Are You Obedient?

According to 1 Samuel 15:22, obedience is better than sacrifice.  I can still hear my mother telling me those same exact words.  Now that I am a mom, it means a lot to me when my kids are obedient.  However when they choose not to listen, it makes things very difficult. But this made me question my true obedience to the Lord.  I expect my kids to be obedient but am obedient to God?  My obedience is just as important as my kids' obedience.

Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor thy father and mother"- which is the first commandment with a promise-"that it may go well with you and you may enjoy long life on earth."

Deuteronomy 11:1 Love the Lord your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always.

How Not to Derail Your Financial Plan During the Holidays

Google Images

I absolutely love the Christmas season.  The cooking, the planning and holiday gatherings makes these festive days so joyful.  However, I have had some clients to share that the Christmas holidays cause financial stress.  With trying to purchase gifts and maintain the monthly expenses, the holiday can drain the bank account if you let it.  Here are a few strategies to keep your finances on track during this holiday season.

1.     Scale back on gift purchases.  Instead of purchasing a load of gifts you can’t afford, purchase festive holiday cards to send to your loved ones. Just  letting someone know you are thinking of them goes a long way. 

2.     Set a budget and stick to it.  You many find that you can splurge a little and remain on your financial plan.  Assess your finances, set an amount and only spend this designated amount on gifts.  Spend wisely!

3.    Get Crafty. Check out Pintrest and make adorable Christmas gifts for the family.

4.     Take advantage of the Christmas deals.  To help you not break you budget.  Take advantage of the purchase- something- get- something- free deal.  Bath and Body Works always has this holiday sale.  Take the free item and gift it.  This especially comes in handy when you decide to purchase for teachers, family and friends. 

The holidays come and go but bills are always around.  Don’t you just love that?  Spend carefully and don’t get depressed about what you can’t do financially.  Do what you can, enjoy your family and remember Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. 

Beyond the Thanksgiving Table

I am sure most of us are ripping around the kitchen stuffing turkeys, mixing dressings and baking delicious pies for tomorrow's Thanksgiving feast.  But when we are all fed and full of thanks what is it to do next?  Eat Again!!

Here are three different things we like to do, besides eating, after Thanksgiving dinner.

Load up the butter popcorn and enjoy a movie!

Dust off the board games and enjoy a little competition!

Help all the kiddos put on a Thanksgiving play for all to enjoy!

via 123homeschoolforme.com

These are just a few ideas to enjoy Thanksgiving day.  What do you like to do after eating Thanksgiving dinner?  Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

SCM's First Event- A Success!!

I am so excited to announce that Savvy Chic Mom had its first event over the weekend, the Networking Swap Party.  Mommies got together to mix and mingle.  We had a great time conversing about how to keep sane while parenting, sharing time management tips, giggling over our love for yoga pants during the week and swapping business cards.

Our special guest who is 86 years young, Ms. Ginny, shared the motherly wisdom she acquired from raising three kids.  We really had a great time.

Here are a few pics from the Savvy Chic Mom Networking Swap Party.

Snacks to enjoy

Goodie Bag Items

Our Savvy Mom Discussion

More sharing

Smile!

Photo Pin Magnets

I am not a big crafter.  Occasionally, I will try my hand at creating something simple.  Here are a few photo pin magnets I made! An AC Moore Arts & Craft's display inspired me to create these very simple but adorable picture holders.

Measure and cut the glitter tape to fit the clothespin.  Cut two small pieces from the magnet tape strip and place on the top and bottom of the clothes pin.  Now, you have a photo pin magnet!

Creating a Mommy Command Center

     With so much going on in motherhood, it becomes hard to really keep things organized.  Some days are smooth sailing while other days can get chaotic with busy schedules and endless chores.  I ask myself, “How does a busy mom organize?” My schedules were posted everywhere.  Doctor appointments were in my hand-held calendar, menus were posted on my fridge, the grocery list written in a tablet that ends up God only knows where, and my kids’ school schedules were tossed about in their backpacks.  That explains how the chaotic days occurred.   It was time to create a one-stop schedule system to help keep all important dates and information; therefore, Mommy Command Center (MCC) was created.

Creating Mommy Command Center has helped with keeping schedules, to –do lists, and even menus in order.  This is a designated place or places that help you keep track of your days, weeks and entire month. 

My MCC

Steps to creating your Mommy Command Center:

1. Write a list of the things you need to keep track of.  Menus, the schedule for all your family members, the grocery list, blogging projects
2. Visualize your command center.  Do you want store-bought boards or are you a crafty mom who will create her own boards?  Check out Pintrest for board ideas. 
3. Find a designated place in your home to set up your command center.  Be sure this place is easily accessible so you can glance over before shooting out the door. 
4. Tailor your command center only to your needs. I get a thrill when I get to peruse websites and organizing blogs.  But I have to understand that the way someone else does their center may not be conducive to my personality.  Too many boards can get overwhelming and too little boards can make you feel unproductive.  Create your center so it is productive for you and suits your personality.
5. Now, create your personal Mommy Command Center. 

Banana Muffins & The Birthday Boy

This past weekend we celebrated my sons 2nd birthday! Time moves fast and then your kids are all grown up.  I am really taking advantage of the tender moments that we can share in a simple way.  When my oldest child turned 1, I planned her a pretty large and energetic party with 20 guests, a number of large gifts and a price tag that should not have been considered.  I think that party was just for me! I must admit, I have grown wiser.  For the third child, on his 2nd birthday, I baked banana muffins, (and I am not much of a baker from the photo) purchased one gift and kept the celebration simple and sweet.  Happy Birthday my sweet son!

We love Thomas!!

Now, for the banana muffins!  This is a very simple and tasty recipe.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups of flour
1 cup of organic sugar
2 mashed bananas
2 eggs
1 stick of butter (soften)
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
2 tablespoons of vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS
Cream together flour, sugar, eggs and butter.
Add the mashed bananas, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Mix well.
Add mixed batter to a muffin pan.
Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.
Cool and ENJOY!!