Your Favorite Pins

Remember when I said my kids were dropping like flies? Yeah ... apparently that applies for the whole family, myself included. So please forgive me if I am slow to get posts up. It seems I have injured my shoulder, as in can't-drive, can't-put-on-my-own-coat-on or tie-my-own-shoes kind of injured. Right now, as I type this, I am lowering my wrists and leaning to the right, in a sad little attempt to keep some of the weight and strain on my right shoulder to a minimum. Let's just be thankful you can't see me, okay?! I have posts and projects lined up, plus an upcoming giveaway, just be patient as I work on getting them done. I have to move a little slow and limit my activity in this position. I'm thinking I will be back in the doc's office before long. Eek!
For now, I thought I would share your most loved pins. If you're not following me on Pinterest, come on over and do so. Also, catch me on Twitter where I can one-handedly update regularly thanks to our good friend, iPhone.

Our very own list of FREE Photoshop Actions

My Wow-worthy Southern Style Bacon Mustard Greens

Our 1st Thessalonians Printable -- I am so glad this is loved!

Our crash course on getting the mildew out of your towels -- Glad I'm not alone, so thank you!
I am so grateful for all this love you show me. Pin on!
XO, Steph

You Are Loved Inspiration & FREE Download

I felt today I needed to take a moment and share a little love. To remind each and every one of you who may be reading this that you are unequivocally loved. If you are new here, welcome. What a blessing it is to have you! If you are a return reader, thank you. Another blessing in disguise!

Two years ago I thought so little of myself. I remember one day, while Logan was waiting patiently for me to come around, I said to my mother, "For whatever reason, this guy is interested in me." I said it numerous times in various ways before my mom finally said, "Will you stop saying that? There are a lot of reasons for anyone to be interested in you." I verbally abused myself, without even realizing it. My divorce nearly crippled me. I drowned in my depression, allowing it to stifle every breath I dared try to take.

I know now I am better than that, and I want to you to know you are too! So today, stand up, remind yourself of your beauty, for you are created in God's image, and what is more precious and beautiful than that? You are loved by many. Even if there is one naysayer, they are but one of billions. Don't let them break your spirit. Give them something to admire!

Feel free to DOWNLOAD the quote above, frame it in your home as a reminder for yourself each morning. Share it on Pinterest or email it to a friend or loved one who may need to hear this reminder today. No matter what the trial plaguing you, remember you are not alone, you are strong and courageous.

So many hugs and love today!
Steph

Gatsby Inspired Gold Foil Printable

I have been experimenting with gold foil text and clipping masks in Photoshop. Combine shiny gold textures with my obsession for new fonts, and here is what you get: 

Free pretty things! 

Hooray! 

 : : DOWNLOAD : :

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I hope all you lovelies have a dazzling weekend! I'm off to party hardy with my seven-year-old boy. We're having cake from a galaxy far, far away ...

Mucho love!

Steph

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Lady Etiquette: Be a lady, not a gossip

Sure, you can have it. Scroll down ...

I know it's been a while since we first addressed the Lady Etiquette series. It is something I feel deserves a lot of thorough consideration, as our goal is to uplift others with it. Today's encouragement comes straight from God's mouth.

1 Thessalonians 4:11:

"Make it your ambition to live a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands."

I recite this verse like a mantra in my home. Every time one of my children tattles on the other, I simply respond with this verse. When they begin talking about what one of their friends/classmates did to get into trouble, I respond with this verse. It's one of my favorite verses. I honestly believe being a busy-body and a gossip is one of the most unattractive things a woman (or anyone) can do. It goes back to holding yourself to high level of respect. Not necessarily being self-righteous, but rather exercising a shred of meekness.

It seems I've been saying it a lot lately, more to adults, however, than to my children. I keep getting told everyone else's business in some way or another, which I don't care to hear (or read). In a day and age with Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc., it's so easy for our personal business to be aired all over the place. 

Keep your private life private. 

Don't over-share. 

Don't share others' private business. It's their business to share, not yours. 

If others are spreading rumors, saying nasty, hateful things, do not allow that poisonous talk to seep into your thinking. 

There is no need for you to concern yourself with other people. You only need to worry about yourself. 

Keep your eyes focused on your tasks and your goals. 

Inspire others by encouraging them to grow in character and abound in faith!

1 THESSALONIANS TYPOGRAPHY DOWNLOAD

Or you can use my chalkboard background and create your own graphic designs!

CHALKBOARD BACKGROUND DOWNLOAD

Oodles of love!

Steph

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Free Printable // The Beauty of Creativity

[Download link below]

Created by NewlyMynted

I had this realization on Saturday. Well, reminder really. 

I spent two days sewing a curtain panel. It was beautiful. All 100 feet of it had gorgeous, straight lines. I was so proud of myself. If you sew, you know it takes practice to sew a straight line, and that a lot of fabric can cause bulk and weight and be difficult to keep all of it from sagging and pulling to the ground. 

But alas, I was diligent and took my time, and my reward was a stunning curtain. Add in, the five yards of drapery fabric only cost me $5 thanks to my neighborhood Goodwill, and I was one happy seamstress.

I laid my panel out, ready to give it one last press before I hung it over the gold curtain rod I installed on my wall nearly two weeks ago, only to discover that my straight lines were useless. I had sewn the entire panel backwards.

BACKWARDS!

via my Instagram feed

Sure as shit, those seams are on the right side of the fabric! 

For the life of me I could not figure out how I spent two days pressing, pinning and sewing all those seams and never noticed I was pinning them right sides facing.

Oh my dear!

My spirits were lifted when a friend commented on my blunder photo about a time she accidentally sewed the leg on a pair of shorts shut and was shocked to find they wouldn't go on. I laughed and laughed!

This was a good little reminder. It took me two days to do a project that realistically shouldn't have taken more than a few hours. As a momma of three, efficiency has to be a priority. Also, there is no room for perfectionism in creativity. It never is perfect, which is one reason I love being so creative. It is often my blunders that produce sensational things.

In case you need this little reminder on occasion, here is a free 8x10 printable for you. All I ask is that you share. Sharing is caring! 

: : DOWNLOAD : :

Font used: Novecento // Learning Curve // Geo Easton

Feel free to leave your feedback on my digital art in the comments too. This is my first attempt at creating printables, so I'm always eager to learn.

Hugs from me to you today!

Steph

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Sharing with: 

C.R.A.F.T // Homemakers on a Dime // Making the World Cuter // Craft-O-Maniac // Still Being Molly