Day 9

Next time you shop the sales, "buy a sheet in
colors to match one of your rooms. Use it to cover
a pillow or a wall- or make a drape or curtain
with it. If you don't sew, wrap or tie it around the
pillow or drape it on brass hooks over the window.









I am still working on window treatments after moving here about 2 years ago. I really want to redo our bedroom in deeper colors but I continue to be drawn to crisp, clean blue and white bedrooms. I love these linens by Ralph Lauren.
A girl can dream right?

Day 8

Design a "love shelf" in your home to display those
little creative gifts from friends and family that
mean so much but don't seem to fit anywhere.



Thought these were cute in the bathroom.




Love sitting on a shelf!




After you have children you will realize how important this is! I have a dresser in the hallway that holds a few precious handmade items that Gabby has given me from school. You definitely need a love shelf!

Day 7

Parsley in a jar of water in the refrigerator looks
inviting to those who open it. I also enjoy keeping a
"bouquet" of parsley on the windowsill by the sink.

It is pretty and green. I will go see if mine has survived the frost in our garden. It did so here are a few shots. It sure does smell good and is a nice refresher for your garbage disposal.





Bouquet in the cute McKenzie Child's glass my mom gave me.


Bouquet of Parsley and Snap Dragons on our windowsill.




Like this shot with the hellebore.


He sure is enjoying his bouquet of parsley!


Cowslip parsley.

We are in the Review Room!!

Yipee!!! We with all the other April DTC 2007 Cherry Blossom's have made it into the Review room effective Oct. 15, 2008. That means it has taken us 17 1/2 months to get this far. I pray that it will speed up. I hear that March LID 2006 group is large. Hopefully after that the CCAA will move a little more quickly.

Day 6

Sometime during an evening at home, take a few minutes to go into the bedrooms and turn down the sheets. Borrow a welcoming idea from fine hotels and leave a chocolate or a little sachet on the pillow.









I have done this before when my parents come to stay with us. I have a ca raft and glass that I fill with water, a vase that gets a rose or two in it and a candle that smells divine.

Day 5

When you travel plan ahead to take "home" with you.
A clock radio,family pictures, or a "prayer basket" with
Bible,prayer organizer, and flowers can help you make
a welcome home away from home.





This is one I will take with me on a trip! I need to find a cute frame for it.




Found this cute travel alarm clock on Netique.


I usually take my small bible on a trip with me as I don't want my nice one to get ruined. I always take a devotional book that I am working on at the time. Flowers I try to take a small pitcher of some kind to put a fresh bouquet of picked greens or flowers where ever we may be.

Cute New Frock!

I just got this in the mail before the weekend. My dear friend Daleea at Lady Peep Boutique made this. I fell in love with it and had to have it! It is a size 5 which is great as she can grow into it. I am picturing a turtleneck underneath with leggings and Ugg boots! I can't wait to see her in it! It is just adorable and Thank you so much Daleea!

Cybershower from DTC April 2007

I was involved in a Cybershower with our DTC group Cherry Blossom's April 2007. My cybershower pal Joanne sent a wonderful package filled with adorable gifts for our little one. Here are some pictures of the items.


All the wonderful gifts!


The very soft cuddly bee and first photo book for baby.


Adorable hair ties!


She will love washing with this duck mitt.


Great bath time toy. I love FP Little People!


Fun stacking toys.


The just to cute Cherries 2 piece suit! Can't wait to see her in this.

Thank you again Joanne. Just love everything!

Day 4

Light a candle by the kitchen sink. The soft light can add
a spirit of loveliness even to a tub of greasy
water and a messy counter!









Bath and Body Works New Candles.




Yankee Candles

I have Bath and Body Works Pumpkin/Carmel candle in my windowsill above the sink.
My Pumpkin Pie Yankee candle is in my SL basket with fall leaves and pinecones on the kitchen table.
Candles are all over my house and used at different times of the day. I usually have 1 or 2 lite when I am home. They create just a wonderfully warm and soft beautiful atmosphere. I guess in many respects I am just a romantic at heart!

Have a great day and don't forget to light a candle for yourself.

Day 3

If there are small children in your life,
think of ways to make your life "child-friendly"
as well as "childproof." Tuck a basket of
children's books and toys in a corner, and toss
a few throw pillows beside it to make a
welcoming place to play.

We have done this in our family room. I have a basket in the corner with stuff for Gabby to play with. She still tends to bring other things downstairs. I always make her pick them up before she goes to bed. That way the family room stays neat and orderly!


Target has these cute ladybug baskets on line for $14.99! I think they are just adorable!

Day 2

Hang a bright banner by your door to say hello to everyone who comes-
or try painting your door bright red!



Humm... I have this sign inside the door and the door is black.


I do have my cute french bucket hanging by the door which has seasonal decor that changes.


I don't think a bright red door would look very good with my house. For now I will stick with the black door.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! I am off to a retreat for NSF with all of my girlfriends.

101 Ways To Lift Your Spirits

I have this little book titled
101 Ways To Lift Your Spirits by Emilie Barnes. I decided since we could all use this in our lives especially with this whole adoption thing that I would try to post one a day. Here is what Emilie writes in the front of the book

If you're like the women that I meet, you long for a beautiful life-
a life where you can express the uniqueness of your God-given talents
and nuture your relationships with people that you love. You are hungry
for a life that reflects your personality and renews your soul. A life
that glows with a spirit of loveliness.

I believe this beautiful life is already there, in your hear. I hope
the ideas in this little book will help it shine forth whereever you live
and wherever you go.
~~~Emilie Barnes~~~~


So here we go! Fresh flowers are such an inexpensive way of saying welcome. You don't need a dozen roses from the florist. A bunch of daisiess from the supermarket, an iris from your yard, or even a handful of dandelions from the curb can proclaim,

"LOVE LIVES HERE!"

So today I am going out and picking a few of my hydrangea's to put on the piano. I want to let my family and friends know that I care for them. I hope they will want to visit our house often!