New Year Resolutions

2013 has been my most eventful year to date. So many things have happened!! It has been a year of goal setting, dream chasing, faith building, healing, forgiveness, and so much more. Although those things were often incredibly challenging, I am so grateful.

 I was thinking today about the story God gives us to tell. My story this year has contained a lot wonderful things that I've shared with you, but also a lot of hurt and pain that I have (for the most part) kept quiet. As I remember the difficult moments, I am remembering my state of surrender. At times it felt like failure, like I was giving up, but It happens to be nothing of the sort. My open, worn and broken heart has transformed and is more ready for God's love than it has ever been before. How amazing is it that God can turn the ugliest moments and the ugliest cries into beautiful moments of love, grace and redemption?! I am so blown away by that. I have "believed" in God all my life, but have never experienced this level of his love.  

This has changed my views on the "New Years resolution" completely. Usually I am listing off the typical : lose weight, save more money, eat better... Blah blah. Well in theory those are great goals to have and are positive and achievable. But this year is going to be about my core.  

Ever heard of KISS? Keep It Simple Stupid. 

This year I focus on two words. So my words for 2014 are LESS and MORE. 

Less stress, More prayer.

Less control, More faith.

Less stuff, More meaning.

Less greed, More thanks.

Less negativity, more love. 

... To name a few. 

What words will you focus on in 2014? What can I pray for you as you begin the new year?

Gift Wrapping

Let's get gifting, y'all! My favorite time of year is upon us! Besides all the holiday cheer, mass amounts of Starbucks, and twinkly lights, I LOVE the holidays because this season is the perfect excuse to let my love language go wild! I love gifts and gifting! Probably to the point that I find any excuse to buy unnecessary things for people. You know, like when your that special person in your life buys you random things at yard sales because there is a smidgen of a chance you may want it or be able to use it some day. 

Truth be told, that's never really happened to me...except when my mother-in-law bought us a wedding gift at a yard sale, refinished it, and gave it to us last year for Christmas. Y'all it ended up being the epitome of my wine rack dreams. Like World Market, Pier One, rustic glory. She did an amazing job. 

But anyway, you get the point. This year I am challenging my self with less. Less stuff, more love. Less junk, more meaning. So along with that mantra, I also want it to capitalize on something else I am passionate about. 

Pretty packaging!! 

I will say that bursting open a present, wrapped in cheap paper with nothing but a sticky bow, has its perks. It's fun, messy, and swimming in the sea of torn paper always seems to bring so much joy! But I want to give my gift wrap just a little extra love and attention this year. 

I came across these ideas to spruce up you gifts by using all sorts of fun things around you house! So let's take a look-y shall we?

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I love the idea of just adding a touch of greenery to each of your gifts. It's free, pretty, and can be thrown away with out cringing because you spent moo-lah on it. We have some really pretty bushes outside our house that would look so lovely on our gifts! I am excited to use this idea.

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How fun is this!? Using a photo as a gift tag is genius! You could use a holiday themed photo, or maybe its a snap shot of you and the friend receiving the gift! Endless possibilities. 

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Ok, cupcakes are my favorite. Any time I see cute cupcake liners I always snatch them because we all need cute cupcakes in our life! I love that this idea uses cupcake liners and cute a circle out of fun paper, drew an initial, and added some side ribbons. I love tagging presents with initials. Winning Idea!

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There is a soft spot in my heart for plaid and flannel, and this bow is such a cute addition to a gift! I know I have a ton of loose fabric from leftover projects, but even if you don't, what about an old t-shirt you don't wear anymore? 

What are some ways you plan to dress up your gifts this year?? I would love to see! Tag us on Instagram and hashtag #HBPGifts so we can see!

Well, hello there.

It's Friday. Finally. Can I get an amen?! 

I don't have a High Five for Friday post this week, but I do have a few pictures that are certainly going to make your eyes happy. 

There is something so sweet about bright whites, pretty paper, fresh blooms, and gals getting along that makes me wanna do a heel click. I am off to spend a weekend getaway with my hunky husband and some great friends. 

On that note... Enjoy. 

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Monday Mantra

Via Hazel Berry Paper

Whatever is a struggle to get through today, lets just say a prayer of grace. 

The type of grace to refines us, and the strength to let it.

Be fierce today! Happy Monday!

Color Crush // Olive

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This color is gorgeous right!? So rich and yummy. Enjoy :)

 

Happy hump day! 

High Five for Friday!

High Five for Friday!!

1. I spy something new in Hazel Berry Paper land! Go see! And then Go read about it! 

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2. My pretty floral mini-notepad was featured on Everything Emily Blog's Gift Guide! Go check out all the lovely gifts for mama's out there.

3. This week was my Momma's birthday!! We do multiple celebrations usually, and this one happened to be the best yet, in my opinion! Plus any family dinner full of love, laughter, and a few Duck Dynasty jokes is one for the books!! Happy birthday week Momma!

4. Gifts are my love language, and so the fact that it is turning into gift giving season..... My heart is so full!! And by the fire?! Stop. It. 

5. Christmas is 39 days away!!!!!

Link up with H54F here.

Habits // New Products!

Have you ever read the 'Encouragement for Today' posts on crosswalk.com? 

I frequent on these daily devos. They are quick, meaningful and often so dead-on and relatable with my life in that moment. They are a great mid-day pick-me-up too!!

So about a month ago, I read this devo by Nicki Koziarz  titled "Habits of a woman who doesn't give up." It touched my heart in so many ways. It made me feel so grateful for the positive examples people have set for me, and even gave me a little self confidence boost, that even when I am tired, burnt out, and feel like I have nothing left to give, I can still do it. Giving up is one of those things that crosses my mind daily, but I just can't seem to do it. God's grace saves me every time! 

Each point is so encouraging in its own way. So, I have designed a collection of Art Prints inspired by the 5 points in this message.  The points are as follows..

"Here are five habits I've discovered which characterize a woman who doesn't give up:

1. She gets up each morning and follows through with her commitments, despite how she feels.

2. She approaches the Word of God with reverence.

3. She longs for the grace of refinement rather than the grace of relief.

4. She chooses to invest in the world with joy.

5. She has a spirit of unbreakable determination.

What about you? What has God called you to do? Start by adopting one habit today and commit your work to the Lord.

Lord, thank You for filling me with purpose, faith and determination. Help me continue to do the work You've given me. Amen." (by Nicki Koziarz)

Read the full devo here. 

So that was a super long introduction, BUT totally necessary because Nicki's post inspired these prints that I am OH SO PROUD to show you! So without further ado…

Hazel Berry Paper

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Do you need a little encouragement in your daily routine? What is your favorite phrase or verse that motivates you? Which print do you relate with the most? I would love to hear it!