Saturday, August 31, 2013

Share Your Best Post of the Week -- Link Up!

Happy Saturday! What are you up to today? Don't forget to link up to this week's link party...it went live yesterday, and I'd love to see your project there! With the holiday weekend here, I will most likely do Features tomorrow, so today's the best day to link up.


All kinds of posts are welcome here: We have recipes, party ideas, room makeovers, crafts, printables, tips and tricks, home decor, DIY, fashion advice, and more! The code for the button is located over at the party, or you can add a text link back to me within your post. Remember, I only feature projects that have a link back to me within the post.

If you haven't linked up yet, just head on over now to the party! Be sure to browse some of the amazing projects that have been shared.

Features coming soon!

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Friday, August 30, 2013

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

Happy Friday! Welcome to my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. This is the day of the week where other bloggers stop by to link up their best post of the week, and readers get to browse tons of fun project ideas. If you're new here, don't forget to "Follow" or subscribe so you don't miss future parties and projects!

*Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link--I've had to bypass so many great projects lately because they didn't include a link back to my blog in the post!

This party is a great place to showcase your very best post of the week (home decor, crafts, party ideas, recipes, DIY, tips and tricks, etc.) and to see what else is out there.

Here are a few of my faves I spotted around the web this week:
Weekend Reading at Serenity Now, 8.30.13
sources listed below


~DIY Upholstered Bed via The Lilypad Cottage

~Custom Toy Storage via NowAtHomeMom

~Thanksgiving Pallet Art via Infarrantly Creative

~Lasagna Soup Recipe via By Stephanie Lynn


~And Me? I'd love it if you have a moment to click over. This week featured:
Time to link up your best post of the week!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Savoring Summer

I'll admit it. I'm more than a little overwhelmed this week when I look at my to-do list and the time I have left to accomplish things. I have about eleventy billion home projects all being juggled at once and not one of them is finished. If they were, I'd have some pretty cool posts to share with you.

I know part of my anxiety is probably pregnancy hormone induced. It's so, so hard to balance projects, duties at home, stuff with the kids, paid work, and blogging. Natalie has her second grade Open House tomorrow, so today I'm going to try to soak up just a little more summer before Labor Day weekend hits us and then school begins. I might work on a project today; I might just take the kids to the park or the pool or to play hopscotch in the covered section of the school walkway.

What will you do today?


If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.

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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Plate Wall Inspiration

I had hoped to share a new project or two with you, but (going for complete honesty here), I am beginning to get overwhelmed with the enormous to-do list I have looming over my head before school begins and the baby arrives later this Fall. One of my planned projects is a plate wall for my mini kitchen makeover. Because some other tasks got priority this week, I decided to share some Plate Wall Inspiration with you all today. I have the supplies for mine, but haven't planned the design out yet. Here are some that caught my eye.
Plate Wall Ideas (a Round-Up), at Serenity Now


*Please be sure to Pin from the original sources, which are listed with each photo.

Love the fresh pops of color. From The Lily Pad Cottage


Wall of shelves built specifically for housing a special collection. From Better Homes and Gardens



Sharpie Art Plate Wall. via While They Snooze


Gorgeous green made to look like an art installation. From Interior Design


White plates pop off a brown wall. via The Inspired Room


Country style, hung with wire fencing. via the old white house



























Not plates, but I do love these silver platters. Curious Sofa Diaries


Framed plates, very cool! via Better Homes and Gardens


Frames mixed with art. From Southern Living


Which is your fave? Have any tips for the perfect plate wall?

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.

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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

A Vintage Tea Cart {Furniture Ready for a Makeover}

If you have followed me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter for long, you may remember a hilarious series of photos I shared at various points over the past year or so. They were called "Weird Things in My Nannie's House" and focused on, you guessed it, weird things I spotted in my Nannie's house. With funny captions. The house is mostly cleared out now, and the last thing I chose to keep is this vintage metal tea cart.
Vintage Tea Cart

This piece sat in a corner of Nannie's dining room for years, and held boxes of her family silver. I think it goes with a set of three metal nesting tables that I brought home last Spring. I saw it and knew it would be perfect for our deck.

In complete honesty, between bugs, bad weather, morning sickness, etc. we haven't used our deck once this summer. I doubt I will have a chance to refresh this piece before Fall arrives. I have about 32 projects going on inside the house. For now, it's going outside and I'll probably cover it when the weather gets bad.

As you can see, our vintage patio furniture (also from Nannie's) is white. The black side tables are from Target and coordinate with the black dining table from Lowe's. I can't decide to give the tea cart a fresh coat of white (it's currently a dingy cream color), black, or maybe a bold color. I'm thinking maybe white and then using bright accessories as accents.
Our Deck with Vintage Patio Furniture, from Serenity Now


Have you rescued any pieces in need of some TLC lately?

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.

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Monday, August 26, 2013

Featured Project Ideas {Link Party Features}

Hi there! It's the last week of summer vacation here (for one of my kids, at least), so we're trying to soak up every minute of it. I love Mondays because I get to share some Features from the weekend link party. There was a fantastic line-up of creative posts: Home Decor, DIY, Crafts, Recipes, Party Ideas, Tips and Tricks, and more. It's an awesome spot to find stuff to add to your Pinterest boards! Here are some that I spotted this weekend:

Sunday, August 25, 2013

One More Day to Link Up: Showcase YOUR Project!

Hello! Just wanted to remind you that there is one more day to link up to this week's Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. I'd love to see you there! I'll have a post with some Featured Project Ideas up tomorrow.

If you haven't joined the fun yet, please hop over to the party and add your best post of the week. We have Home Decor, Crafts, DIY, Recipes, Tips and Tricks, Party Ideas, and so much more! Lots of fun ideas to Pin and tuck away for future use.

If you've already linked up, be sure to browse some of the other projects. If you haven't added a link back to me within your post, please take a minute to do that if you'd like your project considered for a feature. It's good for both of our SEO, guys!

Hope you've had a fantastic weekend.


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Friday, August 23, 2013

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

Happy Friday! Welcome to my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. This is the day of the week where other bloggers stop by to link up their best post of the week, and readers get to browse tons of fun project ideas. If you're new here, don't forget to "Follow" or subscribe so you don't miss future parties and projects!

*Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link--I've had to bypass so many great projects lately because they didn't include a link back to my blog in the post!

This party is a great place to showcase your very best post of the week (home decor, crafts, party ideas, recipes, DIY, tips and tricks, etc.) and to see what else is out there.

Here are a few of my faves I spotted around the web this week:
Weekend Features at Serenity Now, 8.23.13
sources listed below


~Pool House Makeover via Four Generations one roof

~Back to School Brunch for Moms via Armommy

~Vinyl Chair Makeover via little green notebook

~Laundry Room Mini Makeover via Remodelando la Casa


~And Me? I'd love it if you have a moment to click over. This week featured:
Time to link up your best post of the week!

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Top 8 Tips for Shopping Consignment Sales

One of my big jobs for this week has been to take some photographs for my area's big children's consignment sale (If you live in the DC/Richmond area and want to know which one, feel free to send me an email! I don't like to disclose the name of my town online). I love shopping this sale twice a year and find the majority of my girls' wardrobes there. With some careful shopping, you can wind up with some real gems! I get complimented a lot on the way my kiddos dress. With clothes and consignment on my mind, I thought I'd share some of my top tips for shopping consignment sales.
Tips for Shopping Kids' Consignment Sales, from Serenity Now blog


1. Make a list and check it twice.
Do some inventory of your kids’ closets, and decide what they need for this season. Do they need school clothes, jeans, jackets, church outfits, winter pajamas? The good news is that many sales go by season, so you'll be sure to find what you need to get through the next few months.

Make a list for your purse or wallet and be sure to mark down sizes, quantity, and what you’re willing to spend. I write up a list for each sale, and always make sure to browse other shop areas because I inevitably find a super cool toy, adorable pair of shoes, or a like-new series of books that I didn’t even know I was looking for!

2. Double check the website before you shop. 
If the sale has its own website, it’s always a good idea to take a peek online before you shop. Sales often move locations, and there can be multiple shopping sessions for volunteers, consignors, military families, etc. Save yourself time and check it all out online before loading the kids into the minivan.

3. Know your budget. 
I hate the word “budget,” but many of us are limited in what we can spend these days. Talk to your spouse or significant other before you shop and set a reasonable limit for yourself. There are loads of great bargains to find at these sales, but it can be easy to overspend if you aren’t careful. Bring a calculator and go through your purchases before you hit the check-out line. Your fellow shoppers will thank you!

4. The early bird gets the worm…or the Lilly Pulitzer dress. 
Sign up to volunteer or consign for the bonus of shopping early! (Be sure to ask the organizers for specifics) If there are certain big ticket items you’re on the hunt for, you’ll want to arrive and get in line early. I’ve seen people waiting in line an hour or more before the sale begins. Those are the folks who snag the cool racecar bed or the like-new doll house.

Even if you’re just planning on strolling through the sale to pick up a few things, it’s still a good idea to arrive and get in line a few minutes early. Make sure you have your wallet, some snacks for the kiddos, something to carry your purchases before the doors open.

5. It’s in the bag.
I can’t tell you how many moms I’ve run into at the sales over the years who wish they had thought to bring something to hold their new finds. Armloads of clothes, shoes, toys, and books can be heavy and cumbersome. Bring a reusable shopping bag, laundry basket, bin, or small wagon to tote your purchases in. I used to use my double stroller!

6. Be a gracious shopper. 
This is possibly my number one tip! Consider your fellow shoppers as you browse the sale. It’s easy to get all hyped up on the excitement over some great bargains, but is it really necessary to go down the Girls 5T section and sweep mounds and mounds of clothes into your bin or wagon without even looking at them? There are enough fab finds for everyone if we remember our manners! We’re all busy parents with crazy schedules…we can help each other out by keeping an eye on our own kids, refraining from the “grab and go” shopping tactic, and just generally being mindful of others.

7. Inspect your gadgets. 
Most consignment organizers do a fantastic job of making sure consignors are aware of what is deemed acceptable for sale. But it’s still a good idea to examine each item for parts, size, wear and tear, etc. before you purchase it. It’s easy to find yourself in a hurry to check out, only to later discover that you accidentally bought a size 3T shirt instead of the size 4T your son needed.

8. Don’t be a stranger. 
If you must, factor in a second shopping day to your budget. Some consignment sales offer a Half Price Day, and I always find at least two or three items when I make the effort to stop back in. Many, many items are marked down, and it’s easy to spot a few more impressive bargains that you might not have spied on your last shopping trip.

What about YOU? Do you have any Consignment Sale Shopping Tips? 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

11 Great Back to School Books for Kids

I've got some great Back to School Books to share with you today. My oldest doesn't go to second grade until the day after Labor Day, and my youngest doesn't hit the kindergarten books until September 9th! At this point in the summer, we're eyeing the calendar hopefully, counting down the days. The only buffer we have at this point is the pool, and it's been too chilly to swim!
11 Great "Back to School" Books to Read to Your Kids, at Serenity Now


One way we amp up the excitement over school starting back up is to choose some great school-themed books from the library and our own book shelves. I also swear by this activity for first time preschoolers! I really and truly feel like it helped ease my kids' fears about the whole "preschool thing" and to see what goes on at school, which is a foreign concept to them at that point.

Here are a few favorites that we have in our home library:

The Berenstain Bears Go to School- Stan and Jan Berenstain
This was a childhood favorite of mine, and my girls love it too. The entire series is filled with colorful, detailed illustrations and sweet stories, but this one focuses on Sister Bear's experience going to kindergarten. It's also great for preschoolers, as many of the activities in the story are things that happen in preschool.
11 Great "Back to School" Books to Read to Your Kids, at Serenity Now


Dog Goes to Nursery School- a Little Golden Book by Lucille Hammond
Another one I remember in our home from my childhood. I read this religiously to Natalie before she started the Young Three's preschool class. It did a great job of addressing common anxieties.
11 Great "Back to School" Books to Read to Your Kids, at Serenity Now


Fancy Nancy: JoJo's First Day Jitters- Jane O'Connor
I like this one because Nancy, the big sister, helps by encouraging her sister about starting school. A great example for older siblings.
11 Great "Back to School" Books to Read to Your Kids, at Serenity Now

The Berenstain Bears Go Back to School- Mike and Jan Berenstain
It doesn't quite have the charm of the older Berenstain Bear book, but this one is set to rhyme. Geared towards slightly older kids who are heading back as opposed to first-timers.
11 Great "Back to School" Books to Read to Your Kids, at Serenity Now


The Night Before Kindergarten- Natasha Wing
We love most of the "Night Before" books, and this one is no exception.
11 Great "Back to School" Books to Read to Your Kids, at Serenity Now


The Night Before First Grade- Natasha Wing
Very much like the one above. Was nice for Natalie, who was transitioning from half day kindergarten to full day first grade.
11 Great "Back to School" Books to Read to Your Kids, at Serenity Now


Great books we've checked out from our local library:

D.W.'s Guide to Preschool- Marc Brown
By the beloved author of the Arthur series, this one is told with D.W.'s matter-of-fact narration. A great look at the ins and outs of a day at preschool.
11 Great "Back to School" Books to Read to Your Kids, at Serenity Now


Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! - Nancy Carlson
I liked this one because it was realistic. Henry is super excited about kindergarten, until he gets there. Shows his progression through the first day and how much fun school can be.
11 Great "Back to School" Books to Read to Your Kids, at Serenity Now


First Day Jitters- Julie Dannenberg
This one has a great twist at the end. Made us laugh out loud!
11 Great "Back to School" Books to Read to Your Kids, at Serenity Now

Things I Learned in Second Grade- Amy Schwartz
This one is great because it shows how much a child can grow, learn, and develop in a year. The kids like the funny parts.
11 Great "Back to School" Books to Read to Your Kids, at Serenity Now


Amanda Pig, Schoolgirl- Jean Van Leeuwen
A sweet story that teaches kids to be on the lookout for other boys and girls who might be nervous about the first day!
11 Great "Back to School" Books to Read to Your Kids, at Serenity Now

Do you have any favorite books, traditions, or activities that help ease the back to school jitters? I'd love to hear!

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.

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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Why You Should Have a Lens Protector for Your DSLR Camera

This is a true story of fear, loss, and recovery. (no, seriously, it is) I hope that after reading today's post, all you DSLR camera owners will rush out and purchase your own lens protector. This post is not sponsored in any way, just consider it your PSA for today!
Why You Should Have a Lens Protector for Your DSLR Camera, at Serenity Now

Let me set the stage for our story:

We are now the proud owners of a six month old German Shepherd puppy who entertains grand delusions that she is some sort of visiting German dignitary in our home. 
Why You Should Have a Lens Protector for Your DSLR Camera, at Serenity Now


What Ellie wants, Ellie helps herself to. 

Michaela Byrd's sandwich, ja. Paper from my purse, ja. T's tie? Ja

She especially enjoys carrying small, soft things around. Remember this. It is important later on in the story.

I decided to sleep in a couple of weeks ago. 

That was my first mistake.

Natalie, who enjoys waking at the crack of dawn as much as I love mochas, let the dogs out for me and fed them. It wasn't long before I heard a thud, a crack, and an "Oooooooooh nooooo!"

I had an inkling that this wasn't going to be good news. 

Natalie came upstairs carrying my Nikon. Upon first glance, I was certain that my lens had shattered and we'd be out a bunch of dollars for me to replace it. I was all set to pitch a nice, big hissy fit when I looked closer and saw that it wasn't my expensive Nikon lens that had broken.


Sure, the lens protector was busted, but that's only around $20 to replace. I have never been more grateful to have listened to T and put it on my lens! (It sat in my camera bag for awhile before I finally attached it)

I guess Ellie saw my Nikon sitting out on the counter and either decided to take some still shots, or the pretty lush, soft fabric of the camera strap was too much to resist. My guess is she went for the softy fabric. Again, she likes soft things. I caught her trying to make a grab for some gauze on the kitchen table as I wrote this post last night. In front of me. With her surgery cone of shame on.
Why You Should Have a Lens Protector for Your DSLR Camera, at Serenity Now


So it should be no surprise to me that she would attempt to grab something off the counter when I wasn't around. It was a very good lesson to me as a pet owner and mother of small children to keep my camera in the camera bag when it is not in use.

And I hope, dear reader, that this story was a lesson to you to protect your lens! I can't promise that yours will be shatter-free, but I do know they protect from scratches, dirt, and dust. There are plenty of good brands out there. After being saved once by Rocketfish, I will probably purchase from them again.

Have you ever had a run-in with your camera lens? 

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.

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Monday, August 19, 2013

Featured Project Ideas {Link Party Features}

Hi there! I love Mondays because I get to share some Features from the weekend link party. There was a fantastic line-up of creative posts: Home Decor, DIY, Crafts, Recipes, Party Ideas, Tips and Tricks, and more. It's an awesome spot to find stuff to add to your Pinterest boards! Here are some that I spotted this weekend:

Sunday, August 18, 2013

One More Day to Link Up--Showcase YOUR Project!

Hello! Just wanted to remind you that there is one more day to link up to this week's Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. I'd love to see you there! I'll have a post with some Featured Project Ideas up tomorrow.

If you haven't joined the fun yet, please hop over to the party and add your best post of the week. We have Home Decor, Crafts, DIY, Recipes, Tips and Tricks, Party Ideas, and so much more! Lots of fun ideas to Pin and tuck away for future use.

If you've already linked up, be sure to browse some of the other projects. If you haven't added a link back to me within your post, please take a minute to do that if you'd like your project considered for a feature. It's good for both of our SEO, guys!

Hope you've had a fantastic weekend.


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