Squadron Picnic

Husband and I had some down time together at his squadron picnic. Where summer time foods abound, live music, canoe rides, and this beautiful scene stole our breath. It was a welcome respite from the stress of the week and husband got to say the blessing, so cool.

Pulled pork and a revelation

This is our go-to meal for Sunday night Bible studies, feeds the masses and always is a huge hit!

My revelation: I prayed about 6 years ago for a couples bible study to meet in our home. But despite my attempts, pleas, and prayers no one came. It literally just occurred to me God answered my prayer with the current one meeting at our house for months!! Sometimes I'm really dense. The point is God answers prayer just not according to our time, terms, or ways; so thankful He's bigger than me.

The "it" list

Happy Friday, I'm in great company on the "it list" for the next couple fridays, which sweet Jill put together so beautifully, check out all the links and have a lovely weekend!

It's Friday again and we're back! The best of the web is right here! Take some time to check out these awesome links from blog-land...

• a spot of whimsy features a hansel and gretel-like cottage in the woods... my only question, can I rent this for a weekend? It looks absolutely dreamy!
• the good life for less is swooning for silver tote bags... at several price points, it's almost impossible to choose a favorite!
• merci blah blah is sporting a forever 21 top and a new pair of target wedges and looking amazing! this girl has style...
• spry on the wall gives us her take on versace's resort 2011 collection... this outfit is so simple and chic (and hello! orange! loving orange for pre-fall!).
• style your life is going casual, yet sophisticated with this outfit full of silver accessories. this outfit is great... i'll be looking to copy it soon!
• penguin's gift has scouted some awesome sales on lands end canvas handbags... yes, please!
• one hundred inspirations gives you audrina patridge's look for less... there is something about nude accessories for summer that is so easy and fresh!
• speaking of the hills! sweetie pie pumpkin noodle features kristen cavallari's pad on her blog this week, I just love combo of modern and eclectic styling.
• johns journal whips up some bridal inspiration for a friend... each look is so gorgeous, it would be hard to choose a favorite! hopefully she keeps us updated on the final look!
• the hillside home explores the rose bowl flea market and brought back tons of inspiration... you won't want to miss these gorgeous photos!

Interested in being featured on the "it" list? Email goodlifeforless @ gmail.com for more information!

Sara's wedding inspirations

My friend Sara is getting married this December and enlisted me for needed inspiration and direction. So I came up with three different inspiration boards featuring her bridemaids dress in each, giving her varying palette options. Which one do you guys favor?!

Answered prayer

Remember when I was on the verge of a parental breakdown? I needed change for Gideon. Well, I prayed and prayed some more and guess what? He answered.

Took care of a patient whose daughter runs a small private preschool which meets in a church. Eight kids per class, field trips galore, and curriculum preparing for kindergarten. Yes please. Started two weeks ago and what a difference. Thank you Lord and for all you dear ones who encouraged me!

"May my prayer be set before you like incense,

may the lifting up of my hands by like evening sacrifice."

Psalm 141:2

Goodwill blouse

Husband and I had a lovely dinner date the other night and I sported my $4 blouse!

Freezer paper onesies

I've got some serious baby girl fever and had lots of fun personalizing these baby shower gifts for two newborn girls!

{I actually colored this in on the paper just to see how it would look!}

Easy peasey, you could really have a field day with this and since it was my first time, I stuck with simple images. But if your any kind of artist, unlike myself freehand an image on the paper side of the freezer paper cut it out and iron on. I love this project!

Greek party, Opa!

In honor of Angela's birthday, a professor of Classics we threw a Greek party! Opa!

It was so much fun to whip up the food and learn a thing or two about Greece, I love parties!

Custom designed invite from evite

Greek themed decorations

I actually put the Birthday girl to work and begged for her spanokopita recipe, it was so therapeutic and fun to make together.

If you can't get to Greece anytime soon like me, this is one way to experience their culture, through food!

My labor of love, baklava

Party tips:

-enlist help

-make as many things as possible ahead of time so you can enjoy yourself

-buy some items at the grocery store {picked up the hummus, grape leaves, and falafel from a greek cafe}

-ask people to bring something specific

-go with a theme, makes decorating and food a no brainer

-paper party-ware = easy clean up

-use what you got, made the signs from wrapping paper and ribbon from the closet

-go casual buffet style, makes everyone relax

-have fun, its a party!

Stay tuned for Gideon's "A very hungry caterpillar party" and to see my indian soiree from last year go here!

Friday Favorites: Summer chic

The heat is on, but I'm still enjoying all the light, heat, and fun summer brings!

Water and balloons who knew they'd be so happy together! via audreyhepburncomplex

Perfect mix of an office, love that print via shelter

How ridiculously cute are these summer girls? via neotradionalist

This says so summery and dreamy to me via the decorista

Emily is the definition of summer chic as she models for planet blue, check our more at her blog

Other goodies:

Can't get over this 4th of July party

Numbers really don't matter to God

My favorite verse of the week (message version)

"You did it you changed my wild lament into whirling dance;

You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers.

I'm about to burst with song; I can't keep quiet about you.

God my God, I can't thank you enough." Psalm 30:11

Happy Summery weekend!

Mango Sticky Rice

This is my favorite dessert hands down, originating from Thailand. Coconut milk added to rice plus the tart sweetness of mangoes, divine.

Lily of the Valley

image here

Oddly enough lilies of the valley have made some frequent welcomed appearances in my life lately! They actually lined the church aisles on our wedding day, their wedding bell shape and biblical meaning stole my heart. Then last week Blair from delight by design featured them on wallpaper, be still my heart. But the cherry on top happened in Church this past 4th of July when the 4th stanza of Glory Glory Hallelujah rolled around proclaiming, "In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea"!!! I did some research and came across this beautiful excerpt regarding Christ as the lily of the valley:

"A lily, according to the ancient writer Pliny, is the tallest of flowers and yet hangs its head down. This a beautiful picture of the greatness of the Son of God matched only by the greatness of His humility. "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:6-8).

via learnthebible

Happy Wednesday!

A nod to Jcrew

On my hunt for the ever elusive iphone 4, my two hour trek to apple store left me empty-handed. So in efforts to make my trip worthwhile, I hit up the Jcrew store and found this hat!

Our fourth

We had a reunion of sorts with our sweet friends and essentially a playdate for the entire weekend. Italian food, cupcakes, old stories, lots of laughter, and fireworks to top it all off. Truly, one of our best fourths ever!

Annie and Gideon are six weeks apart, both born in Okinawa Japan which pretty much bonds them for life!

Impromptu fishing at the park!

I literally fell head over heals for this sweet peanut.

Happy Fourth & giveaway winner!

I like the old fashioned idea of pulling a name out of a hat!

Nadine-please shoot me an email with your address! Congrats!

image here

Happy Fourth of July!!! We'll be lighting off sparklers, listening to music at the park, and catching up with old friends!