Events & Holidays

  • Organized Chaos: Organizing Our Games

    Our Family Game Closet

    Our family LOVES games!  Every year for Christmas we get a new family game to play.  It has been fun having a Family Game Night or a Game Party with friends at our house.  One of the problems with our games is we used to store them in two separate places so when guests were over we either had to show them two games storage places or try to list off all the games for them to choose from.  A couple months ago as I was cleaning out the front closet I realized several things……

    • The front coat closet is only used about 3 months a year (we live in South Carolina so we have a shorter winter season)
    • We keep the coats we use the most in other places in the house (this closet was only storing extra coats / jackets,  table linens, and our vacuum.)
    • Usually when our guests arrive the coats / jackets get laid over a chair near the closet instead of actually hanging them up in the coat closet.
    • We get into our two game closets a lot more then we get into the coat closet (with exception to take the vacuum out).
    • If we were to put our games in this closet all our games can be put into one location.
    • We could still store the vacuum (which was the only item currently in the closet that we used regularly) in the closet with our games.

    After pondering the layout for our “new” game closet I decided to see what my husband thought of the idea.  He thought it was a great idea too.  We already had some of the materials we would need leftover from re-doing the bedroom closets so we agreed to do it.

    Here is what I did:

    1. Removed everything from our front closet (donated the coats / jackets that the girls had outgrown and put the table linens in the linen cabinet with the sheets and towels).
    2. Used the leftover shelving items from re-doing the bedroom closets.
    3. Purchase a few additional shelving pieces with a gift card that we have from Home Depot.
    4. Put away all the games from the other two locations into the closet.

    I was very excited to get the shelves up and get all the games into the one closet.  The new system is both practical and perfect for our family.   It is much easier picking out a game to play when we have a family game night or when our guests are over.  Plus, there is no more trying to figure out where we put a game since they are all in one place.   I am pleased with our new game closet, just wish I it hadn’t taken me so long to figure out where to put our games!  Where do you store all your games?

  • Review & Giveaway: “Tomboy In A Princess Dress” by Suzi Shelton

    I am thrilled to share with you Suzi Shelton’s newest Music CD “Tomboy in a Princess Dress”.  Our family has been enjoying listening to Suzi’s music.  “Tomboy in a Princess Dress” by Suzi Shelton will be released on December 11th.   You can listen to these 3 songs from Suzi Shelton on SoundCloud:

    1. Tomboy in a Princess Dress
    2. Pony Boy
    3. Smile in My Heart

    All of the songs were a hit with my family!  My favorite song is “Tomboy in a Princess Dress” because it is cheerful, catchy, and my girls have been known to wear princess dress up clothes while playing tag, climbing trees or other fun activities.  The song “Tomboy in a Princess Dress” has been stuck in my head for several days now.   Our girls LOVE Suzi’s music and keep asking to listen again!  It has been a huge hit in our home.  Suzi’s music is perfect for kids who enjoy listening to cheerful music in the car, while playing or just for fun.

    More information about Suzi Shelton and her inspiration for her newest album:

    Award winning NYC Kindie singer/songwriter Suzi Shelton is getting ready to release a new EP with her brand new music video “Tomboy In A Princess Dress” on December 11th. Originally inspired by her seven year old daughter, this song portrays some pretty active and strong girls who also love to wear princess dresses, tiara, and tutus. “I can climb the tallest treetop, barefoot without a care. Tough as nails and fast as lightening, braids and ribbons in my hair.” The eponymous title track “Tomboy in a Princess Dress” is written for families to celebrate girls who embody extraordinary girl power whether it’s climbing a mountain (literally or figuratively), riding a skateboard or starting a water balloon fight…while not diminishing the need to express themselves in dress up. Suzi’s new release features 3 brand new recordings with her rockin’ band including “Tomboy in a Princess Dress,” “Smile in My Heart” featuring her daughter Emma on backup vocals and traditional song“Pony Boy.” It also contains the brand new music video for “Tomboy in a Princess Dress, ” produced by Roley Poley Productions.

    On “Smile in My Heart” Emma makes her recording debut, although she has been performing at Suzi’s concerts for years as part of the backup group “The Gumdrops.” “Pony Boy” is an upbeat, sweet, traditional folk song and features Chicago-based children’s artist, and kindie pal Little Miss Ann. The EP was produced by Marc Bazerman and features Suzi’s band including Steve Elliot on guitars and banjo, Matt Clohesy on bass (both upright and electric) and Rob Heath on drums as well as Erin Hewgley on cello, and the Gumdrops, Samantha and Sabrina van Putten.

    Suzi is also a local mom blogger who writes about her parenting experiences with a 7 and a 13 year old, and life as a kindie rocker. She has been in the children’s music industry for over 10 years and has a great FB presence and twitter following. She is also the host of a series of music and movement videos for Gymboree Play + Music. She has performed at Symphony Space and The White House, and is a regular at 92YTribeca’s B.Y.O.K. (Bring Your Own Kids) and Madison Square Park’s Outdoor Summer Concert Series. She has also traveled and performed to her young fans in St. Louis, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, Washington D.C. and as far away as Portland and San Francisco.*

    Upcoming Events with Suzi Shelton:

    On Monday, December 19th at 6:30 PM (EST)  Suzi Shelton is offering an ONLINE FAMILY HOLIDAY SHOW (pay what you wish) via Stageit.com   Anyone with a computer can join in on the fun and hear the new songs, and email her their song requests during the show. http://bit.ly/stKG2w

    I encourage you to check out more of Suzi Shelton’s music at her website.  These CD’s would make a great Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers for your kids, grandkids, nieces, or nephews!

    Giveaway

    As a way to say thank you to my readers and to share great music from Suzi Shelton I am hosting a giveaway!

    The winner of this giveaway will receive:

    • Suzi Shelton’s newest CD “Tomboy in a Princess Dress”
    • 2 Additional CD’s by Suzi Shelton

    Here’s how to enter the giveaway:

    1. Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied.  You can sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email.
    2. You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing which song you enjoyed the most from Suzi Shelton’s newest CD or any other one that you heard!

    All comments must be made by Monday, December 19, 2011 at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.

    Make sure to follow Suzi Shelton to learn more about her music:

     
    *I was given this product to write an informed review.  The music and artist information were provided for me, however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own.  I was not paid to write this post.  A special thanks to Suzi Shelton for providing these CDs to review and for the giveaway!

  • Blessing Lives Everyday with Special Surprises (B.L.E.S.S.): 25 Days of Christmas Blessings (Update)

    Candy Cane and B.L.E.S.S. note taped to a local ATM Machine

    We have officially started our 25 Days of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. (Blessing Lives Everyday with Special Surprises) and in all honesty I think we have been blessed more by doing these activities.  It has been a real joy doing these fun events everyday and it has been a great experience so far.  In some cases we get to see who receives our B.L.E.S.S. gift and in other cases we will never know who is on the receiving end.  We pray that whoever receives or finds these gifts will experience joy during this Holiday Season.  Each night we take down the B.L.E.S.S. activity for the next day and read the verse and the activity then pray for those who have and will receive our little BLESS’ings.

    Quarters taped to the toy and candy vending machines at the front of the store.

    Here is what we have done so far and a couple pictures to share of our adventures:

    • Day 1 – Gave a donation to the Salvation Army then passed out stickers at our local Walmart as people were coming in and out of the store.   During our 45 minutes passing out stickers at Walmart we saw several friends (it was great to greet friends on their way in or out of the store).  The girls gave one little girl and her Dad a sticker, the Dad reached into his Walmart bag pulled out a new container of cookies gave it to his daughter and then had her give the girls each a cookie to say “thank you” for sharing a sticker.  It was so sweet, I almost cried watching the whole interaction in the middle of the Walmart store entry way!
    • Day 2 – Taped a candy cane to the ATM at a local bank.  Taped quarters to the toy and candy vending machines at a local store.  The girls wanted to go back the next day and see if the quarters were used!
    • Day 3 – Hid dollars in the toy section at the Dollar Tree, the girls loved doing this one and giggled the whole time they were hiding the dollars.  They were very excited for the kid who would find a dollar hidden in the toys.
    • Day 4 – Collected food for the Alms & Legs Food Pantry to help families in our local community.  The girls each picked out items that they wanted to share with others.  They spent a considerable amount of timing picking out the perfect cans of vegetables, fruit, and other goodies to share.

    Quarter taped to the vending machine for another little kid to enjoy

    One of our favorite verses this week went along with our Day 4 activity. 

    For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.  – Matthew 25:35

    The verse was very specific so it was a fun one to discuss.  When we discussed the verse with the girls they knew exactly what it meant.  “If a person is hungry we should give them food.”  They enjoyed picking out some of their favorite foods to share.

    Karlie’s $1 “hidden” in the Dollar Tree toy aisle

    I am super excited to see how great this B.L.E.S.S. activity is going already.  It has been a true joy sharing with others (many of whom we’ll never meet).  It has been a great experience and I look forward to seeing what will happen with our fun adventures this week.

    Brina’s $1 “hidden” in the toy section on Dollar Tree.

    The main purpose of this activity is to teach our family the joy of giving and sharing to those around us.  I plan to do another update on our fun B.L.E.S.S. adventures next week.  Sometimes it’s the little stuff that can make the most positive impact.  I would love to hear how you are spreading the Christmas cheer this Holiday Season.

    (Update) I have been asked by a number of people for a printable version of the  25 Days of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activities, verses, and sheets to handout so here they are for your family to enjoy as well:

  • Song: “While You Were Sleeping” by Casting Crowns

    A great song to remind of all the amazing events that have taken place in history and a reminder of what is to come.  It is a very peaceful yet powerful song.

     Oh little town of Bethlehem
    Looks like another silent night
    Above your deep and dreamless sleep
    A giant star lights up the sky
    And while you’re lying in the dark
    There shines an everlasting light
    For the King has left His throne
    And is sleeping in a manger tonight, tonight

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    I was back to my regular schedule for the most part this week.  It was a busy week with a lot of catching up to do from the Thanksgiving Holidays.  I wasn’t able to get everything crossed off the list but made some headway.

    Here is the update on last weeks goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
    2. Read a book to the girls everyday
    3. Have the girls read 1 book to me 5 days this week
    4. Do devotions with the girls every night (sometimes it gets late and we rush to get them into bed)
    5. Get the girls passport pictures taken

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week – started the week well but flopped when it got really cold outside
    2. Go to bed by 10:30 or earlier on Monday and Thursday – did it about every other night
    3. Finish reading  The Money Saving Mom’s Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year by Crystal Paine who has a blog called Money Saving Mom (VERY excited about the opportunity to preview this book by a blogger I have been following for years and thankful to be featured on her blog weekly with the Save A Lot Deals!)
    4. Listen to the next section of  Desiring God: Finding Complete Satisfaction and Joy in God by John Piper (I am going through this book with my Community Group)

    Home Management Goals

    1. Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday
    2. Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
    3. Dinner on the table by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday) – it was late a couple nights
    4. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    5. File the receipts and coupons for the last couple of months. – started, but not finished

    Business Goals

    1. Spend 10 minutes a day cleaning and organizing my desk
    2. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
    3. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    4. Review my 2011 Business Goals and start planning ones for 2012 – pulled it out but didn’t get in depth time to work on it this week

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
    2. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    3. Make at least $25 towards my Creative Cash goal this week so I can give more to others. – didn’t meet my goal this week
    4. Deliver a meal to a new Mom. was able to take meals to 2 new Moms!  What a blessing to share and meet the new little ones! 🙂

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Pay off remaining debt – made progress this week
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses – on hold until debt is paid off

    Here are my goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
    2. Read a book to the girls everyday
    3. Have the girls read 1 book to me 5 days this week
    4. Do devotions with the girls every night (sometimes it gets late and we rush to get them into bed)
    5. Do the 25 Day of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activities with the girls this week

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
    2. Go to bed by 10:30 or earlier on Monday and Tuesday
    3. Finish reading The 60-Minute Money Workout by Ellie Kay
    4. Listen to the next section of  Desiring God: Finding Complete Satisfaction and Joy in God by John Piper (I am going through this book with my Community Group)

    Home Management Goals

    1. Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday
    2. Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
    3. Dinner on the table by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday)
    4. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    5. Start wrapping and send out Christmas Cards / Presents

    Business Goals

    1. Spend 10 minutes a day cleaning and organizing my desk
    2. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
    3. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    4. Review my 2011 Business Goals and start planning ones for 2012

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
    2. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    3. Make at least $25 towards my Creative Cash goal this week so I can give more to others.

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Pay off remaining debt
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses

    I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true.  When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals.  Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick).  Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.

    Why Share My Goals?

    • To keep me accountable
    • To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
    • To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
    • Create healthy habits in my life
    • To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn

    How did you do this week on your goals?  Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.

    The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results

  • Book: “Money Savings Mom’s Budget” by Crystal Paine

    I had the privilege of reading a preview copy of Crystal Paine’s first book “The Money Saving Mom’s Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year” which will be released on January 10, 2012!  I have been following Crystal’s blog Money Saving Mom for several years now and was thrilled to receive a copy of her new book to review.  As I expected the book was full of practical advice on life, home management, and finances.   Crystal discusses tips and resources that have worked well for her family as well as some of the challenges she has experienced along the way.

    In the book Crystal shares a step by step process to financial success through seven rules:

    • Rule #1 – SET BIG GOALS AND BREAK THEM DOWN INTO BITE-SIZED PIECES
    • Rule #2 – STREAMLINE YOUR LIFE AND CUT THE CLUTTER
    • Rule #3 – SET UP A REALISTIC, WORKABLE BUDGET
    • Rule #4 – TAKE THE CASH-ONLY CHALLENGE
    • Rule #5 – USE COUPONS
    • Rule #6 – NEVER PAY RETAIL
    • Rule #7 – CHOOSE CONTENTMENT

    She has these rules broken out over 12 months so you can focus on one at a time and within a year you may see amazing results in your personal life as well as with your family finances.   I like that Crystal gives manageable steps for someone starting out and challenges to those who are already practicing some of the principles in her book.  In the back of the book she gives worksheets to help get you started on your goals, priorities, budget, and more.  By making just a few changes you may start seeing positive results in your life right away.

    I wear many hats throughout the week, however, if my priorities and life are a mess I will not have any time or resources leftover to help others.  This book helps you streamline your life, household, and finances so you can be a blessing to your family, friends and to the people around you.  Her quote “Stop trying to do it all” rang loud and clear when I read it.  As women for some reason we feel like we have to be SuperMom or Superwoman yet we often fail because we cannot do everything.  When our priorities are in order we will have the time to focus on things that truly are important.

    Crystal wraps up the book perfectly by addressing her final rule, “Choose Contentment”.  This chapter was my favorite, it is a good reminder to practice contentment in all areas of our lives.  No matter what the circumstances are there is ALWAYS much to be thankful for in my life.  “Choose to bloom where you’re planted – even if it seems like it’s among thorns.”

    I am super excited to see how implementing a few key rules can make a positive impact in my family and hope to share them with you along the way.  The Money Saving Mom’s Budget is a practical, encouraging, and motivating book.  It would be a perfect gift for your Mom friends, graduates, or as a wedding gift.

    The best part…..is that all the profit for the sale of this book are going to Compassion International.  Compassion International is an organization that helps to feed and clothe needy children around the world.  You can pre-order The Money Saving Mom’s Budget by Crystal Paine now at Amazon it’s $11.09 right now, with a price-guarantee that if the price goes down any between when you order and the release date, you’ll get the lowest price. Plus you can get free shipping with your Amazon Mom account.

    Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher.  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  • Family Recipe: Cream Cheese Candies

    My cousin Rachel shared this recipe with me many years ago.  These are perfect for holidays, weddings, showers, birthdays, or any special celebrations.  You can make them any color to match the theme of the party.

    Cream Cheese Candies:

    • 1 package Cream Cheese, softened (8 oz)
    • 1/3 teaspoon Peppermint or Almond Extract
    • 3 cups Confectioners Sugar
    • Food Coloring
    • Colored Sugar, optional

    In a small mixing bowl combine cream cheese and extract.  Beat in 1 1/2 cup Confectioner’s Sugar.  Knead in remaining Confectioner’s Sugar until smooth.  Shape into 1/2 inch balls.  Roll in colored sugar if desired.  Place in ungreased baking sheets and flatten with a fork or form into the shape you want.  Let stand 1 hour to harden and store in airtight container in the refrigerator.  Yields – 6 dozen

    Photo by Jo Naylor

     

  • Blessing Lives Everyday with Special Surprises (B.L.E.S.S.): 25 Days of Christmas Blessings

     

    I have been thinking about ways we can be a blessing to others throughout this Christmas season. It is easy to get caught up with the shopping, parties, celebrations, and everything else that we lose sight of what’s really important.  I want the girls to experience the joy of giving and helping those around us so we are delivering special surprises over the next 25 days.  I came up with the acronym B.L.E.S.S. to help remind us why we are sharing these little blessings.

    • Blessing
    • Lives
    • Everyday with
    • Special
    • Surprises

    The plan is to deliver a small special surprise to at least one person every day from December 1st to December 25th.  Each bag contains an activity to spread cheer and a scripture verse to discuss.  At dinner we will discuss our current days activity, pray for the people that received our gift, and get our bag for the next day.   The girls and I have came up with a lot of great ideas of ways we can share blessings with people around us (some will go to people we know and others to complete strangers or people we will never meet).

    Here’s how we put our B.L.E.S.S. activity together:

    Stack of B.L.E.S.S activities with scripture verses

    B.L.E.S.S. Cards to give out during our activities

    One of the B.L.E.S.S. Cards we made

    Day 1 through Day 25 bagged and ready to hang up

    All 25 Days of B.L.E.S.S. hung up and ready for us to start!

    The girls are very excited about doing this fun 25 Days of Christmas Blessings activity.  I hope to share some of the stories, what we did, experiences, pictures and lessons learned as we go throughout the the 25 days.  It is my intention to update you at least once a week.  I will share as much as I can but the real reason for doing this activity is to teach our family the joy of giving to others.

    (Update) I have been asked by a number of people for a printable version of the  25 Days of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activities, verses, and sheets to handout so here they are for your family to enjoy as well:

  • Giveaway: $10 Toys R Us Gift Card

    I am doing another giveaway on Blessings Multiplied!   The winner of this giveaway will receive a $10 Toys R Us Gift Card!  As a Mom I am always looking for ways to save a little extra when buying gifts for my family and the variety of other parties we attend throughout the year.  It is a great time of year to pick up a few extra gifts at your local Toys R Us store to get a head start on upcoming birthdays.  Here’s how to enter the giveaway:

    1. Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied.  Sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email.
    2. You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing one of your kids (or your nieces, nephews, grand kids, etc…) favorite toy(s) they would like to get at Toys R Us!

    All comments must be made by December 31st at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.

  • CONGRATULATIONS to Our CVS Gift Card Winner!

    The name has been drawn for the giveaway!

    CONGRATULATIONS to Sarah G

    for winning a

    $10 CVS Gift Card!

    Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!

    An email has been sent to you with more information*

    Enjoy Your Next Trip to CVS!

    Don’t forget to enter our next Giveaway (the next giveaway will be announced tomorrow morning)!

    *Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced.  Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize.