Friday Five May 30 - June 1

Summertime is here, guys! There are plenty of great events to choose from this weekend so here are 5 that I think look like great fun: 

RCFM logo.png
Rutherford County Farmers' Market  
05-30-2014
Market vendors hail from over 20 Middle TN counties and sell a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked and canned goods, flowers, plants and more. 7 am-12 noon
Location: Lane Agri-Park at 315 John R. Rice Boulevard Murfreesboro, TN 37128
For more information, please call (615) 898-7710 or http://extension.tennessee.edu/Rutherford/Pages/Farmers-Market.aspx


May 30, 2014 10:00 am – May 31, 2014 5:00 pm
Pick-It Fence Barn Sale
9901 Lascassas Pike
Lascassas, TN 37085
The Pick-It Fence Barn Sale is a two-day ‘Vintage’ open market. Artisans from across region will gather together to share a unique offering. We have spent countless hours hand-picking what we believe to be the areas finest representation of ‘Vintage’ wares, all gathered within one area of Rutherford County:
High Quality Handmade Goods and Artisan Crafts
Antique & Vintage Furniture, Accessories, and Textiles
Vintage Clothing and Jewelry
Up-cycled Items and Architectural Salvage
Amazingly Creative and Fresh Design and Display Ideas
Big Stuff – Little Stuff – Something for Everyone!
COST: $10
CONTACT: 615-624-7351

  
Wine On The Veranda  
Friday, May 30th 2014
Wine on the Veranda grants patrons an educational opportunity to learn how to pair wines with foods. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The event goes beyond a wine tasting, featuring a variety of wines expertly paired with local foods, tours of the museum, live music, and an art exhibit.  Tickets to the event are $45 adults, $30 designated drivers and those age 18-20. Tickets are limited.  Please make reservations and ticket purchases by contacting the Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation at (615) 459-2341. Proceeds benefit the educational programs and historical structures at the Sam Davis Home.
Location: Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation 1399 Sam Davis Road Smyrna, TN 37167
Admission:$45 adults, $30 designated drivers and ages 18-20
For more information, please call (615) 459-2341 or visit http://www.samdavishome.org

Doughboy Challenge for Charity 2014
2014 Doughboy Challenge for Charity 5K
Saturday, May 31, 2014 7:30 AM
Murfreesboro Civic Plaza 
100 W Vine Street 
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
The Doughboy Challenge is a family friendly 5K through downtown Murfreesboro that benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Rutherford County, Books from Birth, and Music City Trykes. Lace up your running or walking shoes and bring the family out to see all of your favorite General Mills characters before and after the race. More information can be found HERE.


Rain For Roots
Saturday May 31 9:30am or 10:30am
Church of the Redeemer
920 Caldwell Lane, Nashville, Tennessee 37204
Join us to celebrate the release of our second album, The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like This. 
9:30am and 10:30am Saturday morning, May 31 in the sanctuary (so families with nappers can make one or the other). $10 suggested donation per family which includes a copy of the new CD, The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like This (more info at http://rainforroots.bigcartel.com/). 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 

Inspired By…Christy Sanford

Our Inspired By pick for this month is the amazing Christy Sanford. Does she look familiar? Well, she should because you've probably seen her running all around town either with her sweet family, or at The Greenhouse or maybe it was at the latest Republican Party event? This lovely lady could run circles around Emily & I both combined which is one of the many reasons we've selected her to introduce you to this month…she's a lady you should want to know

Personally, for me (Kacey), I admire Christy's ability to juggle her roles and her God given calling. While she is fervently committed to her family - immediate and extended - she also balances her commitment to advancing the Kingdom in her roles at church and also in the community with her position at The Greenhouse and within the political realm. Christy admits that the juggle takes organization but she really makes things look easy, she doesn't sweat the small stuff and like me, she's a "pull up your bootstraps" kinda gal which I can really appreciate. I love that she is so approachable and genuinely loves people - whether you are a homeless Mom or a well established political figure in the community - she treats ALL people with kindness and respect. Christy has the innate ability to make people feel SEEN & HEARD - and that is what inspires me most about this Godly woman. I'm thankful for her in so many ways.  

I (Emily) am inspired by Christy for many reasons but mainly because she's a REAL "what you see is what you get" kinda gal. She speaks life and love to everyone she comes across and you always leave a conversation with her feeling like she was very present - listening and loving on you - and who doesn't admire that?! Christy's life balance is inspirational to me and I admire her honesty that it's not always sunshine and lollipops but it does take work to balance a relationship with God, work, family, extracurricular (for all!) and fun on a daily basis. I am thankful for Christy's willingness to serve in all capacities and shine Christ's light wherever she goes. I absolutely love this lady & I'm so glad you all get the chance to know her better! 

That's our take on Mrs. Sanford, now why don't we go ahead and let you hear from her….

Christy Sanford 

Director of Garden Patch Thrift Shoppe & Warehouse, Board Member of Greenhouse Ministries and Chairman of the Rutherford County Republican Party

1)     Tell us first what one thing people may not know/or be surprised to learn about you?
Many people do not know that I lived in Italy for a year as a nanny and I also taught English. I was there to help set up youth programs for several evangelical churches.


2) What phrase/quote/verse is your go to during hard times?

I love the verse Romans 8:19 “All creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.”  This verse reminds me that even creation knows that people all have callings/ gifts that have been given to them.  I love watching people discover what those are for them. One of my passions is working with people in this discovery process!


3) Tell us some of your favorite places and/or events in our community.

This is a tough one for me since I absolutely love Rutherford County!!  Being part of an amazing network of service organizations and non-profits has me spoiled by the cooperation in this county!  I love being able to go local events and see people of all socioeconomic levels, race, gender, age mingled in with the public servants and elected officials all enjoying the events together side by side.


4) What fills your cup so you can pour life into others?


I have to have quiet time in the mornings. I have a routine that gets me going each day.  I listen to the daily audio bible, which is a reading through the bible each year by a gentleman named Brian Hardin.  Then as I get ready and stand in front of my mirror, I have index cards with names of people I pray over each morning.  I also ask for grace and wisdom from God, and I ask Him to open my mouth when it needs to be opened and shut it when it needs to be shut.  I also love to read, therefore I am constantly reading books that teach, train, and entertain me.  I usually have 3 to 4 books going at a time. 


5) You have a great husband, four children ranging in age from 9yrs-15yrs old  and are very active outside of your day job in church and in the community with The Republican Party - what keeps you on track/motivated/organized?


I live by my calendar!!!  My husband and I each evening before bed try to go over our schedules for the next day.  I will say that my laundry is usually behind and piled high.  Our life style is not like most so when we are all 6 at home together, you will more than likely find us playing cards or a board game instead of our chores.  I remember my mother saying to me when my first two kiddos were very little “your laundry will be always be there but your kids will not.”

We try to do things as a family unit, we call ourselves the Sanford 6.  One reason is because there are 6 of us. But the main reason is because Drew and I live by Deuteronomy 6:6 -9 where it states to teach your children as you go, as you lie down, etc… This is the philosophy we live by.

One thing I have been able to do is to assign days for different areas in which I am involved. For example, I have one day that I dedicate to focus on Republican Party, one day to focus on my church leadership activities, and 3 days that I work at Greenhouse Ministries.  And of course I keep a few pockets of time for extra fun things that come our way.

We hope you have enjoyed learning a little more about Christy and why she is such a great blessing to our community. We've certainly enjoyed sharing why she inspires us. Who inspires you in our community? We'd love to hear and maybe they will be our next Inspired By pick! 





Friday Five May 23-25

Below are the five events that I've rounded up for your Memorial Day weekend: 

World Turtle Day
Friday, May 23
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Parkway Murfreesboro, TN 37128)
Come join us in a day dedicated to our shelled friends as we celebrate and discover ways to increase turtle conservation around the world. Participate in the World's Slowest Hike and stop at each turtle station to learn about the different species that inhabit our planet. In addition, find out steps to become a better GREEN family at home and in your schools to help out all the critters on this planet-including us! Activities, crafts, live animals, and free Turtle Tracks ice cream (while supplies last) will be fun for the whole family to enjoy.
Ages:                    All Ages
Fee:                      Free
615-217-3017 website for more info


Boro Beach
Opening Day of Boro Beach
Saturday, May 24
10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m
Come celebrate the beginning of summer in the sun! Relax by the pool, swim, dive, play games and listen to music at Sports*Com Boro Beach. This is the first day of the outdoor pool opening for the year.
Ages:                    All Ages

Memorial Day Madness
There is no better way to spend a day off in May other than relaxing by the Sports*Com Boro Beach! This Memorial Day come to Sports*Com for a day of swimming, music, fun and prizes.
Ages:                    All Ages
Date:                    Monday, May 26
Time:                    10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Fee:                      Premium Admission ($4 Adults / $3 Youth & Seniors)
Location:             Sports*Com Outdoor Pool "Boro Beach"
Contact:              Kyle Goss, 615-893-7439, kgoss@murfreesborotn.gov


photo from http://www.healingfield.org/murfreesboro/
6th Annual Flags of Remembrance Healing Field
05-24-2014 to 05-26-2014
3045 Memorial Boulevard Murfreesboro, TN 37129 (at Osborne Lane, next to Family Worship Center, across from Wilson Bank and Trust)
This living display of heroism will fly as a temporary patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans, and will honor all the men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation's security and freedom. Take a walk through this awe inspiring 1,500 flag display. This is the perfect opportunity for all of us to unite as a community to remember and honor our heroes.
Admission:No admission charge
For more information, please call (615) 641-0121 or visit http://www.healingfield.org/murfreesboro/


Kids Construction Expo at Lucky Ladd Farms
Saturday, May 24
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m
Lucky Ladd Farms 4374 Rocky Glade Road in Eagleville, TN 37060
Get your hard hats on and gear up for some big time fun with some oversized toys! Kids can help Digger Dan operate a real excavator, move sand, climb on a bulldozer and explore other farm and construction equipment on our construction site this Saturday from 10-6 at our Kids Construction Expo. Thanks to our friends at TriGreen Equipment for helping make this event possible. Please spread the word and share with all your friends with kids that love digging in the dirt!
Construction activities free with your $10 paid admission.
Required hard hats and safety goggles provided on-site. Closed-toe shoes REQUIRED for participation.


A cubscout and his father place American flags in front of headstones.
photo taken from battlefield website
Memorial Day Service at Stones River Battlefield
Sunday, May 25th
1:30pm
1563 North Thompson Lane Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Visitors are invited to gather at the national cemetery rostrum to remember the sacrifices of soldiers, past and present. The event will include patriotic music, a wreath laying ceremony and a reading of the names of veterans who have passed away since last Memorial Day at 1:30 p.m.
For more information, please call (615) 893-9501 or visit the website


Also, if you are looking for a fun family activity ON Memorial Day the family friendly Campus Life/Youth for Christ 5k is at 7am (more info here) and the Murfreesboro Chick Fil A will also have fun activities from 3pm-5pm with proceeds benefiting A Soldier's Child (one of our favorite non profits!). I sure hope that everyone has a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend! Let's not forget the reason that we celebrate as we give thanks to the men and women who selflessly gave their lives for our freedom. Our freedom isn't free!
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(photo made with rhonna designs app)



Building Instructions...

A few months ago I was asked to second shoot a wedding in Memphis. I am the epitome of the reluctant wedding photographer. I really didn't want to do it if I'm just being down right honest, but I didn't say no, instead I was saying yes before I even realized it. I rationalized all the reasons I don't like doing weddings - but kept going back to the fact that it would be a good learning experience. The wedding went well and a learning experience it certainly was…but not in the way I expected.

I had some down time while I was there so I caught up on the Nehemiah study that She Reads Truth is doing right now. It's awesome ya'll and if you're not currently reading any type of devotion, you really should check theirs out. The current study on Nehemiah is so good….but one post in particular kept bothering me. Messing with me….Jessi is covering Nehemiah 3:1-32 and encouraging us to pick up our bolts, our beams, and get to building! 

"The people have to get up, stop talking and vision casting, and start putting beams down. They have to walk over to their neighbor’s house. They have to move to that city where they know God is calling them. Download the adoptive parent packet. Write the email. Buy the snacks. Do the work."

Ok, I'm thinking…I'm SO on BOARD you're speaking my language Jessi, but then she asks this question…..



Huh? What? I'm not building anything - I love a good DIY but I seriously doubt anything I build is going to be a setting for any miraculous happenings…How does this apply to ME? To YOU? My spray painted dining room chairs aren't going to be a setting for a blind man to be healed…or my little herb garden a place where a crippled man will begin to walk…Or will it? 

I had a four hour ride home from Memphis and this question kept bugging me. None of my friends or family would answer the phone, I wasn't feeling any of my music (which is NOT like me) and it was quiet. Very quiet. So I started talking this out with God. {Funny how when no one else was available to talk I finally started talking to the ONLY ONE who could really get this right for me.} As I was talking this through, God in all of His graciousness, set me at ease. The drive from Memphis to Nashville is beautiful, I'm sure not every engineer or construction worker who built the roads between here and there were expecting any holy experiences to happen there as they were building - but on those roads is where God set a lot of things straight for me and I'm thankful.

I'm not building anything brick by brick, I'm not building a physical altar  for anyone to see. But my job, in my place as a woman, wife and as a Mom, I am building something for miraculous kingdom-sized work for generations to come. I am setting a firm foundation in my children with the knowledge that The Lord loves them, that God created each of them for a special purpose. With every encouraging word I give them I build their confidence in who they are becoming, who God created them to be, with every kiss, hug, snuggle I am telling them that they are loved and as much as they feel that I love them, God loves them even MORE. With every meal given, clothes washed, chore checked off, discipline given, I am helping to build character and integrity. I have been given three little people to train up - to BUILD - and what I am able to do will help prepare them for their own kingdom sized work. 

In my spray painted dining room chairs is where we talk about our day, build relationships, ask questions about faith and family, in our herb garden is where we talk about how things grow and why God made things, in our front yard is where we play and find joy... So, no, I'm not building anything brick by brick, but I am building something word by word, hug by hug,  not only in my family but also with those who God brings into my life. The setting I create in my home and in my relationships is one that God could use for generations to come and the same goes for you my friend. As you're building, here are your instructions  - don't get stuck on the "what" you are building instead focus on the "who" you are building. Only God knows what He has prepared for them to do and what we build up in those around us could help give them the confidence to fulfill His purpose and will for their life. That is kind of a big deal. 

XOXO,




Friday Five May 16-18

Yes, it's late Friday, but better late than never - right?! Here are five events that look like fun for this weekend :

Child Advocacy Center Duck Derby and Rutherford Parent Spring Kids Fest 
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Sports Com
Spring Kids Fest 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Duck Launch 1:00 p.m.
Corporate Duck Race 1:00 p.m.
“Heats” of Ducks start at 2:00 p.m.
Winner’s Race 4:04 p.m.
more info : http://boroduckderby.com/ 




EMS Day Community Celebration
Saturday, May 17, 2014
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Held on the TriStar StoneCrest campus (200 StoneCrest Blvd Smyrna, TN 37167 )

TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center and Rutherford County EMS will host this annual event featuring food, music, a photo booth, kid’s jump house and Rutherford County emergency services displays.
Attendees can explore an ambulance, smoke house (fire safety), mobile command unit and an air ambulance helicopter.
Free car seat safety checks will also be available.
TriStar StoneCrest and Rutherford County EMS host this event during National Emergency Medical Services Week, an opportunity to bring together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line".
more info: http://tristarstonecrest.com/about/newsroom/community-invited-to-ems-day-celebration-may-17


Red, White, and Bayou
May 17, 2014
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Belle Meadows Farm - home of Howard and Susan Wilson
Red, White, and Bayou is United Way’s signature fund-raising event and with a new name, comes a new theme! From the entertainment to the fare, this outdoors, casual dinner is reflective of the southern coastal culture. Kick off the summer with a United Way Cajun celebration!
more info: http://www.uwrutherford.org/Events/RedWhiteandBayou.aspx



Tennessee Renaissance Festival
May 17, 2014 - May 18, 2014
Held at: Castle Gwynn 2124 New Castle Road Arrington, TN 37014

Travel back to 16th Century England. The Village of Covington Glen comes alive with the bustle of a Renaissance Marketplace. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Over 60 skilled artisans from all over the country display their wares from silks to swords; from gems to jewels. Flavors, aromas and tastes of specialty foods and drinks greet the festival-goer. Hear the sounds of Renaissance musicians and merrymakers as they echo through the trees. Color, movement, and peals of laughter welcome those who thrill to the challenges of Games of Skill and Man-Powered Rides. Come join us at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival!
more info: http://www.tnrenfest.com/ or (615) 395-9950



March for Babies
Sunday, May 18, 2014
12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
MTSU Rutherford Blvd parking lot (across the street from the Main MTSU entrance and Greek Row)

Walk in March for Babies! It promises to be a fun day out with people who share a passion for improving the health of babies. There'll be family teams, company teams, and people walking with friends all helping real families (Kacey's twins were NICU babies and Emily's niece was, too along with many other families we know and love - this cause hits home!). Join the event and walk to raise money for babies right here in the community!
more info: http://www.marchofdimes.com/tennessee/events/10226_3135353035.html



Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, friends!

The Truth about Mini Vans

That's right. You're going to get the truth here….the truth about mini vans - what no one will really tell you and maybe an apology. First things first, I need to set some things right with some of you. So...if you have 1 or 2 children and are currently driving a mini van, I'm sorry. I was secretly mad at you - you and your family of 3-4, begrudged you for perpetuating the "Soccer Mom" stereotype when you clearly could still be driving a rad sedan or small SUV, I mean, after all, tiny humans can only take up so.much.space. right?  I may have even rolled my eyes (OK I TOTALLY rolled my eyes) during your excitement of proclaiming you fully embrace your brand new "swagger wagon." I'm sorry but "swagger" was not intended to be used in referring to a MINI VAN. Ever.

Why the apologies? Why am I calling myself out? Well friends….I have joined your club. I am now a mini van owner. Yes, its true. After months of GRUELING vehicle shopping, the mini van beat out all of its competition - even my super fab Subaru dream car. And I'm not kidding when I say the car shopping was grueling - the entire process was very revealing too. Apparently, I can be blinded by leather and gadgets and completely overlook blatant body damage and rust, I am very awkward when I get stressed out and say awkward things to Sales Reps like "Jesus does not want me driving a mini van." Yes, I really said that. So what happened to change my mind? What lured me to the mini van and made me give it my seal of approval? It's really simple.

My kids.

When we test drove a mini van their little faces LIT UP. It didn't matter if it had this or that, what they loved is that they all had their own space, they weren't crammed on top of each other three wide in their booster seats - they could lay claim to their own little spot and it made me realize something….

This season of life - full of booster seats and school schedules and snack time and bickering and play dates…will all be over in a flash. If I picked my "dream car" over the mini van, I felt like I'd be stealing some joy from my sweet little people and I certainly don't want to rob them of that. Let's be real, I'm not going to be driving a mini-van later in life by choice so this is kind of a one shot deal. We want our kids to be balanced, to not place too much value on material things - but this feels more like an experience. The mini van experience if you will...While we know we can't put the responsibility of joy on any earthly things, there are some things that just make life a little easier, a little more fun, a little more manageable. I avoided the mini van successfully for 6 1/2 years, but I'm telling you my friends - if you have more than 1 kid and are vehicle shopping - go for the mini van, just go for it! (And yes I'm holding firm to the belief that a mini van for 1 kid is overkill unless you run some sort of after school program or something - just sayin'.)

The truth about mini vans is that they are, in fact, absolutely fabulous. Even the Mom or Dad who is a reluctant mini van driver is lying if they say it isn't. If you're in your mini van season, let me encourage you - don't begrudge it - don't feel like you're losing some of your swag - because you're not. If you're able to roll around in a mini van - giving your kids that fun experience, focus on that because nothing can replace that kind of fun. Finding joy in the everyday small things is what its all about, and if that includes driving a mini van, then bring it on! This season of motherhood is going to go by in a flash and I want to enjoy every morsel of it - mini van and all....



One last thing, if you're local you know Emily & I like supporting our local businesses, so if you're in the market for a pre-owned vehicle (mini van or not) let me spare you some distress - Joe Ben Arney at City Auto is AMAZING in Murfreesboro, he will take great care of you! And  Jake at Providence Auto Group in Franklin really ROCKS. I had the BEST experiences at both of these places and its because of these guys. I couldn't recommend them more highly. Providence also has an awesome program where they help families in need of transportation - they are definitely a dealership that likes to give back and worth checking out!

Hope for this Mother's Day


Once my brain started to really work this morning (about 2 hours after we all woke up and my hubby and son left if I am being honest) I started thinking about Mother's Day this Sunday. It is a lovely day isn't it? You know, the picture perfect version where there are bouquets of flowers, gifts, lots of smiles and not a single temper tantrum, long naps for mama and kids, and an overdose of sunshine & lollipops. But since we don't live in that world, we live in the real world, this day may be filled with hurt because of expectations that aren't met, finances that don't bend for gifts, pain for the women who are praying that one day they will finally be a mama, and those who long to talk to the mother they miss so much. In this REAL world, sometimes Mother's Day can be HARD.


Today marks the second year that my Mother In Law will spend mother's day thinking about her own sweet mama's death just a few days before this holiday. It came out of nowhere. We all grieved knowing that she would never meet her grandson who was just a few months old at the time, how the trip she would take to see us all that summer would not happen, and how we just didn't have enough time with her. And that makes Mother's Day hard. If that's you this Mother's Day, longing to pick up the phone and hear your mother's voice, our hearts hurt for you.

there is hope. 

On Mother's Day especially I think about the women who may want to bury their heads under the cover and never come out because they have been trying. and trying. and trying to become a mama and it hasn't happened yet. And today is just a reminder of the baby they so desperately want. We pray with you as you seek Him and wait patiently for His great plan to be unveiled in your life. Your struggle is not ignored. We are cheering you on and supporting you.

there is hope.

For the mamas whose babies live with Jesus, who had to say goodbye far too soon. The pain you have felt on this earth is more than you ever thought you could bear but you take each day as it comes, trusting God to carry you. Your sadness and hurt doesn't go unnoticed. 

there is hope.

To the women who have been rejected by their own mother, who have a hurt that is hard to heal, your pain doesn't go unnoticed. If you think of Mother's Day as a reminder of the hole in your heart that longs for acceptance, nurturing, and redeeming love - take it from a girl whose dad left that hole - stop trying to fill it on your own. The only one who can heal your heart is the best parent who will never let you go. Seek the grace, love, and redemption that only your Heavenly Father can give.

there is hope.

To all of the mamas who are flying solo - who can't lay down so someone else can take over the dinner, homework, bath routine even though a 5 minute break would do wonders(this was MY wonderful mama). You are doing your best to make ends meet while being all things to all your people - take heart. He sees you. We see you. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. We are cheering you on and we are here to support you.

there is hope.

And to those who are doing this mama thing day in and day out - packing lunches, changing diapers, answering "mama" what feels like 1 million times an hour, and so much more - who so desperately want one day to be simply "perfect". A day with no whining, no fighting, long naps with the spring breeze coming in through the windows, no stains on the new clothes the children put on 5 minutes ago, and every gift mentioned or pinned on our pinterest board nicely wrapped and a handmade gift made with love thrown in for good measure (with someone else taking care of that handmade gift for all the other relatives that need one so we don't have a meltdown) - let go of that expectation. It's only going to disappoint you because, LIFE. It happens. Let today be the day you embrace the imperfect and appreciate that life - like the house, the clothes, the dishes - gets messy. It's up to you to find the joy in it all. 

And, yes, there is hope. 

And to all of us this Mother's Day - let's all encourage one another and remind each other that there is HOPE. If you know someone who falls in any of the categories above give them a call, send them a note (or flowers!), drop a basket of goodies off at their house or in the mail, or take them to lunch. Whatever you do, let them know they are loved and that there is HOPE. 



And you know what? When you have done something nice for others YOU get the best reward. That feeling of knowing that you made a difference in someone's life - gave them HOPE - well, you can't put a pricetag on that gift.  

Happy Mother's Day, friends! 

Target Spring Spruce Up!

If you follow Emily and I on Instagram you KNOW Target is our favorite place to shop for everything from our kids clothes to Home decor - I mean, just walking in there gives an uninspired mind a healthy dose of inspiration!

I thought since decorating is one of our favorite Spring time activities (or anytime, let's face it) I'd put together a little design board to hopefully inspire you to spruce up your living space. Spring time is full of pops of colors which is why we love it so much. But color everywhere isn't for EVERYONE, so I thought I'd show you how to do a little sprucing up in a more understated way, instead of pops of pink, aqua and orange all in the same room - but don't be fooled, we LOVE that too. Ha!

Navy has been on my radar for a while now and I think it is a fun neutral that really works with any color. If you're wanting to spruce up an area in your home I would choose one new furniture piece that has a pop of color and build around that - you can even just paint something you currently have. Trust me, spray paint is your friend. Then choose a great patterned accent pillow and pull some other colors from there and blend in classic accents like frames and fresh flowers. Trays are a favorite - I believe everything should be corralled. Things placed separately can look like a hodgepodge but place it all in a tray and suddenly it all works. Remember to have fun - mix metals and wood….if something catches your eye - grab it. As long as YOU love it, it will find a way of working in the space.

Check out all of these fun finds from Target!


Want more inspiration? You can find the links to all of these products and more by visiting Target and our Pinterest board! Happy decorating friends!