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FUN/DIY

4th of July/ Drinks/ FUN/DIY/ Holidays/Parties/ RECIPES

2 Ingredient Sparkling Lemonade

This is the easiest beverage to make, and tastes great!  I have used it for 2 parties in the last 2 weeks, and I got positive feedback both times.  Both kids and adults love this.  
All you have to do is buy frozen lemonade concentrate, and in place of water, use sparkling water!  
That is it!  The sparkling water adds fizz and sparkle, but does not over-sweeten like adding a lemon-lime soda would.  It is delicious and super refreshing!

I love to use Lemonade Concentrate from Trader Joes.  It is the only brand I can find that does not contain high fructose corn syrup.  The brand of sparkling water really does not matter.  Add a slice of lemon to each glass for pretty!

Sparkling Lemonade
1 can Lemonade Concentrate
Sparkling Water
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Make lemonade according to directions on can, using sparkling water instead of regular water.  Add a slice of lemon if desired to each glass. Serve over ice & enjoy!

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FAMILY/ Love/ Marriage/ Music Renews/ Spiritual

Everything Moves But You

{Click here to order this 5×7 art print in your choice of color}

Why is it that the minute I press “publish” on a post like yesterdays, it seems like right around the corner is test for me to put into practice the words I proclaim?

I write today because I want you all to know that despite so many blessings, life is tough, and brings many opportunities of growth.

My ‘test’ is really not a huge deal, it is a silly little disagreement between my husband and I that I know in time will work its way into an understanding, but in the meantime…emotions sure can swirl.  When you add the messiness of living life with other people, whether it is kids or family or friends, (or all of the above in one day!) well, life can feel like a tornado.

If you know me, you know I am a highly emotional person. I feel things deeply. When I took the Clifton strengths test, my top 5 strengths are all “feely” and emotional type strengths. My number one strength is empathy.  I’m just a bundle of feelings and emotions, that is how God made me.

Usually I love that. It makes me who I am and I feel like it allows me to live a life of depth and care for others.  But, there are some days when I despise it. Yeah, strong word, but true. It would be so nice to have a switch to shut the emotions off, or at least turn them down. I’m not talking tears here, well, sometimes, but usually when I need to turn it down a bit, it is when I feel angry or hurt or when I’m taking things too personally. The result can be a pit in my stomach that can literally hurt at times.

I’m learning to recognize that pit in my stomach feeling and use it as a warning to take heed and watch my reaction. Sometimes it just is not fast enough. Sometimes I just need time to sort out the “whys” of what I’m feeling, to sort out the reason for the intensity, so that I can have a discussion that is fair without my junk in the way.

So that is what I am doing today. I am sorting out my junk, in order to have a fair discussion. As I do, I am so thankful for my Lord.  I’m so thankful that as emotions swirl and fear comes along to wreak its havoc, that in the midst of it is this amazing, steady, unmoving God that says to me:

“Amy, I’ve got this. I am for you. You can trust me. You don’t need to change anyone but yourself, leave others to me. I am the Lord your God. Rest child. Speak your truth in peace, then let go and allow Me to work. I am for your marriage. I love Todd, He too is my child. I am for Him, too. He walks with me and follows my lead, you see this in Him clearly, daily– so trust that–which means ultimately, trust Me.”

Oh friends, isn’t this hard to do sometimes? To let go and trust? Especially when we are convinced we are right?  I know for me it is. Oh, to care more about doing what is right and acting right instead of trying to convince someone else that I am right!  Too often, once I take a step back, I see that really, I never was right. Ugh.

I think of those of you who can’t say that your husband walks daily with the Lord, and I want to encourage you that you can still trust the goodness of God. He is good. He is incapable of being or doing anything but good. He is trustworthy. He is immovable and solid when you feel like everything else can crumble around you. He is the still in the storm, and He is with you always.  He will never leave you, or forsake you.

So today, I cling to that. I rest in His stillness. I allow Him to remind me who He is and because of who He is I don’t have to solve anything or convince anyone of anything. That is His job if it needs to be done and He will do it when and if He chooses.

So I let go of the swirling, I cling to the still, the unchanging, and I feel free.

When I was a child, I held to my mother tightly
Then I grew taller and left to follow my dreams
I went after my dreams, and some of them brought me delight
But they didn’t bring me everything I hoped they might

I fell into love like a skydiver in the clouds
It wasn’t enough, no, we couldn’t sustain it ourselves

All the things I pursue
Well, they stay for a season,
Then everything moves,
Everything moves, oh
My towers fall,
But you aren’t leaving me
‘Cause everything moves but you

I trained my body to run and not be weary
I worked and I read how to raise a better family
Then I bought a good house on the safe side of town, because I could
And as long as my life stays like this, I’m feeling good

Until my bones become brittle against my will
My heart is home, oh, to make the earth stand still

All the things I pursue
Well, they stay for a season,
Then everything moves,
Everything moves, oh,
My towers fall,
But you aren’t leaving me
‘Cause everything moves but you

You…I never outgrow you

You are a tree always in bloom
You are a hall of endless rooms
A living fountain springing up
I’m satisfied but never done
I’m never done
With you

Chorus

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Cancer Journey/ HEALTH/ Music Renews/ Spiritual

Good To Be Alive

Rainy Downtown Day

Well, it has been back to school week here at the Bowman house.  I have to admit, I AM LOVING the quiet and time to think, work & clean!  I feel a sense of relief that we made it through summer and I was able to balance being a mom and blogger.

Honestly, it was one of the first summers that didn’t end with a feeling regret.  In the past, I would regret how I spent my time, words I used, impatience I had with my kids, money I spent.  The list goes on.

I’ve been reflecting on what has made the difference.  I think growth happens as we age.  I also think I am experiencing the positives of going through a life threatening illness and the perspective it brings. It is funny how life can grow a person, how God uses the hard in life to stretch us and show us what is important.  I also think listing the gifts has changed me dramatically, it sure helps put life into perspective and trains my eyes to see life through the lens of contentment.

I know grace has a lot to do with it, for I was not perfect. Far from it.  I have learned to give grace and accept grace in those imperfect moments, stopping and realizing ‘life is not an emergency” as Ann Voskamp says. I’ve learned that it is ok for life to not go exactly how I think it should, to stop and take a breath, to let go of expectation and perfection.  These are all things that have contributed to growth.

I have always loved my kids, but since being sick, I have fallen hard for them.  I feel focused on the moments, and I find myself whispering aloud thanksgiving for those moments, in the moment.  Thanksgiving changes a person.  It has changed me.

Precious is the word that keeps coming to mind.  Precious children, precious husband, precious time, precious life.  Life is a precious gift, one that I hold near and dear and do not take for granted.  Folks, it IS GOOD TO BE ALIVE.

I am on a little mom/daughter date with my youngest today.  We went to breakfast, got rained on at the Farmers Market, snuggled under an umbrella, enjoyed 2 elevators in 2 parking garages (lil one loves elevators) and are now sitting in a coffee shop eating brownies and relaxing.  Precious moments.

On the way here, I heard a song in the car that is the perfect life theme song for me right now.  It puts all I am feeling into words.  I especially love part that says “I won’t take it (life) for granted, I won’t waste another second.  All I want is to give you a life well lived to say Thank You.”  Oh for the grace to make this continuously true in my life.

by Jason Grey
Hold on, is this really the life I am living?
‘Cause I don’t feel like I deserve it
Every day that I wake and every breath 
that I take you’ve given

Right here, right now 
while the sun is shining down

I wanna live like there’s no tomorrow
Love like I’m on borrowed time
it’s good to be alive, yeah, yeah

Hold on if the life that we’ve been given
Is made beautiful in the living
And the joy that we get 
brings joy to the heart of the Giver

Then right here, right now
This is the song I’m singing out

I wanna live like there’s no tomorrow
Love like I’m on borrowed time
it’s good to be alive
I wanna live like there’s no tomorrow
Love like I’m on borrowed time
it’s good to be alive, yeah

I won’t take it for granted
I won’t waste another second 
All I want is to give you
A life well lived to say, “Thank you”

 

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DIY/Crafts/ FUN/DIY

Sand Paper Printed T-Shirt- A Guest Post by Mini-Me!

*this is a guest post from my youngest Lil’ one.  She is 9 and spent the day working on this post!  She took all the photos, edited them in PicMonkey, made the craft, and wrote the entire post.  She has her own personal blog (it is not public) and she has been doing such a good job that I think she just might have to be a regular contributor here at New Nostalgia!  Enjoy!!
____________________
I found this sand paper printed t-shirt idea on Pinterest.  I thought it was really cool and I knew it would be really fun so I begged my mom to get me some sand paper and a t-shirt and finally she got me one a couple days ago.  I was so excited to try it out and I was hoping it would work well and it did.  
You will need:
 sandpaper, crayons, a white t-shirt, brown paper bag or card board, paper towels and an iron
First you draw any design you want on the sandpaper.  Make sure you push nice and hard, if you do this it will look better.  
Next, lay it upside down and grab your mom or dad to iron it for you. But before you do…

…put a paper bag inside the shirt so the melted crayon will not leak through.  After you iron for a few minutes, (you will see the wax melt and make wet marks on the back of the sandpaper) take a peek to see if it is good.  Then take it off.

After you do all of that, put a paper towel on top of the design & iron that.  This will get any extra melted crayon off.  If you want to write your name or words you will have to write it backwards or it will be backwards on the shirt (I learned this the hard way).  Do you like my TEN TOES in the last picture???
Since I love taking pictures I took a lot and it was pretty fun!  This picture above is my favorite one!
When you are done you can put it on and it will look really cool.  You can wear it all the time and people will wonder how you did it.  I think it turned out pretty neat and I think this is a cool craft so you should try it!
P.S. Oh yeah…My mom said the first time you wash and dry it to wash it by itself.
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DIY/Crafts/ FUN/DIY/ HOME/ Organizing

Diversions & Simple Labels Made From Clothespins

This is a guest post from Becky at Clean Mama

//
Hi, New Nostalgia readers!  I’m Becky from the Clean Mama blog.  Today I’d like to talk a bit with you about diversion.  There are times when everyone needs a diversion from the everyday or not-so everyday.  A diversion, or distraction, can be helpful on so many levels.  Babies and kids benefit from diversion – enter screaming baby and noisy rattle – screaming stops and baby is diverted to something new and different.  How about a small child throwing a tantrum – offer a lollipop and the tantrum is gone (not that I’m advocating this, it’s just for example purposes).

Sometimes as adults, we need a diversion or distraction.  I think the beauty of a diversion is when we recognize the need for a diversion as a helpful tool.  How do you create a diversion or distraction?  Is it purposeful  and intended?  Quiet and therapeutic?  I’m not suggesting ignoring real problems or issues, I’m merely suggesting that instead of treading over the same thoughts, divert them for a bit and find something comforting to do.  Diversion looks different for everyone – reading a book, paging through a favorite magazine, sewing, going for a walk, baking up a batch of cookies, creating something….

When I need a diversion, I tend to go to my craft closet and look for something simple to make.  My latest diversion?

  A new twist on clothespins – I have found yet another way to use them in my house.  
I made clips for IN and OUT mail stacks.  Very simple and yet a good diversion.

Supplies:
clips, wood circles, stamp pad, letter stamps (from $ spot at Target), glue, clear coat (if you want)
stamp letters on circle disks
glue
IN/ OUT

some reminder clips were also made
I bet Amy would love to hear some simple diversion ideas in the comments – what’s your favorite diversion?
Want more from Clean Mama? Click here for her July Cleaning Schedule or visit links below!

DIY/Crafts/ FUN/DIY

DIY Simple Decorative Vases

*The following is a guest post from Laurie at Beauty Divine Design*
My office doubles as a nursery for my baby girl, so something I try to do is add in a few modern, creative touches and make sure it’s a place where I can still be inspired to design.
I’m going to share a really easy example of a DIY Simple Decorative Vase project that can be used in so many ways. I love that this project can take an everyday household item and turn it into a work of art without spending a lot of money.

All you need are glass vases from the dollar store (or recycled bottles, jars, etc.), candles or flowers to put inside and a few rolls of washi tape. I get mine from PrettyTape and use it on a LOT of projects. All you have to do is literally put the tape on the vases! It really is that easy.
I started with a vertical stripe. This result was my favorite and the easiest to pull off in a small amount of time. All you have to do is snip off the ends and fold them over the top of the vase.
The next design I tried was a spiral pattern which was a little more difficult only because it was hard to get a perfect angle each time. But luckily, the washi tape peeled off so easily when I needed to redo a strip!
I also tried doing horizontal bands around the vase. These turned out nicely but were actually really hard to keep straight all the way around.
And here’s the final result! So simple and fun.
I love to these for when I have fresh flowers in the house but when I don’t, these work perfectly as artsy candle holders too. Place a few on a mirror for a really inexpensive centerpiece for a wedding. Or you could line a few on your mantel over the fireplace to change it up. The possibilities are endless!
//
Thank you, Laurie, for this awesome tutorial!  I just love how simple it is and how many ways these vases can be used.  I’m off to order some washi tape right now!  
Laurie is author of Beauty Design Blog where she posts on everything from design trends and tutorials to her random daily life. She has such a way with beauty, and her taste is divine!  Click here to visit her blog.
Laurie also is the creator of Beauty Divine Design company which focuses on providing photographers with design templates.  Click here to visit her shop.
You can follow Beauty Divine Design here:
Love/ Music Renews

Something Beautiful


{Something Beautiful by Newsboys}

I heard this song in the car this morning, it is an oldie but goody.  It is a happy tune but this time I got a bit teary as I listened.

My niece is getting married in 2 days!  We may not be jumping up and down during the ceremony like in the above video, but it WILL be a celebration for sure!

I feel pretty sentimental about it, as I remember her dancing with me at my wedding (16 years ago!) during the dollar dance.  She told her mom “I want to dance with the princess.”  Aww.  Now it is her turn to be princess.

She has grown into a lovely young lady whom I admire much.  I am  thankful for her example to my 3 girls, they have always looked up to their “older girl cousin.”  I also admire her strength, as she has an autoimmune disorder that gives her pain and issues.  I learn from her, I watch her deal with her health hardships with bluntness and humor and I love it!

Hannah, you did good.  You got a great guy and you are going to make a beautiful bride and great wife. You have made this Aunt proud.  I love you!
__________

The song also made me think of all the beautiful things in this life that I have grown to have the eyes to see.  My eyes are especially open, due to my recent MRI test/scare & my Grandpa’s passing.

I love living!  I love life!  I love my family!

I see so much beauty everywhere:

~in my daughters eyelashes resting on her cheek while she sleeps

~in the sun reflection sparkle at the pool

~in elderly men, long time friends, greeting each other at the coffee shop

~in the lines at the sides of my husbands eyes that seem to twinkle when he smiles at me

So. Much. Beauty.

__________________

Something Beautiful by Newsboys

I wanna start it over 
I wanna start again 
I want a new a new beginning 
One without any end 
I feel it inside 
Calling out to me 

CHORUS 
It’s a voice that whispers my name 
It’s a kiss without any shame 
Something beautiful 
Like a song that stirs in my head 
Singing love will take us where 
Something’s beautiful 

I’ve heard it in the silence 
Seen it on a face 
I’ve felt it in a long hour 
Like a sweet embrace 
I know this is true 
It’s calling out to me 

CHORUS 
It’s a voice that whispers my name 
It’s a kiss without any shame 
Something beautiful 
Like a song that stirs in my head 
Singing love will take us where 
Something’s beautiful 

It’s the child on her wedding day 
It’s the daddy that gives her away–Father 
Something beautiful 
When we laugh so hard we cry 
It’s the love between you and I 
Something beautiful 

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