New Look, New Year, and New Goals

Well, the Christmas Meme was tons of fun. I didn't get to the last post that I was planning to do.

Plans changed. It's always a good idea to be flexible, and not get in a hissy fit and pull out your hair because things didn't go as you expected them. ;-)

We had a wonderful Christmas. Very simple, and memorable for the kids. Which was my goal. :D

I will announce the winner this coming weekend on the meme. I have to go back and see who commented, who, participated, and such and put all the numbers in a hat, and will announce then! ♥

So how do you like the new look of my blog? I think this look is going to stick around for a while. I am known to change my blog around a lot. But I need to keep things simple.

I know it looks very springy, and it is nearing the dead of winter for some of ya'll. But I have a lot of plans for the year 2010. I want to start new and fresh. And well, Spring reminds me of new and freshness. ;-)

I also want to thank all my new followers to my blog. I truly appreciate that there are people reading my ramblings. ♥

There are several ideas looming in my head as to the direction I want to take "Heart Of A Mommy". I am praying about those directions. Fun things!

My goal is for the blog to be an encouragement, and a "fun" place to unwind. I want to be more "interactive" on this blog too. So stick around and let's see what will happen!

Until then, have a safe and blessed New Year! :D

Review of Molly's Money Saving Digest November 2009

I was contacted by "Molly Green" at Econobusters and asked if I would like to review her latest November issue of Molly's Money Saving Digest.

I have been a fan of "Molly Green" for a few months now. I receive her free email newsletter updates, and have already purchased a few of her Digests.

Her digests are *filled to the brim* with awesome ideas and tips on how to save some extra money. The past issues I purchased was Molly makes $5 dinners and $3 dollars desserts, FULL of really tasty recipes. I also purchased October 2009 Money Saving Digest which was about Learning from the Great Depression; which I thoroughly enjoyed, and took away a lot of helpful ideas from that issue.

he November Issue is all about Photography. This issue really caught my attention, as I, within the last year really started to play around with becoming a better picture taker.

This digest covers:

Couponing continued from previous digests

Getting started with scrap booking your family photographs, and how to do it frugally. Scrap booking is something that I have done in the past, and it can get very expensive if you aren't careful! There are helpful links included in the digest that will help you find your supplies at great prices

Digital scrap booking is covered as well.

Digital Scrap booking is something that I have recently begun to play around within the last couple of years, and it is a super duper time saver.... and the end result is amazing! Especially when you get a hard bound book made from it.

Again, links are provided on where to get free or very inexpensive digital scrap booking downloads. I have only heard of website, but have never heard of the other Digital Scrapbooking sites.

There is also *really* cool photo craft idea using a photo collage room divider. And of course many links to other awesome photo crafts, that I am itching to try out!

Another feature in this issue are mouth watering slow cooker recipes. The photographs of these recipes are amazing and tantalizing; I can't wait to try one of them.

The Slow Cooker Lasagna looks soooo good!

An encouraging and practical article about distressing during the holidays is a MUST read for this time of year. It perfectly coincides with my "Simplifying Christmas" meme. (Pssst! Don't forget to sign up! CLICK HERE to read about it more)

There is another awesome article about turning old curtains into something cute and wearable.

My MOST favorite article in this digest was on how to take better pictures. It covered everything from different types of cameras, to different picture hosting websites, free photo editing software, Lighting, Shadows and proper holding of your camera, back drops and props, what to wear, and getting your kids to cooperate. This article was extremely valuable. There was also a piece on how to store your photos safely and properly. I will defiantly be using MOST if not all of these tips when I take pictures next time.

The ending piece of the digest was an inspiring story of one family that bought their house debt free at an amazing price and are slowly remodeling bit by bit debt free. Some amazing before and after pictures are included.

And there is just SOOOO much more in this Digest that I am having a hard time remember all the awesome things written in there.

The ending pages has a list of awesome links to help you save money as well.

This E-Digest only cost $4.95, and all the information in it well worth the price!

Molly is also running a special deal. Buy five previously written digests, and get 20% off the total, PLUS Get the November Digest FREE!

You can find out more information and details for this awesome offer by CLICKING HERE

And just for fun, here is a photograph that I played around with after reading about all the cool photo tips in this issue:

Before:

After:

Fall Happenings

It seems like my life has gotten *busier* than when the kid's were little tiny babies and toddlers. I can barely catch my breath most days it seems.

I even bought myself one of those day planner thingies, and to my utter astonishment each square in the calender seems to be filled.

When I first got married, and I tried to be Martha Stewartish, hubby "invested" in a pretty day planner for me. But Alas! I *NEVER* used the thing. It just wasn't needed.

My life was pretty "boring". Well strike that. It wasn't boring, just well....um...... I could at least remember what I had to do during the week, because pretty much everyday was the same except for the occasional wedding or baby shower.

So this year is the first year that I am actually using one, and to my utter shock and dismay I *FORGOT* something, even when I wrote it down on my day planner's calendar!

It happened to be the county fair entry forms deadline. And Bean and Sweetie were both looking forward to participating in entering some items.

Thankfully, Praise the Lord, I know someone who knows someone and I was able to enter a few of their projects in the fair.

So the above ditty is why I haven't really been very faithful to my blog except for some memes here and there.

This week was/is no exception in the "busyness" department.

Monday was a MOPS meeting, taking the girls to choir practice and Grocery Shopping.

Tuesday, Cleaning the House, and had wonderful friends over for supper.

And today....well, I was very tired today for some strange reason, and didn't get much done. Tomorrow, I will be working on sewing dresses for the girls upcoming Thanksgiving Choir Performance,

Friday, a field trip to the chocolate factory and a picnic afterwards.

Saturday, a birthday party and the choir performance.

And in the middle of that I need to try to fit some schooling in there and the daily grind of household chores. Such as cooking, making beds, sweeping, feeding the dog, taking the dog to potty, and other fun stuff.

So that's basically it. Just the life of a busy "Stay At Home" mom.

Sigh.....I don't even Want to think about the month of December!

And here is a little "sneak peek" at the dresses I am working on for the girls Thanksgiving Choir performance.

I Am Back!

It's been a LONG time since I have blogged on my Heart Of A Mommy Blog. I was trying out some new ideas, and seeing how things would go with them. But I think I am going to continue here. I like my Heart of A Mommy Blog. ♥

I feel like I was micromanaging everything, and it got so overwhelming. Home school Blog, Felicity Cottage Blog, all kinds of "blogs".

So I have just decided to write whatever I feel like writing. On *this* blog. LOL! I *am* a mommy, and it's all about sharing my heart. Weather it's homeschooling stuff, sewing stuff, or mommy stuff...it's the same girl, with the same heart. So if anyone really likes to read my blog, they are going to get an eclectic mixture of topics. :D

So stay tunned to my ramblings. ♥

I have missed alot of my blogging friends because I have been *too* busy micromanaging all kinds of stuff. But I think the Lord has started to show me the direction he wants me to take in all of this. One is to simplify things. So that's what I am doing. Just *one* blog.

Whew! What a relief!

Modest Doesn't Have to be "Frumpy"

Recently, browsing my favorite blogs, I heard of a semi-new home based business ran by two sisters, that sells modest clothing at "affordable prices". I checked it out, and I was *VERY* impressed with what I saw.

It really was very pretty, and very feminine, modest, clothing at affordable prices!

I ordered these two blouses:

And I spent $23 for the both of them. The first top was on sale for $6.99. You can't find a cute top with that kind of price in stores!

What I like about these two tops that I chose, is that they can be dressed down or up. A black skirt, and you got a nice going to church outfit.

Pair it with denim, and you are casual, yet stylish!

So give Bellissima a try. Not only do they have the cute tops, but they have accessories such as jewelry, purses, and jackets to wear over strapless formals. Plus a wide variety of cute, and stylish skirts; all at unbeatable prices!

Check them out at: http://bellissimamodestyboutique.com

~Simple Woman's Day Book January 26th, 2009~

FOR TODAY January 26th, 2009...

~
Outside My Window...

It is a *BEAUTIFUL!* Day!! Balmy and breezy. A day to just soak up the sun, and not worry about getting burned! :)

~
I am thinking...

About how long it has been since I blogged. I am happy now to be back. Hopefully a little more regular, but also more disciplined in my use of time while I am on the computer.

~
I am thankful for...

God hearing my heart, and caring about the "small" details, when no one else will/can understand.

~
From the learning rooms...

Well, we have been catching up on schooling around here because of Christmas break. Sweetie is making wonderful progress in her reading. Last week we went on a semi-vacation to Myrtle Beach. I took opportunity of the things available to do there for learning. So we are now doing a unit study about fish based on the activites we did on our trip. We will also be working on a learning folder about fish.

~
From the kitchen...

I bought a frozen chicken pot pie while we were in Myrtle Beach, and never got to use it. So that is what is for supper tonight. YAY! I don't have to cook tonight!!

~

I am wearing...

Kelly Green pajama bottoms. I went to MOPS today, and dressed up, but as soon as I got home, I wanted to get comfy. I am also wearing a pink melon T-Shirt, that has ruffles on the bottom, and a white Cami underneath of it.

~
I am creating...

a special something for my mom and friend; can't tell you cause they might read this blog, and I don't want them to find out. :)

~
I am going...

hopefully to a friend from MOPS house tonight. If my hubby gets home in time. If he doesn't, that's OK too. Later this week I am getting together with a friend to do a craft together with our kids.

~
I am reading...

A Hodge Podge of books. Rebekah's Diary, Good and Evil (with the Kids) and a few others that I can't remember the titles to.

~
I am hoping...

to make an attempt to start eating healthier this week

~
I am hearing...

Blessed quietness! Tiny Boy is down for a nap, and the girls are playing quietly for "quiet rest time"

~
Around the house...

There is a wet load of wash needing to be thrown into the dryer, and another load of wash to be started. The kids are in their designated spots for quiet rest time. Even Fritz is in his "house" for a "rest", and I am blogging. :)

~
One of my favorite things...

The feeling of accomplishment

~
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Being consistent in doing school work with Sweetie, focusing more on the kids by doing constructive and joyfilled activities with them, keeping up with the housework, and purposely enjoying the rest of the week no matter what.

~
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

A Sunrise from our room's balcony in Myrtle Beach

To read more day book entries please visit http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

A New Look

And no, it isn't a Christmas look. :) I think I am going to stay with this look for awhile. Maybe at least until Valentines day. ;-)

There are few things I need to "tweak" but overall, I think this will be good for awhile.

Also, I wanted to let everyone know, who happens to read this blog, that I will be on a longer break until at least the new year begins. This season is a busy time for everyone, and finding time to blog is hard to do.

Well, actually, it isn't hard to find the time....it's just I am plain tuckered out during the evenings, that I'd rather veg out and unwind, rather than blog. I know it is a short season, as I love to blog, so please stick around. ;-)

But, right now, amidst the shopping, cleaning, making, doing, parenting, etc., I am plumb tuckered out come evening! ;-)

So everyone have a blessed and beautiful Christmas. Remember the reason for the Season. In which case, I want to share a video that my MOPS Moppet teacher shared with me:



Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

My Friend's New Business

Yesterday, I helped my friend design her business blog. She is just starting up her business, and I love her "niche" on the market. She is enthusiastic, and eager to please. You can visit her site by clicking HERE

Fair Days

Our items are now entered into the fair. What a fun experience this has been. It's my/our first time ever entering anything into the fair, and I am excited to see what comes out of it.

I made the above page at Scrapblog.com. My Sister In Law showed this site to me, and boy is it fun and addicting! ;-)

As you can see we have a good sampling of things that are stumping the judges right now. I entered two pieces of photography. This:

and This:
I am not sure if they are considered good or not, but *I* liked them well enough. ;-)

Tiny Boy and Bean (as well as Sweetie) entered the egg decorating contest. They were so proud to see their eggs up on the display shelf! (And so was I, mind you. ;0) )

Other Things Sweetie entered were

Cream Cheese Cookies
A Draw String Tote bag that she sewed herself

And this water color painting of the sun

I entered a couple of other things:

Freshly Ground Whole Wheat Bread

And A Custom Boutique Outfit that I had made to sell on ebay, but never did. :(

The girls and Tiny Boy were both pumped with excitement as they saw the fair grounds transformed and workers hustling about busy setting up their stands and rides.

We also saw a friend from church helping out with the gathering of the goods.

Well, wish us the best! :)

Now I Feel Special ;-)

First off, I want to say "Thank you" for all the encouraging comments that I got. I'll be honest with you. The reason I posted that was this.

Many times, through all the pictures, and my positive writings, it can lead the impression that I am *almost* perfect. ;-) And that I am not! Let me tell you!

I know how I feel when I see others who seem to have "together" their houses always seem clean, their children's clothing is unstained, and they never seem to get irritated. It can be discouraging at times. And you start to compare yourself among yourselves, which the Lord says isn't wise. So I thought. Hmmm....I'll just show everyone that I am not always what I seem to be! Sometimes this Mommy's heart isn't very nice!

Jokingly, but in reality it isn't, I always say I didn't find out what a sinner I was until I got married. And then after the kids came, I am finding out more and more how dirty my "works" are in God's eyes.

Which makes me *very* thankful that Jesus died for me. Because I KNOW I would be in Hell if it weren't for him. :)

Now. Let me tell you why I feel special. I feel special because my blogging buddy Amy, was inspired by my post to start a little meme about how other ladies handle their stress, or at least manage it. ;-)

Starting tomorrow, you can write up a post on your blog and then go to her blog and leave a link in her comments to your post about how you manage your stress. If you don't have a blog you can just share in her comments a tip on managing stress.

I think it is a *wonderful* idea myself. ;-) And I hope this becomes a regular thing we can do. So please join in and lets help one another out in this journey! :)