Spring Break 2012 Camping Trip

Everybody needs rest and relaxation.  That's why they call it Spring BREAK!

This Spring Break we loaded our RV's and our families all went to Arkansas to camp with the kids and grandparents.

It was an incredible time!  Our first stop was Dardandelle State Park. 

 I hung in my hammock for hours and enjoyed the scenery and the quiet!  However, I did fall asleep and woke up with raccoon eyes from my sunglasses :)

Our campsite was right on the Arkansas River and it was gorgeous!

The Marina setting was beautiful too.

The kids had fun with sidewalk chalk.  I thought this family tree was so much fun!  They even blended the colors and used some shading.  You know I'm all about the details...the details!

Yes, teens still love to play with sidewalk chalk!

The kids also enjoyed making these tie dye shirts with sharpies thanks to their Auntie Trish for bringing all the supplies and teaching them how to do it!  You can find detailed instructions on how they created them by going to my "craft" board on Pinterest, they are adorable and EASY to make.

We had beautiful sunsets.....

Breathtaking!

We took many naps, thanks to my husband who kept the clomping teens out of the RV while I slept :)

Our second stop was Ft. Smith State Park. 

We did some hiking and really enjoyed this waterfall.

Check out these pictures that Nana took of these butterflies.

We rented a Pontoon boat and had fun fishing, exploring the lake and especially enjoyed the sunshine! I think I evened out my Raccoon eyes, ha!  The kids had a ball exploring this cave!  If they had brought their sleeping bags I'm sure they would have loved to spend the night :)

We took lots of walks with our morning coffee.

Sat around roaring fires and told stories.  Oh my goodness, laughter is the best medicine!

Played scrabble and cards by lantern light.

What's a camping trip without incredible food, especially an omelet for breakfat!.  The best part is that we used paper goods all week so I didn't have to do dishes!

The brothers played slingshot golf while we girls watched!  Very competitive these two are!

We had a tour of Wiedekehr's winery and had fun tasting all their sweet Swiss wines.

Enjoyed the countryside.

Had a picnic at the top of Mt Nebo.  What a great view and the girls had fun being silly!

All of the above is why we camp (RV style).  Getting away from it all, taking time to enjoy those you love, stepping away from the roles we play while living every day life and taking time to BE STILL.

This is how I am refreshed! God's creation is so inspiring and I'm blessed that I have the opportunity to be out in nature so I can enjoy it to the fullest.

 I'm ready to get back to my kitchen remodel (my client was away for Spring Break too) and am starting a bathroom remodel next. 

Hope your Spring Break was wonderful or is wonderful!

Visit my website at DecRenew Interiors to see my Design Portfolio.

Does your home have incredible soul?

Do you have a small space?  Feel like you are always looking ahead and wanting more?

You may have just purchased your first home.  Maybe you are single and have chosen to live in a small space.  Have you had a recent life change and are now in a smaller home or in one that wouldn't have been your choice?  Maybe it's temporary housing for this stage in your life.

I've been thinking lately that all the amazing decorating images we have access to these days can sometimes make us discouraged.  This is especially true if you are living in a small space.

Pinterest is a good example of fantastic images that you could spend hours devouring.  Don't get me wrong, I love Pinterest but often times I start getting overwhelmed by the beauty and start comparing my home to each and every image.

What helps me get unstuck from this mindset is to actually make my existing home the best it can be with what I have.   What it means is that I put as much as I can into it to make it look its best.    I love keeping it organized, full of fun, color and soul and have purposely surrounded myself with things that make our family life comfortable and functional.   

I have always had the philosophy that wherever you live can be beautiful.  It doesn't need to cost you a fortune. It may take some serious time and dedication but it can be done.  You just have to START doing SOMETHING.  Yes, this means even if you are in an apartment or temporary housing.  Make it feel it's best!  If you are constantly looking ahead and saying "oh, when I get a house" or "this place can't be great" then you are fooling yourself.  If you don't start doing something NOW, you most likely won't do it when you get the next place.  Don't let life go by without living each stage to the fullest!

Every stage in your life is worth celebrating and it starts in your home.  Your home is the place that nourishes your soul and can give you rest and fulfillment if it's your haven.  Our home is our refuge when we are tired and need to feel uplifted and encouraged.  We have purposely made our home a place where we can relax, entertain and rejuvinate. I don't know about you but it does something to my being when I come HOME.

Here are some ideas to help you get started.  Just start doing something! 

 You can also use Pinterest to INSPIRE you, not DISCOURAGE you!

Paint the entire space or one room.  You have heard this before but do you really believe it?  Get started and you will be shocked at the difference it makes the feel of the space.

Redo a piece of furniture (paint it a fun color or stain it).

Visit a flea market or garage sale and pick up a few items that you love.  This piano bench was repainted and is now seating at this table.

Add some large scale items to your walls to add character. In the above photo, they hung a large piece of fantastic fabric.   If you don't have anything on your walls, it's the first thing (after paint)  that makes your home feel warm, inviting and personal.

Purchase some fresh luxurious sheets.  If your budget doesn't allow you to do that,  just get the pillowcases for your head to rest on :)

Place off white candles in glass containers here, there and everywhere.  They add sparkle, a bit of romance and coziness to your home.

Play your favorite music in your home.  Play it while you cook or do laundry.  It always puts a skip in my step and I feel like I accomplish more!

Buy some fresh flowers and fill a vase for spring.  Places like Sams and Costco carry beautiful, colorful flowers for little money.

Add a fun, colorful lamp to your space or place one on your kitchen or bathroom counter.  Lamps adds ambiance to any space.

Add some old books to your bookshelves.  They add history, warmth and character.

Use your fine china and crystal.  If you don't have any, just purchase one china cup for your coffee or afternoon tea.  Or buy yourself a crystal wine glass for your special glass of wine.  Don't wait for special occasions to use them, every day is a special occasion in my book.

Decorate your home with fresh fruits and vegetables.  They look especially wonderful on cake stands!

Place them around your home to add color and eat them during the week.

Buy cheap glass jars from Big Lots or the Dollar store and fill them with wonderful beans, pasta's, etc.  I've found that the Indian market is the best place to find all kinds of wonderful colors and textures.

Make yourself an art gallery.  Maybe it's your kids art, maybe it's paintings you love.  Start with one and slowly collect them to make a wall of interest.

Purchase some new dishtowels! They add color and a crisp freshness to your kitchen!

Life is hard, it's ridiculous at times. Don't give up on your dreams.  You can make any place beautiful. It may be less than your ideal but it's better than nothing...... 

It takes dedication, time, passion and desire to start doing SOMETHING.

What are you going to do first? 

Fill your home with incredible SOUL and it will be a beginning to you feeling refreshed and renewed just you watch.   Start now and make your life beautiful!

All above photo's from Pinterest.  Visit my Pinterest Idea Boards to get you inspired.

Visit my website DecRenew Interiors to see my design portfolio with before and after photo's to inspire you.