… the word sampler is derived…simply meaning “example”…a demonstration in skill. Needlepoint samplers were mainly school exercises during the 18th and 19th centuries, when stitching of samplers was believed to be a sign of virtue, achievement and industry, and girls were taught the art from a young age. Often these lovely and imperfect works were used as household rags and lost forever but others were tucked into trunks and dressers to save and cherish.

My heart beats a little faster when I spy one of these beauties in an antique store. Some are WAAAY out of my budget but some are manageable with a little time spent in layaway (always form a friendly relationship with your local antique dealer…you won’t be sorry). Let me share some of my prized pieces….cherished and loved in my household now…

Susan Combs, age 12, completed this wonderful sampler in 1823, everytime I walk by it I am blown away that it survived almost 2 centuries. I hang this work  in awe and wonderment.

This one is unsigned but seems to be the work of a very young girl still challenged by spacing. When I walk by it I am reminded that life is a process. We need to enjoy the journey and forget the notion of perfection. There is beauty in imperfection. I hang this work in gratitude.

What happened to Caroline Smith , age 12 ? Why is her sampler unfinished? Why was it kept in pristine, immaculate condition for almost 175 years? Her life, perhaps cut short, remains a mystery.  When I walk by it I am reminded that life can be sobering, fragile and often taken for granted. I hang this work in remembrance.

Not every sampler in my collection is old, or even vintage, but they do commemorate life changing events in my life…becoming a wife and becoming a Mama…they were completed by my own mother and will be cherished and loved for many generations. I hang these works in love.

 

Thank you for the visit but I must be going…

I have an invitation to tea.

 

As much as I enjoy exploring the antique stores and flea markets, sometimes I just want to sit on my couch, watch HGTV (for inspiration of course)…and shop.  The beauty of it…you have the whole world literally at your fingertips. Those flea markets in Paris…or Round Top TX are right there waiting! Here are a few of my favorites!

Bella Rosa Antiques-In addition to an amazing blog and weekly link up party, Jill has an amazing online antique store. Her prices are awesome and packaged well…I will be a repeat customer.

Time Washed-Another Gorgeous blog and store. A highlight of my Fall is the opening of her pumpkin patch, but beautiful things are available all year.

Cedar Hill Farmhouse– If rustic French farmhouse is your vibe you will find treasures here…another inspiring blog as well. Plus one of the biggest weekly link ups available!

Marie’s Maison-French at its best…right from the source.  Beautiful, elegant and classic French farmhouse antiques at super good prices.

As summer approaches and you are organizing your trips and reading lists I would highly recommend placing “Un-Ashamed” by Heather Davis Nelson at the top of the list. I just can’t seem to put it down…Thank goodness the Princess found nap not to be optional this week..it speaks to a subject that ,unfortunately, seems to hinder most woman from truly experiencing the fullness of God’s holy plan…shame.  Heather’ s book will be available from Crossways beginning June 26, just follow this link to Amazon to pre-order.In the meantime, get to know Heather on her inspiring blog Hidden Glory.

Happy shopping!

Sharing at Kelly’s Korner-Show us your Life

 

So, this book seems to be EVERYWHERE.. and because I can always use a bit of tidying magic I placed myself on the. Looooooong list at our library , 3 months long, and dove in with good intentions when it was finally available . My take away….put it away when you are done and if you are not using it, get rid of it. Also, I am suppose to thank my purse each evening for working so hard. Not a life changing book but it did make me more aware of some of my own routines that seem to keep my household sane. This household consists of slightly ADD me, a husband with an unusally high tolerance for clutter and a three year old who’s sole purpose in life seems to be dismantling my house bit by bit each day.

Here are my top five tips for sanity…

1. Every Sunday I create a weekly to do list…I list everything from Doctor appointments to gymnastics to laundry. Then, I fit it all into my calendar. It seems to ease my mind to see it is possible to get it done.  Then, I give myself permission not to get it all done, because things happen.
2. When we are done with something we put it away in the correct spot in the correct room…everyone…even the toddler.
3. I forgo Valentine flowers, birthday gifts, and expensive anniversary celebrations for a cleaning service…it works for us.
4. Each night I QUICKLY go through the following day in my mind and try to stick to a consistent routine…this one benefits the 3 year old
5. I try to find the joy each day.  Yesterday was hard for many reasons but look at this view from our front porch! There is my joy

Sharing at Kelly’s Korner

…there is hope.

Thank you God for this magnificent reminder…right outside our front door.

Share it One More Time@Shabby Fru Fru

Busy Monday@Pinch of Joy

 

 

I have always been a “grass is greener on the other side of the fence” kind of gal when it comes to beauty products, but when all is said and done I always come back to my tried and true…

If there is a better cleanser than Cetaphil, I have yet to find it…although the “compare to Cetaphil” store versions work just as well…

A twice a week scrub with Origins Modern Friction is what skin needs to loosen dead skin cells and reveal healthy new skin. No more than twice a week however, too much will irritate skin.

This night cream is the bomb! It also comes in an oil free variety…I find I need the”oil” as I grow older…my skin is getting drier.

My daytime essential, a perfect world day cream with SPF 25…

 

But first apply this serum…it makes your skin feel heavenly!

 

 

Lastly, two simple items, eight glasses of water daily and a soft washcloth to remove make-up at night… Every day and night.  Your skin will thank you!

Sharing today at Kelly’s Korner