Always Nesting

Candy Cups

2012-02-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

A friend is hosting a movie night/potluck party in her home.

Pajamas are optional.

Wait...no.... not go naked....

pajamas are fine to wear in lieu of clothes.

Whew!

Directions

1. Purchase candy, small clear plastic cups and cupcake liners.

2. Put liners in cups

3. Put assorted candy into liners

Ta Da...a tasty and adorable no-cook treat worthy of a movie night/potluck.

There will be all women at the party and where there's women....

there is a need for chocolate.

The taller, decorative liners from Michaels are a perfect fit for the cups.

There were many adorable colors and styles to choose from.

Could you resist this candy cup?

Think of the possibilities for party favors or casual table decorations.

The inspiration for these treats comes from somewhere on the internet.

(Please let us know, to give you credit, if this is your original creation)

Thanks for visiting us for a calorie free taste of these sweet candy cups!

Steve and Marla

Our Craft Room

2012-01-30T22:14:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our sweet and simple Craft Room.

Enjoy the tour!
(This room gives us fits trying to photograph.)

Don't you just love this relaxing corner?

The slipcovered chair is from IKEA.

The file cabinet stores a variety of sewing, craft, and gift wrap accessories.

The table skirt hides the junk stored under the repurposed table.

Fabric scraps make great ties to add color to the $3.29 valance.

Yep, big spenders in this house :)

The plain lampshade needed a touch of whimsy.

The red flowers are Pinterest inspired.

The flowers are easy to make from leftover fabric.

We love the color and fun they add to the lamp.

The frame for this magnet board was once a cabinet door.

Steve gave the frame some love by sanding, painting and adding a piece of steel.

The cloth flowers are super easy to make into magnets.

Just "tidy" the backs of the flowers with fabric and glue on a magnets.

This St. Vinney's wicker shelf came to life after spray painting.
It's the perfect size to hold frequently used items.

Every craft room needs magazines for inspiration.

What's better than spending time lounging and dreaming?

And last, Steve sanded and painted a St. Vinney's shelf using leftover paint.

The used Mason jars clean easily and look adorable with fun Walmart lids.

Thanks for sharing our Craft Room.

It's sweet, simple, and we love it.

This post is linked to:
Imagine the Impossibilities at It All Started With Paint
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
Show and Tell Monday at The Delectable Home
Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
Inspiration Friday at At The Picket Fence

Steve and Marla

A Kick In The Pants and Sneak Peek

2012-01-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

The long overdue completion of our Craft Room is

finally, finally, finally

almost here and looking mighty fine.

(If we do say so ourselves)

This sneaky peek is just a taste of what's to come.

This challenge has been just the kick in the pants we needed for motivation.

Will you join our hosts to
Imagine the Impossibilities

Can we be honest and share?

Team Always Nesting has the occasional tiff when working under pressure.

Marla now pulls out the big guns to settle any disagreements.

"But honey, you know I have that lesion on my brain."

She speaks gently, touching her head to make her point, and giving Steve goo-goo eyes.

FYI, goo-goo eyes soften any tiff.

Really.

As we laugh about our life here at Always Nesting,
we are very thankful you are here to share the fun.

Steve and Marla

The Winter 2012 Bedroom Tour

2012-01-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

We love our bedroom.
Making small changes seasonally gives the room a fresh look.

Introducing our winter 2012 bedroom.....

We reloved last winters shams, bedskirt, drapery panels and black print throw pillows.

We also change our lampshades to compliment the fabrics.

You may remember our summer 2011 bedroom.
The light fabrics are perfect for summer, but it was time to winter warm the room.

We need 3 layers of decorative bed pillows or the bed looks unfinished.

That is not a decorating rule. That is a Marla OC issue.

Checks add a fun touch with pops of red to warm the room.

A lightweight white quilt makes every accessory in every season stand out.

We don't care for matchy matchy so it's fun to decorate with this and that.
All of our linens are reused and reloved.

There is purposely no photo of our dresser.
It holds a very old, ugly TV that refuses to die.
We can't even give it away.

Thanks for taking our winter bedroom tour.

Steve and Marla

Black check shams and bedskirt - Linen Source

Red pillow covers and pleated chair slipcover - Ballard Designs

Flowered pillow and drapery panel fabric - Joann Fabrics
Decorative Wall Tins - Pottery Barn

This post is linked to:
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Wednesday's Bunny Hop Party at Bunny Jean's Decor and More

Better Late Than Never Thankful Tree

2012-01-02T20:04:00.000-08:00

Our apologies.
Time and life have made us tardy in our posting.

We had very, very happy holidays.

Simple and stress free decorating was wonderful.

We meant to post about our Thankful Tree,

in December,
when it was the Christmas season.

Good intentions took us us till January 2nd.

Truth be told, shouldn't it always be appropriate to have a Thankful Tree?

This was truly the perfect year to reflect on the things we are thankful for.

Our tree was only a teeny, tiny little glimpse of a tree.
The tree is not post worthy, only the symbols of our thankfulness merit sharing.

We know our pot is always half full, not half empty.

Our grandkids are God's gift of joy that welcomed us into this season of our lives.

Our amazing daughters have grown into amazing women.

Friends..... what would we do without them?

Hobbies that help us stay physically and mentally strong.

At the end of a long day, relaxing with a nice glass of wine.

An awesome company to work for with awesome health insurance.

Our sweet, sweet dog....you know, all you dog lovers....

So, so, soooo thankful for this marriage saver.

But most important, we are thankful for the birth of Jesus.

Wishing all of you health and happiness in 2012.

Steve and Marla @ Always Nesting

May We Harp At You?

2011-11-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

If you've ever felt angst when joining a lamp and shade....

then do we have a post for you!

May we please Harp at you for a bit?

Lamp Harps are a decorating staple in our home.
We mix and match shades and lamps so often, there is always a need.

Oh, to be a fly on our wall, harp, harp, harp, too tall, too short......
when we are trying to decide on the perfect sized Harp!

Notice the undies in the mirror of the matching lamp?
This lamp reflects the perfect size Harp for the lamp and shade.

"Undies" you ask? Yep, that's what these are so let's keep 'em covered.

No hoochey mama lamps in our home!

This little shade is definitely too high for the lamp.
This lamp is a recent treasure from the junk store.

A quick Harp switch, and the lamp is warm and cozy.

It's a much better look and feel using a shorter Harp.

This combo doesn't look too bad, but it's not great.
There's a squabble going on between the shade and lamp.

Ahhhh!! Now this is much nicer.
The lamp is more visually appealing to us.

Are we the only ones that are a tad bit obsessive about our lamps?

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
John 8:12

Sister Wives?

2011-10-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

For those of you that are not familiar with Sister Wives,

it is a television show on TLC that follows a Polygamist family.

The Browns.

One husband, four wives, and 17 children.

If you are not familiar with Sister Wives, this link will take you to the network website.

Steve HATES Sister Wives so all opinions expressed in this post belong strictly to Marla

Sister Wives has even made it to Wikipedia - an online dictionary,

If you are interested in Wikipedia's definition, click HERE.

Those are the facts. Now for the questions.

Do you watch the show?

Do you like the show?

Why do you watch the show?

How do you feel about Polygamy?

How do you feel about how the Sisters interact?

How do you feel about 17 children?

And honestly.....

I'm obsessed with the show and I'm not sure why.

I've watched every episode at least twice.

Please don't judge me.

It feels so wrong to watch it, but I'm addicted.

I know, horribly addicted, like crack or chocolate.

For sure I'm going to need intervention.

I find the Sisters' relationships endearing.

They all act like best friends.

Are they truly so nice to each other?

The kids all seem healthy and happy.

I wonder what lifestyle they will choose when they become adults?
Do they get teased at school for their parents choices?

The husband, Cody, seems very genuine in his love for all his wives.

He must be the king of time management.

How does he ever keep up with his families?

Part of me thinks it would be awesome to have such a large a family.

OK, maybe not that large.

But could I ever share my husband? Um, NO!

What about the s e x ?

I would not want my hubby parking his car in another woman's garage,

then coming home and thinking he's going to park his car in my garage!

Love them or hate them, the Polygamist Brown family is not hiding.

They are living openly as Polygamists and they have a successful TV show.

And, they seem like a really nice family.

So, talk to me girlfriends.

What do you think????

Apple Butter and More

2011-10-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy week in our world.

Don't Ask.

Stumbled upon a delicious apple butter recipe.

And, the jars are stored in the freezer!

2010 cranberries were defrosted and added to the recipe.

Ocean Spray cranberries freeze well and are great to have on hand for cooking.

This recipe makes 6 cups of no fuss, slow cooked apple butter.

It is slightly tart and tastes great over pumpkin pie. Yum!

Gooseberry Patch Slow-Cooker Apple Butter

Shared by Judith Jennings of Ironwood, Michigan

If anyone knows Judith - please tell her thank you!!

12 Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled, and quartered.

** I added 2 cups defrosted cranberries to recipe.

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1/2 cup apple juice

1 Tbl lemon juice **I squeezed one fresh lemon into recipe

1 tsp allspice

freezer safe, sterilized containers and lids

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours or until apples are very tender. Mash apples with potato masher or fork. Cook, uncovered, on low setting for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until mixture is very thick. Cool about 2 hours. Spoon into sterilized containers, leaving 1/2 inch head space, secure lids and freeze. Thaw in refrigerator before using.

We found this $9.99 tray at IKEA while on the hunt for the Craft Room.

The apple butter jars are perfect for showing off our new treasure.

We took the 2 hour drive to IKEA in search of a covered chair for the Craft Room.

Totally worth the drive for this fabulous tray and we found THE chair.

There's just something special about the design of this metal tray.

Love the way the light plays off the edges.

We've never been big IKEA shoppers and we were pleasantly surprised.

Can't wait to show off the chair and we can't believe the price!

Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.

Proverbs 21:19

This post is linked to:
Inspiration Friday at At The Picket Fence

The Making of a Magnet Board

2011-10-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Craft Room is under construction.

You'd run, screaming in horror, if you saw the mess.

We'll spare you the trauma and give you a peek at this goodie.

Team Always Nesting put our creative energies to work.

This magnet board is for our new Craft Room.

We had this cabinet piece sitting in the garage, waiting to be loved.

Steve took the first turn and sanded.

Marla used leftover paint from a previous paint-job-gone-bad on the frame

Steve had sheet metal cut from a scrap then he attached it to the frame.

Love it when we are Always Nesting on the same project.

Marla is so jealous that Steve has only a few gray hairs. :)

Magnets are waiting for the special, beautiful artwork from the grandkids.

Love those kids!!

We are still waiting for the paint fairy to do HIS magic so that we can start hanging.

Marla used silver polish to clean the metal.

There are more fun Craft Room projects forthcoming!
Click To Find Us On Pinterest

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

Proverbs 15:18

This post is linked to:
At The Picket Fence Inspiration Friday
From My Front Porch to Yours Treasure Hunt Thursday
Coastal Charm Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Bunny Jeans Decor and More Bunny Hop Party

Boo-ed?

2011-10-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

In our neighborhood there is a Fall tradition.

Boo-ing.

We received an adorable bag of goodies so it was time to reciprocate.

Start with lots of fun Halloween goodies.

Make them pretty.

Happiness is scoring actual Boo bags.

They are filled with candy.

Monogrammed miniature pails are so cute and easy to make.

They add a personal touch for the children in the Boo-ing home.

A Mason jelly jar filled with candy corn adds to the theme.

Halloween fabric makes them adorable.

Stack, layer, stack, keeping it pretty.

This was a fun project.

The We've Been Boo-ed sign goes on the front door.

That lets neighbors know you've already been Boo-ed.

What's a pretty Boo basket without a pretty bow?

A pinking sheer cut strip of Halloween fabric adds the last touch.

Then it's time to ding-dong ditch after dark, leaving the Boo Basket on the porch.

Boo-ing is an inexpensive and fun way to show neighborly love.

Do you have wonderful neighbors?

Love does no harm to its neighbor Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 13:10

Fall and More Fall....

2011-10-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

We love change.

OK, that was a fib.

Steve hates change.
Marla loves change.

Steve loves Marla.

We love change.

See how that works.
*smile*

Flowers were fine, for awhile.
The chicken wire frame from the recent wedding was reloved on our wall.

This sweet pumpkin was just begging for some decorations.
Quick, easy. cheap - our favorite way to decorate.

All it took was...

a dollar bin stencil, black Sharpie, and a fabric bow made from selvage.

Scored two packages of these stencils at $1 per package at Michaels.

Middle daughter's apartment needs love and these are her fabric choices.

Missing those sweet grandbabies. Isn't the photo the sweetest?
Scrabble tiles and burlap. Again - quick, easy, cheap.

How do you and yours handle change? Big changes, little changes?

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
Proverbs 3:27

This post is linked to :
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style.
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
The Bunny Hop at Bunny Jeans Decor and More
Inspiration Friday at At The Picket Fence

Only Eye Candy

2011-10-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

Since the nest is now empty, we seldom bake goodies for just the two of us.

Previously baked, already eaten, these treats are now only eye candy.

Please enjoy a calorie free visual treat.

There is tremendous satisfaction in photographing food.

And who could resist these store bought sweet treats? Not us.

We don't know about you, but we could sure use a sugar high.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed be the man who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8

Embracing Our Inner Fashionista

2011-09-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

This is not a political endorsement. This is a fashion endorsement.

Clothing. Accessories.

From head to toe, I consistently love Michelle Obama's fashion choices.

One day I noticed that much of my wardrobe mirrored the way Michelle dresses,

and I realized my style is very Obamaesque.

This book made me do the happy dance all the way to the cash register because.....

I found it at the dollar store!

The internet is my source for photos of Michelle Obama shown below.

Michelle looks fabulous in this trendy salmon color we are seeing lately.

This is a little dressy for my taste but I have a similar jacket.

A recent find, this adorable salmon jacket from St. Vinney's cost me $3.98.

I don't imagine Michelle has the time to browse St. Vinney's.

Picture a gray shirt underneath, dark jeans, gray flats and large earrings.

I love details, especially this collar and buttons.

Yes, I'm definitely thinking gray accessories with the salmon jacket.

Would you consider my earrings Obamaesque? Target - $7.99

Love the large flower print on this summer dress Michelle is wearing.

Large prints and bright colors look stunning on her.

I have a large flower print summer dress, too!

Some might call it a bit loud, but I feel happy when I wear it.

Again, it's all in the details.More buttons.

Clearance plus discount made this outlet dress affordable for me.

Michelle can certainly pull off wearing bright colors.

The cut of her dress is very flattering.

My Obamaesque dress, same cut and style, in a different bright fabric.

Another St. Vinney's $3.98 treasure.

Do you think Michele likes button details as much as I do?

Look close, my previously loved dress is even lined!.

Steve has had no input into this post for obvious reasons.

Thank goodness his taste in women is much better than his taste in clothing :)

Today, I will not leave you with scripture,

I will leave you with words of encouragement.

1.No matter what your age, think YES when it comes to style.

(At 54, it's more important than ever for me to feel good about what I'm wearing)

2. Don't be afraid to wear color, lots of color.

(I believe color can and will brighten everything in your world)

3. If you have what YOU see as an imperfection, own it.
Yes, I'll say it again, own it girlfriends, and be proud!
(I have Melasma on my face, neck, and arms and I don't hide it)

More to come on embracing our inner Fashionista.

This post is linked to:
Inspiration Friday at At The Picket Fence.
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm.

Always Our Baby - But We Get Your Room!

2011-09-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

The Baby is now married and her bedroom has been reassigned.

Can you hear our hearts go pitter-patter?

There are mixed emotions as we redo this bedroom.

It's going to be the new craft/sewing room.

There's lots of treasure hunting going on for this room.

Don't judge....our girly girl loved this paint color and we believe in picking battles :)

And yes, it's even more shocking in real life than in the photo.

Been busy starting craft room projects before the rain comes.

The son of a dentist - a beautiful smile and a beautiful heart.

Just a teaser of what's to come on our new-to-us previously loved craft table.

We can take off our sunglasses once Steamed Milk covers up the pink walls.

Not that we haven't thought about The Baby and her decorating needs.

We picked up this coffee bag for 69 cents and stretched it over a canvas.

The newlyweds will hang it in their little apartment kitchen.

Total cost with canvas - about $4.00

So you can see we've been in total decorating mode here at Always Nesting.

Stay tuned for more posts as the craft/sewing room unfolds.

Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Matthew 6:34

This post is linked to:
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Fall Fun

2011-09-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

This and that thrown together for Fall fun decorating.
Pumpkin creature is too freaky looking to photograph favorably.

Covered the mum buckets with burlap and called it good but only,
only after we had a bit of a "tiff" over keeping the burlap tied on the pot.

Love the violas with dollar store garland.
The reds, yellows and oranges are so festive.

Spray paint and scrapbook paper brought these dollar store pumpkins to life.
The face and hair were added for personality, not to promote nightmares.

Scary or sweet?
We can't decide on this crazy face.

Don't worry, we have "tiffs" all the time when decorating.
Both of us are always right :)

Count your many blessings name them one by one.

Easy To Make Gift Tags

2011-09-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

For keeping the wedding running smooth and my sanity intact,

the wedding coordinator deserves a special gift for a special thank you.

Leftover tulle, kissing ball flowers, and cardstock personalized her gift bag.

Remember, it's all in the presentation!

I'll never buy another gift tag now that I realize how easy they are to make.
I wanted more and more choices once I saw this pretty color combination.

My mind raced with possibilities so.......

I got creative with supplies at hand.

Steve was cheering on my creativity while he shopped Craig's list.

Truth be told, he's not much for foo-foo stuff and I kind of went foo-foo crazy.

I'll certainly be hitting up the craft store to pick up more shape punching tools.

My mind is already thinking Christmas possibilities.

Thanks for indulging the latest passion here at Always Nesting.

Love the Lord with all your heart.

This post is linked to:
At The Picket Fence Inspiration Friday
Bunny Jeans Decor and More Bunny Hop Party.

Saavy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesday

Champagne and Silver

2011-09-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

Sounds expensive. Sounds elegant.

Not at all.

We fell in love with Champagne colored spray paint.

This pumpkin was once........white.........gasp!

Miniature pumpkins from last season perched on candle holders.

Champagne made our dollar pumpkins only look expensive.

The silver tray is a treasured gift.

You can tell who went a bit crazy with the Champagne.

Just playing around with the Champagne and Silver.
One can of Champagne went a long way.

Like love, you can't have too much Champagne!

We are grateful for all of God's blessings.

This post is linked to:
Coastal Charm's Nifty Thrifty Tuesday.
Savvy Souther Style Wow Us Wednesday

Simply Welcoming Fall

2011-09-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love a welcoming entry?

Lightweight pumpkins and gourds were easy to glue on this 10 year old wreath.

A couple of sprays of paint and a simple bow brought the F back to life.

Front doors are the smiles of our homes.

The perfect entry in our world.....dusk and warm lighting.

Thanks for coming to our door.
More fall porch fun forthcoming.

Marla and Steve
xoxo

Garage Sale Birdcage At Its Finest

2011-09-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

We found this lovely wood birdcage at a yard sale in Washington for only $1.00.

We left our daughter and brought home a birdcage. Why is that funny?

Sorry, there isn't a before photo but it was a dirty orange color.

Honestly, Steve had a hard time seeing potential, but I knew it was a keeper.

While I went to work doing my magic, Steve sanded an old Pottery Barn shelf

and oooolala can't wait to show you!

We are working on our new craft room, formerly known as Tessy's bedroom.

This is after a few coats of spray paint

Two sunflowers from the dollar store

Burlap from fabric stash, cut round to fit base

Jute from craft stash tied around jar

A jelly jar and coffee beans from kitchen cupboard for anchor and weight

One empty toilet paper roll cut in 1/2 to anchor the flowers

(coffee beans cover the TP roll)

And Who thought the birdcage didn't have potential???
Ha Ha mister, proved you wrong again!!!

Total cost.....about $6.00

It's just adorable and perfect on our Fall front porch.

We are linking to: Kim at Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesdays
and Linda at Coastal Charm's Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays.

Marla and Steve

xoxo

There's a New Guy In Town

2011-09-11T18:10:00.001-07:00

It's time to present my partner here at Always Nesting........

He's the one that "Gets" me when I ramble on and on about this project or that.....

He's always been there behind the scenes to do the really dirty, dirty work.......

And he loves me even when there are do-overs!

May I please formally introduce my partner at Always Nesting .....

Steve

Round of Applause Please......clap.....clap.....clap.....

No, he's not always beer tasting........he's truly Always Nesting when I'm Always Nesting.

We know Always Nesting is more than just decorating.
We'll discuss his taste in clothing at a later date :)

Steve has been behind the scenes and is my partner in most of our decorating ......

when he's not watching football.

It's time to give credit where credit is due.
Thanks Steve, for making Always Nesting, Always Nesting.

Thanks for coming on board, honey!

Marla

and

Steve

xoxo

Summer Backyard

2011-09-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

Summer will soon be over and I wanted to share my relaxing backyard.

Our dog doesn't like to hang out in the backyard unless we hang out with her.
She prefers the front porch where she can watch the neighborhood children play.

Dinner always tastes better when eaten outside on the deck.
Look over the rail and see Hubby in a tye-dye T shirt - can anyone say Oregon!

Going off track here. Stay with me.......see the LIVE goldfish?
This cutie pie is the daughter that just got married.

Please tell me we are not the only family with a goldfish graveyard.
Good grief, the things we do for our kids!

Handy Hubby built this planter.
Lucky me, he's always ready for the next project.

I love my backyard in the summer.

It's the perfect place for casual entertaining.

Marla

xoxo

Simple Wedding Crafts

2011-09-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Sharing just a few of the simple projects as they looked at the wedding.

From ball jars and cotton fabric......

to simple centerpieces and table runners.

From bulk lemon drops.......

to adorable candy filled favors.

From a chicken wire frame......

to a photo display above the outdoor fireplace.

And I can't forget this incredible cake made by the groom's sister.

Sweet, simple, and oh so much fun!!

Just the way the "kids" wanted it.

Marla

xoxo

This post is happily linked to Kim's Wow Us Wednesday party.

Tessy's Wedding

2011-09-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

A friend and I were able to capture a few shots of the wedding on my camera.

The wedding was sooo much fun and the kids are sooo happy.

Tessy and Victor during the ceremony.

I can't wait to see the clear photographer's photos.

Hubby and our adorable daughters.

The bride, Tessy, and my grandbabies.

Professional photos forthcoming.

Marla

xoxo

Blueberry Love

2011-08-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

It's the very end of blueberry season here in central Oregon.

Fashionista I'm not when it's time to get dirty picking berries.

Only 6 pounds of fruit after 2 1/2 hours of work, but I had a lesson to learn. Read on.

Isn't the morning dew just breathtaking?

Row after row of well tended blueberry bushes.

If you are ever in Leaburg, Oregon this is the place to pick organic blueberries.

That quiet morning as I buried myself among the blueberry bushes, I felt God's gift of pure joy as I took time to reflect. The bushes appeared bare on the outside but by digging deep into the heart, I could find beautiful, perfect berries. Then it came to me. The appearance of the blueberry bushes, as with people, may not be what it seems. I'm so grateful I've had people in my life that cared enough to look past the outside and into my heart.

This is my last post until after the wedding festivities.
Always Nesting is now on Facebook and Pinterest. See sidebar to connect.

Marla

xoxo

This Will Make You Smile

2011-08-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

I found this on Pinterest and it made me laugh out loud.
Then I saw that it was my daughter, Mindy, that Repinned it.

That made me crack up laughing again.

Obviously.... great, related minds share the same sense of humor!

Always Nesting is now on Facebook and Pinterest. Check sidebar to connect.

Marla

xoxo

Wedding Reuse-Repurpose-Recycle

2011-08-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

The happy bride and groom are being very creative and responsible with their small budget.

Because the wedding is in a beautiful outdoor location, minimal decorations are needed.

Dollar store party napkins with Costco forks swaddled and tied with twine,

There are 150 guests attending so that's a lot of forks.

The basket has had many uses in my home for about a decade.

Kissing balls will be hung with fishing wire from the pavilion entrance.

They are soooo cute and we had so much fun making them.

Wouldn't they look sweet hanging in a baby girl nursery? Someday, someday!

In lieu of a guest book, wedding guests will leave the couple a love note in the jar.

Easy to adorn card stock adds an adorable touch and the jar will later be used in their kitchen.

We love the scrabble letter signs.

The large frame will be placed on the outdoor fireplace mantel at the wedding location.

Photos of the couple will be mini clothes pinned to the chicken wire.

They plan on reusing the frame to display photos in their new home.

Lemon wedges and flowers will fill these large Ball jars.

Isn't chicken wire just amazing?

Centerpieces will be repurposed as storage jars in the couple's kitchen.

Coordinating cotton fabrics were easy for a friend to sew into short table runners.

They will be divided up and reused by the parents and wedding party.

Ball jars of flowers placed on the runners will serve as table centerpieces.

St. Vincent de Paul teeny tiny baskets were only .49 cents each.

The bride wanted the flower girl baskets to be different, but all the same color.

There will be four flower girls and three ring bearers.*smile*

One can of satin white spray paint later and the wicker baskets are perfect, ready to be filled..

Flower girl sundresses were chosen for style, color and to be worn again.

The baskets can easily be reused by the flower girls to hold barrettes or hair ties.

Although punch will be served, water will be available in ice filled metal tubs.

That's a lot of plastic but it's all recyclable and the metal tubs will be reused at parties.

We need to keep our guests hydrated in the summer heat.

Reuse-repurpose-recycle...... even at a wedding???

Always Nesting is now on Facebook and Pinterest. See sidebar to connect.

Marla
xoxo

Do You Shower At The Gym?

2011-08-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

One of the sweetest instructors at my gym is getting married.

Come on in!

Wreath and shower decor courtesy of dear daughter, Mindy.

A wedding shower during spin class you ask?

Love, love, loved it and naturally the bride needed a veil.

Every shower needs a few special decorations.

I love this room and the wonderful people that fill it.

What's a shower without candy favors?

It's all in the presentation, even at the gym.

The beautiful bride and me, dressed up for the occasion.

Nike and pearls......possibly a new fashion trend?

I purposely did not post photos or names of gym members to protect their privacy.

I have been unable to access Followers from my prior Always Nesting blog. I'm hoping that all of you that are reconnecting to me will please sign on again. I'm not sure where or why I show up some places and not others but I would love to know who is Following. Thank you so much!

Are You A Blogzilla?

2011-08-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

Honestly..............

Do you check your blog first thing in the morning?

Do you check your blog last thing at night?

Do you obsessively plan posts in your head?

Do you sit glassy eyed in front of your computer?

Do those close to you roll their eyes at the mention of your blog?

Do you keep your camera close by, always ready for a photo shoot?

Do your loved ones ask that you don't put "fill in the blank" on your blog?

Does your heart race when you click the Publish Post icon?

Be It - Own It - Live It

Blogzilla

Simple Summer Bedroom

2011-08-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, I adore my new Ethan Allen bedroom furniture!
Linens that can be changed with the seasons suit my personality.

Drapery fabric was simple to cut and sew into a pillow highlighting the flower.
The bright colors in the flower bring summer fun to the bed pillows .

The Couture Chair cover from Ballard Designs can be changed on a whim.

Pleats never fail to make my heart go pitter-patter.

When this bedskirt went on clearance at Pottery Barn I did the happy dance.

Sleeping on a much needed new mattress is heavenly.

Iron wall plaques look perfect with the iron bed.

I'm honored to top the white quilt with Mom's crocheted throw.

Our old bedroom set will have a new home with the newlyweds.

This post is linked to:
Bunny Jeans Decor and More Bunnyhop Party
and
Kim's Wow Us Wednesday's party.

Random Thoughts on Hormones

2011-08-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

Just sayin'.....

If you are on a medication (Hormones) and you feel very out of sorts (Awful) and your mouthy daughter (or so it appeared) has the nerve to suggest that maybe, just maybe, the prescription could be wrong and not intended for you, listen to her. Run to the phone in the midst of an anxiety fueled panic attack, call the doctor's office and have a chat with a condescending nurse as she figures out that, yes, you were accidentally given the wrong medication.
If you get a bit..... um.....unhinged..... as your body adjusts from great hormones to wrong hormones to no hormones (cuz now you are terrified to put any hormones in your body) then you might as well kiss any tidbits of harmony in your house goodbye. Yep, adios marital bliss, hello terrified husband. Any trace of your former personality will not surface again till the crazy lady living inside of you rides away on her broom.
If you are secretly relieved that you were not served with divorce papers after what seemed like an eternity spent crying/bitchy/irrational, then you should kiss the feet of your bulletproof superhero husband. Be thankful that he stayed by your side, as the hormone wars raged out of control on the battlefield formerly known as your sanity. Last, be grateful when peace finally fills your body, your superhero still adores you and laughter, once again, fills your heart and home.

Just sayin.......

A Joyous Celebration

2011-08-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

And what was the occasion?

If Pink was the color of choice, then the festivities had to be for our Tessy Grace.

Big sisters, Mindy and Whitney, hosted a wonderful bridal shower for their little sis.

Aren't the "kids" adorable with their joyous faces and perfect smiles? The handsome groom-to-be and recent college graduate, Victor, will be serving as a youth pastor in Washington. The beautiful bride-to-be, Tessy Grace, is completing her student teaching at an early intervention school for children with Autism.

In a few short weeks my baby will be married.
Where did the years go?

Finding My Way Home.....

2011-07-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

on the path to Always Nesting...

So blessed to be surrounded by beauty...

as I cross the bridge to this next season of my life.