The Ways of Her Home

Embracing the homeward call

Last Minute Ideas for Valentine Blessings

If you’re needing some last minute ideas for Valentine gifts for teachers, grandparents, or friends, here ya go! During Valentine’s week, the kids and I like to drop off a little gift for the grandparents. Ideas for past years have been baked goodies, lotions (for the grandmothers), jars of mug cake mix, and such. We were trying to figure out what to deliver this year when I spotted these pink and white azaleas in Publix last weekend. I thought the two-toned petals were so unique! Given that both my mom and Joel’s mom have green thumbs, and with spring planting time right around the corner, I knew they would enjoy these long after Valentine’s Day! And since these beauties ... Read more

Galentine’s Bash 2020: Donut and Hot Chocolate Bar

I adore Valentine’s Day! It is such a sweet occasion. The pinks and reds, the sprinkled goodies, and the LOVE! Not just romantic love, but the love one another kind of love. The love of Christ! My girls have been lavishly blessed by precious friendships in our small group, and Valentine's Day seems the perfect opportunity to celebrate that Christian sisterhood with a Galentine's Bash! After last year's cookie and hot chocolate bar was a success, Country Girl and I decided to do something along those lines again this year, but with a new twist. With a little thought, we decided on a DONUT and HOT CHOCOLATE BAR! It was so much fun, and we will definitely be doing it again! The ... Read more

Valentine Cookie Bar

Here’s a fun idea for a Galentine’s Party! (aka: Valentine party for the GALS in your life). Last year my daughter and I hosted a Galentine’s party for the girls in our Bible study group and the cookie bar was so much fun! Just set out stacks of heart shaped cookies, individual cups of pink icing, plastic knives for spreading, and all the pink and red sprinkles and candies your heart desires. Now, let your girls go all artsy and decorate their own Valentine cookie! Tomorrow our sweet friends will be back for another Galentine’s party and my girl and I have something else planned that we think will be just as cute, but I’m not saying yet what it is. You’ll have to check ... Read more

Raspberry White Chocolate Almond Bars

Last week my ladies and I got together for salads and dessert (and laughing, crying, and figuring out life). We kept supper simple with everyone bringing their favorite salad. I'm always delighted at how the meal comes together when everyone brings their specialty! It makes such a wonderful plate of food! We topped off our supper and conversation with coffee and a couple of desserts. Raspberry White Chocolate Almond Bars are perfect for ladies' gatherings. The raspberry flavor and color are ideal for a very Valentiney dessert. I also make them for bridal and baby showers (you can use blueberry jam for boy baby showers). They are so delicious and can be eaten easily with fingers while ... Read more

Valentine Ready at the House!

Happy First Day of February!! I don’t usually post on Saturdays, but I couldn’t wait any longer for this one. I get so excited about Valentine’s Day! I enjoy putting out a few little decorative items, and I find it only takes some touches here and there to sweeten up the place. Since you’re my guest here today, we might as well start at my front door! Remember my “Transitional Wreath”? If not, be sure and look back to see how with just minor tweaking, this wreath works for different seasons of the year. I had a completely different wreath out for Christmas, so my transitional wreath has been was stored away. Here is the Valentine-to-spring version! I added in some light pink fanny roses to ... Read more

Valentine Hoop Wreaths

My hands worked on a new craft this week! I’d been seeing the elegant hoop wreaths around the internet and couldn’t wait to make one.....or several. My supplies were simple and inexpensive. Gold hoop rings: I ordered a set of 4 rings (2 big, 2 small) from Amazon for $10. Walmart also carries them for $2 or $3 a piece in their floral department.  Florals- The possibilities are endless here! Just get what you love! I found my florals at Walmart. They have some really good looking artificial florals these days. The picks I got were anywhere from $1.47 to $4. I also used some felt roses from Dollar General that you’ll see further down the post. Ribbon- Use whatever you like here, but don’t go ... Read more

Do You Wanna Build a Snow Globe? ❄️

We've had some snow days here lately! Well, a different kind of snow day. The "white stuff" doesn't come around often in Alabama, yet our household has had a snowy theme going on for the last several days. Last week, we went to see the Frozen movie (a homeschool perk--we waited until after the holidays, went to the 2:00 matinee, and literally had the entire theater to ourselves!) and this week we made snow globes! We'd planned to make snow globes during December, but with so many other Christmas activities going on, I decided January would be the perfect month for a snowy project. I just googled "snow globes" and found these instructions from Better Homes and Gardens. Their supply list and ... Read more