As Americans, we all have to think about taxes. Almost everyone with an income has to file federal income
taxes, even if they don’t end up owing anything. So the people who live in states with no personal income tax (looking at you, Washington, Florida, Texas, and a few other places) may have to do a little less work come tax time, but they still have to do some work. Then there are the states that are considered to be more highly taxed. Those states have a high tax burden when you combine state and local taxes. A place might have high property taxes but no state income tax, or a high sales tax but low property taxes. There’s a lot to consider, but generally speaking, states on the East Coast like New York and Connecticut tend to have higher tax burdens, although California is also up there. If you live in one of those states, you’re probably paying special attention to the way the new tax law is implemented. So are your state leaders.
SALT deductions
One major sticking point in the tax bill that passed in late 2017 was what’s known as SALT deductions. SALT stands for State and Local Taxes, and the bill that eventually passed Congress and was signed into law limits those deductions to $10,000. That may sound like a lot, but in some areas of the country, it’s really not, especially if you live in a place where the housing market is soaring and you have a really expensive mortgage. A mortgage of a million dollars means you could cross that $10,000 mark without blinking.
Some state leaders feel like it’s not a coincidence that the states most punished by the new SALT deduction limits tend to vote for Democrats rather than Republicans. The tax bill was passed entirely with Republican votes; not a single Democrat supported it. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have announced plans to sue the federal government over the new tax bill, though it’s unclear if the suit will really get anywhere. State legislatures are also looking for laws they can pass to help alleviate some of the tax pain their residents may be feeling this year.
What happens next
The lawsuits will work their way through the courts system, but it’s probably best to count on the tax bill remaining on the books. If not, then you can deal with that later, but for now, it’s time to think about your strategy. If you’re in New York, it’s a good idea to look into hiring a New York tax attorney. Dealing with tax matters is literally their job, and if you’re confused about something, they can explain it to you. If you’re worried about a higher tax burden, a tax attorney may be able to help you look at other deductions you didn’t realize you qualified for. For instance, a lot of medical expenses can be deducted on your taxes. If, in 2017, you started using a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, ask your tax attorney if that machine is deductible. It’s less likely that accessories like a CPAP cleaner will also be deductible, but it never hurts to ask. You can sit around and worry about the tax law’s effects on you, or you can start asking for expert help. The latter will give you a better plan and more peace of mind.
Why You Should Buy Second-Hand
There is a negative stigma attached to buying used products, which is perhaps unwarranted because second-hand products are an environmentally friendly choice. You can often obtain high quality goods as new, and in-turn reduce your carbon footprint. Whether you’re buying electronics, books, or clothes, there are various motivating factors for buying wholesale.
Less Expensive
With today’s economic uncertainty, money is a precious resource that is both hard to earn and difficult to retain. This means that money saving initiatives are especially important in today’s society. This has elevated the importance of buying used goods, as products can be purchased for less. Used products are considerably less expensive than new alternatives, sometimes by up to 90%! Generally speaking, you can get your hands on items for at least 50% less, which amounts to huge savings long term. Your dollar will go further if you choose to buy used, and you’ll be given an opportunity to save twice the money.
Doesn’t Require New Resources
Green initiatives are commonplace, as both companies and individuals are beginning to make conscious efforts to reduce their environmental impact. One of the largest contributing factors to your carbon footprint is wasteful consumerism. We live in a disposal era where people are happy to purchase products and throw them away. From an all-encompassing perspective, this spells problems for humanity. Luckily, used products don’t require new resources. Whether it’s cutting down forests, mining metals, or pumping oil, industrial manufacturing negatively influences the planet with horrible environmental consequences. In this way, utilizing a reputable wholesaler like Direct Liquidation can not only save you money in the long run, but can help reduce your carbon footprint!
Used products don’t generate pollution and don’t require new resources to be consumed. New production pumps pollution into the environment in the form of toxic chemicals, carbon emissions, and pesticides. When buying used, there is a peace of mind knowing you’re not adding to the energy consumption and packaging required for new products.
Support the Local Economy
By buying used products from neighbors or thrift shops, you’re not pumping money into corporate powerhouses. This helps to keep the money in the neighborhood, rather than making the rich even richer. Buying from the local thrift shop helps you support a cause that’s important to you. This is rewarding, but more importantly, it helps those less fortunate than you. Even if you purchase from a used store on the internet, at least you won’t be putting money in the pockets of corporate behemoths.
Helps You Figure Out Greenwashing Claims
There are many mumbo-jumbo greenwashing claims, which are used to boost a company's reputation. Whether companies engage in ethically responsible behavior is another question. Today, everything is green, recycled, or organic, but is there proof of legitimacy? What percentage of products are truly recycled? There is no way to tell for certain, but when buying used you’ll obtain a truly recycled product, knowing it’s definitely second-hand!
Less Expensive
With today’s economic uncertainty, money is a precious resource that is both hard to earn and difficult to retain. This means that money saving initiatives are especially important in today’s society. This has elevated the importance of buying used goods, as products can be purchased for less. Used products are considerably less expensive than new alternatives, sometimes by up to 90%! Generally speaking, you can get your hands on items for at least 50% less, which amounts to huge savings long term. Your dollar will go further if you choose to buy used, and you’ll be given an opportunity to save twice the money.
Doesn’t Require New Resources
Green initiatives are commonplace, as both companies and individuals are beginning to make conscious efforts to reduce their environmental impact. One of the largest contributing factors to your carbon footprint is wasteful consumerism. We live in a disposal era where people are happy to purchase products and throw them away. From an all-encompassing perspective, this spells problems for humanity. Luckily, used products don’t require new resources. Whether it’s cutting down forests, mining metals, or pumping oil, industrial manufacturing negatively influences the planet with horrible environmental consequences. In this way, utilizing a reputable wholesaler like Direct Liquidation can not only save you money in the long run, but can help reduce your carbon footprint!
Used products don’t generate pollution and don’t require new resources to be consumed. New production pumps pollution into the environment in the form of toxic chemicals, carbon emissions, and pesticides. When buying used, there is a peace of mind knowing you’re not adding to the energy consumption and packaging required for new products.
Support the Local Economy
By buying used products from neighbors or thrift shops, you’re not pumping money into corporate powerhouses. This helps to keep the money in the neighborhood, rather than making the rich even richer. Buying from the local thrift shop helps you support a cause that’s important to you. This is rewarding, but more importantly, it helps those less fortunate than you. Even if you purchase from a used store on the internet, at least you won’t be putting money in the pockets of corporate behemoths.
Helps You Figure Out Greenwashing Claims
There are many mumbo-jumbo greenwashing claims, which are used to boost a company's reputation. Whether companies engage in ethically responsible behavior is another question. Today, everything is green, recycled, or organic, but is there proof of legitimacy? What percentage of products are truly recycled? There is no way to tell for certain, but when buying used you’ll obtain a truly recycled product, knowing it’s definitely second-hand!
Kids' Placemat #FreePrintable Just In Time For Easter
I know I have shared this printable before, but I haven't had much time to work on new ones lately. I did want to share something with you though. I thought with Easter Sunday coming, you may be thinking about Easter Dinner with the family, friends, church, or just your immediate family. Something about Easter just insists on fancy, so placemats are a must.
We all know that putting fancy placemats in front if kids is not a good idea, so I have a better option. With this placemat, you can slide it in a dry erase pocket, laminate, or even put it on the table as is- however you want to do it. I hope you enjoy!
We all know that putting fancy placemats in front if kids is not a good idea, so I have a better option. With this placemat, you can slide it in a dry erase pocket, laminate, or even put it on the table as is- however you want to do it. I hope you enjoy!
Catch a Sensory-Friendly Movie Screening at Regal with My Way Matinee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Mar. 21, 2018 – Regal Entertainment Group, a leading motion picture exhibitor owning and operating one of the largest theatre circuits in the United States, invites guests of all ages to enjoy sensory-friendly movie screenings with the My Way Matinee program. This is a fun, exciting opportunity for movie lovers to enjoy an entertainment experience with the lights brighter and the sound lower than in traditional screenings. My Way Matinee tickets are now available for Sherlock Gnomes, playing Saturday, March 24 in select theatres.
“Regal strives to be ‘The Best Place to Watch a Movie,’ and that means creating positive, lasting memories for all moviegoers,” said Sandra Heinig, Director of Public Relations at Regal. “We are continually expanding this program to include even more theatres, because we want every movie fan to feel comfortable and have fun at Regal.”
My Way Matinee screenings are fun for everyone, giving audiences the chance to sing, dance and shout during the film. All showtimes for the sensory-friendly screenings begin at 10:30 a.m., for the special ticket price of $6.50 plus tax. For a list of participating locations and additional information, please visit www.regmovies.com/mywaymatinee.
Upcoming My Way Matinee films include:
Regal fans are encouraged to like Regal Cinemas' Facebook page and download the Regal mobile app. Moviegoers can program their favorite theatres and purchase tickets all from their mobile devices. The Regal mobile app also gives patrons the ability to join the Regal Crown Club from their phones for on-the-go access. Through the industry-leading Regal Crown Club, approximately 14-million active members each year accumulate credits at the box office and concession stand to earn rewards including free popcorn, soft drinks and movies. Free membership is also available online at http://www.regmovies.com/Crown-Club.
About My Way Matinee:
My Way Matinee gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie once a month with the sound turned down and the lights turned up. All screenings for the sensory friendly movies will begin at 10:30 a.m. for the special ticket price of $6.50. For additional information, please visit www.regmovies.com/mywaymatinee.
About Sherlock Gnomes:
Garden gnomes, Gnomeo & Juliet, recruit renowned detective Sherlock Gnomes to investigate the mysterious disappearance of other garden ornaments.
The trailer for Sherlock Gnomes can be found here –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_20TWfUvXEA&t=15s
About Regal Entertainment Group:
Regal, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group, operates one of the largest and most geographically diverse theatre circuits in the United States, consisting of 7,321 screens in 560 theatres in 43 states along with Guam, Saipan, American Samoa and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2017. We believe that the size, reach and quality of the Company's theatre circuit provides its patrons with a convenient and enjoyable movie-going experience. We are committed to being ‘The Best Place to Watch a Movie!’
Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.REGmovies.com
Media Contacts:
Richard M. Grover
Vice President of Communications
Regal Entertainment Group
richard.grover@REGmovies.com
865-925-9539
“Regal strives to be ‘The Best Place to Watch a Movie,’ and that means creating positive, lasting memories for all moviegoers,” said Sandra Heinig, Director of Public Relations at Regal. “We are continually expanding this program to include even more theatres, because we want every movie fan to feel comfortable and have fun at Regal.”
My Way Matinee screenings are fun for everyone, giving audiences the chance to sing, dance and shout during the film. All showtimes for the sensory-friendly screenings begin at 10:30 a.m., for the special ticket price of $6.50 plus tax. For a list of participating locations and additional information, please visit www.regmovies.com/mywaymatinee.
Upcoming My Way Matinee films include:
| Sherlock Gnomes |
Saturday, March 24 |
| Duck Duck Goose |
Saturday, April 21 |
| Show Dogs |
Saturday, May 19 |
| Incredibles 2 |
Saturday, June 16 |
| Hotel Transylvania 3 |
Saturday, July 14 |
| Christopher Robin |
Saturday, August 4 |
Regal fans are encouraged to like Regal Cinemas' Facebook page and download the Regal mobile app. Moviegoers can program their favorite theatres and purchase tickets all from their mobile devices. The Regal mobile app also gives patrons the ability to join the Regal Crown Club from their phones for on-the-go access. Through the industry-leading Regal Crown Club, approximately 14-million active members each year accumulate credits at the box office and concession stand to earn rewards including free popcorn, soft drinks and movies. Free membership is also available online at http://www.regmovies.com/Crown-Club.
About My Way Matinee:
My Way Matinee gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie once a month with the sound turned down and the lights turned up. All screenings for the sensory friendly movies will begin at 10:30 a.m. for the special ticket price of $6.50. For additional information, please visit www.regmovies.com/mywaymatinee.
About Sherlock Gnomes:
Garden gnomes, Gnomeo & Juliet, recruit renowned detective Sherlock Gnomes to investigate the mysterious disappearance of other garden ornaments.
The trailer for Sherlock Gnomes can be found here –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_20TWfUvXEA&t=15s
About Regal Entertainment Group:
Regal, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group, operates one of the largest and most geographically diverse theatre circuits in the United States, consisting of 7,321 screens in 560 theatres in 43 states along with Guam, Saipan, American Samoa and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2017. We believe that the size, reach and quality of the Company's theatre circuit provides its patrons with a convenient and enjoyable movie-going experience. We are committed to being ‘The Best Place to Watch a Movie!’
Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.REGmovies.com
Media Contacts:
Richard M. Grover
Vice President of Communications
Regal Entertainment Group
richard.grover@REGmovies.com
865-925-9539
Source: Regal Entertainment Group
Tips For Decorating A Boy/ Girl Bedroom
Disclaimer: I received items to facilitate this project. All opinions are my own.
Kids sharing a room can be full of complications- more furniture, more to organize, getting toys mixed up, and fighting. Change this to a boy and a girl sharing a room and there are a ton of decorating issues. I'm sharing tips today on how to decorate a room for both kids, yet make it mesh well. Oriental Trading is a great place to find resources to decorate your children's room.
1. Have a clear divider. You can do this with wall color, a furniture divider, tape, curtain, or anything else that will signal that it is a different space. This will help separate them, give them their own space, and show ownership. I used the Glitter Camp Glam Moon & Stars Garland from Oriental Trading.
Kids sharing a room can be full of complications- more furniture, more to organize, getting toys mixed up, and fighting. Change this to a boy and a girl sharing a room and there are a ton of decorating issues. I'm sharing tips today on how to decorate a room for both kids, yet make it mesh well. Oriental Trading is a great place to find resources to decorate your children's room.
1. Have a clear divider. You can do this with wall color, a furniture divider, tape, curtain, or anything else that will signal that it is a different space. This will help separate them, give them their own space, and show ownership. I used the Glitter Camp Glam Moon & Stars Garland from Oriental Trading.
2. Next, focus on their beds. With my kids, I did basically the exact same items in different colors/ patterns. It gives it a nice similarity, allowing their personalities to shine through.
3. Do something simple that will cover the whole room. This can be curtains on the windows, storage units, paint color, or even glow in the dark stars on the ceiling, like I did.
4. Give each side a different focus. On my daughter's side, it is all about princesses, horses, unicorns, and typical girl stuff with lots of glitter. The gold foil donkey pinatas were perfect for her side.
For my son, the focus was on science. The dino wall shelf was perfect to hang his lab coat, bigfoot tracking vest, and quiver on.
5. Give the kids some privacy. Tbomb has to have somewhere to "hide" and calm down from his episodes. All part of ADHD. I found the perfect solution. I used the CYO Rocketship from Oriental Trading to give him privacy. We used a space tablecloth to cover the top with, so that dust could just be wiped off and it ended up allowing us to make a door curtain too!
6. The most important thing when decorating a shared room is to make sure they love it, it is functional, and that it reflects their personalities.
Good Luck!
Valuing Valuables
I recently inherited some valuables from a relative who passed away. They include some diamond jewelry. I’m really grateful, but I have to admit, I’m not sure what to do with this stuff as a college student. I could really use cash instead. I don’t want to sell this stuff--at least not yet--because it’s family stuff, but I also am kind of weirded out by having super valuable jewelry around. What if it gets stolen? I don’t even know what this stuff is worth. What should I do?
Condolences on the passing of your relative. It’s wonderful that you’ve received valuables passed down within your family--through your confusion is perfectly understandable!
For a bunch of pretty, shiny rocks, jewelry can certainly be surprisingly complex. Jewels may be family heirlooms or financial assets (or both); they may be the latest fashions or old museum pieces. They have a financial value, a cultural value, and a personal and interpersonal value. There’s a lot going on!
Here’s the good news: we do have some simple advice for you. If you don’t know how much your jewels are worth, you should get the appraised. You can do this by turning to any reliable jeweler--just do a bit of research online. Here’s why you should.
For starters, you worry that you have pricey jewels in your space. That’s a very reasonable concern, because--unless you left out some information in your letter--the theft or destruction of the jewelry would be a total loss for you. While nothing can undo the personal loss of a piece of family jewelry, you can protect yourself from a financial blow by getting the jewelry insured.
A renters’ insurance policy will do that, but you may need a rider added to protect the value of the jewels. And even if your jewelry is covered by the policy from the get-go, you may find yourself in a frustrating battle with your own insurance company if the pieces are lost before you can get them appraised. Knowing their value and documenting it, and then getting them properly insured, is a good idea.
And while you don’t want to sell the jewelry right now, there may come a time when you want to. People sell diamonds for all sorts of reasons: divorced couples ditch their engagement rings for cash, people re-sell jewelry to dealers and individuals, and, yes, you may even want to sell an heirloom--perhaps just one piece of the many doesn’t suit you (and your loved ones don’t want it, either), or maybe you end up in a financial crunch that absolutely demands you sell. Whatever the case, you want to get what the piece is worth--and that means it should be properly valued.
Your jewelry is an asset, even if it doesn’t feel like the most useful thing in the world right now. You’d be wise to properly value the jewelry, so that you can best protect it and, perhaps, sell it. You don’t yet know what you’ll do, and that’s okay--you don’t need a decision right now. What’s bothering you right now is the anxiety of owning these pieces and not knowing what to do with them, and that anxiety will be a lot lower if you have them appraised and insured.
“Anyone may have diamonds: an heirloom is an ornament of quite a different kind.” -- Elizabeth Aston
Condolences on the passing of your relative. It’s wonderful that you’ve received valuables passed down within your family--through your confusion is perfectly understandable!
For a bunch of pretty, shiny rocks, jewelry can certainly be surprisingly complex. Jewels may be family heirlooms or financial assets (or both); they may be the latest fashions or old museum pieces. They have a financial value, a cultural value, and a personal and interpersonal value. There’s a lot going on!
Here’s the good news: we do have some simple advice for you. If you don’t know how much your jewels are worth, you should get the appraised. You can do this by turning to any reliable jeweler--just do a bit of research online. Here’s why you should.
For starters, you worry that you have pricey jewels in your space. That’s a very reasonable concern, because--unless you left out some information in your letter--the theft or destruction of the jewelry would be a total loss for you. While nothing can undo the personal loss of a piece of family jewelry, you can protect yourself from a financial blow by getting the jewelry insured.
A renters’ insurance policy will do that, but you may need a rider added to protect the value of the jewels. And even if your jewelry is covered by the policy from the get-go, you may find yourself in a frustrating battle with your own insurance company if the pieces are lost before you can get them appraised. Knowing their value and documenting it, and then getting them properly insured, is a good idea.
And while you don’t want to sell the jewelry right now, there may come a time when you want to. People sell diamonds for all sorts of reasons: divorced couples ditch their engagement rings for cash, people re-sell jewelry to dealers and individuals, and, yes, you may even want to sell an heirloom--perhaps just one piece of the many doesn’t suit you (and your loved ones don’t want it, either), or maybe you end up in a financial crunch that absolutely demands you sell. Whatever the case, you want to get what the piece is worth--and that means it should be properly valued.
Your jewelry is an asset, even if it doesn’t feel like the most useful thing in the world right now. You’d be wise to properly value the jewelry, so that you can best protect it and, perhaps, sell it. You don’t yet know what you’ll do, and that’s okay--you don’t need a decision right now. What’s bothering you right now is the anxiety of owning these pieces and not knowing what to do with them, and that anxiety will be a lot lower if you have them appraised and insured.
“Anyone may have diamonds: an heirloom is an ornament of quite a different kind.” -- Elizabeth Aston
5-Minute DIY: "Friday Jar" For Homeschoolers
I came up with this concept a few years back. I was trying to get my school week wrapped up, paperwork done, and prepared for the next week so that we could enjoy the weekend as a family. It was only going to take me about an hour to do everything, but the kids were just not having it. Every couple minutes they were yelling for me, bored, or needing something. I found myself wishing I had more work prepared for them, but also not wanting more work for myself each week.
I found the solution- our "Friday Jar"
All you need is popsicle sticks- I just had colored ones on hand- and a plastic jar, I used a small Duke's jar.
Start with about 20 sticks and write different activities that your children can do on their own and even get the materials needed on their own, if possible. When it is time to wrap up your school week, get them to choose one or more sticks and do the activities- bonus points if they are fun and the kids do not think of it as school work. This would also be a great way to do assessments and spelling tests.
Fighting to NOT Lose My SPARKLE! With Help From Thirty One #ThirtyOneGifts #Giveaway
Disclaimer: I received an item to review. All opinions are my own.
A while back, I posted this photo on Instagram. I've only realized recently how true this is and that I have to keep this as a reminder, or I will lose myself to circumstances.
Since December, I had been planning a wonderful workshop "Find Your Sparkle 2018," to encourage all of you to take care of yourselves, so that you can be the best you possible for your family and those that need you. Well, part of me taking care of myself was putting the workshop on the backburner. With our recent deaths in the family, my health problems, Snapper's testing, losing our 18-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, and my Mother-In-Law's recent breast cancer diagnosis, I just cannot spread myself any further. But, I am still bringing you the wonderful giveaway and some tips to help you keep/ find your sparkle.
The City Lights Clutch from Thirty-One has been an amazing addition to my purse (aka mom bag). It is navy and white canvas. It is actually a diaper bag but is exactly what I needed. It isn't sparkly or shiny, but when I pull this clutch out, I smile. It has room for everything! The glitter does come off a little, but really you are just leaving glitter where ever you go. It isn't annoying, but you will find glitter around- just smile!
A while back, I posted this photo on Instagram. I've only realized recently how true this is and that I have to keep this as a reminder, or I will lose myself to circumstances.
Since December, I had been planning a wonderful workshop "Find Your Sparkle 2018," to encourage all of you to take care of yourselves, so that you can be the best you possible for your family and those that need you. Well, part of me taking care of myself was putting the workshop on the backburner. With our recent deaths in the family, my health problems, Snapper's testing, losing our 18-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, and my Mother-In-Law's recent breast cancer diagnosis, I just cannot spread myself any further. But, I am still bringing you the wonderful giveaway and some tips to help you keep/ find your sparkle.
Find/ Keep Your Sparkle: 10 Tips
- Find something sparkly that is a fun accessory- something that makes you smile at it. Even when I'm wearing a t-shirt and jeans, my silver sandals make me feel good.
- Be OK with saying NO. I know it is not easy, but sometimes you have to say that there is enough on your plate and just tell those asking more no. Remember: "Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind"
- Take a bubble bath and lock the kids out- the Mr can handle it, I promise.
- Find what you love to do and make time for it. For me, it is organizing my planner.
- Make a vision board- you can focus on your career, future, goals, or just things that make you happy.
- Remember, it is OK to buy yourself gifts. This is one I struggle with. Even if the Mr tells me to get me something, it is always for the kids, well- I've stopped doing that so much and order myself a nice surprise every once in a while- last it was a pretty gold pen with crystals inside.
- Give yourself a day off- no work, no cooking, no cleaning. Give the cleaning to someone else and either have them cook, or let them pick dinner up.
- Breathe- seriously. Do not plan yourself into a frenzy, do not think you have to be going all the time, do not think you have to get it all done- you don't. Have some coffee on the porch and watch the kids play- work will be there tomorrow.
- Have a date with your husband/ boyfriend- even an at home date. Dress up and make it special. Do your nails, hair, and makeup. You will be surprised at how wonderful you will feel.
- Buy yourself something sparkly.
- Enter the giveaway below!
City Lights Clutch by Thirty-One Gifts
Seriously, I LOVE this clutch! It is the answer to my searching for years! I wanted something I could grab and go in the store with, that would hold everything I need to have on hand, and something that would shine! |
| The gold planner cover and pen were a gift to myself, the coffee cup was a Christmas gift from my brother and sister-in-law (I think she knows me pretty good!) and the clutch is just a beautiful reminder to be sparkly from Thirty-One Gifts. |
It has plenty of room for debit cards, license, a photo, and so much more. There is a pocket for paper money, a change section, and a larger pocket.
This is the larger pocket and it is my favorite feature. I carry my phone on a wristlet, for easy access, so it is beside this clutch all the time. This big pocket fits the cardholder that I keep all of our insurance cards, school proof, library cards, and other family information in that I need to keep with me, but do not need easy access to. Plus, a sparkly pen fits perfectly with it. This pocket has a zipper closure and the whole thing folds up with a snap! There is a small D-ring for a wristlet strap as well.
Isn't this the perfect clutch?! Would you like to win one? Well, you are in luck. Comment on this post before Thursday, March 22 and you might just win one. Just tell me what you like about this clutch!
Be sure to include your email address in the comment so I can get your information!
5-Minute DIY: Easy Blessing Jar
As I wrote about before, my family is going through a lot. My MIL was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, I'm having lots of tests done on my Thyroid and heart, and we are lining up for the next stage of tests for snapper. This is all on top of the everyday chaos we have. I'm sure you can imagine the level of stress we have right now.
It is easy to count our blessings when life is calm, happy, and assured. What about when life gets scary and crazy? There are still blessings and I have a simple way to remind our families to count them. Its so easy that I'm not sure it really warrants a blog post, but here goes anyway.
1. Get a pretty jar- one you have around the house is fine- you could even use a vase, glass, tea cup- anything.
2. Put a pen and some blank paper squares in it.
3. Put it somewhere that is seen- even if you use it as a centerpiece. We need to be reminded to put our blessings in it and to look for blessings at all stages of life.
4. Decorate, if you wish.
5. When you are feeling down, feeling like nothing is going right, or need some special family time, count your blessings- you actually don't have to read them. Literally, count them. When you need to be reminded of the wonderful things in life- then, read them.
I hope your family chooses to do this, mine does.
Book Review: Bigfoot Goes On Vacation & More
Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own.
Shy and reclusive, BigFoot spends most of his time in the deep dark woods, rarely spotted by humankind. But every now and then he leaves his remote retreat, and travels the world for vacation fun! Sharpen your search & find skills by locating him at his favorite vacation retreat. It won't be easy. BigFoot is enjoying his holiday in ten different ways, from deep sea diving and joining a balloon festival to taking a cruise, going to the beach, visiting Yellowstone National Park, and more. This handsome hardcover book presents each getaway as an immense two-page visual puzzle, full of teeming people and creatures. Your task is not only to find BigFoot and his legendary footprint, but also more than 500 other unusual and sometimes unexpected personalities and objects. Fun facts and pictures accompany each scene to help you learn more about vacation activities.
Shy and reclusive, BigFoot spends most of his time in the deep dark woods, rarely spotted by humankind. But the bright lights of the big city beckon to everyone, even our mysterious furry friend! Sharpen your search and find skills by locating him at his favorite metropolis. It won't be easy. BigFoot is visiting ten major cosmopolitan destinations, from the Big Apple and London to Paris, Athens, Tokyo, Toronto, and more. This handsome hardcover book presents each urban oasis as an immense two-page visual puzzle, full of teeming people and creatures. Your task is not only to find BigFoot and his legendary footprint, but also more than 500 other unusual and sometimes unexpected personalities and objects. Fun facts and pictures accompany each scene to help you learn more about the world's most popular cities.
My kids absolutely love these books. They each have one and they go everywhere with us, even in restaurants. I love books like this for Koda because she is really good at them, so it is encouraging. Finding 10 tourists, and such is helping encourage counting for her, as well. Tbomb just loves bigfoot, so he is all about finding him. I think he likes being like his mom and dad since we are Bigfoot researchers. One thing that I really like about is that they are not just hidden picture books (think Where's Waldo), but they have pages full of facts about each type of scene. Definitely a winner!
Book Review: NIV Journal the Word Bible for Teens
Disclaimer: I received this book to review. All opinions are my own.
I am generally a NKJV Bible gal, but this has changed my mind. This Bible has become my go-to!
Book Description:
Reflect, respond, and grow closer to your heavenly Father. With hundreds of journaling prompts and plenty of space for notes, art, and doodles, the NIV Journal the Word™ Bible for Teen Girls provides a place to capture your thoughts while reading Scripture. Journal your feelings, dreams, and hopes. Create art, color, and doodle. However you wish to creatively express yourself, engage with God’s heart and get to know the One who knows and loves you.
I quickly fell in love with this bible. I love the cover design, and the hardback binding. I've never cared for soft back bibles- it is hard to write in them during a sermon. I love the journaling columns, as well as the journaling prompts. I enjoy drawing and doing special lettering for favorite verses, so this is perfect. Also, the NIV translation is great for everyday relaxed reading! Not just for teen girls, for all women.
I am generally a NKJV Bible gal, but this has changed my mind. This Bible has become my go-to!Book Description:
Reflect, respond, and grow closer to your heavenly Father. With hundreds of journaling prompts and plenty of space for notes, art, and doodles, the NIV Journal the Word™ Bible for Teen Girls provides a place to capture your thoughts while reading Scripture. Journal your feelings, dreams, and hopes. Create art, color, and doodle. However you wish to creatively express yourself, engage with God’s heart and get to know the One who knows and loves you.
I quickly fell in love with this bible. I love the cover design, and the hardback binding. I've never cared for soft back bibles- it is hard to write in them during a sermon. I love the journaling columns, as well as the journaling prompts. I enjoy drawing and doing special lettering for favorite verses, so this is perfect. Also, the NIV translation is great for everyday relaxed reading! Not just for teen girls, for all women.
Should I Quit Smoking?
People have their own motivations to quit smoking, but there are also many public initiatives encouraging people to quit. Smoking is probably one of the worst activities to regularly engage with, so it’s important to assess how much you value your life.
You only get one shot at living, so you should treat your body with the respect it deserves. Leading a healthy lifestyle will improve your physiological state. Ultimately, when you quit smoking you’ll gain a new purpose in life and reach a level of fulfillment and accomplishment.
No one says it will be easy--it might initially feel like an impossible task--but there are various supportive forces to help you, from vaping to support networks. Vaping has risen to prominence since it doesn’t use the same harmful chemicals as regular smoking. Vaping is a great way to ease off smoking, and what’s useful is you can adjust the nicotine levels of your E Juice. There are various flavors to explore, and the advantages of vaping are real. Whether you replace smoking with vaping or slowly transition to a non-smoker using vaping as a tool, there are various ways to go about achieving a positive outcome.
If you’re ready to quit smoking but need additional motivation, here are some top arguments:
Your Health
Quitting smoking is widely considered the most important step to improving your length and quality of life. When you stop smoking your body slowly starts to repair itself, and regardless of age, your body can recover accordingly. As you stop causing harm to your body you’re more likely to make other positive lifestyle decisions. When you quit you’ll feel healthier than ever, receiving an energy boost that will make you question why you ever smoked in the first place.
Quitting smoking is widely considered the most important step to improving your length and quality of life. When you stop smoking your body slowly starts to repair itself, and regardless of age, your body can recover accordingly. As you stop causing harm to your body you’re more likely to make other positive lifestyle decisions. When you quit you’ll feel healthier than ever, receiving an energy boost that will make you question why you ever smoked in the first place.
Your Wallet
Smoking is an expensive habit, and costs continually rise as companies look to make a profit from death. Even if a pack is relatively cheap where you live, the cost mounts up. Often, smokers aren’t deterred by price because their addiction dictates what they buy; a physiological dependence is more potent than currency. So make the effort to step back and take a look at how much smoking costs you per week, per month, and per year. Think of how much you could be saving!
Smoking is an expensive habit, and costs continually rise as companies look to make a profit from death. Even if a pack is relatively cheap where you live, the cost mounts up. Often, smokers aren’t deterred by price because their addiction dictates what they buy; a physiological dependence is more potent than currency. So make the effort to step back and take a look at how much smoking costs you per week, per month, and per year. Think of how much you could be saving!
Your Convenience
Smoking is a hassle, especially considering the clean air laws that have banished smoking to the outdoors. You’ll usually have to go out of your way to smoke, which isolates you further from society. You won’t be able to smoke in places like bars and restaurants, and the inconvenience of constantly taking trips outside might be a nuisance that’s enough to put you off. Is standing in the cold rain and wind really worth it?
Smoking is a hassle, especially considering the clean air laws that have banished smoking to the outdoors. You’ll usually have to go out of your way to smoke, which isolates you further from society. You won’t be able to smoke in places like bars and restaurants, and the inconvenience of constantly taking trips outside might be a nuisance that’s enough to put you off. Is standing in the cold rain and wind really worth it?
Your Friends and Family
Cigarette smoke is dangerous when inhaled by nonsmokers, so if you smoke around family members you’ll be inflicting considerable harm. Smoking around children causes harm to the development of their lungs and can impede their breathing as much as direct smoke. When you quit, you and your family will breathe easier, and you won’t be setting a bad example for your kids to follow in later life.
Cigarette smoke is dangerous when inhaled by nonsmokers, so if you smoke around family members you’ll be inflicting considerable harm. Smoking around children causes harm to the development of their lungs and can impede their breathing as much as direct smoke. When you quit, you and your family will breathe easier, and you won’t be setting a bad example for your kids to follow in later life.
Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies Ever + Family Update
I haven't posted much recently. It has been a few very trying weeks for my family. I had a scare with my heart- I found out that while the inside of my pulmonary valve has not changed in the last 7 years (too small, but functioning), my left ventricle is having problems. It is only functioning at 63%. My doctor thinks I'm fine, but he is sending me to a cardiologist, just in case. On top of that, my thyroid is very swollen and my neck is very sensitive, so I have to have testing done on that as well. When I got home from that appointment, I found out that my MIL got her biopsy results back and she does have Breast Cancer. We are hoping it was caught quickly enough that a surgery will fix it. We will know more soon.
My Granny also had a stroke and I lost an aunt December 29th. It has been rough, but we are keeping our faith strong and spending a lot of time on our knees. Please keep our family in your prayers.
On to something happy:
I LOVE peanut butter cookies. Seriously. Like nothing else ever (Except Reese's cups!)
My mom made these for me when I was a little girl and when I was about 13, she taught me to do them myself, although I always preferred mom's. I make them occasionally for my family, but they prefer a cookie with flour, so I make them when I get the craving. They are still my favorite. If you like peanut butter, you will love them. I'm sure you have everything in your home to make them now.
What you need:
1 cup peanut butter (creamy)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
Mix it all together- I usually don't even use a mixer, just make sure to get it mixed well.
Put spoonfuls on cookie sheet about an inch apart. Then, hash the top with a fork. Bake at 350 for about 13 minutes. Easy Peas!
Here are other ideas:
Chocolate chips
Hershey Kisses
Pretzel pieces
chopped up candy
small cookies
chopped cookies
peanuts
My Granny also had a stroke and I lost an aunt December 29th. It has been rough, but we are keeping our faith strong and spending a lot of time on our knees. Please keep our family in your prayers.
On to something happy:
I LOVE peanut butter cookies. Seriously. Like nothing else ever (Except Reese's cups!)
My mom made these for me when I was a little girl and when I was about 13, she taught me to do them myself, although I always preferred mom's. I make them occasionally for my family, but they prefer a cookie with flour, so I make them when I get the craving. They are still my favorite. If you like peanut butter, you will love them. I'm sure you have everything in your home to make them now.
What you need:
1 cup peanut butter (creamy)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
Mix it all together- I usually don't even use a mixer, just make sure to get it mixed well.
Put spoonfuls on cookie sheet about an inch apart. Then, hash the top with a fork. Bake at 350 for about 13 minutes. Easy Peas!
When peanut butter is added to cookie dough it makes it denser, which in turn makes it harder to bake through. Putting the hash marks in the cookie dough balls actually flattens them for more even baking. When the cookies bake, they should come out soft with crispy edges where the hash marks have been formed.My mom would make a few batches of these for class parties and my classmates always loved them and asked her to make them whenever we had an event. One time, mom sent me in the store to pick up chocolate chips to add in. I didn't know where they were and was looking on the candy aisle. I couldn't find them, so I grabbed m&ms. It became a tradition. Whenever she made them for school, she added m&ms.
Here are other ideas:
Chocolate chips
Hershey Kisses
Pretzel pieces
chopped up candy
small cookies
chopped cookies
peanuts
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