Kiwi Wood Werks Featured!

Kiwi Wood Werks was featured on one of my favorite blogs!  I think so highly of Holly and she was so kind to say such wonderful things about us and feature us as one of her favorite things this past Friday.  If you don't follow Holly's blog, you can click below to see the post! 

Holly Mathis Interiors

And, since this is the 3rd Design blog Kiwi Wood Werks has been featured on, I've started a link list on the side bar that will lead to all the blog posts that have been about Kiwi Wood Werks!

Thanks for all your support!

*wish*

:: The Shark ::

Don't make fun of me, but this bad boy right here is at the top of my wish list.  When you're a mom, things that get you excited just change.  This is right up there with sex and chocolate.  I'm serious.

:: Kolo Albums ::

Love these!  I want all my pictures in Kolo albums.  Love the colors.  Hey, a girl can dream....

:: jill-e designer camera bag ::

Every photographer needs a designer camera bag.  ;)  If I were going to buy myself one (which I never would buy myself one), I would definitely buy this one!

:: Eyelastin eye cream ::

Ok, I need some good eye cream in a bad kind of way.  The bags and puffiness under my eyes is starting to really depress me.  Either I need more sleep (which is not an option at this point in time), or I need some of this!  OR.....perhaps you out there can suggest something you know of that works well for eye puffiness.  I would love to get some in my stocking this year!

:: Light Blue and White Damask Hostess Half Apron ::

I don't cook, but I am in love!  I do wear an apron when I'm doing floral design, like a wedding or something.  So......

:: hand made camera strap ::

This is just made for me.  The colors.  The design.  Everything.  My camera needs this hand made camera strap!

:: iTunes gift card ::

Everyone needs one of these every Christmas.  Another great stocking stuffer!  There are so many songs I want to download.

:: Sphere Table Lamp, west elm ::

I'm digging the one on the far left.  My entry way table needs this for Christmas this year.  :)

:: white pom scarf, Paper Source ::

Loving this!  (don't know why the picture wouldn't save good...it's so much prettier on the site, so click on link above picture)

:: my quoteable kid journal, Paper Source ::

How cool is this!  I can't tell you how many times a day my children do or say something funny and I tell myself that I need to go jot it down so I can blog about it and always have it.  But, I don't go jot it down and I forget.  I need this!  So cool!

:: !iT super skinny jeans ::

I want these so bad!  I'm a size 26 if anyone wants to surprise me!  (wink wink)

:: this book ::

I love his blog.  He is full of hilarity.  I want this book.  Period.

:: these boots ::

Dying for these too!  Love them!

I could go on and on for days!  It seems my list just keeps getting longer and longer.  I've been nice this year, Santa!  He he. 

Check back later in the week...I plan on posting some great gift ideas in my opinion!

"Witnessing The Transformational Power Of The Arts"

Have you ever heard of Kinght Arts and their "Random Acts of Culture"? In their own words:
Have you experienced a Random Act of Culture? Think Mozart at the Food Court. A little tango in an airport terminal. A “Hallelujah” in the shoe department – of the Handel variety, that is.
Knight Foundation is helping produce 1,000 of these Random Acts of Culture over the next three years, bringing classical artists out of the performance halls, into the streets – and our everyday lives. Performances are taking place through a variety of partners in Akron, Ohio; Charlotte, N.C.; Detroit, Mich.; Macon, Ga.; Miami, Fla.; Philadelphia, Pa.; San Jose, Calif.; and St. Paul, Minn.

Oh. My. Goodness. When I saw this video, my smile got bigger and bigger throughout the segment and yes, I cried at the end. I was completely speechless. Here it is. The Opera Company of Philadelphia. Over 600 members of the Opera Company walked into Macy's on black Friday as if they were just regular shoppers. Then, literally burst into song! The Hallelujah Chorus that is! Could you imagine being there! The looks on people's faces is priceless. At one point, the video shows the Conductor up in the very top balcony directing his Opera! Wow. There are just no other words. You can watch it below.




Switching gears and moving a little backwards.....we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This year, John Taylor and my Dad tried something a little different. It involved a turkey, some bacon, a few tan lines and a Green Egg.....

The turkey got a few tan lines from the bacon.  :)  The weather was....well.....like is sometimes is in the south on Thanksgiving.  Hot.  Like almost 80 degrees!  I know.  Crazy.  And the next day it was 40 degrees.  Only in the south.  Hope you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I plan on posting my Christmas Wish List tomorrow!  Fun, fun!

Also Thankful For......

If you missed my "real" thankful post, it's HERE.  But, had to include these things, too.....

I'd like to thank the inventors of the following items.  This Thanksgiving, I was most thankful for these "can't live without" items also.  :)

My iPhone, Genie:

Which brings me to my next greatest invention....

The Otter Box.  Totally and completely 100% child proof!

 Photo editing software.  Oh.my.goodness.  Do you have this?  If not, you should.  It's like Photo Shop on crack!

 My "Mac Daddy" computer.

My professional camera.

My photography customers......



I realized yesterday what a blessing it is that I have a God given talent I can use every day for myself and others.  It feels so good to be able to offer a service that I truly enjoy and that I'm so passionate about.  I'm very lucky blessed. 

Hmmm, I've never thought of myself to be all about electronics, but it seems I am!  ;)

Ok, so are YOU one of those people who go shopping the day after Thanksgiving?  Me?  Hell-to-the-NO!  I just don't get it.....

*Christmas Session*

Complete with a red telephone booth!

Perfect!

What a beautiful family!  The Daddy is going to LOVE his Christmas surprise on Christmas morning --- a picture of his beautiful wife and their children. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you all have a

Happy Thanksgiving!

Safe travels and merry eating!

Thankful.....

I'm thankful for so much.  This could be a long post.  Despite the fact that we've had a house in a different city that's been on the market 2+ years, suffered job loss and everything that comes along with it, and the list could go on --- I'm thankful for so many blessings that were blessed upon us during these times.  This week, exactly two years ago, I suffered a miscarriage.  Life itself is the biggest blessing of all.  Although we never held the baby I carried for 10 short weeks, I am certain that He/She is alive in Heaven.  And, we're so blessed to have two healthy children here on this earth.  Some other gifts I'm thankful for.....

:: A hard-working husband that desires to fight for us and our family during hard times.
Genesis 3:17-19 -- The man was required to labor despite hardships in order to have food

:: Our children.  Our two beautiful, healthy, smart, kind-hearted, sweet-spirited children that we were called to love unconditionally, nurture, cherish, teach, accept and understand. 
Children are a heritage from the Lord.  Understand their hearts. Shepherd those hearts toward the Kingdom of God. Impress upon them the commandment to love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul & strength. Teach them importance is not in worldly things of this life time and guide them in The Truth to prepare their little souls for eternity...for we are only in this world, not of it.
quote by me, taken from some of my favorite bible verses --- Psalm 127:3, Luke 6:45, Deuteronomy 6:5 and John 4

:: A home.  A roof over our heads.  A nice, warm place our children can rest their heads.  A place to call home even if we don't own it.

:: A house in Birmingham.  Although we may not see how this is a blessing now, I feel sure it is somehow a blessing that we still have this house and call it ours.

::  Gifts.  I'm not talking about brown paper packages tied up with string.  I'm talking about gifts.  My talents, John Taylor's talents.  The gift of the Holy Spirit.  The gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Courage and Fear of the Lord.
Galatians 5:22-23 -- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

:: Our church.  It was completely in God's plan for us to be where we are at this time in church.  He is speaking to us weekly through our pastors.  If it weren't for our church, we would not be where we are today in our marriage and we are thankfull for their generosity.

:: YOU!  I'm thankful for you.  My family and friends.  The internet is an amazing tool.  I've grown so much in the past two years thanks to all the wonderful, amazing, touching, inspiring, funny, witty and smart women out there in the blog world that are writing.  If they are making even half the difference in other's lives as they are in mine, then we should all be thankful for these women.   They are truly a gift and blessing.  And, I'm thankful for YOU, family and friends, for all your encouraging words.  Surround yourself only with people who will lift you higher....You've heard the saying that we become part of what we're around?  That is somewhat true.  I must give thought to how our surroundings are molding and shaping our lives.  In trying to take care of myself and my family, I strive to surround ourselves with positive, nourishing people.  All that to say, I am so thankful for all of you that have helped me become a better wife, mother and Child Of God because of His voice speaking through you and all your positive, encouraging love.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

:: 2 Corinthians 9:15 ::

Nesting In Pleasant View :: an iblog feature

Today I want to share with you an amazing women whom I've met through blogging.  She is super cool, super beautiful, and super sweet.  Her faith is strong and I encourage you to visit her blog.  You'll be glad you did!  I admire her and her writing so much.  Thanks for sharing your life on your blog, Sarah.  And, thanks for letting us get to know you a little bit more. 

1) Your blog title, "Nesting in Pleasant View", why did you choose that title, or what does it mean to you?
After a year of marriage, my husband and I wanted to get out of the city a bit and move to a place where the pace of life was a bit slower. We ended up moving about an hour away to a little town called Pleasant View. Around the same time, my sister had just moved into a new house. We were both "nesting" in a big way. We had decided that to keep up with each other and our house projects, we would start blogs. My husband and I decided that regardless if we stay in this house for the next 50 years, we would always want to be in this town. The name came naturally, knowing that no matter where I was living, I would always be "Nesting in Pleasant View."


2) What are your favorite hobbies and why?
At this stage in my life, my hobbies revolve around my 21 month old daughter, so I would say playing with blocks, reading board books, throwing balls and going down the slide. Seriously though....I enjoy cooking and baking because it gives me a sense of accomplishment. I try new recipes ALL THE TIME. In fact, my husband makes fun of me saying that he has never had the same meal twice. I love the feeling of putting something together and the end result being something yummy! I do also enjoy reading, although it can be hard to find the time these days.

3) What is your favorite thing to cook and why?
Anything new! I love putting a meal together for a family in need. I recently cooked meal for a family with a new baby--it was a 5 course meal by the time I was done and I loved every minute of it!

4) What inspired you the most?
My husband inspires me the most. He is the hardest worker I know--devoted to the Lord, his family, his job and his friends. He is very driven and passionate about all that he does. He is the kind of guy that if he doesn't know how to do something, he won't hire someone, he'll learn how to do it for himself.

5) What would you say your greatest accomplishment is and why?
If you would have asked me this 10 years ago you would have heard, "moving 350 miles away from home, starting a new job, in a new city and living on my own for the first time." It's amazing how this answer changes through the course of one's life. Today, my answer would be my daughters, the two that I got to hold for a few minutes before they went to heaven and the one that is waking up from her nap in the next room. They are the greatest things I could ever do (only with the Lord!).


6) What is your favorite season and why?
I love, love, love SPRING! It reminds me of when my husband and I met. Every year it takes me back to when were dating and fell in love.


7) If you were going on a trip and could only bring one thing, what would it be?
An extra pair of undies.


8) What is your favorite restaurant locally and places you've traveled?
This is a funny question to me because we don't eat out that much at all...when I say that, I mean we eat out only maybe once a month, if that. With that being said, even the hole in the wall Mexican restaurant in our town can be good. One of the best meals I have ever eaten was at Stoney River--it was our 1st wedding anniversary, I ordered the Rainbow Trout with potatoes, spinach souffle, a glass of red wine and a piece of chocolate cake covered in ganache.


 
Thanks Sarah!  Please click on over to Sarah's blog, Nesting In Pleasant View and say hello!

Random-nated, Caffi-nated Thoughts [ready for the weekend]

Yes, I'm drinking coffee this morning.  I haven't been sleeping good.  My 14 month old is cutting 3 teeth all at the same time!  Bless her.  I know that has to hurt.  Both my kids have cut their teeth really late, which I'm told by their doctor is a good thing......

Anyway, here are my random thoughts.  Nothing creative, just random.  I guess the above was a random thought, too.

:: I am attempting to take my children's pictures this morning for our Christmas card.

:: Ha.  I'll let you know how that goes.

:: Doddles is wearing the red pea coat and a gray velet hat that looks so European. 

:: I'd be willing to bet $100 that the cute euro hat is NOT in the picture. 

:: Right now, I'm sitting at the computer desk in our sunroom looking into the door to our bedroom.  I see a baby girl that
a) has no shirt on.
b) has fleece pj bottoms on that have little clouds all over them.
c) has a pink paci in her mouth.
d) has this look on her face like "I have a stinky diaper".
e) all of the above.

:: The answer is e. all of the above.

:: I'm also taking pictures of my friend, Kim's, precious children.  Kim's hi.lar.ri.ous.  Oh, and she's Super Mom! 

:: I really would like to know from other mom's out there how you go about taking a shower every day.  I've resorted to putting Liz IN the shower with me and letting her play.

:: Can't wait for Thanksgiving next week.  Lots of good food, good wine, family time.

::  I didn't mean for that to rhyme.

:: Oh my goodness, I think it just hit me Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK! 

:: I will be doing my Christmas Wish List and Great Stocking Stuffer posts next week!

:: Oooooo, can't wait to go pick out a Christmas tree!  I love decorating the tree.

:: Aw, I just remembered, I have a 14 month old this Christmas......

:: And she's a climber......

:: This year will be the year of no ornaments on the bottom half of the tree!

:: Funny, my daughter is a climber.  My son never was until just recently.

:: I hate to be Debbie downer, but I really hate the weather this time of year when you live in the South.  It's freezing in the mornings and burning up in the afternoons.

Ok, gotta go!  I have a shower date with a one year old.  Fun, fun!

New Vendors!

We are pleased to announce that our products are now being carried in two new retail stores!

Accents Fine Home Interior & Gifts

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

and

Pizzaz

Gulf Breeze, Florida

*ONE*

My baby girl turns ONE......

 My fave:



Frames headed to the coast!

These frames are headed to a store on the coast!  I think they do look "coastal".  Love them!  And, I'm especially loving the Ocean/Bright White Fence Frame (below). 

As always, if you're interested in any of these frames or want info on size, colors, etc. --- please email us at kiwiwoodwerks@gmail.com

And don't forget to check out our Christmas Special below!

You Capture: What Inspires Me?

I have recently started following i should be folding laundry.  I love photography and this week wanted to participate in the "You Capture" challenge.  It is about what inspires me.  Well, the number one thing that inspires me is God's word.  And, I felt this was the perfect week to participate because God's Word has inspired me a lot this past week.  I don't know if I'm obeying all the rules, so forgive me Beth, it's my first time!  But, I couldn't just pick one photo!  Here are some photos of what inspires me the most.

 And last, my favorite.  This picture is completely unedited, except for the logo I added at the bottom.  I was amazed.  I love how the verse shines through.  I LOVE this lens!



Here are a few Bible verses that really spoke to me this past week:

Proverbs 16:9

A man's heart plans his own way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Jeremiah 33:3

Call to Me and I will answer you, I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

1 Corinthians 10:13

God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Philippians 2:13

It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Jeremiah 51:15

He hath made the earth by His power, established the world with His wisdom and stretched out the Heaven's by His understanding.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing of your mind.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the word you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Hebrews 13:5

Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for Himself hath said, I will in no way fail you for forsake you.

linking up with you capture, i should be folding laundry