The Radiant World of Whimz Will Resume Posting Tuesday (March 1)

I have been so busy lately I haven't stopped.  Substitute teaching has picked up (thankfully), we had a 2 day cheerleading competition this weekend and we have Youth Revival until Wednesday night this week!  Whew, I am killed already but happy to be alive and well :)  I will resume posting tomorrow whimzies!  Keep in touch!
xoxo Cassidy

Dreaming of Stemellina

I absolutely adore the uniqueness of wool felted accessories.  Especially the wool felted necklaces.  I haven't ever seen anything like it and would love to add it to my accessory collection!  What about the crochet beret?  Oh I would love to have that as well, but they are just as beautiful to look at :)  And a flower to pin in your hair or on an understated piece of clothing?  Stemellina has me dreaming of sugar and spice and everything nice...To browse more from this shop click here.

pink wool felted necklace

black and gray shades wool necklace

amber brown arleta crochet beret hat

romantic felt flower hair pins

purple magnolia felt flower

Now its off to sub for kindergarten for me!

Have a beautiful day!

xoxo Cassidy

PS... also check out my other post below! :)

With All My Heart, With All My Soul

Today my savior is on my heart and I just had to share the good news with The Radiant World of Whimz.  What an amazing God we serve.  I had the privilege of seeing two souls saved last night at our Wednesday night youth service and what a blessing it was!  In fact it is even carrying over into this morning!  God is soooooo good and I am burdened with the thought of how often I take that for granted. Our pastor preached a message Sunday entitled: "Can You Really Say that You Love the Lord With All Your Heart, With All Your Soul?"  Wow what strong words.  I began digging deep and again tonight-we touched on idolatry and putting things before God- I am guilty.  He saved me from all of my sins, suffered and died in my place and I become complacent and satisfied with what little I do for Him.  My everyday routines, hobbies, and duties become so overwhelming and hectic that I often do not pick up my bible or spend time with God in prayer and thank Him for ALL of my many blessings...shame on me.  He deserves the very beginning of my everyday, the very second I open my eyes and set foot on the floor.  Pray for me that I would put Him first, I really want to give him all that I can...He always gives me the best.

Amazing Grace

We are fixing to start our youth revival next week at our church so I would love if everyone out in the "blogosphere" would lift our church up in prayer next week along with the man bringing the message each night.  It is so important that our youth accept Jesus as their Savior at such a crucial time in their life.
God Bless!
Cassidy

Whimzical Wednesday: Today I am Loving Giraffes!

Hi everyone!  For today's Whimzical Wednesday post, I just had to share some items that are adorned by my "2nd favorite animal", the Giraffe (What is my #1 favorite animal?  Why dogs of course!).  In the past couple of years, I have been fortunate enough to make several trips to Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom, and everytime I am so amazed and intrigued by these beautiful animals.  I end up having a camera full of giraffe pictures!   For some reason they remind me of my Great Dane Zack....hmmmm.

So today, I want to share some charming little items from etsy (giraffe style)...I hope you enjoy!

Clockwise from Left: kissing giraffe, knit giraffe, suede giraffe ipod cozy, name collage with giraffe, giraffe licking apple vinyl decal, giraffe love, giraffe love wedding cake topper, giraffe necklace, gil the giraffe leather keychain

Love & Knits!

Good Morning!  I have an exciting discovery to share with you today!  Yesterday I ran across this adorable shop on etsy full of warm and cozy knits for this time of year and just had to share.  Not only are the winter goodies from "Love & Knit" handmade by a fashion designer in Istanbul, but they are unique in every way and reasonably priced.  Better yet?  Returning customers receive 10% when they come back to buy more!  My favorite is the burgundy and beige huge loop scarf...I love a big scarf!

Clockwise from Left: pink and grey beret, burgundy huge loop scarf, my purple roses beanie, hold me neckwarmer olive green, fingerless mittens pink cappucino, big gray cardigan,  ivy necklace scarf, beige huge loop scarf, pink and gray scarf

Find more from Love & Knit here

Also check out how to get celebrity style for cheap in Embellishing Fancies...

Life Is Beautiful

Hi whimzies!  Welcome back, I hope you had a great weekend...I know that I did!  There is nothing like playing in the February sunshine, spending time with family and furries, while cooking up some yummy meals.  

Weekend Pic: Me and Pen after going to a walking trail...we were so tired!

After such a great weekend, and seeing the photograph of the letters "It's a beautiful life"pictured in the center of the collage...I decided to gather up some items from etsy that symbolize some of the things I think make life beautiful.  What do you think?  Can you see beautiful memories being made in each of these photographs?

Clockwise from Left: slow down and smell the roses, dogs day out fine art print, carriage house, , ophelia, life is beautiful wood floor, sweet home custom, beautiful bench, seaside table, cruiser photograph

Have a Happy Monday!

Also in the Radiant World of Whimz:
-Dazzling Abodes: The Life As We Know It Home (aka. MY DREAM HOME!)
-Whimz Gems:  A Monday pick me up!

Friday's Picture of the Week

woman and dog

 Next on my home to do list...Decorate our home office.  So yesterday I was browsing pictures for shelves and bookcases on etsy (my part anyway) ....and I found this photograph.  It's not only a beautiful shot but it touched me personally-put a huge smile on my face and made me think of my great dane, Zack.

Thanks to the BEAUTIFUL weather yesterday, Zack and I FINALLY got to take a walk yesterday.  He is honestly the best natured dog in the world, a gentle giant as they say.   I never had to worry about him growling or barking at other people passing by (as I do for my little pooch Penny).  He was a living and breathing "Precious Moments figurine" (Seriously!) with his big orange eyes staring up at me with excitement as we trotted through the spring-like weather.  We had such a great time and hopefully the weather will allow us to continue this weekend with our walks : )  I just couldn't help but have this as the picture of the week in honor of my Zacky.  And I don't think I can help making a purchase of this in the near future to sit on a shelf in our office either! 

Breathtaking Jewels & Gems

 jewel toned blooming garden couture, birds on a wire, forest cowl in aubergine, teal linen pillow cover with vintage, dizzy elephant purple,, jewel toned fabric flower rosette, lemon and smoky quartz,  emerald green jewel tone cocktail ring, gigantic decorated sugar pine cone

faux gemstone brooch style necklace

Jewel and Gem Tones have not only inspired my blog, but they have also been found sparkling and shining at all the recent fashion shows.  Don't you just love the tones of rubies, amethysts, emeralds and sapphires?  Maybe thats why I love peacock feathers...they showcase all of these lovely tones NATURALLY.  Wow!  Who said that God didn't have great taste-just look at the peacock!  Gem and Jewel tones shout elegance and luxury from their beautiful explosions of color.  Which is your favorite?  I am thinking emerald... : )

Happy Friday!
*And don't forget to check out my picture of the week

Enchanting Beauty & Simplicity

Clockwise from Left:  loving you fine art print, deep green tulip studs, tulips that will make you smile,  sheiks daughter coral rose earrings, spring tulip and gerber daisy basket,  flower hair pins, vase ceramic porcelain tulip, spring tulips hard candy lollipops, pink tulip with rain

The overall meaning and significance of a tulip is perfect love...yet different colors have different meanings:
Red-True Love
Purple-Royalty
Yellow-Cheerful thoughts and Sunshine
White-Worthiness or a Message of Forgiveness
Variegated-Beautiful Eyes

I don't have any tulips in my flower bed YET...but I am dying to get some planted and ready for spring.  Not only can we enjoy one of springs prettiest creations but we can find handmade tulip inspiration in the form of earrings, candy, vases, hair clips, baskets, decor, photography and much more at etsy...check out my selections in this collage!

Tulip's are great for a cut flower arrangement or a potted plant gift.  They have become one of the world's most beloved flowers and the gift or presence of a tulip is a sure delight, all while enchanting in it's beauty and simplicity.  So give one to a dear friend or perhaps pick one up as a personal prize, because they make this season all the more beautiful...

Also Today in TRWOW:
Dazzling Abodes: spring up your home with a few home changes!

Hi whimzies, I will resume posting Thursday!  I have been called into work solid this week (which is great!)  but that is going to put me a little behind here, keep coming back-I will try to catch up as soon as I get the chance...have a great day!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Love: [luhv] noun, verb.  loved, lov-ing 

1.  a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

2.  a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend

3.  a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.

teddy bear love

The definition goes on and on, but what is important is that love is mentioned through out the Bible as one of the most important things we can know, experience, or possess.

On this special day we set aside a day to celebrate love...so let's take the time to tell everyone special to you (and maybe even someone you don't know very well who needs to know they are cared for) how they are loved and appreciated.  It isn't about the chocolate candy heart, or the stuffed teddy bear and ballons, or even the bouquet of beautiful flowers-it's about the greatest gift of all...LOVE.  From our savior to us, and from us to the great people and friends he puts in our life to enjoy.  Let's celebrate God's gift of love today, it is a great blessing to be thankful for!

I know I'm celebrating love today, just look at what God has blessed my life with...

      

xoxo,

Cassidy

Psssssst Oh yea and don't forget to check out our beautiful weekend outside in the sunshine below  :)

A Perfect Warm February Weekend

We had a BEAUTIFUL weekend full of warmth and sunshine, so my furry friends and I had a much over due play date.  We had so much fun coming out of "hibernation" mode and enjoying the outdoors!  We wanted to share some pictures from our fun day...Hope you enjoy :)

While my poochies were relaxing I went searching for a birds nest

I had discovered last summer in one of our Christmas trees.  Guess

what I found?  The nest AND the eggs-  I wonder what happened?

We told you guys we would let mom take some pictures...but it's back

to neighborhood patrol for now, see you guys next time!

Photo of the Week & Weekly Recap

basket of tulips

PHOTO OF THE WEEK:  Since reading "Safe Haven," by Nicholas Sparks- I have dreamed of a pretty bicycle with a basket of flowers!  I just love the whole idea...I think an old bike would make a great planter for spring and summer!  What do you think?  May be a future project...

WEEKLY RECAP

Monday:  

Open the Door to A Beautiful Week, Winter Mornings, Beauty & Birds Whimz Gems

Tuesday: 

Miss February 8th, Wild Fashion in Embellishing Fancies, Handsome Fidos in My Fair Fido

Wednesday: 

Whimzical Wednesday Valentine Countdown, Favorite Valentine Movies & Songs in Fabulous Finds, Valentine's Pizza in Delectable Dishes

Thursday: 

Have a Little Heart, Puppy Love in My Fair Fido, February & North Carolina

Today: 

Regis & Kelly Celebration, Photo of the Day, Letters-Hearts-Cards Oh My and how to in Dazzling Abodes

Hope you had a great week!  Now let's celebrate the weekend :)

See you Monday morning!

Cassidy

Letters, Hearts, and Cards Oh My!

Hi whimzies, I wanted to share my entryway Valentine's decor with you this morning.  I brightened up our home with the colors and looks of the season and didn't spend a dime by putting to use some old things in my mom's attic.  Go to Dazzling Abodes to view more pictures and find out what simple supplies I used to create a few visions of February 14th in our home.

Happy 10th Anniversary Regis and Kelly!

handmade dolls inspired by regis and kelly

I am not the type to watch a lot of TV.  I can barely sit in one place for a second if I don't have anything to do- but with LIVE...it is a different story.  I can't believe that it has been 10 years since Kelly Ripa first joined Regis.  This show has been my favorite since as far back as I can remember so I couldn't help but create my own little tribute and congratulate them on 10 GREAT fun years of brightening our mornings (or nights if you had to Tivo it like me!).  I have watched these two since Kelly first came on air (even watched the Kathie-Lee years) and have loved every minute of it.  I am enjoying having the mornings off this spring because that means I don't have to watch my morning show at night-I get to watch it LIVE :)    I am very saddened to hear this is Regis' last year-he will be missed!  Happy 10th Anniversary Regis and Kelly!

February & North Carolina

Our backyard 

And Of course, Penny has to be right in my cozy spot!

          Hello from the Adams family in North Carolina!  We had a beautiful snowy morning and get to look forward to a beautiful weekend!  

Snow and warmth- LOVING the February weather!  Are you?

        Special Message from our big Fido's:

  Hello everyone...Out on our morning travels but we may let mom take

a couple of snapshots to share with the Radiant World of Whimz later when we get back from patrolling the neighborhood

Have A Little Heart...

4 Days and counting until the day of love!
Hearts are every where this time of year, so I decided to include some of my favorite items to share with you that charmingly display the symbol that has so much meaning behind it's simplicity.  <3 <3 <3

Clockwise from left: sweetheart ring, yc only frilly heart cookies, heart screenprint, crocheted hearts, heart warming fuzzy felt locket, Be MIne Valentine Sparkler Earrings, personalized hand carved heart, lovebirds heart bowl handmade stoneware, pinstriped brown pillow cover

Today in the Radiant World of Whimz:
-I am having to wait until the sunshine makes another appearance to finish my magical make this week, keep checking back -will hopefully have it posted this weekend!
-Greetings from NC :)
-Puppy love is in the air in My Fair Fido

Cassidy :)

Whimzical Wednesday's: Today I am Loving the Idea of a Valentine's Day Countdown!

Get excited whimzies!  Valentines Day is just around the corner, 5 days to be exact!  We are going to be celebrating this lovely holiday each day up until in The Radiant World of Whimz- and to kick it off...we are going to get in the dinner party mood!  Are you planning on a special dinner with a loved one or a group of friends?  I hope this post sets the mood and inspires you to get your party plans together and to work!

red crocheted flower

1950's vintage dress, pretty in pink love paperie a garland, vintage recipe stand, soy vintage pink candle, tiny cake stand, cherry cream photography, valentines food or name card, elegant square magnetic chalkboard, satin ruffle flower shoe clips

Today in the Radiant World of Whimz...
Check out my favorite Valentine's Day movies and songs in Fabulous Finds
Click here to fly away to delectable dishes for this week's Valentine Pizza!

xoxo Cassidy

Miss February 8th

I want to wish a happy birthday to one of the most precious people I have ever known-my mom.  

 MOM.  Friend.  Comforter.  Decorator.  Therapist.  Doctor.  Nurse.  Seamstress.  Gardener.  Makeup Artist (for dance recitals:).  Cook.  Chauffeur.  Teacher.  Caregiver.  Mind Reader.  Guide.  Cheerleader.  Encourager.  Judge.  Jury.  Referee.  Employer.  Santa Clause.  Tooth fairy.  Easter Bunny.  My valentine.  Guardian angel...

She is all of these things and more.

The list goes on and on but the bottom line is-my mother is everything.  She has always put herself last and her children first.  When I look back, I don't know how she made three children each feel just as loved, special, and important as she did for my brother, sister, and I.  We all feel equally close to her and have millions of special moments that we have shared treasured in our memories forever.  I can't wait to make more memories!  She has lead me to salvation and taught me from an infant of God's grace, mercy, and love (the most important thing she could ever teach me.)  I hope that not just her birthday, but everyday is as special and beautiful as she is.  She deserves it all!  I love you mom! :)  Happy Birthday!!

Clockwise from Left: go dragons (her cheerleading team), dragonflys and coffee (favorites), flowers, jewelry (she loves to make jewelry and loves the color purple), chloe (she has a yorkie), writing (she is a great writer), in the garden, loves to read (especially Nicholas Sparks!), jazzy(she has a persian)

Can't you tell that she is beautiful to be around?  Just look at the things that make me think of her!

Also in The Radiant World of Whimz...
For a wild fashion find go to Embellishing Fancies
Doll up your handsome Fido by clicking here or by going to My Fair Fido

Open the Door To A Beautiful Week

front door

Hello everyone!  I think that if we were to open a door to a beautiful week, the door would look something like this!  What do you think?  I feel motivated and cheerful looking at this door just as I would like to feel looking ahead at the upcoming week!  Have a beautiful Monday!

Today in the Radiant World of Whimz...
Check out Winter Mornings in Dazzling Abodes!
Cure the Monday Blues here in Whimz Gems.

Easy Living

Good Morning Whimzies!
I have been sick since Sunday, and each day seems to be getting progressively worse.  In fact, I felt so bad yesterday, that I didn't even feel like getting a post together...so I doubled up for you today!  I am hoping for a productive and relaxing (is that possible?) Saturday. In order to kick off this relaxing Saturday (Super Bowl Eve) I want to begin the morning by sharing some great ways that I have found to relax.  Not only that but a great collection of pro-relaxation etsy finds!
 Enjoy :)

Clockwise from Left:  handmade lavender and oatmeal soap, white stone rock candle, , relax art, chocolate strawberries black tea, spring morning, lavendar bath salts, breathe recycled wood sign, fabric eye pillow, luxurious throw

7 Powerful Relaxation Techiques

1.  Shut out everything that doesn't pertain to your day off.  

Now is the only time that is important.  In order to truly be in a state of relaxation we can't be worrying about what happened yesterday, or what may happen tomorrow. And don't worry about allowing yourself to do this...worrying doesn't help anything anyway!

                                    Carpe Diem!  Seize the day! 

2.  Surround yourself with beautiful things.

(And this is where my etsy collection of the day comes in handy!)  Yes, thats right your environment does matter!  We may not be aware of this, but it is so true.  Think about it...have you ever noticed that some rooms are easier to relax in?  Look at your surroundings...a mess will scream there is so much to do and will create unneeded and unwanted anxiety.  Tidy up and create a pleasant environment full of things that YOU love.  Wouldn't a fresh vase of flowers and a view of your favorite pictures make you feel  SO much better?  Eager to kick back and enjoy the day?  Go for it!

3.  Meditation.

Sometimes we just need to silence our brains in order to really achieve true relaxation.  We can control our thoughts and keep the mind still in order to find clarity and peace on a day like today. Actually, it is recommended that we meditate 10-15 minutes each day in order to detach ourselves from the pressures we feel in our everyday lives.

4.  Productivity, not Procrastination.

Relaxation doesn't mean spending the whole day doing nothing (I could never do this unless I were SICK, VERY SICK!)  We need to learn how to relax during any activity because sometimes life doesn't slow down enough for us to have a mental health day!  Make priorities!  Don't put yourself under pressure by doing several things at once.  Do one thing at a time and enjoy doing it. When you’ve completed your necessary work, then you have the reward of pleasing yourself without a guilty conscience.

5.  Do NOT depend on the opinions of others...

this places a burden on our mind by worrying about what others think.  No matter WHAT we do others will find ways to criticize, hold your head up and for the sake of your mind- don't be a people pleaser :)

6.  Time to yourself.

Don't make yourself at the beck and call of work and others.  MAKE time for yourself.  It is essential to truly being able to relax.  Set aside a part of the day when you do not take calls or emails (texts, etc!)  and just do something YOU love <3

7.  A Change is as good as rest.

If you find yourself in a routine...do something different!  A good tip is to take a walk or get outside...don't just spend time on the internet or watching tv.  A breath of fresh air does a body good!  Allowing ourselves to get away from our daily activities will help take your mind off of every day life.

Oh YEAH...And breathe!  :)

Resources: pickthebrain.com

Food for thought Whimzies!


Also today in TRWOW, check out...
*Belated Friday Photo of the Week (below) sooooo cute!
*For a new Whimz Gem click here!

Belated Friday Pic-of-the-Week

I fell in love with this little pooch on www.marthastewart.com.  This was one of many frosty winners in her snow angel 2011 pet photo contest and I just had to share it with you as the photo of the week!  Go check out the rest of the winners here !  I would love to see your doggie snow pics as well, please share :)

Pssst...skip back a couple of posts and you will see my snow angels on a recent snow day :)

Oh da da da deer...

Clockwise from left:  woodland friends, vintage ceramic deer figurine, cute woodland fawn, my darling deer love, peaceful tree deer, fiona fawn pillow

Possibly my favorite woodland friend?  The deer.  Deers are beautiful, sweet, and charming little animals that add magic to any scenery.  Think about it...almost every fairy tale has a bambi skipping through the scenery, why shouldn't our fairy tale include one too?  Every deer in each design is whimsical (we love "whimz," right? wink wink) indeed giving a pleasant cheerful vibe.  Including one of these deers in a room or in your wardrobe would be sure to lighten the mood and brighten the day!


Check out the Magical Make for the day here!