Top 10 Valentine Picks

I have always loved Valentines Day, long before I ever had a date/boyfriend/fiancé/husband to "celebrate". When I was in high school I had a dream of giving every single classmate a Valentine to let them know that somebody really did love them-date or no date. Well let's just say I didn't exactly graduate from a small school and I knew to pull this off I was going to have to have a small army of help. Gratefully for me I had the greatest group of girlfriends ever. So every Monday night for the entire month of January we would gather at my house with card making supplies and pop in a chick flick and laugh and talk and eat and make hundreds thousands of Valentines cards. We would write simple messages of love and hope and Bible verses about God's unconditional, great love for us. Then on Valentines Day we would arrive at school when the janitor did and all take a hall and slip a card in each and every locker before anyone else got there and saw us doing it. We did this routine all 4 years of high school and looking back, it was probably one of my most treasured memories. Sure there were years I was really wishing I had a cute boy to bring me flowers to school, but ultimately I just wanted everyone to know how deeply loved they were by their God-really, honestly loved by Him. Because after you know that, really really know that, I believe it changes everything.
So without further ado----let's get to the Top 10!

1)

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I love this idea! First of all, its gorgeous! Second, I'm always so sad to take down all the lights at Christmas-this would be perfect to be able to leave some up!











2)

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I'm thinking of borrowing a friend's kids just to have the chance to make these adorable Valentines!!! Seriously adorable!!



































3)

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How simple yet beautiful is this idea? I love it for around the house this time of year or even for centerpieces if you're hosting a Valentine banquet.






























4)

{source via Pinterest-the link doesn't work with it!}

I only wish I would've thought of this one myself. At my local paint store you can get that paint swatch wheel for $5 and look at how many crafts you can make with just that and a punch!



























5)

{source} As if we needed another reason to love mason jars! These are adorable, and could easily be double purposed for other holidays as well!



6)

{source} Love this simple look!




















7)

(source-again a Pinterest link that doesn't work)
This is adorable if you have Preschoolers in the house!




















8)

{source} I have a thing for button art projects. And I have a thing for stripes. So basically this has me written all over it.

















9)

{source} Rustic love, I love.






10)

{source} Decorating with old windows or window panes have become such a popular trend lately, and I love this Valentine's twist on it!!



If you're still looking for some Valentine inspiration, I have also created some fun new 8x10 prints centered around love in the shop!

Check them out here! Happy Valentine's Day loves!




Linking up with: 52 Mantels, Lamberts Lately, Thriving on Thursdays, Bloom Designs, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Wow me Wednesdays, Inspire Me Wednesday, Wake up Wednesday, Catch a Glimpse Thursday, All Things Thursday, Create Link Inspire, The Pin Junkie, Jamie, Craftionary

Tasty Tuesday- Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup

Don't forget you can still enter the Beatrice Lanes print giveaway here!!!!

Here we are currently gearing up for yet another winter storm! Now don't get me wrong-I love snow probably a little too much. But we've already had a lot of snow. I'm ready for Spring ya'll. But until then, I"m putting another soup in the crock pot and grabbing my blanket. Today's recipe is super simple and super delicious. Enjoy!!

Here's what you'll need:

Printable Recipe

1 lb. ground beef
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size squares
1 cup sliced carrots
14.5 oz. diced tomatoes
11.5 oz. V8 juice
1 cup chopped celery (I skipped this since the Mr. hates celery)
3 cups water
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 tsps. sugar
1 Tbsp. parsley
2 tsps. basil


Brown ground beef and chopped onion until no pink remains.

Now dump everything in the crockpot and set it on low for 4 hours and 30 mins. That's it!

Printable version found here!

Linking up with: Emily, Mandy, Nikki, Darlene, Jacinda, Cynthia, Ali, Melt in your Mouth Monday, Pint Sized Baker, The Recipe Critic, Kathy, Turn it Up Tuesdays, Megin, Kayla, Ladybug Blessings, Nancy, Jessica, Kaysi, Stacy, Mandy, Too Cute Tuesdays, Tell Me About it Tuesday, 52 Mantels

Homesick for Home

She didn't say it with the words but her face spoke it clearly, it was a hard day A dear sister in Christ made her way quickly through the foyer of our church headed to her area of service of greeting new visitors, a gift that is uniquely hers. She does a beautiful job at making sure everyone feels at home, though she doesn't know their story. Which is funny-they don't know her's either. Behind the friendly smile they see is a deep pain from the loss of son a few years ago. And while God has been faithful in His touch of healing as only He can, somedays are better than others.

I did my best to speak love to her by a kind smile and a simple good morning, and she responded with something that struck me deeper than words on this screen could possible convey. Through a visibly tired smile she didn't even say good morning, simply said...Can we just go to heaven now? Before even waiting for me to respond she was on her way again. But I stood there slowly processing those words-Can we just go to heaven now? I envisioned not the grown woman that had stood in front of me, but a small exhausted child at the end of a long day saying through tears...can we just go home now? And you know what? I got it.

As we were created in His image (Genesis 1:27) we're reminded that we were made for much more than this world could ever offer us. Even our best day on this earth could not compare to the glory that is to come, which creates in each of us a longing that can not compare, will not compare, to anything we've ever known. There's also the other side of this though. For those who have lost their loved ones and feel as if they will not be able to take another breath the pain is so intense, let alone continue to function through this fallen world. Isn't there a piece of us deep down that suddenly finds ourselves crying out with a depth that words cannot express-come, Jesus come? It leaves a longing that cannot be met this side of eternity, but oh how I believe it will one day not only be met-but far exceeded. Until then may the cry of my heart be make every second on this count. May I live purposely and passionately for You and You alone. May other's find You by the words I speak and the way I live. But Lord Jesus, come quickly.


Don't forget the Beatrice Lanes giveaway is still happening. Enter here.

Linking up with: Kendra, Nan, Darlene, Jacinda, Kathy

Scripture Sunday

Liebster Award & a Giveaway!

Before we get to the Liebster Award I felt like doing a fun giveaway! Beatrice Lanes is stocked with new prints and I'm excited to share them with you! So here 2 of my favorite new prints....enter below to win an 8x10 of 1 of them your choice!


You can also use coupon code BLOGREADER for 20% off your next order now here through February 12th. Enter giveaway below! Winner will be announced next week, Thursday, February 6.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

A few weeks ago I got a Liebster Award from Neisha! Not only was I honored, but was so glad to find her blog as well. I love it and I'm sure you will too, meet Neisha here! Now on to the rules:

*Link back to nominator
*Write 11 facts about yourself
*Nominate 10 bloggers (less than 200 followers) and let them know!
*Create 10 questions for nominees

Questions from Neisha...
1) What’s the #1 song that you listen to the most right now?
I'm bouncing between a few depending on my mood, but I think my most played song on my iphone right now would have to be "In the End" by Natalie Grant. If you haven't heard it, you have to check out it! Guranteeed to make your foot tap and your face smile.

2) If you could learn to do anything what would it be?
There's a lot actually, I'm a bit of a perpetual student I suppose. I want to learn how to can, to speak another language (I know bits & pieces of Spanish, French, & Italian but can't speak any of them fluently), how to interpret Greek & Hebrew in Scriptures, and how to be more "business savvy".

3) What's your favorite food?
Umm just one? As soon as I read that question my mind popped up 5 answers:::cherry tomatoes with salt, pizza, salad, chips & salsa, & pasta.

Is it just me or am I bad at this?? I have a terrible time picking out "one" of any favorite thing. Anyways, pressing on....

4) If you're given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
First I would tithe off of it. Invest in some ministries I believe are truly furthering the Gospel and are helping God's people. Then I would help my family so that my dad could retire early. Save a lot for my own family. Buy a house that fits our needs. And probably allow myself 1 (ok ok 2 max) shopping days where I didn't even glance at a price tag. Oh and a spa day. And a trip for the Mr. and I. Ok ok I should stop now.

5) What's one thing you miss most about being a kid?
The simplicity of it. I had a crazy huge imagination and could entertain myself for hours with practically anything. I vividly remember spending some summer afternoons in my "office" which was a very large walk in closet that my Fisher-Price desk was stored in with an old phone making "appointments" for the doctor I was working for as I played receptionist. I can actually remember my sister coming and asking me to come play something else with her and politely declining the offer saying, sorry I don't get off work til 5.
And then I'd really stay in that closet "working" until 5:00.
If only I was making this stuff up.

6) Mommy's Girl or Daddy's Girl?
Mommy's Girl. My mom is one of my very best friends. So blessed by her.

7) What/who are you a closet fan of?
Oh Neisha I love this question! I really can't say I'm a closet fan of anyone at the moment because I'm totally not cool enough to know of anything that's popular right now! However I do think I can admit to being a closet fan of some Disney channel stars (old school Disney) when I probably was too old to be. Lizzie McGuire anyone?? Even Stevens?? I wanted to be Ren Stevens!!!

8) What are three things on your bucket list?
-Become a mother
-Go to the beach
-See Hillsong in person

9) If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go? Why?
St. Simon, GA
*Normal people probably would have answered that as something exotic or overseas. I'm a fairly simple person to please, and have planned a "imaginary trip" to there in the past and now am dying to go in real life
That's normal right? Imaginary trip planning? When you research an area-lodging, shopping, touristy things and pretend plan it like you're leaving tomorrow? Ok good just making sure I wasn't the only person who did that.

10) What's your favorite type of music?
Honestly, if it's clean I like it. But my favorite type of music is worship music. Anything that sets my mind on Him and brings me to the throne of grace in praise.

11 Facts about Me...
1) I paint my nails every single Saturday night.
2) I want to do so many things-I've even thought of going to cosmetology school, I really have no interest in ever working in a salon-however I would LOVE to learn how to professionally do hair & makeup. You know, for myself or friends. (I also think the fact this desire has recently shown up in my life because a State Beauty Supply store has recently opened up a few doors down from my favorite coffee shop and they only allow licensed cosmetologists to shop there. So I just drool outside the windows of the store at the products I wish I could be buying.)
3) I love cooking. I hate doing dishes-not that anyone really loves them. I'm blessed with a husband who frequently surprises me with a clean kitchen when I come home from an errand or wake up from a nap.
4) I often have a candle burning, which I find strange because growing up my mother had very sensitive allergies and couldn't handle a lot of smells so I don't think we even owned a scented candle? So I never ever remember any candles burning except on a birthday cake. But I love have scented candles going and typically have a few favorites for each season. (Ps...I have found myself pulling out my favorite "summery" candle and giving it a good sniff a lot lately. I'm kind of over winter.)
5) I'm a crazy Olympic Freak. I promise to try to contain myself on here over the next few weeks as the Winter Games approach us.
6) When I really get to laughing about something, I'm one of those annoying-I-can't-stop-laughing kind of people.
7) I'm kind of known for carrying a purse that weighs more than most small children.
8) When I find a new song I love, I become obsessed with it. Enter this:::
9) I love a routine.
10) I have a thing for make-up videos on YouTube. It could become soon become an addiction problem.
11) My husband & I teach 2 year old's Sunday School and love it.

Ok the questions for my Nominees are....
1) Show that you could binge watch on Netflix anyday?
2) Are you over Winter too? (Please tell me I've got some friends on this one)
3) What is one "hard thing" you want to overcome this year?
4) What do you do to get out of a bad funk?
5) If you have the day off work and declare it a fun day-what do you do??
6) Coffee or Tea?
7) What is your favorite blog? (Can't be your own!)
8) What made you want to start blogging?
9) Would you ever be on a reality TV show? If so which one?
10) What is your favorite Pandora station?

And the nominees are....
Whoever would like to join in on the fun!! If you'll leave a comment below saying you would like to join in I will be happy to add your name & link above. I want to make sure anywone who wants to participate in this feels free too! Thanks again Neisha!



Linking up with: Love Bakes Good Cakes, Friday Flash Blog,

Tasty Tuesday- Banana Trifle

Last week I posted the chocolate version of this recipe and shared how it was one of our favorites! Well this one is very similar to it and another huge hit with my family. If you like banana pudding, this is a "dressed up" version of it and you will love this simple dessert!

Printable Recipe
1 cup flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter
1/2 cup Nilla wafers
1 box banana instant pudding (I have a lot of trouble finding this, so I typically use banana cream instant pudding instead & it works just as well)
2 cups cold milk
3 ripe bananas, sliced
1 (8 oz.) whipped topping

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 and mixing the flour and brown sugar.

Then cut in cold butter until crumbly and stir in Nilla wafers. Or if you're feeling rather lazy like me, pulse this in the food processor a bit.

Press then evenly on the bottom of an ungreased 9 inch dish and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

When it comes out stir it up with a fork to break up the pieces and turn it back into a crumbly mixture, then allow to cool completely.

In a large bowl prepare the pudding as the package directs with the 2 cups of milk. After it's set start layering your dessert!!
Begin with half of your crumb mixture, half of the banana slices, half the pudding, and half the whipped topping. Then repeat and refrigerate!!

Printable version found here!

Linking up with: Emily, Mandy, Nikki, Darlene, Jacinda, Cynthia, Ali, Melt in your Mouth Mondays, Pint Sized Baker, The Recipe Critic, Kathy, Turn it up Tuesdays, Megin, Kayla, Ladybug Blessings, The Pin Junkie, Kitchen Fun, Love Bakes Good Cakes
, Friday Flash Blog,

Scripture Sunday