Successful Goal Planning for Any Time of the Year

Written by Kari @ Living Strong Health & Wellness, Contributing Writer It’s that time of year when people all over the world are bringing out their goal sheets and making their New Year’s Resolutions. I love this attitude and drive that so many of us jump into, but unfortunately, for the majority of people, the excitement isn’t long-lived. This leads to unsuccessful resolutions, goals going unchecked and tons of frustration, which ultimately leads to people who just give up on having … [Read more...]

Thank You Notes from Littles

Written by KT @ One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer Want to encourage thankfulness in your little ones? We started writing thank you notes early.  The kids would decorate paper with crayons or finger paint, and I would write the note and talk to them about what they liked about each gift. This year, my 4 year old is ready to contribute (a little) to the writing process!  He is having fun practicing letters and loved writing his own note to Santa this year!  Imagine my surprise when he … [Read more...]

Real Food on a Budget

Written by Jenn @ A Simple Haven, Contributing Writer Anyone else ringing in the New Year with some kind of detox?  After consuming more sugar and white flour in the past several weeks than I have during the rest of the year, my body is crying out for fruits and veggies. Even if you're not doing anything drastic, maybe you just want make better food choices in 2014--avoid processed stuff, replace some conventionally-grown produce with organic, eat more locally-grown stuff (good luck in … [Read more...]

Post Holiday Health Recovery

Written by Nell @ Whole Parenting Family, Contributing Writer When you've sugared out, and your kiddos have too, it's time to detox before New Years so you can get a smooth start on your resolutions to eat less sugar, and work out more. Wait, that's your plan too?? Who doesn't have that resolve (at least til February)? Maybe you can put this off til after New Years, if you're going to be at home on vacation, eating those leftover cookies. First and foremost, let's address our food … [Read more...]

Birthdays Amidst the Holidays

Written by Jenn @ A Simple Haven, Contributing Writer The only preference I've ever had regarding childbearing was no Christmas babies.  To me, labor and delivery around the holidays seemed crazy stressful.  Not to mention the poor kid’s birthday would be forever lost in the busyness of the season. Turns out the good Lord thought having a Christmas baby is exactly what I needed.  As per usual, He was right. Sweet baby boy entered the world about an hour before Christmas Eve; the grace I … [Read more...]

Making Christmas Last All Year

Written by KT @ One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer I love Christmas. I love the spirit, season, the holiday, the decorations, the food, and being with my family.  I wish Christmas lasted ALL year and here is how I extend it as long as possible :) Here are my 3 tips for extending our Christmas spirit and love throughout the entire year. 1. Gather the gifts Despite my best efforts to cut down on the gifting of Christmas, my kids get tons of gifts.  They have a lot of people who care … [Read more...]

Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude in an Unthankful World

Written by Kristen, Contributing Writer With Thanksgiving around the corner, many of us turn our hearts towards gratitude. We focus on being thankful for our loved ones, perhaps our home, or the food on our plate. It's a wonderful time! However, have you noticed how hard it is to keep that heart of gratitude year round? When turkey, mashed potatoes, and dressing are a thought from the past, it is so easy to get caught up in the unthankfulness of the world! But after all that God has done … [Read more...]

Hospitality Amidst Holiday Craziness

Written by Jenn, Contributing Writer The holiday season is nearly upon us.  Soon our calendars will be brimming with family gatherings, travel plans, parties, and holiday feasts.  Shopping trips, family traditions, and December birthdays will abound. So with the busyness of this season could come the temptation to just tell friends and neighbors, “see you in January!” Certainly that would be easiest. But as a believer in the power of real hospitality to foster deep relationships, … [Read more...]

Toddler Quiet Time: a daily routine to give everyone breathing time

Written by Nell, Contributing Writer Does your toddler go-go-go-go? I know ours does. She's 18 months and all locomotive. Except when she crashes and burns for lack of sufficient down time. If your child is transitioning from one nap to two, or simply is ready to learn (in a gentle way) how to be alone, join my club! The big disclaimer is, of course, that not every child needs quiet time, and not every child responds well to this method of helping them appreciate quiet time. You know your … [Read more...]

Organizing the Busy Mom’s Day with Routines Rather Than Schedules

Written by Kristen, Contributing Writer I like my days to be organized. I like to see a list, check things off, and know that I've accomplished the important tasks that need done for my day. If I can get ahead on something, well by golly, I'll take those bonus points, too! It didn't take me long, however, to realize that keeping my days organized can be quite challenging when I'm working with a crew of little people. Rather than beat myself up over not sticking with a schedule that is ruled … [Read more...]