on being brave

Last month, Weston tried out rock climbing at our local rock climbing gym.  We had been looking for ways for him to do something extra curricular, but he has no interest in competitive sports like soccer.  He just likes to hang out and kick the ball around.  He doesn't ask for much.  We took him to a Saturday morning free climb to see what he thought and it just jumped right in (we didn't really think otherwise because he had gotten in trouble for climbing the boys bathroom wall earlier in the year).  He was assigned an adult, given a harness and off they went, ready to tackle some very tall walls.  His first wall, he went up a little bit and and then decided that it was high enough and he was ready to get down.  His "helper" released the ropes and he slowly floated down.  They moved on to another wall.  He climbed a ways and came down.  Then they went back to the first wall and his "helper" gave him a goal encouraging him to climb higher.  They did this several times, each time Weston got higher and higher, never reaching the top, but always surpassing his goal. He now goes every week, each week growing in confidence. 

It's amazing how quickly fear sinks in when we take our eyes off our goal and look down instead of up.  But, even when he looked down and called it quits for a particular climb his "Helper" was always there gently reminding him he could go higher and that he was okay, but if he needed to come down he would be there.  I love how this picture is just like God is with us. 

Ethan's favorite verse is  Joshua 1:9, which says, "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." I have the cutest video of him reciting it when he was around 4 years old with cute little hands doing cute little motions.  It's the best!  But that kid is not 4 anymore and he's taller and busier and still that verse is his favorite.  When planning their room redesign last year, I really wanted to go with that verse because I want both my boys to grow up strong and courageous, taking on the mountains and hurdles that will come their way, knowing that God is with them wherever they go and in whatever they do.  They don't have to let fear take hold. 

Those words were spoken over Joshua by the Lord himself.  Not a prophet.  Not an angel.  The LORD spoke those powerful words into a young, new leader on the brink of an incredible adventure into the land that had been promised.  A land that the Isrealites had been dreaming about for 40 years. That's a long time to dream about something.  But, it's also a long time to think about all the what if's and plan b's.  Joshua was about to lead his people into land that was already being occupied by "scary people."  Years before this point, Joshua and some friends went out and investigated and explored what stood before them.  Most of Joshua's friends gave into the fear of what was ahead and ended up not being able to see the promised land. ever.  In fact, they were so afraid that they wanted to head back to Egypt and maybe get a new leader (you can read it in Numbers 14).

Needless to say, we know Joshua had faith.  He was ready to full on trust God way back when the majority of his friends gave into fear.  Moses had even been training him to take over.  But, how awesome of God to come and give him a pep talk as he began his new job as leader of the Isrealites.  The leader, who under God's guidance, was going to finally lead them into the promised land.

Sometimes, I need to hear those words that God spoke over Joshua loud and clear before embarking on anything new.   In fact, most of the time, I need to hear those words every time I sit down at this computer and write.  Really, the act of writing isn't the scary part.  I love writing in this little space but sharing my heart and words to you is hard.  It's scary.  People out there in internet land are really mean.  God and I have a lot of conversations about the future of this blog and I've never heard him say, "don't write. . . Don't share your heart." So, I obediently keep plugging along praising God for the posts that 1 person reads and the posts that 100 people read.

This last year, I felt some nudges to submit my writing to other publications and that was like 10 times scarier than anything.  I mean, I had written for our local newspaper  when I was in high school a few times. . . but that seemed so different and so long ago.  I spent what seemed like forever working on a piece for a mom journal, submitted it and it was accepted.  I could NOT believe it!  It never got published because of some crazy stuff happening on their end, but it was accepted.  I tried again to another journal and got rejected.  Oh, man.  Rejection hurts.  Things got busy and I just didn't find the time to try again. 

I've been reading a couple of books by Annie Downs.  I love her writing style and she's just so full of life lessons and books that I actually finish.  In her book, 100 Days to Brave, she says, "We can't see the future, so when we take steps forward, we've got to say no to fear." Ouch.  I can't see the future. I just have to be obedient to God's nudges and see where it goes.  It might not take me anywhere, but maybe God has a plan to use me through those things that I tend to give into fear, like writing. 

2019 started and I'm almost afraid to check instagram sometimes.  I've heard a few bloggers talking about why they write and why they blog and oh my gosh, it's like they were talking to me. . . because everything they were saying was what I was struggling with.  It was all words that I needed to hear. God's funny like that. He makes sure you hear what he has to say. 

So this year, I have said no to a few things to free up space for more writing and creating.  Those are things that bring my joy, but also things that God has given me a passion for that I need to pursue a bit more in this space.  I am going to be obedient to where he is leading me. . . because right now I'm not entirely sure where that is.  I just know that I need to be obedient and not give into those little voices in my head that tell me that "I'm not good at that" or "No one wants to read that" or "You don't measure up."  I'm going to celebrate failure and success.

I am going to walk into my kids room and remind myself of those words God spoke to Joshua.  I am going to ask God to go ahead of my writing . . ahead of my projects. . . to pave the way.  There will probably be lots of rejection and blog posts that maybe 1 person reads, but maybe.  Just maybe.  They will bring encouragement to someone who needs it.   

Do you have things that you give into fear? Is God calling you to be brave in an area of your life>  Is God maybe pushing you into a  new direction?  Are you scared to try something new? 

Celebrating Friday with some Cupcakes!

 It's Friday.  Let's all just stop right here and take a deep breath.  Real deep.  We made it to Friday.  Now, pat yourself on the back.  The weekend is here!  Okay, do the happy dance.  No one's watching.  Weekend, here we come!

I am so ready for this weekend to be here.  In fact, I am dreaming of sleeping in as I type.  I won't lie.  I miss vacation sleeping in.  I am love all that I am accomplishing while the kids are at school (I do kind of miss them), but oh, man the things I have accomplished this week!  I haven't even come close to getting it all done (my list of daily goals is always way more than I can fit in a day and it grows as the day goes on, so it's hopeless to think I can do it all).  But, my house is looking less like a tornado of post Christmas past and more like a quiet place to breathe.  And that, my dear reader friends, is cause to celebrate! 

Because we have all survived the week, we need to celebrate with cupcakes and chocolate.  And perhaps some marshmallow filling.  It's just the right thing to do.  And, if you are in a super celebratory mood you could even involve the kiddos (or not, if you just want to save your sanity).  These cupcakes are kind of a mash-up of a few past recipes on the blog and the end result is completely dreamy!  The cupcake is gluten-free so if that was your New Year's Resolution this cupcake will make you feel oh, so good! If you aren't into the gluten-free everything, I will link you to the full of gluten version of the cupcake.  It's all good.  The marshmallow cream filling and chocolate ganache frosting is basically a better than a ho-ho cupcake  Mmmm.  I am getting so hungry just thinking of these. 

Drooling yet? 

I promise they are so worth it.  I mean REALLY, REALLY worth it.  Especially, if it was the first week back to reality after 3 full, glorious weeks of sleeping in (totally ignoring the fact that my house caught nasty colds and was miserable for part of that).  Anyways, I don't want to take up too much of your time with my ramblings because it's the WEEKEND and in between rocking out in your car celebrating that fact you need to remember to hit the store on the way home and make sure you have important things like whipping cream, marshmallow cream, and cocoa powder. 

So,  have a fabulous and restful weekend and enjoy some chocolate cupcakes that you will dream of until you make them (maybe not, but maybe so). 

 Chocolate Cupcakes with Marshmallow Cream Filling and Whipped Ganache Frosting {Gluten Free}

Ingredients: 
1 3/4 cup gluten free 1-for 1 flour*
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 cups sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup boiling water
 1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk **
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp espresso powder
3 eggs

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 325.  Carefully measure out your dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.  Add all the wet ingredients and beat at medium speed for about a minute, until nice and smooth.  Make sure you scrap the sides of the bowl about half way through so that you don't have chunks at the bottom.  Add your eggs and continue beating.  Batter will be thin and that's a good thing. 

Line muffins with your favorite liners and fill with cupcake batter halfway up.  Bake for about 12 minutes.  Use a tester to check to see if done.  If it isn't done, just stick back in oven and cook for 1-2 mintues more and check again. 

This recipe yeilded me about 30 cupcakes. 

* I don't usually stock my fridge with buttermilk, especially once I figured out this hack.  Measure out your milk and add a splash of buttermilk.  Let it sit for about 5 minutes and it will become slightly chunky and sour. . . ta-da! Buttermilk!

** I use Bob's Red Mill 1-for-1 gluten free baking flour.  It has always yielded beautiful results. 

Marshmallow Cream Filling

Ingredients:

 1 container of marshmallow cream (I used Kraft)
1/2 cup softened butter
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp water
dash of salt

Directions:
Beat these ingredients together until nice and fluffy.  Stick in a cake decorating bag with a tip and stab it into the top center of the cupcakes and inject it inside.  No need to scoop some out, it will poof a bit on the top, but your frosting will cover it.

Whipped Ganache Frosting

Ingredients:
1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 (12 oz) bag of Chocolate Chips

Directions:
Heat cream up and pour chocolate chips into warm cream.  Let sit for about 30 seconds and stir well.  If it isnt melting enough, feel free to zap it at 20 second intervals. Let it come to room temperature.  Beat until fluffy.  Pipe or spread over your cupcake.

It will appear super soft, but if you place the frosted cupcakes in the fridge, they will get harder and more stable. 

The original gluten-filled chocolate cupcake recipe was posted here.

The inspiration came from this VERY old post here.

Happy Baking!

Farewell 2018 & Hello 2019!

 

 Hi there.  It's been a few weeks since I've made space for this little blog.  Christmas, three weeks of vacation, and really bad colds was enough to wave the white flag of surrender and take a break.  It was a great way to end the year  (minus the yucky colds that we all ended up with).  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

First, I just wanted to review 2018.  It was a great year over here that I can't quite wrap my head over the fun things we've done.

 :: We took some fun trips (Northern California, Disneyland, The Grand Canyon, and North Carolina) along with some fun small trips to the beach and we went to the mountains in search of snow (success!).
:: Deliciousness was baked up! Bread making skills are improving, and I figured out how to bake gluten free baked goods without compromising flavor or texture.  My Pumpkin Muffin Recipe is still being pinned and visited like crazy.
:: I slowed down a little bit and said no to a few things and it has been great to have days that aren't filled up so much.  When we aren't as busy, we have time for the things that fuel us. . . the things that bring us joy.
:: We did a revamp of the kids bedroom... which I am almost finished so I can share (just a few more things for the wall and I will be done!  
:: I did a couple of Bible Studies and really dug into Scripture Memory.  I'm still working on making time for that.  I think that might be a constant battle about making that a priority, but it's so important, so I will keep plugging along.
:: I got to talk to a women's Bible Study about some ways to help memorize based on our personal learning styles.  I loved it!  I love teaching other women and encouraging them to grow in the walk with Christ.  Talking in front of large groups is something I NEVER thought I would do.  I was totally that soft spoken, shy little girl who never raised her hand because she was afraid to talk in front of people, even if it was a classroom of sweet friends. God definitely creates passions out of our weaknesses!
:: My family made our physical health a priority (more so than ever before).  We changed the way we eat and we joined a gym.
:: I did a lot more sewing and crafting and it did my heart some good.
:: I went to a lot of soccer practices and games and continued to serve in our church Welcome Cafe and leading in my favorite Bible Study.

Now, looking ahead into 2019.
::  Saying no to more.  I really had a huge thought that I realized that even though I am a stay at home momma, I realized that my kids probably are not always my priority.  I want to spend more time cuddling with them on the couch and playing games and not thinking "mom's in the office working on stuff." While sometimes I will have projects that need finishing, I want to make sure that when we are home I am making an effort at putting my kids first.

:: Also, there were things that were stealing my joy and so this year, I stepped down from the Bible Study I was involved in and decided that I was going to take a break.  Sometimes breaks are needed.  Our study was going to do 2 studies in a matter of 12 weeks and that was just. . . a lot.  I love Scripture.  I love digging in and going deep, but I don't like feeling rushed and I definitely don't like doing my best work.  So, this year, I will be digging in to The She Reads Truth studies and Writing the Word with this book.  I'm also setting aside time to listen to podcasts and take notes along with reading more books!  I say this one every year, but this is the year!  Success is going to happen!

:: In the kitchen, I am going to keep working on bread making, this tying out laminated dough and more sourdough fun.  Jon got me a bread lame for Christmas and I am super excited to give that a try!  I think I may have found a macaron recipe that actually came out!  Definitely going to be playing more with those cookies (good thing they are so yummy!).

:: Our home has a few project lists for the year.  One of which is to replace our sad, loved pillows on our couches.  Bring on some happy pillow buying!  We are also in the process of remodeling our front bathroom, which is in need.  Ship Lap is also on the list of things to add to our home this year and I am soooo excited!  I keep adding other projects to our list and Jon keeps reminding me to stay focused on the task at hand.  ha ha.

:: Sewing.  I have some fabric that needs to be dealt with.  One quilt is almost finished. . . it's going to be so cute!  I also think there will be  few tutorials for some easy sewing projects if you are wanting a quick project or want to try your hand at sewing.

:: Finish some projects.  I have a stack.  I have this tendency to start and not finish things and every year I am determined to finish them.  This year, let's see how far I get!

:: Continue working out regularly and eating fairly healthy.  

:: Travel.  We already have plans in the works for our biggest adventure with the kids and we are so excited!  As our kids grow older, these trips are our favorite! Watching our kids grow and learn from traveling is probably one of my favorite things!  Definitely spending some time at the beach, because that's my happy place. 

So those are my goals for the year. What are you aiming at? What was your favorite accomplishment last year?  What kinds of projects would you like to see on the blog this year?

I would love to hear from you, so feel free to comment. . . it makes my day! 

Cardamon Vanilla Latte at home

Five Days until Christmas. 

That can either stress you out or make you excited with anticipation of watching your loved ones open carefully picked out gifts, wrapping paper wars, and delicious goodies.  I am certainly a little of both.  I have been hanging out with my boys as much as possible and doing some baking, watching tons of Hallmark movies and drinking lots of coffee. 

Speaking of coffee. I like it a lot.  I've even blogged about why on this post  about why sitting down and having face to face conversation with people is so important.  (you should go read it after you finish reading this post.)  But, I also enjoy just sitting down and having a delicious cup of coffee while enjoying my family or reading a book.  It allows me to slow down and savor the moment a little more than rushing through the hustle.  I think that's why Starbucks inside Target is such a gift, because it just brings opportunity to savor. . . even if you are just running in to grab one thing or you are their with your children who are using your cart as a jungle gym and begging to go look at toys (been there!). 

Last week, the Target closest to my house had been working on one of the bathrooms, which meant they were all closed and the Starbucks was closed.  I had already gone to a Starbucks before this particular trip in, but throughout the store, I couldn't help but notice the amount of moms, kids in tow, who were getting their grocery shopping done with a grim look on their face.  Kids were acting crazy as usual, but I'm sure that they had plans on surviving this particular pre-Christmas Target run with a Christmas Latte in their hands.  (side note: this particular Target location got rid of their cafe, which also means no popcorn or free fruit. . . so basically these moms were doomed).  Moms out there:  I saw you.  I didn't know you, but I really wanted to tell you it'll be okay and remind you to stop by the Starbucks drive through on the way home.  Maybe even drive the long way home so you can enjoy that coffee while your kids are strapped in their car seats.  But, I didn't because I'm not that crazy. 

There is something wonderful about a delicious cup of coffee or a latte.  There are so many Starbucks in our town, but there are also some amazingly delicious local coffee shops that I love to visit.  One in particular is this place called Two Cities.  They have the best lattes and rolled ice cream and are just so nice!  It's my husband's favorite place to go and just sit and talk (mine, too!).  My favorite latte is their Cardamon Vanilla and it's like a taste of heaven.  Seriously, it's delicious! Not too sweet and just enough spice. I can't always get over there and I don't always want to spend $6 on a latte (it adds up!).  So, when my husband decided to buy a Nespresso (not an ad. . . but it's awesome!), I tried making one and it was just like it!  So, now I can make them at home and it's wonderful! 

So, today.  As an early Christmas present, I am going to share one of my current favorite latte recipes with you, because you might need coffee to survive the pre-Christmas prep work. . . or just to enjoy while you fit in a couple more Hallmark Christmas movies in your pajamas.

Pick your milk and heat it up or steam it.  You can add froth by using one of those handheld, battery powered frother gadgets, or heat it in a mason jar, then put a lid on it and shake it up really hard.  I use this (and I love it!).  I use New Barn Barista Blend Almond Milk and it's fantastic!

Brew your coffee/espresso.  I used my Nespresso, but also recommend this for making espresso. 
If you are using the Nespresso, I used the larger cup setting, which is about 2 shots (I think. I really don't know).  

 Pour a splash or two of vanilla syrup into the coffee.  It's probably about 2 tsp. . . give or take.  I just eyeball it. 

 Sprinkle some ground cardamon.  It doesn't take much.  A little bit of this stuff goes a long way!  Trust me!

 See, just a sprinkle or two. 

 Pour in your warm, frothy milk and enjoy! 

Super easy!  Now, go read a book or bake some cookies or even better, call up a friend for a sponateous-at-home coffee date.  Don't worry about your house.  She won't mind that it's messy from wrapping presents and your kids are on vacation.  She'll enjoy the company, just like you.  I promise! 


Cardamon Vanilla Latte

Ingredients:
milk of your choice
Espresso
Vanilla Syrup
Ground Cardamon

Directions: 
Steam milk and brew espresso.  Pour a splash or two of vanilla syrup into your espresso.  Add a sprinkle or two of cardamon and top with steamed milk.

Easiest latte ever! 

Target Dollar Spot Finds {Christmas Decor}

 The stockings are hung, the tree is decked, presents are wrapped (well, most of them!), and the kids are officially on vacation.  Ethan is working hard at a puzzle (it should take him awhile), and Weston is busy building with legos and it's so quiet.  I know it won't last long, but I do know these moments of quiet are more and more frequent as the boys get older.  So, mom's of little ones (who are already testing your patience on this first day of vacation. . . I promise you, it get's better! 

So, while the kids are off doing their own thing and I am enjoying a cup of coffee in the unexpected quiet of the morning, let's talk Christmas home decor.  I started this post last week and well, end of semester/Christmas crazy kind of took over my life and that's okay.  I have a tendency to want to add things or change things each year and this year I found some really cute things in the Target Dollar Spot.  Raise your hand if it's not one of your favorite places!  I mean, conveniently located right by the Starbucks, you can't help but glance and hope for some sweet treasures. While not all the treasures are $1, most things are $5 and under, which is still a pretty good steal!  This year, their Christmas selection did not disappoint.

 White ceramic houses.
I found these in several different sizes.  I am not sure if their intention was to have kids paint them or not (btw great idea if you are looking for something to keep your littles busy), but the simple, unpainted, matte look of these houses is just so much fun!  I stuck it on a charger I had found at Hobby Lobby last Spring with some fake snow I bought at Potterybarn way back before I had kids.  Then I stuck to white bottle brush trees in it to make it look kind of homey.  I meant to find some little twinkle lights to stick inside, but that didn't happen. . . maybe next year? 

Bottle Brush Trees
I can't tell you how much I just love the simplicity of bottle brush trees.  I had bought a few last year and more this year (because I had forgotten!) because they were a dollar a piece.  Perfect thing to add some simple flair to a spot. . . like next to the ceramic house and next to our letter board in the hutch.  By the way, that wooden stick star was from the dollar spot last year! 

 Metal Rod Houses
I am not actually sure what these are called, but I do know that they are cute and have endless possibilities.  I stuck a mason jar filled with salt with a votive inside the house and then placed some tree scraps/sprigs all around it.  It sits next to our Advent tree with twinkle lights and it just might be one of my favorite things I've done this year.

And finally, our hutch.  I just wanted to take a minute and share it with you, because decorating a hutch can be kind of expensive. . . the shelves add up.  So I thought I would share with you some inexpensive ways to decorate your hutch or a shelf, for that matter. 

1.  Find a few pieces that stand out .  For us, it was the cranberry trees.  I fell in love with them several years ago and we figured out how to fit them into our Christmas budget.  They actually started out as a centerpiece idea and then we bought this hutch and they just fit perfect!

2.  Picture Frames and Free Printables.  Take advantage of some of those super creative free printables out there.  There are tons out there and there's one sure to fit your style. Just rerpurpose old picture frames and print them out.  I used this one and this one.

3.  Letter boards.  These things are so much fun! You can change your saying with each season or if you are just in a goofy mood.

4.  Vase Fillers are fun ways of filling up space in hurricanes, lanterns and so much more.  I have a a collection of inexpensive ornaments that I like to use as filler, as well as the fake snow and fake cranberries. 

5.  Take advantage of nature.  Every year, I go grab some clippings from the Lowe's Christmas Tree lot.  It doesn't cost me a dime since I basically grab it out of their clipping trash.  THey are perfect for filling up vases and jars and tea pots for decor. 

Giving your home some Christmas Cheer doesn't take a winning lottery ticket or huge credit card debt.  Shop your house and take advantage of the Target Dollar Spot.  Have you found any wonderful finds this year?  

39

I'm currently sitting here, computer on my lap, staring at wrapping paper and ribbon scraps watching The Holiday.  It's crunch time to get things done because tomorrow at 2:30 we will officially be on vacation.  But, before I head to pick up those sweet boys of mine, I wanted to take a minute and reflect on something.

I turned 39 last month.

As in 40-1.

One year away from the Big 4-0.

There is a small part of me that still feels like the girl that just graduated from college.  I really feel like I just celebrated my 30th birthday with friends and family with the most delicious cupcakes.  But as I look back and really think about it, I am astonished about how much has happened since that little party 9 years ago.

Weston was born, Ethan started school and then a few years later Weston joined him. We traveled a lot, including some pretty big trips with our kids.  We started putting our heart into our house and making it a home with a few upgrades.  I learned how to make bread and have managed to keep sourdough starter alive for almost 2 years (I'm pretty proud of that one!).  I'm sure that there are more, but these are the things that stand out right now.

I know that a lot of people make bucket lists  of things they want to accomplish before they hit their 40th.  I don't really know that I want to make a bucket list, but I do want to set some goals to accomplish in the next year.  Goals that are more than just checking some fun things off a list, but goals that grow me as a person, wife, and mom.  Goals that grow me closer to God.

I thought I would share them with you because if I put them down here and make them public it will hold me to it.  And maybe. . . just maybe one person will ask how are things going?  Accountability is wonderful and such a good thing.

So. . . here it goes.

:: Complete my new Cultivate Prayer Journal.
:: Dig into and finish several She Reads Truth Studies.
:: Embrace bravery and write more (this is a big one because rejection is oh, so hard).
:: Slow Down. Breathe.  Say no to more things and hang out with my kids more.
:: Read more books. . . and finish them!
:: Finish some projects.
:: Travel (we already are planning our next big trip!)
:: Try baking Croissants and master macaroons.
:: Get to know more of our neighbors.
:: Ship-lap some walls.
:: De-clutter.  Throw things away and de-clutter.
:: escape for a weekend with my husband once, maybe twice.
:: keep working out and eating healthy (most of the time)


And that's my list.  I've already said no to some pretty big things and it's going to be weird not having them next Spring.  At the same time, when I said no, I felt lighter and less stressed out.  So, I am excited to slow down and leave room for growth and see what ways that God moves.


So, last year in my 30's, let's do this.  Let's live life and slow down and see what God is doing and how he's working.

Christmas Joy Wreath

I have these high hopes of getting everything done for Christmas by next Friday.  I'm not even sure it's possible, but I can dream, right? The reality is I would really like to be able to do some fun things with the kids and NOT have to leave my house except for maybe a trip to the movies or to the store to stock up sparkling water. . . or milk(s) and applesauce because those are basically the three things that my family needs for survival.  Thank goodness for Amazon because they are doing most of the heavy lifting!  Last week, one of my main goals was to get the house decorated and I can proudly check that off my list.  Well, minus the strand of lights on the decorated tree that bit the dust last night.  Oops.  Anyways, the house is decorated and it's so warm and cozy all I everyone wants to do is snuggle next to the tree with a good book.  It's the best! 

When it comes to decorating for Christmas, I want to be festive, but not go broke decorating for a month.  I'm all for simple decor in a nice color scheme and each year I add a few things, like some dollar spot finds that I will share next week.  But, I kind of swooned when I saw Heidi Swapp post this wreath on her instagram.  I was just so simple and I just love me a word written in a cute scripty font.  When I went to check out how much her Christmas words were on her website, the were priced at $36 and well. . . that was out of my budget.  So, I went on a hunt.

JoAnns, Hobby Lobby and Michaels have seen a lot of me wandering their isles, because they all sell craft supplies but they all have different things.  I was hoping for some cut out wood words that sort of screamed Christmas, after all it was for my front door at Christmas time.  I was kind of disappointed when I didn't see anything and thought I would get online and see.  But, that never happened because we had make a quick run to a different Target than I had been at earlier and the first thing I saw was a white, wooden JOY sign.  Not only was it perfect for my wreath, but it was only 3 bucks!  I'm not sure if that's really a Christmas miracle, but it was an unexpected find in the dollar spot (and really, I don't know why I am so surprised, I have found so many amazing finds this year that I will share next week).

Adding the Joy to the basic wreath took about 10 minutes total of my time to make and I am so glad that I did.  I bought some red acrylic paint from the art section and painted it.  It would have probably been fine white, but mine was kind of scuffed and I really wanted red. . . I had a vision.    So, I painted about 3 coats.  When it was dry, I hammered two little nails in the back and winded some wire around both sides and just hung it from the wreath hook.  It's not that noticeable from far away and it works. This way I can just throw the wreath away later and keep the joy for another year and for another wreath.  The wreath is from Trader Joes. . . they have the best real wreaths and garlands (Well, they are just amazing period). 

I know that Christmas time is extra busy with class performances, nutcracker ballets, advent, and shopping, but I hope that you leave this blog today feeling inspired to create something beautiful, save a little money, and maybe feel energized by creating something.  Is there something that you have created this holiday season?  Tag me on instagram at @jolieklassen or on facebook at @outoftherightbrain. . . I would love to see what creative things you are doing!