Something Special For A Blog Anniversary

It's been exactly a year since I wrote my very first post here on Something Ivory. That post was hard and scary to write, and hitting "publish" was even more difficult. It certainly made me feel vulnerable, and a little nervous that no one would be interested in what I had to say. While it still is sometimes scary to hit publish, and I certainly have so much more to learn, after a year of blogging I can safely say that I've loved every minute I've spent typing out the 237 posts I've published since last July 12. The writing has been so stimulating and has kept me thinking and creating, your comments have been so lovely to receive, and I've made some really dear blog friends. Writing this blog is one of the most rewarding things I've ever committed to, and it's becoming more fun every day.

As a thank you to you--all of my lovely readers who are supportive and kind, interesting and thoughtful, in your comments and your emails--I decided to put together a little giveaway of some of my favorite things. Each of these goodies is something I use and love, and I can't wait to see which lucky reader will win! I only wish I had a box for every one of you.

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment at the end of this post. I will choose one commenter at random next Friday, July 19, first thing in the morning and I will post who the winner is that day. So make sure to leave your comment by Thursday night!

Now, for the contents of the box:

Green Tea and Aloe hand soap--the best-smelling hand soap around. This version is the foaming variety which somehow feels more luxurious, don't you think?

My favorite Aveda hair product. I put a dime-sized amount of the Smooth Infusion in my palm after the shower and run it through my damp hair. It helps to prevent frizz, keeps my hair soft and protected, and makes my hair smell heavenly (Aveda is known for their fantastic-smelling products--I look forward to the Rosemary Mint shampoo each time I get my hair cut).

Jasmine Green Tea. I love drinking this in the afternoon or evening after a meal, and it can be made into a delicious iced tea too. I find that both its taste and scent are relaxing yet energizing. And green tea is so good for us!

Polka-dotted cupcake or muffin liners. These liners make homemade cupcakes and muffins look extra special, and the blue color is really fun and lively!

Homemade lavender linen spray. I make up my own bottles of lavender spray using distilled water and lavender essential oil and I spray it on our freshly cleaned sheets. I know I've raved about this before, but it's truly wonderful. It helps to erase wrinkles and the scent of lavender is known to be calming and sleep-inducing.

My all-time favorite red lipstick (Dubonnet by Clinique in their long-lasting lipstick line). It's the color I'm wearing in my blog photo off to the right, and I'm convinced it's a universally flattering red. Whoever the lucky giveaway winner is, I may insist on a photo of you wearing this!

Evian Mineral Water Facial Spray. I brought a bottle of this with me on our honeymoon and it was a lifesaver for the long flight to California. My skin tends to get dry when I fly, so I sprayed this on my face once during the flight and once afterward. It made my skin feel refreshed and hydrated. It's also ideal for hot summer days when you just can't seem to get cool enough. It's fantastic!

Assorted note cards. I really enjoy sending mail and there's nothing better than using pretty paper and cards to write special notes on. These neutral cards have some fun textures to them, and they would be lovely for just about any occasion.


That's it! Good luck to everyone who enters. And truly, thank you to each and every one of you who reads Something Ivory. It's a pleasure to write for you. Here's to many more years of blogging.

Our Father

Painting by Albert Bierstadt

I've been trying to implement a new habit. I've decided to try to pray the Our Father over the course of my day to fill spaces that would otherwise be mindless, or to quell a racing thought, or to make a random moment more meaningful and thoughtful. I don't always remember but when I do, I find that the result is an enormous wave of peace. I mull over each word as I go, meditating on the beauty and majesty of each one.

I pray when I'm brushing my teeth, when I'm in child's pose or downward facing dog, on my morning walks, while driving. Of course I pray about other things too and most of the time I make up my own prayers. But there is something so grounding and reverential about saying The Lord's Prayer, and I crave that. My own prayers are often rambling, formed in my mind a few words at a time as I make out my thoughts. I know God is listening and He doesn't care that my sentence structures aren't perfect, and these imperfectly uttered prayers make up such an important part of my life as a Christian.

But the Our Father flows off my tongue, each piece of it so familiar yet capturing something so awesome--for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever--and I find that it turns the most mundane moments into a chance to worship my God.

I used to only say the Our Father in church, and while it's a powerful prayer no matter where you say it, I'm not sure I quite "got" just how meaningful it could be until I began saying it alone. It wasn't until I began to recite these words privately, without the din of other voices surrounding me, when what was always a group profession of faith became a personal declaration of love and adoration, that it began to mean something more to me.

Amazing, isn't it, to be making discoveries and finding new meaning in a prayer I've been saying all my life. God is so good.



p.s. I have something fun planned for tomorrow, which is my blog's one year anniversary! Be sure to stop by!

A Happy Visit

Slowly but surely, after a year of living in the South (my husband has lived here much longer but we've been here together for a year), we're finding our way and making the most of our time here. Mind you, we're not getting too cozy--we still can't wait to move North--but we're both feeling peaceful and happy and we're trying to enjoy the last months of our time in the deep South. After all, while I know you should never say never, I don't think we'll ever live this far South again! 

My brother's visit gave us a chance to do some really fun things in the area, and I thought I'd share just a few of the things we did and give you a peek into our weekend and the area we currently call home.

I picked my brother up in Montgomery and on our way to get some breakfast at a cafe, we stopped by F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald's home. They didn't live here for very long but it's always neat to see places where historic figures spent time.

We got the sweetest and juiciest watermelon from the farmer's market, and my boys thoroughly enjoyed it!

We didn't even have to travel to see fireworks. Several of our neighbors were setting off their own all night, and they were quite impressive and beautiful. We took an evening walk (sorry for the poor quality on this one) and then sat on our balcony for a while to chat and soak up the sparkling night and (blissfully) cool air.

And, we made cupcakes from scratch. They may not look perfect but they tasted divine.

If you've been around my blog for a while, you know that my brother is a gifted photographer, so I was thrilled when I found out that there was an exhibit of rarely-seen World War II Associated Press photographs being shown at a local art museum. It was fantastic and the images were haunting, moving, and filled with expression. We went the day after the 4th, so it was a perfect time to remember our nation's past and to honor the incredible bravery displayed in so many of the photographs. I snapped iPhone shots (while trying to be quick and discrete, so sorry for the crookedness!) of some of my favorites. Even though my photos of the photos aren't great, I think they at least give you an idea of the incredible sense of humanity that these wartime photographers captured.

A soldier standing in a demolished church.

Paratroopers right before their jump on D-Day.

Soldiers praying before the invasion of Normandy.

Soldiers being given communion by their chaplain.

A little French girl decorating GI graves.

Soldiers at a USO dance in Harlem.

Sailors hanging out of portholes as they approach New York harbor.

On our last night, we went to our favorite restaurant in town. Isn't this back courtyard so beautiful and quaint? It was a perfect end to a perfect visit.

p.s. Something Ivory turns one on Friday! I have something special planned to celebrate and thank my dear, faithful readers, so please make sure you check back!

Threshold

Until recently, I'd never really been much of a Target gal. I preferred places like TJ Maxx and Marshalls (and of course, thrift and antique shops) for finding great deals and unique pieces for our home. But lately Target has been really impressing me, and it's largely because of Threshold, Target's new line of furniture and home decor.

I don't go to Target too often (the closest one is about 40 minutes away) but the few times I have over the past couple months, I noticed that more and more things were catching my eye. And I started to recognize that most of the pieces I was drawn to were part of this new Threshold collection. So I did some research yesterday and found this great little interview with one of Target's Vice Presidents on the Threshold line--you can check it out here. It's really terrific what Target is trying to accomplish, I think--they have created high quality, affordable pieces that are at once fun and stylish and unique while remaining practical. Well-made, not too expensive, and really adorable? It doesn't get much better than that.

I rounded up some of my favorite Threshold pieces for you to browse through today. Notice the gorgeous colors! Of course there are lots of neutral pieces available too but I suppose I was feeling colorful today, as these were the ones I was most attracted to. Don't some of these remind you of Anthropologie (which is obviously a much more pricey store)? Also, a lot of these pieces happen to be on sale, so if you're looking for something specific for your home do check out the links!

p.s. This Friday is my blog's one year anniversary! I have something pretty special planned, so make sure to check back on Friday! I'm so thankful for all of you loyal readers.

Console Table

Wellsbridge Dinnerware Set

Stamped Metal Accent Table

Swoop Chair

Accent Cabinet

Fretwork Accent Table

Coral Vase

Campaign Side Table

Accent Table with Wheels

X Stool

Tufted Ottoman

Canisters with Bamboo Lids

Cottage Pillows

Hourglass Accent Table

Rope Basket

Ambassadors For Marriage: Leah and Landon

Today, I'm continuing my Ambassadors for Marriage series with another fantastic guest post (you can read the first guest post in this series here). I found Leah's blog when I first started blogging, months ago, and I admire very much her honest, faith-driven, and inspiring way of writing about her marriage and her little family. She's a loyal reader of Something Ivory, too, and I'm thrilled she's here today to share her story! I think you'll enjoy it very much. 

Describe how you met your husband and how you felt as you got to know him.

The first time I ever met Landon was when we were both 17 and my dad was interviewing to be the pastor at the church Landon's family attended. Both our families were at a small dinner party to get to know people from the church, and he obviously didn't want to be there. :) I remember seeing this hoodie-wearing boy slumped against the wall, and not really noticing him beyond that. Fast forward a year or so, and you would find two young teens in youth group together flirting, writing notes to each other, and hanging out a lot. I realized as I got to know Landon more, that I was becoming more drawn to him, and every time I saw him I would get butterflies in my stomach.

When did you know he was the one you wanted to marry?

When we were getting very serious about each other, I remember a situation, I think it was the summer before I left for college. Something outside our relationship upset me terribly, and I went over to his house and basically ran into his arms sobbing. He immediately took me by the waist and walked me out to the woods where he just held me and told me things would be ok. I think that may have been when I realized this was the man I wanted to share my hurts and fears with, the one who I could trust, and the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

What has been the most rewarding part of your marriage so far?

A few months ago, Landon and I decided to pursue marriage counseling. Some friends of ours had done it, and it was encouraging to hear their story. On top of having a baby who changed the dynamics of our relationship, we had some communication issues that were wearing down on our marriage and we wanted to take care of things before years went by. Honestly, these last few months have been the hardest yet most rewarding season of our marriage so far. We have grown incredibly closer, we talk more intentionally than ever, and we value our relationship so much more than before. I never realized how much I could love this man. Marriage takes work, but the work produces beautiful results.

What have you learned about your husband that you didn't know before you got married?

I had always figured Landon would be a good dad, but I have been blown away with how amazing of a father he is to Finn. Nothing has put him off...the diapers, the sleepless nights, the birth. He readily steps up and helps me with Finn and he is so loving and tender. I love watching them interact.

Has anything about marriage surprised you?

So far, nothing has really surprised me. Is that bad? :) I will say that we have to be very intentional about our relationship and continue to pursue each other. I think it's easy to settle into a routine way of doing things, so we try to mix things up every now and then. Little change-ups can make a huge difference for us.

How would you describe "the ideal wife," the one you strive always to become?

Marriage is made up of unique people, and every marriage is different. Specifically in our marriage, we don't have defined roles based on gender or cultural influences. We are an equal team making decisions together and seeking to put each other's needs above our own. With that in mind, my aim as Landon's wife is to put God at the center of our relationship, to love Landon unconditionally, to help him selflessly, to lead him in the areas I am more qualified to lead, to follow him in the areas where he is more qualified to lead, to trust him enough to share my dreams and fears, to be vulnerable and open, to lift him up in prayer, to play with him and enjoy life together, to forgive him readily, and to encourage him daily.

How do you face challenges in marriage? What are your strategies for overcoming the inevitable hard moments or hard days?

More recently, we have learned to just communicate more. It seems backwards (and it's so hard) for two introverts to talk struggles out, but that is what we are learning is the best choice. Landon has learned to give me a moment to cool off when I am mad, but then comes and asks me to talk it out. I am learning to take a moment to cool off before saying something in anger, and then making myself talk out my frustrations to Landon instead of sweeping things under the rug. Even when Landon is at work and I am home, I will send Landon a text saying "I am so frustrated!" And he will say "I'm sorry babe, lets sit down tonight and talk about it, I want to hear about it." Also, we aim to be completely honest with each other, and doing that helps us avoid a lot of conflicts.

Have you started any family traditions as a couple?

We dabbled around the first year or two of marriage trying to force some to happen I think. I love traditions, but I want them to happen organically. So far, we only have a few consistent traditions.  We usually get a Christmas tree that is four feet high or less.  We have our own Christmas family dinner a few days before the 25th since we are always home at for the holidays. We have "our song," Northern Lights, by the Bowerbirds, and we frequent a local coffeehouse, The Hearthstone, each week together.

Thank you so much, Leah, for sharing your heart with us today! 

For more of Leah's thoughts, pay a visit to her blog, The Rife Observatory.

(Photo credit)

Sunday Currently: Volume 21

Today's Sunday Currently will have to be quick, because my husband and I are about to head to the park for an afternoon walk. It's been raining for the past five days, and while it looks a little overcast right now the rain has held off so far today, so we're going to soak up the chance to get some fresh air. We had an absolutely amazing couple of days with my little brother. We loved showing him our town, hanging out and catching up on life, and eating lots of great food. More on all of that later.

Reading The Smart One by Jennifer Close, and about to start reading this with my mom.

Writing this post, of course, and an introduction to a special guest post that will be up tomorrow. Be sure to check in! You'll love it.

Listening to the washer and dryer.

Thinking about how amazing it is that my husband and I have been married for a year and a half already (as of June 30). So very thankful.

Smelling (and munching on) the delicious chocolate-covered cherries that my brother got on his recent trip to Seattle and brought back for us. What an awesome gift!

Wishing all of our family was closer. That's a (hopefully short-term) goal of ours.

Hoping for a great afternoon walk around the park. I love how refreshed I feel after a good, long walk.

Drinking jasmine tea.

Wearing linen capris that I got ages ago (they're so comfortable!) and a charcoal-grey "boyfriend tee" from Target.

Loving seeing how much my brother has changed and grown up in the last year. College suits him!

Wanting to play some Schubert later this afternoon.

Needing to keep finding new blogs to read. I follow so many great ones that I love checking out each day, but I know there are always new ones to discover and I'd like to spend some time this week finding them.

Feeling happy and excited and calm and at peace about our future.

Clicking on other Sunday Currently posts!


(Linking up with Lauren!)

DIY Flower Food

This is going to be a sleepy blogging week--my little brother is coming into town and my husband and I can't wait to soak up the family time with him this week. I thought I would pop in today, though, with a quick DIY recipe I found for homemade flower food. It's summertime, which means visitors, and I always like to have a vase of fresh flowers in my house when family and friends are around. They're pretty and I think flowers make a home feel fresh and welcoming. Whether you're buying freshly cut wildflowers from the farmer's market, or inexpensive and colorful supermarket stems (both of which typically don't come with flower food packets), this DIY blend will preserve your flowers and stave off wilting.

It's a simple as this:

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons white vinegar

(per quart of water)

For a smaller vase, you could of course just halve the recipe. Mix the sugar and vinegar together and add it to the vase of water. And watch your flowers stay fresh and beautiful and happy!

Would you try this?