My Sweet Treat: Red Velvet Brownies Food & Entertaining Desi Cohrs, owner of the Maple Street Bistro in Spokane, Washington, says her Red Velvet Brownies are 'amazingness.'

Self-blessing: a New Word for the New Year Dive Into Inspiration When did self-improvement become a war we must win? When did our bodies become the enemy? It's time for a new tactic!

Let's Get Creative: Color Your Necklace Brilliant Creating This gorgeous project is so simple and fun! And, you can do it too with what you probably already have on hand.

Don't Hate Me if I Say No Dive Into Inspiration Saying 'no' is one of the most difficult things for women to do. Find out why and how to say no without guilt.

Gratitude Attitude Dive Into Inspiration Being grateful is a simple act, and yet so many people find it difficult. To be in a state of gratitude is to be content, even if for just that moment.

Dive into the Joy of You

As little mermaids, both of us attended church. While we grew up going to decidedly different places of worship, we both loved our little kid classes and the songs children sing. We agree that "This Little Light of Mine" is the all-time best! Why? Not only is it cheerful and bright, it's a song of celebration of the Light in us. 

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

This simple song is powerful! In moments of adversity and challenge, when doubting who we are and where we're going, remembering that little song puts it all in perspective. And, that's what we love so much about it!

Here in Mermaids of the Lake we want to remind you to let that little light of yours shine; all of the passions, dreams, and delights that make up who you are. Our fun recipes, entertaining ideas, junking finds, and more are our little light. We share what we love, what makes us happy, what gives us hope. All with the intention to inspire you to let your light boldly shine! 

In this New Year, we hope that you relish the joy of living your dreams and diving into your passions. Oh, the adventures we're going to have!

May your light shine bright in 2015 
 ~Mermaids Shelley Hepler & Debbie Nania

Also In This Issue

	Words of Inspiration Dive Into Inspiration At the start of the New Year, we want to inspire you to live your dream, take risks, and dive into adventure!
	My Very Own Mommy Center Vintage & Junking See how Jessica Jochim repurposes an out-dated, oak entertainment center into a beautiful, functioning family heirloom.
	Let's Get Creative: Mixed-Media Collage Creating This was a super fun, sometimes messy, adventurous project. Each step was different and fully enjoyed!
	Make it Yourself: Linen Spray Homemaking There is nothing like crawling into a fresh bed with lovely smelling linens and a good book. Awww...
	Skinny Cocktails for Any Occasion Food & Entertaining With these recipes, you can satisfy your cocktail cravings and lose weight, too.
	Classy Women Don't Gossip Dive Into Inspiration "Psssst! Did you hear....?" No, no, no, classy women just don't go there!
	Make it Yourself: Maple Sugar Scrub Health & Beauty Deliciously scented, luscious, oh-so-good-for-your-skin sugar scrub that can be whipped up in minutes using ingredients from your kitchen pantry.
	Wine Tasting 101 Food & Entertaining Do you know the basics of wine tasting? Sip of Spokane gives the ABC's of this enjoyable adventure.
	10 Ways Giving Back Helps You Dive Into Inspiration There's a deep wave of grassroots giving back sweeping the country. But giving back doesn't mean that you doesn't get anything in return.
	Clinging to Crumbs, Deaming of Cake Dive Into Inspiration Ever feel like you're on the short end of a relationship? Will giving more really bring you what you need?
	Homemaking Products We Love Homemaking We like to let our readers know about products that help make homemaking a joy. We hope you love them, too.
	Health and Beauty Products We Love Health & Beauty With so many products in stores and online, we let our readers know about health and beauty products that we have tried and love.
	Tips for Taking Better Photos Creating Whether you're photographing everyday moments, a birthday party or a trip to the beach, the following tips will help you take interesting and memorable pics.
	Homemaking Products We Love Collection Homemaking We've compiled a collection or our favorite products that help make homemaking a joy. We hope you love them, too.
	Inspired by Pinterest Collection Dive Into Inspiration New collection of Pinterest projects and experiments. Let the Mermaids inspire you to dive into this amazing community!
	"Make It" Collection Food & Entertaining Make It articles have a bit of information, a few ideas, and a collection of featured recipes. Let's have fun and make memories!
	Loving The Lake Lake Stuff Dive right in! Here we share memories and photos of great times at the lake. We'd love to share yours, too!
	Mermaid Picture Galleries Did you know that we love photos from you? Yes, we do! We have several fun galleries where you can share your images.

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Featured Stories

	Self-blessing: a New Word for the New Year When did self-improvement become a war we must win? When did our bodies become the enemy? It's time for a new tactic!
	Let's Get Creative: Color Your Necklace Brilliant This gorgeous project is so simple and fun! And, you can do it too with what you probably already have on hand.
	My Sweet Treat: Red Velvet Brownies Desi Cohrs, owner of the Maple Street Bistro in Spokane, Washington, says her Red Velvet Brownies are 'amazingness.'
	Don't Hate Me if I Say No Saying 'no' is one of the most difficult things for women to do. Find out why and how to say no without guilt.
	Gratitude Attitude Being grateful is a simple act, and yet so many people find it difficult. To be in a state of gratitude is to be content, even if for just that moment.

Dive into Inspiration

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Featured Recipe

Easy Oyster Stuffing This easy, yet delicious version of traditional oyster stuffing takes pre-packaged stuffing mix to a new level.

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Featured Product jokes

NIVEA Cream When I smell the pleasant scent of NIVEA Cream it reminds me of childhood. My mom used it on my brother and me as babies, and I used it on my children, as well.

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Featured Ideafunny pictures

Simple pleasures to renew your spirit Lovely, soul-southing ideas to renew your spirit.

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