“Oh Mom, I just love this magical time of year. It’s so cozy with lights, hot chocolate, movies and our special family traditions!” My heart warmed as I agreed with our youngest daughter. So when our Sunday school moderator asked me […]
Create Holiday Vibes this Season with this Simple To-Do List
Dec7
This post was sponsored, and paid for, by SunTrust. All opinions are my own At the top of our lungs, my girls and I sing, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Admittedly, December turns me into a full […]
Gratitude Rolls: Special Thanksgiving Tradition
Nov18
Grateful Rolls – This simple tradition is a fun way for your family to express what they are grateful for during your Thanksgiving dinner. As guests arrive have each person write a few things that they are grateful for on small sheets of paper. We always make our special “butter horn” rolls each Thanksgiving,
Even When It’s Hard
Oct21
“Mom, I really don’t want you to invite them to our house. Their kids are kind of weird, and I’m not friends with them. It will be just plain awkward. Can’t you just ask the mom? I mean it. Don’t […]
Beautiful Creativity: Fall Flowers Planted in a Pumpkin
Oct6
When I spied both mums and pumpkins at Aldi for under $3, I knew this festive fall idea must be re-shared. I mean, how cute are these? It will never get old. Last Saturday, some brand new friends joined our […]
What Does Your Mirror Tell You Right Now?
Aug6
Everyday I look into a mirror. Once, twice, if not multiple times a day, but after last week, I will never look at my reflection the same way again. For five days I was part of a ministry team that […]
A Recipe So Easy You Can Make it in Your Car
Jun8
Find out what others are saying about “Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation.” A perfect summer read. Come as You Are is an invitation I’ve extended here for years. When you’re known for freely sharing your […]
Traditions that Build Character – May Day Baskets
May1
One of my children’s most poignant “teachable moments” was cemented in their memories when our family left a “friendship basket” for the “Nice Lawn” guy (see template below). For years, we had driven past a house near our church and […]
Join the (Free) Just Open the Door Book Club
Apr25
Click here to join our Just Open the Door Book Club Chat! Hospitality. That word can bring with it a whole lot of expectations and anxiety. Inviting people into your home might feel like inviting judgment on your entertaining skills and […]
It Starts With Just One Invitation
Apr10
Over the last year I’ve been working behind the scenes on a message that I hope will encourage many women. So here I sit again — typing away with my hands shaking and my heart beating a bit faster than […]
Simple Organizing: Clutter Confessions
Apr2
“Your home is your special place to live life. Whether you’re living in your dream home or a small apartment, the same rule should apply to getting yourself organizing: Make the most of the space you have.” – Melissa Michaels, […]
Make Your Own Huge Chalkboard Sign for under $10
Mar28
There’s nothing I love more than displaying words of encouragement and truth around our home. Learning how to make your own chalkboard sign for just a few dollars is a fantastic way of bringing character to your home without breaking the bank. […]
Creating Strong Family Ties: Weekend Away
Mar23
Pigeon Forge Favorites If you have been a reader of Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for any length of time, you know that traditions and creating special family memories play an integral part of our family make up. For many of […]
Thrown away in a Garbage Bag & Left to Die: My Precious Nephew
Mar21
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day today, a repost of the year everything changed. Nearly eight years ago, I traveled to Ecuador with my sister in love to bring home my precious nephew, Edison. Thrown away in a garbage bag […]
Just Open the Door: Fun FREEBIES!!
Mar16
A friend once said that launching a book is like standing in front of an audience in your underwear. How’s that for an opener to this post? At the time I didn’t get it, nor did it matter to me […]
