Holiday Guest Post: Tiny Kicks & Belly Giggles

If you were to ask me what I'm most thankful for in 2015, I wouldn't miss a beat before answering. Each and every day when I look into my sons eyes, I am thankful that God gave me the privilege of becoming a mother, his mother, this year. I'm thankful that I got to carry and intimately know him for 9 months. I'm thankful for that first cry, it was music to my ears. I'm thankful for the smiles while nursing. I'm thankful for the stretch marks, hair loss, and dark circles under my eyes. I'm thankful for the 2:00 A.M wake up calls. I'm thankful that I get to show him the world. I'm thankful that I get to teach him how to be a gentleman. I'm thankful for his unconditional love. I'm thankful for these simple days. I'm thankful that he has the best Daddy who loves him just as much as I do. There is so much to be thankful for this year, but I'm simply thankful that God gave me the privilege of becoming a mother, his mother. I'll love you forever, Micah William. Love, Mommy

What a cutie pie!!!
-Thankful for Thursdays

Holiday Guest Post: Thankful For The Unexpected Journey

This season I find myself grateful for the most unlikely of things…persistence and patience. 

Without either, I would be no further ahead than when I first began my journey a year ago. Like many individuals, I pursued the American dream (a.k.a. the daily grind). Literally, I woke up, drove to a corporate office to sit at my comfortable desk next to windows, completed my daily tasks with precision, drove home to my two-bedroom condo, ate dinner, took my dog for a walk and settled in for the night only to turn around and do it again the very next day. There is nothing wrong with the average daily life. The problem is, I am not the average person and was not interested in living as such. I wanted change and adventure and more than anything, I wanted my life to have meaning and purpose.

I have since made some very significant changes, which included quitting my job, selling my home, possessions and car. I made a decision to finish out my teaching degree, which required that I study and pass the dreaded MTTC teacher certification tests. This meant a commitment to study every night and weekend since last January and relearning things I haven’t studied since high school.

Trust me, changes like this are not for sissies or the lazy! I am thankful for the persistence and patience I’ve learned along the way. I needed it after a summer of painting cupboards, ceilings and walls in my condo while I prepared to sell and I needed it every time I failed my MTTC test (up to three times), to keep me from NOT giving up. I’ve needed it to remind myself this is just the beginning and that I can and will finish what I’ve started because the best is yet to come.

I don’t have it in hand yet but yesterday, I received the green light indicating, my teaching certificate is close at hand. I marvel at my past year and look forward to what is to come. Persistence and patience have been hard on me but in the end, they have become my best friend, and for them, I am grateful.

Cheers!

Courtney W.

The "Not Your Everyday" Holiday Wish-List: A Perfectly Unique Gift Guide for Her

Over the years, I have read A LOT of gift guides online.  There are lists everywhere...lists for the tech, explorer, photographer, men, women, teens, and so on.  They typically show off all of the new gadgets, unique charm bracelets, stylish hoodies, and focus on good ole' "stuff."  This list will be very different from those you might typically find and I hope it resonates with you.

After being in the mall this weekend, I can tell you shopping small business, online, and buying "unique" presents is the way to go.  While I love the smell of roasted almonds...I would rather avoid the so-called "deals" and save some time to spend with the people I love.  

After all...that is what this season is truly about...so it's perfect!

Finding a gift just for the sake of finding a gift is something I struggle with personally.  I like to take time to think of the person and what they might enjoy.  More recently, I have focused on finding gifts that will provide a joy that will last.  After asking several women (moms, girlfriends, wives, daughters, etc.) what they would really appreciate for the holidays, I created the following list of gifts.  Also, a few tips for figuring out what "makes her tick" at the end of the post.  

As you read this list, you may notice that I have really steered clear from "stuff."  If you haven't read my post "Let. It. Go.," then that might help you understand why I have chosen to stay away from physical gifts that may clutter your living space.  Although this is the general theme, I understand and would agree there are physical things worth giving as gifts and it all depends on the person who is receiving the gift.

I hope you find these suggestions helpful!  As always, this is a combined effort and your feedback is appreciated.  Thank you to those of you who contributed ideas to this list!  

Please leave a comment in the section below with more ideas!

The Wish List

 

1.  Massage & Spa Treatment

Just going to get my eyebrows waxed every other week is enough to make me fall asleep...and I'm not even a mom yet.  By the time I sit down in that chair to have someone wax the crap out of my eyebrows, I often find myself on the edge of falling asleep.  Yes...I said often.  Therefore, giving the gift of a massage, facial, manicure/pedicure, etc. would be HEAVEN.  My personal preference...a Hot Stone massage (60 or 90 min) with a pedicure.  Make sure to research and read reviews for the best places and the cleanliest.  If the woman you are shopping for is the gift wrapper for multiple people, maybe make this an early gift and wrap the presents for her while she is away!  For all of you dad's out there...throw in a babysitter and a date night too.  You won't regret it...I promise.

Okay...so I didn't have a picture of a spa.
BUT!  You can use essential oils and a common oil for a homemade massage too!

2.  Magazine Subscription 

My husband and I both enjoy reading, so last year his parents bought us a 12-month subscription for National Geographic.  Even though we don't always have a chance to sit down and read it, it's fun to get something in the mail that is NOT a BILL.  We look forward to the issue every other week.  Some of the magazines your friend, mom, wife, girlfriend, etc. might be interested in may include:

Better Homes & Gardens

Cosmopolitan

TIME

Women's Health

Brides

Our early Christmas presents from Ev's parents
came in the mail already!

3.  Cleaning Service/ Pass Book

This one has been on my mind a lot lately.  I typically don't mind cleaning the house, however there are weeks when I wish I had someone to do it for me.  For as long as I can remember my mom has always had someone come every other week to clean our home.  My mom is a teacher and works long hours most days; she needs a break at times.  However, she is not willing to go without the house being clean...and neither am I.  That being said if it's in your budget, find someone to come clean the house each week, twice a month, or even once a month.  Otherwise, write up a few "cleaning passes" that she can use when she would like someone else to clean the house.  Maybe figure out some rules for those passes, like 24-hour rule where the pass has to be shown 24-hours prior to the cleaning.  You may say, "Hey!  I help her clean a lot."  Sorry.  Helping is not the same.  My husband helps make dinner and/or clean too, but it is VERY rare that I don't have a hand in cleaning or making the meals.  Sometimes it is just nice to not do something 365 days or 52 weeks out of the year.

Ev and My Spring Weekend Getaway

4.  Weekend Getaway (again...plan it to a "T")

Now this could go in many directions.  Again, I think it is important to plan the getaway to a "T," or find someone to go with her who will help out with the planning.  Again, plan as much as possible.  My mom was our "vacation planner" and I can tell you she put a ton of work into our vacations.  Sometimes I wonder how she could even be excited for those trips.     

**Make sure to check her schedule to see if she has anything going on before booking the trip.

5.  Date Night (Planned to a "T")

It's one thing to plan to take her out to eat...it's another to cover all of your bases...including the babysitter.  Schedule the babysitter, make reservations for dinner at her favorite restaurant, have dinner for the children ready that night and just go.  Put the phones away and enjoy quality time together.  This may seem as if it could be geared toward a man taking his wife, fiance, or girlfriend out, HOWEVER this could actually be a present for a friend or daughter.  For instance, my mom (someday) might set up a babysitter for me and her and I could go out for dinner...that would be such a lovely gift!

6.  Vacation

Plan a full vacation!  Whether it be a cruise, trip to see family, or just a road trip, take the time and go with your friend, wife, girlfriend, daughter, etc.  Schedule a few fun activities for different days such as broadways, hikes, visiting nature centers, skiing, etc.  The less she has to plan, the better.  If you are not much of a planner, but would still love to do this, then I'd suggest using a travel agent.  Evan and I, along with several of our family members, use A Frugal Traveler and Marcia is wonderful.

**Make sure to check her schedule to see if she has anything going on before booking the trip.

7.  Frozen dinners (Homemade Of Course)

This was one was a popular choice for many woman I spoke to over the past few days.  Whether it be grocery shopping, prepping, cooking, or dishes, I typically have a hand in some part of making meals.  Earlier in the fall I took a weekend to put together soups, chicken pot pies, pulled pork, applesauce and baked bread.  Even today I pulled out frozen soup to eat for our Sunday dinner.  What would be even sweeter is if someone else had made and frozen those meals for us.  Both of our mom's will often send us home with extra soups or meals that they have made and it's awesome to have dinner ready to go without doing the work.  This is where time can prove to be one of the best gifts for a woman.  Not every woman wants the new coach purse, in fact I would argue that when given a choice between ten, effortless, frozen meals vs. a coach purse, many woman would choose the frozen meals.  (Please comment below if you disagree.)  Often times we are interested in feeling appreciated and having more opportunity to spend our time with the ones we love.  

Now...let's not be completely silly...I am not saying we don't appreciate a nice handbag every once in 
awhile either. ;)

8.  Essential Oils & Diffuser

I began using essential oils in high school, however about a year ago my husband and I began using them nearly everyday.  We will diffuse different oils in our diffuser each morning and at night.  We also use lavender every night before bed.  There are so many and they really have added value to our lives.  In fact...I haven't taken a tylenol or pain medication since July.  That's almost six months people.  We order through Young Living (YL), however there are several other companies to choose from.  My advice...research the company. 

A few of our favorite oils from YL include:

Believe

Lavender

Peppermint

StressAway

PanAway

Peace & Calming

Ylang-Ylang

Our diffuser that runs almost every morning and evening.

9.  Yoga, Kickboxing, Exercise Lessons

This one you might need to be careful about.  I had a lot of woman say they would love these gifts and I think exercise classes or lessons are definitely a better suggestion than a standard "gym membership."  Yoga is relaxing and if you throw in a babysitter or you take the time to watch the children (if she has children) that makes the time even more relaxing.  Many gyms or yoga studios sell punch cards or monthly memberships.  Again, read the reviews and research the options.  You may even think about getting a yoga mat, yoga block, and yoga outfit for her.  I found this bag on Timbuk2 that holds a yoga mat and looks super cute!

10.  Write a Poem

One person shared that she had received a hand-written poem that had been made into a book of pictures.  How sweet is that?!  I'm not sure there is anything else I could add to this...it is just way too thoughtful.  I personally use Nations Photo Lab when ordering our pictures and they also offer picture books, calendars, etc.

11.  Finish A DIY Project

Almost every girl has a project she would like to do at some point.  If you get ahold of her Pinterest page, I imagine she you will find a "DIY" board full of projects that haven't been attempted...yet.  If you are handy--great!  If not, no worries, you probably have a friend who is or can find the perfect tutorial online for completing the project.  This one actually doesn't need to be a surprise, you could always do this project together and let her choose what project she would like to complete.

One of Our Favorite DIY Projects

 

12.  Family Dinner & Movie

Sometimes it is perfect to stay at home with the family.  Find a night, let her pick a meal, movie, dessert and start relaxing!  Take care of dinner, clean-up, and get that popcorn poppin'!  Or, in our case...fire up the blender cuz we're having milkshakes!

13.  Concert, Broadway, Sporting Event Tickets

 Find out what's in town and go!  You can make this as expensive as you would like.  If you are looking to stay local and spend small...check out local high schools.  The high schools around us put on some amazing musicals and plays for a small fee.  Where I grew up, we had a playhouse where local actors and actresses performed.   If you are thinking bigger, then maybe find out when and where her favorite music artist or football team might be playing.  Again...have the details figured out so that she doesn't have to.

Family Christmas to a Red Wings game in 2012

14.  Fill a Jar with Love Notes

When Evan gets me a present...he has learned the most important piece is often a card with a  handwritten note.  I love them.  When he takes the time to write me a little note it can turn my day around quick.  A jar full of notes is a gift that keeps on giving and for the most part is pretty inexpensive...unless you feel the need to use expensive paper or buy a REALLY expensive jar...that's your choice!  Maybe throw in a bottle of her favorite wine or cider to sip on while reading some of them.

One of my favorite this fall from
Good Neighbor Organic Winery

15.  Personal Artwork

  For Evan and my First Wedding Anniversary, we had his cousin sketch a picture of us from our wedding.  I am embarrassed to admit it is the only picture from our wedding that hangs at this moment in our home (choosing photos and decorating has been an intimidating word for me until recently--see below).  This is one of our favorite pieces of decor in the house...hands-down.

One of our favorite artists:  Landon Holzwarth

16.  Sentimental Picture

This one probably ties in closely with #15, but it can also be different.  Have you ever watched the movie, "The Family Stone?"  It's one of my absolute FAVORITE movies especially during the holidays.  Well...in the movie the girlfriend (Sarah Jessica Parker) gives each family member a picture of the mom (played by Diane Keaton), who at the time was pregnant with the youngest daughter (Rachel McAdams).  It was a beautiful picture and I am sure if you dig enough...you can find a perfect photo to frame or have enlarged.  If that isn't the perfect gift...I'm not sure what is.

17.  Art/Craft Classes

I try my best to do as much as I can on my own...with the help of my husband, mother, and dad of course.  There is something about having skills.  Whether it be cooking, gardening, crafting, sewing, and the list goes on and on.  It is important to have hobbies and skills to use.  Not to mention, these skills can be used for supplementary income.  For instance, my husband has received several tools throughout the past few years including a drill, drill bits, circular saw, ladder, etc.  With each gift, he has not only worked on our own home increasing it's value, but he has also built and sold items such as tables and benches.  These tools have paid for themselves and even allowed us a return on the original investment.  Something to think about. :)

This project from a class I took
 receives so many compliments!

18.  Decorating Consultation and/or Service

Like I said, choosing wedding pictures and decorating have been two very intimidating things for me over the past year and a half.  First off, we have had sooo many big projects like remodeling, curb appeal, painting, etc. that have taken precedence over putting up decorations on the walls.  We would like to take a minimalist approach, however bare walls are also not my favorite either.  If you know a woman who is having the same struggle (trust me, it's a struggle somedays), then maybe there is someone who can help!  Maybe she would enjoy having someone come spend a few hours or the day brainstorming ideas for decorating.  My friend's parents just told me that Art Van has a team of interior designers who will provide a consultation for you.  As the daughter of a small-business owner, I have adopted a small-business shopper mentality, however I understand that is not always possible.

19.  First Edition of Her Favorite Classic Book 

I am not a fan of having or buying "stuff," but if there is one thing I would love to fill our house with ...it's BOOKS.

Like I'm talking I want a library full of books.  I enjoy a good read on the Kindle, however there is something about reading a book.  So, if you can find the first edition of her favorite classic story...go for it.  I'm sure she will be thrilled to read it all over again and even more tickled that it is an original.

Repeat picture from last post...I just love the quote!

20.  Hair, Makeup, and Styling Session

I have to admit...this was my husband's idea.  HOWEVER, he has not done this for me so maybe it's something he is keeping in his back pocket for future gifts (I can only hope).  This is similar to a spa day, but different and not quite as oily.  Schedule her an appointment at her hair dresser...or a really nice place in town that does the whole deal; hair, styling, makeup, and nails.  Maybe throw in shopping at the local boutique where she can find the perfect outfit with the help of a styling consultant.  If she watches or has watched makeover shows like "What Not To Wear" on TLC, then this gift might be perfect.  

**Again, tread lightly with this one...you would hate for her to take this gift as a sign that she NEEDS all of these services.  That should not be the thought behind this gift.

Tips for Deciding...

1.  Check Out Her Pinterest

Either figure out how to get onto her Pinterest board for yourself, or ask a friend to help.  That can be a REALLY great way to find different date night ideas, gifts, DIY, and styles that will fit her interests.

2.  LISTEN To What She Says

A little lesson on girl lingo.  If I say "I wish I could come home and have the house clean..." or "I wish the laundry would do itself..." then you can pretty much guarantee she would appreciate having someone do all of that for her every now and again.  Listen for those "hidden messages."

3.  Ask Her Mom, Sister, Friend, etc.

When it comes to gifts, they might know her best.  Most likely, they think a lot like her too...which means they will be able to help you figure out what she might appreciate or not.

4.  What Are Her Interests?

Does she have a hobby or talk about wanting a hobby?  Maybe she talks about how cool she thinks it is that her friend does photography, or that the local art gallery has pottery classes.  Again, it may take some listening.

5.  Before You Were "Long-Term"

So this might be more for couples, but there are plenty of fun things that Evan and I used to do before we were together for 3+ years.  We went strawberry picking, fishing, hunting, etc.  We try and do these things still today, but we definitely don't take the time to do them as much.  Think back to what you would do together when you first started seeing each other and do it.  Most likely, you both have missed whatever it is that you don't do anymore.

I hope you all have found some good options from this short, but very long list.  To each their own!  Please share your ideas or gifts you have received in the past that were "extra special" in the comments section below.

Feel free to visit our Thankful for Thursdays Facebook Page to share as well!

Have a great rest of your week everyone!

-Michelle

Holiday Guest Post: Thankful for The Story

 I guess I've always thought life was like a book. 

Like life is what happens in books and everyone has a book, and meeting other people is just like dialogues and crossovers. Truth be told though, it is not. Life is not like the books you read and your life doesn't have a genre-like, action, romance, or adventure. To be honest, if our lives were books, they'd be boring as hell. At least mine would be. Tell you what, I'm currently in the library of a high school during lunch, the only free time you get in these 4 years of hell, and staring out the window. 

It's kind of ironic actually, writing about how life isn't like a book in a library, but hey that's life isn't it? 

And life is not a book.

...unless we make it one. 

Unless we take that spontaneous road trip and cook that awful recipe and buy those knee high, light-up avacado socks because OBVIOUSLY you NEED them.  

You have the decision to make your life a bit more like a book, a bit more whimsical if you wanted to.  I guess that's what I'm thankful for.  I'm thankful for the choice to make my life more fictional, more amazing, magical. 

More like a book, all as I wish... kind of like a book.

~Jamie Erickson, 15

Holiday Guest Post: Bundle of Thanks

I try to give thanks every evening. No matter how hard the day may have been, there is always something to be grateful for. Being grateful to look back on the day itself is something I encourage all to think about as a privilege in itself. That being said, I could go on all day about all the things I am thankful for…family, friends, good health, living in a safe environment...the list goes on.

Looking back on this year, there are definitely some highlights. Not only have I found my, now, husband to enjoy adventures and laughs together, he helped plan a wedding and celebration that brought both of our families together in the most overwhelmingly loving gathering I have ever been a part of. It was one of the most beautiful things to see two families come together with so much love and generosity.  

To top it all off, apparently...we’re really good at procreating. 

Shortly after we were married, we found out that there was a little something in my tummy. We continue to remind ourselves what a miracle it is to grow and have a baby. Although it happens every day, the ability to continue this extraordinary thing we call life is hard to put into words. 

Despite the hardships we face from year to year, focusing on the positives is essential to longevity and quality life.

-Pregnant Newlywed