Chalk painting is one of my favorite things to do because it is so easy and you can create simple, beautiful pieces in your home.  And the best part, there’s no prepping.  That means, no sanding and no priming – just wipe your surface clean and you can begin. Below are a few projects you can do with your kids and create a little “festive” flair in your home.  This is what I like to call, Chalk Painted Christmas Tags.  And, all you need are a little inspiration and the two items listed below:

 Wooden Tags from Michael’s

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Graphite

These two guys together can create endless possibilities in your home.  And since pictures are worth 1,000 words, I’m going to give you a lot to work with today. 😉

Moscow Muletide Holiday Drink Tags

 

Detox H2O Beverage Tag for the Day After

Baby Shower Drink Tag for Mama To Be

Holiday Dinner Tags for Sweet Layla

Bath Soap “Clean” Holiday Tag

These tags are so simple and create something a little special in your home.  So many gifts this Holiday Season seem to be monogrammed or personalized today.  This is just another creative way I discovered to achieve this look.  One picture I have yet to include is a tag on a wrapped gift.  This is how this idea began and since then, I’ve simply maximized it’s use in my home.  Whoever said they didn’t like a gift with their name on it? No one! Do this today and it’s sure to create a little noise at your next party. 😉

Happy Sunday all! I hope you’re enjoying a little downtime on this special day at HOME. ❤

There is literally one month out of the year that I get excited to check the mail.  The other eleven months I can guarantee my mailbox will be filled with neighborhood flyers, bills and love letters from Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn and DSW telling me how much they’ve missed me over the past six billing cycles.  It’s at that moment it’s revealed to me how they have this target marketing thing down to a science.  And, how thankful I am that I have found greater joy these days in the intangible.

So, with this being the one month that your friends and family are wishing you peace, tidings and joy we must find a way to showcase these salutations.  Up until this last year, I was guilty as charged with hanging my Christmas cards on a door with magic tape.  And before that, I stalked out all of my “free” marketing magnets from Dr’s offices and hung our very favorites on the fridge for all to see.  The other idea I witness every year, is hanging them on your family Christmas tree. Don’t get me wrong, these are all great ideas. Because, at the end of the day these cards have pictures of those that you love wishing you all the best in the New Year to come.  And that my friends, is what it’s all about. But what if we could achieve that while making a statement and creating a floating, masterfully created piece of art.  My solution, a Christmas Card Tree.   Let me share mine with you. 

 

It starts with two things…  A wintery tree for you & me.

 

 

Drapery rings to hang the bling…

 

 

 

And together, they’ll find beauty for all to see…. 

 

 

Use your creativity and hang each card at different levels, heights and variations.  You can use as many or as little rings as you’d like.  I believe I have close to forty on this tree. I hope you find this little piece of Christmas inspiring enough to create in your own home.  Merry Christmas friends!  And remember, if you’ve ever near, you’re always welcome HOME. God Bless ❤

 

I can’t believe it’s already December! I swore when I began this creative journey I would not give up… I wouldn’t go for more than two weeks without posting.  That was my goal. My goal now is to only put out work that people, friends like you, would want to read.  And that’s creating quality pieces that deliver inspiration to the world around us.  I call it selective writing another friend calls it obedience.  Either way, I’ll take it. 😉

 In this month of December, I’m excited to share that I will be embarking on a new journey.  I am going to share 12 of my favorite “festive” holiday design ideas with you.  These are the things that I’ve created in our home to help rekindle the Christmas spirit within us.  It is my hope that you may use one; or if I hit a home run, two ideas, in your own home.  So here it goes….  I’m signing myself up willingly for intentional accountability.  This month I will be embarking on a project called, The 10 Designs of Christmas: A Holiday Series.  I hope you will join me for more!

Now, because we’re officially accountability partners, I should share a little something with you. Confession: It was my full intention to start this project yesterday. But, let’s be completely honest… Well, let me ask you: Do you know what yesterday was? It was that magical shop-holiday that one marketing genius across America created just for those that fall prey to a fantastic deal. Yes, Cyber Monday! And sadly, their prey… Muah.  Every time I planted myself in front of the computer, mysteriously and uncontrollably my fingers began to type “Cyber Monday Deals USA Today” in my google search engine.  You can check my cookies. I’m not even kidding.  Please pray for me… I clearly have problems.

Okay, so now that the slate is clean, let’s kick this design series off right. Do you remember that old door that I found downtown at a salvage yard? This summer I posted a picture of it and it looked a little like this…

 

 

And now, it looks a little like this…

 

 

What I love most about it is that there’s a story behind this door.  We’ll never know the story but we sure can dream of how it was once used.  That’s the beautiful thing about marrying the old with the new.  It creates an architectural interest that cannot be replicated.  And not to worry, for all of those moms that think this isn’t kid friendly, my husband, God love him, attached a coiled wire that is attached to a bolt that is drilled into a stud.  This door isn’t going anywhere!

A few final points worth sharing:  I love the look of whimsical berries next to something that’s so structurally strong.  This creates visual interest and suggests that opposites DO attract.  Which would be evidence as to how I ended up with a man who could wear the same FD shirt every day of his life.  Another point worth noting, the weight along with the layer upon layer of the berries makes this space look rich and heavy; which, balances out the strong solid structure of the door that sits next to it.  Together, they’re a perfect pair.  But alone, it’s just another boring vase with berries on a random stand and a big ol’ wooden door.  And finally, the sign next to the door states the heart of our home, ‘Do Something Small with Great Love.’  Because that’s what we’re called to do.  Remember, of all things LOVE is the greatest and most powerful thing in the world.  So love someone today that’s hard to love.  And, do something small for the least of these.  Because at the end of the day, our children will become what they see.  And you my friend, are the most powerful demonstration of Love that God could ever bring into their little world.

Welcome Home. ❤

 

I read an article this morning at the gym and it’s been on mind ever since. It was titled, ‘Mommy, Are We Rich?’  The next tag line goes onto add, “When your kids ask frank questions about your finances, try to view it as a teaching opportunity rather than a breach of privacy.”  This caught my attention for a couple of reasons.  Number one, why are we putting such an emphasis on status and wealth?  Number two, is this really what we’re teaching our kids to aspire to be, ‘rich?’  And last but not least, regardless of mommy’s answer, “Kid, you’re broke!”  There is no “We.”  Because you my darling, you will have to stumble, sacrifice, sweat and save to get where your father and I are today.  Sweet Kennedy, I love you; but you will need to learn the value of strong work ethic.  My job is not that of your own personal ATM; but one that will provide a paved path to the journey of your dreams.  Period.

As far as the article’s concerned, it was excellent.  One objective worth mentioning, is that a child’s curiosity may be a catalyst for teaching the simple lessons of money. Money, in my book, is the opportunity to offer a lesson in stewardship.  And this curiosity just may be the sign we need as a parent to begin this conversation. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a first time parent and I’m sure I will make plenty of mistakes.  But I don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to pour into my child especially when she’s seeking my knowledge.  And I believe 90% of this journey is the awareness and intentionality of the process.

With that being said, what would I say? What does being ‘rich’ really mean? A dollar figure certainly does not guarantee happiness.  On the other hand, gratitude does.  When we offer gratitude, we are offering our gratefulness for what we are given no matter what that is.  Even in our deepest valleys, we need to thank God for that journey.  It is my deepest belief that God takes us through these valleys because He wants us to lean into Him.   Because without struggle, would we ever realize how much we need our faith. 

The second thing I would tell my child is that being ‘rich’ is having your health.  We take this for granted, everyday.  It isn’t until you lose it, you realize just how vital this is to our existence.  Take a moment and think, your doctor walks into the room and tells you you’ve been diagnosed with cancer.  And just then you wonder, will I have another year with my kids?  Will I see my daughter walk down the aisle?  Or what about a child that’s been diagnosed with a life threatening disease like diabetes.  You’re now answering to the stress of managing this disease and the costs that are incurred.  And everyone says they’re so sorry…. But what you’re really sorry about is that you had it all, and you didn’t even know it.  You’re rich at this very moment in time and you’re running so fast you’re not even aware… God has blessed you with two hands, two strong legs one powerful mind.  So, in light of this blessing and our lesson in stewardship we must use them.  And with this realization, He’s really drawing us near…  Because He loves us.  Which brings me to my final point.

This comes from 1 Corinthians 13:13, “Three things will last forever– And the greatest of these is love.”  If you can offer love in all circumstances, I believe you truly are rich.  Because it takes self-control and obedience to love those that have wronged you.  And if you choose to love, you are saying no to jealousy and yes to forgiveness.  You feel at peace within your soul and that’s the sweet spot God intended us all to live.  Everyday, we have a choice.  And each and every one of us will have to answer to that calling.  Will you choose to love?  It’s a beautiful thing really.  Because out of this unconditional love comes pure selflessness with no expectations in return.   And, when we offer unconditional love to others without the expectation of anything in return, the beauty of that reflection is so much greater to the world that surrounds you. 

So, what would I say to my children as it relates to the riches of the world.  I would say this… Sweet Kennedy, I love you.  You may only be 13 pounds; but you are rich, my dear.  Because when those eyes roll back into your head when you’ve had too much to drink, I know you’re grateful.  And when I see you developing and growing bigger everyday, I thank the Lord that you’re healthy.  Now that you’re almost five months, I finally see the way you light up when I enter the room; and for that, I know you feel love.  So please, don’t chase a dollar figure because this will never lead to happiness.  Instead, know that you are rich by fulfilling your purpose, everyday. 

This may be the time that we are called to intentionally repurpose our children’s hearts and renew the dreams of a rich future.  What are they chasing?  Have you asked them?  This is our time to pour into their tiny hearts and serve their souls reminding them that gratitude, health and love are the only riches they need to leave a legacy in this world they’ll so briefly call HOME.

Peace, Love & Repurposefully,

Melissa 🙂

 

I wanted to write about something that was on my heart tonight, so I am. Since returning back to work full-time after having my daughter four months ago my heart has been changed, forever. (This is not what you think this is… So just keep reading, I promise.)  In the past 120 days, my best friend lost her mother due to a brain aneurism, another very good friend’s father has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, another friend has been diagnosed with breast cancer and a colleague at work was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma this past week. What is happening? I’m not sure why God allows certain things to happen in this world; but I am sure of one thing. He hates it. He hates sin, suffering and brokenness and these friends and their families have been touched by all three of these. It breaks my heart to know that this is a part of their story and all I can do is offer my prayers and condolences. It just doesn’t feel like enough. On the other hand, it fills my heart with joy knowing that I have a precious life before me that God entrusted I care for during her time on this Earth. Why me? How did I get so lucky and when will my time run out? I find myself waiting for the goodness to unravel. This is why every day, every moment and every connection we make in this world matters. Hence, from this point forward, my perspective on life has forever changed.

As I mowed the grass this morning, I watched my neighbor meticulously wash and wax his new Porsche in the driveway. You could tell he was truly passionate about it… The careful direction he sprayed the power washer, the way dried ‘her’ off with a “special cloth” and waxed every single curve and detail in fancy fashion… I kept asking myself, what’s the point? I mean, I realize that this is one amazing form of transportation, but really, does this really matter? What if we put applied this much passion and energy into our relationships. What if others are so touched by our acts of selfless generosity and grace that they passed it onto others without hesitation? Isn’t that what we are called to do, especially in today’s culture? We live in a world of instant gratification where self-centeredness is king. When in reality our well has run dry of compassion, grace and self-love. We can do better. It’s not a choice; it’s a direction. We must do better. Our children are watching us and picking up on our every action. They see us looking at the phone because they think it must be pretty important… I mean, mom and dad look at that more than me. Or, the countless times we ladies complain about our bodies. What? My arms are a little flabby… Thank God you’ve given me two arms to wrap around my baby at night. Oh and my thighs are a little bigger this week… Thank God for Him giving me legs strong enough to bend down to pick up my precious one when she cries. Because one day, they won’t be and it’ll be too late. I pray my mind and heart continue to be transformed through spending time with Him. My prayer is that one day my children look at my life and see that I’ve loved Him first, and from that I was able to inspire others to live a better life and ultimately be a better human being leading others to do what is right.

So my goal: Stop setting my sights on tomorrow because today is today.  And that ‘s all we’re guaranteed in this moment.  And most importantly, love those that are hard to love (including myself), forgive those that are hard to forgive and extend grace to those that need to be graced… Because in the end, we’re all searching for the things that lay the foundation of a healthy heart and life; everlasting love, acceptance and a place to call HOME.

These days my heart seeks simplicity like it never has before… As I drive through the winding roads of northern Indiana and admire God’s beautiful work hand painted with His grace, I’m reminded of the desires that lie buried deep within my soul.  Very rarely do I ever get the chance to take inventory of my life and be still long enough to give thanks for the blessings I’ve been given.  It’s in these moments I find the greatest joy because the noise of the world is stripped away.  There’s something so beautifully raw about nature that it never fails to inspire me to find a place for its presence within my home. Which brings me to my next design inspiration ❤

When my husband Ben and I chose this property to build our home, we were conscious to preserve as many trees as possible within our site.  However, not all trees made the cut.  So, as I stood back and took a look at the broken limbs and trees I began to wonder…  How could I take this wood and recycle it within my home?  When we began to lift the heavy logs and move them into the brush pile that’s when I came across one tree that had been cut with years of aging that made a heart-shaped design within.  I’ve always dreamed of building my own home and I swore when the day finally came I would pour my heart and soul into it.   In the meantime, Ben and I had prayed that He would lead us where one day we would raise a family of our own.  When I saw this I knew it was an answer from God.  Before the foundation had been laid, my heart was invested in this moment.  It’s one of those days that I’ll never forget.  And that’s when I knew this piece of nature would forever be a part of our story. 

Now for the dirty work… I wish I could say patience was part of my genetic makeup, but it’s not.  So, I went home and chucked this log on to Ben’s miter box to saw this puppy  into 1/4″ slivers; for which I then, would seal in mineral oil to create coasters for our home.  But not before a phone call to my husband to find out exactly what I was getting myself into.  I had never used this saw before and I wan’t afraid to learn how… on my own.  My husband knows by now that there’s no amount of bartering or bargaining to stop me from doing something once I set my mind to it.  And thus, after two trips to Lowe’s for the right mineral oil and three hours later, my design piece was complete!  Moral of the story: Follow your heart and never stop looking for opportunities to channel inspiration.  It’s not a house that makes a home.  It’s our heart and soul that we pour within the four walls that make it our own.  Welcome HOME.