Dear Sweet Teenage Girl

This is for you, sweet girl

I remember what it was like to be a teenage girl... and oh how I would love to go back and embrace that girl and love her more and tell her how beautiful and loved and treasured she was. That the body she was so ashamed of was actually a beautiful vessel for running races, giving the biggest hugs and carrying the very best gifts that she could ever imagine!  

I remember feeling like I wasn't enough.

I remember the pain of my parents divorce and the first time I really felt depressed and wondered if anyone would miss me if I were gone.

I know what it is to feel the loneliness and shame of an eating disorder.

I remember feeling like if I didn't fit a certain mold, I would be an outcast and disliked.

and how alone I felt when all of my friends were headed off to college and I was going to be a teenage momma!

oh, there were so many times that I fell short and disappointed people and compromised on things that I knew I shouldn't.

but you know what...I know this sounds crazy now, but can I tell you how incredibly thankful I am for all of those struggles!  I have seen God use every one of them for good!

There are some truths that I have learned through the pain and the celebrations that someone needs to hear right now...

1. You are SO not alone on this journey, even though it feels that way sometimes!

2. Those problems that you are facing right now... I know they seem like the end of the world, but they are not going to destroy you! You have so much more strength within you than you can even imagine!

3. Those bully's {or maybe even "friends"} that tear you down... They're unhappy with themselves and it likely has absolutely nothing to do with you.  Do not give them power over your life!

4. YOU be the one to build you up!   Don't rely on a man {or anyone else} to do that for you! Write out and repeat words or scripture that inspire you to be your very best!

5.  Seek out friends that will call you higher!  Surround yourself with people who not only want to listen to your struggles, but will celebrate your successes.  And more importantly, YOU be that person to others.  It will have an amazing impact on your life! 

5. As long as you have breath in your body, there is an amazing purpose for your life.  It may not be obvious now, but please trust me on this one!

You are so very loved and treasured!

One Little Word 2016

Hello lovelies!  I hope that you had the most amazing Christmas and that your heart {and body} have found a little peace and rest.  I know I am enjoying a little bit of down time with my loved ones!  

I so look forward to this time of year!  While I love the season and Christmas and family and all of the celebrating, I also love the calm after the storm... reflecting on the blessings and also recognizing what I DON'T want to do the next year.  I know this time of year gets hectic for most people. This year seemed extra stressful to me. I hate to even say that out loud because I am just so darn sick of the glorification of BUSY!! 

In case you are new to my blog and business {welcome!!}, each year, for the past 7 years, I choose ONE LITTLE WORD to focus on in the year to come.  FOCUS is not something that comes naturally to me, so I know that I need to be intentional.  My words in the past have seemed very easy to land on and they have been BIG and EXCITING and FULL OF PASSION.  Choosing my word for 2016 has NOT been easy.  I would land on a word and be convinced that I had found it, then a few days later, feel strongly about another powerful word. Some of these words included... JOY, BOLD and CONFIDENCE.  Those are fun, right!? They just weren't meant to be MY word.

There is this verse... it just kept persisting... I wasn't sure why, but it just kept coming back to mind

I was reminded of situations over the past few months that needed attention, situations where there was busy-ness, but no peace.  Situations where I allowed negativity to over-take my thoughts.  Why is it that we can have an overwhelming amount of support, encouragement and praise from most, but when there is one "not-so-kind" word spoken about us or our work, THAT is what we dwell on.  I was not okay that I wasted any amount of time and effort entertaining thoughts that were not life-giving.  I knew that if any of my girlfriends expressed these feelings to me, I would immediately remind them how loved and valued they were and that those hurtful words from one person should hold no merit!  Why would I not have the same standards for myself. I am the daughter of the most high God and His plans for me are TRUTH!  That is when it hit me.  I was not hearing His words because there was too much noise!  Both literal noise and the noise of busy-ness!  

There was a sense of peace as I landed on my one little word for 2016...

While I will also strive to be purposeful and passionate and brave and bold, my primary focus this year will be to just "be" and "have" quiet.  That means eliminating the "noise" that keeps my heart from hearing God's voice.  That means taking the time to do some yoga and meditation. It will mean turning off the TV and Radio sometimes.  It will mean slowing down to really put life in perspective when necessary.

Friend, I pray that this year YOU will be blessed and that new adventures will find you.

I pray that you would be intentional about your life and not take one moment for granted.

You are so loved!

I have created this 14k Gold-filled piece for myself for this years word...

{I will be listing this, along with other new designs throughout the week!}

BRAVE

"She believed she could, so she did!"

Dear beautiful, wonderful girl, 

That's right, I mean YOU! Do you have any idea... 

How amazing you are?

How smart you are? 

How talented you are?

How BRAVE you are?

There are so many things about you that the world needs more of!  What are you waiting for!

Steph and I have been working on this idea for a good while now... it's funny how the most beautiful things in life come from some of the most painful things.  The concept of "Brave" was born of some really trying circumstances... trials that looked different in each of our lives.  Even in the midst of adversity, both of our hearts desired to make beauty from what seemed broken...To rise above our circumstances that seemed hopeless...To trust that His plan was so much better and so much more fulfilling than anything we could hope for in taking the easy route...To move past the fears that kept us from being our very best version.  This was going to take bravery.

 THAT WAS IT! 

 There are women everywhere, just like us, with a story to tell.  With burdens that seem so big to carry.  With dreams that they are too afraid to explore.  Is that you?  What is it that has you paralyzed?  Can we just sit and chat for a minute?  Are you ready {go ahead, grab that coffee!}  Please hear me out on this...

You are bigger than that job loss.  There is something better than you had imagined just waiting for you, but you have to go get it!

That divorce that turned your world upside down and completely stole your confidence does not define you.  Your beauty and value are not found in a man.  YOU are so very loved and treasured.  If it means saying those words in the mirror until you believe it, then do that!

That child that is sick was given to you with very careful and intentional consideration.  It's not going to be easy, but every precious moment that you are present and choose to live life to the fullest will be so worth it. You GET to be his/ her mother and your fierce love is an inspiration to all that know you!

That dream you've had since you were little, you know, the one that keeps popping up.  The one that brings a sparkle to your eye and passion in your soul every time you think about it!  What is holding you back from pursuing that?  Your age? Money? People might think you're crazy? They may not like it?  Who cares!  At the end of the day, you have to be true to YOU! It might take a lot of hard work?  Heck yeah it's going to take a lot of hard work!  Nothing rewarding ever comes easy!  

What is it in YOUR life that is going to take some Bravery to move forward?

You have what it takes inside of you to be BRAVE, you just have to choose to access it!

We are so very excited to announce our 3rd and newest candle in our collaboration series. 

BRAVE was created with a beautiful blend of fresh scents chosen to inspire and uplift.

{including top notes: white grapefruit, petitgrain, tangerine and clementine.  Mid notes: mandarin, mimosa petals, geranium, lemon and basil.  Base notes: Bamboo, juniper berries and musk}

The candle comes with a removable, hand-stamped, stainless steel charm that says "she believed she could so she did" along with an arrow charm that can be worn on a necklace or attached to a keychain once the candle has burnt out!

Each candle is 9oz with a 70+ burn time 

$20.00

If you are interested in purchasing one of our candles, please visit 

One Love Candle and Bath {online}

In Store at:

530 Windsor Road

Loves Park, Il  

One Little Word 2015: PURPOSE


pur·pose

 

noun

1. the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

 

verb

1. have as one's intention or objective

 

 

This will be my 6th year choosing a "word of the year"... my "one little word", if you will!

I have loved the process of deciding on the most poignant word to sum up my focus and objective for the year to come.

 

2014 was an eye-opening year.  In a good way!  My word for 2014 was "confidence" and the year before it was "choose"  I really tried to be intentional about my choices. 

Primarily, the choice to allow God to direct my path. 

This was a BIG one! 

Giving up control is not in my nature.  Does that come easy to anyone?

Because of that one choice;  my family was strengthened; my business was blessed & new, beautiful & encouraging friends came into my life.

 

I don't know if it is the fact that I'm getting older or wiser {or a combo of both} but I have grown to value and embrace the fact that I was created for a purpose. 

Life is so much sweeter when your accept that!

God does not make mistakes and I have learned that His plans are ALWAYS better than my own!

 

My word for this year... PURPOSE... came to me a little over a month ago.  I waivered back and forth between a few other strong contenders, even landing on the word "Imua" which is Hawaiian for "move forward".  I even shared this one with a few family members, but with every other word that I chose, I kept coming back to "purpose".   It just embodied all that I wanted to focus on moving in to the New Year.  

Last night I came across this as I was going through my Pins on Pinterest and it was the confirmation that I needed!! 

 

 

This is it!

I want to use what I have and what I can do to help others!

I want to be purposeful in my relationships.

I want to live each day knowing there is a purpose for it.

I want to encourage others to embrace their purpose.

 

Have you given thought to the idea of "one little word" 

If you haven't yet decided on a word and need a little push, here are a few words to inspire you...

 

Simplify

 

Intentional

 

Love

 

Embrace

 

Change

 

Move

 

Grace

 

Confidence

 

Focus

 

Trust

 

Courage

 

Breathe

 

Gratitude

 

Dream

 

Inspire

 

 

Whatever you decide, go in to 2015 with great anticipation that big things are about to happen. 

You are so loved and so valued and were created with a purpose!

 

*If you have chosen your word for 2015, I would so love to hear what it is and why you chose it!

 

 



Urban Farmgirl's Main Street Market

"Today I'm excited about everything!"

{I always see this little quote on pinterest and could't wait for the perfect day to use it!}

As I am fully immersed in painting, sewing, curating and pretty-little-thing-making, I felt like now was a great time to take a break, breathe and share a few words and pics of what I've been up to!

I have been waiting in anxious anticipation for Urban Farmgirl's Main Street Market!  I have never been more excited, worked harder or been more at peace {ironically} for any show!!

If you know Mary {aka, Urban Farmgirl} you know this event will be nothing less than amazing!  She is one of the kindest and most humble creatives that I know with an impeccable eye for styling pretty things!

So here are the details...

Urban Farmgirl's Main Street Market

Saturday, May 10 2014

10:00am-5:00pm

Midway Village

Rockford, Il

Here is a small sampling of the pretty little things you will see from Lis Dunn designs...

{among so many other gorgeous items from over 60 vendors!!}

Have a beautiful day and I will see you at the Market!!

Here comes the Sun! {and what I did to combat depression}

So thankful for that!!!

First of all, I know. it's been 2 months since my last post so I wanted to give you a little update on my blog happenings.  While I will continue to do fun and {hopefully} inspirational tutorials and keep you posted on Lis Dunn designs, I will not be following the Something New for 52 as planned;{  We have had both computer and internet issues over the past 2 months and I got to the point of such frustration that I just took a little hiatus.  Sometimes that is a really good thing! All is well now and the blessing is that I was able to focus on custom orders and new design ideas!

With that being said, I wanted to share something that has been on my heart.

It has been a rough winter for most of the country! 

Not only weather wise, but especially tough for those of us that experience little {or big} bouts of SAD.

This year was a struggle for me.

I don't want to sound all "gloom and doom" because there were some very big blessings happening in this same time period, but I think depression is one of those things that people just don't want to admit or talk about.

It's real

It's painful

There doesn't have to be a reason

You really can't explain it

While it doesn't seem like it in the moment, these times can have a really positive impact, my friends. 

{Photo Credit: Pinterest}

I got to a point about a month ago where I really heard myself for the first time and it made me sad.  I was not myself.  While I didn't feel hopeless, I really didn't feel hopeful either {does that make sense?} 

In that moment, I made a choice.  This wasn't going to get the best of me!

I AM A DAUGHTER OF THE KING!!!

I am not going to go on and on with what these few months looked like.  If you're still reading this, you probably have some idea of what depression looks and feels like.

What I DO want to share are some of the things I did to be better.

Light Therapy

For years, I sneered at the idea that a light bulb would have an impact on your well being.  While shopping on black Friday 2012, I jokingly said that I wanted a Happy Light.  Mom remembered that and last Christmas bought me one.  I used it faithfully. Last winter was probably the most positive winter {mood wise} that I had had in all of my adult life.  So in that moment this winter when I knew something had to be done, I went back to my 20 minutes a day.  You're not looking into the light.  It just needs to be on near you.  I have it on for 20 min while I'm at the computer.

Yoga

This was another one of those things that I just didn't see myself doing or benefiting from.  My personality is a bit high-strung.  I don't do "still" very well.  I am a runner!! but as I said, I was desperate and would try anything positive to get back to being myself.    I am HOOKED! It's actually a fabulous work out.  I absolutely love it and feel amazing.  I look forward to the mornings and getting my day started with yoga! 

Here is a link to some of the workouts that I have been doing.

Diet

Over the past 3 or 4 years I have really been more in tune with how foods affect me.  Ugh, it really stinks because when we were young, we could eat it all with no repercussions.   My body has been much more sensitive to certain things as I have gotten older {this would probably be a lengthy blog post in itself!}  Here are a few of the things that I have changed/ added that have contributed to feeling better over-all.

*limit {not eliminate} caffeine and sugar 

{this is the absolute hardest thing for me, but the reward is so worth it}

*Focus on foods that are beneficial for your well-being

*Start the day with Coconut water and ACV

{these aren't great tasting on their own, but I have listed below the smoothie that I make every morning}

Super Boost Morning Smoothie

3 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 Cup Coconut Water

1/2 Cup Almond Milk

1 Tbsp Flax Seed

1/2 Cup Pineapple

1/2 Banana

I hope that if you are going through a struggle now, there is something in here that helps you.  

Big giant hugs and blessings to you!

{Photo Credit: Pinterest}

DIY Hand-Stamped Metal and Leather Cuff SNW2

I LOVE words!

{You've probably heard me say this a millions times;}

They have amazing power! 
I'm choosing to focus on the ones that build up and not tear down!

 

 

 

So it only made sense for week 2 to put together a piece of jewelry with beautiful words that inspire!

 

This is one of those projects that is pretty inexpensive and simple if you have or can borrow the tools needed!

This is what you'll need:

 

SUPPLIES

Leather Cuff

Metal Stamping Blanks

Metal Stamps

Stamping Block

Hammer

Eyelets

Eyelet Setter

Crop-a-dile big bite{or other heavy duty hole punch}

Permanent Marker {optional}

Distress Ink {optional}

 

Instructions

I wasn't crazy about the lighter cuff, so I began with distressing the front and sides using Tim Holtz Tea Dye {Note: I did try tea staining first and did not get the results that I wanted} I allowed that to dry overnight.  I chose the stamping blank that was the best fit for this size cuff and using my crop-a-dile big bite, punched holes in the 2 sides then set it on top of the cuff, marked the holes and punched coordinating holes in the cuff.  I then began in the middle of the stamping blank and began stamping {once you figure out your wording, find the center word and begin there} This next step is optional.  If you like the raw stamped look, leave it as is.  If you like a little more pop, color in the letters with a permanent marker then rub over the blank with a magic eraser. It will remove any extra ink left on the blank but the ink in the letters will remain.  Finally, place coordinating eyelets in the holes of the lined up metal and cuff, flip over and using your eyelet setter, hit 3 times to set!  voila! You have a fabulous new, conversation-starter piece of Jewelry!!

 

 

 

Thanks so much for joining me for this tutorial! 

Happy Creating!

Need a Boost? Juice!

The New Year always inspires good intentions... plans to eat better... do better... be better!

Juicing is something that I love doing all year long, but am especially inspired to do at full throttle in the New Year!

{This is a repost from my old blog, Papermellie}

I would say it was about 9 years ago that I invested in my Jack Lalanne Juicer.

At this time, juicing was not as popular as it is now, and this juicer was only available via infomercial.

I remember this was my very first informercial purchase and I was so excited about it.  I was a young mother of 3 with little energy (I believe the middle boys were 1 and 2 at the time and Mel was maybe 7)  It was one of those late nights and I was entranced by what this juicer had to offer!  It was LIFE CHANGING, it claimed!

So I made the call and waited for that delivery!

Remember how I told you about myCricut and what a great investment that was...

THIS JUICER WAY SURPASSES MY CRICUT LOVE!

I will admitt, sometimes I'll go through phases, but for the most part I use my juicer on a weekly basis.

At first I was just juicing fruits.  Let's be honest, it just sounds SO much more inviting.

Then I started researching all of the different vegetable juices and their incredible benefits and I was sold on those too!

I want to tell you about the #1 benefit of this juicer for us.

POPSICLES!!

My 10 year old will only eat raw apples and carrots and not even very often, so very early on, I would juice an array of yummy fruits and sneak in a little carrot and spinach and freeze them in the popsicle molds (yes, these molds generally come with their own holders... they have since been lost and simply replaced with popsicle sticks). The kiddos go crazy on them! (nowadays I even add a little  ground flaxseed and chia seeds;))

They can enjoy a cool treat and I can feel good about what they are putting into their bodies! That in itself has paid for the juicer a hundred times over!

Often, I will juice a large batch of fruits and vegetables...

and then freeze them in these ball freezer jars... perfect for a single serving that I can thaw overnight.

Obviously, fresh juice is your most beneficial option, but I love the convenience of freezing them because it's hard to keep a large supply of fresh fruits and vegetables "fresh" for too long AND cleaning the machine takes a little time, so it is nice to do it once a week rather than every day!

There is a certain vegetable that I have avoided fro a while... I don't know why I was so timid to try these!

Beets seem to be all the rage right now, so I found a recipe and decided to give it a try.

I won't say it is my favorite thing on earth, but I actually quite enjoyed it.  The color is gorgeous and I think the fact that there is ginger in it made a difference.  I do love me some ginger!

Here is the recipe I tried (from this pin):

Energizing Beet Juice

(recipe is for 2 people)

1 large beet with its greens

2 Red Delicious Apples

1 Large Red Bell Pepper

1 Large English Cucumber

1 small slice of fresh ginger root

Juice and Enjoy!

Read about the benefits of Beets here and here

and the tremendous benefits of juicing here

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Linking up at:
Someday Crafts

Facebook Free February {and other random goals}

I have been pondering this idea since the new year began... I want to simplify! 

Maybe some women find it easy, but it has been a challenge for me to work from home!

Let me explain, because I absolutely LOVE that I am able to be here, create AND make money doing what I love!  

However, as a mother of 4, wife and woman in general, I have found it hard to focus on MY WORK, when there are dishes to be done, loads of laundry piling up and countless home projects surrounding me... Add to that, I am an adult living with ADD, it takes some serious discipline to make this work... 

BUT IT'S WORTH IT!!!

Last week, my sweet {and able-to-stay-on-task} hubby and I sat down for a heart to heart.  I poured out my struggles and together we came up with some solutions. 

He's such an encouragement to me!  

Maybe it was the talk or the new year or just simply that I really want to see my business succeed, but I have a new found sense of direction, discipline and determination... one that has been lacking after a very challenging fall.

I am excited about 2013!

There are some exciting things on the horizon...

Planning our family road trip over spring break

GRADUATION {sniff sniff}

College for said graduate

A brand new collection

{think clothing and wedding goodies!}

Maybe some marathon training!

{Haven't decided which one yet!}

Soooooo... I need to cut some things out to make these plans a priority.  

They deserve my attention.

I CHOOSE to be intentional!

The first small step will be to avoid Facebook!

Don't worry, I won't be completely off the radar... I will continue to update my blog, so be sure to subscribe to my feed.  You can also keep up with me here:

Instagram 

{will still feed to FB}

Pinterest

Etsy

I can't wait to share with you all of the fun things that unfold over the next month!

You say you want a Revolution?

No more sitting on the sidelines!

You say you want a revolution?  

BE THE REVOLUTION!

This has been on my mind A LOT!  

{There is so much going through my thoughts right now that I hope this doesn't come out disjointed.}

I know this is heavy on my heart for a reason.

Maybe it is due to the fact that we have an over abundance of access to news updates so our awareness of the bleakness is heightened! 

 Maybe these things have been going on all along.  

Maybe, as adults, we simply see things with a new set of eyes than we did as teenagers.

My eyes were wide open, my attention perked and my heart was happy!

My 6 year old brought up Martin Luther King Jr. a few times this week {Thank you K teachers at Manchester Elementary for presenting our country's history in a way that is not only understandable but exciting to our little ones!} but on this day there was a different sense of curiosity in his voice about the topic.  He presented to me what he had learned with intensity and I morphed into "teachable-moment-mommy" in the blink of an eye.

We spoke of details of MLK's life, but the best part was that it lead to a great talk between he and I, along with my 12 year old.  

We talked about the importance of taking a stand for what you know to be right.

We talked about other historical figures and how it only takes one person to move things in the right direction.

I love talks like this!

It really got me thinking... I don't want to generalize, because there are some really amazing teens out there with a heart for the good and a passion to make a positive difference, but I also see the disturbing mindset of our next generation... one of discontent, disrespect, disregard and disengagement.  

We can all theorize the "why", and some of these answers are necessary, but I want to focus on the "how can we make it better"

Sometimes it's really hard to see the big picture...

Sometimes issues seem so overwhelming that we don't even know where to begin.

How about starting with some good 'ole fashion kindness?  

Seek it out! 

Someone around you needs to know that they are valued!

So here is the challenge...  

I have created a sheet that can be printed out and cut into strips for you {and your children}to hand out. 

at school... at the mall... at church...anywhere!

AND, I want to hear all about your experience!  

Shoot me an email or leave your comments below and I would love to share your experience with other readers on my blog.

Pass this along to your friends... get anyone and everyone involved!

It's a small step in the right direction!

*This is the beginning of a new blog series... "You say you want a Revolution"

Check back for a new challenge each week.