everyday lovely

A Heart That Says "Yes"

2012-03-03T05:35:00.001-07:00

Dinner is over and I'm on the couch with a couple kiddos on my lap, watching a promised episode of Planet Earth. We laugh at the waddling penguins. And the doorbell rings. Who on earth could be at the door this time of night? I head to the door but before I open it I see that it's them.

"Oh no," I say to my husband, "it's them, again!"

This is the third time they've come. An older woman selling tamales with her English-speaking granddaughter along to do the talking. They always stand way back from the door - almost at the end of the walkway. They always look a little awkward, like they are anticipating rejection and half-ready to leave. My thoughts are always the same:

Tamales?
I don't Need tamales.
I don't Like tamales.
Nobody in my family likes tamales.
Their kitchen might not even.....be clean.
And I don't even have any cash.

I'm surprised they've come again. The last time they came to my door I said no, but after I closed the door, I felt so awful about rejecting them that I grabbed $5 and ran after them just to give it to them. They sold tamales in $10 bundles that couldn't be divided, so I thought I'd just give them a little money to sooth my conscience....But in the process I belittled their honest purpose to work hard and sell their goods. They weren't asking for charity....still I didn't learn.

...

This time I opened the door, determined to be direct and not hem and haw.

"Would you like to buy some Tamales?" they ask.

"No. Thank you. I'm sorry, we don't eat tamales," I say.

They turn and hurry away.

...

I close the door and go back to my family in our comfortable home. For awhile I try to forget about it and I'm occupied with the busy bedtime routine. But once the house is quiet, the realization hits. I look at my heart, and I start to feel sick.

 "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45

So for three times now - three times - the first impulse of my heart has been NO.
What kind-of abundance does that reflect??
What in the world was keeping me from saying "yes" writing a check for ten dollars??

I justified my no because I don't need tamales. I don't like them. So it would be a waste of money to buy them - right? Funny how it's so easy to say no to this thing I don't need - and call it "waste" - but my answer is almost always yes to the frivolous extras at Target.

...

I'm really rarely confronted with real need. Yet three times it came to my front door as this poor woman sought to earn money in an honest but difficult and humbling way of going door-to-door and asking again and again.

Each time they've come I've thought, These ladies aren't selling anything I need.
But all along they were selling the very thing I need the most -

Lessons in compassion.

Praying today for yet another chance. I grieve because I doubt the woman will have the courage to come ask a fourth time. I pray that somehow she will. I feel so discouraged and sickened with myself, but I trust and pray that God would use this terrible failure and work in me a compassionate heart. A heart whose first impulse is love. A generous heart that will see the needs that come my way and not miss the chance again to say yes.

Painting Day Dreams

2012-03-01T08:08:00.002-07:00

We're dashing about trying to get our house ready for market, but that hasn't kept me from daydreaming a bit about the (hopefully) new one. Here are some paint pondering compliments of Pinterest.

This floor just oozes happy.

Unique painted wallpaper.

Wonderful-fun stairs.

Still loving this aqua ceiling.

Love green chalkboard paint.

And ahh, the power of white paint...alright, and a few other things, namely an apron sink.

Like how these colors compliment the wood.

Walk through these yellow doors and I dare you not to be cheerful.

Alright, already! I am ready to paint. Really having to really restrain myself from painting my little man's room right now. I just rearranged it, and the walls want to be painted so badly....but so not a priority just now. Hmmmm, still hoping I can justify squeezing it in somehow or another...we'll see. ; )

In the meantime, trying to stay focused on my Master List, and today I hope to take pictures of the entire house for the realtor - if I can manage to keep things tiday long enough. For those of you who asked for a copy of my Master List, I'll get it out to you today!

love, cailan

Creating a Master List for Your Home

2012-02-28T07:50:00.002-07:00

So a few weeks ago I told you how I'm trying to purge and organize our entire room - for the sake my happiness and the sanity of my neat-n-tidy sweetheart, and to keep us from packing a lot of junk and taking it all the way to our {hopefully} new home in Iowa. I've been very inspired by Tsh's book Organized Simplicity - the book really gave me a vision for a clutter-free, simple life, but there's no two ways about it - purging and organizing still can be an overwhelming process.

Today I want to share the method I'm using to break this huge task down. It's an idea my good professional organizer friend came up with {the one who also told me God gave me all the time I need to do everything He wants me to do - she's awful smart}.

Her idea is to Create a Master List for your home. The basic idea is to break each room down into specific tasks.

FIRST: Take a notepad and go to each room in your house. Sit look around and make a list of every task that needs to be done - every space that needs to be purged, cleaned, fixed, organized, etc. You can see how I did this for my entryway in the picture below {yes, my front closet is already ready for some maintenance, but this time I'm being ruthless - nothing stays unless I truly use it or think it's very beautiful!}

Next you will put all of this data into a handy dandy spreadsheet - such as in Excel. You'll have a column for the 1. Space 2. Rank 3. Job 4. Time 5. Needed and 6. Outside Help.

1. Space Column: In this column you name each general space (Entry Way, Kitchen, Office Desk)
2. Rank column: Here you'll rank which job is the most important in each space with "1" being most important. If I felt like more than one task was a very important "1", I made it a "1" as well.
3. Job Column: In this column you name each specific job - try to break down tasks into smaller tasks as much as you can. I put an abbreviation for each space {ie. EW for Entry Way} in front of each Job so that it will be easy to identify when we sort according to Time later.
4. Time Column: Now you estimate how much time it will take you to complete that task {now is a good time to overestimate!}
5. Needed Column: This column will show what supplies you might need to buy to do the project{storage bins, closet hooks, etc}.

6. Outside Help: Here, you'll put the name of anyone who will be enlist to help you with that task...such as "Sweetheart" ; )

In the picture below, you'll see that I've sorted all the Job's according to priority within each Space. This is easy to do with Excel, using the sort/filter button. So below, we have "EW" - abbreviation for the Entry Way- and show the 1st, 2nd and 3rd task I have to do.

So now you have your Master List! But you're not quite done. Using Excel, sort your list by "Time" - so that the job taking the shortest about of time comes up at the top. You can do this my selecting the entire Time column and using the sort/filter button again.

I have this list along with the the original Master List on my refrigerator. This second list is the one I actually refer to most, because I can use it to pick a job to do depending on how much time I have. For example, the kiddos are drawing with markers = about 10 minutes of time to do a project, so I pick a ten minute project from my list and go for it. Later during nap time I might have time for a 30 minute or hour-long project.

This method really has been helpful to me so far. I love how it helped me break down everything that needs to be done into small, defined tasks. It also gave me a idea of how much time total this Simplify Project is actually going to take, so I can be more intentional about getting a certain amount of work done each day {at least two hours if I'm going to get done by our goal date}. Definitely feeling motivated with an actual house on the horizon!

I don't know how well I explained this - please feel free to comment if you have questions or need clarification! Even if you're not moving it's a great tool to keep you plugging away on your home as you find time.

If you leave your email address {or email me at everydaylovelyblog@gmail.com} I'll send you a copy of my own Excel worksheet you can use it as an example and to fill in your own list - prepare to be shocked, it is LONG. : )

p.s. thank you for your kind congratulations for the Dr. and happy encouragement about the potential house...we heard back from the owners and they sound quite positive...at this point we just need to get a contract signed....and sell our house!

The Life that Is Waiting

2012-02-27T07:08:00.001-07:00

Last week my sweetheart and I took a road trip to Iowa. First objective was to go to Iowa City, where he defended his dissertation. He is now officially, "Dr. Sweetheart". So very proud.

Second objective was to travel through a blizzard to our soon-to-be new hometown in northwestern Iowa...and look for a new home.

photo from my iphone

And we think we may have found one...I'm dying to show you all the pictures I took, but as it's for sale by owner and I didn't ask the owners if I could publish their private home on the interweb, I'll content myself with simply the picture of the outside.

Yes, I'm pretty swoony about it. We actually put an offer on it on Saturday, though it did hit me the next morning that I entirely neglected to even notice if the house had a dishwasher. I'm afraid that this, my friends, is a severe case of blind love - I only had eyes for the beautiful oak trim, the insufferable charm everywhere inside...and that porch swing. The walls and floors haven't been touched since 1984, but oh, the potential.

***

Yet, there's still a home here to sell - the home just two houses away from Sister and my dear little nieces and nephews. The reality of moving away is certainly starting to hit. I don't like it, but I admit these words rather strike a cord at the moment. I am wondering.

http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/2012/02/crushing-on-lewis.html

So, trying to take hold of these hopeful words:

via pinterest Cailan Matthews via Rebekah Gough

And that truly whatever is waiting for our family, it will still be good.

via pinterest Life Made Lovely

Finally, very inspirited by Proverbs 31:25,

This woman of grace, she "smiles at the future" (NASB)

So happy Monday, friends. Happy Smiling.

love, cailan

Window Shopping: Wisteria

2012-02-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Just been doing a little window shopping. I've never purchased anything from Wisteria, but they managed to get their catalog in my mailbox, so I had a little looksie and thought I'd share what I discovered with you.

This Wooden Wall Clock I really love, and the price seems pretty reasonable at $59.

Like this whole work area setup.

The metal basket shelf is especially nifty.

And I felt quite sure that this light fixture and I had a future together...

but they seem to be sold out.

I'm not sure I'm a garden bird kind-of gal, but these are quite charming.

These linen lined wire baskets would make such pretty storage.

Like how they're used for storage in the kitchen here and isn't that iron shelf and those boxes so fun? And that chair? And I'm thinking every kitchen needs some Perrier mineral water out on display - it's just so pretty.

This French Lantern is unique. I think it would be fun thrown into a mix of styles for an eclectic look.

Like how it looks here with the simple neutrals, and modern appliances. And how great is that shelf on wheels in the background?

And finally, while I probably could not be trusted to keep this iron collapsible organizer uncluttered, this is about my favorite out of the catalog - it strikes me as quirky, industrial, fun. Surely, I would be motivated to keep it looking lovely.

So that's the lovely I found. It's always kind-of fun to discover somewhere new to look about.

Thanks for browsing with me. : ) What's your favorite place to window shop?

A Happy Birthday Day

2012-02-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was sweet. I documented it in Instagram, because I'm trying to get better at it and it is so handy to carry around my phone instead of big camera for the day. But these are rather bad pictures. I will keep at it, but I'll probably stick to my Nikon for blog posts. :)

In the morning, my sweetheart surprised me

with this beautiful orchid.

But the real treat was that he made me this breakfast and brought it to me in bed.

It was so delicious. Eggs with mushrooms, orange pepper, spinach, onion, and bacon.

This was first for our marriage, and I loved it.

Then opened up a few sweet cards sent from faithful friends and family.
There's just something so special about getting a birthday note in the mail. I forget to send them myself 8 times out of 10. Funny how when my birthday comes around each year I am reinvigorated to be a dedicated birthday card sender - I'm always reminded how much it means.

In the afternoon, my heroic brother-in-law watched all seven of our children combined while Sister and I went out for lunch with our mum. It was lovely, of course.

This dessert does not look very appetizing in the picture, so you'll have to use your imagination.

In the evening, this nice guy took me out for cozy, delicious dinner.

And more dessert....naturally.

Still have the family birthday to celebrate, and then Sister and mum and I hope to getaway for a sleepover and shopping. Yes, we know how to spread out the fun. : )

So thankful for a lovely day.

Lovely people. And a new year.

A Pigtail Experiment

2012-02-20T07:51:00.008-07:00

I don't think there's any denying it - pigtails are just happy. I used to wear pigtails pretty faithfully when I was sixteen - pigtails with a beloved red hat from Abercrombie.

About a month ago I got half a foot chopped of my hair.
I've worn it long for about the last ten years, so this was Substantial Change.
Within I couple days it hit me that my hair was now pretty good......pigtail length. Hadn't tried them since sixteen, so I decided to do a Pigtail Experiment:

{note that the Pigtail Experiment coincidentally coincided with the Learn How to Use Your iphone Experiment}

I wore pigtails for about two weeks straight

{and tried to take a few goofy iphone pictures}

I loved how easy it was to do my hair everyday - no time, no fuss -
just neat, happy-fun hair that is out of my face.

Five weeks later, pigtails are my go-to hair-do.

{And just now - yes, just this moment - I managed set up my email on the phone and take an Instagram pic. Big Day.}

The data was most conclusive -
pigtails make me just as happy as they did at sixteen.

....and yes, I find they do grant one just that touch of youthful fun
that is rather bolstering as one turns 30.

So here's to embracing some happy fun at any age. ; )

{and making a concerted effort to figure out my phone}

Sugar Cookie Recipe

2012-02-16T07:58:00.002-07:00

It may seem late for a Valentine's sugar cookie recipe. But I'm guessing if you made them this weekend for post-Valentines, nobody would complain. ; )

This recipe has been in our family's favorite since I was little. The cookie recipe calls for sour cream, and the frosting is flavored with almond extract, making for quite the perfect sugar cookie. We used it for Christmas cookies every year growing up and often broke it out for Valentine hearts and St. Patty's shamrocks. It makes a big batch to you could easily use half for hearts and then freeze the rest for shamrocks in March.

Our little family didn't ever manage Christmas cookies this year, so was determined to make these with my kiddos for Valentine's.

I managed to snap just a few pictures of the process. Someday I'll look back and only remember the sweetness...but right now I admit my main memory was the stress.

The pictures look pleasant, but in truth this was a pretty emotionally charged cookie-cutting session.

I suppose, in the end, love prevailed.

Here's the recipe. Consider yourselves family. : )

Our Favorite Sugar Cookies

1 cup butter

2 cups sugar

3 well beaten eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup sour cream

5 cups flour

 3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp soda

1. Mix all together

2. Chill thoroughly

3. Roll out about 1/8 inch thick (you'll need quite a bit of extra flour for rolling)

4. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter (softened)

1 pound powdered sugar

2 tsp. almond or vanilla extract

a little milk or 1/2 and 1/2 until smooth enough to spread

I'm sorry for my absence this week so far. It wasn't planned, just happened. I didn't see it coming, but somehow it seems every sort of event, work and trouble got dumped into this week. The events are not all sad or unpleasant, but they compress the time and make the work and trouble feel more worrisome. Suddenly there seems to be so much to sort out and not much time to do it in.

So, trying to remember that God knows all about it all.

He gives me sufficient grace for every trouble

And enough time to do everything I truly need to do.

Hearts About the House

2012-02-10T07:53:00.002-07:00

There's nothing very amazing about these pictures I'm sharing today...it's all just book pages, glitter and hearts. I had so much fun with decorating for Valentine's day in simple little ways this year.

{these chocolates are already - ahem - long gone :}

Made these cardboard glitter hearts last year. You can see they're a little worse for wear, but still happy.

A favorite hymn.

Favorite people.

I adore these little mailboxes from Target's dollar section, but even more I love how my sister is using them "mail" little love notes to her kiddos everyday this month. You can read about her wonderful lovely idea {HERE}. I'm looking forward to writing my kiddos notes for the next week.

It's such a sweet holiday! I love having all the hearts about our home. They really are lovely, little reminders to just love one another.

Definitely contemplating keeping them up year round...at least a couple hearts. :)

Wednesday Walkabout: Brothers

2012-02-08T07:27:00.001-07:00

Unbelievably, I almost have no pictures of these two together. It's always all three of my kiddos or usually the twins are paired. And even these weren't intentional on my part. Last week my determined plan was to get pictures of all three of them, even though the boys had almost no clean clothes (hence the hobo-wear). But alas, little sister had a meltdown over shoes just as we were ready to take our walk. So she stayed home with Daddy, and I got a walk with my boys. They adore wearing bowties, so we attached them just as we left.

It was a pretty sweet alternative, taking just these two.

I know I will treasure these pictures always.

Delighting in a "tree tent".

(Doing a little framing with the branches :)

So glad things did not work out according to my original plan.

Funny how that's usually when the best things happen.

XO Valentine's Mantel

2012-02-05T23:05:00.007-07:00

So this is my first time in our six years of married life that I decorated for Valentine's.

About time, yes? The "holiday" does seem to be here and gone before I know it, but it certainly deserves some attention. Since I didn't do much with our mantel since taking down Christmas, I thought I might as well valentine it.

I did a little "xo" theme.

This little cone book page wreath is my favorite part. Can't believe I haven't made one of these before.

I kept up my frames, and just worked with them. The same frames that first went up when I put together a Fall Mantel.

Fall Framed Mantel

And made them work for Christmas too.

Christmas "Framed" Mantel

And now we have my "xo" Valentine's Mantel.

I tried to keep it as simple as possible - the last thing I need is more holiday decor to pack away when we move! Also didn't spend much - just glitter and 99 cent wooden letters from Hobby Lobby. Sticky tack keeps the letters and hearts up :).

I can't believe I haven't made a cone wreath before. It was so easy and quick to make. Granted I wasn't too scientific about it - don't look too closely, it is a little wonky, but it's got character, I tell you. ;) Didn't use a tutorial just started hot-gluing some cones and gluing them round a cardboard circle. Perhaps I put together a little tutorial, but it really is pretty simple.

I tore up an American Poetry book my husband said he didn't want. Just realize the words "rage" and "ecstasy" are on one of the hearts below. wow. Pretty intense sentiments going on here!

So there you have it. A little Valentine's day cheer to start out your week.

Hope it's a bit lovely.

xo,

Cailan

rest of the house trimmed for Valentine's {HERE}

{Linking to The Southern Institute, Home Stories & Bowl Full of Lemons
Feathered Nest Friday, Saturday Nite Special & Tatertots & Jello}

It's the Little Things & Important Reminder

2012-02-02T08:23:00.005-07:00

You may remember this Pure & Good soap from Anthropologie I invested in last summer. I say investment, because it's not your regular use and toss soap, the lovely bottle is for keeps.

Anyway I just finally finished the original hand soap that came in it - an exciting event because it's time to fill it with this lovely dish soap from Seventh Generation. I love Lavender & Mint scent and now I will be able to use the Pure & Lovely pump for both hands and dishes.

It's the little things, I tell you.

We just got a case of 6 of these bottles of dish soap using Amazon's subscribe & save subscription- at about 20% than the bottles cost at the store. Link {HERE}. The Clementine & Lemon Zest scent is delicious too.

{note: the soap is actually wonderfully clear it just looks whitish because I had just squirted it into the bottle so it was sudsy. }

The Pure & Good Soap bottle is found {HERE}.

Finally, the most important bit. : ) I just got this happy email in my inbox yesterday and am compelled to urge you once again to sign up for your very own Anthro Card. It's just a free little membership card and the best part is they send you a code for 15% off for your birthday month. Even off sale stuff - 15% off already clearanced Anthro goodness - it doesn't get much better than that.

So quick-quick, go {HERE} and sign up!

I'm signing up my husband today - why didn't I think to do this before??? ; )

Photography Notes: Editing Tips

2012-02-01T08:44:00.001-07:00

When I started this little photography series a month ago, I'd planned to show you some photo-editing tips using a free program called Picnik. In the last week or so, Picnik has announced that they are discontinuing service April 1st. : (

I'm still going to show you how to use Picnik today, because it is a great way to get used to tweaking your photos even for just a couple months and I think you could transfer what you learn. I will be on the lookout for a comparable replacement and hopefully share with you in the future. Maybe I'll even share about Photoshop Elements...

So I love to use Picnik for casual editing because it is so user-friendly and it's esp. nice for blogging, because it automatically re-sizes pictures, making them easy to quickly upload.

So first, go to www.picnik.com. You find a screen like this.

Click on the "upload a photo" button and locate your picture file you want to edit.

My photo shows up like this. It needs to be rotated. The rotate feature is under "Basic Edits".

I also often use the "Straighten" pictures to right pictures that are slightly wonky.

My next step is usually to go to "Sharpen" and adjust the "Clarity". Here I adjusted to 23%, which is kind-of high. Usually 12% or 15% is a enough to crisp the image just right.

Then I go to "Exposure" (also under "Basic Edits"). Here, it's just time to play around. For this photo I put my Exposure to 4; Highlights to 11; Shadows to 0; Contrast to 19. Usually I do a little less highlight and contrast.

Now go to "Effects". My go to effect is "Cross Process" When you first click on it, your photo will look like this.

So I fade Cross Process down to 91%. This is about right for most images to brighten them and add a little drama without turning them yellow.

Sometimes, I'll use the "Vingette" effect. But take the size down to 32%, Strength to 0% and Fade to 73%, for just a touch of framing.

Since we're here I'll show you how I add the white border for my picture gallery.

Go to the "Frames" tab under "Edit" and choose "Border". The Border color is auto-black, so click on the color square which will open up your color options from which you can choose white.

Then put both the Outer and Inner Thickness to 100%. This will give you a nice thick border. Like I use {HERE}.

Finally, go the the "Save & Share" tab to save your image. Always save it as a copy!

Whew! I hope that was a little helpful. Perhaps at least a place to get your feet wet if you've never done much editing before.

In other news, hurray for February! So glad it's here, it's such a lovely month.

Time to get a little Valentine's cheer about the house. : )

Baby Photo Session: MinJee

2012-01-31T08:10:00.002-07:00

Goodness. This was lovely fun.

It was my first real "newborn" shoot, and forced me to get a little creative as you can't quite take a newborn outdoors for pictures...especially a sweet nekkid one. : )

I took all of these pictures on my bed upstairs in the afternoon.

I get nice light from west and north-facing windows.

And then I draped by four-poster bed with white sheets, and voila! a little studio.

Recognize that pillow?

It's been awhile since I spent some time around a newborn. I was so awed by how little she is. After awhile you forget how little your three-year-olds started out.

That little yawn!

And feet!

Sigh. I think I want one.

I love that momma wore her pearls.

If you live in the Ft. Collins, Loveland, Greeley {Colorado} area and you would like to plan a photo session just for you, email me at everydaylovelyblog@gmail.com for info.

See portfolio {HERE}.

I Found It! A Lovely Pillow

2012-01-30T08:04:00.002-07:00

Isn't it beautiful? It's a hand-drawn, silkscreen print by Jenna Rose. I stumbled upon it over at the inspiring Birch & Bird site and was instantly smitten. She's created such beautiful prints, but the ships are my favorite. I love the movement of the waves.

Also love this bag in the same print ...but I think the pillow will be what makes it to my birthday wishlist. : )

Jenna also makes these lovely bucket hampers. Wouldn't one of these be so fun in a little boy's room? (imagining it in the ship pattern, of course, though this honeycomb would be lovely in the right setting, too)

Also taken with this anatomy of a bicycle print - would be such a fun gift.

Here's also a little bucket in her "tree house print". Such a handy little bucket, especially useful for storing and toting your needlework. Someday I will start crocheting again and then, I will most certainly need one of these.

You can find these and Jenna's other beautiful creations at her Etsy shop {HERE}.

Note: this is not a paid advertisement.

Just had to share the talented Jenna Rose with you quick-quick.

Off to have a hopefully lovely, productive Monday morning - payroll tax reports are due and the laundry room is flooded....with laundry.

Good times : )

The Perfect Cookie

2012-01-27T07:51:00.013-07:00

Now, I title this post fully aware that there are many wonderful cookies out there...(I believe I've made and tried most of them ;), but this one is perfect in the sense that it has ingredients I always have on hand, it comes together quick-quick, it combines two of the best ingredients ever (peanut butter & chocolate), and since it has protein in it with the peanut butter it almost qualifies as a meal replacement. I kid, I kid.....I think.

Anyway, make some for your people quick-quick

and have yourself a merry weekend!

(oh! and these can easily be gluten-free)

The Perfect Cookie (a.k.a Monster Cookies)

Blend together:

3/4 cups butter

1 1/2 cups peanut butter  (use natural peanut butter, you won't regret it!)

1 cup (or less) sugar

1 1/4 cup (or less) brown sugar

Mix in:

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

Add:

2 tsp baking soda

4 cups quick or regular oats (might need an extra 1/2 cup to 1 cup if it isn't stiff enough depending on how runny your peanut butter was)

Finally add:

1-2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips or 1 cup semi-sweet and 1 cup milk chocolate or half semi-sweet and half M&M's!

Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes for fairly large cookies (do not over-bake!!! This would be terrible)

Enjoy! Hope you have a lovely weekend.
I'm off to clean-up and bake for company tonight -
sure, it is a bit of extra work, but I love Friday night company.

More Everyday Lovely recipes {HERE}

{Linking to Funky Junk Interiors}

Photography Notes: Picture Taking Tips 2

2012-01-26T08:14:00.008-07:00

So today I'm going to continue my little photography tips series. Remember that I'm not an expert, even a real professional at this, but like many of you, I love photography and as I have sorted through a little bit of the technique I thought I'd share what I've learned.

Today I'll share three picture-taking rules/tips in regard to Layout:
the Rule of Thirds, Lines, and Framing.

The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is basically dividing what you see through your lens into thirds, and placing your subject in the top, bottom, right or left third. Here's a (very) rough idea of what I'm talking about. You want your subject to be close to one of the points where the the lines meet.

In other words, don't put your subject in the center. Not that it's a crime, but it's generally true that putting your subject dead on center makes for a less pleasing composition. Off center adds balance and makes your subject more captivating.

See here is my little Gideon pretty much on dead center. I still really love it (the fence helps give some weight to the left, adding balance ) and will keep it because he's cute, but...

Here he is moved into the right third of the photo.

Here's some other examples.

I use this rule with my home and food shots too.

Lines

Next we have Lines. This is a technique involving using lines you find in your setting to draw attention to your subject. It makes for a much more dynamic picture.

Lines in fence leading to face.

Box lines leading to cute feet.

Grass line leading you from brother to siblings.

Always lots of lines at a park - slides are great. Here swing lines lead you to subject.

Another fence line.

Railroad track lines.

Framing

Finally, we have the Framing technique. Like with Lines you look for ways you can frame your subject in order to bring your eye to the subject more dynamically. I haven't challenged myself much creatively with this one, but here are a few examples.

Here parents frame the baby.

Same idea here.

Peek-a-boo face.

Hopefully this was a bit helpful. Next Wednesday, I'll share a bit about photo-editing.

Until then, happy picture-taking to you. : )

You can find the rest of the series:

{HERE} Photography Notes: About My Camera

{HERE} Photography Notes: Photo-Taking Tips I

A Most Unexpected Surprise

2012-01-25T07:58:00.001-07:00

Thanks to God who knows even the little "impossible" desires of our hearts.

Last Fall, I found an email in my inbox from House of Fifty e-magazine. In a state of complete giddy shock, I managed to realize they were asking if they could include Everyday Lovely in their "Blogs We Love" feature. Could. not. believe. it. I compulsively ran downstairs to tell my sweetheart, deep in his dissertation work, and took a good fifteen minutes trying to make myself intelligible.

Such a lovely boost, but at the same time so humbling - I am way out of my league in the midst of all this beautiful, polished talent.

If you've never seen an issue of House of Fifty, you are in for a tremendous treat. Miss Janell of Isabella & Max Rooms is the visionary behind this magazine - and every issue is packed full of such lovely inspiration for everyday living.

The Spring 2012 issue just came out today - click the link to view!

{p.s. I'll be back with the photography tips post tomorrow. promise.

Off now, to tackle and purge heap big mess in the playroom. yikes.}

A List for Daily Simplicity & Magnetic Clipboard diy

2012-01-23T08:00:00.007-07:00

I love making grand plans for our home and daily doings and writing long to-do lists. And while I have a planner that I love and have used for years, I've found myself more and more transferring my to-do list from my planner to a scrap piece of paper that I could carry around with me - stick to the fridge - essentially something I could have out before my face and help keep me on track throughout the day.

I recently came across this Daily Plan Sheet or "Daily Draft" put together by Ann Voskamp, the same remarkable lady that wrote One Thousand Gifts
(which I am reading now and it is so good).

Anyway for the last week or so I've been using this Draft to order my day, and while I'm still trying to figure out how to make each section work best for me, I'm liking it - I especially like how it draws my attention to things that I might otherwise overlook. Like, what relationship could use some extra attention today...and exactly what verse am I memorizing right now?? Hmmm. The "Doxology" part corresponds with One Thousand Gifts as a place to add to your list of gifts/blessings you are thanking God for.

I also appreciate the "Day's Dire" section, and that there are only 3 lines here. I think Sister was telling me that she heard somewhere that it's a good idea to expect that you will at least get three things done a day (along with all the daily demands of home and children) - anything more than that is pretty much superhero stuff. Singling out 3 Must Do's for the day has really helped me focus on what's really important. I feel like I'm being more realistic with myself and therefore more accomplished and satisfied at the end of the day.

Here's an example: my Draft for Today.

I'm thinking that having "clean bathrooms" feels like a dire need today is...not such a good sign. But it is going to get Done today! (Still haven't figured out what to do with the "Dailies" section, though I think it's supposed to help you establish a "rhythm" for your day...)

So anyway, an important part to actually using and following this list is to have it out where I can see it - primarily on the front of the frig - but easy to take around the house with me. So I made this little magnetic clipboard:

Needed: old funky clipboard from the thrift store, hot glue, button magnets, twine for a bit of fun along with a dried-out flower from the vase by your sink. : )

Glued Magnets on like so.

And added a little lovely embellishment on the top.

Now to actually do my to-do list. That's the tricky part. ; )

{Linking to Bowl Full of Lemons}

I Broke My Target Fast

2012-01-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

It was inevitable. How long can a person really go without a little visit to Target after all?

In my defense, my primary reason for finally going was for returns...and then of course I had to check out their clearance end caps.

Good thing I DID. Because I found these little Mrs. Meyer's Christmas candles, which I somehow missed seeing during the Christmas season. I love this Iowa Pine scent, which heretofore I've enjoyed only in hand soap form. And now Iowa Pine seems especially appropriate...kind of like it's made just for me, suppose?

And would you look at the cute little gift tag packaging. I only bought two. Ten points for self restraint. But now I'm seriously considering going back and buying the rest - what better way to win the affection of my new Iowa neighbors next Christmas? ; )

Does this stock-up idea jive with my purging plan? Hmmm, feeling conflicted.

Especially, considering they're on clearance at 1/2 of! Deals like this only happen on Target end caps. I highly recommend you check yours out quick-quick.

Photography Notes: Pictures Taking 1

2012-01-18T08:39:00.005-07:00

So today I'm continuing with my little series of photography. Next week was supposed to be photo editing, but I think I'll make it part II of picture taking. This week will be about lighting and next week will be about layout.

So Lighting. Lighting is a pretty big deal, of course. Without good lighting you won't have a good picture. My first essential advice is Turn Off Your Flash. Even if you have a point and shoot. Once you do this you will find you like your pictures better immediately. I almost never ever use my flash unless I'm in a very dark place and want to document something family-wise just for memory's sake.

Now if you don't have a flash you need a light source from somewhere.

Of course you can go outside, which I often do.

For really lovely lighting I take pictures an hour about an hour before sunset. This the time I've done all my photo sessions for Everyday Photography.

Except for this session, which I did about midday. Midday light can easily be too intense and cause harsh lighting and shadows on the face, but we took all of these under the shade of a tree.

But then, we can't take all our photos outside. Memories are being made indoors all the time! So we need to make the most of the natural sunlight we get inside of our home. No lamps, in my opinion, as they will make your pictures unnaturally yellow.

Start by observing what time of day you get the best light in every room in your home.

Once you know this you can plan picture-taking around this.

For example, I know I get good light late morning from my South-facing windows. So I when we made cookies together, I had us do it late-morning around our table, scooted close to the window.

I planned a tea party near the South facing windows in our Sunroom.

Because, my kitchen counters are mostly in the shadows, I often take my food pictures out near these South-facing windows as well. Are you shocked?

I also love the Northern Light. I don't have big windows, so I open my front door like I did here to brighten this indoor photo of my front entry.

In this photo I put the chair right next to our open front door.

Wide open front door for this picture too.

I don't have any West or East facing windows, but this was taking at a client's home with the bench pulled up close to their large West facing window about an hour before sunset.

I hope this is somewhat helpful! Feel free to leave a question in the comments and I'll try my best to answer.

Next Wednesday I'll share some layout tips to make your pictures more dynamic and visually pleasing. Until then, I hope you get out your camera {and turn off the flash!}, and capture lots of lovely moments. : )

First Part of this series {HERE}

My Home Paint Colors

2012-01-16T08:08:00.004-07:00

Well, it's a Monday. And while Monday's can feel a bit daunting {i.e. it suddenly feels like I mush have twiddled my thumbs all of last week, the to-do list is a so long}, I'm trying to focus on the fact that it's a Fresh Start at a brand new week - another chance to do well and be cheerful while I'm at it. So here's to a fresh 24 hours - all the time we need to do everything that's truly important.

I hope to share more about the truly important later this week esp. as it can be defined in a Family Purpose Statement, something Tsh in her book Simply Organized strongly encourages and helpfully walks you through.

In the meantime, I've been getting questions about the paint colors in my home and thought I'd just put them all together in one place. I'm pretty passionate about finding just the right color and have been known to try dozens of paint samples and even repaint a room three times - this was before babies ;).

First, the Front Closet. I painted this Valpar's Old Gold and used Churchhill Hotel Hazy Yellow for the stencil.

And I used Valspar's Churchhill Hotel Hazy Yellow for the stencil.

Valspar's Churchhill Hotel Hazy Yellow is also in the Entryway and Living Room Walls.

Just a nice mellow yellow.

The Kitchen is also Valspar's Churchhill Hazy Yellow. The Table is Fish Story in High Gloss.

One darker shade of yellow on the same color swatch as Churchhill's Yellow is this Oatlands Gold Buff in our Living Room. It is a great yellow - not too buttery and not too mustardy. If I go yellow again in our new home, I'll use this again.

My Yellow Bed is Valspar's Golden Yellow. The wall color is Toasting Tan.

Toasting Tan is also the color in our Master Bedroom.

Finally, the nursery is Olympic's Fairy Dust. Pinks are really hard to get right, I think. They can so easily go too pastel or too Pepto Bismal, but this one is just perfect. I will definitely take this color with me to our next home.

Hope that's helpful, and hope you have a merry, fresh Monday.

{Linking to Bowl Full of Lemons}

Giveaway Winner & Other Ramblings

2012-01-13T08:31:00.004-07:00

Good morning! Well, today I've got a bit of randomness and at the end I'll announce the giveaway winner.

First off I wanted to show you this cute little alarm clock from LLBean. I've never ordered a thing from LLBean, but got their catalog in the mail and was immediately smitten - isn't it cute? It comes in four colors.

As you may know, I set out on a little quest to find a useful and aesthetically pleasing clock for my nightstand last spring and ended up choosing this one from Pottery Barn. Alas, I must report to you that I am not very happy with it, the problem being that the dots next to the numbers are the only part that light up and if you're far-sighted it's very hard to see what time it is in the middle of the night. Oh Well! Because I am certainly not acquiring any more things at the moment. I am PURGING.

{Purging Proof - yuck}

In support of this cause I have successfully avoided target for a whole month Target.

This is an accomplishment.

It seems impossible for me to get out of there without A. spending more than $50 and B. buying some sort of clearance "decorating" item. Not to mention that it's probably not too soon for me to begin the withdrawal process as the closest Target to our new hometown in Iowa is....50 minutes away.

On a related note, this drawer is on my tackle list for today. Do I really need a whole drawer of cloth napkins???? Surely not..... Oh dear. Looking forward to sharing my progress and how I put together with my Master List for our home next week.

In addition to these purging projects, I'm going to be at my desk doing my bookkeeping job. My sweetheart has kindly offered to watch the kiddos, so I hope to get a lot done. Wouldn't it be lovely to do bookkeeping in this little office?

This one would probably be more maintainable.

Alright, completely non-practical to do real office work- but so pretty. I love these colors.

{Lonny magazine}

Alright, enough day dreaming. Finally, the winner of the little everyday lovely giveaway - this 2012 Anthropologie calendar/tea towel and my favorite JR Watkins soap.

Result: 82 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

#82 is Miss Karen H!

Please contact me, Karen, at everydaylovelyblog@gmail.com, and I'll get your teatowel and soap off to your home quick-quick!

Hope you have a very lovely {and pleasantly productive} weekend! : )

Photography Notes: About My Camera

2012-01-11T07:34:00.005-07:00

A few of you have asked if I would share a little about my camera and some tips. I'm by no means an expert, but I love my camera and the satisfaction of taking a good picture, so I thought I'd put together a couple posts about photography and post them over the next three Wednesdays. First, about my camera. Second, photo-taking. Third, photo-editing. I hope it will be helpful!

First, let's talk about what's in my camera bag...which is kind-of a joke because I still don't have an actual fancy camera bag. I just use big Vera Bradly tote and try to pad with something or other - if you have a bag recommendation that would be so great!

This is my camera - a Nikon D90. I got it a couple years ago - it was a huge investment. Yikes. But it seemed like the time to take the plunge when our kids were small, and I hoped to get photography business-wise eventually.

I decided on Nikon over Canon primarily because was I was completely smitten with The Pioneer Woman at the time and she uses Nikon. Although she now uses a super fancy, full-frame model, her photography tips work for anyone with a DSLR. You can find them {HERE}. Sister got the Canon equivalent of a Nikon D90, I've noticed some minor differences and of course, I prefer mine since I'm more used to it. However, Canon lenses seem to run less than Nikon ones, so that's a point in favor of Canon.

Since I started, I've fallen in love with the Ashley Ann's blog. I love her! I love everything she does. She uses a full-frame Canon. This summer I took her online SnapShop class. I didn't realize it was quite so beginnerish, but I still got a lot of helpful tips out of it and it would be PERFECT to take you from out-of-the-box-new to using your camera in Manual mode. Also a good reason to buy Canon as all of her demo pics are of Canons.

If you're not thinking to do a full-on DSLR camera, I've heard the Canon Rebel is really good, giving you some ability to manipulate settings without getting too technical.

Anyway, I bought my Nikon D90 with the kit lens - an 18-105mm zoom. It's the lens I consequently learned with, but now I hardly ever use it, mostly because you can't set the aperture very low, so you it's harder to get nice bokeh. Really the only time I use it is if I want to photograph a whole room in my home like in this example.

So about 99% of the pictures you see on this blog were taken with my Nikon 50mm f/1.8D Lens.

I use it for all the pictures I take of my kiddos and professionally as well as pictures of my home and food. It's a great portrait lens and allows you to get lovely bokeh - love it.

The best part is that it's relatively cheap compared to other lenses - around $100.

The only thing you have to keep in mind is that since the 50mm is a prime lens - not a zoom - your legs have to do the zooming, so if you want to get a group pictures, for instance, you have to back way up.

My next lens will most certainly be this beauty, and 85mm. I've been saving for awhile an am about ready to take the plunge - so excited.

Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll try my best to answer them. Next Wednesday, I'll share some photo-taking tips. Hope you have a lovely day!

The Pursuit of a Simple Life: Part 1

2012-01-09T07:49:00.001-07:00

Last year I gave myself a challenge to purge 40 areas of my home in 40 days. Feeling the drain of the clutter and disorder in our home, I set out determined to reclaim one area each day. It wasn't a bad idea and I certainly made some progress, but I admit that I often was guilty of just rearranging my stuff....instead of actually chucking it.

Last October, while I was doing the challenge a second time, I started reading this book, Simply Organized by Tsh Oxenreider. The book kind of took the wind out of my sails - her words resonated with me, but they showed my present organizing/purging efforts to be pretty lame... pretty superficial.

Tsh gave me a vision of the Simple Life I craved for our family, and I quickly realized that to have that Simple Life I was going to have to get a lot more serious about my commitment to our family's priories and purging the clutter that was keeping us from living them out.

"[Simple Living] is about choices - about saying no to the things in your life that aren't the best so that you are free and available to say yes to those things you truly want." Tsh Oxenreider

Since it was October and the holidays were on the horizon, I decided to shelve the book and the project for the fresh new year...which is here!   I've been rereading the chapters and making a game plan, and I. am. so. excited.  

Of course, the timing is especially perfect as we start gearing ourselves up to move this summer.  How wonderful it's going to feel not to haul a bunch of needless stuff with us to Iowa!  Instead I'm determined to take only what we use and truly love.

"You're not a victim.  You allow each item in your home to be there.  Do you love it all?  Do you find it useful or beautiful?" 

Tsh Oxenreider 

Good stuff, right?  The whole book is extremely practical and wonderfully inspiring. I'm excited to chronicle my progress here over the next month or so and share what I learn along the way - it would be lovely to do it together! 

{Linking to Life Made Lovely Monday}

New Cheer for the Kitchen - And a Giveaway

2012-01-06T08:08:00.002-07:00

{Welcome, friendly readers from Southern Hospitality!}

Today I want to tell you about a couple new items that are making my kitchen feel very special indeed.

Sister and I each picked out a set from the lovely variety available at Anthropologie with unsuppressed glee, and my mum sweetly presented them to us for Christmas.

For $5 a piece they add so much refreshing fun and color after years of my white Martha Stewart bowls for Kmart.

And I must say soup, cereal...any food for that matter tastes especially good in these little latte bowls. Most of all I love using them for breakfast for a cheerful start to the day.

Second is this Anthro tea towel...which I gifted to myself. ; ) Having it out does wonders for my enthusiasm to keep a fresh, clean kitchen all. year. long. Really it almost does.

I love Ric-rac.

And see how helpfully it doubles as a calender!

So I was thinking you might like a 2012 tea towel/calender with Ric-rac, too? {promise I'll send you a new towel, not my used wrinkly one} Perhaps some my favorite soap would pair with it nicely? Time for a little Giveaway. : )

Leave a little comment to be entered. I'll announce the happy winner next Friday.

Happy Weekend to you, friend!

Just Passing Through

2012-01-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

I never expected to feel so settled so early in life. My family moved over a dozen time during my childhood, so I was somewhat used to transition and change. But about three years ago we moved back to Colorado, into our present home – a bi-level home built in the 70s. Not quite the charming old cottage of my dreams, but with a wonderful floor plan that works so well for our family, and a nicer kitchen than I thought I’d ever have in this lifetime. This home’s real asset, however, is its location – two houses around the corner from my sister, brother-in-law, two nieces and two nephews. I'm around the corner often three times a day. It's pretty wonderful.

When we were young, my sister and I would take walks in old neighborhoods and pick out quaint little “starter homes” - and some grander versions too - where we would one day live right next to each other...after we found a charming pair of brothers to marry, of course.

****

What do you do when it's time to move on, but you rather feel as if you’ve already reached the promise land?

For the past three years, here in this Colorado home, my husband has been working to finish his doctorate. He’s also been working as an oil/gas well pumper and has been teaching adjunct classes at the local university. Since he is about to graduate {so proud of him!}, this fall was the time to start applying for jobs. The job market for English grads is extremely tough....so though he sent out dozens of applications, we both knew it was very unlikely that any of them would come to anything. He applied just for experience and hoped at most to get a little positive interest here and there. In my heart of hearts I thought and hoped we would just wait it out here in CO for a local job.

Any interest wouldn't likely manifest until January, but the last week of November he got an email from a Christian college, followed by a phone call, followed by a phone interview. And before I knew it, he and I were on a plane to Northern Iowa for a campus interview.

When we left, he was told that they would let him know before Christmas. I answered the phone our first day back and it was the provost, calling to offer my husband the job.

{yellowsongbird.blogspot.com}

Of course, I was happy for him - thrilled. We expected no job, and God gave him one. And not just any job, truly the ideal job - every detail seemingly perfectly designed just for him.

I wanted to object, but I found I couldn't.

When God does something like this - gives your husband his dream job - how can you say

"no, thank you" ?

{yellowsongbird.blogspot.com}

So the long and short of it is, we're getting ready to put our house up for sale and plan to move to Northern Iowa this summer! Yikes.
It's been a lot to digest...and I'm reeling a little bit...

I had a few little weeps, and I know I will have some more.

It's been a good time to trust that God is good.

He knows the plans he has for our little family, and they are better than mine.

So trying to hold loosely even to the things I hold dear...

and remember that after all this world is not our home, we're just passing through.

Bit of Redecorating Fun

2012-01-02T23:10:00.001-07:00

Look! It's a wee little Everyday Lovely button!

{not fully activated yet...getting to that part momentarily}

So yesterday you may have noticed I did a bit of redecorating. Quite thrilling as I had been hoping for something just so ever since making my original header in Picnic when I started this little blog last March.

My new header was made by the talented Jenna of q.a.designs.

Up until now I had done all my extremely basic blog design myself. I wanted something more reflective of my taste {not my design skill level} but I was a bit skeptical how well working with someone via email on a design concept would go.

Jenna was so lovely to work with. I was rather particular and had a rather specific idea in mind, and she was so patient and altogether forbearing. Early in the process, I knew I wanted some kind of curvy frame for the title and Jenna directed me to istock.com to look for one. I showed her an idea that I wasn't very sold on and she replied in an email that "yes that will work great but i definitely want you to find one you love."

Knowing that she was dedicated to coming up with something I loved - not just was contented with - encouraged me so much early on in the process that by the end I would have something that really fit me. So yes, she was wonderful to work with.

For now I just did a new header and this little logo/potential button, but I very much look forward to doing a bit more in the way of a header and perhaps wallpaper? with Jenna as time {and funds} allow. ; )

You can find Jenna's site and all her lovely designs {HERE}.

Two Guidebooks for the New Year

2011-12-31T09:21:00.001-07:00

As we are on the brink of 2012, I wanted to share a two books I plan to use as guides into the new year. The first, I am so excited about. I actually started reading Organized Simplicity last October during my last 20 Bags in 20 Days challenge. It actually took the wind out of my sails a bit, as I saw that this book was asking me to take my humble attempts at organizing and purging to a whole other glorious level.

I read all the wonderfully laid out theory and vision part and then stopped at the halfway point - the point where the real work began - and put it aside for the new year...which is now HERE! I'm tired of the disorder and the time I waste taking care of things that are not useful, necessary, or beautiful. I'm so excited to begin the Big Purge and give my family a fresh start at clutter-free, intentional living. So you'll be hearing more about my progress and what I learn in the next couple months especially, and I'd love to have you join me! You know you won't regret it. : )

*****

My second book is one I'm sure most of you have heard of. Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts. I also started this one a couple months ago and then reluctantly gave my copy it away as a gift. It is so strongly stirring and uniquely beautiful, after the first few chapters you feel desperate to share this treasure of a book with someone else quick-quick.

So I will start this year rereading in earnest, accompanied by a little journal to record my own list of one thousand gifts. It will be a lovely compliment to my Organizing venture, and encourage you with all my heart to get your copy today.

As the new year hasn't started yet, I've been indulging in an old favorite. Though I've read Little Women nearly half a dozen times - about every two or three winters - it always feels fresh and never fails to encourage my heart and inspire me for vigorous home living. I've already had a good cry over it and sweet Beth hasn't even died yet.

Oh my, I am looking forward to the new year.

Life is not picture perfect and change along with the great unknowns can seem threatening, but after all there is great cause to be hopeful and merry.

So once again, Happy New Year to you, friend!

My Favorite Projects from 2011

2011-12-28T10:54:00.002-07:00

I started blogging in earnest last March, so it hasn't even been a year yet. But as it seems me be the time not only to plan for the next year but also to review and take stock of what's been accomplished in the year past, here's a little collection of my favorite projects since I began nine months ago. Goodness, has it ever been fun.

*****

This Yellow Bed has to be my favorite. As you may know, this picture does not represent a real room in my home. I set it up purely for the satisfaction of creating something pretty as the bed was intending (and now in) my little man's room. Let me tell you, it was very satisfying.

Loved these Bottle Cap Magnets. Need to make more as my little people liked them, too!

My favorite transformation was turning my Front Closet from this:

Into this. I love opening these doors every time I put my coat away.

My Framed Fall Mantle was so much fun to put together together.

Though I think I enjoyed my Spring/Summer Mantle even more...or maybe I'm just looking forward to spring right now.

Finally, there's this little Turquoise Table. I loved the way this quick, little paint project brought so much lovely personality to my kitchen.

Thank you ever, ever so much for all your sweet comments and encouraging feedback through all my endeavors this year. They have spurred me onwards and made my heart cheery.

Happy New Year to you, friend!

{Linking to AtoZ Favorites Link}

Let Your Hearts Be Merry!

2011-12-24T13:53:00.001-07:00

We've all been sick this week, just like everyone seems to be.

So the Christmas cookies are unmade,

and the Christmas cards haven't gone out...until today!

There are still presents to wrap,

and stocking stuffers to round up.

But our family is all here together,

and I can't shake the merry feeling.

Christmas is tomorrow,

Jesus was Born,

Our Savior Reigns!

Let our hearts be glad,
And a very Merry Christmas to you, sweet friends.

Family Portraits: The Mattox Family

2011-12-21T08:07:00.004-07:00

I loved this photo session. It was unique because we did some pictures indoors as well as outdoors. This is very unusual for me as a natural light photographer. But I was able to make the indoor pictures work because this family had a very large west-facing window for us to use for light, which was a good thing because it was C.O.L.D that day. :)

So I showed up at the Mattox's home and while Mom was getting herself and one little girl ready I took some pictures of her sister by the window.

Then we were joined by Little Sister. Oh my, were these girls ever darling.

Once everyone was ready we stepped outside for some family pictures.

These lovely little dresses weren't too warm, so soon we were back inside on a bench we pulled up close to the large window. Worked beautifully.

Then back outside real quick for a couple more shots.

Worked out so well and I loved the personal element added by shooting in and right outside their own home.

Last Minute Cheap! Gifts from Anthropologie

2011-12-20T10:14:00.001-07:00

Hello, there! I just got this email from Anthropologie - 1/2 off Sale items - Had to share with you quick-quick!

Here's a few things I'm picking up for last minute gifts.

{They'll arrive in the mail by Friday!}

Cute Christmas Tea Towels.

For a lovely, cheery lady I know.

Love this! {Yes, I ordered on for myself - how could I not for only $4.98?!}

So fun for the new year.

Merry Last Minute Shopping to You!

Sister's Dolly Shop

2011-12-19T08:42:00.001-07:00

My Sister is a lady of many lovely ways and talents, but when she started making these little dollies, she had me in a complete state of awe - "Seriously, you made this?!" I can't even comprehend it.

I love the delightful personality and uniqueness of each little dolly.

Their long limbs are perfect for little hands to hold onto.

Every time I hear she's made a new one, I'm off around the corner to her house to ooh and aww - so fun.

I'm especially partial to these green-haired sisters. Their outfits and personalities are perfection.

You can find Sister's blog and Dollie Shop {HERE}. I'm thinking she could still get one to you in time for Christmas. ; )

It's been quite the December for our little family. I'll try to update you all soon. Until then, thank you very much for your patience with the scanty posting.

The Fun Is in the Process: Making Cookies

2011-12-15T08:02:00.001-07:00

Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter cookies are some of my favorites to make for Christmas. This year, they were some of my kiddos favorites too. I love that their were a nice number of simple steps they could be involved in.

The fun is in the unwrapping.

In the rolling in sugar.

In the placement of kisses.

And of course, in the eating.

And the licking of little fingers.

Hoping you are enjoying the process of preparing for Christmas as well.

It's hard not to get frazzled and harried, but there are certainly good times to be had Right Now.

{Trying to remember that!}

Christmas Photos for a Lovely Family

2011-12-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful family last week.

Boy, did they ever put me in the Christmas spirit! :)

Loved the merry, red hats on these cute, little boys.

I've so enjoyed this season of helping people get their "Christmas card" pictures.

Now to get my own done... ;)

See portfolio and information to book your own session {HERE}.

My Christmas Mantle: Snowflakes & Candy

2011-12-09T08:02:00.004-07:00

Seeing as it's just about two weeks to Christmas, I finally pulled my Christmas mantle together. I decided to keep the frames I used for fall as that's really too many holes in the wall to deal with after only one season, and I really do like the frames. So I added some Christmas elements, deciding that they would be be nice backdrop from some hanging snowflakes.

It's been years since I've made any and I had so much fun. I looked on Pinterest to find these extremely easy-to-follow instructions put together by Kerli. It truly is a quite a thrill to unfold each one and discover the design you've somehow managed to make.

I hung them up using red twine.

The red twine answered the red and white peppermint candies I filled my jars with.

I loved using these jars as a way to incorporate the turquoise I'm using in my decor this year, and the peppermint candies were a happy, inexpensive way to add color. They were the only thing I spent money on for the mantle. These here represent about two big bags of candy - I could've used at least 3 but they were out at the store. My kiddos loved helping me unwrap them.

For a wreath, I hung up this little number that I've used for years as table center piece with a candle in the middle.

Overall I'm happy that I kept it simple: paper, candy, and leftover from the Christmas decorating bin. Kind of shows what you can do when you already have good bones - or frames - to work with.

I hope very much that you have a lovely weekend

and take some time to enjoy this beautiful season.
I'm off to turn on the Christmas music, light a mistletoe candle, make some muffins for breakfast, and enjoy being Home.

{Linking to Southern Hospitality & Home Stories
& Bowl Full of Lemons}

My Favorite Christmas Decor Yet

2011-12-07T07:25:00.007-07:00

Truth be told, I'm not a natural "crafter". As I mentioned on Monday, my sister just gave me my first officialish craft supplies last year. I'm finding that I love it, but it's all pretty new. And when it comes to crafting with my kiddos, I just don't naturally think to do it. And when I do think about it, I feel like I never have a good idea or the right supplies.

All that to say that when "Make a Christmas Craft" came up for our Advent Calendar activity I could have easily made it a big deal. But I didn't! When I was at the grocery store I picked up a bag of cotton balls - they were probably more expensive than getting them at Wal-mart, but I was all about making this happen as simply as possible.

I already had glue at home.

And construction paper.

And three reasonably willing children.

Cotton balls + construction paper + glue + 3 kiddos = 3 Merry Cotton Ball Snowmen

And we hung them on the side of the refrigerator. And I love them.

Our frig is in the very center of our home so I see them from my desk, when I come down the stairs, walk in the kitchen or sit on the couch. I had just cut out eyes and noses for them, but my kiddos insisted on adding a smile - so glad they did. These merry snowmen always cheer me up. I know it's silly and even a rather sad, but these snowmen represent a triumph for me - I crafted with my children. I kept it simple. I made it happen. And though it wasn't perfect, it was good and little fun, and I could do it again.

This is seriously my favorite bit of Christmas decorating we've done yet.

Simple Lovely Gift Wrapping Station

2011-12-05T07:56:00.004-07:00

I love pretty packaging. It can make even the humblest gift feel special.

I'm not, however, particularly fond of the wrapping part or the mess of lots of supplies.

Wrapping takes a long time, so I set out this year to make the job as simple and pleasant as possible.

This little trunk was made for me by Sister and Handy Andy for my birthday last year. It was to be my "Crafting Trunk". Sister had thoughtfully filled it with all sorts of helpful crafting supplies in nice little labeled bags and boxes.
Since then my supplies have outgrown the space, so I turned it into my little Wrapping Station.

The trunk was from Hobby Lobby, but Andy fitted it with dandy little ribbon rod. So clever - certainly one of my favorite gifts ever.

My goal was to keep my supplies as simple as possible...but still lovely, of course.

Here's my Christmas Ribbon picks. All of this ribbon is from Hobby Lobby, found in the regular ribbon section {not the Christmas aisles, so even if your Christmas aisles are picked over - like ours our - you can still find some lovely "holiday ribbon"} I picked ribbon that matched my Christmas decor. The twiney string on the end is also from Hobby Lobby - I found it in the shelf by the registers.

I love using real ribbon. It can be reused again and again.

And beautiful ribbon makes the simplest wrapping paper pop. I'm using plain brown wrapping paper for all my presents this year. This keeps me from having rolls and rolls of Christmas paper to store all year long. Also, I can use it year round matched with any ribbon and "brown paper packages tied up with string" are always pretty charming.

These are my gift tags. The ones on top are from Michaels and below from Hobby Lobby. I found the top ones last, but they were the best deal - 20 for $1.99. I'll try to get one size bigger for larger packages, but they were out at the time.

Then we have my much-loved typewriter letter stamps.

I used them to stamp the tags with "to" and "from". I also like to just stamp out the whole name - with a bigger tag.

So there's my little wrapping station.

{the felt trees in the corner are ornaments I got last year on clearance to be used as gift toppers}

It made wrapping all of these such fun.

But don't be fooled - all of these gifts are those my ahead-of-the-game-sweetheart had already purchased for his dad and brother. I still have almost all my Christmas shopping ahead of me... but at least now I'm looking forward to the wrapping part.

{Linking to Life Made Lovely Monday & Bowl Full of Lemons}

The Moore Family: Family Portaits

2011-12-03T23:37:00.001-07:00

A few pictures of one of the most adorable trios you'll find anywhere. Wonderful mom - sweet, playful kiddos.
I enjoyed this session ever so much.

This pair were absolutely precious together.

He picked his sister up for a piggy-back ride with nary a prompt and walked about smiling as if he could happily carry her so all day.

And she loved every minute of it. So sweet.

My Christmas Mantel : the First Attempt

2011-12-02T23:27:00.019-07:00

Sorry not have been more present this last week. I've been blessed to do so many photo shoots and that's taken up a lot of my "computer time" as I try to get all the images edited in time for everyone's Christmas card. BUT I have a nice set of posts planned for next week and hope to share some unexpected things that have been going on lately.

In the meantime here's some "in process" pictures of my mantel. ;) Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

Really this post could be more fitly titled "what I threw up on the mantle before company came last week and haven't touched since". Earlier today, I turned my chair away from my desk - where I was attempting some diligence at my bookkeeping job - saw the light was good and snapped a couple pictures.

I really wanted to do something completely different for a Christmas mantel than these frames I put up for my Fall Mantel. Perhaps I'll still get to it...we'll see. For now, I thought you might like to see the mantle "in process".

Since turquoise as taken up a pretty permanent residence in our living room - and I'm far too fond of this pillow to put it away even for December. I tried to incorporate some of that color into my Christmas decor.

I got some tealy blue balls at Michaels for the tree {which also was rather thrown together}.

And I put some turquoise Mason jars on my mantel. The plan is to have some filled with unshelled nuts and some old fashioned striped hard candy...but for now I have a few pine cones. I told you this was thrown together right?

I am pleased with this little wreath. In past years she always sat on a table with a candle in her center - I like her much better hung up with ribbon.

So here the mantel is at present. Hoping I'll get a shot of inspiration and pull it together a bit more by next week...Again, we'll see. :)

Our Advent Calendar

2011-11-30T09:28:00.009-07:00

This is what I'm using for our Advent Calendar this year. I wish I could say I made it - you certainly could with a little bit of effort - but no, I go this one on clearance for 90% off last year at Garnet Hill. The plan is to fill each pail with a package of three peanut M&Ms or Hershey Kisses - one M&M or Kiss for each child each day. Then have a little slip of paper with an Christmas activity for the day.

I'd love to incorporate the sure-to-be-wonderful Advent reading Betsy and her husband are coming up with...but this is our first year {I know, so sad} to do any kind of Advent calendar so we'll see what we can happily manage. I'm excited to be doing something.

So far I just have the pails hung up. :) So you can picture me today going to Target for candy, wrapping it up in tissue paper and brainstorming simple, but hopefully fun, ideas for the kiddos and our whole family to do together. Sister helpfully reminds me that I don't technically have to come up with 25 ideas all today. I could always slip a few ideas into the pails later on.

Here's what I have so far:

1. Go to library and check out Christmas books {that I already placed on hold}

Come home and read them all. {Julia compiled a great list here}

2. Make muffins and take them to a neighbor.

3. Family Christmas Movie & Popcorn together with Popcorn {maybe Veggie Tale's Christmas?}

4. Drive around and look at Christmas lights

5. Go get the final member of our Hallmark Peanut's Band {Snoopy}

6. Go shopping at Target for $1 gifts to give Daddy and our cousins

7. Wrap our Christmas presents for cousins

8. Make and Decorate Christmas Cookies {take some to a different neighbor}

9. String Popcorn Garland for Tree

10. Make a Christmas Craft

11. Family Game Night

12. Make Christmas Cards for Grandparents

13. Have Aunt, Uncle and Cousins over for a little Christmas Party Dinner

14. Make Easy Gingerbread Houses

15. Go over the river and through the woods for a day with Nana

16. Make hot cocoa with marshmallows
17. Picnic Dinner in the Living Room

Whew! Still eight more to go.

Praying for inspiration and a memorable Christmas season for our family and yours too!

It's the Little Things - Christmas Edition

2011-11-27T22:13:00.005-07:00

Oh, such a busy weekend! I unwisely decided to start Christmas decorating before doing some basic clean-up and the result was quite the train-wreck of Christmas decor and Thanksgiving decor with dirty dishes, dusty furniture and laundry thrown in. Anyway, we managed to pull it together somewhat in time for dinner with some good friends who stayed overnight on Saturday, which was lovely fun.

Tried to look about today and enjoy some of the little things - telling signs that Christmas is indeed coming. :)

English breakfast tea in my Brown Betty this morning.

{little hand helping to pour}

Finally got new seasonal pictures in my easy-switch photo gallery.
They make me happy.

For me, this scent from Crabtree & Evelyn is the perfect smell for Christmas - perfectly piney.

I got some of these for a candy dish because they were appropriately green...

and I personally love at least a little chocolate after dinner.

And some pine-scented hand-soap from Mrs. Meyer's. It smells wonderful.

What about your weekend?

What little things have you been enjoying lately?

{Linking to Life Made Lovely Monday}

It's That Time!

2011-11-25T07:56:00.002-07:00

etsy.com

We have the Christmas music on {willing away crankiness in kiddos who stayed up too late}, pumpkin bread from Nana for breakfast, and a Christmas candle burning. It really is a pretty wonderful time of year. About to ask my sweetheart to pull out the Christmas decor storage tubs out of the garage before he goes to work. Don't have much of a vision for decorating this year - I'll just see what I have and go from there!

Here's a little random inspiration from here and there to get me in the decorating spirit! Hope you all had a most lovely, thankful Thanksgiving!

bgh.com

marthastewart.com

bgh.com

A Granny Square Pincushion

2011-11-23T08:11:00.010-07:00

Eleven years ago I had just learned how to crochet, but all I could manage was the granny square. I was making lots of granny square blankets, crocheting around and around the square. My abilities were limited, but I loved being able to create something with that little hook and a ball of yarn.

Then one day in November 2000, I was leafing through the coveted, new Martha Stewart magazine in the grocery aisle and remember my wonderful excitement when beheld these granny square pincushions. They seemed so beautifully exquisite to my eyes then, and all you needed to know...was how to make a granny square. I could do that.

I never bought magazines, but that one came home with me.

I went to the little yarn shop in our neighborhood. And the sweet old ladies who worked there helped me pick out some cotton pearl thread.

And a size 8 crochet needle.

I went to work making these miniature little granny squares, stitched them together and inserted a little cotton pillow I managed to sew on the machine, stuffed with sawdust.

That year I gave them as Christmas presents to anyone I thought would care to have such a thing. It was such a new and wonderful joy for me....to give something lovely I had made with my own hands.

So now in November 2011 I thought I'd share this old Martha idea with you as Christmas approaches. If you already know how to crochet, you'll be delighted with how quickly you can whip one of these together. If you don't know how, there is no time like the present to enlist a kind, crocheting lady to teach you, or go {here} for a wonderful lesson in the basics, and {here} for the granny square in particular.

Hope you are enjoying a lovely week. And happy Christmas shopping...or crocheting to you. :)

{Linking to Just a Girl}

Guest Post from Holly

2011-11-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

Today I doing a happy post-swap adorable Holly at Life as a Thrifter. Her blog is always so cheerful and full of great, thrifty ideas - be sure to pay her a little visit today!

***

Hello! My name is Holly, and I blog over at Life as a Thrifter. I am most thrilled to be guest posting today on Everyday Lovely! My blog is all about repurposing a great find, so I thought I'd share a cheap and easy project from a past thrifting hunt. I hope this simple monogram project brings you a bit of inspiration!

I found this large embroidery hoop at a thrift store for $1.

Next, using a Word Doc. stencil (much like I did in THIS project), I traced our monogram on a piece of burlap . . .

. . . then painted it with black fabric paint.

And, finally, simply put the burlap in the hoop.

So easy, y'all!

Thanks again, Cailan for allowing me to share today! Feel free to pop on over to Life as a Thrifter for more fun thrifting ideas!

Happy hunting, everyone!!

-Holly

Life as a Thrifter

Three Rounds of Party Time

2011-11-21T08:23:00.007-07:00

Last week was one of the fullest weeks I can remember - business reports were due, got our own family pictures taken, worked with sweet Jenna on a new blog logo {reveal later this week!}, re-setting up the yellow bed photo shoot for a {surprise!} request...and my husband threw in a few unexpected job interviews in the evenings.

Then this weekend, we had three rounds of parties here at our home.
Round 1 was a Baby Shower Friday Night. {Double Baby Shower for two sweet friends}. I kept it pretty low-key and did a Cookie Bar {with milk of course}.

And threw in the "Double" theme with "Double"-type cookies.

Also had shortbread for "Double-Dipped" but I ran out of time to get the dipping done...

And the slightly predictable party favor.

My Sweetheart's birthday was Saturday. He didn't expect anything since it was busy but I knew he wanted this cake, so I tried to make it. I saw the prep time for the cake was 4 1/2 hours, but thought "no-way it'll really take me Four and 1/2 hours", because I have super-cake-making powers... apparently.

Anyway, they weren't joking about the 4 1/2 hour part. So about one-hour to party time I had to make some major recipe adjustments (used a completely different filling recipe), and owing to the fact that I was rushing the whole time, when I was ready to make the chocolate glaze I opened up the microwave to put in a little butter to soften and discovered a bowl of already melted butter - the butter that was supposed to go in the cake.

So yeah, the cake was a little rubbery - a fact that wouldn't have bothered me a bit about 10 years ago in my obsessive low-fat days - but was a substantial bummer yesterday, when I really wanted rich, fatty chocolate cake.

Here it is. Candle placement compliments of little kiddos, but I'm responsible for the rest - how impressed are you right now?

The Finale came Sunday, when all my side of the family gathered here for the first time ever and Sister and I served a birthday dinner in honor of my Grandma's birthday. It was a wonderful treat to have all the family together here.

Here's my grandma, looking so lovely on her birthday.
I love how her eyes always twinkle when she smiles.

{party hats, compliments of Sister and National Geographic}

I didn't really take any food pictures, which was a pity as it did turn out fairly well....except for the chocolate tarts, which I left 1 cup of 1/2 & 1/2 out of {shhhh, don't tell}. And that was after remaking the tart shells that Sister had made but left the eggs out of.
Are we noticing a trend here?

Anyway, Sister made this soup, which was absolutely divine. Wish we had a picture as the swirl of the yellow pepper and tomato soups was so pretty, but here's a picture of my dear Uncle and Aunt eating said soup. Such a treat to have them here from Walla Walla.

So we're kind-of partied out, and ready for the weekend...which appears to be over. Thanksgiving, here we come! :)

Hope to be more "present" around Everyday Lovely this week. New logo will be up, have some homemade gift ideas to share and will be trying to switch gears from party to Thanksgiving mode, which really is a party too, after all.

Family Photo Session: The Treat's

2011-11-17T07:47:00.004-07:00

Last weekend I got to photograph this lovely family from Estes Park.

Here are a few of my favorites from our session.

And a little apology for those of you who didn't think they were signing up for updates on my photography when they subscribed to my blog. After the new year I hope to set up a separate photography site, but for now thank you for sticking with me and for your very kind encouragement!

It was my first time to photograph a family with older children - a very fun change-up.

These guys and gal were so great to work with.

So cute.

More Pillow Talk

2011-11-15T07:58:00.001-07:00

This is my pillow I found early this fall. I like it very much.

I first showed you it here on my couch.

And then here on the little yellow bed.

For me, this little little pillow takes the couch and the bed to a whole other level of lovely.

Today I thought you might like to know from whence the cute little pillow came.

Urban Outfitters.

I know! Really had no idea I would find cute little pillows in this place, and what do you know? you can get this pillow in all sorts of happy colors.

There are even more colors available. Mine is the Dusty Blue color (not the Turquoise that is also offered).

Wouldn't these make a merry Christmas present?

And Urban Outfitters is offering free shipping on $50! That would mean you would need to buy two - one for a lovely friend and one for you. ;)

Here is the link.

Lovely Poofy Pillows

A Lovely Cozy Breakfast : Baked Oatmeal

2011-11-14T08:09:00.006-07:00

I love turning on the oven on these cold mornings and baking something quick and hot for my family. And one of my very favorite breakfasts is Baked Oatmeal. Have you had it before? It is wonderful food. Warm, delicious, and downright cozy.

My little people haven't taken too well to plain oatmeal yet. So to get them on board with this breakfast, I call it "Oatmeal Cake". And of course, they want "Oatmeal Cake" for breakfast. However, for them I cut down the sugar to 1/2 cup, so it really isn't too much sweeter than the traditional bowl of oatmeal sprinkled with sugar or honey.

To make it a true people-pleaser you'll want to use at least a cup of sugar. :)

To Make Baked Oatmeal 

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of oil (I like to use extra light olive oil)

1 1/3 cup brown sugar (or as little as 1/2 cup)

2 eggs

4 cups oats

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/3 cups milk

3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

approx. 1 cup raisins

sometimes I toss in a few walnuts extra yummy crunch

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Mix all ingredients together

3. Pour into 9x13 pan, sprayed with cooking spray.

4. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Serve in a bowl with some almond or cow's milk poured over the top. :) 

Notes:

Usually I'm in a hurry to get hungry little people fed in between various other morning work, so I usually divide the mix into two 8x8 pans to cut the baking time down to about 15-20 minutes.

Serves 8-10, so we usually get two breakfasts out of one batch. Yummy cold or warmed the next morning.

Hope you're enjoying a lovely, cozy Monday morning.

Update: The same bowl one hour later...after a disgruntled little person threw it on the floor in a defiant fit...he would not take his bowl to the sink.

So just in case you were thinking it's all cozy oatmeal and silver spoons over here...not quite.

But it is still lovely.

{Linking to Life Made Lovely Monday}

Dust Off That Library Card

2011-11-10T06:17:00.002-07:00

If you're like me there's a nice list of decorating/crafty books in your head that you'd really like to spend a nice, quiet afternoon leafing through. But if you're like me, you check on the prices of these books on Amazon and $40 per book adds up awfully quick.

The other week it finally occurred to me to check and see if my library carried them,

and lo and behold! they did. So I placed holds on them and in a few days they were all waiting at my local library for me to pick them up.

Here's my first pick - Romantic Prairie Style by Fifi O'Neill. It's a beautiful book. And while I wouldn't really use either the word Romantic or Prairie to describe my style, I do like an eclectic look and found lots of beautiful ideas that could be incorporated in our home.

This is sweet little book was recommended actually by Kimberly who won the Lollia giveaway a couple weeks ago. I'm not really a seamstress - don't even own a machine, in fact. But these projects are so inspiring... that I'm kind-of hoping a sewing machine will show up for me under the Christmas tree!

Feeling quite sure that I'd be perfectly content with this bag for the rest of my life

{of course the fabric has quite a bit to do with that feeling}

Finally here's this book that I've been wanting to get my hands on for quite some time.

Patina Style by the Gianetti's. It's just completely beautiful.

Hope perhaps you're feeling a bit inspired to dust off that library card and

check out some of these inspirational lovelies.

Don't forget that cup of tea. :)