Home Sanctuary

Company Girl Coffee 9.30

My friend, Priscilla, and I are heading out for "First Monday Trade Days" in Canton, TX this morning! It's been a long time since I've been there, and I'm sooooo excited! We have a couple of places that we want to shop and drool over the goodies, and I'm good at both of those activities. Plus it may take both of us to haul off our treasures. This wedding is giving me just the excuse I need. Just sayin'.

 
This is from LaurieAnna's Shoppe - our #1 stop. Can you believe that it is a small camper that she's made over?? Sigh, I'm in love.

The First Monday Trade Days goes back about 150 years and it it has become one of the largest events of its kind. You can find antiques, collectibles, crafts, arts, home furnishings, decor, jewelry.....the list is endless, and so is the park. It fills acres and acres of land and there is no way to see it all. That's why we are going to go to a few select places and shops - and (hopefully) not kill ourselves in the process.

And Ah b'leeve Ah 'mohna have me a turkey leg fer lunch. That's Texan for "I believe I'm going to eat a turkey leg for lunch....." a Canton must-have. Something about driving out in the country makes me feel like I should really lay on the accent real thick-like.

What is on your weekend agenda? Any flea market/garage sale plans? I love it when the weather turns just cool enough to enjoy the hunt. What kinds of things are you hunting for? I'm looking for vintage tablecloths to use for the wedding!

Time to link up for Company Girl Coffee! I've been such a bad hostess and have not made my rounds lately....but I do hope to get around this weekend. To participate, simply enter your blog post URL below. Not sure what to blog about? How about this prompt: What is your favorite tag sale find?  It doesn't get any easier than that - and you can really just talk about what ever you want, (not just tage sale finds.) Our weekly coffee gives YOU a chance to connect with other Company Girls - some of the best gals around!!

Have a great weekend everyone! No Small Thing today.

Tea for Two

As much as I LOVE my coffee, sometimes there is nothing like a soothing cup of tea. Sleepytime tea, a blend of chamomile and peppermint, is my favorite bedtime drink - it puts me in the mood for slumber! Raspberry is another flavor I really like. And the black teas - Earl Gray, Chai, English Breakfast....with milk and a bit of sugar....so yummy.

Are you a tea drinker? Chances are that you have several boxes of differing varieties on hand so that you'll have something for every mood. I've seen these kept in nice, neat drawers, but most often the boxes are stacked in a cabinet near the coffee and sweeteners, not so neatly. I think it gets messy because the boxes become lightweight and tippy as their contents get depleted.....or maybe it's just that we are in such a hurry to get to the brewing process that we just jam the boxes back on the shelf without much care.

Today's Small Thing is to make yourself a cup of tea - and while the water is heating, simply straighten up your tea boxes and cannisters.

You'll have your teas looking right propah before the water even boils! Then, sit down with your tea and enjoy a job well done!

Song of the Day: Tea for Two, Yael Meyer - A Sweet Song!

What is YOUR favorite tea?

Facile Faucet Fix

My kitchen needs major remodeling.

But since that is not going to happen anytime soon and there's a wedding right around the corner, we are settling on a few tasks we can tackle on the cheap. We've made some great progress....and I will have a "reveal" in the next couple of weeks. {containing excitement!}

One of the first items on the agenda: what to do with my horrid faux-wood countertops. After researching, I've come to the conclusion that I can paint a faux granite finish on them that will last long enough.....after all, that's all I really need right now. And I paint for a living, so how hard can it be, right??

But the counters lead me to the sink (need a new one) and the faucet fixture (definitely need a new one!) and the backsplash (oy). We actually have a sink that we could replace the current one with, and I plan to install paintable "pressed tin" panels on the backsplash. My, that's gonna look good.

So back to that faucet. As I washed dishes last night, I thought about how much I deserve a beautiful new faucet and how lovingly I would take care of it if I got one. I would polish it every day to leave it gleaming in the sunlight, impressing all who would enter my kitchen.

Yes, this faucet would be perfect, just perfect.

That's when I realized how neglectful I've been of my CURRENT faucet. I took a closer look. Why, there was soap scum and water spots all over it! And I was ashamed of the crud I brushed out of the crevices. 

My faucet is old, but does it deserve the treatment I've given it? I gave it a few minutes of tender care, and that stainless apparatus, in all its 1970's glory, looked just as dapper as could be. I guess I'd gotten so wrapped up in wishing for what I didn't have that I wasn't taking care of the thing I DID have: a fine working faucet that does exactly what I need it to, every single day.

Today's Small Thing is to shine up your kitchen faucet.

Is your faucet old and not much to look at? Bless you, my sister. We suffer together. But why not do what I did - and at least restore its pride? Scrub off the soap scum, brush out the yucky stuff in the crevices, and polish it up to be the best it can be.

Aren't you glad we don't have to carry buckets of water from a well to the house? Indoor plumbing is AMAZING!! I love my faucet.

Song of the Day: Walk on the Water, Britt Nicole

 

"Just For Now"

I really didn't mean for the books to sit there for so long. But there they were, at the top of the stairs, neatly tucked into a corner.....for FOUR WEEKS. I'd set them there "just for now" one day, intending to move them to the bookshelf just around the corner. I knew it would only take a second.

And there they sat. And sat.

I cleaned around them. Walked past them upteen times a day. I saw them sitting there and thought "I should move those" at least once a day. But I never did.

Until yesterday. For no reason whatsoever, I bent down and picked up the books and set them on the shelf where they belonged.

It took me oh, I don't know, two blinks of an eye, tops.

Suddenly, I felt alive. Colors were exploding around me, and every nerve ending tingled with satisfaction! The books were gone and I had achieved what I'd been putting off for days and days on end.

Have I ever told you how little it takes to make me get excited?

Today's Small Thing is to put something away that you've been looking at and thinking "I should move that." Today is your day to accomplish that little thing that has been bugging you for waaaaaaay too long. Scoop it up and plop it in its proper place - and see if the world doesn't suddenly unfold before you in rapturous delight and endless wonder!

Or maybe you can just reward yourself with chocolate.

Whatcha been looking at that you set down "just for now".....and now days later it's still staring at you???

Song of the Day: What a Wonderful World, Tony Bennet

Trouble Spots

Trouble spots.

Everyone's got them.

(photo courtesy of NBC17)

Morning traffic reporters often refer to trouble spots on freeways-areas that regularly get bogged down with traffic. Global politics are FILLED with trouble spots...the Middle East and Africa always come to mind there.

There are trouble spots in our economy, in the food chain, in the educational system, in the water supply, in phone reception and in Netflix's online service. Athletes have trouble spots that are prone to injury - each sport with its own particular list. Women have trouble spots that aren't affected by diet or exercise, and teenagers have trouble spots on their complexion.

Everyday, we seem to hit the same trouble spots in life - and it can be aggravating! Many times, the trouble spots we encounter are beyond our control...but sometimes they can be avoided or resolved by making some simple changes.

Where are YOUR trouble spots?

Today's Small Thing is to identify a trouble spot - something that regularly presents a problem - and work on a solution that will solve it.

My trouble spots?

Laundry

The kitchen counter

Bathroom counter

Family calendar conflicts

Wanting to take a nap every afternoon

Filing papers

Thighs

Well sadly, we probably can't remove thigh cellulite today, but perhaps we can solve one or two other problems before the day is through. I am going to focus on the calendar and papers today - and see if I can turn those two trouble spots into triumphs.

How about you? Where are your trouble spots? Is there something you can do to alleviate ONE of them today? Let us know what you're doing!

Song of the Day: Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen, Louis Armstrong

For Girls Like You Subscription Winner!

The winner of the subscription to For Girls Like You Magazine is Leslie - Thursday's first commenter. Leslie, please contact Wynter at [email protected] you.com and she will get you fixed up.

Thank you to all who helped spread the word and to all the new subscribers! I know you'll enjoy each publication.

And thank you for all the great dress suggestions on Friday! I've had a ball looking through the links and I feel hopeful that I'll find the perfect dress for my daughter's wedding. Woo!!

Company Girl Coffee 9.23...and Dress Dilemma

 

I need your help, Company Girls. Desperately.

I've started looking (online) for a dress to wear for my daughter's wedding and AGH!!!!! I'm having a hard time finding anything I like.

Many Mother of the Bride dresses are too matronly for me. I'm still in my forties...and hangin' on for dear life.

Just...blech.

Most MOB dresses are too formal. This will be an outdoor wedding with barn reception. I can't see myself sitting on a hay bale in this:

But I don't want to look underdressed, either.

I've bookmarked a few potentials at Nordstrom.com, and my other daughter, Lauren, has sent a couple ideas from Macy's. My criteria? I don't want anything sleeveless or strapless, no plunging necklines, and not made out of shiny fabric. I also don't want anything too short. Now that I've eliminated most dresses, can you see my problem?

For example, this dress is darling but that neckline....that's a lotta skin showing there...hmmm.

*Without spending a fortune,* I'd dearly love to find just the "right" dress. Got any ideas, favorite stores or online resources to help a gal out?

Since we are on the subject of dresses, let's segueway into our Small Thing.

Today's Small Thing is to straighten up the DRESSY clothes in your closet.

You know, the dresses, blouses, skirts and slacks that have been shoved in with the cotton T-Shirts and jeans. Simply group those items together, pick up the slippery blouses that have fallen from their hangers, and give them their own space. Won't it be nice to see your work and church clothes all organized for once? It will only take a few minutes, since you aren't organizing the WHOLE closet. Just the few nice things that deserve some special care today.

How about a round of coffee with your girlfriends today? Link up below for a round robin of blogs....and participate to get to know other bloggers who frequent Home Sanctuary!!

 

For Girls Like You

It's GOOD being a girl, ain't it? I love all things girly - and I love having daughters to share girly stuff with. When I see my girls - all grown up now - I'm incredibly thankful that we made it through the early years to where we are today...faith and values intact. Raising girls in our culture is a challenge to say the least, and that's why I'm always thrilled to discover great things that help reinforce the fun and purity that's especially important in those in-between years.

I want to introduce you to a new magazine for girls: For Girls Like You!

Magazine founder, Wynter Pitts is an amazing mom to FOUR girls - all under age 8 - and she has a vision that's borne out of a need she saw for her daughters. She wanted something fun, entertaining and yet wholesome for girls to enjoy....without the negative advertisements and inappropriate messages found in most media.

"As Christian parents, we have a difficult job.  On one hand we need to be invested in our daughter’s interests and passions.  On the other hand, we need to be instilling values and boundaries that will last a lifetime." ~ Wynter Pitts

Filled with interactive features that let your girls have the opportunity to get their own thoughts and ideas published, I wish I'd had this when my girls were young. They'd have loved the articles and features that are age-appropriate and....FUN.

For Girls Like You magazine is brand-spanking new, and I would love for the Company Girls to give as much support to it as possible....before it goes viral.

I've got a subscription to give away to one lucky girl - and all you have to do to be eligible for the drawing is:

1. "Like" For Girls Like you on Facebook, and/or

2. Tweet about it! You can find it on twitter at @forgirlslikeyou. I love Wynter's tweets!

3. Celebrate being a girl! That's our Small Thing for the day. Slather on something fragrant, wear some fun jewelry, take a bubble bath....anything you'd like - you choose! Today is all about enjoying who God made you to be.

Be sure and leave a comment so I know to enter you in the drawing. If you don't have young daughters, maybe there is another girl in your life - a niece, a friend, a Sunday School girl, a granddaughter - who might like a subscription, and you can give it to her.

If you Facebook AND tweet, it will garner TWO entries for you - double your chance to win!

Song of the Day: My Little Girl, Tim McGraw

Little Sucker

We were driving away from my sister's house and the cousins were being silly as they waved goodbye to each other through the open car window.

"Goodbye, Candy Cane!" one cousin called.

"Goodbye, Lollipops!" my son, Grayson yelled back.

Why they were calling each other "candy" names, I have no idea.

"Goodbye, Gummy Worm!" the other kids were running alongside the car by now.

"OK, that's enough goodbyes," I said as I began closing the window and accelerating away.

And as the window narrowed on the loud departure, my son stuck his mouth by the remaining gap and yelled as loudly as he could,

"SO LONG, SUCKERS!"

With a thump, the window closed and Grayson's words hung in the air like a giant matzah ball.

He slid down into his seat with a satisfied smile.  He'd given out the best compliment of all, just in time. And it felt sooo good.

We STILL laugh about that story, now 12 years old.  "So long, Sucker!" always brings a happy memory of innocent days and carefree times.

Our Small Thing today has to do with suckers of a different sort.  It's been awhile since we've taken out the vacuum, yes, and that truly DOES suck.  We should be doing REALLY EASY things that need to be done regularly  What have I been thinking??

Today's Small Thing is to vacuum one room.

See, sometimes I put off vacuuming a room like the living room, because I feel obligated to do the entire house.  But nothing could be further from the truth.  Vacuuming ONE room is perfectly acceptable and even DESIRABLE, because it means that you pay attention to the details.  It means that you don't mind getting in there are doing a "quick run through" to make things nice.

How long does it take to vacuum one room? Less time than it takes to make up an excuse not to.

Song of the Day: Lollipop, The Chordettes

You Can't Handle the Truth - or CAN You?

I was standing in the kitchen recently, wondering what on earth I should make for dinner. As I looked around for inspiration, my eyes fell upon the oven doors - those glorious 70's Harvest Gold units that grace my kitchen with their retro appeal.

My actual oven. Jealous?? Ooh, sorry. They don't make these anymore.

I lovingly ran my finger along one of the handles (ala Price is Right) and was HORRIFIED to discover a thick layer of dust on it. WHAT??

I guess I'm not the Goddess of Housekeeping I thought I was. Well, I quickly swiped a cloth over it and was so pleased with the gleam that I continued working on all the surfaces of the oven doors. Nice. Verry nice.

My whole Harvest Gold double decker oven unit looked instantly better....all because I noticed the handles.

Today's Small Thing is to grab some handles by the horns and get a grip on clean. 

Oh, not just your oven handles. Hey, I'm talking ANY kind of handles in your home. If your refrigerator handles are anything like mine, well.....yuck. My sympathies. But TODAY, they will shine! Oh yess.

Door handles, coffee pot handles, dishwasher handles, love handles. Bicycle handles, car door handles, drawer handles, pot handles, suitcase handles....why there are more handles than I ever thought possible!

Can you handle it? How many handles can you find? Betcha can't do just one!

Song of the Day: Handel's Hallelujah Chorus