Holiday Tour: Sweet Gum Bottom Bed and Breakfast

When Laura Oswald, owner and innkeeper of Sweet Gum Bottom Bed and Breakfast, contacted me about decorating the charming inn for Christmas, I could hardly contain my excitement!  So last week, I got busy decking the halls of the this beautiful, southern getaway.

I wanted to capture the essence of the south at Christmas in keeping with the style of the bed and breakfast.  The plan was to use lots of fresh greenery, namely, pine and magnolia. Sweet Gum Bottom has visitors from all over the country, and what better time of year to show them sweet, southern hospitality than at Christmas time?

Outside, I kept it simple and traditional with fresh greenery and red ribbons.  I think there is such beauty in simplicity. 

The corners of the windows held fresh pine swags to give the garland a little texture. 

Fresh pine was also tucked behind big red bows on the wreaths for added texture here, as well.

Upon entering, a quaint tree greets you.  It holds special ornaments made by children from area schools as well as glass balls that can be signed by guests during their stay.  The piano was topped with fresh magnolia and pine and adorned with jingle bell garland. 

Even the rooms have a little Christmas adornment to make each guests' stay feel festive. 

The dining room is bedecked with fresh pine swags tied with burlap ribbon and beautiful ornaments. 

On the buffet, birch cuttings hold candles and are surrounded by even more fresh greenery.

As you walk out onto the covered porch, a fireplace topped with a fresh magnolia garland greets you.  

Can you imagine curling up with a good book and a hot cup of coffee on that day bed swing?  I could stay there all day.  

The Christmas tree boasts green and gold, and is simplistic and beautiful. 

Fresh magnolia was tucked into the cypress Christmas tree to coordinate with the mantle.

I made simple sweet gum ball ornaments because of the inn's namesake, adding a personalized touch to the tree. 

I really do think I could have stayed on that porch all day!  I had such a blast decorating this beautiful, southern bed and breakfast for the holidays!  

To find out more about the award-winning Sweet Gum Bottom Bed and Breakfast, available times to stay, and what all the property has to offer, check out their website here.   They would love to have you stay, and you would leave refreshed with the true southern hospitality experience. 

Favorite Things Holiday Giveaway: Gift Wrap Edition

Hello, friends!  I just wanted to say thank you for your support and tell you how much I appreciate you stopping by and reading!  The readership of Cultivate Create continues to grow and I am excited to see what all is in store for the future! 

We have almost hit 500 likes on Facebook and are celebrating with a giveaway!

Included in giveaway:
*10 Chevron treat bags
*10 circle gift tags
*Red and white baker's twine
*A colorful fabric cake bunting made by yours truly
*One roll of red chevron gift wrap
*'Tis the Season pocket sized hand sanitizer from Bath and Body Works
*Two jingle bells

All you have to do to enter is go to our Facebook page, like and share with friends!  We will draw from the names of followers on the Cultivate Create Facebook page. 

The drawing will take place as soon as we hit 500 likes or on December 18th, whichever comes first. 

Thanks again for reading Cultivate Create!  

*Available for United States residents only

Weigh-In Wednesday #7

As I sit here typing this, I am trying to figure out what exactly is different this time around in the journey of losing weight.  I'm trying to put my finger on why, after trying every diet I could think of,  popping over the counter diet pills and prescription diet pills, and working out only to later eat back every calorie I burned plus some when I couldn't control what was going in my mouth, why is this time different?

Today is week seven.  I have been consistent.  I am pushing through setbacks.  I am enjoying exercising.  I crave healthy foods and the appeal of sodas and lots of sugary snacks and carbs is gone. 

I am already a different person.  I feel different.  I could say that about myself probably before week four.   Mentally, I am positive and feel encouraged by my progress.  I feel better about myself.  I no longer feel like I am lying wounded on a battlefield.  I have risen to my feet and I am fighting. 

But, what makes this time different from the countless times over the past few years that I have tried unsuccessfully to get healthy?  Is it the fact that I hit over 300 pounds for the first time in my life?  Is it the family picture that we took that when I saw it and faced how I looked put me over the edge?  Do I somehow have superhuman will power now?  

I don't think so.  

I will tell you why I think things are different this time.  I have been an emotional eater for a long time.  I was hurting.  I was upset.  I ate to numb the pain.  I couldn't let go of some things and the only person I was hurting was myself. 

 I have let go of those things.  I have forgiven.  

I have taken responsibility for myself.  I'm not blaming anyone or anything for what I have become anymore.  I realized that no matter what happened in the past, I am responsible for who I am now. 

I read these verses.  It felt like a punch in the gut. 

Philippians 3:18-21

New International Version (NIV)

18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach,and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

My god was my stomach....not that I woke up and said one day, I am going to make my appetite and my stomach my god.  But it had become such an obsession, such a controlling force in my life that it had become a god.   I was living as an enemy of the cross of Christ and that is the last thing I want to do. 

I had to make up my mind that being healthy was more important than what I was putting in my mouth.

I used to get really mad about the fact that if I was going to get healthy and lose weight, it would be a lifelong process.  It didn't seem fair that my husband could eat whatever he wanted and not gain a pound, while I gain so easily.  It would tick me off that I had to watch my family eat mac and cheese and breaded chicken fingers while I ate baked chicken and green beans. It was overwhelming to think there will never be a time that I "arrive" at my weight loss destination and then relax. Nope.  That's not how it happens.  I will always have to be mindful of what I put in my mouth.  I will always have to stay active if I want to be at my best. I have come to terms that to be the best Amanda I can be, to be healthy and be around for my family, to be who God ultimately created me to be, I will always have to be vigilant in the area of my health. (But, don't we all no matter what size or shape we are?) But seven weeks in, I can without at doubt say that it is worth it!

I'm not sure what else I can say is different.  But the common thread for all of these things is that they are internal struggles. Change your mind, change your life, right?  

I would add that accountability has been a factor as well.  Knowing that I will be checking in with you guys holds me accountable.  Having someone to keep you in check, who will be honest with you and hold you accountable can make a huge difference!

I have to keep reminding myself this, especially when I want to shed the pounds as quickly as possible.  Every pound lost feels like another step to coming out of a prison.

Weight loss this week: 3 pounds (Today's weight 282)

Total weight loss in 7 weeks: 22 pounds (Starting weight 304)

I am thrilled with those three pounds this week, especially since I have been limited in my working out due to my knees. I have a doctor's appointment today and hopefully I will find out what is going on.  

I haven't taken any more progress pictures.  I am trying to wait until I get to 30 pounds lost before I post them.  I will tell you, though, that I can visibly see a difference in myself and I can take my jeans off without even unbuttoning or unzipping them.  They are getting too big! And a couple of my shirts I wore 7 weeks ago are too big now!  That makes me so happy!

I hope you all are doing well trying to get healthy!  Know that I am praying for you all!  Keep it up!

*To view the post that started the weight-loss journey, click here.

Vintage Whimsy Dining Room Tree

Have you ever had an idea that you couldn't shake?  A concept that just wouldn't go away? A few months ago, I had a vision for my dining room Christmas tree that included silver platters, tea cups, and kitchen items nestled into the tree.  A nod to vintage with hint of modern. 

I started picking up items at yard sales and thrift stores when I found them, and by the time December rolled around, I had all the items I needed for the tree. 

I painted a couple of dollar store platters with homemade chalkboard paint and wrote messages on them.

The mini chalkboards I got at The Chapel Market remind us of yummy treats of the season. 

Throughout the tree, paired silverware adorn the branches......

......and so do metal cookie cutters

......and tea cups and homemade jar lid ornaments.

For the most part, I think it turned out just how I envisioned it.  I loved using everyday items to decorate the tree.  Have you ever used out of the ordinary items on your tree?  

*Be sure to like Cultivate Create on Facebook if you haven't already.  We are getting close to the 500 mark and I've decided to celebrate with a Favorite Things Holiday Giveaway.  As soon as we reach the 500 mark, a winner will be drawn from the followers of the page.  Like us and suggest to your friends!  More details soon!

DIY Magnolia Wreath

Are you in the Christmas spirit yet?  I am!  I've been listening to Christmas music non-stop, watching cheesy Hallmark Channel movies, peppermint mocha coffee in hand.  

I spent the majority of this week on a special decorating project that I will share with you guys next week, and now I am finally taking a little time to finish up the holiday projects at my house.  

DIY Magnolia Wreath

Supplies needed:
*wreath form (I used a straw wreath.  It was only $3.49 at Micheal's and I had a 40% off coupon. Score!)
*Fresh magnolia leaves (If you don't have Magnolia in your yard, maybe a friend or neighbor has some they wouldn't mind you clipping.)
*Hot glue gun an glue
*Spray paint
*Twine
*Ribbon

Start by clipping Magnolia leaves off of the stems.  Then, hot glue in one direction around the wreath.  For this particular wreath, I wanted a more sleek, modern look so I glued the leaves all face down instead of some up and some down.  Isn't the green so pretty?  If you don't want to spay paint it, you could leave it as is for a more natural look.  

Once you get all of your leaves glued on, take it outside and spray paint it if you prefer. I went for a shiny gold.  (Rustoleum Bright Coat Metallic Finish is what I used and it works great.)  Use twine to hang and add a ribbon.  I used a lime green, satin ribbon.  And instead of doing a bow, I just draped the ribbon over the wreath.

Here are my shiny Magnolia wreaths hung in the living room.  They coordinate wonderfully with the tree. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Be sure to check back next week for lots of Christmas projects. 

Weigh-In Wednesday #6

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  We ended up staying home due to having the stomach bug, but we made the most of it.  

I injured my knees last week running.  I have two pairs of the same shoe, one in a size larger than the other.  I've been running in the smaller size and that has been fine, but it does rub my toes a bit.  I decided to try running in the larger size to see if they would be better.  I didn't get very far into my run before my knees starting hurting really badly, especially the left knee.  I pushed myself to run a bit more, then had to stop and change shoes.  The larger size was causing my feet to slip in my shoe, therefore, my knees were overcompensating.  After changing shoes, I walked the rest of they way. It was just too painful to run.  

My knees only got worse over the next few days.  It was so painful. They hurt constantly.  I haven't been to the doctor yet. I have taken it easy and rested my knees and they are better, but they are still a bit tender.  I looked up my symptoms online and I think I have Runner's Knee.  Boo.  If that is what is wrong, then best case scenario, I can heal with rest, compression, ice packs, and a little time. Worst case scenario is surgery.  

Anywho, I am a bit disappointed because I really do enjoy running.  I am frustrated that I can't do what I want to do fitness wise.  Hopefully, when I get some more weight off, and figure out the proper shoe, I can get back to running again.  

I haven't exercised since that night.  Between my knees, and the stomach bug, and Thanksgiving, I haven't been able to.  I plan to walk this week if the weather will cooperate.

Here is a snippet of the playlist I listen to when walking/running.  Most are instrumental.  I helps me to keep my pace up if I listen to upbeat music. I didn't include it in the list, but I usually start with Dubstep around 115 BPM (beats per minute) and on my playlist I have the songs in order according to increasing BPMs, ending at around 148 BPM.  

Running/Walking Playlist
1. Derezzed- Daft Punk  on the Tron soundtrack
2. End of Line (Remix) on the Tron soundtrack
3.Time- Space Time Continuum (Spiral Galaxy Mix)
4. The Paradigm- Capital Kings
5. Manifesto- The City Harmonic
6. Supermassive BlackHole- Muse
7. Spotlight- MuteMath

Today's weight loss: None. My weight stayed the same.
Probably because I haven't been able to exercise and Thanksgiving.  (I didn't overindulge like I would've in the past.  I was very happy about that.  Not eating junk in so long, I really don't crave it like I did.  Just a little bit does the trick.)

So, total weight loss in 6 weeks is 19 pounds.  

Although, I am frustrated about the setback, I am going to keep trucking along.  I feel like a different person already, in these six short weeks.  I'm not going to give up.  I am going to keep moving forward, keep getting healthier.  I am going to continue becoming the best me I can be. 


*To view the post that started the weight-loss journey, click here.

Glittery Gold Christmas Tree

I have been working, working, working around here to get our home all gussied up for the Christmas season!  It looks like a glitter bomb went off in my house.  I started pulling our stuff out of storage about two and a half weeks ago, and had planned on being 100% finished by now, but after two bouts of sickness over the last couple of weeks, it just hasn't happened. I may be about 75% finished at this point.  

But I did want to show you our tree today.

Glittery silver and gold with pops of lime green.  And glitter. Lots of glitter. Did I mention glitter?

I had been eyeing these beautiful starburst mirrors for a while. You can find this mirror set at Target.  When I ordered the set a couple of weeks ago, they were having a home sale, so I got them 30% off, I think, as well as getting free shipping and an extra 5% off for using my Target Red debit card.  They have gone back up to regular price now, but keep watching for the next home decor sale to catch them at a good deal.  I thought that I would nestle them into the tree and use one as a topper and then after the holidays, they will find a new place on my walls. So, onto the tree they went!

I did tie a few burlap bows on the tree this year as well.  I used burlap corded trim and green Christmas trim to add a little pop of color.  They are subtly nestled around the tree. 

To make decorating for Christmas more affordable, I use an assortment of dollar store and thrift items with some of my boutique items. I also shop the day after Christmas for great deals on holiday decor.  

And don't forget to top off the look with coordinating gift wrap!  More on that later. 

So, do you have all of your Christmas decorations up?  I am so ready to get all of the finishing touches done!  Be sure to check back for DIY  tutorials for ornaments, those gold magnolia wreaths pictured above, fresh greenery garland, and lots more!