Monday Menus, Taco Tuesday (stole that from The Lego Movie), you get the idea.  So by next week, you'll hopefully see some fun changes.

Here are a few things I'm mulling over:

Monday Menus

Habitat Tuesday

Wellness Wednesday

Thursday Tots

Fashion Friday

Let me know what you think. Comment below, I'd love some feedback on what you'd like to see on the blog. I will definitely keep the daily inspiration.  Have a blessed day!

Pink

Zechariah 9: 17
" How attractive and beautiful they will be! Grain will make the young men thrive, and new wine the young women. "


This time of year I am in awe of the beauty in nature.  We have 2 beautiful cherry trees in front of our house that are in full bloom. Pink! In a couple of days instead of a green lawn, I will have a carpet of pink petals (that will inevitably be tracked into the house by my children: but I digress).  God has made everything  beautiful in it's time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).  I certainly am enjoying His beauty.

I love the color pink.  All shades.  I'm keeping the bright pink MAC lipstick I bought (sorry girls!).  I have a neon pink pineapple t-shirt.and, I have a great shade of the palest pink nail polish.  Love, love, love! I'm not sure pink is ever out of style. Here are a few of my favorite pinks.

Here is one of my beautiful trees.

                

                    MAC lipstick Candy Yum Yum- Nordstrom

Pineapple tee- Walmart

Also, one of my favorite pink stores is "The Pink Silhouette".  They just launched a new website, and if you order by May 11th you can get 15% off! 

Follow this link to shop- The Pink Silhouette

I pray you have a beautiful day!

Strike out!

Psalm 89: 23
" I will crush his foes before him and strike down his adversaries. "

It has been a year to this day that my brother-in-law, Tim, was diagnosed with ALS.  A day that has changed the lives of people I love, considerably.  My sister-in-law posted this on FB this morning; what a perfect description of her perspective as a woman of faith.

"May 5, 2014. On that date our lives were changed forever by three letters ALS. What a year it has been. This past year God has showered us with mercies, miracles, blessings, answered prayers and so much love that it is hard to comprehend. This journey is not exactly what we had in mind for our middle age years. I was thinking a condo on a Hawaiian beach would have been a great idea. But God in His goodness and love has allowed this in our lives. We continue to trust God and know that no matter what the circumstances He will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you to our wonderful friends and family and the tons of people we don't even know for praying for Tim, for me, and for our family. Although this journey is hard, and sometimes scary, Tim and I walk in the strength and peace that God gives us everyday. One day at a time. Cherishing every day that we have and taking nothing for granted. Keep hope in your heart always!! xo

God is preparing you for great things - Faith Radio

Though circumstances may be difficult, God doesn't give up on His plan for us, and...

MYFAITHRADIO.COM"

My hope is that you all continue to support people who are facing the challenge of ALS.  Raising awareness like the "Ice Bucket Challenge" last year, is a good start. But many people need support financially for medical services, equipment and of course research for a cure.  Most importantly there are families that need your support through prayer.  Together we can "Strike Out ALS"!

Here's my fashion statement for today. Eat your heart out Vogue!

Cool Tee from my 5k last week! Wearing it with pride.

Have a blessed day!

Mother's Day wish list...

Matthew 15: 4
" For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' and  'Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.' "

I think this verse speaks for itself: Emily, Charlotte, Ben, Dominic, Mia, Bella and Frankie...just sayin'.  Actually, this verse was used by Jesus to point out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and teachers of the law.  (It was worth a try though, am I right?).

I've got Mother's Day on my mind.  First, it's a good day for me.  I usually get out of cooking and get breakfast in bed. Second,  I have a schedule during the week, and I usually plan the week's activities around a holiday or special day. If you've been a regular reader of my blog, you know I like a good theme.  I also got to thinking that none of my children or my husband have asked me what I would like, if say, they were going to get me a gift.  So here we go, some things I would love to have for Mother's Day!

I like a big roomy bag during the summer. With a big family and a lot of activity, it's a must.
This one I can order from a local shop from my old neck of the woods Whimsicality-  Scout Daytripper Tote Bag.

This bag is from Lands' End. I love the nautical/patriotic flair and I definitely would pay extra for the monogram

You can't go wrong with a great candle. Yankee Candle's- Home Sweet Home is one of my favorite scents.

I really like this Lobster & Lucky Stripes Tee- Talbots.  It's so cute! Talbots has a lot of great classic clothes. I love their "Classic American Summer " collection.

These are a few things I've been eyeing up. Really, what I would like would be a day without cooking, cleaning and children fighting...and maybe coffee in bed! Have a blessed day!!

Our Hope

Hebrews 6: 19
" We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, "


This is my new favorite verse. As a Christian, I wear hope as a badge of honor.  There is hope for me in the cross. Without the cross, I wouldn't stand a chance on my own.  Because I have hope, I cherish each new morning. Even when things seem hard or impossible, I know they are not. When life isn't easy, I know there will be peace and joy for me. Hope is an anchor for my soul, firm and secure.

 I really am enjoying all of the anchor/nautical clothing and home accessories. When I'm out and about and I see an anchor, I am reminded of my faith. I've always liked the nautical trend in summer and resort wear, but now it holds special meaning for me. Here are a few things that I recently added to my collection...

My wonderful husband bought me this garden flag last weekend at The Kite Loft in Ocean City.

I've been picking these items up here and there.  I love the color combinations...maybe in my next house?? 

This dress...what can I say?
Anchor dress- B. Fabulous

I pray your weekend is full of hope! Have a great one.