Ring in the New Year with Family and Friends

It is unbelievable that 2009 is over and a new year is approaching. Personally, 2009 was a good year for me, but I am looking forward to ringing in 2010 with my daughter. Since I have had my daughter, I can’t imagine spending New Years any other way than with her. This year I am going to my parent’s house and will celebrate with them and some family friends. Kids love the New Year it is the one time of year they can stay up until midnight and hang out with the adults. Our family friends have younger children and we are planning to let the kids have their own little New Year’s Eve celebration. Many parents will find themselves at home with their families so add some party hats and noise blowers and have some fun!

Ideas on how the whole family can join in on the New Year’s festivities

Have a Pajama Party
Invite some good friends and their families over for an old fashioned sleepover. Depending on how much space you have in your home you may want to invite one or two families. Have everyone bring their favorite movie or game, pop some popcorn, get in your pajamas and wait for the ball to drop. Let the kids build a tent in the living room or create their own little party space. Order some food or cook a meal together of traditional New Year’s Eve recipes like black-eyed peas, or hot dogs and sauerkraut. Get into the spirit by wearing party hats, hang streamers, and use noisemakers.

Have a Game Night
Tell each person in your family to pick their favorite game for game night. Playing games are a great way to get in some fun bonding time. Order a pizza and sit down for an evening of games. Some great games are charades, Pictionary, Uno, Monopoly, and Scrabble to get the crowd excited.

Scrapbooking
New Year’s Eve is a wonderful time to reflect on all of the memories of the past year. So much happens in a year both good and bad. It is amazing when we look back and realize all of the changes that occur and how much God has blessed us and brought us through hard times and provided good times. Gather family pictures, ticket stubs, and anything that holds sentimental meaning to create a family scrapbook for 2009. Ask everyone to recall their favorite memory of 2009 and even their not so favorite memory it reminds everyone of all they have to be thankful for. Talk about your hopes and plans as a family for the new year.

Attend Church
The best place to be on New Year’s Eve is church. Attend church on New Year’s Eve and having fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ is a beautiful way to welcome the New Year. Start your New Year by praising God through worship and prayer. Thank God for all of your blessings and pray for a fruitful new year. This is a worthy tradition to pass on to your children and to partake in as a whole family.

The New Year is a time for celebrating and thanking God for giving us another year to spend with our family and friends. It is a time to reflect and a time for renewal. I always thought of the new year as a time for new beginnings, a time to move forward and leave the past behind. Regardless of how you spend the evening, spend it with a heart of gratefulness for another year. Spend it with the people you love and remember to always give praise to our Savior for the gift of life. I wish you all a safe, happy, prosperous, and blessed New Year!

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

10 Creative Ways to Spark Christmas Tradition

This time of year we are faced with all the materialism the world has to offer. One must stop and think of what happened to simple family Christmas tradition that keep the spirit of the holiday alive. Do we remember why we celebrate Christmas? Sugar Plum dreams fill our heads but is there room for Christ and family? This year many families are facing difficult economic times. This causes many to go beyond their means to provide what the world calls a good Christmas or feel depressed for being unable to provide presents. If you feel out of the Christmas spirit due to finances or inability to purchase gifts then you need to re-examine what the Christmas spirit is and how your celebrate it.

Ten simple ways to add the true meaning of Christmas back into your family

1. Special Christmas Breakfast. Every year I make French toast. I cut the toast in half crosswise to make a triangle shape. This serves as the tree. I sprinkle green sugar sprinkles on top to give it color. To finish it off, I use a sausage link for the tree bark. Try something fun for your family!

2. Present for Jesus. Wrap a box but leave a slit at the top where you can insert an index card. Each time a family member does something for Jesus have him or her write down the action on the card and insert in the box. Then on Christmas, open up the box and share with everyone what you gave Jesus this year.

3. Make Prayer Cards out of Greeting Cards. Each time you get a greeting card be sure to put it in a prayer rotation. Have cards lined up on a mantle or make into garland for the tree or however you store your cards, then each night have a family prayer time and pray for each person who sent you a card.

4. Read the Christmas Story. Read the Christmas story out of the bible. Either have dad read the entire story or have family members rotate verses. Do this before you open presents, so you can remember the true reason you should be thankful for another Christmas.

5. Christmas Craft. Every year, my family makes a Christmas craft. The craft changes yearly. One year we made ornaments, the next we made votive candle holders out of flower pots, and the next we made our own Christmas cards. Just choose something! As time goes on, you will be able to decorate your home with your Christmas crafts! I know I would rather see my family’s creations up than something I purchased.

6. Advent Paper Chain. Get red and green construction paper and cut it into thin strips. Then form a circle with one and glue end to end. Next, use an alternating color and attach it to make another circle and glue end to end forming a chain. You can make one link for each day in December up until Christmas day. Before forming the links and the chain, write on the inside a verse, an activity, or permission for a special treat, for the kids to open each day until Christmas.

7. Cookies for the Neighbors. Every year I make cookies for my neighbors. Included in the tin are strips of paper like confetti with printed verses. I also insert a track.

8. Christmas Caroling. When passing out your cookies you want to offer up some Christmas carols for your neighbor’s enjoyment. If you are too shy, then just make singing a regular family tradition.

9. Christmas Decoration Tear Down Day. Taking down decorations should be part of the fun! We make it a family affair because it goes faster and it makes it more fun. Use that time to reflect on the memories surrounded by the decorations, ornaments, gifts, greeting cards and so forth. Reflect on the meaning of Christmas and how you can keep that spirit in the upcoming new year. Then when the work is done play a game, watch a movie or do some fun family activity.

10. Iron Chef Christmas Cookie Competition. We all love Christmas cookies and treats. I am sure every family member has a personal favorite. Well, one day get in the kitchen and whip up some cookies. Split up into teams and make your favorites to share. To make it more fun, have a secret ingredient! Pick out of a hat, a strip of paper with an ingredient on it, like chocolate chips. That will be the challenge secret ingredient for each team. This will make baking so much more fun and personal.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Before Christmas Party Fun at Home

Some of our favorite memories are gathering with family and friends during the Christmas season. On Christmas day most people are spending time with their family and often unable to spend quality time with their friends. I remember as a child waking up at home on Christmas and then spending the day at my grandparent’s house, but rarely did we have the time to visit friends that day. Celebrating the holiday with friends is just as important as celebrating with family. This is usually a busy time of the year for most folks, but throwing a small pre-Christmas party doesn’t have to monopolize your time, it can be a simple fun way to create moments with those you love.

Ideas to have a gathering before Christmas day

Have a Potluck

I will always have mixed feelings on potluck, part of me feels like if you are going to throw a party then you throw the party. However, people like potlucks and seem to enjoy whipping up one of their specialty dishes and sharing it with others. I suggest the host cook the main dish and the guests bring sides. This is an easy way to have a full blown Christmas dinner that everyone can enjoy without you going crazy. Most likely your decorations are up so all you have to do is set the table and enjoy the meal!

Cookie Exchange

A fun theme for a pre-Christmas party is a cookie exchange. Invite your friends and their children over and bake cookies. Cookies are always a big hit and especially during Christmas. This is great bonding time for parents, kids, and friends. Cut down on costs by asking everyone to bring the ingredients they need to bake. By the end of the party you will have baked enough cookies to exchange among one another and have enough of your own for Christmas day.

Christmas Caroling

Christmas Carolers are not in full effect like they used to be, but that doesn’t mean you can’t participate in a little Christmas caroling! Invite some friends over, get their suggestions on their favorite Christmas tunes and make copies of the lyrics. Create a Christmas caroling party a few days before Christmas by handing out the copies and making hot chocolate, cookies, and eggnog for your guests. Gather together and sing the carols. If you are adventurous go out into your neighborhoods and belt out a few tunes.

Christmas Movie Night

Everyone loves a good Christmas movie. Host a Christmas movie night with friends at your home. Ask everyone to bring their favorite movie. You may want to have this party a little earlier in the day than the other parties. You can also make a list of well known Christmas movies and have everyone pick two or three that are their favorites and choose those to watch. Don’t forget to include the kids and give them choices. Pop some popcorn, make hot chocolate and enjoy the movie! Split the time so that there is some adult time and kid time to make everyone happy.

Christmas Gift Exchange

Kids aren’t the only ones who like to receive gifts, adults do too. A gift exchange in these economic times may not seem feasible. Why not get back to basics? Presents do not have to cost money. Some suggestions are writing a few stories about times that were memorable between you and your friend, they will love it and it is a great way to reflect on cherished memories and why your friendship is so important. Make a CD of your friend’s favorite songs. Give them a homemade gift certificate, for example, “This certificate is good for a whole night of babysitting.”Create a photo album of all the great pictures you have together. These are the gifts that mean the most.

The Christmas season is for reflecting on the birth of Jesus and being thankful for the people in our lives which include family and friends. The season seems to rush by in a wink of an eye, but don’t let it escape without spending time with those you care about most. A pre-Christmas party doesn’t have to make you frazzled nor do you have to plan an extravagant party with caterers all you needs is a little bit of creativity and a whole lot of love. So call your friends and invite them over for some good old Christmas fun!

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Simple Christmas Decorating Ideas

Lately, I have been feeling a bit like Ms. Claus and my house is resembling the North Pole! I love every minute of the Christmas season, the shopping, baking, decorating, spending time with family and friends, and reflecting on the birth of our savior. A surefire way to get into the holiday spirit is to decorate your home. Decorating can be a fun and creative way for your family to enjoy the season together. So grab a cup of hot chocolate and let your inner Santa emerge with these decorating tips.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Table Centerpieces

Centerpieces are an inexpensive way to add holiday cheer to a room. Get a decorative bowl (gold, silver, etc.) and put colorful Christmas bulbs inside. I did this with a gold holiday bowl and filled it with red bulbs, it looks great and festive. Try adding pine cones in the bowl they also work well.

Candles

Candles add tremendous warmth to any room. Place them on your tables, in the hallway, on mantles, and add some green garland around them for a decorative touch. Place pillar candles on different sized candle holders and put lots of votive candles all over the house. Dress up the candle by putting a pretty ribbon around it.

Jars and Vases

You can do wonders with clear jars and vases! If you have little jars or canisters line them up on the kitchen counter and fill them with red and white candy, such as peppermints or candy canes. I have a few of the small thin vases and I have been able to use them in a couple ways. First, I bought a cheap string of red garland beads for about $1.99 and placed them into the clear vase, they look great! Those stray branches that you have to cut off your tree can be recycled and used for decorating. I cut the evergreen sprigs off and placed them in clear vases and put them on the window sills.

Ornaments

Ornaments aren’t only for the tree. If you have an ornament that has a message, for example an ornament with the word peace on it, hang it on a door knob of one of your rooms. Another idea is get a ribbon and string a number of bulbs on it and hang it above an entrance way.

Cypress Trees and Cinnamon Brooms

I bought a small cypress tree that I adore. These trees cost around $3.00-$4.00, they are small but they make a big impact in your room. Line three up on the window sill or put them on a coffee table with a festive Christmas ribbon tied around it and you have a great decoration.

The cinnamon broom is a new addition in my home that will become a fixture every year. Hang the broom up and it gives off the most wonderful scent. Mix that scent with the smell of pine and it is pure bliss. They also look rustic and charming.

Decorate the Kid’s Room

If you have little kids go back to your childhood and dig out your crafty side. Get some construction paper and make snowflakes. Hang them from the ceiling in their bedroom create a little winter wonderland. Put a small tree in their room, whether artificial or real and let them decorate it with unbreakable ornaments. Let them go wild with the tinsel and add a few lights, they’ll love it.

Print out stencils to trace their favorite Christmas characters to decorate and hang on their wall. Create a Christmas wall filled with snow, snowmen, Santa, candy canes, etc.

Nativity Scenes

No Christmas would be complete without a nativity scene. Nativity scenes can be expensive but you can also make your own. Many drugstores such as CVS or Rite Aids have Christmas decorations that are 50% off. Many of them have angels, Mary and Joseph and even small nativity sets that you can buy inexpensively. Whether it is a corner with a nativity scene or a table with spiritual literature and a comfortable chair that you can sit quietly around and pray and reflect on Jesus Christ, create a corner in your home that is dedicated to honoring the birth of Jesus Christ.

Have fun with the holidays. Think of creative ways to dress up your home with the warmth and coziness of the season. It doesn’t have to be an $80.00 strand of garland, it can be homemade or inexpensive items that add Christmas cheer to your surroundings. As moms we create the family traditions and memories that children will associate with the holidays. Make those memories precious and warm and always add a lot of love to everything you do.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Spend Quality Christmas Time With Your Family

The day after Thanksgiving I woke up full of excitement and it wasn’t because of all the Black Friday sales. The Christmas season has officially kicked off! I am probably just as excited as my daughter to drag out the decorations and fill every inch of our home with Christmas cheer. Kids love the holiday with all of the fun activities, gifts, and treats. Christmas is a wonderful time to create family traditions and make long lasting memories for everyone to enjoy. There are a number of activities you can do to make the holiday memorable.

Ideas for Spending Quality Time with Family this Christmas

Yearly Christmas Scrapbook

Scrapbooking is a fun way to record memories of your family’s Christmas each year. Buy an inexpensive photo album or scrapbook and get the whole family together to decorate the cover. Over the Christmas holiday collect the pictures of family and friends, snowball fights, school pageants, and tree decorating and arrange them in the scrapbook with captions capturing the moment. If you attend any performances collect the stubs and thrown them in there too. A great day to complete the scrapbook is on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day so that you can reflect upon all the fun of the season.

Bake Cookies and Pastries

No matter how young or old we are there is nothing better than the smell of warm cookies baking in the oven. Get your aprons on and let the baking begin. If you have extended family in close proximity invite them over and begin a baking tradition. Bake an extra batch of cookies and give them to the neighbors or give your children’s classmates a treat and bake enough for their class.

Watch the Classics

I know Christmas has arrived when I take out Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. The oldies will always be the best classics to cozy up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and your family to watch Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and It’s a Wonderful Life. I suggest buying some movies that are about the birth of Jesus Christ. Movies about the day our Savior is born should become classics just as much as Frosty is in our homes.

Gift of Giving

Christmas is truly a time of reflection on the life of Jesus Christ. It is a wonderful time to encourage the gift of giving in your children. With so many people suffering because of the economic climate, now is a good time to as any to give to those in need. If you are able, adopt a family for Christmas and provide gifts and food for them for the holiday. If your wallet doesn’t allow it then just contribute a toy to the many charitable organizations that are collecting gifts for children. Have your children choose the toys for the kids, or visit a nursing home and sing some carols or give an elderly person a gift.

Secret Santa is a fun way to get your family involved in the spirit of giving. Choose a family and leave a present at their door in the evening, send a little note saying that it is from the secret Santa. It can be a small token of appreciation for a friend, neighbor, or person in need. Teaching our children to have a servant’s heart is one of the best Christmas gifts we can give them.

Take a Stroll Around the Neighborhood

Quality time together can be as simple as taking a walk after dinner with the family around the neighborhood. During this time of year the lights on the homes and the decorations are beautiful. If it is too cold outside jump in the car and bring a thermos of hot chocolate and a batch of cookies and ride around town enjoying the sights.

Attend Christmas Events

Check the local events in your area for fun filled family activities. In my area almost every weekend there is a performance or a kid’s holiday activity happening. If you don’t live too far from a major city, like I do in Washington, DC take the time to enjoy all of the events taking place. Sleigh rides, cutting down the tree, ice skating, the Nutcracker, and watching light up night together are great ways to have fun and spend quality time together.

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year to celebrate the life of Christ and make lasting memories with our family. Teaching our children that Christmas is not about gifts, but about togetherness and the reflection of the birth of Christ teaches them the true meaning of Christmas. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping for the presents and decorations, but it is important to not allow the superficial things to take away from quality time we spend with family and friends. Most importantly spend time in church, in fellowship, and in prayer with your children so that your family honors our Father and his Son.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Thanksgiving Projects for Kids

This Thanksgiving, I believe that families are really counting their blessings and thanking God for what they have and looking less at what they don’t have. I have always loved Thanksgiving because of the simplicity of the holiday. It is great to take a day to celebrate being thankful for friends, family, our home, and just our lives in general. It is a great time of the year to give back and show others how much they are appreciated. I am a big advocate of teaching children to be grateful and appreciative of their blessings. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to engage in children in projects that remind them of all they have to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving Projects for Your Children

Write Cards of Appreciation- Have your children write a list of all the people in their life that they are thankful for, this can be siblings, teachers, family, friends, etc. Give them stationary blank note cards and have them write a short note expressing their gratitude and appreciation for this person. Then they can hand deliver them before the Thanksgiving vacation begins or during the holiday.

Volunteer at a Food Bank or Shelter- We are quickly reminded of our blessings when we are face to face with people who do not have shelter and food. Volunteering at a food bank or shelter is a great project for the whole family to participate in. Raid your closets for extra cans of food that you can spare and bring them to food banks, many of whom are practically begging for donations. Then spend an afternoon at a shelter serving food to the residents.

Visit a Nursing Home- Call a local nursing home for their volunteer and visitation policies. Take your children to spend time with the elderly at a nursing home who have no family visiting them. Unfortunately, our older people are so often overlooked and neglected. They truly are a blessing to younger people who can learn so much from them.

Organize a Small Fundraiser- There are a number of churches and shelters who need donations. Have your kids take inventory of their belongings and anything that no longer fits, have them pack it up and bring it to a shelter or church. Encourage them to get their friends involved and have mini fundraiser.

Participate in a Mini Marathon- During Thanksgiving there are a ton of mini marathons that kids can participate in to raise money for a local or national charity. Check in your area for dates and eligibility and enroll in a mini marathon for a good cause.

Bake Some Goodies- Kids love to bake, why not let them whip up a few batches of cookies and give them to teachers or some of the neighbors in the spirit of Thanksgiving. After baking the cookies they can wrap them in cellophane and tie them with a simple pretty ribbon to deliver them in.

There are a ton of Thanksgiving projects your kids can participate in. Get creative and encourage them to show their appreciation for the people in their lives. God wants us to have a servant’s heart and this is a great way to instill that characteristic in your children at an early age.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Preparing Your Home for the Thanksgiving Countdown

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is around the corner. It hardly seems possible that we will be eating turkey in a few weeks, but we are. I love the holidays and try to make them as special as possible for my whole family to enjoy. I am one of those moms who can’t wait to decorate for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, especially Christmas. Most importantly, I want to make sure that I spend quality time with my family, without getting too caught up in the cleaning and house preparations. If you have guests visiting for Thanksgiving, below is a time line to make entertaining a little less hectic.

Thanksgiving Countdown

Three Weeks Before Thanksgiving

• Finalize the Guest List – I urge you to get a count of the number of people who plan on attending dinner. The sooner you know the sooner you can start preparing. Ask your guests if they have any food aversions this can help avoid an uncomfortable situation.
• Check Magazines for Ideas – There are a number of magazines and internet sites that have creative ideas for decorating for the holiday. Check them out for new recipes for dinner and desert and try something different this year.
• Prepare Your Menu – Take a half an hour out of your day, sit down and plan your dinner menu. Create a list of all the food, drinks, deserts, and ingredients required to prepare your meal. This may seem like a no brainer, but I have run to the store the hour before guests arrived many of times because I didn’t plan carefully. If you are cooking a new dish this year, you may want to have a trial run with your family. Many grocery stores will have great discounts, make sure you take advantage of them and start clipping those coupons now.

Two Weeks Before Thanksgiving

• Finish Decorating - If you decorated for the fall season than skip this step. Decorations can be simple, a nice fall wreath, warm candles, some pumpkins, acorns or squash arranged in a bowl for a centerpiece, and even some fun crafts from the kids. Make it simple but cozy.
• Prepare the Guestroom - If you have guests who are staying the night, start preparing their room and keep it off limits to everyone else. Change the linen, clean under the beds and in the closet, lay out the towels, and add any other small touches that will make them feel at home.
• Take Inventory of Your Dinnerware - Make sure you have enough dishes, silverware, glasses, serving trays, pots, pans, and utensils for your meal and your guests. Think about how you want your table to look, and the little details such as, if you will use linen or cloth napkins, do you want a casual or formal dinner, will you have a kids table, or are there seating arrangements, these are all details you want to decide before the holiday.
• Grocery Shop – Grocery shopping depends on your schedule. Some people rather wait until the week of Thanksgiving in hopes of taking advantage of bigger bargains. Personally, I find the last week to be too hectic and the stores too frantic. Choose a day that you won’t be rushed. Be armed with your list and a plan. You may want to bring your children depending on their age to share in the experience of preparing for the meal.

Thanksgiving Week

• Touch Base with Your Guests - Take time out of your busy schedule to confirm with your guests that they are coming and what time to expect dinner.
• Clean the House - If you clean the house earlier chances are it won’t stay that way. There are certain chores you can do before the third week, such as tidying up the yard, or cleaning out the hall closet to make space for coats, whatever you can do before countdown, by all means do it. I do a thorough cleaning of one room at a time. I find that if I jump around I get less accomplished. I suggest assigning the whole family specific chores to get the housecleaning finished quicker.
• Meal Preparation - Have everything you need for your meal at your fingertips. Chop vegetables a couple days ahead and store them in Ziploc bags in the refrigerator and place cans and ingredients out the night before. Anything you can do before the actual day will save you a ton of time.

Most importantly don’t neglect yourself. Take time to relax before your guests arrive. It isn’t uncommon for exhaustion to settle in, making you cranky and stressed. Take a long bath, have some quiet time, and don’t lose sight of the real meaning of the holiday. Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to make everything perfect that we miss out on just having fun and enjoying our family, friends, and reflecting on God’s many blessings.

Also don’t be superwoman! Allow your family to help with the cooking, baking, and preparations. Holidays are a time for families to bond and create traditions, and this is the perfect time to share in the festivities. Sure we want our house to be clean, and the turkey to be golden, but people really remember the laughs, hugs, and good conversations that holiday memories are made of. Enjoy the holidays without all the stress.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Tuesdays Mommy Tip: Get Ready for the Holidays

Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!

NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…

Get Ready for the Holidays

Well, ladies, it is that time of year again. Soon we will be celebrating Thanksgiving…then Christmas…and of course a whole new year. NOW is the time to prepare. Below are a few simple tips to help you get ready for the holiday season!

Thanksgiving.

Clean out fridge and pantry. Make a note of that you have and do not have. Get rid of what you will not use and make space.

Menu. Decide what your menu will be.

Sales. Start looking for sales and buy the items you will need for Thanksgiving as soon as possible and as sales come.

Dollar Store. Find plates, table covers and other decorations at the dollar store. Be a good steward. It’s only one meal. I found some great stuff in the Target dollar section a month ago.

Christmas.

Buy now. Again, start looking for sales now. The dollar section in Target is great place to buy stocking stuffers. Take a few minutes each trip to see any potential gifts. It is also the perfect place for whiter elephant parties.

Clean the House. Get ready for your holiday decorations. Clean and be ready so you will not stress about messes when time comes.

Black Friday. Make arrangements to participate this year. AWESOME sales are to be found at this yearly event. Make a plan and then on Thanksgiving evening, look through the paper and decide where you will hit and what you will buy.

New Years.

See above ideas to help with this as well.

Go through your junk and get rid of what you do not need.

Pick your location. What party will you attend. Will you stay home? Decide now.

Waiting til the last minute will not only stress you out, you will not enjoy yourself as much! Be prepared! Planning ahead will make for less stress and better enjoyment of actual events and activities.

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Save All Year

Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!

NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…

Save All Year

Recently, my husband and I implemented a strict budget to help us be better stewards of our money. It is also the only way we will be able to survive and meet our bills. While looking at the budget, I was dismayed to see we do not have much if any extra most weeks. It made me think about Christmas and not having any money…again…So, we have decided to do what some close friends of ours does…They puts a few dollars a week away…every week…they put it in a “Christmas” box. It can not be used for ANYTHING except Christmas. It just does not exist for any other reason. Period.

When Christmas rolls around, they already have their money and no need to scrape it up…or worry about if they will have any! YEAH! Anyway, we have decided to do it as well and I am looking forward to not having that feeling of lack or wondering if my kids will have a Christmas hanging over my head. LOL!

We will be starting it next month, so, this year will not really benefit from it…BUT…next year will…God willing we have another year on this planet!

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Dinner Parties Fun and Simple

Throwing a dinner party for friends is one of my absolute favorite things to do during any time of the year. However summer is a perfect time to gather with your loved ones, relax, and have good conversation. In these tough economic times, people are finding ways to entertain without breaking the bank. Having a dinner party is an inexpensive way to spend quality time with your friends. I’ve thrown quite a few dinner parties and I’ve learned that dinner parties did not have to be stressful, on the contrary they should be fun and relaxed. Here are a few suggestions on creating a fun party for you and your guests.

Save the Date

When I was single, I thought nothing of throwing an impromptu party. Most of my friends had the luxury of a free schedule like mine. As more of us had children and got married, family responsibilities kicked in and those last minute parties didn’t run as seamlessly as before. Plan your party at least 1 week in advance. For a larger scale party give yourself 2 weeks.

As soon as you decide on the date, call your guests and invite them. Give them plenty of time to plan ahead. If you want to be creative, send them an Evite they are free and fun! Or send them an invite on pretty stationary. Indicate if this is an adult only party or if children are welcome. I suggest calling them a few days before to confirm that they will be attending.

Create a Budget

A dinner party can be an inexpensive way to entertain, remember this when you are planning your budget. Set aside a specific amount of money for the food, small guest gifts, flowers, drinks, etc. Stick within your budget and try not to overspend.

The Menu

Everyone loves good food. You don’t have to serve a five course meal to have a delicious menu. First, check the sales at the grocery store, you may find some great bargains on fish or meat. I suggest starting with an appetizer before dinner. When your guests arrive give them something to nibble on while they are chatting. try French bread with bruschetta and an assortment of olives.

Dinner should be simple yet tasty. Check with your guests for allergies or food aversions. Make a main course that is nutritious, but simple. Also make a meal that is your specialty, save trying something new for your family, you will be more confident. I suggest serving the main dish with two sides, and a fresh salad or a summer soup. Try a grilled salmon with baby red potatoes, and asparagus and a pea soup.

Everyone looks forward to dessert. Make dessert rich but light. For example, vanilla ice cream topped with raspberries and a few sprigs of mint or move the party outside and make S’mores. Serve some coffee or tea and enjoy the sweet treats!

Preparing the House

My rule of thumb is don’t go crazy and don’t overwhelm yourself when preparing your house for the party.

1. A day or two before the party clean the areas of the house you will be entertaining in. Choose the dishes and glassware you plan on using. You may even want to do a trial run and try the table settings to see if it looks good.
2. Placing flowers in the house or on the table to give an automatic cozy feeling. Try sunflowers they are great for summer dinner parties!
3. Think about how formal or informal you want the party to be. Do you want place cards? If you do think of creative ways to place them on the table, maybe cut them out and tape or glue them to a piece of chocolate with a nice little ribbon.
4. Candles are an inexpensive way to add class to your dining experience, try non-scented white tea lights.
5. Clean the bathroom and have plenty of toilet paper available. Have nice scented soap for your guests to use, hand towels, and a few lit candles.
6. Decide on the music, and put a few CDs automatic replay a day in advance.
7. If you have a backyard, there is nothing better than a dinner party outside. A few tikki lamps, some colorful dishes, and everyone can enjoy dinner under the summer sky.

Gifts for Guests

Giving a gift to your guests is totally optional and personal. The gift could be a small candle in gift bag, a tiny box with a piece of good chocolate, or a small scented soap. Place a little note inside of appreciation for their friendship and thank them for coming. It adds an extra special touch that your friends will enjoy.

Relax and Have Fun

Take time during the day of your dinner party for yourself. Take a nice long shower, wear something comfortable, and try not to stress out. Remember that the idea of having your guests over is to spend quality time with them. Remember the story of Mary and Martha, in the bible. Martha was so caught up in the preparation that she forgot what really pleased Jesus. Mary on the other hand listened to Jesus and washed his feet, and glorified him. Who got the most out of their encounter with Jesus? Mary because she paid attention to what mattered most. Take time to share a good meal, have meaningful conversation and create wonderful lasting memories.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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