academy 31

{meet the ladies}
"Service enhanced by training. Knowledge tempered by humility. Strength refined by grace." 

Attention high school age girls! There's an excellent opportunity for you to expand and broaden your practical skills and knowledge approaching!
Academy 31 is a two week girls camp dedicated to teaching high school age girls practical and useful skills as well as encouraging them in the Christian Walk. For those who are looking for inspiration or simply need more education in the practical skills of life, this camp is tailored for you.

Participants will learn more about a wide variety of topics including baking, calligraphy, business, emergency auto care (fabulous to know!), personal safety, photography, cake decorating, fire arm safety, and much more. These Girls have thought of just about every important topic for we girls to learn.

Read here for all of the important details, and be sure you visit the Academy 31 site for more information!

All photos were used by gracious permission from the kind Ladies at Academy 31

review & giveaway!

{Five Strand Boho Braided Headband}

Pardon the cheesy opening but I must ask, do you know what time it is?
That's right, it's time for another giveaway!

I'm very happy to announce today that I am giving away this new item over at
namaste by day 
I know, I'm so excited too,
so stop waiting in anticipation and skip hop over to this blog post to read the review, get to know Gina better, and enter into the giveaway!

As a side note, I wanted to share these fun links I've come across this week,

//Today I'll be gifting the yummy results from this Carmel Cake recipe, 

nothing says 'thank you' like homemade delicacies! 

//Lately I've been in a Brandi Carlile mood, this one has been a favorite--any other Brandi Carlile fans?

//So, so, so excited about this weekend and the sweet house guests we're having! More on this later but just know that there will be much to blog about on Monday! I'm also looking forward to using some of the recipes and ideas from this pinterest board.

//Speaking of pinterest, I've really been enjoying the pins coming from this board--how many other pinterest addicts pinners do we have here?

Fresh Baby

Eva Christine

For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the children of one's youth.

5 Blessed is the man

who fills his quiver with them!

He shall not be put to shame

when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127

As you've read on my other blog, my dear Sweet Pea Niece is here!

Since her arrival, each day has been wonderfully filled with cuddling, changing, washing, and caring for this new little one. Some sweet ladies from Nicole's church have been very attentive and brought scrumptious dinners too!

I'd nearly forgotten how wonderful new babies smell, especially the tiny part underneath their chins; Eva is a particularly sweet baby (as her Aunt, I am privileged to say this), she doesn't fuss until she's hungry and is practically perfect.

The past few days my Mom has taken my place in Austin and I've been here in Houston, enjoying a few days at home. Mia acted as our Little Stowaway and it's been a fun pleasure to have her here by herself! PBJ's and ice cream have been an almost daily occurrence

(my Dad is a wonderful Grandpa. :)

Oh, and I wanted to show you this new apron I got from one of my favorites stores (courtesy of the sale room, that is); yes, ladies and gentlemen, that is a maxi-apron--with pockets!

I've found it comes in high handy when you're washing dishes and a sticky fingered munchkin attempts climbing up your skirt and the pocket feature is very nice too.

In between changing/washing diapers, baking pavlova, and kissing Little Munchkins,

I've been doing a bit of reading and here are some interesting links, enjoy!

Reliable resources that the book for this film is excellent and

I'm hoping to read it before seeing it(I'm a big book fan).

You've seen Sarah on this space before, and here is a new blog feature she's started!

That's all for now!

Happy Summer Giveaway {Reminder}

{Design*Sponge}

Here's your reminder about the first giveaway held on this blog!

Remember, it's apart of the Happy Summer giveaway

from Sarah at forgiven. love much

July 1st and 2nd you'll comment on

this Happy Summer! post to win

two skeins of Italian Merino wool!

Be sure to read for all the fun details; the contest will close at midnight,

July 2nd so you'd better act fact for this one!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. : )

Happy Summer Giveaway!

Well, summer is here all bright eyed and bushy tailed!
We've been at the pool, in the sprinkler, and trying new ways to cool off
(let me know if you try it--we're big fans here!)
Hence, the slight lapse in blogging time, we've been a bit busy around here!
More on that later...

Also, I've added a few new items to the Etsy shop, please have a look around and let me know what you think and what you would like to see more of in the future!
I'm also interested to know what you all think of the newest addition to the summer line, it's a bit different but I've been wanting to expand my creative horizons. ; )

Now for that giveaway. *grin*

I'm very excited to announce

the very first giveaway for Lemons and Blueberries!

Thanks to Sarah from forgiven. love much,
I've been inspired to give away
two skeins of vintage Italian Mohair.
These treasures were found at a recent estate sale and are entirely clean and unused;
I tried to find more information on them but couldn't! If you happen to know the dates or more info, please share--I'm always interested in the story behind what I find.
For those of you new to mohair, it's a wonderful world. : )
Just by following a simple pattern you can make things like
this Cat Cay Cowl, something out of this look book, or these fun Sabrina Mits.

So here's how it'll go down:
From July 1st to July 2nd
the giveaway will be open until midnight, July 2nd.
1. Follow my blog (if you don't already) and
leave one comment below and include,
2. The nutshell story of how you met one of your
kindred spirits/dear friends,
3. and your email address (I'll get the winner's
physical address after the announcement).

Here's a few important p.s.'
*I'll be shipping no later than July 8th
**I will be covering international shipping, so those in Kenya, Kazakhstan, and Cadiz, feel free to join too!
***It's very important that you provide your email, that way I know how to get your physical address!

I'll be announcing the winner on July 3rd, so stay tuned. :)
Let me know if you have any questions.

That's all!

Bits of My Home and "Hello Summer"

{Irises gracing the dining room table}

Ah, summer, the time for pool parties to get in the sun and games of scrabble

and cards to get out of the sun; this year I'd love to have a few movie night

with friends, start a bookclub, and try out this Basil Lime Soda recipe

--anyone want to join me?

Though we don't really have a beach here in Houston I'm looking forward to

getting into the water this summer and have lots of sun time with my nieces

and nephew, because it's just so much fun to go to the pool with stickies.

What are your favorite summer pastimes?

{Lounge Around Baby Sweater}

So, the shop has been refreshed and replenished with new items, just in time!

Today's new listings are just a start so be looking for new ones in the weeks to come.

Here are a few peaks at what's in the Etsy shop, enjoy.

{Butter Yellow Lace Baby Hat}

Have you been by Spancy's Closet yet?

Check out Sarah's project on Goodsie and it's kind of a test to see how things sell;

I'm looking forward to hearing her results and opinion!

I've already bought something and am please with the process, very similar to

buying something on etsy

(I especially love how the shipping cost is worked into the price.)

{I just love the half off section in the floral department}

This week will be moving on in my studies with educational psychology and reading

more about the effects of caffine and sugar (gasp!), as well as buying yarn for my sweater

(which will be unveiled to all of you in September!).

KAL's are so fun. :)

What plans do you have for the week?

Inspiring People {Sarah Mendenhall}

So, for today's post, I'd like to introduce you to an inspiring

young woman and her blog. I came across her and her sister Hannah last

year and am so impressed by their fervor and desire to serve and trust the Lord.

It was difficult to condense all that they do but for now

I wanted to introduce you to...

{Captured by Little Light Creative}

...Sarah Mendenhall!

The elder of the two Mendenhall sisters, Sarah is a lover of Christ,

her family, and all things sweet and vintage.

On her blog, forgiven. love much, there is much inspiration to be found

in her cute, creative, and modest approach to dressing in a feminine way;

each week she posts different outfits for each day as well as some

yummy recipes! I appreciate her evident contentment as she serves

her family at home.

Sarah also keeps a shop on Etsy called,

Spancy Ketosherosh Vintage,

which showcases her fun vintage finds as well as an arrangement of

handmade items. Sarah uses this venue to donate to Compassion International

by using 50% of all profits from her handmade items towards this ministry,

you can learn more here.

Recently, I was able to benefit from winning this adorable headband during a

giveaway that Sarah hosted. Quality is important to me,

especially in handmade items, and I am very happy to say that I'm very

content and impressed with her work

--I'm looking forward to working with her again in the future!

Before we wrap up this post, I'd like to share an interview I had with Sarah-

-enjoy!

Sarah, what was your main drive in creating your shop?

When I started thinking and praying about opening a shop, I simply wanted a way to develop some small business skills and make a little money for myself and the future. Now that I have been open two and a half months I have come to realize how it can be used for so much more! I have met many new people, networked, participated in giveaways and been able to donate some of my proceeds to a worthy cause.

How exciting! That leads to our next question about where you donate 50% of the proceeds from your handmade items, how did you come to desire to donate to Compassion?

My family has sponsored children through Compassion International for over 10 years now. When I was working full time I always donated a portion of each pay check to CI. I want to be able to continue to give even though my income is much lower than when I was working outside the home. :)

I'm always interested in how people choose the name for their business, how did you choose yours?

:) Funny little story. When I was five years old I named one of my dolls Spancy Ketosherosh! When I was throwing around names for my shop my sister Hannah suggested SK and it stuck. :)

What influences you the most in your business?

I believe that modest fashion, style, and home decor doesn't fit in a tiny little legalistic box. God has given so many people the gift of creativity in making clothing and home goods.

What do you hope to do in your shop this year?

I hope to expand my inventory and add some additional handmade items. I would love to continue to upgrade my packaging and streamline my shipping!

You can catch up with Sarah more by her blog or her shop!

What about you?

Do you have an inspiring friend in your life?

Someone you think would be helpful to showcase?

Drop me a line! I'd love to share that connection here.

Just email me and we'll start that conversation. :)

Bells Are Still Ringing

{Source is unknown/forgotten, sorry!}

Just as a heads up, this space is about to get pretty quiet for the next few days!

Make that until Monday, with a wedding on Saturday,

I'll be busy preparing/shopping/sewing/writing lists and

won't be able to write a decent post until then.

Thankfully, each day has it's own tasks and-Lord willing!-things will run smoothly, and I'm very grateful to say that with all of the things to do and places to go, I'm not at all stressed or frazzled.

Praise the Lord for that!

Everything is planned and in my room I have a growing pile of

"Things to take on Saturday", "Things to take Friday", and I am starting to set aside things for my "Go To" bag; that will contain very important things like my favorite Odwalla drink to keep me on my toes, Larabars to help me not be munching on the baklava all day, hairspray for the bride, hair pins for the bride, comfortable second pair of shoes, and--well, you get the idea.

I really can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this time and how excited I am for Saturday's events to take place.

Before you go to your next internet destination, here are some parting thoughts:

(FYI, I went a little link happy, now you know!)

The next book on my "Great Mystery List"

A very encouraging post for this once-weary soul

More fun swimwear

So, I'll bid you all adieu until then,

have a great weekend everyone!

Lists

{as seen on Design*Sponge}

Today I was getting ready for the day,

when I came across yesterday's "to-do" list.

I love my "To-Do" lists.

If you haven't started making them, and you'd like to be more organized

(and remember things!), then I'd highly suggest creating one for yourself.

My Dad suggested ranking my items with A, B, and C

according to the order of importance.

Mine looks something like:

Make biscotti-A (check!)

Blog-B (check!)

Read psych book-A

Get beads for project-A

Cast on N and J's hats-C

Practice piano-A

I just loving crossing things off at the end of the day.

It also helps me evaluate how much time I spend on each item and

what I need to be doing first.

I've kind of gotten to the point where things are out of mind if

they're not on "The List", it's pretty bad, BUT if they are

on "The List" then that shouldn't be a problem.

I also have a separate one for knitting and craft projects, so

that I don't get caught forgetting someone's birthday present!

How do you organize your days?

{Pleasant Beginnings}

{Sorry, source is unknown!}

I hope your Friday/weekend is off to a fabulous start.

This morning we made our way to an estate sale bright and early; I was expecting a bit more treasures but I'm now the happy owner of a German wooden box (like the Dutch tin, I'm not quite sure what I'll use it for--yet) and ten wee juice glasses. You can't complain really.

Yesterday I finished all three of my top secret projects and one item for the shop! Today and tomorrow will be for tying up the loose ends, taking pictures, and posting.

I can't wait to share them with you :)

Today I was browsing inspiration blogs and I rediscovered the Purl Bee--which I just love!

So, attention all knitters, crocheters, seamstresses, and crafters! This is a great resource, which has two fabulous stores in New York (just so you know).

Here is a great idea for an empty wall (or party decoration) and another lovely fabric pattern.

Next time we visit our dear friends, I hope to make it over to Brooklyn and visit the perfectly color coordinated yarn racks (ah, yes).

Also, check Rachel's new blog, Lavender and Honey, there are already quite a few cute posts and ideas; plus we're featured on her St. Patrick's Day post!

One last note, keep your eyes out for new spring items in the store!

We'll also be featuring a special new line of products--but more on that later :)

Have a pleasant weekend.

"I Died Last Month"

{Design*Sponge}

I know, you're super curious about the title for this post but you're just going to have
to wait for a bit while I get a few details out of the way.

Well, this past week has been full of traveling, Spanish, and paella (yummy dinner!).
I'm pleased to say that I have quite a few orders from our out of town excursions and and new yarn balls waiting in the wings. It's exciting to have so many projects on hand as it pushes me to greater heights of time management!

Do you have any special way of organizing projects? I'd love to hear how you manage your creativity, so send me an email/comment with your methods and they could be shown in a future post!

Now to the post title.

A sweet sister, Emily Rose from Simply Vintage Girl, posted her latest article entitled,

I Died Last Month

Which greatly challenged and encouraged me. I think it is important to read carefully, pray about, and ponder what she has to say, I hope you'll be challenged as well.

Here is one of my favorite bits from her post,

But that, in itself, is one of the beauties of Christ’s love.

He takes the weak and makes them strong. He takes the proud and makes them humble.

He takes the clay, He molds the clay.

Looking Over

{Design*Sponge}

As we are looking over the brink of a new year,

this is a great time to reflect and introduce new things.

I have a few thoughts brewing on resolutions, goals, and Edwards, and once those thoughts are organized you can find them at The Pickwick Portfolio!

In the mean time, I'd like to introduce and re-introduce some wonderful and inspiring resources!

This is by no means an exhaustive list but they are the highlights of

creative, online finds for this year. Perhaps you've seen them already and perhaps these are brand-new, regardless, I hope they help to creatively jump-start you into the new year.

Caro, Mica and I in downtown Alexandria, VA

A Wholesome New World

In the past few years, our family has really branched out in the area of nutrition and my sister Mica has been quite the leader/researcher in this area. Not only has she come up with some yummy recipes and new traditions but she's also learned a lot about the history and the "why's" of what we do in the kitchen. Her "foodie" posts mostly cover gluten and dairy-free recipes and she also includes some interesting facts and tid-bits.

This is a great place for all of your health and nutrition interests!

L-R: Ana, Alyssa, and Amy

Days to Remember

Pressing Toward the Goal

Everything Good

The three blogs above are authored by some very sweet, new friends that I met in November at our annual church conference. Living in the wintry north and being delightful "stay-at-home daughters", they offer a wonderful perspective on making home a sweet place to be.

This is a great way to receive sound encouragement--they also have a shop (Rosebud & Wilbur)!

Kyleigh Fox :)

A Drum of a Different Beat

Kyleigh Fox is the sister of Cait Cady (whom you've seen here before) and I have had the dear pleasure of getting to know her a bit through email and meeting her-at last!- in person recently. She quilts beautifully and has a unique creative touch; more significantly, Kyleigh has a wonderful perspective on living Biblically and doing everything she can to please the Lord.

I am challenged by what she has to say and am blessed by her posts.

Inspiring photo from the blog

Soule Mama

If you haven't check this one out yet, please do! Amanda has a wealth of creative knowledge and is just so inspiring; she also does things as naturally as possible and I'm always inspired after reading her posts. Right now I am using some of her projects as an inspiration for an upcoming shop item/new project--stay tuned!

I Still Love You

You might have seen the button for this on my sidebar.

I love Melissa's creativity, DIY's, and tutorials! It's a great place to get calligraphy ideas, color and placing, as well as some great ways to refashion your favorite clothing items.

She also has great photos and an easy to navigate site.

Flying Fingers

If you are in the Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown area, I would highly suggest making a visit to the Flying Fingers yarn shop! It's an adorable shop set-up, snug in the main street of Tarrytown. They have a wonderful, colorful selection of wool, angora, and blended yarns!

And if you have a moment to spare, take the 30-second walk up the street to Coffee Labs! It's a warm coffee shop with their own roaster, right in the cafe!

Don't forget to ask about their burlap sacks (and get one for me too!).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Well that's all for now, what are your favorite places?

Do you have a blog/shop that you just love?

Let me know and after a preview I'll feature it here!

New Beginnings

Well, it's here, the moment you and I have been waiting for!

My brand new etsy shop is now online and open for business.

{Please note the new shop link on the sidebar!}

I've added a few things already and have plans to upload more items as time goes by.

To be quite honest, I'm a wee bit nervous about selling online but I'm planning on taking everything in stride and being willing to correct my mistakes!

I'd like to note a few people who have encouraged and greatly helped me in this venture.

This is by no means a complete list, but I would like to take this time

to thank some particular people:

1. My parents, for encouraging me to have a plan and vision for this cottage industry, and to take the time to make it happen.

2. Kelly and Andrea, for providing invaluable knowledge and insight in entrepreneuralism.

A very heartfelt "thank you" is in order for the sweet encouragment and example you have been, whether you know it or not. I have been so blessed by your influence and wise words.

3. Mrs. Emily Frye, for being an encouragment in all things crafty and "knitty"; by your words and deeds I have learned many things not only about crafts but also about life. You are a true example of a Titus 2 woman.

4. My wonderful sisters, thank you for the all of the times you encouraged me, tried on my creations, gave me your honest opinions, modeled for photographs, and shared late night conversations. I love and treasure you.

5. The Wonderful Hood Family, your words of wisdom are truly priceless!

Thank you for donating your children to model my items and giving me much insight. I have really come to love and treasure your family, and am very grateful for you.

6. Emily Rose, you are such a sweet sister and a great inspiration to me.

I learn so much from your gentle spirit and willingness to work with your hands

and find your joy and delight in the Lord. You also take beautiful photographs!

7. Jasmine, your input, interest, and encouragement is so very important to me.

I love you dearly and am grateful for you.

Let me say again how grateful I am for each person above and the ones I have not named.

It truly is a blessing, may God be praised!

Alice Faith

Mary Cassatt

Perhaps you remember reading here about a sweet friend, Mrs. Emily Frye, wife-mother-and knitter extraordinaire!

I am so excited to share with you her new blog. I've thought to myself for quite a while that she would make a wonderful blogger; with her extensive knowledge of crafts, motherhood, and striving to be a godly wife, coupled with her sense of humor, blogging would be a literal breeze.
Well, this is part of the reason why I am so excited that she has started a blog; I'm even more excited because this blog will archive their journey of adopting.

This has been a sweet and blessed development and I have been encouraged and convicted by listening to what the Lord has shown and is showing to the Frye family. Their joy and faithfulness through this journey has been sweet to witness.

So, I highly encourage you to head over to Walking in Faith; there are two posts thus far so it really shouldn't take you long to catch up on what has been happening in the life of the Frye family.

Enjoy.







p.s. Yes, Alice Faith is the name the Frye's have chosen for their new little blessing.

Praise God for His sweet and great faithfulness!

Merci Mrs. Emily Frye

The above yarn, needles, and a great pattern for a lacy sweater was a special, loving gift from my dear friend,

Mrs. Emily Frye.

The Fryes have been sweet friends to our family, and I've really enjoyed talking with Mrs. Frye about a plethora of things.

She has been an example to me of a Titus 2 woman, who is working to always redeem her time!

So, the day after I came home from the hospital, Mrs. Frye came over and well-supplied me with all the neccesary items for keeping my hands busy in the coming days.

I was so happy and blessed to know that she had taken the time and resources to bring me a delightful bag of knitting! And I'm happy to say that I've started on it and am encouraged by the eight inches of stockinette st. that the pattern calls for. So, I have a bit before starting on the lace part but I'm really looking forward to it!

How does this affect the Shalom cardigan you ask? Well, I figured if Amanda Soule can be working on so many sweaters at one time, then my two projects cannot be amiss :)

Great New Knitting Blog!

A dear friend, who also knits extremely well, has introduced me to my new favorite knitting blog called, Soule Mama. I would definitely encourage you to go have a quick look at what this stay-at-home mama of four creates with her needles. She is also a wonderful photographer and takes beautiful pictures of her recent creations as well has her surroundings.

This is also a great resource not only for the Knitter but also for the crafty person; Amanda does lots of other things around her house and gives fun tips and ideas.

Picture Credit~I loved this chair and thought that it would be a great one to cozy up in and knit!

Project Inspirations: Birds and Sparkles

Inspirations are something that are essential to a young woman, particularly when that young woman is striving to bring glory to God through hidden arts.

I have loved looking through different magazines and art blogs for project ideas and I thought of starting a series on Project Inspirations.

So, each week I will be posting something that has encouraged or inspired me that week; it may be a portion of scripture, magazine article, or a post on an art blog.

And please comment if you have something to contribute too!

This week I'd like to share a link to my friend Cait's blog,

In Company With Sparkles.Cait is a sweet, creative young woman whom I have enjoyed to spend time with; although I live in the States and her in the U.A.E., we have been able to connect through a mutual friend and I have been blessed to call her my friend and frequent, creative inspiration.

Today she posted a great project idea for pillows!

So hop on over to her blog and be encouraged and inspired! It's so fun to see the different things she creates and how she uses them to bless others.