• Home
  • About
  • Freelance Services & Portfolio
  • Disclosures
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

A Hundred Affections

Inspiration for Moms Running the Show at Home

  • faith
  • family
    • Our Infertility Journey
    • IVF
    • infertility/ttc
    • parenting
    • marriage
    • miscarriage
    • motherhood
    • our twin pregnancy
    • twinlife
  • home
    • food
    • holidays
    • farmhouse
    • decor
    • organization
    • celebrations
    • recipes
  • health
    • healthy eating
    • weight loss
    • whole 30
    • The Master Cleanse, January 2014
  • +100
    • roundups
    • printables
    • holidays
      • Easter
      • 4th of July
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
      • New Year’s
    • leisure
      • entertainment
      • travel
    • life
    • professional
      • blogging
      • teaching
      • writing
      • Freelance Services & Portfolio
    • relationships
    • seasons
      • winter
      • spring
      • summer
      • fall
    • shopping

About

Hi, I’m Kate and I’m so glad you’re here! If you like the short-version of the story and just want the details about what this blog is about, read here!

If you like details, keep reading!

About Me

Hi, again! So glad you’re here! 🙂

A little bit about me: I was a high school English and Bible teacher in a Christian school for 15 years until the birth of my twin boys in April 2015. Currently, in my ‘spare’ time (ha ha!),  I tutor and do freelance writing and editing (for details, see here).

I live on Long Island with my husband (married in 2010), our boys, and our 4 cats (which, at the moment, is 4 too many). Fun fact: something of a late bloomer, I didn’t get married until I was 36, and I had our boys when I was 41.  So, first-time-mom in my 40s!  Huge learning curve and life adjustment!

I’m a bit of recovering perfectionist and worrier. I love the outdoors – kayaking, hiking, mountain biking –  and I used to be a really fun and adventurous person before I had my boys! However, as the boys get bigger, fingers crossed, the fun and adventure will return!

I like to travel, write, eat Indian food, and I love to sleep (again, pre-children – but I still am fond of all those things!).

I hate yard-work and I’m a terrible cook. Well, that’s not entirely true.  When I was working full-time, yes to both.  But now that I’m home, I would say that I tolerate yard-work and I’m a passable cook.

I am a compulsive organizer when given the freedom, and I’m obsessed with purging clutter.  I can be absent-minded, I’m getting better at multi-tasking, and I’m also a little clumsy (runs in my family).

My mind is always busy, and I’m always coming up with new goals and projects to keep me motivated and inspired; I am a huge advocate of being a life-long learner, and if I had my way, I’d be a career student.

I LOVE missions and have had the honor of serving on over 20 short-term trips, with about 15 of those being overseas. My first trip was to Africa when I was 23, and it changed my life.

Here’s the real core of who I am: I believe that the only fulfilling life is one that is lived for something bigger than myself, something that will outlast me.  I believe that ‘Something’ – really, SomeONE – is Jesus. My own story is too small to live for, and I love being a part of God’s Big Story. And when I’m in sync with Him, I’m at my happiest and my best. He’s won my heart, and what matters to Him matters to me.

About My Blogging Journey and A Hundred Affections

Here’s the “story behind the story” of my blog:

In 2009, my sister (The Girl Creative) suggested blogging to me when I was planning my wedding, thus ‘One Girl’s Journey to the Altar‘ was born. I had that blog for a good year and a half, but the adjustments of a new marriage left little time for blogging. I let that one a die a slow death, and then picked up blogging again in 2012 with “This Side of Eden;” that one died a quick death. I was in the middle of one of my most stressful – and worst- years of teaching, and I was a too ambitious trying to kick it off when I did.

Later that same year, I had my first miscarriage and started to blog again atA Hundred Affections (at Blogspot), but only for a short time. In the months that followed, God told me to quit my 2nd job and focus on writing (about what, I wasn’t – and still am not – quite sure! Work in progress!). After procrastinating, squirming and pretending I didn’t hear, I finally obeyed and the current A Hundred Affections was born in July 2013.

At the time, I was in the middle of a very difficult miscarriage and infertility journey. The blog evolved into a real-time play-by-play of our infertility struggles, and I believe it was what it was supposed to be at the time – for me and for the other women I connected with.

In summer of 2014, I finally became pregnant with our twin boys, via IVF. The blog slowly took a backseat during the pregnancy and the boys’ first 2 years. In the summer of 2016, I relaunched the blog (you can read about the relaunch here), which is how you ended up here!

My goal here is to inspire moms who are running the show at home – trying to balance faith, family, home, and health. Moms who need a little encouragement, a spiritual boost, practical tips for kids, healthy recipes, ideas for kids, DIY projects, home decor-  everything that falls under the category of being a mom and homemaker.

About the Name “A Hundred Affections”

If you’re curious about the title, here’s the story:

It comes from the poem “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman:

“The press of my foot to the earth springs a hundred affections.”

I fell in love with this line during my first year of teaching. It perfectly captured the idea of there being something meaningful to discover with every experience in life. It’s all important and it all matters.

I really believe we are all just doing the best that we can to juggle and negotiate life. We are all trying to find balance.  While these ‘hundred affections’ are what make life worthwhile, they can also leave us with our heads spinning as we try to manage it all.  But they are all gifts from God in our lives and we owe it to ourselves – and to Him – to be good stewards of those gifts.

I don’t have it all figured out, but I hope we can do you some good here. 🙂

Comments

  1. Rose says

    July 17, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    That is a great 'About' :-)
    Reply
    • Kate says

      July 17, 2013 at 6:09 pm

      Thanks, Rose! And thanks for coming by! :)
      Reply
  2. Valerie says

    July 22, 2013 at 9:35 am

    It's so nice to meet you! I am very sorry for your loss; we have three babies in heaven, so I'm right there with you. xo And we're ttc! Not exactly easy this time because I am still breastfeeding our toddler, and apparently b/f'ing really does make good birth control! :roll: "My mind is always busy and I’m always coming up with new goals and projects to keep me motivated and inspired; I am a huge advocate of being a life-long learner, and if I had my way, I’d be a career student." - We are VERY much alike! And I am (as you know) an organizer!! ;) I look forward to following your blog. :D P.S. Where can I find you on FB?
    Reply
    • Kate says

      July 22, 2013 at 10:58 am

      Thanks for sharing your story with me. I am always blessed and encouraged to find kindred spirits out there!! :) I'll let you know about the FB page...my sister is helping me set one up for my blog! Have a great day! I'm sure we'll be in touch! :)
      Reply
      • Valerie says

        July 22, 2013 at 1:21 pm

        My daughter had to help me create my FB acct and page! lol
        Reply
  3. lifeonwry.com says

    July 27, 2013 at 11:00 am

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. Looking forward to checking yours out!
    Reply
  4. Initiator ;-) says

    July 30, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    Nice to view your Blog... Great Honor for a teacher of English as well as bible Teacher...! May you always guide the children for good way..!
    Reply
    • Kate says

      July 31, 2013 at 10:36 pm

      Thank you so much for your kind words and stopping by! I am blessed up do what I do!
      Reply
      • Initiator ;-) says

        July 31, 2013 at 10:45 pm

        Kate! you warmly welcome...! Teaching is a holy profession as well as teachers are very soft hearted...I respect a lot teachers...! Live Long...:-) Cheers!
        Reply
  5. opticalreflex says

    August 10, 2013 at 12:43 am

    Kate, I too have felt the pull of old west towns,but it doesn't stop there, I'm a sucker for old, abandoned lock-boxes of history; towns, buildings, cars, trucks...anything that tells me it has a story. The worst part of it is they keep those stories to themselves. How often I have tried to reach into the past to try to find out the story of that old car, or house, or school, hoping I could catch a glimpse of the lives it touched. Was there love, adventure, family. Did people make love there? Did death touch it? How did it get to be abandoned and forgotten? Sometimes I feel like the answers are just out of reach, but out of reach they stay, leaving only imaginings to fill in the gaps. You're doing nice work here, keep it up.
    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 12, 2013 at 1:52 am

      Thanks so much for coming by! I agree...I love to know the stories behind everything! I think that is the fun of being a writer...if we can't find out the facts, we can put the pieces together and create our own stories. I kept thinking that walking through Bodie...who lived here, who owned these items, these shoes on the floor, the clothed draped on the bed...who walked down the dirt path and into this house everyday... I agree 100%! Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment!
      Reply
  6. runningonsober says

    August 10, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    Hi Kate, Figured I'd drop by over here and say hi! You have a great about page. I smiled at the mention of all the kitties. I'm a big time animal lover--I have a cat, two dogs, and even cows and donkeys. Nice to meet you! ~ Christy
    Reply
  7. AnnaLinnehan says

    August 12, 2013 at 8:50 pm

    Hello Katie, Love your "Abou Me" page! Want to thank you for stopping by my blog and liking "Meet My Friend Brandye Dague." I feel very blessed to have her as a friend... Blessings :)
    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 13, 2013 at 7:45 am

      Thank you! I will definitely be back to check out what you are doing there!!!
      Reply
  8. sassyray says

    August 19, 2013 at 9:39 pm

    WOW! What an awesome "About Me" page! So many things you said describe me to a tee as well, but I'm no where near as eloquent as you are! I must rethink my "about me" page now! I'm sorry about your miscarriage and wish you the best as you continue trying!
    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 19, 2013 at 9:52 pm

      Thank you! I love finding kindred spirits out here in the blog world - you know, the ones where you say, 'we'd be friends in real life!' Thanks for coming by! :)
      Reply
  9. Simple Mum says

    August 19, 2013 at 10:43 pm

    Thanks for leaving a lovely comment on my blog! You write great posts! Look forward to more of them!
    Reply
  10. Danielle says

    August 22, 2013 at 7:34 am

    Best of luck to you! Thank you for following me and my journey, I will continue to follow yours as well!
    Reply
  11. NicoleNA says

    August 22, 2013 at 4:43 pm

    Nice to meet you, Kate. I came over from a comment you made on Blogher. I think I'm here to stay:)
    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 22, 2013 at 7:59 pm

      Hi Nicky! Thanks soo much for coming! You are my first friend from Blogher! I stopped by yours as well and I love what you are doing there! I will definitely be following! :)
      Reply
      • NicoleNA says

        August 23, 2013 at 10:44 am

        Thanks Kate. I'm glad to be the first:) Have a lovely weekend.
        Reply
  12. Valerie says

    August 23, 2013 at 10:14 am

    Thanks for joining in the party this week! Stop by to see who else was recommended. http://atlantamomofthree.wordpress.com/2013/08/23/rockin-recommendations-august-23rd/
    Reply
  13. adelineoh says

    August 27, 2013 at 12:08 am

    Kate, I'm nominating you for :http://adelineohvelarde.wordpress.com/2013/08/26/the-sunshine-award/
    Reply
    • Kate says

      August 27, 2013 at 5:41 am

      Thanks so much, Adeline! I'll check it out this week! :)
      Reply
  14. Diane Reid says

    September 4, 2013 at 5:43 pm

    This is great, I smiled all the way through it. I will stand with you in faith for your child, the one you will hold in your arms this side of heaven. I'm glad you found me and I found you.
    Reply
    • Kate says

      September 4, 2013 at 5:58 pm

      Thank you so much! Prayers mean so much! :) I know God hears! God bless you, friend!
      Reply
  15. mithriluna says

    September 4, 2013 at 8:58 pm

    I love your last paragraph - so beautifully expressed. Also, I am a fellow zumba-lover. :) God bless you.
    Reply
    • Kate says

      September 5, 2013 at 7:47 pm

      Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind comment! And so glad to find another zumba-er! Definitely is my outlet!!! :)
      Reply
  16. susmysebastian says

    September 12, 2013 at 7:50 am

    A wonderful way to describe who and what you are!! Keep going Kate ..prayers!!
    Reply
    • Kate says

      September 13, 2013 at 6:51 pm

      Thank you for your sweet comments - and prayers!
      Reply
  17. accamv says

    September 28, 2013 at 7:22 pm

    I like your blog. Most people go through changes when they visit Africa. A lot more can be done there, people should not be going through needless suffering like they are currently. Africa has much more to offer.
    Reply
    • Kate says

      September 29, 2013 at 3:59 pm

      Thank you for coming by! I absolutely agree. I feel very humbled and honored that I have been able to visit AFrica 4x - and hopefully be a blessing to the people there!
      Reply
  18. lesleyaraymond says

    December 1, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    Hey there! I didn't have an email address for you so I thought I'd reply to your comment on guest posting on bytheporchlight.com here :) I'm really interested in hearing about your journey with clean eating! Would you like to write about that? Maybe share a recipe or two?
    Reply
    • Kate says

      December 2, 2013 at 1:45 pm

      Sorry about that! I keep meaning to add a contact page. It's ahundredaffections@gmail.com. I think I can come up with something! Shoot me an email and we will chat! Thanks for the opportunity!
      Reply
  19. stacilys says

    January 2, 2014 at 7:25 am

    Hi there Kate. Just happened to drop by and glad I did. We have a lot in common. Love the part about being a "chronic dieter" - hahahahaha. I must confess that I am too. I mean, I eat super healthy (most of the time), but when I get into a rut sometimes and start with the 'I've definitely gained weight' syndrome, my hubby automatically jokes around saying, 'ok, just diet again'. And I too am happiest and best when I'm living in the centre of God's will. Blessings to you Kate and I look forward to receiving your future posts. =)
    Reply
    • Kate says

      January 2, 2014 at 11:47 am

      Hi Staci! Thanks so much for dropping by! I am glad you found me as well, and I look forward to checking out your blog also. I've found that it is really a cool thing to find so many kindred spirits on here. :) Happy New Year! (Hope I made the right assumption by writing 'Staci'???)
      Reply
      • stacilys says

        January 2, 2014 at 1:38 pm

        HAHAHAHAHA! Yes, it's Staci. Looking forward to know you better as well. Blessings =)
        Reply
  20. stacilys says

    January 13, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    Hey there Kate. Just stopping by to let you know that I have nominated you for "The Versatile Blogger Award". You can find the rules here: http://stacilys.wordpress.com/?p=749 Blessings=) Staci
    Reply
    • stacilys says

      January 13, 2014 at 9:06 pm

      Hi Kate. Supposedly there was a problem with publishing the post and the link in broken. It's up and running now so you can see it at http://stacilys.wordpress.com/ Blessings =)
      Reply
      • Kate says

        January 14, 2014 at 10:32 am

        Thanks so much, Staci! Truly honored!!! :) So glad we have connected!!
        Reply
      • stacilys says

        January 15, 2014 at 1:06 pm

        Me too. And you're very welcome. Blessing=)
        Reply
  21. melissamummery says

    January 20, 2014 at 10:23 pm

    It's great to "meet" you Katie!
    Reply
    • Kate says

      January 21, 2014 at 5:39 pm

      Thanks, Melissa! Looking forward to more of the same! :)
      Reply
  22. Blog do Óbvio - Manoel says

    January 24, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    Kate, i'm a Brazilian ( Christian ). I read that you live in Brazil some years ago. Sorry, but my English (write) is very bad. I understand all and will follow your blog. I like very much all you have over here. Very good blog! Pleased to meet you, Manoel - Brazil
    Reply
    • Kate says

      January 25, 2014 at 4:30 pm

      Thank you so much for your note and for coming by! I love coming across other Christians! I was in Brazil in 2007, working with YWAM in Porto Velho. An amazing time!! Very nice to 'meet' you! :)
      Reply
  23. Kendra says

    February 12, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    Love getting to know you! Stopping by from The SITS Girls.
    Reply
    • Kate says

      February 13, 2014 at 4:31 pm

      Thanks for coming by, Kendra! :) This has a been a fun time on the blog hook-up!
      Reply
  24. Julie says

    March 22, 2014 at 12:38 am

    Stopping by (increeeeedibly late) from the SITS challenge. Having fun hopping around your blog - hope you have a fantastic weekend!
    Reply
    • Kate says

      March 25, 2014 at 11:14 am

      Thanks for coming by, Julie!! :)
      Reply
  25. Brennen Johnson says

    March 22, 2014 at 10:30 pm

    Hey! I started following your blog a few weeks back. I like your stuff. This is a great About to and I am nominating you for the Liebster Award just because I think your blog is unique and deserves a looksy and some more follows. I hope you keep blogging and God bless. :) http://godsbrainchild.wordpress.com/2014/03/20/the-liebster-award-i-got-nominated/
    Reply
    • Kate says

      March 25, 2014 at 11:09 am

      Wow, Brennen - thank you so much! I do not take comments like that for granted - nor nominations! I really appreciate this, and I definitely will follow up! Looking forward to checking out your blog, too! Thanks so much for the encouragement and support! :)
      Reply
  26. Jennifer Stidham says

    March 24, 2014 at 1:55 pm

    Hi there! I'm hoping to send some sunshine your way by nominating you for The Sunshine Award! Your blog has been inspiring and encouraging to me. Thanks for sharing your story! Just click on this link to see what you need to do, if you choose to accept this award: http://wp.me/p2QS1L-au. Hope you have a sunshiney day! :)
    Reply
    • Kate says

      March 25, 2014 at 11:00 am

      Thanks so much, Jennifer!!! Your comments and nominations mean so much to me! I would definitely love to join in! I so appreciate your kind words and encouragement! :)
      Reply
  27. Anniemation Floe says

    April 9, 2014 at 6:08 am

    Hello Katie! I have nominated you for the Beautiful Blogger Award! I find your posts inspiring & they are always a pleasure to read! The "Accept vs Reject" lies in your hands. For more information, you can visit this link... http://anniemationfloe.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/beautiful-blogger-award-acceptance/ Thanks, Annie
    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 11, 2014 at 3:09 pm

      Thank you so much!!! I will definitely check it out and 'accept'! I don't take this lightly! Thank you again, friend!
      Reply
  28. awax1217 says

    April 15, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    I was a teacher so I can empathize with you. Most of my blog comes from classroom situations. Some were great and some not so great. If you spot anything on my blog you would like to use in the classroom I would be honored. Some is for seventh grade but make sure you get approval. On having the child of your dreams my wife and I wish you well and pray that it does occur. I did write a blog on how I met my wife and I think you would like it. It is called Love With a Stamp. Give it a read if you wish and let me know what you think.
    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 17, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      Thanks so much for coming by! I will definitely be by to check out your blog. I love connecting with other teachers out there! Thanks so much for your prayers as well. Means so much! I'll be popping over soon! :)
      Reply
  29. Professor VJ Duke says

    June 19, 2014 at 4:08 pm

    Great to meet you! You know, running tortures me too. It's just dadblamery, huh?
    Reply
    • Kate says

      June 24, 2014 at 8:44 am

      LOL. On a rare occasion, I 'like' it but...rarely! Thanks for coming by! :)
      Reply
      • Professor VJ Duke says

        June 24, 2014 at 9:35 am

        Yes! On the rare occasion. I think I agree. It's still scary usually, though.
        Reply
  30. spiritbabycomehome says

    September 15, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    Hello! I hope all is continuing to go well with pregnancy #3! I have nominated you for a One Lovely Blog Award. My post with your nomination, the guidelines, etcetera is found here: http://spiritbabycomehome.wordpress.com/2014/09/15/one-lovely-blog-award/
    Reply
  31. lindseygendke says

    April 9, 2018 at 11:57 pm

    Hey Kate! This is the first time I've been on your site for a long time. It looks great, and totally different from when I was last here! Very uplifting and energetic posts. You are doing a great job; God bless you in your blogging, mothering, freelancing, and all the other many things that take your time. Exciting to watch your blog develop and your story unfold, especially as a co-blog-starter in 2013! Blessings, friend!
    Reply
    • Kate says

      April 10, 2018 at 9:16 am

      Lindsey!!! I'm so glad to hear from you!!! I consider you one of my very first blogging friends and kindred spirits! I caught up on your blog maybe a month or 2 ago (can't remember if I commented - I hope I did...), but it was so good to read all you've been up to and I was so appreciative of your vulnerability in sharing all you've gone through in recent days and months...Yes, my blog is SO different from when I first started - and to be honest, I'm still trying to find the 'sweet spot' of what this is supposed to be...I really like doing the home-type stuff, but I'm trying to find a place for the writing/God type posts as well...on top of working around the little guys...you know what that's like.! Thank you so much for stopping back, Lindsey. You have no idea how much that means to me...those first days were so special. Looking forward to keeping up with your blog too. I think I need to update my email address - I think your posts go to an older one I don't check as much. But I'll update so I don't miss anything new. Thanks again, friend! Looking forward to keeping up! xoxoxo
      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Connect with Us!

Welcome to A Hundred Affections!

Welcome to A Hundred Affections!

Hi, I'm Kate - a long-time Christian, late bloomer, former high school English teacher, current SAHM to twin toddlers (our miracle rainbow babies)! If you're a busy mom, trying to do and be the best for the people in your life, you've come to the right place! My goal is to inspire moms running the show at home in balancing faith, family, home and health! If you need encouragement, ideas, practical information, or just a kindred spirit, you'll find it here.

100affections

Instagram post 2196629291842795373_5014690118 Icicle wreaths are so much more fun when there’s real snow and ice out the window! Yup, snow in Tennessee….25 degrees when we woke up this morning, but there’s no shoveling and we’re up to the 40s & 50s today and the rest of the week! Gotta love winter in the South! ❄️⛄️
.
Loving how the sunlight makes the snow sparkle and just lights up the sky and mountains behind our house! Not sure if we’ll have a white Christmas, but it’s so nice to have a white December! ❄️ .
PS-Wreaths are another DIY repurpose project! I had gotten the icicle garland at @pier1 years ago, and this year, I decided to wrap them like wreaths and hang them in the window. Super-easy! .
More Christmas inspiration on the blog! Link in profile @100affections)

#farmhousechristmas #christmasdecor #winter #december #snow #snowintennessee #diychristmasdecor #rusticdecor #rusticchristmasdecor #iciclewreath #hangingwreath #blogwithheart #hisgracegirls
Instagram post 2195922174458466359_5014690118 Today I’m sharing more Christmas DIY projects! .
You can see I’m still going with the evergreen garland, ribbon & dried oranges here. Let me tell you about getting those evergreens. We have almost an acre of woods behind our house, & not one evergreen tree besides pine. No juniper. No cypress.
.
So I made it my business to drive all over our town to see where I could score some evergreen branches. Well, the big cypress trees behind the abandoned car wash delivered, & I’ve made about 3 trips there to get my supplies. You do what you gotta do!
.
I’ve been wanting to do stamped books for a while now, & Christmas was the perfect time to put them together. These are hard-covered books that I spraypainted with chalk paint. I wanted a phrase that would really focus on Jesus, and I landed on this line from “Joy to the World”: “let earth receive her King.”
.
And I say, amen to that.
.
I added the burlap ribbon & raffia with cinnamon sticks & more dried oranges. The pail below used to be a sparkly bright red, but I spraypainted with galvanized silver chalkpaint, added the burlap ribbon & cinnamon and threw the extra cypress stems inside.
.
The 2 plaid candles are from @dollartree !

Very possible to come up with great Christmas decor through DIY & repurposing what you have! And capitalizing on the free stuff (like nature!) #simplecozynest #myhollyjollyhome #cottonstemheartsfarmhousechristmas #diy #christmasdecor #rusticchristmasdecor #farmhousechristmas #farmhousechristmasdecor #orangeslices #christmasgarland  #blogwithheart ##hisgracegirls #bhghome #bhghowiholiday #myah #dollartree #cinnamonsticks #stampedbooks #cypress #christmasdiy
Instagram post 2195277788301428716_5014690118 This week, I want to share some Christmas DIY projects I’ve been working on. I’m 1st to say that my house doesn’t look like the homes of pro designers on IG (that I follow and 💕). I’m just a regular SAHM with twin 4 year old boys, trying to keep it together, and chucking all the toys down the hallway so I can take a few pictures. 😂🤦‍♀️🙋‍♀️
.
I’m not a DIYer by nature - more like the booksmart English teacher - but when you become a SAHM & you’re down to one income, you either wait til you have money again or you get creative & learn (which I did & am still doing).
.
I’m all about easy & shortcuts, so the projects are so easy a beginner can do them. And they’re all pretty cheap (b/c that’s why I DIY in the first place 😂).
.
I hope you’ll feel like these projects are accessible for you try, even if you don't have a lot of $ to spend or a hot mess or if DIY isn't usually your thing. .
For me, I see things I like, realize I can’t afford them, & figure out a way to make them. But a blessing of DIY is that your brain actually starts to rewire to think creatively. Now, I'm on overdrive & I can’t stop thinking about the next project I want to do. And that’s kinda fun. 😂
.
I’ll be adding a few blog posts this week (& beyond) with tutorials & other decorating ideas. But for now, here's what I’ve been up to.
.
Here, I was inspired by @lizmariegalvan orange slices & ribbon, so I made my own evergreen garland (too expensive to buy!) & added the oranges & ribbon to it.  That theme has sort of taken over my living room- I’ll share more of that this week.
.
Print & frame are both DIY. Print inspiration from @thegatewayhome I wanted something to keep the focus on Christ during Christmas.
.
(Design made on @canva, printed by @vistaprint. Frame is magnetic, so I can change out the prints). All very easy & budget-friendly! More cheap ideas on the blog, too! You don’t need a perfectly curated house to have a home you love!

#simplecozynest #myhollyjollyhome #cottonstemheartsfarmhousechristmas #diy #christmasdecor #rusticchristmasdecor #farmhousechristmas #orange slices #christmasgarland #christmaswreath #blogwithheart #hisgracegirls #bhghowiholiday #bhghome #myah #comfycottagecharm
Instagram post 2194377226177435664_5014690118 What it actually looks like trying to get a picture with Santa. 🤦‍♀️😂😩
.
Anyone else?!? 🙋‍♀️
.
We did get one nice shot with Michael and Santa, but James just wasn't having it, even with Mommy.
.
Still, we had a fun time at the Christmas fair with @_valeri_bradley and the kids making ornaments and decorating cookies! 🙌🙌🎄.
.
#christmasmemories #pictureswithsanta #christmasfair #christmascookies #christmasornaments #twinmom #boymom #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #hisgracegirls #blogwithheart
Instagram post 2193682174505435391_5014690118 Looks like Ignorance and Want are making an appearance this morning. 😂.
.
#ghostofchristmasfuture #ignoranceandwant #achristmascarol #charlesdickens #boymom #twinmom #idtwins #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #blogwithheart #hisgracegirls
Instagram post 2193194600271803039_5014690118 I was volunteering at the boys’ preschool this week, and another mom was there teaching the kids about St Nicholas Day, a German holiday on Dec 6.
.
So the boys decided they wanted to set out their shoes by the chimney to see if they would get oranges and gold coins, like they learned in school. .
Well, the boys actually are part German, so I was game. I loaded up the shoes last night and almost forgot about them this morning until I heard them screaming. They were SO EXCITED that gold coins actually showed up in their sneakers (the oranges- not so much). Yelling and jumping like it was actually Christmas morning.  Over chocolate gold coins. Who knew? 😂
.
So we may have just started a new tradition around here, but I'll take this over Elf on the Shelf any day. 😂.
.
#stnicholasday #stnicksday #goldchocolatecoins #chocolatecoins #goldcoins #oranges #traditions #christmastraditions #blogwithheart #hisgracegirls #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #boymom #twinmom
Instagram post 2192269011625113827_5014690118 First round of Christmas cards have arrived in the mailbox! Yay! Many thanks to my over-achieving, type-a friends! 😂
.
I feel a little like a hypocrite because I love getting Christmas cards but we don’t send them 🤷🏻‍♀️(still too much work trying to get a decent family picture with the wild boys). But this is where I’m going to be hanging them this year.
.
For years, I would just let them pile up on my kitchen counter and never really look at them. This year, I finally have them displayed, even if I took the easy way out (1st real Christmas set up in our house - SO much ground to cover).
.
It’s just a simple solution - clothespins on garland - but it definitely beats them piling up and never getting seen!  I love that I can see them every time I walk in the door now.
.
If you need some inspiration for how to display your Christmas cards this year, I have 21 fun ideas on the blog - ranging from super-easy to diy-craft-project. Link in profile@100affections

I’d love to hear what you do with all your Christmas cards! Always up for new ideas!
#nextyeargoals 😂
.
#christmasdecor #christmascards #homedecor #homehacks #decorhacks #blogwithheart #hisgracegirls #momblogger #lifestyleblogger
Instagram post 2190322866044781152_5014690118 Tomorrow marks one year since we closed on our house! 🙌 That was such a huge milestone and a key piece to feeling like Tennessee was home. .
This is my 1st year doing up a proper porch, and I'm sure this will be an evolving work in progress every year! But every time I pull in the driveway, I feel so grateful to be home. This house was a gift from God and we are so thankful!
.
(To see some amazing farmhouse Christmas porches, see the link in profile @100affections - 30 of the best on IG!)
.
#christmasporch #farmhousedecor #farmhousechristmas #farmhousechristmasdecor #frontporch #rusticdecor #rusticchristmas #rusticfarmhouse #rusticchristmasdecor #cottonstemheartsfarmhousechristmas #simplecozynest #myhollyjollyhome #casagrellalovesporches #blogwithheart #hisgracegirls #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #homedecor
Instagram post 2189326192090342954_5014690118 Let the Advent Season bring begin! 
Happy December! .
#advent #hehascome #december #christmas #blogwithheart #hisgracegirls
Instagram post 2188660654326564571_5014690118 We’re ready for Christmas over on the blog -I’m so excited to share this post! If you’re wrapping up Thanksgiving & moving on to decorating for Christmas, here’s some inspiration for your porches!
.
I’ve rounded up some of the best farmhouse Christmas porches on Instagram to inspire you to decorate your own! No matter what version of farmhouse or rustic decor you’re into, you’ll find a picture to give you lots of ideas! Also in the post are some practical pro-tips you can use to decorate your own!
.
Head over to the blog to see their beautiful displays! Link in profile @100affections
.
Special thanks to the IGers below for sharing their creativity with the world! Be sure to follow their accounts for more amazing decorating Christmas inspiration - both inside and outside!
.
@farmcharmhomestead
@saltgrassdecor
@caffeineandprayers
@myurbanfarmhouse
@thegatewayhome
@casagrella
@cindy.countryroad407
@lifeontheshadygrove
@homewithjoanie
@thewhitewoodcottage
@homestoriesatoz
@everydaygracedesigns
@willowbloomhome
@shakerandstone
@mightymights_farmhouse
@whimsicaltreasuredecor
@andersruffworkshop
@taracottapots
@modernmeetsfarmhouse
@slatkagirl
@thefrugalhomemaker
@wilshire_collections
@shady_pines3
@1866revival
@ourquaintcolonial
@beautyforasheshome
@myalbertafarmhouse
@cottageintheoaks
@velveteenandgracega
@easylifehappywife

Photo credit (clockwise from left):
@casagrella @thewhitewoodcottage @thegatewayhome @lifeontheshadygrove 
#christmasporch #christmasdecor #farmhousedecor #farmhousechristmas #farmhousechristmasdecor #farmhousechristmasporch #rusticdecor #rusticchristmasdecor #hisgracegirls #blogwithheart
Instagram post 2187184929258058512_5014690118 What I’m thinking about as I’m getting ready for Thanksgiving:
.
Between putting away the clutter & cleaning the toilets before our family comes, I’m spraying down the table, getting ready to set it up. This is our 1st yr in our forever home, & I’m pretty grateful to finally host the holidays (our house in NY was toooo tiny).
.
Even though I didn’t get around to making place settings (next year #goals), I was thinking about the idea of having a place at a table.
.
Of course, I was thinking about the fact that I’m blessed to have family nearby, but also thinking about others who aren’t looking forward to today, for a million different reasons.
.
In some years, that was me - specifically 2012, when I was miscarrying our 1st baby right at the Thanksgiving table.  What do you say to someone who is pretty much closing their eyes & just waiting for today to end?
.
Well, 2 Bible verses came to mind. The 1st one is Ps. 23:5 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” There’s something about knowing someone is setting a place for you. As a host, you know how much work & energy goes into preparing a table for guests. To think that God is the host here, & He will do it in the most tumultuous of times (presence of enemies, whatever enemy that is: financial hardship, death, loneliness, depression…) - that’s a pretty stunning thought.
.
The 2nd verse comes from 2 Samuel 9. It’s one of my all-time favorite stories in the Bible. It’s the story of David & Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s (David’s best friend) son, somewhat displaced after Jonathan died & David became King.
.
Bc David was in covenant with Jonathan, he was looking for someone in his family to show kindness to. M was crippled & didn’t feel worthy to be at David’s table. However, David assured him: .
“Don’t be afraid...for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan...you will always eat at my table...So Mephibosheth at David’s table like one of the king’s sons” (vs. 9, 11).
.
If you are fighting enemies today & feel like there’s no place for you at any table, be assured that God has a place for you at His table, what condition you’re in. .
Continued in comments...
Instagram post 2185012773304410957_5014690118 I feel like pumpkin season is sort of ‘officially’ ending this week, so I wanted to squeeze in one more!
.
These are flourless and healthy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, via @chelseasmessyapron - and were SO GOOD!
.
The only thing I didn’t do was blend the oatmeal but they still turned out great!
.
If you’re looking for some last minute healthy pumpkin recipes to offset all the gluttony that will take place this week, there are 27 healthy pumpkin dessert recipes on the blog, including this one- all clean or paleo!
.
Link in profile @100affections
.
#thanksgivingdesserts #pumpkindessert #healthypumpkinrecipes #cleaneating #paleo #pumpkincookies
Instagram post 2183133327970658651_5014690118 PSA for all my friends who are 
A. On a tight budget
B. Decorating for Christmas, and 
C. Love @target 
On what's become my weekly trip to the dollar spot, I found this adorable sign for $5. But wait, it’s really EIGHT signs (swipe to see). - the sign board slides out and there are 3 more inside, front and back.  How clever is that?!? I’m thinking that’s a great frame for printables, too.
.
Even though you can order from the dollar spot online, this one isn’t available there, so if you like it, hopefully your Target will have it. I was super happy I scored this sweet little bargain! .
I’m working on a post that I’ll have out real soon with other cheap and creative ways I’m decorating for Christmas, so stay tuned if you’re on a tight budget and still want your house to be cozy for Christmas! It’s not as hard as you think! .
#targetdollarspot #farmhousechristmas #farmhousedecor #christmasdecor #rusticdecor
Instagram post 2175613892435363631_5014690118 We had a little bit of snow come our way in Tennessee this morning (swipe to see), so I thought it was the perfect time to break out this cute mug I grabbed at the @target dollar spot last week.  Of course, I usually don’t mean it when I have things that say ‘Let It Snow’ - but this is just the kind of snow I like: enough to be pretty and magical but requires zero snow-shoveling. ❄️☃️🙌🏻 .
I thought it was extra beautiful how the snow looked on the trees that still had their fall leaves on it- I don’t remember seeing that in NY . It was a super-pretty view to wake up to today.😍
.
My little guy has been sick this past weekend, so it’s really just the perfect day to hibernate and decorate for Christmas (yes, we’ve started - no music or movies yet, but I’m all for the decor!) 🎄
.
PS - Did you know you can buy some of that great stuff at Target’s @target_bullseyes_playground online?!? You have to get them in sets of 2 or 3, so it justifies the shipping, I suppose, but I’m there ALL THE TIME, so I was really excited to see this! Especially since lots of things run out quickly! Check it out - link in profile @100affections (affiliate link). #snowintennessee #letitsnow #targetdollarspot #targetbullseye
Instagram post 2161345071402774868_5014690118 So this is how we spent our afternoon today… it was a toss-up between ‘Should I finish painting the hallway? Should I drag them to Xfinity and Dollar Tree? Should I take them to the playground?” But they seemed content enough going between army men and painting...they would start a picture, go play, I’d finish, then they’d paint some more…

I’m not great at having margins in our day where we can ALL just chill out, where I’m not busy doing something ‘productive’ while they’re playing. I justified it by telling myself I was up late painting and cleaning, James had me up in the middle of the night so I was a little extra tired today … but it’s kinda sad that I even felt like I needed to justify(even if just to myself) having a low-key afternoon water-painting with my boys without ‘getting stuff done.’ Work in progress. But I know that every time I make the choice to actually DO something with my kids, not just stay busy doing something else while they play, they are so easily satisfied.

It’s so easy, but not easy. The part of motherhood that’s about me is learning that it’s NOT about me. It’s dying to yourself and looking to the needs of someone else as being more important than your own.

Pretty much just being a Christian with and in front of your kids. Maybe that’s motherhood in a nutshell.

#motherhood #boymom #twinmom #christianmom #christian #livelikeChrist 
#momguilt #momlife #hisgracegirls #blogwithheart #melissaanddougtoys {These paint with water books are from @melissaanddougtoys and are great quality and super fun!}
Instagram post 2160285239862178010_5014690118 #sponsored Not too long ago, we had some shady characters come to our house. I was home alone with the boys, heard a knock on the door, and sort of without thinking (I don’t always answer the door if I’m by myself with the kids), answered it. It was a man who said he was from the Census Bureau, but had no ID, no badge, no uniform or clothing to identify himself.
.
Before I could really process it (the boys were hanging on my legs and screaming), he asked me if we were a single-family home, handed me a ripped half sheet of paper with info about the Census and left.
.
A couple of days later, I saw in our local Facebook group to be aware of scammers posing as Census Bureau workers. I described what happened at our house and asked what the man’s gameplan might have been. Some people thought maybe he was canvasing the area for future burglaries, seeing which houses might be empty or undefended.
.
Well, that freaked me out, and I told my husband that we really should get some kind of security camera for our house.
.
Since then, we’ve installed the #ArloPro3, and I’m already feeling a lot better. As you can see from the picture, the image is crystal clear (the picture is a screenshot of what I'm seeing on my phone), gives a wide view (160 degrees) of both the front door and driveway. I can use it with an app on my phone, and it also has a siren I can activate, which I LOVE!
.
If you’re in the market for any kind of easy DIY install home camera (this one is wireless, so it was simple to put in), I definitely recommend this one! You can get it at Best Buy or at the @ArloSmartHome site.
.
Click on the link in profile @100affections to learn more about it - or you can head to https://ahundredaffections.com to read all the particulars of what I’m loving about it!

#ShineLikeAPro #homesecuritycamera #protectingwhatmattersmost #technology #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #hisgracegirls #blogwithheart #ArloPro3 #ArloSmartHome
Instagram post 2158454680231899766_5014690118 After dinner tonight, I was busy in the kitchen cleaning up, my boys were in the living room with my husband, running crazy, playing ninjas with their masks on. I had on Pandora, trying to squeeze in a little time with God in the middle of the chaos, and the song "You are Good" by @karijobe came on, and it brought back a ton of memories. Still brings me to tears when I hear it.

I was about 14-15 weeks pregnant with the boys, and we had just announced to the world we were pregnant with twins. I had waited as long as I could to tell, but I was starting to show, and I couldn't really hide it. Putting out there felt like such a big risk. 
I was still struggling a lot with fear and anxiety over all of this.  After 2 losses and a whole mess of #infertility issues, I just couldn't believe that this pregnancy would actually take, that this one wouldn't end in a #miscarriage like the others. I was scared to let myself be excited. I didn't even want to buy maternity clothes, just in case this pregnancy wasn't going to make it.

I wanted to believe that God had given us our #rainbowbabies, but you know, it doesn't always sink in so easily into your heart. 
One morning when I was getting ready for work - it was super-early and I was ironing my clothes in the walk-in closet so I wouldn't wake up my husband - I had Pandora on, and this song by Kari Jobe came on. And I just began to sob. I felt God's presence with me so strongly in that little closet, and I just knew He was reassuring me of His goodness and that my babies would be OK.

I'm not gonna say I never felt fear or anxiety through the rest of my pregnancy, but I played that song over my belly just about every day, declaring the goodness of God. I sang it over my boys after they were born. It was one of those songs where I could barely finish the rest because I was so choked up.

And 5 years later, I'm hearing this song again, and I'm seeing the goodness of God physically manifested in the form of 2 little ninjas running circles around the house.

So what I want to share with you is just to encourage you about the goodness of God in your life.
.
Continued in comments...
Instagram post 2156853426187685300_5014690118 Ever since I did that clean eating challenge over the summer, I’ve been trying to hold true to that lifestyle. I knew there would be major temptation once fall came and baking-comfort-food-cravings kicked in. 🎃👩🏻‍🌾
.
Of course, pumpkin treats are no-brainers for fall, but I really wanted to stick with clean eating and try to make the healthy version of all the things I love.
.
Yesterday, the boys and I made these gluten-free paleo pumpkin muffins using a recipe from @foodfaithfit, and they were so good! They’re made with almond flour and coconut flour, maple syrup, pumpkin, and a bunch of other healthy ingredients. .
Usually, it’s pumpkin bread I’m after, but I felt like muffins were the safer choice - pre-portioned servings (and **less** of a chance of overeating! 😂). A pan of pumpkin bread is pretty dangerous for me to have around the house.😂🤦‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️
.
I included a link to her recipe in a round-up of healthy and clean pumpkin recipes, if you’re trying to stick with a clean eating lifestyle, too (it’s #23). And there are 26 other healthy pumpkins recipes you can try, too.  I’m hoping to eat my way through the list before fall is out.🙌
.
Link in profile @100affections

#pumpkin #cleaneating #paleo #paleopumpkinrecipes #paleopumpkinmuffins #glutenfree #healthylifestyle #glutenfreemuffins #paleomuffins #blogwithheart #hisgracegirls
Instagram post 2155559188326046372_5014690118 International Wave of Light ... 2 candles for our 2 sweet babies we lost. Gone too soon but never forgotten. 
Big hugs and prayers for moms and dads remembering their little ones tonight. They will always be remembered. 
#internationwaveoflight #pregnancyandinfantlossawareness #1in4 #neverforgotten #miscarriage #stillbirth #infantloss #hisgracegirls #blogwithheart
Instagram post 2154866352379288793_5014690118 Important to note:
1. After sweating it out all summer, Michael's wardrobe and the weather have synchronized, and his commitment to wearing long sleeves is finally seasonally appropriate. (Also to be noted- it's an actual SHIRT, not pajama top. 🙌). 2. James, always having been seasonally appropriate, wore long sleeves today too, thus confusing their teachers at preschool. 
3. This is the first walk we've taken together in almost a year since we gave up the stroller. Typically reluctant to use their actual feet to get around and wanting to be pushed, today they humored their mom and actually walked, even if it was just down the block. 
4. While I was initially super impressed at the cleverness of my sons when they picked up leaves on the ground and said they were secret notes with hidden treasures maps, I was quickly brought back to earth when they told me the note said, 'Your quest will begin at Walmart and Target. In the toy department." 🤦‍♀️ Either, fall has finally come to East TN, and mom and sons are both pretty happy about it. 😉🙌 #fall #leaves #fallwalks #naturewalks #preschoolers #twinbrothers #idtwins #boymom #twinmom #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #tennesseefall #tennessee #easttennessee #blogwithheart #hisgracegirls
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Privacy Policy and Disclosures

Kate Landry | A Hundred Affections is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

 


Header Blue Sparkle Attribution

Copyright © 2019 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2019 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok