DIY/Crafts/ HOME/ Organizing/ Simplifying

Simple Tips Tricks and Routines To Keep Your Car Clean

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Armor All, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #LessTimeMoreShine http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

We bought a new car about a year ago, and have been establishing some good routines to keep it looking (and smelling) like new. I have all kinds of simple tips, tricks and routines to share with you, from using Armor All Ultra Shine Wash & Wax wipes to keeping a lint brush in your glove compartment to pick up all those small things!

As a Mom of 3 teen girls, I am in my car ALL THE TIME. Not only do I want to be a good steward of the blessing of a new car and take good care of it, but I also want to be in an environment that is clutter-free and easy to be in, where everything I need has a place.

Intentionality is the only way to keep life from overtaking our car, and routines are the answer! I have found that simple routines are the best way to keep the clutter out, and the interior and exterior of the car clean and shiny!

Simple Routines To Keep Your Car Clean

Routinely take trash and items that don’t belong out of your car

This is the most crucial step to keeping a clean car. If you can’t carry all items in right when you get home, do your best to get the rest either right away or next time you leave your car. The key is making a habit of pushing pause before heading inside to see what you can grab. Remind the kids to do the same as they head out of the car. Do this every time you arrive home and things won’t pile up or get overwhelming.

The simple decision to keep trash bags in the car has truly worked wonders for me. I keep a roll of small trash bags in the glove compartment and whenever I see more trash than I can carry piling up in the car, I will grab a bag off the roll and get rid of the trash in one easy sweep!

Keep items on hand to conveniently clean

The key to keeping routines is to make them as easy as possible. Having the right items on hand is the path to efficiency. I keep a cleaning kit in my glove box for easy grab and go clean for the interior of my car, which I will share below.

There is now grab and go clean for the EXTERIOR of your car, too! Armor All has 1, 2, 3 step system to be used anytime, anywhere. The Ultra Shine Wash & Wax Wipes and Ultra Shine Tire Sponges are NEW Armor All products – all THREE available at Walmart.

These products are pre-moistened and treated, so you literally need nothing else to clean the exterior of your car. These are the perfect go-to for making your car shine without requiring a bucket and hose. Talk about a convenient way to clean!

Rescue car once a week.

My Todd does this for me every Saturday. He brings in any items that do not belong in the car and throws away all trash. I so appreciate his faithfulness in this, and try hard during the week to bring things in to make less work for him. He often will vacuum the car out for me, too, so it is important to me that the car is empty and ready for him to do this. He also fills the gas tank. I am a spoiled girl! This weekly rescue does make a difference!

Make use of sitting time.

Use the time that you are already stuck sitting in the car. As a mom of teens, I am often sitting in my car waiting for my girls to finish soccer practice or socializing at church. Other times I find myself sitting is when I am picking them up from school, or picking one of their friends up to hang out. My girls will go in to retrieve their friend and more times than not take a few minutes to return to the car–teen girls can get distracted! Instead of getting annoyed, I try to use those moments to take a quick but purposeful glance around the car to see what needs to be rescued. This is when I make use of the tools in my clean car glove compartment kit.

Tips and Tricks To Keep Your Car Clean

Keep a small duster in the glove box

It is so easy to grab and quick dust the dash and areas around the driving seat during those periods of time when you are waiting or right when you arrive home. Don’t have a small duster? Coffee filters are great for inexpensive, lint-free dusting or wiping crumbs. I found that coffee filters are even great for wiping fingerprints off of shiny surfaces.

Use a can of compressed air for detailed cleaning.

I personally think this is super fun and satisfying way to banish dust anywhere that it has accumulated, especially in small cracks. Use a blast of air to move those trapped particles out!

Use storage spaces wisely

Decide what you want to keep on hand in your car, then create a space for those items. Use the storage spaces your car comes with, and add your own containers to maximize the usefulness of these areas. I added these small square containers to the little storage space between the front seats of my car.

Notice what makes up clutter in your car, decide what to keep in your car and create a home for it. Example items I like to keep around–lip balm, hair ties, mints, spare change, pens, an extra phone charger and my favorite essential oil to put in my car essential oil diffuser.

Throw carpeted floor mats into the washing machine

I had no idea you could do this until I stumbled upon this tip on the web. They suggested using the gentle cycle and air drying. I have not tried this because my floor mats are rubber.

Throw rubber floor mats in the dishwasher

Bang debris off of your car mats then lay them over the top rack of your dishwasher. A pressure wash that requires no work from you!

Use Armor All Wash & Wax Wipes to keep the EXTERIOR of your car sparkling

Armor All Ultra Shine Wash Wipes are extra large and sturdy, use to simply wipe your car clean. I absolutely love using these wipes for the car exterior and also for the neglected areas right inside the car door seal that tend to collect dirt.

The second step is Armor All Ultra Shine Wax Wipes, simply wipe and go. I was amazed that it only took one wax wipe for my entire car. I was also amazed at how shiny it left my car.

I will share the 3rd step —Armor All Ultra Shine Tire & Trim Shine Sponges— below, where you can see my hubcaps and tires shine! So simple. So easy! You can find all of these wipes at your local Walmart.

Use a foam brush to clean vents

Foam brushes are a great item to have handy in the glove box. They fit perfectly into the little slats of air conditioning vents. You can buy them at your local dollar store.

Use a trunk organizer

I LOVE my trunk organizer. It has 3 compartments that hold my groceries nicely, and also a detachable cooler that I take right into the grocery store with me. It is so convenient! This organizer has a zipper pouch on the end for storing an emergency car kit, maps, and my Armor All Wash & Wax wipes.

Keep a roll of small trash bags handy

I shared this tip earlier. You could also use plastic grocery store bags, but a roll is nice and compact to fit in the glove box for a quick grab.

Have tissues on hand to wipe up small messes as they happen and for multiple uses.

I like having items in the car that can have more than one use. These are great to use if my coffee drips, to wipe my hands if I’m putting on makeup in the car (can’t beat all that natural light!) or to blow my nose during allergy season.

Shine up those tires & hubcaps

This is an area I neglected all year until I discovered Armor All Ultra Shine Tire and Trim Shine Sponges. I had no idea my hubcaps were so dirty and how easy it would be to wipe them down with these sponges. It also made my tires look brand new again. I’ve been amazed at how my tires now seem to repel dust and dirt.

Vacuum from the top down.

Don’t forget the car ceiling! Make use of those detail attachments on your vacuum.

Use upholstery cleaner.

Along with a microfiber cloth, upholstery cleaner is great for spots on the ceiling (how do they get up there?) or on seats or even seat belts. They also can be used on a child’s car seat.

Use a toothbrush

Brush dirt and grime out of seat cracks with an old toothbrush. Use it with cleaner to get dirt that has embedded itself in the textures of your vinyl.

Use a wooden skewer.

Wooden skewers and a cloth to remove dirt from small crevices. This allows you to do your own detailed cleaning.

Keep a lint brush handy.

A roller-type sticky lint brush is a great to get crumbs from upholstery and carpets in between vacuuming. It can also be used on a child’s seat. These are fun to use! Hand them to your kids to do some cleaning for you as they hang out in the back seat!

Get those vacuum attachments out.

Use a vacuum attachment for sucking up dirt as you dust cracks and crevasses. Have the vacuum attachment in one hand, and a brush in the other, vacuuming the dust right up as you brush it out of all the nooks and crannies.

Move those seats.

Slide all your seats way forward to get all dirt and debris behind them.

Roll the window down a bit before cleaning.

This gets the very tip top edge of it clean, too.

Keep it smelling clean

I love using a car essential oil diffuser. It plugs right into the car lighter which gently heats it and sends the scent throughout the car. I store a bottle of essential oils right in my car, usually something citrus which is super uplifting and smells amazing. Hint: don’t use relaxing lavender oil in the car…you want to stay alert!

Play music while you clean

This is a must. Play your favorite tunes while you clean and keep those windows rolled down if it is nice out and let the fresh air in!

Glove Compartment Car Cleaning Kit Items

tissues

roll of small trash bags

lint roller

foam brush

coffee filters

mini microfiber duster

old toothbrush

wooden skewer

small brushes

toothbrush

microfiber cloth

essential oils for car essential oil diffuser

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What about you?

Do you have routines that keep your car clean?

Would you like to purchase your own Armor All Ultra Shine Wipes? If so, shop your automotive section in Walmart and use this $2.00 off any one (1) of the Armor All Ultra Shine Wipes coupon while supplies last!

DIY/Crafts/ RECIPES

Blueberry Instant Pot Yogurt Jars 101

Why Instant Pot Yogurt?

When I first bought my Instant Pot, I had visions of Instant Pot Homemade Yogurt jars lined up and pretty in my refrigerator, ready to grab and go. I was tired of paying too much money to buy organic yogurt or yogurt that was full of sugar. I wanted to be in control of what was in our yogurt, and have enough of it that my family could eat it every day and get a nice dose of probiotics.

I googled ‘how to make homemade yogurt in the instant pot’, and was overwhelmed and intimidated by all the ways to make homemade yogurt, even in the instant pot, which promised to make the process easier! I took some time reading through articles and watching videos on YouTube when I finally stumbled upon one video that made me think, “Ok, I could totally do that!”

What I loved about this particular video was that it was just another mom, in her kitchen, taking me through the steps. The lighting was not great, there was clutter on her counters, and the video was not polished, but boy was it practical and useful! It was the only video I watched that empowered me to try homemade yogurt myself, and I no longer felt intimidated by the process.

Jars of Instant Pot Yogurt with Blueberries Fruit On The Bottom

I will share the video at the end of this article, and walk you through the same steps she walked me through and will keep it simple as possible.

Instant Pot Yogurt Supplies

Milk

Buy 1/2 gallon of organic milk. If you want a thick, greek-type yogurt, the best results come from a full-fat milk.

Single Container of Yogurt

Buy one small container of organic plain greek yogurt of choice. This will be your starter used introduce probiotics into your new batch of yogurt. It needs to say ‘live and active cultures’ on the packaging. Very important! The cultures are what will grow as your yogurt incubates overnight at the perfect temperature thanks to the instant pot. This will be the only time you need to buy yogurt because you can use a bit of homemade yogurt as starter for the new batch.

Thermometer

The instant pot simplifies the yogurt making process so much, that you only have to use a thermometer once. Thank goodness!

Instant Pot

This is a given. It is my new best friend. It would be worth having just for yogurt, but I use it several times a week for other things, too. I love my Instant Pot!

Strainer & Paper Coffee Filters

You only need to strain if you want thick greek yogurt. I like mine nice and thick so that I can use it as a substitute for sour cream and mayonnaise in certain recipes. I’m always looking for ways to save money and get more probiotics in! In the video, she uses a nut bag. I use a normal strainer lined with coffee filters, but just ordered a fancy yogurt strainer, which is linked below.

Jars

Small jars are not necessary, but boy are they cute and convenient! The jars pictured can be purchased by clicking on this link. You could store the yogurt into one or two big jars if you prefer.

Instant Pot Yogurt Instructions – Evening

I like to start my yogurt in the evening after all the dinner dishes are done. I love being in a clean kitchen and starting in the evening gives the instant pot time to scald the milk, then cool down enough to add the starter and incubate overnight.

Scald Milk

Pour 1/2 gallon of milk into your instant pot. Close the lid. Turn knob to vent.

Set instant pot by pushing the ‘YOGURT’ button. Push the ‘ADJUST’ button until it says ‘BOIL’ and wait a few seconds and it will beep and start on its own. It should take about an hour for the milk to boil. This is when I walk away and go read a book! No need to babysit the instant pot, it brings the milk to boiling temperature automatically, then beep at you a few times and the display will say “YOGT.” When you hear this, put down your book and go unplug the instant pot. Remove lid, being careful not to let condensation drip into the milk.

Add Culture

This is the only time you need your thermometer. In the video, she checks the temperature after it boils to make sure it came up to temperature. I don’t do this because I trust the instant pot sensors to bring it to a boil then shut off. This is the beauty of using the instant pot. It has built in sensors for keeping the milk at the right temperature at the right time for yogurt making.

Remove the pot from the cooker and put on the counter to cool down to 115 degrees. This will take 30 minutes to an hour for 1/2 gallon. You can stir it to help cool it down, or just continue relaxing with a book like I do!

Once the milk reaches at least 115 degrees, it is safe to add your culture. Any warmer than this will cook your culture and the probiotics will die and the yogurt will not set. This is why you need a thermometer.

Take a cup of the milk and stir in 1/4 cup of your yogurt starter/culture, then add mixture back into the instant pot and mix well. I like to use a whisk.

Incubate the Yogurt

Put the pot back into the cooker, seal the lid, turn the knob to sealing, plug it back in, and press ‘YOGURT’. It will display “8:00” which means 8 hours. It will beep to let you know it has started the incubation process. The display will show “0:00” and start counting UP until it reaches the total 8 hours.

I love knowing the pot is keeping it at the exact temperature it needs to be for the culture to incubate and produce all those amazing little guys that will help make our guts healthy! All this while I am sleeping! Such a cool process.

Don’t be too concerned about getting to your yogurt right at the 8-hour spot. I usually get my strainer and filters ready the night before, and when I wake up I dump my yogurt right into the strainer. It usually is more like 9 hours by the time I get to it. No big deal.

Instant Pot Yogurt Instructions – Morning

Strain the Yogurt

You can pour the yogurt as it is into jars, or strain it to make thick, greek-like yogurt. I line my strainer with overlapping paper coffee filters, place it in a bowl that is the right size to hold the strained whey, pour the yogurt right in, then put it into the refrigerator for a bit.

Some people use cheesecloth, some use nut milk bags. I just ordered this amazing Euro Cuisine strainer from Amazon which has rave reviews and will make this process even easier! Coffee filters work well, but they are a bit messy after straining and I’m all about ease and efficiency.

After sitting for an hour or so in the refrigerator, I put the yogurt back into the instant pot and stir again. I then spoon it into my jars. You can dump the leftover whey, use it in your favorite biscuit recipe in place of buttermilk or google search different ways to use whey.

Blueberry Compote for Fruit On The Bottom Yogurt

I sometimes use this Blueberry Compote recipe in the bottom of the jar for fruit-on-the-bottom yogurt. It is delicious! Use a cookie scoop easily get the blueberry compote into the jars.

More often than not, I just fill my little jars with plain yogurt so my family can just grab them and top them with whatever they would like. Sometimes I add vanilla for vanilla flavored yogurt. Sometimes I sweeten it with maple syrup or honey, but my yogurt turns out so nice and mild that I don’t have to use much sweetener. (NOTE: If you like a tangier yogurt, you can incubate for 12 hours instead of 8 hours. Just push the button one extra time until you see the number 12 on the display.)

Yogurt Topping Ideas

Our favorite toppings are fresh berries and granola. I love topping mine with chia or the Ancient Grain and Seed Mix from Trader Joes. I have often used half a package of dry Berry and Flax Instant Oatmeal from Trader Joes. It adds just the right amount of sweet and crunch when I am in a hurry!

Sliced bananas, crumbled up granola bars, Homemade Quinoa Crunch — really the topping possibilities are endless!

Keeping Your Yogurt

A 1/2 gallon of milk makes about a quart of yogurt. It will keep about 2 weeks in the refrigerator and grows more tart over time. It really a delicious and smooth tasting yogurt, and goes down so easy! I enjoy the taste of homemade yogurt so much more than store bought yogurt. I’m amazed how filling just one little jar is when mixed with seeds and berries. It is a great way to get protein and probiotics into the body!

{the video that made me brave enough to try yogurt in my Instant Pot}

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I hope this helps take the intimidation out of making homemade yogurt for you. The instant pot and knowing the right steps makes the process very easy. Make sure you watch the video. It will help to have a visual of the process. I used this video, heavy on the pause button, the first couple times I made yogurt. It was super helpful.

What about you? Do you own an Instant Pot? Is homemade yogurt something you would want to try making in it?

Decorating/ DIY/Crafts/ FUN/DIY/ HOME/ Homemade Gifts

DIY Himmeli | IF: Gathering Decorations

A DIY Himmeli made from straws is one of my favorite DIY project so far. I made them last year to decorate tables for our local IF: Gathering, and find myself re-imagining how they can be used again for this year’s IF: Gathering.

I have loved using them in my home all throughout the year to add geometric shape and shimmer to my home decor. I even used them as our main Christmas tree decoration this year–it was beautiful!

What is a himmeli?

The himmeli is a traditional Finnish holiday decoration made out of straw, and it remains popular today.

They can be simple or complicated, depending on your preference. Traditional himmeli’s are breathtakingly beautiful! I kept mine simple, made from plastic straws, wire and gold spray paint. I made about 25 of them last February. Although it took some time to create them, it was a simple process and I have benefited from their beauty all year!

DIY Himmeli

The above DIY himmeli video is what I watched to make mine. I used 22 gauge wire instead of string. I tried both and wire was so much easier to work with!

I used regular plastic bendy straws and Rust-Oleum Metallic Gold Spray Paint to give them a metal-like finish. I made all different sizes. This year I am going to spray the himmeli with Copper Metallic spray paint, as some have chipped over the year and copper will go better with the branding of this year’s IF: Gathering.

The branding this year for IF: Gathering 2017 is so beautiful with lots of fun geometric shapes and great colors as the picture above shows. The rest of the photos on this post are from the decorations I did last year, and I am thankful that much of it can be reused this year with just a bit of tweaking as it fits so well.

What is the IF: Gathering?

The mission of IF is to gather, equip, and unleash women to live out their purpose. We will gather around tables, food and conversation and will be equipped through teachings and panels discussions. We will be unleashed by being given an opportunity to support ministries and encouraged to step out in our own lives.

“At IF:Gathering 2017, we’ll look at one of the most influential generations that have ever lived — the early church. The way God moved through them was simple and pure. We believe they are the model we need right now. Our dream is that we would experience the power of God as He does big things through simple acts of faith.” —IF: Gathering

What is IF: Local?

IF: Local is where women gather in homes, neighborhoods, churches or event centers. We gather together and over the weekend watch a 2-day livestream.of the main IF: Gathering in Austin, Texas. The simulcast provides great structure, but also flexibility so that we can gather around tables of food, enjoy conversation and meeting together. There are thousands of other IF:Locals from across the U.S. and internationally. This blows me away! Check to see if there is one by you, and if you live near Lincoln, Nebraska, come to ours!

The tables we sit at are an example of what I get to decorate each year. I love creating beauty and atmosphere for women to come as they are and enjoy the gathering. It is a gift to be involved with it each year.

Our local fee is ONLY $10 if you sign up online. Don’t know anyone going? You will find wonderful women friends gathered around tables with a spot open for you, and I will be there so seek me out! Have ‘littles’ at home and can’t give up an entire weekend? Then just come gather on Friday, or just Saturday. Come as you are, when you can.

IF:Lincoln Event Information:

This schedule is subject to small changes. All times are Central Standard.

Join us at City Impact for IF: Lincoln! We are super excited to have this opportunity again and will be providing more opportunities to interact around the table and hear from local Lincoln ladies.

Friday 5 PM- 9:30 PM. IF goes live at 6, so come with plenty of time to sign in, grab dinner, and meet a new friend.

Saturday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Join us for breakfast and a day full of IF! Lunch is on your own- perhaps with your table mates.

The local fee is $10 to cover our local costs.

Contact the host if you have any questions. Email Lynnette Hendrickson at nette6132@yahoo.com

Register Here –>

https://register.ifgathering.com/event/iflincoln

Let Us Know You Are Coming at our Facebook Event Page –>

https://www.facebook.com/events/1124761690935730/

Join us on Facebook–>

https://www.facebook.com/iflincoln

Follow on Instagram —>

https://www.instagram.com/iflincoln/

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Don’t live in the Lincoln Area? Don’t despair, for there are gatherings happening all over the world. Click here to learn how to find one happening around your area!

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Christmas/ Holidays/Parties/ HOME/ Simplifying

How to Slow Down & Cozy Up While Online Shopping

I have a cozy chair in my bedroom that I have found myself sitting in quite a bit lately. It is a new experience to be sitting so much during gift-giving season, but online shopping has given me the gift of slowing down and cozying up in my chair, while buying for those I love. It has been so wonderful!

You would grin at all the things I surround myself and my chair with while I shop. The chair is up in our bedroom and my Todd will peek his head in and just smile at me sitting comfy in my chair surrounded by all the things I love. He knows I am all about marinating in good atmosphere!

{view from my cozy bedroom chair}

Ways I Slow Down & Get Cozy While Online Shopping

~comfy chair (of course) with feet up

~twinkle lights hung on our bedroom window, lights low so they can show off

~a small table next to my chair to hold all- the- things within arms reach

~a bluetooth speaker for ambient Christmas music

~a warm drink by my side, always!

~an electric mug warmer to keep my drink warm – a birthday gift from my Avery and I love it!

~ journal & favorite sharpie pen to jot down notes & check my Christmas list

~my laptop

~ phone close and on the charger, to keep the world at my fingertips

~ a soft, fuzzy blanket & fuzzy socks on my feet!

~my favorite new diffuser from Frankie & Myrrh to bring a calm scent to the room.

Online Shopping with Frankie & Myrrh

I generally buy gifts for others while online shopping, but I did find just a couple for myself along the way! One of my favorite purchases was from a little shop called Frankie & Myrrh. How great is that for a shop name?

They are a small business who is known for ‘aromatherapy made fun.’ Yes, they know fun and showed on their website, in their products and in the packaging. I am just now getting into aromatherapy, so I just couldn’t resist making a purchase for myself.

a·ro·ma·ther·a·py | əˌrōməˈTHerəpē | noun. The use of essential oils and natural plant essences to achieve balance, harmony, and psychological and physical well-being.

Products

I bought their Bamboo Diffuser and 3 Essential Oils –Cinnamon, Serenity Now Blend, and Frankincense.

I sprinkled some of the cinnamon essential oil on pinecones in our enclosed porch, to welcome my holiday guests. It smells so festive! ‘Serenity Now’ is a calming blend that has spruce, orange, and frankincense is amazing when diffused my new Bamboo Diffuser and makes our home smell like Christmas! I’ve been mixing the Frankincense oil with some grapeseed oil and using it on my face as a moisturizer. I love it!

Frankie & Myrrh have what they call ‘rollies’ (essential oil mixed with a carrier oil and in a small glass jar with a roller–so convenient to just roll on!

They also have aromatherapy sprays with really witty names like:

“Serenity Now” with frankincense, spruce and orange for silent, restful bliss

“Study Buddy” a peppermint and rosemary spray for mental focus

“Hello Sunshine” a citrus and rose -a feel good spray

Their shop name and fun product names and offerings had me, but when the box came in the mail the packaging make me fall for them even harder. This is something I love about a small business shopping. Their attention to detail and their appreciation for each and every costumer really is priceless. This sure was the case with Frankie & Myrrh.

{HOW DID THEY KNOW?! (snicker)}

Packaging

I opened the box and the sticker on the bubble wrap made me laugh. It said “Reduce Your Stress, POP ME!” I then saw a note that was signed by hand. While I was admiring the note, a wonderful scent hit me. I pulled a little sachet full of dried lavender out of the package, a free added touch that made me so happy! Everything in the box was packaged carefully and cute; it just felt so personal. The labels on each essential oil made me smile, as did the witty little suggestion on their bubble wrap. All of these touches made me eager to send an order from Frankie & Myrrh to one of my friends so they could experience all of these touches, too.

PayPal

Frankie & Myrrh made it super easy to shop them. One thing I’m always looking for when online shopping is PayPal paying option, and of course, Frankie & Myrrh had it. They seem to think of everything! When I’m online shipping, the last thing I want to do is get up and get my wallet or credit card, so I especially love it when small businesses offer PayPal.

PayPal has an option called One Touch that allows you to pay for items in your shopping basket without having to enter credit card or billing details. Do what I did, and activate it here, then you won’t have to get off the couch, out of bed or out of your own comfy chair to find your wallet!

My Todd and I have been using PayPal for years now. It is easy to use, fast, painless and has always been a safe way for us to shop online, send money and receive money. We love it! PayPal always goes the extra mile–example? This holiday season, PayPal is offering free return shipping called Return Shipping On Us on its up to $30 for up to 11 purchases. So convenient!

How About You?

Did you do your Christmas shopping online? Do you have any small businesses that your love to support? Did you buy anything for yourself? Have you tried aromatherapy? Are you a PayPal fan?

Share with me in the comments!

{FOR YOUR PINNING PLEASURE!}

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Christmas/ Holidays/Parties/ Kids/Family/ Seasonal

Gift Ideas For Teen Girls

I have 3 teen girls.

WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?

It is crazy unbelievable how fast my girls have grown up. I am so thankful to be here to witness the growth! I think of these teen years, and I’m pleasantly surprised with how much fun we are having.

Don’t get me wrong, we have our share of dramatic moments, but we are growing as a family and learning how to love & accept each other even when it is hard. Sometimes this takes an exhaling of self and an inhaling of acceptance that we are all a bunch of imperfect humans learning to live closely with one another. I am Mom, learning and growing right along with my teens, and loving every moment of it!

Goodbye Littles, Hello Shopping For Teen Girls

Christmas with teen girls is so much fun. Gone are the days of shopping at Toys R Us during date night with my hubs. Gone are the days of shopping at the dollar store for stocking stuffers, tutu’s and plastic glittery heels & princess tiaras.

I still have my princesses, but they are now growing up at ages 17, 15 & 13.

Amazon Gift Ideas/Wish Lists

My teen girls now make Amazon wish lists, as requested by Mom & Dad, and send us a text to let us know when their lists are updated. Granted, they do not get everything on the list, but these wish lists sure makes “Santa’s” job by giving a heads up to what they would like, and even the reindeer get a break thanks to free shipping from Amazon Prime!

FAMILY/ FUN/DIY/ Holidays/Parties/ Kids/Family/ Parenting

Creating Space For Teens & Their Friends In Your Home

We have been very purposeful to create space and activities in our home for teens, so that our teens would invite their friends to hang out here. I vividly remember a conversation Todd and I had a few years ago about what we could do to make our home “teen friendly.” We made a list and got to work, and it has paid off.

Welcome Them In

I love seeing teens walk through our front door, and I make sure I make eye contact and welcome them in. I want every person who enters our home to feel cared for and this starts with a genuine greeting.

Create A Space Just For Them

Our basement is the designated space we have created for teens in our home. We finished our basement about 10 years ago when we first moved in, but just recently updated it to be a space where teens would thrive. We added a table for games, comfy couches, a TV for movies and video games, and a ping-pong table. We painted and added touches of decor that were simple, modern and would appeal to teens. I will feature our basement in an upcoming post.

Let Them Breathe

Yes, getting to know the teens in our home is important, but so is giving them space…lots of space! I know when I was a teen, I loved the presence of my friends parents in their homes, it made me feel safe, but I did not necessarily want them hanging out with us all of the time. Teens are all about learning how to live independently, and Todd and I work really hard at the balance of being present without being all up in their space!

Make Them a Snack

Teens palates are some of my favorite. I can make them popcorn or just set out chips and salsa, and they are happy. I like to keep ingredients for special sweet treats on hand for when a group shows up unexpected. I love using teens in my home as an excuse to make something sweet that we don’t normally have around.

These no bake Funky Fritos are an example and always a hit with teens and so simple to throw together.

Salty Sweet Peanut Butter Caramel Funky Fritos

1 cup white corn syrup

1 cup white sugar

1 cup peanut butter

1 10.5 ounce bag Fritos

M&M Chocolate Candies

Pour out the Fritos on a large shallow pan lined with greased parchment paper. Combine the corn syrup and sugar and bring to a boil (I use my microwave for this kind of chore – usually takes about 6-8 minutes for the sugar to be dissolved and you’re set!) Then stir in the PB until smooth. Pour the mixture over the chips, sprinkle with candies, and chill for about 30-60 minutes. Break apart and enjoy!

Expect Noise

Teens are loud. They just are. They like music and laughter and talking over each other. Our home is older and their noise drifts up our vents and we find ourselves turning the volume up on our own upstairs television. We find ourselves chuckling when the laughter is continuous. It’s contagious!

Have A Variety Of Things For Them To Do

Like I said above, we have the typical options for teens, like movies and video games. Our ping-pong table is pretty popular, too. We also made sure we added a table that seats at least 6 to encourage interaction and board game playing. Healthy and fun interaction is key to getting teens into our home and having such a positive experience that they keep coming back.

A new game we have that is great for teens is called Escape Room: The Game. I’m sure you have heard of The Escape Room, and now the excitement can be had right in your own home!

There are various themes within the game –Prison Break, Nuclear Countdown, Virus, Temple of the Aztec. Players have 60 minutes to work together, find hidden clues and to solve puzzles to escape from one of the 4 included rooms. To make their escape, players must correctly enter a four key combination into the Chrono Decoder. They must think quick — the clock is ticking!

My nephews recently tested it out and had a fun time putting their heads together to figure out how to escape. I’m happy to report there were no knives involved in the “Prison Break” even though one of our guys is a young entrepreneur and creates high-quality knives!

The game is challenging and takes teamwork and logic. It is for ages 16 and up. Phones can be used in a positive way, as a flashlight, calculator, or for note-taking. You can enhance the game experience by downloading the free Escape Room app on iPhone or Android for thematic background music and to share a photo of their team. You can purchase your own Escape Room here.

Get To Know Them

My 3 teens all have very different personalities from each other. I love their differences, and the friends they invite over all have their own unique personalities, too. It has been so much fun for us to get to know their friends and I am very purposeful responding to each personality that comes into our home in a way that makes them feel most comfortable.

Keep It Simple

Teens are the most forgiving of guests. They don’t care if your house isn’t perfectly clean. They are just fine if you just serve them ice water or use paper plates. They don’t notice or care if you decide to get comfy and throw your sweats on even though you have guests. They can sit with a fun board game and make it extra exciting just because they are teens. Don’t have a ping pong table? Don’t worry…teens are great at entertaining themselves.

Don’t Blink

Todd and I are well aware of just how quickly time goes by. We cannot believe our 3 teens are now 13, 15 and 17! We are really proud of them, their cousins, & the friends they chose to hang out with–yes, we are even proud of our two oldest girls’ boyfriends! They are great young men. We are so glad we made the decision to create space in our home for teens. We are holding onto every memory made in our home and are trying not to blink!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

FUN/DIY/ Homemade Gifts/ RECIPES/ Sweets

Fudgy Buttons Homemade Gift

These little Fudgy Buttons make an easy and thoughtful homemade gift that can be put together in minutes.

Fudgy Buttons are delicious little morsels of peanut butter and chocolate, and are perfect as a gift because—who doesn’t love peanut butter and chocolate? They use just 5 ingredients most people will have on hand. Although far from healthy, they are so much better for you than buying the typical peanut butter and chocolate candy.

Case in point? Let’s compare ingredients:

Ingredients list for homemade Fudgy Buttons:

Peanut Butter, Cocoa, Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla

Ingredient list for a popular chocolate peanut butter cup candy:

Peanuts, Milk Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, (Chocolate, Nonfat Milk, Milk Fat, Lactose, and Soy Lecithin, and PGPR, Emulsifiers)Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Cottonseed, Soybean, Palm Kernel, and Palm Oil)Sorbitol, Dextrose, Chocolate, Nonfat Milk, High Maltose Corn Syrup, Refined Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa Butter, Salt, Corn Syrup, Whey, Whey Protein Concentrate, Caseinate, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavor, Glycerin, Lactose, Mono and Diglycerides, and TBHQ.

See what I mean? Simple recipes like these Fudgy Buttons are a great way to have sweets without ingesting a bunch of preservatives and ingredients, some that are impossible to pronounce!

My Colsie is a big fan of these Fudgy Buttons and of her Grandpa, so making them for him as a homemade birthday gift was the perfect idea. This recipe is one of the few recipes that will get her in the kitchen, especially when she has a sweet craving. My youngest, Avery, makes them, too, especially when there are no sweets to be found in our kitchen cupboards. The recipe has been a family favorite for a while, and was even part of our “Head Shaving Party” food back in 2010 when I was going through chemo. Chocolate and peanut butter truly DO make everything a bit better!

Colsie is very close to her Grandpa and loves him so much. He is an amazingly generous man, but is not a big fan of receiving gifts. He always loved homemade cards from the kids when they were younger, but now Colsie is 15 she wanted to do something a bit more.

I had supplies on hand to package them cute, which is key to making homemade goodies into a meaningful gift.

You can purchase the tins here on Amazon, and can buy these fun little mini baking cups, or just separate layers of fudgy buttons with parchment paper. I love raiding the dollar bins at Michael’s craft stores for different ribbon and tags to have on hand for homemade gifts.

This is the perfect gift not just for Grandpas, but for teachers or friends, young or old. You may want to do what Colsie did —double the recipe and keep some for yourself!

Fudgy Buttons

4 Tablespoons butter
3 teaspoons baking cocoa
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoons milk
4 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter; remove from heat. Add cocoa and mix well. Stir in sugar, the mixture will be quite thick. Add milk and stir until smooth (you will feel like you should add more milk but don’t. The peanut butter will make it creamy and perfect.) Add peanut butter and mix well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Roll into balls and flatten with your thumb.

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