Friday, October 28, 2011

TRUNK OR TREAT


You like candy??? Come on out to Trunk or Treat at Broadway Baptist Church, Saturday, Oct. 29 from 1:00-4:00.  Bring all the kids you know! There'll be a bunch of games, a photo booth, a cake walk, an obstacle course, a giant slide, a moon bounce, a rock climbing wall, a maze, a concert by Collective Element, and trunks FULL of candy!  Oh, did I mention the FREE FOOD?  Hot dogs, drinks, snow-cones, popcorn, and cotton candy.  Don't let your kids miss it!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

DISCOVERING YOUR STYLE by Stacy McSpadden

Style Defined

When I was asked to write about interior design and decorating a home, I decided that I wanted to make the concept of making your house a home something simple.  Most people think that it is an overwhelming task, but the reality is that your house should reflect your personality and priorities.  I work with many different people with many different tastes on a daily basis, and as a designer, I have to be ready to change my "design" hat from one moment to the next.  For those of you who don't work in the field of design, you have the advantage of pinpointing your style and focusing on it for your own home.  A lot of times, I have new clients that come in and have no clue where to even begin with their project.  When this happens, I always recommend looking through books and magazines.  Making a file of rooms that you like will help you get started.  Some questions to ask while sorting through the pictures are:  Am I contemporary, traditional, or a mix of both, which we call transitional?  Do I like color or do I want a neutral palette?  How does my family use this room?  Do I like window treatments?  Do I want a lot of accessories?  By asking yourself these questions, you really begin to form your own style.  

I have a few magazines, books, and blogs that I would love to recommend to you as you begin your design journey.  Some of my favorite magazines are Traditional Home, Veranda, House Beautiful, and Country Living.  My style is traditional, but comfortable, so I think these are good sources for ideas regarding latest trends without being too "out there" for our southern way of life.

The first book is domino:  The Book of Decorating.  This book has some simple styles and ideas for how to make your home a place that makes you comfortable and happy.


The next book is The House in Good Taste by Elsie de Wolfe.  This book has been around for many years, but her concepts of traditional design are timeless.


Blogs are the latest and least expensive way to learn new ideas.  My co-designer at Chestnut Hall, Lana Zepponi, writes a great blog on trends and styles that we are seeing at Market and in the Interior Design industry.  Her ideas are fresh and exciting!  This is a must read.  Here is the link to her blog: http://www.chestnuthall.com/blog/

The main thing is to begin to pinpoint your personal style and then watch it evolve into your own design masterpiece.  Until next week...Happy Designing!

In Him,
Stacy







Stacy McSpadden
Manager of Interior Design Services
Chestnut Hall Interiors
3075 Forest Hill Irene Road
Germantown, Tennessee 38138
901.753.8515
stacy@chestnuthall.com

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

RECIPE OF THE WEEK by Nancy Hughes

Whenever the BFF (Bearing Fruit Forever) group from church goes on a trip, whether for a few hours or overnight, they always eat very well!  They take snacks to share along the way.  Here are two very popular snacks from their most recent trip to Canton, Mississippi.

Butterfinger Candy by Nancy Hughes
          makes 50-60 small pieces

1 - 1 lb. 6 oz. bag of Brach's Candy Corn
1 - 18 oz. jar of Jiff creamy peanut butter
chocolate almond bark (or Wilton Candy Melts)

1.  Put the candy corn in a large mixing bowl and place in microwave.  Heat on high for 2 minutes at a time, stirring until the candy corn is melted.
2.  Add the peanut butter and stir until melted and completely mixed.
3.  Working quickly, pour into a buttered 9 x 13 inch glass dish, patting it smooth and into the corners.  Immediately cut into small squares but leave in pan.  (If you try to cut it later, it will not hold together but will break apart)
4.  Allow to cool.
5.  Melt almond bark (or Candy Melts) in a double boiler or in the microwave.  Dip each piece of candy with two forks, wiping excess chocolate off on the side of the dish.
6.  Allow to dry on a piece of waxed paper.



Rolo Pecan Candy by Helen Dobbs

3 cups pecans, roughly chopped (3 pieces out of each pecan)
2 T. butter
12 oz. white chocolate bark
1 1/2 cups Rolos, chopped

1.  Toast the pecans in the butter in a preheated 325 degree oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
2.  Melt the white chocolate bark in the microwave or a double boiler.
3.  Add the Rolos and stir until melted; mix well.
4.  Stir in the pecans and mix well.
5.  Drop by teaspoons onto waxed paper.

Monday, October 24, 2011

WORD FOR THE WEEK


Do you claim that worry is just built into your DNA? It's just the natural thing to do?  You can't help yourself?  When life is hard and you're tempted to worry, remember worrying has no positive benefits.  In fact, when you find yourself worrying, do what Philippians 4:6 says, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Turn your worry to worship.  In prayer tell God all your problems and then spend time specifically thanking Him for all the ways He has blessed you in the past and come through for you.  Then the greatest miracle will happen according to verse 7-"Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."   Isn't that what you wanted to begin with...just some peace?

Spend time this week taking every concern, problem, and anxious thought to God in prayer the moment you start to worry.  Then thank Him for His blessings. Make a running list of ways God has blessed you.  You might be surprised at how worry becomes a thing of the past!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

DISCOVERING YOUR STYLE by Stacy McSpadden

God blessed me with my own home 5 years ago.  I knew that this house was a gift from the Lord, and He has faithfully provided for this home each day.  My desire was that my home be used for His glory, so I have tried to make this house available for opportunities to serve in different areas of ministry.  This should be our first priority when God blesses us.  I certainly don't deserve this house, and there have been times when I have felt that it is going to take a miracle to keep this house.  But He has always proven faithful.  I had the challenge of making my house a home when I moved in, and it was very difficult for me to pinpoint my style.  I had to tell myself that I am the one who lives here and I should make choices for this house that make me comfortable and suit my lifestyle.  Whether I have 20 teenage girls staying here for D-Now weekend...





or I have the opportunity to host a last minute Monday Night Bible Study get-together...




The important thing is that I remember Whose house this really is and Who I want to honor.  God gave me Proverbs 3:5-6 to claim for my home, and I have it painted above the bay window in my kitchen to serve as a reminder of Who is in control!  Over the next few weeks, I will give you some simple steps for discovering your style for your home.  Until then, Happy Designing!

In Him...Stacy




Stacy McSpadden
Manager of Interior Design Services
Chestnut Hall Interiors
3075 Forest Hill Irene Road
Germantown, Tennessee 38138
901.753.8515
stacy@chestnuthall.com

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

RECIPE OF THE WEEK by Saundra Stroud

(This came from our own Nellita Young via Jimmy Tidwell.)

QUICK CHILI
1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
1 can tomato soup
1 can Rotel
1 can Ranch Style beans
You can prepare this two different ways.  Either mix all ingredients and simmer at least 30 minutes on top of the stove or put all the ingredients in a Crock Pot for 2 to 3 hours.

I had my doubts this would taste like chili, but it does!  If it is not spicy enough for you, add some chili powder or use the hotter Rotel.
Quick, easy, and very good!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Word for the Week


No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.  (I Corinthians 10:13)


Let's look for that way OUT of temptation this week rather than a way to justify giving IN.  

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Beauty Tip

We all know we should wear sunscreen under our makeup, but do we?  The most common reason for not wearing it is that it's greasy.  Here's a sunscreen that goes on smooth and dries quickly.  Making it part of your after bath routine will protect your skin from the sun and those dreaded age spots.


Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock Lotion with SPF 70


Ecclesiastes 8:1 says, "...A man's wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his countenance is changed."  So make sure your face shines because of the wisdom you've received from God, not because of your sunscreen!



Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Fall Break in New England

Fall Break in New England
by Tony Manley

I have just returned from New England!  It has been a bucket list hope of mine to go in the fall!  Absolutely beautiful!  The geography was hilly and very “tree-y” (that is southern for many trees!).  Houses look different - I hardly saw brick homes, just wood built homes.  Where I was there were no high rise buildings, very few gas stations, and even the signs were somewhat different – not deer crossing signs, but moose crossing signs!  Then there were the people!  I know southern women are known for too much makeup and accessories, not to mention maybe some big hair (or is that just mine!), and too many words, but definitely the ladies there were living the laid back life! All this to say, I caught myself thinking the Dorothy quote, “Toto, I don’t think we are in Kansas anymore!”  I loved experiencing a different culture, but then I also knew I wasn’t quite as comfortable in that place.  I missed the familiarity of my little corner of Mississippi.  Because I love watching and hearing people’s stories, more than nature and geography, I would catch myself thinking about what they were like in their day to day lives.  Two truths kept running through my mind: all people need the Lord and this world is not my home!

I caught myself thinking how God knows every story of every person, the plan for each, His love and provision for every heart.  Yet, I wondered how many even know or care that there is One that yearns for them, to be involved in, leading, providing, protecting, and growing a relationship with them!  Of course, the Holy Spirit reminded me the same thought is applicable to my neighborhood and my corner - God is yearning for the people I come in contact with to know the same truth about Him as I wondered about the New Englanders!  Again, all hearts are the same – needy and without cure until Christ!  That is the abundance of the abundant life.  God is the “more than” for all people and I am grateful that His love is everlasting, never ending, abundant, and available to all who ask.

As much as I loved the trip, I have to admit when I got up yesterday to come home, my heart was excited!  I love my home, my life here in Southaven, MS, my classroom, my church, my grocery store (you get the picture)!  So, as I got home last night and settled back in my nest, my sweet Companion reminded me that this is nothing compared to my real and eternal Home!  The journey is never intended to be the best part – it is the destination that is the best! Fall break in New England was a gift and a wonderful experience that I will always remember, but the truths of God’s word and heart are what I will cherish and desire so that I will live faithfully in and among my world!

Traveling is a great teacher of the heart!