Spring Wants!

The idea of spring is what pushes us Minnesotans through the winter. Cabin fever is setting in hard here. And the stores are no help, all their pretty colors and light fabrics make me just want to buy, buy, buy!

What is it that I want to buy so much? Here is peek at my top spring items in my wish list.

1. Anthropologie Pants
I can not begin to describe to you how much I want these pants. If anyone would have told me two years ago I would be saving my pennies for polk-a-dotted ankle pants I would have laughed at them. But that is what I am doing. Maybe not this brand since my budget doesn't extend to Anthropologie but I will find a cheaper version I promise.

2. Forever 21 Dress
I love that the color of the year is Emerald. With my skin tone and reddish hair this color works great for me. I also am wanting some more dresses like this. They make great transition pieces, throw a sweater and tights on and you have a cold weather look. I just wish my body style worked with Forever 21 and this style of dress.

3. Target Gray Booties
I have been wanting a pair of grey ankle boots for so long and haven't found the perfect pair yet. I wish they actually had these ones at the store for me to try on. I love the mix of dainty boot and studs.
Looking through this last section I might have an issue with polk-a-dots. I have been a little crazy for them lately.

4. Etsy (Recipe for Crazy)

Not sure if you are a Recipe for Crazy blog follower but if not you should be, her and her sister Ashley Ann have to be two biggest blog loves. When I saw this print of Lesley's, I just fell in love. The only reason I haven't bought it yet is because I still haven't figured out the layout of wall art for our upstairs living room. Also the colors may be just off enough to really not match our living room. But oh how I love this and the quote is so great too.  

What is on your wish list this spring?

~ Cassi

Beloved

Friday means Five Minute Fridays. So I write for Five minute, no edits, no re dos and at the end I will see if there are pictures from this week that match the words of this week.

Topic: Beloved

My Beloved is mine and I am His
His banner over me is love

~ Hymn

It is that hymn I think of when I hear the word beloved. I know the song is not talking about a true banner. But I wish it was sometimes.

 A true banner of love following me around, like Eeyore's gray cloud.

But instead a beautiful waving banner.   To remind me and others where I stand. I stand in God's great love.

To remind to send forth love first. Because I was first loved.

~ Cassi

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Instagram Fridays

Once a quarter my day job gets crazy busy this is that time. Between crazy busy at work and editing photo sessions at night I haven't had much time to do anything else. This week I took barely any pictures on my phone. But I did take some great ones last weekend.

We went camping with some friends last weekend, the kids had such a good time. I took a long a new hoop project (coming soon) to work on while chatting.

Mouse and the other kids were fascinated with catching bugs. They got out nets and cages and all sorts of other bug related stuff.  

Then we took a walk out to the man made beach for some swim time.

But no weekend would be complete for us without some Geocaching. Mouse was excited to teach some newbies all about caching. The kids took to it right away.

I love the lights Steve strung up this time around our camp site. It gave the perfect peaceful glow to the site.

And that was it. I took one other picture this week but it wasn't really good enough to showcase.

Well that was my week. How was yours?

See what picture did you take this week? Link up with Life Rearranged.
~ Cassi

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Instagram Fridays

Last weekend we visited a family friend's cabin. They live on a small private lake with two cabins on it. I can't begin to describe to you how peaceful it was.

They also took us out to the lake I grew up on. My parents lived up by this lake until I was two then we visited my Grandparents on the lake often until I was around 16 or so.  My parents and Grandma were with this past weekend. It was good to remember stories from back then and see all the changes. And to point them out to Steve and Mouse.

The most important part to Mouse and our hosts was to get some fishing in. Mouse is becoming an excellent fisher. She caught 5 of the 6 caught that day. I will spare you the gross fish cleaning pictures.

The rest of this week has been a blur. I am still editing through the 1900 pictures I took at the wedding two weeks ago. And I had an engagement photo shoot this week. Man it was hot out for a shoot but I can't wait to show them their pictures they turned out really good.

That is all for this week. We are off to go camping this weekend so check out Instagram to see pics from our trip.

Well that was my week. How was yours?

See what picture did you take this week? Link up with Life Rearranged.
~ Cassi

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Pinterest inspiration

We were a little busy this weekend. But don't worry we have some projects coming up. We are knee deep in primer and paint. As I stated in my craft room post we are adding different chairs in different colors to the room. Well we liked that idea so much that we are changing out the dining room chairs too.
To get you ready for the big reveal here is some Pinterest looks we love.



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  Wish us luck on the outcome. I hope they look as good as these pictures. Above is the closest in colors to what we are doing.

~ Cassi



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Inspire Me ~ Chair Style

With the basement getting closer to furniture time, I have been stalking Craigslist like crazy for new furniture. We have had our upstairs furniture for 10 years and 2 years with slipcovers. It is time for new furniture all around.
We will need a couch and two chairs with some tables for upstairs and a sectional with possibly one chair downstairs.
And thankfully Craigslist has provided us with two great starts. I found (Steve picked them up) a chair for $5!! Yes, you read that right. Then two days late I found an armchair for $30. Both were the neutral beige color I was looking for upstairs.

This is the $5 one!! There is some slight damage to the caning. So I might fix that later.  But it is not that noticeable. I may leave it.

This was my second find. In this picture it looks like there is a rip in on the right side, it's not just something in the background. It is a beige and cream tweed material. I love the lines and the tufting. Now I just need a brown couch to sit opposite these two beauties.

I am hoping to this type of look for the upstairs.

Picture from Pinterest.

What great finds have you found on Craigslist?

~ Cassi

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Inspire Me ~ Vanity

Steve and I have been working like crazy on a vanity for our bathroom downstairs. We found a great deal on an antique dresser that we are converting to the vanity. It is taking longer than expected but we are finally getting close to finishing it.
But we are not quite ready for the big reveal so you will have to make due with these inspiration pictures.

All pictures from our Pinterest file.

~ Cassi
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Inspire Me ~ Summer BBQ

This weekend we are so excited to have a group of friends coming over for a summer bbq. We planned this get together back in June. It will be so good to have us all in one place, which hasn't happened since camp.

In preparation for Sunday's event. We have a huge pork roast slow cooking in Texas style seasoning. The house is getting cleaned (which is one reason for us to have people over it is the only time we do a thorough clean). We (Ok really just me) have also put together some cute bbq accessories.



~ Cassi

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Inspire Me - Lake Side

This weekend we are looking forward to getting some lake time in. There is nothing like the peace that comes with early mornings; sipping coffee on the deck looking at the lake. When the only ripples are from the landings of loons. Then at night the air gets filled with the sent of smoke and the flames dance in front of your eyes. The taste of perfectly browned marshmallows, makes you go for the third one you know you shouldn't have.
We can't wait to take it all in.

We hope you have a blessed Independence Day.

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Inspire Me - Houses

This weekend Steve is helping my Dad re-roof my parents house. It should be an interesting day. My Dad is terrified of heights. My brother who is also helping has never been on a roof before. Thankfully Steve has done this before. And even more importantly my parents live in a rambler with a very low straight roof. Unlike these beautiful houses.. I think they would need a professional 

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Hooked on Houses



Hooked on Houses

Have a great weekend
~Cassi
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Inspire Me- Memorial Weekend

This weekend is Memorial Day. It seems to be an easy holiday to overlook. But sometimes it catches me on how important it really is. How many lives went into making our Country what it is.
Know I know this Country has it's share of problems but who doesn't, right. That is one of the things I think makes this country so strong that we are will to continue to work and making it better. The soldiers continue to fight for the freedom we all take for granted.
"To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans 'To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps'." For more information click here.
What will you be doing at 3pm on Monday? I am not sure what we will be doing but this year I hope to make a point with Mouse on how many people have laid down their lives so that we may live the life we have.

I have never had real intimate knowledge of someone serving in one of the big wars. My Dad's brother was in Vietnam but he came home and we never talked about it. I have had friends who have recently served in Iraq and Afghanistan. But for some reason we don't really talk about it either. But in my own way I guess I have always tried to remember. This painting is one that resides in our house.

Since the first time I saw it, this painting has always stopped me. I am not even sure why but it touches me. We have this one and a few other paintings and pictures of memorials from when I was in DC around our house. How do you keep freedom displayed in your home?
~Cassi

Inspire Me - Compassion International

It's been a while since we've talked about Zaida on this site. For those that don't know Zaida is our sponsor child from Compassion International. See how we can to this decision here. 

Zaida

This Sunday, we are taking our call to Compassion to our church. Mouse and I will be talking about Compassion and Zaida. We are also hosting a Compassion Sunday, which means we will have files of children out on a table praying that someone will feel led to sponsor them. Pray with us that all these children find a sponsor this weekend. 

If you feel a calling for Compassion to please go to there site, (HERE). But maybe finances aren't there right now for a long term commitment. Don't worry there are other areas to help with. Sarah Markley is doing a donation drive right now for Compassion. You can view her Team San Diego here. In response to her run for Compassion numerous Etsy shop owners are hosting sales were the proceeds will go to Sarah's run, check it out here. Like this bracelet!

Oh how I wish I could buy this right now!

Maybe finance are even tighter than that. Remember you can become a letter writer. Yes, something as simple as a letter can make a huge difference in a child's life. See Gypsy Mama's post on Lame Letter Writers, here. If you have dry eyes after reading that post, shame on you!

But if all you are able to give right now is prayers, we will gladly take those too. Please pray for the kids this weekend, and the congregation of our church that they fill lead to Compassion this weekend. Thank you

Inspire Me- Headboard Style

Yesterday, Steve and I were on our daily lunch drive, when we spotted a freebie on the side of the road. Ok, we have never picked up anything on the side of the road before. But with blog land showing all these great freebie and Craigslist finds, I have been looking more.

So we saw this headboard (Steve says tiny headboard) on the road with a free sign taped to it. I got excited but drove past. I think Steve saw the glimmer of hope in my eyes because he immediately said turn around and grab it! YEAH! I quickly turned around and he ran and grabbed it for me.

The rest of the day I sat and pondered the many uses for this mini-headboard. I am thinking of a possible bench or cat bed for our daughters room. Aren't the lines great! Seriously, I am thinking distressed black.

So what have you been making with headboards? Here are just some of the things that have caught my eye.


Five To Nine Furnishings



Perfection Made Simple

And to Steve yes, we can be Lunchtime Outlaws (that is what he said we were for 'stealing' the headboard) anytime!

Inspire Me - Happy Easter!

So with the changes I am now going to post my inspire me posts on Sat. I still want to showcase the beautiful things that I see out on the web. I love the inspiration that others give me.

It is Easter weekend. How do you celebrate it? We try to balance the commercial with the true reason for Easter. In past years Mouse has made Resurrection Eggs! See how to make your own here.They are such a good tool to teach young ones about the Easter Story.
This year we will be coloring eggs, providing an Easter basket and dressing up in new clothes. (can't wait to share the tutorial on Mouse's dress, Monday) But we will also be reading the Easter Story and attending church on Easter morning.
Here is some Easter items to get you excited for this weekend too

Inspire Me Fridays

April Showers

bring

May Flowers

We have all heard the rhyme but this year it seems to be in full force. We are getting hit with cold spring showers quite often here. By this time most years jackets are less frequent. But no right now, the cold, damp winds are cutting through. chilling us to the bone.
So this weeks inspiration is some cute spring coats:

Kidorable

I want this set for Mouse soo much! It is so cute and in her favorite colors. But the price is crazy to spend on a rarely used coat.

London Trench Coats

Something so classic about a yellow raincoat. Not the most figure flattering but still I love them. I really should get one. 

Bluefly

Don't you just love trench coats (and the umbrellas). I think they scream classy and fun at the same time. I own one, I will show case next week on Wed. I also just finished a short trench coat for Mouse to wear to school. So come back on Monday to check it out.

Inspire Me Fridays

Oh how I love this time of year! The smell of spring is in the air. The sweet and musty smell. The smell of change. Of regrowth. The smell of new. Oh how i detest winter. Everything about it makes me cringe. But God knew what he was doing because there is nothing better than spring.
I need spring this year. My family needs spring this year. We need to watch the gloom of this past winter be washed away.  "Repent therefore and return, that your sins might be washed away, in order that times of refreshing can come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts3:19) 
Refreshing...I love that word. It brings to mind more than just something new but some right. Spring brings the freshness of new grass pushing it way to be seen.
As we are working at restoring this Bright Forest of ours the rains of spring are needed. Not that a season alone can make everything better but watching God's work in the world reminds us of the work he can do for us. "Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world."  ~Virgil A. Kraft
So here to inspire thoughts of Spring are some pictures I gathered from the web. I hope they bring thoughts of freshness and glory. 

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