made by mere

Be Mine: in a week

2012-02-03T14:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!
I am so excited for the Be Mine party, that is a week from today!

I wanted to take some time to show you a little highlight some of the items that will be there.

Rachel Reinert:
site: http://www.rachelreinert.com/

Modern Typology:
site: http://moderntypography.blogspot.com/
etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ModernTypography

Sew Fab:

http://www.buysewfab.blogspot.com/

Can't wait for you all to come! IT will be a fun party!

I had someone ask if they can come and not buy anything and the answer is yes! Please come check it out have a great time, drink some pink lemonade and enjoy a fun evening.

See you next Friday,

Mere

BE MINE: it's a party!

2012-01-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!

After my Made by Mere Christmas Party in December, I realized how fun having a creative environment was! I wanted to partner with a few other artisans who I have known for a long time and others just recently met! Each of us have something unique that we hand make and create. I wanted to have another party with a Valentines feel!

Can not wait to show off these amazing ladies and their talents.

We will have a photo booth, a place to decorate cookies, and a fun valentines atmosphere!

Invite your friends, family and co-workers!

7pm-9pm
906 Williams Ave. Placentia CA 92870

Please check out the ladies and their sites:

Modern Typology: www.moderntypography.blogspot.com
Rachel Reinert: http://www.rachelreinert.com/
Sew Fab: http://www.buysewfab.blogspot.com/

You can find what you want to say "BE MINE" too.

RSVP---> HERE

Mere

creative sneak peek

2012-01-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

So I am excited to share a little project that I have been working on and I am excited to share a sneak peek. My friend Christina with Christina Moodie Photography and I are putting together an awesome shoot for this month. We have been styling and dreaming and scheming for the past couple of weeks. I am excited to create some head pieces and Christina will be using her amazing photography skills to make this creative shoot happen. So here is a sneak peek of our inspiration board, hope you enjoy it!

Happy Tuesday.
Mere

it's all the rage

2012-01-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

So as a part of this new year comes new endeavors for {Made by Mere} and my blogging adventures. If you go over to my About Me{redith} I have done some re-writing. I found I have three areas that I want to focus on. Accessories, Causes, and Creativity. These will be the foundations for what I write/post about.

Let's begin the new year with my current favorite accessory!

Bracelets have been all the rage and I have been wearing a lot of bangles/bracelet mixes lately. Here are some of my favorites that I have found online!

I love the darker silver bangles with pops of color like a rustic orange or muted yellow, even a bright light blue. A mix with the patterned silver bangles are my personal favorite!

Are you wearing any fun bracelets? Any favorite places you buy your bracelets?

Mere

Cheers to 2012

2011-12-30T11:47:00.000-08:00

New Years has always sent my mind in 100 different directions. From looking back over the past year to dreaming anxiously about what is to come. I love reminiscing over the latest year because it proves that 'a lot happens in a year'. Graduating college, moving out, starting at a job I love, and looking seriously at my business. So much in so little time. And 2012 is here, begging to be noticed and hoping to be taken advantage of. A lot can happen this next year, but a lot could stay the same. It really rests on whether I keep taking risks, keep surrendering to the places and plans that God is directing me toward. 2012 has got me thinking, already growing me and pushing me to dream and risk big.

As New Years Eve takes it's place tomorrow I want to actually celebrate. Usually I don't care much for New Years Eve, usually working on the holiday, never really having a place to celebrate, not having that 'special someone' to kiss at midnight and it all seems to be so redundant. But this year as much as most of that last sentence won't be different this NYE, I want to enjoy the predictability of celebration, the friends, cheers, waiting and anticipating of the count down.

It's been a great year and so I'd like to say "Cheers to the New Year".

Hello 2012,

Mere

img link: http://dribbble.com/shots/81996-Final-Card?list=popular&offset=27

A Mere-y Christmas Thank You

2011-12-22T19:00:00.000-08:00

Wow, I am so incredibly in awe of the past 3 weeks! It's has been such an amazing and crazy season for me as I have embarked many new adventures for Made by Mere. Most people know that I have been face painting at Disneyland for the past 4 and 1/2 years a job had since highschool! As I have entered into a new chapter of life, I would like to annouce that as of the end of this past November I officially have finished out my time as a face painter at Disney all in pursuit of Made by Mere. While working at my current job at ROCKHarbor Fullerton, face painting and Made by Mere I can say that I was feeling overwhelmed, blocked from dreaming and unavailable to move forward in the places I wanted to give back. My time was crunched and I was feeling the chaos; after some prayer, waiting and anticipating, God stirred in my heart and I knew it was time to move forward! I am so excited to now have time and space, the ability to move creatively with my business and dedicate myself in places I want to give my all.

So with that I want to thank you all so much for supporting, encouraging and being patient with me in this season! Every weekend this month I have had an event or booth that so many of you came to and blessed me beyond measure. I cannot wait for what is to come and knowing that I have such a wonderful support of amazing people allows me to enter into the new year confidently!

{My wonderful friend Christina Moodie took some pictures from my Made by Mere Christmas Party, check them out---> HERE. And also if you want to check out the photo booth pictures (thank you Delsy for putting it all together) head on over to---> HERE.}
I have seriously been inspired by so many of you and cannot say thank you enough for the way you give and love me.

May we in this season find JOY and a grateful hearts!

Mere-y Christmas,

Mere

Christmas Booth: Costa Mesa

2011-12-02T16:42:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have a booth at the Piecemakes again! It was so fun the first time and below are some pictures. For my first ever booth I had great responses from people and had a ton of fun seeing people want some Made by Mere accessories. So hope that you can come by tomorrow enjoy all the amazing vendors and artists, enjoy some Christmas activity and don't forget to come by and say hi :)

Hope to see you there,

Mere

Christmas Party: RSVP

2011-11-26T21:31:00.000-08:00

Yay I am beyond thrilled to invite you and your friends, family & co-workers to a lovely Christmas Party!

To RSVP you must go HERE and join the event page!!!! Hurry and RSVP soon <3

Can't wait to see you there and celebrate!

Mere

{M b M} Christmas Party: Mark the Date

2011-11-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

Mark that date: Friday December 9th

The first ever Made by Mere party and it's going to be magical! I will be teaching a craft, there will be wonderful treats and the chance to buy some Made by Mere products!! More details to come soon!!!!!!
Ladies----> spread the word to your girlfriends, moms, sisters or coworkers! It will be an evening to enjoy, relax and be creative.

With excitement,

Mere

Christmas is after Thanksgiving

2011-11-17T12:13:00.000-08:00

I know it seems a little too soon to talk about Christmas, but the reality is Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK?!! Can you believe it?!

So with that said I am excited to do a low maintenance announcement that I will be have two booths and a Made by Mere Christmas party in December. I will be highlighting other artist and places for you to find some terrific Christmas gifts. Supporting artists, handmade goods and local small businesses this season is an amazing way to spread Christmas cheer.

I am beyond excited so I had to post about it!

Cannot wait to give you some dates, places and pictures of how amazing it can be to support local artisans.

Oh and also some pretty amazing Made by Mere accessories you can gift this holiday season.

(I do not recommend calling Santa fat boy....I heard you don't get presents that way)

So get that belly ready for some turkey and we can talk about Santa in December,

Mere

img

I want to be a songbird...

2011-11-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

Not to long ago I stumbled upon this amazing artist Jillian Edwards and fell in love with her beautiful folksy songs! This song that she is playing is called Songbird and just so beautifully written, with such whimsical lyrics of truth. Here is just a few lines:

Go thru things that I need
Make me hurt and make me bleed
Cuz I will arise and see the light
I’ll pray my way through the night
And I want to be a songbird

And I want to sing lullabies to Earth as she cries
But I really want to try and make her laugh
How you made me laugh
You made me laugh.

Here is her facebook . And from her website it looks like she has a new CD coming out on Novemeber 15th! Yay so exciting.

Hope that on this dreary day you are inspired by Songbird.

Mere

lets be weird...

2011-10-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes being yourself and being weird is a freeing feeling...Don't apologize for being silly, being a goof. Just felt a need to remember this, for myself.

Mere

img link: http://pinterest.com/pin/278593436/

inspiration

2011-09-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

I know its has been WAY too long since I have posted. It seems like life has been in some transitions, good ones but transitions none the less. A few weeks ago, my wonderful friend and amazing photographer Christina Moodie asked if I would do a guest post, and I was so honored! I wrote about inspiration and what gets me going as an artist, hope it connects and inspires you. If you want read it, check it out HERE .

Stay inspired,

{Mere}dith

img: http://pinterest.com/pin/162312703/

Yeah You.

2011-08-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

This song...so beautiful and been inspiring me lately... I hope ladies you hear the truth that she is so boldly singing.

Yeah you.

{Mere}dith

Purses

2011-08-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share with you my new endeavors of the upcycling of thrifted purses adding my little touches of flowers and bows! Go check out my Etsy store for more pictures and details HERE.

Also take some time to check out this awesome give away with the Ground Swell blog and Christina Moodie photography! The give away is an awesome photo package by the amazing and talented Christina Moodie and all to help out my dear friend Sarah and her family's adoption fund! Help support two people that I love and admire so much!

Hope you are having a great Monday!

{Mere}dith

hairinspiration

2011-07-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

Here is some hair inspiration. I did a post a little while ago with some hair dos that I found to be cute and totally do able and an inspiration boost of the everyday hair ruts that we all have. I am big fan of the messy but put together look. So hope that these styles encourage you or if anything make you go and look for some more hair inspiration.

Left to Right
Top:
1. http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l5eis3wrCw1qbxm6ko1_400.jpg
2. http://www.bellamumma.com/
Bottom:
3. http://gthegentleman.tumblr.com/post/6746436604
4. http://www.oncewed.com/

Be wonderful and brave with your hair,
{Mere}dith

SHOPPING??? New summer editions

2011-07-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Are you so excited??? I am!

A couple of weekends ago I tag teamed with my best friend Christina who is an amazing photographer and we took a few pictures of my new line of summer accessories including headbands, clips, rings and bracelets.

It was so fun and the products look awesome don't they!??? Thank you so much Christina for all your hard work and to my models (roommates) thanks for being beautiful and awesome.

check out Christina Moodie Photogrpahy here

So go ahead check out my new updated blog, my new ETSY store and I'll be updating here on my blog and Facebook fan page whenever I add new products!

Thanks for always joining in the journey!!!

And.....I already sold my first ITEM <3

Have a wonderful Sunday and leave a comment with what you think about the new line,

{Mere}dith

Preview Photo

2011-07-11T22:13:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely so excited to show you a preview picture of the {made by mere} photo shoot from this last weekend! Christina Moodie Photography is amazing and glancing at this picture I can't wait to see and show the rest!!!!

NEW PRODUCTS are on their way!

These are preview of the new {made by mere} RINGS.

And check out my friend the amazing photographer {here}.

{Mere}dith

Whimsical Outdoor Settings

2011-06-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

original link: http://www.everythingfab.com/2010/08/whats-for-dinner-tonight-walnut-and.html

original link: http://jldesigns.blogspot.com/2011/02/organic-desert-retro-tablescape-for-944.html

link: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/roundup/whimsical-outdoor-dininginspiration-roundup-147425?image_id=2579964

original link: http://www.jessicazaisblog.com/weddings/shabby-chic-wedding-mockup-stage-right-etc/\

original link: http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/my-party/best-kids-parties-a-woodland-fairy-fantasy-my-party-haddie-portland-or-147808?image_id=2592437

Just mesmerized by rustic and whimsical outdoor table settings and thought I would share some of my favorites!

Happy Thursday,
{Mere}dith

think. act. be.

2011-06-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

The painting that is now hanging in my kitchen.

I had this idea in my head for a month and it's great to have it out on a canvas.

Think.

Act.

Be.

Healthy

{Mere}dith

Confessions of a Pintrest Addict

2011-06-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

My version

My inspiration

So currently it is summer and the most wonderful time of the year to make fun projects. I must admit and confess something...I am addicted to Pintrest and can say that I am the culprit to the addictions of many others that I know. But I do have to say, I make sure that I don't just 'pin' but am pro-active and making something that has inspired me. I have a plethora of jewelry and it is rather ridiculous, BUT lets me be creative with how I have them presented in my room. And since I just moved, I felt as though this was the perfect time to make something new. Above you can see on the left my inspiration, the image found on here on Pintrest.

About a week ago, me and my family went for my mothers birthday to the flee market in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl. I feel in love with all the 'junk' and beauty that was there! But I had my eye out for some knobs... which I found!!!

I loved them right when I saw them and got all 5 knobs for $10.

And at home I had a plywood board left over from a previous project which I knew would be perfect.

So my amazing dad (Happy Father's DAY) cut the board into a small square and drilled the holes in the board for me.

Then after putting in the knobs, I watered down some white paint and gave the wood a white wash look.

I added some crackle paint in the corners and finished it off with some lace.

It was a very fun project and turned out better than I had anticipated!Hopefully if you are as addicted to Pintrest as me, you to wont just sit on your butt and drool over all the amazing and fun projects and art goodness of others but get up and do something to prove you aren't TOO addicted but maybe just a little bit addicted : ).

Confessions of a Pintrest addict,

{Mere}dith

Dreams...

2011-06-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

Alas, it has been to long since I have posted anything. Life in some ways has hit a season of transition and I found myself I need of a break!

As of May 14th, my little sister put it so clever, " MERE MADE IT", four years of college and I am officially a college graduate. A few days after graduation I had all that wisdom removed...well my wisdom teeth that is. And now I can say that since last week I am all moved into my new apartment with my lovely roommates. So as you can see, its been an adventure of transitions. I am so excited for all that is to come in this new season of life. It has had me thinking about what my dreams are, big and small. I love the idea of writing out dreams and having them in a place where they can be seen on a daily basis. It is so easy for me to lose sight of what I love! I do not ever want to forget to have dreams.

Sweet Dreams,

{Mere}dith

img

life is art.

2011-05-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

\

I honestly feel like this so much. Life is art.

Happy Sunday & Happy Mothers Day,

{Mere}dith

img on pintrest

Spring Brings New Flowers

2011-05-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

I love making custom pieces....it is so fun to think outside the box a little and make something that someone wants!

Check out these two flowers I made for two amazing and lovely girls, for a Spring Formal dance.

Happy Sunday,

{Mere}dith

Ever After...an AFTER thought

2011-04-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

I have wrestled with this idea of Princess fairy tales, Disney stories that are seemingly intertwined through so many chick flicks today, setting up unrealistic expectations. And don't get me wrong, I am most definitely a chick flick kinda girl, who some how cries in just about every movie. Take note my vulnerability in sharing this, YES I cry like a girl, I am pretty sure I cried in Despicable Me, that is how real I am being with you people! Ok this is not about crying, back to the point. What I am trying to say, is I find myself at moments believing this idea that if I am pretty, sing and dance with dwarfs then sit back and wait for this prince to come rescue me, I will in turn live happily ever after.

If someone were to ask me what my favorite movie is...I would quickly respond with EVER AFTER, you know, the one with Drew Barrymore (if you have never seen this movie, YOU GOTTA). Why is it my favorite you ask!? Well let me share with you.

First off, this movie connects with a very vivid memory of the first time I watched it. I was 10 years old and a couple month's from moving back to the States living in the Czech Republic. I was at my friends house having a sleep over, where we watched this movie, ate popcorn and had my friends older sister put some rad hair wraps on our hair (we were cool, what can I say). Since then this movie has never failed to make me laugh, think and at moments...as you can guess...cry.

There are a lot of Cinderella movies out there but this one captivates me on a whole other level, simply because it isn't like the rest. The movie is really about, the real/raw story behind the "simple fairytale" of Cinderella. The main actress is Drew Barrymore who's character is Danielle, who in essences loses her father and grows up in a home serving her step mother and two step sisters.

I love Danielle's character. She is a hard worker, and she shows her strength through the way she provides for those she loves. She is willing to fight injustice by going and risking her life to bring a long time servant back home. Her heart for fearless adventures marks her confidence in who she is. I love her air of Independence but ability to still be vulnerable with the man she is interested in. She never tries to seduce or manipulate Prince Henry like her step sister does, and she never just waits around for him either. It seems as though she gets to be her self around Prince Henry, and that is what he loves most about her. Also I love that she rescues the Prince in the scene with the Gypsy's, which always makes me laugh.

And here is the last thing that I find to be so intriguing...that instead of the Prince, saving her from the horrible and terrible bald man (ew, he really does give me the creeps), but in the midst of what should be her weakest moment, she in turn rescues herself. The scene pans out as Danielle walks out of this prison castle with her hair and clothes filthy, and as she exits the Prince rides up on his horse clean and sharp as a whistle. It is a contrast that sends goose bumps up and down my arms. I mean really!??!?!?!?! She did not wait around as this helpless girl, yet the Prince still meets her in this moment finds her captivating and then asks to her to be his wife. I know right..swoon...but really it is a remarkable ending.

Of course this is all in a nutshell but the ending always impress me, and what I have found most inspiring is how Danielle lives in the NOW. She does not look to the future, plan her wedding, and hope for 5 kids or makes her end goal to be a princess rescued from danger. Her pursuit is to live. I love that because in moments it seems easy to plan ahead, to wait around for something or someone to happen. But really we are created to live NOW, not for tomorrow or for yesterday. A lesson that I am seeking to grow more in.

As Prince Henry and Danielle wed, they have a moment in the window area, the picture on the left.

Danielle says teasingly, "And you sir are supposed to be charming..." and Henry responds saying, " and we princess are supposed to live happily ever after." Danielle exclaims,

"Says who?"

The story teller ends this tale with this quote....

"The point-- is that they lived."

Live,

{Mere}dith

" To Live a Creative Life..."

2011-04-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hmmm....To live a creative life. This quote has me thinking a lot.

I get caught up in the fear of being wrong, way too much. Whether I am trying to be creative with my outfit, my hair, projects/paintings and even the flowers I make, it is easy for me to get intimidated by the -- what ifs.

"What If":

- I look silly

- People don't get it

- It isn't good enough

- One person doesn't like it

- It's not as creative as the next person's

and the list could go on.

Yet this quote frees those "What If's", the insecurities of creating. I believe fear guides our lives way too much, and it is squashing the life and passion for living a creative life. Let go of that tight grasp on fear, and open your hands to take in the creativity that is to simply- be.

Let's let go of the fear,

{Mere} dith

image link

Pretty {Hair}...

2011-04-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

I am a super freak about my hair, and so I am always on the look out for cute hair styles and do's. Here are some pictures that I have been loving for inspiration to stop being so boring and spice up the locks. Enjoy.

Zooey...she is beautiful. Love the long waves and bangs.

Can't you see this cute bun, with a {made by mere}flower clip. Think about it!

And lastly, this twisty, messy bun is pretty.

Happy Hair,

{Mere}dith

Around the Corner

2011-04-09T17:56:00.000-07:00

People. Summer seems to be coming fast around that corner of seasons... consider a {made by mere} flower headband or clip to add with your summer outfits. Have a happy Saturday.

Love,

{Mere}dith

mi Amor

2011-04-05T23:27:00.000-07:00

Hello there.

It has been a week or so since I have posted anything. And it was mainly because last week was my spring break and I had the opportunity to go down to Mexico to help build a house for the week. I went down through my school but partnered with an amazing organization called Amor Ministries. It had been a while since I had been down to Mexico for a week and it was my first time with this organization.

My role (along with the rest of the group from my school) was to join with one of the churches/organizations that came down for the week and to help build not only a house with them, but relationships with them. Pretty we were the point people in between the Amor staff and church/organization group.

I had a blast with my wonderful Canadian church group. I loved getting to know them, hear them say 'eh' every few sentences and simply build a house with them. I think my favorite memory with them was also rather embarrassing. The first night around the camp fire, they had everyone stand up to sing a little camp song. I can't remember what it was called but it goes sort of like this.

"grab another hand,
grab a hand next to you
grab another hand and sing, sing this along"

then "pat another back"
and lastly "bump another butt"

Well lets just say when the song got to "bump another butt", the old Canadian man next to me, didn't understand that when we sing "bump another butt", it is not ok to smack the person next to you, on the butt. It was not until the second run through that he saw everyone else hitting their hips with each other. Let's just say I was holding back some hard core laughter. (Side note, I will be sure to avoid smacking of my butt next time I sing that song...whenever that may be.)

Overall the week was amazing. I came to absolutely loved the family we were building for and the cousins that lived next door. Let's just say I fell in love with the kids and couldn't stop playing with them and taking pictures of their adorable faces. I know you aren't supposed to have favorites but... I did. My favorites were Chewy (Jesus) and Melissa.

Chewy (Jesus), I could not adore more. Not sure whether it was the chubby cheeks or his precious smile that caught my heart. He would love to play hard to get, but the next second be asking me to hold my camera in attempts to take a picture. One second he would be tugging on my arm and the next running around with the boys. My favorite part was just playing with him and blowing him kisses from a far.

Melissa, is beautiful. She amazed me at her strength physically as she would work with us on the house but also her generosity. From the very first day, she sweetly gave me the one clip she had in her hair, the FIRST day. I didn't know what to say (along with I don't speak Spanish). We had a relationship that included me trying to learn my numbers in Spanish, as she tried to teach me, rolling her eyes at me as I quickly egged her on to say the numbers again...one more time.

I guess all that to share and say, God was moving and working. To see so many communities come together to build a home for those who are in need, is a humbling sight to say the least. It was heart warming to see the faces of the family receiving the keys to their new house, something that can be so easily taken advantage of here at home. I always find that leaving the small small bubble I live in, to go and be reminded of the big world we are in, makes my anxieties and 'problems' be put in perspective and my heart so much more open to love. It was a splendid week.

Much Amor,

Mere{dith}

{wings} & {things}: Get Schooled Dodgeball Tournament

2011-03-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

My freshmen year of college I was a approached by a friend of mine. He came to me with a passion in his heart for India and a desire for the Dalit children to have the opportunity of an education. He asked if I would be apart of team of 5 other college students in putting together a dodgeball tournament to help raise money to build a school in India.

So as a group of 6 college students, we sat together and dreamed of a tournament, never having done anything this big, at least how BIG we were dreaming. We most definitely struggled through it, not having much support as we thought, trying to overcome where to have the games and how to do all of it with little to no funds.

After months of planning and preparing, it was Friday April 11th, an exact week before the tournament and we were far from feeling confident.We knew we were giving our time, hearts and skills to make this fundraiser happen, but for some reason we felt discouraged. With 25 teams needed, we only had 2 teams signed up added with too many "I think I can bring a team" promises. To be honest we almost called it off, gave up, threw in the towel. We had been working for months and it seemed like in that moment it was a waste.

Yet there was a sense of calling and a sliver of hope, in the midst of not seeing G-d show up BIG through out the process of all the planning, but knowing that He had guided us this far, there had to be a reason. So we decided not to cancel the tournament but pray with faith that He would show up BIG.

Friday April 18th, 2008 the Get Schooled Dodgeball Tournament was upon our team. As we set up, with still not enough teams and unsure what we had really gotten ourselves into. We were in for a surprise.

Not only did everything run smoothly, from the food/refreshments, the referees for the games, the many amazing volunteers helping, the set up and tear down, but something happened. G-d showed up and showed up BIG. We got our 25 teams, had an amazing night of fun, community and dodgeball and ended right on time.

Now four years later, even though I am not directly involved, I get to witness the 4th Annual Get Schooled Dodgeball tournament coming up in April. Who would have thought a group of 6 freshman college students, with a big dream and even BIGGER G-d, could get to see the 4th Annual Tournament and see that goal amount of money needed to build a school in India become so close to being finished.

So I hope this story encourages you to know, that you are never too young, too old, too broke or too small to be used in making a BIG impact. Thanks to all of you who were there that first year and supported us. And all who have come out the past three years.

I hope you can come and support the 4th Annual Get Schooled Dodgeball Tournament by signing up a team to play, coming to watch the games or simply donating to the cause. Do it.

For more information or to sign a team up check out the link HERE

Everyday...

2011-03-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Can I just share about how much I have been encouraged by finding the first photo below. I can't remember when I found it...or how I found it but I had saved it to my pictures a couple years ago.

I had a rough couple of months a while back, and for some reason this picture gave me hope. I can so easily be hard on myself, let any guilt or shame consume me. But I have found God's healing and hope in grace that...everyday is a new day, a new beginning.

^" Because of the LORD’s great love we are not

consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. "

- Lamentations 3:22-23

I hope that on this wonderfully dreary California Sunday afternoon this encourages you,

{Mere}dith

[The second photo is via Julian Bialowas Photography that I stumbled upon...check out 365Q section on the site... breath taking pictures and some really great phrases and quotes on the beauty of life. Very inspiring.]

For Japan With Love

2011-03-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.forjapanwithlove.com/

I love how beautifully Sarah Carter put this Blogger Day of Silence!

Check out her blog & post HERE

{wings} & {things}: Butterfly Wings

2011-03-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog if you haven't yet visited!

I am excited to start posting on a more weekly basis, and really seeking out inspirations, ideas and creativity to share with you all!

I want to begin these weekly posts, with a story of why I find wings to be inspiring...that is butterfly wings. It was not many months ago that I was in Africa, end of May it was, and I got off the plane and walked out into the sticky humid air of Ethiopia. This was a missions trip I was taking through my college with an organization called LIA (Life In Abundance).

Ethiopian Airport

There was no way that I was feeling ready for this 2 week trip to Africa. Not only was the day our team left the day after finals week and graduation, but after a week of much sorrow in losing a dear man that was so vital to me, my R.A. family and school community. So I set out feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, sorrowful and drained from the semester, and some how I ended up walking out of the Ethiopian Airport, whether I was ready or not.

I knew I was going to see poverty, hurt, more sorrow and so much more. But I had no idea what would be the first thing to captivate my vision. As we (my team) began to make our way to the van that would be our ride for the week I couldn't help notice something that fluttered in front of me.

A beautiful butterfly.

To be honest I couldn't of had more peace fill my heart in that moment. Instantly, this butterfly became a reminder for me of God's beauty in the mess. It was as simple as that. The beauty in the poverty, the beauty in the broken, and the hope God has given us.

Three beautiful girls in Ethiopia that just could not withhold the giggles within them :)

So as the week ended in Ethiopia, that visual still reigned in my mind, but our team had a whole new place to experience. Kenya was our next destination, and was going to be more interactive than that first week in Ethiopia. That second week in Kenya was amazing, stretching, growing and powerful. And as our time came to end, we set off to check out the scenic side of Kenya (aka SAFARI). The Safari was breath taking along with very fun. Not only did we get mauled by Baboons(a hilarious story for another time), but we saw so many different animals, took pictures next to a waterfall and sang as many Lion King songs as we could think of. But as we drove through the last stretch of the Safari, we ended up driving through a field of....can you guess it....millions of butterflies.

It was God's way of showing his beauty and redemption over all the people we meet, the places we visited, the stories we heard and the poverty we encountered.

Ever since then, these beautiful creatures have been that inspiration and reminder for me; thus, to see God's beauty in everything and anything. And every time I see a butterfly, no matter were I am at in my life or what season I may be going through, I can't help but smile at the goodness of God.

May you see wings as not only the beauty in broken but as the inspiration of hope,

{Mere}dith

Springing up new flowers and blooms

2011-03-01T11:25:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the new {made by mere} blog...

I am so happy to see you here!

As this new budding flower of a blog begins, I would love any feed back and comments so PLEASE feel free to leave them either on posts or through email.

May this be a place for you to feel renewed, inspired, and able to find just the right accessory or gift.

{Mere}dith

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