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i am a fan.

March 12, 2012

my husband took me on a hot date last night to hear the Avett Brothers.
to make it more amazing to me….it was at the Orpheum.
it's a 90 year old theater and it's gorgeously shabby inside.

there is all chippy paint and exposed brick, very grand and over done in the details.
it is such a beautiful place to see a show….especially this show.
it is a small theater only holding 1200.
we knew several people once we got there so it really did feel like a party.

the Avett Brothers band was very obviously having a BLAST up on stage.
they were going nuts on all their instruments…i had no idea a banjo could rock like that?!! or a cello?!!
i have never really heard anything like it in person…..i was completely in love.
i really liked their music before but it doesn't even compare to the live show!!
it was SO GOOD!

you need to listen to them. you need to go to their show. you will LOVE it.

i kept thinking about how much my dad and sister would have loved that show.
🙂
i hear a lot of my childhood in their music.

i found this clip of them from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon….liked it!

they sang this at the end during the encore…not rockin' but still beautiful… :)

then my favorite video i found was the Tiny Desk Concert Series from NPR.
it's 15 minutes long….i don't expect everyone to watch that….but i have watched it twice today already.
🙂

and none of those compare to being there.

wow.

thanks for taking me Mr. Duerksen.
you are my favorite.

——————————————————————

i am also a fan of ginormous trees on a sunshiney day.

this five-trees-in-one is in the yard right out the window from the kitchen and front room.
it's perfect to climb.

i was more of a fan of this dog when he played in the sun and looked and smelled a little cleaner.

he is now stinky and very muddy.
blerg.

i ran five miles yesterday on the treadmill at the gym.
i watched part of a basketball game, part of Hoarders and part of Behind the Music about PINK.
ha!
i am hoping this killer headache i have goes away so i can get back out today and get a run in….
maybe…..
if the sun comes out again it would sure help my motivation!

happy monday to you.

——————————————————————-

oh and don't forget to enter these giveaways…..

enter to win $100 Visa gift card from Hostess over HERE.

enter to win $100 Walmart gift card from IHOP over HERE

enter to win a $100 gift card to Olive Garden over HERE.

🙂

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Flower Patch Farmgirl - We are newly obsessed, too. (We always get to the cool stuff late.) Cory goes around singing that song about “if he dies in the city”. It freaks me out a little.
That venue is slaying me.

Mindi - We love love love the Avett Brothers! We are going to see them in June! Can’t wait we are super excited. My 6 year old loves, Die Die Die, my 4 year old loves I and Love and You and my fav is January Wedding…probably! For our anniversary I made my husband a sign with our last name and the line, “always remember there was nothing worth sharing like a love that let us share our name.”
So glad you enjoyed the show!

Christy Brenneman - Never heard the Avett Bros before. Love that music! Waffle looks like he’s having a grand time in the country! Loved that tree so much…a great climbing tree.

A Facebook User - Sweet! We saw them Saturday night and scored VIP tickets in the front row (because I’m a uber-geek — such a geek that I have a “Backwards With Time” tattoo and am planning a half-sleeve around other favorite Avetts songs — and hit “buy” immediately when they came on sale). Seth came off the stage and gave my son a guitar pick, thereby cementing his place as Henry’s favorite (formerly Joe Kwon! Sorry, Joe!).
They don’t get boring even after seeing them multiple times, I can assure you. (I’m hinting that they’ll be in Tulsa in a few weeks and again at Crossroads KC this summer, but I won’t be able to go because my due date is getting too close and my husband hated Crossroads last time we saw them there).

Emilee Prenevost - Ok so this has nothing to do with your post, but I was blog surfing and found this post and totally thought of you 🙂 http://www.landeeseelandeedo.com/2012/03/rainbow-roundup.html
Oh and I love your pics of Waffle! My dog’s name is Meatball…lol 🙂 He’s a gray mini schnauzer 🙂 he would have fun playing with Waffle 🙂 love ya!

Stephanie - This is so funny! As I was reading your blog I was listening to The Avett Brothers on Pandora! Love them! Waiting for them to come to California so I can go see them. I am even more excited to see them after your review! 🙂

Heather - I’m a fan of Avett Brothers. If you haven’t checked out The Polyphonic Spree yet, you must! Some of the most uplifting music I have ever heard and great for all ages!

Michelle - Yeah Avett Brothers! My 1st experience was seeing them live in 2007 at NC State’s homecoming. AMAZING!

Shauna Howington - Came back to reread your post and rewatch the clips. Yeah, I love them that much! Ha! What a treat that Bob Crawford was back on the bass, since his little girl has been so sick.
I love when the NPR guy asks Scott if he swallowed an amplifier when he was younger. 🙂

Dina - I.was.there.last.night.TOOOOO!!!! The Avett Brothers are amaaaazing! We had the best time! Had I known you would be there, I would have put my ‘Meg stalker skills’ to work:-)

Rachel - Went to an Avett Bros concert a few years ago w/o having ever heard of them. It was probably my favorite concert of all time… and now they are one of my favorite bands of all time. So so fun and entertaining!!!

amy jupin - semi-obsessed with the avett bros.
yay for date night!!

Sara - Love the Avett Brothers – how fun!

Capricious - Love your sunshine, Waffle and tree pics! I look forward to your posts everyday! I am from Kansas and miss it so. I love how you love Kansas, color, crafts, and Sonic! I posted a link to a blog today with a print that made me think of you since we share a love for Sonic drinks! Congrats on your move!

Andrea Jeanne - I am so jealous…I love them. Glad you had a chance to see them in person. I have heard that they put on a great show.

Lindsey@ Piecefully Home - we’re huge avett fans around here, esp. their early stuff. i’ve seen them a lot and each time is fantastic. 🙂

Katie Beth - Okay, so I have to ask…when you say you run 5 miles, do you mean without stopping…not walking at all? If so I am uber impressed, and I want to get to that point. I just recently started running [it had been about 7 years since high school when I played sports], and I really want to do a 5k, but I want to do it without walking breaks. How do you increase without dying? How do you know when to increase because I feel just as tired each time it seems. My longest is 1.5 miles without walking. I know I can increase, but holy cow…5 miles! Go you!

flowerpowermomma - aha! Waffle is becoming a ‘farm dog’, they don’t smell very well, but they sure have fun. Will explore the music later..it’s just gorgeous in my neck of the woods so i must get outside.

Heather - yay, I love me some Avetts! They are SO MUCH FUN live! How crazy is Joe Kwon dancing around with that cello?! I saw them when I lived in Nashville at the Ryman (the mother church of country music)- got a poster and had it framed so I could remember it forever. 🙂 They have I think 3 live CDs which sort of capture some of the fun of their shows, but nothing is as great as that room full of people singing and clapping and stomping their feet right along with you!

Lauren - My kids are always saying our yard needs a bigger climbing tree, yours looks great!

lorel - Oh I really wanted to go to that concert but when I looked online the tickets were $75! Craig is awesome to get them for $35. Lucky you guys!

Carrie - I am ridiculously jealous! They were in Springfield, just an hour away from me, Saturday! I had no one to go with… should have went alone! Maybe one day I will have friends who like the same music as I do!

Kathy P - I had never heard of the Avett brothers, so i blasted those tunes here now in the house at 6.30 in the morning, sounded AWESOME. So spririted Those boys are hot!!!!!

Amber. - I’ve been a lurker of your blog for quiet some time, so I already knew you were awesome…but the fact that you have fallen in love with the avetts means you are beyond awesome.
I’ve had a huge crush on that band/their music for a few years now. But, nothing compares to hearing them live. After going to five of their concerts, listening to their music on a computer does it no justice. If possible, you should see them on NYE! I’ve went to two of their NYE shows…let me just say, AMAZING.
🙂

Grace - Thanks for sharing! Waffle is really cute on the last picture! He is kind of crossing his eyes 🙂

jenni - LOVE the Avett Bros! Love the lyrics:
…nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name…
Glad you and the Mr. enjoyed the show 🙂

Sandy - I love that Talby has shorts and a tshirt on in the middle of March! I could take this years winter EVERY year! I used to love the snow and still do really…but I have loved this winter with no (very little!) snow and lots of sunshine and spring like days!!

Melissa - I can’t believe I’ve never heard them before-Love it! Thanks for sharing about them, I googles them and listened to a bunch of their stuff, so great! A thousand times better than the Chipmunks Christmas CD that the toddlers love listening to in the car!

Maureen - Love,Love, Love them. Our whole family listens to them and my 15 year old played for me “Murder in the City” last Mother’s Day. One of the prettiest songs, especially when you have two boys and a girl. “Always remember there was nothing worth sharing, like the love that let us share our name.”
How fun, you will always remember that concert!!

beth - love the Avette brothers! How cool that you got to go see them in concert. Waffle cracks.me.up. I love my dog the most when she’s freshly cleaned and hasn’t rolled in…anything. ha!

Laura - I’ve listened to “January Wedding” an embarrassing number of times. My husband should be worried. I have the hugest crush on Seth. So jealous that you saw them in concert!

Sharla - We were there too! I wasn’t really a fan of their music before (this was for Nathan’s birthday), but I definitely appreciate them more after hearing them live. They were great! Love date nights. 🙂

Amanda Eudy - Excellent! The Avett’s are my favorite band! So glad you had the chance to see them live..Whenever I tell someone about them, I include the statement “You have to see them live, they are AMAZING!”
Glad you enjoyed the boys 🙂

Melissa - My brother saw the Avett Brothers in Springfield Friday night and then traveled to Witchita to see them again Saturday night! I saw them last summer at RedRocks in Colorado. They put on a fabulous show!

Ashlyn@Pinecone - The hubs and I and our 3 girls are going to see the Avett Brothers in April in Ithica, NY and I cannot wait!!!! We all love them over here – love the pics!
xo
Ashlyn

Nikki - You are blessed to have a hubby that took you. Tim and I just don’t see eye to eye when it comes to music. I’m still considering seeing them all alone if I have to though!!

Heather S. - The sun’s out now in T-town! Hope it’s shining on you now as well! I got my booty out of bed for an hour long boot camp class at 5:30….that was hard after spring forward weekend – but so glad I did it!

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Hey you know what, there’s an Orpheum theatre here in Los Angeles and it’s so beautiful and shabby inside too and I love it! That’s funny that there’s a chain of them?! Anyway so glad you had a date night. They are so important aren’t they? Glad you made the time. Hope your headache is over soon. Take care.

DeNanner - They are from Charlotte(where I live). I use to have them on an entertaintment TV show I use to produce several years ago. They were unknowns then and use to ring my phone off the hook wanting to be on every week.
so happy for them.

Marianne - 🙂 People always look at me weird when I say ‘blerg’. he he he.

Ali - I LOVE the Avett Brothers – especially live. My husband and I saw them in Lawrence, KS a few years ago and it BLEW ME AWAY. Glad you had the chance to experience that too. And good luck to the Jayhawks in the tournament!! I’m sure your hubby and boys are getting pumped.

robyn - i love that you were at your Orpheum Theater last night, and I was at mine!

Shauna Howington - This is the best post I’ve seen all day! They are my all time favorite band and such a treat live! I knew you had great taste!!

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thursday

March 8, 2012

this is our bus stop now.
the driveway.
🙂

i like it.

we've done a little painting.
annie made a landscape and i painted a picture of one of the neighbors chickens.

we made our yummy pumpkin waffles for dinner….annie's request.

she cut some strawberries for me to serve on the side.

i am so glad strawberries are back that the store…and less than $3.99 a box!
finally.

i took a day OFF from life yesterday.
i was feeling worn out.
i slept most of the day.
and i put my closet together….it's organized.

but today i woke up feeling good….ready for a fun day.
i met my friend to run and we did FIVE and a HALF miles!!!
for reals.
i am so proud of us. :)

so on march 8 i am at 25.5 miles.
74.5 miles to go in march.
auuwww yeah.

i showered at my old house and then kimberlee came over to get crafty!
it's been awhile since i have made something just for fun.
it was time!

kimberlee made bunting and i decided to make a little quilt for annie's baby dolls.
she's been asking me for fabric and i have been hesitant to share….i mean…..it's the nice fabric!
so i thought i'd make one from all the little scraps.

i announced several times while cutting and sewing "CUTEST QUILT EVER!!!"

ha!

it was nice to spend the day with kimberlee.
at craft weekend we barely even get to have a conversation….we are both busy with all the happy crafters.
and she gets up up really early to cook breakfasts and goes to bed before i do.
we are on different schedules at CW.

i like getting to catch up again.
🙂

i got the quilt put together and sewed fabric to the back….and thought "ohhh…it looks so cute like a pillow…"
hmmm.
not sure if annie will acutally get a baby blanket out of this deal or not.
i may get a REALLY cute pillow instead

yesterday i worked on the craft weekend SWAG post.
I hope you will come over and read it….there are LOTS of discounts for you!

come over to the craft weekend blog…. and read about all the super fun sponsors!

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Aimee - Hi Meg, can you tell me where you got the adorable rainbow letters on kid writing paper fabric? I want to make fun pillows for my boys’ playroom and that fabric would be perfect!

julie - So much goodness in each of these pictures!
But my favorite?
Kimberlee sewing. I love how crazy a year can be. How one day can change someone from being scared of a sewing machine, so a bunting making wizard.
That patchwork?
Love. Love. Love.

lindsey - It looks like you two had fun! Annie and I are recreating CW this weekend for some family members! We are going to make bunting too! It should be fun!

Lasso the Moon - I just want you to know that I’ve been totally inspired by your 100 miles thing. I got a jump-start on mine in NYC last weekend, and now I’m caught up with you. I’m calling it the “100-mile March”. Did I make that up or did I get that from you? Not sure.
Anyway, I’m glad to know I’m not the only one with a sonic cup in the kitchen. And that doll quilt! Cutest quilt ever. No doubt.
Anna

Tami - I can’t believe strawberries are that expensive. This will probably make you sick. I have been paying about $1.50 a box at our local flea market for the past 3 weeks. This week the guy marked them down to $1 and I bought 4 and he threw in the 5th. So less than $1. We love strawberries at our house too. I freeze them so we have them when they are not in season. Love your pictures of Annie.

Kim - I rode a bus my whole time in school. Some of my best memories! I say baby quilt, even though it would definitely make a cute pillow. Isn’t it nice just to make something for fun, for the sake of creativity? Way to go on the running! My little Canadian brain was impressed that you were running 5K a day, it took me a minute to realize that it was 5 MILES. Happy Weekend!

Lisa - Meg – I’d love if you could do a post about running. I’m a runner too — and I love when you talk about running, but you only give teeny snippets. I’d love to know when you started, what you like most about running, what you don’t like, do you have any goals (5k, marathon) what’s your pace.
Keep on keepin’ on!

Kerry - stunning blanket / pillow meg 🙂 Love the fabric with the handwriting on it! I really need to learn to sew. …. gah!
glad you took some time out – we SO need it as moms xx

Han - I really want to get back into quilting but I just don’t have the time – I’m supposed to be knitting a cardigan for my friend’s daughters birthday next month but I’ve just not got to it – it’s so not good! Need to get my priorities straight – I might have to save the wool and get her something else for her birthday and aim for her second birthday instead.

stephany - Thanks for letting the rest of us know that some of your days are duds, too.
I love that you got back in the game, for yourself, after you had a bad day.
That is my MO, too.
A day in bed never hurt anybody.
I went and bought some new fabric today…and found a globe at goodwill.
You can read about my thrift finds on my blog…I just started thrifting this week…I’m addicted.
I was inspired by your blog…your colors, your enthusiasm.
Thank you…

Kathryn - Where might I find some of the black and white “peace always” fabric? I like to find fabric with a Christian(ish) theme for making small wallhangings to go with people from our church who visit far away places. Usually not Africa. But usually a south American or Asian country.
Can I get it in at Charlotte’s??

Enroutetowandering.wordpress.com - I want that baby quilt… You are right. CUTEST QUILT EVER.

Mindy Harris - sissy needs a quilt for her dollies. open etsy back up? yes?

beth davis - #1 – So glad to see Kimberlee’s face. I was worried about her – she hasn’t posted for awhile and her last post was when she wasn’t feeling well. Whew – these mama hens … we worry!
#2 – I would, definitely, make the baby doll quilt into a baby doll quilt for your little girlie. She won’t request baby doll quilts forever – look at your Lauren — they grow too quickly. You will have years and years to make cute pillows for your house. 🙂
#3 – Glad you are settled into the ‘new’ old house. Your post about change and moving came at a good time for me. We are contemplating a move – not for a few years, but none-the-less … contemplating and we have lived in this city our entire lives. It would be a BIG deal to move, but your post was a good reminder to me … thank you.

maggie - absolutely love the quilt….and the YAY sign is to die for! You rock!

Jenny B. - My heart is just welling up with joy for you! It is so wonderful how everything has worked out with the houses. God is so good. 🙂

Heather | Cookie Mondays - I am obsessed with that tin of chocolate chips!
And my favorite ever quilt is the one I made for my girls dolls! 🙂

shannon - Love that little quilt you made but yea it would be even happier as a pillow for everyone to enjoy. How awesome is having the bus stop in the driveway!!!
I’m off to check out the craft swag 😉

Sarah Wolfe - What a fun quilt.. And fun to recognize all those fabrics 🙂 glad you and kimberlee got some girl time in!

the.mrs - LOVE seeing that someone else loves their big starbucks cup! Now if only they would sell the straws in the stores instead of online for $4 with $6 shipping.

Kimberlee Jost - The bunting is all hanging and happy.
Spending the day with you was just what I needed.
Love you!

janet @ ordinary mom - We live out where our bus stop is the end of the drive too. BEST THING EVER!
o.k. that’s all. 😉

Anna Marie - I was on the phone with my sister a few hours ago and said that EXACT same thing about strawberries! Funny :o)

Christina - I’m not sure how I first found your blog, but I love reading it! I know your love of Africa and I know so many people follow you, so I was hoping you would watch this video and share! http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DY4MnpzG5Sqc%26sns%3Dfb&sns=fb&v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc&gl=US

Kelly - Gotta love the end of the driveway bus stop!! This is something I take for granted, but shouldn’t.
I think the baby doll can find another blankie. This has pillow written all over it!
The pumpkin waffles look good… I’ll have to check out the recipe. My kids like anything with chocolate chips.
Glad you got some craft time and quality time with your friend! Always good for the soul.

jen - you have so inspired me to get back into sewing that i went ahead and ordered loads of fabric from hawthorns, tonic living & fabric.com!!! {i think my husband spied it the other day but has yet to say anything!} i just need to get some white aprons and i’m going to make my mom,sisters & me + my kids some aprons for our summer celebration! plus some totes and bunting. but i would love to know how you made that quilt! so darling……i wish i had a place to escape to to sew – i take over the kitchen table!
happy thursday! always inspired!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - There’s nothing like quiet girl/crafting time. I’m aching for some right about now. School has been stressful and I need to create!
I started a doll quilt(with some bright Kaffe Fassett fabrics) back at Christmastime with the intention of making it for my 6 yr old. I got the rows pieced together and then I got distracted. And so it sits, in the sewing room, still unfinished. {Picture me hanging my head in shame} One of these days…

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - That YAY banner keeps haunting me!! It is so gorgeous. Today I walked into my work (Fabric store) and we got in (are you sitting down??) FIFTY yards of burlap!! Oh yes.. Now I have no excuse NOT to make the YAY banner. 🙂
Off I go to the Craft Weekend blog.

Elizabeth - what a great quilt! I love all the pretty fabric!! it is so happy and would make a cute pillow. I think you might have to keep it, or…send it my way! hehe 😉 oh and you are rocking the ‘rock your body in march!’ great job!!
xoxox
Elizabeth

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the new neighborhood.

March 6, 2012

my three youngest were home sunday afternoon and were planning a walk to the creek down the road.
i said "how about i come too….just so we make sure it's safe"
we aren't farm people ya know?!
who knows what they'd get into on their first day. :)

IMG_7496-5

IMG_7519-9

when we got there we found it to be blocked off with barbed wire fences.
bummer.
it's for the cows.

everything around us is getting green….signs of spring getting close!

we walked farther down and saw the neighbors with the cows.
we met them and their dogs….my kids love dogs!

umm…hello beautiful barn.
you are gorgeous.

we found hay bales…and rusty fences….

dance breaks on a dirt road are always fun!

we walked to the barn at our house while singing the brady bunch theme song.
my kids just watched season 1 on dvd and that song sticks in your brain.

this place has chippy paint EVERYWHERE.

{{{{ s i g h }}}}

i love that….all of it.

the weeds are blooming.

i asked what they liked best about the barn and one of them said the little door.
then someone said something mean to annie….

and she stomped away.
sometimes it's rough being a sister.

then the girls took me over to meet our neighbors….and their chickens!

it was AWESOME!
talby is holding a chicken!
this is crazy.
and so cool.

i put out my hand and they ate right out of my hand….it felt so funny and kinda creepy.

these are all firsts for me.
i am not a country girl….not yet anyway.

i was in love with the chickens.

and they sent us home with a dozen eggs straight out of the hen house.
doesn't get much more country than that does it?

well….it probably does.
but i am still new to this.

ha ha ha

———————————————————————————————————————————–

i ran 4.5 miles yesterday morning with my friend.
and i will try for 5 miles again today.

i am trying my best to drink LOTS of water.
big cups all day long.
i use a cup with a straw and i drink ten times more than i would if i just used a glass.
yesterday i went through Sonic and ordered a large ice water.
that's it.
but i really wanted a drink and i love their cups and straws….and i didn't have to get out of my car.
it was totally worth the .32 cents.

(found on pinterest)

———————————————————————————————————————————–

hope your tuesday is S U P E R!!
because it IS super tuesday….not that i am "political" …but i love the way it sounds!
it sounds happy. it does not sound political.
so to me…it's a Happy name for today….SUPER TUESDAY!
mine is going to be filled with laundry and organizing my closet and bathroom.
then….we are done!
all moved in.
easiest move ever.
that does sound SUPER!

🙂

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Gina // C is for Cupcakes Baking Co. - this post reminds me of when Becky from the rusty chain moved to the country in Kansas. Oh, the sights she posted were glorious. All chippy paint, rusty fences and badgers. Yeah… badgers. LOVE the hay bales and chickens – so fun!! can’t wait to see how the country becomes a part of you all and how you bring your own brand of (brightly colored) special to the countryside! Glad to hear you are still doing craft weekends, finally found a friend to start saving her pennies with me so we can go sometime in the hopefully sooner than later future!

Shafeeq - This Chicken mission is pbsosiimle! You buy the chicks and feed them and as soon as they are adult the coyote eats them! You can’t protect them because they have to be adult before you can move them into the chicken coop, and you can’t sell them because you don’t have time.Help! I have used up sooooo much energy on this one. There must be someway to do this.

sonya - lil'soak + Friends - Your kids are hilarious. I hope my kid as as happy go lucky as yours. So awesome.

Cari - The road and creek remind me a lot of my parents place in northeast Oklahoma. That just happens to be my girls’ (10 year old twins) most favorite place on earth. I have no doubt your children will love it!! And holding chickens? Come on! That’s so cool!

Kat - Meg, you are going to get so many awesome pics living in the country!!
We live by the beach in Aus and we just got 4 chickens the other week. My 4 kids are loving it!!
One chicken each and they got to name them 🙂

Lelia - Meg,
This has nothing to do with this post …. but did you hear that La Creme is discontinued?!?!? I’m sure you did & I’m just behind, but I’m SO bummed … for reals!
Lelia

Jenny B. - I’ve never thought chickens were pretty. But, those chickens ARE pretty – especially with the spring greens in the background! Love all your photos. So happy for you guys!! Question… did you get / are you getting new living room furniture? Did you leave the old stuff at the “town house”? Just being curious… any nosy… 😉

Aneta Kudasik - It’s so nice there! What a cute post. I just bought a house in a small town and am so excited to live there and your post just reminded me once again why.
Hope I can gave a chicken or two too!
Thanks!

Lisa - I’m really enjoying the pictures of beautiful Kansas country. Had to Pin the red barn! I really like your white barn, too. Those chickens look so fluffy and soft – makes me want to pet them! I hope your family enjoys living in the country. I wonder how many animals you will end up with? 🙂

mae - Oh my gosh. I grew up on a farm and… wow… these pictures remind me of all the amazing things the country holds… especially for kids. So excited about the move!!!

Kristin S - When did your “youngest” get so tall???

Maria - What a great place for your children to grow up!! My favorite show is the Waltons so I love the pictures with the kids walking!!! And by the way, Chickens are very easy to raise!!!

Annika - I cannot believe I am just catching up on my blog reading after two weeks and in these two weeks… YOU HAVE MOVED???!! To somewhere really lovely, by the looks of it! Congratulations on taking this step and getting settled in so quickly. I love the shot of the kids walking down the road and the close-up of the hay.

Kerry - OH man.. I see a LOT of awesome photo shoots coming up 🙂 Those Hay bales!! And that chicken! Brave girl…
We live in the country too and I’ve learnt to take my camera EVERYWHERE with me now – which reminds me… I need a camera bag! What bag do you use Meg?

Melissa - I went to Vegas for 4 days and look what happened!!! I dream of moving to a farmhouse in the country, but that would require a big move. My kids would be sad to move, mostly the 10th & 8th graders. Good luck and enjoy! I can’t wait to live vicariously!

Michelle - Looks like you’re settling in nicely! Everything looks so wonderful, and peaceful. How awesome to get fresh eggs from your neighbour! Once again, I LOVE your photography! Someday maybe I will be half as good!
Have a great week!
Michelle (from Canada)
http://www.thingsthatmatter-m.blogspot.com

Prairie Jenn - Yay for neighbors that give you eggs.
Next it will be vegetables from their garden.
Then chickens!
Really…it happened to us.
That’s how I got all my chickens- from the neighbors!
Gotta love the country life:)

Lori Austin - Your country adventures look wonderful. Makes me
want to live in the country again (just slightly 🙂
We just made poached eggs on toast with farm fresh eggs
the other night – that bright, golden color. Yum!

Alicia @ La Famille - you are definately on an adventure now!! 😀 fresh chicken eggs are the BEST!! glad you’re enjoying your new digs!

Michelle - Oh, and agree with comment above…farm fresh eggs are the best.

Michelle - I love the dirt road. I live in the “country” according to some, but not far enough out for me. I’ve always wanted to live on a long dirt road or lane and not be able to see my neighbors unless I take a long, long walk. I love your pictures, thanks for sharing.

Kelly - Loving the barn and the little door up top, too!
Gotta love the chickens…. and the egg pic is awesome…..
Your family is in for some new adventures on your farm!!
So glad we get a peek into your country days. Enjoy!

Melissa - What a terrific barn. I’ve always wanted a barn to host parties in…that would be fun. Can’t wait to see more photos to come!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - That barn would be a great photo shoot background, don’t you think? And I totally want to be on the receiving end of Annie’s hand-me-downs. Her clothes are adorable(love that hoodie).
Im glad to hear you’re getting used to your surroundings. The kids must be so excited to get home from school each day and go exploring in their new country ‘hood:)

Kathy P - oh Meg! I lived in a country town and lived on a farm on the east coast of Australia on a mountain range during my teenagehood along with my younger sister. I think it was one of the best things my parents ever decided to do. We had chickens, horses, cows, goats, and ducks. And a big river to swim in that ran along the front of the house. We had platypus in the river too. We had fresh eggs and fresh air and learned to ride horses. Talby and Annie – this is going to be so GOOD for them!!! Be good for all the kids!

melissa@joyineveryseason - That red chicken coming right at the camera really made me LOL … I came to your blog yesterday and thought I’d somehow missed the lead up to the big move to the country … and then read your “you know how when you’re pregnant but don’t tell” etc etc post … you’re so funny! Life is good in the country … I know you will love it :o)

Christy - So loving that barn, I see family photo shoot potential

Shann - Here’s a story…..about Megs new country life. la la la 🙂
Is that the song??? We have all the seasons on DVD. I love that my girls love Carol and Mike and all the kids too!
I think your new country life looks awesome. Have fun! 🙂

sue - Looks a nice place to live but I can’t help but think it is very quiet for the kids especially the ones getting older.

heather - I’m pretty sure we all did a collective “sigh” at the 1st shot of that barn. ahhhhh. I think we are all going to like living through your adventures on the farm….

Ashley - Oh chippy paint. How nice! I could never make myself drink water out of a glass, but when I started regularly dragging a camelbak around my water intake upped a ton. I usually finish about 3 or so a day, so about 75 ounces of water. I’m sure I could drink more, but I figure it is way better than nothing!

se7en - WooOh would you look at all that countryside fun – so wonderful!!! Happy to watch and learn as you go!!! And good on you for all that running!!!

Renee - Imagine all the crafty get togethers you could host in your barn!!! Oooh I can just see it- twinkling lights, chipped, painted tables with matching benches, good friends, baskets of fabric, food on hay bales covered in polka dot fabric… {swoon}
Enjoy exploring your new surroundings and the fresh eggs.
Blessings!

Hannah - I’m positive I will be the mom who also takes a picture of her daughter when she’s stomping away! Love it!

Dani - DIRT ROADS!! Love it! I miss seeing a trail of dust behind my car! The county paved all the dirt roads I walked down when I was a little girl! Nothing better than walking down those old dirt roads!
So, about your eggs. I’m sure you know this, but…if you don’t use them you will find baby chickens in them. Nothing worse than that! And then you will not want to eat eggs for a long long time. HA!

Marianne - Flip flops and a t-shirt. so jealous. *sigh* It’s freezing here.

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Oh Meg, you little country girl you, looks like the country is agreeing with all of you. That is so cool. I can see all three of my neighbors on each side of me and across the street and down the street. You get the picture. Enjoy your piece of the country. It looks fabulous.

shannon - Well I was kinda sad that you guys moved from your old house but after seeing these pictures I’m hoping my family can come live with you guys too! What’s 4 more people anyway, right?
Every single one of these pictures is gorgeous and so full of LIFE! What an amazing experience you will all be living!

Short, Sweet Season - You are basically living my DREAM right now. Not that you asked, but I think you should get some chickens of your own! You could get some polka dot wellies to make the task of caring for them more appealing.

Heather F. - What a great place to raise your kids. Best wishes!

Kim - I am a country girl, living in a small city after having moved from a very big city about 1 1/2 years ago. For me it’s the best of both worlds. City life with the country right there. The town we live in has strong agriculture roots. My parents still live in the country, in the house that I grew up in, so we can visit anytime we need a fix.
Love that you have signs of spring! Today we woke up to another dusting of snow. But at least the sun is shining!
Not sure if you follow Design Mom, but she posted a picture that you would love. http://www.designmom.com/2012/03/a-few-things-102/
Enjoy your run in the country.

Simple Daisy - LOVE your photographs!! For sure get some chickens!! How fun would that be:)

Laura Phelps - I am a country girl too!
HA
not really
but for ME….I am.
I traded billboards, and 4 star dining, Rodeo Drive, coffee on every corner, sushi on every other corner, and the red carpet, for…..
a DRIVE to Starbucks.
Barns.
Chickens…at least I hear them in the distance….
and TREES.
also, starry skies 🙂
I have to say…when I saw that loooooooong dirt road…….with NOTHING around, in front, or behind it…well….I had a small panic attack.
I felt scared! Seriously. I felt alone.
That’s just the city girl in me.
Life in the country..a REAL country life…just sounds so simple and beautiful.
And I think there is genius in simplicity.
Too bad I will always be drawn to the complicated and glitzy life!
maybe one day I can have a country home and apartment in NYC…
ya know
after I fix my mini van and pay the oil company (which might never happen)
love to you, you cute country gal!
can’t wait to walk that dirt road with you one day (but can I bring my phone and Starbucks to go?)

Jill - OH my! I SWEAR those fresh eggs will make EVERYTHING you put them in TASTE better!!!! We moved to the country 4 years ago and I am a TOTAL convert!

Tracy - My kids love to watch Brady Bunch DVDs! I do too..reminds me of my childhood. Gilligan’s Island, too!!!

Lasso the Moon - You have carved out for yourselves quite a sweet little life here. Thanks for sharing some of it.
Anna

Leah - I want to move to the country!

megan@contentedsparrow - i was away (from the computer) last week so i am just seeing that you moved! woo-hoo! i’m excited for you. i know you wanted to be closer to the kid’s school and i’m thrilled that God provided an awesome country house while you’re waiting on just the right thing to become available. excited to see how you’ll make the rental house look like you. and it looks like you need to join the chicken-keeping ranks, girl!

Terrie G - This post makes me miss living on the farm, and my kids being little…and dancing on the country roads when we took walks…..sigh…

Jen Brandt - I’m happy you’re happy! Enjoy the rest of your day! It’s sunny in Ohio and I hope it is in Kansas, too.

Kimberly Dial - Your new neighborhood looks like mine with the exception of the hills (WV is ‘The Mountain State’ you know! 😉 I know your kiddos will have a blast there, especially this summer but beware Meg … being a city kid who raised two country boys, I must warn you (LOL) you have no idea what they are capable of getting into! 😉 Thanks for sharing … enjoy!

Jen - In case you are interested, those golden chickens are buff orpingtons and the red one is a Rhode Island Red. Chickens are so much fun to have! You should really consider it.

Kristin - i love that red barn. and want to live in the country even more after seeing these pictures. what a great place!

DanaD@BoysMyJoys - I can only imagine what your future photography backgrounds in the country will look like!!!
That barn is to die for!
And all the chippy paint… love it all!

Megan - Great pics… I am so happy that YOU are happy!

Rebekah - I like to get Sonic Water with cranberry and lime. Pretty tasty and still, just water.

Sharla - I don’t think anyone’s feeling sorry for you anymore 🙂 Beautiful pics – can you believe this awesome weather?!

Tina I - I am not a country girl, but you make me want to move IMMEDIATELY!! You should for sure get some chickens….

Emily - Makes me think of a country song by Rodney Atkins…makes me want to take a back road!
Your cheerful post has brightened my day! A coworker just needlessly stressed me out. And I needed to take a little break. So I decided to check blogger. Thank goodness you were there to alter my mood.

tiffany gardner - my hubby grew up on a farm. we live in the city. it is nice to have the best of both worlds. thanks for sharing your life with us! I look forward to your blog. everyday.

seriously sassy mama - Oh, how I pray for an easy move this summer. I would love to live in the country with a barn, and chickens. I am crafting a cleaning today!

aimee - i’ve never seen anyone make chickens look so beautiful! congrats on the move!

Cheryl E. - Meg – Thanks for all the pictures of your new home and new surroundings! Love all things country, life seems so much easier!

Mandy - Love Annie’s hands in her back pockets! How ‘country’ of her 🙂
http://dailydoseoframblings.blogspot.com

This Farm Family's Life - Love the pictures! Glad you are enjoying your new space!

Shelly - I am so pumped for all of you!!! Living in the country is priceless. We moved onto our little farm in the Flint Hills 4yrs ago this week and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

kimber - I never get tired of seeing pictures of your free-spirited children. I love how expressive Talby’s and Annie’s faces are. Looks like you moved to heaven. Even the weeks are pretty!

kaylee@life chasers - I am so excited for you all! There is nothing quite as wonderful as farm life…unless their was a Starbucks drive thru on the farm.
That red barn makes me swoon. Can you say family pictures?

Brooke - I’m LOVING Whatever Country Edition! Yee Haw Y’all!! 🙂 You may become the new face of Kansas Tourism…you are making Kansas look wonderfully charming!
-Brooke (a Kansas girl too!)

Aby - No ma’am…it does NOT get much more country than that!! Walks down dirt roads? Barns? Cows? Hay bales? Chickens!?!? OMGoodness! You’re making me MISS IT!! BAD!! My girls and I moved from the country into town after a divorce 2 years ago. Lots of changes…not necessarily the best of changes…but like you know…HOME is where you make it! And wherever my girls are is home to me…even though it’s not the country anymore. ENJOY it! The simplicity of it all makes the very best kind of memories!!!

happygirl - I want chickens so bad. I’m not a country girl either. I wonder if I could have them in an apartment if I gave them their own room? I wonder. Pretty pics my friend.

Kelly - I am a country girl at heart and am deeply envious (in the most Christian way of course) of your new home! And the chickens! I want chickens!

Peggy in TN - I love the picture with the three chickens in a row-it’s frame worthy! I can’t believe you are all done unpacking!!!

Regina - LOVE the flip flops on a dirt road…LOVE the red barn…LOVE the weeds that I have forever thought look like bunny faces…LOVE the chickens and fresh eggs…LOVE the new-found BLISS in your new “hood”. Have a great run!

Sarah - How exciting to be in the country! I am not a country girl either, but I’d love to be – those lucky little girls of yours are going to love it! x

Chaos-Jamie - Is it not crazy that those are your YOUNGEST children? Freak me out. We are not this old yet. (One of these days you need to come to the Boro with your spouse so I can see you.)

Melissa - Meg! You guys should get chickens!!!
We just got 3 a few weeks ago and it’s awesome!
Do it, do it, do it! 🙂

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31 bits

February 24, 2012

**************************************************************************
you know i have a heart for africa.
i hope you know.
and with my friend pam moving there this year i have thought about africa every single day.
it's true.
well today i am talking about 31BiTS, a lovely company that is also from africa.
and i pam would love it.

i love 31 Bits jewelry.
it's made IN africa by african women who are being empowered out of poverty with income from 31BITS.

i love that the jewlery i wear can have a POSITIVE outcome for someone else.
that is so totally cool.
it's helping out in a tangible way.

all these beautiful faces make me love this cause and company even more.

i love all of it.
so many bright colors….so pretty all together….happy happy jewelry!

the ladies at 31BITS sent me this necklace to give away to one of you!!!

it's called the Waverly and it's BRAND NEW from their spring line.

Go to their website and read about their company.
read about the women who make the jewelry.
read about the progam and all the amazing work that is going on.

Go to their shop any time in the next 30 days and use the code MEG20 and you will get 20% your purchase!

i am going to do a little shopping for sure!

there is so much i would like to have in their store.
but really i want to go to uganda and meet the women!
i would love that.

to enter to win this necklace today….leave a comment with your favorite piece from their shop.
it will be tough to chose.

mine would be: 87 cuff and Meadowsweet and Aurora and Sprout.

what's yours?

**************************************************************************

show hide 225 comments

add a comment

Kiki Dee - Love the Sprout but it’s so hard to choose! They are all such beautiful pieces! Wonderful cause!

Ashley - Love the Meadowsweet necklace!

Krystal Johnson - Love the 87 cuff and the waverly- but love them all!

Faith Buss - LOVING the Timber colors. What a cool company!

Ruth - Love the Mayfair necklace…and the Prim Rose bracelet…but more than that, love what these necklaces represent.

Jamie - The Cypress bracelet is my favorite!!

Heather R. - Love all the pieces. Picked up Sprout and Cypress. Thank you for spoiling us with a coupon code! 🙂

Gevay - I love the Meadowlark necklace. It is all so beautiful though.

meredith - ohhhh, it’s so hard to choose! i love orchid loop (necklace) and pixie row (bridal)!
they’re all so pretty 🙂

Amy - 87 cuff for sure. What a wonderful site! Thanks for telling us about it.

mollie's mom - I understand your heart for Africa. I have a heart for Haiti(http://madebymolliesmom.blogspot.com/2012/01/not-crafty-post-im-afraid.html)
I have purchased some of this jewelry from Uganda. I love the idea and the jewelry. A couple of years ago I gave every female on my list a wonderful necklace from Uganda! Everyone loved them and that they helped a woman and her family who were struggling to survive. Great post – I think it’s time for some new jewelry for Spring… 🙂
marcie

whitney f - I LOVEEEEE Orchid Loop!!!! Gorgeous necklace!!

Courtney - What a great site! I love so many! I would pick the Cypress, Meadowsweet, or 87 cuff.

suzi failing - 87 cuff
just love it
and your blog!!!!
suzi

Alise - I love the cypress and the heart behind this ministry. 🙂

Tihana - oh whisper zest is so pretty 🙂

Joy - So hard to choose! I think gypsy or 31 Cuff. I don’t know… too hard!

Michelle - Beautiful jewelry. Reminds me of the Beads for Life party my friend and I hosted last year. These women are so beautiful and talented. Can’t wait to check out 31Bits.

Farrah - Oooh! Waverly, Humming Burst, and Timber! What a fantastic mission!

Kathy Eller - Love love love this company and their mission!! I have always thought of their jewelry as a little funky…there is some really classy stuff on that site!!
love the Willow Knot Bridal!!

Melissa - I love the 87 cuff also- so great!

Heidi - I love the bella necklace!

Katie - I have a friend who is a missionary in Gulu! It’s amazing how God is working through so many different people.
I love the Glory Fringe Necklace. The leather is great.

Karenth - I love the Laurel Locke!

Dani - Love Gypsy! I thought it was a ring at first, which would have been awesome! The Daphne bracelets are great! I need one in all colors.

Amy - I big puffy heart LOVE this cause! Their jewelry is so fantastic! I would be proud to wear any of it! I love the bright and cheery Waverly as well as the beautiful Glory Fringe. Thanks, Meg! 🙂

Ashley - Love the Mayfair!

emmeline - hmmm – rockhopper or crushed jewel – but it’s hard to pick! gorgeous stuff!

ang - Cypress and the 87 Cuff!!! LOVE them!!1

Jessica P. - I love the caramel dust necklace! It’s so beautiful!!

Leslie DuRant - What a cool way to help and wear beautiful jewelry!!!! My favorite is the meadsweet in aqua!!! Aqua is my new favorite :}}}} I bought two purses from a market in Charleston, S.C. that were made in Africa. They are beautiful too!!!! I love the giveaway necklace in mustard. It is georgous too!!!

Preethi Narayan - I like Acorn layers and orchid loops!

K - MEADOWSWEET for sure! Everything is LOVELY!

K - OOOH! Love ripple, 87 cuff and a few more! All gorgeous!

Anna Marie - I really like the simple and classic look of the Meadowsweet. My sister’s birthday is in 2 weeks. I think she would love the teal color.

Allison - Are you kidding??? I love them all…thank you so much for introducing me to this cause and this site…I can see many purchases for myself and for gifts in the future!
I never win anything so I went ahead and ordered myself a Meadowsweet necklace in the teal…so pretty! Thank you so much for the code!

Lynne - I want one of everything. What great gifts these will make. LOVE the 87 cuff, but my fave is the yellow necklace(seriously) that is the giveaway. It’s not on their site yet. Thanks for the giveaway-what an awesome company!

Elizabeth - Oh my goodness, what a great company! I love all their bracelets! especially sprout. and thicket and 87, oh my is that the most perfect summer bracelet or what? Thanks for hosting this giveaway and showing off this awesome company! xoxo

Andrea Jeanne - Hard to choose — I like the Cypress bracelst the best (I think!)

Christy - Mayfair…so pretty!

Bobbie - I love the waverly. Seriously the muslin (I’m guessing?) part is so clever and cute!

Denise - I love the Riverbed necklace.

Deb A. - Everything is beautiful. I love the meadowsweet necklace! Such great choices though! Thanks for the chance to win!

nicki - I must agree, the very best would be to meet these talented women face to face! But many thanks for the giveaway…I love the Waverly, Orchard Bunch, Daphne’s, and Meadowsweet. 🙂

shara - i love the bella necklace! (which is also my daughter’s name 😉 everyone at my church has a 31 bits necklace and i’ve been totally wanting one too.
but i REALLY love this one! my favorite color!!!

ko. s - I love the Feather Blu bracelet. Gorgeous items!

Amy - Gorgeous! I love the one that you’re giving away most! I’m going to Uganda this summer! So excited!

Lauren Fortney - love this company!!! how awesome. my favs are the gypsy and the 87 cuff. beautiful…all of it!

Ani G W - I like Thicket and Gwazy Twist. Both are bracelets. I also like the 87 cuff too!

Michele - I love the Rockhopper…so lovely! =0)

Amber Fussell - Hard to choose because they are all so beautiful and different. I love the Mayfair and the Meadowsweet!

April R - Wind-spark Bridal – white for me and the forget-me-not bracelet for a friend and my daughter
wow…the unique beauty of the smiles of those women…wow
and thanks for sharing this…did I say “wow” already?

Lorie - My sister bought me one of their necklaces a couple years ago for Christmas. I LOVE it. So colorful! I think my favorite is Orchard Bunch (necklace), but I’m totally in love with the one you’re giving away. Who wouldn’t love gray and mustard yellow. Thanks for the opportunity!

Happygirl02 - i LOVE the 87 Cuff. Great colors.

Rebekah - The Waverly is amazing – I would choose the blue!
What an amazing company. Thanks for sharing!

Meg Hansen - Meadowsweet or Sprout. But honestly, they are so gorgeous. All of them!

Heather E - LOVE the Sprout and Gwazy Bloom bracelets! What a great cause to support!

Lisa - wow! just. wow! can the world be any more amazing?!
it really is so full of amazing and inspiring people.
can’t pic a favourite!
beautiful photos. beautiful story. beautiful hearts.
xx

Renee - if i win your giveaway, i’ll get the teal “meadowsweet”
if i don’t win, i’ll get the yellow 🙂
i hope i win. because then i can buy one and get one for free!

Julie H. - This is a bit random but I was curious where you found your gray polka dot material that you used for the back drop of the necklaces. I’m looking for something just like that to make for my baby’s bedding. I appreciate your effort to let me know. Thanks!

Kristin S - I’ve seen paper beads before but these are really pretty and more vibrant. Thanks for sharing!

Hannah - i love the one you’re giving away! what a beautiful business!

Stephanie - So many beautiful pieces, I really like the Hazel Belle bracelet.
Thanks Meg!!

ranee - i love the watson braid bracelet…what a great organization…thanks so much for sharing! i just might have to buy some gifts here!

Melanie - Like you, one of my favorites is the 87 Cuff! 🙂

LibraryGirl62 - Aurora, Orchard Bunch, 87 cuff…to start 🙂

Donna - I love the Crushed Jewel bracelet. Although, truthfully, I love everything in the shop!

kristy - I love The Waverly! But Whisper Zest would be my second favorite. What a fabulous company!

Ronda O. - Gypsy! These designs are beautiful!

Barbara Smith Wilke - I think I love meadowsweet best…. but they are all gorgeous. what a great idea.

Meaghan - Wow! those are all so pretty! I am going to use your code to buy the Orchard Bunch for my dad’s girlfriend. Personally, my favorite is the Willow Knot!

Kasey - I love the Gwazy Bloom bracelet!

Sarah - I would love the light pink sprout bracelet! 😀 I love all their stuff. So pretty!

Amanda - what an awesome business for these women!! so inspiring.
I’m actually going to Uganda this June 🙂

Michael Ann Anderson - I love the 87 Cuff! I am glad you introduced me to this fabulous company!
Mike
mike69361@gmail.com

Melissa - The yellow waverly, the meadowsweet in all three colors or the gwazy bloom bracelet, I loved the color combo on that one! What a great shop, thank you so much for sharing it, I will be purchasing from there for sure!

Liz - I really like it all, but the orchid loop may be my favorite!

Yvonne - Hi Meg…this is Yvonne, I found your blog from “stumble upon” and I love your blog too much! I finished reading all your posts, inclusive of archives until the 1st day you started blogging in 2007 ….all finished in 3 days.
I love the story of your family (yes and Waffle too)
I love the funny pictures of Annie with her butt shown and jumping on the trampoline
But most of all, I love the verses written by Talby on the wall. I love the verses sewn on Talby and Annie’s pillows….and all that you have shared about Jesus 🙂
Love from a far far away land,
Yvonne

Laura Phelps - always so lovely coming here…all you hear and read in the news is BAD…NEGATIVE…what is wrong with the world…
this is refreshing…to see THE GOOD in people
to see people helping
reaching out
educating
loving
all good stuff.
thanks for sharing this!
prayers for your trip to Uganda…(I feel it…:-) )

Tracie - I love the layered look of the Aurora! So pretty and I could get the look without actually getting my necklaces tangled!

jen smith - so hard to choose but i love the feather blu bracelet.

Stephanie Carroll - LOVING the aurora!!

shelli - oh wow. ok. LOVE the glory fringe necklace and love. LOVE. gypsy bracelet…thanks for the opportunity to win and opening my eyes to this beautiful shoppe.

Tracy - They’re all beautiful, but I especially love the Aurora!

Jessica - Love 31Bits. I have a couple of their pieces already & I wear them all the time. I really like the riverbed this time around!

Christy - I love it all, but I particularly love the Sprout. It’s something I would wear all the time.

Gerri - 87 Cuff…Love, Love, Love. Thanks for sharing Meg, I love this and I’m going to share it with all my jewelry loving friends.

Becky J - Butterscotch is my favorite necklace..may these dear African women be blessed…Brrrr, everyone keep warm out there today!! 🙂

Lindsey - Wow! Thanks for intruducing us to this business! Love, love, love everything about it. I love the 87 cuff also, also the Orchard Bunch in all three colors. Gift ideas for so many friends and family!

debi brown - 87 cuff is beautiful and so are all the women of 31 bits!

Becca - OH my goodness….those ladies’ smiles are radiant and it is obvious how happy people can be without much…..I noticed this when I visited Tanzania to hike Kilimanjaro. The hardest workers were the happiest of all Tanzanians, while the people who were dishonest and wanted to make a dollar without lifting a finger seemed defensive and angry. I do love Africa and wish to explore it more….helping teach, take care of children or volunteering in some way. I spent the last year mailing children’s clothes (that I gathered from the gymnastics school where I work) to children at an orphanage in Moshi that I visited. I love getting pictures emailed to me of the kids wearing the clothes. I show them to the kids at the gym to inspire them to have a giving heart and to know that it IS possible to make a difference. Like these women, who are making a difference in their own lives…..that is the greatest lesson anyone can teach! Sorry for being wordy but I also share in your passion for Africa……oh yeah…I like willow knot bridal….

Halley - Love the idea of empowering women! I love the Glory Fringe necklace and the Cuff 87 bracelet. Thanks!

Stephanie - They are all absolutely amazing…..the product, the cause, the women. I am loving the necklaces that are in the bridal category.

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - The Aurora necklace is perfect for any outfit…whether over a plain Tshirt or your best Sunday dress. I love this company and have always wanted to find a store that carried their product so I could see it in person. The discount code may seal the deal for me:)

Julie Wearmouth - Meadowsweet in apple red! Love it! Fantastic company with an awesome purpose.

Virginia Bibler - such a beautiful cause! and such beautiful jewelry…loving the orchard loop and the orchard bunch! thanks for sharing meg….pinning now!

Jessica @ MyArdentLife - I really like the Orchid Loop! Definitely hard to choose just one, though! Great giveaway!

Anna - Beautiful jewelry and beautiful cause. I love the willow knot necklace and the gwazy blue bracelets.

Lisa Shay - meadowsweet – yellow!
These are stunning.
what a fabulous business. love.love.love it!

julie - Love the Blossom Bridal in grey and Sprout!!!!! Another great giveaway for a great cause. You are just awesome!!!

jenni - That is funny, I swear I did not even look at your choices until I had made mine but I definitely love Aurora and 87 Cuff

Katie g - Love the 87 cuff bracelet too.

Peggyrice@gmail.com - I’m so happy you updated your “happy things” side bar. Makes me happy. My daughter’s third grade theme is Africa this year. I’ve emailed her teacher all the links to 31bits and I’ve volunteered to help throw a “house party” at their school in Paris. Love all of the pieces! Thanks for sharing.

Aimee - Oh yay! I love companies who work with women in this manner. One of my favorites is Sseko Designs. Do you know their sandals? I LOOOOVE mine so much!
31 Bits has gorgeous jewelry. I may have to buy myself some for my birthday. 🙂 My favorites are Glory Fringe and Pixie Rowe – Bridal (who says you have to be a bride to wear it?). 🙂

Jenn - Wow. I can’t believe those beads are paper? I loved the waverly necklace the best, until I saw the 87 cuff. LOVE that bracelet. Might have to save up and get it! Empowering women to live life and kick a** at their profession = awesome. Who knows how many lives have been changed by this!

Stephanie - I love the Waverly necklace! Love it!

Rebecca W - hmmm i’d love to go order one…..went all the way to check out…but shipping to canada is $25. that’s INSANE!!!!

Melinda - I love the Waverly and the Orchid Loop! Wonderful web site and cause. I will share with my friends and family to spread the word.

Jodi - I love the colorful 87 cuff!!!!

Erin - Meadowsweet is one of my favorites. How do you choose?! There are so many great pieces.

Christy K - I love the Sprout and the Puddle Wrap! Wonderful cause and beautiful pieces! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!

Cindy - They are all beautiful! Love the Willow Knot, the Gwazy Twist, the Prim Rose. Even their names are beautiful! I sent one of their necklaces to a friend last year for her birthday and she absolutely loves it! She says she gets compliments on it all the time…which in turn gives her the opportunity to share their story 🙂

Chandra - I like the Heritage long.

Caitlynne - I love the aurora! I think it would look so pretty with a sun dress in the summer!

Audrey - I love the Willow Knot! all of them are too pretty to choose just one, my favorite bracelet is the laurel locke

Becky Joyce - Love this company. And I love the orchid, mayfair & aurora. Who am I kidding?! I love them all!!

Angela - They are all so beautiful, but if I had to choose I would say either Whisper Zest (light grey)or Camellia (grey or fuschia).

Maria Burke - Wow, they are all so beautiful! I LOVE the meadowsweet – love all the colours together, but if I had to pick, I think I reeeealy love the yellow. I agree with another commenter – wish they had some African women modeling the jewelery.

amy jupin - those ladies have such happy smiles!
the necklace is so cute but my fave is aurora or maybe hazel belle.
and the website and advertising is soooo cute too!
you have such a good heart, meg.

Southern Gal - I love the Aurora or the Honeyglow…I think. 😉

sandi - 87 cuff and nectar loom both bracelets. as well as several of the necklaces and other goodies. seriously, everything is gorgeous and would match well with anything in anyone’s closet. great give away.

Alison K - the waverly! It’s awesome! What a great company and the jewelry is amazing! I think I may buy a few birthday presents. Love the idea of giving while gifting 😉

Nicole - It’s so hard to choose! Everything is beautiful!! I do love the 87 Cuff. I’m into large bracelets and cuffs right now.

Trudy - I love everything about this!! I love the Willow Knot-Bridal. I think I’ll buy it even though I’m already a bride for 12 years! 🙂

Elise - waverly! in blue – love that!
thanks for sharing this awesome company!

Julie L. - Loving the Mayfair necklace – gorgeous tones! Amazing company and product.

Stacey - Ripple is my favorite!

Tina Jacobsen - I love Glory Fringe and Buttercup Necklace!! Beautiful jewelry from amazing and beautiful women!!

allison - That necklace is gorgeous! I would love to have it!

Jennifer - I love the Mayfair. Beautiful!

Mary - Love that waverly necklace – those mustard beads and the cotton neckline!

Michelle - love the Glory Fringe necklace & 87 bits bracelet…so beautiful!

Mindy Harris - i like the sprout bracelet!

kristi - I love the laurel locke bracelet, but so many of them are beautiful! hard to pick a favorite

Janelle - The Waverly piece is uber gorgeous! I have a very similar necklace from The Apparent Project in Haiti. I’m actually waiting for a box of their beads so I can help promote them!

Jennifer - I love the 87 cuff…

Wendy - Ooooo … so many happy things! I like the Laurel Locke bracelets.

ashley :) - i love the mayfair, meadowsweet and the willow knot – bridal. and by love, i mean, will be purchasing. tough decision which one! i cannot wait to share this site with my friends and family!!

Amber - Love this company! My favorites are the 87 cuff and the willow knot necklace!

Christyn - I love the Willow Knot- Bridal and Caramel Dust.

Tracy - What a wonderful cause! I love the cuff bracelet.

Stephanie campbell - Meadowsweet and blossom bridal. Love that cream bracelet.
What a great company!

Jolene (Homespun Heritage) - ~Yes, Meadowsweet is beautiful~ I like too many of them to find just ONE favorite, though!

Megan B - I quite like the Meadowsweet necklace. They are all gorgeous, though. Great cause!

Connie Krebs - What a beautiful line made by beautiful women! I am in love with the jewelry and how simple and attractive the website is. I believe my favorite is The Apple Drape. I am organizing a flash mob for Africa this summer and will definitely keep this company in mind!

Katie Sawrie - They are absolutely beautiful! I love the ‘Glory Fringe’, it would go perfectly with anything. This is a perfect place to use in the future for gifts!

Jenna - Hi Meg,
I am a huge fan of your blog and everything that you support and stand for. I think that what you are doing everyday is just amazing. I am a long-time reader of your blog but this is my first comment…ever! I am getting married in August and with that typically comes a honeymoon. Through reading your inspiring blog posts and by following a life long dream we will be honeymooning in South Africa! I love this post and think that it is an amazing and unique company and business model that more people in the world should strive to create. You are a wonderful person and I just love reading your blog. I truly hope that you get back to Africa soon!
Oh, and of course my favourite product is the bridal necklace Rosy Posy (too cute!)

Kristen - What a great organization! Reminds me a little of ten thousand villages. I loved reading some of the women’s stories. My fav necklace (other than the one being given away) is the Rockhopper. The blue totally stood out to me. Thanks for the giveaway and letting us know about such a great organization…I know where my go to gift site will be from now on!

Danelle - Beautiful! I love the 87 cuff.

Annette - Like them all. Prim Rose bracelet my favorite. What a good cause!

Arlene - Such a good cause! My favorites are the Waverly and Ripple =]

bread and jam - I love all of the bracelets. But the 87 Cuff is my absolute favorite. It’s okay that you like the same one. We’ll just have to decide who gets to wear it on what day. So we don’t look like losers, matching and all.

erica - i love glory fringe! what beautiful jewelry!

Dawn Eshnaur - I absolutely love the Sprout bracelet! Because of your blog, I have ordered numerous things from them! Most of them I have kept, but I have shared as well. I actually wore some of my bracelets to work yesterday! I love what they are doing!

ginny - i love gypsy!

tiffany gardner - feather blu = beauty

Sarah - I love all of it, Caramel Dust would my favorite…actually meeting the women in person would be a lifelong dream achieved. So beautiful.

Suzy - Meg,
I love Cuff. What a great idea. People are amazing, aren’t they? Thanks for the chance to win and for spreading this news to all of us!

Jamie - I really like Riverbed.

Tanya H - This is awesome! I love Rockhopper, Timber and Camellia. I love the things you share with us!

Trista - I like the rockhopper. I also love that my purchase will help empower other women! Love that. Thanks for sharing Meg!

Rhonda Fendt - Amazing story… amazing womem! Thank you for sharing. I really like crushed Jewel and Riverbed

Emily a la Blog - Waverly is my favorite. I miss Uganda and those beautiful smiles.

Elizabeth gleason - Ohh I want one… I came back from animal kingdom in Disney and they had all sorts of necklaces and I opted for an African cookbook. So glad you shared the web address. It was meant to be!

Becky - I’m not getting married, but I love the Powdered-Tangle necklace!

Karen - I LOVE acorn layers, meadowsweet and the 87 cuff. HAPPY. LOVE this.

Morgan Echtenkamp - What a neat cause and awesome jewelry! My favorites are Willow-knot and Powdered-Tangle.

Lindsay F. - I love 31 bits! My faves are Meadowsweet, Orchid Loop & that 87 cuff!

Tracy - ~caramel dust~

Ashley - 87 cuff and Pixie Rowe are amazing. And Meadowstreet.

Melissa - They are all beautiful and unique, but I think the glory fringe is my favorite!

Amy - I think the Sprout bracelet is just beautiful! What a wonderful company and way to bring hope and change to someone’s life! Thank you for sharing!

Ann Parsell - Very pretty and love that it’s helping other people. I’m loving that meadowsweet and waverly-drawn to the yellow!

Tracy Sheehy - Oh I am so excited about this ministry. We just found out this week we have a court date to adopt our son from Uganda. We will be heaind there at the end of March!! I love the Acorn Layers necklace but they are all beautiful!

Grace - I love the 87 cuff, so colorful!!! Thanks for sharing, such a great company!

Jermaine D. - Wow, they have really transformed paper bead jewelry and come up with super unique designs! I really like this one you are giving away and the mayfair necklace and watson braid bracelet!

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - Wow.. I am speechless! What an amazing company!!
You were right, it was hard to pick. 🙂 I think my favorite is Meadowsweet – Any of the colors.
Everything is beautiful! Especially the meaning behind it all. <3

Sarah Morgan - I love all of their jewelry – it is so beautiful. I love the meadowsweet necklace..

Gabrielle - All beautiful pieces but I’m loving the 87 cuff!

Vicki - I love the Gypsy cuff! so pretty. Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m going to spread the word for sure!

Tami Veer - I love the teal and yellow Meadowsweet!

lu - Beautiful pieces and a beautiful cause…love 87 cuff.

Regina - Prim Rose bracelet. 🙂

amber@SAHM's musings - Love companies with a purpose. I think the Meadowsweet necklace is pretty!

Ana G - The Bella necklace is very pretty:) Thanks for the chance to win!

Shawna - Really beautiful! My favorites are the sprout bracelet and riverbend necklace. Lovely.

Yby5 - What choices and how spectacular they all are! I do love the Glory Fringe necklace, Meadow Sweet necklace and the Starboard bracelet…I can think of so many people that I would buy them for too. I would proudly where any piece and spread the word. Thanks for the chance.

Jennifer - LOVE the Felicity bangles! Will be taking advantage of the discount to support this amazing organization.

Katie - I think the Meadowsweet is pretty adorable, but really, ALL of their jewelry is gorgeous! Would love to win the Waverly!

Lucy F - There are so many wonderful things on 31 Bits! I love the Camellia-Bridal necklace and the Laurel Locke bracelets!

Nichole - I’d have to go for Sprout. I own two of their pieces currently, totally awesome. People love them, so I like to spread the word.

Michelle Whitlow - How cool!!! I love to see stuff like this! So great that these ladies can make a difference 🙂 I looooove that necklace…the bracelet…oh.my.word.

Jackie - Loving the Mayfair!

Yolanda - Glory Fringe or Humming Burst…lovely!!

stephanie - My favorite is probably the Waverly that you have on the blog, but I also love the Mayfair. The yellow really is pretty and it’s not a color I ever wear.
I’m so glad you highlighted this company … I have heard of it, but kept forgetting to look it up! I’ll definitely be remembering it next time I need a gift!

Emily - I would sport the 87 cuff every.single.day. of the summer. I think I may have to go shopping. It’s for a good cause, right?

Mandy - LOVE Willow-Knot – Bridal!! Gorgeous!

Brittany - So pretty, I love that they have wedding stuff! My favorite would be pomegranate or 87 cuff. Thanks for sharing, these will make great gift ideas!

Hannah O - sprout and glory fringe! amazing.. thanks for sharing!

Ashley K - I really love the Aurora. But there are so many to choose from. what a great cause.

Hannah - Meadowsweet I think:)

Cheryl E. - L.O.V.E. 31 Bits!
L.O.V.E Rue
L.O.VE. Timber
L.O.V.E. Mayfair
L.O.V.E 87 Cuff
L.O.V.E. their misson!!

Tessa - I love the Meadowsweet necklace in teal or the Daphne bracelet in yellow. Wow – love the jewelry! I am adding this to my birthday wish list! 🙂

katie - 87 Cuff is my absolute favorite! I love your blog. If I were even one bit crafty I would totally want to be at your craft weekend!!

Andrea Siebert - i love everything…and the waverly :o)

Annie - WOW WOW WOW! What an amazing group of women. What a beautiful collection! Thank you for shedding light on such a wonderful cause. How to choose a favorite? Glory fringe, Mayfair, Willow Know Bridal necklace and the Blossom bracelet are simply stunning pieces. I love your blog.

Amy P. - Love these! My favorites are the orchid loop necklace and the 87 cuff. But everything is beautiful!

lalalovely lindsay - i love the meadowsweet necklace! such great choices though! thanks for the chance to win!
lalalovelylindsay.blogspot.com

happygirl - Pretty. I heard they made these from old magazines. I think this is worth supporting. 🙂

Esther Sam - I love the caramel dust necklace, it is by far my favorite!

Kristie B. - I like the 87 Cuff. Looks like it would go with anything and is a good conversation starter!!!

Dani - I LOVE the wedding collection! So perfect.

marlie byrd - beautiful creative talented women of uganda! mine would be waverly meadowsweet hyde thicket and i love 87 cuff!!

Robin - It was tough to choose, but I love the Meadowsweet too.

She Loves Life - Wow, everything is beautiful at 31 Bits! My favorite (other than the Ripple Necklace) is the concept that you can help empower other women out of poverty while they are doing something to nuture their creativity AND everytime you wear one of their beautiful pieces it reminds you to think beyond yourself to these beautiful women in Uganda.

Rebecca - How do you choose one? They are beautiful. Thanks for the discount code….I love Willow Knot and it loves me!

Susan Lanthrip - Love Rosy Posy Bridal! Beautiful pieces and a beautiful story.

Seriously Sassy Mama - Orchard bunch, crushed jewel, meadow sweet….who am i kidding I love all of them. I found this shop about a year ago. I love their stuff.

Courtney R. - The Willow Knot Bridal Necklace – BEAUTIFUL!

Amanda - Besides the Waverly (which I adore), I really like the Rosy Posy necklace and the Felicity Bangles in the bracelets!

sara @ it's good to be queen - i love 31 bits and i love the powdered tangle. 🙂

Naomi Williams - I love the meadowsweet — all 3 colors TOGETHER! Gorgeous! Love this company…wish they had some african women modeling the beautiful wares…

Sarah Wolfe - These are all so pretty. I like the one you’re giving away 🙂

melanie - Is it bad luck to be one of the first to comment? 🙂 I love the MeadowSweet and OrchardBunch necklaces and the 87 cuff as well. This is great for me as I am allergic to metal. Thanks so much.

Anne-Marie P. - I like a lot of it, but I think glory fringe is my favorite! What a great cause!

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the etc.

February 14, 2012

our local thrift shop is called The Et Cetera Shop.
the town i grew up in had one also so it's been part of my life for a long time.
i donate LOTS of stuff to it every year. (kids out grow out of clothes so fast!)

but i buy LOTS of fun stuff there too.

i stopped in yesterday for their grand re-opening after remodeling….ya know….just to peek.

i left with a box almost too big to take to my car myself.
oh my.

this seriously heavy duty fish shaped bottle opener could not stay there all alone.
it needed me.
it was lonely….it had traveled all the way from Moses Lake, Washington!

a little spray paint….
a little oxi clean….
maybe some RIT dye for the chenille…

another chalk board.
i just can't resist them!

and if they have a green painted chalk tray….forget about it?!!!
it must come home with me.

talby came home and said "what does thrifty mean?"

thrift·y/ˈTHriftē/

Adjective:

(of a person or their behavior) Using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully

Synonyms:

economical – frugal – sparing – saving – economic

craig may disagree that i am "thrifty" BUT at least i enjoy a bargain when i find one.

pottery in the perfect shade of turquoise….
teeny red cardinal salt and pepper shakers to be saved for a craft someday…
a silver dish to hold bracelets in my bathroom….

and a handmade blanket that screams "happy valentines day!"

a weathered globe….
and a yard of sweet heart fabric.

it was a fabulous day at the thrift shop.
i love those kind of days.

we are painting this after school…because….it's pretty!

(source…)

and i can't wait.
it looks completely relaxing to paint that.
pattern and color over and over…..ahhhhhhh.

do you have big valentine's day plans?
i will be honest with ya'll….i don't celebrate Valentines.
i don't decorate.
i don't make treats.
i buy the $2 box of cards for my kids to take to class…with Victorious and Angry Birds.
i am sure if craig was one of those guys that went nuts with gifts and flowers for valentines i wouldn't object to that but seriously i just don't really care.

i know i am loved everyday.
and my kids know it too.

here is my ode to valentines….from the Lord.

thank you Lord for that kind of love.
amen.

******************************************

don't forget to enter to win a $100 gift card to the Olive Garden HERE.

show hide 63 comments

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Jeeva - These are really funny. I would be esatctic to get the knot one in the mail. Also, a note, I’ve been reading your blog for a while, don’t think i’ve ever commented, but wanted to tell you I have really enjoyed reading your post.

Imran - these are so uber cute and special!!! Thank you so very much for srnihag!!! When I do a new blog post I will link these to my blog—I think that’s how you’d term it—-(I’m new at this)—be blessedBeyond Measuretammywww.bbbm.weebly.combartlettpair4atmsndotcom

Mehran - Oh I am ALWAYS out of ink… I think my Printer literally dinrks it before I can ever use it.. LOL!! These are Really Cute… I seriously need to learn how to use my photo elements that I bought Two years ago still sitting in the Original Box Unopened because of FEAR!!! .. 🙂 But thankfully there are WONDERFUL people like you who offer such CUTE Free things to print.. 🙂

Terrie G - so, how did you like the geodesic dome? My husband’s cousin made it. It’s like setting up all the dominoes…I wouldn’t have the patience for it!

Kristin S - Ugh, our thrift stores are so lame! Tempted to drive all the way to Kansas…

Bethany - Ah… I saw that afghan in their facebook pictures. Dreamy. But I didn’t make it up that way for the reopening. Glad it went to a good home. 🙂

Karen Pittson - I found that EXACT “Bless our Home” plaque at the Goodwill. You can see how I transformed it here http://alilbird.blogspot.com/2010/08/gussy-up-your-80s-plaques-and-crazy.html Loved the pretty pages of hearts, and your darling girls. Thanks for sharing your life with us 🙂

Brandi - I made the Oreo pudding poke cake for my kids on Valentine’s Day. It was a huge hit. How could it not be, right? I’m going to try the water color craft later today. If it turns out like your daughter’s, it will be a framer.

elisa - I love vintage chenille. Love. And that pink and red blanket!!!!

megan - whoa. i’m kind of dying over your thrifty finds.
fabulous!
and
i don’t decorate for valentine’s either.
and, perk #142 of homeschooling? not having to make valentine’s cards. 🙂
i’m kind of a valentine’s grinch.
the Mr. and I did leave the kids home alone to go out for an early dinner, though.
xoxo

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - P.S. I also meant to say that I had this exact same globe(your newest one) when I was in high school. And I actually used it for school:) If only I had known then that Id want them years later…

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Im jealous of that chalkboard. I have one in my home that I made over from a cheap, gold frame of a full length mirror. It turned out great but Id love a huge rectangular one for my kitchen wall. We just repainted in there after the fire and its so much brighter!(Ive cooked meals almost every night since we repainted…a sure sign that its more fun to be in there now than when it was red:))
I recently scored a globe at a new thrift store here in town and it was still in the box! I got it for $7.

Vonda - You know how some things take you by surprise!? Well I just got the mail and my daughter gets Popular Photography and as I laid it on the counter YOUR picture was on the back. I was like “I KNOW HER”. lol. Been following your blog for a long time. It was a nice surprise!!! 🙂

denise@victory rd. - i never have such luck when i go thrifting. never. love the globe. i am so in the market for globes. found some last week for $50-$60, used! that’s not thrifty.

Lisa - I can’t believe someone could part with that beautiful crocheted afghan! But what a score for you! I have one just like that in yellows, oranges, & browns that my grandmother made for me when I was a teenager . . . with a matching pillow! Sentimental love! And who can ever pass up chenille anything! Looks like a successful treasure hunt.

Yby5 - I would have wrestled you over the globe and chalkboard..I have the same love of those as well 🙂
what a great day you had!!

Jenn - That’s awesome the the fish bottle opener came all the way from WA :). I am using your comments to find people who live close to Moses Lake since I live (semi) close to there too. I like other WA bloggers. So thanks for that! As for Valentines, nothing big, usually just a sweet note to one another and a bottle of good wine. Simple and fun.

Melody - fun finds! My mom grew up in Moses Lake WA so we were there MANY times over the years visiting family (and still have some there to visit) 🙂

Lori Austin - Great finds! Love the bowl and the chalkboard….I’m waiting patiently to find some older (character filled) chalkboards in my town. No luck so far.
Love V-day. Start the day with heart plates and yummy breakfast with a couple of special surprises by my kiddos plates. Worked the party at my daughter’s school. Home to make our “special family dinner” with small valentine mailboxes filled with cute little items. Pink, purple, red color everywhere. Love it!! (plus my hubby one up’d the flowers this year and came home with the 2nd season of Downton Abbey on DVD. Woohoo! 🙂

Mindy Harris - i love all of your finds. wonderful wonderful. i may hafto make a special trip to ETC. ha. happy heart day.

Amy @ www.littleforalittlewhile.blogspot.com - At first I thought that box was full of things you were TAKING to the thrft store and I thought “Why would she get rid of all that awesome stuff?!”. Makes so much more sense the other way around 😉 Happy heart day!

Wendy - My girls went to school with their Valentines this morning without the accompanying lollipops … bc they ate half of them last nite 🙁

Kristin - Oh my what good finds! We don’t celebrate Valentines Day either, our anniversary is a week later. 🙂

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Hello Miss Meg, Happy Valentine’s Day to you. Just letting you know I “borrowed” your 1 Corinthians verse for my blog. Hope it’s okay. I didn’t think you would mind. P.S. Love the fish bottle opener 🙂

Carrie - wow oh wow what an awesome thrift store day!! the globe is awesome!!! jealous of it all!!! 🙂

Juli - I have that exact chalkboard! Yours originally had a green rope that went through the holes. Mine hangs over my son’s headboard and currently reads, “I love you, Jackie poo-poo”, a “love note” from his sister! HA!

kristin - ha! i had that afghan in my arms for about 10 seconds and put it back….feeling overwhelmed by my growing box.
: )

Rebecca - rad finds Meg!!! love that blanket!

Mary - I bought that exact same Bless Our Home sign last year at Goodwill! I painted mine turquoise and orange. And I’m thinking about repainting it again. So fun!

Marianne - Love the turquoise bowl!! We have a white and charcoal grey kitchen and I visit second hand stores to collect colourful dishes to display! I have come across some real lovelies but now that my open shelving is getting full I am becoming more choosie. I don’t think that’s a word but you get my drift… 🙂

Kerry - What an awesome name for a shop! You got really thrifty there Meg – I can spend HOURS at the charity shop – buying stuff for ‘What if’ and ‘Just Maybe’ Great finds 🙂
I don’t really celebrate Valentines either, but I got a bottle of Jimmy Choo perfume, so I’m all smiley anyways xx 🙂

Jen - Oh that red and pink afghan is AMAZING. Wish I could find one of those!! We had heart shaped pancakes for brunch, but we don’t do much else… I’d rather celebrate love all year long than just today!

Margo - I am so happy you found such great things! As we put the store back together on Saturday I saw that globe and totally thought of you! If I had even had time to really look around that bowl may have been mine….ha!

kirsten - if only I could find stuff that cool at my local thrift shop.
i read your last post right before bed last night, and then dreamed that i came to visit. it was SO much fun visiting you in dreamland. 🙂

Amy - Moses Lake is right next to where I live….we go to their water park during the summer and they’ve got a great pizza place! let me know if you want more fish for your sea…. 😉
I made homemade nutella poptarts this morning for the kids….with strawberries to look like hearts! that’s it folks! I’m actually wearing black today….oops! Love the family and the hubby everyday!!

happygirl - I love your thrifty ways. It makes reading your blog so much fun. I don’t make the treats either. I’m glad I’m not the only one. 🙂

Maria - Ugh, auto correct… A night off cooking…not alight…just ignore any other typos…

Maria - We keep it simple here. We order dinner out instead of the whole, grab a sitter,wait, wait wait with everyone else. I’d much rather just have alight off cooking and just relax at hometown catch up on the DVD together.
Flowers…if I don’t pick them out at SAMs myself (I can’t help myself sometimes), I’ll usually see a simple bouquet brought home, which is fine. This year I gave a big hint on which ones I wanted from SAMs. We’ll see…otherwise I will get them myself later this week…
As for candy, I have to pick up brachs candy hearts ( the big ones) every year….in fact, I already bought them…i am addicted to the orange ones…my kids get the rest…mostly.
Happy Valentines Day!

Ashley - Oh, how I wish we had an awesome thrift store like that! My grandparents have that Bless Our Home plaque. I have always loved it.
The boys helped make treats for school, valentines from balloons for friends, and we open small gifts with the kids. My favorite was my oldest’s pair of Night Fury sunglasses from the store. Just a small, fun gesture. It’s always been kind of big for me because it’s when the hubby asked me out nearly a decade ago. Sentimentality, I guess. Showing the love daily rocks, though, an that’s exactly what we strive to do! 🙂
Have a happy day!

sara @ it's good to be queen - yes, love the etc. shop. you better believe that is a must stop whenever we’re in kansas. it is SO CHEAP!! way better than goodwill. i got a huge box of goodies over christmas. milk glass for a quarter? yes. please. i love all your finds. so great. happy day!

mandy friend - okay, your state is the place to thrift! we NEVER find cvool stuff like that in oregon…or if we did it’d be in an antique stor for lots of $! i paid almost $40 for the globe i was finally able to find!

shannon - Oh my goodness those goodies you got!!! I love the globe and that blanket is perfect, especially for today 🙂 Your thrift store looks amazing, ours is not so great. Hope you and your loved ones have a great Valentine’s Day

Meg Duerksen - thanks so much dana!!!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - Here’s a link from my pinterest page for the heart print- http://pinterest.com/pin/71142869083511516/
And here’s the link for where she sells the print in her shop- http://www.etsy.com/listing/92537572/small-v-color-study-print
LOVE all your great finds!

Ali - Oh my goodness!!! I seriously would have bought every single thing you did. I loooooooove it all!!! Awesome 🙂
Happy V-day!

geneva - I agree about Valentines Day! Just a commercial holiday to make $. Treat your love and loved ones the same way everyday! Who needs a “made up” holiday!! ;)Anyway, my love’s birthday is today! 🙂

Jolene (Homespun Heritage) - I do NOT normally DO Valentines Day…its just not a “holiday” with much meaning to me…we love our family daily and don’t let the media or the masses tell us what day we have to set aside to show them that. So, imagine my surprise when the hubs comes home for lunch with a bouquet and a balloon?!!? It *IS* extra special simply because that is a rare treat and I love him surprising me! (He usually does that sort of stuff throughout the year and not ON V-day).
I told him I planned a nice family dinner but I can’t gift wrap the pork chops very well!

Lori H - Valentines is no big deal at our house. My husband knows not to buy the overpriced roses…I love the tulips from Trader Joes ($4.99). Now that my kids are older, they don’t take cards to school. Just a Hallmark Holiday in my eyes. Love your thrift store finds. Gives me the itch to go hunting!

Laura Phelps - you are so thrifty 🙂
Nick is in LA for a while….
but cupid left treats for the kids
and I am off to do some fun baking
i do like valentines day
its my moms birthday
and well…
love is just so darn hard
so I am happy today to have so much of it around me
I dressed the dog
ha!
in a heart print dress
its killing me
tonight I think it is frozen french bread pizza for the kids and a little writing for me
yup
romantic
love to you and your family
xoxoxoxoxox

Amy@BuffaloRoam - Very cool finds! Love me some thrifting. 🙂

Whitney - Good thrifting!
Such a cute painting, I can’t wait to see what the kid’s versions look like!
Happy Heart Day!

Kerstie - You so scored at the thrift shop. Valentines day IS over celebrated. Showing love threw buying flowers and chocolate… not my thing. We do do heart shaped pizza, heart cookies, and cards the kids scribble on. I am a crafter soooo some V-tines day crafting does happen. 😉
Happy day!

Tiffany - Oh man, that art is cute & simple, i like that, we may have to give it a go too. Thrift days are like that, feast or famine. And you know what they say about men and thrifting…A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs. A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn’t need, it’s sooo true in my house, sounds like yours as well. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Jenn A. - I am sad that anyone ever got rid of that handmade blanket! But it is balanced out by the fact that it now has a loving new home. It’s gorgeous and so very HAPPY!

Mary - i love your blog, i visit often but don’t leave comments much, i figure with so many it’s just one more to read…:)
but i want you to know i look forward to each new post.
grace and peace

Seriously Sassy Mama - Valentines is not big at our house either. I tell my girls it is for grown ups. I get my husband a card every year, and the girls the $1 Russel brand chocolate box at Walmart, plus a tiny craft. This year it is a bead heart necklace I got for %50 at Hobby Lobby. I spent $1.50 on each child and they loved it! Personally I would just like someone to do my dishes today, and clean the girls toilet. That would be a great gift! God’s love was the first thing I thought about this morning when I started reading everyone’s Valentine stuff. Have a happy day painting, and yeah to your thrifting.

Molly - 1. love the verse!
2. we don’t go all out for valentines either. And that is fine with me! I do like to give the girls a little something special….like heart shaped marshmallows:)
3. Love the thrift store finds…makes me want to go be thrifty!
4. I had a dream about you last night….my family was driving through Kansas and our car broke down. You tried to fix it with your hair dryer. But we needed a place to stay and you said we could stay with you even though it was craft weekend and your house was already full. I think you even got my husband to do a craft.
5. I am pregnant with #3 and have been dreaming alot:)

Mandy - Love the fish bottle opener!!!
I just painted valentines day cards for my co-workers and it was very therapeutic! Highly recommend diving into that painting above….

Kim - i vote yes to your thrifty finds.
fun, fabulous, and educational too! 🙂
i LOVE that bless this home sign.
LOVE LOVE LOVE. that is a diamond in the rough for sure.
and i’d be snuggling with that valentines blanked 24/7. i love a good pink and red combo. throw in some chevron and you have a big winner. 🙂
happy valentines day!

Lisa McCracken - We celebrate Vday around here, just a little. But I think it’s “over”-celebrated to some degree. But it’s fun!
Can you tell us where you got that amazing print of I Corinthian’s? Is it something that can be purchased?
Thanks! and Happy Valentine’s Day! 🙂

Kim - Nice finds! We really celebrate Valentine’s Day here – it’s my daughter’s birthday. She is such a sweet girl, having a b-day on Valentine’s Day really suits her. So today I am busy making lasagna and brownies, wrapping presents and all that fun stuff.

courtney casper - moses lake?! haha teeny tiny town..right next to my husbands even teenier and tiner home town!
good find!

Holly - love a good thrift store day!

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boom….my kitchen exploded.

December 24, 2011

IMG_5050-1

i baked ALL day yesterday.
craig was off work and i was able to just be in the kitchen.

i did have to throw out one batch on cinnamon rolls…expired yeast.
so disappointing.
but we are stocked with sugar for christmas.

merry christmas eve.

………………………………………..

please enjoy this beautiful christmas baby.

he was dreamy.

oh those lips!!!
did you just try to kiss your screen?
i want to.

newborn babies are my absolute favorite thing in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD.
not kidding.

now…..we are off for a very different christmas eve.
we are going to church and out to dinner….that never happens with five kids.
and looking at lights…with starbucks for mama.
and home for new jammies and charlie brown christmas.

i am really excited.

have a wonderful CHRISTMAS!

i truly appreciate each one of you.
thanks for reading.

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Brady - Totally just realized that’s my friends new baby boy! Great pics. LOVE them!! Thanks for sharing your life with us 🙂

amy jupin - well, we made it. it’s over.
and it was good.
momma only had one break down.
(and a secret cry in the shower)
now, if only someone would help me throw away all these treats and school would start tomorrow!!
merry merry and happy new year!

Seriously Sassy Mama - I was a bad momma and did not bake. I had to work both Christmas and Christmas Eve. That baby makes me want a tubal reversal!

Shannon - Merry Christmas! Love the kitchen. Love the baby! Love Waffle in the background-Maverick says Merry Christmas to Waffle. Oh yes, I just did that! I told your dog hi from my dog. Oh snap.

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - My entire house looks like that right now(not sugar and flour but the aftermath of three days of Christmas with different parts of our family). Its all good though. And a week off of school with my two favorite girls is ahead.
Im so sad that Christmas is here and now almost over. But we’ve upheld traditions and created memories…the best part of it all:)
Hope youre having a wonderful Christmas surrounded by your family and friends.
xo

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Merry Christmas dear Meg! That baby is precious!

Hanny Norton-van der Valk - Have a wonderfull Xmas, We’re just off to my step-son for a lovely Xmas lunch. Brilliant not having to have to do the cooking. Skyped all my grand children living in France and Spain
so from a Nederlandse living in Great Brittan have a lovely holiday

Michelle From Australia - Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family Meg. Thank you for sharing your world, inspiring me, colouring my world with rainbows and making me smile. You are wonderful. God Bless.

Kimberly Dial - Merry Christmas to you & your sweet family! 🙂

Kelly - Merry Christmas Megan! Kelly

Maria - Merry Christmas! Sounds like a great way to spend Christmas eve!

karen - So nice to see a post! Christmas Eve is my favourite!!
Hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas.

Debby Graber - Out to eat? Starbucks? Is any place open tonight? Just finished driving around town and the businesses are closed. Wal-mart parking lot – empty! Dillons – empty! Only the Great Wall was open that we could see.

Mindy Harris - merry christmas to you guys, too! those newborn pics are too much. you are so photographing my 3rd baby whenever that happens. maybe i will plan a december baby just so i can have those colors!
all blessings to you. thank you for inspiring us!

Meredith - Merry Christmas!!

Sarah - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! God bless you! xoxo ♥

Elma Riedstra - Merry Christmas Meg!!! I look forward everyday to read you blog!!

Kim - Can’t believe how much baking you did! 🙂 Have a very merry Christmas!

amy - oh wow, sounds like the perfect christmas eve if you ask me! have fun–and have a peppermint mocha for me ; ) merry christmas!!

Toni :0) - Thanks for always offering a brightspot to my day, it’s truly a pleasure to join along on this ride called life. Merry Christmas sweet family! :0)

Katie - Merry Christmas! I loved your Joy to the World on your chalkboard and made one on a whiteboard with red marker. It looks fabulous! Thanks for sharing your talents.

Heather R. - Sweet, sweet baby! Merry Christmas, Meg! I hope you have a great time with your family. All the best.

Amy - Have a wonderful Christmas!!!!

sarah j - happy christmas meg! thanks for doing all you do–for your crafty ways, your lovely sense of humor, and your wonderful vulnerability and honesty in inviting us into your life each and every day. you’re the best!

shannon - I think I want another baby for Christmas now 😉
Merry Christmas Meg!

tiffany gardner - merry christmas my fav blog girl! you are inspiring and make me smile daily! it is like a gift every time i log on my computer and go to your blog and you have a post! thanks for taking the time to share your life and faith with us all. this is my first christmas eve for it to be just my kids and hubby and we are doing the same thing tonight! so excited! xoxo!

Jessie - Those newborn pics are precious!!! Your Christmas eve sounds great!!! Merry Christmas!

Lori - Merry Christmas Meg! Thanks for all you share with us during the year.

Wendy - Merry Christmas! 🙂

Anna - Merry Christmas! I love your blog and read it every day. I hope you post the recipes for the desserts…they looked delicious!

Sharla - Merry Christmas Duerksens! Thank you for inspiring, making me feel normal and making my world a little more colorful 🙂

Holly - that baby is precious! Merry Christmas Meg!

Courtney - Oh, the picture of babe with brothers is PRECIOUS!
MERRY CHRISTMAS MEG (and family)!!
PS I asked for Santa for a Waffle Dog for Christmas hehe, don’t think I’m getting one though – maybe someday when a vacancy opens in our zoo of family pets. 🙂

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Merry Christmas Meg! You are such a blessing to each one of us that gets to read your blog! Enjoy every minute with family. There’s nothing more important!

April R - Merry Christmas Meg and family 🙂
(Thank you)

Carolyn - That sounds like an amazing Christmas Eve! 🙂 Thank you for your inspiration all year long. I love your blog and thought you should know it. Merry Christmas!!!

Laura Phelps - my entire home has exploded
trying not to stress
but 18 people come here tomorrow and I can not figure out how it will be all put back together by then!
mass is in 3 hours
and kids are WACKO today
MERRY CHRISTMAS MEG!
loving your card hanging in my exploded kitchen!
xo

Leah - Merry Christmas, Meg! Thanks for bringing happiness, color and creativity every day of the year!

Siobhan - I hope you have a very merry Christmas!!!

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regular

November 30, 2011

breakfast in the car on the way to the bus stop

a run in for stocking stuffers to kill time…i scored.

ran 4 miles with my friends…in 23 degrees….i wore four layers!

went straight to walmart afterwards.
stinky.
=?utf-8?B?SU1BRzAxNzguanBn?=
loaded up on food for the week.

happy healthy

my pinwheels from elizabeth street enjoying the sunlight….

a little sewing….

time for non stop christmas music on pandora for me.
i like Vince Guaraldi Trio station (they are the charlie brown christmas music.)

a little online shopping….

and a little more…..

the house smells like cinnnamon

wrapped this up lovingly and shipped it off to CA for the water4chrstimas Art auction.

it's always a good day for sonic.

sloppy joes and tater tots for dinner.

our front door.

you should make these. (with a scoop of ice cream on top)
they are super yummy.
s u p e r

some crafty time with annie.

it's the little things make the day good.
like brownies or sparkly chandeliers.
or a drink from sonic.

what are you making for dinner?

tonight we are having lasagna. (my recipe is here)
yum.

HEY GUESS WHAT???

the second craft weekend is full!!

isn't that awesome?!!!

i am crazy excited to meet those ladies and get crafty!
it will be here before you know it.

happy wednesday.

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Linda - Hello, I found your blog today in Country Living Magazine. You talk about going to Bearly Makin-it Antiques in Marion Kansas! I grew up in Wichita and spent many hours in Marion with my grandparents who had a farm in Marion. I have always loved that little town. I was born in Hillsboro and now live in Arizona. It was cool to see the Newton post office. I’m looking forward to following your blog. I wouldn’t be surprised if something from my grandparents shows up in the antique store some time!!

Chi Anne - This misplaced Kansas girl loves the photos you post that remind her of home. Germany is beautiful, but I love Kansas more! Thank you for posting all the things that make my heart happy– Sonic, Walmart, sunshine 🙂

Laura Phelps - I have those Ikea curtains! (I use them as a table cloth now)
and…we made lasagna last night too.
weird.
🙂

Melissa - Ahh, Newton, I have a college girlfriend in Buhler! I love “visiting with you”. Happy Thursday!

April M - White Chicken Chili = yum and super easy
but no tater tots so we swung by Sonic on the way home from dance class (also = yum!)
THANK YOU
Your pictures and perspective are a blessing
(Thanking God for you too!)

Shellie Hanley - Meg, I feel like we’re friends and I love seeing what you’re up to. Can’t miss a day of Whatever!! 🙂

Heather Mattos - I was on the very same Heather Bailey page today. Pop Garden is the best ever! LOOOOOOVE your family photos 🙂 I can’t believe how big everyone looks. So cute.

Shivaun - This post is so lovely!! Thanks! And, FYI, I found some large multi-colored striped coffee mugs at a garage sale for a buck each and I snatched them up, inspired by you! They are my favorite morning coffee mugs now… a happy start to each day. You are a sweetheart!

Alicia @ La Famille - meg, i just love ya. you are so fun. so regular. but so inspiring. don’t ask me what’s so inspiring about going to walmart, but you just are. i smile when i’m here. thanks.

Jen Brandt - Love your pictures, Meg! Totally have not been following our planned menu this week – had Subway for dinner last night. Tonight will be ham and broccoli casserole though, and chicken stir fry tomorrow night. Have a great day!!!!! Oh! I think I forgot to tell you that I made your Spinach Artichoke Party Dip for a party Saturday night – huge hit! Thank you.

Shauna - This is my favorite kind of Meg-post…beautiful colorful pictures, little tidbits about your day, and even a recipe..thanks!

Sarah - FOUR miles! You are good. LOVE those fabric sites-I can’t even sew and I love them!

karen gerstenberger - I love your Africa art with the “The King…” quote – one of my favorite quotes. Your family is so beautiful. Isn’t it a blessing to gather with extended family and share a meal? God is so good.

Rach - Oh nice! We do bath time with Pandora’s “Rockin Christmas” station. LOVE LOVE LOVE! And you admitting that it is 23 degrees there means that I am officially going to live vicariously through your winter starting today. Lots of snow pictures when it comes please.

jennibell - Love posts like this! You live a blessed life. . .and you have these posts to prove it to yourself on the “blah” days 🙂

anna - i am so glad to see these kind of posts, I have missed them! – would love to see your Christmas decorating!!

Adrienne S - Share your stocking stuffers! I love fresh ideas.

Jack - Those little pinwheels are gorgeous!

Emily - I feel like you need a travel mug for your drive to the bus stop!! Ha!

shauna - the curtains look fab

tara pollard pakosta - more than ANYTHING I enjoy your day in the life type posts! I love the random of them!
thanks for sharing!
tara

Stacey Hunter - I love your blog! You always have great photos and crafty ideas 🙂
I also love that you are from the mid-west, as I too can appreciate a good sloppy joe and some tator-tots! (I grew up in Illinois)

jacqui anderson - 2nd craft weekend is ful …… totally NOT AWESOME cause my name isn’t on the list!!!!! LOL 🙂

Kimberlee Jost - Panda Kitchen—it’s his birthday.
Give the man what he wants.
And I don’t have to cook!!!!!!!

Kimberly - What a lovely day! And if I could handle a 4 mile run, I’d take stinky at Walmart any time!

Kerry - Love that material! Love the simplicity of your day 🙂 awesome, thanks for sharing x

shelly - Wow-I’m super impressed that you ran when it was so cold out!!! (I was a big complainer this morning just walking to the car to go to the gym!)
Love your Africa art 🙂
as far as dinner, I should take something out…but I don’t want to …

Amber - Such a fun post!!! Love the curtains….Ikea???

Maria - another crazy Wednesday night for us…all 4 boys have overlapping activities and hubs cannot drive…so, we will squeeze in a ‘kids eat free’ night at Times Bar & Grill…

Holly - not sure what we will have since it is church night. Usually a drive thru is in order!

Kensie Conner - we’re having lasagna too! 🙂

happygirl - Just updated my Pandora. Thanks for the tip. LOVE your art. I hope it makes a LOT of $$$ for water for Africa.

Catriona - We had Toad in the Hole which is a lot nicer than it sounds – sausages baked in a big yorkshire pudding – with carrots and broccoli. 5 out of 5 people in our house love it. And there’s not many dinners I can say THAT about! Love your family photos btw.

Vanessa - Love the zebra scissors!!! Your sloppy joes look yummy – have you ever done the recipe from the fix it and forget it cookbook? Jean and Tammy’s sloppy joes. They are so awesome – the look of yours reminded me of them! Totally a family favorite!

Georgia - We were naughty and Chips and pea fritter (for me) and steak and kidney pie from our local chippy! Nothing like a proper english chip shop! yummmm

Lori Austin - I love it when you do “a day in the life of Meg”. 🙂
Those scissors are the best!
Love the curtains.
Good for you for running in the cold. Brrr….I’m a wimp.
Tell me how you finished out the snowman craft with Annie.
What did you use for the face? Googley eyes? Nose?
Looks cute and easy. Love cotton ball crafts. 🙂
Have a great day – oh chili at our house.

lynn-oak hill designs - we are having chicken lasagna for dinner tonight! yum, yum, yum!!

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - I really, really, really wish my crew liked sloppy joes!!! :o)

Seriously Sassy Mama - My husband left for a week of hunting with the men, so our three girls and I are getting a pizza and watching a girlie movie! Oh, and decorating a cute felt tree I found at Target today. They have fun felt crafts there this year!

Heidi C - I can’t believe you have the curtains that I am DYING to put in my dining room! I love them! 🙂
Loved your family pics yesterday and loving the pictures of your day today. Gives me some motivation to get mine started. 😉

tiffany gardner - happy wednesday! wonderful family photos yesterday…they rocked! wish I could have you over for coffee…but you don’t know me and that might be weird. can’t wait until you have your second craft weekend…so I get to see the photos! end of the month…don’t know what I’ll make for dinner…tomorrow’s will be better. Now I’m rambling…as if you know me. 🙂 Happy wednesday Meg!

amy jupin - could i be the first commenter today?
maybe.
i miss you.
wanna come over for some coffee?

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