February 20, 2012

4 Simple Ways to Create a LOVE Filled Home~



LOVE is what makes your house a HOME.
                                                                                                             
A home filled with love is just about the best place to be. 
It’s common to think of the physical aspect of putting your house together… the paint, the furniture, the appliances and window coverings, what to put on the walls, etc.  
 All of these things are very important in creating your home, a home that is comfortable and beautiful for your lifestyle, a home that reflects your unique sense of style and serves as an oasis from the outside world.  And so, those elements should be given careful thought and consideration.


Another important consideration in creating a home is the spiritual aspect.  This is where you need to put on a special pair of glasses to be able to see and create those elements that are not necessarily “seen” in the physical sense, but are demonstrated by those who live in your home.  

For example, a family may live in a million dollar mansion, expertly designed and decorated with every possible amenity, however, if the members of that house are constantly arguing and hurling hateful insults at each other, tearing each other down, and are only out to please themselves, then what good comes from them living in a big beautiful house?

On the other hand, a family may live in a tiny two room efficiency apartment with not enough room to turn around without bumping into something, however, the members of that home constantly help and encourage each other, speaking love filled words, and looking for ways to bring joy and laughter to each other,  then does it matter to them that they live in a tiny apartment with no luxuries?
Which family do you think is happier?      
                                             
                                         
 It doesn’t really matter if the home is large or small, expensive or a cheap rental, in a desired neighborhood or not…without LOVE filling that home it is just walls, floors, and a roof, and not a very pleasant place to be.  

Here are 4 easy ways you can fill your home with L O V E~

              L -  Listen- to make a conscious effort to hear.                  
  Listen.  That’s right, listen!   Listen to your spouse and your children.  Listen with your ears, your eyes and your heart.  Everyone wants to know that someone cares about what is going on in their life, what they’re concerned about or excited about.  So stop what you are doing and LISTEN.

  O -  Observe- to celebrate, to notice, to pay special attention.           
 Observe the members of your family.  What are their gifts and talents – pay special attention to those traits and they will blossom and bloom.  Celebrate each others successes and notice when someone needs a bit of encouragement or a helping hand, and then give it to them. OBSERVE.

   V -  Value- honor, esteem, prize, appreciate.               
  Value each other showing honor toward one another.  Look for ways to show your appreciation of one another, using words that are encouraging and uplifting.  Treat them the way you want them to treat you. VALUE.

E -  Eliminate- remove, get rid of, omit.                    
 Eliminate all thoughts, words and behaviors that do not promote LOVE in your family.  Plain and simple…eliminate unkind words, yelling, selfishness and criticism, and replace them with kind words, laughter, thoughtfulness, consideration and encouragement.
Anyone can fill their home with LOVE!  It is not a difficult task but rather one that takes determination, intention and patience.  In the end the reward is peace, joy, happiness, hope and so much more. ELIMINATE.

Go on now… Fill your home with LOVE!


Blessings & Beauty to you today~xoxo~

February 15, 2012

February Tea with a FaceBook Friend....


Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Kathleen Rogers, owner and founder of Set to a Tea.
We met at a nice little tea room in Lancaster County and enjoyed a few lovely hours of getting acquainted.
Kathleen and I have been "friends" for awhile but we had never met in person....we have been FaceBook friends and when Kathleen moved to PA from NJ we made plans to meet face to face. 

One of the things I love about FaceBook is how you are able to connect with people you would have otherwise had no idea even existed....and when you get to meet them in person and grow a friendship...well, that's even better! 


When I meet someone who is nice and has a neat business I love to introduce them to my friends....like YOU!
Kathleen shared her business visions with me and showed me some of her products....for those of you who love to get together for tea and/or would love to teach others about the beauty of "taking tea" you really must visit Kathleen and see for yourself the lovely products and business she has designed.


These pics feature one of her beautiful tea cozies and napkin sets...there is also a matching table cover available in this pattern as well.  And...there are several other beautiful patterns, too!

I would love for you to stop by and visit Kathleen at her FaceBook page...tell her I sent you...you will enjoy your visit!

Now don't you just want to go a pour yourself a cup of tea...and find a friend to share it with?!

Beauty & Blessings~

February 10, 2012

3 Easy & Inexpensive Ideas for a LOVE-ly Valentines Day


Valentines Day is just a few days away....but just in case you haven't gotten your plans together, I thought I'd share a few easy & inexpensive ways to celebrate with your loved ones.


1) Set a special heart filled table for breakfast or dinner~
 Utilize inexpensive elements such as heart shaped confetti and doilies, silk flower petals along with a few heart shaped ornaments and some red or pink napkins. You could even add some pretty heart themed paper plates. Oh, and don't forget to add the candles!


2) Use heart shaped cookie cutters to........make heart shaped pancakes or french toast for breakfast topped with strawberry cream cheese and a dollop of strawberry jam. For a special lunch use them to cut heart shaped sandwiches.....PBJ for the little ones and meat & cheese for the adults. For a lovely dinner time surprise use them to cut heart shaped brownies with a chocolate drizzle over the top and a dollop of whipped cream.


3) Purchase several inexpensive packages of children's Valentines cards and disperse them very generously! For each person make up several of the Valentines and hide them in unexpected places....the cereal box, in a shirt or pants pocket, inside a shoe, in the undies drawer....you get the idea! THEN....use the left over cards throughout the rest of the year...a few times a month hide a Valentine or two for each person to remind them that you STILL love them!


Wishing you a blessed & beautiful Valentine's Day~