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Whole Lotta Love

Sharing some of my Etsy favorites!
Valentine's Day items are everywhere, and I have been browsing for items 
that are personal and decorative. I chose to share with you these lovely 
pieces that I found on Etsy from talented artisans 
from all over the country.  I love the details and uniqueness that each piece offers.

1. A True Story Never Ends-Wood Sign by kspeddler at Words to Live by Designs
2. Handmade polymer clay birds by SkyeArt
3. Felted Warmest Love Clogs by Woolen Clogs
4. Hostess Gift Soap - Valentine's Soap Gift Set by Sakura Bath & Body
5. Valentine Felt Hearts by Gracinha's
6. Secret Love Stackable Rings by Mon Cadeau
7. Valentine's Day Wooden Hearts by Old New Again
8. Red Love Pillow by Honey Pie Design



Although there are many beautiful items in each shop, I was only able to share these few with you today.
Get inspired to decorate a space, to shop and to share with others or simply feel the Love.
Speaking of love, I'm in love with the Wood Love sign, I want one!
I would also love a pair of those comfy looking Felt Clogs, perfect for lounging at home.

9. Red Love Heart burlap Pillow Set by Sheri Sew Sweet
10. Wood Sign Love Vintage by Old New Again
11. Love Gold Necklace by Laonato
12. Red "Love" Print Poster by Amanda Catherine Des
13. Love Languages Tote Bag by Bucked Toothed Bunny
14. Vanilla Valentine Heart Soaps by Sakura Bath & Body
15. Ten Poms by Perfect Poms
16. Valentine's Glass Push Pins by Inspirations by D

Hope that you enjoy them as much as I have.
What are your favorites?

Decorative Valentine's Gifts

Hello there and a Happy Day to you!
I have news for you, do you remember a few months ago 
when I wrote about closing my little Etsy shop?
 Well I left the shop dormant for several months, that is until the Christmas season.

I am currently working on restocking it again, 
Above is a sneak peak at what I'm adding to the collection.
Enjoy!

How to Make Heart Shaped Pancakes (Re-Post)

Heart Shaped Pancakes

...fluffy and golden

Heart Shaped Pancakes

  On this cold, but bright and sunny morning, I decided to make a special Valentine's breakfast for my loving family.  Their first clue of what I had been preparing in the kitchen was a distinctive scent that drifted into the living room and filled the air with a soft warmth, a sensation of comfort and mouthwatering images of fluffy, warm goodness.    

Their noses led them into the kitchen.  As both son and father scouted the area to see what it was that was waiting for them, they saw the thick, hot, golden savory ivory and pink curves, sitting on white china plate enhancing their coloring.  The mound of melted butter caught the morning light coming from the window, glittering and enticing them.

  We smothered the pancakes with fruits, whipped cream and Red Raspberry Syrup and they were so delicious.

Heart Shaped Pancakes

       I have made shaped pancakes before, just not colored them in pink. I started with the basic heart shaped pancakes and suddenly I had the idea to play with food coloring.  One thing led to another, then voila!  I had pink, golden and light red pancakes.  


...fluffy red and pink goodness
Heart Shaped Pancakes

Instructions:

1) These pancakes are not difficult to make; all you need is your favorite pancake recipe, either from scratch or a pancake mix of your choice, but make sure the batter is not too watery.  You want this mix to be somewhat thick. 

2) Put in a couple of drops of Liquid Red Food Coloring
into the batter until you reach your desired color, then mix.

3) Pre-heat the pan and place your Heart Pancake Molds or Heart Cookie Cutter
 in the pan, and grease the mold over the pan to prevent sticking. 


Heart Shaped Pancakes

4) Pour the pancake batter into the Heart Pancake Molds or Heart Cookie Cutter
 that is inside the pan.  Let them bubble a bit on low/ medium
heat until it sets.
 Once you see the bubbles on the top of your pancake, remove the Heart Pancake Molds or Heart Cookie Cutter.  Remember that for cookie cutters you will need a tong, the cookie cutter will be hot.  Do not touch it with your hands.  At this point, flip the pancake over and cook the other side until lightly browned, the pancake is complete.
Heart Shaped Pancakes

5) Repeat the steps above for more pancakes. 
  Enjoy with your favorite toppings!


True to Yourself


I was reading a book the other night and came across a line by
Margaret Langstaff that read; "Each of us is absolutely unique and irreplaceable
in the eyes of God".

It made me think, we are beloved, unique children of God- one of a kind.
God gave us special gifts and talents that we were born to share with the world.
But often that vision of who we are is obscured by the wear and tear of everyday life.

If you have been feeling a bit insignificant or unworthy, learn to see yourself as
God sees you.  He does not see you the way you see yourself.  Take your hopes
and dreams seriously once again, I know that I have and it makes such a difference.

Be true to your deepest self, and trust that God has a purpose for us all.
Each day is a new beginning.  Holding on to old ways of thinking,
grudges and resentments, and worn-out ideas is self-defeating.
Now is the time to choose a fresh start and new attitude.

Start with an attitude of forgiveness for anyone who has trespassed against you.
And forgive yourself, asking God to help you make a fresh start today.
Be open to new ideas and new possibilities.
Remember that you've never been here before (today),
because each day offers a new adventure.

Bellini


Hello everyone!  Don't you just love the photo above?  
It inspires wonderful ideas for a Baby Shower or even a Valentine's Day party.

Today I wanted to share with you a wonderful place to acquire lovely gifts for a baby shower,
or items for your baby, child, or teen.

Bellini.com is proud to introduce The Bellini Baby Basket Collection
exclusively sold at Bellini.com. These high-end gift baskets are an artistic ensemble 
of our all time favorite gifts from the industries most fabulous artisans.
Each handcrafted basket can be designed for a boy, girl, neutral or even multiples. 
it's sure to be the next iconic baby gift, 
The Bellini Baby Basket says welcome in style. 

Have a look, get inspired and enjoy!

Apple iPad 2 Giveaway!

Image Detail


Say hi to Rafflecopter!
Rafflecopter makes the whole process of running giveaways on your blog really,
 really easy. Over 80,000 giveaways have been created with Rafflecopter,
 and if you didn’t know yet, there’s a new version in town! Oh yeah, it’s free. 
If you haven’t used Rafflecopter, sign up and launch a giveaway in the matter of minutes.

Now... Lets giveaway something awesome!
To celebrate the new year, we’re going to give away a 16GB Apple iPad2 and several Kindle Fires. 
The giveaway starts Monday 1/9 at 12:01 a.m. and lasts for a month

To enter, 
simply tell Rafflecopter that Inspirations by D
referred you to this giveaway! 
You can receive additional entries by tweeting about this giveaway, 
following Rafflecopter on twitter, 
and giving Rafflecopter feedback. 
In addition, Rafflecopter is doing something a little special to make things more fun:

Suggest a Mascot Name – You’ve seen the Rafflecopter smiley-
face dude hanging around the web. The poor guy needs a name, 
and we want to leave it up to you to decide what his (or her?) name should be. 
For an additional entry, suggest a name! After the giveaway is over, 
they'll go through the list of names and pick out our favorite suggestions 
(be creative!) and bring it to a vote on Facebook. 
If your name is chosen, you’ll win a Kindle Fire and be immortalized in Rafflecopter history :)

Enter Giveaway!

How to Make a Heart Wreath

How to Make a Heart Wreath
I love this little heart wreath! 
The different shades of pink and red bring out each individual heart.

On this post, I have included two different Heart Wreaths that you can make yourself,
thanks to Better Homes & Gardens and Everything Etsy.

The first one I'd like to share with you is this Paper Heart Wreath.
To make this wreath follow the link or:

Get several shades of pink and red paper.
-Scissors
-Glue
-1 Cardboard or heavy stock paper
-Heart shaped template (ex: heart shaped cookie cutters)
-Circle template--you may use a paper plate

Trace paper plate over card stock or cardboard.
For the inner circle, use a smaller plate or large can/ jar whatever you have on hand,
trace the inner circle.
 Once traced, cut the circle carefully.

Using a heart template, cut several hearts in different sizes.
Glue them around the circle,
To add interest, overlap several hearts.
Continue to glue hearts until the card board is completely covered.
Let dry and hang to your heart's content!

Here is the second wreath, a beautiful heart shaped wreath by Everything Etsy.
Pinned Image
Kim used felt to make this wreath.
You may use the same method as I used here by placing the felt
on a heart shaped foam.
Find her step by step tutorial here with great photos.
Enjoy &
Happy Crafting!

It's My Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Me
 via
Here's to another year of this beautiful life!
Happy Weekend!
xoxo
D

A Moment of Reflection



"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind 
and straining toward what is ahead, 
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which
God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"
Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD,
your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me, for you are good,
O LORD."
-Psalm 25:4-7



Happy New Year 2012!

Hello friends and Happy and Blessed New Year!
Today I took a brief moment to post a few photos from my trip to 
Gran Ventana, DR and to wish you a blessed Year.

That's me up there with the floral dress & my sister on our first day at the beach.
Unfortunately, I didn't take my good camera, what was I thinking?

 I tried my best to work with what I had and believe me, that little camera,
was not cooperative at all.
source: tumblr

I loved the colors surrounding this little play ground 
situated behind the hotel, right off the beach.
It was surrounded by palm trees and almond trees.

Honestly, the pictures do NO justice. 
I wish I could have taken you with me.
Here's to a New Year filled with much love, 
joy, peace, health, creativity, inspiration and many 
blessings!

Thank you my dear friends for coming over and sticking with me.
I am forever grateful & love you!

Dalia




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