Live Archives - Girls To Grow

8 Things That Will Matter When You’re 80

May 11, 2022 by Tracey 2 Comments

Hello and welcome to the blog today!

Has it been unseasonably cool where you are? While we’ve had beautiful sunshine this week, it’s been breezy and definitely not our typical warm May temperatures. But I know that the heat and humidity of summer are on the way, so I’m not complaining!

I know those of you reading are of various ages and in many different stages of life. For some, turning 80 years old is a very distant possibility. For others, it’s just around the corner.

Each of us also has responsibilities each day, whether it’s working a job, mothering full-time, being a caregiver, or a host of other things. I was thinking the other day that of all the things we do, the duties we perform, which ones will matter when I get older? Assuming that the Lord allows me a normal lifespan, what will I be glad that I did?

I hope I can be like those who are referenced in Psalm 92:13-14

“Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;” ~Psalm 92:13-14

No matter what your age today, if God gives us 80 or more years to live on this earth, here are eight things that I think will matter to us.

A list of eight things to be doing now that you'll be glad you did when you're 80 years old

It will matter…

...that you spent time reading God’s Word and praying.

I hope we all desire to be 80-year-old Christian women who are strong in their faith. That means we need to have a spiritual focus today. Time spent in Bible study and prayer is never wasted. Building our lives around these things produces eternal results.

…that you served God and shared your faith.

There will come a point where we’re not able to do all that we did when we were younger. But what a blessing to be able to look back and thank God for ways in which we were able to serve Him and for souls we saw saved.

It doesn’t have to be what many would consider “big” things. It could be working in the church nursery, taking a meal to a sick friend, or praying with a co-worker. What will matter is that we were able to impact people for eternity.

…that you used your time wisely.

“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away…So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” ~Psalm 90:10, 12

I can certainly see where I fall short here. There are certainly times we need to rest and relax. But I know that it’s easy for me to waste time, to let it pass by frivolously. That’s where having a schedule or at least a routine of some sort helps me to better manage my time.

...that you loved your family well.

These are the people you’re often with 24/7. They know all about you. As we get older and are separated by distance or even just our busy lives, we always want them to know that they are loved.

…that you saved money.

Here’s a practical one for you! I’ve heard money teacher Dave Ramsey say that money is just a tool that gives you choices. If you’ve not saved much, your choices are more limited. If you’ve got more financial reserves, you have more choices for your lifestyle. It may mean sacrificing a few things now to have more security later.

…that you went for your dreams.

Mark Twain is quoted as saying, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.“

This one’s not easy for me as I’m rather risk-averse. But I hope that I’ll follow God’s leading and be willing to step out into new adventures.

…that you cultivated relationships.

What a blessing to have long-lasting friendships! So invite someone over to your house, ask a friend to meet for coffee, text that person from church and let them know you’re praying for them.

…that you made time for doing things you enjoy.

Is it reading a book, playing golf, doing crossword puzzles, hiking, or cross-stitching? Find hobbies you enjoy and make time for them.

Do you know what we can be sure of? That just as God is present and active in our lives today, He’ll be the same when we’re 80, 90, or 100 years old!

“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” ~Isaiah 46:4

Which of these will you work on today? And if you’ve already hit that 80-year milestone, please tell us if these things matter to you!

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5 Fun Finds for April 2022

April 22, 2022 by Tracey 4 Comments

Happy Friday, friends! We’ve continued to have some beautiful weather here this week. A friend and I took a long walk in her neighborhood yesterday, and it was nice to catch up while getting some exercise.

It’s been a while since I shared my fun finds here on the blog. Today I’ve got my usual five, plus a bonus!

This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra charge to you. Thank you for supporting Girls to Grow through your purchases!

1. Reusable 4 Pack Colorful Mesh Beach/Tote/Shopping Bags. I like to use different “containers” for our daughters’ Easter baskets each year and I was excited to find these at such a reasonable price. They’re better quality than I was expecting, and would make a great beach or pool bag, which is probably how our girls will use them!

2. Custom Map Art Print. I ordered this (in the South Carolina version, of course) for one of the walls in our powder room. The walls in there are a dark blue, and it looked really nice with a white mat and frame.

3. Coolife Luggage Spinner 20 inches. Our younger daughter needed a carry-on suitcase and this one seems very sturdy. We got it in the green. She just used it when she flew home for Easter, and she was happy with how much she was able to fit in it.

4. Late July Organic Mild Green Mojo Multigrain Tortilla Chips. I was picking up a few snacks in World Market and decided to give these a try. They’re very flavorful and I like them a lot! It looks like Publix also carries them. I found them on Amazon, but they were much more expensive there.

5. Maz-Tek Plug-in Night Light. These are an inexpensive but clever solution for any area where you want a little night light. What I love is that they come on automatically when the light gets low and then go out when the room brightens up.

Bonus: Karen Scott Eanna Sandals. These just came in the mail this week and I’m excited to wear them soon! I ordered them in white. I’ve worn them around the house and they’re very comfortable…so comfortable that I’m considering getting another color.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today. Have a great weekend!

10 Terrific Ideas for What to Put in Your Child’s Easter Basket

March 4, 2022 by Tracey 4 Comments

Welcome to Girls to Grow on this almost-spring Friday in March! I hope your week’s been a good one.

Today is a bit of a throwback post to when our daughters were younger. Putting together Easter baskets for them each year is a long-standing family tradition. At 21 and 19, our girls still get Easter baskets, but they look a little different now – except that they each still get a chocolate Easter bunny!

When they were younger, I definitely tried to limit the amount of candy we gave them. That meant coming up with other fun items to fill up the Easter baskets. Below I’m sharing ten categories of items that I pulled from over the years. I’ve included links to some items, but you will likely find most of them in your dollar store or other superstores.

I hope these ideas give you some inspiration as you choose things to fill your child’s Easter basket!

Here are ten categories of mostly non-candy items that you can use to fill up your child's Easter basket.

Books. Everyone in our family is a reader, so you know I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to add to our bookshelves! If I remember to shop ahead, I can find inexpensive used books at a used book store or from our library’s sale shelves. I especially enjoy adding to some of our favorite series, like The Happy Hollisters or The Puppy Place or The Cul-de-Sac Kids.
Summer toys. I have used sand buckets as Easter baskets and added shovels, rakes and sand toys – or you can buy a set of beach toys. Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, jump ropes or water guns along with sunglasses, pool floats, or other pool toys are fun additions.
Pajamas, nightgowns or a bathing suit. These are clothing items that I would purchase anyway, so sometimes I make them part of our girls’ Easter baskets. I love Carter’s nightgowns and pajamas – they have cute designs and are good quality.
Accessories. Hair bows, barrettes, jewelry, fancy socks or small purses can be used as part of their Easter outfit for church.
An Easter dress for their doll. So I kind of miss the days when our girls and their 18-inch dolls wore matching dressses! That didn’t happen every season, but it was so cute when it did. But even if they didn’t match, it was fun for their doll to have a new Easter dress, too.
Art supplies. Coloring books, crayons, markers, pens, paints, sticker pads or modeling clay all provide entertainment for our girls. One year I gave them journals, which is something they’d still enjoy receiving today.
Seed packets. Spring is a perfect time to gift them packets of flower seeds along with with a cute planter for growing their own flowers.
Chocolate bunny rabbit. This was my one candy concession, although I may add a pack of gum or mints, too.
Bath items. Shower gels, bath poufs and bath bombs are “girly” items that will be used often.
Kitchen utensils. It was fun for our daughters, especially as they got older, to have their own tools if they helped me in the kitchen. Measuring spoons, whisks, cookie scoops, and cookie cutters (these Easter ones are really cute!) can all be used when they cook with me while also beginning a collection for their own home one day.

As I mentioned, our daughters’ Easter baskets look somewhat different these days. They’ll still include that chocolate bunny and a book, maybe a Starbucks gift card, some bath and body products, perhaps earrings. And our daughter who’s getting married next year may still get a couple of kitchen utensils to round out her collection!

I hope you have lots of fun building your child’s Easter basket in 2022!

5 Ways to Have a Christ-Centered Home

March 2, 2022 by Tracey 4 Comments

Welcome to the first blog post of March 2022! The weather here is warming up and I’m already noticing a few weeds poking through the grass in the yard here at our new house. I’m not someone who enjoys yard work, so it’s a good thing my husband likes getting out there! It will be fun to see what he does with the landscaping as we get into spring and summer.

No matter what stage of life you’re in – single, newlywed, parenting young children, or the empty nest – as Christians, our goal can always be to have a Godly home. We influence the people who live there as well as those who visit. So how do we start thinking about cultivating a Christ-centered home?

You’re likely familiar with Joshua 24:15. “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

It’s a choice. In this passage, Joshua lays out the options for the children of Israel and tells them to make a decision. And then he makes it clear to them what his choice will be. In the same way, we can commit to doing the best job that we can to have a Godly focus in our homes.

So once we make that decision, what’s next? How might we put that into practice? Here are five things we can do to have a Christ-centered home.

Check out this list of five important things you can do to have a Christ-centered home.

1. Make God’s Word a priority.

This starts with us individually spending time in our Bible. Then it can extend to having a family Bible time. It doesn’t have to be long and drawn out, but find a few minutes in the day – maybe before or after a meal, or at bedtime – when everyone can gather to read and talk about a Scripture verse and pray.

As you’re working around the house, you can play Christian podcasts or listen to sermons online. If your child is memorizing Bible verses for a kids’ program at church, work on that together. Talk through what the verse means and how it might apply to their lives.

2. Use prayer as a first resort.

If your child comes home from school talking about an issue with a teacher or a friend, what’s your first response? Mine was usually to find out the details and decide if I needed to intervene in any way.

You know what would have been the best first step? To pray about it. Just right then and there. Pray for whoever else was involved, pray for your child, pray for wisdom on how to deal with the situation.

That’s just one example, but in so many issues that arise in our homes, prayer is the best first response. There may be other actions we need to take, but taking it to God first can give us peace and direction.

3. Choose good music and play it often.

We have an Amazon Echo in our living area, so it’s easy to ask Alexa to play a playlist for us – and it’s still not something I do regularly enough! You could also make singing part of your family Bible time. Sing a hymn or a chorus – and if someone plays an instrument and can accompany the family, even better!

4. Focus on attitudes as much as actions.

It’s usually a lot easier to correct or discipline our kids for actions instead of attitudes. It can take more time to drill down into a bad attitude and figure out what’s really going on in your child’s heart.

We want to encourage our children to be grateful, considerate of other family members, full of joy, and so much more. As my dad always said, “Attitude is everything.” Get that right, and the actions will tend to correct themselves.

5. Have open discussions about everything.

Whether it’s around the supper table, sitting on their bed at night, or riding in the car, be approachable. Don’t shut down when they bring up certain topics. You may need to tailor your answers based on what’s age-appropriate. But help your kids feel comfortable talking about anything from spiritual questions to friend breakups to something strange that they heard about from kids at school.

As these conversations come up, use principles you know from God’s Word to guide the discussion. Help your children see that no matter what they’re up against, they can find help, encouragement, and guidance from Bible principles.

I’ll confess that I’m convicted about doing better in all of these areas! May each of us ask God to show us how we can have homes that bring honor and glory to Him.

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5 Fun Finds for February 2022

February 25, 2022 by Tracey 3 Comments

Hello on this last Friday of the month! Do you feel like February has flown by? It sure seems that way here. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead in March, though, as I have several fun things planned.

And speaking of fun 🙂 Five Fun Finds is a monthly feature I usually send out to email subscribers, but occasionally I bring it over here to the blog. (You can click here to subscribe to my email list and receive weekly updates and other content.) So here’s my list of five things I’m enjoying this February!

1. Calloway Mills Pineapple Doormat Natural/Black. I wanted a big welcome mat for the front door at our new house and this one is a nice, large size. I’ve had it down for over a month now, and it looks good and is holding up well.

2. Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children by Jodie Berndt. I’ve mentioned this book before, but it’s worth bringing up again. Each chapter deals with different topics to pray about that are specifically related to adult children. At the end of each chapter, she includes Scripture-based prayers that readers can pray. I will definitely re-read this book on a regular basis.

3. Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Rice. Over supper one night last week, my husband and I were reminiscing about some of the meals I made when we were first married. He mentioned that he really liked a pork chops and rice recipe I used to make in the slow cooker. I must have made that recipe every other week back then and I got so. tired. of. it. I don’t know that our girls have even ever had it – that’s how long it’s been since I made it. But I love my husband 🙂 so I found this recipe that I’m planning to make next week. Hopefully, it will be as good as the one he remembers. I’ll let you know!

4. Banana Republic Factory Knit Moto Jacket. I bought this jacket several weeks ago and like it so much!! It’s softer than say a denim jacket and very comfortable. I got it in the vegan (kind of olive green) color and it’s a great weight for this late winter/early spring weather.

5. Untrammelife 4-Light Black-Lantern Pendant Light. I was looking for a light fixture for my husband’s office and this caught my eye. It would also be great in an entryway, over a kitchen island, or in a breakfast nook.

After several days away, my husband gets home from Minneapolis tonight, so I’m looking forward to catching up with him! Tomorrow night we’re attending his company’s annual awards gala, so that will be our big event for the weekend. Hope yours is a good one!

5 Fun Finds for January 2022

January 21, 2022 by Tracey 6 Comments

Hello on this chilly Friday morning! We have the potential for freezing rain here later today, so the local schools transitioned to online learning and some businesses are closing early. Thankfully I had planned to stay inside today anyway! Our girls are here packing up since they head back to college tomorrow.

Five Fun Finds is a monthly feature I usually send out to email subscribers, but I thought I’d bring it over to the blog today. (Click here to subscribe to my email list and receive weekly updates and other content.) So here’s my list of five things I’m enjoying this January!

1. Adidas Women’s Essentials Fleece Sweatshirt. If you’re looking for a classic sweatshirt, then this one is for you. It’s warm and so soft on the inside. I would say it runs true-to-size; I got the Medium and it fits a little loosely, but that’s how I like this type of top to fit. If you’re between sizes, you could probably size down. I ordered the Halo Blush/White, which is currently on sale, but as you know with Amazon, the price could change at any moment.

2. The Piano Guys rendition of Grow as We Go on YouTube. This is such a sweet daddy/daughter duet – tugs on the ol’ heartstrings!

3. Gorilla Grip Easy Pour Spout Mixing Bowls, Set of 2, Red. When we moved recently, I tried to replace some of my kitchen basics. This set of mixing bowls is reasonably priced and they’re sturdy and easy to clean. And a bonus find – if you find yourself in need of new measuring spoons, this Set of 6 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons are great quality.

4. Air Fryer Chicken Wings (super crispy). I bought my husband an air fryer for Christmas, and we’ve been trying different kinds of food in it. These wings are one of my favorites so far.

5. Barefoot Dreams Heathered Throw Blanket. We keep a few throw blankets scattered around the family room, and I have claimed this one as mine. 🙂 I picked it up at Nordstrom Rack (which is the site I linked to) because I’d heard how great these were and knew that the sale price was a good one. They no longer have the color I bought – Cream/Dove – but they do have it in other colors. It’s on Amazon also, but as soft and warm as the blanket is, I personally wouldn’t pay that price for it.

I’ll be driving down to Florida with our girls tomorrow, and then saying goodbye to them and flying back home on Sunday. As my mother says, life is a series of happy hellos and sad goodbyes. It’s been such a joy having them home for these five weeks and our house will be way too quiet without them here!

I hope you stay warm and dry wherever you are today and are able to enjoy your weekend!

5 Simple Ways to Start 2022 Well

January 5, 2022 by Tracey 4 Comments

Welcome to Girls to Grow today! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time reader, I appreciate you starting off your year here!

Do you like new beginnings and fresh starts? I think many of us do. There’s something exciting about leaving behind what was and looking ahead to different possibilities. The new year is always a good time to evaluate habits and patterns that might be dragging us down and look for ways to make our lives better.

With the next twelve months stretching out in front of us, we want to make decisions today that will benefit us for the whole year. Here are five simple ways we can get off to a good start.

Check out these five easy tips for getting the new year off to a good start.

1. Pray and ask for God’s guidance.

Prayer is the best way to start any new venture! Ask God to make His path for you clear and plain in 2022. (You may want to check out this list of ten things to pray for when you’re seeking God’s guidance.)

2. Submit to what God may have for us.

We don’t know what God has in store for us this year. However, we can begin with an attitude of humility, willing to accept whatever lies ahead.

3. Make plans, but hold them loosely.

I’m a planner and enjoy laying out trips and celebrations and even just weekly lists of things to accomplish. But I need to remember that God is ultimately in control. His way is best for us. When a change in plans occurs that’s out of our control, we need to trust that He is at work. He is an all-wise God who loves His children.

4. Prioritize people and relationships over productivity.

Hello, me. Checking off that to-do list is a great motivator. But sitting down and focusing when my husband or one of our daughters wants to talk is much more important than finishing my project.

5. Set yourself up for success by establishing helpful routines or habits.

If you haven’t read Atomic Habits by James Clear, I highly recommend it. He shares many practical strategies for establishing good habits. In whatever area we want to see growth or success this year, we need to have a plan in order for it to happen.

I’ve marked the new year in lots of ways in the past. I’ve chosen a word of the year or written out goals for various areas of my life. The last couple of years I’ve done Gretchen Rubin’s lists, like “21 in ’21,” making a list of 21 things I wanted to accomplish in 2021.

This year I’m keeping it very simple. I have five goals I want to accomplish each week.

1. Read one book a week.

2. Take 3 pictures a week using the 1 Second Everyday app.

3. Post once on the blog and send one subscriber email per week. (I hope to do more, but definitely want to be consistent with this part.)

4. Walk 10,000 steps 3 times a week.

5. Write out a prayer weekly. I need to work on my prayer life. Taking time to write out a prayer is helpful for me. It causes me to really focus on what I want to communicate to God.

Have you set any goals for 2022? Are you working on any new habits? I’d love to hear more about it! I hope 2022 is a year of rich blessings and spiritual growth for all of us!

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Merry Christmas 2021!!

December 22, 2021 by Tracey 2 Comments

Happy almost Christmas-Eve Eve!! I hope you’re well and able to take some time during the next couple of days to really enjoy the season and celebrate the birth of our Savior.

I don’t normally take this much time off from posting on the blog, but it’s been a whirlwind of a month! We closed on our new home on Monday, December 6th. Since it’s only a ten-minute drive between our old house and the new one, my husband and I made a number of trips moving boxes and smaller items ourselves. Movers came and moved our big furniture on the 8th. We got everything out and the old house cleaned on Saturday the 13th. Sunday we met the new owners and handed them the keys.

It was actually a fairly emotional transition for me. We lived in that house for 14 years. It’s where our youngest started kindergarten and graduated from high school. So many memories were made there and it will forever be the place we remember as our daughters’ childhood home. I put a picture and post on Instagram; you can find it here if you’d like to read more.

Since then it’s just been a matter of trying to get settled into our new home. The main living areas are mostly put together. My husband has been the best, hanging light fixtures and ceiling fans and pictures on the walls! Then our girls got home from college last Thursday night. It’s been wonderful to have them home and settling into their own rooms.

Thankfully I had almost all my Christmas shopping done before the move. I took the afternoon and evening just before the girls arrived to wrap everything. Our only decoration this year is the Christmas tree, but it’s nice to have that plugged in out in the sunroom.

We’re traveling for a few days around Christmas, so I doubt I’ll be writing much before New Years. However, I look forward to being back at the beginning of the year with new posts here at Girls to Grow.

Before I sign off, I wanted to leave you with a thought my husband shared with our Sunday School class last weekend. It’s from Luke 2:10-11

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.“

The good news, the gospel, is for all people. Yet it says “for unto you is born…” It’s personal. The good news is for you. The truth is that Jesus, the Son of God, was born to be your Savior, to take the punishment for your sins, that you might spend forever in heaven with Him. That’s the joy of Christmas! God loved you so much He sent His Son as a gift – yes, to the world, but for you.

Thanks for making it through my life update and being patient with this little blogging break of mine! From our home to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas!! May the love of friends and family and the good news of Jesus’ birth bring you joy and peace this Christmas season!

2021 Christmas Gift Guide for the Women in Your Life

November 1, 2021 by Tracey 3 Comments

Well, we turned around, and November arrived!! I’ve gotten into shopping mode around here because not only is Christmas on the horizon, but both of our daughters have early December birthdays. While they usually give me some ideas for presents, I still like to find a few things that will surprise them.

As I’ve been online shopping, I came up with twenty-five things that might make good gifts for the women on your Christmas list. There’s a wide variety of categories and most items should be under $50.

Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra charge to you. Thank you for supporting Girls to Grow through your purchases!

25+ Christmas gift ideas for the women - young and old! - in your life

1. Sugar Belle Candles.

I found these candles while shopping with my mom last year. I bought the Bartlett Pear Mason Jar Candle and liked it so much that I went to their website to order more. My most recent purchase was the Apple Cider Donut and it’s a wonderful fall scent!

2. Soma pajamas.

Just last week I mentioned these as a favorite thing in my newsletter, but they also earned a spot on this list! Watch for sales; you can also sign up to receive coupons.

3. Long Brass Locket Necklace.

This long necklace is simple but pretty and would be a great accessory for so many outfits.

4. Joy Creative Shop Personalized Stationery.

What makes these cute cards, notepads, and other paper goods even better is that they can be personalized.

5. The Pioneer Woman 2-Piece Baker Set.

You might find yourself looking forward to cooking when you can serve your food in these dishes! They come in four patterns. I like the spring bouquet.

6. Cable Knit Scarf, Beanie Hat, and Gloves Set.

This set comes in several colors and would be perfect for braving some winter weather in style.

7. Personalized Bible.

Order a Bible and have her name imprinted on the front.

8. Bliss Plush Throw.

You’ll find lots of positive reviews for this blanket! It comes in a number of color choices.

9. Fab Fit Fun Box.

You can give this as a one-time gift or a yearly subscription. Choose from home goods, beauty and wellness products, as well as fashion items.

10. The Next Right Thing Guided Journal.

If you know someone who likes to journal, this is a wonderful gift. I bought it for myself in January and write in it every Sunday afternoon. The prompts are great and I already enjoy looking back over the last ten months at all that I’ve recorded.

11. Five Crowns Card Game.

Our older daughter and her boyfriend introduced us to this game and it’s so much fun to play! It’s similar to Phase 10, but takes less time to play.

12. Cable Knit Cardigan Sweater.

I first saw this in sage, but it’s available in a number of colors.

13. 4 Things Personalized Tote Bag.

I really like personalized gifts. You can choose four of the recipient’s favorite things and have them printed on the front of the canvas tote bag. What would mine say? Maybe Books. Family. Mexican Food. Travel. Or I could go with Chocolate. Podcasts. Mountains. Georgia Bulldogs. 🙂

14. Faux Succulents in Pots, set of 4.

My girls have live succulents in their dorm rooms. I think they’ve had to replace a couple, so I see this faux version as saving money in the long run!

15. Beauty Box Jetsetter Edition in Rose Gold.

If you know someone who enjoys playing around with makeup (definitely my younger daughter!), this would make a great gift.

16. Gift Box from Nana’s Gourmet Goodies.

If you’re buying for someone who won’t be visiting for the holidays you can ship them one of these gift boxes. I’ve sent them to my older daughter in college several times. They offer all sorts of baked goods including cookies, brownies, scones, cakes, popcorn treats, and more! The ones I’ve ordered have always been delivered promptly.

17. Lands End Supima Cotton Towel Set.

These are my new favorite bath towels. The set is a splurge at full price, so definitely watch for a sale. When I last ordered, most colors were 50% off.

18. Suede Moccasin Slippers.

I had a pair very similar to these that I wore for several years. I’m in the market for a new pair now and plan to check these out this week.

19. Marble State Coasters.

These are so pretty and you can choose your state or other patterns. These Slate Coasters are also a good option.

20. Lauren Conrad Simulated Pearl and Floral Teardrop Nickel Free Earrings.

So dainty, yet they still make a statement. For something simpler, check out these Twisted Open Teardrop Earrings or these Nine West Wavy Flat Hoops.

21. Welcome Home: A Cozy Minimalist Guide to Decorating and Hosting All Year Round by Myquillyn Smith.

Have a friend or relative who enjoys decorating and hosting people in her home? I feel sure she would enjoy this book. I’m not much of a home decorator myself, but I loved this book! Myquillyn has a great philosophy for seasonal decorating and includes many practical tips.

22. Reversible Faux Leather Tote and Wristlet.

A number of fashion bloggers I follow have shared good things about this tote. It also has lots of positive reviews!

23. Teak Wooden Spoon Set for Cooking.

Here’s another pretty kitchen item to inspire your cooking.

24. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Socks.

As someone whose feet are always cold, these sound like an amazing gift!

25. Leather Crossbody Purse.

How cute is this purse? It looks like a perfect size if you’ve streamlined what you want to carry. I also like this Striped Canvas Crossbody/Shoulder Bag if you need something a bit larger.

Whether you’ve already finished your shopping or don’t plan to start until the week before Christmas, I hope you enjoy checking out a few of these items. Maybe you’d even like to do a little shopping for yourself 🙂

If you have any gifts that you enjoy giving, please share them in the comments below. They might be just what I need to finish off my list!

How to Plan Ahead for a Busy Life Season

September 29, 2021 by Tracey 4 Comments

Welcome, friends! I hope you’re doing well and enjoying some beautiful weather like we are here in coastal South Carolina.

Are you even ready to acknowledge that October arrives on Friday? It’s one of my favorite months of the year, probably because it feels the most “fall-ish” to me. The temperatures are fairly moderate and while we don’t get much fall color on the trees around here, whatever we do get hits this month.

We also know we’re heading into one of the busiest times of the year. It seems like I blink and we go from October 1st to January 2nd. It’s crazy, but a good crazy!

How do you handle a busy season in life? Yes, this can mean the holidays. But there are plenty of other occasions that send us into overdrive. How about moving? Planning a wedding? Having a baby? All of these fill our days with tasks and events that are outside of our normal routine.

Most of the time (but not always), we get a little bit of notice that a busy season is coming. That’s great because it gives us an opportunity to think ahead about how we want things to look. We can at least lay out a plan for how we hope those days will go. It’s easier to be intentional and strategize when we’re not quite in the thick of it yet!

Today let’s look at ten tips that can help us plan ahead when we see one of those busy life seasons on the horizon.

Ten tips for tackling the busy season you're facing, from the holidays to a move to planning a wedding!

1. Determine how you’re going to keep God at the center of it all.

Don’t let the busyness crowd out your daily time with Him. Whether it’s part of your morning or evening routine, guard that time. Be faithful in attending church. Listen to good Chrisitan music and podcasts while you’re running all those errands, wrapping gifts, or packing boxes.

2. Align your expectations with reality.

Simplify. If it’s the holidays we’re talking about, that could include the gift-giving, the shopping, the baking, the decorating, all of it. Whatever the situation, figure out what you can actually accomplish in a certain time period and be good with that.

3. Plan now for three specific things you want to happen.

Buy the tickets for the Christmas concert. Put the date on your calendar when you need to order the parts of the Thanksgiving meal you don’t want to make. Plan the pre-wedding mother/daughter shopping trip. Choose the three most meaningful things for this season and schedule them now.

4. Take into consideration what those around you will want or need.

Is it a busy time at work for your husband? Do you have family members that need accommodations? Take time beforehand to think through how the other people who are part of this season will be involved.

5. Tell others what you need.

Ask someone to bake the Christmas cookies. If a friend volunteers to help with your move, give them a specific task to do. Often your family is willing to help if you’ll just let them know what to do. Communicate clearly what you’re going to need during this hectic time.

6. Embrace spontaneity.

This isn’t me. I’m good with the planning and then all I want to do is stay on task. But if our girls come in while I’m in the middle of a project and want to run to Crumbl, I hope I’ll jump in the car and go.

7. Go to bed.

In other words, get sleep. The more rested you can be before and during the busy season, the better you’ll be able to move through it.

8. Set small goals.

I love to-do lists. But I tend to make them much longer than I can realistically accomplish in one day! Set a few daily or weekly goals of tasks that need to be done and enjoy that feeling of accomplishment when you cross them off your list!

9. Let the little stuff go.

When life is busy, focus on the most important things. If the laundry piles up or it’s cereal for supper, it’s okay. This is temporary.

10. Pray.

The list of what we can’t control in any season is long…the weather, the mail (recent personal experience), someone getting sick, etc. But God IS in control. Ask for His wisdom and guidance for your plans and for the strength to accomplish what needs to be done in the moment.

I’m sure that some of you have survived more busy life seasons than I have! Let us know in the comments below any tips that have helped you during those times.

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