Gratitude Lately {with a printable}

No, it's not Thanksgiving (it's barely starting to warm up finally. . .) but I thought it was high time that I start writing about every day gratitude. These are the amazing simple things that make me smile and help me sleep well at night. You know the song, "When I'm worried and I can't sleep . . . I count my blessings instead of sheep . . . " 

I am grateful for  . . . 

Homemade salads with fresh cheese in them. It's the only thing I feel like eating these days.

Happy cake after long days at work and late hours of homework. 

Being able to take a quick trip to Central Park on nice afternoon to read in the sun with Kevin.

Amazing smoothies from Pure Fare that only have fruit and no added sugar.

Sweet Sunday late evening walks when the city is quiet and still for a moment.

Green leafy trees outside the Comcast Center and that it's finally spring here in Philly!

What has brought you gratitude lately?

xoxo

P.S. Like my grateful watercolor? You can download the full 11 x 8.5 (for personal use only please). Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Valentines Mixed CD

Hello lovelies!
I'm down with the chills and aches today but I'd thought I'd share what
I'm sending my family for Valentines this year. 

My goal: I wanted to find a way to connect since we live far away.

Then I saw this and decided I could personalize my own mix CD. Connecting us with favorite

love songs old and new.

Music is the perfect way to remember and reminisce.
It's funny how that works.

I created this simple cover from one of my favorite movies. 

The story behind the cover:

I generally cook a homemade meal and always try to have it done by the time my husband Kevin gets home.
He's really sweet and always does the dishes and once he's done-if it was a really good meal,

we always end up dancing in the kitchen.

Which is almost all the time I get the courage and time to whip something up. 

It's the highlight of my day and brings me JOY.

And for my mix of songs that we like to dance to:

{some are cheesy and some are just plain fun}

More Then Words-Extreme

Better Together-Jack Johnson

Marry Me-Train

The Way You Look Tonight-Frank Sinatra

A Kiss to Build a Dream On-Louis Armstrong

You and Me-Lifehouse

Glory of Love-Peter Cetera

I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)-The Proclaimers

Here, There, and Everywhere-Beatles

Eternal Flame-The Bangles

I Love You Always Forever-Donna Lewis

All Your Life-The Band Perry

You-Chris Young

All of these songs can be purchased on iTunes.

You can download the CD cover that will fit a standard jewel case here.

Happy listening!

I'm curious. What's your favorite love song?

linking up with:
design dazzle, night owl crafting, sugar and dots, skip to my lou, funny polkadot giraffe
reasons to skip the housework, someday crafts, freckled laundry, tidy mom, finding fabulous,
chic on a shoestring, remodelaholic, fingerprints on the fridge, truly lovely

Joy in the Home

Greetings you joyous readers!

We are Steph and Risa from Paisley Interiors!

Click here to see our blog

We love design, DIY projects, and we're addicted to Pinterest.

We are constantly trying to create joy in our homes.

We encourage UNIQUE design.

Here are our tips to create joy in your home:

1. Everyone has their own style, and it's okay that you love a lamp that your neighbor doesn't! And if you want that antler chandelier, go for it! The great thing about your home is that it's yours! And the more comfortable you are in it, the happier your family will be. 

2. Let your children have some say in the design. If they want a lime green pillow with orange sheets and a pink bedspread, bite your tongue and let them explore their creativity. And this goes for your spouse as well. Isn't it easy to treat strangers better than family? Don't forget that your spouse can have a say, and when you show sincere interest in their desires and unique creativity, the more they will grow and bloom. And isn't that what we want?

3. When decorating your home the focal point tends to be the walls, and what's on them.  You can put up great curtains, have a fantastic headboard, or an amazing rug, but what visitors really notice is what you've put on your walls. Our walls show what we value. I, Risa, grew up with paintings on the walls, but the best part of my living room is the huge installation of pictures of my little family. It's the first thing people notice and the one thing in our home everybody loves. It shows that we value each other. In other areas I have pictures of Christ, because I value my relationship with my Savior.  

4. Enjoy the journey! Design conundrums last moments, but family lasts forever! Enjoy the discussions and decisions and find comfort in the fact that all decor can be changed if it doesn't turn out how you had envisioned.

To give you something to start with,

we've created a Valentine's Day printable to decorate with:

Click here to download this free printable from our blog!

The fabric rosettes were made using this tutorial from Freckled Laundry.


We are grateful that Lisa gave us the opportunity to guest post!
We look forward to seeing you at our blog The Paisley Suit.


Be You-nique,
Steph and Risa