you can always return it if you change your mind ...

Famous last words.

I admit it, I'm an avid return-er. I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly apologize to all those innocent customer service people at Target, Anthropologie, Eddie Bauer, Sprouts, REI, Athleta and Columbia. Oh, and Amazon.com.


A note about returning: It feels amazing. It feels even more amazing if you can get out of the store without spending the money you just saved. This is rare. Why do they put the customer service at the back of the store?!

Target - Easy-peasy returns IF you have a receipt. If not, you get the value of the item at it's current value. Everything at Target eventually goes on sale, so I do not suggest this.

Anthropologie - No need for a receipt of you have an Anthro member card! But don't wait too long, something in their computer complicates it and they end up having to find other items at the same cost to scan in. Do not do this the week before Christmas. Aham.
Eddie Bauer - No hassle, no limit, no expiration date (ever). Thank you, Eddie

Sprouts - No, I don't return food. But they are very nice to take vitamins back when I constantly get the wrong milligrams, brand or something.

REI - It's good to own a share of REI. If you ever shop there, become a member! Yearly dividend! Easy returns. Happy people. Happy people wearing green vests and cargo pants. Happy people wearing green vests and cargo pants who can tell you where to go backpacking or snow-shoeing. And all after you just returned 2 ski jackets worth $300+ because you found one on sale online. Please forgive me REI customer service friends.

Athleta.com -  Free returns! Free shipping! Yay!

Columbia Outlet - Nothing special to say here, very nice people who give my money back with a smile. :)

Amazon.com - I've never done it. I've just WANTED to do it so many times! The one downfall of most online shopping is that you have to pay for return shipping. A very scary prospect for someone like me. So think before you click!*


A note about receipts: Keep them! My co-workers constantly laugh at my wallet. But that was before I discovered the secret to returning — have the cashier put the receipt in the bag. When you decide to return the item, it's right there in the bag WITH the item. Ingenious. Who thought of this brilliance?


A note to places that do not accept returns. Bad idea, my friends. Bad, bad. I may have bough that something for that someone or that sweater that goes with that one dress IF I had the peace of mind that "You can always return it if you change your mind ..." (I'm speaking to you, The Barn, pictured above) Then again, maybe you are smart.


A note about not buying things in the first place (I know you're all thinking it): Now this is just silly. HOW am I supposed to know if I like that shirt in regular lighting? And DO I still have those jeans that will go with it? I'm not encouraging impulsive buying. After all, you have to pay for the gas and time to return those items. Actually, I've been accused of being far too tedious about purchase decision making and sometimes even get non-buyers remorse. I'm not talking about going on shopping sprees and then returning half of it later! Don't we all have enough stuff? All I'm saying is that you can save a pretty penny if you make strategic purchases and then take the time to return the items that didn't work out (or you found on sale somewhere else).

But why am I trying to convince you? This is simply my confession and a little nod to all the customer service reps out there.

Thank you for giving my money back. :)


p.s. I don't even like shopping. No really! I don't! Maybe this is why? I feel exhausted.
*So I hear that Amazon may also give free shipping on returns. My problem is that I always buy used items from private sellers. I 'll amend that statements and say, check the return policy before you click!

photos by sarah fritzler via instagram

link love

 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Luke 12:25 

These are such timely reminders for me. Due to some recent arm pain, I've put some goals on hold and I find myself feeling a bit helpless. I mean, my right arm really is my right arm! But then I am reminded that there are so many good "armless" things to be done. So many things I've been wanting to do for a long time and maybe this is the means to that end. Perhaps the Lord has another plan for me (at least for a while). And that guarantees that it will be better! Have you ever run into an unavoidable obstacle that led you in a direction you never would have gone otherwise? I'm sure there are so many great stories. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that the blog silence isn't because I've lost interest, but because I'm avoiding any extra computer use. Just thought I'd explain — I'm still here! 

Link Love:
- I made these again – they only get better
- When you think you've seen everything ...
- This post reminds me a little of this song
- I would love a real terrarium  
- I love rice paper, it's like magic 
- Mmm, this is what's for dinner tonight
- Nutella Crepe Cake for my nutella-loving friend

(I must be hungry)

photo credits: 1  \  2  \  3

breakfast at stacie’s: ebelskivers

Don't ask me how you say that word (ebelskivers), but I can tell you that they are amazing. Ebelskivers are Danish and a true art to make. My friend, Stacie, grew up in the Danish capitol of America and invited us over to try these little delights. Imagine a cross between a doughnut and a pancake and you'll have a pretty close guess as to what they taste like. To make ebelskivers, you use a special slotted cast iron pan. Stacie poured batter into each slot and meticulously turned each slot of batter until they formed perfect balls of golden brown batter. Traditionally, this job is done with a knitting needle. :) 

 The finished ebelskivers are crispy on the outside and hot and fluffy on the inside. We topped ours with syrup, powdered sugar, fruit and apple butter. We also broiled grapefruit and made a feast of eggs and bacon. Such a perfect Saturday morning!

There was a pajamas only rule which I quite appreciated.

photos by sarah fritzler

going up the country

The post silence over here is due to catching up after a weekend full of Kansas. My sister and I had a wonderful 16 hours on the road together. The snacks really were the highlight! We spent the weekend at a Bible conference, saw dear friends, met new ones and experiences some of the most amazing hospitality!

There wasn't much to do between here and eastern Kansas but to munch snacks, sing, read billboards and take pictures through bug squished windows (poor bugs). Here's a little photo tour of our trip to Kansas and back

For best results, listen to this while viewing.

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.  James 1:11-12

Also, my sister is the best road-trip buddy you could ask for!

photos by deborah & sarah fritzler

lesson from a dishcloth

Last month my family and I celebrated a dear friend's life at her memorial service. She was 101 (almost 102!) and it may be the first time that I can truly say that my joy for her fully outweighed my sadness in missing her. She was so excited and so ready to be with her Savior! She told me so every time we talked — she knew her real home was in heaven and she was ready to meet Christ in person.

Granny is known for a lot of amazing accomplishments by a lot of people, but what really brings her to our minds is the stack of colorful dishcloths in our kitchen drawers. If you met Granny, you probably have at least a few. To say she crocheted and gave away thousands would be an understatement.

Granny was bedridden near the end of her life. But instead of concentrating on herself and her own discomfort, she crocheted dishcloths for everyone who would attend her memorial service. Yes, she made party favors! And what's more appropriate for a celebration?!

We talk about what our memorials may be like and try to provide for our families after we are gone. Granny was thinking of how she could encourage people after she was gone and, most of all, share her joy in Christ through a simple lesson from a dishcloth.

I hope my set of dishcloths never stops reminding me to be "instruments in our Master's hand!"


Have you ever been touched or learned an important lesson from someone after they were gone?

p.s. And they aren't just dishcloths, they are the best dishcloths! They are rather coveted in my household.

photos by sarah fritzler

happy birthday b

Today is my dear friend, Bethany's, birthday. We met in high school, but haven't lived close since then so the past 9 years have been one visit and adventure after another. Like all good friends, we plan to live next door to each other some day. :)

Wish I could be there to celebrate with you today, B. Happy 25th birthday!

pictures by sarah fritzler and sister

friday foliage: china leaves

A warm cup of coffee on a cool day in Virginia is hard to beat. I rarely enjoy coffee, but this morning was too idyllic to pass it up. :)

... I was joined shortly by an orange kitty.



pictures by sarah fritzler at The High Meadows Inn, Oct 2011

friday foliage: the everglades

I was just skimming through my photos for some "Friday Foliage," but flowers have been scarce in January. Instead, I found pictures from my visit to the everglades last October. They seem to fit with the gray weather we are having.




The everglades are one of the most amazing places I've ever been and even more so because I was expecting a bug infested swamp. That's what it is, but also so much more! It is home to the most beautiful birds and incredible foliage.

My friend and I took an hour long air boat ride (conducted by an enthusiastic, Cajun tour guide — he was fantastic). We learned about plants with 50 foot roots, birds that have to lay out in the sun to dry, saw an alligator nest and were surprised to learn that we were on the deepest river in the world. And of course, there were gators.









At a Family Christmas Dinner I was asked what my favorite part of 2011 was. While it may not be my absolute favorite, the first thing that came to my mind was holding this little fella (he was so small even though he was 3 years old!).

I mean, look at that smile.



photos by sarah fritzler

winter flowers

Working in a flower shop for 3 years will undoubtedly spark a love of flowers in you. I miss slipping into the cooler and just standing with the flowers. The smells. The "aliveness" of my job. And most of all, the ladies I used to work with who considered each flower their friend. They talked to the flower heads and made everyone drop everything to come see a sprig that looked like a helicopter or a poppy that was smiling ... it was smiling they said! If I was a flower I would want to live in that flower shop. Robin and Linda never threw a flower away. They simply saved it for an extra special spot and would lovingly "tuck" the little head into an important bouquet just to make it feel special. You think I'm exaggerating, don't you? My flower shop ladies had a complete hold on reality, I promise, but they also loved what they did and made it extra special for my sister and I. We couldn't have asked for a better first job! Plus our aprons had ruffles and we ate m&m cookies from the pizza joint next door every day. :)




Amy Merrick is undoubtedly my favorite floral stylist. Her blog is lovely and her website is chock-full of amazing flowers! Although it's winter, I hope you smell the flowers today.



photos by amy merrick of an apple a day

you can't tame a wild horse

Well this doesn't really fit on a design blog, but it does fit the current spirit of my hometown. Plus the Broncos have a great logo (there ... now it fits :).

Go Broncos!

image by my friend and an amazing photographer, Vanessa Kruse

christmas gift wrapping

Wrapping is one of my absolute favorite parts about this week. It's where the artist, designer and craftier meet Christmas. And it's a good thing because I have a whole lot left to do!

A few nights ago I pulled out all my supplies, turned on It's A Wonderful Life and got to it. I decided to go with a natural, butcher paper, parcel feeling this year. I'm sure I'll change it up before I'm done since I also purchased a few of these adorable designs last week. But for now, I'm happy with these simple packages with their little touches of love. Here are a few photos to inspire you.









WHAT I USED:
Roll of butcher paper: Purchased at my local paper or craft store
Baker's twine: (do you see the trend here? Butcher, baker ... I should have bought something from the candlestick maker) Purchased online here
Gold stripe washi tape: I bought this roll just for this Christmas. Lots of fun options here! (and it will come to you wrapped up in a cute package)
Small doilies: Purchased at my local craft store
Gold bells: On sale at my local craft store
Bird fabric paper clips: I found these on sale at Anthropologie last week

I would love to see your wrapping creations!

p.s. Be sure to check out day 2 of The 12 Days of Christmas!

photos by sarah fritzler

our thanksgiving table

Uh oh. It's almost Christmas and I haven't shared any Thanksgiving photos yet! I don't have very many good ones because, let's face it, Thanksgiving is about eating and sitting around full and happy, not about getting the perfect lighting for photos.







Let's just say this was a very full and happy Thanksgiving. :)



p.s. My sister, Deborah, makes THE BEST pies. This year was perfection. The winning pie isn't pictured above, but you can find the recipe here. Thank you Bobby. :)

photos by sarah fritzler

christmas tree cutting

Just thought I would share a few snapshots from our Christmas tree cutting last Saturday. Yes, we made sure to find the 4 best trees in the forest and they now live in our houses. I love it. When else can you bring a tree inside?

photos by sarah fritzler