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an hour on pinterest

January 30, 2016

follow along with me as i click-click-clicked my way through pinterest this morning.
(click on photo for source)

how cute are these?!
they had me at sprinkles…

speaking of cute AND tiny…

these mixed drinks in jars are ADORABLE!

this shirt is awesome!

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this somehow led me to embroidery.
it’s all so pretty!
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i want all the mexican flowers!

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LOVED this wall!
the shiplap… the game boards… the crates… it’s so good!

and how sweet is this simple wall treatment?

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swiss crosses forever!

and then this week i saw pam garrison’s backdrop she made for a class she is teaching.
i mean… dang PAM!!!
it is so beautiful!
send it to me when they’re done with it.
ha ha ha!

which led me to alissa burke’s beautiful walls…. sighhhh.

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but you know i need some color…
making this wall would be so. much. fun!

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what fun place to shower!
it would be hard to feel sad in there.
🙂

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i would like to sit here and drink my coffee.

colorful tiles are happy!

i love the bright floor against the ALL WHITE bathroom.

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but these yellows are like soaking in the SUNSHINE!
i admire people for going of it and making fun rooms like these.

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i love the different shades of green but mostly i want to FEEL these walls!
you can tell that it has texture and dimension and that is dreamy to me!

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that floor?
it’s too much.
too perfect.
i want to lay down next to this cat and i could die a happy lady! 🙂

rainbow executed in the best way.
simple and fun.

and then i felt hungry and started thinking about dinner…

and of course… dessert.

and then my coffee cup was empty and i had to get up and do something else.

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M - That green and white tile floor IS amazing! The embroidery work is fantastic and I would like to eat that squash filled boat for lundh today please : ) Great compilation!

PS: I like your hour time limit – sometimes I go way less but have to admit having went over that mark a few times…oy…

Morgan - I get lost in Pinterest too. I love looking at the decor and food and house ideas. So fun! I love all the colorful bathrooms you found! I am a big fan of color.

jennibell - So. . .if I had an hour I would totally do this too!!! I’m going to come back and pin some myself 🙂
I saw an article today and thought of you (I know, so weird. . .you don’t know me, I don’t know you yet I see something and think of you. . .) and couldn’t find an e-mail on your site so thought I’d post it here. I really think it might speak to you. . .
http://www.popsugar.com/moms/How-React-When-Your-Child-Breaks-Something-38972789

Have a great week Meg!

Kristin S - Thanks for linking the photos! Off to Pin myself. 🙂 I mean, not literally pin myself…

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this!

January 25, 2016

WOW!!!!
i was so amazed it brought me to tears.
that is definitely a gift from god.
amazing!

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beth larson - OMGosh Meg, thank you for sharing this… unbelievable isn’t it? What the human spirit is capable of will always amaze me…. xox
beth

Mindy - So happy your shared this! I saw it through a friend’s post on Facebook and was so moved. A gift from God indeed.

Ginny - Thank you Meg for sharing!! Made my day! Just beautiful!!

Tammy Allen - Thanks so much for sharing!

Kelly - Tears streaming down my face. One of the most touching things I’v ever seen…what a beautiful soul he is. Thank you so much for sharing this, Meg. Have a lovely day.

Lisa - So much amazing talent and beauty in the world. I needed this today. Thanks for sharing!

Carolyn - WOW….when we think we can’t we need to remember this awesome man…..if he can….we can….God is good!!!

Tara - WOW!!! That is so cool!! God is so rad!!!

Michelle Deckert Richmond - Beautiful story…beautiful man. I came across this short video on youtube and thought of you. https://youtu.be/lKu1f3TWIQQ I hope you like it.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh my goodness! That is incredible!

Tiffany - so glad you shared this — now let me wipe my tears and get back to work 😉

wow, just wow!!

Beth Ann - Absolutely amazing! I had to find out more about the artist, Paul Smith, here is another video about him and some more of his works of art – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiHyQhf9qAY.

Jennifer - Wow is right! Simply amazing and to have such faith and to keep it…inspiring!

jo - Thank you for sharing that uplifting and positive video!

Sue - What a wonderful video to share.

laurie magpie ethel - Wow! Paul has really found his voice with that typewriter. Amazing.

Candice - I have seen this before – loved it!

Jenny B. - That is truly amazing! Thank you for sharing!

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rainbow rearranged

January 2, 2016

View on Flipagram

i just love pictures!
i put this together of all my instagram pics from 2015 and just smile so big as it plays.

over the break i had to do something with poor annie’s room.
i knew she would be bringing more in at christmas and there was just no room.
she had SO many clothes that she was just living out of laundry baskets, never could find what she needed and everything was always wrinkled.
i say “she has so many clothes” meaning – summer clothes still out, last years clothes she’d outgrown, and all the clothes talby passed onto her that didn’t quite fit yet.
all in one space that is meant to hold about 1/3 of what it was holding.
i sat with her pretty much all day long and we organized.
we piled everything into groups – ALL pants… ALL shorts… long sleeve… short sleeve… etc.
she tried on so many things that day.
in the end she had one bag to donate, one that was for next year and three bags she’d outgrown!
suddenly she had gained all her floor space back in her room!
when we were finally organized i asked if she would like to rearrange her room since we had the time and it was so clean?
YES!
(i should’ve gotten out my real camera & taken these pics because they are grainy with my phone… but i didn’t)

when we had her furniture the way she liked i recalled i had several things for her walls that i’d forgotten about!
seriously… my brain!
i found the giraffe from a shop called Makewells.
the frame is from target as well as the floral comforter.
her name pillow is from ChrissieGraceDesigns… special from a fundraiser way back when. 🙂

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her curtains were made from fabric at hobby lobby and i “lined” them with a flat sheet from walmart.

she has more prints she’d like to hang on this wall yet but we need to get some colorful frames first.
the bunting up top was a gift from Joy’s Hope and the arrows came from AidiesHideaway.
and that is the 11×14 sized canvas in my shop.
it’s 25% off this week!! Use the code 25OFFPHIL48 at checkout.

i found these shadow box type frames at TJMaxx this summer.
i found two at one store and a week later found two a another store… it was meant to be… right?
they are so darn cute and THE perfect shade of turquoise!
i hung scripture cards from TheLovelyWords on the clips.
it looks like her shop doesn’t have any right now but i saw these cute ones too when i searched etsy. 🙂

all of her furniture is second hand… that’s just how we roll.
add a coat of paint and it’s like new.
it’s pretty much that way in our whole house actually…

and just in case you wondered how it looked before… here is the link to when we surprised her with a room makeover in 2014!
complete with paint colors, a young Stanley and a little video.

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meg duerksen - Karen click the link at the end of this post to the original post about her room.

Karen - Hi– did you ever post the colors for this room? My daughter loves it and we’d love to do this exact rainbow in her room. Thanks so much!

meg duerksen - julie i wish i had some tips but i am the world’s laziest painter. 🙂 i spray paint when i can which is what i did for annie’s bed and bedside table because the colors were so bright. the dresser was semi gloss trim paint. some times i sand and prime… sometimes i don’t. just depends on the project.

Amy Lynne - Your flipbook was so much fun! What a great idea!

Kirsten - So happy!! I love it. I went to Target today and spied some awesome curtains. Brought them home, hung them up and then thought, hmmm, I’ve seen these before. And then it dawned on me. They are nearly identical to A’s new ones! I’m feeling so validated in my life choices now. 🙂 🙂

Stacy - My middle daughter and Annie must be kindred spirits! She wanted orange and pink in her room…we compromised and she has a seriously gorgeous sunrise orange ceiling and light gray walls. The pinks are on her bed and she is so happy. Now that I’m seeing those cute shadow boxes with the clips, I think I may have to do a DIY for that same daughter’s room. Thanks for sharing!

Julie - Just curious, what is your process for painting furniture? Thanks 🎨😊

cyndilohoo - That video made me smile! Beautiful way to look back at the year.

Gevay - Happy New Year, Meg! I loved your Flipagram! The colorful pics speak joy.

Whitni - Her whole room is so happy! I seriously wish I could hire you as my interior decorator. I love your use of color!

Krista - Beautiful video! Brought tears to my eyes and you picked the most perfect song to go with the photos.

amy jupin - it’s so bright and cheery and FUN.
you are so good at decorating with that in mind.
you know me…colorphobic!
also that video is RAD!!!!

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Giant List of Gifts for teen girls

December 16, 2015

i had several requests for a list for teens and tweens so i asked my girls… poured over the internet… looked around our house… and came up with this list!

i hope it helps with your christmas shopping!

brush
cute & colorful Hair Brush…. these were from Forever 21

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Pilot Frixion Colors Erasable Marker
erasable markers?! YES! they are REAL!
super fun gift!

scarf
BIG scarves are EVERYWHERE!
these were each from Target.

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ProX by Olay Advanced Cleansing System with Facial Brush
great for any age but wonderful for teens changing skin and for only $20!
whaaaaat?!! that 1/5 the price of a Clarisonic!

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Under Armour Headband
it’s always nice to get a new one since my girls use them to get all sweaty everyday.
🙂

14729698 twinkle lights for their bedroom
Target

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Live Your Life perfume from American Eagle.
i thought all of their scents were pretty good actually.

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Hair Chalks – 24 Non Toxic Temporary Hair Dye Colorthis looks like A LOT of fun!
i love letting kids get silly with their hair!

unicorn+puke
a candle that smells like Unicorn Puke!
which smells quite a like starburst or skittles.

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Nike Elite Socks
my kids are crazy for these socks.

🙂

Devotions for Real Life
a book for girls encouraging and teaching them to spend time
with God’s word to experience personal growth and application!

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Perfectly Unique: Praising God from Head to Foot
a book to encourage every girl in the way God created her!

For-Girls-Like-You-Devo-Cover-1 For Girls Like You: A Devotional for Tweens
for the younger teen…

jesuscallingteens Jesus Calling
a devotional for teens

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Union Suit Pajamas!
these are available almost everywhere and teen girls love them!
🙂
(kohls ….. target ….. forever21)

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Stay Wild at Heart 2016 Wall Calendar
no brainer.
Katie Daisy’s calendar is prefect for girls!
(and their moms too)

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61sx6nGodBL._SL1134_ Makeup Brush Set
new makeup brushes are so nice to get.
and if they are new to makeup…. it’s a great way to start… learning the right way from the beginning.
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Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro
don’t you wish you had Bobbi Brown teach you how to put on make up when you were a teen?!
that would’ve been so helpful!
and actually… i think i will order this for me FOR NOW because really… i have no clue and i’m 40!

shampoo

Organix: Tea Tree Mint Hydrating Shampoo + Conditioner
Organix: Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo + Conditioner
i talked about how much i love these in the previous post.
they smell great and it feels fancy!

35007954_102_b Headphones at Urban Outfitters come in many fun colors
but honestly these Sony’s work just as well if the UO headphones price is too high.
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nails
Nail Polish
we like the polish at Forever 21 because they always have fun colors
and they are very affordable.

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canvas and wall art from Francescas

books Color Your Way to Calm
Just Add Color: Geometric Patterns
Just Add Color: Botanicals
Fantastic Cities
and 24 Colored Pencils for completing fabulous works of art
in these fun coloring books for big kids and grown ups.
my girls bring these to church and it keeps their hands busy but they can still listen.
and i love to join in as well!
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1426_7648_274_f stylish Fur Hat from American Eagle

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speaker

SoundBot Bluetooth Wireless Shower Speaker
so you can listen to all your favorite music even in the shower!
🙂

paint
Watercolor Paint Set
this is my favorite paint set!
it’s pretty to look at… fun to use… and an excellent price!
$5 at Micheals!

tape
Neon Washi Tape Set
& All Kinds of Washi Tape
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PureSpa Essential Oil Diffuser to make their bedrooms smell amazing!

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The Glam Caddy to hold your makeup but keep it easily accessible.
and help keep the bathroom clean(er)!

charger Portable Phone Charger
so wonderful and helpful to have these when you have no access to an outlet!

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Eye Lash Curler

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Selfie Stick
it is pretty much a teen girl must have.
🙂

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Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes

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cute slippers at Old Navy
they come in several colors as well… to match your jammies of course!

61V1QM1O23L._SL1053_ Gift Cards to the Movie Theater
gift cards may not be the most fun gift but teens LOVE them!
paying for a movie night is a total treat!

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Michele - Hope your doing a list for 2016…this one really helped me last year!!

favorites from the internet | - […] the years, Meg has pointed me to some of my favorite things including this travel diffuser. While I’m on the subject of my girl-crush Meg Duerksen, I bawled my way through her […]

Linda - Makes me want to go shopping! Any ideas for teenage boys?

Amy Woods - It’s possible that I am a teenage girl in a 43 year old woman’s body, because I kinda want all these!!!

And, Meg dear, got a list in you for teenage boys? I’d love to see your take on that! I’m pretty much done shopping for my 18 year old young man, but I still need some stocking stuffers!

Rebekah - I’m pretty much set for this year, but I’m pinning this for next year. My oldest will be 10 by then. (WHAT!?!?)

L.M.B. - Meg, This is a PERFECT list! I’ve ordered 6 items on your list from Amazon (a few I had already ordered, and a few because of YOU!). Thanks so much. I’m really exited. 🙂

Ann - Love both of your gift lists! It’s always great to have ideas. Thank you!!!

meg duerksen - I bought the long black leggings and I wear them with all my long sweaters because I’m obsessed with the high waist!!! 🙂

Sasha K - I know this list is for teen girls, but I wanted to say thank you for sharing about the magic yoga pants.I got the 90 Degree By Reflex for all my best gal pals and it made the gift buying/shopping experience so easy Pease this year! More time to focus on the holiday!
Best to you and yours!

Kristin S - I’ve been looking for a less expensive diffuser. Thanks for the recommendation!

Signed,

A 44 year old teenager. 🙂

Liz Hurst - Great ideas! I can’t wait to go shopping now!

Kelly O. - Your lists are sooo helpful!!

jamie - such a FANTASTIC list.

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my giant list of good gifts

December 14, 2015

ok… i realize this could be too late to post this but i can’t stop writing this list so i figure if i just get it out of my head i can move on.
this is my huge list of things that i think would make great gifts at anytime… not just christmas.
there are all kinds of price ranges…. and every category.
these are things i use nearly everyday and things i love.
maybe it will help you get those last few gifts you need to finish up your christmas shopping?
i made it crazy easy with links to everything because i like you.
and to make it extra fun… no companies know i wrote this… it’s all purely what i like because i like it… no advertising!
high five!

katiedaisy

anything by Katie Daisy

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Flow Yoga: Elements of Yoga: Air & Water with Tara Lee
this is my favorite Yoga dvd!

0e55697e3dee530d9dd3c3cb2b447930 YogaAccessories High Density Yoga Mat

(makes practicing yoga much easier when you have the proper gear)

Polka Dot Leggings …… High Waist – Power Flex Capri …… Striped Leggings

500-100136905-847__1 Heated Mattress Pad

i think i would have frozen to death by now if i didn’t have this! 😉
my girls also have them on their beds.
it makes getting into bed each night so cozy!
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Keurig Brewing System

i am the only one in my house that drinks coffee.
With the Keurig i don’t waste coffee anymore.
i used to make half a pot or even a full sometimes and end up pouring out so much everyday.
the Keurig makes a perfect cup every time!
and it is great for multiple coffee drinkers who like different strengths of coffee… no one has to settle.
🙂
.

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and if you didn’t want the big investment of the Keurig… i saw this
Single Brew Coffee Maker in a super cute color at Urban Outfitters.

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Eureka Cordless Vacuum
no one probably thinks they want this as a gift until you never have to sweep with a broom again!
and then they will be so grateful for this awesome gift!
we have all wood floors and this is MY FAVORITE!
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61sx6nGodBL._SL1134_ Makeup Brush Set

it’s always nice to get a new set of clean fresh brushes… it just is!
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Lighted Makeup Mirror
i wish i hadn’t waited till i was 40 to start using this.
these are amazing!
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mukluk
Muk Luks Women’s Grace Folklore Slouch Boot
i think these are quite possibly THE CUTEST slippers i have ever seen!
i don’t have them but man…. i sure do want them!
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Warm Bootie Slippers at Target
these are super comfy and a friendly price point for slippers.
i do have these!
🙂
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michelle
Allen Designs Shopper Bags

i use these big bags every. single. day.
they are very sturdy, they hold A LOT and i get compliments everywhere i go.
high five to my friend michelle for her awesome bags!
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spoons
Happy Face Spoons!
i mean who wouldn’t smile when you give them that?!
they are so much fun!

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Super cute Booties at Target
there are booties everywhere and in all the price ranges.
they are my favorite kind of shoes right now.
it took me awhile to get on board but now i LOVE them.
but i still love my tall boots too because my ankles get so cold!
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lisaL Mama Necklace by Lisa Leonard for Dayspring
i don’t have this either but i saw it and thought “auuwwww…. this is so pretty!”
it’s just right.
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EleganceSilver_72704 Cocktail Shaker
everyone needs one.
the end.
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shampoo
Organix: Tea Tree Mint Hydrating Shampoo + Conditioner
Organix: Coconut Milk Shampoo + Conditioner

i am not a fancy lady.
this is the most that i splurge on hair care.
you can get it at any grocery store or big box store.
but it smells SOOOO GOOD!
i like the tea tree for all winter because it smells like mint.
and i love the coconut milk all summer because it smells like i live in the tropics.
and they carry a ton of other scents but these are MY favorites.
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29316_XXX_v1 Bottle Vase with Wood Holder

i found this at World Market this year.
it’s so pretty and simple but makes a statement with just a few flowers.
this would be such a nice gift to open.
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Ninja Professional Blender

i use our Ninja several times a week.
it’s a total boss.
I don’t know how i ever used a small blender before this?
no joke.
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Adele – 25
i mean… everyone in the world needs this album.
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movie1
Sleepless in Seattle ……. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty ……… The Bourne Trilogy

movie2
It’s Complicated ………. Bridesmaids ………. You’ve Got Mail

movies4
The Help ………. Elf …….. It’s a Wonderful Life

movie3
Crazy, Stupid, Love ……….. Almost Famous ………… Julie & Julia
those are my favorite movies.
if there are any you haven’t seen you should at the very least RENT them.
but i watch them over and over so we have all these dvds at our house.
and if you come over i will probably make you watch them too.
.

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Bethe Rope Necklace by Noonday

a classic and beautiful necklace that also helps empower women through employment in Ethiopia.
win- win!
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PureSpa Diffuser for Essential Oils
it’s nice to have more than one diffuser if you have more than one room in your home.
🙂
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LLcanvas anything by Lindsay Letters!
ANYTHING.
that girl is all talent.
i love everything in her shop from her mugs to her giant canvases!
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. Message Cover Feb 2015
The Message
this is my favorite translation to read in the bible.
the description reads: “Written in everyday English – how people speak in their homes and in the workplace –
The Message will bring more understanding and meaning to the Scriptures.
Passages that seem familiar will come alive.
The Message can help readers “Read. Think. Pray. Live.”
it’s still the bible but without all the thys and thous and begats.
🙂
.

26399931 New Pajamas!
everyone loves a new pair of pjs… it’s a fact.
or it should be.
and these are the ones i will be sporting christmas morning 2015!
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61rm80buPaL._SL1000_ KitchenAid 5-Qt. Stand Mixer in Canopy Green
every woman wants this green mixer.
oh wait… maybe that is just me?
ha ha ha
but KitchenAid Mixers come in 35 different colors so you could get or give the perfect color for you.
green is mine.
🙂
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books Coloring Books for Adults (and kids too)
Splendid Cities Just Add Color: Geometric Patterns
Just Add Color: Botanicals
Fantastic Cities
these are pure relaxation.
and my kids love to work on them all through church and while waiting at restaurants.
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J.R. Watkins Grapefruit Sugar & Shea Body Scrub
this is my favorite way to smell great and have soft skin.
🙂
you can get it at the grocery store or big box store.
.

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SINGER Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
i get asked every week what kind of sewing machine i would recommend.
i always say this one.
we have them at the Craft House and everyone loves them.
they are sturdy… quiet… easy to use.
and totally affordable.
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Fiskars 24×36 Inch Eco Cutting Mat
and these next few items are my favorite tools i use when i sew.
i use this big cutting mat to cut my fabric.
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1787-Photo-102 and i always cut using my
Acrylic Grid Ruler with the Ruler Grip Double Suction Cup attached
to keep my fingers safe and make a clean straight cut.

and i use this OLFA 45mm Deluxe Handle Rotary Cutter for all my cutting.

🙂

and last but not least…. BOOKS!
in no particular order and all different release dates, these are all just darn good books!

books1
Love Does …….. Everyday Grace ……… For the Love
books2
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years …….. Crazy Love …….. Cold Tangerines
books3
Wild in the Hollow ………. You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream ………… Bread & Wine books4

Called for Life ………. A Million Little Ways ………… Kisses from Katie

books5 Tattoos on the Heart ……. Bittersweet ……… Jesus Freak

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Lori - I think this is a great gift guide! Love it!

Susan in KS - What a great list. I needed the help. Thank you!

Michelle from Australia - I think you have exceptionally good taste in movies. As I’ve seen all but 3 on your list! And thanks for adding yet more items to my ‘Pick Up When In The USA in 2016’ list! Thankfully Kansas will be my last stop before heading back to Australia so whatever I pick up in Kansas only has 2 flights to come home with me 🙂 Happy Christmas Meg!

Kori - Great list, but this made me laugh out for real:
“it’s still the bible but without all the thys and thous and begats.” 😀

nic - this list makes it clear to me that we have the same (fabulous) taste in all the things. especially movies. except i have to know where you stand on nacho libre: yay or nay?

Carol S. - Bravo, well done. Just ordered coloring book botanicals and prisms soft core pencils and Amazon gift card for niece…boom…done! Thanks Meg. You’re anniversary was dreamy btw.

Kit - Awesome list, Meg! But I MUST know what you love about the lighted mirror…I am afraid of those! I don’t want to see all my scary blemishes and wrinkles and weird hairs! Because what can I really do about that (except the hairs)!? I thought ignorance was bliss…

Crystal - How about kids… Especially tweenage girls?

Amy - Thank you! Love this list! And I agree with SoCalLynn…would love your ideas for the guys!

Kelly - This is the GREATEST list, ever. I put the essential oil diffuser in my Amazon shopping bag 🙂 Merry Christmas to me. I would add SOAP AND GLORY bath gel…THE BEST EVER. (on Amazon or Ulta carries it) I love the Clean on Me scent. So good!!!!!!!!!! I’d also add the book The Nightengale. Best book I read of 2015 (and I read a ton)

eva - I love this gift list for ordinary people!! I’m going out to find the suction cup thing right now.

But…’Bridesmaids’ and ‘the Message’?? together on one gift list?? just sayin’

April R - merry Christmas Ms. Meg
thanks for the inspiration today and all year long

SoCalLynn - There are some really lovely things on your list, but what I really need is some help with gift ideas for men!!! Do you have any suggestions?

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a fall walk

November 9, 2015

kansas has such a beautiful fall season with the best temperatures.
but we know how soon it will change from the colorful leaves to everything dead and brown.
so we got outside this past weekend and we brought the dogs.

you’d have thought those dogs had NEVER been outside before?!
they were so happy!

of all the leaves, my favorite trees are always the red ones.

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Andrea - GORGEOUS!!!!

Amy - Gorgeous colors!! Thanks for sharing!

Mindy - Stunning photos of the fall leaves and such cute kids and dogs : )

Kendra - Such gorgeous photos!!

library momma - What camera did you shoot with? Nice!

Lynne - Hi,

Your dogs got a very special treat this weekend. Is one of your dogs a labordoodle? We have a labordoodle and Sadie would be so happy to have gotten that great walk you had. I was also happy to see you with your children as well!!!!

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - ohhhh mother nature! you win, again!!

Julie - Such stunnig leaf colours, especially against that blue sky!!

Jennifer - I love your photos and was wondering what camera you use?

Becky Fouts - your photos are stunning!! I can’t quit looking at them, thank you!

Carrie - So pretty! I always love all your posts, but I especially love photo-heavy ones!

Stephanie - What a beautiful post! I miss fall….

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cookbooks for #cookallthethings

November 6, 2015

TWO food posts in one week?!
who am i?
i had better get some crafts going over here so i don’t confuse myself!

I’ve been cooking… and thinking about food… and wishing for new cookbooks to inspire me even more to keep this streak going!
i am pretty sure an evening at Barnes & Noble is in my future to check these out in person.
what if i even got to go on a date???
i know… don’t get crazy Meg.

dinnertime1
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime
i mean… how beautiful is that cover?!
she’s amazing.
and all her dishes on the counter and in the background… all strategically placed… she’s an empire.
total rockstar.
remember her waaaay back in the beginning of blogs?
and now this.
dude… what she’s done is amazing.

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The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
i have only heard wonderful things about this girl.
so i am guessing this cookbook could be great… or maybe too hard foe me? i don’t know!
it feels fancy for sure.

DinnerPlaybook-COVER-714x1024
Dinner: The Playbook: A 30-Day Plan for Mastering the Art of the Family Meal
ummm…. HOW DID SHE KNOW i needed a plan?!
this looks like it could save my dinner time issues.
and i have seen her previous book called Dinner: A Love Story: It all begins at the family table and love it.

DinnerLoveStory_finalfinal
i mean what a GREAT title right?
it’s true.
i want my family to know i love them and care.

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i am pretty sure that One-Dish Wonders is the kind of cookbook i would USE.
like not just look through and comment on how pretty it all is.
this looks like real meals for a large family with a narrow view of “good food”.
casseroles forever!

51j0jISrgiL-1._SX398_BO1,204,203,200_
Juli Bauer’s Paleo Cookbook

and then to swing ALLLLLL the way to the opposite of casseroles… Paleo.
i like her blog for paleo recipes so why wouldn’t i love her cookbook to have on my shelf?
these recipes i would assume would be mostly for the grown ups but maybe i could find some meals for everyone?

danielle-walkers-against-all-grain-meals-made-9781628600421_hr
Against All Grain: Meals Made Simple
i am so curious about this.
the no grain eating… could i do it?
what about cake? or cinnamon rolls?
i guess it’s a moderation thing just like it would be no matter if you ate no grains or not.
i know that many people have allergies and that is why a lot of people eat grain free… but not every one.
so that is what i am curious about.
i bet her recipes are yummy and would make it less painful to transition to.

100DaysOfRealFoof_book_cover_NYT_best_seller_number_1_521x590
100 Days of Real Food: How We Did It, What We Learned, and 100 Easy, Wholesome Recipes Your Family Will Love
i wonder about this one?
this is what i wish i could say about my family’s eating.
“we eat real food. everyday.”
hashtag food goalzzzz.

2014-09-27-Soup-a-Day-1
Soup of the Day sounds like one i would enjoy.
i reeeally like soup.
but doesn’t everyone? or are there people out there that can’t handle the texture of soup?
you know… there are people who hate smoothies because they are thick and cold… i bet there are people that feel similar things about soup.
i am NOT one of those people.
i have a memory of my parents getting together with their good friends on a saturday night and a few of them brought soup. the others brought bread or salad. and everyone brought wine. 🙂

coverimage1
Food52 Baking
annie has really become a baking enthusiast and i want to encourage that every chance i get.
this book would probably make her very happy.

🙂

gallery-1429042548-sega-cookie-love
Cookie Love: More Than 60 Recipes for Turning the Ordinary into the Extraordinary

whatever that cookie is… I WANT IT!!!
this is probably going in the cart for someone for christmas.
not me… but someone who may make those cookies for me.

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Hand Made Baking: Recipes to Warm the Heart
annie can’t get enough chocolate.
ever.
this book would win at our house.

so how was that for the most random list of cookbooks i am thinking about today?!
but that is how my brain works.
i want healthy real food.
i want cake.
i want an easy meal.
i want gourmet.
i want to be Ree Drummond.
i want Annie to do all the work.

of all the cookbooks we have… my favorite is probably the first PW cookbook The Pioneer Woman Cooks
thepioneerwomancooks5001
what is your most favorite cookbook you own?
i need to know.
thanks in advance.

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Andrea - Seriously the book I cook the MOST from regularly is Bread & Wine by Shauna Niquist! Weird, I know, because it’s only kind of a cook book!! BUT…most of it’s yummy AND easy! We have the “Sweet Potato fries with Sriracha sauce” probably weekly!! P.S. And I LOVE the turkey burgers! (but DO NOT MAKE THEM INTO MEATBALLS…epic fail!!!!)

Lillian - The original PW cookbook and Whitney Ingram’s The Family Flavor are the only two cookbooks I actually use. I have a whole shelf of them that has been slowly whittled down, but they’ve mostly become pipe dreams of Hingis I wish I’d actually make and my family would actually eat! Everything is online;)

Crissy - These are great! I have the Against All Grain cookbook and I like the recipes. If you don’t have a pantry stocked w/ a lot of the ingredients, it can feel like an investment. But, not having the same bloated feeling after a meal (like when we eat gluten) is nice. We aren’t gluten free… we’re w/ you on the moderation.

I love the Real Simple cookbook called Easy, Delicious Meals and Gwyneth Paltrow’s It’s All Good cookbook. I have a young kid so the Weelicious books are fun too. 🙂

Myra - I really like Danielle Walkers Meal Made Simple because of the ease of use. She has organized shopping lists ready for every week. I would just take that list and go to the store with out planning any meals out for the week. Whatever I couldn’t find at my store I would order from Amazon. It’s so simple!

Laura in Sacto - Pioneer Woman, A Year of Holidays. LOVE IT!

Marcia at Organising Queen - My favourite cookbook is Pinterest 🙂

Sandra K, - Hi Meg, My absolute favorite is Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa on Food Network. I love all her cookbooks but Barefoot Contessa ‘Family Style’ is my top pick. I also have learned so much from watching her show over the years.

I’ll also second the vote for the Our Best Bites blog and cookbooks. They are two moms who share fabulous recipes your family will eat. They’re delightful.

Thanks for the fun food posts – love your blog. 😊

Kerrin - I love the Looney Spoons Collection by Janet and Greta Podleski It is actually three cookbooks in one. So many yummy recipes from soup to pasta to roasts to desserts. All of them are easy and most are quick.

KWolff - My favorite cookbook is one that my mother in law put together for me the first year I was part of the family. She did one for each of her three kids & their spouses. I pull that thing out on a regular basis for reminders on how to make old favorites. My second favorite is my Gooseberry Patch holiday book. I love to read the stories in there and many of the recipes are ones that I use each Christmas.

Jessica Strait - Oh you’ve gotta know about Seriously Delish: for People who totally love food.
From Jessica Merchant. She’s amazing/awesome

link love: http://www.amazon.com/Seriously-Delish-Recipes-People-Totally/dp/0544176499

and her blog (always fun and totally honest) http://www.howsweeteats.com

her blog and your blog are my two go websites!

Kimberlee Jost - I love this post. Like really LOVE.

Deb Meyers - Jim Lahey’s pizza crust from “Dinner: A Love Story” has become the bridge I crossed to meet and love on my kid’s college friends. IT IS FAIL PROOF.

(And I would tell you to make Jenny’s Arugula/Ricotta pizza NOW, only I’m afraid you will post it on your blog and then all the world will realize I am not a culinary genius but only a truly enthusiastic copycat 🙂

Lee Ann - Is it sad that I rarely buy cookbooks anymore? I just use the world wide web 🙂 BUT….I do miss flipping through the pages. Maybe for Christmas I’ll have to get a new one. Who doesn’t love the Pioneer Woman? And “100 days of real food”? Good stuff. Against all grain – Makes me feel so good (I have Celiac so I can eat everything!).

And….I pulled up your blog because December is coming. I’ve really been laying off the sugar, but I’m so ready to have your mint brownies (gluten-free style). They will probably taste sooo sweet after not much sugar. Anyway – You have to re-read that post. So sweet. Annie said, “what dat mell?” 🙂

Traci - You have highlighted all of my favorite cookbooks above, plus some that I want to check out! Smitten Kitchen is not too fancy, and I mean that in the best possible way. Hers is probably my favorite. You should start with her website, there are new recipes there all the time. Happy cooking! :]

Jill - Well…. I have to say that I LOVE my copy of the Betty Crocker Cookbook…. you know… the old one with the red and white checked cover. It’s my grandma’s copy and there are notes in her handwriting next to the recipes I remember eating when growing up. But, I do love The Pioneer Woman too. Question…. I am wondering if you cook with gas…. waffling on what kind of stove to get. If you do…. is it stainless under the burner grates? If so… is it hard to clean? HELP!!!

Jackie O M - Forty some years and hundreds on cookbooks on my shelves? Just can’t pick one! Depends on the subject? Southern? John Martin Taylor’s Low Country Cooking. Chinese ~ Ruth Law’s Dim Sum ~ totally falling apart. Mexican? Diane Kennedy The Tortilla Book. Vegetables? Marian Morash The Victory Garden Cookbook. Life Changers at the Sidewalk House? Martha Stewart Entertaining and The Silver Palate Cookbook. On and on. Sarah Foster, Joanne Weir, Ina Garten, and Jacques Pepin’s Fast Cooking my Way are currently day to day resources. I am an addict. A user ~ of cookbooks!

Emily - I have the Meals Made Simple book because my husband and I did a grain free nutrition challenge with some others at our gym. Everything we have made from it is delicious!! And really they are simple. Our favorite is the creamy dill salmon. My husband is not a fish eater but asks for this once a week!

Lori - I love The Smitten Kitchen cookbook!

Jenn - I have three PW cookbooks, they are definitely favs of mine. However, I also love The Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten). Her recipes are so delicious and generally pretty easy.

Lisa - I love Ree too, and Giada de Laurentis, all her recipes are amazing. I also love Smitten Kitchen, all of her recipes from her book that I have tried have been fantastic too, you should follow her Instagram, she posts yummy recipes everyday.

Stephanie - I love my PW cookbooks–I have three. She just seems so real. Rich, but real. Lol.
My favorite cookbook of all time is Nourishing Traditions. It’s all about traditional food.

Kimberly - The smitten kitchen chocolate pudding pie is my go-to. Delish! Bet Annie could make it no problem! 😉 I don’t make the crust though– I do the Pillsbury crust.

Janna - You need “oh My Goodness Cookbook” by Ellen Halberg on amazon. It MIGHT only be available thru today as they plan to put them in bazaars and local stores here in WA state starting tonight; )

Janel - A Forest Feast is an awesome, real food, simple ingridients cookbook. Erin’s blog is wonderful! One of my go to cookbooks.

I also love William Sonoma cookbooks. I have one from 5-6 yrs ago that gets used all fall/winter long…they have great recipes in general.

I definitely love all the paleo cookbooks…you can’t go wrong there at all..

Virginia - The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Kitchen-Cookbook-Heavy-Duty-Revised/dp/193361501X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1446855925&sr=8-2&keywords=america%27s+test+kitchen+cookbook+family

Jill Hinson - Anything by Ina Garten, she seems fancy but I like that most of her recipes are less than 10 ingredients.

xo~jill

Lindsey Barlow - Have you ever heard of “our best bites?” They have a blog, it their cookbooks are great, I use their recipes a lot around our house.

Christie - LOVE LOVE LOVE 100 days of real food cookbook – it won’t disappoint and so much easy to read and understand information about our food at the beginning of the book.

Michele - I love Pioneer Woman and have them all, I’m like you the first one is my favorite although the latest is very good I just haven’t got to look through all of it. I make her Cinnamon rolls with my daughter at Christmas for our neighbors and now after 3 years they look forward to them and are tickled when we show up with them.

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