2017

As the year comes to an end, I like to reflect on the blessings that 2016 brought as well as think about new goals, house projects and travels for the upcoming year. I wish blessings to you and your family in 2017! 

I always look forward to my new Karen Adams calendar. It really is so beautiful! 

a christmas alleluia

Merry Christmas! Glory to God in the Highest! 

The Heavens Roar

The Angels Sing

All Glory to Our GOD and KING

O Night Divine forever more

ALLELUIA

A Christmas Alleluia

simple christmas touches in our home

My Christmas decorating is always fairly simple and traditional. Fresh greenery with either berries or pinecones mixed in are a nice way to add little touches of Christmas to your home. 

Welcome to our foyer!

I am not a huge poinsettia fan, but I would have to say that the pink poinsettias are my favorite. 

This year, I stopped by Dollar General and picked up these gold bells. I believe 8-10 came in a pack for $1.50. What a great way to dress up your plants for Christmas. 

One of my favorite traditions is Christmas cards. I just love sending and receiving them! I also enjoy displaying them all over my house. I even displayed my own card this year so I can enjoy it too! I know some people who keep them either in a bowl or basket so they can look thru them all year long. I may do that this year!

For our mantle this year, I decided to mix magnolia leaves and cypress branches. We just got Graham's silhouette made so I decided to place both the kids' silhouettes above their stockings. 

In case I am not back on here before Christmas, let me take a minute to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! 

advent wreath

We are quickly approaching the start of Advent, which falls on Sunday, November 27 this year. I have never put an advent wreath in our home, but I like these beautiful versions of the advent wreath. Each Sunday, a new candle is lit until all four candles are lit the Sunday before Christmas! What a lovely way to incorporate the true meaning of Christmas in our homes! 

all via pinterest

old to new and lots of blue

Here is a beautiful old to new Farmhouse with lots of blue! I sure do love the color scheme in this home, especially the blue bookshelves in the study. I would have to say the mudroom and the study are my favorite. See more images of this lovely home here. 

curtains at the front door

Curtains at the front door is certainly not a new concept, but it is one that I have just recently added to our front door. I debated over the past year or so what would be best for a little privacy at our door since there are windows on either side and a large window in the center of the door. I truly love all the natural light it brings to the foyer and I just like the 'look' of it, but I am happy to have the option for privacy if I want it. The curtains also help to keep in our warm, heat as the cold air has finally made it's way down south. 

all via pinterest

banquette dining

Since we added a piano to our dining room, I have been trying to decide how to reconfigure the room to be both a functional dining room and have a little piano corner.  The room is 12x14 which is a nice size. More and more, I am seeing the traditional dining room be used for multiple functions. While it would be nice to have a designated room (with doors;) for the piano, I also love the idea of using every inch of your home. While our kids are still young and want to hang out with us, I will enjoy the togetherness! The idea I have landed on is to incorporate a banquette bench in the dining room and push the bench against the wall so the table is no longer in the center of the room.  It will allow for more space around the piano corner. I have always loved bench seating and my inspiration for this project is below. More to come on this...

all via pinterest

fall favorites

It sounds like it is going to be a wet weekend here in the Carolinas so I plan to do some seasonal wardrobe switching since we will most likely be indoors. Here are a couple pieces I have added to my wardrobe for fall.

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I will certainly be praying for everyone that has been and will be impacted by Hurricane Matthew! Have a great weekend! 

fall so far

I feel like fall has finally arrived so I have added some subtle touches to the house. Mums, pumpkins, fresh branches with the colors of changing leaves, and playful bats have made their way around the house. 

When seasons change, I am always excited to try new recipes and add heartier meals like chili and beef stew to the line-up of meals. 

We just recently got a piano and I am brushing up my piano playing skills. It has been quite some time since I have played. I have enjoyed having this new piece in our home. I am hoping my kids will have a great love and certainly an appreciation for music like Paul and I do. I have a couple new piano books and I also bought the SheReadsTruth 'Worthy of Praise' study book. The study begins October 10 so you still have some time if you want to participate. The book can be ordered at SheReadsTruth.com. The book is just lovely and includes sheet music for the hymns that will be studied. I cannot wait because I still have such a great love for the melodies and powerful words in traditional hymns. 

And who can forget football? It is another fall favorite in our house! We have been cheering on our Clemson Tigers and the Carolina Panthers! 

Happy Fall to you and yours! 

romans.twelve.thirteen

Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13. 

Hospitality has been a topic of conversation between Paul and I lately. It is something that we both want to be more intentional about - welcoming others into our lives and home. The pineapple is the universal symbol of hospitality and the warmest welcome. I came across the printable above one day and thought it was the perfect reminder to add to my kitchen as we strive to love, connect with and bless others more. 

Free download here