Thursday, March 28, 2013

A little home PINspiration: the frames

James and I are in the middle of de-cluttering, rearranging and re-purposing....and it is probably because of the Spring cleaning itch we tend to get around this time of year.  Our basement is slowing transforming from a cement, cold dungeon into usable family & friend space.  Through our endeavours, we came across a pile of frames.  Okay...it is not like we JUST found them because James has been trying to convince me get rid of them over the last 2 years!!
I am stubborn though and they have been sitting in a stack for quite some time. 
 
It is not like I don't have a use for them, because I really do have such an awesome idea!  Let me tell you about it!!!  So, my dream is someone who I know.....will be getting married...and then they will be having a beautiful rustic wedding in the summer/fall....and then they are going to ask me to help decorate their wedding.....and then they are going to want me to hang beat up beautiful frames from trees like what you see below:
 
 
or
 
 
or
 
 
So!!?? What do YOU think?  OK!...You're right!...It's a crazy "out there" dream of mine.
NEVER. GOING. TO. HAPPEN.
I should just get over it already, because James is right when he says, "Babe.  I am sorry but we have to be realistic here and the chance of that happening is slim to none."
He totally has a point by explaining how I have not done anything with them already and there is no use hoarding them.  Out the door they go then............HOLD UP!!  I'm not giving in that easily!  I will just find another way to use these frames and then I will prove my creativity to the world!! "ahem".... as I was saying....I will find an idea that IS realistic in using my frames.  Pinterest has helped me find some uses for those old frames of mine.  How about....
 
 
or
 
 
or
 
 
 
Help! I can't decide what to do!
Which one would you do!?
 


Monday, March 25, 2013

WEAR YOUR SPRING FLOWERS WHEN ALL YOU SEE IS SNOW

Hat: Target, Floral Sweatshirt: Charlotte Russe (old), Boots: Herberger's (old), Black Button-Up & Jeans: Thrifted

The snow came yet another day into Spring...but these flowers finally came into bloom!!!  :)

You know when you see something over and over in your closet, but you just pass it by 86 times and think "not today?"  
But then it hits you!  If you don't wear it that 87th time you pass it by, you may NEVER wear it!  
NEVER is a long time and I'm pretty sure that passing an item 86 times pretty much means I NEVER WEAR IT!!  
I spent 4 dollars on this sweatshirt just because it was a good deal.  
I figured wear it now or throw it...so, here I am FINALLY wearing my flowers! 
Besides, this Spring is in dire need of some blossoms, don't you think so?! 

But if there is anything I can take away from this, let it be...
#1. Good deals don't always mean "hey, bring this bad boy home because you will wear it All. The. Time." 
...because I am pretty sure that didn't happen in this case.
 &
#2. If there is anything you pass over 86 times and haven't worn it yet, just throw it on or Throw. It. Out.
 ...or into a bag of clothes that you share with your sisters. ;)

Happy Monday, dear friends!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

SAY GOODBYE TO THE JACKET...AND HELLO TO SPRING!

Target Sunnies, Purse: Guess Outlet, Silk Blouse, Skinny Jeans, & Boots: thrifted
 
Dear Spring,
I know you arrived yesterday and I forgot to tell everyone the great news!  "EVERYONE!! GREAT NEWS!!! SPRING IS HERE!!!!" 
But seriously, Spring....I'm not feeling you. HOLD UP!  Don' t take that the wrong way!!! 
LITERALLY, I am not feeling you!  We just had snow on Monday & Tuesday and the temps are still below freezing! 
 
How I would love to feel the real you:
 
pink blossoms instead of bare trees...because those trees are tired of being naked, 
 
rain showers instead of snow storms ...because I would just really like to trade my shovel in for an umbrella,
 
&
 
soft, fresh, green grass instead of ice rinks in my yard...
James and I have bruises to prove we just can't skate gracefully to the cars in our driveway anymore,
 
This is NOT me complaining, just wanting to feel and know the real you, Spring!
So, come on!  Open up and spill your pink, sweet, fresh, & delicious GUTS out!
 

Monday, March 18, 2013

SNAPSHOTS OF MY WEEKEND

My weekend was spent in a cozy, camp cabin
and here are a few snapshots of what it looked like:
I had such a good time with dear friends and people I greatly respect. 
I am always stirred and refocused when I leave this place. 
Thankful for Big Sandy and all the blessings from the weekend!
 
......and CHEERS is to another winter week in Minnesota!
...maybe a liiiiiiitttle sarcasm there but you decide!
 
:) Happiest 18th Day of March to ya!
I have a feeling this is going to be a great week!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Retreat! Retreat!


I am really looking forward to tonight and tomorrow.  I am headed back to camp!  You betcha!  You can see pictures from my last visit to camp here.  And these photos were taken about 10 minutes away from where I will be!  Beautiful last glimps of snow covered trees!

So....CAMP!  I love the time to get away...to renew, to refresh, and to "regroup" with other people that I respect and cherish friendships with!  I know this time will be great for me to, yet again, focus on the mission God has called me too...called James and I both too!  James and I are where we are because that is where God has called us. 
But beyond that knowledge, we need to wait for further direction. 
We are at that place right now, and to be honest...sometimes it seems scary (the unknown). 
But, that is when I am reminded of the verse that I mention often:

Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He WILL direct your path.

Proverbs 3:5

As always, His Word gives hope and rest.  I'm resting on Him to to direct our next season in life....and I am not just talking about SPRING!!  :)  ....even though, SPRING is so close I can SMELL it!

Have a blessed weekend and take the time you need to renew, refresh, regroup,.....and RETREAT! RETREAT!
 

He just turned 2!


Wowza! How is it that I get so lost in the week, that it is Friday in a blink!!!?
I mean, it seemed just yesterday that it was Sunday.  We were in the cities visiting family, eating Butterfinger frosting cupcakes (yum!), and watching our nephew open his birthday gifts..........that was SO MUCH FUN!!!
By the way....I cannot forget to give a shout out to that little guy!  
He just turned 2 yesterday!
He can blow out a candle with only one eye open! I am One. Proud. Auntie.
Happy 2nd Birthday you crazy little man! We love you!!!


Monday, March 11, 2013

which way for today?

 
Sweater: Silent Auction, Tee & Mustard Skinnies: Target, Ankle Boots: Herbergers

I must admit that this sweater has been sitting in my closet since....I don't know....January!! 
It is currently March and JUST NOW I bring it out to the cold Minnesota winter?!  Sweater meet world.  World meet Sweater.  Do you like?

The cool thing about this sweater is that you can wear it inside out and no one would even know it....unless of course they read this one blog called tisfortiffany and then the secret would be out.  But we don't need to broadcast that now do we?

I really like the snowflake/dots/first-aid cross pattern that is all over it!  Very wintery if I can say so. 
Maybe I will wear it more next winter.....by the way...I'm not in a big hurry for next winter at all!
Spring you are so close and I am excited to see you!
Now sweater...which way should I wear you today?

 

Friday, March 8, 2013

IT'S COOL TO...

It IS still cool to "RAISE THE ROOF," right?!
Please let it be cool, 'cause that would really make my day! ;)
It's cool or maybe I'm just looking for any excuse to live out my younger years.

Either way...I just danced something funky for a camera...and it captured ALL.OF.IT!
The things I do to make you smile! :) 

James and I get to see family for a baby dedication & a birthday party...
...and boy oh boy, the roof is gonna be raised, if I have anything to say about it!

Ta ta 'til Monday!

Tiff


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

A recipe for family...and cookies too!


I am realizing more and more how much love is expressed through a family's kitchen. I know many of us can relate, but sometimes things finally "hit ya", if you know what I mean.  The energy it takes to prepare a meal for two seems tough at times for me...but then I think about my mom who normally prepared meals for six of us, including dessert!  How she did it after working all day...I just don't know?  
...it took a lot of love, energy & patience (with four girls), and a knack for creativity!  My mom had and still has the recipe to keep Dad, four girls, and an expanding family all together at the table to share in life and love through words and food.  I am always delighted to have some of mom's homemade meals....recipes she received from Grandma-B, and great-Grammy before.  
They always taste better when mom makes them...

Here is a simple & sweet treat that was passed down to me:


The good ol' No Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar
1 stick butter 
3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
3 cups old fashioned oatmeal


Mix the sugar, butter, cocoa, and milk in a medium saucepan.
It will take a little time for the butter to melt. 
Once it comes to a boil, let it boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Immediately, add the vanilla and peanut butter to the saucepan and mix.
Once the peanut butter is melted,
you can add the oatmeal and mix until well blended.
All you have to do now is drop spoonfuls on wax paper. 
Don't worry, they can look a little messy like mine! 
Allow time for the cookies to cool and set. 
Then, serve with a cold glass of milk!

This recipe makes approximately 2 dozen cookies.
 
 
P.S.  You can always make a double batch and gift them!  Half of these cookies went to our next-door-neighbor who was so kind and plowed our driveway before we got home yesterday!  A wonderful surprise it was to come home and not have to worry about another thing.  
It was also wonderful finding out that he was NOT allergic to peanut butter
(always good to ask these questions before you deliver the goodies!!).
 
Go on...spread some goodness!
 
 
 

Monday, March 4, 2013

A little project.


WOW! Hey! I am back after I had some good time to catch up on some other things that needed my attention.  Sometimes it is good to just focus on some different things that spark some more creativity deep down inside ya!  I have been busy painting...but not painting canvases (like I wish I could have time to do!).  Instead, I have been painting baby shower invites.  Yup! If I could hand paint invitations every day for fun, I would in a heart beat!  So come on people, have birthdays, get engaged, get married, have babies........just so I can hand paint my way to craziness! Okay I may already be there, but just in case you want to see what I painted......take a look: 


 
So excited for Ashley and her husband Brad! 
Little Isabella may you be healthy and happy....so excited to meet you soon!
 
 
And.....I. AM. BACK!
How I have missed sharing here.
Happy 1st Monday of March friends and family!
 
Tiff