Must-Reads for Moms

Today I'm sharing my five favorite must-reads for moms! 

If you have not read these, be sure to add them to your list!

1. The Fringe Hours by Jessica Turner

This book is written from the perspective of a career-minded mom, so there were times when I felt like we weren't exactly connecting; but I feel that ANY mom - no matter what her choice regarding being a full-time mom - can benefit from the practical tips and ideas presented in this book! Lots of great ideas and encouraging challenges.

2. Busy by Kevin Deyoung

I mentioned chapter 6 of this book in Why Can't Anyone Cope with Real Life, but the other chapters of this book were great, too!

Jesus knew the difference between the urgent and the important. He understood that all the good things he could do were not necessarily the things He ought to do. - Kevin Deyoung

*This would also be a great read for the man in your life!*

3. Satisfied by Jeff Manion

I recommended this book as a great resource for those of you who are Taking Steps to Declutter. He challenges readers to reject cultural norms and allow our allegiance to Christ to directly impact the way we live on this earth. I appreciated the practical tips he gave for what this should look like in our day-to-day.

Do not underestimate the power of this way of thinking. The virtue of contentment is utterly liberating. - Jeff Minion

*This would also be a great read for the man in your life!*

4. Let it Go by Karen Ehman

This book is an excellent read for any woman...in any stage of life. Karen Ehman is excellent, and I am looking forward to reading her most recent release: Keep it Shut.

5. Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic

If you are a mom to little ones - or know someone who is - I would highly recommend this book! I don't read very many books more than once, but this one might just be an exception - It is full of great reminders. I have also heard great things about her book Fit to Burst, and it is currently waiting for me in my Amazon cart.

Art Supplies for Kids

Happy Friday, friends!

Today I am sharing Five Friday Favorites that your little artist will love.
I am so glad you have joined me!
I am joining some new link parties today: Check out the list of gals I'm connecting with today~

Art Supplies for Kids

[One] These Melissa & Doug Paint Cups have definitely made our life easier!

[Two] I love all of the super cool options out there for watercolor sets, but this Melissa & Doug Jumbo Watercolor Paint Set is most definitely my favorite!

[Three] When it comes to painting (Can you tell we love to paint around here?), I love any kind of unique tool/brush that adds a little extra texture! Check out these Funky Brushes by Alex.


[Four] When it comes to being creative, I like to provide kids with options! This Giant Art Jar by Alex offers just that: pipe cleaners, felt, googly eyes, craft paper, sequins, pom poms, stickers, foam, and more!


 [Five] Paper, Scissors, Glue, and TAPE - My kids love it all, and Creativity for Kids has this adorable set of Wonderful Washi Tape that comes with a super cute carrying case!

Want to see my favorite free-art activity idea for kids? 

Check out our Paper Bucket Art Box!

My Love Hate Relationship with Target

Are you a Target shopper? At Target, scoring deals is easy - thanks to their awesome coupon-stacking policy! Their customer service? Now that's another story...

Join me in chatting about  My Love Hate Relationship with Target:

Things I Hate:

Customer Service: It is rare that I have a good experience with Target's Customer Service...whether in store...or on-line...or over the phone. I will leave it at that. 

Website: I have never been able to log on to Target's website (and I've spent a lot of time on there over the years), and had their site function correctly without any issues. Before I log on, I prepare myself that I am going to be incredibly frustrated before the process comes to an end. 

Location of Bathrooms in Store: I would prefer if there were bathrooms in the front and the back and on each side of the store...you know, for people with potty-training toddlers in tow...but this something that I wish was true about every store.

Things I Love:

Inventory: Target's inventory...well, to put it simply, it's dangerous.

Shopping Carts: I love how smooth their carts glide through the store...and I love the size of their shopping carts...and I love that I finally found a shopping cart cover to cover the ginormous child seat on the front of the cart.

Cartwheel: As much as I am loving the Walmart's Saving Catcher program, Target still wins in my book because here's what happens....I use my Cartwheel app to save an additional percentage on some of the items that I purchase (You load deals on to the app - You can even scan your items in store to see if there is a deal on them that day.). I pay with my Target card to save an additional 5% on everything. 

Coupon Policy: On top of those two things, I also use lots of coupons. Target allows you to stack Target coupons with manufacture coupons. I do all of this at checkout and save loads this way! 

Target Card: With the Target card, shipping is always free (no minimum purchase), so it's also nice to have things quickly shipped to the house. Like the time I ran out of baby q-tips...I purchased them for just over a $1.00, and Target had them at our doorstep the next afternoon. 

*If you are not able to pay off your credit cards every.single.month with no exceptions, do not touch the Target card with a ten-foot pole.*

Grocery Prices: While Target does not get any praise from me for their customer service or their website functionality, I will say that I save lots of money there! Oh yeah, and their groceries? In my experience...in our local stores...at least on the items we buy...Walmart's prices really aren't any cheaper. *This may differ from region to region - I'm not sure.*

Starbucks: Our Target has a Starbucks inside - no explanation necessary.

Psst...did you know you could use your Target Card at the Target Starbucks and save an extra 5% on your coffee? Hallelujah. (Target gift cards work at "Tarbucks", too!)

P.S. Tarbucks = Target + Starbucks.

Speaking of Target...and gift cards, I just love this little Teacher Gift Idea from Landee See Landee Do. The beginning of the year...the middle of the year...the end of the year...

Interested in more tips for saving money? 

or a glimpse in to our experience with Harris Teeter's Express-Lane Shopping Option?

Follow All Kinds of Things's board All Kinds of Things - Thrifty Tips on Pinterest.

Make Mealtime Fun for Kids

Happy Friday, friends!

Today I am sharing Five Friday Favorites that I guarantee will make mealtime more fun for your kiddos - I am so glad you have joined me!
I am joining some new link parties today: Check out the list of gals I'm connecting with today~

[One] We are crazy about this Food Plate by Fred...

[Two] but I also think this Dinner Winner one would be super fun, too!

[Three] I love this super-cute construction-themed plate/utensil set, but the price always blows me away! I would suggest tossing it in your Amazon cart and waiting to see if it goes on sale~

[Four] Have you tried Re-Play's plates and bowls?

You can find these gems on Amazon, but I grabbed mine from Wal-Mart.

[Five] I am in love with these Make-a-Meal Sticker Placemats by Melissa & Doug! 

Perfect for keeping hands busy and creative~

Interested in Our Best Tips for Eating Out with Kids?

Psst....Have you pre-ordered the Pioneer Woman's new cookbook? 

How to Create a Mommy Survival Kit (Includes Free Printable)

Hubby recently gifted me with this "Mommy Survival Kit"! My first question to him was, "Did you find this on Pinterest?!" He is an honest man, so he did not lie~ 

How to Create a Mommy Survival Kit

I absolutely loved the idea and wanted to share it with you! I have also included a link for you to access the printables for yourself - for free!

Do you know a Mommy who would love a kit of her own? 

They are super easy to put together and can be customized to suit any mama!

Here's a glimpse in to what hubby included in mine:

Because Mommies need Starbucks...

Because Mommies get headaches...and deal with boo-boos...

Because Mommies deal with germs...and because this Mommy is addicted to Carmex...

Because Mommies deal with lots and lots and lots of messes...

Because Mommies need a few moments to themselves...alone in the laundry room...with chocolate...

(Okay, maybe that's just me that does weird things like that.)

He arranged all of these goodies down inside a handled jar and topped it off with a gift card to get a massage! You may or may not choose to include something like that - but I will say, that was definitely my favorite part...the chocolate ran a close second. 

Want to print your own "Mommy Survival Kit" printables?

These would make great gifts for Valentine's Day, baby showers, Mother's Day, etc.

For more great ideas, check out 15+ Mason Jar Gift Ideas: 

Image: Classy Clutter

Every mom needs a little time to herself! In fact, I think every mom needs to set aside time to be able to process and regroup. Want to see what that looks like for me?

My Top Five Picks for Your Baby Registry

So it's time to set up your baby registry? What an exciting time! Today, I am sharing My Top Five Picks for Your Baby Registry! I have included five items that I know you will not regret adding to your registry.

My Top Five Picks for Your Baby Registry

{One} Aden + Anais Classic Muslin Swaddle Blankets

Yes, I realize that these aden & anais blankets are a good bit more expensive than some of the other blankets you will come across, but they are worth every.single.penny. I promise you! These blankets are lightweight, soft, and airy while still being perfect for any time of year! They are excellent swaddle blankets, but we have also used them in other ways! They wash well and last forever~ 

{Two} Go ahead and register for children's books! You will not regret getting a head start on building your little one's library, and if you're like me, you will love reading to your babies...from the start!

How to Build a Great Collection of Books for Your Kids will give you a few other budget-friendly tips that will help you grow your library. 

{Three} Diapers & Wipes

I would encourage you to avoid only registering for newborn diapers. In fact, my babies completely skipped the newborn size and quickly made their way to size 2s. So, be sure to add several packages of Size 1s...and 2s...and 3s...You'll be glad you did! While I realize that a lot of moms have strong opinions about certain brands of diapers and wipes, I will tell you that my boys have been fine with any and every brand that I've ever purchased...and thanks to amazing coupon deals, we have pretty much tried just about everything that's out there. 

P.S. I will say that diapers that include a "wetness indicator" can be incredibly helpful during those first couple of months at home...just something I thought was worth mentioning.

{Four} Transitional Gear 

When registering for your car seat, stroller, etc. be sure to check the minimums and maximums for weight, length, etc. You want to make sure you are picking out gear that will somewhat grow with your baby...this will save you from having to purchase a new (insert baby gear item) every few months. 

For more information on the specific brands/items we've loved, check out How's We've Done Things With Our Babies and How We've Done Things With Our Toddlers.

{Five} Don't forget to register for the boring stuff...like breast milk storage bags, breast pump parts, batteries for your pump, baby bath towels (the thicker the better - in my opinion), feeding spoons (for when your little one starts eating solids), more advanced toys (for when your little one is able to sit up and play, safety gear (for when your little one become mobile), etc. 

Overall, I would encourage all new moms to think ahead! I realize that it's tempting to scan all of those cute little newborn outfits in to your registry; but you are more than likely going to receive so.many.clothes...clothes that your shower guests really wanted to pick out themselves...clothes that will never get worn, because let's face it...your baby is going to spend a lot of time in poop-stained onesies and spit-up covered sleepers. I'm sorry...please forgive me for that reality check...

In summary, use your registry for items that you know you will need. Ask your friends what they have really used...Browse the web for more practical tips...and whatever you do, do not register for a wipe warmer...You will more than likely end up returning twelve of them by the time your baby arrives...and although I have used Target's baby registry with my babies, their return process is NOT fun...even if you have a receipt...even if the item(s) is on your registry...even if you're 13.5 months pregnant...

...Yikes, I think I still have some unresolved issues lingering there...Once again, please forgive me...

If you are a new mom, I am so glad you're here! YOU are actually who has inspired this blog to continue! YOU are the reason that I write! Please know that every mother is different...every child is different...God has entrusted your little bundle of joy to YOU...He knows that YOU are going to be the best mother for your baby. With that being said, please do not allow this post...or any other post...or book...or magazine...or Wikipedia article...make you feel inadequate in any way. Go with your mommy gut, and you and your precious gift will be just fine! We're all different, and that's okay! In fact, you might even find that you love having a wipe warmer! ;-) 

With Love,

Elizabeth

Are you looking to bless a new mom? 

If so, I know you will want to read Five Things to Take to a New Mom~

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Faith-Building Christmas Gifts

Are you looking for faith-building Christmas gifts that will encourage your loved ones in their Christian walk? This post includes my top suggestions - and my hope is that there will be something to fit every budget and stage of life!

Faith-Building Christmas Gifts
for
Kids & Adults

ABC Scripture Cards from Courtney at Lil Light O Mine blog

I've also been wanting to tell you about the The Jesus Storybook Bible!

I first heard about this Bible when I was teaching in the elementary classroom, and I fell in love with it. A friend of mine gave me the complete set (Hardback Bible & CD) for a shower gift when Caleb was preparing to make his grand entrance, and I can not wait to share it with him. It's such a great resource, and I think you will love it, too! 

Psst...they now have an incredible DVD collection that goes along with this Bible! Check it out!

Steve Green's Hide 'Em In Your Heart Scripture Songs?

Interested in more faith-based resources for kids?

Tickets to the Creation Museum

Focus on the Family Magazine Subscriptions

They offer magazines for all ages/stages of life!

Currently, our little ones love their subscription to Clubhouse, Jr. and we love reading Thriving Family.  It is the.best. magazine - filled with relevant tid-bits for families of faith. I love that this magazine includes information to benefit parents with children of all ages - babies, kids, teens, and young adults.

Tickets to an Event like Women of Faith or a Beth Moore Conference

Or if you have a blogger in your life, I can guarantee they will be inspired and encouraged at an Influence Conference.

This year, I challenge you to avoid buying your friends and family more STUFF. 

Five Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids

Five Non-Stuff Gift Ideas for Hubby

Gift them with something that will encourage and inspire them in their faith walk~ 

Christmas is the perfect opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of those you love the most. 

Do you wonder why some people don't do Santa? 

Here's a little glimpse in to our family's approach: