Weekend Links ~ December 31st

May all your wanderings be blessed!

:: Actually Reading Together Changed My Opinion of It @ The Organic Sister

:: Simple Homeschool @ Daily Bread



"Pin"spiration 

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This week's all about organization.


:: awesome idea for decluttering your wardrobe

source

:: easy bobby pin storage solution

source

:: great idea for curbing the multiplying cup dilemma

source

linking up at Simply Staci's Saturday Stumbles

Have you come across any good reads or great ideas this week? We'd love for you to leave a link in our comments section.

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Simplify Your Life: One Bite at a Time {20% Off & Giveaway}

With the new year comes a lot of reflection on the old one -- what you did well, what you'd like to improve, and where you want to be this time next year.

For our family, New Year's resolutions typically revolve around simplifying our very filled lives. We have a lot of goals for our family, most of which are only possible when we take time to focus on them and keep ourselves clear of the busyness that can so easily sweep us up in its hectic flow.

Tsh, founder of SimpleMom.net has put together a wonderful resource to help you simplify your life in easy manageable steps.

One Bite at a Time: 52 Projects for Making Life Simpler is an eBook filled with secrets, tips, and great advice to help you move towards intentional simplicity.

This eBook is filled with projects in the following 8 categories: Green Living, Living Well, Money Management, Organizing Your Mind, Organizing Your Space, Relationships, Taking Care of Yourself, and Time Management.

Tsh tackles 52 projects in an easy step-by-step format. You can do them in any order, at your own pace, and customize them to fit your needs. In One Bite at a Time, Tsh addresses topics such as getting more sleep, creating a daily to-do list, carving out intentional down time, decluttering your wardrobe, downsizing your children's toys, meal planning, and much, much more.

Get a 20% Discount:
Right now you can instantly download One Bite at a Time at a 20% discount for only $4.00 using the code HAPPYNEWYEAR. This discount is valid through January 10, 2012, regular price is $5. If you're looking for some help in simplifying your life, One Bite at a Time is perfect for you.

You can also find great reviews, a list of all 52 projects and even a free chapter to read here.

Also, be sure to check out SimpleMom.net in 2012 as Jeannett Gibson of Life Rearranged offers a monthly dose of camaraderie and accountability as she works through various projects from the eBook. Readers will also be invited to link to their own blog with project results. I can't wait to see how other's implement Tsh's ideas.

Remember, the 20% discount is only available through January 10th, so take just a few minutes and download One Bite at a Time today!

Giveaway

We're excited to be able to offer one of our readers a free download of One Bite at a Time to help you jump start your intentionally simpler life! (Open worldwide.)


You can get two entries into this giveaway:

1. Mandatory ~ Leave a comment telling us why you'd like to win a free download of Tsh's eBook. Make sure you include your email address so we can contact you if you win!

2. For an additional entry, subscribe to our blog via email. (Leave another comment telling us you've done this.)

This giveaway will close January 8th, 2012 at 11:59PM EST. The winner will be contacted via email and will need to reply within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

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Finished Friday: Popsicle Stick Puzzles Guest Post

Today I'm sharing a super easy, cute, fun, & frugal craft at Living Life Intentionally. 
Be sure to hop on over to see how to make a few of these popsicle stick puzzles for the little ones in your life. They are so easy to make that your children could even make them for their siblings or friends. These puzzles could even be a fun Christmas Day craft for the kiddos. Just make sure you do the cutting, okay.
Everyone but the baby will be getting one (or two) of these in their stocking on Christmas morning.

What do your children get in their stockings?

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Gather Round the Christmas Tree

Lots of hot tea and warm blankets in our home this week. Thankfully, I already had these pictures ready :)

Since our town home doesn't afford room for a traditional Christmas tree, the little ones helped decorate my parents' tree this year. 

My parents' decided, for the second year, to forgo the Christmas ornaments packed carefully away in a box and to instead decorate the tree with simple ornaments with the names of Jesus. Just small slips of printed paper backed by red cardstock and tied with ribbons.

It's perfect for our kids who are learning these names during our quite moments of advent each day.

Linking up at Kristin's today. Click the button below to see lots of other Christmas tree photos.

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Sickness and Rest

I've been a bit MIA recently. Last Sunday I noticed that my throat was getting a little sore. 

Now, I've been dealing with a sore throat and full blown head cold all week while trying to get loose ends tied up before our family trip this Christmas.

So, if you don't hear from this little corner of the web for a few days, that's why.

Right now I'm trying to rest and get better so I can enjoy the celebration of Jesus' birth with our extended family.

I'm praying that you and your family are enjoying a peaceful Christmas season. Remember, true peace doesn't come as a result of the perfect family dinner or the perfect family photo or gift, but only through Jesus. His perfect peace becomes our own when we live to glorify him. At Christmas we remember that he already took the first step...He Came.

May you celebrate his coming this Christmas!

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Weekend Links ~ December 17th

May all your wanderings be blessed!

:: 10 Things to Do Everyday to Stay Organized @ Organizing Your Way (I love the list notebook, I seem to make so many lists, but I think it would really help to keep them all in one place.)

:: Why Gift Giving Can Be Good for Kids @ Life as MOM

:: Of Santa and Jesus @ A Deeper Story



"Pin"spiration

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:: Christmas Coloring Page

source

:: Snowman Ornament

source

:: No Roll Sugar Cookies

source

:: Free Christmas Coloring Book download

source

linking up at Simply Staci's Saturday Stumbles

Have you come across any good reads or great ideas this week?
We'd love for you to leave a link in our comments section.

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Vitacost: 3 Aluminum & Paraben Free Deodorants for $5.48 Shipped

I've been on a search for natural deodorant for my husband for quite some time. While, I'm able to use homemade deodorant with fairly good results, my husband's skin can't handle the baking soda that many homemade recipes call for.

The problem with natural deodorant is that it's hard to find one that works really well without the use of artificial and potentially harmful ingredients.

So, whenever I see a untried deodorant on sale I try to pick up one for Tim to try.

Today, I used $10 off at Vitacost to order 3 untried deodorants for only $5.48 shipped.

:: JASON Deodorant Stick Tea Tree

:: NutriBiotic Unscented Deodorant Stick

:: Nature's Gate Grapefruit and Wild Ginger Deodorant

If you haven't used your $10 off $10 Vitacost coupon code yet, you can use it to get a great deal on natural deodorant.

:: Sign up for your $10 off $10 coupon code from Vitacost. The coupon code will be delivered to your email inbox. It should arrive in your within 15-20 minutes (make sure you check your spam folder).

::Go to Vitacost and browse through the deodorants. Here are the aluminum and paraben free deodorants. My husband like stick deodorants, but there are roll-ons and sprays, too. 

::Add the ones you want to try to your cart. Our total for the three deodorants mentioned above was $10.49 plus $4.99 shipping. Use the $10 coupon to get $10 off, making your total just $5.48, including shipping.

Do you use natural deodorants? If so, which ones do you like? Have you tried any of these deodorants? 

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Book Nook :: December 14th

Inspiration:

I love this little DIY Reading Nook Tent.

source

:: The Christmas Thingamajig (read our review)
:: Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake
:: A Wish to be a Christmas Tree
:: Claude the Dog (recommended by my friend, Kristin, check out her full list here)
:: I'll Be Home for Christmas (Toot & Puddle)
:: Listen to the the Silent Night
:: Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
:: The Indescribable Gift

See the rest of our Christmas book recommendations.
Looking for a book gift? Here are some books our little ones enjoy.

Here's a list of Kristin's recommendations and Lindsay's favorites, too.

What are some current favorites in your home?

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The Christmas Thingamajig

The Christmas Thingamajig is a book that managed to make it into our book pile as I quickly glanced at a library display. I had never heard of this book, but the beautifully painted illustrations drew my attention. I was also looking for a book with a little more meat as we had already chosen quite a few shorter picture books.

On Sunday morning, I corralled the little ones down the stairs to allow Tim another hour or so of sleep. Emahry and Jonathan climbed onto the couch and asked for a Christmas story. I knew we had a little more time to sit and enjoy a longer story so I grabbed The Christmas Thingamajig from our library bin and cuddled in between them.

The story is about a little girl, named Chloe, who has recently lost her grandmother. Chloe doesn't want to keep the family's usual Christmas traditions because they remind her too much of her Grandma and how Christmas will never be the same.

Chloe's grandfather is also feeling the pain of his loss at the first Christmas without his wife. He however helps Chloe see that traditions are important because they help you "face the new things."

This book is a mix of bittersweet as it reminds us of loss but also encourages us to take joy in new traditions. I think this would be a wonderful story for any family who has experienced a loss, but please read through it first and decide whether you think your children are ready to discuss the feeling it will bring up.

Just to let you know, I had to hold back tears while reading the last few pages of this story. Tim's Grand-dad suffered a stroke this past August, the same day Amelia was born, he died several days later and I'm sure Grandma is finding it difficult to "face the new things" this Christmas.

Be sure to check out all of our Christmas book recommendations and stop back by for more reviews as we make our way through our stack of new books.

Other Christmas Book Reviews:
Mortimer's Christmas Manger

What are some of your favorite Christmas books for children?

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12 Days of Christmas: Update on Blessing My Husband

Update: I'm already planning our 12 Days of Christmas for 2012. Be sure to subscribe to free blog updates so you won't miss a thing.

Tomorrow starts our 12 Days of Christmas for my husband, Tim. I know that the actual 12 days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day, but ours will run from December 13th through Christmas Eve.

Tim's been working really hard lately and I know taking time to bless him over the next 12 days will help him push through to our much anticipated family vacation. 

I also typed up these little bitty cards to write the gifts on. They're available here if you'd like a copy. (They're about 2 1/2 inches square.)

I've had to rethink some of our days, but right now this is what my schedule looks like:

Day 1: one water bottle ~ I found a large Sigg stainless steal water bottle in the Target overstock section of our Goodwill for only $3. I also took an evening to crochet this water bottle cover. I thought the cover would keep it from getting dented in case it was dropped. It also might help with condensation when it gets warm again. What do you think? Is it too much? This will be wrapped and waiting for him on the front seat of his truck.

Day 2: two things to keep you warm ~ (I was planning on a candlelit dinner for two, but my parent's aren't available to watch the kids.) I found a brand new looking Cabela jacket at Goodwill. I added a new knit hat to get the two items. These will be placed in a gift bag and hung in the coat closet. 

Day 3: three ironed polos ~ Tim normally irons for himself, but I'm going to iron three polos for work and have them waiting on the ironing board.

Day 4: four tiny hand prints ~ The kids and I made this wall hanging for Tim. It'll be wrapped and placed on his plate at breakfast.

Day 5: five brand new blades ~ I pulled a new 5 blade razor from my CVS stash. We'll wrap it and place it on the bathroom counter.

Day 6: six white chocolate "cocoa" mixes ~ Tim can't eat chocolate, but he loves warm white chocolate drinks. I bought six individual packs at the grocery store. These will be placed in a mug and given to him after dinner.

Day 7: seven e-cards ~ This is also Tim's birthday, so the e-cards will be a mixture of Happy Birthday, Thinking Of You, Love cards, etc.

Day 8: eight white chocolate dipped pretzel rods ~ Wrapped in a Christmas treat bag and delivered to work.

Day 9: nine candy cane Kisses ~ We'll be on the road this day, so the Kisses will be packaged in a Christmas treat bag and placed on his seat during one of our gas stops.

Day 10: ten peanut butter cookies ~ Packaged in a Ziploc for traveling and placed beneath the cabin Christmas tree when we arrive.

Day 11: eleven back massages ~ I made these cute little coupons to place in an envelope and lay on top of his pajamas.

Day 12: twelve things I love about you ~ I'm still working on this list, but I know I'm going to make a standard paper sized copy as well as a wallet sized copy.

This Post is Sponsored by:

Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands

Help your children meditate on & learn the real story of Jesus' birth. 

This ebook filled with daily advent-ure activities will help you 

teach your children that Jesus is the best gift of all!

Today's Question: What are some ways you can bless your husband this Christmas?

Be sure to click the link in the first email to activate your subscription.

Truth in the Tinsel eBook Sale 20% OFF

Have you started the countdown to Christmas Day? Are you looking for a way to help your family focus on Jesus as Christmas Day quickly approaches? 

It's not too late to start!

Today, Amanda is offering a modified 12 day schedule with her new eBook, Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands. The link to the 12 Day schedule is provided in the download page.

Use the code 12DAYS to get 20% off, making the eBook only $3.99! (And remember you can use the whole thing again next year!)

Is 12 days still too much? No problem. Amanda has also included 4 shorter schedules with the eBook download. 

Go here to download your copy today! (This sale ends at Midnight EST today, 12/12.)

How do you celebrate advent with your children? 

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Weekend Links ~ December 10th

May all your wanderings be blessed!

:: "On the First Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me..." @ Passionate Homemaking (You still have time to get your gifts together so you can start on the 13th or Christmas Day. Here are some of my ideas.)

:: 12 Days of Christmas: Christmas Fun Notebooks @ 1+1+1=1 (Check out our Christmas board for lots of great Christmas themed printables and don't forget our printable pack.)

:: Enjoying the Simplicity of Staying Home @ Passionate Homemaking




"Pin"spiration

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:: No Sew T-Shirt Scrap Rug (In case you're on a t-shirt craft binge like I am.)

source

:: Using shower curtain rings to hang scarves...very clever.

:: Instead of giving baked cookies, what about placing frozen cookie dough balls in a decorative tin. Friends and family can bake them after the holiday sweets overload has passed.

source

linking up at Simply Staci's Saturday Stumbles

Have you come across any good reads or great ideas this week?         We'd love for you to leave a link in our comments section.

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Vitacost: Burt's Bees 6-Piece Gift Set for $5.20 Shipped

If you haven’t used the $10 off $10 Vitacost coupon code yet, here’s a great deal that would make a wonderful gift. I just ordered this set for my sister-in-law and I know she'll love it!


To get this deal:


:: Sign up for your $10 off $10 coupon code from Vitacost. It will be delivered via email and should arrive within 15-20 minutes (make sure you check your spam folder, too).

:: Go to Vitacost and add the Burt’s Bees 6-Piece Head to Toe Gift Set to your cart.

:: Your total should be $10.21 plus $4.99 shipping. Use the $10 coupon to get $10 off, making your total just $5.20, including shipping.

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Amazon.com: Scotch Thermal Laminator for only $16.99!

Today only the Scotch Thermal Laminator is only $16.99! It is on sale as Amazon’s Gold Box Deal. (This is the lowest price I have ever seen it sell for!)

This laminator is highly recommended and would also make a great gift for teachers, homeschoolers, or crafty folks, too.

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Finished Friday: Hand Print Wall Hanging, Christmas Game, T-shirt Necklace/Scarf, & My Mom's Beautiful Family Tree Wall Mural

I'm trying to hold myself accountable to finish some of the projects on my to do list by posting each Friday about a project I've completed. For the most part these projects aren't part of my daily or weekly household chores, although some weeks finishing those items is a challenge all in its own.

I was able to finish a couple different projects this week, so I decided to share both of them.

:: The first is part of my 12 Days of Christmas gifts for my husband. On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Four Tiny Hand Prints

The kids and I painted these small squares of wood black then added their hand prints in white using acrylic paints. After they dried I wrote their names with a white paint marker and put a sealing coat of matte mod podge. I used heavy duty double sided tape to attach the length of ribbon to the backs. I'm still trying to figure out how to attach it to the wall. Any ideas?

Oh, and just for the record, it is not easy to work against the infant grasping reflex! There's definitely a reason Amelia's hand print doesn't look as nice as the others :)

:: Next up is the Cooperative Christmas Game I finished for the kids. You can download a free copy here.

:: I also found a use for old t-shirts with side seams. I used one to make this t-shirt necklace. I also have another in the works made with wider strips for a chunkier, more scarf-like look (a Christmas gift for my sister-in-law).

:: This final project is not mine at all, but I really wanted to share it with you all.

My mom finished this amazing Family Tree Wall Mural. It's in my parents' entrance way and it looks wonderful!

linking to Delicately Constructed, Frugal Friday

What projects have you finished this week?
If you ever want more details on one of the projects I've finished, just let me know. 

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Melissa & Doug 50% at Amazon.com (December 8th Only)

Today's Amazon Deal of the Day is 50% off select Melissa & Doug toys. These prices are only good for today and while supplies last.

We've been pleased with all of the toys we've tried from this company. Several of our favorites are on sale today. Click here for even more Melissa & Doug toy deals.

Melissa & Doug Magnet Puzzles: We have the fishing one and love it, but today you can get this set of two magnet puzzles for only $10

Building Toys: 

Melissa & Doug 100 Piece Wooden Block Set for only $10 (reg. $19.99)

Educational Toys: We own both of these educational toys and our children really love them.

Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks & Boards for only $10 (reg. $19.99)

 Melissa & Doug See & Spell  for only $10 (reg. $19.99) 

Do your children have any Melissa & Doug toys? Which are your favorite?

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Decorate the Christmas Tree Free Cooperative Game Printable

I recently made a fun little Christmas themed cooperative game and I thought some of you might like to play it with your children.

Decorate the Christmas Tree is designed for children age 3 and up. It works best with 2 to 4 players although you can have more (but the players will have fewer turns). What I love about this game is that it can be set up and played in 15 minutes. That means you can have a bit of quality game time without committing an entire evening to playing games.

This is a cooperative game where players work together to get all the ornaments on the tree before the children (game piece) reaches the last space on the game board. As children spin and move along the board they count the number of spaces and place the same number of ornaments on the Christmas tree. 

But watch out for that pesky little kitty. He likes to knock the ornaments off of the tree. Every time a player's spin lands on the kitty one ornament must be removed from the tree.

Our preschoolers had a great time playing this game and have been asking for it all morning.

We hope your little ones like it, too!

Here's a look at the instruction card, game board, and game pieces.

Click here to download this free printable game.

Be sure to check out our Free Christmas Printable Pack as well.

Also, check out of Christmas book recommendations, too.

Please, let me know if you like this game so I know to share more free game printables in the future.

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