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3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe
Sneak Peek into 4 Quilt Designers' Sewing Studios
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Let's get real
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I'm tired of being fake, of pretending life is just a bowl of cherries and everything is wonderful. But let's not take it to the other extreme either, lets not complain about anything and everything.
Yes, life is not wonderful all 86400 seconds of the day, but life is not terrible all of that time either.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150:6
Ya know what? That's me. That's you. That's everyone. THAT is what we should be doing. Not complaining, arguing, being bitter, fake, trying to hide our fears or sorrows. We should be praising God. There is always something to praise Him about. Always.
I signed up for the Loves & Envelopes birthday club over at Marine Parents earlier this year. I've always sent off my cards with sweet notes to help someone have a great day. I got my first card the other day. I was astonished how outspoken a 16 year old girl was about her faith in Christ. I've read over her blog, and just amazed how everything she talks about on her blog shows God's love. I was convicted that I didn't share God's love with all of the girls I've sent cards to. That I missed all of those opportunities to point others to God.
I don't want to be like that any more. I don't want other peoples opinions to alter the way that I act. I no longer want to be caught up in what others think and care about me to control me. I've done it far too long. I'm sure there are many many opportunities that I have missed because I didn't speak up when I should have. I didn't say what God was telling me to pass on.
This past month my husband and I read through the entire book of Psalms. We sat each night and read 5 chapters for 30 days. It was eye opening. It was wonderful. It was something that in our 8 years of marriage we've never done, but now I look forward to each night sitting and reading together. It's amazing what transformation that can come when we give our attention to God. When we sit and read His word, and listen to what he has to tell us.
It started little by little at the beginning of the summer. I dumped all of my social media, I quit wasting time on the computer. I sat down to do work and went on my merry way. I started managing my time around the house better, my sewing time as well. Things started to fall into place, but something was still missing. My quiet time with God, my individual Bible reading. I started to keep up better spending alone time with God daily, and then reading with my husband as well. Yes it seems like a lot, but the comparison of what He has given me, I'm barely giving Him an hour a day. I should be giving Him more.
Things are definitely changing around here, God is moving. Things I held resistance towards I'm slowly letting go. I'm giving up the control. I've always told my husband that I will submit to him in what he wants our family to do and where to go, but I've always given resistance of some sort. I've never given full control. I need to. When I do I see how blessed we are as a family, I see what God does for us. I see the rewards.
Please stay around, see where God takes us and prepares us for over this next year. I don't know what it will be. I just know that He is preparing us for something. To go somewhere.
But You, O, the Lord, deal kindly with me for Your name’s sake; Because Your lovingkindness is good, deliver me. Psalm 109:21
Yes, life is not wonderful all 86400 seconds of the day, but life is not terrible all of that time either.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150:6
Ya know what? That's me. That's you. That's everyone. THAT is what we should be doing. Not complaining, arguing, being bitter, fake, trying to hide our fears or sorrows. We should be praising God. There is always something to praise Him about. Always.
I signed up for the Loves & Envelopes birthday club over at Marine Parents earlier this year. I've always sent off my cards with sweet notes to help someone have a great day. I got my first card the other day. I was astonished how outspoken a 16 year old girl was about her faith in Christ. I've read over her blog, and just amazed how everything she talks about on her blog shows God's love. I was convicted that I didn't share God's love with all of the girls I've sent cards to. That I missed all of those opportunities to point others to God.
I don't want to be like that any more. I don't want other peoples opinions to alter the way that I act. I no longer want to be caught up in what others think and care about me to control me. I've done it far too long. I'm sure there are many many opportunities that I have missed because I didn't speak up when I should have. I didn't say what God was telling me to pass on.
This past month my husband and I read through the entire book of Psalms. We sat each night and read 5 chapters for 30 days. It was eye opening. It was wonderful. It was something that in our 8 years of marriage we've never done, but now I look forward to each night sitting and reading together. It's amazing what transformation that can come when we give our attention to God. When we sit and read His word, and listen to what he has to tell us.
It started little by little at the beginning of the summer. I dumped all of my social media, I quit wasting time on the computer. I sat down to do work and went on my merry way. I started managing my time around the house better, my sewing time as well. Things started to fall into place, but something was still missing. My quiet time with God, my individual Bible reading. I started to keep up better spending alone time with God daily, and then reading with my husband as well. Yes it seems like a lot, but the comparison of what He has given me, I'm barely giving Him an hour a day. I should be giving Him more.
Things are definitely changing around here, God is moving. Things I held resistance towards I'm slowly letting go. I'm giving up the control. I've always told my husband that I will submit to him in what he wants our family to do and where to go, but I've always given resistance of some sort. I've never given full control. I need to. When I do I see how blessed we are as a family, I see what God does for us. I see the rewards.
Please stay around, see where God takes us and prepares us for over this next year. I don't know what it will be. I just know that He is preparing us for something. To go somewhere.
But You, O, the Lord, deal kindly with me for Your name’s sake; Because Your lovingkindness is good, deliver me. Psalm 109:21
Loving Life's Details
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I often write about appreciating the little things in life, but it is a topic that I think bears repeating. One thing that I really enjoy about the area where I live is the abundance of old trees. In the midst of new developments, I am still able to find areas where ancient trees have stood the test of time. Sometimes they are hidden in strange places throughout the city. I consider these the lucky trees that were somehow chosen to remain standing while others fell. Most of the time they are off in parks or countryside and beg for me to pull over and admire their detail. Spring is the perfect time to admire natures beauty, and I often find myself wondering what each tree has bore witness to over its lifetime. Mysterious, luxurious, and beautiful each tree inspires me to appreciate the little things in my life.
* Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio
I often write about appreciating the little things in life, but it is a topic that I think bears repeating. One thing that I really enjoy about the area where I live is the abundance of old trees. In the midst of new developments, I am still able to find areas where ancient trees have stood the test of time. Sometimes they are hidden in strange places throughout the city. I consider these the lucky trees that were somehow chosen to remain standing while others fell. Most of the time they are off in parks or countryside and beg for me to pull over and admire their detail. Spring is the perfect time to admire natures beauty, and I often find myself wondering what each tree has bore witness to over its lifetime. Mysterious, luxurious, and beautiful each tree inspires me to appreciate the little things in my life.
* Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio
$550 It's Raining Cash Giveaway
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Welcome to the $550 It's Raining Cash Giveaway hosted by Giveaway Promote. We've joined a fantastic group of bloggers to give away $550 in cash via PayPal to one lucky person. Just complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway. One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries. Bloggers, join us in an upcoming giveaway event! Sign up and we'll keep you posted about future group events, like this one, hosted by Giveaway Promote. If you'd also like to hear about all other events currently open for blogger sign-ups, subscribe to Giveaway Promote's weekly group giveaway events and hops newsletter.
This giveaway is open worldwide.It will end at 11:59pm EST on April 29th, 2012.a Rafflecopter giveaway
Welcome to the $550 It's Raining Cash Giveaway hosted by Giveaway Promote. We've joined a fantastic group of bloggers to give away $550 in cash via PayPal to one lucky person. Just complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway. One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries. Bloggers, join us in an upcoming giveaway event! Sign up and we'll keep you posted about future group events, like this one, hosted by Giveaway Promote. If you'd also like to hear about all other events currently open for blogger sign-ups, subscribe to Giveaway Promote's weekly group giveaway events and hops newsletter. This giveaway is open worldwide.It will end at 11:59pm EST on April 29th, 2012.a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is brought to you by:Giveaway Promote - U.S. Coupons and Deals - Review and Giveaway - My Kids Review It - Baby Feeding Shop - SwagSaver - Colleen's Book Nook - The Ladies Lounge - Miki's Hope - The Mystic Kitchen - Shopper Strategy - Coupons and Freebies Mom - Girls with Coupons - All Those Things I Love! - ShopaholicMommy - Bacon Time with the Hungry Hungry Hypo - Cheapskate Cafe - OC Deal Mama - Bake Sew Write - Mommies with Cents - Mary's Cup of Tea - Building Carpenters - 31 Days Early I Rise - Life: Full of Unexpected happiness - From Tracie - Frugal Fanatic - Krazy Couponing with Trish - Show Me The Savings - Made.By.Jess - Skylar Magazine - Tales of Mommyhood - Miki's Hope - Sweet Pea Saving - couponing4you - BeautySecrets-Reviewed - Di Doodlings - MakeUp Fun - Cupcakes & Cucumbers - Central Bargains and Giveaways - Ohayo Okasan - Canadian Dad - Beck Valley Books - JustFindIt4U - Frazzled Five - Camera Mum - Katie's Krazy Savings - A Little Inspiration - LoseInchesWrapping - Emptynester Reviews & Giveaways - Life's Cheap Thrills - Wrapping to feel better - Acadiana's Thrifty Mom - CountryLife4Me - Tracers Coupon Affair - Giveaways & Glitter - My Frugal Mom - Angie's Wraps - Cute-Ecakes - Mommy's Memorandum - adventures of frugal mom - $uper $avin' Momma - Inside My Head - TheFrugalFreeGal - Mom Blogger Buzz - Mompreneur Mogul - Coupon Savvy Sarah - Plum Crazy About Coupons - Disney Contests and Sweepstakes - Mom-ology - Keep the Tail Wagging - voiceBoks - Frugal Experiments - Kat Collins - Ideal Couponing - Frugal Gals - Love 2 Encourage You - Nicki's Coupon Blog - Beyond Beauty Lounge - Book Absorption - In The Kitchen With KP - Adventures of a Maui Mompreneur - Frugal-shopping - Momologues - Average Moms Wear Capes - The Penny Hoarder - Simple Pero Rock - Moms & Munchkins - Linda's Angels - Prolific Shopping - Tatum's Family Reviews - Momanthology - Home Ec @ Home - Mom of 3 Boys - Slap Dash Mom - this mama loves her bargains - Scented Flutterby - Pretty Opinionated - aubut family - Green Baby Goods - Dirty Truth Reviews - A Fixer Upper - Freebie Spot - Bargain Hound - Life With Levi - Alpha Wife Adventures - The Centsible Family - Zoes Printable Coupons - Bubbles Bath Boutique - happy Home and Family - Couponing In PA - Cori's Coupon Corner - Capri's Coupons - Dealy Os - Sweepstakes Mama - IceHuggy - My Little House of Treasures - The Crafty Home - Know My Body - Best Medical Careers - Free is for Me - Book Cover Justice - My Side Of Life - The Content Proverbs 31 Woman - Military Wives Saving - Reviewed by Mom - That's the Caffeine Talking - A BIG bit of Everything - Indiana Savings & Reviews - Cool Chic Reviews - MinaSlater.com - Fabulous Awesomeness - Making Time For You - Stacy's Savings & Other Stuff - A Moms Rantings - At the Water Cooler - This Mom Loves - Fabulous Classroom - Simple Savings For ATL Moms - Griffin's Honey...A Frugal Mom - GetFitWrap - My Frugal Wife - CoupaneerMomma - Viva Pinay - Once Upon A Book
WE'RE MOVING!
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DIRECT YOUR BROWSER TO THE NEW LOCATION OF {cupcakes & cucumbers}
Big News ... We're Moving! Not me personally, but the blog.
I have been writing at {cupcakes & cucumbers} as a side project to my main website at Brooke Photo Studio for almost a year now. It has been sort of an experiment, and creative outlet for me to share some of the ideas behind my imagery.
What I have found is that moving the blog away from the main website has resulted in a "prettier" format, but has some drawbacks. First it is more convenient to visit one website for business, blog and combination visitors, and second having the blog in its own home has allowed me to stray from my original intentions.
So I am moving the blog back to Brooke Photo Studio. The topics, and stories you enjoy will continue, just in a different spot. I hope you will visit me over there and say hello! If you are a fan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Linky Followers your connection will remain the same. If you follow via Networked Blogs, RSS, or email please update your subscription.
Best,
Brooke
* Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio
DIRECT YOUR BROWSER TO THE NEW LOCATION OF {cupcakes & cucumbers}
Big News ... We're Moving! Not me personally, but the blog.
I have been writing at {cupcakes & cucumbers} as a side project to my main website at Brooke Photo Studio for almost a year now. It has been sort of an experiment, and creative outlet for me to share some of the ideas behind my imagery.
What I have found is that moving the blog away from the main website has resulted in a "prettier" format, but has some drawbacks. First it is more convenient to visit one website for business, blog and combination visitors, and second having the blog in its own home has allowed me to stray from my original intentions.
So I am moving the blog back to Brooke Photo Studio. The topics, and stories you enjoy will continue, just in a different spot. I hope you will visit me over there and say hello! If you are a fan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Linky Followers your connection will remain the same. If you follow via Networked Blogs, RSS, or email please update your subscription.
Best,
Brooke
* Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio
2 Ocak 2013 Çarşamba
2 months.
To contact us Click HERE
I just can't take the cuteness. How do u do it? I just can't take the cuteness of my own child. This may sound stuck up because everybody knows that you always think your child is the cutest. It's human nature because he or she is a part of you. If you have children, you know what I mean. Even when they frustrate you by being fussy, being smart mouth or whatever, it's like an ache inside your heart that you still love them so much. Not that my child has been a smart mouth... but I know I have been to my mom and now I finally get it. I wish I could have explained that more eloquently.I haven't even been able to get on the computer lately to blog, check email or anything because I feel the need to hold the little man, watch him as he sleeps, catch up on my own sleep, clean, do laundry or just entertain him plain and simple. Here are some instagrams lately. I'm asking Santa for a new camera for a Christmas!
He's only been here 2 months and has stolen pieces of my heart. He's a big boy! Already 15 lbs and I could just eat his chubby lil legs! His smiles drive me wild as I dance about the house being as goofy as can be to get some constant smile action. He does have a few fussy moments here and there but they are very few. Most of all he's just a happy and content lil guy. His favorite thing this month is sitting up. Even thought he can't sit up on his own yet, he loves when u hold him like he is sitting up! He'll look around the room and make the cutest little face. He also enjoys talking... Not that he can talk but he makes noises and its fun to pretend we are having a conversation. It's funny because sometimes it will almost sound like he understood...and who knows, maybe he does.
I was talking with my friend Victoria the other day, who now has 2 little ones. She mentioned how when she had her first little one, she looked at parents of multiples like they were rock stars. I am totally there. I try to give Noland Jr. my complete attention and can't imagine having a second little one running around. I know there will come a day and time when it happens, and I'll just figure it out like everyone does. For now, I'll enjoy my naps with baby boy soaking in every ounce of his smell, smiles, chubby legs and coos.
Being a mom is definitely one of the best things I've ever done. And my husband is the best dad! When I'm not patient or at my best, he is. And that's what it's all about. We're a team that works together. It's been a pretty great 2 months as we try to cherish every moment because 3 months will be here before we know it!
If you are still looking for a Christmas gift for that special someone, check out my Datevitation review and giveaway going on here.
He's only been here 2 months and has stolen pieces of my heart. He's a big boy! Already 15 lbs and I could just eat his chubby lil legs! His smiles drive me wild as I dance about the house being as goofy as can be to get some constant smile action. He does have a few fussy moments here and there but they are very few. Most of all he's just a happy and content lil guy. His favorite thing this month is sitting up. Even thought he can't sit up on his own yet, he loves when u hold him like he is sitting up! He'll look around the room and make the cutest little face. He also enjoys talking... Not that he can talk but he makes noises and its fun to pretend we are having a conversation. It's funny because sometimes it will almost sound like he understood...and who knows, maybe he does.I was talking with my friend Victoria the other day, who now has 2 little ones. She mentioned how when she had her first little one, she looked at parents of multiples like they were rock stars. I am totally there. I try to give Noland Jr. my complete attention and can't imagine having a second little one running around. I know there will come a day and time when it happens, and I'll just figure it out like everyone does. For now, I'll enjoy my naps with baby boy soaking in every ounce of his smell, smiles, chubby legs and coos.Being a mom is definitely one of the best things I've ever done. And my husband is the best dad! When I'm not patient or at my best, he is. And that's what it's all about. We're a team that works together. It's been a pretty great 2 months as we try to cherish every moment because 3 months will be here before we know it!
If you are still looking for a Christmas gift for that special someone, check out my Datevitation review and giveaway going on here.
How to Keep Christ in Christmas (for Kids)
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I wrote a post similar to this last year but I thought it needed to be re-vamped and discussed in greater detail! So here are my 10 ways to Keep Christ in Christmas (at your house) For Kids!
I hope this helps those of you who are often battling with the excitement of Santa Claus but wanting to teach the true meaning of Christmas and Christ's coming!
1. Teach kids about the real St. Nicholas by celebrating St. Nicholas day in early December. This year St. Nicholas day was held on December 6. You can start by telling your children about St. Nicholas, the man who enjoyed helping others.On December 5th, have children put a shoe or hang their Christmas stocking outside their bedroom door. They can also leave a carrot or apple for his horse and a cookie for St. Nick. After the children are asleep, you can put a small simple gift in their shoe or stocking for them to receive on St. Nick’s day. Keep the gift small and simple. For more history and ideas on St. Nicholas day you can click here. For prayers to St. Nicholas, click here. There are also some great kids movies about St. Nicholas called: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. There are two versions… 1985 excerpt & 2000 excerpt.
2. Make 25 ornaments with different names of Jesus. Have your child hang one each day in the month of December leading up to Christmas!This is a wonderful idea. You can make some like in the picture or check out some printables and a tutorial here.
3. Visit a live Nativity scene. Many churches will host these and some even allow the kids to pet the animals, which can be fun for the little ones. Just google “live nativity scene in (your city)” and I’m sure you’ll find one.
4. Have a Birthday party for Jesus! Make a cake with the kids! And save a place for Jesus at the dinner table. At this party, you could even... Read the Birth Story of Jesus from the bible (Luke Chapters 1 & 2).
5. Send your kids a letter from Santa about the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus' birth. This is a really neat tradition. I don't know if it is something you should do every year but it would be cool for trying to incorporate Santa and Jesus. Here is a great free printable example of what I'm talking about!
6. Watch some Holiday movies about Christ & Listen to Christmas songs about Christ. This one is pretty simple. Even though, there are plenty of Santa Clause movies, there are a few holiday movies that include the story of Jesus. Here are some I recommend: A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Small One, Veggie Tales Christmas Collection, The Prince of Peace and The Nativity Story. The Nativity Story actually is not a cartoon. It came out in 2006 and is pretty good. I believe adults would like it and it's rated PG so it's okay for kids too.
Christmas songs about Christ are always my favorite. We own the WOW Christmas CD which can be picked up at any Christian Books Store! Love Love Love it. But here are a list of a few that I love: O Little Town of Bethlehem, The First Noel, What Child is This, Silent Night, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Mary Did you Know, O Come All Ye Faithful... and many more!
7. Decorate with religious decorations! My little man is still a baby but I do have some nephews and a niece. My brother's sons are 4 and 6 and they love to ask questions! Decorating with religious decorations will definitely spark interest in kids and open the conversation to talk about the true meaning of Christmas! We always have a Nativity scene set up and some religious ornaments as well! I would like to start incorporating an advent wreath too. Each week you light a candle to prepare for Christ's coming, which is practiced in the Catholic church! Another cool tradition that I just recently heard of is the Jesse tree!
8. On Christmas morning, Hide the baby Jesus from your Nativity set and wrap him. Let him be the first gift unwrapped on Christmas morning! I've heard a few variations of this one. You could also hide him and the first kid who finds him, gets a small special gift! I like him being the first gift unwrapped though. It makes it extra special that Jesus has arrived on Christmas morning! He is what Christmas is all about so it seems extra special that he is the first gift unwrapped.
9. After unwrapping gifts, have your kids donate 3 of their old toys to a homeless shelter/toy drive, or Do some act of charity. There are so many ideas out there but to keep Christ in Christmas, I believe it is important to teach your children that Christmas is not just about receiving but also about giving. I've heard of some children giving three of their old toys to a toy drive, children's home or homeless shelter. After all, they did receive new toys at Christmas and this keeps them giving to others and involved in the Christmas spirit.
There are other acts of charity that can be done too.. such as visiting a nursing home, children's hospital, or helping out at a soup kitchen! Plenty of charity to be performed on the holidays! I hope we can incorporate this in my house in the future!
10. Attend a Church Service together as a Family. Growing up, my family always went to Catholic mass as a family on Christmas and we still do this to this day. It instilled in me the importance of Christmas and Christ's coming. If you are Christian and believe/celebrate this special holiday, than going to a church service together is a great idea!
These are just a few of my ideas on how you can incorporate Christ in your child's Christmas celebration and festivities! I'm going to try to work on a way for adults to include Christ in their Christmas festivities in a special way too! Coming soon! I'd love to hear if you have other ideas that I didn't mention!
What the special way that you keep Christ in Christmas, if you do so?
I hope this helps those of you who are often battling with the excitement of Santa Claus but wanting to teach the true meaning of Christmas and Christ's coming!1. Teach kids about the real St. Nicholas by celebrating St. Nicholas day in early December. This year St. Nicholas day was held on December 6. You can start by telling your children about St. Nicholas, the man who enjoyed helping others.On December 5th, have children put a shoe or hang their Christmas stocking outside their bedroom door. They can also leave a carrot or apple for his horse and a cookie for St. Nick. After the children are asleep, you can put a small simple gift in their shoe or stocking for them to receive on St. Nick’s day. Keep the gift small and simple. For more history and ideas on St. Nicholas day you can click here. For prayers to St. Nicholas, click here. There are also some great kids movies about St. Nicholas called: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. There are two versions… 1985 excerpt & 2000 excerpt. 2. Make 25 ornaments with different names of Jesus. Have your child hang one each day in the month of December leading up to Christmas!This is a wonderful idea. You can make some like in the picture or check out some printables and a tutorial here.
3. Visit a live Nativity scene. Many churches will host these and some even allow the kids to pet the animals, which can be fun for the little ones. Just google “live nativity scene in (your city)” and I’m sure you’ll find one.
4. Have a Birthday party for Jesus! Make a cake with the kids! And save a place for Jesus at the dinner table. At this party, you could even... Read the Birth Story of Jesus from the bible (Luke Chapters 1 & 2).
5. Send your kids a letter from Santa about the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus' birth. This is a really neat tradition. I don't know if it is something you should do every year but it would be cool for trying to incorporate Santa and Jesus. Here is a great free printable example of what I'm talking about! 6. Watch some Holiday movies about Christ & Listen to Christmas songs about Christ. This one is pretty simple. Even though, there are plenty of Santa Clause movies, there are a few holiday movies that include the story of Jesus. Here are some I recommend: A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Small One, Veggie Tales Christmas Collection, The Prince of Peace and The Nativity Story. The Nativity Story actually is not a cartoon. It came out in 2006 and is pretty good. I believe adults would like it and it's rated PG so it's okay for kids too.
Christmas songs about Christ are always my favorite. We own the WOW Christmas CD which can be picked up at any Christian Books Store! Love Love Love it. But here are a list of a few that I love: O Little Town of Bethlehem, The First Noel, What Child is This, Silent Night, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Mary Did you Know, O Come All Ye Faithful... and many more!
7. Decorate with religious decorations! My little man is still a baby but I do have some nephews and a niece. My brother's sons are 4 and 6 and they love to ask questions! Decorating with religious decorations will definitely spark interest in kids and open the conversation to talk about the true meaning of Christmas! We always have a Nativity scene set up and some religious ornaments as well! I would like to start incorporating an advent wreath too. Each week you light a candle to prepare for Christ's coming, which is practiced in the Catholic church! Another cool tradition that I just recently heard of is the Jesse tree!
8. On Christmas morning, Hide the baby Jesus from your Nativity set and wrap him. Let him be the first gift unwrapped on Christmas morning! I've heard a few variations of this one. You could also hide him and the first kid who finds him, gets a small special gift! I like him being the first gift unwrapped though. It makes it extra special that Jesus has arrived on Christmas morning! He is what Christmas is all about so it seems extra special that he is the first gift unwrapped.
9. After unwrapping gifts, have your kids donate 3 of their old toys to a homeless shelter/toy drive, or Do some act of charity. There are so many ideas out there but to keep Christ in Christmas, I believe it is important to teach your children that Christmas is not just about receiving but also about giving. I've heard of some children giving three of their old toys to a toy drive, children's home or homeless shelter. After all, they did receive new toys at Christmas and this keeps them giving to others and involved in the Christmas spirit.There are other acts of charity that can be done too.. such as visiting a nursing home, children's hospital, or helping out at a soup kitchen! Plenty of charity to be performed on the holidays! I hope we can incorporate this in my house in the future!
10. Attend a Church Service together as a Family. Growing up, my family always went to Catholic mass as a family on Christmas and we still do this to this day. It instilled in me the importance of Christmas and Christ's coming. If you are Christian and believe/celebrate this special holiday, than going to a church service together is a great idea!
These are just a few of my ideas on how you can incorporate Christ in your child's Christmas celebration and festivities! I'm going to try to work on a way for adults to include Christ in their Christmas festivities in a special way too! Coming soon! I'd love to hear if you have other ideas that I didn't mention!
What the special way that you keep Christ in Christmas, if you do so?
Happy New Year! {Vintage New Year's Cards}
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Here's wishing you all the best for the new year with two New Year's cards from my vintage greeting card collection.
Inside: Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
Imprinted: The Boilinis, Bob, Evie, Judy and Roberta
Marked: M 154 Made in USA
Inside: Just around the corner, a new year waits for you,And here's hoping that it brings you worldsOf joy and gladness, too.Signed: Dina MetropulosMarked: Slim Jims by Hallmark15 NY 1-1Made in USA
This post comes very late on New Year's Day. I have a new foster puppy that we are welcoming into our home with lots of time and attention. Posts may be light until a forever home can be found for her. I promise to share her picture soon!
Happy New Year!
Inside: Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
Imprinted: The Boilinis, Bob, Evie, Judy and Roberta
Marked: M 154 Made in USA
Inside: Just around the corner, a new year waits for you,And here's hoping that it brings you worldsOf joy and gladness, too.Signed: Dina MetropulosMarked: Slim Jims by Hallmark15 NY 1-1Made in USA
This post comes very late on New Year's Day. I have a new foster puppy that we are welcoming into our home with lots of time and attention. Posts may be light until a forever home can be found for her. I promise to share her picture soon!
Happy New Year!
Sneak Peek into 4 Quilt Designers' Sewing Studios
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Websites to Download Embroidery & Applique Designs
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EMBROIDERY DESIGNS.COMThis website even does custom work.
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IF YALL KNOW OF ANY MORE WEBSITES THAT SELL APPLIQUE OR EMBROIDERY DESIGNS, PLEASE LEAVE THEM IN A COMMENT BELOW. THANKS.
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EMBROIDERY DESIGNS.COMThis website even does custom work.
| SAMPLE PRICING | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
* Min. charge of $20 * Please submit a quote request for larger designs * Jacket back designs (1-4 colors) approx. $75 * Turnaround time is in business days |
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IF YALL KNOW OF ANY MORE WEBSITES THAT SELL APPLIQUE OR EMBROIDERY DESIGNS, PLEASE LEAVE THEM IN A COMMENT BELOW. THANKS.
1 Ocak 2013 Salı
Merry, Merry Kitchen Tree {Vintage Style}
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I have set up a small Christmas tree in my kitchen dining room for the last few years. Rather than save the Christmas decor for only the more formal rooms in the house, I can enjoy the holiday lights while I am whipping up a batch of holiday cookies or a quick meal.
I have a larger tree in the family room, but that is not visible while I'm unloading the dishwasher or doing other glamorous chores that must be done every day. It's a small way of keeping the holiday spirit in view during the busiest days of the year.
This tree is just about ten years old, but it has a vintage vibe to it, especially after I've added some tiny vintage Christmas ornaments, glass bead garland and a sweet little frosted tree topper. Under the tree I've created yet another little glitter {Putz} house village. I've kept the color scheme red, white and pink this year. That way, when the tree is still up in mid-January, I can say it's a Valentine-themed tree and I am actually way ahead in decorating for the next holiday {lol}.
Seriously, this little tree village is the last decoration to come down in my house. Particularly when the cold dark days of winter settle in and most of the decorations have been packed away, this little tree brings a little light to the kitchen. The season passes so quickly. Shouldn't the holiday sparkle continue just a little bit longer?
I have a larger tree in the family room, but that is not visible while I'm unloading the dishwasher or doing other glamorous chores that must be done every day. It's a small way of keeping the holiday spirit in view during the busiest days of the year.
This tree is just about ten years old, but it has a vintage vibe to it, especially after I've added some tiny vintage Christmas ornaments, glass bead garland and a sweet little frosted tree topper. Under the tree I've created yet another little glitter {Putz} house village. I've kept the color scheme red, white and pink this year. That way, when the tree is still up in mid-January, I can say it's a Valentine-themed tree and I am actually way ahead in decorating for the next holiday {lol}.
Seriously, this little tree village is the last decoration to come down in my house. Particularly when the cold dark days of winter settle in and most of the decorations have been packed away, this little tree brings a little light to the kitchen. The season passes so quickly. Shouldn't the holiday sparkle continue just a little bit longer?
My Personal Plan for Spring Cleaning
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When I wrote 5 useful tips for Spring Cleaning I thought it would be useful for me to share my plan with you so you can see how my plan looks.
I am currently pregnant so I am going green with all of my cleaning supplies. I advocate going green to keep away from all those chemicals anyway, but when you are pregnant it is a must. I have shopped around, and I like Seventh Generation the best as far as brands for green cleaning products. I use it for everything except for laundry where I prefer Rockin Green.
I take it room by room, and will be starting upstairs and working my way downstairs.
UPSTAIRS
Upstairs Bath - Deep clean everything. Grab a new smaller scrub brush to get into some of the deep crevices in the bath tub. Don't forget baseboards, and steam cleaning floor. Also clean out drawers and under the sink throwing away anything outdated. Wash cloth shower curtain & replace plastic curtain liner.
Linen Closet - Refold where needed, and wash white towels with bleach. Revisit miscellaneous section at the top of the closet and see if there is anything that can be donated.
Husband's Closet - Make sure clothes are all on matching hangers - donate the random ones. Arrange shirts by season, and search for fallen clothes in the corners. He just donated recently so there probably won't be much in here to get rid of.
Baby's Room - Organize our stuff in the back of the large closet packaging up random things, and donating anything not needed. Possibly find a better place for my boxed up wedding dress. Bring any baby product boxes we are saving out to garage. Wash remaining baby clothes, crib sheets & cloth diapers to prepare for baby. Scrub baseboards.
Master Bedroom - Clean out closet and dresser. Pack up winter clothes, and clothes that do not fit right now to make room for maternity clothes. Clean out dresser. There should be some clothing donations from this room. Clean out bedside table. Bring clothes in dry cleaner pile to the dry cleaner. Clean baseboards. Nourish wood furniture.
Loft & General - Vacuum all rooms upstairs including staircase & wash baseboards in loft. Loft is still waiting on furniture so doesn't need additional cleaning.
DOWNSTAIRS
Kitchen - Check cabinets that were cleaned and organized recently for anything out of place. Deep clean refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. For the dishwasher I like to sprinkle with baking soda and run on a full cycle empty to get a good deep clean. Wash baseboards, and wood floor. Pantry should still be almost clean, but a touch up will be needed. Get a shelf to organize spice cabinet. Find a better location for champagne flutes. Move out refrigerator and dishwasher to clean behind. Wash top of refrigerator. Wipe down surfaces.
Hall Closet & Entry Way - Wash wood floors and baseboards. Clean out shoe basket. Add a bin for purses on top shelf, and grocery bags on bottom to keep better organized.
Bath - Deep clean same as upstairs.
Dining Room - Baseboards & nourish dining table and chairs.
Living Room - Baseboards & nourish furniture. Wash pillow covers, and dust everything thoroughly. Wipe glass on frames.
OUTDOORS
Garage - All set thanks to my husband cleaning it out after he built us a fabulous bookshelf for the loft.
Back Porch - Wash with water to get rid of pollen. Vacuum carpet & get rid of pots with dead flowers. get husband to deep clean grill. Think about a pretty plant or two in the landscaping.
So there's my plan - I hope I inspire you to make yours!
* This post contains affiliate links, but I was not paid by the manufacturer to review this product - I just like it!I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255. Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio
When I wrote 5 useful tips for Spring Cleaning I thought it would be useful for me to share my plan with you so you can see how my plan looks.
I am currently pregnant so I am going green with all of my cleaning supplies. I advocate going green to keep away from all those chemicals anyway, but when you are pregnant it is a must. I have shopped around, and I like Seventh Generation the best as far as brands for green cleaning products. I use it for everything except for laundry where I prefer Rockin Green.
I take it room by room, and will be starting upstairs and working my way downstairs.
UPSTAIRS
Upstairs Bath - Deep clean everything. Grab a new smaller scrub brush to get into some of the deep crevices in the bath tub. Don't forget baseboards, and steam cleaning floor. Also clean out drawers and under the sink throwing away anything outdated. Wash cloth shower curtain & replace plastic curtain liner.
Linen Closet - Refold where needed, and wash white towels with bleach. Revisit miscellaneous section at the top of the closet and see if there is anything that can be donated.
Husband's Closet - Make sure clothes are all on matching hangers - donate the random ones. Arrange shirts by season, and search for fallen clothes in the corners. He just donated recently so there probably won't be much in here to get rid of.
Baby's Room - Organize our stuff in the back of the large closet packaging up random things, and donating anything not needed. Possibly find a better place for my boxed up wedding dress. Bring any baby product boxes we are saving out to garage. Wash remaining baby clothes, crib sheets & cloth diapers to prepare for baby. Scrub baseboards.
Master Bedroom - Clean out closet and dresser. Pack up winter clothes, and clothes that do not fit right now to make room for maternity clothes. Clean out dresser. There should be some clothing donations from this room. Clean out bedside table. Bring clothes in dry cleaner pile to the dry cleaner. Clean baseboards. Nourish wood furniture.
Loft & General - Vacuum all rooms upstairs including staircase & wash baseboards in loft. Loft is still waiting on furniture so doesn't need additional cleaning.
DOWNSTAIRS
Kitchen - Check cabinets that were cleaned and organized recently for anything out of place. Deep clean refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. For the dishwasher I like to sprinkle with baking soda and run on a full cycle empty to get a good deep clean. Wash baseboards, and wood floor. Pantry should still be almost clean, but a touch up will be needed. Get a shelf to organize spice cabinet. Find a better location for champagne flutes. Move out refrigerator and dishwasher to clean behind. Wash top of refrigerator. Wipe down surfaces.
Hall Closet & Entry Way - Wash wood floors and baseboards. Clean out shoe basket. Add a bin for purses on top shelf, and grocery bags on bottom to keep better organized.
Bath - Deep clean same as upstairs.
Dining Room - Baseboards & nourish dining table and chairs.
Living Room - Baseboards & nourish furniture. Wash pillow covers, and dust everything thoroughly. Wipe glass on frames.
OUTDOORS
Garage - All set thanks to my husband cleaning it out after he built us a fabulous bookshelf for the loft.
Back Porch - Wash with water to get rid of pollen. Vacuum carpet & get rid of pots with dead flowers. get husband to deep clean grill. Think about a pretty plant or two in the landscaping.
So there's my plan - I hope I inspire you to make yours!
* This post contains affiliate links, but I was not paid by the manufacturer to review this product - I just like it!I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255. Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio
Loving Life's Details
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I often write about appreciating the little things in life, but it is a topic that I think bears repeating. One thing that I really enjoy about the area where I live is the abundance of old trees. In the midst of new developments, I am still able to find areas where ancient trees have stood the test of time. Sometimes they are hidden in strange places throughout the city. I consider these the lucky trees that were somehow chosen to remain standing while others fell. Most of the time they are off in parks or countryside and beg for me to pull over and admire their detail. Spring is the perfect time to admire natures beauty, and I often find myself wondering what each tree has bore witness to over its lifetime. Mysterious, luxurious, and beautiful each tree inspires me to appreciate the little things in my life.
* Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio
I often write about appreciating the little things in life, but it is a topic that I think bears repeating. One thing that I really enjoy about the area where I live is the abundance of old trees. In the midst of new developments, I am still able to find areas where ancient trees have stood the test of time. Sometimes they are hidden in strange places throughout the city. I consider these the lucky trees that were somehow chosen to remain standing while others fell. Most of the time they are off in parks or countryside and beg for me to pull over and admire their detail. Spring is the perfect time to admire natures beauty, and I often find myself wondering what each tree has bore witness to over its lifetime. Mysterious, luxurious, and beautiful each tree inspires me to appreciate the little things in my life.
* Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio
$550 It's Raining Cash Giveaway
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Welcome to the $550 It's Raining Cash Giveaway hosted by Giveaway Promote. We've joined a fantastic group of bloggers to give away $550 in cash via PayPal to one lucky person. Just complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway. One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries. Bloggers, join us in an upcoming giveaway event! Sign up and we'll keep you posted about future group events, like this one, hosted by Giveaway Promote. If you'd also like to hear about all other events currently open for blogger sign-ups, subscribe to Giveaway Promote's weekly group giveaway events and hops newsletter.
This giveaway is open worldwide.It will end at 11:59pm EST on April 29th, 2012.a Rafflecopter giveaway
Welcome to the $550 It's Raining Cash Giveaway hosted by Giveaway Promote. We've joined a fantastic group of bloggers to give away $550 in cash via PayPal to one lucky person. Just complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway. One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries. Bloggers, join us in an upcoming giveaway event! Sign up and we'll keep you posted about future group events, like this one, hosted by Giveaway Promote. If you'd also like to hear about all other events currently open for blogger sign-ups, subscribe to Giveaway Promote's weekly group giveaway events and hops newsletter. This giveaway is open worldwide.It will end at 11:59pm EST on April 29th, 2012.a Rafflecopter giveaway
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WE'RE MOVING!
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DIRECT YOUR BROWSER TO THE NEW LOCATION OF {cupcakes & cucumbers}
Big News ... We're Moving! Not me personally, but the blog.
I have been writing at {cupcakes & cucumbers} as a side project to my main website at Brooke Photo Studio for almost a year now. It has been sort of an experiment, and creative outlet for me to share some of the ideas behind my imagery.
What I have found is that moving the blog away from the main website has resulted in a "prettier" format, but has some drawbacks. First it is more convenient to visit one website for business, blog and combination visitors, and second having the blog in its own home has allowed me to stray from my original intentions.
So I am moving the blog back to Brooke Photo Studio. The topics, and stories you enjoy will continue, just in a different spot. I hope you will visit me over there and say hello! If you are a fan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Linky Followers your connection will remain the same. If you follow via Networked Blogs, RSS, or email please update your subscription.
Best,
Brooke
* Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio
DIRECT YOUR BROWSER TO THE NEW LOCATION OF {cupcakes & cucumbers}
Big News ... We're Moving! Not me personally, but the blog.
I have been writing at {cupcakes & cucumbers} as a side project to my main website at Brooke Photo Studio for almost a year now. It has been sort of an experiment, and creative outlet for me to share some of the ideas behind my imagery.
What I have found is that moving the blog away from the main website has resulted in a "prettier" format, but has some drawbacks. First it is more convenient to visit one website for business, blog and combination visitors, and second having the blog in its own home has allowed me to stray from my original intentions.
So I am moving the blog back to Brooke Photo Studio. The topics, and stories you enjoy will continue, just in a different spot. I hope you will visit me over there and say hello! If you are a fan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Linky Followers your connection will remain the same. If you follow via Networked Blogs, RSS, or email please update your subscription.
Best,
Brooke
* Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio
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