Do you love the Mission style in your home, but you're not sure how to decorate or buy furniture? Read our 7 tips to designing a room with the Mission style!

Furniture catalog for the Mission Oak & Cherry Collection by Stickley... includes the following Stickley collections: Mission, Pasadena Bungalow, and Coronado

A vous toutes et tous, je vous souhaite tout ce qu'il y a de meilleur pour cette nouvelle année !!! ******** All the best to all of you for this new year !!!

Discovering the stunning Mission San Juan Bautista in California, with pictures, facts and all the stories from the Mission of Music.

Growing up in the Southwest was bittersweet. Though you still miss the smell of the earth after the monsoons, you don't miss the blistering heat of the summer. This classic mission style sofa features a wooden frame and Southwestern upholstery. 33 in tall x 37 in deep x 87 in l

Whether you are thinking about serving a full-time mission several years from now or you already have your mission call in hand, this Mission Prep "Bucket List" is filled with 25 SIMPLE WAYS that you can prepare to serve a full-time mission! Many of these things can be started while you are a youth, but you can continue (or start) any of them as a young adult as well. Feel free to print out this Mission Prep Bucket List on your printer (or have it printed as a 4x6 photo) - this free printable is totally free for anyone to use and share with friends (please link back to me if you post this anywhere and please do not reproduce this with the intention to sell it). We created this list as a free printable for anyone who wants some simple ideas for preparing for their LDS Mission, so we want to keep it free! Some of these things can be done in one day, but most of them will take a while. You may need to continue doing many of these right up until you actually leave for your mission. You can check off items as you complete them or have done well in establishing permanent habits! For specific ideas on how to do these things, here are some tips: EXERCISE: See our blog post "Getting Fit for your LDS Mission" here SPEND MORE TIME AWAY FROM HOME: A former missionary companion of mine (my first companion/trainer) recommended this idea for preparing for a mission one the other day and it's a great idea. If you're used to staying around the house most of the time, you might have a harder time adjusting (emotionally) to being away from family/friends and being out in public pretty much all the time. Do volunteer work, get a part-time (or full-time) job, go to Mutual (for youth) or YSA activities (for adults), do team sports or dance, get involved in extracurriculars at school, do community theatre, take Parks & Recreation classes, go to college for a term, etc. If you are a youth, going to Scout Camp, Girls Camp, Youth Conference, EFY, etc are also ways to get used to being away from home. DATE: This might seem like a strange suggestion...If you are going to be serving a full-time mission, it's best (in my opinion and experience) to avoid getting into a committed relationship. I've seen this become a problem for a lot of people (including my own husband). It's possible to be a totally focused and obedient missionary when you have a girlfriend or boyfriend back home, but it does make it more difficult for most people. And you don't want to worry about getting a "Dear John" letter (like my husband did!). Then why date at all? The purpose of dating as a youth isn't supposed to be romantic, though many youth are interested in romances. Follow the dating standards in For The Strength Of Youth (which is geared toward youth, but is applicable even if you are a single adult who isn't ready to get married because you will be serving a mission soon). FTSOY suggests casual dating in groups with a variety of people with the purpose of making friends, learning about and getting to know new people, and having wholesome fun. When you are ready to get married (say, after your mission if you decide to serve one), then dating should be more focused on finding a future companion for marriage. If you approach dating with those expectations and attitudes, you will be able to have fun making new friends without being distracted from your goals. LEARN TO COOK: Learn to cook some basics. Don't worry about learning to cook a bunch of fancy stuff, because you either won't have time, won't have the money, or won't be able to get the ingredients! See our blog post "2 Really Important Things to Start Doing NOW if you want to Survive EATING as an LDS Missionary" for tips about cooking here and our blog post "Missionary Recipe - Twice-Baked Potatoes" here IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH: See the "emotional health" section of the missionary page on lds.org here LEARN TO CLEAN: During your mission, you will be expected to clean your own apartment (you will probably have routine apartment checks conducted by the mission leaders) and you will even have cleaning service assignments when you're at the MTC...(our district was assigned bathrooms. I cleaned a LOT of toilets). I know it might sound silly, but you don't want to look like you've never cleaned anything in your life because you have no idea how to wash dishes or clean a toilet. And of course you will need to know how to do your own laundry (starting at the MTC), so figure that stuff out WAY ahead of time. Ask a relative for help, or find some tutorials on youtube or Pinterest. TIP #1- Some cleaning chemicals can't be mixed because they can create toxic chemical reactions, so know what kind of cleaners to use for different things, read the labels, and don't mix stuff together. TIP #2- Be careful with bleach because if it gets on anything (your clothes, towels, shower curtain, carpet, and even some surfaces like colored porcelain) it can permanently change the color. Guess how I know that! :) Only use bleach or cleaners with bleach in them if you know what you are doing. FULFILL CHURCH CALLINGS: Learn to keep your commitments and fulfill your assignments by following through on your responsibilities, such as church callings (including Ministering - formerly known as Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching) GET USED TO WALKING: Can you walk 6 miles or more a day? See our blog post "Getting Fit for your LDS Mission" here ATTEND COLLEGE: If you are able (financially) and the time-frame works out, you might be able to take some college classes (or even attend college full time) for a while before your mission. Some future missionaries attend for only one term, others might even be able to complete a degree or certificate before they leave for their mission. This is a good way to meet different kinds of people and improve your skills and education. Discuss time-frame with your Bishop and your parents. GET USED TO BIKING: Can you bike 12 or more miles a day? If you don't have a bike, you could use an exercise bike to train! See our blog post "Getting Fit for your LDS Mission" here ATTEND THE TEMPLE: If you have a temple in your area, you can visit the grounds and/or visitors center. You may also be able to do baptisms for the dead. If you are endowed, you can do endowment sessions and maybe even be a temple worker. Consult with your Bishop about what is appropriate for you. If you don't have a temple nearby, don't worry - the most important thing for anyone (whether they can actually get to the temple or not) is to strive to be WORTHY to hold a current temple recommend. Everyone's situation is individual, so speak with your Bishop about qualifying for a limited-use temple recommend (for baptisms for the dead) or how you can prepare for a regular adult temple recommend. DEVELOP SKIN CARE & HAIR CARE ROUTINES: You don't want to take a bunch of extra stuff you don't need on your mission (you don't have much room in your luggage), so start now to find a skincare and haircare routine that is simple, stream-lined, and works for you. I brought a lot of stuff with me (lotions, face cleaners, masks, etc) that I never used an ended up tossing out to make room for other things. Just bring what you need and what you know works. Figure it out now. ESTABLISH A HABIT OF SCRIPTURE STUDY: Missionaries study the gospel for hours every day. It's important. You can read Preach My Gospel and other things, but most importantly, get to know the scriptures. As a missionary, you are going to be testifying of the truthfulness of the scriptures. Know what they say! Start by reading the Book of Mormon...every. single. day. ATTEND MISSION PREP CLASS: Talk to your Bishop about Mission Prep classes in your area. In our Stake, any interested youth ages 16 & up are invited to attend the stake-wide Mission Prep class, along with young single adults who are planning to serve a mission. It might be different in your area, so check with your Bishop. LEARN TO MEND CLOTHES: See our post "What you need (and don't need) in a Missionary Sewing Kit" here for information about missionary-related sewing & repairs ESTABLISH HABIT OF PRAYER: Get in the habit of praying when you wake up and before you go to sleep, whenever you eat, when you study, when you need help, etc. Try to practice praying as if you are speaking to a real person (because you ARE!) so that you don't get in a rut of just repeating the same thing every time. ATTEND SEMINARY: If you are a youth, attend seminary. I've heard that for some countries, attending seminary for a certain number of years can help you get permission for a Visa, because seminary is considered ministry training. ATTEND INSTITUTE: If you are a young single adult, try to attend Institute classes! It's similar to seminary, but usually only once a week. WORK: Even if you don't need to save for your mission funds, please consider getting a part-time or full-time job so that you can get some of this important life experience before your mission. It is recommended that a missionary work to pay for at least part of their mission. It helps you to feel more "invested" in your mission. Have you ever saved up to buy something and then took really good care of it because you know how hard you worked? Have you ever seen a friend trash a bike, car, or other expensive item that they were given as a gift because they don't really understand it's cost? Besides giving you a sense of investment in your mission, having a job will help you learn about following directions, working hard, being responsible, and if your job involves customer service, you have to learn to be polite even when people are rude (and that can be a really helpful skill to have as a missionary). GET USED TO TALKING TO PEOPLE: You don't have to walk up to strangers and strike up a conversation on the street, but use natural opportunities that you have in your everyday life to be a little more outgoing. If the cashier at the grocery store asks you how you are doing, don't just say "fine" - start a conversation with her! Ask how she is doing. or comment on the weather or something! When you meet your aunt's neighbor, show interest by asking her questions or paying her a compliment. The more you get used to talking to people you don't know, the better, because you will be doing this all day, every day as a missionary. ATTEND GOSPEL PRINCIPLES CLASS: This is an adult Sunday School class usually attended by new members, returning members, ward-missionaries, full-time missionaries, etc. Sometimes young adults who are preparing to go on a mission attend this class also. Youth should attend their regular youth Sunday School class until they are out of the youth programs. If you are a young single adult, check with your Bishop or Branch President to see if this is appropriate for you. LEARN TO GET STAINS OUT OF CLOTHES: See our blog post "5 Things you can MAKE NOW for your LDS Mission - even if your call hasn't arrived yet" here for information on stain removal MAKE MEMORIES: Do some fun things and don't forget to take photos so you can look back on your fun times - get together with family or friends and hike, go to a concert, go to the beach, etc. IMPROVE PHYSICAL HEALTH: See our blog post "Getting Fit for your LDS Mission" here ATTEND TEMPLE-PREP CLASS: Talk to your Bishop or Branch President about the timing of this (Kendall's Branch President said that they will talk about scheduling a Temple Prep class once she has submitted her mission papers) Have fun!

Have you ever wanted to go to a different place and help others and share Jesus with them? I have wanted to for a long time and it is finally working out for me to go. I will be traveling to Guatemala later this summer and I am so excited about what God has set...

Note: This post was originally published in 2010. In addition to helping those that are in need, serving others will teach your kids empathy, responsibility, and team work. Win-win! Here, I’ve listed 10 simple mission project ideas to get you started. Tweak them to fit your family and community. 1. Make cards and deliver them […]

You can shop until you drop at this massive antique store that has tons of merchandise.

You can shop until you drop at this massive antique store that has tons of merchandise.

The historic Mission Inn which occupies several blocks in downtown Riverside California is the largest Mission Revival building in the United States. The Inn was built in 1902 by an engineer named …

So perfect for the Sister Missionary in your life! This cake is a fondant covered sheet cake and decorated to look like a Sister's blouse. Accented with an edible necklace and name tag.

Quality comes standard on all Simply Amish pieces. All drawers are constructed of solid hardwood, dovetailed at the front and back, and with one piece fronts, so you'll never see glue lines. The SmartSlide system ensures full drawer extension, soft closings, and unobstructed views of the gorgeous construction. The soft close door hinges have a beautiful titanium finish and guarantee a smooth and silent closure every time. No shortcuts here!

Almost a decade ago, I began the process of starting my mission papers. I remember anxiously texting my bishop, going to doctor’s appointments, and begrudgingly getting my wisdom teeth out. On a more spiritual level, I started attending temple prep classes and reading Preach my Gospel. I received my endowments. I finally submitted my application. I remember confidently checking the box indicating that I would like to learn another language. Although I would never admit it at the time, I prayed I would get called somewhere cool and foreign to impress my friends (although when they asked I would coyly say I wanted to go “wherever the Lord called me”). I became insufferable to my poor family as I ran to the mailbox every morning hoping my call had arrived. My call finally showed up in the mailbox on Christmas Eve. I waited six more hours to open it so that my older sister could be there with me. I was so anxious about the whole ordeal my mom swept me into the car to run mindless holiday errands with her in hopes that I would calm down before opening it. I had recently graduated high school and frantically texted my classmates to be there with me when I opened the letter. This was quite customary for my graduating class since I had graduated from high school in Utah County and the majority of my peers were also LDS and considering missions. When I arrived back home to rip open the white folder my dad had placed under the Christmas tree my house was buzzing with teenagers from Timpanogos High’s 2013 cohort. I honestly have no memory of opening my call. I think I blacked out. I’ve watched the shaky video my little sister filmed of me opening the letter. When I watch it back I hear the shock in my voice as I read “Guatemala City Central Mission- Spanish Speaking.” Immediately after opening my call the anxiety set in. I remember feeling so confused- isn’t this exactly what I wanted? Isn’t an exciting, foreign mission exactly what I had prayed for? Wasn’t I the person who submitted my papers? Didn’t I check the box indicating I wanted to learn a foreign language? The reality was that after the initial excitement and attention from submitting my papers wore off, the fear set in. The reality of what I had signed up for felt crushingly intimidating. Eighteen months felt like an eternity. I had dropped out of eighth grade Spanish, why did I think I would be able to learn it now? What if my companions didn’t like me? What if I didn’t make it? My deepest fear, although I would never admit it at the time, was that I would come home early. The shame and fear became paralyzing. The three months between opening my call and getting on a plane headed for Guatemala City were some of the longest, hardest months of my life. Truly, I felt like I was just white-knuckling my way through. I cried the entire way to the airport. Looking back all these years later, I wish I could hug the 19-year old version of myself who was boarding that plane. Whether she realized it or not, she had become swept up into the cultural pressure and shame that can often accompany missions within the Church. If I could go back and give her advice, these are the things I would tell her: 1- It’s okay if you don’t serve the whole 18 months (no really, it’s okay). So much of my anxiety was caught up in worry that I would return home early from my mission. I feared the whispered conversations speculating about why I came home. I worried, deeply, about what other people would think of me. While I wish I could tell the 19-year-old version of myself that no one cares if you come home early, I know that (unfortunately) there is a lot of pressure to stay in the mission field and a lot of shame to navigate if you don’t. What I would tell a missionary leaving for the mission field is, it’s okay if you come home early. Really, it’s okay. Yes, some people might judge you. But at the end of the day, the people whose opinions matter won’t. Your mission call says it is anticipated that you will serve for 18 months (or two years) but it isn’t a contractual obligation. There are countless unforeseen circumstances that could cause you to come home before that. No matter what your reason may be, if you come home early it’s okay. No one knows your circumstances and what is best for you better than you do. This will be one of many instances in your life where you make a decision that other people may not understand, but that doesn’t mean that decision is wrong. Stand in your power and rely on your relationship with your Heavenly Parents. I promise you that, while it might feel like the end of the world right now, as time passes this will too. 2- You don’t need to “lose yourself in the work” in fact, it’s better if you don’t. Every young missionary in the field has heard the phrase “forget yourself and go to work” or been counseled to “lose yourself in the work.” I remember feeling this pressure to an extreme as I entered the field, especially during my training. I would feel guilty, embarrassed, or even shameful if I caught myself feeling homesickness because (in my mind) I wasn’t “losing” myself enough. Your Heavenly Parents called you to serve a mission. By trying to lose yourself or forget about the background that shaped you to who you are, you are showing up as a less-genuine version of the person who got called on this mission in the first place. It’s okay to still be a human being while you’re a missionary. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, disappointed, frustrated, or homesick during your mission. It doesn’t mean that you’re a bad missionary, it means that you’re human and you’re having a very mortal experience during your time serving. By allowing yourself to feel all of these emotions, you also open yourself up to feeling joy, excitement, humor, relief, and the ability to form genuine relationships. You can’t selectively numb emotions, by choosing to recognize and process the hard emotions, you open yourself up to the happy ones too. There is room for all of it and feeling it all doesn’t make you a worse missionary (in fact, it makes you a better one). The Lord called YOU to be a missionary, not a robot. 3- The relationships you build on your mission will be the most important part. Focus on the people and let the other stuff go. I remember feeling so stressed about mission transfers, contacts, memorizing sections of Preach my Gospel, challenging people for baptism, and so much more during my mission. If I could go back, I would tell myself to focus less on the little details and focus more on the relationships I was building on my mission. Eight years after my mission, I don’t remember if I hit every bullet point I wanted to during that important lesson- but I do remember the people I was teaching. I’ve forgotten about the ways I embarrassed myself by messing up my words in Spanish- but I remember my companions who were so kind in helping me learn. Truthfully, I don’t even remember if some of the people I taught joined the Church after I was transferred away from their area, but I do remember the stories they shared with me as we huddled around their kitchen table. Eight years after I first got my mission call, I can confidently say that the relationships matter the most: my relationships with my companions, the people I taught, other missionaries in the mission, my Savior, and my relationship with myself are what matter. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t obsess over the details. People have their own agency and will choose their own path here in this life- your mission is just a wonderful opportunity to learn about Christlike love. Make the most of it. Lots of love, (former) Hermana Wise

Are you looking into Christian mission trips? This post breaks down the factors to consider and ultimately why you should go on a mission trip.

Read about Target's new collaboration with The Curiosity Shoppe on Refinery29. Refinery29 tells you about the new Curiosity Shoppe collection at Target.

We were a few minutes early to a client meeting this afternoon and stopped in to visit Smeeks again. For a candy lover like myself, it'...

Handcrafted, the Delun Clay Vessel is a vintage pot found in China. Each piece was once used to ferment rice wine, and today, the enduringly rustic pot makes a great vessel for dried florals or a striking standalone decorative piece. Please note each piece will vary slightly in size and color.

Mission Sticker These are great to celebrate a Mission Call, or to have some swag for your missionary or actual mission. It's the little things that bring people together, someone might look at your sticker and just know that you must be LDS and boom you have something to talk about! Don't See your mission??? --No worries I can make one just for you! Dimensions: 3" x 4" ♥ Waterproof, Gloss Sticker ♥

I have to say that I loved my stay at the Mission Inn. It is in downtown Riverside California. It is the largest example of Mission Revival architecture in the United States. As we all know the Mis…

Image 2 of 20 from gallery of HASH Skincare Shop / BARDI studio. Photograph by Sona Manukyan, Ani Avagyan

It feels like it was just yesterday that we posted Timothy Corrigan’s out-of-this-world holiday entertaining style at the fabulous Château du Grand-Lucé. Five months later, the temperatures are steadily on the rise in the Loire Valley, and Timothy’s transitioning his parties from dinners by candlelight, to lunch in the garden. We caught up with the interior designer […]

Mission Sticker These are great to celebrate a Mission Call, or to have some swag for your missionary or actual mission. It's the little things that bring people together, someone might look at your sticker and just know that you must be LDS and boom you have something to talk about! Need to order a bulk order for a mission farewell? Lets talk and get you a great deal! Don't See your mission??? --No worries I can make one just for you! Dimensions: 3" x 4" (nothing will be larger than 4 inches so it will be maxed out either vertically or horizontally) ♥ Waterproof, Gloss Sticker ♥

Image 17 of 29 from gallery of MazelTov - 81Font / Studio Arkitekter. Photograph by Dániel Dömölky