Rejoice

Hello there friends!

I just wanted to say hi! It's been a rough week or two for Michael and I. In the last two weeks everything we had planned for the next couple months suddenly went up in the air. Our intended move into the new apartment is not working out, the health insurance plan I finally qualified for is not longer offered, my year long healthy streak was broken by multiple pancreatic attacks in the last two weeks, Mojo hurt his foot, Michael's pain has really escalated in the past two weeks, my diet sucks, and basically everything that could go wrong did. Let's just say, we have been feeling very overwhelmed and totally let down by everything. Sometimes I am woken up at night by Michael moaning in his sleep from pain or the extreme nausea that comes with pancreatitis, and all I can do is just sit there and pray until I eventually just fall asleep again.

But amidst all the stress, pain and discouragement Michael and I are once again blessed with a reason to rejoice! I got a job interview at J Crew...whoohooo! Not only do I love the clothes but they offer health ins for part-time employees. A $1200. medical bill that Michael has been appealing for the past 6 months finally went through and were are free of any payment on it (which is good because we didn't have $1200. to spare). Brent (michael's dad) came over and helped us do our taxes only to find that we are getting $1800. back, so that we can pay our rent next month without tapping into our much depleted savings!!!

In short, we are touched by God's goodness once again! Over and over again we are reminded that God's faithfulness is constant and that our lives are in great hands! I am so thankful that even in the toughest of situations I know that there is a bigger and greater purpose that goes beyond my own troubles.

Thank you Jesus for the sacrifice that you made so that I can have redemption even in moments of doubt and questioning. You are more then I need each day, it's my decision whether or not I acknowledge that. And today, I acknowledge that!

Psalm 37:23-24 "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way, when he falls he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the one who holds his hand."

Matt 7:34 "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own."

So rejoice with me today because God's goodness reaches far beyond our daily needs!

1 Thess 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks."

Sick and tired...so I crafted.

Health has been rough these past two weeks, and so has my diet. No chocolate, no spaghetti, and no pop tarts....lame. But to keep my spirits up I decided to try my hand at necklace making. Haven't made a necklace since I was little when yarn and fruit loops were my supplies. But it can't be to hard right? I like a particular style I've been noticing lately where the necklace is strung using ribbon in multiple layers with chunky beads. So while trying not to break the budget, this is what I came up with..... Thoughts anyone??

.

Love,

Bethany

As many of you know, I've been struggling with my health lately. I went an entire year without a back pancreatic attack but the night of our anniversary put an end to that. I'm guessing old Hank (the name I have given my pancreas bc I don't like that word) didn't like that roasted duck. Anyhoo, Michael and I have been trying to re-create our meals to cater to my strict diet. As a result, Michael has been doing some of the cooking on days that I am to sick. So, I would like to introduce you to Healthy Cooking by Michael Strawsburg!

Reciepie #1.

The Healthy Egg Omelet.

1. egg substitute (fat free)

2. bell peppers

3. red onion

4. tomatoes

5. bacon (leave out for fat free option)

6. Motzorela cheese (less fat then most cheeses

7. avacodo (healthy fat to be added on top if desired)

8. Salt and pepper to season

Oh, and was it delicious! Feel free to add other favorites, low fat turkey, tofu, mushrooms, herbs, anything you can think of. Then of course, add your favorite fruit as a side and you're set. This dish has a small amount of healthy fat, vitamin c, and some protein.

Just getting started and seeing what fun things we can come up with. Post some great recipes if you have some ideas!

Suitcases already packed

Take a look at this unique dresser (from Anthro) that consisted of wood suitcases stacked to create an incredible bedroom piece. Simple concept yet it's distinctive character makes it an eye catcher no matter where it's displayed. I love the versatility of this piece and would be inclined to place it in a living room instead of my bedroom. I love pieces that don't require an extras such as picture frames or nick knacks to give it that creative edge. I would only change one thing, I think I would give it leather suitcase handles with perhaps an old suitcase lock in the middle or each drawer. Give it just a tad more of a vintage look. But either way it really is an awesome dresser, and one that I would buy if only........

Love, Bethany

ribbons, flowers, and t's

As many of you are probably aware, money is tight these days. But, that doesn't mean you can't have the latest styles!! (At least that's what I'm telling myself). So I decided to try my hand at some good old copy-cat! Here is an example of where I am getting my inspiration (Anne Taylor LOFT, J Crew,) you get my drift right?

I started with a $5.00 t-shirt from Target, then I bought some clearance fabric from Joanns. I also dug through my ribbon supply and found some leftover wedding gift ribbon. So here is what I came up with.....

I used Ribbon that was used in our wedding to decorate the isles in order to craft these lovely flowers!

I used some sheer material to make these, I like how they are a little off-set with the larger flower on the right.

This is the ribbon from a wedding gift we received, the gift that keeps giving!! Basically, I just twisted, pinned and stitched.

These will be up on my etsy site soon if any of you would like to claim one as your own.

Love,

Bethany

Magical to say the least

So, I just heard today from my lovely cousin Rachel and fellow blogger that a popular Anthropologie brand "Liberty of London" is now at Target!!!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!!! To good to be true? I know, that's what I thought, but it's real!! Even better, for those of you with little kiddies they have children's clothes as well! Stop for a second and get your mind around this concept..... Anthropologie.......Target....... now together.. "Anthroget"!!!!! Mind blowing!!!

Good luck Shoppers!!!

love,

Bethany

Coming Soon

LoveLee Bath Salts by Blovelee! Enjoy the bliss of natures own aromatherapy in my special blend of Eucalyptus orange, lemon and hints of tangerine. It contains epsom salt which helps to relieve aching muscles and sore joints for a relaxing experience that comforts both your body and your senses! Made and tested in my own home! Take a look at some of the steps...

Soon to come on my Etsy site!!

Anniversary

Michael and I celebrated our first anniversary this past weekend! It was so much fun! We had a great weekend together! Michael took me to my favorite store ever (Anthropology) and bought me a dress!!!

I got to show off my new dress at dinner that night in Dana Point. We went back to Dana Point Harbor which is where we spent the first few days of our honeymoon last year. We had been given a gift certificate by Michael's work (The Free Wheelchair Mission) last year to use on our honeymoon. But we decided to save it for a little reunion with our honeymoon spot. So off we headed, me in my anthro dress and Michael in the slacks he wore at our wedding. We went to Gemmell's French restaurant in the Dana Point Harbor. It was super fancy! We got a table seated right in front of a fireplace... so romantic!

We had shrimp scampi for an appetizer which was AMAZING!!!! For dinner we decided to splurge and take advantage of the very french cuisine, so Michael got the Filet Mignon and I got the Roasted Duck. Super rich, super thick and super yummy! Michael didn't stop moaning with delight every bite he took.

We also brought with us the top of our wedding cake (which we saved in the freezer for an entire year). It was carrot cake with a sour cream filling (the experts say that carrot cake saves the best). The restaurant was nice enough to serve it for us. They displayed it on a large platter with "happy anniversary" written in chocolate syrup. And believe it or not, it was super yummy! Didn't taste old at all!

So there we sat with coffee and our wedding cake reliving the memories of the past year together. We are both amazed at how fast it went. We both recognized how God has truly blessed us and provided for us in spectacular and unexpected ways.

Sadly the night ended with me having a pancreatic attack (let's just say my body didn't appreciate all the fat in french cuisine!). But Michael, being the wonderful husband that he is, took good care of me and we were still able to have a wonderful first anniversary!!! We decided that after a year of trials we are still together and still in love, which is nothing short of a great success!!!

Our State Fair is a grand State Fair

I decided to start a new string of posts on my blogg of things that I love, things that are expensive, things that I would buy.....IF ONLY I were rich! Why? You are probably asking. Well, like most girls whether or not they admit it... I love to Shop, I love new things, I love clothes, I love to decorate....etc, etc! BUT, like most people in this horrid economy I cannot afford to buy everything I want, simply because it's cute. So I have decided to feature things that I like and would buy if only I was rich because it gives me a place to store ideas and tips for any future sewing escapades or thrift shop ventures I might go on. It's also going to be used as my own personal window shopping, tailored just for me! So be inspired, look when you have no money to touch, and please..no drooling. I promise to let all of you borrow whatever you like...IF ONLY...!!!!!

love,

Bethany

State Fair Dress!

Poor little guy

I am sad to report that our little Mojo has not been feeling well, an upset tummy. I wont give you all the icky details, but let's just say he's had better days. Michael took him to the vet where he was given 4 different kinds of meds and they wanted to give him 2 different shots. The grand total amounting to something over $200.00!!!!! I would just like to point out that Mojo is not a person, he is a dog. I would also like to point out that I have been going to the doctor for 4 years for my "tummy" issues and all I get is a strict diet......Lame. Michael turned down the 2 shots because we could not afford such a high bill and the vet gave him her typical "you are lower then pond scum for not spending hundreds of dollars on your pet" look. I've gotten before too when I turned down a years prescription for dog calcium pills! Since when do dogs take calcium pills?

So, here I am giving Mojo 4 different meds at 3 different times a day, and he hates them!!! I'd just like to say that you are not officially a dog owner until you can get your dog to swallow a large capsule dry. I tried putting it in his dog food, in peanut butter and in water...no success. I tried stuffing it as far down his throat as I could, then holding his jaw shut....no success, he just sits there. He lasted 5 mins once and then simply spit it out when I let go. I even tried holding his jaw shut and plugging his nose.... nope... nothing. (I had to stop because I thought I was going to suffocate him). My last ditch effort was to cut open the capsule and pour out the powder into a little bowel where I had to mix it into peanut butter and spread it on a cracker....THEN.... FINALLY...SUCCESS!!!

Just so you know, Mojo is feeling much better! He is back to his lively self, in fact, I think he's has so much energy he doesn't know what to do with himself because he decided today to try to dig up the carpet...no success. (But I'll let you know how it goes!) Right now Mojo is showing me how fast he can run back and forth across the room, he doesn't know I'm not watching.

Anyway, Mojo thanks you for reading about his life!