currently

Oh my goodness! I'm on Christmas break and have been just a little bit lazy but I'm ready to get back to blogging! 

Jessica from How Sweet It Is has a weekly "Currently Crushing On" feature on her blog. Here are a few of my "currently's":

Listening to ~ "Architecture" by Jonathan Thulin. Such a great song! It took me hearing it on the radio a time or two to really listen to it and oh, it's my new favorite! I can only find the acoustic version on youtube (which is awesome!) and ended up buying the EP through Amazon :)

Wearing ~ Revlon's "Timeless" nail polish and Trader Joe's Nourish Antioxidant Facial Serum. I was on the search for a new nail polish and wanted a grayish color. I didn't want it to be metallic but really wanted more of a matte look. So I came across this shade from Revlon and really like it! I normally don't pay more than $2 or $3 for a bottle of polish but decided to splurge :) I actually found out about the Trader Joe's facial serum through one of Jessica's Currently Crushing On posts. It wasn't until I finally made it to Trader Joe's for the first time that I remembered to look for the product. And I really like it! It makes my skin feel super soft and I think my face looks healthier. I wear it under my foundation and when I don't feel like putting on makeup, wear it solo. 

Munching on ~ Hershey's Mint Truffle kisses. I only found out about them this year and need to stock up before all the Christmas candy is gone :) 

book review: "whispers of hope" by beth moore

"Scripture tells us to pray without ceasing, but how in the world do we do that? In fact, do we even know how to pray? Where do we start?

Whispers of Hope teaches the process of powerful Word-saturated prayer in response to a daily Bible reading. In turn, you will better understand how devotional reading and prayer are central to a stronger relationship with God."

I became a fan of Beth Moore after participating in a book study for her book, So Long Insecurity. I like how the devotional is set up with different parts. There's a verse for each day and an accompanying passage as well. At the end of each devotional is a P.R.A.I.S.E. section to fill out: 

Praise - thanking God
Repentance - confession and repentance
Acknowledgement - submitting to God and His will
Intercession - praying for others
Supplication - praying for your needs

Equipping - "...ask Him to fill you with His Spirit, to make Himself "conspicuous" in you and to make you victorious over the evil one."

I really like the title of the book. It makes me think of God gently speaking to me as I prepare for my day or to wrap up my day. Just the idea of Him day by day instilling hope in me...Whispers of Hope  is a great read!

I received a copy of this book from Icon Media Group for my honest review. 

 

book review: "God is able" by priscilla shirer

"Nothing is impossible with God. Nothing. 

Not even that thing. Your thing. The one thing that seems to defy all attempts to defeat it, restore it, heal it, change it, overcome it, undo it, or just to get through it. 

If you've lost even an ounce of confidence in the power and loving attention of God - if experience has told you that faith must simply acquiesce to impossibility - it's time somebody told you different. 

Believe it.

Experience it.

God is Able." 

What an awesome book! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to review it! Ephesians 3:20 is one of my absolute favorite verses and to have Priscilla break it down as she has makes it come alive. At the end of each chapter she repeats the verse, highlighting the words she's focused on for that chapter. I think she repeats it so as we re-read the verse each time, it gets a little deeper inside of us. Priscilla challenges the reader to dream big! "Your "beyond" - the most extravagant solution to your problem, the one that would shock you if God really did it - is a piece of cake to Him, no matter how big and bold it seems to us. If we think what we're asking is beyond what He can do, we're not thinking big enough." This book really encouraged my faith, reassuring me of God's complete ability to answer my prayers - those things I've been believing for and sometimes wanted to give up on because I didn't see how God was going to work things out. In chapter four, Priscilla talks about being grateful for God not answering her prayers the way she wanted Him to. "But now, years down the line, far removed from the impetuous, impulsive experiences that were spurring me on to such urgent demands of Him, I can see more clearly. I can see that He was doing things beyond my wildest expectations - even in denying my requests." This is a really great book to strengthen your faith and allow you to see Ephesians 3:20 in a whole new way! 

I received a copy of this book from Icon Media Group for my honest review. 

 

new favorite

I have an obsession with ink pens. I'm always looking for fun colors and pens that write smoothly. I bought a pack of these today and yes, they're pretty awesome :) I have the InkJoy pens with lids but wondered if these click ones would be any different. I can't tell a huge difference between the two but definitely like the InkJoy line of pens! I also like felt tip pens but they tend to slow me down just a bit when I'm writing quickly. But if they're brightly colored, I'm probably going to at least try them :)

 

book review: "a marriage in middlebury" by anita higman

"Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers. The only thing lacking is someone to share it with. 

At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder's marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. They both moved on...or so she thought. When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens. But is it because of his presence? Or because of the presence of Sam's new fiancee?

A second chance at love doesn't happen often, but their past may keep them apart. Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?"

I always like books set in a small town. I love how quaint the town is - I secretly want to live in such a place someday :) It didn't take me long to get pulled into the story, wondering if Charlotte and Sam would have a second chance to be together. I thought all of the characters to be charming - especially quirky Cricket. My heart broke over Obie and his story. And I really liked the final scene being Sam and Charlotte on the bridge - the same place where he proposed ten years before. I finished the book with a smile - my indicator of a good book! Overall, a fun, easy read. 

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity for my honest review.

book review: "dear mr. knightley" by katherine reay

A book of letters. Dear Mr. Knightley is a book of letters from Samantha to the man responsible for funding her way through journalism school. I wasn't sure I would like a book in this format but oh, I did. Even though the story is told through these letters, Samantha includes dialogue and specific moments. And then she meets Alex Powell. Their game of quoting lines from stories made me smile because I do the same thing sometimes. I couldn't help but be pulled in to Sam and her struggle to make it as I read these letters. She told Mr. Knightley she was able to be honest with him because she didn't know who he was. So she shared about her past, revealing parts of her no one else knew about. She shared her disappointment when she was about to be kicked out of the program because she wasn't giving her best to the writing assignments and then her excitement and hesitancy when she finally wrote the piece that changed everything. And what made me love the story all the more is the final page of the book. Sam quotes not from Pride and Prejudice the book but from the movie and it just happens to be one of my favorite lines in the movie: "It was a 'completely, perfectly, and incandescently happy' moment," she said." Dear Mr. Knightley is a great read. You go on this journey with Sam as she discovers herself as a writer and who she finds when she finally stops running.

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. You can read other reviews in the tour by clicking here.

Debut author Katherine Reay is celebrating the release of her delightful novel, Dear Mr. Knightley, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway, a fun Favorite Austen Moments Pinterest contest, and an Austen-themed Facebook Party.

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
• Handmade Austen-themed items (scarf, mug, bracelet, and necklace) 

Two ways to win! Enter today by clicking one of the icons below or participating in the Pinterest contest (see banner below)—or BOTH! 

But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Dear Mr. Knightley" Austen-themed Facebook Author Chat Party on the 3rd. Join Katherine (and Austen fans) for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Katherine's next book.

So grab your copy of  Dear Mr. Knightley and join Katherine on the evening of December 3rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST. Hope to see you on the 3rd!

 

recipe: bacon appetizers

I made these earlier this week and they were everything Pioneer Woman said they would be! I made a practice batch last weekend and decided when I made them again, I would make a pan of the brown sugar ones as well. Oh, it was fun to hear the conversations surrounding these three-ingredient wonders. "I can't eat any more. I've had five!" "I've had seven!" was the reply from someone else. I love how incredibly easy these are and they smell absolutely amazing as they bake. I wonder what it might taste like to add sliced ham to the brown sugar ones? Something I might try next time. And unlike other recipes, I didn't have to do much after sticking them into the oven. There wasn't additional stirring or flipping or anything - though I did check on them after about an hour. Super easy and super tasty! You can also see Pioneer Woman's photo-by-photo instructions by clicking here. 

What you need:

- Club crackers

- thinly sliced bacon (bacon will be cut in half; one half wrapped around a cracker) 

- grated Parmesan cheese

What to do:

"Lay crackers (as many as you want) face up on a cookie sheet. Scoop about 1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese onto each cracker. Cut your package of bacon in half (or cut pieces individually) and carefully, so the cheese doesn’t fall off, wrap each cheese covered cracker in one half piece of bacon, completely covering the cracker. It should fit snugly around the cracker. Place the bacon wrapped crackers onto a baking sheet that has a rack on it. Place in a 250-degree oven for about 2 hours."

 

book review: "the girl's still got it" by liz curtis higgs

"Walk with Ruth as she travels from Moab to Bethlehem, certain of her calling, yet uncertain of her future. Hold Naomi's hand and watch love put the pieces of her broken life back together. And hang out with Boaz, their kinsman-redeemer, who blesses both women and honors God, big time."

I really enjoyed this book! The story of Ruth is one of my favorites and Liz did an amazing job of pulling out things I'd never noticed before and giving such detail to things that oh my, I now see Ruth and Boaz as this beautiful love story! She brought their story to life for me. I love the way God weaves things together. I had forgotten Boaz's mother was Rahab - a fact Liz brings up when talking about how both women left their homeland, choosing to follow God. I now see Ruth's boldness and obedience as she went to Boaz at the threshing floor and the way Boaz provided for Ruth, long before the threshing floor scene. Boaz is a rare find. "A Boaz is a man of emotional and spiritual maturity who comes into your life during a period when you most need him and helps you see the worth you already possess." Boaz is an example of Jesus, our Redeemer. Liz writes in such a way to draw you in, making this a great read!

I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for my honest review.

 

october 16

Today is an exciting day. It's my birthday! I'm excited because of everything a birthday stands for. It's a special day every person gets once a year; like a personal "new year." I'm looking forward to what this year holds and it's going to be good! Life never seems to unfold like we plan but God is guiding me, step by step. My job is going well and through the job change I went through this summer, I've rediscovered the passion I have for my career. I'm working on some job-things that though are still only in the planning stages now, I'm super pumped about as I continue to work out the details. I'm slowly but surely pursuing my mission statement and it's fall! Fall is my absolute favorite season. I love the colors and all of the great fall smells! So having my birthday occur during this fabulous month is perfect. I'm super busy right now but I know I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be and that's an awesome feeling :)

 

diy: duck tape container

Duck Tape is very inspiring :) I made a clipboard last month and as I was about to throw away a Gatorade container, thought "Wait! I can use this!" So I grabbed my roll of mustache Duck Tape and got to work. I added a little pop of color by hot gluing ribbon along the top and bottom. And in less than thirty minutes, I had myself a super cute container! 

 

"grace unplugged" giveaway

I was super excited to get an email from PartnersHub, asking if I wanted to give away some great stuff in relation to the new movie Grace Unplugged! So here's what you can win:

• Grace Unplugged Soundtrack CD      - Songs by TobyMac, AJ Michalka, Chris Tomlin and Shawn McDonald. • Grace Unplugged: A Novel by Melody Carlson. • Own It: The book Discover Your Faith in God by Michael & Hayley DiMarco. • Grace Unplugged Exclusive Guitar Pick.

Haven't heard of the movie yet? Here you go: "Sometimes, chasing your dreams leads you right to where you belong! Having just turned 18, Grace Trey aspires to more than just singing at her church where her father, a former pop star, is the worship leader. So, with the help of Mossy, her dad's former manager, Grace records a cover version of her dad's old Top-10 hit, runs off to Los Angeles, and begins to taste the kind of stardom she's always dreamed about. 

Yet with each rung of the ladder she climbs, Grace feels more and more pressure to compromise her values, further straining her relationship with her parents. Will everything she experiences lead her to reject her faith...or rediscover it?

Grace Unplugged opens in theaters October 4 and is "Family Approved" by the Dove Foundation."

The Grace Unplugged Cast:

AJ Michalka

James Denton

Kevin Pollak

Michael Welch

How do you enter? I'm making this super easy. Just leave me a comment - along with an email - and tell me you want to win! For a bonus entry, follow me on Bloglovin'. Contest ends midnight (EDT) October 7 (U.S. and Canada only).  

 

recipe: sweet & salty cookies

I was looking for a new cookie to make. Something beyond just chocolate chip - something more. And I found it! I liked the odd combination of pretzel and potato chip and chocolate - I wasn't completely convinced I would like it until I took that first bite. And warm from the oven they were super good! I made these for a football party last weekend and got several compliments on them :) The only thing I would do differently is make them a bit thicker next time - I'm not sure if I should've chilled the dough first or what but they ended up spreading out as they baked. This is definitely a cookie I'll be making again! I found this recipe from Nestle's website.

What you need:

• - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1 teaspoon baking soda
• - 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• - 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 2 large eggs
• - 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
• - 2 cups coarsely broken rippled potato chips
• - 1 cup small pretzel twists, broken into 1/2-inch pieces
• - 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts (optional)
• 
  
• What to do:
• "Preheat oven to 375° F. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels, potato chips, pretzel pieces and peanuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely." 

 

book review: "truth seekers: the machine" by bill myers

"What if...actual conversations in the Bible were recorded in surrounding rocks and pottery? What if...we could play back those conversations and listen in? Not only has Dr. Mackenzie's brilliant and quirky group of brilliant scientists found a way to play them back, they've invented a machine that creates such super-realistic holographic images (when it's not fritzing out) that you actually think you're there. Imagine hanging out with Noah and his floating zoo, or seeing Jesus' miracles firsthand!"

I've read some of Bill Myers adult books and liked them so I was excited to read this Young Adult book! I think he does a great job of writing to his audience - the style is geared for that young group as is the way some of the text is bigger than the rest. The point of view alternates all through the book with the two main characters, Jake and Jennifer. While I wasn't overly crazy about the book, it's definitely one I would recommend to kids. It sort of reminds me of the Frank Peretti series for kids. And I'll admit at the end of the story when Jake and Dr. Mackenzie are able to see Jesus on Palm Sunday, I couldn't help but get excited. I've not read a book like this before and am curious to see what adventures the rest of the series holds. 

I received a copy of this book from The B & B Media Group, Inc. for my honest review.

 

mission statement

I went to Guatemala this summer for a mission trip and God changed something in me. I've been on two other mission trips but this was my first time out of the country. We had an amazing time and I'm slowly figuring out how to take all that happened and let it influence what I'm doing now that I'm back home. One of the biggest things that has helped me was to write a mission statement. I got the idea from Paige Omartian's book,  Wake Up, Generation. I reviewed the book after being home about a month and feel like the timing was truly a God thing. It was long enough that I had rested up from the trip and was finally thinking "I'm back. Now what do I do?" Why is a mission statement important? Because it drives what you do. "...your mission is the root and heart of what you do. It's your reference for every decision; it's your reminder and confidence of what God has called you to." Want to change the world? Write a mission statement to help guide you and then go for it!

 

book review: "wake up, generation" by paige omartian

This is one of those books that makes you think. All of us have the incredible gift of this life but how will we use it? I went to Guatemala on a mission trip in July and have been trying to figure that question out ever since. Being able to review Paige's book has helped guide me in this process and be able to really figure out what my mission is. "Defining your mission is a big undertaking, but it's one of the most profound things you'll ever do. Your mission is the platform that God has given you to build your life upon. Now, I in no way want to give the impression that our lives are based on any "platform" other than Christ. What I mean is that your mission is the root and heart of what you do. It's your reference for every decision; it's your reminder and confidence of what God has called you to do." She talks about some of the reasons that we don't pursue that mission. One of those is that we like comfortable. "When we are stuck in our comfortable way of life we are blind to the world around us. We are blind to needs, problems, ideas, truth, and people. Most tragically, we are blind to the way that God desires to use us to impact the world." Paige gives examples of people who are making a difference and those stories inspire me. This is a great read - it challenges you to do more than just think about you but to look at those around you who you can impact. You can learn more about Paige and her story from her website. 

I received a copy of this book from Christian Review of Books for my honest review. 

best cookie recipes

I made cookies the other night...and they ended up in the trash. It was a very disappointing experience. I used Betty Crocker's cookie mix but for some reason, something went horribly wrong. The sides were starting to brown but the middle was still gooey. Normally I use the pre-made dough in the dairy section and it's fine. So, what are some of your best cookie recipes? I will say one of my favorites is the JIF peanut butter cookie recipe. Those never last long in my house when I make them :)

diy: duck tape clipboard

Duck Tape has come out with a whole bunch of really fun designs - it's not only gray tape anymore. I was at Walmart the other day and bought a roll of mustache Duck Tape. I bought a clipboard from Target (Walmart was sold out! It was only about 50 cents more at Target though) and then wrapped the board with the tape. I started right below the clip at the top and wrapped it completely around, letting it overlap just a bit where the ends met. And that's it! It was super easy and I'm really excited at how it turned out! Duck Tape also has a polka dot pattern that I have my eye on next :)

diy: clearance crafts

I was in Hobby Lobby the other day and wandered to the clearance section...just wanting to look. And then I found these great pieces! I spent $17 for all of the jewelry and the headband, earring hooks and ring for the necklace (so I can put it on a chain). What I like about the timeline jewelry is that there are pieces from different decades. The flower for the headband and earrings are both from the 90's. I'll probably end up buying some more later :)

recipe: blueberry muffins

I made these last week and felt very accomplished. I went with a friend to pick the blueberries and had everything already on hand to make the muffins except for the yogurt. You can go to Ree's website to see her step-by-step picture instructions. 

Ingredients

3 cups minus 2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
Heavy pinch of salt
Dash of Nutmeg
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 generous cup plain, unflavored yogurt (throw in extra if you want)
2 cups fresh blueberries
Vanilla Extract
Softened Butter, for muffin tins
Turbinado sugar (optional)

Directions

"Preheat oven to 385 degrees. In a large bowl sift flour, baking soda, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In another large bowl whisk together sugar, oil, cap-full of vanilla, egg, and yogurt. Add the dry ingredients and stir to a count of 10. Add blueberries, reserving 1/2 cup, to mixture and stir 3 times. Add mixture to well-buttered muffin pans. Sprinkle remaining berries on top and press down lightly. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over top (brown sugar can be used instead). Bake 20 to 25 minutes and allow to cool completely."

 

book review: "bread & wine" by shauna niequist

"As a follow up to her two bestselling books, Bittersweet and Cold Tangerines, author and blogger Shauna Niequist returns with the perfect read for those who love food and value the community and connection of family and friends around the table.

Bread and Wine is a collection of essays about family relationships, friendships, and the meals that bring us together. This mix of Anne Lamott and Barefoot Contessa is a funny, honest, and vulnerable spiritual memoir. Bread and amp; Wine is a celebration of food shared, reminding readers of the joy found in a life around the table. It’s about the ways God teaches and nourishes people as they nourish the people around them. It’s about hunger, both physical and otherwise, and the connections between the two.

With wonderful recipes included, from Bacon-Wrapped Dates to Mango Chicken Curry to Blueberry Crisp, readers will be able to recreate the comforting and satisfying meals that come to life in Bread and Wine."

My thoughts: I've been a fan of Shauna's since I read her book Bittersweet. And this book has made me like her even more! Shauna writes with an honesty I don't see often. With each recipe (some I'm super excited to try!), she shares a part of her life - really allowing the reader to connect with her. There really aren't chapters - each recipe is a "chapter." I like books with natural stopping places so I can easily put the book down and come back to it without having to sit for a long time just to read a chapter. This is both a light read and heavy read. Shauna tells about making cookies with her son on Saturday mornings and about her struggle to have a second child. And she talks about the connection she makes between recipes and those moments in her life. I want to have a home like hers someday. A home that I open up to friends and family and we gather around the table, sharing food and life. 

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson for my honest review.  

 

enjoy God's grace while you wait

I was reading Joyce Meyer's devotional Trusting God Day by Day and every once in a while one really jumps out at me. Sunday's page was titled, "Enjoy God's Grace While You Wait." Here's part of what she wrote:

"...My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for my strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

"You may be frustrated, struggling, and unhappy simply because you are trying to fix something you cannot do anything about. Perhaps you have a situation in your life that you don't want, and you are trying to get rid of it. Maybe there is something you do want and are trying hard to get, yet nothing you try is working and it is frustrating you. In any case, the only thing you can do is cease from your own works, and trust God. While you are waiting for God to take care of the situation, I encourage you to enjoy the wait."

diy: chocolate facial

I found this on Pinterest and knew it was something I had to try! It's only two ingredients - how easy is that?! I made it last night and not only did it smell good, it was good for my skin :) The coconut oil is a little pricey (I paid $8.50) but this only calls for a teaspoon so it'll last a while. Check out Tidy Mom's blog for her recipe and the other great stuff she has going on! I found a recipe for a chocolate scrub that I want to try next!

diy: flower clips

I've had my eye on these fabric flowers from Hobby Lobby for about a year and finally bought them (plus they were half off!). There's fifty in the jar, five of each color. I paired up two for each clip because they're pretty thin. Using my trusty hot glue gun, I glued the flowers together first and then glued them to a clip (also from Hobby Lobby). I then put a pearl in the center but think when I make more, I might use smaller pearls and completely cover the center...just thinking aloud here. Or a large button might look cute - there are so many options! I'm planning on using some of the flowers for some decorative projects too :)

recipe: no bake s'mores cheesecakes

Don't these No Bake S'mores Cheesecakes look amazing?! And I love how she put them into these glasses - How Sweet It Is always has great presentation :) Here's the recipe for these cheesecakes or you can go to Jessica's blog. 

Ingredients

crust & topping
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup marshmallow fluff or cream
4 marshmallows, toasted and cut in half

chocolate ganache
4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
3 tablespoons heavy cream

marshmallow cheesecake
1/2 cup whipped cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup marshmallow fluff or cream
1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

"In a small bowl, mix together butter and graham crumbs until moistened. Press crumbs into the container of your choice (jar, ramekin, etc) with the back of a spoon. Place the chocolate in a bowl. Add the heavy cream to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm, just until bubbles appear on the edges. Pour the cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 30 seconds, then stir constantly until the chocolate is all melted and a smooth ganache comes together. Add about a teaspoon of the ganache on top of each graham crust.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until creamy. Add in the marshmallow fluff and beat until combined, then with the mixer on low speed, pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until a smooth batter forms. Pour the batter on top of the chocolate ganache, leaving space on top for more chocolate and marshmallow.

Add another teaspoon of ganache on top of the cheesecake and a sprinkle of graham crumbs if you wish, then refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. When ready to serve, add a tablespoon or so of marshmallow fluff on top of the ganache, then top with a toasted marshmallow. Sprinkle extra graham crumbs on top and serve!"

diy: thrift store find!

I was in a local thrift store last month and happened across this great metal organizer! I bought it for $7 bucks and decided to give it a makeover. I'm super excited at how it turned out! I bought a can of Krylon "Watermelon" pink spray paint, giving it several coats (i.e. the whole can). I then used a polka dot stencil and finished with adding some ribbon on the sides. Ta da!

diy: recycled jeans

I have some jeans that are beyond repair and I should probably throw away but I'm determined to recycle them! So I went to Pinterest for inspiration and found this blog with some great ideas! I like the rug or totes but all of them are super creative! You can go to Five Go Blogging's blog to see all of these projects.