This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

This weekend was good. Thankful we got to hang out with my best friend and meet their foster child. The girls were so excited and had so much fun playing with her!

Sunday was spent working as the craft stylist for an upcoming issue of Family Fun Magazine. I always love getting to work with the Heather, Jennifer, and Sabrina.

I want to bake this apple bread.

We want to make a Valentine’s Day tree. Who says Christmas is the only times to put a decorative tree out?!

These lace up espadrilles are so cute for spring!

I think you should put this antique square locket on your Valentine wishlist.

How cute is this grocery shop playhouse?! I think you could recreate one with some cardboard or just get that one if you’re not a DIY-er.

Thankful that Glow went in the potty a couple times! Yay!!! She’s totally not a fan, but we think it’s time to get potty trained.

I love how boxes are the most exciting toys to my kids. This week they made an elevator.

I’ve lightened my load a bit from some of the extra things I’ve been involved in, so I’m hoping for more sanity for me, and the girls to have a more “present” mother. Hope your weekend was a good and you’re ready to tackle another week!

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

First off, another one of my sister’s post brings me to tears, and it goes against everything our culture tells us. It rebuked my heart in realizing that I am weak and can’t do it all. It’s supposed to be that way, so that in my weakness the power of Christ can work.

Second, Ben’s cousin is co-creator of the new show Bella and the Bulldogs premiering tonight on Nickelodeon, so check it out. It’s about kids at some school in Texas, and the football team is kind of bad, but then the ball happens to get in the hands of one of the cheerleaders. She throws it back to the team, and they realize she’s got a mean arm. Thus, she becomes the quarterback of the football team. We are so proud of Ben’s cousin and can’t wait to watch it!

I’ve always liked this sweater when Nicole Richie teamed up with Piperlime, so I’ve been keeping my eye out at the thrift store for one, and I finally came across one this week. I wear it here, but you can’t tell much about it, but it’s perfectly cropped and cozy! Most of the styles out these days can easily be found at the thrift stores, if you have the patience (and luck), and at a much affordable price!

I really want to make this dangerous looking cake.

I think the girls would have a lot of fun if we made this.

And I want to make this garlic & herb cheese bombs soon too! Maybe today!

Ben’s work has been strike this week (for the whole week). We’ve been anticipating it for a couple months now, so we were ready for it. We are thankful that Ben has a job, and he enjoys his job, but the neglect that Kaiser gives their patients and employees isn’t right.

I want to make a chair like this for my creative space!

Some new things at Jean Jean Vintage have me swooning… this clover ring and this 1860’s garnet ring.

How cute is this 1960’s heart cut out swimsuit. If I didn’t have a tattoo of fire on my belly, I might consider it.

And while blogs are fun, there are more serious (and important) things in life past the internet. To all those affected by the attacks overseas, I’ve been praying for you.

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

A couple weeks ago, Soul and Glow had a cold, and now it’s Brave’s turn. Praying it doesn’t pass on to anyone else!

I would like to make a healthier version of this cheesy bacon jalapeño corn dip.

My felt floral head wreaths (or for hanging) are available for purchase from Misha Lulu here.

Thankful for our Soul and her fifth birthday!

I’m one spoiled mama. Ben and the girls threw me a surprise Rockin’ Mommy Day last weekend. Seriously, their “Jailhouse Rock” is so awesome.

All the Christmas decorations are up! I’d like to make a larger version of the dowel Christmas tree I made last year, if there’s time, but otherwise, it’s feeling festive up in here! #christmasingalldayeveryday

I’m done wrapping presents. Woot! Woot! Well, a few more are still coming in the mail, but the majority is done!

I ordered this cutesy planner for next year. I debated between this one (simpler), but I thought for 10 dollars less, I could do with all the cute graphics.

How was your week this week? It was hard coming off Thanksgiving break, and then someone getting sick (and a birthday), our schooling schedule’s been off. I’m that with homeschooling things can be flexible and we can always do school on the weekends when we need time to catch up!

Happy weekend friends! And don’t forget if you want some pretty antique jewelry for yourself (or a loved one), check out Jean Jean Vintage and use coupon code CAKIES15 for 15% off this weekend!

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

I want to make this cute clay bunny bowl.

Ms. Tips is having a 30% off sale! These deadstock vintage sunglasses for kids are adorable.

Jean Jean Vintage is having a 15% off sale. This victorian seed pearl ring is gorgeous!

I loved the movie Maleficent. I thought it had such depth and it was a creative way to spin the old classic.

If you’re looking for a wooden dollhouse, this simple geometric dollhouse is really cute!

I’m stuck on what to get Ben for Christmas. The men gift guides I see out there never help me.

We finally got the Christmas music started, and while the tree has already been out, it’s time to get the rest of the Christmas decor out too. The girls are giddy with anticipation!

I’m thankful for friends who I can text on those hard parenting days, and for a husband who showers me with words of encouragement.

Don’t forget to Shop Small today and check out some of the small businesses I partner with on the right. Happy shopping!

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

I love this post on choosing hospitality over entertaining.

I found a jacket similar to this at the thrift store, but it was just a tad too big. Darn.

I want to make this batch of peanut butter cookies.

This vintage bracelet is pretty, and actually looks more modern than vintage.

Thankful for some time this weekend to work on some of my December projects.

I’ve had hard parenting days lately and it seems the girls are going through a really defiant streak. Sometimes in these frustrating moments, it’s really hard to be thankful. Though little surprises like Ben bringing me milk tea, and my mom sending over some dessert, do make the hard days slightly sweeter (and manageable).

This week was light on posting because the days have been so hectic and I was coming up dry on what to share. I do plan to share some Christmas projects with you in the next couple weeks though, well, unless my already crazy life gets crazier. You just never know what life will throw at you…

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

My parents are involved with Amazing Grace Missions in the Philippines, and my mom hosted an event to raise money for them. Praise God the event went well and they raised $2500 to help those who are still suffering the effects from Typhoon Haiyan. I’m thankful for how my parents love and serve others. They have the gift of hospitality, which is an area that I definitely need improvement in, but their example continually encourages me.

So happy for some answered prayers for my BFF and her husband.

I love the pattern and shape of this dress.

This locket is beautiful, and this ring is one of my favorites in the Jean Jean Vintage shop.

I love this sweet pair of vintage wooden birds.

If you want to see a couple of my November contributions to the A Beautiful Mess blog, check out my paper flower bouquet tutorial or my birch wood tealight holder.

We’re mostly done with Christmas shopping for our girls. I have a couple handmade gifts still to make for them, but I think we’re good.

I had lots of parenting fails this week, and lots of parenting high-fives too. I feel like the fails weigh more than the good, but that’s just dumb to think that. Christ is greater than all, and I need to remember that His grace is sufficient. That should dictate my parenting and not my feelings of guilt or inadequacy, or even my moments of successes. It’s a constant cycle to fight my natural selfishness and pursue God in all things.

I miss my sister. She’s in South Africa now, and we haven’t had too much communication with her. In her last email, she mentioned they have to walk 40 minutes to get wi-fi, but even then, they don’t have it for long. She shares her journey here and I’m always so encouraged by her heart. Her love for God runs so deep that it just overflows in all she does.