Archived – My Favorite Things – OTHER STUFF

Prayerful Journal – AUGUST 2023

I stumbled across this website on Pinterest.  I was especially drawn to the Prayerful Journal!!  And I LOVE it!  It is a great way for me to use and pray through the daily scripture prompts from the same company, as well as document the Truth of who God is, who I am as a child of God, and what I am grateful for each day.  I also document my prayers for the day in the same journal.  I bought the one in MINT as found HERE.  But there are other options too!  Check them out!

Spurgeon and the Psalms – Praying the Psalms – AUGUST 2023

This is actually a book, but I included it here as a tool I am using for a deeper prayer life in conjunction with the above Prayerful Journal!  Check it our HERE on Amazon.

Standing Pencil Case Large Capacity by HousolutioN – AUGUST 2023

Alright…truth be told.  I am an office supply junkie!  I love all my pens, pencils, highlighters of all colors with me all the time in my book bag.  This is a great organizer for me and it also holds my extra pencil refills and sticky notes.  So fun in PINK.    Go to Amazon for more information HERE.

Pacific Sourdough Bakery in Waldport, Oregon – AUGUST 2023

Oh my word!!!  Fantastic!  My husband and I drove to the coast in Waldorf, OR in July.  We saw a sign for fresh sourdough bread and thought…”Why not!!”  When we followed the sign to the bakery, we found a line of people waiting to get in.  Well…this is now even more intriguing.  We HAD to get in line and try this out.  The bakery was closing in 15 minutes and we had no idea if we would make it in before closing or before they ran out…whichever came first.  It was worth the wait!  If you are ever in Waldport, Oregan, then you MUST check them out.  For more information click HERE.

Gratitude Journal Worksheet

by Stacy Turley.  Download the worksheet for FREE.

34 Gratitude Prompts

by Stacy Turley.  Use these to help stimulate your brain on how and where God is blessing you in the big and small things of everyday life.  Download the worksheet for FREE.

Lifecoast Bible Crafters – Early 2023

The women – Sisters in Christ – at Lifecoast Bible Crafters changed my life.  My hubby and I spent the month of April 2023 in Palm Coast, Florida.  I found this group on the internet while looking for a women’s ministry group I could participate in while in Florida.  These women welcomed me, supported me, and prayed for me!  They included me in the fold of friendship and I can’t wait to see them next year.  If you are near Palm Coast, Florida…check our Lifecoast Church and this group!!

Center Pull Yarn Winding Tool – Early 2023

I love center pull yarn while I am working.  This tool makes it easy to hand wind your yarn with a center pull even while traveling and on the move.  Super easy to wind and easy to store.  Take this with you in your notions pouch for convenience!  Check it our HERE at Knitpicks.com

Blueberry Cottage Yarn and Wool – Early 2023

in Plymouth, Indiana!!  Visit my hometown and this awesome knitting store in the heart of downtown.  You will find knitting, crocheting, weaving, needlepoint, embroidery and other fiber crafts.  Free sit-n-knit whenever they are open with coffee and cookies!  Join others while working on your crafts and make some new friends.  Go to their website for more information HERE.

Office Supplies – April 2022

I LOVE office supplies including journals, planners, pens, pencils, etc. Here are some of my favorite finds in the office supply world.

  • Simplified Planner by Emily Ley found here.
  • Navy Gingham Pen by Emily Ley found here.
  • Refillable Writer’s Log by MemoriesMadeCustom on Etsy here.

Rothy’s The Point Shoe – April 2022

“I only have one pair.  It was a birthday gift to me.  But I LOVE their mission to use recycled plastic water bottles in order to help eliminate waste on our planet to make their products. Check them out here!

Amy Durbin – Graphic Designer – May/June 2022

I have been blessed to have met Amy Durbin, owner of Fat Cat Sam Designs.  She is a talented Graphic Designer who created my logo and website.  You may reach her at amy@fatcatsam.com

PILOT FriXion Erasable Pens – May/June 2022

I really like these erasable pens.  Looks like a pen but surprisingly correctable with the eraser.  Smooth writing experience and some fun barrels and colors too.  Here is one option on Amazon for a polka dot barrel!  Click HERE!

Gratitude Journal Worksheet – Ongoing

by Stacy Turley.  Download the worksheet for FREE.

34 Gratitude Prompts – Ongoing

by Stacy Turley.  Use these to help stimulate your brain on how and where God is blessing you in the big and small things of everyday life.  Download the worksheet for FREE.

Thrive Causemetics

I heard about Thrive Causemetics from a podcast that I listen to periodically.  The podcast hosts review products they love each week.  I love to check out the ones that inspire me and this is one of them!!  Thrive Causemetics has a great mission of giving back to the community to help women “thrive”!  I love the mission, and the  products are wonderful.  Some of my favorites so far are the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara, the Brilliant Eye Brightener, and the Triple Threat Color Stick. Please Email me if you try these out.  I would love to hear about your experience!  

The Roasterie Coffee Company – Kansas City Coffee Company since 1993

Oh, yum!!!  I am a bit of a coffee person.  I love, love, love good coffee.  I prefer decaf (otherwise I am awake all night,) and flavored roasted coffees.  I tend to drink it black unless I am drinking it as a dessert.  Then a bit of non-dairy cream is lovely.  The Roasterie Coffee Company makes some great coffees.  Some of my favorites are Betty’s Recipe and French Caramel Cream.  The seasonal coffees are also fantastic, and they will be released in the fall.  Click HERE for the link to the Roasterie Coffee Company and more coffee selections.

Archived – My Favorite Things – CRAFTING TOOLS/SUPPLIES

Chunky Crochet Garland Pattern – AUGUST 2023

My garland has seen better days as it is about 3o years old!  I saw this on Pinterest this week and I may have to make it!  Check out the garland HERE.

Funny Knitting Coffee Mug – AUGUST 2023

Oh my word!!!  What a discovery!!!  So perfect and shared with my by my dear friend Angie L.  The mug says, “I will not buy any yarn until I use my yarn stash at home.  And then I laughed and laughed.” Check out the mug on Amazon  HERE!!

TLYarnCrafts – Early 2023

I love everything about this site, this shop, and this creative artist Toni Lipsey!!  You cannot go wrong with any of her videos or patterns.  She is a wonderful teacher and talented fiber artist.  She focuses mainly on crochet and Tunisian crochet.  However she is dabbling in knitting too!  Check out her website, blog, and shop HERE.

Clever Poppy – Early 2023

Oh my word!!!  What a discovery!!!  I found this website on Pinterest for an online embroidery class called Home Sweet Home.  My grandmother taught me the basics of embroidery when I was about 8 years old.  However, I had long forgotten how to do it.  My grandmother was so talented with embroidery, fiber arts and quilting.  I saw this class I was drawn to learn as a remembrance of her and her passions.  Thanks, Grandma Ruby Saltsgiver and thanks to Clever Poppy for this class and the membership!!  I am now a member and already have my next kit to learn more.  Check our their website HERE!!

Crochet Hooks – April 2022

by LettoWorshop on Etsy.  Crocheters!!!  These are addictive!!  I found them when I had a thumb injury.  My doctor said I can only crochet if I have a really thick handle to reduce the strain on my thumb.  They are beautiful, handmade, and high quality.  The owners Stanislav and Julie Rudenko from Ukraine are so sweet too.  Find them here.

Crochet Hooks – April 2022

by Furls Crochet.  They are the Steamline Resin Crochet Hooks.  Gorgeous colors, lightweight, and also a bit thicker in the handle.  Here’s the link.

Done in a Weekend Baby Blanket – April 2022

by Jess Coppom at Makeanddocrew.com.  This is a free pattern online found here.

Macrame X-mas Décor – Chrismas Tree 1 – April 2022

by All Day Loft.  Every Christmas I make ornaments for my kids.  Here is the pattern from December 2020.  On YouTube here.

Lion Brand Yarn Mystery Box – May/June 2022 Post

My husband will say that I likely will need no more new yarn for the rest of my life.  It is true that my stash grows more quickly than I can create and finish new projects.  However, for all the yarn lovers, (and I imagine this is true for fabric, jewelry, (insert hobby)), we all agree that there is NEVER too much of a good thing.  Well, this good thing is a fun little surprise in the mail!  It is $60 worth of yarn sold for $14.99.  I have purchased and received two of these and I have NOT been disappointed.  Love the yarn that comes in and I have gotten enough of one color/type to make some great projects.  Find more on Lion Brand Mystery Box here.

Tunisian Crochet Hooks by Denise2Go – May/June 2022 Post

My new favorite thing…Tunisian Crochet!!  I have been obsessed with this new-to-me hobby of Tunisian crochet since March 2022.  I have a set of hooks and a teacher I love (see Online Inspirations below for TL Yarn Crafts).  It’s good to keep our brain challenged and if you want to try something new and surprisingly easy…check our Tunisian Crochet and the hooks by Denise.  Here’s the link.

Campfire Cardigan by Make & Do Crew

One of my finds this week!  I actually purchased the pattern today on Etsy HERE.  Shhhh…don’t tell my husband!  I have so many other projects all lined up!!  Cost is $4.30 for digital pattern only.

Heartland yarn by Lion Brand

I can’t wait to get my hands on this yarn.  I have been assured that it is incredibly soft and perfect for all types of knitting and crochet projects including garments.  It holds its shape and is perfect for snuggling in blanket or cozy sweater.  I bought this for the project above…the Campfire Cardigan.  My color selection is Voyageurs, Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands and Wolf Trap.  I hope these colors will look great with jeans or khaki pants.   Here’s the link.

Archived – My Favorite Things – ONLINE INSPIRATIONS

The Currently Reading Podcast – AUGUST 2023

I love to read and this is a great podcast to get ideas.  The hosts Meredith and Kaytee share the books they have read or are currently reading.  They provide non-spoiler details and their opinions.  I have read some good ones due to their advice.  And they make me laugh!  Check them out on Podcast Addict HERE.

That’s Clever Crafting Ideas – AUGUST 2023

I am a Pinterest addict with many, many, many boards.  My personal “handle” is @slt46074.  Here is the link to my That’s Clever board for inspiration and ideas!  Click HERE for immediate access.

MeetUp App & Website – AUGUST 2023

Are you wanting to get connected to other people with your common interests in your area?  I was recently introduced to this fantastic app from my dear friend Terri D.  I love this app!  I have started two groups on this app.  The first group is Graceful Hands Sip N Stitch for fellow fiber artists to get together and sip coffee while working on our projects.  The second group is Rare Disease & Autoimmune Support Group.  Our first meeting in later in August.  I am hoping this will be a safe environment for supporting and encouraging each other as we work to Choose Joy in our circumstances.  Click HERE to learn more about MeetUp and join in to share the fun!

Positive.News – Early 2023

Positive News Magazine provides rigorous journalism on what’s going right in the world.  For a brighter outlook on our news and world events, check out their website at positive.news HERE.

Craft Project Ideas – Early 2023

I am a Pinterest addict with many, many, many boards.  My personal “handle” is @slt46074.  Here is the link to my Craft Projects board for inspiration and ideas!  Click HERE for immediate access.

Let’s Read the Gospels Podcast – Early 2023

by Annie F. Downs.  This podcast is all about reading all four gospels every month for the entire year.  She changes the order and the Bible translation each month.  Click HERE to learn more about the podcast and the supplemental study guides.  

That Sounds Fun – April 2022

A podcast by Annie F. Downs.

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – April 2022

A podcast with Fr. Mike Schmidtz.  This podcast is for all who want to hear the Bible read by an energetic narrator.  He also provides comments on the passages at the end of each reading.  This is for all denominations.

She Reads Truth – April 2022

Daily devotionals for kids, women, and men at shereadstruth.com.

Reading – April 2022

For book lovers, modernmrsdarcy.com.  Anne Bogel offers podcasts, reading lists, blog posts, and a readers’ membership community

TL Yarn Crafts – Tunisian Crochet tutorials – May/June 2022

Want to learn something new  Check out Toni Lipsey and her YouTube channel for how-to’s and patterns on Tunisian crochet!  But be careful!!  You may become addicted like me!!  Here is the link to her channel.

Melanie Ham – YouTube video creator for Crochet, sewing and other DIY Stuff – May/June 2022

I have subscribed to Melanie Ham’s channel for years!  She is so sweet.  She is clear with her instructions and is always full of bright ideas and inspirations.  Check out her channell for more DIY projects or gift giving ideas that you can make!  Click HERE for the link.

LECTIO365 App

I heard about this app from one of my podcasts.  It is a FREE daily devotional resource to keep you in the Word of God and focused on prayer every day.  It has an AM and PM devotional.  You may read along or allow the narrators to read to you while you rest in God’s Word.   Here is the link to the App information and to download for iPhone and Android.

First5 App

I have a subscriber to the First5 App for many years now.  I use it in my (mostly) daily quiet time.  It is a FREE daily devotional for the first 5 minutes of your day.  A study guide is also available for purchase to accompany the App devotionals if you want to dig deeper in the Word each day.  This App is through Proverbs31 Minitries with Lisa Terkheurst.  Click HERE for the link.

Archived – My Favorite Things – MUSIC

Whole Heart:  Hold Me Now – AUGUST 2023

by Hillsong United. View on YouTube HERE.

The Goodness of God – AUGUST 2023

by CeCe Winans. View on YouTube HERE.

Best Christian Workout 2023 – AUGUST 2023

Public Playlist on Spotify created by jimmydooley81.  130 songs. Link is HERE

Grace Got You – Early 2023

by MercyMe. View on YouTube HERE.

Blessings – Early 2023

by Laura Story. View on YouTube HERE.

Ain’t No Grave – April 2022

by Bethel Music and Molly Skaggs. View on YouTube here.

Canvas and Clay – April 2022

by Pat Barrett ft. Ben Smith. View on YouTube here.

Her Little Man – April 2022

by Jami Grooms.  This was the song my son Mitch and I danced to at his wedding to my beautiful daughter-in-law Shannon.  It brought tears to many.  View on YouTube here.

Try – May/June 2022

by Colby Caillet.  View on YouTube here.

Worn

by Tenth Avenue North. View on YouTube here.

Reckless Love

by Cory Asbury. View on YouTube here.

Brave

by Sara Bareilles.  View on YouTube here.

Archived – My Favorite Things – RECIPES

Parmesan Roasted Chickpeas – AUGUST 2023

Love these!  Great snack and good for you!  HERE is the recipe on Pinterest.

Cranberry Orange Pecan Gluten Free Muffins – AUGUST 2023

My friend Paula M. sent me this link!  This is on my To Be Made list.  Hope to make them next week while visting my son and other family in Massachusetts.  HERE is the recipe on Pinterest.

Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt – Early 2023

I was skeptical as I have never had Chia Seeds.  But OH was I surprised!!!  So GOOD!!

Chia Yogurt Base Mix

  • 1/3 cup chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup boiled hot water
  • 3 tablespoons honey (maple, coconut sugar)
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 1 1/2 cups greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt)
  • 1 1/2 cups nut milk ( almond, hemp, oat, soy, etc.)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a bowl or quart jar, mix chia seeds and hot water.  Let sit about 5 minutes. This starts hydrating the chia seed more quickly.
  2. Stir in vanillahoney (or maple) and pinch of salt.
  3. Add greek yogurt and nut milk.  Whisk to combine thoroughly. (At this point you could divide into 4 smaller jars.)
  4. At this stage it will keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
  5. Add preferred flavor and fruits to serve. Refrigerate at least an hour before serving.

NOTES

If pre-making with fruit added: refrigerate and serve within 2-3 days.

NUTRITION

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 258
  • Sugar: 22.2 g
  • Sodium: 80.3 mg
  • Fat: 9.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28.1 g
  • Fiber: 4.9 g
  • Protein: 15.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15.7 mg

Go to this link HERE for complete recipe with three additional variations.

Best Dill Dip Ever – April 2022 Post

Family recipe from my Great Grandma Hoover.  Enjoy!Ingredients:

  • 1 pint mayo
  • 1 pint sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 2 t. seasoned salt
  • 2 t. dill weed
  • 2 T. parsley flakes
  • 3-4 T. onion flakes

Directions: Mix and chill 1 hour before serving.

NO BAKE ENERGY BITES – May/June 2022 Post

by Gimmesomeoven.com

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS


  1. Stir everything together.  Stir all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  2. Chill. Cover the mixing bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is chilled.  (This will help the mixture stick together more easily.)
  3. Roll into balls.  Roll into mixture into 1-inch balls.
  4. Serve.  Then enjoy immediately!  Or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Black Bean Avocado Salsa

Go to allrecipes.com for more recipes from this provider.

Ingredients:

  • 1 – 15 oz can black beans, rinsed & drained
  • 1 – 11 oz can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
  • 4 roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 small red pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
  • 1/3 C. chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 C. diced red onion
  • 1/4 C. fresh lime juice
  • 2 T. red wine vinegar
  • 1 t. sea salt
  • 1/2 t. ground black pepper
  • 2 avocados, diced

Directions: Mix all ingredients EXCEPT avocados together in large bowl.  Gently fold avocados into the mixture.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap, putting wrap right on top of salsa.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.  Great cool snack with chips or pita bread or on a salad!  Enjoy!!

Archived – My Favorite Things – BOOKS

Crucial Conversations, Third Edition – CURRENT READ – August 2023

by Joseph Genny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, and Emily Gregory.  I am currenlty reading this book on “Tools for Talking When the Stakes are High”.  Our four-week sermon series at my church – Grace Church – is covering crucial conversations as they impact us spiritually, emotionally and sometimes physically!  One word…Amazing!  To read more, click HERE to get the book on Amazon.

Hotel Nantucket (Fiction) – JUST FINISHED – August 2023

by Elin Hilderbrand.  I would call this a light summer read.  Each character is experience their own trials while coming together to make the Hotel Nantucket a success.  This book has the slightest touch of the supernatural, but it is definitely NOT the focus of the book.  One of my favorite quotes from the book is “The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”   Find this book and more HERE.

Mother Teresa:  A Simple Path – TBR – August 2023

by Mother Teresa.  From the book excert:  “Known around the globe for her indefatigable work on behalf of the poor, the sick, and the dying, Mother Teresa has devoted her life to giving hope to the hopeless in more than one hundred and twenty countries. She inspires us all to find a way to translate our spiritual beliefs into action in the world. How has one woman accomplished so much? And what are the guiding principles that have enabled this humble nun to so profoundly effect the lives of millions?”   I am seeking additional opportunities to volunteer and get involved in my community.  I look forward to learning more about the dedication and compassion of Mother Teresa in her love-in-action approach to her life of service for the poorest of the poor.  Find this book and more HERE.

The Practice of the Presence of God – Early 2023

by Brother Lawrence / Alan Vermilye.  I am reading this 40 day devotional now.  One word…Amazing!  To read more, click HERE to get the book on Amazon.

Write the Word:  Prayer – Early 2023

by CultivateWhatMatters.com.  If you enjoy scripture journaling and you want to zero in on increasing your prayer focus…this is for you.   Find this book and more HERE.

My Journaling Bible – April 2022

from Paul’s Leather Company. Oh my word…it is beautiful and the craftmanship is the best I have seen.  It is by far my favorite Bible and I have many!! Visit paulsleatherco.com to find your favorite.

Invitation to Solitude and Silence:  Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence – April 2022

by Ruth Haley Barton.  If you have ever considered a silent retreat, then my comment is DO IT!!  I went on a silent retreat in January 2022, and it was one of the best experiences of my life.  I used this book as a guide for my retreat.  It was wonderful.  Find the book here.

Who Calls Me Beautiful? Finding Our True Image in the Mirror of God – May/June 2022 Post

by Regina Franklin.  I am reading this book for a second time in May 2022.  For those of us who struggle with body image issues, this is the perfect book to remind us of our true value and worth.  Here is a quote from the book:

“When we are preoccupied with physical attractiveness, we assert that the world’s standards of beauty matter more than God’s, and we begin to reflect the values of the world that Jesus said we are not a part of even though we remain in it.”

To read more, click HERE to get the book on Amazon.

Finding Your Yes: Living a Life That’s Open to God’s Invitations – May/June 2022 Post

by Christine Wagoner.  A powerful book by my friend and author Christine Wagoner.  (Check out In The Word #6 blog post!)  This book will help guide you to tune into God’s nudges in your life and to find the courage to say YES!  Find the book here on Amazon.

A Why to Live For – May/June 2022 Post

by Dave Rodriguez.  As mentioned in my blog post Behind the Scenes #1, this book changed my life.  Dave identifies the six broken places of this world that need to be healed and the callings that help bring restoration.  God calls us to join the fight.  Don’t know your calling?  The Calling Quilt exercise in this book will help you identify your calling, just like it helped me find mine.  Find the book here on Amazon.

Lemons on Friday:  Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak

by Mattie Jackson Selecman.  I read this book in the Winter of 2022.  I had two dear friends who lost their spouses.  Both losses were due to cancer.  My heart ached for them, and I hoped this book would provide perspective and healing words for them and me as we jouneyed theses losses together. To read more, click HERE to get the book on Amazon.

Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want It, and What You’re Going to Do About It

by Bob Goff.  My Life Group at church read this together along with the video series.  It was encouraging, challenging, and clarifying all at once about our individual dreams…not only defining them, but also overcoming obstacles so we can achieve them!   Find the book here on Amazon.