Changing Focus

I went on a walk today.

I wasn't looking for anything particular, just needed some fresh air.

I saw a flower growing in some rocks and it felt familiar.

"Bloom where you're planted."

I snapped a pic with my phone and kept walking.

I was bummed when I saw that it's out of focus though.

Nice clear rocks, fuzzy flower.

Typical!


Then it hit me:

"You're focusing on the wrong things."

LITERALLY.

I started blogging to find and to share inspiration.

I feel like sometimes I'm successful but mostly

I think I'm trying hard to be like other people.
I stopped blogging because it's stressing me out.


THE FANTASY:

"Look how cute my house is because of my incredible DIY talents!"

MY REALITY:

My house is usually a mess. I work full time and just want to veg out when I get home, not scrub toilets or make planters out of toilets.


THE FANTASY:

"Every meal I make is a picture-perfect masterpiece that my whole family loves!"

MY REALITY:

I hate making dinner. It takes hours of work for 10 minutes of eating and it rarely pleases everyone.


THE FANTASY:

"Look how skinny I am because of my herculean efforts to change my life!"

MY REALITY:

I'm tired. I want to sleep. And I ate potato chips for lunch yesterday.


THE FANTASY:

"Watching my little ones grow is so inspiring!"
MY REALITY:
I have 3 teenage boys. And sometimes they smell. But I love them.


My reality means trying to juggle work and kids and church callings and family outings and doctor appointments and panic attacks and allergy season. I feel like I don't have time to blog because it takes so much time. But I think I'm focusing on, and therefore blogging about, the wrong things.

So instead of just "tp tube crafts" and "cheesecake recipe" posts, you're going to be seeing more
"I survived a social engagement" and "Well, that didn't work" posts.


If that's your reality too, let's enjoy this ride together.

YAY, life!

Top 10 Posts of 2014

Here's look back at my most popular posts of 2014.

Some I was really hoping would do this well and some really surprised me!

 

Here's to a great year!

10 - A Mustache Bash Baby Shower

Some friends and I threw a party for my Bestie's little man.
 

9 - Roadtrip Game Printable

A great way to keep kids busy on a long trip.

8 - Maple Bacon Apple Bread

Freakin delicious combination of already awesome foods!

7 - 2014 Movie Releases

What was your favorite show?

6 - 33 Perfectly Peach Recipes

An amazing round-up of peachy perfection.

5 - Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt

A fun new tradition for the Holidays.

4 - Snowflake Candy Cane Wreath

Quick and easy way to create a stunning a wreath.

3 - DIY Paper Fans

Whip out a dozen of these beauties in no time.

2 - Teacher & Staff Appreciation Printable

Because everyone works hard in education!

1 - Apple Cinnamon Waffles

A great way to start a Saturday!

 

Thank you for joining me.

I really appreciate my sweeties!

 

Can't wait to see what 2015 brings!

Instagram Blog Hop

HELLO SWEETIES!

Welcome to the Instagram Blog Hop!

I'm SO excited to get to play along today as a co-host!

WOOT-WOOT!!

If you're new around here, the Instagram Blog Hop is a party where you link up your Instagram account, find and follow new Instagram friends, and be continually inspired by what you see in your Instagram feed! NOW ON SATURDAYS! No need to have a blog, just an Instagram account! So come hang out with us every weekend!

The Rules are Simple:

1. Follow your HOSTS:

Kimberly of A Night Owl | Instagram: @anightowlblog
Erin of My Thirty Spot | Instagram: @mythirtyspot
Angie of Little Inspiration| Instagram: @blogali ___

2. Follow your CO-HOSTS:

TJ of Sugar Blossoms| Instagram: @azblossom

Andrea of Cre8tive Crea8tions| Instagram: @cre8tivecre8tions

Ange of Hairspray and Highheels | Instagram: @angejim ___

3. Link up your Instagram Web Profile:

Just link up your new Instagram Web Profile (http://instagram.com/username) -OR- Webstagram Web Profile (http://web.stagram.com/n/username) in the linky below!

___

4. Check out and follow a few fellow Instagram friends.

Tell folks you follow that you found them through the IGBH! ___

5. SHARE THE IGBH LOVE!

Before you link and run, we'd love for you to SHARE THE IGBH LOVE! We'd love to grow this lovely community, so we're asking you to share - with your friends, on your social media! Tweet about it, share it on G+ and Facebook or post about it on Instagram!

Tweet  -  An InLinkz Link-up

Minted + Julep = LOVE

I have fallen in love with Julep.

 

It's a blog built around artists. Craft artists, Recipe artists, Styling artists, Party artists, they're all so talented!
They have a lot of fabulous seasonal DIY content!

 

Check out some of my favorite posts:

Gatsby Inspired Glasses

Add some 20's glam to your next party with this simple, elegant DIY idea.

 

Gold Leaf Pumpkins

Add a luxurious touch to your Thanksgiving table with gold-leafed pumpkins.

 

 

Petite Fruit Cobblers

Baked in individual portions, these beautiful desserts can be made with a number different fruits.

 

Holiday Decorating Inspiration

Simple yet stunning ideas to bring happiness to your holidays.

 

Now, as mesmerizing as Julep is, you can't forget where is came from:

Minted.

It's the be-all, end-all for anything printed.

From cards to invitations and business to weddings, they have a HUGE selection.

Their Christmas cards are to die for!

Check out their uniquely modern line here.

 

This is one of my favorites:

You can even choose the shape of outer edge!

SWOON!

Get Mint+Juleped this holiday season!