Happy New Years Eve! - Ringing in 2015!

Happy New Years eve, all!

*Cue brief and sappy reflective post. Cliche and unashamed.*

I always get excited for the New Year. It's a chance for a clean slate and new beginnings. There is something sincerely refreshing about that notion. And yes, I know the start of a new week could possibly be a clean state but I'm a slow mover and prefer to just wait the year out. Judge me not. 

This year I will be ringing in the new year the same way I rung in 2014. In bed. Husband, kids, and pup in tow. Surrounded by snacks, naturally. Laughing and yawning equally. Awaiting the final countdown to midnight so we can all get to bed. I've a geriatric soul at heart. Anytime after 10pm is entirely too late.  I can't hang.

2014 was a good year. It was the first year, in a long time, to be a year of consistency for my family. No moves. No new medical diagnosis', or school changes. No new headaches pets. I did, however, get a gym membership! That was new and fancy and short lived. I honestly wish this tidbit made the year feel different and progressive, but everything remains status quo over here! #foreverfat Oh well. Just another year older, ready to grasp the reigns of 2015 and take it on by storm. 

My 2014 new year resolutions were to love, dance, and read more. I think I held onto them reasonably well. Loved my family harder for sure! Attended a few Zumba classes. (That does count guys. Who are you? The resolution police?) And I read many great books, too! 

My 2015 New Year Resolution is to keep focus. I've many things I hope to achieve and do in the next few years. Too many things probably. And time isn't slowing down. Time, it seems, is like a steep hill and the further we go down this hill, or further into the future, the faster we seem to tumble. It's easy to loose focus, however; it's extremely important not to. Time is flying us by! It's essential for me to keep my vision clear and not focus on life's insignificant bumps and distractions along the way. I simply want to put my best foot forward. Focusing on every step of the way! Word of the day? Focus!

I pray 2015 is another year of consistency. Just another year of good health. Another year of achievements. Another year of joy. For myself. For the Messy Household. For all of us. Christ willing.  

2015 has already promised me so much. I start a  new position at work Jan 5th! Hooray to career changes! RT will be officially in the double digits and QT a whooping 8 years old! Hooray for  my earlier point being made! Time flies!! I'm looking forward to my becoming a brand new aunt in 2015! Hooray for this precious baby boy! Taking my boys to Disney World for the first time! Hooray for empty bank accounts! And bringing more material and posts to this blog! Woo hoo!

Most importantly, I'm looking forward to my resolution. Focus! On Christ. On my family. On my goals. 

I hope 2014 was good to all of you and my prayer is 2015 will be ever better!

Warmly, 

Messy Momma

What are some things you appreciated in 2014 and are looking forward to in 2015? Comment below!

Vanilla Sugar Scrubs: Crafty Creative

Hey there!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Yes, I am singing. Yes, you are lucky you cannot hear me.

Christmas is quickly approaching and I truly cannot wait! I'm grateful I started early with the Messy Household. Everything is purchased and even wrapped! When I'm behind on things it can really suck the joy out of the season. Thankfully there will be no Grinch over here this Christmas! But lo' and behold - I have found myself last minute with something. A fun gift for my beautiful mother and lovely sisters. Also, getting out the family Christmas cards but who is really keeping track? 

I've been searching the beautiful black hole that is Pinterest for a fun idea that would be both thoughtful, useful, and economically sound. My pockets are running dry this Christmas season. Luckily, I found such a great idea for my mother and sisters!

Vanilla Sugar Scrub!

Look how fancy and festive they are with their miniature bows and santa hat background. & of course I've made one for myself. I can't wait to try it out!

And you can, too! I found the recipe for them here: Vanilla Sugar Scrub

Here's a brief and delicious overview of the benefits of the ingredients:

Sugar: Sugar exfoliates and rids the skin of dead skin cells. 

Honey: Honey is firstly delicious. Not the best reason to slab it all over your body? Okay. Point made. Honey is both an antioxidant and moisturizer for your skin. 

Olive Oil: Moisturizer.

Vanilla: Subtle and charming aroma. 

I just know they're going to love them!

Merry Merry Christmas, all!

What are some great and economically savvy ideas you've on your Christmas lists this year? 

Prayers for the Stolen: Book Review

Prayers for the Stolen by Jennifer Clement was not only shared the story of Ladydi Martinez; it shared the story of many young girls, women, and the tragedies to be had on that small mountain face in Guerrero, Mexico.

​I was hooked the entire time. Every part of Ladydi's life story held me in it's haunted grasp. It was an emotional, well written and quick pace read about the abduction of girls, life in the rural jungle, drug wars, murder, deceit, poverty, lies, and love.

The times when it felt poetic were the most beautiful. Jennifer Clement did a wonderful job with imagery. You will feel what Ladydi felt, smell what she smelt, and see what she saw. ​

I felt the important characters were completely developed. The author developed them through experiences and interactions with others. ​Ladydi's mother was my favorite character. She was peculiar in many ways; indirectly praying for things, speaking what was on her mind and nothing less, and being brave at the most uncomfortable times when one would crumble in defeat. And even though she was displayed as a truly rigid woman, many times it was clear there were several soft spots underneath her crusted exterior. ​

As a disclaimer, there are bouts of strong language, violent and sexual themes throughout the book. 

Thank you to Blogging for Books for a complimentary copy for my honest review. 

Messy Momma, you're not alone.

I created this blog as a creative outlet. I'm big on jumping into a new project at every twinkling of inspiration I feel and then letting go when inspiration has left me. 

I was feeling less than inspired and with life's constant demands, I wasn't finding the time for posting.

Until this morning. 

Last night, QT told me his framed Spider-Man Comic cover fell from the wall. (He was trying to put something in between the frame. Something he obviously shouldn't be doing.) I told him to set it aside and I would fix it later and to next time leave it alone. 

This morning, as I turn on the light to wake them up and come into their room to give them some morning inspiration, I notice the frame to the Spider-Man poster board was played with and now completely cracked. (This was a poster frame, an expensive purchase, and a sincere effort to make their room stylish, unique, and new for them in the new house. This poster lasted 6 months.)

I was annoyed.

Inspiration struck me again. It was a reminder why I created this blog in the first place. Am I the only parent who has to deal with this? Are my kids the only destructive beings around? 

I know QT isn't the "norm." But is there really such a thing? Sometimes, getting him to do something he has no interest in doing takes repeated efforts, stern reminders, and sometimes bribing. But, isn't this something all parents face? 

I spend time on Pinterest, eyes glazed over with pure envy, looking at the mommy bloggers who seem to have it all together. Everything is neat. No stains on kids cute matchy matchy outfits. Big smiles.Toys put away. Fun adventures. Perfection. And they still have time to up cycle furniture and do Pilates. And I think how my life doesn't represent this, 25% of the time. Who are these people?!

In the Messy household, it's yelling, disorder, noise, mess, but love. The love is what's important. 

Just this past weekend, I went out with my mom and sister and a family friend and her family and all I asked were for nice smiles. 

Examples: 

Hunched over with forced smiles. Their best effort. 

Here were 90% of what the others looked like:

This is my life.

I created this blog so that other Messy Momma's can know they're not alone. That in other houses too, the laundry seems to multiply every few minutes, stepping on multiple unforeseen Legos seems to be a right of passage into parenthood, the kids often wear mix-match socks, and frozen pizza for the second night in the row sometimes just has to do. And it's all okay.

As long as love and forgiveness will always be what's not only present but what's in abundance, you're doing okay Momma. 

We just need to remind ourselves, sometimes. 

Where Treetops Glisten: Book Review!

The Christmas season is upon us and unrelenting but if you're anything like me, you're Buddy the elf. The Christmas season sets you in a mood of absolute joy. From decorations and music to the movies and family there's so much to look forward to this time of year and I celebrate as soon as I can. Once the weather is chilly, it's automatically Christmas season to me!

"I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite" - Buddy, (Elf 2003)

Alongside the fun commercial aspect of this time of year, is the REAL reason Christmas should be celebrated. The birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The best Christmas present of all! 

During Christmas, to keep myself in the festivities of it all, I love a good Christmas themed novel with a strong family and faith foundation. Christmas, 2014, I'm recommending Where Treetops Glisten: Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II. This is a wonderfully written historical romance set during the difficult time period this country faced during World War II. Please see below my review!

"Where Treetops Glisten: Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II is a book of 3 novellas, each beautifully written by a different author, Sarah Sundin, Cara Putman, and Tricia Goyer. They told the stories of the Turner family during the Christmas season during the early 1940s during World War II.

Each story was perfectly woven and well blended with one another. It was an all around heartfelt read, focusing on family, Christian faith, sorrow, and joy. All elements we face and can truly relate to during the Christmas season. If you enjoy a historic fiction book, alongside a deep yearning for the Christmas spirit, and a little romance, then this is the truly book for you.

Each novella played it's part in displaying the real trials families faced during this time and the relentless hope that one  longed for and the timeless magic the Christmas season can bring. I loved that the book surrounded the Turner family and each novella highlighting this time period perfectly.

It was a pleasure to read!

Thank you to Blogging For Books for a complimentary copy for my honest review."

I recommend you to cozy up with a copy of this book today! Below is a link of the book on Amazon.com.

Where Treetops Glisten

Cheers to the beginning of this magical season!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from Blogging For Books for my honest review. 

Gifts for the Step-Father on Father's Day!

Although our Papi currently has no biological children of his own, he is very much a Father everyday! He deserves much praise on Father's Day. Below I've listed things to get a step-father and to recognize him on Father's Day. 

Homemade father's day gifts are usually the most sentimental and cheapest! Here are some sentimental ideas for the step-dad:

Create a homemade booklet. The front could read, (insert what the children call him.) is the best step-dad because... Each page inside could be dedicated to a separate great quality accompanied by drawings and a lot of color. 

Cook him his favorite dinner and bake his favorite dessert. A man likes to eat right? Why not give him the exact meal his stomach desires. He will not only appreciate the thought and gesture, but he will appreciate the time and effort as well. 

My boys say the funniest things. A great way to get some laughs out of your husband would be to comprise a set of questions and have the kids answer. What is he good at? What is something he is bad at? What superhero does he remind you of? He smells like? Where does he want to travel? The possibilities are endless! (The laughs will be, too.)

A clean home. Our Papi, being the neat freak his is, would love nothing more than to have a clean home. Sparkling. Shining. No sign of the messy clan in sight. Smelling of fresh laundry and bleach. After church, and time at my parents, this is something he would love to relax in. Not making any promises, this serves only as a suggestion to this list. ha!

If money isn't an issue, purchase him gifts that will mean something and that he'll truly value. Not just ties, cuff-links, tools, or any other typical Father's Day gifts. Does he have a favorite sports team? Purchase him tickets to a game. Does he have any particular hobbies? Buy him something that correlates with that interest. Since the weather has been warm has he been itching for the beach? Drive him to the beach for the day. What are his go-to treats and snacks? Papi loves Snickers. Maybe we'll throw a couple in a gift bag for him this year!

There are so many cute ideas for more complicated crafts and personalized gifts you can find online. There are infinite ideas. Most importantly, we need to recognize our husbands for their efforts and all they do in our children's lives. There's nothing like a dad. 

Happy Early Father's Day!

7 Way to Get Inspired to Write

As an artist, (yes, writers are most certainly artists), there are times when we feel.. less than inspired. Perhaps, it's the sink full of dishes. Or, the crying children. Maybe, it's the day to put the bills in the mail. Sometimes life can just drag us down to the point where it's hard inspire what we write and furthermore, harder to get ourselves to write. 

It's tough. I admit. Coming up with blog posts. Sometimes the will power just isn't there to get it done. My blog posts are all family and faith related; however, my realization of lack of inspiration actually inspired me to write this post! Writing is honestly one of my favorite things to do, but how does one overcome those days where writing another post is the last thing one would want to do? What about that novel you've been working on? What can you do to keep it going? What can you do to finally finish it? 

Picture Credit

Below are someways to simply be inspired:

1. Read: Reading can give me the same escape writing does. I can find myself lost in a book and lose hours reading and meeting new characters. Reading can inspire me as well. It sparks my own creativeness and inspire me to begin writing again. Plus to be a writer, it is essential you are  reader as well. Stuck? Hop into a book!

2. Blog: If you're working on writing a book, whether it's your first or your fifty-first, blogging is a sure way to help get those creative muscles working. If your blog is different than the novel you're working on, writing for your blog is an excellent source of practicing. What do I mean by that? Writing is a talent. Just as playing the violin or running track would be. It's important we practice. Blogging is a great way to practice and to find inspiration.

3. Be alone: Spending time alone is one of the greatest ways to spark inspiration. It leaves you alone with your thoughts. Prayer and meditation helps. However, don't just sit alone on your couch at home in attempts to conjure up some ideas. Get outside. Walk around your neighborhood. Look at the beauty of nature, the birds in the sky, and the animals scurrying in your path. Go to a nearby cafe and eavesdrop. Listen to people talk, to the way they interact with one another. Sit at a local park and just people watch. Pay attention to their outfits, their gestures, their activities, and whom they are with. All ways wonderful ways to get inspired. 

4. Spend time together: Spending good quality time with those you love is always a sure way to help enhance your writing or simply inspire you. Listening to your husband tell a funny story about his work day can inspire you to take a comical turn in a work in progress you've sitting on your laptop. Watching your children play or talk about their day at school can inspire you to write a blog on family time, or use those experiences to enhance a story. 

5. Sleep: Give that overworked brain a rest. Sometimes it's as simple as that. People are often inspired by a dream. Who knows what great message will be sent to you during that nap?

6. Happiness: Personally, eating tacos with my husband and children is one of my absolute favorite things to do. It makes me truly happy. Going to church. Reading a great book. Watching a TV show that both my husband and I enjoy. Rubbing Chubby's belly. These things bring true joy to my life. They inspire me to write and they inspire my writing. Little pieces of your joy are always going to be sprinkled into what you write. That's the beauty of being a writer. We're raw. Open. We leave much of us on the paper. Let happiness be an inspiration. 

7. Do something different: What's something you've never done before? Drive in movie theater? Rollerblading in the park? Running a local marathon? Being adventurous can really get those creative juices flowing. Allow experience and life to inspire you to not only write but also inspire what story you tell. 

Writing is a beautiful gift and art. It's up to us to continue sharing it. Inspiration lies everywhere, we must pay attention.

What are some things you do to stay inspired? Comment below!