Friday Favorites

September 9, 2016September 6, 2016 RefreshHer3 Comments

The first week of September has been a good start to the month! These are some of my favorite things that happened this week. (From top to bottom, left to right)

My flower boxes were looking a little weary, so I refreshed them with mums, rosemary and Asters. This is the first time I’ve added rosemary, but I’m hoping since it’s so hardy it will do well all winter!
If you follow me on Instagram (denisec_refreshHer), you saw this picture on my #Mondaymarriagematters. I drew this little picture on the bathroom mirror the night before my husband jumped back into preaching after sabbatical. I wanted to remind him I was praying for him and behind him!
Sunday morning our dear Rod Carter, 90 years old, was so happy to see his pastor at the door. We missed every member while we were gone, and Sunday was quite the reunion!
My husband ran in a 10K on Saturday! I’m so proud of him for staying fit and active! I am NOT runner, so I went to stand on the sidelines and cheer him on!
This sunrise was September first. What a glorious reminder that my God is in control and will give grace and glory for each day ahead!
The mornings have been so cool and refreshing that one morning I sat in a rocker on the front porch and had my Bible reading. It was so beautiful, quiet and refreshing in every way!
My kitty Liza does so many funny things. She is not one to jump on the counters, or furniture, so the morning I found her like this was quite hilarious. I had used the tub to fill my water pitcher to water the flower boxes and she jumped in to get a drink of the droplets that were still in the tub! How would you caption this picture?

Then to end the week we have our really special ladies’ event at our church! If you’re in the area, I invite you to join us for our Ladies’ Event. Our Theme is, “When God Writes Your Story.”

Carol Trahan is our guest speaker tonight and tomorrow morning. Carol is a Word-filled speaker whose story is not what she would have chosen, but she has allowed the Lord to take the tragedies that have touched her life to refine and mold her into the image of Christ. She is a Word-filled speaker who exalts her Savior with her testimony of His goodness in her times of brokenness.

Friday night begins with a fashion workshop, some fun skits, then a time in God’s Word with Carol. Then we go home and sleep in our own comfy bed and return the next morning. Saturday will be filled with helpful workshops you can choose from, and two more sessions with Carol. Breakfast starts at 9:00 and the day moves on from there. I pray you’ll come and bring a friend!

Praying you have a great weekend of spiritual encouragement!

Denise Signature 150 px

entertaining · Home decor · organization · summertime

A Look Through My Lens

July 8, 2016July 7, 2016 RefreshHerLeave a comment

It’s unreal how much activity goes on in one week, isn’t it? I look through my photos on my camera and am shocked at how much we did in the last seven days! Let me give you a look through my lens:

On Friday night we hosted our church teen group at our home. They are led by Alli’s husband, Andrew who does a great job! The teens love both Alli and Andrew, and it was fun to see them interact that evening. They played volleyball, and a new version of football. Oh, and they ate. A LOT! Which means they loved it, and that makes me happy!Their meal was a simple one of grilled hot dogs and the fixings, but I can’t wait to tell you about the dessert we served. Here’s a little peek, but I’ll share the details with you on Monday.

On Saturday I hosted a baby shower for a sweet young mom, expecting her first baby. You can tell by the pictures that she’s expecting a girl!

A friend at church did the food, and it was amazing.

Another gal does the cupcakes for our church showers. These are White Chocolate Raspberry. Oh my goodness!! The little size makes it completely safe to try without feeling too guilty! Also check out the waffle bowls filled with fresh fruit; those were so good!

Saturday night my husband and I went with Alli and Andrew to Carter’s Fold to hear Fiddlin’ Carson Peters, a talented 12 year-old who plays fiddle with his father and two other instrumentalists. It was such a fun night! The music was great, the setting was country and perfect!

Sunday morning we had the blessing of seeing two little girls who recently accepted Christ as their Savior get baptized, or as one of them called it, “Bap-ti-tized!” It always brings tears to my eyes to see these young ones trust Christ, then declare their devotion to follow Him all their lives!

It also always makes me so thankful to be married to the pastor who gets the privilege of baptizing, and pouring into their lives the Truth of God’s Word. He always gives a personal challenge to each one, and it’s so sweet.

Sunday evening we did not have services at church. My husband and I took special care to spend time together and also to rest. We sat on our front porch rockers and played Farkle while several of our neighbors put on quite a firework display.

We had front row seats and never had to leave home!

Even Liza got to enjoy some time outside. That’s a great treat for this indoor kitty!

Monday’s Fourth of July celebrations took us to Cherokee Lake to friends’ home. We had a wonderful time. It included a feast of picnic foods, a boat ride, and fellowship with new friends.

This barn was on the dead end road that took us to the lake house. What is it about old barns that makes them so beautiful?

My pantry got some further organization when I finally found a couple of Lazy Susans at TJ Maxx. These will make finding my canned goods so much easier!

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Lastly, I harvested some of my herbs a few weeks ago and had them drying in small bundles in our hot, dry garage. This week I pulled the leaves off and got them stored in small jars. They’re so fragrant and I can’t wait to use all three – Thyme, Dill and Oregano.

God is good to give sweet blessings that we get to enjoy each day. He also gives grace for the difficult things that come, but God is always good!

How have you seen God’s goodness to you this week? Do you have a favorite photo from this post?

Stay refreshed,

Denise

accessories · Home decor

My Favorite Things

June 3, 2016June 2, 2016 RefreshHer4 Comments

Don’t you love it when you find something you’ve been searching for for a very long time? I want to share with you a couple of the items that had been on my search list and then one other fun item that is too good a deal not to share with you!

#1. I had purchased an outdoor rug some yers ago for my front porch that was only about 3 x 5 and cost me $65 – which is steep in my book. I really wanted to purchase a similar rug for my patio, but didn’t want to spend a fortune on it. My sister put me onto Lowe’s patio furniture area that had huge outdoor rugs for $30!

I made my way to Lowe’s as quick as I learned about this. Sure enough, there were several patterns and colors available and for only $30. Here’s the one I came home with. I’m loving it! I believe its size is 5×8.

#2. White jewelry for summertime is so perfect, but I had a really difficult time finding white earrings that weren’t either too huge, or too small. I was at Charming Charile’s on our vacation and came across their buy one get one free sale! I found the perfect set – a tassel necklace and matching earrings that were gold and WHITE! Chances are if you see me two days in a row, one of those days I’ll be wearing this duo!

Do you own a tassel necklace? I’m probably a bit behind the rage, but I’m glad I’m finally on board! I love this one.

#3. Lastly let me show you what I stumbled across at Big Lots this week. I’m a gonner when it comes to pretty dishes. I’ve really held myself back since we moved, but since we eat outside on the back porch so much I thought it would be nice to have some outdoor (unbreakable) plates. TJ Maax had a turquoise set I loved but they were more than I wanted to pay. Then when I ran into Big Lots for something else entirely I saw these for only $2.50 each.

I bought the lunch size and they’re also perfect for salad or dessert. I got four and my have to go back for four more so I’ll have enough to use when we entertain outside. They also had yellow, and I’m thinking I may do half and half. Pretty dishes can make even a simple meal more special!

So there you go! Who else is on the quest for a special item? I hope my recommendation helps someone with their search!

Stay refreshed,

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Home decor

Fool-Proof Method For Hanging Pictures Straight

May 20, 2016May 19, 2016 RefreshHer4 Comments

picture hanging

Whenever I used to have a picture to hang that had two hooks – one on each end, I’d suffer through many nail holes in the wall trying to get it straight. But I have a pretty much fool-proof method now that keeps me sane while hanging this type of picture or ornament on the wall.

Here’s how I do it:

I put a piece of tape – scotch or masking will work fine – all the way across the picture from one hook to the other. I mark the middle of each hook on the tape.

pic line

Then I take the tape off and put it on the wall where I want the picture to hang. I get it as straight as my eye can tell, then I pull out the level and put it across the top of the tape and check to see if it’s crooked.

I move the tape up or down, as necessary. Now the piece of tape is straight and the marks where the nails go are clear. I tap the nails into place and hang the picture!

I hung this rack in my entry way this week and love it! It was a clearance find at Hobby Lobby. The regular price was $27.99 – I paid under $10 for it! Woo Hoo! I popped the little Hello sign on top for a little whimsy. That was a $3 Target spot find.

Anyone else have trouble with getting things hung straight? I hope this will keep you from making a dozen holes in your walls!

Stay refreshed,

Home decor

Transitioning Into Spring

March 4, 2016March 4, 2016 RefreshHerLeave a comment

Now that it’s March, it’s time, in my estimation, to begin making that turn – the metamorphosis into Spring. I’m referring to areas of both home and wardrobe. Throughout this week I’ve worn bright yellow, lime green and hot pink (again, each on different days! ). I’ve also added some changes to my home and I’m loving it!

Are you ready to add some spring into your life? Here are a few ideas to do just that:

Wardrobe: Since the temperatures can fluctuate and you still need to dress warmly, add some color to your layers; that will take away the winter look. Take off the wools, too. Layer more, if needed, but stay away from the heavy winter fabrics.

yellow sweater — I’m not a fan of these jeans, but I love the pop of yellow with the scarf! Also the canvas shoes are a nice spring touch!

I love this next combo of colors, patterns and layers from White Coat Fashion...

I read a post about how helpful a denim jacket is in transitioning from one season to another. She has some great outfit combos with a denim jacket. Check it out!

Now how about adding some Spring at home?

Start with color at the front door! Either paint the door or add a colorful wreath.

I’m still in love with my front door color! It makes me smile every time I pull into the driveway!

Or even a chalkboard can add spring decoration…

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I love how airy and light this look is:

Check out this beautiful home decorated for Spring on Jenna Sue Design | Friday Favorites at www.andersonandgrant.com:

HGTV added floral stems and a pop of color for this look:

How about you? Are you ready to add some Spring to your life? What have you done so far? I hope this has inspired you!

Have a great weekend!

Stay refreshed,