Spice Grove Designs

An Intentional and Inspired New Year!

Happy New Year Friends!

As we enter into the season of ‘New Year’s Resolutions,’ I did some soul searching about making goals. I’ve never been one to make resolutions as I’ve never been able to keep ones that I did make! So I wondered what if I just found a simple way to live better and more fully……Hence the title and focus on being intentional and inspired! I suspect that this could have a profound impact on life personally, relationally, spiritually, and business-wise!!

Little Hands

I think living more intentionally for me means putting more thought into what, when and how I do something rather than just going through the motions. It means if I set aside time to play with my kids than that is ALL that I do – not 10 other things at the same time. It means making a schedule for the business that I can stick to. It means only checking my email 2 times a day. It means being okay with NOT multi-tasking. The list goes on and on. Now obviously life gets crazy and I sure don’t expect to do this perfectly, but I would love to climb into bed at night knowing that I did my best to make each moment count. That my kids know that they had captured my heart while we were playing. That my Husband knew he had my full attention when he came home from work. That I started each day in prayer, talking to the Lord. That my customers knew they could count on exceptional service and quality with every interaction.

What a BLESSING this would all be!

And just think – if we could live more intentionally, wouldn’t that free up our hearts and minds to be inspired by little moments? I want to be inspired as I open my jar of star anise, wondering at each perfect shape, so individual and unique. I want to wonder at the little eyes that ask to be read a book for the 100th time, trusting that I will say ‘Yes!’ I want to marvel at the amazing world around me that God has created from the smallest flower to the mountains behind our house! I want to set big, brave goals for Spice Grove Designs and make plans to see them happen. I want to remember to be grateful for each day I have with family and friends knowing that tomorrow is never promised. I want to give more back than I get. I want to ‘choose’ joy daily since it is a choice not a given!

Choose JOY this year!

So even though I may not have a list of resolutions, I pray that this new way of thinking about each moment I live may have life changing effects! I hope that whether you set goals, resolutions or make changes you know I will be here to encourage you and wish you JOY and PEACE and INSPIRATION this year!!

Blessings to you friends,

business, faith, family, Happy New Year, inspire, inspired, intentional living, resolutions

4 lessons learned from our ‘Charlie Brown’ Christmas Tree

December 21st, 2013 | Posted by Spice Grove Designs in Inspiration from others | Spice Grove Designs - (76 Comments)

Our Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

I just love this time of year! The wonder of our girls as we unpack our Advent Calendar and Nativity is precious! Chasing my 20 month old around to try to get Baby Jesus back so she doesn’t hide Him somewhere I’ll never find Him is hilarious! I love the cooler weather and the comfy clothes. The yummy treats and family time are such a blessing! Basically, I love everything about Christmas – what is means and what it brings. We don’t do fancy decorations in our Home but try to keep things simple and meaningful. One piece of decor though that I do look forward to bringing out each year is our ‘Charlie Brown’ Christmas tree!

Our Vintage Star

This tree was with my Father years ago when he was stationed in the Philippines with the Air Force. It was sent to him again when he was away in Italy for a year when I was 8. It then traveled to Arizona to be with me in college and then on to Oregon to be with my brother at college. It’s next journey sent it all the way over to Iraq to be with my Husband when he was deployed with the Army. And though it is literally falling apart, it gets more precious to me every year. It serves as a wonderful reminder to our girls that beauty on the outside fades, but a beautiful heart will never age or grow dim.

The trail of ‘needles’ that our tree leaves behind now!

It teaches them about sacrifice and courage as we tell the story of its journeys. They marvel, touching each branch, at how this little tree has traveled more miles than any of us probably will in a lifetime. It tells them of love that can never be dimmed by distance or time. But most of all it shows them that just as this little ‘falling-apart’ messy tree was able to impart joy and hope and comfort in dark time, so too, the Messiah born as a baby in that messy, dirty stable was able to give hope, grace and the ultimate gift of love for all of us……

Yes, this little tree will always hold a special place in my heart. As we spend time together this Christmas, we wish you and your loved ones a Blessed Christmas and Peaceful New Year.

The Decorated ‘Charlie Brown’ Tree

Blessings to you and yours friends,

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Our Partridge in a Cactus and other Backyard Beauty

December 15th, 2013 | Posted by Spice Grove Designs in Inspiration from Nature | Spice Grove Designs - (9 Comments)

Inspired by the beloved “12 Days of Christmas” song we hear so much this time of year, I thought we would enjoy some of our regular desert birds of Winter! All of these lovely birds have been found in our backyard or on hikes within an hour of home!! Sometimes with the busyness of the Holidays it’s nice to sit back and enjoy the gifts you already have! Enjoy friends!!

I thought I’d start with one of my favorite desert dwellers, especially since they have so much in common with the partridge from the song! These guys love to sit on our back fence all in a row. We had a family who lived right behind our house and it was so amazing to watch the little family with their 5 babies! What a wonderful experience to hear them calling to each other everyday. Click here to hear and see a quail call that JIceBirdsandMore caught on video.

Gambel’s Quail

The adorable little Arizona Woodpecker we found on a hike not too far from our house. The girls just loved seeing him peck away at the tree! I just love the colors he sports!

Arizona Woodpecker

Arizona Woodpecker eating

Next, also seen behind our home, is the amazing Red Tailed Hawk. (Sorry the picture isn’t better.) I love to watch them soaring silently over the desert surveying all that they can see! I assume that his huge talons help protect against the Ocotillo that he’s sitting in!

Red Tailed Hawk

One of my very favorite birds we found on a little hike close to our house! I’ve loved seeing Stellar Jay’s when I lived in Colorado and Northern Arizona but I had no idea these lovely guys were found down here! These gorgeous Mexican Jay’s were talking and enjoying hanging out together on a beautiful day! I just love the blue against the yellow of the fall leaves!

Mexican Jay

The state bird of Arizona, the Cactus Wren also spends a lot of time in our backyard and they are so cute to watch! We love to watch them in the grass or just sitting on the Ocotillo watching their surroundings. This little guy kept watching me to see what I was doing!

Cactus Wren

Then there were the huge wild turkeys we found right before Thanksgiving! The girls used to love to watch them in NY with their little flock and hear their ‘gobbles’ so we were super excited to find them here in the southwest!

Wild Turkeys

Unfortunately a couple of birds that most frequent our house I was unable to catch on film…..the Roadrunners are just too fast as are the tiny hummingbirds. Hopefully soon though friends! Instead I thought I share some of the gorgeous landscape and other friends that are close by that I’ve been blessed to enjoy recently! We have a flowering bush out front that regularly attracts 30-40 butterflies at a time! What a wonder!

Various Butterflies in our front yard

The hummingbirds have been going crazy over these Palo Verde Tree blossoms! Not sure why the tree next door was blooming in late November though??

The delicate Blossom of the Palo Verde Tree

These gorgeous Desert Broom shrubs were so soft and pretty!! Apparently they suffice here in AZ for snow in the Winter!

Desert Broom Shrub

And what nature feature would be complete without a couple of beautiful sunset photo’s? Taken from our backyard…..we are so blessed!!

Arizona Sunset – Elapsed time about 5 minutes between shots!

I came out on the back patio one afternoon to discover this amazing birds’ nest! To my surprise it was made by my ever creative 8 yr. old out of dry grass and white rocks! Love her imagination!

Backyard Birds’ Nest

One last picture wishing you all a beautiful Christmas Season from our Home to Your Home! Thank you so much for stopping by and enjoying Nature with me! Have a wonderful week and don’t forget to enjoy the little gifts you already have this season! Maybe they are even in YOUR backyard!

Merry Christmas from Arizona!

Blessings to you friends,

PS – I’d love to hear what amazing things inspire you in Nature this time of year!

Our Rustic Holiday Gift Guide for 2013

December 9th, 2013 | Posted by Spice Grove Designs in Inspiration from Nature | Inspiration from others | Up cycled Beauty - (10 Comments)

If you are still searching for a few Christmas gifts here are some of our favorite rustic designs. I just love that most of them are eco friendly and GORGEOUS!! You are sure to find something for everyone on your list! Be sure to click on the links to check out these fabulous shops and their work!

FOR HER

Laurel Oak Wood Stud Earrings from Laurel and Lime – I love the delicate design of these amazing earrings and that they are made from fallen branches!! Such a lightweight accessory and they even have choices of types of wood.

Laurel Oak Wood Stud Earrings from Laurel and Lime

Pinecone earrings from Magpies Shop – Look at these lovely pine cone earrings! Inspire the Nature lover in your life with these one-of-a-kind accessories that are handpicked for their beauty! Look at all the gorgeous designs they have in their shop!

Pinecone Earrings by Magpies Shop

Gray Double Infinity Scarf by Vera Jayne – I just love how softly this falls around the neck and how warm it is!! Everything in Vera Jayne’s shop is so feminine and beautiful. She is sure to love anything you might pick out! Make sure to take a peek at her adorable hair accessories too.

Gorgeous Infinity Scarf by Vera Jayne

FOR HIM

Cedar and Copper Holiday Ornaments from Laurel and Lime – Surprise him this Christmas with an ornament that says ‘rugged’ and ‘handsome!’ I love that these are made completely from reclaimed materials!! Check out more of their shop here!

Cedar and Copper Holiday Ornaments by Laurel and Lime

Stoneware Mountain Keychain from Studio by the Forest – Let your special hiker/hunter/outdoorsman know you appreciate his love of Nature with this rugged, one-of-a-kind key ring! Make sure you check out her handmade little pine trees too! Perfect for cabin decor!

Stoneware Mountain Key Chain from Studio by the Forest

Personalized Toothpick Case from Midnight Coiler – I just love the look of these and how practical they are! Small enough to fit into a pocket yet handsome enough to make an impression! Lynn will even customize it with the initials that you need!! Such wonderful gift ideas from this shop! Take a peek!

Toothpick holder by Midnight Coiler

FOR THE HOME

Brown and White Birch Tree Bark Throw Pillow Cover from Brooke Ryan Photography – I have loved Brooke’s photography for a long time, but when I saw that she has her photo’s available as pillow covers I was won over completely!! Such a rustic look for any room! She has so many choices that would go with any decor! I have one this one on my Santa list for my Hubby! (hint, hint honey!!)

Lovely Birch Tree Bark pillow Cover by Brooke Ryan Photography

Violin Wall Clock by Beau Miracle – I love the vintage rustic look of this amazing clock! She has such an amazing shop with such unique designs that will delight anyone on your list!

Violin Wall Clock by Beau Miracle

Rustic Coat Rack by Tumbleweed Cabin – I just love the fact that they use upcycled barn wood and other beautiful items to make their amazing designs! You’ll find everything from furniture to home decor all with an amazing rustic look!

Rustic Coat Rack from Tumble weed cabin

Set of 3 Organic Balsam Sachets by Swamp Angel Soap – One of my favorite scents is that of a pine forest and these sachets would freshen any room in your home! What a great stocking stuffer! Be sure to check out all her adorable products!

Set of 3 Organic Balsam Sachets by Swamp Angel Soaps

Natural Cedar Soap Dish by Pine Branch Designs – I love the simplicity of these beautiful soap dishes!! And the fact that they are eco-friendly and long-lasting is an added bonus! Make sure you take a peek at all of her gorgeous rustic designs! I feel like I’m walking through the forest while browsing her shop!

Cedar Natural Soap Dish by Pine Branch Designs

Winter Pinecone Photo by Dull Blue Light Photography – I love the perspective that Crissy gives to these rustic pine cones with the light! She has the ability to give ordinary things such a magical feel! Make sure to check out her lovely shop!

Winter Pinecone Photograph by Dull Blue Light Photography

FOR THE KITCHEN

Vintage Spice Drawers Print by Jarrod Erbe Photography – Oh how I love this photo! I really hope Santa brings this for my studio wall so I can enjoy the lovely colors while I work! I love to imagine someone putting their spices in the little drawers after baking something special during the holidays. The light and life Jarrod brings to his work is simply beautiful! Make sure and look at his other photo’s he has in his shop!

Vintage Spice Drawer Print by Jarrod Erbe Photography

Natural linen hemstitch christmas table napkins set of 4 from Linen Home Shop – This is one of my favorite shops to look at! Everything is so beautiful and rustic I had trouble choosing just one item! I love the quality and love that these linens were made with! They would be so perfect for any celebration!!

Natural Linen Table Napkins by Linen Home Shop

Vintage Pewter Teapot by Olives and Doves – I just love the charm of this old teapot – the stories it could tell! They have such a lovely shop filled with all sorts of rustic vintage finds. From housewares to fashion you are sure to find that special something that you’ve been looking for!

Vintage Pewter Teapot by Olives and Doves

Test Tube Spice Rack by Meriwether of Montana – You all know how we love our spices here at Spice Grove Designs, but this spice rack left me speechless!! I love the rustic design and handmade quality of this design, not to mention the view of all the colorful spices! Make sure you check out all of their handmade designs!

Test Tube Spice Rack by Meriwether of Montana

Salvaged Apple Wood Serving Platter by Storyboard Furniture – I am amazed that the gorgeous designs are all made from salvaged wood from a Toronto area apple orchard, giving life once again to these amazing trees! Make sure you check out all of their beautiful designs!

Salvaged Apple Wood Serving Platter by Storyboard Furniture

FOR CHRISTMAS

Rustic Christmas Ornaments by Cranberry Dreams – I absolutely adore the color of these rustic and heart warming ornaments! They would look at home on a tree or barn door I believe! Check out their amazing selection of Christmas baubles!

Rustic Ornaments by Cranberry dreams

Plantable White Dove Gift Tags by Pulp Art – Being eco-friendly is one of the pillars of our business here at Spice Grove Designs. That’s why I was so elated to find these gorgeous gift tags that don’t have to be thrown away or even recycled!! Plant them right in the garden after the gift is given!! What a wonderful way for your family and friends to remember you each time they see the flowers! They may even like the tags more than the gift itself!

Eco friendly Plantable gift tag from Pulp Art

Keystone Ornament by STRUCTUREbags – I just love all of the amazing accessories, bags and gift products at STRUCTUREbags but these little trees are one of my favorites! Brenda’s attention to detail and use of organic materials shines in all of her work! I love that all of her designs in her Camo with a Cause line give back to military families too! Win-win!

Keystone ornament by STRUCTUREbags, Photo by Torin Olsen.

I hope that you have found some new rustic favorites and maybe crossed a few names off your Christmas list too! As always I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and say hello! I’d love to know what your favorite finds were today! Wishing you and your loved ones a Blessed Christmas Season!

Blessings to you friends,

*All opinions expressed are mine. I was not compensated for this gift guide. I only share products that I think our valued readers will enjoy. Links will take you off of the Spice Grove Design website. We are not responsible for other sites.*

Christmas gifts, gifts for her, gifts for him, gifts for the home, Rustic Holiday Gift Guide 2013, rustic shops

An Intentional and Inspired New Year!

4 lessons learned from our ‘Charlie Brown’ Christmas Tree

Our Partridge in a Cactus and other Backyard Beauty

Our Rustic Holiday Gift Guide for 2013

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