Freebie! Back to School

If you're like me it seems like every time you turn around there are notes that need to be sent in.

Especially for those little ones who may or may not be able to relay messages accurately. 

So I came up with these and just had to share! 

Feel free to print and use for your littles! 

Enjoy! 

Friday Faves ~ Free Printable Kitchen Sign

Y'all know this girl loves sweet tea. 

Love it.

Drink it daily.

Drink large amounts with way too much sugar. 

I'm ok with that. 

So this weeks Friday Faves is in honor or my favorite beverage (besides coffee) 

Print, frame in your kitchen on your porch, wherever sweet tea is served. 

Who's with me? 

Anyone else in love with the official year round beverage of the south? 

Happy Weekend Friends ~ May you and yours enjoy life this weekend! 

Back to School ~ Free Printable!

Can you believe it is that time! 

For some of you it has already happened and for others it is just around the corner! 

Here's a cute little freebie for you mommas who love to capture the first day in pictures! 

Feel free to down load, print and enjoy! 

Best wishes for a safe, happy and productive 2013-2014 School Year! 

God is good all the time ~ Even when things don't quite turn out

source French Press Mornings.

You've heard it a million times, God is good.

But is God good when things don't quite turn out?

When the test results aren't what you hoped for? 

When the pregnancy test says "not pregnant" for what seems like the thousandth time.

When the man you love walks out the door not to return.

When the lights are out and there isn't a nickel to pay the bill....

Is God good then? 

Recently two very different situations have unfolded around me.

In one God answered the prayers of His children just as they so desired. 

We prayed a prayer of thanks and praise and wiped tears and smiled with our hearts.

We even uttered "God is good"... Because He is, and things turned out just right, in our eyes.

But then there is another situation where God didn't answer like we prayed. 

He didn't move in the way we sought and in the way on this side of heaven in our earthly perspective seemed so perfect and so right and just so darn logical. He didn't. He answered in a very different way. 

But you know what? 

God is still good. 

We are even still uttering, God is still good.

He still loves, He hasn't forsaken, and He is still bigger. 

As I grow and learn and seek Him one thing I am finding is that we don't see as He sees.

His perspective is so much grander, it is so much broader. 

Right now we rejoice in prayers answered and we say thanks for blessings and healing. 

But we also say thank you for prayers unanswered, even though it may be more difficult to utter those prayers, because we have this confidence that 

He promises us in Colossians 2:9

"God lives fully in Christ. And you are fully grown because you belong to Christ, 

who is over every power and authority"

So that situation that didn't turn out well, He is over that. He is over you and me too. 

He promises He won't ever leave or forsake us. 

In a strange way there is also a small bit of excitement, the silver lining, so to speak, 

around the disappointment and frustration... and that is, God is up to something. 

And when God is up to something we better be ready to be blessed, and blown away, and amazed.

He does big things when we allow Him the room to move in our lives. 

It's going to be interesting to see how this all unfolds. 

So yes, God is still good, even when things don't quite turn out. 

He is for us, He desires what is best for us, even when we may not fully understand.
He works all things together for our good and He promises to give us what we need. 

Clinging to those promises, in the good and in the bad, in the things we may not understand

~ God is good ~

How is He moving in your life right now? 

Anchor Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations Meghan!

You are the winner from last weeks giveaway.

You know where to find me!

: ) 

Pinot Picasso ~ Palmetto Area Paint Studio

Our girls bible study group was ready for a fun night out! 

So to Pinot Picasso we went! 

Carmen the owner, and our teacher for the night, was spectacular! 

Not only was she such a patient and fun teacher but she is such a gracious hostess!

The cost for the class, delicious snacks and fabulous glasses of wine was $35

you just can't beat that for a night out with the girls and something to bring home.

The painting of the night was "green fish blue fish"
Since we are all gulf coast girls this was the perfect selection for our group

The start 

The finished product

A few of the girls with our teacher, the wonderful Carmen!

Thank you Carmen for such a fun night out! 

We are really looking forward to your August class line up.

I know you will see many of our faces there. 

For more information just visit her site here

You will want to go I promise! 

A Monday Giveaway ~ Because we all need something happy on a Monday!

Happy Monday Girls! 

My hope is that you had a wonderful weekend! 

Since it is Monday and who doesn't love a giveaway let's start off the first Monday of the month in style!

Today's giveaway is a printable anchor monogram art file. 

The winner will receive a custom made jpeg art file in their color and font choices. 

To enter, you must leave me a comment sharing your favorite bible verse and why. 

I can't wait to hear which piece of scripture means the most to you and why!

He desires you ... part 2

Have you given any thought to yesterday's post?

I sure have and it doesn't matter how many times I read these promises in His word...

I am excited, I am grateful and honestly there are days I am relieved.

I don't have to do it on my own and I am not meant to.

Neither are you.

So let's dig in a little deeper.

What happens when you choose something? 

You pick it out and it is yours.

You chose it because you saw value in it.

You take care of it because it is yours.

Remember yesterday when I said He chose us.

He chose you. He chose me.

Well the same theory applies to us.

He chose us and we are now His.

We belong to Him.

We have a new idenity.

It is in Him.

Daughter of the King.

Princess.

Beloved. 

Loved.

Honored. 

Cherished.

Prized,

Special.

Perfect in His Sight.

If you have never heard those words attached to your name,
I encourage you to print them out, paste them on your bathroom wall,
on your fridge, on your desk,
anywhere where you will see them, and read them and believe them.

I love that identity.

It is so far from how I see myself many days.

But every day I wake up He sees me through His eyes, not my own. 

I am sinner, saved by grace and in Him I am a new creation.

Guess what sisters? You can be too!
It is such an exciting thing and I can't help but share it.
It is a message I want to shout from the rooftops.
So many of you know just what I am saying, you too know about His amazing grace...

 but maybe you needed the reminder.

Or maybe like me you never tire of hearing you are made new in Him.

In Ephesians Chapter 1 vs 17 -18 Paul is praying for the church at Ephesus and his prayer is that they would be given a spirit of wisdom, and revelation so that they would know Him better.

My prayer is the same.

That as women of the body of Christ we know be given a spirit of wisdom, to know Him better. 

In getting to know Him better we also come to know our purpose and our plan in Him. 

What is your purpose, what is your plan?

Maybe you are still even doubting there is one for you.

Well sweet friend, there is a purpose and plan, unique for you.

It isn't my plan or my sisters plan or even my best friends plan.

It has been designed specifically for you, and no one can fulfill it but you.
You are destined for greatness, you have something that has been set apart, by Him for you.
only you.
Can you imagine that?
He has a plan, the God of the universe, the painter of the majestic skies,
the one who commands the oceans
He has a plan, just for you. He designed it with you in mind.
Only you.

He also shares that we would come to know we are His glorious inheritance. 

You are His prized possession.

And that as a believer we are given incomparably great power...

Remember, God power is never tied by our past, our present, titles, degrees,
positions of authority, or rules of this world.
The power He possesses is all surpassing power

Believe that promise and take heart that He is bigger that anything you face.

As a daughter of the King you are linked to Christ, forever. No matter what may come to pass. 

In Him there is Victory, therefore, we always have victory because Jesus always wins. 

Friends, I am proof of God's mercy and grace. 

I am proof He shows no favoritism among choosing His children. 

He just desires a relationship with you. 

There is nothing you can do to change that.

If you decline today, He will still desire you tomorrow, and the next day.
He will still pursue you until you take your last breath.

Maybe you have accepted His offer to be your Lord and Savior,

this message is equally important to us as well.

He pursues us too.. He desires to grow in a relationship with us too.

He desires to be the place to run to with all your fears, He desires to celebrate in your joys,

He desires to hear the deepest concerns of your heart, He desires for you to know Him

to experience Him fully. 

Come with me, let's say yes and pursue Him together.... 

Giveaway Winner Announced!

So excited for you!

All art choices are here

Congratulations!!!!

There will be another give away in early August so stay tuned and be sure you are signed up!

He desires you... What's your answer?

This summer I have been spending a good bit of time in the book of Ephesians.
This letter written by Paul to the church at Ephesus isn't something that was just relevant for the
people in 62AD but it is just as important today...
we are still the body of Christ.

Growing up going to church was about doing the "right thing".
You wore your Sunday best and after Sunday School and the Sermon you went to lunch.
People talked a lot about denomination and which church you attended.
There were "in" churches and not so "in" churches.
The Methodists had their "ways" and the Catholics theirs and then there was the Baptists and don't forget the Church of Christ and so on and so forth... especially if you're from the south, you know what I am talking about. You have been witness to these conversations round a kitchen table.

Today I see such a shift in this body of young adult believers and it is blowing me away.
God is using this generation and there are people rising up all over this nation to lead, and serve and be His hands and feet. God is knocking down boundaries and barriers in such a big way. There are churches popping up that are non-denominational and I love it. It isn't about your denomination it is about Christ,
 it is about loving people where they are for who they are because they are a beautiful and unique,
loved child of God.
 It honestly makes me excited to see it...
I am even more excited that I get to be a part of a church that really walks that out.
On any given Sunday I can sit next to a woman who has attended church faithfully for 50 years
or I can sit next to a man who was just released from prison last week for theft and
it doesn't matter. In those walls there is love. In those walls we have all sinned and we have all fallen short
and there is the same solution to save us all.
God doesn't show favoritism over His children and I love how today's church is opening their doors and hearts to all His children.

So many of us grew up worried about following the rules, and being taught what we were supposed to do.
It is what I now call "religion" as opposed to relationship.
Religion is about rules, religion makes us fail every single time.
See, we will never in our own power be able to get it all right.
We are human, we are broken, we are unable to make ourselves right with God.
If we try, we'll wear ourselves out and give up.
It is a common denominator of humanity.We all fall victim.

But relationship, now that is a whole other ball game. 

God doesn't desire religion. God desires relationship.
He desires to be your Father, He desires to be your Savior, He desires to walk with you, to listen, to uphold, to support, to love, to lavish grace and mercy and peace. He desires to be your safe place.
I learned a valuable lesson a few years ago.
One I wish I had learned many many years before...
Maybe it is one you have learned and as they say "teachers are the worst students"
so it would make sense I came to this concept late....  : )

Once you fall into this relationship with God the boundaries, the rules, the religion,
it all changes. You have this love, this respect, this innate desire to please your Heavenly Father and out of right relationship with Christ these things fall into place.
He is my Daddy after all and what little girl, what daughter of the King doesn't want to please her Daddy?

In Ephesians 1:4 we learn this valuable piece of information:
For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be HOLY and BLAMELESS in His sight.
Do you see that?
He chose us.
That means He chose me,
He chose you. 
Just the way you were, before creation, before religion ever came into play.
He chose you.
He desired you.
Just the way you were.

What a shift right?
In religion we are always striving, battling for approval, for keeping the rules.

But here He is saying He chose you.
He is desiring a relationship with you right now.
It doesn't matter what rules you didn't keep.
He doesn't care.
He just wants you.
Will you say yes?

You say, oh but you don't know what I have done, or what I am doing or who I am involved with.
I have to stop this, or that, or maybe when I am done with this chapter of my life.
Then I can have a relationship with Him.
Or ______________ fill in the blank with whatever excuse applies....

Read these words, HE desires YOU.
Just where you are today.
You see God is not inhibited by our circumstances.
Even if you think you have created quite the mess out of life.
He is bigger, He is stronger, and His love covers it all.

He just wants you.
Will you say yes?

part 2 tomorrow....

Friday Faves ~ French Press Mornings

 

Today I am featuring one of my favorite shops on Etsy, French Press Mornings. 

I love this shop... you know what I love even more, her blog! 

Y'all it is a treasure trove of free printable art and you will NOT be disappointed. 

Take a look at her art!!!

She has this neat feature called Encouraging Wednesdays where she makes art out of scripture.

All you have to do is print, enjoy and be inspired by Your Father.

I love this.... love love love this. There are already a few printed and in 4x6 frames ready for my desk at work. It needs some brightening up, I need reminders, daily of His unfailing love and grace. 

Wouldn't this one be lovely in a little girls room? How sweet! 

Hop on over and visit Miss Jenny at French Press Mornings

Newest items in the paper and ribbon shop

Ribbons, cute monograms, paper.... well they just make my day! 

One of my favorite things to do is create special one of a kind items for the special people in my life!

Well once that happened those special people started ordering for their special people and boom

that's how this whole thing goes. 

It's so fun really! 

This summer I have added some precious items to the shop. 

They are flying out and have been such a hit!

Get in on the action and order some today!

Set of 8 cards with envelopes. Your choice of art and either monogram or name in your color choice.

Regularly $20 but this week they are on summer special for $15

`

These may just be my favorite yet! 

The little sea creature art with a monogram!

Stop it!!!!! It is too cute. 

These are headed out to one of my favorite blogger friends today! I have a feeling she will love them!

Precious aren't they! And this is just the tip of the iceberg girls! 

Gift wrapping is available for $2 and shipping is dependent on the size of the order. I always package to the highest standard to ensure your order arrives as nicely as it left the shop!

Email me today at RachelRAdams@gmail.com to place your order!
Remember the note cards are $5 off this week making them $15 for a set
and the enclosure cards are only $12 for 36 cards!!!!
You can't beat this summer special!

This weeks giveaway!

Y'all blew me away last week and that give away was so fun I just have to do another!

This week I am giving away one set (8 cards + envelopes) of my latest shop item!

Personalized, handmade, notecards!!! Are these adorable of what!

All you have to do is subscribe to this blog! 

For an additional chance to win mention this on your blog and send me the link... 

I will toss your name in twice! Lucky you!

Winner announced Friday! 

Anchor Monogram ~ Printable

Is this adorable or what? 

I think I will be framing mine for my desk at work! 

Just a cute little pretty to brighten up my cubicle. 

Do you love this too? 

I can make one for you too!

$10

and a jpeg file will be emailed to you. 

You can print, or use electronically however you choose!

I think it would be the perfect binder cover, or maybe one for each child to adorn their side of the bathroom!

The possibilities are endless! 

Giveaway Winner Announced!!!

Congratulations!!!! Friends, don't worry, there will be another give away next week! 

This giveaway thing is way to fun not to do again! 

It is going to be just as fabulous! Be sure you have subscribed... and if you're a sweet friend 

you'll tell your friends to subscribe too so they have a chance to win! 

Happy Sunday! 

Simple Sentiments

Y'all this past year God has used this woman, Jennie Allen, to wreck me... in a good way. In a great way. 

Anyone from my small group can tell you, her studies, well, there are no words. 

If you do one, be ready, God will show up, He will unearth, He will move, He will bless....the list goes on..

Because it's true, we are all broken, we are all a mess... it is the common denominator of humanity.

But God... those two precious words, But God, He made a plan. A plan that is bigger..

and for that I am eternally grateful and I revel in the fact that I get to be part of that plan.

Guess what? You do too.

You do too!

That situation you are walking through that seems broken beyond repair, that heart that has been shattered to pieces to many times to count, He is bigger than all of that. His plan for you and His purposes are designed uniquely for you. There is no one else who has the same plan. So celebrate with me, we are never left broken. The great physician has a plan! 

Happy Sunday Friends! 

Friday Faves ~ It's a sneak peek of things to come!

This week's Friday Faves edition is featuring a "sneak peek" at a new item coming to the shop! 

Don't you love these monogram tags? I do too! 

New to the shop this week are tags monogrammed just for you!

The perfect touch to add to a meal for a friend, a vase of flowers or sweet treat for the teacher!

A simple touch of elegance and class that adds that little something extra & unique. 

The tag pictured is 2.5" and are available for a steal!!!!

Right now pick up your tags for only $12 for 36 personalized tags in this size. 

Order with your name, your childs name or your best friend! 

Available in any color!!!

These are also available for boys in a handsome block font, that represents any guy well. 

These are the perfect gift too! 

Have that someone special who is hard to buy for and has everything?

Tags are the way to go! 

Shipping is $2. 

Email me at RachelRAdams@gmail.com today 

Buy 2 orders, get one free! 

Get in on the deal today before it expires! 

Next week the catalog comes out... be the first to get in on these adorable personalized cards!

Inquire about other sizes and pricing. 

Bringing a meal, more than just a yummy dish!

Hello there! 

Last night I posted a picture on Instagram and it generated lots of comments, questions, and a few texts. 

So I thought, this would be the perfect blog post with more information! 

What is this picture you ask? 

Ok, here it is! 

please pardon the cell phone picture, I was not planning on this becoming a blog post. 

Our sweet friends have a new addition to their nest so of course a meal was in order. 

Food is one of my love languages, I am convinced of this. 

Having my home full of the people I love, good food and drinks, well I am happy as a bird with a french fry. 

Going to a restaurant with some of my favorite people, well that too just makes my day! 

And the hubby and I are always scouting out the best steakhouses in any city we visit. 

So yes, food, drinks and lingering over conversation and laughter, makes my heart happy.

I also love, just love, making food and taking it to people. 

It has always been something I have really enjoyed....

Naturally because I can't do anything simply, I have to doll it up a bit. 

And since you asked, this is what I did this time. 

The menu was perfect for summer:

Chicken Salad with Grapes on Croissants fresh from the bakery

Summer Fruit Salad

and a Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Each dish was in a foil pan wrapped with foil.

I truly believe when you bring someone a meal, as nice as it is to give in a pretty dish you 

don't want to put them out by asking them to return your dish, unless it's one you're gifting them!

Since this was a busy momma I wanted to make a yummy meal and keep things as simple and did not want her to have to go to the trouble of returning anything!

Next I used rectangle doilies, these are the placemat size.

Doilies are a must in this house, every size and shape.

Use them for entertaining almost every time! 

The doilies were wrapped around the pans and secured with a tulle pink bow.

On top I used my computer to make the monogram tags with the dish listed below the monogram. 

There are also little pink baby carriages that were affixed to the middle of the bow I cut using my 

Die Cut Machine. 

This was super easy and looked so cute! 

It's so fun to brighten up the receivers day and love on friends. 

It is the unexpected that so many times speaks to the heart!

So there you go friends, you asked, I shared!

Now, go on out there and share the love.

Is there anyone in your world who could use a meal? 

It doesn't even have to be fancy.... 

A momma who worked a long day and could use 2 pizzas and some cokes delivered at 5:30? 

Maybe your neighboor who lives alone and may not cook full meals anymore for just one person.

If you look, I promise you will see, and you will be blessed beyond belief!

simple sentiments

Do share, what are your biggest "blessons"? 

Friday Faves ~ Vintage Pyrex

source 

isn't this print just darling? I love the one with the blue background, love that it captures so many patterns in one piece of art. would be adorable in a kitchen. 

vintage pyrex, it's gorgeous isn't it? 

it reminds me of childhood. mom had the sunflower yellow and orange set. 

i can still remember what they looked like in the cabinet.

now, almost 30 years later just one of those mixing bowls remain.

she had it on a table for the garage sale... i rescued it.

it's now in my house, and i use it. i don't dare put that baby in the dishwasher though.

it's only handwashing for that gem! 

since then i have fallen in love with this household item.

i swear i am probably the only person i know, besides maybe my sister, who would give a hoot about 

these brightly colored vintage kitchen items.

recently i have scored a few pieces at local thrift shops and girls, they are in such great condition. 

the woman who owned they before me was either a spectacular housekeeper or never used them. 

here are a few on my current "wish list" / "must have list"

these pyrex nesting bowls are high on that list. love these! 

this is gooseberry and it is just all things girly to me! isn't it gorgeous??

so far i only have one in this pattern and the pink it just lovely. i would love a few more!

found a set of these and the blue just matches our home like 2 peas in a pod! 

our kitchen was made to house more of this. 

What's your favorite pyrex pattern? 

Blueberi Photography ~ Local Photographer Extraordinaire!

Hello Friends ~ 

I just have to share! You know when you find something so wonderful to just can't help but tell everyone?

Well I have found that something, it's a someone, actually. 

Her name is Jill, the wildly talented photographer and creative genius behind, Blueberi Photography.

Just click on her name and you will be taken to the website that houses some of her work. 

She also has a blog, here. 

It's pure eye candy. 

My family originally worked with Jill back in the fall for our annual family pictures that we use for our Christmas cards for family and friends. 

She blew me away y'all. Every last shot, I wanted to print and frame everyone. 

Thank the Lord for gallery walls, because there are quite a few from that day up there.

So, enough from me rambling on about her, here's the great news!

This sweet lady is having the best summer mini sessions!!!!

I had the honor of helping her style this shoot. 

What a fun tiny little peek into this side of a photographers job! 

Oh my word, it was so fun. She had the theme and we collaborated ideas and this is what we came up with. 

Last night was the test shoot, and again she blew me away.

This location, oh my word!
This is one of those spots where I can only sum it up as
"God was showing off when He made this spot"
It is so unique, so special, it is magical!
You do not want to miss the opportunity for pictures here. I promise, you.

Jill is amazing with the kiddos. She's a momma of littles herself so she really knows how to work with them.
Jill is warm, kind and has the patience of a saint. 

My kids didn't whine, cry or fuss, and momma's you know how important that is! 

Jill captured their real smiles, giggles and laughs!
She captured them, she captured them how I see them!

Here's the details, because I know after seeing these images you are going to want to sign up!

The mini session date is Saturday, August 3rd. (rain date Aug. 4th)

Time slots are 3:40,4:00, 4:20,5:00, 5:20, 6:00, 6:40, 7:00, 7:20

Session is 20 minutes long and includes 6-7 images on a disc.

The location is North Longboat Key beach.

Summer Mini Session: $125

To book please message Jill on Facebook with your time preference and email address. She will then send you an invoice to pay the deposit of $25. The deposit comes off the top of session fee & is non refundable if you cancel. The remainder of your fee ($100) is due 1 week before the mini session event.

So, get off this blog, hop on over to Jill's facebook page and get your cuties signed up!

And tell her Rachel sent you! 

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July! 

Independence Day!

The day this great country came into itself and became a nation separate from Great Britain.

July 4th, 1776 we adopted a Declaration of Independence and became the USA. 

Take a minute today to say thank you to God for this great country in which we live

This amazing place where we are given so many blessings and gifts in abundance 

denied to so many across this earth.

hope you have something fabulous planned with family and friends!

Cheers to an awesome celebration!

thank you note freebie ~ printable

What's better than a free printable?

A handwritten thank you note!

Just whipped this up for our latest summer party and thought you too might enjoy!

I am a lover of written words and thank you notes, well, they are a MUST in this home. 

Just save to you computer and print on cardstock. 

There are 3 to a page so they fit into a regular legal size 

envelope. How fun is that? 

Enjoy! and Happy Summer Friends!