Bring on the Merry: Gift Ideas

I have been missing from here for quite a while and it has been due to life changing circumstances friends.  I want to thank you for sticking around. Life is certainly different, but I trust that along this difficult road my family & I are not alone. Getting back on track here will be a process as I try to figure out how to manage it. I know many of you have had difficulties in the last couple of years too.  It seems that everyone I meet now has gone through or is going through something difficult.

I find myself writing in journals and bible study books instead of online. It's easier and it feels rewarding somehow. I don't have to log on to anything, I can open my book and begin writing.

It's a healthier way to work with your talents, ideas and creativity. This book in particular helps bring in some peace of mind especially during the coming season.

The season is almost upon us friends and while we are preparing for Thanksgiving which will be very soon, I think one of the best places to shop is Dayspring online.

 One of the items available is this lovely journal. I think it will make either a great gift for someone or for yourself.  During this time, I think it is greatly needed to bring on the joy and cheer. Candace Bure is the author and if you are familiar with her then you know that you will get something good. Shop the Exclusive Candace Cameron Bure Collection now!  

There are daily devotionals in this book that point to life changing words from the Bible and encourage to focus on living in a relationship with Jesus- especially during this busy time of the year.  I love that there are interactive activities that guide me in reflecting more deeply on my readings. 

This book has lovely stories, poems, and song lyrics to keep the season alive as you read through.

I find that the best time for me is in the morning in order to keep all the goodness of it within and share with others like I am doing with you now. 

There are so many lovely items on Dayspring to get us ready for the season, gifts for friends, family and neighbors. I have chosen this lovely set of greeting cards to share with friends as a reminder of what Christmas is really about. 

This illustration is so simple yet so lovely. There are many to choose from though and you can't go wrong. There are also sweet gifts to share like the honey pot below.  It is simply adorable.

I love this honey jar, if you are interested in getting one just visit DaySpring Cards Inc before they are gone. This is definitely one to have. Lastly, I wanted to share my new mug with you, I will get some of these items as gifts for friends as well because they are beautiful.

The mug has a message on both sides, and I love that it is not heavy, it is well made and comfortable to hold. My morning coffee is extra special with the reminder written on it.

These make lovely gifts.  Visit Dayspring!

Thank you for stopping by and reading my post today, you are appreciated!

* This post may contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase.

Gift Ideas for Her

St.Valentine’s Day is almost here but don’t let that be the only reason that you buy someone a gift or buy yourself something, celebrate every day! After all, we should be thankful for waking up every morning. Today I will share personal items that can make great gifts for someone in your life or for yourself.

We appreciate beauty, style, and relaxation so I will share a few items that fit those categories. For instance, I like to put away my jewelry especially my favorite Gold earrings in a lovely Jewelry case, such as the one that you see here.  It has several compartments making it a perfect storage solution for your precious accessories; it is just plain adorable.  Do you love beautiful gold earrings too? I know that I do! I love to look well put together, so I use different styles of earrings for different occasions and these lovelies are great for when I go out with friends or on a date night.  I like to pair them with a simple classy necklace throw on my clothes and head out. I just love the simplicity yet the beautiful design as I do with many other accessories.

NEW at the Dollar Tree, Expressions from Hallmark & Heartline a Hallmark Company

**I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you 

make a purchase after clicking on my links.

There are over 6,500 Dollar Tree stores nationwide and on August 30th every store will carry Expressions From Hallmark, $1 each and Heartline a Hallmark company, 2 for $1. With hundreds of new greeting cards to choose from, you can celebrate every moment with your friends and family and save. 

On August 30th, the following cards will also be available at select stores:
Mahogany: Mahogany enhances emotional connections among family, friends, and the community, and celebrates what is most beloved about Black culture.
Vida: VIDA expresses the voice of Latinos across generations, bringing them closer together to celebrate life’s special moments.
Tree Of Life: Tree of Life brings Jewish family and friends together to celebrate their faith and culture by honoring meaningful holidays and milestones.

I just love this great selection of cards.  Now I don't have to spend so much on one card, but buy several for all occasions and they are all at the Dollar Tree. 

One of my favorite collection is by Joyfully Yours and I believe they are affiliated with DaySpring company. I love the quality and also the messages that are written on the cards.
Joyfully Yours: Joyfully Yours lets family and friends express their faith in just the right way during holidays, special occasions, and moments big and small.

I have viewed a lot of their cards already and they have many varieties to choose from, there are birthday cards, congratulation cards, thank you cards and much more. The quality of the greeting cards is great so you will be saving big on these cards.  

If you are like me and like to be prepared for different events, this gives you the opportunity to buy several cards for different occasions and have them on hand at home, when it's needed. For more information, visit the DollarTree online as well at www.DollarTree.com! 

I hope that you enjoy the new cards as much as I have and stock up for the year.

DIY: Linen Spray with Essential Oil

Transform your daily routine with essential oils. You may use oils for an afternoon pick-me-up, some bedtime serenity or even for improving your mood. Research shows that rosemary can improve cognitive function and memory. Peppermint oil may combat fatigue and increase alertness, and you may be able to lift your spirits with citrus oils. For subtle, but long-lasting aromatherapy, diffuse oils in a diffuser or put a drop of essential oil in your hands & rub them together, then take a few breaths by cupping your hands over your mouth and nose.

Today we will learn How to Make Linen Spray by using Lavender Essential oil
for a nice and comforting aroma for your linens.  Another name used is
Pillow Spray, use it for a fresh and clean scent for my pillows and sheets.
If you are already using Essential oils, a great way to recycle your essential oil bottles
is to turn them into spray bottles or rollers.    

You may find Essential Oil Black Atomizer Spray Tops available
online as well as Roller Fitments with Caps.  You may also just buy
the 2 oz Glass Bottles already with the spray tops.

To this recipe, I added 1/2 teaspoon of Epsom salt, but you may use original
witch hazel without alcohol instead.  Below you will find a list of what you will need.

The amount of water you use depends on the size of your bottle.
You may mix the liquid in the bottle itself or use another container
for the mix and then pour it into your bottle. I used a very small glass for the purpose of this tutorial. I also use Young Living Essential
oils for their great quality, but you may use the oil of your choice.
Follow the directions on the images below.

Now isn't that easy?  I keep my linen spray on my nightstand and love it.

I have tried this recipe with rubbing alcohol and I have to be honest, I don't like it  

because the alcohol overpowers the essential oil, so do not use rubbing alcohol. 

My personal favorite is the Epsom Salt, it does not have a scent and it really helps disperse the oil.

There you have it. I hope that you enjoy this little DIY for your home.

Do you have a favorite essential oil scent for making a pillow spray or linen spray?
 Let me know in the comments below.

Slim Wallet: RFID Front Pocket Wallet Review

*Disclosure: Kindnz Sponsored the item on this post. All views and opinions expressed are my honest 100% opinion.

I received this Slim RFID Wallet from Kidzd so that I may give the company feedback on their 
product and also share my opinion with you.  At first, I wasn't sure about the wallet because it looked so slim.  I wondered if it was of poor quality.  When I received it, it surprised me to see how well made and practical it really is.  It holds cards well and it certainly is comfortable to carry around.  The durability looks promising, but only time will tell.  (Update: So far very durable.)
This is a convenient Super Slim, lightweight & minimalist wallet, it looks classic, fashionable & functional. The wallet has 6 card slots, 1 ID Window and 1 cash or receipt pocket in the top center. The wallet is also an RFID Blocking Wallet, this means that it keeps your vital information secure. It secures your credit cards and other RFID-chipped Cards, ID, etc., so it protects your personal information from being stolen. This technology allows you to remain SAFE and PROTECTED from electronic pickpocketing & blocks all RFID scanners and readers.

One of the great features is that it is simple, compact & ultra-slim. The design makes it easy to slide into your front or back pocket. It has a clear finger glide for the ID window making it quick and easy to take your cards or money in and out.  By looking at it, you may think that our credit cards will probably not fit, but they do!!  It is soft and comfortable to place in your pocket.

I honestly recommend this wallet for people who do not want to carry bulky wallets in their pockets or in their purses. My husband loves it and has replaced his old wallet with this thin one. I cannot express how satisfied he is with this new wallet.

If you are interested in buying one for yourself or a loved one, check out their website and look at their collection. You will also get 20% off your purchase by using the coupon code: KINOFF20

I love the convenience of this wallet, it saves so much space and it is light to carry.  It is sturdy and well stitched.  It certainly makes for a sweet gift!

Thank you for dropping by today!

Love these Items from DaySpring

*Disclosure:(his post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.)

I have not posted in a while and neglected to make updates around here.  I have brought
new items to the shop section and hope that you check it out. There are several gift ideas
for Mother's Day that are currently available and you won't want to miss it. I have also added
these cute items from DaySpring Cards Inc which I love and will get it for my home as I
continue to make updates to my home.


I have also had my eyes on this throw pillow.  I like the neutral colors of black and off
white, the message is perfect for our upcoming anniversary and it will look great in our
bedroom chair or over the bed. Such a great reminder of the vows we took years ago that
still hold true. I love that you can remove the cover in order to wash it, that is a plus.




This is perfect for a nursery or any child's room, this wooden plaque makes it easy to remember
to say your night prayers with your little ones.  It is a sweet gift for a mom to be.  It is one of my
favorite's here and hope that you click on the shop tab and view other little gift ideas for friends,
mothers and more.  Thank you for sticking with me and visiting today.

How do You Capture Memories

**I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will 

be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

How do you capture family moments during the holiday season?

We have decorated at home for Christmas and have put up our tree

with its glistening ornaments, sparkling bright lights, and golden ribbon.

We have hung our homemade stockings by the fireplace, have put up our 

Jesse Tree and baked cookies that fill the air with goodness and we continue to
make family memories each day.  It all sounds so wonderful, but we want to
remember those lovely moments, and so this is where Blurb comes in.  I have made
photo books in the past and why not create one for the Holidays too.  

I enjoy looking back at our photos from previous family moments while curling 

up by the fireplace as I turn each page.  I love that Blurb makes their photo books 

look like storybooks, except that it is our story.  Not every moment is wonderful,

but I love to look at the changes of each year.

It is amazing how children change each year, how decorating styles change 

from season to season, and it is all captured by images in a book.  

The great thing is that we get to share it with our 

parents, they get to view the moments they have missed due to distance. 

I would not like you to miss an opportunity to make your own memories this year

and share it with loved ones, or even create your own cookbook with Blurb because

even that would make an awesome Christmas gift.  So I am sharing with you 

right now that today until December 12^th everything is 35% off. So

you have all day today to get your memories into a book.  Use this code: AWE35

Hurry on over before the sale is over, remember it is only until 12/12/16.

Thank you for stopping by today!

Tiny Prints Sale!

(Disclaimer)*  This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I was compensated for this post.

Tiny Prints is my favorite place to go for cards because I love their 

quality, their many designs, and my favorite part is that they can mail it out for you.  What?  Yes!  

You can visit their website for more information on that when you order from Tiny Prints.

 These are some of my favorite cards, they have so many to choose from.  Everyone is 

ordering their holiday cards this time of year, so this is the perfect opportunity 

to order yours.

I have ordered from Tiny Prints several times and I am always pleased with their 

cards.  I have received Thank you cards to mail out to friends and relatives for their 

gifts.  I have received Christmas cards that impressed my family members because of their 

great quality.  I have even purchased address stamps with cute fonts and layout.  

If you have never ordered from Tiny Prints, this is your opportunity, check them out and 

tell me what you think.  Aside from cards, they also have great gifts that you may personalize,

these will make wonderful gifts for family and friends.  

This week they are having a Thanksgiving SALE and you will be able to save 30% off 

all orders or 40% off $99 or more.  Use code: GIVETHANKS at checkout.  This sale runs 

until 11/24.

Hope that you have a great Thanksgiving!

DaySpring Christmas Favorites

(Disclaimer)* This post may contain affiliate links and I may be compensated if a purchase is made by clicking my links. 

I don't know about you, but everything is moving around so fast these days.
I mean, it was Halloween just the other day and now we're having Thanksgiving
dinner on Thursday and then Christmas will be here before you know it.

With Christmas right around the corner, I am taking this time to share some of my
favorite things from some of my favorite places.  Today it will be from DaySpring.
It is the perfect opportunity to get those little gifts for loved ones and also for yourself.
Black Friday is three days away, are you ready?

This is a beautiful and simple bangle set great for gift giving and below a lovely necklace
with shimmer and stars. The earrings are lovely for a dear friend or sister this season.




Get your decor on with these lovely pieces.






The clock above is made of distressed wood & contains distinct copper numerals.  I love the
weathered and rustic feel.  I absolutely love this clock, it is simple and clean, perfect
for placing on the mantel.

I hope that you enjoyed looking at these simple pieces fro DaySpring.  Do you have any
favorites to share?

Fall Flower Pot

(Disclaimer)* This post may contain affiliate links & I may be compensated if a purchase is made by clicking my links.

Happy Fall friends and welcome to Inspirations by D.  

It has been pretty slow on the blog the last few months,

due to current updates that the site is undergoing in order to fix several broken links.

Please bear with us, you may receive old posts due to the updating and we apologize for that.

Not only are we working on fixing the problem on the blog, but we will be posting new 

posts this month, so stay tuned.

Today I am sharing a makeover to my previous Message Flower Pot to give it a Fall look.

It is easy to make and I have checked everywhere to make sure it has not been done before.

You saw it here first!!

What you will need for this little project:

• Craft Paint Brushes or Sponge Brushes
• orange Chalkboard Craft Paint
• flower pot
• pumpkin or fall leaf template
• tape
• Scissors
• flowers
• White Chalk

1. Cut out the interior of the pumpkin/ leaf template and cut the edges to the size of your planter.
2. Tape each corner of the template on the flower pot, make sure to use removable tape.

3. Take your paint brush & Paint, now paint the interior of the pumpkin so it comes out on 

your flower pots. Painting technique as seen on this post.

OPTION: You may also draw the pumpkin on the flower pot as seen above, 

you may use carbon paper to trace the pumpkin over the flower pot, then paint the pumpkin.

4. Let the chalkboard paint dry.

5. When the paint is dry, rub the painted pumpkin with a white chalk, then rub it off, this gives it a faint appearance.

6. Now you are set to write your message.

7. Put fall flowers in your pot and if you like, you may add burlap to give it a Fall feel.

Add pretty flowers!

Thank you for visiting and Happy Crafting!

For more DIY/craft ideas visit the project tab on the top.

Celebrate Easter with Peeps

Happy St. Patrick's day y'all!  For today's post, I will be sharing some of our ideas for the coming Easter.  This Easter season we will be celebrating our festivities with Easter baskets filled with Peeps & Company goodies along with some reading books.

PEEPS & COMPANY® was sweet enough to send me several items and treats to share with you and others, such as PEEPS® earbuds, luggage tag, Orange Delight Flavored Marshmallow Dipped in Orange Fudge,  Marshmallow Bunnies, Decorated Eggs, Party Cake Flavored Marshmallow Chicks, Sour Watermelon Flavored Marshmallow Chicks, Chocolate Mousse Flavored Marshmallow Bunnies,  Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Chicks, Rainbow Pop, • MIKE AND IKE® Easter Treats,• MIKE AND IKE® Jellybeans & HOT TAMALES® Jellybeans.  Peeps & Company also has many other items that are not candy, they have beach balls, socks, luggage tags, pillows and so much more.

This year I used a light wooden basket along with the traditional Easter baskets to add a little theme.  I chose a farm/ shabby theme, so I painted the wooden basket with white craft paint and decorated my basket with Easter stickers and a tiny banner.

I chose a few of my child's favorite items from Peeps & Company, placed them in a large plastic Easter egg, then I used jars to fill them with the Peeps jelly beans and covered them with a decorative lid featuring bunnies.

There are numerous ways to celebrate using Peeps & Company, one of my favorite ideas are decorative Peeps marshmallows used to decorate cakes for Spring festivities.

For your Peeps & Company Easter, be sure to check them out and order your peeps favorites for your Easter baskets.  Peeps & Company will give all Inspirations by D readers 20% off on your purchase when you use code: EASTERTREATS at checkout.

I hope that you have a wonderful and blessed Easter and let me know which Peep & Company items you choose to fill your baskets with.

(Disclaimer)* I received Peeps & Company products for review. All opinions are solely mine and I have not received any monies for my opinion.