Showing posts with label recommendations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recommendations. Show all posts
Monday, June 11, 2018
Summer Reading . . . for YOU
What was the best "purely for pleasure" book that you've read recently? Join us over at https://www.facebook.com/StaceyWatts.laugh and share your picks for summer reading!
#livesummerdeliberately
Friday, June 8, 2018
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Valentine's Week Series: 10 Ways to Love Your Man
Continuing our series on ways to better love our loved ones, today's focus is on the men. Now, I know that we talk a lot about beauty products and recipes and laundry secrets on this blog, but we must mention that Happily Parenting has a huge male fan base . . . probably because we have a tendency to urge women to spoil their men, not their children!
So as Valentine's Day draws closer, girls, try a few of these (and add your own)!
So as Valentine's Day draws closer, girls, try a few of these (and add your own)!
- Eat something manly with him. For some reason, a lot of men get a big kick out of watching a woman eat a messy cheeseburger.
- Make his breakfast and/or lunch before work. This is huge in our house . . . and don't forget the love note!
- Flirt with him during the day via text, cards, or email. Let him know you're thinking of him, love him, and want him. Our big strong men need to know that they're wanted, too!
- Sit next to him rather than across from him in a restaurant booth. My hubby and I are often guilty of rolling our eyes at couples who do this, but every now and again we go for cheesy!
- Ask about his day, and then really listen and ask questions. It's not always about you. Remember that the male species is the same no matter what age, so be specific when you ask about his day. This isn't a slam against our beloved . . . just truth.
- Be bold . . . yeah, you know what we're talking about. Spontaneously get into the shower with him, or as he walks by, pull him into the hallway and give him an I-mean-business kiss. Husbands and wives only, y'all . . . husbands and wives.
- Thank him for the things he does at home. Point out specific repairs he's done, building projects he's completed, or even items he's purchased that have made your life easier.
- Don't criticize him in front of anyone--especially your children. Rejection and negativity are detrimental to even the manliest of men. Support them in public and at home, and provide constructive criticism in private and with a lot of love.
- Give him an equally loving send-off every morning and greeting every afternoon. Pucker up.
- Share in his interests. Even when it is the last thing on earth you want to do, chances are it means everything to him!
Sending you lots of love this week,
Friday, January 15, 2016
Friday Favorites: January 15, 2016 Edition
From Andrea:
Happy New Year! Along with the majority of the world, I’ve started 2016 with a little self-improvement vow—but really, this vow has more to do with buying new beauty products than clean eating and sugar reduction. Along with trying beauty products, I’ve run across a few other gems that I thought I would share.
I believe my feelings toward winter are well-documented; I don’t like it, and it doesn’t seem to care for me either. I normally go barefoot all year ‘round, but apparently I’ve entered the elderly years, and I just can’t hack it with the cold floors and bare feet anymore. Enter these little honeys:
If you think that they’re on my feet right now, then you would be correct. I bought them on a total whim, and I was right back at Target less than a week later buying a second pair. They’re cute, machine-washable, super soft, and warm without being hot. I think I may need them in the grey and purple to complete my snuggly collection.
While I was at Target preparing my feet for what I feel is probably going to be a brutal February, I also picked up some jewelry cleaner. I have several silver necklaces that are looking dingy, and I normally use the silver cleaning cloths. This got good reviews, and now I see why.
I dunked my silver bead necklace into the cleaner, counted to 10, and removed it . . . gave it a rinse, and just like that, it looked as sparkly as the day I snagged it (from the cutest little store that has, sadly, gone out of business since then). I can’t believe how well this cleaner works. I think I’ve said farewell to those wimpy cloths.
And then there's this (which does fall into the previously mentioned beauty product category):
I got this as a stocking stuffer for Christmas, and I’m a big fan. One end is for hydration, and the other end is for renewal. I have to tell you that I can’t tell the difference between the two—both feel smooth and creamy without being sticky. But I tend to lean toward using the renewal side more because I feel sure that something amazing must be happening to my lips with a word like that printed right on the tube.
--Andrea
From Stacey:
2016 is proving that I am still quite in love with some of my favorites from the last few years. Just this week as we were discussing our Friday faves, I couldn't help but notice my favorite cookbook of late right in front of me on the counter. I refer to it often, but for more than just the delicious noshes . . . Bree Drummond is a fabulous photographer and children's book author! As soon as I read that lil' nugget in the intro of her cookbook, I was hooked; as it turns out, her books are some of my favorite read-alouds in the classroom as well! Anywho, her dishes are easy, beautiful, and so yummy. Definite crowd pleasers!
These little gems are also filled with amazing shots of her family's ranch and family. Her passion for family--and her husband especially--is evident in all she does. Enjoy!
As a family, we are most often found outdoors, but when the weather gets cold, family games are our go-to some nights. This game is just fun for everyone! Simple, yet mind-blowing all at once. I'm not a math person, so the fact that every single time there is a matching object no mater how you mix 'em up BLOWS. MY. MIND! Our kids received this as a gift years ago, and ever since we've collected quite a few others with varying themes. Spot It is fast-paced and different every time you play. Of course, we get a wee bit competitive with this one . . . and laughter always ensues!
Uno and Monopoly also tend to reveal the competitive spirit in each of us. I'm pretty sure we do NOT play by the rules!
2015 was a difficult year in our home state. Through prayer and love for one another, we came out strong (a bit soggy and sad but not surrendering)! Long before we were all wearing some state pride, I ran across these shirts in royal blue for my kids at Mast General and just fell in love with the simplicity, color, and soft fabric. (My children fell in love with some candy cigarettes . . . but that is a story for another day!)
Though there are many out there with the state theme, this one remains my fave! Love it!
--Stacey
Friday, November 13, 2015
Friday Favorites: November 13, 2015 Edition
From the “I’m thankful for” posts on Facebook, to the fact that all of the grocery stores have cream of mushroom soup on sale, it’s dawning on me that Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us. This week, we’re sharing a few holiday-related favorites that we think you’ll enjoy!
Andrea’s Favorites:
Christmas Novellas
No matter where you stand on Christmas decorating (for the record, every year I firmly state that we will decorate on December 1 and not before . . . and my husband cheerfully ignores me and decorates the day after Thanksgiving)—if you want to have time to get a few Christmas reads in, you’ve gotta start early. I generally start reading these little gems around the beginning of November. Here are three of my favorites:
The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson
I read this one a couple of years ago, and several days after the book had ended, I was still waking up thinking of my book friend Edith. When you get a “book hangover” like that, you know that you’ve read a great one.
Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn
In the second novel, a character tells the protagonist, "You are a woman drawn to home and hearth. Never doubt the happiness such simplicity can bring you." That quote sums up my life so beautifully right now.
Nail Polish
Penny Talk by Essie
I absolutely love this color for fall. The coppery tone makes me think of glorious trips through the mountains. It also has a hint of sparkle that could take you right into the Christmas season. Now, I love a good dark red for Christmas, but if your hands are as non-stop as mine, then your nails will absolutely chip, and a chip in this color is much less noticeable than it would be with red nails. The best part is that the sparkle is subtle enough that you can wear it to church and not give the impression that you’re heading to Vegas later.
Recipe
Southern Plate’s Faux Pecan Pie
Basically, this is a pecan pie minus the pecans. I made this last Thanksgiving, and I did something that every good southern woman would tell me never to do: I made it for the first time on Thanksgiving. No trial run. Thankfully, my people devoured it, and no one could tell that it wasn’t traditional pecan pie (‘til I told them and made them guess the secret ingredient)! This one has sealed its place in my holiday season repertoire.
--Andrea
Stacey's Favorites:
Pampered Chef Mix ‘N Chop
Okay . . . just get this. I love mine so much that it became the muse for a few themed gift baskets we gave as Christmas gifts one year.
I thought of all the items I'd purchased from mostly direct sales companies, and realized that I had one from each that I totally loved. Soooo, we assembled baskets of "our favorites we'd love to share with you!" One of these was included in each, and they have been huge hits among recipients. I just love it!
Vacation Souvenir Ornament
I ran across this of course while cruising "the Pinterest." I tucked it away and even shocked myself by remembering to actually DO IT! While on vacation with my extended family, I scooped a bit of sand into a baggie and tossed it into the back of car. Again . . . very pleased to have kept up with it and in turn make ornaments for each family. Just a fun, sweet, sentimental token.
Homemade Butter (great family activity)
As Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, this is one of those sweet remembrances I come back to year after year. If you've never made homemade butter with a child—well, you have never lived.
Okay, maybe an overstatement, but nevertheless . . . fun!
Every year that I was teaching, I did this with my kindergarteners around this time of year. Of course, it has become harder to find glass baby food jars, but if you're tenacious enough, you can do it. The short and sweet: heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and a heck of a lot of shake-shake-shake! Get yourself some corn muffins, and yummers!
--Stacey
Andrea’s Favorites:
Christmas Novellas
No matter where you stand on Christmas decorating (for the record, every year I firmly state that we will decorate on December 1 and not before . . . and my husband cheerfully ignores me and decorates the day after Thanksgiving)—if you want to have time to get a few Christmas reads in, you’ve gotta start early. I generally start reading these little gems around the beginning of November. Here are three of my favorites:
The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson
I read this one a couple of years ago, and several days after the book had ended, I was still waking up thinking of my book friend Edith. When you get a “book hangover” like that, you know that you’ve read a great one.
Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn
In the second novel, a character tells the protagonist, "You are a woman drawn to home and hearth. Never doubt the happiness such simplicity can bring you." That quote sums up my life so beautifully right now.
Nail Polish
Penny Talk by Essie
I absolutely love this color for fall. The coppery tone makes me think of glorious trips through the mountains. It also has a hint of sparkle that could take you right into the Christmas season. Now, I love a good dark red for Christmas, but if your hands are as non-stop as mine, then your nails will absolutely chip, and a chip in this color is much less noticeable than it would be with red nails. The best part is that the sparkle is subtle enough that you can wear it to church and not give the impression that you’re heading to Vegas later.
Recipe
Southern Plate’s Faux Pecan Pie
Basically, this is a pecan pie minus the pecans. I made this last Thanksgiving, and I did something that every good southern woman would tell me never to do: I made it for the first time on Thanksgiving. No trial run. Thankfully, my people devoured it, and no one could tell that it wasn’t traditional pecan pie (‘til I told them and made them guess the secret ingredient)! This one has sealed its place in my holiday season repertoire.
--Andrea
Stacey's Favorites:
Pampered Chef Mix ‘N Chop
Okay . . . just get this. I love mine so much that it became the muse for a few themed gift baskets we gave as Christmas gifts one year.
I thought of all the items I'd purchased from mostly direct sales companies, and realized that I had one from each that I totally loved. Soooo, we assembled baskets of "our favorites we'd love to share with you!" One of these was included in each, and they have been huge hits among recipients. I just love it!
Vacation Souvenir Ornament
I ran across this of course while cruising "the Pinterest." I tucked it away and even shocked myself by remembering to actually DO IT! While on vacation with my extended family, I scooped a bit of sand into a baggie and tossed it into the back of car. Again . . . very pleased to have kept up with it and in turn make ornaments for each family. Just a fun, sweet, sentimental token.
Homemade Butter (great family activity)
As Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, this is one of those sweet remembrances I come back to year after year. If you've never made homemade butter with a child—well, you have never lived.
Okay, maybe an overstatement, but nevertheless . . . fun!
Every year that I was teaching, I did this with my kindergarteners around this time of year. Of course, it has become harder to find glass baby food jars, but if you're tenacious enough, you can do it. The short and sweet: heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and a heck of a lot of shake-shake-shake! Get yourself some corn muffins, and yummers!
--Stacey
Friday, November 6, 2015
Friday Favorites: November 6, 2015 Edition
Friday is a HUGE deal at our house. Even when my children were toddlers, I would talk up Friday to them as the glorious day when Daddy would arrive home around 5:30—usually with a pizza—and prepare to spend two whole office-free days with us. They got into the habit of calling any day off a “staying day,” and we all use that fun term now.
So Friday is the perfect day of the week for Stacey and I to share our favorites—anything we like that we think you may like too (especially if it makes your life easier or sets you up for some kind of instant success). We’ll be talking books to beauty products to bean dip recipes (we have a deep fondness for Tex Mex). Hope you enjoy!
--Andrea
Note: These links aren’t affiliate links; that means that they’re regular ol’ links, and no one is paying us to advertise this stuff . . . ‘though that would be nice.
Andrea’s Favorites:
Bible Hi-Gliders
I wish I had discovered these several Bibles ago. I’m a big fan of taking notes and highlighting, and this kind doesn’t bleed through. I’ve heard that some people color code their Bible passages—for example, yellow for the Holy Spirit, green for areas to grow, etc. Well, let’s never pretend that I’m one of those people. I go with the color that feels good in the moment.
Bats in the Library by Brian Lies
Sometimes I declare “Mommy’s choice” when we’re having reading time, and this book is always in my top five. I think this is one of the most creative and well-written children’s books that I’ve ever read . . . and I’ve read more than a few.
Clarisonic Mia1 Sonic Skin Cleansing System
Okay, I now see what all the fuss is about. At the recommendation of a gorgeous dermatologist with I-have-no-pores skin, I bought one of these last July. I used it for the first time the morning after I got it, and that night when I got into the shower, I touched my face and absent-mindedly thought, “HEY, why does my face feel so amazing?” Then I remembered! Now, I can’t say that I’m ready to post close-up pictures of my makeup-free smiling face all over the internet, mind you, but I can at least feel a difference.
Stacey’s Favorites:
PlanetBox Lunch Box
Hands down, this is the best lunch box out there. Ours have lasted us over three years, and they’re still holding strong! I was turned on to these by a parent of one of my students (and a fellow teacher)! My kids love packing a variety of lunch noshes, and I love that it doesn't mean using a ton of plastic baggies or five different containers to wash.
Wilton Bake Easy Non Stick Spray
The holiday season is upon us, and trust me when I tell you that you need to get some of this stuff. It’s a baking game-changer! This is not your mother's Pam non-stick spray. No no, my friends, your baked goods will JUMP from their pans, so be ready!
Penelope Clear Cover 2016 Weekly/Monthly 5 x 8 Planner
One of my absolute weaknesses is the dollar bin at Target. I know it is a marketing trap, but it makes me happy. Anywho, every year I buy about ten of these and pass them out with great joy. I know most people use a techno gadget to keep their dates organized with brilliant dings and reminder notifications for important events. But there is something about authentic handwritten notes to yourself. I'm hanging on to those Lisa Frank experiences of days gone by!
Hollywood Fashion Tape
Okay, if ya got big boobs, they have no doubt gotten away from you from time to time. Such is life. One of my best friends gave me some of this miracle tape years ago, and I have never been without a pack since. It's perfect for those cute button-down blouses that gape between buttons like you've got two rabid animals trying to escape. Yeah . . . those. It also comes in handy if you're like me with no shoulders, and tops won't stay put over your bra straps. The struggle is real. So in the spirit of modesty—ironically--"Hollywood" fashion tape is the key!
So Friday is the perfect day of the week for Stacey and I to share our favorites—anything we like that we think you may like too (especially if it makes your life easier or sets you up for some kind of instant success). We’ll be talking books to beauty products to bean dip recipes (we have a deep fondness for Tex Mex). Hope you enjoy!
--Andrea
Note: These links aren’t affiliate links; that means that they’re regular ol’ links, and no one is paying us to advertise this stuff . . . ‘though that would be nice.
Andrea’s Favorites:
Bible Hi-Gliders
I wish I had discovered these several Bibles ago. I’m a big fan of taking notes and highlighting, and this kind doesn’t bleed through. I’ve heard that some people color code their Bible passages—for example, yellow for the Holy Spirit, green for areas to grow, etc. Well, let’s never pretend that I’m one of those people. I go with the color that feels good in the moment.
Bats in the Library by Brian Lies
Sometimes I declare “Mommy’s choice” when we’re having reading time, and this book is always in my top five. I think this is one of the most creative and well-written children’s books that I’ve ever read . . . and I’ve read more than a few.
Clarisonic Mia1 Sonic Skin Cleansing System
Okay, I now see what all the fuss is about. At the recommendation of a gorgeous dermatologist with I-have-no-pores skin, I bought one of these last July. I used it for the first time the morning after I got it, and that night when I got into the shower, I touched my face and absent-mindedly thought, “HEY, why does my face feel so amazing?” Then I remembered! Now, I can’t say that I’m ready to post close-up pictures of my makeup-free smiling face all over the internet, mind you, but I can at least feel a difference.
Stacey’s Favorites:
PlanetBox Lunch Box
Hands down, this is the best lunch box out there. Ours have lasted us over three years, and they’re still holding strong! I was turned on to these by a parent of one of my students (and a fellow teacher)! My kids love packing a variety of lunch noshes, and I love that it doesn't mean using a ton of plastic baggies or five different containers to wash.
Wilton Bake Easy Non Stick Spray
The holiday season is upon us, and trust me when I tell you that you need to get some of this stuff. It’s a baking game-changer! This is not your mother's Pam non-stick spray. No no, my friends, your baked goods will JUMP from their pans, so be ready!
Penelope Clear Cover 2016 Weekly/Monthly 5 x 8 Planner
One of my absolute weaknesses is the dollar bin at Target. I know it is a marketing trap, but it makes me happy. Anywho, every year I buy about ten of these and pass them out with great joy. I know most people use a techno gadget to keep their dates organized with brilliant dings and reminder notifications for important events. But there is something about authentic handwritten notes to yourself. I'm hanging on to those Lisa Frank experiences of days gone by!
Hollywood Fashion Tape
Okay, if ya got big boobs, they have no doubt gotten away from you from time to time. Such is life. One of my best friends gave me some of this miracle tape years ago, and I have never been without a pack since. It's perfect for those cute button-down blouses that gape between buttons like you've got two rabid animals trying to escape. Yeah . . . those. It also comes in handy if you're like me with no shoulders, and tops won't stay put over your bra straps. The struggle is real. So in the spirit of modesty—ironically--"Hollywood" fashion tape is the key!
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