Oscar Glow.

So last night I watched the Oscars, the same way I do every year.
In my sweats. With plenty of junk food at hand. Stuffing my face as I watch the starlets walk the red carpet.
And I yell out critiques to the tv, as if they can hear me.
Initial thoughts from last night's fashion:
I absolutely loved Scarlett Johanson's dress. Burgundy/Magenta lace... stunning.
I heard some of the reporters saying they didn't like it. ?? It was amazing.

Although she's crazy beautiful, I didn't love Halle Berry's look.
Her dress was beautiful, but I wished it had been a color. It was sort of taupe and it was the exact same shade as her skin. I'm not a fan of monocromatic looks.
I wish it had been navy or hot pink or something that contrasted with her skin.

Gwyneth Paltrow: LOVED it! Like liquid silver. Loved her tan skin, casual straight hair. Loved it all.

I thought Reese Witherspoon looked beautiful, but I felt like it was nearly identical to Julia Roberts' look from a few years ago.

Sandra Bullock: Gorgeous in red. Love the dark hair and pale skin.

Anne Hathaway looked incredible in every single thing she put on during the show. (8 costume changes, I think?) That girl can work the pale skin and red lips like nobody's business.

Amy Adams: Stunning. Navy sparkles from the neck to the ankles. Absolutely loved it. She should've skipped the necklace though.

Hailee Steinfeld: (the little girl from True Grit) Perfection. She looked like a 14 year old princess!! So so sweet and lovely.

The men: Yeah, they looked pretty much the same as always in their tuxes.

I didn't notice any jaw droppingly bad looks on the red carpet this year.

Want to know a quick and easy way to get an Oscar Glow on your own skin?
It's in your pantry. And probably in your fridge too.

Baking soda!


Make a little paste in your hand with baking soda and water, scrub your face, rinse it off and you'll glow like crazy! Your skin will thank you.

*****
Did you watch the Academy Awards last night? Or do something more productive with your time than I did? Ha.

Duct tape decorating. Again.

I had lots of pretty duck tape left over from this project.
And the other day when I had the rare opportunity to take a nap, inspiration struck.
I had to get up immediately and get crafty.

I have these ugly gray drawer things in my office, organizing beads and supplies.


Why in the world do they need to stay ugly and gray?! They don't!!
Pretty duct tape to the rescue. Again.


I might be obsessed, y'all. Who, in their right mind, decorates with duct tape?
Often.

My office has been having a makeover lately and it's getting better by the day. This is just one little thing that makes it a happy space!
When I get it finished (and cleaned up... yikes), I'll show you photos.

On a different note, I think we're going to look at puppies today.
I'm a little nervous and teary, but we all really want a fluffy little love to fill that void.
Lilo misses her friend. We just want one badly. I don't know if we'll find the right one today but we'll see.

*****
What room of your home do you spend the most time in?

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join:

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants.
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the Linky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please sign in only if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week.
-------------------



This has been a bit of a rough week, but I know that no matter what, there is love around us!

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
— Psalm 98:1 (NIV)

Happy Friday to you!

This is the day...

...that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Rejoice is my word of the year. (I wear this necklace every single day.)

I'm still sad. I've cried a ridiculous amount of tears.
I didn't think I'd grieve a puppy like I am, but that's what's happening.
Ellie is gone and I'm quite sure she's not coming back. (although it would be wonderful is she did.)

And despite that, I know that there is a Lord who loves me deeply. He cares about my hurts. He is sad for me.
And He has given me another day filled with blessings.

I've always been tender hearted. And when I was a kid, I thought it was a fault.
I didn't want to be "wimpy" or "weak" and it killed me that I cried so easily.
I fought it.
As I've gotten older, I realize that God made me this way for a reason. He made me exactly the way He wants me to be. Tears and all.
I'm learning to accept that I am fearfully and wonderfully made: created and molded by a master's hands.
I no longer fight the tender heart, but embrace the emotions God has allowed me to feel.
I am gentle, and that's okay.

I could sure use sunshine today but I'm afraid it's not coming.
We have gray freezing rain instead. But I will still rejoice in a new day.



*****
Thank you all for the sweet comments and emails yesterday! You touched me deeply.
Do you have sunshine today where you live?

Sad.

Normally I keep my blog light and fun but today I'm just sad.
Yesterday Ellie disappeared.
Gone.
No sign of her anywhere.

She's been so good about staying right in our yard that we didn't think she'd run off.
But she's gone. We checked with all the neighbors, rode around in the woods on the 4-wheeler and can't find her anywhere. Gone.

And my heart hurts. I can't stop crying.
I know she's just a dog, but I love her.
I'm a blubbering sobbing mess.
When The Baby woke up this morning he asked, "Where's Ehhwie?" And I had to tell him she's gone.

I'm just so sad today.

Let's go get Donuts.

There's a little donut shop in our town that I love.
It's sweet and old and perfectly Middle America.


The decor hasn't been updated in years. It's definitely not a new posh cupcake bakery. And that's okay.



You get your own coffee. There's a cup next to the coffee pot to drop the money in. Honor system. (They don't have yummy flavored creamers so I usually skip the coffee. I'm so spoiled.)


A bunch of local farmers gather here every morning to shoot the breeze.
The first time I was here, I teared up at how beautiful and classic and warm it all is. For real.
There may have been some hormone issues going on with me that day, but still.
I think there's something so precious about old friendships.
No cell phones. No catty gossip. No worry about what they're wearing. Just content old men, chatting about weather and crops and families.
Love it.



We only go every few weeks, but my own company is usually pretty great.
We talk about crayons, John Deere tractors, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.


The donuts are completely amazing too.

Want to go?

*****
p.s. The winner of the recent giveaway is Tracey! Please email us at therustedchaininfo AT yahoo.

Joy.

We have a simple life. I'm a simple (minded) lady.
And it is so fun to find joy in the small things.

Last night The Man and I were in the parking lot of a grocery store and a lady came over to me and said, "Excuse me. I just wanted to let you know that from way over there, your hair is beautiful!!!"
And then she walked away.
And The Man and I both busted up laughing. That's it? That's the end of the compliment? From over there, it's beautiful, but up close it's what?... Stringy? Straw? Disgusting? Jaw droppingly ugly?? What???
Too funny.
I love having someone who completely gets me.

Other little joys this week:


1. Hob Lob. Mmmhmmm.
2. Hot pink polka dot blanket
3. Snowman with grass hair
4. Vintage linens
5. Yellow flowers
6. Aqua baker's twine
7. I {heart} Photography embroidery hoop sent by one of my favorite buyers (Thank you Suzanne!), on my favorite Sandi Henderson fabric. Happy Mail.
8. Almond Joy coffee creamer. *swoon*
9. Warm sunset.

I think the greatest of these is number 8.

*****
Do you have a favorite color to decorate with?

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join:

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants.
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the Linky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please sign in only if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week.
-------------------



This week felt like it was a break. After being snowed in last week for several days, it was amazing to see over 70 degree temperatures this week!
It felt relaxing. And fresh. Warm. There are signs of life with sprouting grass and flowers.
Evening walks with the dogs.
It was just like a bit sigh of relief.
It was so nice!

A little warmth. A little love. A little hope.

Today feels... warm. Not just because it will be around 70 degrees outside either.

Pretty warm yellow flowers on my dining room table.
The table was inherited from The Man's grandparents.
The old Dr. Pepper bottles were dug up out of our yard.
All of this makes my heart warm!






Even though the house needs cleaned, Lilo and Ellie are having a {LOUD} wrestling match in my office, I have orders up to my eyeballs, emails and phone calls that need returned, I just feel warm. Loved. Happy!

I listed this new little necklace in the shop. You can have your choice of Hope or Love. Both are adorable!
It could be a perfect little gift for yourself or someone else. Make their heart warm!


*****
Question: Do you have any fresh flowers in your home right now? If not, go get some! All the Valentine's flowers are on clearance. You should treat yourself.

Love Day

I'm not a very gushy or romantic kind of girl.
I'd rather watch an action movie over a traditional chick flick.
But I still love to be loved! And I love to share love.

I made heart shaped cupcakes for my family.
Place a little ball of tin foil between the cupcake liner and muffin tin before baking and they turn out like hearts.


Tonight we'll have our traditional Valentine's Day dinner.
The entire family gets a candlelight meal. All red foods. The kids get to drink sparkling red grape juice out of champagne flutes.
They love it!!


Even if you don't have a special someone in your life to share Valentine's Day with, remember that you are loved.
You are loved by the One who matters most! You are loved, cherished, chosen, adored.

*****This giveaway is now Closed.****
You know what goes well with those cupcakes?
Coffee! I fought it for a long time, but after tons and tons of requests, we had a coffee mug stamp made exclusively for The Rusted Chain.
I drew it and love the heart shaped steam coming up!!

Savor Moments necklace


And because I love to share love, I want to give you a chance to win one. (or you can choose something else from our shop if you'd prefer.)

A random winner will win a $25 gift certificate to our shop.

To enter: Leave a comment telling me what color you're wearing today.
For additional entries, tweet ("A lovely and yummy giveaway on @TheRustedChain! http://tinyurl.com/4v8po9j
"), Facebook, and blog about it. Please leave seperate comments for each of these.

Happy Love Day to you!!

Is it over yet?

The snow? It was pretty and fluffy and fun.
But it was also cold and wet. I'm ready for color.
Warmth. Sun. Vitamin D. Bring it.

I asked you the other day if you have any questions for me.
I must spill way too much already because not many of you had questions.
Either that or you find me boring/annoying and don't want me to tell more.
And that's okay. But I'm going to anyway.


"Stacey said...
Hmmm... What's your favorite thing about that gorgeous little friend of yours, The Lazy Mom?"
She cracks me up. That's my favorite thing about her. Plus she's gorgeous and little.

Danielle said...
Will you please move back to the Slate Creek district so I can see you more often?
(She's talking about our old school.) Sorry Dani, no. We love it out here in the country! But I sure do miss that school and the staff.


Suzanne said...
How is the new puppy doing?? I need a puppy fix since my husband would kill me if I even mentioned getting a puppy!!!
Ellie is so good! She's very sweet, super fluffy and smells good. Lilo does not smell good. She just stinks. But Ellie is my new snuggly baby.
p.s. Suzanne, I need to have words with you... You know what you did! *ahem* :)

A Family of Love said...
What made you decide to start a photography business? Besides your blog, how else do you get new clients?
When people started asking me to do photo shoots for them, and offering to pay, I figured I was on to something. (I'm bright like that...) I did about 15-20 free sessions before I really started charging. And I learned soooo much!! It really is much more difficult than I thought it would be. Making people feel comfortable in front of the camera, learning to deal with different personalities, accomidating everyone's tastes... It's tough but I love it.
New clients really just come through word of mouth and my blog.


mmmgleisner said...
What made you decide to get into jewelry? and Do you do all the work yourself?
I've always been crafty and just decided one day that I wanted to try making jewelry. I instantly fell in love with it and when I had too many pieces to wear, I listed some of them on ebay. They took off, sold right and left, and I had a little growing business! Now, I don't do all the work myself. I have a small team of ladies that helps me. I asked them once if I could take a photo and share it on my blog and they said no! They want to remain behind the scenes. But no, I definitely couldn't do it all on my own!

Erica said...
when are you going to visit me in sunny california?? ;) Today?! I'll hop a plane and be there today.

what is your favorite part about being a mom? what is the hardest or most frustrating part?
Favorite part? Too many to name. I love the cute ways kids mispronounce words and I never correct them. cluter = computer, towboy = cowboy, Ehwwie = Ellie. I love it.
Hardest? Being patient and keeping my cool when there are messes, or kids don't do what I want immediately. I'm not a very patient person so I struggle with this.

The Perfect Trio said...
i'd love to see more pictures of your home...what's comfy to you?? what's your style??? you said the other day that you are loving zebra print right now. i just wonder what else we have in common.
Ugh. This is a problem for me. I actually have pretty good taste and decent style. But you WOULD NOT know it by looking at our home right now. After we moved in last summer, we did a little remodeling, then jumped immediately into the Barn Sale, then into the madness of Fall and Christmas orders... The house has been last priority for too long.
Nearly every room still needs painted. The walls are mostly bare. Ew. There's a 1980's flower wallpaper border around our bathroom. Double ew.
My taste is funky/colorful/flea market/eclectic. I love bright fabrics like Anna Maria Horner and Amy Butler. Love splashes of zebra and damask patterns. Love rust. Love vintage fans. Love antique furniture mixed with sleek modern touches.

Anonymous said...
What time of day is best to take pictures?

Thanks so much for a great blog.....any ideas on how I can make my blog better? :)
Best time of day would be not in direct sunlight in the middle of the day. If you have to shoot in the middle, find a shady spot. My favorite time is right before sunset when everything is warm and yellow.
Making your own blog better? Hmmm... I'm not sure I'm the best person to ask. Ha! Keep it fresh. Share personal stories occasionally but not too much. Share things that people can take away and use for themselves. (recipes, crafts, tips, etc.)
Visit other blogs and leave genuine comments. And pictures. Everyone loves to look at pretty pictures.


After all that snow this week, we're looking at 40's and 50's this weekend. Warmth!! We might actually tackle some home remodeling projects.
How's your weekend looking? Any plans?

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join:

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants.
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the Linky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please sign in only if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week.
-------------------



This week was all about snow for us!
I believe we got close to 20 inches. I'm not a big fan of cold wet days, myself. But all I could think of was how much this will soak the ground and prepare everything for a gorgeous Spring.
Bring on the sunshine!

Ask me...

What would you like to ask?

If you're going to ask if we set a new record low temperature this morning the answer is yes.

If you're going to ask if my photoshop program is giving me fits today, the answer is yes.

If you're going to ask if I have to get out in the cold and mail a bunch of packages today, the answer is yes.

If you're going to ask if this is what our creek looks like right now, the answer is no. This was last week.


I haven't done this in a while, so what else would you like to know?
I'm an open book. Anything you want to ask me?

A Happy spot...

I'm a simple person, remember? I live out in the sticks.
I don't get out much. The nearest Starbuck's is 45 minutes away.
Target is also 45 minutes away.

So it's a treat when we get to go!
Today we're under 17 inches of snow. Huge drifts all around. We're stuck.
But last week we had a gorgeous day that I got to sneak off to Target.
And it made me so happy!

I ran into Pioneer Woman there.


I had an awesome shopping partner, who was very content with a bag of popcorn and a slushy.


I'm really liking zebra lately. I want a zebra chair for my home. Is that weird?
Don't answer that. Maybe I'll just get this zebra blanket and throw it over a chair.


Happy Flowers. And so much color! I love color so much.




We finished with lunch at Pei Wei. DanDan chicken = happy tummy.


I'm easily pleased.
What's your simple happy little pleasure?

Odd day.

Yesterday was just... odd.

You know I'm BFF's with Candace Cameron Bure, right?
She doesn't know that but you and I do.

I've been cheering her on all week as she made appearances all over tv (Today Show, Joy Behar show, etc.) to talk about her book, Reshaping It All. She's so sweet and I'm excited to see this sudden burst of attention on her!

She was going to be doing a signing in Oklahoma City on Friday.
So we thought, what the heck... let's go meet her!
I emailed her in the morning to say we were coming to see her.
It's only 3 hours away. The bookstore website said her appearance was from 12:00 - 2:00. My friend/assistant and I headed out.

We did get a bit of a late start, but showed up just after 1:00. And this is what we saw.


Empty chairs. Sad. Very sad.
The store manager said we'd missed her by 4 minutes.
He had no idea that the website said she'd be there until 2:00.

I shook my fists and said, "Do you know who I am?!"
Okay, not really.

So my friend and I looked at each other like, "Okay, now what? Do we just turn around and drive back?"
I said, "I think I saw a cowboy museum a little ways back...??"
Friend: "No Beki. Just no. What about Chick Fil A for lunch? We don't have those where we are and I'm pretty sure they have them here."

So we headed out to find Chick Fil A. And on the way we spotted a Cheesecake Factory instead. There may have been loud squeals from the ladies in the car, and from the tires making a quick turn into the parking lot.

I ordered something that Candace would have been proud of. (her book is much about weight loss.)


Then I ordered something she wouldn't be so proud of.


But I only had 4 bites. We also ordered one to take home to a friend of our's.
The one we took home was Turtle, my friend's was Reeses, and mine was Godiva dark chocolate. Mmmmm.

Next to the Cheesecake Factory was a mall so we decided to do a little retail therapy to drown our woes from missing Candace.

We went in a little boutique where the employee clearly thought we weren't worthy of shopping in there. It was a very Julia Roberts moment.
So I got feisty and knocked over a tower of True Religion jeans. Okay, not really but I thought about it and that felt good.


I took photos where I wasn't supposed to. Such a rebel.


Sephora got a lot of our money.


We finally headed home and were stuck in OKC traffic for an hour and a half. Bumper to bumper. Iced over roads. Cars in the ditches everywhere.
Fun times.

We ended up making the best of an odd day.
But the most ironic part? When I got home, I saw that Candace had emailed me offering to get together at another location.

Guess who doesn't have internet on her phone because she's still Amish. That's right... ME, boys and girls!
Some of you will remember that I finally gave in and got a cell phone a few months ago. I'm so behind the times. And I'm really good with that. Until something like this happens.

Candace, I'm sorry we missed you!! Next time I'm hanging out in L.A. we'll get together. Ha!

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join.

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants.
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the Linky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please sign in only if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week.
-------------------

I can't really think of a reason for this photo, other than I just miss color.
I miss green grass, hot pink flowers, sweaty kids with pink cheeks, and bright juicy fresh fruit.
I know it's coming back soon enough, but I just needed a splash of it here.
Looking outside right now, it's hard to imagine that all of those colors will be apparent in just a few months.


Psalm 18:1-2
I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Out and In.

Outside it's Snowmageddon. Snowpocalypse. The Beast.
We're trapped.

Our windows are iced over.


The field that I normally show with deer and coyotes in it is pure white.


Inside we have hot chocolate.
Heart marshmallows.
Family game night. (Thank you wii!)




I'm stocked up on dark chocolate and coffee, so it's okay.
We'll make it.

How is it where you are??