And a Happy New Year!

Winter Holiday Wall Decor -

Want a somewhat simple, inexpensive way to spice up your walls for the holidays? 

It's really quite fun...

Step 1: Target one spot that needs the most help. I look for areas where a piece of art is already hanging and could easily be removed, so that I do not have to put more holes in my wall. 

Step 2: Grab a canvas (or two..or three...) and paint! Instead of Christmas, you may want your theme to be something wintery, so that you can display it longer. 

Step 3: Do a little bit of this....

and a little bit of that....

Step 4: Hang your fun creation and enjoy! 

Holiday Treats -

Elf Mix

This is a new favorite of mine.

Why wouldn't it be with such a cute name?

WARNING: It is quite addictive and way too easy to much on.

But, it is so easy to make; I just had to share it with you.

You are welcome.

What you'll need:

3 cups of Rice Chex

3 cups of Corn Chex

3 cups of Cheerios

2 cups of peanuts

2 cups of pretzels

1 (12 oz) bag of white chocolate chips

1 bag of peanut M&M's

1 bag of plain M&M's

First, combine the cereals, peanuts, pretzels, and M&M's in a large bowl (I have to use two large bowls to really be able to stir the mixture without making a mess.)

Next, melt your chocolate chips the way the package reccommends (Warning: If you overheat, it begins to harden. I usually do 30 second intervals with stirring inbetween).

Finally, pour the melted chocolate over dry mixture and stir until evenly dispersed. You'll probably want to let it harden for about 15 minutes.

Enjoy little elves!

xo, Caroline

Deck the Halls

Deck the halls?

What?

Other than the Christmas song, I've only heard the word "deck" used as a verb when you physically wipe someone out.

 I've never decked anyone, but I plan on doing it before I die.

Apparantly, to "deck" is also to decorate.
A BIG thanks to context clues for helping me figure this one out.

A somewhat smaller thanks to Webster for confirming my suspicions.

But really, have you ever heard anyone use that word in that context any other time of year?

Well people, I did some decking.

Come on in...take a peek....

Happy Decking everyone!

xo, Caroline

A Charlie Brown Christmas -

For some reason, I am a sucker for the tiniest of Christmas trees. When I spot the runt of the group while strolling through the Christmas tree lot, it's game over. Even if I try to ignore the poor thing, I feel like it's begging me to pick it, take it home, and clothe it in bling. 

This year was no different. 

The Hubby and I had walked through the entire lot, during which I had spotted the runt of the group. I kept walking, though (small victory). We decided on a decent size tree and were waiting for the guys to come bind it for us (bigger victory).

And then it happens...

I slowly look back over my shoulder at the runt. 

My heart strings start tugging (and in my head, violins start playing).

Oh goodness, I can feel its pull on me.

I try to resist....oh gosh it's so hard....

It's so cute and lonely....

Suddenly, it has a face....a sad face...

No one is going to want it .....

It will be the last tree on the lot if I don't take it...

Then, the Hubby puts me and the tree out of our misery.

Ok, ok. I may have exaggerated a bit, but it really was the smallest on the lot. 

I'm just thankful that there is a runt to love in every group. Jesus Christ loved the "runts."

xo, Caroline

Real Bling

I am a typical girl.

I love jewelry and the pizzazz that it adds to the simplest outfit. 

It may be silly, but sometimes I am drawn to certain people

because of their jewelry, as if it's revealing their personality

and that they may be a kindred spirit.  

What I love even more than a beautiful piece, is one that has

meaning, significance, maybe even a story behind it. 

For me, this special piece of jewelry is from the Hubby.

Surprised?

For our first anniversary, he gave me this dainty necklace.

I couldn't love this simple treasure more,

because he picked it out for me. 

I plan on rockin' this bling when I'm a granny.

Another favorite is my scripture necklace.

Talk about a conversaton starter.

People usually ask what it stands for, thinking it's my

first initial paired with some numbers of significance.

So, I tell them the story behind it,

the story of God's rich mercy towards me.

 I explain Ephesians 2:4-5.

If given the chance, I explain the verses before 4&5 too;

it makes them that much more beautiful.

On the days when no one asks, it is a constant reminder to me

about my Savior's great mercy and love towards me.

He rescued me out of the depths of my own depravity.

Now, that's real bling.

Interested in customizing you own?

xo, Caroline

Attalus Kickstarter -

Five guys converge, creating a clash of melody and rhythm.

Passionate lyrics provide the basis for this harmonically driven quintet from Raleigh, NC.

The music is original. The message isn't.

Attalus. - my Bro in Law's band.

Their music is awesome,

but what they are doing through their music is the clencher.

They need your support to professionally record their first album,

 which will enable them to reach more of the lost with the gospel of Christ.

Click here if you are interested in learning more about their mission and helping them in it.

Books Galore!

I have a problem.

My book list keeps expanding...

while my time to read keeps growing smaller and smaller.

And to make matters worse,

look at what I just got in the mail...

It may take a while, but I'll be sure to let you

all know my thoughts after reading each of these.

I also ordered a few essentials to assist me in

my study of scripture and prayer life.

This commentary has already proved to be

extremely helpful in my personal study of Genesis.

Why Genesis?....great question.

I have been unfair in my treatment of the Old Testament.

When it is time to pick a new book of the Bible to personally study,

a book of the OT rarely stands a chance.

I realize that my approach to the scripture is somewhat skewed,

and this has caused me to cling to the NT and shy away from the OT.

Here it is...my confession of selfishness....

I tend to approach scripture with the "me" attitude...

"How can I apply this to MY life?"

"What does this mean for ME?"

"me...me...me"

It's hard to answer these questions when reading an OT book.

Instead, I find myself asking "what does this teach me about my God?"

Hm...maybe I should have been asking this question all along?

Please don't get me wrong, we ARE supposed to take scripture and apply it to our lives.

But, if we are approaching scripture with the purpose of learning about our Creator and Savior, won't the application follow suit?

Do you ever find yourself going to God in prayer but at a loss for words?

I love the promise found in Romans 8:26...

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit

himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."

I also love this book, Valley of Vision, because it is a compilation

of Puritan prayers that are excellent models of prayer.

Let's face it; sometimes we just need a little help!

Lastly, a small devotional book on joy.

I love having this as an extra encouragement when I start my day.

And, each devotional takes only 2-3 minutes to read!

My fellow bookworms - What are you guys reading right now?

Any titles I need to add to my list? :)

xo, Caroline

Feathers - A New Trend

Love. Love. Love.

This new hair trend makes me "oh, so happy."

While in Cali, I noticed an array of hair feathers and it slowly grew on me.

How ironic that I get a call today from my cousin, Bella, who was on her way to the salon to get her feathers!

This has been the norm in Brazil for quite some time, and I have always wanted to be able to do it here without turning too many heads. 

Well wait, I live in the South...the land of boat shoes, Polo, and Vera Bradley.

Hm...I'm probably still going to get a few weird looks.

The cool thing about these all natural feathers is that they can be brushed, curled, and flat ironed. You do need a few tools if you are going to put them in yourself. Go to http://www.hairfeather.com/ to get an idea of feather and tool kit pricing.

But please people, do not go in your backyard and pick up a random bird feather to use in your hair. This would not be cool or sanitary. :)

xo - Caroline

Sunny California

What a lovely time we had in California. 

Blue skies, perfect temperature, beautiful views, and delicious food each day...a few of my favorite things. 

Hopefully, my pictures will somewhat summarize our adventures, 

but I will give a few suggestions for those of you who may be 

venturing out that way in the near future. 

If you love vintage clothing, you can find something from almost 

each era at the Vintage Shop on Sunset Blvd. 

My fave thing about this store, the plethora of hats and wigs of all styles, lengths, texture, and color. 

If you have 3-4 hours, take the time to relax on a whale watching cruise on Rainbow Harbour. 

Although the food was mediocre, Bubba Gumps provides a fun atmosphere. 

For the biggest portions you will ever see (and they are quite tasty!), 

check out a West Coast favorite, Claim Jumper. 

 Check out The Pike at Rainbow Harbour if you enjoy cute shops 

and unique dining with a beautiful water view. 

And let's be honest...who doesn't?

 If you even walk within 100 feet of The Great Rocky Mountain Chocolate Shop at Rainbow 

Harbour, you will be drawn in by the smell. 

They had the most unique selection of chocolate covered items. 

Bacon...honeybuns...need I say more?

 And don't forget to just take it easy and enjoy the uniqueness of it all!

Resolved 2011

What a blessing to be able to attend this conference with the rising freshmen at our church. I always approach these experiences with an expectant heart, and God always exceeds my highest expectations. I could not have left more refreshed by truth, encouraged by the speakers, and excited about getting to know the freshmen even more.

I thought I would include a few of the truths spoken that I pray I will never forget. 

Rick Holland - 

"Appreciation of the truth does not translate to application of the truth." 

"Boundless love covers boundless sin."

"Satan is not the captain of hell, he is the chief captive of it."

"Placing expectations  on this world that can only be met in Heaven is why we complain."

John MacAuthur - 

"True joy is tied to obedience, and obedience gives you a clear conscience."

"Living in a nation full of immorality, it is important to remember that God is still in control."

Al Mohler - 

"As we think is as we do."

"Your worldview is not revealed through your answers to certain questions, but by how you live." 

"Christ's people rarely look as holy as Christ's people ought to be."

CJ Mahaney - 

"We shouldn't be surprised by the temptation to doubt, because we live in a fallen world with active sin in our lives acting out against our faith."

"When you cannot trace His hand, you must trust His heart."

"When our grip weakens, our Father's stays the same."

"I want to keep the cross so close that it feels like it happened yesterday."

"We must remain amazed at our conversion story. There are too many Christians who think that they were chosen by God without much enthusiasm." 

"We bring God joy when we believe with certainty that He loves us completely." 

"Do not look to yourself to find certainty of the Father's love for your, because all you will find is sin."

"A first look at the cross shows me that I am unworthy, and a second look at it reveals that I am loved."

Steve Lawson - 

"None for whom He died will ever perish; He did not die in vain. He got exactly what He purchased with His death."

"If you please God, it does not matter who you displease. If you displease Him, it does not matter who you please."

Summer Must-Haves

There are four items that I must have this summer. 

If you ask me, these items are essential to an easy, breezy summer 

full of cook outs and day trips to the beach.

Sailor Inspired Striped Tee (Thank you, Coco Chanel!)

JCrew

JCrew

Eye Catching Time Tellers - (because of my love for these, I can not post just two)

Anne Klein

 

Dolce & Gabanna 

Fossil

Michael Kors

Versatile Wedges - 

Michael Kors

Michael Kors

Weightless Canvas Bag -

J. Jill

Juicy 

Four simple ingredients to a great summer. :)

xoxo,

Caroline

Fashion Trend 2011 - Florals

If you haven't noticed already, go ahead and brace yourself for one of 2011's new trends - florals.

While I am a bit overwhelmed and overstimulated when I walk into a store that has already caught on to this trend, I do enjoy a pretty floral pattern.

If only these products were scratch and sniff, my life would be complete.

And, how dare I logically assume that Nike would not be taking part in this trend...

because they are.

Oh, and if I had an hour to spare, I would totally be giving myself this manicure.

Happy floral shopping!

xoxo,

Caroline