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Quick Lit: February 2015

February 13, 2015, 6:59 am
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Quick Lit: Short and sweet reviews of the books I've read in the past month.  What have you been reading lately? I'm always looking for recommendations!

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

Oh, Flavia de Luce!  I adore you.  The protagonist of this fun mystery is a quirky 11-year-old chemistry enthusiast.  I loved seeing things through Flavia's eyes as she sleuthed her way through this story.  I didn't feel like I was ready to jump right into the next in the series as soon as I finished this book, though.  I'm sure I'll read it eventually, but for now I'm satisfied.


Me Before You

This was a sweet, heartbreaking love story.  It's got everything you might want in a book: romance, humor, dark secrets, sibling squabbles, trials, a strong and quirky family, heartbreak, wit, travel, friendships, death and more.  I fell right in love with the characters and enjoyed watching their story develop.


Eat That Frog!

This book is all about motivation to accomplish the most important tasks on your list first thing each day.  My major takeaway was to ask myself constantly throughout the day, "What is the most important thing I could be doing right now?" That one habit has made a huge difference in my day-to-day life and schedule.


Coming Clean

Fascinating memoir about hoarding and its devastating effects on families.  This story hit especially close to home for me since hoarding is a compulsion that runs through my extended family.  I have observed from the outside what it does to relationships and to the people who struggle with it.  The author does an excellent job of sharing her story and the anger/forgiveness cycle she went through.

The Life We Bury

This cold-case murder mystery had well developed characters and plenty of plot twists to keep me on my toes.  It definitely touches on some tough topics and I think included some bad language (I can generally tune that out pretty well, so I honestly can't remember how much is included).  Though it was somewhat predictable, I still enjoyed this debut novel.

The Alchemist

I re-read this for a book club, after having read it several years ago.  I love the idea it presents: if you are seeking your Personal Legend (what you were put on this earth to do), the Universe will do all it can to help you accomplish it.  And also, we may go searching far and wide to find our treasure, only to discover it was at home all along.  But the journey to find it is worth almost as much as the treasure.

Elijah of Buxton

This was a read-aloud for our parent/child book club and for our current history unit.  The kids and I loved this book. I especially appreciated the gentle introduction to slavery and the horrors slaves endured.  There were definitely some difficult scenes to read, but I felt like they were presented in a tasteful way and in a suitable manner for elementary aged children.

Check out the books we read for our homeschool unit on Slavery and the Underground Railroad.

Head over to Modern Mrs. Darcy for more book review and recommendations.  I always add several books to my list!
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7/52

February 16, 2015, 7:28 am
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A portrait of my children, once a week, every week for a year.


Elijah: This boy has had the never-ending cough and cold for the past couple of weeks (and has shared it with most of us).  On the bright side, that means he's been sleeping hard so I could sneak into his room while he was napping, open up the blinds to get some beautiful light and take several darling photos and he didn't even move.  Poor little guy.




Ellie:  My right hand girl in all things.  She helped me create a photo booth for our homeschool co-op Valentine's Day party.  Here she is trying it out.



Ethan:  My little chef.  This boy loves to help in the kitchen.  We had stir fry earlier this week and he insisted on stirring both the veggies and the noodles at the same time. He takes his sous-chef duties very seriously.


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Best Ever Oatmeal Recipe

February 17, 2015, 6:35 am
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We eat oatmeal for breakfast at least once a week all year round.  More often in colder months. It took me a little while to find the perfect recipe to allow us to use whole ingredients (none of those oatmeal packets for us, please!) and still enjoy the speed and ease of a quick morning meal.

This is my favorite healthy, quick, cheap recipe. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it's easily scaled up or down depending on how many mouths you are feeding.  My other favorite thing is that my kids all gobble this up whenever I make it.  We rarely have any leftovers.  Happy, full bellies lead to happy mornings!

Ingredients:

*Equal parts oats (we use whole rolled oats), water and milk (almond milk/soy milk would work well, too). To feed myself and my 3 kids I usually use 1.5 cups of each.
*1/2 tsp vanilla
*1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes.
Once the oatmeal looks creamy and mixed together, it's done. (How easy is that?)


We all love to add our own toppings.  Our favorites include:

raisins
crasins
sliced bananas
sliced apples
almonds
honey or brown sugar
chocolate chips
peanut butter (or other nut butter)
coconut

We usually add an extra splash of milk to help cool down the oatmeal a bit.

My favorite combination right now is a spoonful of peanut butter and spoonful of honey with half a banana sliced on top.

My kids love to add about 5 chocolate chips, honey and coconut.

What toppings would you add?


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Do As I'm Doing Free Printable

February 18, 2015, 4:50 am
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I serve as an LDS Primary Music director, and I often have the chance to sing fun "wiggle songs" with the children in our congregation.  A lot of times when it's one child's turn to choose an action for Do As I'm Doing, their minds draw a complete blank.  The pressure is on and they can no longer think of one single action they might do.

I drew a few friends doing some common actions in order to help them choose.  There are so many uses for this printable!

* Laminate it and have a child close their eyes and point to the paper.  Do whatever action is closest to where they are pointing.

* Cut them out and attach to popsicle sticks.  Kids can draw them out of a jar, or pick two and switch between actions while you are singing.

* Cut them out and have kids draw the ideas out of a bag.


Happy singing!

Download the printable here

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How to Organize Embroidery Floss

February 20, 2015, 4:30 am
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I love to embroider. Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved to create art with needle and thread.  I remember the first embroidery pattern I ever designed by myself: a giant Tweety Bird.  I was probably 12 years old and I planned to work on it during a long family road trip.  Those plans were spoiled by carsickness (and so was the poor Tweety Bird, there was no rescue from his horrific fate), but the love of my craft lingered on.  

One thing that always drove me nuts was how to organize the skeins of embroidery floss once I'd used some.  During my teenage years, the partial skeins usually ended up in a mangled, tangled mess in a ziplock bag.  But no longer!



Now I wind the floss around a wooden clothespin, clamping the ends in place to keep them from unwinding.  The pretty basket full of my partially used skeins is on a shelf in my office. I love that my stash is not only organized but also a beautiful addition to my workspace.  The colorful basket brightens my day each time I see it.









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8/52

February 22, 2015, 7:30 pm
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A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2015


Elijah: We went bowling as a family this week, it was Elijah's first time and he loved it for about ten minutes.  He thought pushing the ball down the ramp was fantastic, but even more than that, he loved to say "ball" over and over again.  This boy is picking up new words left and right and he finds a lot of pleasure in speaking.


Ethan: This was also the first time Ethan could remember bowling.  He is a perfectionist, especially about sports and he became frustrated for a few minutes because he wasn't immediately a star bowler.  He did have fun and entertained us with victory dances after his turns.



Ellie had her first concert with the Cache Children's Choir.  We are so impressed with this group and the directors.  Ellie takes singing very seriously (as you can see from her face above.  She looked like that through the whole concert). She loves the rehearsals and is learning a lot. Doesn't she just look adorable in that rosette and cummerbund?  So cute!


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Survey Says...

February 23, 2015, 3:22 pm
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I had the pleasure of attending the Build Your Blog Conference last weekend.  I left with several new blogger friends and a brain full of ideas and new information.  My one major takeaway was a desire to learn more about you.

So, Dear Readers, would you pretty please take a moment to fill out this short survey?


I can't wait to hear from you!

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Why Would You Get Up Early?

February 25, 2015, 4:22 pm
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I was talking with an acquaintance not long ago and the subject of my creative habits challenge came up.  I mentioned that I have been getting up early each day in order to make time to paint/draw every single day this year.  The woman scoffed a little and said in a condescending tone, "There is no way I would get up early topaint."

I was surprised by her response because in general (at least to my face) people have been very supportive of this goal.  She, a little awkwardly, changed the subject and the conversation moved on. Later that day, though, I found my thoughts returning to her comment. Not because I was hurt by it, but because I was intrigued.  I wished I could go back in time and carry on that conversation. I wanted to say, "Okay, so painting/doodling is not your thing. That's fine. But what would you get up early to do?"


Because I didn't ask her, I want to ask you. What have you always wanted to do, but can never seem to find the time? What long-lost hobby are you dying to pick up again? I'm not asking what you feel like other people would expect you to do, or what you think you should you do. But what do you want to do?


Is it worth getting up a few minutes earlier?  You'd be surprised at how much you can accomplish early in the morning, even in just a few minutes.  And those few moments doing something you love have an impact on the entire day.  Those few minutes, added up over days and days and finally your whole lifetime, can lead to the creation of something great.


I want to encourage you to just get started.  You don't need to have a detailed plan.  I have found that the accountability of sharing my progress every day on Instagram is helpful, but even that is not necessary.

My morning routine has grown over the years and now it includes scripture study, a chapter from an inspirational book, making a list for the day, exercise, and painting/drawing time.  This has been revolutionary in my life.  I am convinced that I'm a better wife, mother, friend and person because I am making my personal development a priority.

Why would/do YOU get up early?


Resources I have used and loved:

What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast
Hello Mornings
Start
How She Does It
Eat That Frog!
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Primary Music Leaders: More Color-Your-Own Flipcharts! (Easter Songs)

February 27, 2015, 6:25 am
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I received such a great response from my color-your-own LDS Primary music flipcharts, that I'm back to share another round.  This time I'm sharing mostly Easter songs, as well as Faith (which was the most-requested after the last songs I shared).

I have had so much fun drawing and designing these flipcharts and I'm delighted to be able to share them with you!

He Died That We Might Live Again

Did Jesus Really Live Again?

When He Comes Again

Faith

If you have requests, I'm happy to add them to my list.  Please leave a comment below or email me through the sidebar.  Also, I have decided to stick with only songs from the Children's Songbook or the Hymn book at this time.  I appreciate your understanding.
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9/52

March 1, 2015, 6:45 pm
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  A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2015*


This girl.  Man, she's fun. She can rival her mama at that age for goofiest giggler, and that's saying something.



I kiss those cheeks hundreds of times a day.  Can you blame me?


That face.  We've seen huge progress in this boy lately on so many fronts.  How delightful it is to see him communicating and managing his emotions better.  So refreshing after a pretty rough patch.


My heart.

I love this shot of Ellie and Elijah because it encapsulates their sweet relationship.  This girl is a little Mama and helps with Elijah all the time, and he adores her.


*I'm just going to be honest and share that these photos were not taken this week.  I didn't have any good shots from the week and I discovered that I never shared these from last month.  So, I'm cheating a little but I'm totally okay with it.















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On Keeping a Scripture Journal

March 2, 2015, 3:05 pm
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I've been keeping a scripture journal since I was a teenager.  For a while, my journal consisted of lists and lists of encouraging scriptures to send to the 18 LDS Missionaries I was actively writing (ahem). But now my journals are much more personal.   I love this method of digging deeply in the Word of God for many reasons.  I'll share just a few today.

I'm a visual learner. I learn best when I can take notes and draw/write out connections.  I am amazed at how much more I retain from a passage I've studied deeply and journaled as compared to those I just read.


The act of journaling keeps my mind engaged in the scriptures longer. As I create these pages, I think about the verses or Conference talks I'm studying.  My mind is better able to concentrate on the message when my hands are busy lettering and drawing.  

I also think about what I've read more often during day when I study this way.  I find myself thinking about the pages I journaled during quiet moments, and it's very infrequent that I would do the same thing if I hadn't taken the time to write down my thoughts.



Clarification. This one is huge for me.  Above is an example of the Allegory of the Tame and Wild Olive Tree from Jacob 5 (in the Book of Mormon).  This chapter was always confusing to me until I actually took the time to draw it out.  The arrows represent where branches were grafted in and are numbered in order to clarify the story.  Below the trees, I studied characteristics of the Lord of the Vineyard and the Servant.

This study took me 2-3 days, but I finished it feeling like I'd gained a much deeper understanding of the allegory.  I never could have gotten that by reading alone.


2 Nephi 4 ,often called Nephi's Soliloquy, was another chapter I wanted to understand better.  In it, Nephi describes himself and the "wretched man" that he is. He describes the Lord, and he also asks the Lord to help him become better in beautifully poetic words.  I broke the chapter down on the journal page above to help me better understand the character of Nephi and his desire to shun sin as well as the characteristics of the Lord.



The pages on Missionary Work (above) and Charity (below) are examples of ways I've tried to further my understanding of scriptures.  I studied Doctrine and Covenants 4 and used the bible dictionary, cross referencing other scriptures and a plain old dictionary to define the characteristics of a missionary.



My journals are a great resource for me as I am planning lessons and talks. I have so many thoughts, stories, quotes and scriptures recorded on countless subjects (all indexed in the front couple of pages of the journal) that I can reference as needed.  This alone has been a huge blessing.

This practice of studying and learning scripture has been tremendously successful for me.  Of course, I'm not perfect and I go through spells when I don't study as deeply.  But when I am in the habit of studying this way I look forward to getting up early to spend time in The Word.

I look forward to being able to pass these journals on to my children someday, in the hopes that my love for the Gospel and for my Heavenly Father will come through in the pages I've created.


“Write down in a secure place the important things you learn from the Spirit. You will find that as you write down precious impressions, often more will come. Also, the knowledge you gain will be available throughout your life” 
(Richard G. Scott, Ensign, June 2002, 32.

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New Cards Available in the A Lively Hope Shop

March 4, 2015, 2:23 pm
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My year of creative habits challenge has been good for me on so many levels.  It's been refreshing to set aside time to get ideas out of my head and onto paper.  It's been a challenge in willpower to motivate myself to make art every single day and it's been incredible to see that the more dedication I show, the more ideas and inspiration I've had.

But even better is the fact that I'm finally moving forward on a dream I've had for a long time.  I am thrilled to announce that greeting cards are now available in the A Lively Hope shop! I currently have a line of four love-themed cards available, and plans to add many more.  (And, yes, I'm taking requests).

I think the penguin love card (above) is my personal favorite.


This Star Wars inspired nerdy-love card is all about celebrating the nerd in all of us.


The Love you, I do Yoda card was so fun to paint.  I may be a bit biased, but I think he's pretty cute.


This card features one of my favorite marriage sayings: "I love you, more than yesterday and less than tomorrow".

All the cards feature my original artwork and are printed on high-quality paper by a lovely little local shop.  They are blank on the inside and come with a white envelope.

Any requests?

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Bedroom Update for a Tween Girl (Chalkboard Doors and a Giant Pom-Pom Garland)

March 6, 2015, 6:42 am
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Once upon a time there was a 7 year old girl who had just moved into a new home with her family. She was going to be moving into a basement bedroom for the first time and her Mommy and Daddy wanted it to be a really special space in order to help her transition into sleeping a farther away from them.

Her Daddy let her pick out the paint color all by herself, without any input from Mommy. (Her Daddy is a wonderful and supportive man and works very hard and is extremely handsome and an excellent father.  This is probably the only mistake he's ever made.)  They brought the paint home and surprised Mommy with it.  She was surprised! But, they could not return the paint.  

So, the family worked together and painted the little girl's room a bright eye-damaging purple (see photo above). She loved it, for a while.  And then she didn't. (Her wise and powerful Mommy knew this would happen.) After about a year of hinting to her parents that it was time to change the paint, on her 10th birthday, she was given a homemade gift certificate to repaint her bedroom.

She was delighted and a few months later the work was complete.  Don't judge me...painting is a big job.  



We went with a neutral color for the walls so we could add a lot of color in the decor and so that our design-loving girl could change up the look of her room more frequently.  Her bookshelf was a yard sale find a couple of years ago. I painted it white to go in her purple room and added the bright green paint to make the bookshelf pop once we painted the walls white.



Ellie and I painted the polka dot canvas together for a Mommy-Daughter date one evening.  We also made the giant pom-pom garland using up a huge pile of my leftover yarn. Hooray for stash busting projects! (find an excellent tutorial here).


My favorite update to the room is the chalkboard paint closet doors.  This was such an incredibly easy project.  I took the doors off the hinges and added 3 coats of chalkboard paint (no taping required!).  Ellie and I put the doors back up and that was that.



She updates the doors weekly with her schedule, the weather so she'll know what to wear (isn't that adorable?), words of encouragement and reminder notes.





She is so happy with how her room update turned out, and so am I.  It is the perfect space for her to read, relax and create without burning her eyeballs on neon purple paint.

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10/52

March 8, 2015, 7:25 pm
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This boy loves to go down the slide, but not in the swings.  He usually says "all done" after the first push.  He's uncharacteristically nervous in a swing (which is the first place I've ever seen him nervous).


We go on a walk/bike ride nearly every day, and these two have the routes down.  They even have code names for each of the routes we do. The weather has been unseasonably glorious off and on lately and we are so happy to get outside without wearing puffy down coats and two layers of socks.



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FOCUS: Checking in on my One Little Word

March 9, 2015, 2:19 pm
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My main goal for this year has been to add more focus to my life. Particularly in three areas: Family, Creativity and Reading.  In looking back on the first two months of the year, I am happy with how I've done in two areas, and I've realized that I need to focus better in the other.

Focus on Reading: My morning study time has been uplifting and excellent this year.  I've been reading the New Testament cover to cover for the first time in many years, along with studying an amazing book by a dear friend.  I've been taking the time to read a chapter from a non-fiction book during this time as well.  Making this type of reading a priority has allowed me to focus on really absorbing the information.  I've taken notes and added quotes to my commonplace book, which is not something I have always done as consistently as I would have liked.



I could stand to devote more time to personal reading. I am finding it hard to balance the time between creative projects, housework (blah) and reading time.  Lately it seems that every time I sit down to read I am distracted by a task that needs to be completed or an idea I want to carry out.  I think one way to move forward in this area would be to assign a specific time for reading and only reading.

A few days ago, I declared the first 30 minutes of our afternoon quiet time to be my fiction reading time.  It's been working well so far, and I'm hopeful that will continue.

We've also been enjoying read aloud time as part of our school day and in the evenings as a family.

Focus on creativity: This is going really well also.  I haven't missed a day of my creative challenge yet, though I did alter the rules a little bit.  I quickly realized that limiting myself to painting every day was going to become too restrictive for me. So I opened up the challenge to include doodling and drawing as well. As long as I am making time each day to further my artistic abilities I am happy.  I think it's important to realize that we often need to adjust our goals as time goes on, and that doesn't mean we've given up or failed.  

Focus on Family: This is the area in which I am struggling most. I want to be firmer in my resolve to put down my online work during the times I have designated during the day.  I do make it through a portion of those hours offline nearly every day, but not all of them.  I feel my resolve in this area waxing and waning.  Running a household nowadays requires a certain amount of time online. So does homeschooling, running a small business and writing a small blog.  I love the ability to connect with friends and people who inspire me on the internet.  But, my goodness, it's big.  There is so much to learn and do and see and read.

How do you manage your online verses offline time?  Do you completely unplug on a regular basis? How does that look for you?


I created the simple FOCUS image to display around our home as a reminder to me of my One Little Word for the year. You can download the jpg for free below.  I printed several copies at our local 1 hour print shop and placed them in strategic places around the house.  If you could use a reminder to focus, I hope this helps.



Download the FOCUS jpg here.
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Painting our Wooden Game Chest

March 11, 2015, 6:34 am
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I forgot to take a photo before I started sanding. :)

Several years ago one of Jason's co-workers was moving out of state.  He asked Jason if we'd like a wooden chest he and his wife had purchased at an Eddie Bauer sale (you know, the kind where you can get things super cheap because they have other people's names on them?).  They got a great deal on this chest, used it for years and when the time came to pass it on the co-worker thought we might like it., since our last name is carved into the front and all (the co-worker's last name was not Hillman, by the way).

We loved the simple style and this piece has withstood the test of time in our home, holding our board and card games and puzzles.  It has lived with us for years in the dark green shade shown above.

I have wanted to refinish it since we first brought it home, but I never got around to it until recently. I painted the lid and drawer, but left the remainder of the chest untouched.


I am so pleased with the result!  I think it looks fantastic and it has attracted a lot of attention since we've moved it to the entryway in our home.  And, once again, I wondered why I waited so long.


What project have you been putting off for a long time?

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Introducing 18 Awesome Mormon Bloggers You Should Know

March 13, 2015, 2:37 pm
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    Looking for some new blogs to follow? These are some of the best.

The internet is a crowded place, and there's so much time-wasting junk out there. As a blogger I wonder sometimes if I'm just adding to the noise. However, one of my favorite side effects of blogging (which I didn't really expect when I started) is the connections I've made.  Yes, there's a lot of junk online, but there is also SO much good.

I want to introduce you today to 18 bloggers who are sharing their uplifting and meaningful work (also, they all just happen to share my faith). You'll find everything from crafts, food and DIY to parenting, faith and marriage here.  And I'm sure you'll also find a connection with at least one of these awesome bloggers.

Awesome Mormon Bloggers You Should Know

  Alexis Tanner, We Like to Learn As We Go

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I'm a SAHM to 3 kids 4 and under so life can be a little crazy! I love to blog about how I'm learning to be a mom, family activities, crafts, recipes, product reviews, book reviews, and giveaways. Come learn with me!

 Check out a few of her posts:
Kids' Painted Valentine's Bags
Father's Day Shirt Cake
Chewy Eggnog Cookies

Brittany Bullen, BrittanyBullen.com and International Bloggers Association 

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 My mission is BrittanyBullen.com is to help my readers discover the incredible potential within them. I love musicals, marketing, writing, the occasional DIY project and talking about how much better life is since I joined the LDS church. I started the International Bloggers' Association to create a community of supportive bloggers who are dedicated to helping each other succeed.

Check out these posts:
DIY Marble Countertop Look for Under $30
How to Audition Like a Pro When You Feel Like an Amateur
9 Reasons to Stop Being Afraid of Mormons 


Kathleen Clegg, Fearlessly Creative Mammas  

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We are very close sisters (in heart, not distance) who blog together on all things creative and on family. We love to create recipes, craft projects, and DIY. We also do some book reviews because we both love to read. We have some family members with Celiac Disease, so expect us to throw in some gluten free cooking along the way. We love to get our inspiration for our projects from our real life so that not only can we use what we're creating, but so our readers can use the project as well. You won't find anything too fancy on our blog because we are not fancy people. We are moms like many of you. We enjoy spending time with our families, traveling and sitting on the beach. (One of us actually lives by the beach. The other, not so much.) We get together as much as we can, but it isn't often enough, so we talk on the phone almost daily. We love blogging and hope you will swing by our blog and check it out.

Check out a few of their posts:
Chemo Bucket of Cheer
Chocolate and Vanilla Sandwich Cookies
Grandma's Butterscotch Cookies


  Candice Schenk, She's Crafty Crafty  


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I'm a crafty girl who is a wife, mother, daughter of our Heavenly Father, photographer, wanna be interior decorator, party thrower, Young Women leader, organizer, power tool enthusiast, craft supply hoarder, and lover of all things creative. My little part of the blog world reflects all of these things.   

Check out a few of her posts:
Harry Potter Birthday Party
Girls Camp Treats
Home Tour: Craft Room


  Stephanie Loiaza, Six Sisters Stuff 

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We are six biological sisters who started our blog to stay in touch with each other. As it has grown, we decided to just focus on quick and simple family recipes, easy DIYS, fun activities for families, and home projects.

 Check out a few of their posts:
Fresh Food Friday: 50 Easy and Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes
One Bowl Chocolate Cake (made from scratch!)
25 Easy Hairstyles With Braids

  Amberly L, A Prioritized Marriage 

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The goal of A Prioritized Marriage is to inspire other couples to put their marriage first and make an effort every day to build up their relationship with each other, no matter what life brings. There is always room for growth and learning in your relationship, no matter how long you've been together. If you want a strong marriage, you have to work at it continuously. You have to be willing to set aside your pride and look for ways that you can improve in your role as a spouse and make your marriage better. It is important to not only set goals that you can work toward as a couple, but also to look at what you can do personally to help your marriage be amazing!The goal of A Prioritized Marriage is not to portray what a perfect marriage should look like, because marriage relationships aren't perfect and no two marriages are the same. The posts that you find here will always be a transparent and honest portrayal of a real married relationship that is constantly growing and evolving.

 The purpose of this blog is not to say what you should or shouldn't be doing in order to have a happy and successful marriage. The purpose of this blog is to encourage couples to look at their own marriages, find areas where there is room for improvement, and set goals to help their marriage relationship reach its full potential!A Prioritized Marriage is written for everyone. Whether you're still single and preparing for a future relationship, dating someone and starting to think about marriage, engaged and planning for a future together, or married for any length of time, you can choose to change the future of your marriage relationship now and apply these posts to your life.   

Check out a few of her posts:
Why A Prioritized Marriage?
The Man I Didn't Even Know I Needed
The Time I Took It To Facebook

  Looking for some new blogs to follow? These are some of the best.  

  Bobbie at A Vision to Remember 

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I first found my love for sewing when I had my first daughter 7 years ago. Since then, all 3 of my girls and my little boy have been my inspiration for everything I do. Right now, I love to make and sew rag quilts, car seat tents, baby blanket, rag quilt patterns, car seat tent patterns, ruffled curtains. Many times you can find me in my sewing room sewing away at customer orders, but when I am not doing that I enjoy blogging. You can find sewing, home decor, craft, and DIY tutorials on my blog along with updates to shop, A Vision to Remember.  I hope you find your "Vision to Remember" Inspiration here on my blog or in my shop.

Check out a few of her posts:
7 Ways I Use Vinegar to Clean
Easiest Quilt Binding Method Ever!
How To Decorate a Large Wall


  Camille Walker, My Mommy Style 

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My Mommy Style is written by three women that also happen to be family! Camille and Janae are sisters and Melissa is their cousin. We wanted to create a space online that we could share the beauty of motherhood and family life. We believe there is not just ONE right way to be a Mother and we enjoy sharing those different "styles" to our readers in hopes that they can find something that will influence them in a positive way. It is so easy to compare one's self to others and we hope to encourage women to be the best Mom that they are no matter the differences.We share parenting tips, recipes, travel, activities, inspiring stories, fashion, health, decor, holiday fun, fitness, DIY, and learning activities for children.

 Check out a few of their posts:
Healthy Lunch Box Ideas - Week 2 
A Complete Guide to Nursing Your Baby
He Knows Us By Name


  Andie Thueson, Maybe I Will  

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  I know from experience how hard it can be to stay fit and healthy while raising children or meeting the demands of a career! My aim is to make fitness and healthy eating simple and fun! Just because you need to lose some weight or get in shape doesn't mean it has to be this exhausting chore! I firmly believe that fitness and health is NOT a destination!! It’s a way of life! So follow along on my day to day journey as I am navigating motherhood, my waistline, AND my sanity! So what can you expect?!?! …You can expect; Kick Boot-ay workouts, drool worthy healthy recipes, and AWESOME Tips to help you become a more Positive, Fit and Healthy Person! – Plus lots of fun!

   Check out a few of her posts:
 Why I Love to Work Out (and You Should Too!)
Finding Your Balance By Making Me Time a Priority
10 Exercises You Should Re-Embrace From Your Childhood

 Aubrey Zaruba, AubreyZaruba.com   

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I'm a working girl dreaming about someday being a stay at home something. Like my life, my blog is about a little bit of everything. I blog about fashion, running, recipes, travel, happenings, crafts, and everything in between. I love connecting with others, and I want everyone to be my best friend.  

Check out a few of her posts:
 Random Rambling... The 10th Wheel
Weddings and Wedding Cake... Steve and Rachel
Random Rambling... Dating+Giveaway


  Danielle Davis, Today's The Best Day

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 A website dedicated to celebrating the journey of motherhood and enhancing every mom's parenting experience. Danielle, the owner and creator of Today's The Best Day, was told at a young age that she probably would not have the opportunity to become a mom - and her dreams were shattered. But after several years of fertility treatments and countless prayers - she learned that miracles DO happen! With a desire to better the lives of women everywhere, Danielle created this website to be a place where women can come together to strive to make EVERY day, the BEST day for themselves, their marriages and their families.

Check out a few of her posts:
 Habits of a Successful Mom
 10 Ways to Stay "Best Friends Forever" With Your Husband
 Dos and Don'ts of Being a Good Mom


  Meredith Ethington, Perfection Pending  

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 I’m a mother of 3 writing about my quest to stop trying to be the perfect mother, and just be the mother I was always meant to be. I love encouraging other moms to do the same! I like to write about all the “perfect” and not-so-perfect moments I encounter every day raising my three kids. I also occasionally share recipes that my kids will actually eat, so that maybe you can try them out on your kids too. Just call me your test kitchen.

Check out a few of her posts:
How to Become the "Sorry Not Sorry" Mom
The Survival Skill Every Parent Needs
Asian Chicken Salad

  Staci Potter, The Potters' Place 

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 The Potters-Place is a blog where you will find a creative place to show what we are creating, making, DIY-ing, and doing at our place. We hope to help inspire you to create a happy, simple home! We sale a monthly box called the Potter Packs. They sell for $20.00 a month and that includes shipping. We like to keep it a secret but we can tell you this, each pack contains a printable, a yummy treat, seasonal items, a craft, cute things to wear and other fabulous items we know you will love.

Check out a few of her posts:
Craft Room
Glitter Pens
Thrifty Finds

  Mandy Beyster, Sugarbee Crafts  sugarbee01  Hi! I'm Mandy and I blog at www.SugarBeeCrafts.com, where you'll find all sorts of awesomeness. If I can do a project, you can too, and I love to show you how with step-by-step tutorials. Crafts, DIY, sewing, recipes, and so much more. I have 4 kiddos and enjoy living in the midwest, where we are currently building our own home (the ultimate DIY!!)  


 Check out a few of her posts:
  DIY Foam Frames of Awesomeness
  Giant Picture Tutorial
  Nightstands - From a Desk!

  Lisa at Pebbles and Piggytails 

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 Pebbles & Piggytails is all about inspiring families to make life meaningful! Whether it's making a recipe or craft together, or just finding time together I believe in making moments count. I learned this first-hand when I was in a auto-pedestrian accident while 6 months pregnant in 2007. Although the driver was intoxicated, we miraculously survived and learned how precious life can be. I believe there is no way to have a perfect family, but that you can enjoy being together no matter how you live. I'm just a freckled-face, down-to-earth girl who loves simple but meaningful things. My blog is full of yummies and crafts to make as well as DIY projects and fun family activities. I also blog about funny parenting stories, finding joy, and all the lessons learned along the way. Come make your day meaningful!

 Read some of her posts:
My Accident and Miracle 
Simple Frozen Birthday Party Ideas 
A Quick, Cheap, Sugar Popcorn Treat


  Katelyn Fagan at What's Up Fagans? 


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 What's up Fagans? is a blog about Katelyn Fagan and her family's adventure in this awesome, totally hard thing called life. They keep things real, honest, practical, and simple. At What's up Fagans? you'll find posts that are helpful to your soul, your home, your health, your children, and your spouse. The Fagans are a simple, imperfect, frugal, faithful lot, who want to help you find balance, happiness, love, beauty, and joy in your everyday life.

 Check out a few of her posts:
 Why I'm Not Telling My Kids They Can Be Whatever They Want to Be
How to Get Over the Fear of Pregnancy After a Miscarriage
I'm a Bad Mom and So Are You

Elizabeth Lund at Balm to My Soul 

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I’m Elizabeth! I am a wife, mother, blogger, speaker and therapist. The focus of Balm to My Soul is to uplift, inspire and empower men and women. I love to blog about what I do, so you will find food (yum!), DiY projects, life lessons, articles on well-being, faith (I'm a Mormon!), and other great resources. So, come on over. Stay a while. Share your story with me! Maybe we can learn something together.

 Check out her posts:
  Enough!
  9 Essentials to Teach Your Daughter About Body Image
  The Five Minutes That Changed My Life


  Camille Gillham, Chicken Scratch n Sniff    

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 Our mission at Chicken Scratch n Sniff is to strengthen the individual, teacher, and family. Find LDS lesson helps (Primary and Relief Society), scripture studies and journals, family time activities, and more!

Check out her posts:
Snuggle Up To Some Netflix Movies Tonight
Studying the Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson
The Miracles of Jesus: An Easter Scripture Study 

That's all, folks!

  I hope you've found some new people to meet in this list. I know I did!
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11/52

March 15, 2015, 7:50 pm
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A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2015.









Ethan: This boy is a Toothless Wonder.  He loves nothing more than to be running around outside. Today he offered a "kind service" to our new neighbor (a sweet older widow down the street).  He took her a baggie full of pretzels and a couple of flowers picked from the vacant lot next door.  He is thoughtful and sweet and also incredibly difficult.



Elijah:  Loves his blanket totally and completely and he hasn't slept without it for most of his life. He's in full-blown Exhausting Desctructive Toddler mode. He climbs things, he eats books,  he has torn our houseplants to shreds and he does it all with those adorable dimples on display to help lessen the annoyance of those around him. 



Ellie: Her typewriter broke a few months ago.  She saved up some money and we've been checking thrift stores for a replacement.  We didn't have much luck and she was more than disappointed. However, on a visit to her Great Grandma's house this weekend, she mentioned her typewriter search. Grandma promptly gave her this beautiful typewriter, purchased by Great Grandpa (who has since passed away) while he was serving an LDS mission, many many years ago.  We found replacement ribbon (the old stuff was, unsurprisingly, dried out) really cheap online.  (Thank you Internet!) She's been churning out a twice daily Hillman Herald for our enjoyment.  And enjoy it we do.

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Quick Lit: March 2015

March 16, 2015, 3:30 pm
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I'm joining Anne of Modern Mrs. Darcy to share quick reviews of books I've read lately.  Head over there for a multitude of books to add to your to-read list.

Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters!

Hands Free Mama

I love the idea of this book.  It's touted as a guide to helping us be more present in our daily lives and love our people more fully.  It sounded like just exactly what I needed to read, since my word for the year is Focus and all.  I enjoyed the first few chapters, but then felt like everything was pretty redundant.  I also didn't feel like it was realistic for someone in my position: a homeschooling Mama with a blog and a small business.  I can't be hands free every second I'm with my kids; they are with me almost all the time.  I want them to see me working hard to achieve my goals and some of those goals require technology.  I can, however, set up better work hours and be more strict about following them.  That is what I was motivated to do after reading this book, so in the end I'm glad I read it.

Tell the Wolves I'm Home

Tell the Wolves I'm Home

This coming-of-age novel is set in 1987, which is just fun in itself for a child of the 80s as I haven't read many books set in that time period.  It's the story of 14 year old June Elbus and her famous painter uncle who is dying of AIDS.  June lives in her head much of the time, in her own fantasy world.  It's a story of unlikely friendships, lost love and the healing power of compassion and forgiveness.  

The Sea of Tranquility

Sea of Tranquility


 It may be because I've read a bit more YA than usual lately and I was feeling burned out on the whole Damaged-Childhood-Angsty-Teenager-Love-Story theme, but I ended up not finishing this book.  I wanted to learn more about Nastya's story, but I just didn't care to wade through the rough language and constant sexual references to get there. Meh.


The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands

The Best Yes

I loved this book.  I listened to the audiobook read by the author.  She is engaging and easy to listen to and I found myself pausing often to write down little nuggets of wisdom.  The book was heartwarming and real and the advice she shared is easily applied in real life. I am slowly getting better at saying, "No, thank you" to opportunities that are not a good fit for my family and my schedule, and this book was a huge affirmation for me that it's important to continue on that path.
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LDS General Conference Doodle Journal for Teens and Adults {and 20% off in the A Lively Hope Shop}

March 18, 2015, 3:50 pm
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 I am so excited to announce the newest journal in the A Lively Hope Etsy shop!  It's been a labor of love over the past few months and it's finally ready. Introducing the LDS General Conference Doodle Journal!  This 24 page download is full of my hand-drawn doodles and is designed to help you get the most out of General Conference.




Whether you are a Mama with young children around (love them, but my they can be distracting!) or you just love keeping your hands busy while you listen to Conference, this is the perfect journal for you.


The journal includes a half page to take notes for each person who will be speaking during conference.


In has four pages of favorite quotes pages with different doodle frames:



The Topics doodle page is designed for you to color in while you listen and then cut out and add to your journal.


Inspiration pages are designed for you to take notes as you listen.  Make a list of the promptings you receive in different areas of your life: 
Insights for my Family
Inspiration for my Relationships
Inspiration for my Calling
Questions I Have
To Study Later and 
Goals


This journal is available as an instant download for $4.50 in my Etsy shop.

Now through April 5 you can use the code EASTER20 to get 20% off anything in the A Lively Hope shop!


**Your purchase entitles you to print this journal as many times as you need for personal and family use. Please do not share the document with others.**
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