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I’ve learned to embrace the spirit of the little boy we’re raising who prefers to be exploring the outdoors. It’s not unusual for him to bring in unique rocks, sticks, turtle shells and yes, deer skulls. These treasures of his barefoot adventures are sprinkled throughout our home. Bead-wrapped sticks hanging on the wall, bleached driftwood in a vase, a painted turtle shell given to Grammie, and now this one is making her own statement. Sure, I could tell him to keep his findings outside, and many of them do stay where nature and God intended. Some, however, bring with them a memory. They capture a season we want to celebrate.✨Happy Saturday, friends! • • • #ohdeer #oklahoma #diydecor #naptimediy #makersgonnamake
Even the smallest refinements are making big impacts in my little world. Sharing a few game-changers with you on this Friday! 1//I’m all for a fun hair accessory as long as it has a little class (by @anthropologie) 2//Super into subtle yet can’t-get-enough scents to fill the space around me. This spray by @pfcandleco is winning and yes, occasionally I twirl into a spritz. It’s that good. 3//I’m late to the @loopycases party, but freeing up my full hands arrived at just the right time. 4//We’re skipping the tablet and opting for this magnet dress-up kit by @mudpuppykids. Perfect for car rides, waiting rooms and any on-the-go adventure. 5//My gal pal infused flavor and fun into my meal planning when she told me about @thedefineddish. YUM! 6//When I was gifted with a baby FLF, I was determined to keep it alive. One month going strong 🥴 She’s about as temperamental as an actual baby, but a plant mister is currently keeping her happy. Here’s to the weekend, live it well! • • • #fridayfavorites #favoritethings #refine #gamechangers #musthaves
This time was different. I read the book, watched the ‘94 adaptation, and somehow the most recent journey of Jo, Meg, Amy, Beth and Marmee stirred me in a different way. Perhaps it is because now I’m a “grown-up”, and a mother. But I’m still a daughter and I still have dreams. I found myself relating to each one of those little women in some way. Jo’s insatiable need to write without conforming to the world’s standards, Amy’s desire to create but stifled by expectations, Meg’s reminder that purpose and fulfillment don’t come from materials, Beth’s desire to please those around her, and Marmee...she’s the one I want to have a long dinner with. I have so many questions for her. A wife, mother to four, one who died, a woman who often lives with not quite enough but it was more than enough. I’m raising my own little woman and a little man. This week I’ve been reminded to get on their level. Remember the scene when Marmee and Jo had a conversation on the floor next to the bed? Jo understood her mother in a new way, a gift that changed her perspective. I need to play more with my kids. Kneel down. Sit on the floor. Instead of expecting them to rise, perhaps I can be better about meeting them where they are. Thanks Marmee.✨
Gosh, how long has it actually been since the last #naptimediy? I suppose when my kid went on strike and decided napping is for the birds, THAT’S the last time. Not today folks. I needed to create something like Monday’s need coffee. I’ve been swooning over ALL the dried flowers and grass. I’m not super into home decor. I’m definitely not a soon-to-be bride planning out the perfect bouquet. But...accessories. Yes, that’s where I decided to plant this trend. The options of faux floral pieces that play well with the dried trend was encouraging. The trick is using the pieces in bits. Nothing too “clumped”. Make sure your wire cutters are sharp and start clipping small elements for a more unique and original look. Swipe through. One works as a hair accessory while another is designed on a clip which can go from hair to hat to um, anything! Bag, baby, wreath, gift...Give it a try! Go, be creative, friends ✨ (All supplies by @hobbylobby)
How’s it going? You know, the beginning of a new decade and all? I don’t know about you, but my new decade looks a lot like the end of the last one, anyone else? It’s still holiday break for the kids, schedules are still a bit wonky, there is leftover champagne and homemade cookies that definitely won’t be wasted. Need I go on? I knew it would be like this. I managed my expectations. What can I control? Our home. Yes, let’s start the refinement there. On January 1, we had a day of refinement and oh was it a beautiful thing. It has brought a sense of peace. The new year isn’t magic, is it? If we aren’t careful, we can expect too much overnight. We can forget that we have to participate and be patient. Goals, intentions, resolutions, words, verses, they are all wonderful - and they aren’t magical. Keep going, forward, onward! Appreciate where you have been, what got you here. Hope for what will be. But. Be right here now.✨I received a number of inquiries about “word” bracelets. To clarify, the one I casually created was a placeholder while waiting for this one. I’m so pleased with the design by @annmariajewelry that I found on @etsy. She specializes in using your own handwriting however I opted for type. You can even send a fingerprint for some of the pieces! I chose to have my word engraved on the inner side of my bracelet for a cleaner look. Also, best of all, you can customize the size of the bangle. I have oddly small wrists and most bracelets don’t work, a custom fit was important. Overall, I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome and highly recommend Anna and her team. Thank you for this gift!✨ #notanad
It’s impossible to refine what was. I do get to choose how I respond to it. This is it. The end of a year, the wrap on a decade. I don’t get to change any of it, nor would I want to. “All of these lines across my face, tell you the story of where I’ve been...” Yesterday, on the 14th wedding anniversary to my favorite human, I was reminded that we were created by our Creator...so, create. Period. It was simple and refreshing. Challenge accepted. In some ways, this path of refinement I’ve dipped my toe into has revealed a certain simplicity. Less...worry, stuff, pride, stress, busy. Acceptance...of what is, of who I am, of who they are. Trust...timing, closed doors, open doors, people, and above all else - my Creator. Now...not what was, not what will be, zoom in, worm’s eye view. I’m giving the big picture over to the One who can actually see it. Why? Because it was overwhelming me. I am too small. He is bigger. He’s got this. So take it, God. I’ll grasp my magnifying glass and be here now. #refine
It’s a single word. What it isn’t is a list of goals or resolutions. In the past, my chosen word to focus on each year has been somewhat safe. Words that defined what I wanted. Words like consider, intention, unfinished…all kinds of purpose nestled within the choice. The single word taking lead as I head into a new decade isn’t safe, it is necessary. It is a word that frightens me a little…okay a lot. It doesn’t seem like I chose this word as much as it was given to me. A wise woman in my life offered encouragement when I was feeling the depths of trial. She applied the refiner’s fire to my life and nothing ever sounded more relatable. Refine. The thing about a refinery is that is isn’t intended to destroy, but instead to remove impurities and inconsistencies. Once refined, the result is stronger, raw and real. Every area of my life needs refinement. That both scares me and brings me hope. Walking through fire is something I want to avoid, yet I believe by humbly allowing refinement, I might come out closer to who I actually am instead of trying so hard to be someone I am not, allowing God’s purpose for my life to be more clear. Small steps like unsubscribing to unwanted emails and making sure I’m following worthy accounts on social media. Healthy refinement to consider if I’m actually hungry or need a glass of water. Considering what I need more of in my life and also, what I need less of. I could go on, as a wife, mother, believer, friend, business owner…it will require both participation, patience and trust. I’m not waiting for January 1, I’m showing up now. In addition to Malachi 3:2-4, the following two quotes are on repeat: God will not put you through the refiner’s fire if you were not worth refining.” -Brad Wilcox “Step into the fire of self-discovery. This fire will not burn you, it will only burn what you are not.” -Mooji However you choose to step, tiptoe, jump, leap, crawl or even twirl into 2020, may we all be grateful for fresh starts. Our actual lives may not look or feel different when the calendar flips, but we can decide to be ready and willing participants of what is about to unfold.
Have you ever offered something and then didn’t follow through? That almost happened with this. It was months ago, in the prime of Polka Square’s busy season, that I offered to design bridesmaid earrings for a young woman in my life. Much later, when the time came to move into action, my personal life had changed my focus. My work could no longer be a priority and I wasn’t sure this opportunity was one I could fulfill. It was the same week I cleaned out my darling studio. Selfishly, I thought it would be hard and remind me of the work that seems just out of reach. Yet the desire to make it happen for her, someone who was about to begin a new journey, a young woman full of hope and potential - she is why I chose to dig in and do the work. 10 bridesmaids plus a surprise set for the bride and necklace for her mama. You want to know something? It was the most refreshing thing I had done in weeks. It reminded me that even though life seems to be pulling me away from my work, I believe there is purpose in what was. It reminded me that when I’m not being creative, I’m pouring from an empty cup. I’m ever grateful to this beautiful bride. Each of her ladies wore a unique shape, no two alike - original just like the woman who wore them. The bride graciously wore her baubles at the rehearsal dinner and well, her dark hair and olive skin set the most gorgeous stage for her set. Knowing so many women would #dothepolka standing next to the bride was a first for this brand. It was an honor✨
I got so excited about the sweetest idea inspired by @courtneyadamo that I sent it to all kinds of gal pals with creative little girls. I woke up today thinking the idea could be taken to a new level for Christmas! Luckily, I have an artistic little guy who was more than willing to indulge me this morning. I keep a lot of supplies on hand, so that was definitely in our favor, but mostly we used wrapping supplies: ribbon, fabric scraps, candy sprinkles, decorative snowballs I stole from the living room, and yeah, lots of hot glue! We used the really big wooden sticks because it is what I had 🥴 Check out the post from @courtneyadamo with popsicle stick people, they are PRECIOUS, not Christmas related, but a project your kids will have a fun time with over Christmas break - promise! They don’t require anything except some fabric scraps and markers! Whoop! You may even want to create some too, maybe? Happy Saturday, friends! ✨

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