Some days I can barely put one foot in front of the other without falling on my face. On those days, The Longboard Girls inspire me all the more. Just watching them makes me want to get up and move.

These lovely girls know how to go fast. The mom in me wants to say “Slow down!”, “Be careful!” and “Don’t get hurt!”. Probably because I say it hundreds of times each day to my own kids. Not to mention to myself inside my own head over and over and over.

But why? Is getting hurt really the worst thing that can happen? Or would it be worse to miss His plan for me because I’m afraid to live. Afraid to get hurt. Afraid to fail.

Trust me. Hit play on this video. The music from The Decemberists will get your heart pumping. And The Longboard Girls might just inspire you to let go of your fear, get your board and fly! But please don’t blame me if you skin your knee.

The Longboard Girls is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

There’s something about fall that brings out all of my best nesting instincts. I want to bring out my snuggly blankets and fall-ify my home. I probably won’t have time to do them all, but here are just a few of the beautiful fall projects that I’ve seen lately.

I would love to have a beautiful front porch so I can fall-ify it like this one from BHG.

Chicken wire pumpkin (and wheat stalks made from twine!) @ Craftberry Bush

Love this tray with gourds, candles and hedge apples via BHG. We call those green things monkey balls around here (I know not why), but they’re all over my street!

Adorable cardboard owls from Altered Perceptions on Etsy.

Did you have fun with your Summer List? How about a Fall Bucket List? Free printable available from Loves of Life.

I love felt and I adore this fall leaves garland via A Beautiful Mess.

Framed fall leaves via BHG. Love the way these look between the clear glass.

Places I Land:: Fall-ification is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

I have some fun news (and a giveaway) for you today! Last week I got an email announcing that the 2011 edition of Holiday with Matthew Mead is available! I’m a huge fan of Matthew Mead and I’ve purchased every edition that’s been published. They never disappoint.

While the magazine will be available on newsstands later in the season, the expanded keepsake edition is available by mail order NOW! This expanded issue is BIG with additional pages of inspirational holiday ideas including delicious recipes, paper crafts, holiday projects and seasonal (bargain!) home makeovers.

You’ll find contributions from some of your favorite bloggers including Stephanie Nielson (The NieNie Dialogues), Tricia Foley, Centsational Girl, Living Locurto, Savour Fare, and Brooklyn Limestone–along with other names you’ll know in food, crafting, and style.

This video gives you a sneek peek into all the fabulous holiday goodness inside Holiday.

And you can visit the Holiday website for their launch week of contests which will feature cash prizes, home accessories from Matthew’s new home décor collection, and free copies of his books and magazines.

Matthew Mead is also the author of one of my favorite books on entertaining, Entertaining Simple.

Would you like to win a copy? Simply share the video sneak peek (above) with a friend via a blog post, tweet or Facebook mention, then leave a comment here telling me you did so and you will be entered to win! Giveaway ends on Thursday, October 6th at 10pm EST. One winner chosen at random.

Holiday with Matthew Mead: On Sale Now! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Happy Friday, my friends. There’s a bit of fall in there air in Pennsylvania and we have a weekend of seasonal activities planned. Football and fall festivals to mention two. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Here are just a few beautiful things that I discovered this week.

Adri from Dream Book Design shows us how to build an under-the-sink cabinet. I may be in love with her beautiful laundry room.

Oh Happy Day shares how to create abstract art that you’ll actually want to hang on your walls!

Speaking of abstract art, I’m inspired to create my own finger painting. Elise Blaha shows us how.

Have you seen this awesomeness at BHG? IKEA Billy bookcases + Lowe’s kitchen wall cabinet + cut-to-fit shelf for seating + wainscoting create a mudroom for around $300.

Places I Land is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

This Instagallery at my home sweet home is enough to make me finally want to give in and get an iPhone.

I thoroughly adore the colors and patterns in this family room at I like it, I love it. You’ve got to click over and see the whole thing. The artwork on the mantle is all sorts of fabulous.

Incredible vintage airplane bedroom at Too Much Time on My Hands. All of the little details are fantastic. I seriously can’t decide what I love best about it!

Have you seen this craft room/mom cave over at Little Lucy Lu? You need to. Fabulous!

I am now on the hunt for a barrel after seeing this barrel side table at The DIY Show-Off.

Places I Land is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Love this Riveted Sheet Metal Magnet Board from Crafty Nest! Must make one for above my desk…as soon as I have a desk, of course.

This Simple Copper Candelabra from Katie Brown Home Workshop is made with things from the hardware store. Love it!

My kids would go bananas for a Giant Jenga Tower. Get the details at Instructables.

I’m a lover of all things mason jar, so the article called 10 Things to Do with Mason Jars Besides Store Stuff on ReadyMade caught my eye.

I’ve only recently discovered the eating goodness that is the restaurant Chipotle. So I was thrilled to come home and find this recipe for Cilantro-Lime Rice on Annie’s Eats.

Places I Land is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

It’s only the middle of June, but I’ve already got Independence Day on my mind. We have a large 4th of July party every year and I start planning for it in May. What started as a small get-together with a few friends has grown over the years and we’re expecting at least 70 people this year.

It’s day of fun, family, freedom and love for our country. Add in some delicious food, rowdy games and fireworks and you have a perfect day.

I’ve assembled a huge collection of July 4th inspiration over on Pinterest. At last count, there were 101 ideas and I’m still adding more! There are recipes, decorations, crafts, party games, free printables and even a rockin’ summer party playlist. Everything you need to throw a steller July 4th party. Check it out on Pinterest!

Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be sharing some of my own projects. But I thought you might like to see my inspiration files in the meantime. If you have a great project, leave a link in the comments section!

What are your plans for the 4th of July?

101 Ideas for the 4th of July! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

I’m in love with these DIY glowing orbs from The Art of Doing Stuff. They’re ridiculously simple and cheap to make. I want some for all my outdoor beds.

Local strawberries are finally in season! I’ll be trying out this Strawberry Bread recipe from Cleverly Inspired.

I want to decorate with dyed doily garlands for our annual 4th of July party…in red, white and blue, of course. I love this one from Decor to Adore. I’ll be using this dying tutorial from Blue Eyed Freckle.

This windproof picnic blanket idea from Infarrantly Creative is simple and brilliant. No more blowing blankets!

Love this balloon banner from Design Mom! Gorgeous!

Places I Land is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

When I was a kid, there was no bigger treat than the Coke ICEE. Just thinking about it now takes me back to being 9 or 10 years old. They sold them at a little shop in the mall (that also sold fried fish for take out – weird) and it was such a huge treat to sip one in the summer heat.

I actually squealed yesterday when I saw Bridget’s post on how to make a Coke ICEE at home! (Thanks to Amy’s Notebook for sharing the link.)

You just use an ice cream maker and some cold Coke to whip up your own delicious slushy. Check out the post at Bake at 350 for the simple how-to.

But here’s my dilemma. I don’t have an ice cream maker and I’m generally opposed to single-purpose appliances like ice cream makers. But I want to do this so badly that I’m thinking about cashing in some of my Swagbucks on an Amazon gift card and snapping up this Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker.

If you don’t already use Swagbucks, it’s a way to search the internet (instead of Google or Yahoo) that lets you earn “bucks” or points that can be redeemed for free stuff like gift cards. I always use my Swagbucks to snag Amazon gift cards.

You’ll want to download the toolbar so it’s easy to use Swagbucks all the time. You’ll slowly earn points that you can redeem for gift cards. You can earn more Swagbucks fast if you tell all your friends and get them to sign up under your referral code. Then you earn from their searches too! Over the last 1-1/2 years, I’ve earned nearly $500 in Amazon gift cards just from searching with Swagbucks.

So back to the Coke ICEE/Ice Cream Maker thing…Tell me what you think. Do you have an ice cream maker? Do you use it? Is it worth the money? Should I just go find a take-out fried fish store and buy an ICEE?

Summer Nostalgia is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Yes, my friends. We’re still working on the basement. Sometimes I think it’s the project that will never end. Recently, the stairs have come onto my radar screen. More specifically, what the ding-dong-dilly are we going to do with the stairs?

There’s absolutely nothing special about these basement stairs. They’re just your standard builder-grade straight staircase. Pine treads…no turns to make it interesting…not even a railing. Yet.

I know that I want to paint or stain them for a couple of reasons. First, there won’t be any other carpet down there (except maybe an area rug), so carpeted stairs don’t make sense. And, of course, painting or staining will be much easier on the budget than regular carpet or even a carpet runner.

If I wasn’t already sold on the idea, then this gorgeous staircase from Take the Side Street would have done it! LOVE that yellow color and the black accent stripe makes them extra fab. Anna wrote a fantastic tutorial too.

House Beautiful

With boys and tennis shoes, I’m a little concerned about scuff marks, so I’m leaning toward a dark color. I’m not sure about black, but these beautiful black steps may convince me. Would it make me crazy that they will show all the dust? Perhaps. Maybe I should just paint the stairs dirt-colored?

Martha Stewart

I’ve thought about doing something fun and trendy like these aqua stairs. But I’d hate to have to paint them again in a few years when I’m over turquoise and yellow. Does anyone ever get over those colors?

My hubby leans a little more toward staining the stairs. What would he think of these painted and stained crate stairs from Funky Junk Interiors? If you haven’t already checked out Donna’s incredible staircase, you need to click over. Even if you would never to anything that adventurous, you’ll be inspired by the idea. It’s truly incredible.

Since our basement is going to be a playroom, basketball, football, baseball-watching area, maybe I could stencil our favorite team logos? Holy cow! My boys would go nuts for that!

I’m sure that painted stairs will become naturally worn and distressed over time. That’s part of the charm, right? Maybe that’s why I adore these deliberately rustic and worn steps from That’s My Letter.

Talk to be about painted stairs! Have them? Want them? Love them? Hate them? Do you have any tips for painting stairs or keeping them clean?

Painting the Stairs: Basement Inspiration is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

I am complete smitten with this map room shared by Jenny at Little Green Notebook.

You MUST head over to BeachBrights to see how she turned her formal living room into a craft room. She’s a genius, no?

I have a pile of pallets in my driveway at this very moment. Don’t tell my husband, but I’m absconding with one to make me a pallet garden like this one from Life on the Balcony.

Love this stick artwork from Cleverly Inspired! I’m thinking about doing a larger version for above my bed.

I could look at this bedroom all day. It was designed by Danielle Oakey Interiors and shared at Cottage and Vine.

Emily from Remodeling this Life has the luckiest kids in the world. Check out their fab new playroom!

Places I Land is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

I am head-over-heels in love with this amazing kitchen makeover at Dream Book Design. That incredible brick wall makes me all tingly.

Adorable wall gallery with empty frames and paper butterflies from Home… Makes me wish I had a girl!

How can you not love a girl who makes Toilet Paper Wall Art. Liz at Bon Temps Beignet is a doll.

Oh heaven! Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread from Joy the Baker.

Beautiful bathroom makeover at Welcome to Heardmont.

Oh my word. That metal wall in her son’s bedroom. Thank you Moore Minutes! You’ve inspired me!

I love Layla’s guest room so much I could just cry. The wood wall, the board and batten, the artwork. Do you think she’d let me stay there?

Such a gorgeous DIY homework station from Sit, Relax and Read.

I just recently came across this family photo gallery wall on Just Be Blogged. She’s such a talented photographer. Oh the mix of black & white and color pictures. Sigh. Love.

Places I Land ~ The Supersized Edition is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Hi friends! And happy Monday. Rumor has it that we’re going to get a taste of spring in Pennsylvania today. I’m planning to get outside and enjoy every breath of warm air before Old Man Winter returns tomorrow. Doesn’t he know it’s spring already?

I have a fun little craft to share with you tomorrow, but today, I need to tell you about my latest addiction. If you hang out with me on Facebook, then you may have noticed this little problem of mine. It’s called Pinterest.

I needed another addiction because I was thisclose to catching up on the laundry. Can’t have that.

Consider yourself warned. Pinterest is the electronic version of ripping things out of a magazine and saving them for inspiration. Only with Pinterest, all your stuff stays organized and you don’t lose anything. You can “pin” anything you find online (pictures, articles, stuff to buy) and save it for later. Then you can easily share it on Facebook or Twitter.

If you’re looking for my boards, you can find them here. I honestly don’t understand exactly how it all works. There are followers and repins and comments. But I just like having a place to save my digital inspiration.

Like all good social media, Pinterest has created buzz by being exclusive. I’m such a sucker. You can apply to join and it takes about a week to be accepted. Or you can leave your email in the comments and I can send you an invite.

Top photo credit

Pinterest (Rhymes with Interest) is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

And now I wish I had painted my laundry room with aqua stripes instead of just plain aqua. LOVE this makeover from Casa Greer.

Because I’m convinced that Nutella is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. Thanks Bake at 350 for your Nutella-Filled Frenched Tortillas!

I’m wondering if Megan from Little Blue Prints will let me come and stay in her guest room nook? The book page wall is completely removable!

What’s on your agenda this weekend? We’re priming the basement walls. The most unsatisfyingly productive project ever.

Places I Land is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Shut the front door. You MUST check out this chicken wire wall at Under the Sycamore. I’m in chicken wire love.

Loving these Pottery Barn inspired Richard Taylor Leaf Planters from Vintage Skye. So pretty. Wouldn’t they make a great Mother’s Day gift with a beautiful plant inside?

I squealed when I saw this Bucket Bird House from Blue Roof Cabin! It’s adorable! The body is an upside-down plastic bucket and the roof is a hanging basket! And she’s growing succulents on the top. Love!

I’ve never been a fan of fake flower arrangements, but Jenna of SAS Interiors wrote a great article called “How to Make Fake Flowers Look Real” and I may need to re-evaluate my position.

I sent a link to this Courtyard Makeover to my hubby and told him we need to consider this idea for a mucky space in our backyard. Michelle from Three Men and a Lady did a fabulous job on this outdoor space makeover.

Places I Land is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

The Painted House

It all started with these two pictures from The Painted House. That gigantic basket made my heart go pitter-patter. I had to have one. But I didn’t know what it was. So I turned to Uncle Google and spent hours searching things like “giant flat basket” and “the most glorious basket I’ve ever seen” and “somebody tell me what that basket is!!”. Until finally, I gave up and emailed Angela from The Painted House and begged her to tell me what that big, beautiful basket was.

She emailed me back within moments and said something like, “You silly Yankee! Don’t you know a tobacco basket when you see one?” Apparently, tobacco baskets were used by tobacco companies to display their product when they took it to market. You can find them in antique stores in the Carolinas (and other southern areas), but not up here in the North.

Worthpoint

So I turned to Ebay. But, to date, I’ve been unable to find one in good shape for less than $100 plus at least $50 shipping! YIKES!

So I bought a replica tobacco basket. It’s smaller than the glorious 40″x40″ size of a lot of tobacco baskets and it lacks their character and aged beauty. I hate it. I thought it would calm my craving, but instead, I feel like the Jr. High girl wearing Kmart jeans when all my friends are wearing Jordache. Wait. I was that girl. And I totally dated myself with that comment.

Shopping Candy

And now, everywhere I look, I see beautiful tobacco baskets. It’s like I’m being taunted by the Tobacco Basket gods.

Southern Living

The Valley Voice

This picture makes me want to cry. You Carolina girls are probably out back playing frisbee with your tobacco baskets and I can’t find a single one.

My Home Ideas

I know that the answer is I need to make a visit to North Carolina and dig around in a few antique shops. Hopefully soon. And in the meantime, don’t you go buying all the tobacco baskets. Leave one for me!

My Decorating Obsession with Tobacco Baskets is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

I’ve been secretly considering a home office makeover for my hubby. This man cave makeover from Our Fifth House is making me drool!

Maybe you’ve already seen this fabulous paneled headboard at Evolution of Style? BUT, have you seen the step-by-step tutorial? You can do that.

Loving this Anthropologie-inspired Ruffled Lampshade at Just a Girl.

I hope you’re having a great weekend!

Places I Land is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Sometimes my spirit gets all squirrelly and restless within me. You too? Here are some things that settled my spirit this week.

The secret of effective time management @ A Holy Experience

Enjoy things as they are @ Remodeling This Life

For when you feel like quitting @ Chatting at the Sky

Grace Notes: It Rains Down @ 29 Lincoln Avenue

A letter to a new mom (8 years later) @ not so random stuff

Places I Land is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

I am full of randomness and such today.

I have major laundry room envy thanks to The Exchange.

Lisa Leonard’s Large Initials Necklace + Earrings. Love.

Who can resist a good DIY deer head? Not me! Thanks Hope Studios!

My new favorite band. Warning: Belly dancers, sword swallowers and funky chickens.

I never knew that these were called leaf skeletons. Now I also know how to make them thanks to The Other White House.

Places I Land is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

via The Art of Doing Stuff

If you were lucky enough to receive a bouquet of roses (or other flowers) yesterday, then maybe you’re wondering what to do with them. I’ve always been kind of puzzled about how to arrange those cellophane wrapped bouquets. Karen from The Art of Doing Stuff showed me exactly what I should do.

I’ll be honest…I’m not much of a rose girl, particularly on Valentine’s Day. Mostly because it annoys me to no end that the price of roses doubles that week. But Karen’s ideas will work for other kinds of flowers too. I used them on a bouquet of tulips. Check out Karen’s post on How to Arrange a Dozen Roses for all the whats and hows of arranging roses.

PS…If you didn’t get a bouquet of flowers yesterday, then march yourself down to the store today and get one for yourself. They’re 1/2 the price that they were 24 hours ago.

What to Do With Those Roses is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

What Your Husband REALLY Wants for Valentine’s Day at 4Tunate really tweaked my heart.

Trust me when I tell you that your man will be full of love and romance if you make him these easy chocolate souffles from Cooking Light. I used to make them all the time and I recently re-discovered the recipe.

And if chocolate gets you love and romance, then good steak gets you eternal devotion. Pioneer Woman’s Grilled Ribeye Steak with Onion-Blue Cheese Sauce is to-die-for. If you’re in the market for a somewhat thriftier option then her Fried Round Steak is unnaturally good.

Places I Land: The Valentine’s Edition is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

I was completely blown away by this DIY shelving unit by Megan at The Brick House. She build the whole thing out of plumbing pipe and fittings for around $200. Incredible!

This boy’s bedroom at The Bumper Crop makes me want to go have another son just so that I can make them a bunk room like this.

Got snow? Then check out How to Make Snow Ice Cream at My Home Sweet Home. Great project for the snowbound kiddos!

A bare wall is beautifully transformed at Centsational Girl. I have a soft spot for anything board and batten. Beautiful!

I’ve been dreaming of beautiful laundry rooms lately and this one featured at Little Green Notebook makes my heart go pitter-patter.

Places I Land is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

I don’t know if I’ll be able to find railroad file boxes, but if I do I’m going to make this incredible DIY coffee table with TONS of storage. Thanks to the Simply Inspired Home.

I’ve got a space in my kitchen that I want to turn into my office/desk space. I adore this new desk from Holly Mathis Interiors.

I’m not sure if I have the patience to make this paper rose wreath from I’m a Yarner. (Tutorial here.) But I’m definitely tempted!

“Stories take place in settings, and I’ve been thinking about what kind of setting we want and need for the story of our lives…It’s not just the place that feels less cluttered; my head does, too.” Rita @ The Intertidal Years

They staged and decluttered nearly every room in their home and wrote a thought-provoking post about the process. The before and after photos are simply amazing. The entire feel of their house has been changed by paring down and simplifying.

Places I Land is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Mulled Apple Cider recipe @ A Holiday Haven

How to make a Faux Capiz Shell Chandelier @ The Little Apartment

DIY Canvas Painting @ Purple Lemon Designs

My new Beautiful Necklace from Lisa Leonard (except mine has a K on it)…It’s a sweet reminder, especially on those days when I’m not feeling so beautiful.

Mashed Potatoes with Horseradish and Chives @ My First Kitchen

Favorite Things is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Young House Love featured this fabulous kitchen redo from one of their readers. They transformed their outdated kitchen with only $1,207! Love it!

An awesome PB hack! Jessica from Running with Scissors turned an old light fixture into a PS-esque lantern.

I’m loving my new Sweet and Simple Birdie necklace from Lisa Leonard. Chirp!

Simple Mom has been speaking to my heart lately. Go read all of these posts. Go now. Immediately stop reading my drivel and go hang out with Simple Mom.

Perfection: the thief of good enough – You know I’m a fan of “good enough”. But sometime I forget.

Stress is a choice – Makes me think about what other feelings might be choices. Anger? Irritation? Maybe love?

Simplify your space with a fresh pair of eyes – I’m feeling a huge desire to simplify right now.

Disclosure: My friend, Lisa Leonard sent me that adorable birdie necklace to wear and see if I loved it. If I did, I could tell you about it. I did (wear it) and I do (love it) so I am (telling you about it).

Favorite Things is a post from: A Soft Place to Land