Happy Easter

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter, I hope you are all able to spend this day with family and friends reflecting on it's true meaning.

Getting Along with the M-I-L

Worried about having a good relationship with your mother-in-law? Reader's Digest gives you a leg up on understanding her view point with their 13 Things Your Mother-in-Law Won't Tell You.


1. I spent a couple of decades being the leading lady; now I have a character role. It hurts to be downsized.

2. I know he's your husband now, but he's still my son.

3. You don't seem very confident about yourself. The littlest comment from me is taken as a criticism, so I'm very careful what I say around you.

4. Every year, I send you a birthday present, but you never even pick up the phone to thank me. This year, I said, "That's it. No more." Yet look at me: I'm about to send another present. I guess that's how I am.

5. We mothers say to our children, "I want you to be happy." And we mean that. What we don't say is, "But I would like to be happy too."

6. I've bought and sold 13 houses in my life. Why won't you ask for my advice?

7. When I visit you, I'm not coming for a white-glove inspection. I'm just coming to see the family.

8. When I really want to talk to my son privately, I don't call your house. I call his cell phone.

9. I'm so happy that you allow my son—your husband—to visit me on Mother's Day. It's a long trip and a big expense. I'm truly appreciative.

10. My dirty little secret: I'm afraid that if I don't get this right, you'll cut me off.

11. I'm in competition with your mother. She takes you on vacations every year and buys things I can't afford. All I can do is love you and babysit for you. I hope that's enough and that it's appreciated.

12. Whenever I stay at your house, you always have my room ready, my towels, everything. You do all the right things. I'm lucky to have you!

13. I cherish the refrigerator magnet you gave me: "Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill."

10 Ways to Use Clear Nail Polish

Every girl knows to use clear nail polish as a great top coat and to stop runs in nylons and tights but what other ways can you use it? According to Yahoo's Shine, here are 10 ways that you might not have thought of...

Making jewelry last. To extend the life of costume jewelry and to keep it looking bright and glossy, give beads a thin layer of polish. It helps prevent fading and tarnishing.

Sealing envelopes. In lieu of licking the envelope flaps to seal them (not only can this be ineffective, but does anyone find that taste as gross as I do?) dab on a little polish to keep them glued nice and tight.

Threading needles. Rather than get frustrated when attempting to thread a needle, run the cut side of the thread through the polish brush. Roll the thread between your fingers a couple times; the polish will dry pretty much immediately and the thread becomes stiffer (and much more easy to get through the eye of the needle).

Keeping belt buckles pristine. To ensure belt buckles stay bright and shiny, shellac them with a coat of polish to prevent oxidation.

Securing buttons. Brush on a dollop of polish in the center of your buttons to keep the threads from coming undone. If you have a sweater or dress with delicate pearly buttons, give the whole thing a coat of polish to keep them luminous.

Fixing window screens or shades. If you have a tear in a window shade or screen, paint on some polish to keep it from worsening.

Waterproofing matches. As any camper can attest, there are few bigger drags than a box of soggy matches. To waterproof them, paint the flammable tips with polish.

Wood floor repairs. A bit of clear polish is fantastic to touch-up minor dents and little scuffs on wood floors.

Avoiding rust stains. You know those rust rings that form on your tub if you leave shaving cream in the shower? Just varnish the underside of the can with a little polish to keep the metal from staining.

Shoelace protector. To stop shoelaces from unraveling and fraying, dip the ends in clear polish.

Michigan's Best - Winter

This post took me a little longer to write because well frankly, I just wasn't looking forward to Winter! It is a beautiful season in Michigan, we have some of the most gorgeous snowfall and when those large flakes settle on the trees, it is a literal winter wonderland.

Larissa Gartner of Larissa Christine Photography shared a couple of pictures from a fantastic winter wedding she shot. I love the snow falling in the last two shots!




Two of my favorite winter color palettes are icy blues and whites/ivories. When you are trying to showcase a winter wonderland theme, I believe the "colder" the colors the more you will be able to pull off that theme. Crisp whites and ivories are beautiful together, the simplicity makes it elegant and classic.

(images from theknot, google)

Blues in multiple shades are perfect for winter as well. I think of ice when I see them together, especially with fantastic lighting.

(images from theknot, google images)

Great ideas for favors could be small snow globes or even personalized ornaments for each couple. I also love the idea of your bridesmaids carrying hand muffs or bouquets made of branches of crystals, all fabulous.