We're here less than 24 hours, but it's already been the picture-perfect commencement to our week of rest.

A near-empty beach,

A 50 degree wind,

My husband's jacket (since I was silly and thought beach = warm and didn't bring one),

A friendly dog,

A husband-photographer who won't put down the camera, even when I'm done posing,

Sand in our shoes, 

Lots of deep breaths.

We heart vacation.

Vacation time!

Spring Break officially started today and I could not be happier about it.
Shawn's taking the week (the entire week!) off of work and we're stopping here...

On our way to here...

And finally here...

Anyone recognize these places?
We're soooo excited!

7.

If you and I were chatting over coffee today, I'd look you straight in the eye and say, "You must read this book." 

I finished it today and I'm ready to re-read it already, it was that good.

The basic premise is that the author, Jen Hatmaker, endeavors to simplify and to strip her life of excess in one area for seven months. For example, one month she addresses clothing and only wears seven items of clothing for the entire month. During one month, she streamlines her spending to seven different locations. 

She doesn't do this for the express purpose of de-cluttering her life, though that's one advantage - but she does it to allow God to speak, to work; for Him to teach her (and her readers) a little more about the poor, about His Kingdom, about priorities.

Throughout each month, she journals through her experience. I was convicted, but didn't feel like I was dragged through a 200-page guilt trip at all. I learned that financially, I am within the top 1% of the world... so you won't hear me say "I feel so poor" ever again. Because I'm not. I'm filthy rich, and to whom much is given much is required. I was inspired to be more conscientious about stewarding the extravagant blessings God has given me. 

Oh, and I laughed. I laughed a lot.

Did I sell you? 

Trust me. 

You won't regret this read.

I have one proud daddy.

My mom told me about this video today and I'm not sure I'd ever seen it.
My favorite part? That proud daddy of mine.

To be honest, not much has changed. Except now, I'm pretty proud of him too. :)

DIY: Bow clutch sewing tutorial.

YES! You can sell this if you make it! Thanks for asking. Please give credit to Whitney Newby (www.elmstreetlife.com) for the pattern and design.

**Also, please note except where I say, "Sew close to the edge," I am using a 1/2" seam allowance throughout. I have my machine set to this, so I am using the presser foot as my guide to sew 1/2" from the edge of the fabric.

Ok, let's get started!

Supplies you'll need:

1/2 yard exterior fabric*

1/4 yard interior fabric (I recommend a quilting cotton)

9" zipper that matches your exterior fabric

1/4 yard #808 Pellon Craft Fuse interfacing

Sewing thread that matches your exterior fabric

Sewing machine

Scissors

Pins

Iron & ironing board

*I recommend a medium to heavier weight cotton for this. Linen is what I'm using, and it works perfectly.  You don't want to use a quilting weight cotton or something really light - it will make the final product too flimsy.

1. Start by cutting your exterior pieces. I use a quilting cutting mat which makes things as accurate as possible.

2. Now cut interior fabric pieces.

3. Cut interfacing.

4. Bring your strap piece to the ironing board.

Sometimes, at the end of this step, if my strap doesn't feel sturdy enough, I'll cut a thin strip of interfacing and tuck it inside the crease before sewing. This is an optional step.

5. Now it's time to sew your strap.

6. Set the strap aside and let's work on the "knot" of your bow.

7. Once you've gotten the "knot," let's work on the other part of your bow.

8. Set your bow aside for now, and grab your interior and exterior fabric pieces and your pieces of interfacing.

9. Now it's time to attach your bow.

10. Set those pieces aside and let's work on installing your zipper.

11. Attach the exterior fabrics to the other side of your zipper.

12. You're on the home stretch! Let's add the strap and finish the bag!

WHEW! I hope you enjoyed that - please let me know if you try it at home... I'd love to see the results (it might make all of this sewing tutorial work worth it!). :)

Also, if you like the bag but aren't a seamstress, I sell these bags in my Etsy shop: Brighter Day, and I'm happy to make them in just about any color!

*The only difference in the one I just made and the photo at the very top of this post is that I rounded the corners a bit and added a darker zipper - both of which are options you could try!