Image: shelovesmagazine.com

Here are some inspiring words that have been speaking to my weary mama heart lately...

Be brave in an ordinary way - post by Sarah Bessey on SheLovesMagazine.com. YES to every single word, especially...

“the most fearless thing we can do is keep showing up with love and grace and joy in our real, right-now lives.”

Brave moms raise brave kids - post by Jen Hatmaker. This post kicked my butt - so many mixed emotions. I wanted to hug every word in this post, and then punch it in the face. It's such a challenge finding the fine balance between raising our kids to be brave, to not be afraid, teaching them to trust...while also protecting them as parents especially when they are little.

25 ways to stay calm as a parent - huge soul exhale. I'm not the only one who freaks when my kid drinks the bathwater? I'm not the only mom who feels like she says "no" way too much? Time to calm. Down.

The anti-frantic - post by Shauna Niequist.

“I’m adopting a ruthless anti-frantic policy. I’m done with frantic. The new baseline for me: will saying yes to this require me to live in a frantic way?
I’m saying no more often than I’m saying yes. I’m asking hard questions about why I’ve kept myself so busy all these years. The space and silence I’m creating is sometimes beautiful and sometimes terrifying.”

Do ya see a theme here? Thankful for inspirational women who encourage - the real ones in my everyday life and yes, even those online friends I've never met.

~ ~ ~

Lastly, a fun one...I just love Magic Cabin and all of their natural toys that encourage imagination and outdoor play and whimsy. We got our daughter a Ruben's Barn baby doll (Molly) and some sewing cards. Some fanciful purple butterfly wings might need to be ordered soon!

Enjoy your day!

I had the incredible opportunity to hear Jen Hatmaker speak a few weeks ago at First Baptist Euless. Her latest book, 7 : An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, is everywhere right now - blogs, community groups, Instagram. I have so many thoughts I'm still processing from Jen's talk about spending, simplifying, serving the poor, and generosity, and now I'm deep into reading the actual book. Can't wait to share some thoughts soon!

Image: KangarooCare on EtsyAnyway, all this pondering about how I can further simplify my life inspired me to share some recent finds in the world of "handmade." Hope you enjoy...

Absolutely in love with every necklace on this Etsy shop, Kangaroo Care. Perfect for mamas with babes, or any female if you ask me! Tara Stepp, I can really see you loving these. Thanks to my dear friend Bre for the recommendation!
This Etsy shop, Pen & Paint. Beautiful illustrations.
Gorgeous skirts on this site, Open Arms Shop, made from recycled materials and made by refugees who are trying to get out of poverty. They had them in stock at Whole Earth Provision Co. the other day and I tried one on. Super comfy, but if you're thinking of getting one, note that are on the fitted side.
I want to create a "sacred space" like this in our home, out of items I already have on hand - a cozy, inviting, colorful space just for mama to do her reading and studying and thinking and relaxing.
I really want to embellish some old tshirts - like this and this.
My sister-in-law Trish and I recently had a craft night, and we each made this burlap fall banner. All we needed were apples for the stamp, burlap, some craft paint, glue gun, and yarn. It looks perfect hanging in the doorway between our living room and dining room...

Another easy fall decoration I made is this felt leaves banner. Last year I used yarn, but I used embroidery thread this year and like so much better how it turned out.