Revived & Renovated Review

 I received a book to review. All opinions are my own. 

I had the opportunity to review Revived & Renovated: Real Life Conversations on the Intersection of Home, Faith, and Everything in Between, by Victoria Duerstock and Paige Rien. I'm so glad I did and it really is a pleasure to read. 

The connection between restoring a home or piece of furniture and restoring our souls and growing closer to God really is amazing and something I have never thought about before. From now on, I will always think of this when working on any project. Even organizing a room or starting a habit is like growing in our walk with Jesus- one thing at a time and sometimes that thing is a drink of water, whether literal or figurative. 

REVIVE that old dresser. Let's RENOVATE the bathroom. We're RESTORING and old house! The paint job needs needs a REFRESH!

These words describe the work we do to improve our homes, but we can use these very same words to describe the work on ourselves, especially the work god is doing within us. 

This book is really a joy to read and a real eye-opener. Sometimes we don't realize the work we are doing - the same is said for the work God is doing within us. This book has really opened my eyes to that as well as to help me get away from the feeling that everything has to be perfect right now. It is my worst personality trait, but I've struggled since I was a child and I see the same in my daughter. This book is showing me ways of helping my daughter as well. 

I'm really enjoying this book. I just have to decide if I will pass it along or keep it to revisit it. 

You can win your own copy of Revived & Renovated here. 

: Passing on a Legacy of Faith to Our Children (Free Workbook)

 Disclaimer: I received items to review for free. All opinions are my own. 

Yael Eckstein, daughter of world-renowned Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, has written a wonderful book to help guide us in passing on the faith to our children. In Generation to Generation: Passing on a Legacy of Faith to Our Children, Yael speaks about dealing with her father's death, following in his footsteps, and how the things he taught her are being passed to her children. Yael writes about how Jewish families have set in traditions and observances that teach children to take time to observe what God has done and to ask questions so they can grow in their faith. She speaks about how to encourage our children to hold on to these traditions. 

Even though I'm not Jewish, I am learning that the things I am doing through Christmas to help my children on the journey to get closer to God are something to keep doing and to find ways of working it into our lives throughout the year. Maybe Sunday dinner will be our time of this encouragement. Each family is different and we find what works best to ensure our children have the tools to have a wonderful relationship with God. 

Along with Generation to Generation, you can purchase the Our Holy Land Moments Coloring Book with beautiful illustrations and reflections by Yechiel Eckstein. You can also learn more about the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) on their website. 

The IFCJ is also offering a free workbook to everyone.

Discover how Christians can pass on these lessons of Faith to their children and grandchildren with this companion workbook.

This family-friendly workbook is filled with Bible lessons, activities, and discussion questions for all ages. 

Download the workbook here. It will be a wonderful addition to a family bible study, Sunday School, or homeschool!

Simple Ways to Give Your Bedroom and Bathroom a Mini-Makeover

 

You spend quite a bit of time in your bedroom and bathroom daily. Why not make each room as comfortable and appealing as possible? Instead of planning your next renovation, go for small changes to spruce up your bed and bath. The following how-to guide presented by The Palmetto Queen will help you do just that.

Throw in the Towel

One of the simplest ways you can give your bathroom a face-lift is by swapping out the towels. After using the same hand towels over and over again, bright white becomes dingy, no matter how much bleach you use in the washer. Opting for a set of towels instead of individual pieces can help you save money—for example, Walmart sells a 10-piece set for under $20.

Don’t stop there, though. Replace your bath mat, rug, and shower curtain to really give the room a new vibe. Updating old fabrics is a great way to add color to your bathroom, especially if you live in an apartment and aren’t allowed to paint or update the sink fixtures with more colorful options.

Accessorize to Emphasize Function

No matter the shape or size of your bathroom, you can boost the space’s overall look by selecting quality décor pieces that also provide function. While you’re shopping in the bathroom section, keep an eye out for smaller décor to pull your new bathroom’s look together.

Candles and artisan soaps and holders are great buys because they’re practical and can heighten your experience at the same time. Go a step further by adding movable storage pieces to your bathroom to keep it tidy.

Don’t Leave Your Bedroom Hanging

Your bathroom isn’t the only room that benefits from a mini-makeover. If your bedroom isn’t getting the love and attention it needs to become a haven of relaxation, now is the time to make some changes.

New bedding and curtains can transform your bedroom in a matter of minutes. Fabrics that are rich in color can give your bedroom a luxurious feel that’s worth the price tag of a high thread count.

If you can’t afford new bedding, consider updating your current set. For example, you can personalize your pillow cases with some of your favorite lyrics. And if you do decide to shell out quite a bit of cash for Egyptian cotton sheets, there are plenty of DIY décor ideas out there, such as hanging art printables on your walls and transforming monochromatic accent furniture into two-toned pieces.

If you have soft furniture that you’d like to keep, you can upgrade these pieces to match your bedroom’s new design. This isn’t really a DIY project you should try, instead, hire an upholstery pro to handle the job. Search online for “furniture reupholstery near you” and begin researching local professionals to ensure you’re getting someone who’s a true expert in the field.

Take it Further: Declutter

Take inventory of your furniture and decide if it’s time to clear some of it out and buy new pieces. Maybe your apartment is too small for all your furniture, but you want to keep these pieces for when you buy a home. If that’s the case, look into storage units in your area. Costs of units vary, so do your research before committing. If a company gives you a higher amount, this might be due to the facility’s amenities such as climate control. Though these types of units cost more, they might be the way to go if you’re planning on storing anything fragile.

It doesn’t take a lot of money to give your bedroom and bathroom mini-makeovers. Small upgrades, like new towels and wallpaper, can be just what the rooms need to add more appeal and function to your home.

Image from Pixabay.

Fashion Styings of a Mom In Her Late 30s

I turned 37 in June. What does that mean? It means that I have come to the conclusion that I actually do know myself as well as I thought I did and that its okay to be me. It also means that I do not have to impress anyone. 

That is actually a huge weight lifted. 

That also means that at home, I'm wearing lounge wear constantly. In public, I also tend to look like an extra from The Walking Dead. That is something this mama is definitely working on. I still want to be comfortable shuffling the kids and chasing them, but there is nothing wrong with updating the leggings. Here are a few ways I have started doing that. 

1. Fun shoes. I've always been a fan of fun shoes, but I reserved them for nights out. There are no longer nights out, so I've started collecting fun sneakers and wear them with my leggings. Takes the outfit up a little notch. 

2. Bombshell leggings. I mean, if we're going to wear leggings, we need our booties to look great. (Yes, our husbands do still look at the goods). The bombshell booty leggings are a great go to to make you look and feel great. 

3. Accessorize. I love accessories. Forget take one thing off, if I think I'm ready, it's time to add one more and I love big statement jewelry. I got this from my grandma and it is never going to change. My cousin's favorite phrase was "only you can pull that off." Every time I add a piece of jewelry, I think of her saying that. Be big. Be bold. Be extra.

4. Take a hint from celebrities. Own the messy bun, big sunglasses, and huge bag. Find what you love and make it your style and you are fashionable. I remember in my early 20s, Amy Winehouse was constantly seen out and about in huge sunglasses and a huge messy bun. She may not have been rocking it for mom reasons, but it made me realize we can be stylish and comfortable. You will always see me rocking the huge sunglasses and mom bag. 

5. OWN IT! The most important part of looking good wearing comfy clothes is to be yourself and know yourself. Walk with your head held high with confidence and you win!

5 Ways To Show You Care During A Pandemic

During these uncertain times, so much has changed. There's no more popping by to say hey. It isn't as easy to do small things for people to remind them that we are thinking of them. We aren't in stores as often, so picking up things that remind us of them and dropping them off isn't really happening. There are still ways to show we are thinking of our loved ones without risking exposing them to a virus. Here are a few ideas. 

1. Porch drop-off: Think grown-up version of ding dong ditch! You can drop a gift basket, cake, or even dinner on the porch. Just make sure you call to inform them that they have a surprise. 

2. Flower delivery: Seriously, who doesn't love getting a flower delivery and there are so many options now, including live plants. If you happen to be looking for a New York City florist, you are really in luck: PlantShed - best nyc florist  

3. Snail Mail: I don't know about you, but I love getting cards and I always keep some on hand to send when I think of someone. Pop a card in the mail for that friend you don't get to see as much. 

4. Send a door dash delivery

5. Pick up the phone. We live in a world of texting, but sometimes we need to hear the voices of those we love. Wouldn't your grandma love a call from you, just to chat? 

There are so many ways we can show our love, even without spending money. Just say it, and don't stop telling your loved ones that you love them. 

What are some ways you have found to connect with those you love during these difficult times? Simple or extravagant, it doesn't matter, as long as we are showing that we care and are thinking of those we love. 

Overcoming Adversity: Free Online Bible Study

 Life is hard. This is a lesson we learn pretty early. If we are fortunate enough to be a Christian, we also learn that with God, we can get through that rough life a little bit easier. However, even for us Christians, the last couple of years have thrown continuous curveballs that throw us off track occasionally. Not being able to fellowship and worship as we have in the past has definitely taken a toll on us all.

All for Jesus is an online bible study program by Living Waters Ministry. They offer several different courses for you to complete at your own pace. I have been doing the “Overcoming Adversity” course and I’m just amazed at how this bible study is opening my eyes to certain things and also makes me feel like I’m in his living room having a bible study with my friends.

What I really enjoy about the course is that the study leader and his wife are actually having a conversation with their friends that we get to be a part of. He asks questions and has everyone relate to their own knowledge and life. He starts at the beginning and we learn why adversity and hardships exist and why it is best to have them in life. Now, it’s time to learn how to overcome those hardships. WITH GOD.

When you sign up for the course, you can download a free workbook that you can print at home, or you can purchase one on Amazon. The scriptures mentioned in the study are also shared in the video and in the workbook, but I always like having my own bible to reference and to make notes in.

This course is usually $30, but with my link (https://courses.afjministry.com/p/overcoming-adversity1/), you can take the “Overcoming Adversity” course for free. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in your walk with God and also see if you enjoy an online option for bible study, especially in these uncertain times.

I enjoy that I can do this study whenever the house is quiet and I can sit down. No need for a babysitter or arranging schedules. I can enjoy a bible study without the stresses of getting out the door. You can also download the videos so that you can watch them even without data access. Great for quiet time during a mountain getaway.

I truly have been enjoying this study. I will continue it. I am amazed that at this time in my life, this was the bible study that I really needed and God sent it right to me. Thank you All For Jesus Ministry!

If you are looking to learn more about the All For Jesus Ministry before you commit to a course, you can find them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also visit their website for more information. 

Financial Essentials For New Parents

 

New parents are hit with a number of life changes simultaneously. While most are exhilarating and exciting, others are more practical and prudent. For example, ensuring your finances are in order is critical for your growing family's long-term financial security. The Palmetto Queen offers the following resources to help you lay a strong financial foundation. 

Health and Life Insurance

Having health insurance is a necessity when you have a newborn, both for wellness checks and midnight earaches. According to Bankrate, life insurance for parents is also important, and a specialized insurance calculator can help you determine what you need. Many new parents opt to take out life insurance policies that would allow a surviving parent or guardian to not only raise their child through adulthood, but pay for college, and possibly even have a nest egg for the future.

Remember too that coverage shouldn’t stop at health and life insurance. Making sure you have enough coverage for your property and vehicle is also crucial. A reputable insurance agency can help you analyze the most appropriate approach to selecting the insurance products that meet your particular needs.

Wills and Advance Directives

Some people, especially young adults, put off making wills, but having a will in place ensures that all of your wishes for your child, and potentially, a surviving spouse or partner, are taken care of. A will outlines the financial provisions of the disposition of your assets, as well as designates a guardian for your minor children. This typically comes with an allotment of proceeds from the estate to support the child. As part of your will, you can also make plans for advance directives and living wills that can help a surviving spouse or other designee make tough medical decisions in the event you are unable to make them yourself. While planning a will when you’re just starting your family life feels uncomfortable for some, it’s an important responsibility and will allow you to rest assured that you’ve protected your child in the event of the unthinkable.

Savings Plans

Young families are wise to create household budgets that include savings plans. According to experts, it's advisable to have at least three months of living expenses tucked away in a savings account in the event of job loss, or other unforeseen financial circumstances. Keeping your debt load low is also a wise move, as revolving credit with high interest can sometimes get out of control, and become difficult to pay down. You might also decide to open an education savings account or a college savings plan for your child. Even adding small amounts at a young age can help ensure your kids are well-positioned to make their way in the world once they reach adulthood. Some parents even request donations to the fund in lieu of gifts when their children are very young.

Making Big Investments

Many parents realize once they have children that it's time to purchase their first home or move up from a starter house to something larger. If this is in your plans, it's important to understand what your credit score looks like and what you can afford. A seasoned real estate professional or mortgage lender can help you with these key tasks. You'll need to save for a down payment or secure a first-time homebuyer loan, which can often offer better terms and a lower down payment than other mortgages. It’s helpful to get preapproved for a loan before you start house-hunting, as sellers will recognize you’re already prepared and approved to buy.

Boosting Your Income

After a baby arrives, it’s common for one parent to leave work to stay at home, but this obviously presents the potential for financial difficulties. Depending on your situation, a side job or even launching a small home-based business can be great ways to increase your savings and your income as a stay-at-home parent. There are plenty of business opportunities that can be fairly lucrative, and it doesn’t take much to set up your business. A formation service can help you formalize your business with the state, in addition to helping you file other necessary paperwork, including registering as an LLC. If you’re wondering, “I registered my LLC now what?” all you need to do is market yourself and start looking for clients.

Getting your financial house in order is an important step as new parents. You're no longer just responsible for yourself and your spouse or partner, but for another being who is completely reliant on you. Use these tips to pave the way for a brighter future for your growing family. 

Photo by Pixabay

What We Are Loving: National Geographic Kids

 Disclaimer: I received books to review. All opinions are my own. 

What do we love in my house? Books! What kind? Educational, especially books from National Geographic Kids. 

My kids always get Nat Geo Kids books for their birthdays, Christmas, and any other event I can find to gift them. Tbomb especially loves the Kids World Atlas and gets a new one each year. Snapper loves any book with maps. 

The following are great for adventures, school, and even planning trips. Dive in and I'm sure you will find something your kids will love.

National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide U.S.A.

"....a fantastic tour of parks and preserves across the United States, with striking full-color photography of natural scenes or wildlife on almost every page" - Midwest Book Review 

If you're trying to decide which of our country's amazing national parks to visit, NG Kids, together with the National Park Trust, has created National Parks Guide U.S.A. Broken down into regions of the country, this handy guide has all you need to make your visit to these treasured parks an experience your family will never forget.   Filled with color photos, information on animals, fascinating lists, fun facts, maps, cool things to do, conservation tips, and much more -- think of this book as your trusted guide to these most majestic of places.

National Geographic Kids Ultimate Road Trip Atlas

The Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas contains maps, games, interesting facts, vibrant pictures of everything from wacky road signs to national monuments, and boredom busters (who can spot the wackiest road sign??) to make your next journey an adventure to remember. Every state is featured and includes a map of the state, 5 cool things to do there, fun facts about the state and the animals that live there and even quirky roadside attractions. And, in case this comes in handy, helpful traffic laws you won't believe (who knew you couldn't drive any skunks INTO Tennessee??).

125 Wacky Roadside Attractions

"A delight that will have travelers young and old poring over the pages and planning offbeat excursions." — Booklist

 

See the silly side of travel as you explore the wackiest landmarks from around the world -- a place where you can walk in real dinosaur tracks, a hotel where you sleep in an igloo, a crazy beard festival, a UFO museum, and so much more. You won't believe our world is full of so many bizarre and wonderful places!

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2022

"...this gathering of upbeat, vividly illustrated, browser-friendly dips into topics ranging from black holes to blue-footed boobies to Bolivian street food is hard to put down, and the pop quizzes and research guides at each chapter’s end will give studious sorts a leg up, too." - Kirkus

Part trip planner, part boredom buster, the latest installment of the New York Times best-selling almanac is perfect for curious kids who want to learn all about the world and everything that's in it. The Almanac 2022 features amazing animal stories, explorer profiles, and outrageous attractions that kids know and love, plus tons of info on exoctic locales, fascinating cultures and an entire section on travel in the U.S. and abroad. Loaded with fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, and conservation, this book is the number one selling kids almanac on the planet.  There's a whole chapter full of fun and games, including activities, jokes, and comics and the colorful compilation also includes an Almanac Challenge 2022 — which inspires kids to reduce their plastic waste.  

More Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff

Ever wonder how haunted houses got their spooky rep; where cheese originally came from; and when and where people decided hitting a tiny ball with a long stick (ahem, golf?) was their idea of fun? Prepare to be amazed by the surprising backstories behind the things you use or do every day! From familiar foods and common clothing items to bizarre beauty regimens and quirky products, this book covers all your burning questions: Who thought of that? Where did that come from? Why is that a thing?   This riveting little treasure is jam-packed with awesome facts, fun stories, and colorful visuals. Once you know all this cool stuff about the origins of everyday stuff, you can "wow" your friends and family.

Other books you should definitely check out:

Dinopedia

Kids' World Atlas

Kids' Joke book 

 

 

 

Getting It Off My Chest

 Hi, 

Today, I just want to write a letter. I don't really feel the need to explain the reasoning behind the decisions I make. What I feel the need to do is to open some people's eyes so they can realize that everything is not black and white. 

First, a little bit of a back story. 

I caught measles from the vaccination. I have not had the chickenpox vaccine, yet I've never had them. My brothers have had the chickenpox vaccine- one brother had chickenpox, the other has Shingles AT THE AGE OF 6. 

My son has ITP, which basically means that if his immune system is activated (even by allergies), there is a chance that his antibodies will act up and start killing his platelets, which could make a simple injury severe. When we caught it, his levels were at 1, and should have been between 150 and 300. He cannot have the typical meds because he's allergic, so he has to have steroids for treatment, which is an immunosuppressant. He's considered chronic because of how low his levels were and because it took 6 months to get him to 200. 

My daughter has many health problems. She has asthma, stomach issues, an immune deficiency, and is very prone to ear infections. She also catches everything and takes forever to get over it. Because of this, we had to pull her from public school, although she was getting vital therapies. She was missing 1/3 of the school days from being sick. Another thing with her is that she has had vaccine-related injuries and because we've opted to not vaccinate, I was actually bullied at the Dr's office by a nurse. Excuse me, but I saw what one vaccine did to her with lasting effects, I'm not interested in playing roulette with her future. 

This leads us to the pandemic. We have stayed at home for their and my family members' health. We have worn masks. We have put our lives on hold while we watch everyone going on vacation, having parties, and going out to eat. Now, those same people are telling me to get a TRIAL vaccine for their safety and their kids' safety, yet they were not willing to stay at home for my kids' safety. 

These people are pushing vaccine mandates even though it is not a fully proven safe vaccination. 

Guess what?!?! No! Vaccines are not safe for everyone. If you want it, fine, but leave me and mine alone. If you are worried, keep your butt at home like you were supposed to in the beginning. 

Another thing, you were not willing to keep your kid at home when they were sick for my kids' health and the health of her cancer-patient grandmother. Newsflash, you sending your sick kid to school could have killed my MIL and could have put my daughter in the hospital, if not worse. 

Now, you want to say get a vaccine for the greater good? NO! 

The Family's Favorite Read Alouds

My favorite time of the day is when we read aloud. We do this twice a day and I absolutely love it. 

During school time, we read a little of a novel, a little Bible, some history, and whatever else comes up to read aloud. In the evenings, before bed, we enjoy reading a family devotional as well as a novel for the whole family to enjoy. 

I think it's something the whole family enjoys. We even read adult books that have themes the kids can understand. It is so nice to see them grow and learn. I'm always amazed at the things they take away from the stories we read together. 

We enjoy Bible stories, fiction, and non-fiction. It is also a great way to expand their horizons and to get them reading something that they may not normally read. For example, Tbomb likes reading books about facts. Snapper likes looking at atlases and books about the human body and sharks. This gets them interested in literature and fiction books. 

Here are family favorites. We really love getting started with series, because we are never at a loss of what to read next. However, some of our favorites are stand-alone books. 

1. Little House On The Prairie (Series)

This is definitely my favorite. Not only is it wholesome and I do not have to worry about what themes are in it, but it is historical. My kids love learning about different aspects of life in the late 1800s and we have researched many things mentioned in the books.  

There is one scene in "Farmer Boy," the second in the series with violence. The violence is implied and does not describe what actually happened and it opens the door for some real-life conversations. 

2. Strawberry Girl

I had asked my MIL, who is also an avid reader for suggestions on books to read with the kids. Her favorite when she was a kid was a book called Strawberry Girl. I had never heard of it, but I found it and ordered it. 

We fell in love. The voice of the main character is amazing. It is full of history, everyday life, and culture. It is a must-read. 

3. Tuttle Twins (Series)

I love how these books explain government and economics in a way that kids can understand. It opens many conversations and we have even pulled out my copy of The Constitution to discuss issues. 

I love having these conversations with my kids. They learn so much and are learning critical thinking and learning to think for themselves.

4. Wonder

There's not much to say. It's a wonderful book with a lot of lessons. There are lessons for kids with disabilities and without. Truly amazing. Lots of tough conversations as well. 

If you haven't read it, you must. 

5. Finding Gobi

Such a feel-good book. We are a dog family and we have lost a dog and found him. During certain points, it was sad for the kids and we would read a little further so they wouldn't be stuck on the sad part. 

Great book with problem-solving, teamwork, and some geography.

6. Unicorn Academy (Series)

Snapper just loves these books. She loves Unicorns and is obsessed with proving they are real. 

These are fun books with tales of friendship and problem solving as a team. While each book is a stand-alone story, there is a background story that is woven through each book. 

7. 101 Campfire Stories

This book was actually gifted to us by my in-laws when we went camping. Each story is short- we read two or three each night. They aren't too scary, mostly mysterious. 

The kids loved it and it added to the ambiance of camping. 

8. Because of Winn-Dixie

This is such a cute story about a preachers' daughter and her dad. She feels like an outsider, but the dog she finds opens doors to conversations with members of the community. 

Great story of growing up, personal growth, community, and helping others. 

Definitely a win!

9. 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids

I just adore this book. Each day there is a simple question that is related to a child's life and a Bible answer for it with the scripture to support it. The questions are all across the board- even science and history. 

We have read through this book several times and will continue to do so because it starts such great conversations. 

10. Lake Scatter Wood Tales (Series)

This was a gift for my son and it turned out the whole family loves it. The boys in this book are at camp and have some crazy tales to tell. 

Such a fun read with the family. 

Books on our list to read:

1. Hatchet

2. Mary Poppins

3. Goosebumps

4. The Mouse And The Motorcycle

5. Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing

What books should I add to this list?

Keep Learning, Even When You Think You Know It All

One of the biggest lessons I learned from my parents is to never stop questioning. They took it another step and tried their best to instill a love of learning into us. Even if it is a random fact, a new language, or a new skill that we may never need- everything is worth learning about. We were always encouraged to take a different kind of class, sign up for a workshop, or learn something different at camp.

This especially included anything that we could be certified in. Because of this encouragement, I was certified in CPR, took a lifeguard class, had a boating license, and even took a flower arranging class before I was out of the 9^th grade. Let’s not forget the fencing (with a saber) course, photography, mechanics, and even a course on how cults function. The options were endless. I can play a song on 6 instruments. I’m not trying to brag- I mention this because none of this has ever hurt me- only ever broadened my horizons. It started when was a toddler and I still make it a personal goal of mine to learn something new every day.

Even now, they encourage things like this. If I mention something I am interested in, dad says “you’re already learning about it- go ahead and get certified, you might need it one day and it can only make your resume look better. No one has ever been hurt by too much education.” Most things these days involve IT and he looks it up to see what I’m talking about. We have SPOTO IT for that! With SPOTO, you can get courses, tutors, and certifications. It is like an all in one shop.

As far as my own children go, I encourage them to learn something new every day and to read books outside of their usual interest categories. My daughter is really good with numbers and my son is all about science and computers. He wants to be a “paleontologist and do something with computers.” She wants to be a doctor so she can help other kids like her.

Because my children are homeschooled, I’m always looking for ways to not only improve their resumes for college (even though that’s a while off) but for after and for in case they decide college is not their future. I want them to be successful, by their vision of success, but I am responsible for setting them up for success. I will encourage them to get certifications and courses as soon as they are old enough, but for now, I am encouraging their love of learning.

I also want them to understand that even when you are in your "ideal" career, you should never stop improving and learning new things to help with your job. If you are a project management professional, for example, there is no end to the certifications. 

Another way I am going to do this is by leading by example. As they are able to do more independent school work, I’ll start taking courses and doing the things I want them to do. I’ll start with a trip to SPOTO! I may even start with a PMP certification online. I'm very organized and I have always been in trigued with project management. I can get some project management professional exam prep. 

I want to leave this post with a final encouragement. Never stop learning, dreaming, or reaching. Honey, reach for the moon- even if you fail, you'll land among the stars. Or, as my mama used to say- "if your dreams don't scare you, you aren't dreaming big enouch."

How to Style Boutique Tops

Even if you have the cutest top, if you don’t properly accessorize and style it, it’s not going to go down as one of the head-turning outfits. Every fashionista knows how important it is to properly style an outfit so it doesn’t look like you just grabbed whatever, but instead took time to plan your outfit. Luckily, here are some great tips to style your tops!

Layering Your Tops

It’s not the early 2000s anymore, so layering a tank over a t-shirt is still a no go, but layering boutique tops underneath a cute jacket, cardigan or blazer is an absolute must

• Pair it off with a blazer. Do you love basic tees but want to take them to a new level? Adding a cute blazer on top of a top with a cute saying or basic stripes can take that shirt to a professional level where you can easily wear it in to the office or even for a girl’s night out.
• More of a cozy girl? Layer a soft cardigan on top of your favorite top! This allows you to seamlessly transition in the fall and spring time when weather can warm up and cool down within hours. You’ll also feel warm and cozy when things take a chilly turn.
• Nothing says date night like a cute jacket paired over your favorite boutique top with some lace accents. Whether you prefer to rock faux leather or like more of a soft material, this is a great look for going out in the evening hours and keeping warm while still looking great.

Accessorize with Jewelry Pieces

A cute top looks great on its own, but if you really want to catch people’s eyes, you need to accessorize it just right. Now of course, accessories vary depending on the type of top, as you never want to do too much, but also want to ensure that it’s not just a plain top and jeans.

• Necklaces. Depending on the type of top, a necklace is always a good choice. For those more basic tees and everyday shirts, a pendant necklace is a great option as it’s small and doesn’t stand out a lot, but still offers a little something to your look. If you have a low cut top or even a collared top, a statement necklace is a great way to add a pop of color to your look and really style your outfit. This is a great look especially for a night out with the girls or date night.
• Bracelets. Do you prefer to stack them or just go with a simple one? Depending on your top, you may want to stack to add extra color and layers to your look, but if you have a delicate long sleeved top, a delicate bracelet is the perfect match.
• Earrings. Earrings are always a good choice with any kind of top. They add a special something whether they are simple studs worn with jeans a t-shirt or they are dangly earrings worn with a nice top and skirt. Depending on the look you’re going for, you may want light and dainty or something that really stands out and catches attention. How you style your hair is also important with earrings, as you don’t want your hair to get all tangled up.

Don’t Forget the Bottom!

You’ve got the cute top, the jacket, the jewelry, but don’t just toss on any pair of pants or any skirt. Any wrong choice could throw off the whole look so make sure you choose wisely.

Depending on your top, you may want to wear a pair of pants or a skirt to complete your look.

• If you’re going in to work and want a more professional look, you’ll want to opt for dress pants or a nice skirt. Most offices are more casual now, but there are some that still want business professional, and in that case, you’ll want a sleek pair of dress pants with your shirt tucked in and maybe a blazer on top or a skirt paired with the top. Tucking the top in is always a good choice in a professional setting.
• If you’re going out with friends, there’s nothing wrong with a good pair of jeans. They are comfortable, they make you feel good, and they can be worn with just about any kind of top. You can tuck your top in, leave it flowy or even do a front tuck only, depending on the top and look you are going for.

 

Don’t Forget the Shoes

Your footwear is the final piece to your look, so you want to make sure it matches the outfit. Depending on your outfit and what you’re heading out to do you may want heels, flats, boots, or sneakers.

• Heels. A must for a business look or a date night, heels are a great choice if you are wearing jeans or a cute skirt with your top. For extra fun, if your top is floral or a plain color, add a pop of color with your heels.
• Flats can work for business or heading out for the evening for a more casual get together with friends or for a casual date night.
• Boots are a must if you are dealing with winter weather, and luckily, with so many styles, you can easily find a cute pair to go with your outfit.
• Sneakers are the shoes for casually running errands or heading out for an outdoor adventure with friends.

Now that you know how it all pairs together, you are ready to accessorize your boutique top to create the perfect look for each day.

 

10 Wishes For My Kids

We all dream of better lives for our kids, for more happiness, and for success. But in all honesty, what does that even mean? Here are the things I really wish my kids see in their futures. 

1. Education: I would love to see my kids go to college and get degrees. However, that is not my wish. My wish is simply that they learn to read and do basic math to a working degree and that they learn how to learn. With these three things, they can learn and achieve anything they want. That is my wish. 

2. Success: I am not defining success as a good job, a fat bank account, and all of that. To me, success is having the life that you want and that you work for. That's what I want for my kids. 

3. Happiness. Just happiness

4. Love all around them. I hope they are surrounded by a spouse, kids, family, in-laws, friends, and pets that love them. 

5. To have what they need

6. To breathe fresh air and eat fresh food

7. To understand where what they have comes from and to respect those that come before them. To understand that people died for them and their freedom

8. To understand the true value in items and not just the monetary value (especially with heirlooms) and to know the stories behind them. 

9. Mental, physical, and spiritual health

10. More than anything else, A deep love for God

What is your biggest wish for your children?