Archives for June 2014

Midweek Morsel: Current Book Wish-List

June 5, 2014 by 4 Comments

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It’s been awhile since we’ve talked books, hasn’t it? No better time to remedy that than the beginning of summer. Everyone needs a few good books to read when summer comes, especially when we take time for breaks from our regular routines.

So let’s get specific and talk wish-lists. Even though we’ve probably got some good books waiting for us in our to-read piles, whether on our bedside tables or our Kindles, let’s talk about the ones we don’t have copies of yet but wish we did—you know, the ones we can’t wait to get our hands on, especially ones from authors we’ve thoroughly enjoyed before.

Here is my current short book wish-list:

  1. Yankee in Atlanta by Jocelyn Green. Just released June 1st. Have loved her Heroines Behind the Lines series.
  2. The Hatmaker’s Heart by Carla Stewart. Just released June 3rd. Carla specializes in nostalgia—in times gone by. And who doesn’t like indulging in nostalgia?
  3. A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin. This is the second in the Wings of Glory series. I’ve read the first and have the third but need to snag this one before reading the third.

I’m keeping the list here short—after all this is supposed to be a Midweek Morsel, right?! (If you’re interested in others I’d like, see my note below.) May we all be refreshed by some relaxing summer reading!

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1

*What’s on your current book wish-list?

*If you’d like to see other books I’d like to snag some day, check out my Books I Want to Read board on Pinterest. If you’d like to see some of my recommendations, check my recommendations page here on my website and/or my Books Worth Reading board on Pinterest.

*Photo by Neo_II, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: books, refresh, rest, summer

Summer Fun: Distracted by Cake

June 2, 2014 by 8 Comments

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The dawn of June means summer is here—and I say we kick it off with some fun! Sometimes the best refreshment for our spirits and souls can be found in funny thoughts and silly stories. Yes, we need the spiritual refreshment and food found in God’s Word and in our own inspiring and encouraging thoughts shared with one another, but sometimes nothing hits the spot better than chuckles and belly laughs, right?

Here’s a fun mental image for you: little ole me distracted by—cake! For those of you who know me, either personally or through blogging and Facebook, that’s not too hard to picture, is it? Throw chocolate into the equation, and the level of distraction reaches epic proportions.

Distracted by cake is a phrase I coined one day while—you guessed it—I was thoroughly engrossed in eating a yummy cupcake piled high with enough frosting to put anyone in a sugar coma. At the time, I was also trying to play a game with Don, Kristin, and Shawn. The key word here is trying. Who in the world can concentrate on strategy, rules, and turns while giving a cupcake the attention it deserves?

After making an error not at all characteristic of my competitive prowess, I complained, “Darn, I can’t believe I did that. It’s not fair—I was distracted by cake!” As you can imagine, I didn’t get a lot of sympathy. All that met my ears was gleeful chuckles and gloating remarks about getting my head back in the game. They had a point. A cupcake had been my downfall. Maybe I’m too easily distracted?

It’s okay every now and then to let ourselves get distracted by the joys of living, isn’t it? And there’s no better time than summer to remember that. Let’s be ready to have some fun this summer. Let’s enjoy the unexpected moments of pleasure that come our way. Let’s get distracted by cake!

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:15

*What fun, joy, or yumminess have you been distracted by lately?

Flickr photo by zigazou76, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: cake, chocolate, focus, fun, joy, laughter, summer

Bridal Bouquet Idea: Add Some Sparkle with Gemstones

June 2, 2014 by 2 Comments

Calofornia wedding 2014 427 - Elece Hollis

Mother of the Bride, when it’s time for your daughter to select the flowers for her bridal bouquet, maybe she’d like to add some sparkle, too—with jewelry! Never fear, though, I’m not talking about genuine gemstones. Imitations will work quite nicely.

Bouquet jewelry, like the rhinestones or clear crystals in the red rose bouquet above, provide not only sparkle but also contrasting color, much like baby’s breath or another white accent flower. And bouquet jewelry will do those things less expensively. That’s right, you’ll save money!

Possibilities abound where bouquet jewelry is concerned. Bouquet jewelry can be added to the stem wrap, too, as shown on the ribbon in the photo below. Bigger items like brooches can be used as well on the wraps or in the bouquets themselves. One dazzling rhinestone butterfly or brooch can transform a bouquet from pretty to gorgeous in seconds. And a variety of imitation gemstones and pearls lay at the disposal of your floral arranger.

How about it, MOB? Try suggesting bouquet jewelry to your daughter. After all, what girl doesn’t like jewelry?

*Check out Afloral.com for ideas and prices. And if you’re interested in another way to save on the bouquets, you might also like to read Savings Tip for Bridal and Bridesmaids Bouquets. 

Calofornia wedding 2014 438 - Elece Hollis *Photos by Elece Hollis. See more of Elece’s work at Images of Home.

Filed Under: beauty, bride, bridesmaids, decorate, flowers, money, Mother of the Bride, preparation
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