How to Do Valentine’s Day On a Budget

It doesn’t take a lot of money to make Valentine’s Day very special.  My husband bought these red roses from a wholesaler and put together the arrangement himself.  Can you believe it?  He has the artistic gene in our family, not me!  I was so touched by these beautiful flowers, mostly because he took the time and effort to arrange them himself. 

It doesn’t take a lot of money to communicate love to your spouse and kids.  My kids will receive homemade cards, new toothbrushes with favorite characters, Veggie Tale bookmarks (which I found in a drawer with the toothbrushes in my house!) and vanilla ice cream with chocolate sprinkles.  We’ll play together and tell them how much we love them.  It doesn’t have to be fancy or too sugar filled to be lots of fun! 

For your husband, read my article “Mom’s Recipe for Romance” and your husband will be glad you did! 

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your lovely family!

Miscarriage to Miracle

Every Christmas, I must remember Angel Rose…and smile.

In 2005, I was pregnant with a remarkable little girl at Christmastime.  We found out at Thanksgiving that she had defects that would cause her heart to stop beating in a matter of days or weeks.  But it was Christmas and she was still fighting.  Her little heart stopped beating after Christmas. 

What a strange New Years that was; delivering a baby at 26 weeks that had passed away.  Our hearts will filled with sadness but also with hope that in the New Year, God would do a miracle of healing and restoration in our lives. 

And He did!  On April 7, the day that would have been Angel’s birthday, we found out we were pregnant with a little girl.  Noelle Joy was born the very next Christmas. 

Christmas 2005, we were carrying a child that would die.  Christmas 2006, we were carrying a healthy child in our arms. 

So every Christmas, I remember that God is always with us – both when times are terribly tough and when times are great.  Here’s a video about my miscarriage that was produced by Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah. 

And here’s a picture of my miracle, Noelle Joy age 2, who’s showing me what she wants for Christmas!

Do you eat when you’re stressed?

When you get overwhelmed by the 10 Christmas gifts you still need to buy (5 of which actually have to be sent somewhere!), do you ever turn to food?  If so, you’re not alone!

Stress can push us to find solace in a cookie, bag of chips, slice of pie, bowl of ice cream…you get the picture.  But of course there’s a price tag that comes with this cup of comfort – the scale showing us we’re 2 pounds up, or our pants telling us we need to take it easy! 

Especially during the holidays, I find it incredibly easy to eat sweets to relieve my stress.  But I know better!  So yesterday I went to our grocery store Henry’s and bought celery, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, avocados, apples, grapes and bananas.  These will be my new snacks today to counterbalance all the dessert I’ve been eating at Christmas parties and get togethers this past week! 

So when you feel the urge to eat this week, reach for…a celery stick!  We need to do damage control…remember, Christmas dinner is still coming! 

P.S.  Don’t forget to check out my new audio course, Losing Weight After Baby: 31 Days to a New You!  Save $10 until Jan. 1st! 

Take the Steps!

This morning I had a doctor’s appointment.  It was crowded so I found myself weaving higher and higher in the parking structure until I parked on the 4th level.  Now usually I would take the elevator (especially with the kids) but I was by myself.  I decided to take the stairs down.  Going downstairs wasn’t hard, but when I came back from the appointment and went UP the stairs.  Now that was a little more challenging!

When you can, make those small lifestyle changes.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Whenever you have the choice to move or be sedentary, choose movement.  This kind of lifestyle will help you lose weight. 

Before I took the stairs, I was really sleepy in the car.  But after walking up and down the stairs, I felt much more alert.  Your body will reward you for exercising! 

So if you eat a Christmas cookie, make sure you…take the stairs!!!

Hello Princess!

I found the neatest website I had to share with you!  It’s www.madeupmemories.com and it will bring a smile to your face this Christmas season! 

It’s a site where you can upload your child’s photo into a  video storybook for free.  You can choose between a princess book, non-stop comic strip about a super hero who battles spaghetti, or a holiday spoof on “it” toys like Tickle Me Elmo.  The stories are wonderfully illustrated and it’s really easy to use.

You just upload your child’s photo and your video story is done by the time you head to the restroom and back.  Then you can email it to your family and friends.  I think it’s most special for your kids, as they see themselves in the storybook.  Their name appears in it – it’s really cute! 

I did the princess video for my daughter and I’m about to do the toy one for my son, because whatever she gets, he wants!  Sound familiar?

Enjoy your free customized video storybook featuring your child.  It’s a great holiday memory to send to family and friends.  Try it at www.madeupmemories.com and tell me what you think!

Win a Free eBook to Keep Off That Holiday Weight

Christmas bells are ringing, children are singing, and we’re…eating! 

We all know that holidays equal baking, treats, office parties, etc. and our waistlines definitely take a hit! 

So just leave a comment today about your biggest holiday food temptation.  Is it flavored coffee at Starbucks, your neighbor’s cookies, or all those chocolates at Costco?  One of you will win my eBook, Bye Bye Baby Fat on Monday to help you offset that temptation! 

The Attack of Halloween Candy!

Yes, we have a bag of that poisonous, fattening, delicious chocolate candy downstairs, awaiting trick-or-treaters tonight.  My husband said a wise thing, “DON’T open that bag of candy until it’s time to give it away!”

Isn’t that the truth?

What will you do when your kids bring home the candy from tonight’s festivities?  Or what will you do with the leftover candy tomorrow?  Make your decision now so when the temptation arises, you’ll be prepared! 

Check out my article “Halloween Survival Guide” for 5 tips to keep you ship shape this holiday.