Made For Real

lovely gifts (worth it)

Some gifts I picked out (read: “ordered immediately”) for my birthday!!

iPad cover – washi tape design!
{the pleated poppy}

raindrops square zip pouch
*hello cute mini tote for my nursing pads : )
{gussy sews}

ampersand necklace (showed you earlier)
mine arrived!! L.O.V.E. precious to me
{Lisa Leonard Designs}

adorable “oh happy day” mason jar garland
mine came in blues/teals, yellows, pinks…
for over my kitchen sink this summer
{raising up rubies}

and some gifts are just a much needed surprise
I enjoyed these immensely

Just returned from a terrifical getaway – with my sweet hubby – up at Mackinac Island !!! Can’t wait to share some pics with ya! Hope you all have a relaxing Memorial Day weekend : )

Whatever… just sayin’

swoons.swoon.swoony-swoon. swoon.

Have you heard about craft weekend?

I. must. go. pick me! pick me!

How fun would this be… seriously

swoon heaven – I want to move into this place for a week.
okay, a month

Have you attended??

6 comments

How was your weekend? I hope EVERYONE had an uplifting week.
I have to admit that after the recent miscarriages we experienced my heart bounces from pangs of longing, to feelings of great joy, relief and then sorrow all over again. Can’t tell you much I miss my babes I never got to hold. And how grateful I am at the same time that they are all in the arms of our loving Creator.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, my God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you. {Psalm 139}

With this next baby on the way I feel over the moon ecstatic, but guilty for the gift as well. Such a catch-22 in my mind and soul. Such a gift I don’t want to take for granted. So many hurting friends that are missing their babies, too, and longing for new life in their bellies.

I am praying for this year to be one of abundant new life. Redeemed hearts. Healthy babies. Life given and lives saved. Comfort. Peace. Grace. Hope renewed.

love to you all,
Kerry

3 comments

May 13, 2013

banana bread {low sugar}

I should label this:
the bread that worked more than once

banana bread and brownies are two things I usually can NEVER make the same way twice
(homemade style, not box mixes)
and I don’t know why…just a fact

BUT, I’ve finally worked out recipes for both that actually work! repeatedly : )

Here’s the Banana Bread

1 stick butter (soften in your oven while it’s warming up)
1/2 – 3/4 c. honey
2 eggs
3 big, ripe bananas
1 t. cinnamon
1 small splash of milk (or cream)
1 small splash vanilla
2 cups whole wheat flour (or flour of choice)
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
small pinch of salt

choc chips, nuts, or whatever add-ins you may like (op.)
……….
Mix butter and honey together.

Mash bananas in a separate bowl with cinnamon, milk and vanilla. Add to mix.

Add flour and rest of ingredients. Mix just until combined.

Bake at 330 for 1 hour.

Leave in pan 5 – 10 mins. Let cool on its side on a rack just a bit more.
{Makes 1 loaf}

My kids loved it and I seriously only used 1/2 c. honey, max.
You can substitute granulated sugar for the honey, but why if you don’t have to!!

(Parties)

11 comments

May 11, 2013

Lisa Leonard Designs

I ordered the ampersand necklace with my initial and Robbie’s, of course : )

I love reminders of how in love I am with my best friend! And this was a perfect choice for a birthday/mother’s day gift since – as he hilariously reminded me in a card one year – he has played a major role in helping me become a mom (wink, wink)!!!!!

Planning on a charm necklace once we have a name for that new little face!

Lisa Leonard Designs

Let me just say how much I enjoy Lisa’s newsletter emails. They are so encouraging and heartfelt. Never quite received such emails from a shop before. If you sign up for her newsletter you get 15% off your first order. Worth it. Big time.

Have you purchased something from Lisa before?
What are some of your favorite picks from her shop?
I’m loving the Laundry Line and Family Crest charms. Plus, her newest colorful necklaces and earrings are beyond tempting. Happy browsing!

6 comments