Commercial Time!

My sister and I have talked about how the best commercials are the ones from real people who have used a product and genuinely like it.  My sister just happens to be the best at giving these kinds of commercials, because when she really likes a product she raves about it, and usually goes out and buys a few extras as gifts for people she loves.  I love hearing from others (ie. YOU) about things that could make my life a little easier, or perhaps just a little more fun.  So, I thought I'd share some of my favorite things around my house to get the ball rolling, then I'd like to hear/see the things that you 'can't live without.'

Disclaimer: I am not being paid one red cent (unfortunately) by any of these products' manufacturers!

We'll start with the least glamorous, but most used item.  I actually asked for this for my last birthday, which tells you a lot about where I'm at in life.  It's my Shark Stick Vacuum, which runs on a rechargeable battery and has an adjustable length ergonomic handle.  It swivels nicely under furniture (mostly my dining table), and comes with extra washable filters.  It's in daily use in my household.  Add it to your next birthday wish list!  

Next item on the list has nothing to do with chores; it's all about family time and relaxation!  I love our outdoor firepit!  There's nothing better than sitting out on a cool evening with my family around a fire - it gives the feeling of camping right in our backyard.  (Bargain Tip: wait until late in summer to purchase one when they're clearanced to make room for back-to-school and holiday items)

This morning, I found out that today is National Coffee Day - a commemoration that I'll gladly take part in!  So, my next product is in honor of this fine holiday - it's my ceramic to-go mug that looks like a coffee shop paper cup.  I purchased it at Cost Plus World Market.  I love this cup because it fits into my car's cup holder nicely, it's microwave safe, it's dishwasher safe, and the girly design on it ensures that my husband won't steal it.  BTW, they also have non-girly designs, one of which I bought for my husband.

 

Now, on to the kitchen - I recently made a purchase in my pursuit toward better nutrition that gets regular use in our home.  My hubby uses it as much as I do!  It's called a Misto, and I bought it at Bed Bath and Beyond (with a coupon, of course!) when it was on sale.  It cost me $8 after discounts, and it will pay for itself with what I will save on non-stick cooking spray and olive oil.  It's a sprayer for oils, vinegars, and citrus juices.  You fill the can about half way full, pump the lid, and then spray.  We keep ours full of olive oil, which saves us from using wasteful amounts to coat a pan or toss veggies in.  

We're going to hang out in the kitchen for one more item - my George Foreman grill!  These things really are great; they cut cooking time, keep meat moist, and drain off excess fat.  We also use ours for paninis, and who doesn't love a warm melty sandwich?!  

And last, but certainly not least, where would I be without this amazing machine (MacBook) that allows me to post this blog, edit my photos, etc?  It's super light-weight, quick, has fun tools (like the budgeting template that my husband is now obsessed with), and just makes life easier!

Perhaps you saw something in this grouping that could make your life a bit simpler, or a bit more fun.  Let me know what you're loving around your house!

Grumbling and Complaining - Who ME?

As I mentioned in my profile, I have three little boys.  Their ages are 4 (just turned 2 days ago), 23 months, and 4 1/2 months.  As you may imagine, they keep me busy, and sometimes I can forget to reflect on all of the blessings in the midst of the busyness.  For instance, the little voice in my head (No, I don't hear voices. Notice I used the singular form, referencing my own thoughts) will say things such as, "Didn't I JUST clean this up? You've got to be kidding me!"  Or, "Nothing I ever do seems to stay done.  All I do is laundry, dishes, diapers, cooking, and cleaning.  When do I get a break?"  Unfortunately, sometimes those thoughts escape my brain and come out of my mouth too.  I've even found myself spending the first several minutes of car rides (in which I was the sole parent getting the boys out the door) asking my sons' forgiveness for being impatient.

So, why the online confession?  Because God has been working in my heart, reminding me of some truths that should transform my spirit as I do His will.  I know what I'm doing as a wife and a mother IS His will because Titus 2:3-5 says:

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

When I read through that text, my purpose is described - loving my husband, loving my children, working at my home, but also, the attitude I'm supposed to carry as I fulfill that purpose is explained.  I'm to be sensible, pure, kind, and submissive, with the purpose of honoring God and His Word.  Another passage that has been coming to mind is the simple, but pointed Philippians 2:14-15:

 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.

Why should it surprise me when my 4 year-old complains about cleaning up his toys, if he hears me complaining about cleaning up the dinner table?  I have 6 little eyes and 6 little ears witnessing all that I do and say, and that should motivate me to make sure that they are seeing and hearing Christ in me as I cook, clean, change diapers, etc.  I don't want to forget the amazing privilege it is to have these three little disciples in my house, whose lives God has trusted me with the opportunity of shaping.  No singular person will influence them in the way that I can!  That's mind-blowing when you really think about it!  I continually remind myself that Christ came to serve, not to be served.  He washed His disciples feet, and not only did He wash them, He offered to, without complaining, but with beautiful humility and love.  I have had plenty of opportunities to wash my three little disciples feet too (and a whole lot more), but did I have that same spirit of serving with humility as I did it?  

Instead of feeling sorry for myself for the myriad of tasks that each of my days contain, I want to embrace my 'To Do' list with gratitude in my heart for the opportunity to bless my husband and my three little disciples.  I don't want to see my home life as tedious and repetitive, but as a journey for my family, where God has given me the opportunity to lead my children into wisdom and godliness - and what better way to lead them than by my example?

Rookie Blogger

I have much to learn - in life (like anyone else), but more specifically, in the world of blogging.  It may take me some time to figure out fully how to navigate this new world and become effective at it, so please be patient.  Or, just mark your calendar for 6 months from now, when I might finally be up to speed, and check back then.  I decided to blog because there is such an opportunity to learn and be encouraged by others on similar journeys.  Being a wife and a mother, I am always looking for simple advice in a variety of areas - spiritual wisdom, bargain shopping, parenting, cooking, organization, creating a lovely home, time management, etc.  So, as I learn, I'll pass along what I see as valuable.  I hope to be able to share a bit of my journey as I strive to be God's kind of woman, and perhaps it will encourage someone, make someone laugh, or best of all, make them want to be more like Jesus too.