Thoughts of Beauty

Homecoming Celebration Ideas

Our family entered a new stage over the weekend. Carson took a date to Homecoming at his high school -- a sweet girl from his youth group at church. I made the corsage above for the occasion. (You know how I love crafting my way through life transitions!) Here are a few photos of Carson and Mallory. They are precious!

The pair wanted to watch a movie at our house after Homecoming, so I had a little surprise waiting for them when they arrived.

Carson and Mallory were surprised to discover framed one-hour photos already on display when they walked through the door -- a memento for each to commemorate their festive evening.

"Homecoming means football, floats and fun." ~ Anonymous

Painted Details in Emma's Room

Paint helped infuse Emma's bedroom in our Wetumpka house with a cheery palette of pale pink, bright pink and green. Above, a trio of natural-wood frames from Hobby Lobby got a refreshing update with stripes and polka dots.

And a wooden trashcan, also from Hobby Lobby, incorporates all of our colors, along with a curlicued freehand monogram.

The legs on this table from HomeGoods inspired the choice of green for the room. I had it color-matched at the paint store, and used the refreshing shade for chairs, a dresser, and other accents throughout the room. This really tied everything together.

Simply painted accessories added the finishing touches to this bright, happy space.

"If people want to make war they should make a color war, and paint each others' cities up in pinks and greens." ~Yoko Ono 

Photos by Allison Hilyer. Used with permission.

Opening a Window Today

"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be." ~ Douglas Pagels

Today I'm reminiscing about a special afternoon we spent getting to know Mary Ashley's preschool class. That harvest luncheon was several years ago, but we still remember it well. We met several of our dearest friends during those blissful hours of fellowship, and it all started from a simple invitation. It's a tradition we plan to repeat this fall with her ballet class. The students attend several different schools, so we are planning a girls night to help them grow closer. Look for details on that party soon -- the challenge is finding a spot on the calendar when we will be free! Please join me on the Victoria blog, where I'm opening Autumn Doors to Friendship. 

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

Happy Labor Day!

I hope you are basking in the sun and dipping your toes in the ocean this holiday, soaking up the last glistening moments of summer. We have enjoyed an extended weekend with family, and I hope I will have pictures to share soon. Blessings to you and yours!

"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart." ~ Celia Thaxter