Pom Poms

cute: check
affordable: check
easy: check
creative: check

check out the video tutorial here

the kreative award

This post is way overdue, but better late than never right? It seems like forever ago that Savannah over at Pitter Patter nominated me with this super sweet award! Thanks Savannah! With no shame, I will admit that I read every post she writes and think to myself ... we were totally meant to be friends!

here are the rules:
-thank the person who nominated me for the award

-copy the logo and place it on my blog

-link to the person who nominated me

-list 7 things people may not know about me

-nominate 7 creative bloggers

-post their links

-leave a comment on each

So here it goes ...
It is difficult to think of things that you all do not already know, but I will take a swing at it.

1.

I am terribly afraid of escalators. Yep I have a phobia of those things you ride up and down at the mall. I am not sure where the fear came from, I never had a traumatic event that triggered the fear. Being in the mental health field I know that the best way to address of fear is to expose yourself to it. So when I go to the mall, I do use the escalators, but my feet still hurt when I do it. Yeah, my feet hurt when I feel scared. Does that happen to anyone else other than me?

2.
I got married when I was 20 years old. When you know, you know right? A lot of people think that is crazy, but it has been amazing. When I got married my Grandmother who also married young and stayed married to my Grandfather for over 50 years until he passed, said to me "getting married is fun, you get to grow up together." This has been so true for E and I ... and I am so thankful for that!

3.
Since I was like 15, my best girlfriends have been getting together and celebrating Christmas together! We call it Girl's Christmas ... creative huh? Girl's Christmas is one of my absolute favorite parts of Christmas. I look forward to it every year. Last year we switched things up a little bit and add the stipulation that all of our gifts must be handmade. This had made Girl's Christmas even better than I could have ever imaged. So, this Saturday we will celebrate our annual Girl's Christmas party. I can't wait to see what all of my creative friends made this year.

4.
I have an 11 year old baby sister. This year I began my first year of graduate school and she began the 5th grade. My parents have been raising kids for practically forever. I love being a big sister. Next year she will be in middle school and I am not sure how I feel about that.

5.
E and I are planning on going to France this Fall to visit his best friend. Nothing is booked yet, but it is in the works. Ever been? Got any travel advice for us?

6.
I am married to a youth pastor. It is a unique thing being married to someone who works for a church. The work / life boundaries are different than any other job, and at times that can be a challenge. But ... most of the time it is a lot of fun! I get to serve alongside of him and lead a group of 11th grade girls. I love it! I am excited to be finished with school, so then I can dedicate more time to things like this! I mean ... who wouldn't rather hang upside down on a Velcro wall?

7.
I LOVE to read {especially a good memoir} ... but I have never jumped on the Harry Potter or Twilight bandwagon. I'm not opposed, I just haven't. Over Christmas break I am going to dive into the first book of the Twilight saga. Don't judge.

Hope I came up with at least one thing that you didn't already know. If not, I bet that was really boring ... sorry!

Lastly, my keativ blogger nominations go to : Courtney at The Nitz Family, Anne at Where Your Treasure Is, Adrianna at Dreams of Perfection, Hannah at Maple and Shade, Cory at Inexpressible and Glorious Joy, Carly at Nothing is Impossible, and Angie at Thirsty Hearts.

i have to admit it's getting better

Just a couple of the new things STELLA BELLA BOUTIQUE HAS TO OFFER!
If you like what you see & would love to see more ... click here.

it's a festivus miracle

It has begun. Our house is slowly beginning to take on the resemblance of a winter wonderland. Come along with me as I take you on a tour of some of my favorite Christmas decor inspirations.

Here we go...

I truly love everything monogrammed. Last night, E and I picked out our Christmas tree. They always cut the stray branches off the bottom, so this year I asked if I could keep them. I am thinking about using the branches to make this. It can't be too difficult right?
Lovely non traditional holiday greenery ... and who doesn't love a wood burning fireplace? I am a fan of the mossy green ... so unexpected, but so fitting.

A much cheaper alternative than buying a real wreath. Take a walk around your neighborhood and collect a couple stray cones, then put them to use making this super easy swag.

Isn't this a great way to coordinate red and green into unexpected places? Take the items you already have and add a couple of accents here and there.

If you're like me and not a huge fan of the poinsettia, then use the ever classic red rose to add a little holiday cheer.

Super classy huh?
Candy canes are not only for the tree. You can use them as an inexpensive addition to any room. Last year, I filled our creamer with canes to create an effect similar to this picture. It was amazing how it added a little sweetness to our kitchen table.

I am lovin' how this one broke out of the red and green box. E and I's bedroom is traditionally blue and yellow and I am still trying to think of a way to add a little festivity to the room. Any ideas?

Yet another use for those bottom branches I collected last night. Too bad I don't have the granite and farmhouse sink to go along.

I totally copied this simple and stylish way of handing a wreath. Can't wait to get all of my decorating finished so I can share pictures with you.

And last but not least, the non traditional advent calendar garland. I think it would be really fun to make this and write a scripture for each day. What a great way to prepare your heart for the season for the birth of the Son of God.

and the winner is ...

This week's giveaway goes to SOUTHERN BELLE! She is the lucky winner of the Keep Calm and Carry On Print! Congrats to you! Don't forget to stop by Blu Lima this holiday season ... and don't forget to stop back on Monday as there will be another giveaway lined up just for you :)

i'm dreaming of a pink christmas

r

tacky or glamorous ... you decide

a Christmas thumb

amaryllis planted ... check

a glimpse of things to come

FYI: This post is not thoughtful or creative. It's simply random thoughts in my head coming onto the screen.

This morning started out right with a little bit of this

What is it about the red cups that draws you in. I am not a marketing person, so I feel like I don't understand.
I do know that in the past couple of weeks, I dream about red cups filled with a creamy warm beverage.

Also, last night I stopped by the store and picked up these few things at the store {once I went in because they would not sell me allergy meds through the drivethru ... because they thought I was going to build a meth lab. No people , I just don't want to wake up in the middle of the night unable to breath ... please make it stop!

So anyways, I picked up this ... for my Accutane induced dry lips. Who doesn't love a new tube of chap stick?

I also picked up these two things with preemptive plans of spoiling myself tomorrow. Tomorrow at 7:00 ... after I am finished with the comps.

I have had to FORCE myself not to open the pages. I know if I start, then I will never get back to studying.


And this ... there is no level of stress that I glass of Riesling and a bubble bath cannot cure.

And only to add to my joy of almost being finished with school ... my amazing friend Angie went into labor THIS MORNING! I am absolutely TERRIFIED of having a baby and being in labor, but I cannot wait to meet sweet little baby Silas. I feel a little intimidated holding newborns. You could think I would feel comfortable seeing that my mom had my sister when I was 12 ... yep I have a sister in 5th grade. It is so much fun! None the less, I still feel nervous. Please be praying for Micah, Angie, and baby Silas. Pray for a safe and fast delivery :)

Also, not even close to as important, but I have to mention it ... please pray for my baby at home ... Stella. She hasn't been feeling well, and when we took her to the vet we found out she has Giardia. I thought you had to go out of the country and drink dirty water to get this, but no, she contracted it right here in the homeland.

Please also pray her recovery ... and don't forget to thank God for all of the daily blessings we take for granted like ... clean water, running water, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, hot shower, indoor plumbing in general, and so much more.

Lastly, E asked me last night if there was anything special I want to do after I graduate. And my answer, get a tree, make cookies, and wrap Christmas gifts. I am a huge nerd, or just easy to please?

it's happening again

Once again, I have been recruited to be the elf at my work's Christmas party.

This will be my third year as elf.

Oh the disadvantages of being small.

While I am looking forward to seeing the sweet little smiles and expressions on all of the childrens' faces, I am not excited about the head to toe felt suit.

Here are a couple of sneak peaks from last year.

Sorry about the red eye. When I tried to edit it out in iphoto a giant black blob appeared in the middle of my hat!

One thing I am looking forward to a little bit more than being an elf .... GRADUATION!!! {given that I pass my comps on WEDNESDAY ... please pray ... right now ... }

Here I am two December's ago when I finished up with undergrad. I cannot wait to wear that same silly grin and flat hat!

tuning my heart

Oh, Come, Oh, Come Emmanuel

Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, our Wisdom from on high,
Who ordered all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, oh, come, our Lord of might,
Who to your tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times gave holy law,
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come O Rod of Jesse's stem,
From ev'ry foe deliver them
That trust your mighty pow'r to save;
Bring them in vict'ry through the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, O Key of David, come,
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, our Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by your drawing nigh,
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Oh, bid our sad divisions cease,
And be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

FREE SHIPPING

Happy Black Friday bloggers! Sorry there is no fancy picture to go with this post. I am posting from my parent's PC, and I have become totally PC illiterate. I use a Mac at home and work, and somehow over the past couple years using a PC has become foreign to me. Oh well.

I just wanted to let you know that I am offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed today at

Stella Bella Boutique

Happy Shopping :)

and the winner is ...

This week's giveaway goes to JEN!! She is the lucky winner of the white chandelier burlap pillow case! Congrats Jen! Don't forget to stop by Styled Spaces this Christmas.

rachel's {not oprah's} favorite things

It's late and i'm not sure why i am still up ... but since I am, I thought I would share a couple of my recent etsy fave's. Enjoy and goodnight {even though most of you will get this in the morning}.
All photos are linked to their owners.

it's time to place your order

I wanted to give all of you a heads up that Stella Bella Boutique is currently taking custom orders for Christmas!

If there are a couple of things you're interested in, or you would like to mix and match just let me know!

Right now the store is still small and the back stock of items is limited. Please let me know if there is anything you're interested in and I may be able to reserve it or make a custom order!

You can go here to check out the items I currently have to offer.

Simply click on my email button and shoot me a message if you're interested.

This Christmas, when you're thinking of your sisters, mothers, girlfriends, coworkers, or any other important female in your life, please remember Stella Bella Boutique.

thanksgiving burgers

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I can hardly keep my butt in my office chair this week. I am so desperately awaiting a relaxing Thanksgiving vacation. I am sure all of you are with me.

Does your family have any quirky Thanksgiving traditions?

Last night E and I served one of the most unique Thanksgiving dinners that I have ever heard of. E has become friends with a man that struggles with many mental health conditions. This man is older and unfortunately he does not have any close family ties. In conversation a couple of weeks ago, E invited him and a couple of his friends over to celebrate Thanksgiving.

When E extended the invitation, I felt excited and anxious at the same time. I love to cook and have people over, but I am T minus 7 days until my comprehensive exam. Not to mention I have never made turkey, stuffing, or anything of that sort before!

About a week after the invite was extended, this man told E about his excitement to eat dinner at our home, and that he would love it if we made cheeseburgers. Yes, cheeseburgers ... for Thanksgiving.

Needless to say, I was relieved! Grilling up a couple burgers was so much easier than fixing a full out Thanksgiving dinner. I believe that God knew my current circumstances and thought that cheeseburgers would add ease and humor into my life.

Last night and a lot lately, God has been teaching me the truth in His word that says

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

This truth of God seems so backward, especially in todays economy. However, I have been so encouraged lately that His word stands true no matter what the present circumstances. Praise Him that He is a God whose word and truth seizes to change.

... One last thing that is totally not related, but I thought would make you laugh.

Last night I was totally exhausted after a long day of work, practicums, and cheeseburgers, so I decided to run myself a hot bath. I started running the water and walked into the kitchen to clean up while the tub filled. After a couple of minutes I walked into the bathroom to check on the water level ... and what did I see ... STELLA STANDING IN MY BATH WATER. I guess she decided that she wanted to take a warm bath first! Gotta love the joys of being a dog owner ...

a little birdie said...

I found this adorable little frame and art piece on Etsy and I just had to have it. Now I am trying to decide which room it fits best in. Decisions decisions. Oh, I can find so many ways to procrastinate at the end of the semester...