and dirty dishes
If you are a long time reader, you know how much I love the simple way of life Amish and Mennonite families lead. When I was asked to review Gathering of Sisters by Darla Weaver, I jumped at the chance. A book about the “real” lives of Old Order Mennonite? Sign me up. So, I joined Darla, her five sisters, her mother and a bunch of kids for an entire year of Tuesday visits.
How many times do you wake up happy, with a positive attitude for the day? How often are you truly happy? How many times do you choose to make your life happy? Are you truly living your life as your authentic self? Jacqueline Pirtle has written an amazingly inspirational book that can help you do just that!
Anyone who knows me well, knows I love the Amish – the simple way they live and their deep faith and family roots. When I was asked to review Homespun: Amish and Mennonite Women in Their Own Words, I was honored to do so. I have enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives of the authors and seeing how I can use their advice and ideas in my own home and life.
These Santa boots were definitely not made for walking… but, they would look adorable on your mantle or as an extra-special way to give small gifts, gift cards, or candy. The best part is, you can make these in a couple of hours and have them ready for gift giving or to decorate your home. Go beyond the boring gift packaging this year, and give them their own Santa Boots! (more…)
Get ready to meet Britain’s worst inn keeper! Lilly Bartlett has done it again with her new release, Christmas at the Falling Down Guesthouse.After a phone call interrupts a nice dream she’s having, Lottie finds out her Aunt Kate has been hospitalized after a car accident. Reminiscent of the phone call she received during her parents’ dream vacation, Lottie bundles her daughter and herself off to Wales to see Aunt Kate.
Check out the elegant pumpkin decorations I made! I love when I can use holiday decorations more than one holiday… so, when I saw these unpainted pumpkins on Oriental Trading’s website I knew I had to make something with them that I could use the entire autumn season! I wanted something more classy and elegant than just orange pumpkins, so I decided a little sparkle was in order – everything is better with glitter! Keep reading to learn how to make these super easy elegant pumpkin decorations!
If you are new to Mini Van Dreams, you may not know that Fall is my favorite season – the pumpkins, the gourds, the leaves changing, and Halloween. My fall decorations are on the skimpy side this year, so I thought I’d create something fun and fall. So, I came up with this fun bucket of pumpkins for sale. I hope you enjoy!
Today starts the annual two week campaign for Cones for the Cure in conjunction with Graeter’s Ice Cream. Participating Graeter’s locations in Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Lexington, Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Chicago will help The Cure Starts Now find a cure for pediatric brain cancer and all cancers.
Lilly Bartlett is back again with another fun rom-com book – The Big Dreams Beach Hotel! If you don’t remember, Lilly Bartlett is actually one of my favorite authors – Michele Gorman! The Big Dreams Beach Hotel is a great, feel-good read that would be perfect to read during the upcoming Labor Day weekend! (more…)
One chance isn’t always enough. Everyone deserves second chances. Sometimes, in life, you come across a building that deserves a second chance as well. Put those two ideas together – and you have The Second Chance Cafe! After having a champagne wedding on a malt-beer budget, Emma and Daniel are back for this romcom sequel full of crazy fun and lovable, quirky characters! (more…)