Effective Living

Follow-up Q&A: Foster care update, do we have a TV? Paint the office cabinets? And more!

There don’t seem to be enough hours in the day to tackle all of the questions that come up, but we do try to get to the most frequent ones!

Today we’ll talk about:
– Where will the foster kids sleep??
– What ages will we do & where are we at in the process?
– Is the office black & white or red?? We’ve seen both colors!
– Will you paint the cabinets in the office?
– Are you still waiting to do geo-thermal to finish the office? [Read more…] about Follow-up Q&A: Foster care update, do we have a TV? Paint the office cabinets? And more!

How I keep Christmas Organized (with Free Printable!)

By Dawn, Christmas, Effective Living, The Minimal Mom

The Holidays can get overwhelming QUICKLY! When that happens I like to do a brain dump into my handy dandy Christmas Notebook!

Most times of the year I can get by with digital planning, but when it comes to Christmas, there are too many balls in the air! So having a notebook where I can keep track of it ALL has been a game changer! [Read more…] about How I keep Christmas Organized (with Free Printable!)

Best Advent Devotionals for Adults & Families

By Dawn, Christmas, Effective Living, The Minimal Mom

I don’t like to critique books because I think authors are so talented and work so hard on their writings…but I did want to share my favorite advent devotionals with you this year!

Here’s what I’m looking for in a devotional:
– I want to learn more about the life of Jesus
– I want to feel inspired and hopeful
– I want to look forward to reading it each day

So here they are! My favorite advent devotionals for individuals and families in order that I like them:

My Favorite Christmas Devotionals (in order!)

My Favorite for Individuals: Jesus Calling for Christmas by Sarah Young

Cost: from $6.95 used
Description: Jesus Calling^® for Christmas is a compilation of 50 seasonally appropriate devotions from Sarah Young’s bestselling brand. In addition to the heartwarming devotions, enjoy scriptures about the Christmas story and exquisite seasonal images.

What I like about it:
– I really (really) like that this is written from the perspective of Jesus talking to me. For me, it causes the text to feel very personal and resonate in a way that other devotions haven’t.
– I love that it starts with the devotional then lists out the full scripture reference
– I love that it is BEAUTIFUL to look at!
– And it doesn’t have dates or day numbers, so I never feel behind
– It has a ribbon book mark

I would highly recommend this devotional for anyone and as a wonderful gift!

Favorite for Families: Advent Devotions & Christmas Crafts for Families by Victoria Duerstock

Cost: from $12.16 used
Description: Victoria Duerstock wants to support families in their desire to make Christ the focus of all their celebrations this Christmas. Each day of this family devotional includes not only a Scripture and short short reflection for the twenty-four days leading up to Christmas, but also inviting full-color images and simple Christmas crafts that can be done as you focus on the rich meaning of this season. Find easy-to-follow instructions for:

Stained Glass Ornaments
Cinnamon Oatmeal Soap
Mason Jar Luminaries
Homemade Marshmallows
Scrap Ribbon Tree Ornaments
And many more!

Each devotional through the four weeks of Advent is focused on the themes of Hope, Preparation, Joy, and Love and is meant to be read with the entire family, or by the older child who needs something just for them in this special season.

What I like about it: If you are looking for meaningful devotions and really cool crafts to do with your kids, this is it!! Adeline couldn’t get enough of this book and began making a supply list right away for all that we’ll need.
– The devotions are meaningful and still appropriate for kids
– I love the discussion questions that go along with each
– I appreciate that the craft projects are really nice and not “corny” :)

Looking forward to using this as part of our homeschool this Christmas season!

Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

Cost: from $9.99 used
Description:

In Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, Asheritah Ciuciu leads readers through the four weeks of Advent (Hope, Preparation, Joy, and Love). Each week:

Begins with an interactive family devotional that equips readers to celebrate Advent together
Offers five daily reflections that focus on that week’s name of Jesus
Includes suggestions for fun-filled family activities or service projects

This devotional can be used by readers in their own personal worship times or as a tool to engage in family worship during the busy holiday season. Either way, participants will gain a greater sense of awe and wonder at who Jesus is.

What I like about it: This is a really neat angle for an advent devotional, to explore the different names of Jesus and how they display his different characteristics.
– This can be done as a family or alone which is really cool!
– Each day has a devotional, challenge, prayer and verses for further study (you can go to their website to print extra materials, too)
– I like that it follows the weekly themes of advent: Hope, Preparation, Joy & Love and gives directions for the lighting of the advent candles
– It doesn’t have many pictures in it, but is still nice to look at

Family Ages: I think this would be best to do with upper elementary kids and older :)

In the Manger by Max Lucado

Cost: from $2.00 used
Description: Pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado invites readers to witness the birth of Christ as they’ve never seen it before, through twenty-five inspirational selections from his most popular books. Selections are taken from 3:16, God Came Near, The Applause of Heaven, and more.

While reading In the Manger you will stand in awe that:

The Author would enter his own story.
The Word would become flesh.
The Creator would become creation.

Join Mary and Joseph inside a stable, beside a shepherd, at the feet of the King in the manger.

What I like about it: I love that this devotional can appeal to men and women alike, as well as those who are newer to their faith and those more experienced. Max Lucado has a gentle way of convicting and inspiring that causes hope to rise up and I think we all need a little more of that this Christmas season!

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Cost: from $1.99 used
Description: Oswald Chambers wanted all people to have a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Chambers could take the Scriptures, ask probing questions, and ignite a passion in people to want to know God better. Let these 366 thought-provoking meditations, in this updated-language edition, challenge you to be the person that God designed you to be.

What I like about it: This was the first devotional I ever owned, and while it isn’t specific to Christmas, I believe you find the devotionals that come up during the Christmas seasonal to be beautiful, challenging and inspiring!

If you’re looking for a devotional to use year round– this is it!

Our Hope and Expectation

Cost: Free on Kindle! And beginning at $1.99 in print
Description: Our Hope and Expectation explores the Advent season and celebrates the joy of the twelve days of Christmas and the day of Epiphany. It includes daily devotions based on year B scripture readings (in the Revised Common Lectionary) for Sundays and festival days between the first Sunday of Advent (November 29, 2020) and Epiphany (January 6, 2021). In addition to devotions, the book offers household blessings and prayers to enrich your preparations and celebrations.

What I like about it: I found this devotional to be a little more academic, but also had more scriptures to read throughout it, so if that appeals to you, I think you’ll really like it!

The Way to the Manger by Jeff & Abbey Land

Cost: Around $11.99
Description: The Way to the Manger engages families with the biblical truth of Christmas through twenty-five Advent devotions that redirect children and families to their need for a Savior and the amazing gift of Jesus Christ. Sure to become a keepsake that is revisited year after year, this book also provides talking points and activities for families to enjoy together, bringing the focus of Christmas back to Jesus and family time.

What I like about it: This book is BEAUTIFUL! The writing, the stories…I’m thinking we’ll do this one, too!!

The Advent Storybook by Laura Richie

Cost: from $9.99 used
Description: Add The Advent Storybook to your family holiday traditions and enjoy the rich images and thoughtful retellings of ancient stories that feature God’s recurring, faithful promise to rescue us. A simple question at the end of each story helps readers engage in understanding the bigger story God wants us all to know—the good news of Jesus coming to save us. Parents and children alike will delight in the biblical messages of joy, hope, and peace every day as they look forward to celebrating Jesus’ birth.

What I like about it: I really appreciate how they tie together stories from both the Old Testament and the New Testament to give an idea of how it all ties together. I found the illustrations to be a little dark, but otherwise appreciated that there is a scripture with each day and that the stories are fairly concise :)

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp

Cost: from $7.98 used
Description: With vivid, full-color illustrations, downloadable ornaments, and moving scenes from the Bible, this book is a gift your whole family can experience each day leading up to Christmas.

Devotions by Ann Voskamp, bestselling author
Daily Scripture readings
Discussion questions
Meaningful Advent activities
Beautiful illustrations

Person by person, story by story, retrace the lineage of Jesus. Fall in love with Him all over again as you experience God’s plan of salvation for us―from the Garden of Eden to the manger and beyond.

What I like about it: I really wanted to love this book, because I have really enjoyed and appreciated Ann Voskamp’s other writings, but this one isn’t our favorite. Some of the stories didn’t seem geared to young kids and I found myself editing some of it as I read it.

I like many of the other options better for a family devotional!

And if you’re looking for some other ideas for the upcoming holiday season…

How I keep Christmas Organized (with Free Printable!)

How to SIMPLIFY Christmas (with family who don’t want to!)

DIY Complete Gingerbread House Kit in a Bag! FREE Printable Topper with Instructions & Ideas!

How to Create a Holiday Budget (when YOU’RE BROKE!!) & Save MONEY!

A new way to look at Christmas gifts! (More meaningful, less excessive ;)

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FALL GUEST SERIES! Every Wednesday on Facebook Live

By Dawn, Effective Living, The Minimal Mom

We are kicking off a fun guest series on Facebook Live every Wednesday until Christmas on our Minimal Mom Facebook page! We hope you are able to join us!

If you don’t have Facebook that’s okay — we’ll post the replays here so you can still follow along!! :)

Joshua Becker — Becoming Minimalist

Wednesday, December 16 | REPLAY AVAILABLE NOW:

ABOUT JOSHUA:

Joshua Becker is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of four books. He is the Founder and Editor of Becoming Minimalist, a website read by over 1 million readers/month. He is the Publisher of Simplify Magazine and Simple Money Magazine and Founder of The Hope Effect, a nonprofit organization changing how the world cares for orphans. Currently, he lives in Peoria, AZ with his wife and two teenage kids.

Stay in touch with Joshua:

YouTube: Joshua Becker
Facebook: Joshua Becker, becoming minimalist
Website: becomingminimalist.com

Cas from ClutterBug

Wednesday, November 11 | REPLAY AVAILABLE NOW:

**You should be able to see the video right above here (it may take a minute to load!)

ABOUT CAS:

Cassandra Aarssen is a recovering Super Slob turned Organizing Expert, and can’t wait to help you transform your home, and life too!

After years of struggling with clutter and organization, she discovered that there are four different organizing styles. Once she knew her style, she was finally able to design a system that worked and stayed organized for good.

Cas is now on a mission to spread the Clutterbug Organizing Philosophy and help other families who struggle with disorganization and clutter. She offers free education and ideas through YouTube videos, podcasts, blogging and her amazing online Facebook support group. She’s been able to help over 500,000 families transform their lives through organization!

Stay in touch with Cas:

YouTube: ClutterBug
Facebook: ClutterBug
Instagram: clutterbug_me
Website: clutterbug.me

Whitney — Be the Village

Wednesday, November 25 | REPLAY AVAILABLE NOW:

ABOUT WHITNEY:

Whitney shares her family’s journey of becoming a foster family and their experiences with placement calls, placements and the system on her YouTube channel. Her hope is to inspire others to join the village that raises children in foster care!

Located in the suburbs of Cincinnati, OH they are a young family who made the decision to open their home to children in foster care. They are authentic and passionate about changing the way the world sees the system and kids who are in care.

Whitney (mom) is the primary creator. John (dad) is a collaborator and supporter. Darcy (4) likes to steal the show with silliness. Sawyer (1) has no idea what’s going on. “Miss A” (15) has been their foster daughter since July 2019 and is featured without her name and face to respect confidentiality.

Stay in touch with Whitney:

YouTube: Be the Village
Instagram: bethevillage_insta
Facebook: Be the Village
TikTok: whitneybethevillage
Merchandise: Be the Village

Natalie Bennett — Minimalism & Motherhood

Monday, November 23 | REPLAY AVAILABLE NOW:

ABOUT NATALIE:

Natalie has a passion for making videos that share the beauty of life and motherhood with a healthy dose of “real.” Life is messy, life is beautiful– what are YOU choosing to focus on?

Stay in touch with Natalie:

YouTube: Natalie Bennett
Instagram: nataliebennettvlogs

Dr. Paul Jenkins — Live on Purpose

Wednesday, December 2 | REPLAY AVAILABLE NOW:

ABOUT DR. PAUL:

Dr. Paul is a clinical psychologist specializing in the science and practice of positivity.

As a coach, keynote speaker and trainer, author, and host of a popular podcast and YouTube channel, he empowers individuals, families, and influencers to go far beyond traditional therapy or positive thinking programs to create and live the life they love through powerful positive psychology processes.

Stay in touch with Dr. Paul:

YouTube: Live on Purpose TV
Facebook: Dr. Paul Jenkins – Live on Purpose
Website: drpauljenkins.com

Denaye Barahona — Simple Families

Wednesday, December 9 | REPLAY AVAILABLE NOW:

ABOUT DENAYE:

Denaye has a personal and professional passion for helping women thrive in motherhood. She has a Ph.D. in Child Development, is also a Clinical Social Worker with a specialty in Child and Family Practice and has a Post-Grad Certificate in Behavior Analysis of Children. Denaye has spent much of her career working with parents who deal with challenging behavior in children – whether it be eating, sleeping, screaming, cussing or hitting.

Denaye advocates for taking a holistic approach to helping the whole family stay well: physical, emotional, and relational. That means living well by developing a healthy relationship with yourself, your family, and your home.

Stay in touch with Denaye:

Website: simplefamilies.com
Facebook: Simple Families
Instagram: simple_families

We are SO excited for this series and can’t wait for you to join us!

Like & follow our Facebook page so you don’t miss them!

How to DECIDE ONCE when Decluttering! (with printable guide!)

By Dawn, Effective Living, The Minimal Mom

We usually start with really good intentions when we go to declutter. And then two decisions in we start to question ourselves:

“But what if I need this someday?”
“What if I regret getting rid of it?”
“What if someone else in the house will miss it?”
“What if I have to pay money to replace it?”

The questions start to swirl and we lose our confidence.

Today let’s talk about how we can put indecision in the past and DECIDE ONCE and for all about each item in our home. Here’s how…

Or watch this video on YouTube here!

Find a PRINTABLE GUIDE HERE

Tip #1: Set the Rules

When we’re making decisions by feelings and emotions we lose focus and have a hard time. However, if we switch to a more objective approach, we can remove the guess work.

Here are some objective “rules” that we can put around decluttering:

Have I used it in the past year?
Did I forget that I had it? If so, USE IT -or- LOSE IT!
Could it be replaced for $___ or less? (you set the dollar amount!)
Do I want to continue to manage & inventory this item?

Find these in a PRINTABLE GUIDE HERE

The rules are “objective” or based on facts. Like the fact that you haven’t used the item for at least a year. Commit to using the rules over your feelings and you’ll fly through decluttering!

Tip #2: Have the right supplies

There are a few things that it is helpful to have on hand anytime you go to declutter:

A black trash bag
A donation box
The rules (these can be written on post-it notes or using the printable!)

Why these items are so important to have with you: we need to make it EASY to part with things! If we decide to donate or toss an item, we don’t want to have to handle it again (this could cause us to second guess ourselves!)

Rather, we want to put it STRAIGHT into the box or bag and be DONE with it!

Tip #3: Use short bursts of time

I know we glamorize big blocks of time to get a bunch of decluttering done, but most often this doesn’t work well.

We get decision fatigue. We get tired. We get emotional.

It happens to all of us! Instead, CHAMPION 5-15 MINUTE BURSTS OF TIME!

We can do anything for 5 minutes! We can follow the decluttering rules for 5 minutes. We can go through sentimental items for 5 minutes. We can be level headed for 5 minutes– especially if we have our supplies with us and we’re set up for success!

You can do it!

We believe in you and are here cheering you on!

You may also find these resources helpful:
How to declutter without making a mess
How minimalism leads to more happiness

And if you’re looking for some tips for making the upcoming holiday season just a bit easier…

How to SIMPLIFY Christmas (with family who don’t want to!)

How to Create a Holiday Budget (when YOU’RE BROKE!!) & Save MONEY!

DIY Family Photo Ideas on Your Phone (Tips & Poses from a Professional Photographer!)

5 Things It’s Important to Declutter BEFORE Christmas (& tips to do it QUICKLY!!)

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Baby Scrap Boxes: How I Store Baby Keepsakes (Family minimalism tips)

By Dawn, Effective Living, Mom Life, The Minimal Mom

People often ask me how we store baby keepsakes as a minimalist family.

My mom had a cedar chest that she kept our baby clothes in. I remember going through it and pulling out the yellowed pieces from when we were little. Hearing the stories about her dressing my twin sister and I in boys’ clothes because they had no money at the time to buy formula, let alone matching outfits for us.

Then a few sweet matching dresses that had been gifts. It was fun to look through and to hear the stories.

Why I hold on to a few special items

As I’ve pursued a simplified lifestyle, it’s been fairly easy for me to part with sentimental items. Items from my childhood like toys and school projects and report cards and knick knacks (that I once treasured) have been discarded as we pursue a larger goal.

But now, having had babies of our own, I’ve found that I’ve wanted to hold on to a few things so that one day I, too, can share stories of their first couple of years prompted by little outfits, hospital bracelets and baby blankets.

Or watch this video on YouTube here!

How we store our baby keepsakes

While I’m not generally one to store things that aren’t useful and used regularly (we have one bin each for the kids’ clothes to grow into, one bin for Christmas, one for Easter/Halloween, and a couple for seasonal wear-boots, hats, snow pants), I decided this was worthwhile (and we have the space!).

So I headed to Walmart to look for storage containers that weren’t too big and would stack and store easily. I liked these ones because they could they fit neatly under our bed in our townhouse. Now in our new house, they are stacked in our upstairs closet.

They definitely aren’t a beautiful cedar chest, but they are functional & practical. Plus, I like that they are separate, so I can easily add items to any of them and never have to dig through a bunch of stuff.

And like I’ve mentioned before, I like when storage is limited. In other words, I can only keep what fits in the container. I was selective and felt like I had plenty of room to keep what was important at the time.

The other thing I kept in the back of my mind while I was filling these is that we have a million pictures from when the kids were babies. So I don’t need to keep EVERYTHING, we have PLENTY of documentation of their first few years :)

What we keep for each of our children

I made a label for each box and here is what I put inside:

Hospital bracelets, hats and the name cards from their hospital bassinets
Baby cards from family and friends
A few favorite outfits, including the one they wore home from the hospital
The blanket my mom crocheted for each of them
Growth charts from their check-ups
First pair of shoes
First stuffed animals
Cake decorations from their first birthday

Overall, this system has worked really well and the good news is: I don’t regret not keeping anything. This seems to be just the right amount of keepsakes, and even having them out now to take a few pictures brought back fond memories and made me smile.

And I know I mentioned that it has been fairly easy for me to let go of sentimental items by keeping our larger goal in mind, but if you aren’t quite there yet you may find this video helpful: Decluttering Sentimental Items for Peace of Mind

I’d love to know how you keep baby memories! Please share below!

To happy memories,