Ruth Soukup's Blog, page 96

4 Ways to Reduce Stress this Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but let’s be honest–it can also be the most stressful!  Between the added responsibilities and obligations, family drama, emotional overload, financial strain, and the fear that we’re just not doing enough, the months of November and December can quickly become overwhelming.   In fact, if I’m being totally honest with you, one of the biggest reasons I’m focusing so much on stress relief this year is because it something I am currently struggling with a lot.  I need to remind myself of these tips as much as anything else!

Over the years I’ve learned that the best place to start is by simply giving ourselves some grace.  Let’s give ourselves permission to not do it all for once.  We don’t have do outdo ourselves this year, or each other. This is not a competition for the best Christmas ever!

Another great place to start is by joining the Stress Free Christmas Challenge here at Living Well Spending Less.  Each day, beginning November 15th, we’ll focus on one small practical tip for not only getting things done–everything from setting goals to saving on groceries and getting our house in on order for the holidays–but for keeping our priorities in check along the way too. The challenges come in the form of short but encouraging five minute videos sent straight to our inboxes.  (The challenge is free to join, and when you sign up here, you’ll also get instant access to the 2014 Holiday Planner!)

Here are a few more simple but effective ways to keep our stress in check this holiday season: 

Plan Ahead

Approaching the holidays with realistic expectations and a focus on what matters most of all, as well as planning ahead, enjoying the little things, staying organized and tackling the holidays in a realistic, goal-based manner can help us all feel more in control and in tune.

For the past few years my husband and I have used a simple holiday planner to help keep our family organized.  Writing out and narrowing down the most important family activities has really helped us cut back on the strain of a jam-packed schedule, and if taking on too much is adding to your stress, you might find that it helps you too.  For example, maybe you’ll discover that everyone in your family LOVES making Christmas cookies together, or family game night, or watching a Christmas movie—these are your non-negotiables. However, perhaps your husband can’t stand caroling, your daughter doesn’t like to be cold while looking at Christmas lights, and you’ve been invited to nine Christmas pageants. Eliminate the activities that are not “must do” items and stick to the truly meaningful. We don’t need to do everything!

We’ve also found it helpful to ask our kids what they can do to help others. Maybe they want to adopt a family in need, participate in a food drive, or find a way to donate money to a mission or charity.  This year my girls surprised me by saying they wanted to help supply clean water to kids that don’t have any.   Helping your kids take an active role gives them an enthusiasm for the project and ownership. And believe me, while it might feel like service and charity projects will only add to your stress, I promise that giving of your own time and resources has an almost magical way of lifting your spirits.

Don’t Ignore Your Finances

End-of-the-year financial strain, preparation for tax season in January and February, plus property taxes, insurance costs and other year-end expenses can really take their toll on many families. Add in holiday activities, parties, decorations and the need to give lavish gifts for kids, loved ones, neighbors and more, and we have a recipe for debt.

Before you start shopping, take a realistic look at your budget and what you can actually afford to spend. Plan the costs of your big holiday meals (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day) and don’t forget baking projects (like that neighborhood cookie exchange). Plan your gifts and activities, then add each to your budget.

Just like the song says: make a list and check it twice. While it’s lovely and important to give gifts to our loved ones, remember that it’s in celebration of the larger season—and it’s not just about consumerism. Give a gift of yourself, or consider making something special for the people on your list this year.   Last week I shared 10 ideas for super easy handmade gifts that can all be made for less than $10.  Encourage children to make meaningful items, write letters and cards, or perform an act of service. Allow yourself to say when.

Giving your time can also be important. Write a meaningful message in cards to your friends in lieu of another Starbucks card. Or make a pact with your nearest and dearest to engage in an activity rather than buy for each other. Dinner plans in January and February, when the days are short and plans have subsided, can be a great way to spend one-on-one time with others while minimizing the financial strain of doing everything at once.

Include everything in your budget (travel, decorations, activities) and STICK TO IT! It truly is the thought that counts on many things. Get creative when you set your budget and think of other ways to give charity to others. Keep track of what you spend and how your plan goes.

A budget is like a roadmap, and just like any journey, it can be made easier with the right directions and a plan. Going in with a well written plan, calendar and guide can really help you keep a cool head and stay in control.

Practice Self Care

Unfortunately, for some of us, the holidays can bring feelings of depression, anxiety and inadequacy. Family situations, end of the year reflections, and even the weather (not to mention cold and flu season) can leave us feeling down. Combine this with a myriad of social obligations and it’s easy to start comparing ourselves with those around us and wondering what’s wrong with me?

For the past couple of months I’ve personally been struggling with a major loss and it has really taken its toll on me emotionally.  Through the support of my husband and some other close friends, I’m realizing that grief takes time, and that’s okay to feel sad but I don’t have to let that sadness completely control my life.  I’ve had to force myself to make time for self care–to sleep more, exercise more, work on my garden, spend time in prayer, and even use aromatherapy and essential oils.  None of it is a quick fix, but it has all helped me to avoid sinking into a pit of depression.

If you are really struggling, I want to encourage you you to make time for others and confide in your spouse or a good friend. It doesn’t mean complaining non-stop, but sometimes a quick vent session can help you feel less alone. Invite a friend for coffee or call your closest family member and chit-chat. You might even find that the holidays can be a lot for all of us to cope with and that the people who love you the most understand more than we think they do.

Set Boundaries

Family time can definitely make for some stressful interactions! One of the best ways to cope is to make a promise to avoid controversial conversations, walk away if needed and avoid alcohol. Remember, you can only control your own behavior and family members probably won’t change no matter how much you argue with them (and contention breeds discontentment).

Set appropriate boundaries and realize that it’s okay to say no. If you have things going on during the holidays, it’s okay to send houseguests to a movie on their own and stay home to regroup. Buy a pre-made side dish or pie from a local bakery to bring to dinner, rather than stressing yourself out by spending all day in the kitchen. If you are the houseguests, make plans as a nuclear family to do something fun, to give your hosts a break and a little breathing room. Even a walk with your spouse or a trip to the park with your kids can make huge improvements in your attitude and feelings.

If it’s still a lot to take on, one of the best ways to change our thinking is to take on an attitude of gratitude. What would happen if at our most stressful moments we took the time to remember those things we appreciate most about our families?  What is your favorite memory about your dad? What quality do you really admire in your mom? What qualities make each of your kids so special? This year, when conversation turns stressful, let’s try to focus on the blessings that our families have brought into our lives.

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No matter what we choose to do over the holidays, let’s try to keep our priorities in focus and simply take things one day at a time. As we end the year and start anew, it’s a beautiful time for change and inspiration.  Life isn’t perfect and never will be, but by taking the time to plan ahead, be proactive about our finances, take care of ourselves, and set some boundaries this year, we can definitely go a long way in reducing our stress level and actually enjoying the spirit of the season!

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Am I the only one feeling anxious this year?  How do you keep your stress level down?

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Thrifty Thursday {Week 85}

Happy Thursday….and Happy November!  I don’t know about you but I feel like this year has literally FLOWN by.  I seriously can’t believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner!  In case you missed it earlier this week, the 2014 edition of the LWSL Holiday Planning Guide is now available.  It is a fabulous resource for keeping your schedule and budget under control, and for staying focused on what matters most.  Oh, and it’s free!  Be sure to grab yours HERE!

In other news, the Ultimate Christian Living Bundle sale is happening right now.  If you like books this is one sale you won’t want to miss–for five days only you can get $1100 worth of books and bonuses for just $34.95!  Get all the details HERE.

Here are the most clicked links from last week:

 
1. One Beautiful Home { Black Friday Shopping Organizing Printables }
2. Intentionally Pursuing the Heart of God { A Spirit-Filled Home }

3. The Budget Mama { How Not to Burden Your Loved Ones }

4. Graceful Little Honey Bee {5 Easy Ways that ANYONE Can Make Money From Home}

5. Pulling Curls { 5 Ways I Save at Disneyland }

6. A Cultivated Nest {Why You Need to Set Up a Budget (and Stick to it)}

7. Creative Home Keeper { Oh So Yummy Apple Pie Instant Oatmeal }
8. Rolling Out Dough { How to Save Money With Amazon }
9. Vickie’s Kitchen and Garden { Country Fried Apples }
10. Life in the Orchard {Can a Purchase On a Whim Be a Good Thing?}
 
Never linked up before? Here’s how:

Scroll down, find the little blue “Add your Link” Button and click on that.
Follow the instructions on the next page – add a great image of your project and an interesting title. Make sure you link to the direct page of your budget friendly post – not the main page of your blog!
Try to visit at least a few other blogs at the party. Be sure to leave a comment to let them know you stopped by!
Please link back to this post somehow. There are badges available here; a simple text link is just fine too.

Feel free to tweet about Thrifty Thursday so others can join the fun, and don’t forget to check back here Sunday morning to see which posts have been featured this week at Weekend Wandering!

If this is your first time here I also invite you to check out my blogging guide, How to Blog for Profit (Without Selling Your Soul).  It is a fantastic resource if you are interested in building your blog, getting more traffic, or learning how to monetize, and the expanded 2nd edition is now available in paperback!  Or, if you have read the book and are still looking to take your blog to the next level, I encourage you to check out Elite Blog Academy.

An InLinkz Link-up

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Easy 5 Ingredient Pumpkin Pie

Am I the only one already drooling thinking about Thanksgiving dinner?  Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, and I am SUPER excited that this year my big brother Paul and his family will be joining us all the way from Washington State.  It has been years since we’ve hosted a big family Thanksgiving at our house and I seriously can’t wait!

While I definitely want to pull out all the stops, I also want to make sure that I don’t get totally overwhelmed.  Thus, this year I am focusing on simple recipes that provide all of the homemade flavor I crave with a lot less effort.  And let me tell you, this super easy 5 ingredient pumpkin pie is pretty much perfect!  I don’t think anything can beat the flavor of a pie made completely from scratch, with fresh roasted pumpkin and the perfect homemade pie crust to go with it.  But quite frankly, who has time for all that?  And while it might not top it, this “cheater” version is a very, VERY close second!  Since it literally takes about 5 minutes of hands-on time, I think it is a trade-off I can live with!  But don’t take my word for it–try it yourself and see!

Here is what you need:

1 refrigerated rolled pie crust
1 15oz can pumpkin
1 15 oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
 

Step 1: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Unroll pie crust per package instructions; place in 9″ pie plate.

Step 2: Combine pumpkin, condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until well blended, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Pour pumpkin mixture into pie crust.

Step 4: Fold over pie crust edges and crimp with fingers to make decorative edge.  Cover pie crust with foil to prevent excessive browning.

Step 5: Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 35o and bake 40-50 minutes longer, until pie is set and knife comes out clean.  Cool 2 hours.  Serve with whipped cream.

    Print This!    




Recipe: Easy 5 Ingredient Pumpkin Pie

Summary: This show-stopping fall favorite is quite literally as easy as pie!

Ingredients

1 refrigerated rolled pie crust
1 15oz can pumpkin
1 15 oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)



Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Unroll pie crust per package instructions; place in 9″ pie plate.
Combine pumpkin, condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until well blended, about 1 minute.
Pour pumpkin mixture into pie crust.
If desired, use additional pie crust to create decorative edge. Cover pie crust with foil to prevent excessive browning.
Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 35o and bake 40-50 minutes longer, until pie is set and knife comes out clean. Cool 2 hours. Serve with whipped cream.

Preparation time: 5-7 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour & 5 minute(s)

Cooling time: 2 hours

Number of servings (yield): 8

 

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What is your favorite holiday pie?

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Don’t Miss the Ultimate Christian Living Bundle (5 Days Only!)

I just wanted to let you all know about the Ultimate Christian Living Bundle sale that is happening today through next Tuesday, November 11th. If you’ve never heard of the Ultimate Christian Living Bundle, let me just quick fill you in!

Once a year you can get a huge collection of Christian books—essentially an entire library full—for just one crazy low price of $34.95! The books are different every year, but the value is always amazing. This year there are more than 80 books included in the bundle! The value of the books alone is $979, but you also get a whole boatload of bonuses worth an additional $162! It’s crazy!

Now I know what you are thinking, because I thought the same thing: “Sure, it sounds like a great deal, but what on earth would I do with that many books all at once? I would be overwhelmed just by the thought of reading them all!”

In fact, it is that exact thought that has held me back in the past from purchasing a previous bundle. But that was before I found out that you are allowed to gift the books you don’t plan to read! Say what? It’s a game changer!   Now I can focus on the books that really interest me, and share with friends and family the books that I know I probably won’t get to. Talk about a win-win!

And after taking a peek at what this particular bundle has to offer, I can tell you that there are several books—and even a teleseminar—that I am super interested in. These few alone make the bundle well worth the price:

Christian Wealth Building (Teleseminar, Regular Price $77.00)

Description: The 6-hour Christian Wealth Building teleseminar takes you deep into the Biblical foundation and motivation for obtaining wealth. You will learn 12 laws of wealth creation, the most powerful law of branding, how to bring order out of chaos and how Jewish Roots of capitalism and abstract economics can give you leverage today. It is God who gives the power to obtain wealth and it is that He may establish His covenant.

Born to Winby Zig Ziglar (Regular Price $9.99)

Description:Zig Ziglar’s Born to Win book compresses four decades of life-changing tools and practices into one inspiring, concise, easy-to-use format for people who want to grow and improve the whole spectrum of their lives now! Zig has always taught that “You were born to win, but to be the winner you were born to be you must plan to win and prepare to win. Then and only then can you legitimately expect to win.” Born to Win guides listeners through this plan-prepare-expect strategy. You will learn that when you have the hope that things can change, and a plan to make that change possible, then you can take action.

Managing Money God’s Way by Bob Lotich (Regular Price $5.99)

Description: Join Bob Lotich in Managing Money God’s Way, a 31-day daily devotional, as he shares his own experiences, insights, questions, and discoveries about Biblical money management and what we can do to be better stewards of our money. Each short chapter will leave you with a new Biblical insight, personal challenge, encouraging thought, and even practical steps to better control your money.

The Untold Secret to True Wealth by Brig Hart & John Beehner (Regular Price $13.84)

Description: The Untold Secret That Creates True Wealth reveals the patterns, obstacles and cycles our Creator incorporated for entrepreneurs and leaders that will test and challenge their character, humility, obedience and persistence and lead them to their true wealth.

Extraordinary Grace by Gary Chapman & Chris Fabry (Regular Price $13.49)

Description: Do you feel like a broken branch on God’s famly tree? Do you feel like God chooses the super spiritual and the “perfect” but you’re on the outside looking in? Are you afraid he won’t accept you because you’re not perfect? God is not looking for perfect people. He’s looking for those who need his extraordinary grace. In this encouraging book, Dr. Gary Chapman and Chris Fabry explore the lives of people who abandoned themselves to the love and mercy of God.

One Minute After You Die by Erwin Lutzer (Regular Price $5.24)

Description: Someone you know is about to pass away. Will they enter delight or horror? Many people spend more time planning for a vacation than preparing for eternity. Perhaps it doesn’t seem real that we will still exist-fully conscious and alive-beyond the grave. But it’s true, and it calls for careful consideration.

Who Are You and Why Are You Here? by Dan Miller (Podcast + Workbook, Regular Price $35.00)

Description: The best way to predict your future is to create it… But how do you create it when you don’t know what you want to do? Can you imagine work that would blend your best talents, your unique personality traits and your recurring dreams and passions—your purpose?

The Singing Bible (Regular Price $24.95)

Description: The Singing Bible includes 50 original sing-along songs. It sets Scripture to music and includes memorable lyrics and tongue twisters, making understanding the Bible an exciting journey. This collection of 4 CDs is fast-paced and perfect for use at home or during car trips. Lyrics included.

Financial Parenting by Larry Burkett & Rick Osborne (Regular Price $7.95)

Description: Best-selling authors Larry Burkett and Rick Osborne put their heads and heart together to help parents introduce their children to the fundamentals of money management. With chapters on stewardship, giving, borrowing and lending, saving and budgeting, Financial Parenting includes lots of activities and interactive questions with each and every chapter. Perfect for children ages 5 and up.

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And while all the books are pretty great, the bonuses for this year’s bundle are AWESOME!  Among other things, you will get a free pack of 10 hope & encouragement greeting cards from Dayspring (worth $19.95!), a free personality & talent assessment test (worth $45!) from the Doug Poll group, and 65 rewards points from Tyndale that can be redeemed for a free paperback book of your choice!

If you want to grab this year’s Ultimate Christian Living Bundle, or just find out more about what books are included, visit the website HERE. But don’t wait too long! The bundle is only available for FIVE days, and then it is gone forever!

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3 Tips for Raising Responsible (Happy) Kids

Today I am so happy to welcome my sweet friend Courtney DeFeo from Lil Light O’ Mine.  Courtney is the author of the newly released book In This House, We Will Giggle, which helps parents to help their children experience the goodness of God, the joy of following Jesus and the difference children can make in the lives of others.  It is a must read for any parent who sometimes struggles to balance love and discipline!

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This is a guest post from Courtney DeFeo of Lil Light O’ Mine

Do you ever feel like you could use some help around the house?

Do your kids despise work and chores?

Are you hoping that someday your kids may actually be able to go to college without you?

Believe me, I get it.

At home I have two little girls with wild imaginations. If we go to the dentist in the morning, they are playing “dentist” by that afternoon. I can hear gagging sounds coming from the playroom as one sister flosses the other sister. Then, if we visit a new restaurant concept (because daddy works in restaurants) – they will come home and you guessed it – play restaurant. Play-doh becomes food, my business cards are swiped as credit cards and if mommy and daddy don’t play along – it gets ugly.

I love their imaginations, I do.  I want them to grow up having lots of fun.

The problem comes when it’s time to clean up the elaborate dentist office and restaurant or whatever other crazy scenario they’ve invented. All of a sudden, everyone is tired or teething or there is a pulled hamstring. The most creative, hard-working sister act in America is down for the count once … responsibility arrives on the scene! And I have to be honest – sometimes it is less WORK for me just to clean it up than to actually take the time to teach them to clean.

But that would defeat the purpose.

The virtue of responsibility causes much stress in our worlds because it is not easy! However, I am choosing not to give up – because this mom will not be doing laundry and cutting crust off her college kids’ sandwich. Amen?

But I do believe it is possible to raise kids that are both responsible AND happy.

Here are three strategies that have helped me–they might just help you too:

 1. Realize It’s About Consistency More Than the Method

If you walked through my house, you would find at least 5 versions of a chore system that I started and stopped at some point. The truth is that my kids are very capable of doing chores – and I am horrible at follow through. I kept searching for a system that is easy, one that will make them love chores and work. A system that might require very little of me. I am so sorry to report that it isn’t out there. You can pick any of the 15K options on Pinterest, or one of Ruth’s printable chore charts, and just stick with it. Consistency is not the easy road, but it’s the effective one. Consistency. Repetition. Structure. Your method will become expected and a habit.

 2. Accept They Will Never LOVE to Work

I am very passionate about teaching our kids virtues through fun and experiences (not lectures). The virtue of responsibility involves hard work and I have finally concluded that there are few (if any) kids that just love hard work. If they are fighting you on it, you have normal kids. When I embraced that – it made the fight less frustrating. We can still be creative and make it LESS of a fight and more experiences for sure! When I find an area of need and match it to my girls’ strengths – they work really hard. Larson can clean windows like no one else. Ella can organize a cabinet all day. Find some things they love and praise them galore! Yet, don’t let them out of the hard stuff.

 3. Find What Motivates Them

For my girls, I have found their deep desires will motivate them to action. We have expected chores (often unpaid) around our house, but it is fun to make up a list of extras. Then, tie those chores to meeting a financial goal or experience for them. They can earn their way to that prize or special trip by doing extra work around the home. We have highly capable kiddos – we just need to hunt for the right motivation and show them we believe in them.

I am not as much worried about them being responsible elementary kids – but I am raising them to be future roommates, employees, wives, homemakers and more! Learning to work hard is good for all – even mom!

 

In This House, We Will Giggle: Making Virtues, Love, and Laughter a Daily Part of Your Family Life offers parents a practical approach to instilling virtues in their children through laughter, rather than lecture. Designed to cover an entire year, each of the 12 chapters highlights one key virtue in developing a child’s character, along with insights to help infuse the virtue into everyday life.

 

Courtney DeFeo is a popular blogger and creator of ABC Scripture Cards featured on “The View.” She is a graduate of Auburn University and has worked in marketing for Chick-fil-A. Courtney and her husband, Ron, are the parents of two children. To connect with Courtney, visit CourtneyDeFeo.com

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10 Gifts You Can Make for $10 or Less

November is here which means the holiday season is upon us, and if you are anything like me you are suddenly thinking, “well crapola, I better start thinking about gifts!”  (And if you are one of those annoyingly perfect proactive people who finished your shopping sometime in July, then I’m not quite sure to do with you.  Maybe you can get some fun ideas for next year while you gloat.  But really, I’m happy for you.  That’s great.)

And of course the only thing more stressful than realizing you have a whole list of people to buy for, is realizing you may have to take out a second mortgage to pay for everything. But while we may put a lot of pressure on ourselves sometimes, when it comes to gift-giving, it truly is the thought that counts, not how much you spent!

Thus, today it is time to get glue gun and Mod Podge, because things are about to get a little crafty! Rolling up your sleeves and doing a little DIY in the gift department not only saves money, but it can be a lot of fun as well.  You can even get the kids involved.  And honestly—who doesn’t enjoy receiving a nice homemade gift? There’s just something charming and comforting about a handmade gift that comes from the heart.

Not all of us were blessed with an artistic side. I realize that. Some of us are excellent sewers, others of us “wing it” and hope for the best.  If you have been blessed with a talent, this is a great time to put it to good use! If you’re a great baker: bake; if you can knit, I’ll bet you can make a scarf for the price of a skein or two of yarn. (…and by the way, you’re amazing! Knitting is HARD!)

Some of us need a little creative push now and again, so I’ve picked out a few of my favorite ideas to hopefully get you started in the right gift-giving direction.  With some savvy shopping, all of them can be completed for $10 or less, and most don’t require much-if any–technical ability.

1. Homemade Sugar Scrub

Did you know sugar contains natural alpha-hydrolic acids that exfoliate & soften your skin? This simple yet super effective homemade sugar scrub uses only 3 ingredients, takes just minutes to make, costs just a fraction of expensive store bought scrubs, and smells absolutely amazing!  This is one gift everyone is sure to love!

2. Sharpie Mugs

Sharpie mugs are all over Pinterest, but do they really work?  This awesome step-by-step tutorial not only shows you how to make them, but proves exactly which markers won’t wash off!  Such a fun & easy project and an awesome DIY gift idea!

 

3. Fabric Covered Candle

Everyone loves candles, and you’ll love this super cute and ultra thrifty DIY candle project that uses scrap fabric and inexpensive Glade candles.  These are so darling & so simple to make!  Watch for sales & use coupons to score a great deal on candles, then change up the fabric to match any decor or season.

4. Peppermint Marshmallows

I promise you haven’t lived until you’ve tried homemade marshmallows!  These peppermint beauties are fun & easy to make and so SO yummy! Williams Sonoma sells theirs for $16.95 a package….make them to give as gifts & save a bundle!  Or, if marshmallows aren’t your thing, check out this tutorial for homemade peppermint bark.

5. Coffee Bean Soap

Mmmmm….cofffee….You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this luscious homemade coffee bean soap–just 3 ingredients and 15 minutes is all you need!  A perfect gift for the coffee lover in your life, or just a great way to start your day!

6. Chalkboard Coasters

Need a thoughtful teacher gift?  Check out this tutorial for making handmade chalkboard coasters out of inexpensive ceramic tiles.  While this project does need a few days to complete (to allow drying time for the paint) it is easy enough for your kids to on their own with very little assistance from you!

7. Easy to Sew Pajama Pants

While it is only project on this list that requires sewing, don’t let these EASY-to-sew pajama pants intimidate you!  This simple step-by-step tutorial shows you exactly what to do to make cute PJ pants in any size without a pattern in about an hour.  If you know how to sew a straight line, you can make these–a perfect project for beginning sewers!

8. Star Shaped Crayons

Need a fun way to use all those broken leftover crayons you’ve got lying around?  Why not upcycle them into fun crayon shapes?  These adorable star-shaped crayons are a snap to make and make a great gift for all those special kids in your life!

9. No-Sew Tulle Skirt

Got a princess on your list?  Check out this awesome tutorial for making a darling ultra-full tulle skirt without a sewing machine. Make a pretty glitter lace crown (like this one from Hostess with the Mostess) to complete the pretty princess set.

10. Rainbow Sparkle Playdoh

What kid doesn’t love play doh?  This awesome homemade play dough recipe uses essential oils for scent & sparkle for an extra fun touch, and costs just pennies per batch.

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No matter who’s on your list this season, with a little creativity and effort, you can find an easy gift to can create for under $10. Everyone will appreciate something from the heart, and as long as you put thought into the gift, I promise your family and friends will be very happy with their presents!

Need more help with your holiday planning?  Grab our free 2014 Holiday Planner!

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Weekend Wandering

Happy Sunday and Happy NOVEMBER!!!  While a part of me is still trying to figure out where October disappeared to, I have to admit that I am a sucker for the holidays!  Even though there is a lot to do, this is definitely my favorite time of year.  In case you missed it yesterday, the 2014 edition of the LWSL Holiday Planning Guide is now available.  It is a fabulous resource for keeping your schedule and budget under control, and for staying focused on what matters most.  Oh, and it’s free!  Be sure to grab yours here!

But now on to the good stuff.  Here is what I loved this week:

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First of all, nothing is more comforting on chilly evenings than a bowl of hot and hearty soup.   This Creamy White Chicken Chili from Pound for Pennies looks and sounds so good!

Of course this Cantonese Wonton Noodle Soup from The Woks of Life sounds pretty incredible too!

These Fully Loaded Stuffed Homemade Tater Tots from I Thee Cook sound so yummy! I’m actually drooling!

This Roasted Asparagus recipe from The Pickle Bee would be a great side dish for Thanksgiving.

This No Knead Artisan Bread from What’s For Supper sounds so simple and looks so good!

Moving onto the sweeter side of things. This Almond Coconut Cheesecake with Ganache Glaze from Her Organized Chaos sounds so sinfully decadent!

These White Chocolate Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies from Pure Grace Farms also sound amazing!

Annie’s Noms shares her recipe for the best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies that are super soft and chewy!

These Turkey Rice Krispie Treats from Frugal Coupon Living are so cute! What a perfect way to use all that leftover Halloween candy!

This Spicy Paleo Snack Mix from The Salty Kitchen would make a great semi-healthy snack too keep around this holiday season.  It would make a wonderful handmade gift as well!

I Dig Pinterest has Fun Holiday Traditions for Kids that are a great way to get your children ready for the upcoming holidays!

Onto the money saving tips. Suburban Wife, City Life has 10 Black Friday Planning & Shopping Tips.  There is also a free printable for you to use!

Lastly, The (mis) Adventures of a Born Again Farm Girl has 7 tips to Enjoying the Seasons. Number five sounds perfect!

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What did you love this week?

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Holiday Planner 2014

Happy November! Is it just me or has this year seemed to fly by?  I am having a hard time believing that it is already time to start planning & preparing for the holiday season once again.

As my girls get older and begin participating in more activities, my husband and I are finding it increasingly important to prioritize, and to be intentional with our time and energy.   We want them to grow up knowing the true meaning of Christmas, remembering happy memories with our family, the special traditions and the joy of giving back, not just the stuff.

It can be very difficult at this time of year to keep your stress and budget under control.  (Want to know exactly how stressed you are?  Take our Holiday Stress Test to find out!)  There is seemingly always one more present to buy, one more ingredient to get, or one more card to send.  While it is easy to put off dealing with the repercussions until later, all those little costs can add up to a lot more stress come January.

Good planning is SO key!  It is so important to decide now what you can afford to spend, and to break it down into categories to get a clear idea of what that means for your family.   And in the spirit of stockpiling, planning your menus, grocery lists, and gift needs ahead of time will also mean giving yourself an opportunity to stock up on the items you need when they are at their lowest possible price.  For more tips on keeping your Thanksgiving & Christmas food budget in check, be sure to also read this post on How to Save on Food for the Holidays.

This is the fourth year I have shared a Holiday Planning Workbook, and I have personally found it to be a very useful tool for setting our priorities as a family and for planning our holiday budget, gift list, and grocery needs all in one (very cute) place.  My hope is that you will use it to plan your own stress-free, budget-friendly holiday. Here’s to a holiday season filled with joy and peace!

To have the planner sent directly to your inbox, simply sign up using the email box directly below this paragraph.  You will also receive our 12 Days to a Stress Free Holiday Challenge via email, beginning November 15th!

NOTE:  The signup box should appear directly ABOVE this sentence.  If for some reason you don’t see a form to enter your name and email address, instead use the signup box found at the top of the sidebar to the left of this post!  Thanks!

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Do you find the holiday season stressful or joy-filled?  What are your favorite Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions?  What are some things you would like to do differently this year?

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31 Days to a Clutter Free Life: Clutter Free Forever (Day 31)

Day 31: Clutter Free Forever

I’ve said it before, but I will say it again: the biggest problem and roadblock when it comes to living an organized life is not a lack of space, but too much stuff. Our modern lives lend themselves to clutter with the overabundance of materials, technology that is constantly changing, a culture of consumerism and the need to constantly have more.

We often struggle to manage our time and our households, and our health and relationships simply because of excess. Every now and then we just have to take a step back in order to stop the flow, prioritize our lives and think about the way we truly want to spend our time.

No one ever looked back on their life and wished they had more stuff to manage and take care of. Instead, most people tend to look back on their lives and wish they’d spent more time on their relationships with their families and strengthening their faith. They wish that they’d studied more, been more creative, and spent less time working hard to afford more.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be one of those people who looks back at my life full of pretty things with nothing but regret.

Today marks the end of our thirty-one day challenge, but it is only the beginning of a clutter free life. To truly live clutter free forever, we have to commit, today and every day, to stay that way.

 

{Get Day 31 De-cluttering Checklist here}

 Adopting these four simple strategies from here on out can make all the difference in the world:

 1. Stop the Flow

Just a simple trip to Target reminds us how easy it can be to mindlessly fill our carts with things we don’t need.  Temptation is everywhere, and for most of us, when like something, we buy it. What does it matter if we don’t really need it?  Our desire creates the need

Thus, the first step in living a clutter-free life is to commit to stopping the flow.  We have to vigilantly guard against the sheer number of things coming in.  For me it has meant avoiding my favorite stores; for others it may mean avoiding the thrift stores or no more garage sale hopping.  It means winning the mental battle and convincing yourself that what you have is already enough.

 2. Ruthlessly Purge

Paring down the number of things you already have is the next phase of the battle, and luckily we have just spent an entire month decluttering our homes, which is a huge head start. Continue to give yourself permission to only keep the things that are currently useful, despite who gave them to you or how much they cost.   This can be really hard, especially at first.  That’s where the ruthless part comes in.

As you continue to sort through your things, ask yourself these questions:

Do we use it, wear it, or play with it?  If it is clothes, does it still fit?
Is it in good working condition?
Does it enrich our lives in some way?
Does it have sentimental value?
Could someone else use it more?

As you sort, it can be helpful to divide your things into four piles—things to keep, things to donate, things to throw away, and things to put elsewhere (such as a keepsake box items, seasonal storage, or things that belong in a different room).  Once you’ve cleared an area and put away all the items that belong elsewhere, move on to the next area.  Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

 3. Set Strict Limits

We live in a time of more excess and waste than ever before.  We think nothing of a closet full of clothes, where our grandmothers and great-grandmothers only ever had a few dresses and a single pair of shoes to get them by.  Holidays and birthdays are accompanied by piles of gifts rather than just one or two, while our kitchens and bathrooms are packed to the gills with gadgets, accessories, and products.

Our grandparents didn’t have to set limits because they were already limited by their finances and by what was available.  In an era where everything is available and affordable, we have to be diligent about setting our own limits.  One way I did this was in my bedroom closet, where I limited my clothing to what would fit on forty hangers.  Compared to the closets of a century ago, forty hangers is probably still a lot, but for me–and for most women today–getting rid of that many clothes was a pretty drastic change.

We also set some pretty strict limits when it comes to our kids and toys.  After taking their toys away last year, we have tried to be very careful about the number of toys they have access to.  This means limiting Christmas and birthday gifts and, when necessary, swapping out something they no longer play with when they do get something new.

 4. Value Quality over Quantity

I think sometimes we have become so accustomed to the steady flow of cheaply-made junk that we forget that quality really does matter.  Being incredibly selective, but then spending a little more to buy something that will stand the test of time is not only more frugal, but it is the way things simply used to be.  At some point our standards lowered so much that we no longer think twice when a motor stops working after a year, or when our t-shirt gets a hole after just a few washings, or when another toy breaks after only being played with for a week.

When you do find yourself in need of something new, commit actively seeking out things that are well made from quality materials. Take the time to read reviews or to find things that are made locally rather than overseas.  Choose long term value over short term savings.

Commit to rethinking consumerism as a family—build memories and experiences rather than accumulating “stuff.” Spend a day doing an activity and bring nothing home but memories and strengthened family bonds.

Staying organized and committing to an organized life takes practice. It takes repetition. I suggest that you revisit your progress each month. Start at the top of this list and rework your way through. Focus on cleaning, tidying and revisiting the loose ends each month. Keep it as an ongoing priority and you’ll be amazed at how wonderful clutter-free can be.

And friends, that’s it. The end of our month-long challenge and the beginning of your clutter-free life. Don’t forget to continue to share your decluttering successes on social media with the hashtag #LWSLClutterFree, and be diligent and intentional about keeping your home, mind, and schedule clutter-free from here on out.

Here’s to you, and a clutter-free life!

 

An InLinkz Link-up

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31 Days to a Clutter Free Life: Calendar & Schedule (Day 30)

Day 30: Calendar and Schedule

The most successful and productive people keep close watch over their calendars and schedule. We can’t always control everything, but with a carefully guarded calendar, we can plan and organize our time, increase our efficiency, and maintain our sanity.

Just like an address book, a calendar can come in many different forms—paper or digital, or even mobile. Some of us prefer to use different calendars for different activities—for example, the family calendar in your control center may not hold your business meetings and your office calendar may not reflect your upcoming anniversary or doctor’s appointment.

It is important to find a method that works best for you and stick to it. The most effective calendar is, of course, one that you use and update regularly. If that means a Google calendar that syncs with your smartphone, great! If that means a paper calendar you keep in your pocketbook, fine! Simply use it and maximize it as a tool.

Regardless of what method you use to manage your calendar, it is important to realize that how you fill it depends on your ability to set limits and boundaries. The best calendar app in the world won’t cure an overbooked schedule if the real problem is your inability to say no. Decluttering your schedule means figuring out what to cut out of your schedule, not what to add in.

Only say yes to the things that are most important to you, and ruthlessly cut out the rest. Practice the art of saying no graciously, and don’t commit out of guilt or obligation if the task doesn’t align with your priorities. If you do want to commit to something, calendar it—make time for it and stick to it.

 Objective: A calendar to help you schedule tasks and manage time usage wisely.

Assess the current situation: How are you currently spending your time? What activities provide the most amount of stress? What could you cut out without guilt? What do you see as the most effective calendar method for you? How can you maximize the usage of that calendar?

 

{Get Day 30 De-cluttering Checklist here}

Assignment:

 1. Decide on a calendar. Will you use a paper planner? A wall calendar? Google calendar? An app? Pick one single calendar to plan your activities, then stick with it so nothing gets lost.

2. Assess your priorities. What are the things that are most important to you? These are the things that should take up the most time on your schedule.

3. Clear out the unessential. Immediately eliminate from your schedule anything that does not align with your priorities. Stop saying yes when you want to say know. Cancel appointments or activities that you don’t actually need or want to keep.

4. Make a list of the things you want and need to do—be as specific as possible for each day. Gather all scraps of paper, such as notes or appointment cards into one central location so that they can be documented.

5. Block out time on your calendar for each activity with an estimated time. Build in free or empty time as buffers. Include any items that seem important like going to the gym, grocery shopping, driving your child to an appointment, and, of course “family time.”

6. Maintain and update. At the end of each day, review your calendar, move any incomplete items forward and review time estimates and any previously expected events. Follow the calendar to help manage your time and commit to updating the information regularly.

 

 The Perfect Bound Calendar by Martha Stewart Home Office exclusively at Staples.com

An InLinkz Link-up

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