My Happy Mail Project

In early January, while viewing my InstaGram feed, I spotted a mail swap for Valentines.  Fun right?  The big reveal of my swap goodies is coming up in my post on Thursday.  This idea reminded me of being around 12 years old and meeting a friend while on vacation in Florida.  After a week of fun, Linda and I became pen pals.  Of course, back in those days there wasn't email, Facebook or even cell phones!  Yes, I am THAT old.

So receiving a note, letter or card in the mail was fun.  As we get older and life makes us responsible for bills, there isn't much joy in going to the mailbox.  So this year, I decided I wanted to have a little fun, enjoy the revival of pen pals and hopefully spread a little happiness to others in the process.  I put the call out for pen pals and swap pals on InstaGram and my Facebook Fan page.  Thrilled that several ladies have responded!  I've even set up my own pen pal notebook to keep up with everyone. Let the HAPPY MAIL begin traveling snail.
I grabbed my stash of scrapbook supplies and made my own stationery.  Because we all know I'm a thrifty! Have you tried to buy stationery?  One, you can't find it! Two, if you do the price of it could purchase groceries for a family of four.

The letters and packages started their journey this month.  Spreading happy mail far and wide.

I have sent out letters, cards and small packages with fun little items and homemade crafts.  If you are one of my pen pals and haven't yet received a letter or package, no worries you will!  I am going to try to send out some little something each month.  Plus I will also be sending a note or letter in between.  To keep the happy coming and going!  Sure brightens my day to get home from work, check the box and have something sweet inside.  It's also fun to make up a little envy to send off to make others smile.

My 1st letter was received January 28th and my first package came in on February 4th.
I opened my first package to find this beautiful personalized beach bag!  Perfect for that day at the lake, by our pool or hopefully this summer to the beach.

I also received a gorgeous artist postcard (which many call "mail art") from one of my IG pals.

Just in time to add to my mantel, I received an adorable garland of crocheted hearts.

I hung it that same night.
A little unexpected blessing came on Saturday via happy mail from one of my sweet pen pals.  Not only did I receive this cute package for Valentines.

Candy, a card, a cute monogram letter note pad and guess what I will be wearing on Vday?  This whimsy adorable heart scarf!
Traci also sent Bear his own 'happy mail'.

Hot wheels, candy and a sweet little card.  He was SO excited when I showed him the mail with his name.   Thank you Traci for making his day!
Since I am crafting items and needed a space to write, I cleaned off and organized my desk.  I owe a letter out this week.  So this is where I am heading off to write and send ...miles of smiles!

 

Do you have a pen pal?

My 1st Shiny Sponsors - March

I was so very nervous to put out my first sponsor request.  A few weeks ago, I decided to do a sponsorship swap with other bloggers.  When I started my first blog in 2005, I was a scrapbooker.  I still scrap occasionally and have tons of supplies!  But the very BEST part about all of my years scrapping were the ladies I met along the way.  Lifelong friends scattered across the United States.  I've had the pleasure to meet several of them in person.  Others I only know from their stories, photos, emails and now Facebook.
Trading blog buttons and sharing other great inspirational blogs with you, felt like something I could do to give back to this community that has blessed me with so much; friendships, inspiration, web hugs, prayers, beautiful photos and great reads.  I am pleased to introduce you my March Sponsors.

 Meet Laurie of Indulge Your Shelf.  

Laurie has been a long time follower of Design to Shine.  She always has kind words and we have a kindred spirit in thrift shopping and a love for old things (which she buys at estate sales!).  Like this beautiful piece

Wouldn't that look so pretty in my farm kitchen?  ;-)   She's also crafty and makes beautiful items...

Plus she has a unique Esty shop of items made from antique and vintage items; Leaves and Lace.

Laurie can also be found on Facebook and Pinterest.

Laurie is SUCH a sweetheart!  I hope that you will enjoy browsing through her blog and getting to know her.

My next sponsor, Margaret, is from a lovely new to me blog, Floral and Frayed.  

Isn't she just adorable!?!  Margaret is a college gal.  Neat, since I work for a University.

She is also a self proclaimed thrift store junkie!  

Plus she has an awesome sense of style.  

Her passion shines through her blog posts.  Majoring in Event Planning, she's going to have my dream job someday.  I can tell Margaret is a strong woman full of as much inner beauty as the outward beauty she possesses.  Here's a line from her blog....

"Tonight I am talking to the girls on my floor about modesty and how important that we, as women, redefine the meaning of beauty."

She is also crafty and shares an easy tutorial for making this cute clutch. 

We need more young people like Margaret.  I hope you will stop by her blog and encourage her along her journey.  She IS such a shining young light.

You can also follow Margaret on Pinterest and Twitter.

Both ladies will be here during March with their very own guest post.  I can't wait to see what they choose to share with you!  Plus their buttons can be found on my sidebar.  Be sure to stop in over at their place and tell 'em, Sherri sent you.  ;-)

Interested in a Sponsor Swap with me?  Let me know! 

Budget Valentine's Dates

It's coming.  Ya know that romantic love filled holiday that is way over commercialized.  I heard on the radio last week that the 'average' person will spend $125 on Valentine's gifts. Seriously?!?! I don't need fancy expensive gifts.  Come on, I'm the gal that loves a Goodwill wardrobe!  Gimme a break, $125 is just a budget buster.  So here are a few frugal, low cost Valentine date ideas.  So you can't go out?  Let's stay in and be lovey dovey.

Fireside movie - Redbox is your friend!  Pick up a movie, pop some popcorn, make your favorite dessert, wine - if you drink it.  Then toss a comfy blanket and pillows on the living room floor.  Or curl up on the sofa together.  If you have little one's, put them to bed a bit early.  ;-)

Source
Candlelit bath or hot tub - Grab that iPod or an old radio, light some candles, fix your favorite drink and go for a soak.

Source

Romantic dinner - Gather things from around the house, lots of candles and set a pretty candlelit table for two.  You can pick up something on the way home (pizza even), pop something in the crock pot or whip up a simple meal.  Bake up a special dessert!  It's not about the food.  A quiet meal for two, lit by candles, sharing a great conversation.  How often does that happen with little ones?

Maybe you have wrangled the teenager into babysitting or are empty nesters...here are a few cheap inexpensive date night ideas without the crush of waiting in long lines at the typical restaurants.

Coffee date - Even if there isn't a Starbucks nearby, most towns have quaint little coffee shops these days.  Treat yourselves to a fancy coffee drink.  (This is also a good 'stay in' date - coffee and dessert).

 Library - Visit your local library.  It's Free!  Check out a romance novel to read aloud together.

Tourist - Be a tourist in your own town.  Walk downtown.  Pack a picnic for a local park.  Take pictures of all the fun places.  Hold hands.

Fast food candle-lit dinner - Grab some candles at home and head out for a dinner date.  Who says it has to be an expensive dinner?  Dress up and take candles to your local fast food joint or Waffle House!  I heard one couple did this and had the best conversations because of it.  Also, check your local paper.  I've also heard several fast food places go all out on Valentine's.  One person told me about a Chick-fil-a that has candle-lit dinners and servers; only on Valentine's.

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be a budget buster.  I would much rather spend a bit of quality time together.  With a little creativity it could turn into one of those nights you can't stop talking about without breaking the bank.

Share your favorite cheap date night idea!  I'd love to hear them.

Enough - My one word for 2012

I AM 'enough'.
I rarely ask much of you my wonderful readers.  However, if you would like to know why I picked this word, as my one little word for this year.  I wrote a heartfelt post on my other blog,  Southern Sunflower Seeds, that is still a very fresh, young blog to me.  You may read about it there.  If you like.
Because it matters.  Because YOU matter.  Because we are ALL 'enough'.

A Plan to Write for 2012

For the last two weeks, I've had a holiday break from my job at a local University.

More time to blog, read your blogs, check out the weekly linky parties for inspiration and pin a ton of ideas. I also had time to actually plan fun activities with Bear, hang out with family and friends.  All of this made me think I just need to DO IT.  MAKE the time, TAKE the time to do more this year of what I enjoy.

Then while browsing Facebook, I saw where a blogger had advance written several posts.  It gave me an idea.  I plan to set aside time each weekend to write at least 3 blog posts for the next week.  I already have two written and scheduled to post for this week.  Yeah me!  I'm not limiting myself to the three.  However, I am going to write three each week.  Hopefully this will allow me to share what is near and dear to me; along with time during the week to browse your blogs, read and comment.  

Here's what you can expect this year on Design to Shine:

Monday - Menu planning and/or recipes to share

Tuesday - Thrifty Thoughts - craft projects, tablescapes, decor, tips and more

Wednesday - more Goodwill Glamorous (fashions and finds)

Friday - InstaGram Friday - a look into my life, my world, my week; via photos from my new iPhone 

There will still be posts about Bear, farm life and other stuff tossed in.  

I hope you will join me as I write on a fresh blank page for the New Year and for my blog.

Book Wreath

Have you seen the book Christmas trees?

How about a book wreath?

Here it is!  A simple adorable book wreath spotted on the door of a re-sale Bookstore.

I stop for books.

Pulled right over and snapped this photo to share.....

last year.

Yep, I've held on to it this long!

Just in case a school teacher, librarian or bookstore owner would like to whip one of these little babies up!
You could easily make one with extra books around the house or pick up a few at your local Goodwill to recycle into this unique wreath.
For an Elementary school door - use children's books!
What is the most unique wreath you've ever seen or perhaps made?

The Roop House decor details

Yesterday, we toured the historic Roop House.  You can view the beautiful rooms, HERE.

Now I want to share a closer look at many of the decorating details inside the home.

"The home is furnished with items found in the process of refurbishing, items donated by members of the community and actual family members that still hold fond memories of life at the Roop House."

 ~The Roopville Archives & Historical Society

I love old trunks and they have several in this restored home.

A mixed vignette on top of this one.

Another set of trunks in the downstairs bedroom, ready for a picnic.

On the enclosed back porch is this amazing old table.

An old coat rack holds a wreath on the porch.

Just outside the kitchen door hangs,

an adorable 'Santa' apron.

I loved this arrangement in the kitchen,

above the frig.

Another great vignette on a dining room side table.

This perfect coffee station corner is in the kitchen.  The chair and picture suit it.

If you want to see the wall to wall china cabinet, check out yesterday's post.

I fell in love with the sun porch, it's chippy painted flooring, worn table and yesteryear cushions.

In the sun room is also this old simple hutch shelf,

full of old chicken decor items.

Beautiful arrangements were throughout the house.

My previous post had a side photo of the gorgeous mantle in the office.

Here is the full view...

I hope you've enjoyed the closer look inside this grand southern home.

A Fall view of the Roop House



Christmas Roop House Tour

Welcome to my online tour of the beautifully restored historic Roop House.
Click on the photos to get a closer peek!

Come up on the porch.

A small sleigh filled with gifts greets guests, along with fresh greenery and bows.

A huge traditional wreath adorns the front door.

Doesn't the lace look so dainty and southern behind the door?

Let's go in, shall we?

I love the colors in this home.  The white wooden staircase in contrast with rich wood floors.

On the right is the large family room, complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

See the wintry painting on the wall?  Love it!
There are two mantles in the Roop House, this one is done simply with lots of greenery.

The main room has been opened up for entertaining.
You can rent this spectacular house for special occasions and events.

Wood floors, that old trunk.  Beautiful!
The next room is a first floor bedroom.

Another trunk that I love, with a small old fan! Plus a vintage bedspread.
At the top of the second floor, a smaller tree.

Can I say again, how much I just love the wood flooring? ;-)

One of the upstairs bedrooms.

Oh look, you left me a gift...really, you shouldn't have!

There is also a lavish bathroom on the second floor. 

The large gold mirror would be perfect for getting all dressed up.

The NEATEST thing is this 'seat cover' added over the bathtub. 

Back downstairs, we find ourselves in a totally modernized kitchen.

Because there were other visitors in the house, I didn't squeal when I saw this wall to wall china cabinet.

  I know you are ouuuing and ahhing!  Try not to drool on your computer.

An elegant dining room, complete with goodies for the Open House Tour.

This enclosed back porch runs the full length of the home.

Isn't it Amazing?!

This adorable sun porch is just off the kitchen on the front side of the house.

The last room downstairs is a beautiful office.

With another fully decked out holiday fireplace.

I hope you have enjoyed the tour of this magnificent home in a tiny southern town. 

If you want to see close up details of the decor, be sure to visit THIS post!

I will be sharing in these great Holiday blog parties:

The Stories of A2Z - Christmas Porch Party

Hooked on Houses - Holiday House Tours

Vintage Christmas at Common Ground

Open House at Coastal Charm

Christmas Cheer Challenge at Perfectly Imperfect