{DIY} Love Banner

I shared my Valentine's Mantel last week and today I want to show you how easy my Love Banner was to make!  About 2 weeks ago Lil' Hunkie went to his grandparents for the weekend and I took full advantage of some 'me' time and went to Michael's! Majority of what I bought was from their $2 section and some of it was for my banner.  

Supplies:

Chip board photo book

Jeweled clothespins

Trims

(All from Michael's)

Ribbon

Scrapbook paper

Make it:

Using PicMonkey  and the font 'Rye' I printed out LOVE onto some scrap pieces of scrapbook paper.  It isn't translating well in my photos but the paper is a dark mauve color. And I used brown ink but it looks maroon.  My excitement that I got it to print onto paper taped to paper made the color ok!

I then trimmed the letters down to a rectangle...I just eyeballed it against my chipboard! (I have a habit of using the fold and tear method instead of scissors! And that's how I 'trimmed' them!)

Then I took some of my trim and embellished the bottom of the letters.  I just taped the trim on.  Then I simply used the clothespin to make it all come together.  This way I can use the chipboard again!

Added the ribbon and hung it on the mantel with the pompom trim above it and done!  

Easy as pie!

Next week I'll share my Hugs and Kisses entryway table!

Happy Thursday!

{See my Link Parties Page for the shares!}

Soiree Day-Free Puppy Love Party Printables

I could easily become addicted to making printables! I am no expert at it but it sure is fun and so appealing to me! I was thinking and thinking about what I would post for Soiree Day today and I kept thinking 'puppy love' and how it would be a cute kid's Valentine party theme. So I opened up PicMonkey and got to work.  Now what I'm not an expert on is the sizing, resolution and scale of things.  I will have to study if I'm going to make this a habit! Until then if you know how to make adjustments then go ahead!

Puppy Love Party Invitation

Puppy Love Party Tags

Puppy Love Flags

{Right click and save to use for personal use.}

♥♥♥

Lil' Hunkie and I just might have to have our own little Valentine's party!  

 I know printables are very popular, I've enjoyed using them myself! 

Is that something you'd like more of?

Would love some feedback!

Happy Soiree Day!

Vintage Gwen Chapel-Fresh Start for a Nation

Sharing the last little nugget I gleaned from the #SheReadsTruth Fresh Start plan today. 

I love how the Word is alive! How do I know this? Because you can read it over and over and get something different from it every time!

 For example, the story of the Woman at the Well. She was a Samaritan, Samaritans didn't mingle with Jews and here it was a Jew read 'her book' right down to the very end. What God showed me this time about this story is that Jesus didn't reveal Himself as the Messiah everyday but He did this day, to not only a woman who needed a Messiah but to a people that need a Messiah, to a people that needed to be restored to the one and only God and who needed a fresh start.  It wasn't just about the Woman at the Well, it was about a nation. God provides a fresh start for all. It's our choice to take it or not. 

I'm thrilled the Woman at the Well took it and ran with it and gave her entire town a fresh start!

What an example to me!

Revelation 21:5 NKJV

"Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” 

Praying the best weekend for you!

{Sharing} Valentine's Day Mantel

I've decorated my first Valentine's Day Mantel!  I have a 'faith, hope, and love' print that was given to me about 5 years ago by a dear friend and I haven't ever used it.  Last year when we moved and I was organizing holiday decor I put it with the Valentine's stuff thinking it'd be perfect and it was actually my inspiration! 

So I wound up with a love, pink and brown themed mantel! The wooden "love" is from Pick Your Plum and I wanted to keep it neutral so I painted it (and a 'xoxo') a metallic taupe. Then I made the 'love' banner...was so easy! I'll show you next week!

And how about the new goodies in PicMonkey? Love!! I still haven't decided if I'll upgrade or not yet. 

I've also decorated my first entryway table for Valentine's too that I'll be sharing soon!

How's your Valentine's day decorating going?

Happy Thursday!

{See my Link Parties Page for the shares!}

Soiree Day-Free Valentine Chalkboard Printables

I've been working on my Valentine decor and needed to make a printable for my entry way so I thought I'd share!!

{just right click and save to your computer!}

"Hugs & Kisses for All!"

"Pucker Up for Love!"

I'm doing a 'xoxo' theme on my entry table! I'll be sharing soon!

Happy Soiree Day!

{See my Link Parties Page for where I might be linking up at!}

{Recipe} Easy Tomato Bisque

So one of my first 'food' posts was about this awesome soup you can get in the deli section of Walmart...Tomato Basil Bisque.  We don't buy our groceries at Walmart so when I do happen to be there 9 times out of 10 I bring home at least one bowl! It's that good!  

Well about 2 weeks ago I was enjoying it so much that I wondered if maybe I could try and make it then I could have it anytime! I read the ingredient list....tomato...basil....butternut squash puree.  Hmm...I've never worked with a butternut squash before.  So I researched a little and figured I could make a decent version without the squash. And I actually found something at the store that made my experiment turn out great!*

Vintage Gwen's Easy Tomato Bisque

Ingredients:

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 tablespoon minced garlic

28 oz can of crushed tomatoes

can of vegetable broth

*can of Progresso's Recipe Starter in Creamy Parmesan Basil

1/2 to 1 teaspoon oregano (per your taste)

salt and pepper to taste

Saute onion in butter till soften.  Add garlic and cook till nice and fragrant.  Then add broth, tomatoes, and basil recipe starter.  Season with oregano, salt & pepper and heat through, just to a boil.  Remove from heat and puree in a blender in about 4 batches. Serve, I'd say this would feed at least 4.

Seriously so easy and ready in about 30 minutes from start (chopping onion) to finish (ladled into serving dish).

I was so proud of it!  Hubby doesn't like tomato or soup so he didn't share in my excitement but my mom and sister liked it! The Progresso recipe starter took the place of half & half and I'm impressed with it. 

I know I'll be making this again! Let me know if you try it out!!

Happy Monday!

{See my Link Parties Page for the link ups!}

Vintage Gwen Chapel-Oh, Ananias!

Have you ever 'felt' like you needed to go pray for someone? Or say an encouraging word to someone? Or like me, actually know that God said to "Go pray"?  And when God said "Go", you didn't move but rather questioned God?  I have done this so many times.  I've gotten better at moving my feet. I may still be a little unsure in my head but at least my feet are moving!  Well I was so moved to discover someone in the bible has done the exact same thing.  Ananias.  Oh, Ananias! In Acts chapter 9 is where Saul meets God on a road to Damascus and is struck blind. {Rabbit trail...I love that God Himself intervened. He fought for His children this day as He does everyday!} Then God appeared to Ananias in a vision.....

 ^"In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.  In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.  I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (verses 10-15 NIV)

Hehehe...did you see that question in there? As if God didn't know who Saul was!! I love it! 

"But God! That's the bad guy!! And you want me to heal him?!" 

But God wasn't moved by Ananias's concern...He was calling Saul to a higher place....God responded in a firm, loving manner and Ananias didn't question anymore, he obeyed. And if he hadn't, God would have used a different disciple. Because God's plans for Saul were unstoppable as are His plans for us.

I think Ananias probably never questioned God again.

 And now I won't ever forget his small part in Paul's transformation.

Let's be quick to obey question free from now on.  What'd ya say?

Happy Weekend! 

January Birchbox & MyGlam Bag

It's been a fun 'happy mail' month for me!  

I spent my Christmas money on makeup and jewelry! Surprised?

 Urban Decay and Stella & Dot to be specific. And then joining Julep's monthly subscription just added to the bliss!  This week I got both my Birchbox and Glam Bag the same day and I'm so pleased with both!!

 Perfume, cheek blush/highlighter, moisturizer, shampoo, and nail polish remover.  I'm most excited about The Balm's Hot Mama blush/highlighter...love The Balm and I'm trying to make it a habit to contour and highlight.  The perfume is lovely...makes me want Spring to hurry up and get here!

Argan oil, nail polish, concealer brush, body butter, and hair spray. I'm most excited about the nail polish and hair spray!  Ipsy gives sneaks peaks on their Facebook page and I thought I would be getting a red nail polish so I'm loving this Frappe color! And I've never used any of the Big Sexy Hair products so we'll see how this does on my pouf! Oh and that body butter smells divine! Yay for the blood orange scent!

These subscriptions sure do brighten my month! Ha!

Happy Friday!

Soiree Day-My Favorite Things Party

Well where in the world have I been?! 

Thanks to the awesome gals at My Sister's Suitcase, 

I just became aware of a trending party theme.....My Favorite Things Party.

Apparently Oprah and her 'Favorite Things' episodes sparked a party trend! You gather some friends, have them bring their favorite appetizer or dessert and a certain amount of their favorite thing.  So for example 5 of  a $6 or less item. So then everyone goes home with 5 different, awesome new things. You can work how you hand out the items in your own way....draw for them or invite just 5 people so everyone goes home with all the same things. And of course the price of the item can be adjusted as well. 

It sounds like so much fun that I'm trying to think when would be the best time for me to try this out! Ha!

Here's a round up of some parties I found on Pinterest.

{To pin please click on blog name!}

General Hosting Info by Squidoo

The Larson Lingo

Joy's Hope

And Everything Sweet

A Place For Us

Modern Mindy

As you can see you can throw this party in any fashion you desire!

 And at any time of the year! 

Remember those awesome My Sister's Suitcase gals? Well they made a printable tag and are sharing it! Go HERE to download!

Now I'm off to ponder some planning! ☺

Happy Tuesday!

Vintage Gwen Chapel-Christ's Compelling Love

I am loving the #SheReadsTruth's Fresh Start plan!  

Just this week I have gleaned about 3 nuggets! Good stuff!

Wednesday's reading focused on us being ambassadors for Christ.  The scripture reading was 2 Corinthians 5:11-21.  Well when I read it verse 14 caught my attention...

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all and therefore all died." NIV

....more specifically the word compel. That's a firm word. I looked it up...

Compel=*force or oblige (someone) to do something

*bring about (something) by the use of force or pressure

*drive

See? Pretty firm! I don't believe Christ was or is or ever will be forceful or use pressure towards His children. Why? Because of His love. If you are a Christian think about it. Christ's love. It's powerful yet gentle. It is given when it isn't deserved. And the bible says it should be driving us to be our best...His ambassadors. And if we accomplish being His ambassadors then the love of Christ keeps being powerful yet gentle, given when it isn't deserved.  

As I'm writing this I can tell you I wasn't a very good ambassador yesterday!  I'm dealing with how to handle a 3 year old and failed miserably. But thank goodness I have a new chance today!  So don't you be worried about the failed attempts. Allow Christ's love to keep you in the drive position. 

Be Blessed Today!

{Sharing} Favorite Photo Apps For Android

Not gonna lie...I love taking pictures! I realize I may not be as artistic and creative as some but I love the magic that happens.  If you think about it with today's technology photography can be instant art. Especially if you're using a cell phone. Since joining the #SheReadsTruth community I've found I enjoy making and sharing 'word art' on my cell phone too. So today I thought I'd share some of the apps I use on my android.  If you're an Iphone user then most of these apps if not all should be available to you. 

Note:

*All of the following apps can be used to edit, edit and edit some more any picture you take

or

-any digital scrapbook paper you can download to your phone

or

-you can do my trick: open PicFrame and choose the frame that allows one picture, then save it. Or before saving pick one of the available patterns or pick a color.  It will look like it's the frame around a white box. Then save. Go to your gallery, then under "PicFrame" you should either have a white square, a patterned square or a colored square. It's like making your own scrapbook paper!

~For Collages~

PicFrame

What I like about PicFrame is that it allows you to round the corners and then gives options under 'Style' for the patterns and colors.  

~For Light/Filters~

Real Bokeh

I loovvee Bokeh! It's just so cool! Real Bokeh is much easier to use on my phone then Lumie.  But Lumie is great too, I just need a newer phone! You should definitely give both a try!

Real Bokeh you control where the 'drops' of light go but with Lumie there's predetermined edits(unless they've updated the app-I don't have much space on my phone for a whole lot of apps-I said I need a new phone right?)

Magic Hour

I haven't gotten to play much with this app but if you love the 'pastel' editing then this app provides great options. This is one of the first apps I've seen where once in the app you can buy more filters to add to the free options it provides. 

~For Font~

Phonto

This is easy to use...I've tried a few other font apps and I think this is the best! 

Plus you can add your own fonts which I want to learn how to do! There's also a cool lady named Rhonna who designs fonts and graphics that you can add to your pics and Phonto is the app to use to accomplish this!

~For Graphics~

Picute

This is my newest app and I love what you can do with it! It has graphics or stamps as they call them, frames, labels and some options to add font.  My bloggin' buddie Eva shared this fun app with me! Yay!

Masking Tape

This is another easy app with a ton of options! 

[All app graphics courtesy of Google Play.]

And here's some examples:

*PicFrame + *Phonto then edited in Instagram

*Picute (the background, envelope & stamp are all in Picute!) + *Phonto then edited in Instagram

*Real Bokeh then edited in Instagram

Of course there are tons more apps, these are what I've been playing with! I keep waiting and waiting for an android version of BubbleFrame! Have you seen it? It's pretty cool! Just look up #bubbleframe on Twitter or Instagram and you'll see what I'm talking about!

What's your fav photo apps? 

Happy Thursday!

{See my Link Parties Page for the shares.}

Soiree Day-Fun, Fabulous, & 40 Party & Free Printable!

Hey Lovelies! 

2 weeks before Christmas my beautiful sister turned 40.  I knew I wanted to do something to make it special since it was a milestone and honestly I almost let it slip by me! So I talked to my brother in law to see what he thought and we planned a small surprise party with family and a few friends. 

Well I did the planning and he provided the funds, we made a great team! ☺

I chose a blue/pink theme and just kept it simple! I made a sign to use in centerpieces on the tables and even took the phrase "Fun, Fabulous, & 40" and added to a recent photo of my sis. I found a "Happy Birthday" headband at the Dollar Tree and added some balloon stickers, rhinestone "40" and some jewels for her to have a special 'hat'. My mom helped with some of the food....we made my sis's favorite sweets...chocolate covered pretzels rods, peanut butter blossoms and carrot cake cupcakes! Yum!
I also used blue and pink Sixlets in appetizer dishes to add some colored fun!

Carnations are my sister's favorite flowers. One bunch was enough to do centerpieces in some of my collection of recycled glass jars! I used 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of scrapbook paper and $1 plastic frames to finish off the centerpieces.  Easy and cheap!

It was a nice evening and sis was truly surprised!

Like the sign I made? Well I'm sharing!! Just right click and save!
I also made a favor tag that I didn't get to use so hope someone can!

Enjoy!

Happy Soiree Day!

{See my Link Parties Page for where I'll be sharing!}