Last Call for V-day flowers + FREE cheesecake!

Need the freshest beautifully-arranged dozen red roses delivered to your Valentine?

Want a mini heart-shaped strawberry cheesecake thrown in for free?

Here's your last chance to do so (DELIVERED and sure to amaze) for only $90!

Call 800.252.2166 or email inquires@heaven-sown.com today and let Heaven Sown handle the details for you!

Our gifts are sure to amaze you!

Friday Finds: Vday Goodies for the Chick-a-Dees!

Whether or not you've realized it yet...Valentine's will be here before you know it! Here are a few cute (simple and inexpensive) ideas that may be the hit of your little one's V-day party this year! Let's spread a little love!
Valentine Sweater Patches:

Staches and Smooches:



Poppin' Wheelies:

Just Write for Me!:

S'More Luv:

You Rock!:

Vday Treats!:

Thankful Thursdays: Truth

How often do we go through our days telling ourselves lies or believing lies that others have told us?
Ever realized that everytime you negate Truth with negativity, you belittle your worth?
Today, I'm thankful for Truth and the value it brings...even if I don't hear it all the time from others, I'm grateful that it's there and that I'm worthy of hearing it.
So, today, here's permission...
Permission to be yourself...
Permission to go for "it"...
Permission to be beautiful...
Permission to laugh a little louder...
Permission to not worry about what others think...
Permission to not worry about what others say...
Permission to be the Truth that God created you to be ...and that, my love, is worth a pretty, pretty penny.

Wednesday's Word: Mastering Self...

For the record, I'm still learning.
I'm still learning how to right wrongs....
and how to not worry with making sense of being wronged...
But I guess what's most important is that I learn to master myself.
I (nor you) can control the actions of others...
but I (and you) can control the response and that's what makes all the difference!
Remember, I (yes, you) have the power to change my (and your) outcome in life.
Believe it to be, align your prayers with Truth and Promise, and the realization of your Ideal truly awaits you!!

PS....and me.
Happy mastering!

Trendy Tuesdays: DIY String Chandeliers

With any event, we believe the beauty truly comes from the details. Check out these unique lanterns. I love the natural yet modern look of these! Sure to add an extra element of aaaah to any event, you can't go wrong with these string lanterns and chandeliers...and any guest would love this attention to detail!

The Ruffled Blog featured their DIY creation here and we love the final product!



Photo Credit: Ruffled Blog
Happy DIY'ing!

Tuesday Trends: Potty Like a Rock Star!

These days, any positive event works itself into a party...even this one....
From breakup parties to now even yes, you guessed it, potty parties. :) Feast your eyes on this creative collection of confections. Sorry, couldn't help myself!


Want more potty details? See for yourself here!!

Photo Credit: Hostess Blog

Thankful Thursdays....What If...

You know, I’m sure I’m not unlike any of the rest of you out there trying to make things happen...believing that God is just waiting to open the door, right? I toil away most days trying to be optimistic while resting on a promise that I believe God has made for our household.
Well, yesterday, I found myself being surrounded by a series of “what if’s” that had me really questioning...
”what’s next?”
Well after a series of negative outcomes, I began to really get beside myself, wondering...
"ok, God what else would you have for me to do? I feel like I’ve tried every possible approach in this area…and I simply don’t know what more to do!"
My thoughts were so loud that all I could hear in my head were thoughts like:
"What if the promise I think He made isn’t really what I thought?"
"Maybe the Word we’ve received from various sources has not been all accurate."
"What if I will have to do what I’m doing now for +10 more years before I am graced with the opportunity to do what I love?"
"What if a crisis happens tomorrow to negate the efforts we’ve made?"
"What if we never get out of debt?" which is a huge deal because I feel like I can’t leave what I do now for what I love until we do so...
"What if the gift I think that I have isn’t really all that wonderful?"
"What if the area that I thought God was really going to bless us in, really isn’t where He’s trying to bless us?"
"What if the dream I have ever comes to fruition… will there be someone to carry it on?"

Yeah, you name it, I really thought it.
I just really began to second guess everything with what’s-whats and why’s and why can’ts and how comes.
Have you ever been there?
I began to think:

"it's 2012 and I have decreed and declared how great this year will be for me, my husband, our marriage, our household, and our business."

And then I was reminded of two things..this poem that I’ve heard several times over the years:

and a snippet of my book selection from my 12 for ’12 list, As a Man Thinketh.
There are so many nuggets in this book to make you think, its almost crazy!

"His wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with his thoughts and actions."

and this

"A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life. And as he adapts his mind to that regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts; ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden powers and possibilities within himself."

but anyway, here's one of the poems from the book:

So You will be what you will to be;
Let failure find its false content
In that poor word, 'environment,'
But spirit scorns it, and is free.
It masters time, it conquers space;
It cowes that boastful trickster, Chance,
And bids the tyrant Circumstance Uncrown,
and fill a servant's place.
The human Will, that force unseen,
The offspring of a deathless Soul,
Can hew a way to any goal,
Though walls of granite intervene.
Be not impatient in delays
but wait as one who understands;
When spirit rises and commands
The gods are ready to obey."

Allen, James (2009-10-04). As a Man Thinketh (p. 36). Public Domain Books. Kindle Edition.
So, today, I'm thankful for the If...this wonderful If is the key to positive / negative thoughts that can make all the difference in the world. I, until now, used to be incredibly scared of the "if" and the potential for failure. I'm slowly figuring out that the whats won't matter, if my response is right. So, here's to that revelation...of course, everyday is a work in progress. I hope somewhere, somehow in all of these characters in this post that you've found encouragement for yourself...and if you what ifs begin to overwhelm you, remember to align your wishes and prayers with your thoughts and actions...and in your quiet time, read this:
Here's the text from If:

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too: If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise; If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim, If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same: If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools; If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss: If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’ If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much: If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

V-Day...the clock is ticking!

26 days and couting!
Need a little something different for V-day?

Give us a call, we'll be sure to amaze you....


Early bird bonus: Orders placed on or before January 30th will receive a
complimentary 5 inch ♥ -shaped strawberry cheesecake...just perfect to share.

Call (800.252.2166 Ext.3) or email for more info.

G and As : Weeks 2 and 3

Ok, so I admit...I'm behind. I should've sent these out 4 days ago....can I tell you this week has been challenging?!

Online orders, computer viruses, and pinching pennies got the best of me!

Please bear with me as I struggle to catch up with myself. ;)

Here's what I did, didn't do, and plan to do for last week and this week.







So, how did you do with YOUR goals?...what great things did you accomplish?

Friday Finds: DIY interchangeable cupcake stand

I've seen my share of DIY cake stands, but this is pretty creative and workable...and most importantly,doable, by just about anyone.
Pinterest introduced me to this yesterday and I could hardly wait to share!


Amber Lee over at Givers Log graciously offered this tutorial and I think you'll be impressed with the fact that you, yes YOU, can actually attempt this in time for your spring and summer shindigs...imagine the possibilities!

Happy Planning!

Pssst....Pinterest...what?

Just wanted to spread the word...if you like what you see here and want to know more about our style, follow us on pinterest!

Here's a little glimpse at our boards.

Be careful, it's addictive.

PS. Let me know if you need an invite. :)

Wednesdays Word: God sees...

While watching a show on TBN last night I was fortunate to overhear a few insightful words from Angela Thomas. Never heard of her before last night, but what she had to share made me want to share with you.
While she took the time to share a few eye-opening encounters with God, I found myself wanting to receive an even greater level of insight from her on God's power to change situations through people.
She eluded to a scriptural reference in Genesis 16 where Hagar, the handmaid of Sarai and Abram ,said:

"You are the God who sees me." She also said, "Have I truly seen the One who sees me?"

I'm thankful to have been reminded last night that God sees all things. He knows everything that I've been through, and what is frustrating me at this very moment. He is very well aware and capable of addressing every need in my life...and even gracing me with promises that He's kept.
At this very moment, I don't know what the plan is...but I do still believe in a God that can turn things around in a heartbeat, satisfy every need, and lighten the load that may be before me.
I so realize how hard things can be...especially when I feel like I am trying my darndest to make things happen...so maybe my version of making is like Sarai's in the bible. Maybe what I think I see isn't in His timing. I guess I should trust in knowing that He still sees and will bring His promises forth in His own timing.
I just thought it fitting to remind you of the same.
If you'd like to see a little more of what Ms. Angela is up to, visit her website or peruse a couple of her greatest selling works:
Do You Know Who I Am? and other brave questions women ask
My Single Mom Life: Stories and Practical Lessons for Your Journey
Do You Think I'm Beautiful?
In the meantime, let's just continue resting on his promise...deal?

Trendy Tuesday: Neutral + Pops of Color

Photo Credit: The Bride's CafeWho doesn't like a pop of color? I sure do. Looks like I'm not the only one. Check out how these brides managed to stay neutral while adding pops in their own little (or BIG) way.







Photo Credit: Style Me Pretty

Hot Dog! Weekly Meal Planner...

So I've kind of done this manually for the past two weeks, but it wasn't working that well for me...as I found out on Friday in the midst of trying to prepare pizza dough while running out of flour. Sigh. When I say manually, I mean that I've tried my hand at jotting down and even using Excel half-hazardly to come up with ideas of meals for the week. All attempts at doing this to-date have failed.
So as my dough mixture waited for my husband to make two failed trips to the grocery store, my patience got a little less than thin.
Of course, my resulting extra crispy pizza crust could've been avoided if I'd planned a little better by checking the pantry before stirring in the kitchen. I would've have realized long before Friday at 6pm that I was out of pasta sauce and all-purpose flour.
Nevertheless, we ate...and the boys were still relatively pleased with their chicken-pepperoni-bell pepper-cheese-and-tomato creation despite my oh-so-crunchy crust.
So I ran across this today, a new and improved version to what I was using before. This trusty meal planner allows you to enter in your own menu items and then leaves a front tab to retrieve those same items via a drop down menu so that you can plan for the week.
Now, if I had a DROID or iPhone instead of my almost obsolete by some acocunts Blackberry, I'm sure I'd find a trusty app to do all of this and have it right at my fingertips in a matter of minutes. Which reminds me...if any of you t\great folks out there can either:
1. Recommend an app that will work on my BB and plan my meals, while creating a grocery list, puh-LEASE let me know, or
2. Recommend an app that works on a DROID/Iphone that does the above...which will finally convince me to upgrade, I'd love you forever. :)
So anyway, I don't know how you're meal planning is going for this week, but I feel like I'm almost caught up, thanks to this handy husband's tool!
See for yourself! This Excel sheet can be downloaded in the format of a weekly/monthly layout and is quite handy. Here's a glimpse at ours so far for this week.

Thanks Jon and Maria Wittwer!!!
Photo Credit: Pinterest

Burlap...The New Black?

Photo Credit: Marth Stewart Weddings
With all of this burlap madness going around, I'd venture to say that burlap is the new black. I don't know any other fabric that is inexpensive and versatile, regardless of the season! Check out these great applications of this itchy, yet kitschy addition to any affair...from baby shower to toddler party to wedding ceremony or reception.


Photo Credit: Style Me Pretty


Photo Credit: Style Me Pretty


Photo Credit: www.hostessblog.com


Photo Credit: Style Me Pretty


Photo Credit: Dooby Design Group

Photo Credit: Style Me Pretty


Photo Credit: Kara's Party Ideas

Happy Planning!

Thankful Thursdays: Cyberspace Love and Grace

Ya know, I am a firm believer in learning from others. For one main reason:


I truly believe people cross my path so that I may learn something without having to actually go THRU a process.

Granted, some lessons I'll have to learn after a few iterations, let's be real...BUT, there are several others, I'd rather not have to learn the hard way.
Agreed?
...which brings me to today's Thankful Thursdays post. Call me a worrywart of a wife, a pessimistic planner, or a controlling quibbler, but there are a few blogs that I've followed quite fondly who've been there to share insight on helpful topics such as marriage, finances, entrepreneurship, and motherhood. Today, I am grateful for them.
I'm grateful for other women out there who share tips for how they keep everything together while busting at the seams.
Sure, we all know that there's no map that tells us exactly how to live our lives...but I sure do appreciate any awe-inspring tips I can get along the way!
One undertone that I like in all of these words of wisdom?

In their own little way they manage to share their insight on the love and grace of God and how just a smidgen of both make a difference in their everyday life. How that inspires me, I can't even quantitatively express, but I'm grateful that someone stops long enough to share His grace that I may stop long enough to realize I'm getting the same measure on a daily basis!!
Allow me to share a few of these inspirers with you:
MoneySavingMom : an upbeat and encouraging blog dedicated to helping you find great deals, stretch your hard-earned dollars, and live on less than you make so you can save more and give more.

HomeSpunThreads: Here you'll meet a wife to her high school sweet heart and the man of her dreams. She is Momma to 3 boys (9,5,3) who are the light of my life. She is a warrior for Christ and she LOVES Him above all else. She is also a long time crafter with a sewing niche, organizer, nester, couponer, baker, reader, teacher, student, thrift store shopper and lover of giving old things a new purpose.
I ❤ Organizing: Jen, another mom of 3 boys battles the everyday crazies while organizing her space and inadvertently, mine. :)


Photo Credit: HomeSpun Threads