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The Coolest Amazon Graduation Gifts Your Friends & Family Will Love This Year
No matter who you’re celebrating this season, this list checks all the boxes. Every graduation event is called something different, but they’re basically all doing the same thing: letting half-developed brains throw pointy objects in the air and hoping they don’t take out grandma in the back. Photo by Vasily Koloda on Unsplash Do you know someone going through one of these? Congratulate them in style by giving them one of these cool gifts: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock I think my husband and I bought six of these as gifts last year. Whether your graduate is working at a camp in the trees this summer, going on a camping trip, or hanging…
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Morning Has Broken Me: Why Early Peace & Quiet Usually Wins the Daily Struggle Over Sleeping In
As a kid in church, I always liked the tune of the old Christian song, “Morning has Broken,” but I never understood the lyrics. I broke a glass, my sister broke a bone, and a huge earthquake broke three jars of our jam. But how does the morning break? Now that I’m the size of an adult, I realize it’s more tied to breaking through something, like a surface or a barrier. The sun silently initiates “go-time” and morning has commenced. A light has risen. Something fresh. A new beauty. Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you and watch…
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3 Things I Learned About Myself While Saving Money in Vegas Last Week
When your husband signs you up for a free four-night, five-day trip in exchange for listening to a two-hour timeshare presentation, you pack your bags and go. If that sounds like a cringy-but-totally-worth-it trip, read on to see how we also saved tons of money on food and Ubers. But if you timidly opened this because you’re slightly horrified that two Christians even went to Las Vegas, this post is probably not for you. Feel free to close it, judge us quietly, and move on with your day. Haha. Just because it’s called the City of Sin doesn’t mean it’s a sin to go there. On the other hand, my…
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Firstborn Groom: The Failures & Successes of Organizing Our Son’s Wedding
The blur of our past few months was topped off with the most incredible wedding celebration between our son, Micah, and his new bride, Hannah. But before we could all walk down the aisle, the amount of mind-boggling details had to be put into motion. For a Type-A mom, a take-charge dad, and their firstborn son you’d think that would be fairly easy. Not so much. Here are a few things that went well, and a few things we’d do differently. 5 Months Out – They’re engaged! Take pics, call family and friends. Seems like an easy task, but the order in which you tell people makes a difference. A…
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Don’t Let Anyone Look Down On You Because You Are Old
Do you ever wonder how many years you have left on this earth? I don’t think about it too often, but a couple weeks ago I got older again. Of all the f-words in the world, this one always felt the most unnerving. I thought 30 sounded like a real adult. I didn’t mind 40. But 50? Thoughts race and distress creeps. How did I get here already? Half a century? Does that mean I’m half-expired? I seriously thought getting older would take longer. Oh my gosh, what will the young people think? My party of pity is interrupted with an inaudible voice: Whoa there, chica. Are you complaining about…
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Fantastic Fall Fling: How to Get Rid of Excess Items Before the Holidays!
If you’re anything like our family, Thanksgiving and Christmas mean lots of food and people. Before that happens this year, wouldn’t a little more space be nice? It’s okay if you have a compact home—the key is getting rid of items you don’t need or like in order to make space for the things you love! For example… Last year I opened my fall decor bin and found a couple things I didn’t like. The mistake I made? Putting them back in the bin. If I didn’t love them last year enough to bring them out, what makes me think I’m going to love them this year? Now I’m doing…
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3 Trips, 2 Countries & a Ring: The Benefits of Travel & How it Can Energize Your Family
Did you get away this summer? Doesn’t matter if it wasn’t a gigantic vacation; even a day trip can get you out of your normal routine mentally and emotionally. With the help of two ministries, some friends, and a knack for creative adventures, I visited three places, all of which either energized my heart, mind, or body. Some did all three and left me beyond grateful for the break. Stop #1: Ensenada YWAM My niece is on staff at Youth With A Mission, so a few of us went down to visit her. I hadn’t crossed the Mexican border in about three years; felt strange to visit the city near…
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Three Summer Vacation Hacks to be More Organized: How to Pack Smart, Move In, & Return Happy
Happy Summer, Friend! I hope you get to go somewhere fun in the next couple months. Even if it’s not tropical or bougie, just getting out of your normal routine is great for your sanity. Throw in some yummy restaurants and forced family bonding, and you’ll definitely be coming back as a happier version of yourself. I mean, as long as your airline doesn’t lose your luggage, you don’t win a lifetime supply of mosquito bites, and nobody barfs on day two. That would obviously put a damper on the whole point of dropping hard-earned pesos on a getaway. Moving along…. Here are three hacks for preparing, living, and returning…
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Father’s Day Gift Guide for the Young & Old: Cool, Trendy, & Fun Ideas Your Dads & Grandpas Will Love
June 18 is right around the corner, so it’s time to think about what the dad, uncle, or grandpa in your life would like. And don’t forget about the new dads too! I scoured Amazon for you, and all of these recommendations have excellent ratings. Duh—you know I wouldn’t steer you wrong. So put down the tie, step away from the mug, and believe me when I say no man wants a “World’s Best Dad” shirt. Those might (or might not) be cute, but these are rad… Young Dads They’re tired, rookies, and need a break. Take their minds off diapers for a minute with these fun gifts: Your Baby’s…
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7 of My Favorite Amazon Products to Organize Your Home, Car, and Backyard
Ready to get organized before summer? As a slightly Type-A woman with an organizing business, I can tell you firsthand… the products you use to get yourself organized matter. From your kitchen, closet, and car, to your bathroom and backyard… I gotcha covered with some of my favorite products. The reviews are in, and these organizers take the cake! Kitchen LOPASA Ziplock Bag Organizer for Drawers or Wall Oh my gosh… where has this been all my life? In your drawer or attached to your pantry wall, this bamboo beauty keeps all your plastic bags organized in one spot. Need something larger to hold your plastic wrap and tinfoil, too? Take…
