The Past Ten Days and Processing

Hello,

I'm sorry if you're here looking for my regular posts. I'll hopefully get back to those soon, but in the meantime, life has quite turned upside down, and I've stayed away from much of the regular online stuff in the past ten days.

Ten days ago, our dear friend and mentor, Peb Smith, died suddenly, unexpectedly, from a heart attack. I have been in utter shock. If you know me or have been reading The Scarlett Thread from the beginning, you may remember that Peb is our friend who was a physician and was called out of medicine to start a ministry in Kenya. Bob went twice to Kenya with Peb. They also had some amazing experiences together over the years. I won't go into all that now. Bob just happened to be in Texas when we found out the terrible news. The next day Peb's family asked Bob to do his funeral service. He extended his trip and drove to north Texas to be with them and celebrate Peb's life. What an privilege for Bob. Please pray for Peb's family, as they adjust to this incredible loss and learn to live on this earth without their husband, dad and granddad. Please also pray for the ministry and the beautiful ones in Kenya who are also grieving over this tremendous loss.

In the meantime, just two hours before Peb's memorial service on Tuesday, we had a crisis of our own. Again, I won't go into the details, but our dear 10 year old had a collision on the soccer field and fractured her ankle/leg/foot in two places. It was severe enough that we went to the ER in an ambulance, a first for both of us. And severe enough to require emergency surgery that night. It was all quite traumatic for her and she is still pretty fragile. She has a massive cast and is basically immobile, so it's been overwhelming for my very active girl.

I would appreciate your prayers for all of us. I am processing much and just focusing on my sweet family right now. I know that God is good, always good. He is the One I have leaned on every single step of the past ten days. I will continue to worship and honour Him. And even through my tears, I will sing to Him and lift His name. Not because He caused any of these things to happen and I have to honour Him in spite of it all, but because He is a good Father Who can and will bring something good out of each heartache and moment of grief. He is love and He loves us flawlessly. He promises that His thoughts and plans include a future and a hope for us, and I take Him at His Word.

Blessings and love. xo

What I Wore and More

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. When you buy through my links, there is no additional cost to you, and I make a small commission. Thank you for your support!

Hello, Lovelies! How is your week going? 

I have some great items to share with you today, so let's get to it! 

Are you loving the Kimono look? Eleventh Avenue has several options right now . . . 

Boho Lace Kimono Cardigan - 3 colours

Asian Floral Print Kimono

Magnolia Floral Kimono

At this time of year, I just need an extra layer - not too heavy but still enough to provide a little warmth while in the gentle breeze outside or inside the cold grocery store. This Striped Lightweight Cardigan looks perfect. 

Multi-Stone Flower Statement Necklace and Earring Set - 6 colours

Elastic Waist Skirt - 4 colours

The Lux Jewels Bracelet Stacks

Are you looking for a grad, wedding shower or birthday gift? Here are some fun ideas:

Personalized Watercolor Floral Notecards - 6 styles

Classic Monogrammed Ampersand Cork Coasters

Personalized Hand Stamped Long Spoon Set

Don't forget that right now my readers can get an additional 15% off with promo code: AVENUE15. Woohoo!

And there is always FREE shipping on orders of $75 or more!

Here is a quick look at one of my recent outfits:

Cardi - Kohls

Polk Dot Tee - Eleventh Avenue

Jeans - Old Navy

Bag - Thrift store (new with tags!)

Earrings - TJ Maxx

"Hope" Bracelet - Charming Finds

Shoes - Kohls

Linking up: Elegantly Dressed, Jersey Girl, Texan Heart, The Pleated Poppy, Reasons to Dress

Blessings and love. xo

Art At The Mill 2015

It's time for Art At The Mill at the historic Burwell-Morgan Mill (c. 1782) in Millwood, Virginia! This is truly a Clarke County treasure and one of my favourite events to attend. Walking into the old mill is a stunning experience that elicits the senses. The still-working mill is a pleasure in and of itself, and then add in all the wonderful pieces of art, and it is a sight to behold. During the show, you can view more than 1,000 pieces of artwork created by over 300 artists from our surrounding area and more than a dozen other states. You may even get to chat with one or two of the artists, whom I have always found to be so personable and willing to answer any of my questions. One year my little girls even enjoyed a simple art lesson given by one of the local artists. It was a special touch added to an already enjoyable experience.

Art At The Mill is a lovely day excursion. Shop at the art show, browse through the gourmet food shop, The Locke Store, maybe even pick up a few things for a casual picnic on the beautiful grounds of the mill. The surrounding horse farms also make for a relaxing drive in the country. The Shenandoah River is close by, as well, and you can get a peek at the delightful and unique Virginia Bluebells along the river banks.

These photos are all from last year's Art At The Mill event. I cannot wait to get there this year to see what all the talented artists have been up to in the last twelve months! I hope to see you there.

Join the Clarke County Historical Association for the 2015 edition of Art At The Mill:

Art At The Mill will be open April 25th-May 10th, 2015 during the following hours:  

Monday-Thursday 10-5

Friday and Saturday 10-6

Sunday from 11-5

Adults $5

Seniors $3

Kids 12 and under are free

Blessings and love. xo

Don't Miss These Fashion Deals!

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links and I make a small commission when you purchase through these links. Thank you for your support!

Good morning, Friend!

I'm back with more marvelous fashion finds from Eleventh Avenue!

I had to do a double take at the price on this Double Bubble Bracelet. Hurry! They're going fast!

I love this Floral Fringe Trim Open Kimono! What do you think?

This Summer Lace Tunic is on my wish list! Super cute!

Beaded Wrap Bracelet

Lux Motif Printed Top - 2 colours

Stripe Floppy Hat - 4 colours (Last day!)

Bohemian Tunic Dress 

Elegant Charm Leaves Water Drop Earrings

And don't forget that Eleventh Avenue carries items for your home, like this 3 Piece Duvet Cover Set!

Or how about this Best. Mom. Ever. Mug for Mother's Day?!

Don't forget that these deals are only for a limited time! And if you spend $75 or more, you get FREE shipping!

I hope you see something you like. 

And I finally took a photo of my outfit of the day!

Tunic - H & M (old)

Leggings - Eleventh Avenue/GroopDealz

Shoes - Kohls 

Earrings - old

Necklace - gift

(Pardon the poor lighting - my daughter's room has the only full-length mirror!)

(I had Ben take a couple more photos outside in better light. :))

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Link-ups! The Pleated Poppy, Reasons to Dress, Jersey Girl, Texan Heart, Elegantly Dressed

Blessings and love. xo

Weekly Menu Plan {20 April}

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you for your support!

Good morning, my friend! 

I wanted to share some exciting information with you about how you can learn more about using essential oils in your home! The Essential Oils Revolution is coming soon and is being offered absolutely FREE of charge! We use essential oils in our home on a daily basis and are thrilled with the results, yet I know that I still have so much to learn, so I have signed up, as well. The list of speakers and topics is impressive, and I am looking forward gleaning from them and finding out how we can benefit even more from using essential oils in our home! 

You can sign up here if you're interested . . . Sign Up Today! 

What are you cooking this week? Here is our menu plan:


Monday - Sausage, Peppers and Onions with buns (or not - for those who are cutting carbs)

Tuesday - Roast Chicken, salad, broccoli

Wednesday - Beef Stew, crusty bread

Thursday - Pioneer Woman's Shrimp Scampi 

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday - Burgers on the Grill, baked beans, Kale Salad

Sunday - Snack-y supper

Sign Up Today!

Linking up: Menu Plan Monday

Blessings and love. xo 

Weekly Menu Plan {13 April}

Good morning, Friend! How was your weekend? We are enjoying the sun and warmer temps and new blooms so much! 

Here is one photo I took last week of our magnolia tree.

We have another full week and with soccer practices and games I am trying to be more organized with meals and planning. It helps my mental state as well as my budget! No panicking at 5:00 every afternoon. 

What's on your plan for this week?

This is what we'll plan to make:

Monday - Penne Pinching Pasta, salad

Tuesday - Turkey Chili, chips, grated cheese, sour cream, avocado

Wednesday - Chicken Curry, basmati rice, naan

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Carne Guisada, mashed potatoes

Saturday - Pizza

Sunday - Snack-y supper

Linking up: Menu Plan Monday 

Blessings and love. xo

Special 15% Off Code - Eleventh Avenue!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

Are you sufficiently styled for spring? Well, look no further than EleventhAvenue.com! They've got the best selection for fun footwear, cute clothing, and delightful decor - all at an unbeatable price! And guess what?! Eleventh Avenue has a special treat for you! 

Starting today through May 22, 2015 you can get 15% off Eleventh Avenue site wide when you use code AVENUE15.

Check out these deals happening now!

Boho Gypsy Maxi Wrap Dress

Gorgeous Lace Dress - 3 colours

Spring Tulle Skirt

This one is going fast! Lace Trim Tunic Dress

Gardenia Day Dress

And for your home . . .

Oversized Chalkboard States and USA

Spring and Summer Lanterns with LED Lights

America Burlap Bunting

And don't forget that you get FREE shipping when your order totals $75 or more!

Blessings and love. xo