Archives for May 2012

Taking Care of Yourself Tuesdays: Make Yourself Up

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Today I want to challenge you to make yourself up.  No, I’m not talking about pretending to be someone you are not but rather emphasizing your best features so that you feel good about yourself.

When was the last time that you got a new shade of eye color or lip gloss?  How about the last time you put it on in a different way to try something new?  Sometimes us moms need to shake things up a bit and take some time to do things that make us feel special.  If you aren’t putting much thought into your makeup then I’d like to challenge you to do just that…this week!

Go ahead, call a makeup counter at your favorite department store or a store like Sephora or Ulta and make an appointment (perhaps on the weekend when you can leave the kids at home or go ahead and get a babysitter.  It’s worth it!). These places will do make overs for free (they do hope that you purchase something and I encourage you to purchase an item or two that you like). Let them make you over in a new way.  Tell them which feature you want to emphasize.  Ever tried a smokey eye?  Go for it! Want to wear red lipstick.  Give it a shot! Just try something new that makes you feel good about the way you look.  Make sure you ask the person to show you the techniques.

Don’t have the opportunity to go to a makeup counter for a makeover?  Ask a friend that you are always admiring her look to show you how she does it.  Or grab a magazine, search online or get a makeup book (I really like Making Faces) and follow the instructions on your own to get the desired look.  It can take practice to get it right so don’t give up if you don’t get it right the first time!

I really want to encourage you to do this this week and keep doing it on a regular basis.  Yes it will take time and energy on your part but I promise you will be glad you did once you are done! I’m taking my own advise and working on a new look this week.  I’ll be sure to post a picture soon!

I’d love to hear from you! How are you going to Make yourself up this week?

 

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What Moms Love Weekly: Favorite Finds for Moms, Babies & Kids

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This week started out not so great for me because I was sick and my husband was really sick. The week is ending well though and we are both better.  This week I am loving being prepared for next time mom gets sick, vacation planning, a little girl who says “oh, mommy I’m so sorry.” after acting up {made me smile}, free time to do something fun, and sweet friends being vulnerable and real.

Here are a few of my favorite finds this week for moms, babies and kids:

1. Finn + Emma Toys- O how I love soft, sweet baby toys and these Finn + Emma toys are even better because they are 100% organic. They are too cute! You’ll want to check out all of the different rattles, teethers, play gyms and more!

2. Finn + Emma Baby Clothing- I am also loving the 100% organic baby clothing from Finn + Emma. You can be sure your little one’s clothing is chemical free by choosing organic. I am in love with the designs for boys as they are very boyish with modern colors.  The girls clothing is very sweet and feminine.  I don’t think you can go wrong with Finn +Emma for baby gifts or for your own little one.

3. Little Girls Rompers- I could outfit my 3 year old in these all Summer! I love these easy one piece rompers that are so popular now. In fact, I remember them being a big deal when I was a kid.  They are light for hot days and perfect for play! They even dress up well! The red paisley one is from Gap and the plum colored one is by Tea Collection.

4. Land’s End Canvas Dresses– Speaking of Summer coming, Land’s End Canvas has some great dresses that are perfect for warmer weather.  Have I ever mentioned how much I love Land’s End Canvas?  I’m pretty sure I have.  They have cute, fresh and modern dresses that will look great on you.  Psst…Mother’s Day is coming up!! Maybe you should get a new dress for the occssion?!

How about you? What are you loving this week?  In case you missed it be sure to check out my guide to finding mom the perfect gift for Mother’s Day {Pass it on to your husband or kids}

 

Disclosure: some affiliate links are used in this post. I only recommend what I use and enjoy.

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Cravings-The Devotional {Enter to Win One}

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You know that feeling you get when you discover something really fantastic?  I felt that little tug in my heart as I opened up Cravings- The Devotional cards and read the first one as I slid it into place on its adorable cupcake shaped holder. “This,” I thought “is just what moms need!”

The adorable cupcake holder sits on your counter top and holds devotional cards that are PERFECT for moms.  They are just what you need to be refreshed and encouraged.  Each time I changed the card I felt like the devotion for that day spoke right to my heart.  They are simple, quick, include Bible verses.  I loved that I could go back to it throughout the day rereading and attempting to memorize the verses.

It would be silly for me to ask you if you are busy.  If you are a mom, of course you are busy.  That is why I love the idea of this devotional.  Finally there is a devotional that will not just sit on your bedside table unread.  Stick this Cravings devotional in a spot you see every day like near the kitchen sink or on your bathroom counter top and you will have a daily reminder to devote moments of your day to what God wants to speak to your heart.

Cravings- The Devotional is so perfect for new moms that are still trying to get a grip on a new reality.  I plan to give Cravings as a shower or baby gifts.  It would also make a great gift for any mom, at any stage, who could use encouragement throughout her day.

About Cravings:

Cravings is a collection of card-size devotionals based on the Psalms. They are written to help mothers develop their relationship with God in the midst of motherhood.
Each card contains a scripture for the day, a “thoughtlet,” and an action idea. As moms crave the sweet morsels from God’s Word, they can draw a card from a delectable Cravings holder—a pink cupcake!—that also displays the daily card for hands-free viewing. Versatile enough to fit with any feminine décor in a dining nook, a prayer closet, a kitchen–wherever you‘d want Scripture at your fingertips. If you find you need Cravings around the home, just one may not be enough!
Cravings can be a mom’s daily devotional, a supplement to her regular quiet time, or even doubled up during the day. The set of 40 cards offers over a month’s worth of Cravings in whatever way serves the spiritual needs of individual moms.

About the author:

Carey Bailey is a recovering perfectionist, wife, proud mama and Family Life director for her church in Surprise, Ariz. On the side she loves party planning, crafting, and pursuing her dream of writing. She has a degree in religion from Westminster College and writes at her blog at www.carebaileyonline.com.

“When I became a mom I lost my God time,” says Carey Bailey. “I couldn’t figure out how to fit it in, since everything but that time was a priority. So I made note cards that I set around my house with scriptures written on them. Even when my arms were too full of babies, laundry, and diapers to pick up a Bible, I could easily read God’s words of encouragement that I was starving for”

And Cravings–The Devotional was born. Celebrate with Carey by entering her Minute-for-Mom Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • $50 gift card to Erin Condren Shop (Your one-stop-shop for all things awesome!)
  • $50 gift card to Victoria’s Secret® (For something pretty.)
  • $25 gift card to Bath & Body Works® (For a little spa treatment.)
  • 2 Sets of Cravings – The Devotional (For you and a friend.)
  • Scentsy Plug In and 2 Bars (A lovely scent for your space.)

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/12/12. The winner will be announced 5/14/12 on Carey’s blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Carey’s giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter
Want to find out what others are saying about Cravings- The Devotional? Check out the Blog Tour to read more about it!
Disclosure: I received Cravings- The Devotional for free to review. The opinions shared are my own.
Filed Under: Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

How to Find Mom the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Just for Her

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This post has moved to my new blog here. It’s worth reading so come check it out!

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Taking Care of Yourself Tuesdays: Prepared for When Mom is Sick

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It’s no fun when mom is sick.  I don’t know about you but I find it incredibly hard to just rest and relax and take care of myself when I am under the weather. There is too much too do and too many little ones who depend on you. But not resting like you should can delay your recovery.  So what is a mom to do?

I am brainstorming about this very question right now because I feel awful and so does my husband.  The kids are all feeling great though, and while I am glad, they still need to be fed, entertained and taken care of.  So I am thinking now about how I can prepare for next time. I had the idea to create a “For when mom is sick” box. Here is what I think should be in it:

For When Mom Is Sick Box

Kid snacks– I would suggest stocking several non perishable snacks (granola bars, crackers, nuts) so that when the kids are hungry you have stuff on hand.

Easy to prepare meals– mac n cheese, canned soups, jars of spaghetti sauce and pasta, or other quick and easy meal ideas that you can put together quickly to feed the kids.

Easy Foods for you– Broths and soups and snacks in case you do have an appetite.

Vitamins and medicine– Since you are preparing for when you are sick you might as well go ahead and get these things. It’s no fun to have to go to a store when you are sick.  Throw in some Sambucus Syrup (Elderberry syrup) to help boost your immunity and help keep anyone who isn’t sick yet from getting sick too.

New Games or Toys for the kids– Kids seem to have extra energy when you have none.  Help keep them entertained with a new game, coloring books, small toys, etc… Why should it be new?  Because they will be more likely to spend more time with it if it is new.  You may even save a new movie for this occasion.

 

Make sure you also give yourself permission to take it easy and get healthy! If you have friends or family close by let them know if you need help.

Question for you: What would you add to your box?

Filed Under: Mommy Tips
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