• Song: “Love Never Fails” by Brandon Heath

    It isn’t encouraging to know you are loved.  “Love Never Fails” is a great way to put it. God is love and he allows us to experience love on earth as well through our relationships with our spouses, kids, family, and friends.

    Happy Valentine’s Day!

    May you be able to enjoy time with someone you love today!

  • Be My Valentine: “I Love You” Memory Jar

    A gift I made for Jake many years ago! The rose is from one of our college dates!

    Are you looking for a unique Valentine’s gift this year packed full of love and memories?  I have created jars (or containers) full of memories for various occasions in the past and they have always been a huge hit with both kids and adults.  These little containers are easy to make and will be treasured by those who are on the receiving end.  It gives your family something to remind them your love and appreciation for them.  There are 5 super easy steps on how to make your own Jar of Memories:

    • Step 1 – Find 1  jar or container with a lid per person you want to create this gift for.  We have used anything from a cleaned out peanut butter jar to cute boxes on clearance from the Dollar Store.  Make sure it is a reasonable size so you can easily fill it up.

    Karlie's decorated "Memory Jar"! (Made out of a peanut butter container).
    • Step 2 – Decorate your container.  You can decorate with about anything paint, stickers, markers, ribbons, a simple written message on the outside or any other creative decorations.
    Papers for the girls "Memory Jars"!
    • Step 3 – Once you know the size of the container sit down for a few minutes and start writing a list (on paper or the computer) of positive attributes you appreciate in your spouse or child, great memories you’ve shared, phrases of love, and special times  with the person your giving the jar to.  Put each one on a separate line.  I usually keep my list on the computer or with me so I can fill it out over several days as I think of new things to add to it. It is fun to have a good mix of attributes, memories,  nicknames, events, etc…. be creative!
    Filling up Brina's "Memory Jar"!

    • Step 4 – After creating a list that is long enough to fill the container you have chosen print the phrases on colorful paper.  Cut out the phrases and fold them at least once then stick them into the container.  It is a good idea to do this a couple days before in case you need to add more to fill the container.  Fill up the container to the top.  I like to have it so full it is almost spilling out because when they open the gift it gives them a small visual picture of my overflowing love for them.
    Wrap your Memory Jar!
    • Step 5 – Wrap the container in tissue paper and tie it with a bow or give it to them as is. Take time when they open it to have them to pull out and read some of the great things you have written about them.  It is fun to hear them read out loud some of the memories, laughs, and phrases you have included in their jar packed full of memories.  Write a special note or favorite saying on the inside.  It is sure to bring a smile!

    It is important to reflect on the positive traits and memories you have with those you love.  I have done this for Valentine’s Day in the past as well as for other special events in our lives.  It is a great treasure chest full of positive memories for everyone to enjoy.  My husband still has the one I gave him years ago and the girls have theirs on the dresser.  Occasionally we will sit together and read through some of their memory notes.  When a person knows that they are loved and treasured it allows them the freedom to share the joy with others.

    “Be My Valentine” is a series of creative ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with those you love.  You can make it a special Holiday without spending a lot.  Spread a little extra cheer to those around you this Valentine’s Day!  Surprise your loved ones with a fun and thoughtful gift from the heart.  It is a great time to reflect on sweet memories as well as create new ones with whole family.  May this Valentine’s season be bursting with love for you!

  • Date Night on a Budget – Dinner

    Going on a Date Night with your spouse can be just what the whole family needs.   It is important to take time to relax and be a couple, whether you have little ones or not.   Your kids may enjoy a night away too.   One way to open the door of communication is by having a quiet meal together.

    Here are a few ways to save on the cost of eating out so you can relax when you go on your date:

    1.  Free Dinner Options

    • Gift Certificates – if you have a gift certificate to a restaurant use it when you go on your date.  Occasionally we get gift certificates for our anniversary so we save them for Date Nights.  It may be something you want to ask for your birthday or anniversary as well.   You can earn gift certificates by doing surveys or through accumulating points too.
    • Coupons – use a coupon to a restaurant that you and your spouse are wanting to go to.  If you plan ahead you can often find discounts or coupons online prior to going to a restaurant.  We have even shared a free dinner at a nice restaurant by using a coupon.  Sometimes you have to pay but if you look you can often get a meal for free.
    • Join the Club – many of the large chain restaurants offer special discounts if you sign up for their emails or newsletters.  You may get free food when they introduce a new menu item.  Even your local family owned restaurants give you special offers when you join their club.  Many restaurants offer free meal if you visit them around your birthday. If you have a favorite restaurant check and see they have a club you can join for extra savings.

    2. Discount Dinner Options

    • Restaurant.com – you can get discount restaurant certificates.  We have tried many new restaurants using Restaurant.com that have since become our favorite.  You can often get the certificates at a discount.  The best is when you can get them at 80% to 90% off.  We stock up when they are at a deep discount and it allows us to have plenty of options to chose from for Date Night.  The certificates last for one year so you have plenty of time to use them.  Try it out and see how you like it!
    • Barter – there are many barter programs available such as Tradebank or you can work something out with the owner of a restaurant or chain.  If you have services or products that they can use.  We have friends that provide a service for a restaurant and they get coupons for free meals. It is worth checking out.
    • Groupon – has daily deals that you can get between 40% to 90% off.  Many times Groupon will offer great discounts on restaurants.  When you purchase a certificate you have up to a year to use it.  Select the area closest to you to find out the  deals in your area.
    • Pack a picnic for a nice dinner at a park together.  You can pack a really wonderful romantic picnic for a great price.  Pick out a favorite food you know your spouse will like for an extra special treat.  It shows your love.  Some of our best Date Nights have been relaxing over a picnic at a park.

    You can have a wonderful dinner with your spouse without breaking your budget.  It is important to take time to talk, relax, and enjoy each other.  Take turns planning where you are going.  One month you plan the meal the next month your husband plans, it allows for some great surprises and extra romance!

    Jake and I try to have at least one date night a month because it is important to us to maintain and grow our marriage.  Communication around the typical family meal is more about the kids and the events of the day then on us as a couple.  Although we may be in a season when the finances are tight we can still have a terrific date night together.  The laughter, deep conversations, and a time of relaxation is worth finding ways to make it work logistically and financially.

  • Ruby Tuesday: Buy 1 Entree, Get 1 Free Coupon

    Ruby Tuesday currently has a great coupon if you are looking to eat out!  

    • We received the same coupon in our November Better Homes & Garden magazine as a postcard tear out and used it last night on our Date Night.  Check your magazines too!

    If you have not eaten at a Ruby Tuesdays it is a great time to check out their  menu and find a location near you.  Enjoy a night out!!!

  • Investing in Quality Moments

    Quality MomentsWhen life gets busy it can become even more difficult to find quality time with those who are important in our lives. It may feel like there’s not an extra moment to spare in your day between the busyness of your personal and professional schedule.  Running a business and keeping up with the family takes a tremendous amount of energy.   Even if an allotted time is placed on the schedule we may be too distracted by phone calls, projects and everything else that needs your attention to really focus on that person.  It doesn’t have to be a large chunk of time but it does need to be valuable for all parties involved.

    Do you spend quality time with your spouse, kids, friends, clients, partners, and family members on a regular basis?  How do you make sure the time you spend with the different people in your life is valuable?

    • Clients – when is the last time you took a customer out to lunch and listened.  Their feedback is valuable to your business and they know better than anyone else what your business is doing that makes them excited about working with you as well as areas where you can improve.  Follow up with a thank you note and implement the changes immediately.  Creating a community of loyal customers takes time to gain their trust and maintain the relationship.
    • Spouse – go on a date night with your spouse.  Talk about your relationship, dreams, and memories you have together.  Hold hands, laugh, and enjoy each other like you did when you first met.  Listen to what your spouse is saying.  Take an interest in their hobbies and share the excitement.
    • Friends – go out to coffee with a friend and catch up.  Find out what is going on in their lives.  Sometimes all they need is a hug and someone to listen.  It is nice to have some time set aside to share the good memories, however, we all go through tough times as well.  Having  friends that are loyal in the good times and bad is a tremendous blessing.  Consider it a joy to come alongside a friend throughout their journey to listen, laugh, cry, share, and have fun.
    • Children – go on a date with one child at a time.  Have a blast together.  Let them speak freely, be creative, and create memories.  Pick a place that is meaningful to them or let them choose between a couple options.  It doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun.  Go to a picnic in the park, swimming, or out to eat at their favorite restaurant.  Take time everyday to read a book, play a game, color, or just share about your day with your kids.  Treasure the moments and memories your create together.

    We all have the same amount of time as the next person.  The difference is how we choose to use that time.  Take advantage of those quality moments and invest in the lives around you.    Make it a priority to have quality time for those in your personal and professional life.  One of the great advantages to having quality time outside of the house or office is you are more likely to focus on the other person.  At home or work you have a lot of distractions that are important, however,  they are not the priority at that time.

    Give us an example of the types of activities you do while enjoying quality time with  your clients, spouse, kids, and friends?  Who do you spend quality time with on a regular basis and why?