IKEA Inspiration

One can't help but get excited, anticipating your first trip to IKEA,

as the flags whip about in the wind under beautiful blue skies,

 beckoning you into the parking lot!

Going to IKEA, is not like any random shopping trip.  It is "an experience."

The prices are phenomenal, i.e. "cheap,"  and the inspiration rich in the showrooms.

Although I wouldn't suggest going during the mid-afternoon on Saturdays.

Unfortunately, that is when my schedule while visiting Charlotte, NC, permitted, and it was a circus! 

 (Overly crowded and the check-out wait was long!)

Thought I would share a few pictures from the Show Rooms...

$19.99 for a Basic Metal Table.

The possibilities for this piece are endless, and the price can't be beat!

One of these beautiful bowls came home with me, and now resides on my kitchen table holding fruit.

Interesting...

If I were a modern, hip kind of chick, I would have to have these gloss red lacquer pieces for my kitchen. 

IKEA is the "go-to" place for storage solutions!

More pretty storage options, below.

IKEA would be a wonderful place to gather inspiration, and pieces for a brand-new space, or for an apartment dweller.  They offer many great solutions for making the most of a small space in a very efficient manner.  Overall, IKEA leans toward the modern, but even so, great accessories can be found to accent any type of decor.  I observed that IKEA would also be a wonderful place to gather like-items in bulk needed for a wedding or party, for a very affordable price.

So there you have it, my first trip, and my two-cents worth of opinion on IKEA!  "smiles"

Gift of Recognition

Sunday, beautiful plaques were presented to my WOW '12 Conference Co-chair, 

Lisa and I.

{Hand-painted and crafted by a very talented lady in our church, Michelle}.

The quote is by Lysa Terkeurst, our speaker for the Conference.

Those who said, "Yes," to volunteer their time to work and help put on this awesome conference

certainly did change a part of our world.

May they be blessed!

And our prayer, is that those ladies that said, "Yes," and attended the Conference, will take back

a little of what they heard this past weekend, and a part of their world will be changed, that their lives will be enriched!

Giving God the glory! :)

You Are....

Taking a short blogging break.

 Our church is hosting a Women's Conference for 800 ladies this weekend, 

in which I'm blessed to be Co-Chairing.

Our Speakers will be 

Lysa Terkeurst,

a gifted Christian speaker and author,

who is the President of Proverbs 31 Ministry, (heard on Klove).

She has written about 14 books, her latest being, Made To Crave. 

Returning for the second year of our Conference,

Kelly Swanson,

a gifted storyteller and comedienne. 

And, 

Melissa Greene,

formerly with the Christian group, Avalon,

who will be leading our Praise and Worship.

Below are the tent cards that will be used in the cafeteria, 

for the luncheon included as part of the Conference, on Saturday.

I may finish them by then ...I hope! :) 

(God Says)  You Are....

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~Be Back Soon!

2012 GOP Sand Sculpture ~ Myrtle Beach, SC

"Like SANDS through the hourglass,"

so the history of life is made!

This past weekend, my friend, Lisa, and I traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC,

to "see a man about a dog!"

{In southern terms, that means we were on a top secret mission that will be revealed at a later time! "smiles"}

From our 11th floor hotel room at the Sheraton/ Convention Center, we had the view below, of a huge mound of sand.  Our curiosity got the best of us, so we wandered downstairs to the site to inquire just what was going on.

Down in the lobby, we passed signs such as the one below.

Thinking it was a Mini Mount Rushmore,

the closer we got, the more evident the mound became.

The mound of sand was the makings of a Sand Sculpture for the 2012 Republican Party Primary that was to be held tonight (Monday), in Myrtle Beach.

Lisa and I were literally in the right place, at the right time!

The volunteers let us wander within the barricade to take pictures.  

But upon reflection, we were wearing name badges concerning our "mission," and I think they may have mistaken us for the press, which were snapping away as well! 

A team of five sculptors, was made up of men from Canada, England, and the US.  They travel the world creating sand sculptures.  The 535 ton sculpture featuring all the Republican Party Candidates, took 6 days to create. 

Newt's and Ron Paul's were the most life-like.  The sculpture also included a sand portrait of Huntsman, who withdrew from the race today.  The sculptors had actual head shots taped to the side of each face for guidance.

The GOP symbol...

The sand sculpture was sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

A side sculpture was created commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his birthday.

As we left Myrtle Beach Saturday Evening, we noted that the sculpture was progressing quickly.

From clips seen on the news today, I observed that upper body features had been added later to the faces.

Hats off to the very gifted and talented artisans who created the beautiful display!

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"History never looks like history when you are living through it."

  ~John W. Gardner

Love Is Patient

 ... love is kind.

It does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrong.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,
always trusts,

Always hopes, 

always perseveres,

Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

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Valentine Ornaments ~ Big Lots

Floral Ribbon ~ Wal-mart

"Love is patient..."  Plate ~ Local Gift Shop


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Linking Post To:
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Masterpiece Monday  @ Boogieboard Cottage
Party Time Tuesday @  Northern Cottage
Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Share Your Creations @ Kristen's Creations
Inspiration Friday @ At the Picket Fence