(Some of my real life friends, sampling spinach smoothies, on our quest to decide between a Vitamix or Blendtech.) This photo was snapped on Tuesday. Yes, I deemed Valentine’s Day the official Pajama Day for our home school group because [...]
My Favorite Mindless Fun: Chick Flicks
Jun30
This post brought to you by Monte Carlo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. Last week, our three boys and my husband were out of town. I had such high hopes of accomplishing so many projects every night after [...]
Help Me, Help You…
Mar12
As I stare at my computer screen for hours, every picture, font, and design are looking the same. I’m in the midst of redesigning this little old blog space of mine, and I have a hard time making decisions. Don’t [...]
Have I Told You I am a Cheesehead?
Feb6
Have you heard there’s a football game that starts in one hour? Did you know that one of the teams is owned by the shareholders and we (well, my dad to be exact) own stock in that certain team (yes, [...]
Progressive Dinner & Round Two of Our Holiday Giveaway Bash
Dec5
Partnering with other bloggers and the friendships that arise from these collaborations has been a huge blessing of blogging. During this week, I’ve partnered with two groups of friends about two of my favorite topics: free things and food, with [...]
The Real Beach House of (in)courage – Hilton Head
Sep10
“Imagine you walk through the door, look around, take it all in, and feel the tensions of the day start to roll off your shoulders in little waves. You ask, “How did you find this place?” We look at each [...]
31 Days of Amazement
Aug27
Fall is in the air (It went from 98 to 85 degrees and in NC that just might mean I need a sweatshirt.) I LOVE this time of year. Decorating for fall, picking apples, simmering soups, and spending Friday nights [...]
Saturday Shout Outs
Aug8
One of the blessings of this whole world of blogging has been meeting some really amazing women. I thought I would highlight some old and new friends today, and share some of their posts. My sweet friend, Amy, is getting [...]
Ideas to Strengthen Ties with your Neighbors/Friends
Jun24
As people lead more hectic lives, it’s often difficult to strengthen ties with those we want to get to know most. Here are some simple ways to begin building those relationships by some quick, but meaningful ideas. The Traveling Neighbor [...]
To Mothers, Women, Mentors – a Simple Reminder
May8
As I browsed the web trying to find the perfect “quote” to encourage women with their mothering, I realized that my personal exhortation when I speak at Mops is always the one to which I come back. In these moments, [...]
The Five Languages of Apology
Dec28
The days after Christmas tend to release a plethora of emotions for many people. Often, expectations have been dashed, family relationships have been strained and feelings have been hurt. Yet we don’t hear too many Christmas songs that address this aspect of “The most wonderful time of the year,” do we?
I know, I know, I’m getting deep on you while you’re still in holiday mode, but I ask you to spend some minutes pondering and learning how this crutial topic may impact your day to day life. I’m pretty passionate about open communication; understanding forgiveness and apologies play a huge part in that.
I’ve asked my sweet friend, Dr. Jennifer Thomas, to share some essentials about forgiveness and apologies. As the co-author (with Gary Chapman) of “The Five Languages of Apology” her insight is pivotal to digging deeper into more meaningful relationships.
Unveiling the masks
Oct28
When you look in the mirror, do you don a mask of perfection and performance? Or maybe you hide behind a mask for fear of reaction? Lies whisper shame and accusation, “You’ll never measure up – if only they knew!”
And then we listen…we listen and embrace lies!
Do you need someone to tell you how special you are, to affirm the role you are doing in your family, marriage, workforce, or ministry?
I may not know your circumstances, nor understand your background personally, but I do know ONE thing…you were uniquely created by God for an amazing purpose.
95% of teen girls believe the lie that they “must perform to be loved and accepted.” Did you read that correctly? 95%!! And the statistic for adult women is not much less.
Precious Ladies, our worth is not based on what others think of us, or what we do. Our value is determined by how God views us and He loves us more than we can ever fathom…warts and all. 
Meeting Blogging Friends in Real Life
Jul25
Next weekend I have the wonderful opportunity to attend the Proverbs 31 – She Speaks Conference (for speakers, writers, and bloggers), right here in NC.I was going to share my explanation, but Lysa’s vision is straight from the heart. She [...]
"Planning" my own surprise party…
Mar3
Here at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, I was going to let this March 3rd sneak by like any other day with non the wiser, but…I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to thank you all for sharing a special [...]
Blissdom update
Feb9
I am beginning a regular Frugal Fashionista post about dressing in designer outfits for under $15. I began receiving many requests for tips on shopping the 2nd hand stores without looking like you did. For those of you that just [...]
