Lifestyle

Giving Back

Today we’re talking all about giving back to others. I cannot wait to read what everyone writes about because I love finding new ways to give back!Last year I talked about three organizations I have donated to in the past that I think are great! You can read the entire post, here.Β Through Compassion International, I still give monthly to support my sponsor child, Elki. Through this organization, we are able to write letters back in forth and stay updated on his life all the way from Peru!Β  I’m able to buy him birthday gifts, spread the love at Christmas, and support his family financially and in prayer if a need arises. I love knowing that the word of God is reaching him and his family.Another way I love serving people is through food. When the first couple in our small group had their sweet babe, I made them taco soup. I made a double batch of my recipe, (here) and paired it with cheese and chips. It’s easy to freeze if there are leftovers and it was great to make the night before without a ton of prep work. It also has become my staple because every single time a person has a baby, taco soup is coming their way! πŸ™‚

I really feel like time is another powerful way to give back. I know every season doesn’t lend itself as much as others, but as of right now I am able to give just that! πŸ™‚ I volunteer two to three Sundays a month at our church, and try to be involved in school when I can. I think the value of giving back and volunteering was definitely instilled in me as a younger child and I cannot express how thankful I am for it. What are some organizations or ways that you give back to those around you?

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Friday Favorites

I can’t lie..this week felt super long. It had ups and downs but I am ready for a relaxing weekend. We’re getting our pictures taken for our Christmas card, and relaxing with friends all weekend long. πŸ™‚

One.I saw The Giving Manger the other day and couldn’t get over how cute it was! It’s an interactive activity for the family that helps families focus on giving and the true meaning of Christmas. You do random acts of kindness and fill the manger with straw for every act of kindness done. I think it is adorable!

Two.My co-worker and I always chat about our love for Hallmark movies. We decided to have a girls day of Saturday with Christmas PJ’s, a cheese spread, hot cocoa, and Hallmark movies I. Cannot. Wait!

Three.

On Tuesday, I had dinner with some friends. It was so nice to catch up mid-week and spend time together, while eating italian food. πŸ˜‰

Four.Everyone is so excited about the Chip and Joanna line, Hearth and Hand Collection at Target! Including me. πŸ™‚ I even picked up these Christmas stockings in red and white. They are already hung up for the Hallmark marathon tomorrow. πŸ™‚

Five.If you’re looking for a tasty Thanksgiving side dish, check this out! πŸ™‚ Here’s to the weekend from me to you! xo

 

Holiday Checklist

I think I’ve gotten a handle on how to accomplish all things holiday (specifically Christmas) the last few years. Two years ago, I started buying Christmas gifts in the summer since I had some more time. When the holidays rolled around, I felt like I could truly enjoy even more of it because I wasn’t running around like crazy, and I love that. πŸ™‚

One.

Plan, Plan, Plan. My first piece of advice is to plan. Have a list (or five) and check them off as you go! A fun to-do list like (this) can be that extra push you need for the holidays. πŸ™‚

Two.Ask. Throughout the year I ask people I’m going to be buying gifts for about things they are loving or how they would describe themselves at this season of life. Let’s be honest, something you wanted five years ago is most likely not on your list this year. πŸ˜‰

Three.Relax and remember the reason for the season. Being thankful at Thanksgiving (and all year) along with the true meaning of Christmas is such a special time of year. Spending quality time with friends and family is so much more memorable than a new watch or bag. Put on your PJ’s, light a candle, grab a blanket, and pour yourself some hot cocoa with the ones you love because in the end, being with them is what really what matters. πŸ™‚

Happy Wednesday friends!

 

Friday Favorites

I hope everyone had a great week and has an even better Friday. Here’s to my five favorites of the week before conquering Friday and coming home to pizza, blankets, and sleep. πŸ™‚

One.I went on a tiny shopping spree and got this new blush at Sephora. I love it and it’s name, “paaarty”…

Two.…and thisΒ for your lips in the color, “birthday suit”. It is subtle but noticeable…

Three.…and some pink shimmer eye shadow powder that will be fun for the holidays. You can buy the entire palette, here!

Four.

Friends are coming to town this weekend and I can’t wait! πŸ™‚

Five.Sundays have become one of my favorite times lately. I’ve been letting myself sleep in a little bit but then I still have a about two hours before we leave for church. I have been listening to music, sipping coffee, and making some food. It’s so nice. πŸ™‚ I realized I haven’t made my homemade granola in a little while, so last Sunday that’s exactly what I made! xo

Friday Favorites

One.

On the busiest of weeks, Friday feels even more amazing. Although, I took off yesterday for some R & R and let me tell you…it was the best! I slept 11 hours (I know?!), went shopping, met Eric for lunch, and just relaxed. It was definitely a favorite of the week!

Two.
Ladies, this sweater is $30 from the loft and so functional. You can mix and match it for the holidays and even after.

Three.…and this sweater! πŸ™‚

Four.
I talked about this on WednesdayΒ but have definitely dug deeper into the study since then. It has been really eye-opening to do a study again to switch things up and I love her heart throughout each page!

Five.I made my pumpkin bread this week and it is just so dang good!

What fun fall plans do you have this weekend?