Wednesday, December 31, 2014

What I Wore



Good morning and happy New Year's Eve!

I have a few things to showcase from groopdealz.com today! And don't miss the promo code at the end.

Leopard Hood Pea Coat



Fleece Lined Leggings - 18 colours



Sequin Patch Long Cardi - I want this one!





 Vintage Crochet Top Tunic - 2 colours


Silhouette Floral Kimono - how fun is this!?!



Right now get 10% off by using promo code: YEAREND10

And I have one outfit to share. We had a casual and relaxed Christmas, and this was my outfit for the day.



Tee - Target
Vest - Old Navy
Jeans - Belk
Boot cuffs - Zulily
Boots - Steve Madden (Similar)
Necklace - Christmas gift
Earrings - TJ Maxx


I'm linking up with Book of Leisure and Missional Women and The Pleated Poppy!

Blessings and love! xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. This means that when you purchase through my links, there is no additional cost to you, and I make a small commission. Thank you!!!

Monday, December 29, 2014

Weekly Menu Plan {29 December}


Hello! How was your Christmas? 

Ours was so nice and peaceful. We enjoyed our traditions and gifts and then Bob, Emma and Ava went out of town for the weekend. They were able to see some of my extended family in North Carolina. I had three friends over during the weekend, which was a special treat, plus I tackled a huge project that had been on my list for awhile (re-organizing my pantry!). It felt so great to get that accomplished and crossed off my list. Ahhhh! We are continuing our break from school and just enjoying some down time.

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Monday - Chicken and Dumplings

Tuesday - Guinness Beef Stew

Wednesday - Fettuccine Alfredo, Caesar salad 

Thursday - Leftovers (We'll be busy cheering on our Baylor Bears in the Cotton Bowl! Sic Em, Bears!!!)

Friday - Fire-Pot Soup

Saturday - Pizza

Sunday - Snack-y Supper

I'm linking up with Menu Plan Monday

Blessings and love. xo

CASHFLOW - Teaching Children to be Financially Savvy



Disclaimer: Thank you to RichDad for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring me to be financially savvy with CASHFLOW! All opinions are my own.

You may remember my mention of our game night with CASHFLOW. What a fantastic game! And what a great way to spend that Amazon.com gift card you received for Christmas! See below for discount.



We played CASHFLOW one Friday night and found it to be fun and challenging. My younger children (ages 9 and 8) were disappointed that it was over their heads, but they still observed the game and the 9 year old played on my 18 year old's "team". She is my one child who loves math and numbers, so she was eager to play, even if it was on big sister's team. 



One of the things I loved about CASHFLOW is the educational aspect to it. It was so interesting to hear my children discuss the decisions they needed to make in the game (whether to buy/invest/etc.) and why that would be a good choice or not. At one point they were discussing whether or not a mortgage was a good idea and a couple of them thought that a mortgage was actually a bad idea, because essentially it is debt. Bob and I were able to discuss with them why a mortgage is a good choice. We were able to talk to them about the houses we have owned in the past (we currently rent) and the money we made when we sold those houses. I know the more we play, the more discussions we will have. Bob and I have learned so much about money in our marriage and just in the past few years have realized that some of our ideas, especially as ministers/missionaries, have been very wrong. I know I will learn along with them as we continue to play, especially regarding investments and getting out of the "rat race"!



CASHFLOW is a great game for your household if you have children ages 13 or older (the recommended age is 14+, but my 12 year old was able to play with a little help). 

And right now, my readers are being offered a 10% discount with the Promo Code: CASHFLOW

Blessings and love. xo

Monday, December 22, 2014

Menu Plan Monday {22 December}


Hello and Happy Christmas to you! 

We will be staying put in Virginia this week and unfortunately, do not have any family coming to visit. This, of course, has been fairly normal for us in the past 13 or 14 years, but it's always kind of sad that we don't get to see extended family during the holidays. I think it is hitting me harder as I get older. We have special traditions that we have put in place over the years for our little family, so we look forward to those each year, and I'm always open to adding more. 

Maya, of course, is wishing for snow, snow and more snow for Christmas.

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Monday - Shrimp Boil (Ben is making his own version, using this recipe as a guide. I love how creative he is in his cooking!)

Tuesday - Chicken and Dumplings

Wednesday - Cheese Enchiladas, beef enchiladas, Spanish rice, guacamole, chips and Jarritos (When we moved to Canada, it was hard to find any Mexican food, so I learned to make my own and we started the tradition of having Mexican for our Christmas Eve meal.)

Thursday - I still haven't decided if I'm doing the turkey dinner thing or something completely different for Christmas. I've never made a standing rib roast, so that could be fun. What do you have planned?

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday - Corn Chowder, salad, crusty bread

Sunday - Snack-y supper

I hope you have a warm and wonderful Christmas celebration! 

I'm linking up with Menu Plan Monday.

Blessings and love. xo

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

What I Wore


Good morning! I'm sharing some of my favourite items that are on groopdealz.com right now. If you are interested in any of these pieces, be sure to buy them ASAP, as they are only available for a limited time.

Here's another chance to get a Plaid Blanket Scarf!


I had a great pair of jeggings until a lovely daughter of mine claimed them for herself. These look like a great replacement! Stretchy Denim Jeggings - 2 colours

How cute is this Striped Buttoned Back Tunic?!

And I love this entire outfit! Holiday Sequin Cowl Neck Sweater - $26.99

This Laced Tunic Dress comes in 5 colours:

Have you ordered anything from groopdealz.com yet? They have so many deals going on right now, including items for kids, as well as jewelry and home decor! Check them out today.

And check out more outfit inspiration at The Pleated Poppy and Reasons to Dress.

Blessings and love. xo

Giving at Christmastime


Ben and I visited our local F.I.S.H. (Faith In Serving Humanity) location last weekend. We had a bag of clothing to donate, and I had been wanting to go and find out more about the services they offer. This location had a food bank plus a clothing room where clothing is sold, with the profits going to the food bank. 

We both looked around the clothing room to see if there were any items we might want to purchase. Unfortunately, there wasn't anything in either of our sizes that worked for us this time. I plan to go back once in awhile, as they get donations in weekly.

While we were there, we went back to the food pantry to talk with the ladies there about what their current needs are. They said that what they really need right now were actually non-food items. They explained that food stamps do not cover any toiletries, paper goods, diapers, etc. Food stamps cover basic foods, and the food pantry may have a few items to offer, food-wise, but what about those items we use every day that aren't included? 

Here is a list they gave us:



One of the volunteers told us that her heart really goes out to the elderly, as they have such fixed incomes to begin with and what little money they have often goes toward medications or medical supplies. They may be able to get some of their basic food needs met through food stamps, but what about toothpaste or denture cream? What about toilet paper? What about dishwashing detergent? 

I have never had to receive assistance from the government to feed my family, but I will be honest and tell you that I have come close to applying for food stamps a couple of times. There is nothing like that sinking feeling that comes when you look into your pantry and refrigerator and don't know what you will feed your kids. And to not have the basic toiletries and items that we, in America, consider necessary. That is stressful. I have certainly learned how to be more resourceful, and of course I asked over and over for wisdom from God, which He always gives. But sometimes there are just no resources. 

I am thinking more and more about how to help the dear people in my community. I know the statistics of those who are on government assistance are more staggering than ever. People are in need. Those of us who have access to resources can help. 

After leaving F.I.S.H., Ben and I went to the grocery store, and I was thrilled to find coupons at the kiosk for laundry detergent and fabric softener for brands that were already on sale. Score! I hope to also visit the dollar stores within the next week to get a few other things. Our budget is limited, but I am compelled to help.

And of course, while we are out picking up toothpaste and diapers, we can also throw a jar of peanut butter and a couple of boxes of mac and cheese into our carts, too, don't you think?! 

I can't think of a better Christmas gift to give.

Blessings and love. xo

Monday, December 15, 2014

Weekly Menu Plan {15 December}


Happy new week! How was your weekend? Ours was busy, with one day of not going anywhere (for most of us) which was a nice break. Resting is beneficial, especially in this harried season that can take so much out of us. 

Here is our plan for this week:

Monday - Slow Cooker Tuscan Potato Soup, Italian bread

Tuesday - Grilled Cheese (Emma didn't get to make this last week, so we're putting in the rotation again.)

Wednesday - *To Be Determined by Ben*

Thursday - Egg Drop Soup, Chicken Stir-Fry, rice

Friday - Guinness Beef Stew

Saturday - Leftovers

Sunday - Snack-y supper

I'm linking up with the ladies at Menu Plan Monday. Hop on over for more menu ideas!

Blessings and love. xo

Friday, December 12, 2014

Game Night with CASHFLOW


Disclaimer: Thanks to RichDad for sponsoring today's post and inspiring us to be  financially savvy with CASHFLOW! All opinions are my very own.



We have a fun game night planned for this evening with CASHFLOW from Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki! We love board games at our house and I, especially, am always on the look out for games which also provide an educational aspect along with the fun. CASHFLOW is a game I think we all will enjoy and I can't wait to see what the kids (and I) learn about money, investing and becoming financially fit for the world we live in today.

About the game:
CASHFLOW was created by Robert Kiyosaki, the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, the best selling personal finance book of all time and Kim Kiyosaki, author of It’s Rising Time.

CASHFLOW 101 teaches you and your kids how to get out of the Rat Race and onto the Fast Track, how to make your money work for you - not the other way around. CASHFLOW 101 is an educational board game that simulates real life financial strategies and situations. As a simulation, you learn valuable lessons and gain priceless insights into personal finance and investing without having to put your actual money at risk. CASHFLOW 101 is the ultimate realization of Robert Kiyosaki's vision of an interactive tool for financial education, and the fulfillment of his belief that we learn best by doing. CASHFLOW 101 is an educational board game that teaches accounting, finance, and investing at the same time - and makes learning fun!

What makes CASHFLOW different from other financial resource games? CASHFLOW not only teaches you how to invest and acquire assets but most importantly how you behave within investing scenarios. You can test out strategies for building wealth you might NEVER try in real life. If you're a saver, try aggressive investing. If you're a risk-taker, try slow growth. Win and Learn!


Promo Code:If you're interested in ordering CASHFLOW, my readers can get 10% off with the promo code: CASHFLOW.

I'll report on our game night soon!

Blessings and love. xo

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

What I Wore


Good morning! I have some fun items to share with you today. Do you still have Christmas shopping to do? Check out these cute pieces from groopdealz.com!

I really like a sweater with pockets! Check out this Cozy Pocket Cardigan:

 The Stranded Necklace comes in 8 colours!

Have you gotten your Cozy Blanket Scarf yet? Here's your chance! 

I love this red Plaid Pocket Tunic

These Home State Tees are SO much fun! What a great gift idea.

And for the younger ladies, how cute is this Come Let Us Adore Him Christmas Tee (also available in adult sizes)!?!

Okay, one more and I'll stop, but head over to groopdealz to find SO many more fantastic choices!

You know me, I love this Animal Print Top:

Happy Shopping!

I'm linking up with What I Wore.

Blessings and love! xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links, which simply means that when you purchase through my links, there is no additional cost to you and I make a small commission. Many thanks!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Weekly Menu Plan {8 December}


Since I'm running a little late today, here is the plan for meals this week:


Monday - Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, salad

Tuesday - Grilled Cheese with Gouda, Roasted Mushrooms and Onions

Wednesday - Rosemary, Lemon and Garlic Leg of Lamb with Roasted Potatoes

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Balsamic Roast Beef, mashed potatoes, green beans

Saturday - Vegetable soup and cornbread

Sunday - Snack-y supper

Hope all is well for you!

I'm linking up with Menu Plan Monday.

Blessings and love. xo

Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson



Hello Friend!

I am so excited to share some wonderful news with you today! Anyone who knows me well or who has ever asked for a recommendation for a parenting book can tell you that I adore Sally Clarkson and have appreciated her wisdom over many years of parenting. She has written a number of books, which I can highly recommend, and today, I have the absolute pleasure of letting you in on the news of Sally's newest book, Own Your Life: Living with deep intention, bold faith, and generous love


I've been honored to read the first part of the book, and I cannot WAIT to read the rest of it. In Own Your Life, Sally shares her own story with us. She is a wife of 34 years, mom of four adult children and has so much beautiful wisdom to share. I have already gleaned so many important truths and encouragement from her over many years. I have a feeling this book is going to blow the encouragement factor to a whole new level!


Check out the book trailer:



Connect with Sally on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Sally is encouraging us all to think about how we will "own our lives" in 2015. One of my ways is in the graphic at the top of this post. I am enjoying thinking about other ways I will own my life in the new year! Let me know if you come up with how you want to own your life!

Blessings and love. xo

Monday, December 1, 2014

Weekly Menu Plan {1 December}



Happy December!

How was your weekend? We were busy with friends and working around the house and racking leaves and picking up our new puppy and making a visit to the Christmas tree farm. It was a great weekend!

Here is the newest member of our family:
Isn't she adorable? She belongs to Austin, and her name is Riley. We are all quite taken with her. 

Here is our menu for this week . . .

Monday - Mom's Minestrone Soup, garlic bread

Tuesday - Chicken Caesar Salad

Wednesday - Asian Turkey Wraps

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Balsamic Roast Beef, honeyed carrots, salad

Saturday - Chicken Marsala, sautéed spinach, rice

Sunday - Snack-y supper

Linking up with Menu Plan Monday!

Blessings and love. xo