Favourite Finds {2}
. If ya haven’t already heard of this amazing site, you should definitely go check it out.
Basically pinterest is a collaboration of creativity and inspiration from all over the web but pinned in one place. It’s an amazing way to have all of your inspirations in one place. I get a little carried away because it’s so inspirational, you just keep pinning others finds without pinning things that I’ve found and want to save for future reference.
Well, I thought I would post a blog post on Sunday afternoons called ‘Favourite Finds’ with some good finds from that week or previous weeks that I’d love to share, but totally couldn’t get one out last night. So here we are :)
Below are 1-3 favourite finds I found the past few weeks from a few of my boards. Click on the image to direct you to the source. Side note: on pinterest you can organize your “pins” into inspiration “boards”.
Two “pins” from my board:
I absolutely love this idea. I would like to do something a little different but with the same idea. SO cute!
Super simple and cute idea. Framed pincushion.
Two from my board:
This is a brilliant idea for whenever someone is “bored”. I know a lot of momma’s who’d appreciate me posting this one :)
I am making something like this as soon as possible. His art is always piled in odd places. This would be handy and Ted would get to see it right away too!
Two from my e boards:
I want one in each colour. These look so comfy!
Pretty vintage dress for date nights or just because.
Two from my board:
Okay, so first, I know you’re probably sick of teal or teal and coral pink “talk” on here! I changed my blog back in April to these colours and they always remind me of Eisley-girl so I think I’ll always crush on teal and pink… annnd so you might here about it more than you’d like. ;)
This is such a pretty, pretty teal. This is the colour I picuture in our living room.
This is almost exactly how I pictured doing a room for Eisley. A little more coral pink than pinky-pink and no grey(although I do love how it looks, it just wasn’t apart of what I pictured). It kind of breaks me heart but I hope someday when we have another little girl and share with her the inspiration behind the colours, her sister. Someday. Whew.
Love this idea of a dream jar. This sparked two ideas in me; one representing healing for Ted and I.
One finds from My board:
I just love this. “Anchor of hope” couple tattoo. I love the concept. Ted and I are getting a tattoo together for our 5th wedding anniversary (’12) and this placement I like. I like this tattoo but we won’t be getting this.
Two finds from my board:
I had this idea to do a wall of unqiue and beautiful poses representing marriage, strength, bond, love, us, etc. We decided we’d both search for photos we’d love to have a friend take of us and frame them on one wall in our room. I saw this and found it to be so powerful, especially for where we are at right now.
I also want to incorpate sayings, quotes, verses etc that are powerful and also represent what I said above. I would love to use these words and put them on canvas or frame them!
Two from my board:
Stunning.
To say I miss my super tangled mess of ringlet curls is a {huge} understatement. 3 months pregnant with Chase I began to lose my curls (Chase stole them! When his hair gets wet, it curls.) Now I have only a slight wave. I had two other friends who lost all of their curl while pregnant, one got all her curls and more back! I am hopeful. It makes me regret the years of straightening them now I would give anything to have them back!
Colour, length, hairstyle. Whoa.
Two from my board:
Incredible use of embroidery hoops. Would love to do this in the kid’s room.
Cute.
Two from board:
This Ah.ma.zing little reading nook.
Old nightstand transformed into a little kitchenette! How amazing is this?!
Two from my Home Furniture Projects board:
Old frame transformed into an beautiful headboard.
Vintage suitcase made into this amazing nightstand/end table. Hope to do something like this!
Okay, so that’s all for now. I wish I could post more here tonight but instead, hop on over to my boards at if you found this blog inspiring! There are so many brilliant ideas.
In fact, I’ve found there to be SO many amazing ideas but you can get carried away “pinning” other people’s ideas that aren’t 100% you. I do. I end up deleting some that I thought were amazing but later realized, even through they were a great idea, they just weren’t really me or something I would really do someday.
Anyhow…if you’d like an invite, let me know! One way to know if pinterest is something you’d use… if you already have folders on your laptop or bookmarked or “stickied” a bunch of sites/ideas and inspirations. You. will. love. this. site.
DIY Pretty and Thrifty Home Decor
I’m pretty excited to share these two Do It Yourself projects because I actually did both of these projects {weeks} ago and haven’t had the right time to share on here yet!
The first DIY: Mason Jar Transformation (well, and other jars!)
Remember these random jars from one of my ‘Thrifted Treasures’ posts?
Well, let’s just say a little bit of spray paint goes a long, long way!
I used Krylon spray paint (1-2 coats) and…
Look at the transformation! I really wasn’t sure how this would turn out, but I was {really} impressed (krylon sprays so beautifully, spend the extra $1!) so I got a little carried away and painted quite a few jars. I would like to paint some of my others black for more of a chic look, and see how that turns out. I will let ya know :)
I just love the way they turned out and still seem super vintage and now match our colours.
Try it out and let me know what you did! It’s thrifty and pretty home decor!
DIY #2: Fabric covered vase (idea found on Prudent Baby)
Supplies used:
modge podge
sponge brush
fabric
hurricane vase ($1 at hobby store or cheaper if you can find them at a thrift store)
Basically you measure the material to fit the vase. Modge podge and add fabric one section at a time. Smooth out any bubbles. Add modge podge on top after the first layer dries (opitonal). And you’re done!
Add something pretty inside (these are a bouquet from Ted on Valentine’s Day. It was so sweet because he got his two girls Valentine’s. The gerber daisies remind us of our Eisley-girl :))
I used a small piece of some beautiful vintage fabric I bought at a thrift store. I am selling the actual fabric, but just had to cut out a small piece for myself!
Sorry this is a bit of a rushed post, I really wanted to get this out tonight while I can!
Hope you’re inspired to {create}!
Tomorrow afternoon I might do a ‘Favourite Finds’ just for fun to relax and inspire and be inspired! And UM, if you haven’t checked out Pinterest, more about that tomorrow!!
Pretty Storage Boxes (an easy-peesy DIY)
I don’t know about you, but I’m always in need of more storage space for crafty purposes and for memoury type stuff. I wait for sales at hobby stores but even then you’re spending $4 or more for the super cute storage boxes. (I’ll totally admit, I’ve spent more money just because they were cute!) Well, today my mom pointed to a stack of boxes we had sitting out and asked if I had seen the cute storage boxes at Michaels (a hobby storre we had just gotten back from). I misunderstood what she said and that’s where this idea sparked from;
Why not make our own cute storage boxes today?!
Supplies used:
shoe boxes
modge podge
spondge brush
pretty paper!!
paper cutter or xacto knife
Here’s the DIY. It’s super simple!
Measure the paper to fit the box.
Apply modge podge, one section at a time and carefully place the pretty paper on.
Smooth out any bubbles. I did not add a layer on top but you can if you want to be super safe.
(mine remind me of spring, hope!)
And now I’ve got super CUTE storage boxes that cost close to nothing!
Hope you’re inspired! Another DIY coming soon :)
5 months; the part where the shock wears off.
(5 months ago today, we held our precious baby girl, whispered our earthly goodbyes)
My fear of man keeps surfacing lately and I’ve really allowed myself to be so afraid of what everyone would think of where I am at in the “grieving process” (ugh) so I slowly find myself retreating from the truth of where I’m at when I share. I always hope to be real, raw and authentic but to also use wisdom in what I share and what I don’t (totally failed on that front more than once!)
All that to say, I really still want to share where I’m at. Okay, whoa, how’s that for a disclaimer ;)
Last Thursday, Ted got me out of the house, we went for coffee and then he took me to Hobby Lobby (which for me is relaxing haha). When time came to leave, I stood in line to pay for my few items and before me stood a momma with her baby girl. Her daughter looked to be around 5 maybe 6 months old. She had a cute little pink and brown monkey hat on and was chewing on a toy. I couldn’t stop staring… imaging… dreaming. I couldn’t help but think of my Eisley-girl. I teared up and tried to think of anything else to distract me from crying.
Then this Tuesday, I attended my first ever, mom’s group called “Moms 4 Moms” at my mom’s church. She has been asking me to go with her since this fall, but until now I haven’t had the desire or the strength. So I went, I did it! I actually had a really good time. It was so great for Chase to hang out with kiddos his own age and for me to be around other moms. I tried to prepare myself for the fact that there would probably be baby girls there (and there were many). I did pretty well when we arrived, but then when they asked about new visitors and asked my name and if I had any kids, I was taken back and didn’t really know what to say. I awkwardly answered, “I have a son, Chase, he’s 18-months-old”…. because I knew as soon as I spoke of her name, I would probably cry.
Holding it together sometimes just doesn’t seem possible unless I, I don’t want to say lie but I guess that’s what it is. Unless I withhold the whole story, the truth. But then I felt horrible because I also want people to know I have a daughter, my Eisley-girl. I do, I have a daughter, she’s just not here with me. When I face moments like that or when I seeing precious girls around the age Eisley should be, my heart breaks deeply, again. Over and over.
I find myself in this really dark and awful rut here and there. In the darkest parts of the “valley” where it feels like everything around me is crashing down and all hope is gone. Where the lies that I’ve failed her and that I’ll lose everyone I love, I begin to believe. Where the flashbacks and traumatic memouries haunt me. It is hard to get motivated, to have will power to do even the most basic things, on these days.
When I’m in this rut, it affects every area. I take care of Chase and his needs, but that’s it. I can’t even find the strength to create something beautiful. Our house is also proof of this “rut”; piles of laundry, toys and books everywhere, dishes piled up, trashed bedroom, every thing is a huge mess.
My body is proof; my weight, my chewed fingernails, my hair from splitting my ends/yanking my ends off, the bags under my eyes, etc. I feel much older than my 23 years. Weary, worn down.
The enemy hounds me in every way possible, he has me questioning myself on “those” days where I’m so low, “Shouldn’t I be past this part in the “grieving process” yet?” and then the days where I am doing really well, still grieving but able to face life, I find myself battling guilt, “You didn’t even think of her once this morning. What is wrong with you?” “You haven’t cried in over two days.”
Sneaky, sneaky enemy. Wherever I’m at in my journey, he’s one step behind, trying to pull me down. Many would say that might not be so, but I tell you, in the darkest of the valley it’s true. He is one step behind you, constantly reaching for your ankle, to pull and drag you down. It really comes down to whether or not you allow that to happen. There have been countless times where I’ve believed the lies as truths and fallen, BUT let me just say, every. single. time….
I find {hope}. I think I know deep inside, even on “those” days, that there is hope. That I am not beyond repair. That there is promise and life and truth and healing meeting me where I am at, waiting for me to grab hold and begin to move forward.
To us this feels like the darker parts of the valley, the part where the shock wears off and the reality sets in full force.. I was telling a friend just the other day, that I really hate this place where I’m at because, honestly, I prefer the shock. For many, us losing Eisley was but a brief moment. For us, it is our life. In our life we will never had her here with us on earth. Never. She is gone. I really, really hate that this is our reality.
It all falls back to acceptance, again. I’ve talked about this before. Now that the shock has worn off, I really have to face this and … accept this.
As the shock wears off and as I allow myself to really face the truth, I’ve found, that even though this (for me) is the most difficult part of our journey, I find myself healing. I cry even as I write this because I am slowly healing even though it doesn’t always feel like it. Even though sometimes I fight it because I don’t feel ready to heal completely and I’m far from being healed completly. I read this quote and this has helped me a lot because it’s something I’ve really struggled with since we’ve lost Eisley;
“Knowing the Lord and His comfort does not take away the ache; instead, it supports you in the middle of the ache. Until I get home to heaven, there’s going to be an ache that won’t quit. The grieving process for me is not so much a matter of getting rid of the pain, but not being controlled by the pain.” Dr. Larry Crabb
When I first read this, I just cried. Yes. God really spoke to me through this very word and showed me that I can begin to heal and still feel this deep, unending ache. And the even though the enemy is one step behind me, my Heavenly Father is walking beside me, not taking away the ache, but supporting me in the middle of it. WHEW. He is. And most of the time, I realize that He has me, “Resting between His shoulders”, carrying me, carrying us, through the darkest parts of this valley.
Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the ones the Lord loves rests between His shoulders. Deuteronomy 33:12
He carries our precious Eisley. And He carries us.
There is hope, forevermore and through every deep, dark valley and unending ache.
Today…
DIY “LOVE” display.
Yeah, didn’t really know what to call this post, hehe. So we’re stickin’ with the bottom line, it’s love themed.
I did my display in our colours so I can use it as home decor as well as Valentine decor. Ready for the DIYs?!
I bought this frame for $.25 at a thrift store and spray painted it. I took a piece of scrap paper and hot glued the fabric flowers on and then hand stitched the little stems (look closely and you can see them). Click here for the fabric flower DIY.
I also bought this frame and a thrift store and spray painted it. I then used modge podge to keep the buttons on. Ted said I should have stitched each button on, which would have been awesome but seriously time consuming. ;) I used my Cricut for the “love” but you can use stickers or your own handwriting!
Now the letters. I bought them for 50% off at Hobby lobby making these a whopping $.50 cents each!
I spray painted the O and E (well, my momma helped with that part actually!) and I modge podged the L and V and added the paper carefully and then super duper carefully used an Xacto knife to cut to match the letters.
You can also do this in your name or kid’s name, doesn’t just have to be L O V E. :)
So you might notice this wasn’t actually on my display. The display got too crowded but I still wanted to show you another idea. I bought this embroidery hoop at a thrift store and then spray painted it coral (see a pattern here, thrift and spray paint hahaha). I then used a disapearing ink pen to draw a heart on the lace. I doubled the string and then stitched on the heart and washed away the ink.
I am actually not leaving it all up right here, I plan on hanging it all on a wall in our new home, but for now I am figuring out little places to put my decor.
This is another reason why I can’t leave it up;
Little curious hands :) He sure loves the buttons.
Hope you’re inspired to create!!
DIY “Love” Frame.
I saw this super cute houndstooth frame on U-Create. It was made with a stencil, but I have many sheets of the pink houndstooth paper below (it reminds me of my Eisley-girl so I grabbed a lot for her scrapbook!) and I already had the frame, so I decided to try and make one myself! I can use it as home decor as well as Valentine decor too :)
Ready for this DIY?
Supplies used:
heart frame – $1 Michaels
modge podge
sponge brush
2 diferent colours of paper
stickers or vinyl or creative handwriting, etc (i used my Cricut and black vinyl)
Modge podge wood lightly and carefully place paper down. (Don’t worry about cutting anything first)
Let it dry and flip it over. Use an xacto knife (totally recommend you buy one!) and cut out the middle carefully.
Use the middle cardboard piece that came with frame and modge podge paper to heart.
Xacto cut it out.
Make sure there are no bubbles in the paper!
This is the part where I cut the letters out with the Cricut with the help of Chasey-boy who LOVES the cricut. He’s in awe of it. He loves to help momma create …in his own way.
Side note: I was talking with a friend the other day and it sparked an idea in me. I decided that I might do a post with creative ways for the little ones create with you (before their old enough to craft)! People often ask me what Chase does when I’m creating and I might just do a little blog post about it and how he joins in and creative ways to involve him. Would that be helpful? or not? (haha) I just feel really passionate about being a momma and still being you, and finding ways to do that, especially now that I know how therapeutic it really can be on a heart or even during grief… maybe soon I’ll do that!
And wa-la! SO simple and cute. And if you don’t have a significant other do something else in the little heart!
Okay, a few more DIYs next.
DIY Paper Heart Garland
I saw pretty paper heart garlands on sale on etsy and decided to give them a try myself. It love how they turned out and the fact that they don’t have to just be Valentine’s decor!
Below is how I made them;
Choose paper. I chose pretty paper from Hobby Lobby (this pink houndstooth one always reminds me of Eisley). You could use plain white paper or even newspaper! I made one with newspaper just to see, and it totally works! So you could just use what you have if you want.
Cut paper into stripes. You can choose the width :) I like the almost 1″ width.
For the layered effect you’ll need to cut the stripes different heights.
Starting from the left side first, lay each piece on top of the other until you reach the middle piece and then do the same starting from the right side.
Staple the pieces together carefully. I honestly think glue would work the best so maybe try that.
I would also maybe buy or use paper that is double-sided. This was my first attempt and I love it but it would be more time effective to have double-sided paper. Although I gotta say, I love how it turned out!!
Chase crushed one beyond fixin’ but oh well, he had fun “helping” momma create.
I also had this sweet girl (my bebe sister) helping me out and a little Mum & Sons playing in the background.
Punch a hole through the middle piece, string fishing line through and hang them!
and you’re done!
Hope you’re inspired to create them. Like I said, it doesn’t have to be a Valentine thing, mine is staying up for a while!
More DIYs coming tonight :)
my response ‘i wasn’t prepared’
Tonight, I wish I could take back what I wrote and what over 221 people have already read in my ‘I wasn’t prepared’ post….It is true, I wasn’t prepared for those things but a lot of my reason for posting was based on lies I am believing and because of how hurt I feel, maybe solely from those lies I believe.
And somewhere along the way, I slowly let my comfort be found in the words of others instead of Him. I think a part of me wanted to feel something tangibly, to know that we aren’t alone, but I relied on it far too much which is another reason I crashed so hard lately. As the comments begin to dwindle, so did I.
I began believing a lot of lies. I’ve slowly collected and believed them since, I think, before we lost Eisley. Lies of what others think of Ted and I, of what people think about the raw blogs or when I talk of Eisley or grief, lies that others don’t see her as a life lost, lies that others are talking behind out back about us and how much I write, lies that others think we should be over this by now, lies that people are being intentionally insensitive, lies that people no longer care, and on and on.
The truth is, the lines are blurred right now for me. I feel like I can’t see or think straight right now. I believe a lot of lies and I focus on the negative far more than I do the positive when ironically, the positive out weighs the negative by a lot.
I mean, obviously, I’m not talking about the death of our sweet girl. I’m talking about the positive encouragement outweighing the negative (loss of friends, lack of response, etc)…
My heart is overwhelmed right now as I remember all of those who’ve pursued us, stood with us, grieved with us, and even though most have been silent, or stood by and grieved quietly, I do know and feel this in my heart right now, the support and love. I feel like God gave me a really clear picture of that tonight as I sat talking with Ted.
Tonight, I gave up my fear of man and the lies I’ve been believing. I’m giving it up everyday and every second of the day if that’s what it takes. I feel as though a thick blanket of burden has been lifted from my shoulders and now, I can grieve freely without all of this extra stuff I’ve been carrying around.
Tonight, I sit with a full and thankful heart. Truly God has opened my eyes to see, that we are indeed surrounded by loved ones who stand with us.
For those of you who silently stand with us, maybe as you read the story of our daughter and follow our journey through grief now and just whisper a prayer… let me just say, I so strongly feel your love tonight. Thank you.
For those of you who’ve walked this path before us, and shared your words of encouragement and your love, thank you.
For those of you who’ve said the simplest but powerful words or even just a heart or an I love you, thank you.
For those of you who’ve sent us gifts that remind you of Eisley or for us as we walk through this valley, thank you.
For those of you who’ve consistently stood with us vocally (comments, texts, messages, etc) and let us know we are not alone or forgotten, thank you.
For those of you who’ve walked through the darkest times in this valley with us, whew… thank you for sticking by our sides and not letting us falter. Thank you for listening, for speaking truth when we need to hear it, for your tears when there are no words… thank you.
You may have never said a word or maybe you’ve said many and you’re wondering if I’ve forgotten your love and encouragement, I can honestly say, God’s opened my eyes to what is before me, who is standing with me. I see and to feel your love and prayers. Thank you, from the deepest part of my heart, thank you.
A friend tweeted this me this amazing verse to me tonight;
The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” – Exodus 14:14
I read a few versions of this very verse and this one might just say in the most fitting way for me tonight;
God will fight the battle for you.
And you? You keep your mouths shut!
Haha. I know I sound pretty crazy tonight, blogging like a crazy-emotional maniac and well… the truth is, I am. Thanks for loving me, crazy emotions and all ;)
reminds me of her.
