Ever since I was a little girl I have had a little love affair with mini-journals. One of the things that I love about mini-journals it that they can make the perfect companion to carry with you or can be the perfect little gift to let someone know you are thinking about them.
I have also found that mini albums can be a sweet present to someone going through a difficult time. One of my favorite mini-journals that I ever created was a "mini teapot album" for a friend who was going through a particularly difficult time a couple of summers ago.
In addition to giving as a gift, I also love that mini-journals can be the perfect little addition to home decor for different seasons throughout the year.
With fall and autumn quickly approaching I wanted to add some fall specific mini-journals into the shop and love the final products! If you are looking for a cute little fall notebook, a fun little present during this time of the year, or want to just add a little display of fall to your home then these mini-albums are the perfect addition. Each mini-album is also only $6 so it is the perfect little gift for this time of year.
One of my favorite additions is this adorable "Oh Happy Day" mini journal which can be found HERE. This adorable mini journal also comes in a kraft colored version which you can find HERE. These mini-journals have a "hard" cover and are approximately 2 x 3 inches. They are approximately 30 lined pages inside these adorable journals that are filled with sweet fall and autumn embellishments including one of a kind ribbon, scrapbook paper, and washi tape.
I have always thought gold tones are reminiscent of fall days don't y'all think so? Because of this I wanted to add in a few fall mini-journals that included these gold tones. This striped gold fall mini journal is so cute with its colors and I love the final product. You can find this album HERE.
One of my other favorites that you can see above is the gold dot mini journal. I love the colors included and the light brown ribbons that remind me of hay and hay rides.
Probably my favorite though of the gold collection mini-journal is this adorable gold leaf fall mini journal.
The color combination and the intricate leaf design on the front makes for a beautiful finished product.
And I love the coordinating leaf ribbons that are included in the journal that match the intricate gold leaf design. You can find this journal HERE.
While orange tones are the typical fall colors I also decided to add in some fall journals with purple tones. I shared about this It's Fall Ya'll journal in a post a couple of weeks ago (you can read about it HERE) or you can find it in the shop HERE.
There is also a light brown colored version which can be found HERE. If you are looking for a twist on the typical fall colors these min-journals would be the perfect solution.
Those are just a few of the fall mini journals that are now available in the shop! There are many others, including this "hello" mini-journal (which can be found HERE) so head on over to the shop by clicking HERE.
Also, as I mentioned last week the shop will be closed for three weeks, starting on Wednesday, September 20th and will re-open on Wednesday, October 11th. Don't delay in stocking up on any items that you will want in the next few days before the shop will take the short break! If you have any questions please feel free to email me or contact me through the shop!
Happy Saturday friends! I hope that you have a wonderful day with friends and family!!
Two of My Favorite Things to Wear to Transition My Closet from Summer to Fall Clothing
September 13, 2017
I'm so excited today y'all to link up with Shay and Erika's link up "workin' it wednesdays". Each month there is a different topic and today, we're blogging about transitional pieces for summer to fall clothing.
I was so excited to see this topic because if we are connected on Pinterest (and if we aren't drop me a comment with your link- I would love to connect with you!) then you know that I have different boards for all different seasons and this includes fashion and style boards for different seasons and occasions. Right now my Style Love: Fall and Winter board is getting a ton of love (like the picture I found on the internet and pinned above) because I just keep seeing so many adorable fall outfits that I want to try this autumn!
Fall in the New England area is... wonderful. *happy sigh* It's incredibly beautiful, the air is crisp, the beauty of change is all around, and everything seems a bit more lovely. I dream of apple picking, fall bonfires, hayrides, stargazing, and cute and cozy clothing. Fall in New England seems quitisential in every single way and one of the things I love about fall fashion is that you can use some summer pieces into the fall as layers. So today I am sharing two of my favorite things to wear to transition my closet from summer to fall.
I was so excited to see this topic because if we are connected on Pinterest (and if we aren't drop me a comment with your link- I would love to connect with you!) then you know that I have different boards for all different seasons and this includes fashion and style boards for different seasons and occasions. Right now my Style Love: Fall and Winter board is getting a ton of love (like the picture I found on the internet and pinned above) because I just keep seeing so many adorable fall outfits that I want to try this autumn!
Fall in the New England area is... wonderful. *happy sigh* It's incredibly beautiful, the air is crisp, the beauty of change is all around, and everything seems a bit more lovely. I dream of apple picking, fall bonfires, hayrides, stargazing, and cute and cozy clothing. Fall in New England seems quitisential in every single way and one of the things I love about fall fashion is that you can use some summer pieces into the fall as layers. So today I am sharing two of my favorite things to wear to transition my closet from summer to fall.
(1) Scarves
If you have been around this blog or know me at all I am pretty sure that you could have guessed that scarves- especially beautiful and pretty blanket scarves would make the list! *smiles* I love that scarves can easily help transition summer clothing to fall in one easy step. I wear a ton of different scarves, but in the fall I pretty much live in the blanket scarfs above (all from ASOS or Joules) and also have fallen in love with a couple of other new ones:
This ASOS Oversized Square Scarf In White Based Plaid was something I was SO excited to find this year. I have been searching for a scarf like this for a couple of years and I love that it is the perfect blanket scarf for not only fall but will be great throughout the winter months also. Some of my favorite pins on Pinterest with this type of scarf are HERE, HERE, and HERE. This scarf from ASOS is less than $30 and can be found HERE.
Another new favorite scarf from ASOS was this ASOS Oversized Square Scarf In Brown Based Check With Yellow Highlight. I love the "moody and dark" fall colors and this color combination is the perfect fall combination. I love the twist on the scarf that it includes the yellow highlight - something that is a fun addition to the scarf! This scarf is also under $30 and can be found HERE.
Finally, this Oversized Square Tweed Scarf from ASOS is a cute favoroite that screams lovely to my little British loving heart. It was hard to find a tweed scarf look for the fall that I loved on Pinterest, but this one HERE is cute! I will be on the hunt for more outfit inspirations with this scarf! Like the two above, this scarf is also under $30 and can be found HERE.
I love wearing all different kinds of boots in the fall and winter. One of my favorite pairs of boots that I live in is red boots from Joules (I have worn them everywhere, including walking around the set of When Calls the Heart back in December!). The great thing about their "wellies" is that they are perfect for a variety of different weather seasons, including rain and even snow.
One of my favorite things though in the fall to do is wear adorable booties and boots like this picture above. I love the way that a great pair of boots can easily change your entire look from summer to fall. I love a great pair of brown boots that can go with so many different outfits. Here are a couple of my favorites:
This adorableTory Burch Adeline Boot is available at Nordstrom and is currently on sale for 40% off. The boot also comes in black and you can find them both HERE.
So these are just two of the pieces that I use to help transition my summer clothing to fall clothing! On Friday I will be sharing more pieces that I like to use to transition from summer to fall and I'd love to know your thoughts!! Comment below (or link up!) and share this with us!
And to see the topics for the next months:
Happy Wednesday friends!
Today I awoke to a beautiful morning sunrise reminding me that the Lord's mercies are new every single morning. Today we travel down to NYC to meet with a specialist that we are praying and hoping can help provide some good wisdom for this continued infection that I have been dealing with since December that is causing so many issues and lots of pain. We would covet your prayers for safety as we travel, wisdom, and also for this appointment with this doctor that will take place this afternoon. Thank you so much friends.
Today marks sixteen years since America witnessed one of the worst terrorist attacks in
our history.
When I was a High School History teacher I would show my students a documentary about September 11th as a way to help them understand the tragedy and the bravery of so many on this day. For truly in the darkest of moments the character and bravery of so many also came to light.
The documentary was a way to not only "pause and remember" but to reflect on the incredible amount of freedom that we experience in America and to remember to honor and pray for those who have given so much for our country in past and to thank and pray for those who are serving our country today.
I
would also share my personal story of being on the first international flight
allowed back into the country, dealing with the horror of lost loved ones and
friends (and of friends who lost so many people that day), and of finding so
much hope through the kindness of strangers and of a country rallying together.
A couple of years ago I walked back into Newark Airport for the first time in 13 years and
was overcome by the differences. Instead of Air Marshall's guarding
our flight and the tension that came with our long international flight and the
regulations of being the first flight back into the US, my flight from
California was peaceful as many people slept for the duration. Instead of the
stewards and stewardesses crying, they were smiling. Instead of the passengers
singing "God Bless America", we landed silently. Instead of rows and
rows of planes not moving at Newark, planes were steadily taking off the
ground. Instead of being greeted by soldiers lined up at our gate to greet and
escort us to immigration lines, I walked off the and easily went to my next gate. Instead of Newark
being a chaotic scene of red cross workers, rows and rows of cots, family
members and loved ones in tears, and the haunted look of despair, Newark was
busy with people excited to get to their destinations. I paused to look out at
the exact place that I stood at 13 years ago and was overcome with emotion.
Emotion at the changes. Emotion for those that lost so much that day. Emotion for the way that our country rallied together and responded to the crisis. Emotion for those who continue to grieve their lost loved ones. Emotion for living in a country that fights for freedom despite incredible odds and terror. As
we stop to remember the loss of loved ones I thank God for living in a country
that is free. A country that (though we may not agree
with everything) is blessed beyond measure and rebuilds after tragedy. My heart
goes out to all who lost a loved one this tragic day 13 years ago. May you feel
the comfort and the love of so many around the nation and around the world as
we pause to reflect on the bravery of so many. As we head into today I
pray that we honor this day with service to those around us. Let's take a
moment to thank so many that are doing so much for our country. Let's surrender
to the Lord our lives and give it to Him fully. Trust Him sweet friends. He
will lead and guide you - in tragedy and grief and in the good. I
pray that we always remember September 11th and honor those who were lost,
encourage the hearts of those who are grieving lost loved ones, and remember
the bravery of so many.
Father
Mychal Judge, who was killed on September 11th, gave his last message to many of the firefighters who were heroes on September 11th the day before the tragedy happened. Today, I wanted to share part of it with you as encouragement. May we always remember the bravery of so many that day:
"Thank you Lord for life. Thank you for love.
Thank you for goodness. Thank you for work. Thank you for
family. Thank you for friends. Thank you for every gift because we
know that every gift comes from you, and without you, we have and are
nothing. So, as we celebrate this day in thanksgiving to you, keep our
hearts and minds open. Let us enjoy each other's company, and most of all,
let us be conscious of Your presence in our lives and in a special way in the
lives of all those who have gone before us. And Father we make our
prayer, as always, in Jesus' name who lives with You forever and ever...
That's the way it is. Good days. And bad days. Up days.
Down days. Sad days. Happy days. But never a boring day on
this job. You do what God has called you to do. You show up.
You put one foot in front of another. You get on the rig and you go out
and you do the job - which is a mystery. And a surprise. You have
no idea when you get on that rig. No matter how big the call. No
matter how small. You have no idea what God is calling you to. But
he needs you. He needs me. He needs all of us. "
(Pictures are taken from a visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. You can read more about the visit HERE. If you are in NYC I can't recommend enough taking time to go and visit this museum that is absolutely wonderful in honoring those who sacrificed their lives and teaching the history of that day.)
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To download and use for personal/church use, right click on the image and save to computer and print on thick cardstock or photo paper. Please tag @rebeccaannvandemark (on IG) or @caravansonnet (on pinterest or twitter) when sharing on social media.
Looking for past Sunday Scripture Posts? Click HERE!
This was originally posted in the Sunday Scripture Series as Sunday Scripture Two. I have re-posted it today as the prayer of my heart is with all of those affected by the storms, flooding, and natural disasters. Please know that my heart and prayers are with each of you. So many are praying and begging God for an end to this time of darkness and despair.
Happy Saturday friends! Today I am so excited to share with you a fun and cute addition to the shop! This adorable Sewing Scissors Bamboo Altered Journal is now available for purchase! (You can find it HERE!)
Ever since I was a young girl, I have always had an obsession with journaling and making things that I own pretty. Each of my personal journals are stuffed with colorful, unique, whimsical, and pretty ribbons, sweet paraphernalia, and writing that speaks to my heart and that encourages me.
Since I was a young girl I have kept hundreds of journals (no exaggeration!). Each of them is filled with different colors and paraphernalia. It makes me giggle to think back on what I felt was "important" to keep at the time and makes me grateful for a fun way to keep precious memories alive.
As I have worked to expand the items that are available in the shop I have loved finding unique and fun journals to add.
When I saw this journal I immediately fell in love with the "vintage" sweetness of it and I knew immediately that I had to create an altered version for the shop. Y'all know how much I love crafts and creativity and this journal just brought a smile to my face. This Sewing Scissors Bamboo Altered Journal is approximately 5 and 1/2 by 4 and holds approximately 120 lined sheets. The Sewing Scissors Bamboo Altered Journal has been altered using a variety of purple tones, creams, and browns to create a unique and classic "rich" look.
If you are interested in purchasing the Sewing Scissors Bamboo Altered Journal you can find it HERE. If you are interested in looking at other altered journals that are available in the shop you can find them in the altered journals section HERE.
Finally, I want to say a huge thank you for all of the support for my shop this summer. I have been so blessed by all of your orders, your sweet words, your reviews, and your general support for my shop. It is hard to believe (as I have mentioned here before) that we are coming to the end of the summer months which means that I will be closing the shop for a couple of weeks as we pack to move out of our cabin to my grandmother's home for the fall and winter.
The shop will be closed for three weeks, starting on Wednesday, September 20th and will re-open on Wednesday, October 11th. Don't delay in stocking up on any items that you will want in the next few days before the shop will take the short break! If you have any questions please feel free to email me or contact me through the shop!
Happy Saturday friends! I hope that you have a wonderful day with friends and family!!
One of the things to do when fighting Lyme Disease (and any illness in my opinion) is to examine the role of detox in your life. At the beginning of this journey I had a really hard time detoxifying and it was a learning game over the years to figure out what worked with my body without being to harsh.
I have shared before about the the benefits of dry brushing (which you can read about HERE) and today I wanted to update and share a bit more about detox baths. For a LONG time my life consisted of two detox baths a day to help in the role of healing.
To be frank, I am not sure why I didn't start doing detox baths before November 2014. I used to take a relaxing bath once a week when I was teaching, but I never really investigated the arena of detox baths until 2014. After several of my Lyme symptoms continued to flare and worsen and become debilitating, I was desperate to find relief and a friend suggested Epsom salt baths.
I researched a ton about it, talked with several other "Lymie friends", discussed it with a naturopath doctor, talked with my physician, and continued to research some more. After about 4 weeks of intense research I thought it was worth a try and could help me on this journey. Frankly I have never regretted it or looked back.
The benefits that I have found plus the benefits to my health and help in healing have been priceless. For a long time I was asked if I really kept up with 2 a day detox baths and the answer was a definite YES. I did them every single day- even on holidays and continue to do them even though I don't always do two a day at this stage in my healing journey.
One of things that best things that a detox bath does is help my body remove unwanted toxins. Due to the fact that I do have the MTHFR gene my body struggles (more than the "normal person") to detoxify. Having added toxins is never good for your health but especially when you are fighting Lyme (or any other illness) you do not need to carry additional toxins. These baths are a simple aid that I can use to help my support this detoxification process.
A second thing that a detox bath does is to help strengthen my immune system. When you are seriously ill detox baths can be a simple way of allowing you to absorb some things that you might not be able to otherwise do through your skin. Some of the products that you can use in your detox bath can help strengthen your immune system which can also be a wonderful help!
So as I mentioned before I take Epsom salt baths (as my base).There are so many benefits of Epsom salts which include:
(1) improving heart health
(2)reducing blood clots
(3) lowering blood pressure
(4) improving the body's ability to use insulin,
(5)reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes,
(6)Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells
(7) easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances,
(8)Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes and more."
I add to the Epsom salt baths a 1/3 of a cup of raw apple cider vinegar (you can read about the benefits of apple cider vinegar here), a 1/3 of a cup of Aloe Vera Juice, and then certain essential oils that I have researched and found to be helpful not only with my symptoms but also help in the healing process of Lyme Disease. [I have also been known to add in additional kinds of Aloe Vera juice, probiotics, and even water from stems of greens].
There are so many different detox bath recipes that you can find online or in doing research. Kris Carr has created a detox bath recipe which you can find by clicking here. The wellness mama lists three different detox bath recipes on her website which you can find by clicking here. (Honestly I could list about a thousand so I would encourage you to talk with your physician and do lots of research!)
As far as the temperature goes I actually vary the temperature every day with every bath. It takes a crazy amount of planning but I take the time to really think through and map out my baths and their temperatures. There are a couple of reasons for this.
First, many people believe that very hot baths are the best at killing toxins. I believe that there is merit to this, but there is also research coming out of Japan (Kyoto Prefectural University) that states that there is some correlation between extreme hot baths and heart attacks. Due to this (and I don't think this can be stressed enough) it is VERY important to consult with a physician before beginning baths.
Second, I also vary the temperature because there is some research that states that taking a cold shower can actually improve your immune function. All of that to say it is best to consult with a physician to come up with a detox bath schedule that works best for you!
At the end of the day there are some negative side effects of detoxing (which again is why you want to consult a physician) and I would encourage you to go slow. Anyone who has done any type of detoxing knows what I mean. Last year when I first was set to begin I researched a bunch, didn't talk with a physician and jumped right into doing several different detoxifying things. I was sick as a dog for several weeks and it was awful.
When I started the research process again I did things more slowly (even with the amount of the ingredients that I use) and slowly starting adding different detoxifying methods in. At the beginning it felt that I was doing absolutely nothing, but now, years later I can't believe all that my body is doing.
So take things slow... and especially if you are seriously ill take things even slower. Treat your body like the warrior that it is and honor it with taking things one step at a time. Drink lots of extra water and rest more. Detoxifying is a process and it is not a sprint so take your time and you will get there!
I would love to know if you take detox baths and what you put in yours! Do you find them helpful?
ALL of this information is only to be helpful and I can't stress how important it is to follow the path of a doctor in your detoxifying process. Detoxifying is a necessary part of healing but must be done under the care of a knowledgeable physician.
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