I think a burst of color and party inspiration is what we all need on a Monday morning:)
These are a few fun party details that are screaming spring!
With a birthday, baptism, and Easter next month, I have been gathering some inspiration. Although, after having a baby I might just lump all three events into one have some cake and call it a day! 😉
Happy First Week of Spring! We made it!!
P.S. I have a sponsor spot available…. So if you would like the spring special rates and stats info just send me an email!
We’ve all seen the images and videos rolling in of the devastation from the Japan earthquake and tsunamis. While aftershocks and tsunami scares are still happening days later, the nation is in for a long long road of recovery. So far, the death toll is estimated to be 2,000. In just one town, 9,500 are missing. I have come to realize how strong the blogging community is over the last year. This is a perfect example. With just two girls initiatives, there has been thousands of dollars raised for an amazing cause:
ForJapanWithLove.com
Ever Ours has teamed up with Utterly Engaged and handpicked ShelterBox as the organization to donate to, where there are volunteers are already there in Japan helping, so please be assured that your donations are being put to good use. ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most. Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items.
Also, if you are a blogger, you an also participate.
This Friday, March 18th, my blog will be silent as in no posts in honor and respect for
what has happened in Japan. If you are interested in participating:
please e-mail: lydia@ever-ours.com or info@utterlyengaged.com for more information.
I may not be Irish, but my husband and son are so I would say I am by default, right? How are you celebrating? Teh story of St. Patrick is awesome, and I think he deserves at least some good party food or drink in his honor! Here are a few I found that I wanted to share with you!
Thanks to each and every one of you for your kind words, prayers, and support yesterday! It means the world to me, because I believe prayer is powerful! Also, a huge welcome to all the new readers this week! I hope to be able to keep in touch with you!
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!
P.S. I got to be a part of a very fun interview over on Amma’s Blog if you have the chance to come visit!
For the Candied Popcorn recipe, Read more below!
Green Candied Popcorn
via Skip to My Lou
4 quarts popped corn 1 1/2 Cups sugar 1/2 Cup light corn syrup 2 Tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, does make mixture slightly more creamy) 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon baking soda green food coloring (I used about 1/8 teaspoon Wilton paste color in Kelly Green) In heavy saucepan on medium heat melt butter then add sugar, corn syrup, cream of tartar and salt. Increase temperature to medium high and bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar. Once mixture boils, add in food coloring and stop stirring. Boil for 5 minutes (Do not stir). Mixture should be about 250-260 degrees. Remove from heat and carefully stir in vanilla and baking soda. Working quickly and while mixture is foamy, pour mixture over popped corn and gently stir to coat popcorn. Place popcorn into a large roaster or rimmed baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray) and bake at 200° F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
We lost an angel yesterday….my Aunt Amy had been battling skin cancer for a few years now and we all hoped and prayed for a miracle. You never want your family member to be the one that loses the battle…especially someone like her. She was the oldest of ten in my mom’s family, who are all very close to each other. She had the voice of an angel, and the spirit of a saint. She sang many weekends for weddings. And when she sang on my wedding day… she made the Wedding Mass a heavenly experience. It was her gift to her family…to ALL of us nieces and nephews. In fact, one of my favorite memories of my wedding day was when I heard her sing the Deer’s Cry right before I went to walk down the aisle. It is hard to know how much her children and husband will suffer in having her gone, and selfishly, I think we all wish she could have cheated death. Don’t you HATE CANCER?!! ….But in reality, we all have a time that only God knows on earth, and she can finally rest pain free in the arms of her creator.
I am having a hard time being miles and miles away from all my family and being VERY pregnant and unable to fly anywhere. I don’t know how I will get to the funeral…. My eyes are a little swollen today. She was such an incredible person, and we loved her very much. Please if you have a moment, lift a prayer up for all of our family today!
If I could, I would be sending these bouquets of flowers to heaven(purple was her favorite color 🙂 …And the gift of song she gave to me on my wedding day, I want to give back to her:
The Deer’s Cry:
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendour of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.
I arise to-day Through God’s strength to pilot me: God’s eyes to look before me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
From all who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in a multitude.
Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me….
I know I know!!! SERIOUSLY?! I told you all you were going to go crazy over this one! So wishing I could enter this giveaway right about now. Emersonmade is definately a favorite shop of mine, and I am sure several of yours as well! They are generously offering a 200$ gift card to the lucky winner.
Here’s how you can enter (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):
And guess what?! If you didn’t win, I still have good news! Odyssa is offering a 25% discount for IHOD readers if you would like to take advantage! I certainly am. I know a few Bride to be’s that will love these! Here is the link for the coupon! Valid for the next week only!
I have always been a girl who loves pockets, drawers, and secret compartments:) Every trim and notion in my works studio has a spot in a jar or basket. I just love organization! Makes your life easier, right? However, I could use some help on my dresser top! A complete mess of jewelry, lotions, pictures, etc. So these photos were motivating me to get working on it. Can you tell I am in nesting mode? 😉
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!
*Don’t miss your chance to win an Odyssa Travel Shoe or Lingerie Bag! And tune in tomorrow for Week #3 of my Favorite Things Giveaway Series. TRUST ME, you won’t want to miss this one!
We finished up the Spring Issue of Radiant Magazine which launched online this week! I enjoy designing every issue because it is loaded with incredible content and inspirational contributors…I am always learning something new. There is quite enough For instance, this issue features Bethany Hamilton (the movie Soul Surfer is based off of), Jennifer Miller on bioethics, Reality check on Happily Ever After, etc. etc. I feel blessed that part of my job is being able to do something positive for young women today. There is enough negative and depressing media out there to go around!
I focused the Style Watch spread this issue on Wedding Wear since wedding season has begun!
What have you got on tap for the weekend? I am pretty stoked its Friday. WOO HOO! It will be a warm 65 degrees today which means you might see this preggo mama belly side up sun bathing on her porch;p
