How to Convert Cabinets to Open Shelving

I’ve always loved the look of open shelving. The lightness of having things open, and the easy accessibility of everything appeals to me.

So not long after we finished redoing our cabinets when I noticed a guest open every door to find a cup, I began thinking. That thinking turned into a little project-isn’t that what always happens?

Here’s what the cabs looked like when we were all done with the redo, before I did the open shelving.

To get the open shelving look I just took two doors off one part of the top cabinet. And then I resisted the urge to buy new, pretty dishes and just gathered up all my white dishes. I also found a few fun orange dishes on the clearance rack at Target. Love Target, love the price on these plastic dishes-less than a dollar for each one. Yippie!

But after I was done with that the whole thing looked a bit unfinished-like we just forgot to put the doors on. I looked at it for a few weeks until I just couldn’t take it any more. I grabbed some burlap and put it up in the back. All I did was cut the burlap to size and hot glue it up around the edges.

It seemed a bit undone so I drug the family to Lowe’s and found a piece of trim. Our first thought was to trim out the whole thing, around the edges and all. But I thought just trimming the edges of the shelves would be easier-no corners to miter and all.

I measured and cut four lengths to fit the inside of the shelve. I just used my little miter box and a hand saw, then I painted the trim with a few coats of the cabinet paint. To adhere them I just hot glued them.

The difference is subtle but it’s still a difference. It looks more intentional now, and complete. And since it’s all up with hot glue, it should be pretty easy to undo if we ever get a hankering for that.

Here’s one last closer look. I think it works, and I’m pretty happy that I was able to do this one myself. So is my hubby.

Now, what to do with two cabinet doors? I’m thinking I’ve got another project on my hands!

I’m linking up to Kimba’s DIY day today-click the link to find some fun DIY inspiration.

Another cool place to visit today is The Shades of Pink Room a Month, she's got an awesome Roman Shades tutorial today!

Homegrown Pumpkins

I’ve been finding beauty this week out in my own backyard.

Every fall it seems like I spend a fortune purchasing pumpkins for the front porch. I buy big ones, short and squatty ones, little funny shaped ones, and of course, ones with different colors. Fall is easily my most favorite time of the year, so it doesn’t take much to get carried away. Until I see the price of purchasing all those pumpkins and gourds.

Yikes-it really adds up.

This year we tried our hand at growing our own and right now we have quite a large patch on the side of our house. Most of the pumpkins growing are white, but these little beauties surprised us. Zac picked them last night and I quickly gave them a prominent spot on the front porch. I have no idea how they got to our little pumpkin patch but I’m so thrilled they did. There’s a few more growing that we thought we’d let grow a bit more, and then there’s all the white ones.

The price of pumpkins seeds was tiny, we had an empty spot to grow them in and it’s so fun to see that it actually worked.

I love being able to decorate my home with things from my own yard, and I really love how little it cost me. We planted the seeds, set up a drip line and pretty much ignored them until now.

I can’t wait to see how the other ones are growing.

Speaking of growing, our first grader Levi is almost done with his first chapter book. He picked it up yesterday and loves the story, he can’t wait to finish it and start the next one in the series. It’s been so neat to watch him walk through his day with his nose in a book.

Finding beauty in the simple things is only a matter of looking around and making a choice to be grateful for what’s in front of you. I’m doing that this week, along with lots of others by sharing in Melissa’s Beautiful Life Friday. Head over to The Inspired Room to see what others have to say about the beauty they’ve found.

Everyone is a Ten at Something

Wayne Corderio has said, “Everyone is a ten at something.”

I think about that from time to time. I wonder what exactly my ten is. Of all the different hats that I wear which one is the ten, the one which I was perfectly created for?

Honestly, some days I don’t have the first clue. And there are other days; days of clarity and peace when I can really say, “Aha, that’s what’s this life is about.”

I know that he has created me for something very specific, he has something personal just for me to do. That is what my ten is, that is where I shine, where I find the most peace and joy, and interestingly enough, it is also where people will see Christ in me the most.

David didn’t suddenly become an expert marksman with a slingshot when Goliath showed up, or a master harpist when King Saul invited him to the palace. He took the long, slow, disciplined route. David had no idea what his future held, he simply found joy and fulfillment in discovering and developing his gifts. Your greatest obstacle to personal growth isn’t ignorance, it’s the illusion of knowledge. It’s in believing you’ve “arrived.” When that happens you’re done growing, which means you’re done!

Which zone do you live in? The challenge zone: “I attempt to do what I haven’t done before.” The comfort zone: “I only do what I already know I can do.” The coasting zone: “I don’t even do what I’ve done before.” Phillips Brooks said, “Sad is the day for any man when he becomes absolutely satisfied with the life he is living, the thoughts he is thinking, and the things he is doing; when there ceases to be forever beating at the doors of his soul a desire to do something larger which he seeks and knows he was meant and intended to do.” (Bob Gass)

You know, you were created with something specific in mind as well. You are a ten at something too. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that or to get too focused on just getting through your daily stuff to remember what your passion is.

What is it that really makes you feel alive? I believe that is the key to discovering what it is God meant for you to do. Find out what makes you feel alive and then ask God to reveal to you how he wants you to be concerning that thing.

You are a ten at something.

You were created to do something amazing, something only you can do.

What is it, then, that you were created for?

Adding Touches of Fall

I'm linking up to Kimba's DIY day-be sure to cruise over for lots of cool projects!

Keeping it simple around here this year. School and always saying “yes” has been keeping me busy, it’s left me with little time to add fall touches around the house.

To keep it simple I’ve brought in a few natural elements and textures to make my home a bit more cozy for fall.

Sticks in a silver urn make a great statement, I love the juxtaposition of the shiny silver and rough birch branches.

Acorns gathered by the kids look right at home in an antique dish.

And some pillows add warm, cozy texture.

Fall in just a few minutes, with very little effort and very little money. Now all I have to do is plump up a few pillows and snuggle under a cozy blanket with a good book. Doesn’t that just say fall to you?

The Power of Yes

We’ve been having a little experiment around here recently.

It all started because of something we heard on the radio. We were listening to Dr. Laura’s show and heard her giving advice to a frustrated mom. Her words of wisdom can pretty much be summed up in a few simple words: “You’re not saying yes enough.”

She went on, “If it’s not damaging, dangerous or terminal you need to say yes.”

The whole point was that parents (like me) can sometimes be a bit too controlling. (Um, again, like me.) By saying yes we bring some much needed freedom to ourselves and our children.

So Zac and I said to each other, “Hmmmm-maybe we should try it.”

So today I said, “Yes.” When the girls said we should make cupcakes, and when the idea to make cupcakes morphed into a party for all our nearest and dearest friends, I stifled a scream and put a smile on my face and I said, “Yes.”

So we did.

We baked cupcakes, with sprinkles inside. We called our neighbors, and I talked them down from inviting twenty guests. So we ended with three friends and one mom.

They helped to set the table and get the cupcakes ready. They helped tidy things up and put toys away.

It was a smashing success.

And it was a lesson learned.

You see, I say, “No” far too much. No to things that might make a mess, no to things that seem too uncomfortable, no to things that just don’t fit into the schedule. And when I say, “No” as much I usually do I find that oftentimes I miss out on life.

How often have I said, “No” to something that, although might have been inconvenient and unplanned, would have been a wonderful thing?

How much have I missed out on?

Now at our house we’re really rethinking things. We’ve found some freedom and realize that it’s really not that big of a deal if our youngest wants to drink her juice from a plastic teapot. If our middle child wants to run and splash in the little pool right before dinner in her underwear, is it really that big of a deal? I’m thinking not so much.

I’m saying “yes” more, and by doing so I’m embracing life. And it’s good.

I don’t really want to miss on anything else, I really want to let go and not feel the need to control everything. By saying no I was holding on to control, at least I thought I was. But all along God has been nudging me to embrace more and resist less. He has been wanting me to say, “Yes.” Say “Yes” to his thoughts and his plans, to his ideas and his views of myself.

And, yes, it’s wonderfully freeing.

What should you be saying “Yes” to right now?

I'm linking up to Melissa's Beautiful Life Friday! Head over for a chance to see how others are finding beauty this week, and for a cool giveaway.

Lately…..

Lately I’ve been into this song .

Lately I’ve been relishing coffee outside in the morning, knowing those days are numbered.

Lately I’ve been doing a double take at the mirror, wondering who the dark haired woman is in the reflection-oh yeah, it’s just me.

Lately I’m feeling like I’m kind of getting the hang of this home school thing.

Lately I’ve been running the vacuum a lot more because of our new four legged friend.

Lately I’m just happy to be where I am, lately I’m just feeling so grateful for life right now.

What are you into lately?

Thank you, Gina!

I just wanted to leave you a note to say, "thank you". : ) I think that you are a wonderful wife and mother and I just adore your blog posts and I admire your relationship with God. : ) I had such a great time working with you to create a new look for your blog! I absolutely love your new look and I hope that you will too! You are a pleasure to work with! Don't be a stranger. ; )

Take good care and God bless,

Tera from A Little Bit of TLC {The Creative Blog}

Levi Right Now

Life right now for Levi:

He reads and reads and reads-whatever he can get his hands on.

He leaves Bionicles here, there and everywhere.

He likes math the best.

He's always building something with Legos.

He's loving school and loving life as a rowdy six year old boy-and we're enjoying (almost) every minute of it.

How to Make a Sweater Knit Pillow Cover

Pottery Barn

Fall is in the air and I love the opportunity to make home a bit more cozy and comfy. I'm also loving these Pottery Barn Sweater Pillow covers. They seem like a great way to add some warmth and texture, and invite us all in to snuggle.

Since I live on more of a Target budget I had the idea to work up some sweater pillow covers on my own.

So I found a sweater at a thrift store, gathered up some matching yarn and some children's safety needles.

Cause sewing and I don't always get alone.

And really, they're big enough to thread yarn through.

Then I cut the sleeves off of the sweater.

Since it was a turtleneck I took that off too.

Then I turned it inside out and stitched up the sleeve holes and the neck holes. Now, you need to know-this isn't brain surgery and it sure doesn't look perfect. In fact, it's far from. But it stays together and when it's all done it looks good; although good isn't perfect, it's good enough for me!

I left the bottom open so I could slip the pillow in, just like a pillow case.

All that's left to do now is stitch up the opening and admire your handiwork, then vacuum because cut up sweaters sure make a mess.

Plush comfort on a thrift store budget-doesn't get any better than that.

I'm sharing with Kimba's DIY party today-head over to be inspired by tons of great DIY projects.

Life as a Verb: Works and Faith

source: Tony Avellana

You did not do anything to achieve your salvation, but you must do something to exhibit it. you must "work out your salvation" which God has worked in you already. Are your speech, your thinking, and your emotions evidence that you are working it out? If your are still the same miserable, grouchy person set on having your own way, then it is a lie to say that God has sanctified you.

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Living life as a verb means living a life of action. But, what do our actions have to do with our faith?

Our actions don't save us, they do not earn us God's favor or grace, they certainly do not secure our salvation.

But once salvation comes, and that only by faith, our outward actions should reflect the inner change in us.

You see, faith and deeds go hand in hand. They work together as evidence that God is working in us.

James 2: 18 in The Message reminds us of this. "Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove."

Faith is the first step to drawing towards God, works are the evidence that God is in me. Works are the verbs of our lives: loving, praying, sharing, enduring, growing, learning.

What verbs have marked your week? I'm praying my week to come will be marked by love and the ability to persevere (in other words, patience).

I guess they were just getting ready

One Saturday morning breakfast with bacon, plus two very imaginative girls, makes for an entertaining meal.

Can you guess what she's doing?

Yep, just training her dog-I mean her little sister.

I suppose they had a hunch that this guy was going to join our family.


Yep, our family just grew by four feet, one tail and two cute floppy ears. His name is Trigger and he's a catahoula heeler. He fits right in and seems quite happy here with us. We're pretty happy with him too.

A Week of Homeschooling

I think we're getting in our groove. Adjusting and figuring out how homeschooling works for us took all this week, and will probably take the whole rest of this month.


We discovered a math game that he loves.


We figured out that she really wants to be a part of everything.


We did a little project and memorized a poem.



We even had a fun excursion and did our own archeology dig. We got the idea from The Story of the World.


And this one we learned, just wants to make us laugh. And she did, she has a great gift to lighten the mood and used this gift often this week. For that we were all grateful.

It was a good week-we're looking forward to lots more.

Fall Nesting

So here's the scoop: this is a room that looks amazingly fine right now. And it's even clean at this very moment-a rare thing these days!

This is our family room, or only room, that runs into the kitchen and is the first thing you see when you walk through the door. Well, the first thing you see once you get past three goofy kids who are super excited to have company over.

It's a room that's totally ready for summer. Notice the calming blues and relaxing seashells scattered around. Except that it's fall (well, it's September and that's close enough for me) and it's time to warm things up around here.

There's the seashell terrarium, filled with-you guessed it seashells.

There's the cool turquoise blanket, a necessity for the cool nights here. Have I mentioned that we do not live close the ocean? I think seashells are no longer appropriate, given that it's not really summer and the ocean is, oh, bout 200 miles or so away.

And I can't forget the spring birdy-nice and blue and not ready to fly south for the winter.

Then there's my table runner/widow treatment. I know I could totally turn a few napkins into something fallish for this window, but I don't have any fallish napkins and none of my fall sweaters are big enough.

What's a girl to do?

Here's where the help comes in. Melissa, over at the Inspired Room, is giving away some amazing gift cards for TJ Maxx/Home Goods. And in the interest of creating a cozy place for my family and friends to rest this fall I'm groveling-cause I totally would love to win one.

I imagine a fluffy throw or two, a window treatment that was actually meant to be a window treatment, maybe a few little pumpkins to take the bird's place once he's flown the coop. Oh, and to lose the terrarium and put something fabulous in it's spot.

So, Melissa, imagine me, jumping up and down saying, "Pick me! Pick me!" right now, oh and bringing you a Pumpkin Spice Latte and a scone. It'd be super fun to win this one!

What life like a Verb looks like

image source: telegraph.co.uk

What does living life like a verb look like?

Seek him first, every day. Psalm 5:3, “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

Look outward, and as you do so consider those you see as better than yourself. Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit; but in humility, consider others better than yourselves.”

Rely on God in everything. 1 John 4:15-16, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, then God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.”

Praise God, focusing on him makes our problems seem a little bit smaller. Matthew 6: 25-26 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

Walk in love in all that you do. 1 John 3:18, “Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

What a difference these verbs can make in our lives. When we go through our days with these admonitions before us our actions will truly speak louder than our words. And those actions will propel others towards Christ simply because He is seen in all that we do. The precepts that God has given in his word abound in verbs: love God, love your neighbor, serve others, pray for others, clothe yourselves with compassion and kindness. Christ’s love poured out for us should move us to action, it should motivate us to act and be different.

What verb would you focus on today?

Read up on My life as a Verb here and come back next Wednesday for some more thoughts on our actions.