Lemons to Lemonade Activity

Every other month or so we have an activity for the ladies at church. Our last activity was called "Lemons to Lemonade". It was an evening to ponder how even life's challenging circumstances can be turned around for good. {Click the blue bar below for more.}

"Local Yocal" - Reid Ranch

Ah, I live in a pretty great state. And once in a while I share some little stay-cation or local treasure. Today I'd like to tell you about Reid Ranch. Honey & I went there with a group & had a great time! It isn't luxury - more like "glamping". We did have a room in a lodge with a full bathroom, but this is a place built for housing lots of people for a small cost. With a vibe that feels just like "The Parent Trap"! And there is so much to do!

We took advantage of the horseback riding & mountain biking.

As well as canoeing at the pond & swimming in the pool.

And when I say "glamping" I guess I'm referring to the fact that the staff BUILDS YOUR CAMPFIRES FOR YOU! I'm talkin' ginormous fires. S'mores anyone?!

Another bonus - all your food is prepared for you & you eat in the little cafeteria. 

There are two lodges & lots of tent pads. We were lucky enough to stay in one of the lodges. It had a great commons area where we could play games with our group.

Source

One of the things that made it even more fun was the staff of young people working at the ranch. The customer service was exceptional. When I complimented one of the managers she said they just try to treat everyone the way they would want to be treated. 

These were the cowboys who helped us on our horse ride. They really knew about horses & kept us safe. These guys stay on site in the barn! Here's their living room {complete with a dirt floor.}

And they sleep in the loft. I think it's safe to say they abide by the motto they see on the way up to their sleeping quarters.

It was so nice to get out of the city & pretend to be a cowgirl in the wild west for a while. The scenery was beautiful & the temperatures were much, much cooler. {Note to self: don't pack your white pants next time!}

Spring Farmhouse Decor

I love to switch out the accessories in my entry way for each season. And since I've been inspired for a while now by modern farmhouse decor, that is the vibe I'm going for here. {Click blue bar below for more.}

The Vintage Whites 2018

Each year the Vintage Whites Market comes to Salt Lake City & it is such fun. {Click the blue bar below to read more}

Styling My Bakers Rack

When my friend was visiting the other day, she commented that every time she comes to my house it looks different. I got thinking about what made her feel that way. I concluded that while all the main pieces are the same, I OFTEN change out the accessories in my home. The best analogy I can think of is that black dress in your closet. You can put a denim jacket with it along with some casual sandals. It looks great. But later - when you pare it with a statement necklace & high heels it takes on a whole new look. 

Let's talk today about styling a bakers rack. Here's mine - empty & ready to accessorize. 

I got this darling bakers rack from Costco many years ago. I paid very little for it, but it's always been one of my favorite pieces. It looks great no matter what I put on it.

All these beautiful white dishes were already in my cupboard. And I thought it might be fun to get them out to enjoy. I've been collecting white since my party planner friends recommended it. They look fantastic with any party & color scheme. Plus they mix & match beautifully. I happen to love green with white. So plants make for a perfect paring. 

And I always recommend mixing in something besides dishes anyway - especially things that make sense . . . .like cookbooks. And don't be afraid to make it crowded -  more is more!

And now for the challenge - go clear off a piece of furniture at your house & restyle it! Let me know how it goes. 

170 Paper Flowers

Once a year our church hosts a women's conference with a speaker and luncheon. About 600 ladies attend and that is A LOT of tables! I was asked create centerpieces. I decided to make paper flowers made from coffee filter.  Why coffee filters? They're inexpensive and the paper is sturdy enough to dye & work with. {Click the blue bar below to read more.} 

Six Top Posts of 2017

Golly, 2017 sure flew by fast! It was a year filled with blessings for our family. I took on a full-time job & keeping my blog going proved to be a challenge. But I was able to do it . . . baaarrrrely. Here were the top six posts.

1) Paper Bag Stars

2) Pretty & Delicious Shower Food

3) Erin's Key Lime Dessert

4) Six Beauty Products I Can't Live Without

5) Ladies Church Party

6) Keys to Happiness Church Lesson

Church Christmas Party Decorations

The very first thing I like to do when planning a church party is to decide on a theme. For Christmas parties, carols provide meaningful lyrics that are perfect inspiration. This time we chose "Oh Come Let Us Adore Him". And just to be different, we decorated in gold & silver. {Click the blue bar below for more.}

Red & White Traditional Christmas Decor

My Girly Christmas Tree

For years now I have enjoyed having more than one Christmas tree. Our big tree is red & white this year {more coming about that}, but I just love having a girly pastel tree in my home office. {Click the blue bar below for more.}