Category Archives: Homemaking

Possibilities of Fall

Fall Family Project: Care Packages for Our Troops

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV)

With the advent of the autumn season comes much opportunity to reflect upon the blessings God has bestowed upon us. Along with the more obvious day of gratitude, Thanksgiving Day, comes a lesser celebrated day, Veteran’s Day.

November 11, Veteran’s Day, is the one day set aside each year to honor the patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice of all those who have served in the Armed Forces of the U.S., including those currently serving. For several years now, our family has attempted to repay that service in a very small way — by sending care packages to our troops.

This small token of gratitude is amazingly meaningful to those who have received our simple gifts. When you’re far away from home and those you love, it doesn’t take much to make your day. A box of toiletries, a pair of socks, some much coveted beef jerky — things most of us pass by on our weekly grocery store visits — become priceless treasures to those living in less than desirable conditions.

Today, I want to help your family serve in this way as well, by sharing three different themed care packages that can be easily assembled for about the cost of an average family’s trip to a fast food restaurant, as well as some tips for sending care packages to our troops.

What do I need to know about shipping care packages?

I’m glad you asked, because there are a few things you need to know, including some hard and fast rules about sending care packages.

No obscene or pornographic articles are permitted (prints, cards, DVDs, etc).
Non-authorized political materials are not permitted.
Bulk quantities of religious material contrary to Islam are not permitted (items for personal use are allowed).
Pork or pork by-products are not permitted.
Each care package mailed must be accompanied by the customs form found here. Be sure you read the instructions for how to complete the form properly. Any errors and your care package may not be delivered.
My personal preference for packaging is the large Priority Mail flat rate box. The shipping rate for this box is $16.85 no matter how heavy it is, and the post office will discount that to $13.30 for boxes going to an APO/FPO address. The boxes are free for the taking at your local branch of the USPS or you can order them online here.
Chocolate should not be included in care packages, especially during the hot summer months.
Shop at your local dollar store. We were able to fill two boxes of toiletries for less than $40. Our food box was more expensive because we needed to head to the grocery store for much of the food. That box came to about $35. Still that’s three care packages for $75, or an average of $25 each. Many families will spend $25 driving through a fast-food restaurant!
Don’t send homemade food items. Shipping times may be delayed, and these foods could spoil.
Place anything liquid (shampoo, body wash, etc.) into plastic zipper bags in case they spill.

What items should I include?

Generally speaking, you should choose a theme for your care package — toiletries, food, or entertainment. There can be some crossover between the three, but for the most part, boxes that contain toiletries should not also contain food. I find it much easier to pack according to theme. For this Veteran’s Day, we chose to pack 2 boxes with toiletries (one for a man, and one for a woman) and 1 box of food items. Below are list of items you might consider including for each box.

Toiletries Care Package

Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Bar soap
Body wash
Hand lotion
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Dental floss
Razors
Shaving cream
Hand sanitizer
Lip balm
Baby wipes
Foot powders
Feminine hygiene products
Tissues
Sunblock
Bug spray
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Socks (cotton or wool)

Food Care Package

Tuna in foil packs
Ramen noodles
Canned or dried fruits
Sunflower seeds
Roasted nuts
Beef jerky
Instant coffee, herbal teas, hot chocolate
Drink powders, such as Gatorade, Tang, Crystal Light
Protein powders
Granola bars/Power bars
Instant oatmeal packs
Trail mix
Peanut butter
Cheese/peanut butter crackers
Individual boxes cereal
Cookies
Gum/Mints
Hard candies

Entertainment Care Package

Card games
Travel games
Personal CD player (don’t forget the batteries!)
CDs
DVDs
Video games
Small Nerf balls
Frisbees
Journals
Writing paper
Puzzle books
Pens and/or markers
Stuffed animals (for the troops to hand out to children)
Books and/or magazine
International phone cards

How do I find a soldier for my care package?

Most of us know someone who has a loved one currently serving overseas. Ask around, post a message on Facebook, or ask your pastor. If you can’t find a connection through your friends, family, or church, there are several ministries who match soldiers with families who wish to send a care package — AnySoldier and Give2theTroops are two such organizations. In the past you could just address your box to “Any Soldier” and it would be distributed. It is my understanding that is no longer acceptable.

Final Thoughts

Be sure to include a card or letter, expressing your gratitude to the soldier who will receive your care package. Also include your email and/or snail mail address if you would like to receive a reply from your solider. Have your children draw pictures and/or decorate the inside of your box with drawings, messages, and stickers. Children of all ages will enjoy taking part in this effort, from planning the shopping list to packing the box. This is such a simple way to show our gratitude and be the hands of Jesus during a trying time in the life of a soldier. May God richly bless our efforts.

How about you? What are some of your favorite Family Projects?

Living Guilt Free in a Pinterest World

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It’s that time of year again; the temperatures start to drop as summer slips into fall. Everywhere you turn there is fresh inspiration for some new way to decorate, some new thing to bake, a new activity to do with your kids and of course a whole new way to dress… What is a busy mom to do? How does one embrace who God designed them to be, live life to the fullest and yet not allow guilt to set in?

We actually don’t do much for “fall” here in the Arizona desert. We are simply happy that the temperatures are dipping below 100 degrees. But I do love to celebrate the idea of harvest and Thanksgiving. We have gone all out some years and re-enacted the trip on the Mayflower – complete with camping out in a small square of space, eating stale biscuits, sausage and such. Other years, we simply talk about being thankful. There are no fancy decorations, no elaborate plans – simply real-life living and meaningful conversation. And you know what? I didn’t have a lick of guilt. Want to know my secret?

Pray and Plan:

I take a little bit of time to step back from my busy days to pray and plan. Seasonal shifts and holidays provide so many rich opportunities. Which one is right for me and my family THIS year? I look at my stage in life, our calendar and then pray. God is always faithful to lead. Next, I jot down some notes. If I want to go “all-out”, I write down my plans for that. If I know I want to keep it simpler, I’ll note an idea or two that I saw on Pinterest or a blog and maybe a topic to discuss with my kids.

Once my plan is in place, there is no room for guilt. Why? Because I’ve prayed about it and selected what is best for my family at this time. I don’t have to worry about trying to be like anyone else. If (who am I kidding) when I see an A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. idea, I simply add it to a Pinterest board and know that I can look at using it the following year. Pinterest is now my tool, not my slavemaster!

Appreciate:

Home décor is not my thing. But that doesn’t mean I need to judge someone else who enjoys constantly redecorating and excels in this area. I have a friend who goes all out for the seasons. Each season finds her bringing out holiday or seasonal placemats, her home is transformed as she channels her inner Martha Stewart. It’s easy to either be filled with jealousy and guilt or swing to the other side and judge her for wasting time in an attempt to feel better about myself. It’s important to avoid both of these extremes. We need to embrace and appreciate the diversity of gifting’s and interests that God’s given each one of us! When I ask, my décor savvy friends help me out. In return, I share ideas for fun interactive learning which happens to be my passion.

So what is your thing? Pursue it. What’s an area where you want to grow? Reach out to a friend or utilize that amazing Pinterest link. And when you feel at peace with your direction, resist the temptation to do something that you aren’t called to do right now.

Whether you do a lot or a little, as long as it is what you are supposed to be doing, it’s perfect! Live each day with intention and release the rest!

A Season for Serving

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Teaching Kids to Serve

Fall is here. The weather is cooling off and the holidays are just around the corner. With the holidays come many traditions that families hold dear. Memory making times that will be passed down from generation to generation. This year, our family is starting a new tradition. A tradition of serving – together.

Traditions not only provide our kids with a strong sense of belonging and security but they also teach a cultural heritage and solidify our individual family values. So why not make serving together as a family a tradition in your family?

I love that the holidays begin with our entire nation observing the tradition of Thanksgiving Day. Don’t we have so much to be thankful for? It is easy to take for granted our freedoms of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Practicing thankfulness is an excellent way to begin teaching kids about service. I know that when I make a habit of being thankful, my own heart begins to overflow with gratitude and a strong desire to give back a bit of the blessing that I have received.

Simple Ideas for Serving as a Family

Kids naturally enjoy serving as evidenced by the hundreds of Play-Doh meals I have been served over the years. {grin}

Ask your kids to brainstorm ideas for who and how they can serve. Encourage them to think not only of ways that they would enjoy serving (like the Play-Doh lunch) but ways that are a real need but maybe not so fun.

Some ideas to get you started:

Neighbors are an excellent place to start. Is there someone you can think of who needs some yard work done? A meal cooked? An afternoon of babysitting?

Churches are often in need of painting, cleaning or caring arms to read and tell about the love of Jesus in the children’s ministry.

Family members are often overlooked. Does Mom need a back rub? How about cleaning out the garage for Dad? Surprise a sibling by doing one of their chores. Consider writing letters of encouragement to far off relatives?

Contact a local homeless shelter or food bank to look for opportunities to serve.

Serving is Good For You

Serving together as a family is surprisingly fun! There is something about working together that unifies and strengthens family relationships. When we take our eyes off of ourselves to help others, suddenly our problems don’t seem so bad.

When we help our children experience the joy of serving, we are actually teaching them to become lifelong servants. Statistics show that adults who volunteered as children give more money and volunteer more time than adults who began serving later in life.

Other research links mental and physical health benefits with servanthood. Still not convinced serving is a good idea?

People who serve have:

higher GPAs
higher levels of creativity
a greater understanding of and appreciation for others
tend to make healthier lifestyle choices
develop better social skills

As our little corner of the earth quiets down for the Fall and Winter, consider the blessing and the benefits of serving together as a family. Find a way to bless others and be blessed yourself!

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:2-4

How Many Sweaters Does One Woman Need?

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I am awesome at living on auto-pilot.

Sometimes it’s the good kind (emptying the dishwasher as soon as I get up in the morning), and sometimes . . . not so much.

Like when I’m standing in my closet and something soft and fuzzy falls on my head. I look up (after recovering from my small heart attack) to see that the teetering stack/pile of sweaters has finally tipped and fallen.

I think, “Where did I get all those sweaters?”

And I really don’t know the answer to my question.

Some were gifts, some were bargains, and some were hand-me-downs from well-meaning friends who lost or gained weight.

And then there are some that I’m pretty sure just appeared.

Really, I don’t understand how I collect so many sweaters. (Or sauce pans. Or children’s books. Or wooden spoons.)

So I look for natural bumps in my road.

Changing seasons are wonderful bumps. There’s nothing like walking out the door in short sleeves on the first chilly day of fall to help me break out of my auto-pilot reverie.

I love the motivation of a seasonal clothing changeover to help me declutter my closet.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t love it in a yay-oh-yay-another-excuse-to-ORGANIZE-something way. More of a how-in-the-world-did-I-end-up-with-all-these-sweaters way.

I have a few tricks I’ve come up with over the years that help me break through the angst that happens whenever it’s time to decide which sweaters stay and which ones go.

1. Only Keep What Fits . . . in the Drawer

This is such a simple concept, but it’s one that took me a long time to truly grasp.

I need limits. A drawer is a natural limit.

I fill the drawers with my favorites first. Once the drawer is full, my decision is made. It’s so much easier to part with the ones that won’t fit into the drawer because I have already prioritized them.

2. Only Keep What Fits . . . Me

I’m going to blame it on the years of pregnancies, but I tend to keep things that I’m pretty sure I might fit into again.

Someday.

When I’m at a weight that doesn’t feel like me, it’s hard to part with an item of clothing in the size I think I should be. But heading into a new season means that even if (IF) I started working out and eating right today, I probably wouldn’t fit back into it before the weather changed again.

And if it has already been a year or two since I wore it . . . it likely won’t be in style next fall.

3. Only Keep What Fits . . . My Personality

I lived for many years as the Dream Friend for people who wanted to clean out their homes.

Don’t need that fishing pole? Give it to Dana. Replaced your curtains? Give the old ones to Dana.

Right. I saw the “beauty” and “potential” in every random item other people didn’t want.

But as their homes cleared out, mine became more and more cluttered. As I switch out clothing for the new season, I pay extra attention to each item that I didn’t personally buy.

Do I love it? Do I actually wear it?

I used to keep hand-me-downs out of guilt. My friend had entrusted me with something that she wanted to have a good home!

Except that she didn’t want it in her home, so it couldn’t have been that special. I only have room (and mental energy) for the things that I love and can use in my home.

Do you use the changing season as an opportunity to declutter your wardrobe?

Frugal Fall Decorating Ideas

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Happy Fall Y’all!

I love decorating. I love making my home beautiful and a place that my family can enjoy. But, I admit, when I browse the blog world of home decorating blogs, I get a little home envy. Most of us can’t afford to have big decorating budgets, so where do I turn for frugal fall decorating ideas?? Pinterest, of course! 🙂

I want to share with you a few of my very favorite ways to decorate my home seasonally and frugally at the same time!

TOP FIVE Favorite Frugal Fall Decorating Ideas Continue reading →

Organizing Your Meals {Blog Hop}

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meals

I used to dread dinnertime. For me, around 4pm is the hour that I want to throw in the towel and just quit being a mom. Unfortunately, it’s also the time my kids start asking for dinner. Why do they want dinner every.single.night? So, like all good moms, I check Facebook and see all the great dinners that all those “other” moms are making for their families. And then, I feel inadequate. Can you relate?

Lucky for my family, I’ve become a huge fan of slow cooking. I use it all summer, too, for things like pulled pork and slow cooked mac-n-cheese. I’m not much for menu planning but I will say this: when I do it, I’m so glad! It makes my life so much easier! Menus really only take about half and hour to put together, and VOILA! Your brain is free to do other things, like remember to take the toddler to the bathroom on the hour.

So, here are my three top tips for organizing your meals:

Have a plan.
Use your slow cooker.
Enlist your children to help. (See my chores post from yesterday.)

A few of my favorite recipes for slow cooked meals are:

Chalupa
Chicken Curry (Made Simple!)
15 Bean Soup (pressure cooker version)
Split Pea Soup

LUNCH:

If your kids are home for lunch like mine are, keep simple things around to make simple, healthy lunches. We almost always have leftover dinner for lunch, so I like to make sure we have extra at dinnertime. Here are some ideas for easy lunches:

Quesadillas
Sandwiches
Grilled cheese and canned tomato soup
Leftovers!
Mini-pizzas on english muffins (a favorite at our house)
Anything pre-made from Costco (our kids like corn-dogs, which are not very healthy but great in a hurry)

Try making a menu and see if it makes a difference in your stress level. Need a menu planner? Download mine if you’d like and remember, keep it simple! Find a few meals that you enjoy making and use them frequently if you’d like. If you can make it and the family enjoys it, who cares if every Tuesday is TACO TUESDAY?

Download your free printable menu below—be patient, it might take a minute to load 🙂

You’ve Got This,

Read all of the posts “Organizing Your Spiritual Life Posts” on these blogs! And read all about the Blog Hop going on HERE!

Heidi St. John

Speaking the Truth in Love