Budget giving: Reasons to Pack an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox and what to put in it

Budget giving: Reasons to Pack an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox and what to put in it

Now that I'm a mom I have worked to continue the tradition with my own kids. This year is the first year my five-year-old really understands. He was excited to give Legos and Play-do (two of his favorite things) to a "friend on the other side of the world." 

There is still plenty of time this week to pack a shoe box and I wanted to give you a few reasons you would want to. 

Read More

Nontoy gift ideas your kids will actually like

Nontoy gift ideas your kids will actually like

We've all been there. We pick out the perfect gift for our kids. We are giddy with their joy as they anxiously rip off the wrapping paper Christmas morning. We are overjoyed as they play with this prized toy they have asked for... and then two weeks later it's under the bed never to be played with again. 

Don't get me wrong. I actually like toys. I don't have a problem with them. I just pushed a pile of Legos away from my desk to write this post. But, I have also come to see the value in nontoy gifts as well. So today I wanted to share a few of my favorites as well as YOUR ideas from the Facebook page

Read More

Less stress: More Joy. 10 tips for reducing holiday stress

 Less stress: More Joy. 10 tips for reducing holiday stress

Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, family, faith and food. But it can so easily turn into a season of stress and anxiety. 

A couple weeks ago I asked my readers things they do to reduce holiday stress. Of course, you guys came up with GREAT tips. I am not surprised in the slightest because you are all wonderful. 

 

Read More

Simplifying Christmas: 4 tips for keeping the holidays in control and stress free

Simplifying Christmas: 4 tips for keeping the holidays in control and stress free

I remember the day Christmas finally broke me. There were four places my family needed to be. We had play practice, this a local event, a parade, and a party. I felt like as soon as we got somewhere it was time to leave and then drive across town to the new event. By the time the day was over we were all cranky, exhausted and I was snapping at everyone. 

Read More

Budget giving: Reasons to Pack an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox and what to put in it

Budget giving: Reasons to Pack an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox and what to put in it

Now that I'm a mom I have worked to continue the tradition with my own kids. This year is the first year my five-year-old really understands. He was excited to give Legos and Play-do (two of his favorite things) to a "friend on the other side of the world." 

There is still plenty of time this week to pack a shoe box and I wanted to give you a few reasons you would want to. 

Read More

Nontoy gift ideas your kids will actually like

Nontoy gift ideas your kids will actually like

We've all been there. We pick out the perfect gift for our kids. We are giddy with their joy as they anxiously rip off the wrapping paper Christmas morning. We are overjoyed as they play with this prized toy they have asked for... and then two weeks later it's under the bed never to be played with again. 

Don't get me wrong. I actually like toys. I don't have a problem with them. I just pushed a pile of Legos away from my desk to write this post. But, I have also come to see the value in nontoy gifts as well. So today I wanted to share a few of my favorites as well as YOUR ideas from the Facebook page

Read More

Crazy sock exchange ($10 Gift Idea)

Crazy sock exchange ($10 Gift Idea)

I am always stumped at what to get my nieces and nephews. I know kid's interests change a lot and something they might love today might not be something they like tomorrow. 

So last year my sister came up with a great idea. We can do a sock exchange. My sister saw the idea on Pinterest. She thought the idea would translate great for kids. And this is a super cost-effective gift. Each one of these coast me less than $10, sometimes way less because I used free Amazon gift cards. A two-pack of crazy socks can be split among two kids and costs around $4. Books and small games are really inexpensive and can entertain kids for a long time. 

Read More