Friday, July 30, 2010

July Winner!

Thank you so much for every one's interest in my first give-a-way but as all give-a-ways go, there is only one winner. Roxanne, is the lucky lady that won this month. I am so excited to present this piece to her as she is new to the site and a recent follower to the blog.

Stay tuned for a new give-a-way in August.
Making it from my home to yours, hope.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Knotical Room


Some one very wise once told me that the rule to being blessed is by blessing others. About a month ago I was given a pile of miscellaneous fabrics and I have been looking for special ways to give back a little of what was given to me.

This week as I helped my sister-in-law prepare a guest bedroom for her summer visitors. I made this custom art piece for her Nautical inspired room. I used some the fabric I was given on a set of frames, stapled it to a ply wood board and then formed the knots before gluing them on.

Of course I just couldn't help myself but make the matching decorate pillow you see on the bed (by now you should know my obsession with them). Pulled together with a golden button, it was a simple but yet a favorite piece of mine.




Whimsical details of boats, sailors, and shells added interest to the room but went along well with the functional ones too. Things like towels, slippers, robes, and body products will make the guests feel welcomed and comfortable.

Things that we had to keep in mind was that NOT ALL ocean things will work together. Less is more and simple is best. Picking out just a few favorite things usually helps in any decorating adventure.

In the end, my sister loved the room and thanked me more then I could probably handle. What she doesn't know is that I have been waiting for an opportunity. My blessing to her will in turn be her blessing for the guests staying in that room. So instead I think she gave me a privilege.

Note: The total it took to make this room from nothing to something took approximately $100 dollars.

Linked together, Hope.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Wedding Bells


I watched the groom wait for his bride. The bride was nothing less than perfect. And as I listened to their written vows, I couldn't help but remember my own. Smiling, at the memory I enjoyed every minute of the wedding. It was private, personal and planned. Everything was orderly and well thought through.

The dance was precious. You could tell the groom was shy about his routine, nervous perhaps but fulfilled the steps none the less with a smile on the whole time. She gracefully moved her body, letting the dress sway along to the rhythm of the music. Beautifully, they danced their way around the floor. And along with everyone else, I was caught in the moment.


The ending brought me very close to tears. It struck my heart so close because at one time he had a place in my life and now, somewhere in between, we parted. It seems to be the case with most family, outside my own life seldom do I find the time for anything else. It wasn't like I regretted anything or expected but watching him dedicate his life to a girl made me think, just a bit.


Perhaps, I could show some interest. Find some time for the people that I so rarely see and swing by once in a while. I would have liked to know a little about her, before the wedding. Hear the story of how they met, when they fell in love, and the ways they fill each other out. Instead, I am a relative that watches from the side lines, only wishing happiness.

Inspired by that day, by everything that is right and white I made a little something. I created this flower for this special season of unity, purity, and beauty. It is almost a dedication for the seemingly effortless love that people have, yet work so hard on.

Forever and ever, hope.

If you enjoyed this, you might like this....
http://outtoimpress-hope.blogspot.com/2010/05/mothers-day.html

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Boys will be boys


The children were fast asleep upstairs and we sat on our couch watching the television screen, when a car commercial came on. Within that moment, both of us recalled the accident almost two years ago. Still driving a borrowed vehicle, we knew that we were pushing the limit on it.

The commercial made us laugh, a bittersweet song. He told me about all the places he wants to take us and I believed him. I knew his passion for the road. The kind that takes us to see the first snow fall an hour and a half out, just to stand outside and feel it. Soft and fragile in our hands.

To escape was to drive away for him. Away from the instability of a small business and into the roads of direction. It was hard, hard in a sense that it took away more then our money but his joy. Now, to survive meant to endure and that was the bottom for him.


I listened to him as he recalled all the details of the car he wanted and all the things that would come with it. And, as I sat there listening I found myself doubting his perfect dream. I thought he was being ridiculous. Ridiculous or not, I did acknowledge that men were created a certain way. They were absolutely fascinated with motors, action and speed. Who was I to say what we needed? I know nothing about cars.

Immediately I recalled one of my favorite phrases that I heard early on in our marriage.

Trusting God means trusting your husband. To know that he is the leader of your family and that God is the leader of him. To respect him as you respect the Lord. To follow him and stand by him in all of his decisions and all of his dreams.

So I leaned in and wished along with him.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

July Giveaway!

Right about now summer vacation is in full swing for most parents. To celebrate this season I re-created one of my favorite accessories for girls. My purpose for making this head-band scarf was to keep Jenny's hair out of her face, during all her little activities. The elastic in the back makes it easy to slide on and off, while the detachable flower adds some feminine flair.




Please celebrate with me by posting a comment and in turn I will add your name to a raffle that will be drawn at the end of the month. Thank you.

Details: The head-band is hand made. Wash in regular cycle but lay flat to dry. Iron as needed. The flower is hand stitched but does have glue added so it is not washable but it is detachable. Fits most children from 3-7 years of age.

Share the love, hope.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Summer Berries


I had an early morning yesterday. By nine o'clock I was at a local produce store watching them unload a fresh assortment of berries. My mouth watered, just at the sight of them and knew that today was the day to bake.


Pavlova
Saveur magazine

4 egg whites, at room temperature
A pinch of salt
1 cup + 2 tbsp superfine sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp white vinegar
Few drops vanilla Extract
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
A whole bunch of fresh berries

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then trace a 10 inch circle on the paper; set aside. Put the egg whites and salt into the clean bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a whisk and beat on medium-low speed until frothy, about 2 mins. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until whites form stiff but not dry peaks, 2-3 mins. Gradually add sugar while beating, then increase speed to high and beat until stiff and glossy, 3-5 mins. Sprinkle cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla over whites, then gently fold in.

2. Fill traced circle with meringue, smoothing top and sides. Put meringue in middle of oven and reduce heat to 300 F. Bake for 1 hour. Turn off oven and leave meringue inside until completely cool, about 4 hours.

3. Remove paper and place meringue on a cake plate. Whip cream and a little sugar to soft peaks, then pile on top of meringue. Arrange cut fruit over whipped cream. Slice pavlova into wedges to serve.

Sweet, hope.