Edie Wadsworth

BHG digital {my house}

April 16, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 70 Comments

Darlene informed me this weekend that there was digital version of my BHG’s story that can be downloaded onto mobile devices. I was so happy because a) there was a photo of all the kids that was not shown in the magazine and b) several of you asked me if I had extra copies, which sadly, I don’t and c) I’m easily amused. Also, if you already have a subscription to BHG, you can get the digital copy for free. Just download their app to your device and then search for the January issue or whatever issue you want to see digitally. As far as I know, you cannot see the digital version on your computer, only mobile devices. I wrote about the experience here and here. The photos, in no particular order…..

Living Room details and sources.

The Sultry Master Bedroom details and sources.

The Girl’s bedroom details and sources.

The Kitchen details and sources.

I’m also planning a little mini series of updates on our house. After our house fire and rebuild and then living here for 18 months, I have a few regrets, but only a few. I’ll try to answer any questions I haven’t answered yet like how we like living with marble countertops, and how we are adjusting to no dining room and what rooms I have yet to show you. If you have any specific questions that you’d like me to address, leave them in the comments and I’ll add them to my agenda!!

xoxo,

edie

Inspired

April 14, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 30 Comments

I’m sitting here in my maxi dress—which apparently I was too lazy to exchange for yoga pants today—with 3 day hair and not a stitch of make-up, watching the Masters with Stevie and barely able to hold my eyes open. I have not been worth a dime today, dear ones. And by that I mean, I cooked brunch and dinner, cleaned out most of the kitchen cupboards, washed two loads of laundry, and sat with a sick girlie all day. But other than that—completely worthless.
And it’s all on account of these pretty things.

{darlene, angela, shannon, sheila, myquillin, the queen of bean station}

We met at Angela’s cottage in the mountains and had a proper girls weekend, complete with lots of laughter, tears, hugs, squeals, coffee, chocolate, cameras, long talks, more coffee and plenty of antique shopping. The thing we ran a little short on was sleep. Which explains why I’m contemplating bedtime at 7:30 p.m.

You know what spending the weekend with 5 of the most beautiful, generous, creative women will do for you? It will leave you completely inspired, with your heart and soul full to the brim. I’ve been in a bit of a dry season with my creativity. Or maybe I’ve been using it up in different ways but today? If I weren’t so sleepy I could die, I’d be trying to find something to paint or hot glue right this minute. These women ooze talent and skills and passion for what they do. I tried to take it all in but we decided we needed to hire a transcriber next time to write down every word that is said, so as not to miss any of the goodies that get shared when that many women sit around and chat for hours.

But what I love most about them is their willingness to dive into the deep end. The older I get, the less small talk I want. Life is too short to pretend you’re okay so I love it when the real sharing and the real tears and the real healing flows. It was beautiful. I was so blessed by the faith and struggle of my friends who are brave and vulnerable and willing to share the hard parts of life.

Of course, two seconds later, we’re kicking like Sally O’Malley and doing hair tutorials like school girls. And then there was the talking about what supplements we take and what foods we can’t eat anymore and how we all need blepharoplasty. (remember the lack of sleep?)

Antique shopping with creatives is another joy of my life. This is probably my 3rd or 4th trip antiquing with bloggers and it’s way fun to see what all the other ladies are drawn to. Angela has a thing for ‘offbeat’ beauty, which I adore, so naturally she liked the Toy Museum sign. She’s from Texas. It’s go big or go home. Naturally, she and I are a match made in heaven.

I had trouble leaving psycho mermaid behind but I managed to show some restraint. And in case you’re wondering? Mermaids seem to be all the rage. Who knew?

I’ll show this later this week what I did get. ‘Divine’ is the only hint I’m giving you!

So, tell me what is the most outrageous or wonderful thing you’ve ever bought at an antique or thrift shop?

I think I scored mine this weekend. Can’t wait to show you.

xoxo,

p.s. Visit Angela, our gracious hostess, and see if you can guess the bloggers……

Weekend with Friends

April 12, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 8 Comments

There’s been so much going on in my little world and in my little head that I can’t wait to have time to sit down with you and have a proper discussion about it. As it currently stands, that’ll be in the fall of 2014. About the time I get around to cleaning out my craft room.

I’m meeting a few of my favorite people in one of my favorite places for a weekend of celebrating friendships, new and old.

Which reminds me that these people that cross our paths do not do so by accident. I’m so thankful for all the friendships (including yours!) have made my life full and meaningful.

God has been so gracious to flavor my life with the most creative, generous and gifted people on the planet. I’m so blessed.

What are you up to this weekend? Maybe you could find time to call or send a card or reach out to someone who has made your life colorful!

“In friendship…we think we have chosen our peers. In reality a few years’ difference in the dates of our births, a few more miles between certain houses, the choice of one university instead of another…the accident of a topic being raised or not raised at a first meeting–any of these chances might have kept us apart. But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking no chances. A secret master of ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,” can truly say to every group of Christian friends, “Ye have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another.” The friendship is not a reward for our discriminating and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

Follow along on Instagram (@lifeingrace) or Facebook to see us romping around Asheville and enjoying Angela’s cottage.

I’ll be listening to this podcast on christian freedom while I travel, in case you’re interested!

Closet Organizing Tips, {and my favorite clothes}, part 2

April 10, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 165 Comments

(This is re-adapted from a chapter in my ebook on Hospitality called The Well-Appointed Hostess.)

over40dressing

Also, join my ‘fashion’ board on Pinterest for ideas and amusement!

So, now that we’ve all cleaned out our closets and made peace with our inner hoarders, here’s a few of my favorite tips for dressing yourself.

Y’all listen close. Lean in. (I defy all personal space rules and I always have. My apologies.) There is no amount of makeup or clothing or hair products that can ever make up for the beauty that lives within you. You are beautiful! Did you hear me? God has made you in His image and He has poured Himself into you and you are unique and special and lovely in all the ways that matter.

But there are a few principles I follow when dressing myself that might help you too. Take it all with a grain of salt because I’ve always been a little eclectic and risky with my wardrobe. And? I’ve been looking high and low for a red fitted jumpsuit, something akin to the one Sally O’Malley wears—you know, for those nights when my girls like to see me do my best rendition of her kick and stretch routine. So, maybe my advice on clothing is completely worthless. But that’s never stopped me before.

1. Find clothes that are ‘yank and tuck and hitch free’.

And by that I mean, who’s got time to keep readjusting clothes that don’t fit properly? No one, in the history of ever. So as much as you and I both hate it, try things on to make sure you’re not gonna be hitching and tucking and yanking and in general driving yourself to the brink of insanity. And we all may have gone too far in rebelling against mom jeans. It may be time to give up the teeny bopper jeans that won’t stay up. Which brings me to my next point.

2. Invest in some good jeans.

Okay, I want you to go right now to your closet and count how many pairs of jeans you have. Go on, I’ll wait. How many was it? 10? 15? More than 20? Don’t lie to me. Do any of them really fit? If you’re like most women, the answer is no.

Now, if you could sell or trade in all those ill-fitting jeans for one pair of amazing, butt-lifting, perfect fitting jeans, wouldn’t you do it? How much would you pay for one pair of awesome jeans? Well, it’s gonna cost you. But save your pennies and put it on your ‘list of things I must do’. My favorite pair is from True Religion and they were VERY expensive. I like Seven jeans and Hudson’s and Paige jeans. Go to a high-end department store and try on some good jeans. Just do it. You won’t regret it, I promise.

Buying one pair good jeans will stop you from buying 20 pairs of mediocre jeans. It’ll save you hundreds of dollars in the end.

Let me break it down for you.

—Stitched jeans make you look thinner. See that stitching on the inner thigh? It’s your friend. It makes your inner thighs play nice and also makes you look like you’re from Texas, getting ready to go to a honky tonk. Win-Win, in my book. Add a trendy, flowing, silky top and you’re ready for almost anything, which in my world would be going to a square dance or feeding the chickens.

Top: Belk

Jeans: True Religion Women’s Becky Bootcut Jean, Lonestar, 25 (not my exact jeans)

Shoes: Gold wedges, Micheal Kors

Chan Luu Turquoise Wrap Bracelet

—Trouser Jeans make you look taller and look so cute with summer wedges or sandals or cowboy boots, of course. Last season, American Eagle even had trouser jeans in white, which were super cute.

Jeans: Trouser jeans from CABI

Top: from T.J. Maxx

Wedges: Miz Mooz Women’s Lucie Wedge Sandal,Tobacco/Yellow,7.5 M US (not mine, but I like them!)

Woven Belt from CABi

—Skinny Jeans make you look, er, ummm, skinny? This has never been true in my case, so I just tuck them into my boots. I can’t think of another good reason to own skinny jeans, y’all. Unless you’re 22 and skinny or are in a hipster band or are Justin Beiber. But they’re good for tucking into boots. So, yeah, I’ve highjacked the skinny jeans for my own 43 year old purposes.

Jeans: Hudson Women’s Tilda Straight Cuffed Crop, Whitcomb, 31

Top: T.J. Maxx

Boots: Frye, tall, jackie riding boots

Okay, so I’m passionate about denim. Sell a bunch of the stuff you don’t wear and buy some good denim. It’s the 11th commandment.

3. Buy every color of Sugar Lips tank top you think you’ll use.

These tank tops (Sugar Lips Seamless Rib Tank Top 409 (Ivory)) fit amazingly well and have a lot of ‘stretch’ in them. They stay put and help you feel all tucked in. I wear one every single day. I don’t ever want to talk to you about any other tank top, ever! These are amazing and pretty cheap. Buy yours today. Don’t delay. You’ll be singing my praises. And all your ‘situations’ around the midsection will be put in their place. They are ‘one size fit most’ so I’ve found that most people can wear them with great satisfaction.

4. Dress like a woman.

Do not underestimate the power of a good wrap dress. Dresses are beautiful and feminine and can hide a lot of buttercream icing indiscretion. I LOVE dresses and wear them all the time. They’re not just for Sunday. Dress them down with cowboy boots or flip flops. I love this wrap dress and wear it in the summer by itself with flip flops or in the winter with a shirt, sweater and boots.

5. Do not buy ‘outfits’ or fall for every trend.

Never, ever, {like ever} buy something that comes in a set. Except maybe for china and false teeth. Buy individual pieces that you love but resist buying things as ‘outfits’. Buy some good jeans, a few great sweaters, some girly blouses and a few great wrap dresses. Outfits were outlawed in 1985. I have such bad memories of outfits. Remember, in high school, when everything you owned was in outfit form? I almost always had matching shoes to go with my outfits back then. Clothes shouldn’t be married to each other. They are free agents, to date around, with whomever they choose.

That said, don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. Trends are there for a reason. They give us something to laugh about in ten years. And, there are some trends that seem to work with those of us no longer 25. The new trend of the colored pants, aka ‘hot pants’ from 1960? I love them. You can get them in every conceivable color. I love these army green ones from American Eagle. But be choosy with the trends you fall for. I tend to LOVE them all and then live to regret it. Buy them cheap. The’ll be like track suits before you know it.

6. Learn what looks good on you and what doesn’t.

Why did this take me 37 years to learn? I do not know. But I’ve finally figured out a few things about what I can and can’t wear. I can’t wear flat shoes or peasant blouses or empire dresses. I don’t look good in boxy sweaters or long skirts or high waisted anything. I have a boyish shape, with strong thighs and narrow hips, so I have to do things to give the illusion of a more feminine figure. I look good in blouses but not so good in turtlenecks.

The bottom line is—-you need to find your lists of do’s and don’t and abide by it. Stop trying to force things that aren’t good for you just because they’re on sale. Think of the things you feel great in and try to deconstruct what it is about those pieces that you love.

7. Buy fewer things but better things.

We all have way too many clothes. We buy things because they’re on sale but then complain that we don’t have things to wear that we really like. Be patient. If there’s nothing this season that thrills you, just wait and save your money. Invest in a few really awesome classic pieces and then try out a few trendy things when they’re on sale. Buy less, but better.

8. Remember why you should care

We should take some pride in our appearance because beauty is God given and should not be despised or neglected. And our husbands appreciate it. They are visual creatures and they are drawn to beauty. We love and serve them by taking care of ourselves and trying to be the best we can be. We aren’t trying to win beauty contests, nor are we trying to be 20 years younger. But we are trying. It’s important. And trust me, they notice.

I spend 90% of my time in good jeans with colorful, girly shirts. Add some cowboy boots and it’s an easy, comfortable way to spend the day and feel good about myself. I want to be pleasing for my husband so that to the best of my ability, the outside represents the beauty that God is cultivating in me on the inside. My goal is to be comfortable enough about what I’m wearing and how I look so that I don’t have to worry about it. It really frees you up to focus on others, when you aren’t so self-conscious about what you have on.

But the inside is where all the hard work happens. And it’s way more important than all the rest of it.

In real life, I do a lot of layering, but someday, it needs its own post.

I’m also now OBSESSED with Stitch Fix and have nearly quit shopping altogether since they’ve been sending 5 pieces to my door every month!

And tell me your favorite clothing items. What is that one piece you can’t live without?

Also, does anybody have that red jumpsuit I mentioned?

when doubt rages

April 7, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 27 Comments

Today is the 2nd Sunday of Easter. Did you know that Easter isn’t over? The historic church celebrates Easter until Pentecost, which is 50 days after Resurrection Sunday. So, there are 7 Sundays in Easter and after living with the church year calendar for awhile, you start to remember what’s coming. That and the fact that the girls and I always read the lessons for the upcoming Sunday the week before made me sure that we would be reading about ‘Doubting Thomas’ in the Gospel lesson today. And I’ve always felt a little sorry for Thomas, truth be told. He’s the one who wouldn’t believe the Resurrection until he saw it for himself. He was a bit of a skeptic. He wasn’t sure. It seemed impossible to him. And if you’re like me, there are times when all you know for sure is that there’s nothing you know for sure. Doubt rages and threatens everything you’ve come to believe in. We are creatures of doubt. We have a bent toward unbelief. We need proof. A sign. Anything.

Our Father comes to us with Good News. He is gracious and goes to every length to meet us where we stand, right smack dab in the middle of our distrust and faithlessness and uncertainty. He climbs right into our flesh and walks in our shoes. He knows our struggle and fear and rejection. He’s well acquainted with grief. He is no stranger to hurt and betrayal and heartbreak. Your doubt doesn’t shake Him but it does get His attention. He makes a special trip to see the doubting one. He comes, not in judgement, but with a heart full of compassion.

And so it is with us.

We are weak and unsteady. We falter and fail at every turn. We are filled with sin and doubt and darkness.

His love is greater still.

Christ comes to us in our unbelief with mercy and love. He’s not angry with us. He isn’t disappointed that our faith is failing. He always knew we were hanging on by a thread. So, He comes to us, like He came to Thomas— to bring us peace. He comes to us in His word and speaks comfort into our hearts—words that are so powerful that they actually create the faith they speak. He comes to us in the waters of Baptism and puts His name on us and gives us His spirit. He comes to us in The Lord’s Supper with a tangible sign that we can touch and taste and eat. He knows that we are weak and so He will nourish us and feed us on Himself and make us strong.

We are never closer to faith than when we doubt. Because, only then do we see clearly that this all hinges on Him, on His faithfulness and His provision. He will go to the cross and die. He will rise again on the third day. And when we still don’t believe, He will come to us and give us faith. Finally, doubt will fade and darkness will flee.

He will give Himself over in love for those whose doubt has choked out all hope.

And His love never fails.

Wishing you Easter joy like you’ve never known. Doubt and all.

xoxo,

edie

Closet Organizing Tips {and my favorite clothes}, part 1

April 2, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 169 Comments

This post could also be titled, “Closet Organizing, for the Ruth in all of us.” Or, “How I Finally Learned to Clean Out My Closet, at age 43.”

Also? Don’t forget to check out Part 2 of this post, where I share all my favorite clothes!
closet organizing tips
Organizing is not my love language, as my mother and sister can gladly attest. But I’ve learned a few things over the years of watching my sainted mother clean out my closet.

She’s a pro. And I can at least pay attention. It’s almost as ironic as my post on making peace with your papers. It’s been almost a month since I did this project and I’m happy to report, it’s still looking mighty fine.

It’s been a year and half since we moved in from our fresh, new rebuild after the house fire. In other words, long enough for my closet to be a mess. Last month, when we were all sick and thought we were gonna die, I stumbled into the living room in my bronchitis, viral, fever-y stupor and said, “Girls, turn on the t.v. and find a documentary.” They nearly fainted and scurried to find the 47 remotes to try to figure out how to turn the t.v. on. (As a side note, I NEVER turn the t.v. on at our house, partly because our home is our school and secondly, because there are 47 remotes and turning our tv on reminds me of a pilot trying to initiate take-off.) After that documentary, I told them to turn on another one. They looked at each other, looked at me, shrugged their shoulders and watched three more. After a few hours of this, my little one said she was bored and wanted to organize something. I had just enough medication in me to think this might be a good idea. So, off to land of clothes we went. Here are some tips for how we did it.

1. Purge

Even after a short time living here, there are things I could purge. (Mostly clothing people gave me after the fire that was ill-fitting but even a few things I bought myself that I never wear.) I have a much smaller closet than I had in our old house, so that forces me to be choosier about what I buy and keep. And don’t we all wear the same clothes over and over again? Try to figure out from those things you love what it is you love about them. Is it the way they fit? The color? And be brutally honest about the things you haven’t worn and are likely not gonna wear. Donate it to someone who will or decide if you can repurpose it into something you will wear and use. I got rid of 3 bags of clothing and could probably have purged a little more ruthlessly.

2. Stop Buying (as much)

I’m getting SO MUCH better at being very picky about what I buy. I used to buy things on sale, just because they were on sale. I buy WAY fewer clothes these days but probably spend more per item than I did before. There are certain styles that don’t look good on me and no matter how cheap they are, it’s not worth it if they sit in my closet and take up valuable real estate. So be picky. Be fewer things but invest in some pieces that are a good fit for you. And come back this week for part 2, where I list a few of my favorite pieces.

3. Take everything out.

And wear a mask. It’s a dusty proposition. BUT, I’m so glad I took the time to take everything out and really clean the shelves and floors. This is obviously time consuming but if you’re like me and only doing this less than once per year, you owe to yourself to do it right. And trust me, I had a lot of shelving to dust. I just mixed a little vinegar with water and used a microfiber cloth to really clean all the surfaces.

closet organizing tips

4. Invest in good hangers.

closet organizing tips
Even before the house fire, I had made the switch to good hangers. Just do it slowly over time and eventually, you can replace all your white plastic hangers with felt or wooden ones. I use wooden skirt hangers but for everything else, I use the felt/velvet covered ones. Your clothes don’t slip off and your clothes are less prone to wrinkle. I bought mine at T.J. Maxx for pretty cheap but I saw that Walmart has them, too.

5. Hang like things together by color

I love the rainbow closet. It’s so PRETTY!! And it helps you see whether or not you have a predilection for all things tan and black. Apparently, I like white shirts and blue jeans. I like to say ‘blue jeans’ because that reminds me of Leann Morgan’s trip to ‘The Ga-up’ to buy some low risin’ blue jeans.

But, I digress. More on clothing in part two of this dazzling series.

6. Don’t let you ten year old talk into cleaning out your closet when you’re sick……

Or have her sign an affidavit that she’ll stay until the last shirt is hung. Because she’ll get a better offer. And abandon you half way through to make duct tape crafts or read or some other such nonsense.

Amen. And amen.

You’ll find yourself sitting in a pile of tissues and tylenol and chloraseptic, drowning in a room full of trinkets and stray belts that you don’t know what to do with, cursing the very fact that you wear clothes at all. You know that *point* you get to in every project where you just want to be done with it already? That’s when you have dig down deep and find the eye of the tiger. Put on some good music. Watch an episode of hoarders. Do whatever it takes. But finish strong and don’t forget to display some cute things, like purses and cowboy boots, to make you space all the more inviting and fun. Then, walk in there every 5 minutes for the next three hours to make sure everything still looks dandy.

closet organizing tips
Also, if you’re building a house soon or want to add some architectural interest to your closets, try adding crown molding to the top and to the front of shelves. It’s a fairly inexpensive way to make your closet have a boutique feel. I also chose a very inexpensive crystal light fixture to add some glam!

Now, all you organizing pros, tell us your favorite tips. Or at least tell how often you clean out your closet and if you keep it tidy. Inquiring minds want to know. Or at least this one does.