Welcome to my Grow Your Blog party and GIVEAWAY! I'm excited to join this event as 500-plus bloggers come together to support one another and share their blogs. Thank you to Vicki at 2 Bags Full for organizing this event.
Stay tuned until the end. I have some great prizes for you to win! Here's a sneak peek . . .
Why The Beautiful Matters? I love this name, and that "matters" can be a verb or a noun. I think of it mostly as a verb, as in the beautiful things in life really do matter. A baby's chubby little fingers, the sun breaking through the clouds at twilight after a long, gray winter's day, a velvety rose slowly unfolding its petals, sun sparkling on raindrops, a homemade apple pie fresh from the oven. We could fill pages with the beauty that surrounds us every day. Our job is to stop and notice, to see with open hearts and minds, and to be grateful.
Let's face it. Much of life is hard. All of us have suffered a loss of some kind. We listen to the news, and can become overwhelmed with the tragic events unfolding around us.
Will fixing a beautifully laid tea tray, with a flower and a plate of homemade cookies on it, solve the world's problems? No. And yet, it can change everything. So can ironing vintage linens, growing vegetables, comforting an ailing friend, putting on a pretty dress and strappy heels. Writing a letter. Basting a turkey. Organizing a closet. Trying a new lipstick color. When we notice beauty in all its forms, when we give thanks, when we walk with an attitude of mindfulness, we can change our world and bless those around us.
So in that spirit, I'll be sharing beautiful things . . . lovely heirlooms, pretty tea tables, encouragement from my heart, beauty and style tips and products, and more. I hope to inspire you that The Beautiful Matters.
. . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. Phil. 4:8
****GIVEAWAY****
To win some beautiful prizes, pictured below, please leave a comment. The contest is open to everyone, whether or not you have a blog. And I will ship anywhere in the world. The winner will be announced on February 15. If you need to comment as Anonymous, please leave your name at the end of your comment. I would love for you to follow me on Google+ or Google Friend Connect, too (see top right sidebar of this blog). Follow me on Pinterest as well! I love creating boards of beautiful things (see the right sidebar for my latest pins).
The winner will receive these beauties . . . .
A vintage dessert plate and two vintage napkins from my own collection, perfect for a tea party.
Some lovely cinnamon vanilla tea for sipping by your fireside.
Beautiful nail polish by Deborah Lippmann in Baby Love, elegant and appropriate for every occasion, and this set of hand and nail lotion and body and face oil by Caudalie, a premier French natural skin care company.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you'll become a regular reader. Now I'm going blog-hopping myself, and meet some new friends! Maybe I'll meet you.
p.s. a big shout-out to Karen at KarenValentineDesign for designing my beautiful blog. If you need help, please visit her site!
Let's face it. Much of life is hard. All of us have suffered a loss of some kind. We listen to the news, and can become overwhelmed with the tragic events unfolding around us.
Will fixing a beautifully laid tea tray, with a flower and a plate of homemade cookies on it, solve the world's problems? No. And yet, it can change everything. So can ironing vintage linens, growing vegetables, comforting an ailing friend, putting on a pretty dress and strappy heels. Writing a letter. Basting a turkey. Organizing a closet. Trying a new lipstick color. When we notice beauty in all its forms, when we give thanks, when we walk with an attitude of mindfulness, we can change our world and bless those around us.
So in that spirit, I'll be sharing beautiful things . . . lovely heirlooms, pretty tea tables, encouragement from my heart, beauty and style tips and products, and more. I hope to inspire you that The Beautiful Matters.
. . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. Phil. 4:8
****GIVEAWAY****
To win some beautiful prizes, pictured below, please leave a comment. The contest is open to everyone, whether or not you have a blog. And I will ship anywhere in the world. The winner will be announced on February 15. If you need to comment as Anonymous, please leave your name at the end of your comment. I would love for you to follow me on Google+ or Google Friend Connect, too (see top right sidebar of this blog). Follow me on Pinterest as well! I love creating boards of beautiful things (see the right sidebar for my latest pins).
The winner will receive these beauties . . . .
A vintage dessert plate and two vintage napkins from my own collection, perfect for a tea party.
Beautiful nail polish by Deborah Lippmann in Baby Love, elegant and appropriate for every occasion, and this set of hand and nail lotion and body and face oil by Caudalie, a premier French natural skin care company.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you'll become a regular reader. Now I'm going blog-hopping myself, and meet some new friends! Maybe I'll meet you.
p.s. a big shout-out to Karen at KarenValentineDesign for designing my beautiful blog. If you need help, please visit her site!
Hello Deborah- Lovely sentiments, sweet thoughts. I enjoyed your post and getting to know a bit about you. I am also having a give away, so I hope you visit my Grow Your Blog post. Happy Saturday
ReplyDeleteS
A beautiful looking blog and I love the idea of beautiful matters!! I am now a follower of your blog and I hope you meet many new friends. Please visit my two blogs - they both have give always too! Hope to see you there- Her Grace by Devata and Cloister of the Heart
ReplyDeleteGood morning Deb! Visiting you from Grow Your Blog hop today -- enjoyed your post about yourself and you are certainly giving away some lovely items. Look forward to getting to know you better and wishing you a blessed weekend.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is lovely. Who doesn't love post after post of pretty! Glad I popped by, looking forward to more.
ReplyDeleteYour blog really is beautiful...and you're right, beautiful does matter. It's like seeing a little bit of sunshine on a miserable day.
ReplyDeleteHello Deborah! Visiting from the party. I love your tablescape in the last post! Your blog is lovely. I am participating in the event as well and I hope you will visit too! (P.S. fun giveaway!)
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Deborah - LOVELY, lovely blog...warm, calming - PERFECT! I am one of Vicki's "helper/readers" from the Grow Your Blog Party, and certainly glad you were on MY list (I would have stopped anyway, but this way, I stopped sooner). Have looked through quite a few of your older posts...will be back for more, most definitely. In the meantime, I think there are probably very few people Aunt Bee couldn't get along with - I think she and Jeeves would hit it off, "smashingly", as he would say! Welcome to the Party - Tanya
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous blog full of lovely sentiments and inspiration! I came over for the GROW YOUR BLOG party and am so glad I did. I made sure to join and I'm going to have a look at your Pinterest now. I hope you'll come visit me, too, and enter for my GIVEAWAY! Cindy from TheCranesNest.com
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes!!! I'm so glad to find your blog and read your thoughts. I've also been thinking lately how very important -- indeed, crucial -- it is that we create, celebrate, and enjoy beauty. There are terrible, ugly things in this world, and one way to combat the evil is to celebrate beauty in all its forms. Love that verse also. Did you know that "The Beautiful Matters" is a poem by Richard Wilbur? (I think that's the title of it -- it's been several years since I read it.) You should look it up. He, I think, chooses the title line for much the same reason you do. Blessings on you today!
ReplyDeleteSorry to comment twice ... but the oddest thing just happened, Deborah! I read your comment at my blog (Through a Glass, Darkly), and how you said you also used the quote I have in my blog title. I intended to click your name and then your blog, but instead I clicked back over to Vicki's GYB post, looking for other blogs to peruse. As I scrolled her list, I noticed the title of your blog, The Beautiful Matters, and I thought, "That's a Wilbur poem that I really like. I need to read THIS blog." So I did. And after that other comment, I noticed the quote in your sidebar, and it was you -- out of 500 blogs -- isn't that odd? Well, nice to find you. It seems we have a bit in common!
ReplyDeleteI had the wrong title -- Wilbur's poem is "The Beautiful Changes." But it's lovely just the same. Here's a link: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/171800
ReplyDeleteI'm completely smitten with your blog - All of my favorite things and so beautifully done!- So glad you visited my blog for the party as it led me to find yours. Can't wait to pop back for more visits :)
ReplyDeleteA new follower
Christina
Hey Deborah! I just love the Phil 4 scripture..... Your blog is just filled with beautiful things.. Love your heart and your faith.. The sidebar.. "sparkle is good for the soul"... that is just great! What a great give away too. I am definitely following along with you.....come on over and visit with me....I think we have much in common..you are so right the beautiful does matter...especially when the beauty of the heart shines through.. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog! Thank you for finding me and following me. You too have a new follower... and yes, I believe we are kindred spirits! Lovely blog and look forward to following you and becoming a new friend.
ReplyDelete~Tanya
Hello Deborah
ReplyDeleteI do remember meeting you through Sandi's tea gatherings and I love what Karen has designed for you as well. The 'sparkle is good for soul' photo speaks to me in colour and sparkle! :-)
I'm a new follower and would love a chance to win your giveaway.
Judith
Hello again, Deborah - I love the spirit of your blog! I will certainly be back :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving a comment on Comptonia earlier. A "hen wrangler" (in my world, anyway) is a person who must try to keep the hens where they are really supposed to be, by means of well-timed and encouraging handfuls of oats OR the discouraging flapping of arms. It is NOT a job that would pay much ;)
Hi Deborah,
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting from the Grow Your Blog party. It is so nice to meet you. Your blog is gorgeous! Karen is so very talented and designed my blog a few years ago. Thank you for the chance to win a wonderful prize. I am a new follower. I plan to look around a bit more and then be on my way to visit the others. I do hope you will stop by for a visit and enter my giveaway. Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs – Donna
Hi There, I am your new follower. I would like to enter for the giveaway too.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely blog.
Arathi.
http://novicedecorator.blogspot.com/
Beautiful blog heading, you and Karen did a great job. I would love to be included for a chance at your giveaway. Di@Cottage-wishes.
ReplyDeletei love you blog - very comforting to the eyes - very calming & warm tones. hi there. i'm Beth from E. Lizard Breath Speaks - so nice to meet you through the Grow Your Blog get together/party. ( :
ReplyDeleteWell you got me with the cup of tea!!! It was lovely to sit and have a cuppa with you, and I just love the napkins.......and the verse quoted from the bible! I have become a follower! Hope you stop by and visit with me sometime at either or both of my blogs. www.the7pillarshome.blogspot.com Or www.countryfragrance.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteBig hugs Sharm. ( Australia)
Such a beautiful blog...I have bookmarked you so I can come again and browse more of your blog...thank you for such a lovely giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHi Deborah, I'm visiting from GYB. It's lovely to meet you. I look forward to getting to know you. Following via Google friends. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely blog, reminds me of spring. My weather has been below 0 a few days this week and does not show any signs of warming up.
ReplyDeleteI love what you wrote, you're rights, sometimes just the little things make life so much better! Enter me in the giveaway please :) Thanks - Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you.:)
I would like to participate in your giveaway.
petitearmoire2@gmail.com
Greetings.
Bernadett
Deborah,
ReplyDeleteGreetings from the Inter mountain west! I would love to join you in a cup of tea! You have a lovely blog and I found you through the Grow Your Blog. I will be back to visit.
Lovely to meet you, Deborah - still working my way through the GYB party list :)
ReplyDeleteI've become a follower so I can keep up with your beautiful blog, and thank you for such a fantastic giveaway!!
I do love pretty things. Such an enjoyable blog
ReplyDeleteVictorianGypsy
Thanks for stopping by my corner of the world. Seeking beauty in the every day is exactly what I do! I also don't listen to, read or watch the news anymore. Why is it that only the bad stuff is considered news when there is so much good stuff happening in the world? Have a wonderful day. Tammy
ReplyDeleteHi Deborah! Looks like the party is off to great start!!! It was so nice to "meet" you this week! Thank you so much for the wonderful shout out!!! I suspect your blog will continue to grow and thrive. Your spirit is beautiful and so are your pics!!! Good luck my friend!!!
ReplyDeletexo,
Karen
Thanks for visiting my blog and taking time to comment. Your blog is lovely and I'm always happy to promote any blog that thinks "the beautiful matters". We seem to have a lot in common and I so enjoy my visits here. We all need to take time for tea, flowers and well, anything beautiful that makes our day to day life special.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!! So nice to see many "beautiful matters"!! I love to make beautiful things like flowers, jewelry and cards and crochet too... Good luck in growing your blog...
ReplyDelete-Berina
Moxie Craftie
What a nice idea! or rather many ideas! Thank you for putting my name in the hat for the drawing.
ReplyDeleteThe photos on your blog are lovely. After reading your post about a dinner and movie at home, I feel like curling up by a warm fire. I will be following you on Pinterest as well as following your lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteHi Deborah and your blog is just stunning! I look forward to seeing your new and old posts.
ReplyDeleteDonna
Hi again Deborah, I'm so glad I came to visit; LOVE your blog. Beauty does indeed matter; it adds pleasure and hope and makes us smile. Your giveaway is generous and beautiful. The linens are stunning and the body and nail products fabulous. Have a wonderful week. I'm a new follower.
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Beth
Deborah,
ReplyDeleteHi from da UP. This is turning out to be the winter that just won't quit, isn't it? I'll be back to peruse your blog when I finish hopping. Stay warm!
Diane
Agreed, your blog is super lovely! So fun to see the beauty you display well, beautifully!
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming place to visit, your blog! I'm glad I popped in. Enjoy the party!
ReplyDeleteHi Deborah, have enjoyed my visit and you have a lovely blog. I plan to follow by email. Wishing you a lovely evening! Carole xox
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying the blog party. You have a lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteHello Deborah
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining my blog - it's so lovely to meet you at Vicki's party!
You have the most beautiful blog.
Not only that but I read your latest "tea" post and I love how you turn the season of winter into a positive - life's too short to waste time focusing on the negatives.
Your giveaway is divine - I'm already in love with your pretty plate and those gorgeous vintage napkins - I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
I'm following you too!
I'll be back once the party winds down and get to know you better!
Hugs
Shane
Greetings Deborah! I do declare that this is one of the nicest blog I've visited this week! Love your posts, photos and spirituality. I'm definitely a new fan! Blessings, Jan
ReplyDeleteHey Deborah, You do share some gorgeous things. I really like your tea cup and pot, and your super bowl party looks like so much fun! It was so nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Caroline
You're so right...the beautiful DOES matter. Your blog is full of beautiful photographs and the work of your hands and heart. Visiting via Vicki's GYBP and enjoying your blog.
ReplyDeleteCool Blog, looking forward to following you and seeing what you have to share. I'd appreciate it if you have a chance to pop over and check out my blog. Regards, Tammie Everly/ TTE Designs tammie@ttedesigns.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful blog you have! Thank you for your sweet comments on my plaid tablescape! Lovely giveaway here! I'm following you!
ReplyDeleteKatherine
Oh, such a delightful blog. It is a pleasure to read. Glad I found you. Happy hopping!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your blog. I'm slowly working through the list. Mine is about embroidery. Best of luck!
aprilsongstress
What a lovely blog! And a terrific post for the blog party. Yes, beautiful does matter! Very nicely done here. Party on! Aloha
ReplyDeleteI am now following you!
ReplyDeleteI would love to be entered in your giveaway. Caudalie products are so luxurious and they smell so good.
I'm off to read some of your previous posts now, have my cup of tea and am looking forward to getting to know you better.
Leslie
What a lovely blog. I am an Ohio neighbor and would love to enter your give away. I love DL nail polishes. Your posts are so spot on, in this time if my life. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteWarmly, Kathleen
I like all things creative n thrifty and I found you from the GYB party.
ReplyDeleteI don’t have a lot of blog time in for I just started blogging when I joined the blog party it was my New Year resolution. 600 entries and I am Reading my 425 blog and more to go. Whew a lot of good read and great giveaways too. My site http://overboardcreations.blogspot.com/ and contact info is ovr_brd@yahoo.com I believe inspiration comes from all facets of life even knowing the great people out there with wisdom and knowledge the do's and don'ts and even the wonders of life from a personal point of view. And loving the crafting networks.
Oh thanks for letting me part of your giveaway.
Hi Deborah it has been wonderful to meet you through GYB! I absolutely LOVE your approach to mindfulness and the beauty in life, an inspiring and sure fire way to bring a smile and a release from all the anxiety and strain in the world today. I am looking forward to following your blog and being inspired from now on. Thank you for such a generous giveaway too. Best wishes, Keli x
ReplyDeleteLovely blog and your tea time collection are GORGEOUS!!! Would love to win your generous giveaway~~ I'm currently working on my blog so for now my email is shnabbystudio(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win :)
Thank you, Deborah - your blog and posts are so refreshing. I'm glad I stopped by.
ReplyDeleteHi Deborah. Greetings from Portugal. Your blog is oustandingly beautiful in words and pictures. I'd like to be entered in the giveaway. I am also having one at http://acbeads.blogspot.com Have a beautiful day. Ana
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and yes, Karen does beautiful work. Lovely giveaway. So nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is quite lovely. I enjoyed visiting your blog. What a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, beautiful does matter and I look forward to following your blog especially as you have a beautiful tortie blog cat too.
ReplyDeleteLove and best
RedSetter
Craft blog http://gonebeading.blogspot.co.uk/
Cat blog http://pepsimaxaddict.blogspot.co.uk/