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Shared Jul 17, 2014 comment

One-Hour Freezer Cooking: Skinny Chocolate, Energy Bites, and Whole Wheat Pancakes

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 17, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I’m f-i-n-a-l-l-y getting around to telling you about my very successful one-hour freezer cooking session that I did recently.

So this Peppermint Skinny Chocolate was a winner. I was kind of hesitant about how it would turn out, but I followed the recipe exactly — including the tips the blog suggested — and it was delicious. In fact, it was so good that I was tempted to literally lick the bowl out. Instead, I scraped it clean (see above).

If you are looking for a delicious and healthy chocolate recipe, I recommend this Peppermint Skinny Chocolate.

I cut it in small pieces and stored it in the freezer and it’s the perfect treat on a hot day!

Next up, I made a batch of Homemade Energy Bites. These are the snack of choice for my kids this summer. And I love it that they are packed with pretty healthy ingredients.

One batch lasts the three kids about a week. But I can’t always keep up with the demand, so Kathrynne asked me if she could learn how to make them, too. See pictures of how her batch turned out here. 🙂

And while I was busy making Skinny Chocolate and Energy Bites, the guys were whipping up a batch of Whole-Wheat Pancakes.

I love baking and cooking together in the kitchen as a family. And now that we’ve overhauled our lifestyle with the move to TN, it’s becoming a fairly regular occurrence around here — which is so much fun!

Recipes made:

Peppermint Skinny Chocolate
Whole-Wheat Pancakes
Homemade Energy Bites

Shared Jul 16, 2014 comment

12 Books I Plan to Read in July + 3 Books I Plan to Read Aloud to the Kids

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 16, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

As I shared in January, I’m changing the way I’m approaching my reading goals in 2014. Instead of picking books for the whole year, I’m just choosing books a month at a time.

Here’s my list of what I’m planning to read in July:

12 Books I Plan to Read in July

I also am reading through the Bible using the plan in my Blessing Journal and reading one devotional from Jesus Today every day.

3 Books I Plan to Read Aloud to My Kids

What books are you planning to read in July? Leave a comment and let us know — and then you can come back at the beginning of August to tell us what you ended up reading and what you thought of the books you read!

Shared Jul 16, 2014 comment

How to Make Delicious Homemade Lattes — Without an Espresso Machine!

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 16, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I’ve heard rave reviews of this Homemade Latte Recipe ever since I posted it. And I’ve wanted to try it, but I was happy with my regular coffee with cream and sugar so I figured, why change it?

Well, in the last few months, I’ve been slowly weaning myself off of most sugar in my diet. And a few weeks ago, I stopped using sugar in my coffee altogether.

{Can we all take a moment of silence? Did you read what I just wrote? This girl who has had a lifelong sweet tooth, STOPPED USING SUGAR IN HER COFFEE?!?

I’m not even sure that I can communicate the magnitude of that statement. Next thing you know, I’m going to start a blog about doing car repairs or something. Well, I may need to first learn the name of the car I drive (babysteps, babysteps…). But hey, if I can do something I never thought would be remotely possible — drink coffee without sugar and like it — who knows what I might do next?! :)}

Good Girl Moonshine

Bulletproof Coffee

At any rate, as a result, I’ve been experimenting with different kinds of coffees and drinks, including Good Girl Moonshine and Bulletproof Coffee.

{If you Google the recipes for those, please promise me you won’t write me off as total crazy. Because I liked both recipes and have made them multiple times. I know… I may be going through a midlife crisis or something. ;)}

As I experimenting with different recipes, I remembered this Homemade Latte Recipe and knew it was high time I try it. I used some of my Amazon gift cards from Swagbucks to purchase the Aerobie Aeropress and AeroLatte Frother.

I’d never made espresso before and was super impressed with how easy it was to make!

When you pull the Aeropress off the cup, the most amazing coffee smell wafts up. Love it!

(Also, totally unrelated: but notice how I’m keeping my nails painted thanks to the encouragement from some of you in the comments here. And it’s been over a week and it’s totally working to kill my nail-biting habit. And it makes me so happy to look down and see my red nails. I have hope that they are going to grow out all pretty, long, and strong… but for now I’m celebrating the little victories.)

This frother is absolutely so much fun!

And there you have it! An amazing cup of Homemade Latte for much, much less than you’d pay at the coffee shop and without using an Espresso Machine.

You can find the detailed recipe here. Also: if you want to make a Breve Latte, just substitute Half and Half for the milk, like I did. And then don’t go look up the calorie count after you make it like I did… yikes! 😉

What are your favorite at-home coffee drinks to make?

Shared Jul 16, 2014 comment

Gretchen’s Walgreens Shopping Trip: Spent $1.76 out of pocket

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 16, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Walgreens Shopping Trip

2 Revlon Colorstay Eye Shadows – $2.99 each (On Sale Buy One Get One 50% off)
Used 2 $1/1 coupon from the 6/15 SmartSource insert
And used $1/1 Walgreens coupon from the July coupon booklet (took off $2)

1 Schweppes Water – $1 (Buy 1, Get $1 Register Rewards)

2 Crunch Candy – $0.39 each
Used $0.50/2 coupon from the 7/13 SmartSource insert

Total before sales and coupons: $9.77

Total after sales and coupons: $1.76, Plus received $1 Register Rewards

Shared Jul 15, 2014 comment

10 Books I Read in June (and My Top 3 Favorites!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 15, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

While I didn’t quite get all the books read in June that I hoped to, I DID get in more reading than I had in April and May, so that’s progress!

10 Books I Read in June

I’m also reading through the Bible using the plan in my Blessing Journal and reading one devotional from Jesus Today every day.

3 Books I Read Aloud to My Kids

Devotional: Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing
Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines
The Saturdays

My Top 3 Favorites

The Nesting Place — Confession time: I’ve never nailed anything on a wall on any house I’ve ever lived in (friends & family have taken pity on me and done it for me), but this book moved me at a deep level. I want to stop making excuses that “I’m not a decorator” — borne out of my own insecurity and concern over what people will think or that I’ll do it all wrong.

Instead, I just want to be free to experiment, take risks, and try new things — not only when it comes to our home decor, but in all areas of my life. It’s time to say goodbye to performance, perfectionism, and people-pleasing… And to start living with braveness and boldness.

Love Idol — I highly, highly recommend this book if you find yourself (like me) having perfectionistic, people-pleasing tendencies. It’s well-written and engaging, but more than that, the message is powerful, freeing, life-changing!

Rhinestone Jesus — The title of this book alone was enough to challenge me. But the contents were even more convicting. I don’t want to “play it safe”. I want to step outside my comfort zone, even though it’s uncomfortable and hard. I only have one life to live. I want to live it to its fullest. Reading Kristen’s story in the pages of this book stirred me, moved me, and challenged me to not be complacent, comfortable, or content with mediocrity.

Runner Up: Carry On, Warrior — If you didn’t get to yet, be sure to read the post this book inspired: I’m Done With Being a People-Pleaser.

What books did you read in June? What were your favorites? Any books that you’d highly recommend for me?

WANT TO SAVE $100 FAST?!Join the FREE 14-Day Savings Challenge!

Click here to sign up!

Shared Jul 15, 2014 comment

Business owners & bloggers: I’d LOVE to meet you in Colorado in November!

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 15, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Are you a blogger or a business owner who would love some insider tips, secrets, and encouragement for skyrocketing your success? You MUST check out the Platform Conference.

I went to this conference last year hoping I’d pick up some new ideas and inspiration for how to continue growing my platform. Instead, I left the conference with a completely new plan of action and approach for my business.

The speakers and attendees were not only inspiring, but they challenged me to think far outside of my current business strategy. I only wish I had learned this information sooner! It has transformed the way I think and the way I approach business and blogging.

Without a doubt, I can say that the money I spent to attend the Platform Conference was truly the best money I’ve ever spent on any conference in my life. Yes, it’s that good!

I’m honored to be speaking at the Platform Conference this year, along with an incredible line-up of other amazing speakers. I cannot wait to sit and soak up wisdom from them and be re-energized and re-inspired as a business owner and blogger.

The Platform Conference will be held November 9-11, 2014, at the beautiful Broadmoor Resort and Spa in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

This event is for anyone and everyone who has something to say, share, or sell. This includes public speakers, authors, bloggers, business owners, entrepreneurs, sales people, pastors, nonprofit leaders, and more.

Save $200 When You Register By August 1, 2014

If you register by August 1, 2014, you’ll get the Early Bird Rate — which is $100 off the regular price. Plus, if you use coupon code CRYSTAL, you’ll get an additional $100 off. The coupon code CRYSTAL is valid up until conference registration is closed, but the Early Bird Rate ends August 1, 2014.

Do yourself a favor and go sign up for the Platform Conference. I’d LOVE to meet you there!

Sign Up for a FREE Group Mastermind With Me & My Husband

As a special bonus, if you sign up using my coupon code, my husband and I would like to invite you to an exclusive FREE one-hour Group Mastermind we’ll be hosting on-site. This will be an opportunity to get to meet with us and pick our brains with any business or blogging questions (or even life questions) you have. It will be fun and informal — a time for us to get to know you and encourage you in your business endeavors.

To be invited to this exclusive Mastermind with Jesse and me, just sign up for the Platform Conference using coupon code CRYSTAL at checkout. Then, forward your registration confirmation email to registration @ moneysavingmom.com and we’ll be in touch with further details on when and where the Mastermind will be held. We hope to see you there!

Shared Jul 15, 2014 comment

Part-Time Work-At-Home Position Available

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 15, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

All About Worship asked if I’d shared their part-time work-at-home position with you all since I know some of you are looking for at-home work opportunities. Here are details on the position taken from their blog post:

Are you tech AND social media savvy? Are you self-motivated and super organized? Do you have a passion for worship? Are you looking for a part-time, work-at-home job that’s not only flexible, but rewarding? Do you want to be a part of an organization that impacts worship leaders/teams worldwide and is focused on advancing the Kingdom of God?

If you answered “yes” to ALL of these questions, you may be just who we’re looking for!

JOB TITLE: to be determined

REPORTS TO: Wisdom Moon (Founder of All About Worship)

PURPOSE: Supports the organization’s objectives by managing the day-to-day operations with minimal supervision. You will work from home (aka telecommute) with periodic in-person (if in Nashville area) and/or skype meetings with supervisor. This position will require about 2-4 hours a day, 5 days a week. Work hours are flexible, but require at least some availability during regular business hours.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Be a part of creating & implementing fresh new ways to influence more worship leaders/teams worldwide

Plan, schedule, and coordinate articles and music reviews with contributors

Proofread, edit, and publish articles and reviews

Write (minimal) content for the site

Complete some basic, simple graphic design

Manage multiple social media accounts: curate relevant content, schedule posts, respond to comments, engage with the audience

Promptly respond to email inquiries

Maintain relationships with current advertisers and actively develop new relationships

Invoice advertisers and follow-up

and other duties as assigned

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Thorough understanding of worship ministry and the needs of worship leaders/teams

Familiar with current worship music and resources

Strong follow-through and follow-up

Amazing people skills

Very tech-savvy

Basic graphic design

Great with grammar, spelling, and writing

Previous experience with using a CMS (Content Management System) preferred

Proficient in the use of social media as an organization, including but not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest, and Google+

Basic understanding of how digital advertising and invoicing works

Type at least 30 WPM

COMPENSATION: Salary to be commensurate with experience and responsibilities (base pay + commission). This is a part-time, telecommuting contractor position.

APPLY: To be considered for this opening, email your resume and any supporting portfolio or works to office[at]allaboutworship.com

Shared Jul 15, 2014 comment

How to Afford Real Food on a Budget

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 15, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I’m so honored to be guest posting over on 100 Days of Real Food today. If you are interested in how to afford real food on a budget, be sure to click over and read my post.

Also? If you’re interested in making the switch to more real foods, I highly recommend following the blog, 100 Days of Real Food. It’s packed with all sorts of great inspiration, ideas, and recipes for eating fewer processed foods (or eliminating them completely!)

Shared Jul 15, 2014 comment

12 Goals for 2014: June’s Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 15, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Jesse and I spent time really discussing what my focuses should be for 2014 and we nailed down four areas that are my priorities for this year:

Marriage: to continue to invest time and energy to strengthen and nurture our marriage and make it one of the greatest priorities
Mothering: to continue to invest in our children with the goal of teaching them character, life skills, and raising them to be responsible adults
Myself: to make my health a priority and to invest in my personal growth as a Christian, business owner, writer, speaker, and leader
MoneySavingMom.com: to invest time into blogging — not just overseeing the business and my team, but making writing content pieces one of my top blogging priorities

Having these specific areas determined at the beginning of the year is really helping me to prioritize and giving me much clearer direction on when, where, and what to say no to this year.

Here’s my progress on my 12 goals for 2014:

Marriage Goals

1. Read 6 marriage books. (I’ve finished three marriage books so far.)
2. Write 50 love notes to Jesse. (I’ve written 22 love notes so far.)

Mothering Goals

3. Read 40 books aloud to the kids. (We’ve finished eight books so far — I’m really hoping to catch up on this goal over the summer since we’re quite behind!)
4. Finish memorizing Romans 1 together. (We’ve been working on this!)
5. Go through a cooking course with the kids.

Personal Goals

6. Read through the Bible. (I’m mostly on track with this.)
7. Memorize Romans 2. (I started this this week.)
8. Run a 5K race and go through P90X again. (We’re currently looking into races for this Fall and hoping to sign up for a couple.)
9. Read 150 books/ebooks. (I’ve read 50 books so far this year.)

Blogging Goals

10. Write 150 substantive content pieces for the blog. (I’ve written 100 substantive content pieces so far this year — woot!)
11. Write 50 DIY/Recipe posts for the blog. (I’ve written 25 DIY/Recipe posts so far.)
12. Blog about/participate in the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge (I finished June’s challenge.)

Did you set goals for 2014 yet?

If you’ve posted an update on how you’re doing on your goals for 2014, I’d love for you to share your link in the comments. Or, if you don’t have a blog, feel free to just leave a comment with an update on how you’re doing on your goals. Let’s encourage one another to live lives of intention and purpose!

If you’re brand-new to goal-setting, be sure to read my post on How to Change Your Life By Setting Goals.

Shared Jul 15, 2014 comment

Gretchen’s Target Shopping Trip: Spent $2.61 out of pocket!

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 15, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Target Shopping Trip

6 Up & Up Pocket Portfolios – $0.50 each, used 2 $1.50/3 Target printable – Free after coupons

2 Market Pantry Summer Shapes – Marked down to $0.89 each, used 5% off Cartwheel coupon – $0.84 each after coupon

2 Pure Via Sweetener – $2.29 each, used 2 $1/1 Target printable AND 2 $1/1 printable – $0.29 each after coupons

2 Up & Up Facial Tissue – $1.25 each, used 5% off Cartwheel coupon AND 2 $0.50/1 Target printable – $0.68 each after coupons

Used Target gift card from last trip (-$1.01)

Total before sales, coupons and gift card: $16.20

Total after sales, coupons and gift card: $2.61

OVER-SPENDING EVERY SINGLE MONTH?Grab these FREE Budgeting Sheets!

Click here to download!

Shared Jul 15, 2014 comment

Do It Yourself: Afterbite Anti-Itch Cream

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 15, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

ICanTeachMyChild.com shows you how to make homemade afterbite anti-itch salve.

Do you have a fun and frugal DIY idea to share? I’d love to hear about it! Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Shared Jul 14, 2014 comment

Sometimes, courage is just showing up & giving it your all

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 14, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Friday night, I was asked to be the keynote speaker at the FlameFest Ball (an event for wives whose husbands are firefighters). I was excited about this event — and especially excited to get to speak at a ball!

I was looking forward to my presentation and had fun getting dressed up for the event (I wore a dress I got from RueLaLa, shoes I got from Zulily, and jewelry Jesse bought for me for 70% off at Kohl’s — gotta love frugal fashion!). I walked down the hall from my hotel room to the ballroom feeling very confident and stoked.

And then I stepped foot into the ballroom.

As I saw all the couples dressed in their finest, my former confidence disintegrated.

What do I have to offer these incredible folks? All around me were strong and muscular men who willingly risk their lives fighting fires. Next to their sides were equally strong women who endure long days and lonely nights while their firefighter husbands are on duty.

I looked at the strength and courage represented in the room and felt very small. Who was I to be standing on stage delivering a message of hope to them?

After all, I’m the girl who just confessed I have a nail-biting habit and struggle with anxiety. What do I really know about courage?

But then I remembered: sometimes, courage is just showing up.

I’d been asked to share a message on saying goodbye to survival mode. The conference coordinator knew exactly who I was and what I was about.

She knew I didn’t have a long resume or heroic acts of bravery attached to my name. I’m just a regular mom who hit rock bottom in her own life and found a lifeline of hope and practical steps to take to no longer live life stuck in that pit of survival mode, but to instead live a life of passion and purpose.

And so, I had a choice in that moment: I could choose to be swallowed up by fear and self-doubt. Or I could choose to go up on that stage and give it my all, praying that the words I shared would be impactful to those in the audience.

As I was getting mic’d up, I whispered to Liz (who travels with me), “I feel so out of my league, but I’m going to go up and give it my all.”

And that’s exactly what I did. I left all those feelings of fear and insecurity behind, asked God to fill me up with courage, and then I went up on that stage and owned it.

When I came down off the stage, I knew that it may not have been the most eloquent talk ever, but I’d given it my all. And it felt so empowering.

Sometimes, courage is just showing up and giving it your all.

Wherever you are in life, whatever you are facing, can I encourage you to show up and give it your all? To not let fear, insecurity, and self-doubt own you but instead for you to own whatever “stage” you are called to stand on right now?

Maybe your “stage” is investing in your kids and marriage, or reaching out to the needy in your community, or writing a blog post, or loving a difficult person, or serving at your church, or being the best employee you can be, or studying for your summer classes… or a million other things. But whatever it is, show up and give it your all.

There will always be those voices (literal or imagined) that will whisper in your ear, “That’s not good enough.” Or, “So-and-so does a better job than you.” Or, “You’re not qualified.” And on and on it goes.

Stop listening to the voices and show up and give it your all.

Related: Three Truths That Pulled Me Out of a Pit of Insecurity

Shared Jul 14, 2014 comment

10 Goals For This Week (and my summer reprieve — yay!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 14, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

The last few months have been really, really full… moving, unpacking, adjusting to our new life in TN, and many, many trips. So when I landed back in Nashville on Saturday afternoon, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I made it through, by the grace of God, and I’m still in one piece and not completely exhausted!

And now I get to go into my summer reprieve — which I’ve been so looking forward to! I’m all about working hard, but I’ve also learned that seasons of rest are so very important. And the hard work makes those seasons much sweeter and rewarding.

I pretty much didn’t accomplish much of anything on my goal list last week, but it was a good week and many good lessons were learned and memories made, so I’ll take it. 🙂

Last Week’s Goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. Start a new read-aloud with the kids.

~~2. Have a movie night with Jesse.~~

Personal Goals

3. Exercise 4 times.

4. Go to bed by 10:30 p.m. every week night.

5. Finish reading Breathe, I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t), and The Traitor’s Wife.

Business Goals

~~6. Tweak my presentations/slides for FlameFest.~~

This Week’s Goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. Read 4 chapters of The Four-Story Mistake and read 4 chapters of The Mouse and the Motorcycle

2. Have a movie night with Jesse.

3. Try making a Homemade Latte.

4. Make more Homemade Lip Gloss with Kaitlynn.

Personal Goals

5. Work on reviewing and memorizing Romans 1 and Romans 2:1.

6. Exercise 4 times.

7. Go to bed by 10:30 p.m. every week night.

8. Finish reading Breathe, I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t), Wine Bar Theory, True Beauty, Atlas Girl, Unstuff, and The Traitor’s Wife. {I am going to try to read a book everyday — which may be shooting way too high, but since it’s summer and it’s a quieter week, I think I’ll probably have at least an hour or two for reading every afternoon and evening before bed. We’ll see!}

Business Goals

9. Shoot two videos for an upcoming media project.

10. Finish all the details and writing the copy for an upcoming product launch.

How did you do on last week’s goals? What are your goals for this week? I’d love to have you share your progress on last week’s goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you’ve blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let’s cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives! You can download a free customizable weekly goal-planning sheet here.

Shared Jul 14, 2014 comment

12 Months to a Healthier You: Week 28 Check-in

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 14, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Are you joining us for the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge? If so, it’s time for our weekly check-in to post our progress.

July’s Challenge:

We’re focusing on developing the habit reading more. I grow and learn so much through the books I read — which is why I included this as part of the 12 Months to a Healthier You challenge. I think filling our mind with good things can transform our whole life — from the inside out.

New to this challenge? Read more details on the plan for this year here.

My Reading Challenge for July

I’m hoping to read at least 20 books in July.

I’m also hoping to keep up with January’s habit of exercising at least 4-5 times every week, February’s goal of eating a big salad at least six times a week, March’s goal of drinking 8 glasses of water a day, April’s goal of cutting back on sugar, May’s goal of getting at least 7.5 hours of sleep every night, and June’s goal of sticking with my morning routine

This Week’s Progress:

So far, I’ve only read 2 books, but I was also traveling and out of town, so I’m hoping that I’m going to be able to step it up with reading now that I’m going to be home more the rest of this month. We’ll see!

I hit my water goals six of the days, ate a salad six days, got an average of 7.5 hours of sleep (yay!), did a fairly good job of sticking with my morning routine, and had dessert twice. The only area I really bombed was exercise — I didn’t exercise one single day. Yep, bad, I know. But I aim to change that this week!

How Are YOU Doing?

Leave a comment telling us how you did on your exercise goals this past week. If you’re blogging about this challenge, leave the direct link to your blog post about the challenge below. Are you on social media? You can also share your progress on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter by using hashtag #12MonthstoaHealthierYou.

Shared Jul 14, 2014 comment

7 FREE Ways to Celebrate Every Day

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 14, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post by Asheritah from of OneThingAlone.com

You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate. In fact, as I look back on my childhood, the best celebrations were the simple, unexpected ones, the chocolate cake in the middle of the week “just because”, the watermelon-eating contests to mark the passing of summer, the “attagirl” and pat on the back for a great slide tackle.

If you’re looking to add some excitement to your week or want to create some fun memories this summer, here are seven ways to add a flair of celebration to every day:

1. Make a big deal out of small accomplishments.

Did your toddler go potty by herself? Dance around the house with her!

Did you run 100 yards farther than before? Jump in the air and pump your fist!

Celebrating little accomplishments goes a long way to elevating our mood, and it also helps strengthen relationships.

In our family, my husband and I started celebrating our relationship every 3rd of the month before we even married. It gives us something to look forward to every month and I love coming up with little ways to surprise him.

2. Remember that every day is a holiday.

Every year my husband, daughter, and I dress up like cows to celebrate Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A. It’s become an annual tradition and we love being silly together (the free sandwiches sweeten the deal).

Check out local business’ event days or an online calendar for wacky holidays. See who can do the best moonwalk on lunar landing day (7/20) or eat cheesecake on National Cheesecake Day (7/30). Every day can be a holiday!

3. Start a list of #1000 gifts.

God’s gifts to us every day are miraculous blessings — but we often brush past them because we don’t stop to see them. Take a page from Ann Voskamp and write down 3 gifts each day; you’ll be surprised by all the reasons to celebrate every day.

Recently, I visited a friend’s house and saw a poster-sized piece of paper hanging in the kitchen with a long list of things they were grateful for, everything from shoes on sale to a life-changing missions trip. I LOVE that they do this as a family and that everyone contributes. You can write down anything and everything you are grateful for, and even share #1000gifts on social media like I do.

4. Make a toast at dinner.

Toasts don’t have to be relegated to wedding receptions or black-tie affairs. Pour some orange juice and make a toast to your husband, child, or friend, sharing with them what you appreciate about them or celebrating a recent accomplishment.

They may be embarrassed on the spot, but I bet they’ll also be touched and encouraged.

5. High-Five for a great job.

I read somewhere that giving out high-fives increases endorphins and general good-feelings. I’ve tried to include more high-fives in my day (both at work and at home) and the effect is a contagious smile and a rise in energy.

Finished putting away laundry with your husband? High-five! Got a sale at work? High-five! Managed to get the kids out of the house in time to catch the sermon at church? High-five!

6. Use the good dishes and put flowers on the table.

When someone special comes over for dinner, you probably tidy up, bring out the good dishes, put on a table cloth and maybe a vase of flowers.

Do that for your family. Make them feel special and celebrate each other!

7. Frame an “every day” picture.

Let’s face it: most days the house is a mess, dishes are in the sink, and we might get any makeup on. But it’s in that everyday grind that miracles happen: little lives are nurtured, two become one, relationships are built, and lives are transformed in those small daily things.

Celebrate those miracles by taking pictures of life as it really happens: tickle fights while putting away laundry, smeared spaghetti-faced babes, crayons spread across the kitchen table, and muddy boots in the foyer that tell of dancing in the rain. Pick your favorite and frame it to remind yourself that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful (thanks to The Nester for that lesson).

With some forethought and an intentional attitude, we can break up the monotony of the daily grind and celebrate little miracles every day.

What about you? How do you celebrate every day?

Asheritah blogs at OneThingAlone.com about her journey to resting in God’s amazing grace, celebrating Jesus through laundry piles, stacked bills, and midnight cries. She also posts encouraging thoughts, #1000gifts, and interesting reads on Facebook and Twitter.

photo source

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

FREE Summer Bucket List!!

Recipes made:

12 Books I Plan to Read in July

3 Books I Plan to Read Aloud to My Kids

What are your favorite at-home coffee drinks to make?

Walgreens Shopping Trip

10 Books I Read in June

3 Books I Read Aloud to My Kids

My Top 3 Favorites

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Marriage Goals

Mothering Goals

Personal Goals

Blogging Goals

Did you set goals for 2014 yet?

Target Shopping Trip

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July’s Challenge:

My Reading Challenge for July

This Week’s Progress:

How Are YOU Doing?

1. Make a big deal out of small accomplishments.

2. Remember that every day is a holiday.

3. Start a list of #1000 gifts.

4. Make a toast at dinner.

5. High-Five for a great job.

6. Use the good dishes and put flowers on the table.

7. Frame an “every day” picture.

What about you? How do you celebrate every day?

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