Behold, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 2

The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.

Thich Nhat Hanh

For more beautiful pink flowers (and everything else you can imagine in that wonderful color!)...visit Beverly's Pink Saturday

Two years ago at Christmas my wonderful next door neighbor who was a genius with his workshop tools created this wooden box with individual compartments to use as an Advent Calendar.


Now I wish I could take full credit for this oh so creative idea...but credit here must be given to Pottery Barn. They had a version in white with individual little boxes tucked into each of the cubbies (there are 25 in all). The idea was to open each of the boxes on a day leading up 'til Christmas.

So he brought it over in November and I painted it and added a little finish for character (through the years and a move a lot more "character" has been added to this little Advent Calendar of mine). I added boxes wrapped in toile with little presents for the kids and a tiny piece of paper with a scripture on it that we read each night.


I loved the paint finish.

I loved the tiny boxes.

I loved the little tags that sat in each of the cubbies once the box was opened and the scripture was read.

And then Christmas was over.

So what's a girl to do with an empty Advent Calendar?

Start a tiny clock collection.
(C'mon you know you saw that coming).


I searched high and low for clocks at yard sales and thrift stores. And I still need more clocks...so in the meantime I filled the cubbies with....well actually...with anything that would fit.


You never know around here. These cubbies just collect stuff.


Stuff and clocks that just hold a place until December and Advent comes again.

Have a blessed and wonderful day!

smiles, kari & kijsa

This is a good one for all the 'playahs'!! Looking for a quick pick me up to make your room smile? Here is a quick and easy idea for decorating a mirror...a frame...a little tabletop...anything you may think needs a 'little game'!!!


This one was made by simply gluing old dominoes onto a board...the board was painted black, when dry, a mirror was glued on first...then the gamepieces as the surround...you ould use any favorites...dominoes...scrabble tiles...lincoln logs...


And after you use the games pieces...you could even frame the board!

We love quotes...you see them on our walls...in our halls...by the beds...in our heads... under stairs...in the chairs (on pillows of course!)

These are a few fun ones painted by Kijsa for a doctor's office...but you could do your own creative take on this idea at your own home...

Taking simple sayings (perhaps an "I told you so!" for a mom!!)...then we used boards for longevity...but canvas or any solid surface will do...

Lay out your saying in a fun freehand...or use creative fonts printed on your computer...accessorize with simple graphic details...such as stripes, checks, or diamonds...

Paint, starting with the background working forward...use fun designs transferred for decoration...or let the simplicity of the letters work as the design...seal with a coat of water-based polyurethane...hang...and enjoy a little quotable inspiration in your home!

What an incredible weekend. We had a thunderstorm on the Fourth...God's very own fireworks...but the rest of the weekend we weeded and planted and tended to the garden.

And added a few finishing touches to the kitchen. Now what to put in the kitchen...on the new counter tops...


I like adding depth with layers of display items. Adding a plate or a platter in the back with a smaller item staggered in front gives the eye somewhere to dance.


I also like fruit and vegetables (this is a kitchen after all...maybe a little cooking goes on here).


Display your kitchen staples in glass jars. The texture of rice or oatmeal makes a beautiful statement in a glass jar on a counter top.


Don't forget about these "humble jars" that we posted about here. These are the best! (we even added coffee filters to one)!

Well...off to more gardening...

...does anyone have any tips for planting hollyhocks?

blessings, kari & kijsa

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

Celebrate a Fabulous Flag Flying Fourth of July today, remembering not only our great nation and it's independence, but all those who have protected and upheld our freedom throughout our history through today.

As you gather together as families, celebrating over yummy meals, family photos and brilliant fireworks...say a prayer for all our brave men & women in the military, and give thanks for them and their service to our country...


For more Fourth fun..and of course, pink!...Beverly. !

It all started with a menu...

And a beautiful downtown fountain-laden, lights a-glowing, palms a-swaying memorable evening...

While the memory was several years ago...this client wanted to bring it back into focus in a beautiful powder room mural...

So the story began...there was was a beautiful blonde so in love with a handsome gentleman...after a wonderful season of courting...he scheduled a romantic dinner in a most romantic setting...

There...as they dined on fabulous food and admired the golden elevator they were seated in (this amazing restaurant acquired antique elevators from the original New York Macy's store)...the gentleman proposed to his beautiful beau...and the rest is history...

So now...several years later...

As they recall the night that began their fairy tale story...

All their children, family and guests can join in the fun...for the menu blowing away on the wall even lists the yummy fare from that special night...

So come on in...

And share a little bit of happiness too...and think of your favorite memory as you go about your day...how could you pull a little bit of it into your home? It doesn't have to be a fabulous mural...maybe a menu framed...a ticket stud decopauged...a leaf tucked under glass...a seashell strung on ribbon and tied to a lamp shade...any little thing that makes you smile...you deserve it today!

A quick and easy way to bring a smile to your face...frame your favorite quotes!
Remember favorite sayings from a family member, your children, even your boss!! (MMMMmmm...there might have to be a disclaimer there!!)

This is a wonderful way to personalize your home...these hang in Kari's hallway and are about 11" x 17"...if you have a larger space...look at this alternative Kijsa did here...either way...your words will be remembered!!

Those pesky drop cloths are showing up everywhere...tablecloths...outdoor curtains...and why not...


Where else could you get 9 yards of heavy duty fabric that works so well un-lined...for $9.99/yard?


They are already hemmed and ready to go...


I simply doubled-up on the panels (to create extra-fullness)...found these tie-backs at a discount store...and voila...


...looks a little like Dupioni silk (well...if you squint your eyes and use LOTS of imagination). But at an eighth of the price...I could learn to squint!

blessings, kari & kijsa

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5,6