Thanksgiving Table Decor

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I cannot wait to gather around the table for some delicious food and quality time with my family. 

I have shown some of my favorite Thanksgiving Table Decor that can all be found at Target.

Placemat  |  Runner |  Flatware  |  Charger  |  Dinner Plate  |  Salt and Pepper Shaker  |  Pitcher  |  Wreath  |  Candle Holder  |  Goblet  |  Copper Shooter  |  Cloth Napkin

Wedding | Southern Style

Back in May, we celebrated the unity of my niece Robyn Kathryn to Michael. It was a rememberable weekend that I hated to see come to an end. The southern style wedding embraced elegant vintage details such as vintage china plates, an assortment of vases, lace runners, and a 56 Chevy.


Robyn Kathryn is my firstborn niece and is a true Southern Belle. She possesses beauty, charm, style and has a core of strength and intelligence. Michael is a true gentleman. He is well mannered, considerate, has high standards and proper behavior (well most of the time...(love you Penick)).


The wedding celebrated their love for each other, their love for God, and their love for all things southern. Friends and family gathered to witness the unity, shared in Holy Communion, ate, and danced the night away.

Put some prep in home decor!

Want to bring some prep into your home decor? Well here are some tips to help you out. I have included some images to help give you some inspiration.  

|| Doors ||

I love a front door. It is the first impression of your home. A painted front door is an easy way to add instant curb appeal. It can say "come on in, fun is inside". We rent our home right now and do not have the liberty to paint ours, but when we own a home again the first thing I will do is paint the front door. 

I have shared some inspiring front doors that will give you door envy. 

ROBIN'S EGG BLUE

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GO GREEN

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YELLOW

Sundance by Benjamin Moore

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BLUE

French Navy Blue by Benjamin Moore

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Calypso Blue by Benjamin Moore

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RED

Primary Red by Sherwin Williams

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BLACK

Black Lacquer is oh so chic.

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Traditional Black

Add pazazz with vinyl house numbers.

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Like me, you may have had doors of opportunity shut and you are waiting for the right door to open. Be encouraged today that it will. 

A door is a symbol of opportunity. Jesus says, "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it;  . . ." (Revelation 3:8). 

Keep dreaming. Keep believing. Keep watching for that open door. And, while you wait, go bold and paint your front door!!

So I say to you, Ask and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. - Jesus

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us. - Alexander Graham Bell

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. - Jesus

Bridal Shower

My sister did it again. My sweet niece is getting married in one week and at the beginning of May my sister gave her the sweetest bridal shower. I am sharing pictures of the day.

Robyn Kathryn

Me, my mom, Robyn Kathryn, Lauren, Allie, and my sister Suzanne.

a pack of mints wrapped in burlap with "Mint To Be" tags

my sister did the chalk board sign

my mom did the flowers

The menu:chicken salad croissants (a must at any bridal shower)

peanut butter, strawberry preserve, banana, and granola whole wheat wraps

broccoli salad

fruit salad

quiche

sweet potato and brie tarts

lemon tarts

pimento cheese muffins

coconut balls

cake pops

Nursery Design 101

The past month and a half I've been learning all about nursery design......it's been my very own Nursery Design 101.  It is amazing all of the wonderful options that are now available.

There are so many new things on the market.  Cribs are now convertible, meaning they can grow with your child.  They can go from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and then a full size bed, which is awesome.  Things to look for when purchasing your crib and nursery furniture is making sure that no MDF or particleboard is used because they can off gas. Green Guard Certified furniture is now offered with nontoxic finishes.

You want to find a crib mattress that is free from harmful chemicals and make sure that it is made with pure materials, that it is sealed, waterproof, duel sided, and offers superior support. A mattress in my opinion is the most important purchase. Just think how much time your infant/toddler spends on it.

Another important item is the glider and there are some great ones available. There are so many different styles and fabrics to choose from. Sit in them and make sure you feel good back support and head support. You will not only be rocking the baby, but feeding the baby and sleeping in the glider too.

When planning your nursery design, start with:

• The crib and furniture (dresser / changing table, nightstand, etc.) It can take up to 12 weeks for delivery so get it ordered first.
• Baby Bedding. This is the focal point of the room. You can incorporate a theme or build a color palette for the room. Custom can take 6 to 8 weeks. 
• Glider
• Artwork / Decor
• Lighting
• Rug
• Storage

Here is a nursery design that I did for GreenPea Baby & Child.

The crib, crib bedding, glider and ottoman, artwork, rug, and lighting can all be purchased through GreenPea. We can help you design your nursery from the top to the bottom and can assist with every detail.

Here are a couple of other ideas that I have designed:

If you are expecting a new baby or designing your child's room, please come see me at GreePea Baby & Child. I would love to work with you in creating the perfect room for your child. If you are out of the triangle area, no problem! We can ship things directly to your front door. 

White as Snow

We are getting a lot of the white stuff here in the triangle area. We North Carolinians are not use to the snow, sleet, and freezing rain so when it happens everything shuts down. We make sure we have our bread and milk and we hunker down in our warm, cozy homes. 

I do enjoy watching it snow. I love to look in my backyard and see the ground and trees covered in white. It inspired me to design a room in white....all white.  When you use one color in a room, it is very important that you add other elements such as texture, geometries, and layers. 

Comment below for a full source list of this design.

Here are some inspirational images of white

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If you are getting snow, enjoy it. Get outside and throw a few snowballs, make a snow angel and a snowman. And just remember, we only have 23 days left until Spring.

Valentines Gifts for Her

Hey fellas-

This post is for you. I am here to help you make your lady happy on Valentines Day by providing you with a list of some items that will be sure to make her smile.

1. Moon and Lola Chelsea Necklace  |  2. Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet  |  3. Chocolates  |  4. Flowers (if you are in the Fuquay Varina area visit Expressions of Love Florist  |  5. Tory Burch Handbag  |  6. any kind of spa treatment.

Now guys, gifts are nice but nothing beats a handwritten card and spending time together. 

xoxo, 

Jenn

Mixing Metals Kitchen Design

One of my favorite things to do is mix things up. I guess it's the rebel side in me.

I love mixing metals.  When it comes to kitchen appliances and hardware, go ahead and mix it up. 

Stainless, bronze, brass, etc. The key is to not over do it. 

Here I have designed a kitchen plan that incorporates stainless appliances with brass hardware for an overall modern, yet interesting mix. 

Matching or mixing, neither is wrong. Kitchen renovations can be very expensive so I understand wanting to have everything to match. Just remember, when done well, mixing the metals can enhance your overall look. 

Go ahead and be a rebel. You will like it!! 

{interested in this look, contact me for source list and details}

Remember and Celebrate

Phil and I spent 17 years in ministry. Phil was a Children's Pastor, Youth Pastor, and Family Ministries Director and I was right along side of him. We have taught children at churches, crusades, vacation bible schools, youth camps, chapel services and in Ecuador. We have taught adults how to minister to children at training events, conferences and even traveled to Europe to do so.

Today, I am reflecting on the lessons that we have taught children over the years. We wanted each child to know that they were special. We told them to trust God and He will take care of them. God has a plan for their life. If they give, it will come back to them, pressed down shaken together and running over.  We also taught them how to pray and that Jesus is their best friend.

Never did I think that I would need those childlike lessons for myself. All of the things that we have taught are real to us right now.  Everyday we are having to remind ourselves to trust God. He will take care of us. We are special. God has a plan. Give. Pray. Jesus IS my best friend.

Phil and I took a leap of faith a year and a half ago. We stepped out into the unknown in total trust. Honestly, I did not think that we would still be waiting for God's plan to be revealed, but we are. We are seeking, waiting, trusting.
Jeremiah 29:13 - "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

It has not been easy. In fact, it's been the hardest thing we've done. It has been one of the most lonely and discouraging times that I have ever gone through.

I'm so glad that I have all those wonderful memories of teaching, singing, doing puppets, dancing in costumes, and getting slimed to remind me of the promises of God. I don't know all the answers, but I'm sure glad I know who does (you can say, "amen to that").

So today, as I wait I choose to remember and celebrate!!

Galatians 6:9New King James Version (NKJV) 

9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.