What the Bible says about Tassels

Last weekend, I had the awesome opportunity to be a vendor at the Refresh Conference at Simpsonville First Baptist.  The weekend long conference was dedicated to creating community for adoption and foster parents.  I met so many wonderful ladies and I feel like I learned so much about how God calls on people to love and serve one another.

Another thing that I learned last weekend, was the symbol of the tassel and I was so surprised when I found out that the Bible mentions tassels in numerous places!

• Matthew 9:20 "Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe (tassel) of his cloak." Verse 22 reads, "Take heart daughter, your faith has healed you."  

• Numbers 15:39-41 "It shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes...so that you may remember to do all My commandments and be holy to your God.  I am the Lord, your God."

How amazing is that?   From now on, the significance of a tassel will not just be an idea of something "trendy" to me.   It now has a beautiful meaning of our importance to God, and how it can always be a reminder of Him.

I've loved creating tassel jewelry and pretty much all things tassel!   This week, I shipped out a custom tassel keychain and included these verses on a card for my client.  How amazing to do what you love and share God's word too!

Check out my Etsy shop for all things tassel, and even some tassel bookmarks for your Bible!

New Desk Space

In 2015, I wrote a blog post explaining my first DIY furniture refinishing experience.  I loved refinishing an antique China cabinet from my great aunt and a table that was my great grandmother's.
I'm one of those people that actually really enjoys painting!  Walls, furniture, a canvas.  It doesn't matter!  

Yes, I'm the friend that everyone calls on when they're painting their house, because they know I like to do it...  

Anywho!

A couple of weeks ago, a friend posted on Facebook that she was getting rid of a desk.  I jumped on this opportunity, because I've been using my small computer desk, and drawing table in my office for over two years.   I usually sat on the floor to wrap up items or strand beads.  I really didn't realize how excited I would be to actually have more desktop space!  It also has brought back all the feelings of going to work in an office.  All of my cute desk decor that I used when I worked as a Marketing Director have just been stuck in the closet because of the stinging reminder of how hard it hurt to lose my job.  Now, I'm getting those things out and thinking about how far I've come and what God has next for me and this adventure!

Here's how I did it!

The items that I used to refinish the desk are:

• Kilz primer
• Valspar white interior paint
• Small cabinet paint roller and tray
• Paint brush

First, I removed all of the drawer pulls.  Then, I brushed one coat of Kilz over the entire desk.

I waited 24 hours and rolled the desk with the Valspar white paint.  I ended up applying 4 coats of white paint.  I really wanted to make sure that it was coated thoroughly!

Here's the finished product!  I'm still getting this side of my office decorated and situated, but I love it!

1.7.18 Friday Favorites - Happy New Year

Happy New Year sweet friends!

It has been way too long since I've posted.  Life and the craziness that was holiday craft markets happened at the end of the year, and while it was marvelous, it was also exhausting and left little time to compile these blogs that I love!   However, I had such an awesome time meeting everyone that came out to the markets and I can't wait to do them all again this year!

Since it is a New Year, I'm starting off with a whole new list and look for my Friday Favorites.

As always, it's a list the things, products, people, or places that caught my eye and made me swoon throughout the week.

1. Psalm 91 Studio

From the moment that Cheryl (owner of Psalm 91 Studio) and I met, I knew we were going to be friends!  She has the kindest heart and loves to use her gift of jewelry making as a way to bring women to the Lord.  This girl makes beautiful jewelry, that is fashionable and functional.  She even carries a line of jewelry that works perfectly with essential oils, which I think is the coolest thing! The image below shows some of her essential oil jewelry.  I have this necklace and use it often with essential oils for anxiety.  I love it!  Check her out on Instagram @psalm91studio 

2. Bishop & Branch Body Cream

I had the opportunity to meet this sweet girl at two of the holiday markets that I was in last year.  Lydia, owner of Bishop & Branch Body Cream, makes the most amazing body creams, soaps, and candles.  Her "Holiday Spirit" candle burned all throughout the holidays at my house, and still has some wax left!  Plus, it is my new favorite scent! The body butter is perfect for super dry skin and a little bit goes a long way.  I love it! 

3. Color Street by Michelle Jones

I had never used any type of nail color strips before, until Michelle Jones sent me a sample of Color Street nail strips.  They're amazing and so easy to apply!  Michelle Jones always posts the most gorgeous nail inspo pictures (all Color Street of course) on her Instagram.  Plus, she's a South Carolina girl!  How gorgeous are these black and gold abstract nails?!

4.  House Fenway

I've been following House Fenway on Instagram for a while now and I always love her decor inspo and cozy pictures!  Throughout the holidays, it was gorgeous buffalo plaid images, and cozy flatlays with greenery.  During the fall months, it was dreamy pumpkin shots,  coffee, and plaid.  I can't wait to see what she has in store for us throughout the New Year!

5. The Adorned Fox

Tabathia, owner of The Adorned Fox, and I have been friends for over a year now.  She's so sweet and I've seen her business and her, grow so much throughout this past year.  What she's doing with her talent is such an inspiration.  Many of her videos have been viewed and shared over thousands of times.  Her wood burning and hand lettering is gorgeous.  Plus, what she's doing now with paint will blow your mind!  Check out this adorable mason jar snow scene!

6. Ashley Brooke Designs

Every Sunday, I look to see which Bible verse Ashley Brooke has posted on Instagram.  I feel like too often in our society, people are hesitant to share their faith.  So, when someone does, and isn't afraid to share it, I appreciate it so much!  Other than Ashley Brooke sharing gorgeous images like the one below, and always having a perfect manicure, she also posts the most dreamy fashion, make up, and home inspiration.  Just looking through her pictures, you can't help but want to be friends with her!

9.8.17 Friday Favorites

"So much of who we are is where we have been." 

William Langewieche

Happy Friday!

Last week, my husband and two of our friends traveled to Florida for the week.  We had a great time sight seeing, shopping, and spending time at the beach!  We stayed in Jacksonville at the St. Johns Town Center, which is amazing!  All of the shopping and restaurants you could ever dream of, all in one spot.

This week, I'm going to share some of my favorite things from our trip!

Here's this week's Friday Favorites list.

1. Lush Ruffle Bell Sleeve Top from Nordstrom

In college and high school, most of my wardrobe was black.  It was slimming, classic, and it probably didn't help that I was an artsy kid.  Nonetheless, I still love classic black tops and dresses.  I found this flowy ruffle sleeve top at Nordstrom in the Town Center for only $24.99! It will be perfect for Fall, and even for Christmas get togethers!  It's also still on Nordstrom's website here.

2.  Pina Colada from the Conch House

One of my absolute favorite places to go when I'm in St. Augustine, is the Conch House.  I've been going there since 2002 and I have to visit there at least once on every trip to Florida.   If you go, you have to get a pina colada and sit in one of the tiki huts at the marina.  You won't be disappointed!

3.  Pineapple Float from Target

You know I have an obsession with pineapples.  So, when I found this pineapple float at Target before our trip, I had to have it!  Sad thing is, the pool was closed for the majority of our trip, at the hotel, and it was never actually floated on.  However, it did make a super cute large window decoration for our room!  haha

4.  Kate Spade Backpack

I've been obsessed with backpacks lately!  One of my shopping goals for this trip, was to find a cute backpack.  When I found this one at the Kate Spade outlet in St. Augustine, I was super excited!  It's small, but still the perfect size to keep everything you need!

5.  Pandora Rose Gold Stack Ring

I've never had anything from Pandora before, but when I was at the Artsy Abode boutique in St. Augustine, I couldn't get over how cute this thin rose gold stack ring was!  I must say, I loved how it looked with my wedding band and engagement ring... and since our anniversary is coming up... Just sayin!

6.  Army Green Sweater from Banana Republic

I love a nice thin sweater that you can throw on over anything!  I found this gem at the Banana Republic outlet in St. Augustine for $11.00!  You know I love this army green, so I was super excited when I tried it on and it was a perfect cozy fit, and for the price! OMG!  It's a must have for Fall.

8.25.17 Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!

I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I have a special version of my Friday Favorites that I want to do next week.  So, I thought I definitely needed to show some love for my favorites this week.

Here's the list of the things that caught my eye and made me swoon throughout this week!

1. CMKreations Ring

My sweet Chihuahua, Louie, passed away July 15.  Growing up, he was the only dog I've ever had and he was absolutely perfect.  My heart has been broken since, and I wanted something to wear everyday that made me feel like he was still with me.  My mom found CMKreations on Etsy and they have the most darling personalized rings ever! Check out CMKreations!

2. Business Boutique by Christy Wright

My husband surprised me last week, by ordering a book for me.  

Number 1, I was surprised that he actually ordered a book for me. 

Number 2, I was surprised that I hadn't heard of this awesome book before! 

"Business Boutique" by Christy Wright is an awesome tool for woman entrepreneurs.  So far, I'm only in Chapter 2 and I'm already in love with this inspiring book!

3. Adidas Tank

So, I will say, this Adidas trend seemed to come out of nowhere, but I am loving it.  Adidas tanks were part of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and they were selling out like crazy!  I feel like this tank with leggings, or distressed jeans and tennis shoes, are the perfect outfits for going into the Fall season.  

4. Kate Spade Backpack

Another trend that I am loving, and that takes me back to 1999, is the backpack.  Backpacks were so handy, much like fanny packs.  haha!  Kate Spade has a ton of super cute backpack styles right now.  One of my favorites is this Watson Lane Hartley bag in Evergreen.  If you know me, you know I am obsessed with this army green color.  So, of course this one is my favorite!  I foresee a backpack in my near future! 

5.  Pumpkin Spice Tee from Bad Habit Boutique

I am one of those people who may or may not already be decorating their house for Fall, waiting for everything pumpkin spice to come in the stores, and patiently waiting for football, cooler weather, and bonfire nights.  Who else is with  me?!  I absolutely LOVE this adorable tee from Bad Habit Boutique.  Yes, pumpkin spice IS my favorite season!  ;)

6.  Tassel Bookmarks by Painter Designs

I've always loved having a planner.  Even in today's technology driven world, I still love to be able to jot down ideas and my plans for the upcoming weeks.  I created these fun, rose gold, tassel bookmarks as planner accessories, or to save your place in your favorite book.   Check them out on my Etsy shop. 

Jury Duty Fashion

So, last month, I got a letter in the mail that we all dread...  A jury duty summons.

However, last week was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.  It really consists of long hours of just sitting and waiting.  So, if you've never had to do it, don't stress over it!  Just think of it as time to turn off your phone and get away from the outside world.  Kind of like a vacation... Well, not really.

If you've been working for yourself, like me, sometimes it's hard to remember what you wore in the "real world" when you had to actually get "dressed up" everyday.   Lately, me getting dressed up means that I wear my "nice" yoga pants or Nike shorts.  This week, I took it as a challenge to pair some of the things I haven't worn in a while, accessorize, and just go for it!   This post breaks down what I wore each day and maybe it will inspire your fashion too for jury duty, or for work.

Day 1:

Since it's been nearly a thousand degrees here in the South every day this month, I tried to wear something that was cool, but something that I  could wear a sweater over, for how chilly it was in the courthouse.  

This pink top actually came from Sam's Club a couple of years ago and is the perfect length.  

The black dress pants are from The Limited and are a staple in my work wardrobe.

The strappy Steve Madden shoes are from Belk.

The tan cozy sweater is from Old Navy last year.  

Day 2:

I went with the same idea each day of wearing a sleeveless top and a sweater.  

This white peplum top has adorable embroidered edging around the bottom and it came from Old Navy for only $8, this Spring!  

The black dress pants are from The Limited.

The animal print kitten heeled flats have been one of my favorite pairs of shoes for so many years. I've even had to get the heel replaced once and I paid maybe $6 for them at Target on clearance over 5 years ago.  I don't know what I would do without them!

The tan cozy sweater is from Old Navy last year.  

The tassel necklace is one of my designs.  Check it out on my Etsy shop! 

Day 3:

I am loving the whole palm print this Summer!  So, when I found this top at TJ Maxx AND it had pink tassels around the bottom of it, I had to have it!    

These black dress pants are perfect!  They're from Express and have the best stretch to them.  These are the "Columnist" fit.

I also love these chunky tan heels from Belk.  They truly go great with any outfit!  They're made by New Direction.

The off white cable sweater is from Belk several years ago.  I feel like it's one of those timeless pieces that you can keep forever. I love the detail around the front of it too.

The necklace is one of my designs.  Check it out on my Etsy shop! 

The bracelet is also one of my designs and is inspired from the Bourbon and Bowties bracelets.

Day 4:

This burnt orange, rust colored shirt has been one of my favorites for over a year now!  It's from Anthropologie  and goes perfectly with dress pants, jeans, or just about anything!  It's slightly longer in the back and the front is silk and blousy.  

The black dress pants are from The Limited and are cropped skinny leg.

The tan heels are also from Target and are Merona brand.  I bought this pair and a coral pair last year and paid about $8 a pair on clearance.  So chic, and no one would ever know they were $8 shoes!

The tan cozy sweater is the same one from Old Navy last year.  

The bracelets are my design and also some of the bracelets that I wore on my wedding day in 2014.

Check out this blog post for details from my wedding.

6.30.17 Friday Favorites

I think I should rename these posts "Monthly Favorites." haha!

Blogging is no joke when you're working, a photographer, jewelry designer, painter, doing graphic design, and being a wife.  It's hard to make time to fit it all in and I feel like it's gotten even more difficult during the Summer months!

Here's my Friday Favorites list of the things that have caught my eye and made me swoon throughout the month of June.  Hey, that rhymes!

1. A Blissful Nest - Kitchen Inspiration

I've always loved a round or bay window sitting area in any room of the house.  So, I fell in love with this beautiful white kitchen, with mint island, and round breakfast nook area, that A Blissful Nest shared this month.  She has the most gorgeous home inspiration on her blog.  Can I please just vacation in this kitchen though?!

2.  Off the Shoulder Top from Target

I've been such a sucker for the off the shoulder trend this Summer!  I love this blue and white striped off the shoulder top, with cut out embroidery, from Target.  I found it at my local Target and they didn't have my size.  So, I ordered it online and it's the perfect top for the Summer!  It's super cute with navy shorts or white pants if you want to dress it up a little more.  Best part is that it's only $24.99!  (If you plan on purchasing, you might want to go down a size, because it does runs a little big.)

3. Nike In-Season Trail 6

If you know me, you know that I have been faithful to Mizuno for my running shoes.  Now, I still don't think anything can replace them for running...  However, I love these Nike In-Season Trail 6 shoes for walking and everyday wear.  They have a sleek and trendy design and are super comfortable!  The coral color sold me on these, but I literally just bought another pair,  in black and white this week.  They have a memory foam insole which is simply amazing!  I have been wearing them every chance I get! 

4. Hazel and Olive Paradise High Low Palm Maxi Dress

Hazel and Olive always have the cutest outfits and tops!  When they posted this dress on Instagram this week, I instantly thought I needed it for a beach trip this Summer, or maybe a cruise...  I wanted to plan a vacation around this dress!  I love the palm print and the high low cut of it.  So stinkin cute!

5.  Iced Coffee Recipe

This week, my mom decided to make iced coffee and made up her own recipe.  The results were amazing!  I can't get enough of it!  Check out my blog post for the recipe here.

6.   Pearl and Gold Oyster Shell Necklace

Us Southern girls love our pearls.  You know what else I've been loving lately?  Oyster shells!  I've made several oyster shell necklaces lately, and this one might just be my favorite!  Check it out in my Etsy shop!

Iced Coffee Recipe

Last week, my mom made the best iced coffee ever!  She was tired of paying crazy prices for different brands at the store that had all kinds of preservatives in them.

So, she decided to make it herself and the results were amazing!

Ingredients -

• Coffee
• Ice
• Fat free milk
• Can of sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla flavoring

Here's the recipe:

• Make a full pot of coffee (regular or decaf, whichever you prefer).

• After the coffee is brewed, pour the coffee into a pitcher or gallon container, and add ice cubes to cool faster.

• In a bowl, pour in a can of sweetened condensed milk, a cup of fat free milk,  a teaspoon of vanilla and mix together.

• Pour the sweetened condensed milk, fat free milk, and vanilla mixture into the fully cooled pitcher of coffee.

• You can add more fat free milk to the pitcher until its full, or is the desired color or taste.

You could also add chocolate for a mocha flavor!