DIY

Happy Monday! This week's go green tip is all about DIY. I am not the best with doing so, but I am always eager to learn how to do new things.

A great way to get just the right thing that you need it to make it yourself. You choose exactly what goes into it, and you alone can control how the finished products turns out. Not sure of how to do/make something? The Internet can tell you! I guarantee you that there are instructions some where online to do just about anything and everything.

As long as you aren't driving all over town in search of your products/ingredients, then this benefits the environment as well. You could even try using what you already have around your house.

Check out two of my fabulous friend's blogs: http://nattymichelle.blogspot.com/ and http://thedapperbun.blogspot.com/. Both of these ladies are extremely talented and crafty and post DIY tips sometimes.

What are some of the things you like to DIY? Happy crafting!

Happy Friday friends!

"You are younger today than you ever will be again.

Make use of it for the sake of tomorrow."

(Anonymous)

Best of all

True heroism

"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. 

It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, 

but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." 

(Arthur Ashe)

While we all enjoy today's events, let's not forget the sacrifice that countless brave men and women have made for our freedom.  Thank you for serving our country.  We honor you today and always.  Happy Memorial Day!

Simply fascinating!

For my friend Erin's recent wedding, I knew I needed something special to add to the ensemble I've worn to countless weddings over the past few years.  I've been wearing feathered and flowered headbands and headpieces for the past few years and was recently re-inspired by the amazing fascinators and hats at the royal wedding.  I browsed www.etsy.com for something unique.  After hours of looking through hundreds (literally) of amazing fascinators, I stumbled upon this shop: www.etsy.com/shop/huiish87.  


I was blown away by her absolutely gorgeous designs.  The colors, variety of feathers and flowers, and her precise attention to detail make her pieces stand out.  I found one that I really liked but needed in a different color scheme.  So, I contacted Hui, and we decided that she would custom design a fascinator for me.  We went back and forth for awhile since I am extremely particular (i.e. anal) about this sort of thing.  


After several versions, we finally found a winner.  As an avid email scanner, I failed to see that the piece was a bit short of 7 inches (she clearly stated this in an email).  When it arrived, I decided that I wanted it to be bigger (my fault, not hers).  I went to Michael's and found two beautiful burgundy feathers to add to it.  I pinned them to my head using a few bobby pins, and then clipped in the fascinator.  Et, voila!  I had a custom designed fascinator to complete my wedding look.  


I received tons of compliments on it and can't wait to wear it again soon.  Hui was an absolute delight to work with...she was very patient with me and gave me exactly what I wanted.  If you are looking for a beautiful piece of your own, go to her site immediately or email her at hui@huiexpressions.com.  She has a wide variety of fascinators in many different colors and styles.  If you don't see what you're looking for, she can customize a piece for you.  


Trust me, you will look fascinating!

Will you join me?

As some of you know, I will be going on another mission trip with Buckhead Church to Haiti in July.  I am extremely excited about it and feel very blessed to have been given such an amazing opportunity once again.  My mission trips to Cape Town, South Africa in June 2008 and May 2009 absolutely changed my life, and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for our team in Haiti.

I will be leading a team of 12 adults to Bohoc, Haiti where we will be working alongside the leadership council in the town. The purpose of our trip will be to serve Bohoc through 410 Bridge (www.410bridge.com) water and sanitation projects.  We will also be spending time at an orphanage in the community.  Located approximately 100 miles north of Port-au-Prince, most community members in Bohoc are farmers or craftsman who work very hard for meager wages.  The needs in Bohoc are great.  Access to clean water is a challenge, and the education system is broken.  While there is a church presence in the community, many pastors lack the training and coaching to effectively reach their community with the Gospel.

With a (roughly) 66% unemployment rate, a turbulent political climate, and devastation from the January 2010 earthquake, violent crime and extreme poverty are a part of many Haitian’s daily lives.  Our team hopes to bring healing and comfort to the people of Bohoc and its' surrounding areas using God's mercy and amazing grace.  On a personal level, I hope to have the chance to share with the people there what my faith has done in my life, and the joy one can feel from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  I am honored that God chose me to lead this team and will do all that I can to honor Him throughout this experience.

I would like to present you with the opportunity to be an integral part of our team by asking for your financial donation and/or gifts of prayer for our team.  Please prayerfully consider what you can give at this time.  No gift, be it financial or an act of prayer, is too small.  To make a financial contribution to our trip, you can send me a check (made to The 410 Bridge-please do not write my name in the For/Memo blank) or you can donate online at https://my410bridge.org/Elle1231.)  410 Bridge prefers online donations if possible.  With your donation, I promise to use the gifts and opportunities God has given me to further His kingdom and share His love.

Thank you in advance for your time and whatever gifts you can give.  Please let me know if you have any questions about the trip, or if you want to learn more about 410 Bridge and Haiti.  I truly believe that with God on our side our team can help bring healing to the people of Haiti through God's amazing love and compassion.

"...each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10)https://my410bridge.org/Elle1231

Go green this Memorial Day!

Happy Monday friends!  Check out my video for today's go green tips: