Losing It...

I have this THING about losing THINGS. I don't know where it comes from, really. Well, I guess I kind of do but we'll talk more about that later.

For now, let's talk about today.

While I was preparing to get dinner ready for my family, I realized I'd misplaced my phone. As you know, like most of us, cell phones these days are pretty near and dear to us. They store, well...our lives.

Also, as many of us experience from time to time, I felt as though my heart would nearly pound right out of my chest as I thought about the possibility of never finding it. Now, honestly, in reality...is it really the end of the world if I never find it again? No.

But, my mind tends to race and take over in times like these...similar to a train wreck in the mind.

Today actually seemed to be filled with "moments of loss", as I've so affectionately named them. They are those times when you experience temporary insanity as a result of some random misplaced item or belonging.

This morning when I logged on to my computer to take care of some things online, I realized that I couldn't log into an account that I have had for years. I have never needed to access this account with my password since I always login from the same computer and asked it to save my info. Well, I cleared out all of the cookies, browsing history, etc. on my laptop a few weeks back and for the first time, I needed to log in.

I literally almost had an anxiety attack after one failed attempt followed another. The account was linked to an old email address that I no longer have access to which meant that I couldn't even have the username or password reset. At that point, I'd lost it on the inside.

I finally realized that my frustration, anxiety, worry was all founded and based on something completely opposite of the truth. A lie.

I don't know if you ever deal with this, but for this post {and well, I guess like most of my others}...I'm keeping it real.

I know it may seem a bit crazy, but sometimes the most simple of situations turn into dramatic meltdowns for me-internally. I've learned to do that as an adult. No one can see my meltdowns. That keeps me safe. That keeps me REAL.

As I talked myself down, I began to hear the Holy Spirit ask me, "Is losing really such a bad thing?" "What happens when you lose?"

Then...it came. The Word.

He that finds his life shall lose it: and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew 10:39

Now, I know that this scripture isn't talking about losing passwords to online accounts or misplaced phones. I do believe, however, that God can and will use our everyday situations and life to bring about healing and change, even if it's through a lost password, keys, cell phone...you name it.

I realized this totally pushed a core fear button for me. It really came down to the fact that when I lose, I sense a LOSS of control. This, unfortunately, is yet another lie. Truth is, I'm not really in control anyhow. I mean, sure...I decide when I put my shoes on, take them off, brush my teeth, drive my car...but I gave up control of my life years ago. On purpose. To Him. And that's just the way I like it.

I want Him...Jesus, all up in MY STUFF. ALL UP IN MY BUSINESS. Controlling things...and losing my life along the way to gain the ultimate destiny, purpose, and future He has planned for me and for my family.

So, what's the lie that got trampled by truth today? That "losing it" is a bad thing...you see, when you lose for Him...you really win.

Be a loser.

 

Getting lost and truly winning,

A Simple Salad Recipe



I thought I would share an awesome salad recipe with you this week! This salad is quick, fresh and perfect for spring/summer get-togethers, outings or just for a quick addition-or stand alone-to any meal at home.

  



 

Simple Quinoa Spinach Salad

 

Ingredients:

1 Bag of spinach

2c cooked, tri-colored quinoa

Small heirloom tomatoes, halved or quartered

1/3c Toasted pine nuts

1/4 c Feta cheese

4 tbsp. Balsamic vinegar

4 tbsp. Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

 

 

 

How to make it rock:

Cook quinoa according to package, place in fridge to chill if you have time. (Separates in the salad a lot better and makes for a better presentation overall.)

 

In a large bowl or on a large platter, spread out spinach in no specific pattern or order. (Fun to just throw it on the plate, a little liberating for me.) After quinoa has cooled, spread it over the spinach. Next, spread the cut tomatoes over the quinoa. Essentially, what you are doing is creating loose layers. After you've laid out all the tomatoes, spread the pine nuts and feta cheese over them. Depending on what your personal taste is, you can go as heavy or as light with these two ingredients as you'd like.

 

I LOVE pine nuts and feta, so I went heavy!

 

Take your balsamic vinegar and olive oil, alternating the two, and work from one end of your platter to the other. You will want to sprinkle generously ensuring you cover your tomatoes with the balsamic vinegar. Trust me, you'll thank me for that little tid bit later.

 

This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature. Allow oils and vinegar to settle before serving.

 

 

 

Enjoy!

Take a Breather...

<sup>Believe it or not, I began writing this post over a month and a half ago... a few weeks after the New Year.

Funny, 'cause writing for the blog more consistently was actually one of my resolutions.

Looks like I already missed the mark there.

Honestly, I really am okay with that and I believe God has a sense of humor. Apparently NOW is the right time for THIS post. Enjoy.</sup>

*******

 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

 

-Revelation 21:5

 

 

This time of year brings many new ways of thinking, living, and just plain ol' BEING for most of us. We feel revived and refreshed and ready to essentially take on the world in many areas of our lives. This time of year can also drum up all sorts of emotions.

 

We find new time to go to the gym. We change our diets. We make time for old friends.

 

I really find it quite interesting how just the idea of a new beginning, the first month of twelve, can foster desires in all of us to make things new.

As I was standing in the kitchen, washing dishes and looking out the window {picture it...I get some pretty deep revelations at that sink}, I began to think about the year to come.

Did I have any lofty goals? Anything I wanted to achieve personally, spiritually? Any new relationships or old ones that I wanted to dedicate time to? What about my kids? My husband? They could always use more time with me and more of my heart.

The longer I thought, the more I came up with nothing that seemed to compare to my overwhelming need to spend more time in His Word, with Him and just be about Kingdom business altogether. I realize that not only is that important for THIS year but for the rest of my life.

I just couldn't get away from that thought and frankly, I don't want to.

Thank you, Holy Spirit.

Now, I know, I know...we're moms, career women, crafters, DIYers, fitness enthusiasts, fill in the blank...and I know that we can  and need to make time to schedule those things that feed our soul.

But, for me and likely many of you out there,  it's really all about perspective.

Each and every moment, even in those soul filling times, is a moment to let God make all things new my life. In your life...

So, how are you doing so far? Have you met your mark or missed it?

May I offer you a bit of reprieve? A bit of encouragement to settle your soul?

If you haven't met your goals, checked that last thing off of your fitness list, or painted that piece of furniture that's been sitting in your garage for 6 months (eh hmm)...guess what?

It is NOT in your strength that you do anything but it is HE who works IN you and through you to accomplish His glory-filled purpose in YOUR life. It's an amazing symphony of harmonious motion when you allow Him to be who He is meant to be in your life.

I am reminded...

[Not in your own strength] for it is GOd who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. (Amplified Bible)

 

-Philippians 2:13

My prayer for you today is that you sit back, feel His love, experience His presence, let His wind blow and...


...take. a. breather.

#aaaaahhhhh

 Learning how to breathe right along with you,



Folks, We Have a Winner!

We have a winner! Congratulation to Ms. Rondah Stepp! You are the winner or our 1K Likes Giveaway! Look out for an email from me with details! Thanks to everyone who entered and don't be brokenhearted if this time around wasn't your big break...there's surely another giveaway right around the corner!

 

 

Happy Friday!

1,000 Likes and My Favorite Things Giveaway

So folks! The time has come to make the announcement for our giveaway over here at RHI! I am so excited to be able to share this opportunity with you and giveaway some of the things that make life just a little more fun for me!

 

 

So, are you ready?

 

Here goes:

 

ONE lucky follower will get to win a "box" full of goodies next week when this giveaway closes.

 

The box of goodies will include but will not be limited to:

 

Copy of Current FOLK Magazine

Copy of Life:Beautiful Magazine and subscription

Copy of Young House Love by Sherry and John Petersik

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint (One full size and samples)

Handmade Goods

Illume Candle

Small Found Antique and Vintage Items and Ephemera

 

 

  

   

What do you have to do to win? Well, I thought you'd never ask!

 

I am trying out something new this time around with the giveaway. Rafflecopter is a new and easy way to host giveaways on your blog. I've heard a lot about it and thought since I had a few different ways to enter, this would be the easiest way to streamline your entries.

 

It's really pretty easy.

 

While all the ways are not required, the more stipulations you follow, the more entries you receive.

 

At the close of the contest, one winner will be randomly drawn and take away the fabulous prizes!

 

Just in case you're like me and really don't want to read thru everything on the Rafflecopter Widget (Just keepin it real), I will break everything down here.

 

 

THE OH SO FUN GUIDELINES:

 

1. "LIKE" RHI on Facebook (Mandatory to qualify)

 

2. Tweet about us and this amazing giveaway to all of your friends, coworkers, family and strangers too!

 

3. Follow RHI on Twitter and TWEET about it if you can. Use hashtag #RHIGiveaway.

 

4. Follow RHI on Pinterest

 

5. Leave a comment here and tell me why you want to have this bundle of goodies! (Mandatory)

It probably wouldn't hurt to follow here on the blog too! Just sayin...

 

So, there you go! FIVE ways to win...two of which are mandatory. Sorry, I know that makes it sound so UNfun.

 

A FEW MORE DETAILS:

• You may only enter each category ONCE but you can Tweet this as often as you'd like!
• One email address/IP address per entry



Have questions? Please email me for answers!

Best of luck to you! Can't wait to announce the winner!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Linky Party: Kids and Christmas and The PERFECT Christmas Tree

Today's the final day of the  Home for the Holidays linky party! I hope you all have had a chance to either hop around to some of the other girls' blogs participating in the party or, even better, link up and share some of your projects and ideas!

 

At first, I really didn't know what I was going to share for this and, honestly, this season has been so full of things that we HAVE to do, we haven't made a TON of time to do things that we just LIKE to do so when we have a moment to squeeze in precious family time or traditions, we jump on it.

 

I feel like the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays are a great time, amongst others of course, to build new family traditions and take that extra time to spend with loved ones and other people in your life whom God has blessed you with.

 

We jumped on the opportunity this year to purchase our Christmas tree a bit earlier than we normally do and bought it only a couple of days after Thanksgiving.

 

Last year we trekked up to a tree farm and longed for the experience of cutting our own tree and all that comes along with the idea of that. It really wasn't a bad experience but kinda left us longing for more so we decided we'd still buy a live tree but, instead, we opted to shop a local market (grocer) instead of traveling to the tree farm.

 

We weren't disappointed. We got a live tree. We still put it on top of the car. The kids were still able to decorate{ish}. We were all happy in the end.

 

 

Especially this guy. This is Caleb, our eldest. This was his stance as he decided where to place the first ornament that he hung. As you can see, the ornaments are pretty spread out and random here. Which, well...I just couldn't let go untampered.

 

 

 

There's a bit of a story behind that.

 

Growing up, our trees were always perfect. Literally. Every ornament and light had strategic placement. Every piece of tinsel (which we actually didn't use often) hung PERFECTLY.

 

Fast forwarding 20 years later, I've carried many of those same Christmas tree "traditions" with me. When we first had kids it wasn't much of an issue. They were too young to have any desire to decorate the tree and that was fine with me. Eh, hm. Confession...

 

Of course, as they've grown older, they want to take part in the festivities. And why shouldn't they? Every child should have the memory of decorating their Christmas tree, right? Right?

 

So, this year, my hubby suggested letting them help. (Yes, that was a real conversation that we had that involved real emotion) We settled on letting them decorate the tree however they wanted and then later I would rearrange the tree to make it look the way I thought it should. That's a compromise, isn't it?

 

I know some of you out there are probably scoffing right now but this is real growth for me.

 

Some of you may wonder if our kids were hurt or scarred by my rearranging.

 

The answer is, not a bit...I totally involved them in that process too.

 

Let's just say I lent a gentle, guiding hand along the way.

 

 

See...they're still excited. Still happy to be helping. Still a sense of wonder and amazement.

 

This is what we ended up with after the kids helped.

 

I still can't figure out if he was looking at the tree in wonder or confusion. Ha!

 

 

What I took away from this:

I am learning how to slowly relinquish control in the area of decorating MY Christmas tree. Next year, they get their own to decorate however they please.

 

What our children took away from this experience:

Lots of laughs and fun as they "helped" hang their ornaments on the tree and a memory that will last a lifetime.

 

 

 

Wishing you a PERFECT Christmas! *wink*

 

 

Be sure to hope on over to This, That and Life's blog and link up your family traditions!

Home for the Holidays: Christmas Decor with Lindauer Designs

So, yesterday we took a day of silence as bloggers in honor of those who lost their lives in the tragedy that took place in Connecticut last week. My prayers and hope for healed hearts and minds go out to the families, friends and others effected by this.

 

Today, Laura over at Lindauer Designs is hosting Christmas Décor for our Home for the Holidays party. Are any of you familiar with her work? She's pretty amazing and she works with her husband to create custom designs for clients in the Houston area.

 

If you haven't visited her blog, today is the day. Stop by, show some love, leave a comment and don't forget to link up all of your holiday décor! I can't wait to see what you have to share.

I leave you with a bit of Christmas inspiration for your own home!

 

I just love the way Ally from Home by Ally used this classic swag on her staircase.

 

 

 

And this wonderful package that's definitely worthy of being display. I love how the natural paper makes the sparkle and other elements pop. Great job Uncommon Designs!

 

 

 

And for all of you shabby, French cottage lovers out there...this one's for you.

 

Image



Okay, now get out there and link up all of your goodness over at Laura's! She's waiting!

 

 

 

Lovin' this season,

Home for the Holidays Linky Party: Christmas Trees

Hey there all of you veteran and new Home for the Holidays Linky Party friends! Are you ready to share your most wonderful Christmas trees?

I am so excited to see what you all are doing to decorate your prickly piney creations in your home!

 

I thought I would share a few that I've spied around the web while reading blogs and surfing around.

I just love this idea of tiered galvanized buckets. This lovely creation is from Laura over at FindingHOME. Now this, of course, isn't your traditional tree but that's exactly what makes it so fun! If you look closely, you'll see TWO trees here.

 Just love the rustic feel of it all.

 

 Image Finding Home




I had to share this one from Dear Lillie.
Love this lady's blog and her tree is amazing as usual.




And I, of course, wanted to share our tree with you. For the past two years I've kinda had the same style. A little rustic. A little vintage. A lotta fun.





I picked up these sweet angel ornaments last year at 75% off at the end of the season.
They ending up costing only 1.00 each! Score!














So, are you ready to share your wonderful trees? Get ready to link up and show off your beautiful creations! Can't wait to hear the stories behind your favorite ornaments and family traditions surrounding your trees!
 



 

Our 2012 Christmas Mantel

I had big plans for our mantel this year...big plans. But, the ins and out of the days and life with a family of six beckoned to me more than having a gorgeous mantel.

This year, I kept it simple.

I invested in these cabinet doors last year. I really love them and decided that they were worth what the consignment store that I purchased them from asked for them as I would be able to decorate them seasonally and well...they're just pretty awesome. I love the how chippy and old they are and thought that they added great texture and dimension.

 

I picked up these reindeer at our local Ben Franklin Crafts for only 4.99 each and glittered them with a little champagne glitter. Small money, big impact. Gotta love that. You will notice just ONE on the mantel though...long story.

So, all in all...I'm pretty satisfied with the way it all turned out. What about your mantel? Is it all decked out?

Hop on over to my friend Danielle's blog over at Silver Pennies and link up yours to showoff to the world! Can't wait to see what you've got to share!

And don't forget to come back over here tomorrow to link up your Christmas trees!

Partying Ho...ho...hard,

The Dining Table Sneak Peek and A Sweet Holiday Party

Happy Monday, guys! Hope you all have recovered from pounds of stuffing, cranberry sauce and turkey and had time to relax this weekend with family and friends. What? Was that just me who ate pounds of food that day? Oh, well!

Our family picked up our Christmas tree the other night and I've finally gotten around to the beginning of turning our home from drab to fab with holiday décor! Of course, I'll be sharing that with you all as the weeks pass on. It's always such a process for me as I change my mind about what I like and don't like. What needs to go where, etc.

I'd also like to take a moment to say thanks to you all for your kind feedback and comments on my last post. Makes me so happy and fulfilled to know that what God places on my heart to share, is such a blessing to so many of you. Really is amazing. Thank you.

Now, on to the dining room. If you'll remember this post, I was in quite a dilemma trying to figure out how to begin decorating the dining area in our home. I really had decorator's block, if you will, and could not think of which way to go in the space so I sent out an SOS to you all!

I decided to begin with what will be the "centerpiece" of the space-the dining table.

I follow Kelli over at Restore Interiors and have gotten to know her a bit {she's a Bama Girl BTW} and absolutely love her personality, her talent, style and her love and passion for design. She posted a tutorial a few weeks back about how to achieve a faux zinc look. I had to try it. At the time, I wasn't really sure what I would paint.

I remember a few years back I was literally salivating over a table in the Ballard Designs catalog. I think it was over $1,000 and I knew there was no way I was going to spend that much on a table for a home that wasn't our permanent home. And, if you're like me, I always take it as a challenge to duplicate the look and style of expensive pieces. {Not a bit competitive, not at all...}

So, once I'd decided that my next project would be our dining area, I remembered the tutorial from Kelli and set out to get it done! Or, at least start it! Here's a pic of how it turned out. I really like it and it was even kid approved by my daughter. She walked in as I was waxing it and said, "Wow, mom, it actually looks like metal!" Yes. Yes, it does. Thank you very much! Always feels good to get the thumbs up from your kiddos!



I love how the finish makes it look like real metal.

 

 

Now, do you remember what the table looked like before? I really should have taken some close-up before photos. It was pretty bad. Chipped. Original wood beginning to show through. We've had it for over 6 years. It was time for a change.

 

Looks way better in this pic than it did in real life.
 

 

And another pic of the after...

 

 

I call it my galvanized metal look. Mine didn't turn out much link zinc but I am still absolutely in love with it!

 

Thanks to some major computer issues, no watermark on this one or full images of the entire space or table today. So sorry but I promise that as I continue to pull the room together you'll get to see everything!

 

 

Moving right along...

 

Now, what about this amazing holiday party? Well, you can read more about it here.

 

 

I am hosting the Home for the Holidays Linky Party with some pretty awesome women. The party is will be a series for the rest of this month through December and the first day is today! Our first host is Lorraine from Miss Flibbertigibbet! Do any of you follow her? Heard of her? She is one talented woman and is sharing holiday recipes over at her place today. If you've got something to share...hop on over and link up! And don't forget to leave a comment or even follow to show Miss Flibb some love! You seriously won't regret it!

 

And, here's a button for you if you'd like to share it over on your blog, FB page, Instagram, Pinterest...did I miss anything? Ha!

 

 

Can't wait to see all the yummy goodness everyone links up!

 

 

 

Party on!

 

Hold My Hand Tighter...

*I'd set this post to run on Thursday morning but my auto scheduling somehow didn't post so, instead, I am sharing today. Enjoy!*

I am certain that God uses our kids to grow us into who He has created us to be. Last week was no different for me when I was out shopping with our 4 year old. 

We've always taught our kids to hold our hands in the parking lot and when younger, it's second nature for them. We normally don't have to ask them, it's like a knee jerk reaction whenever we prepare to walk into a parking lot whether coming from or going to our own car. 

As we began to walk toward our car, Logan, my four year old, grabbed my hand. As we got closer to the car, he squeezed my hand tightly, look up at me and said, "Mommy, could you hold my hand a little tighter, please?" 

Honestly, I wasn't sure why he would ask me to hold  his hand tighter than I already was. Was it that he was afraid that if I let go too soon that he would be in danger? Or, did he simply just love me so much that he wanted me to hold on just a little longer? 

I finally asked why he needed me to hold on to his hands tighter. He began to explain, "Sometimes I want to let go and run in the parking lot. I need you to hold my hand tighter so I don't let go." 

Whoa. Now, that was a profound statement from my son. 

Later on that evening I began to ponder what that really meant. Now, naturally, I know that our kids need and seek healthy boundaries in their lives. They need to know that they are safe, loved and secure in order to grow into the amazing world changers God has created them to be. I totally get that. 

I couldn't, however, stop comparing what happened earlier that day to my very own relationship with my Creator. 

Like my son, sometimes I just need God to hold my hand a little tighter. I just need to feel Him. Just need to be reminded that He's there and that He's looking out for me. 

Now, don't get me wrong...I mean, I KNOW God is always there. Always looking out for my best. But, sometimes I just need to be reminded. 

Sometimes when life feels a bit overwhelming. 

When I cannot make a decision.

When I don't want to do something He has called me to do just because I am afraid. 

When all seems chaotic, crazy and I'm just a little...frazzled.

I'll think about that walk across the parking lot with Logan...

And I'll ask God to hold my hand just a little tighter. 

xoxo,

Home for the Holidays: A Link Party Series

I am so excited to share this with you all!   

 I will be hosting a Christmas themed link party along with 7 other bloggers!  We are so excited to see inside your home and life this holiday season. 

Each party theme will be hosted by the corresponding blogger on the date you see above on the graphic.

All you have to do is click on the host's blog name above on the correct date (up to a few days after), check out all the inspiration they are providing for that topic, then link your project up with the host so everyone can see! 

It’s simple to link up - just put in the link to your project.  It can be on a blog, on Facebook or even an image hosting site. 

I can't wait to share Christmas Trees here at RHI on Decmeber 13th! SO fun! 

We'd love to have your help spreading the word if you have a blog by grabbing the smaller button below 

Feel free to put it on your sidebar, in your posts, or whatever you'd like.

See you for our first party on November 27th with Miss Flibbertigibbet. Who's planning to join in? I seriously can't wait to see what you all have to share! 

Milk Paint & More Mondays

Are you ready to link up all of your milk paint and MORE today! I was so excited to see your amazing redos last week! Please be sure to link back from your blog post to the party here on the RHI blog!

Not going to make you wait any longer...here we go! 

Loved this minty redo from This, That & Life! 

And this tray turned, well, better tray! Love the color she chose. And do you spy that awesome paint technique UNDER the tray. Yum. Head over to Shades of Amber to see more! 

And this wonderful regal redo from Weathered Pieces. 

So, just in case you're wondering...here are the not so fun but oh so necessary rules:

1. You don't have to have a milk paint project to link up, pretty much any paint or DIY project will do but we DO love to see what you all can do with your milk paint. Feel free to link up any of your projects and tutorials but NO FOOD, please. 
2. Please LINK BACK to your actual post and not just your blog addy. Please be sure to include a link back to Milk Paint and More Mondays in your post.
3. LIKE Restoration House on Facebook and share the button below. 
4. Surf through other bloggers' entries and visit them on their respective blogs to spread the love. 
5. PLEASE,PLEASE, PLEASE remember to take the button below and post in your blog post or mention Milk Paint and More Mondays in your post!