Friday Favorites

#1
Bible verse: 1 Peter 3:18

#2
"The Music Man" DVD

My kids love this movie. My daughters were first introduced to it when their friend was in a production of the movie. Last summer my kids visited The Music Man Square in Mason City with their grandparents and watched the movie. Of course, my youngest requested the DVD for his birthday. They know every word to every song and the history of the movie and the characters. It is an easy, fun and "safe" movie to watch with your entire family. You can get it here or rent it at your local library.

#3 
Costco Rotisserie Chicken

I love the rotisserie chicken from Costco. It's hard to pass up at $4.99. I've read that Costco definitely loses money on this product but that they will stay firm at this price point as a "thank you" to their loyal customers. I'm guessing the chicken isn't free-range/cage-free/organic, etc. But $5 for chicken that can be eaten as a meal or shredded to use in a recipe? I'm okay with that.

#4
Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips

I keep this cute little tin in my car at all times (don't tell my kids or it will be gone in a flash). It adds a beautiful shine and maybe a wee bit of color? And how cute is this tin? You can buy it here.

#5

Pilot Pen Fineliner Marker

I love to take notes in church, it keeps me focused and helps me remember the sermon (obviously!) Funny story about these pens. One of them randomly showed up at my house. I have no idea where it came from, all I know is that it wrote like a dream. The name was pretty worn off of the label but I was able to figure out the brand and of course Amazon had it! I guess that really wasn't a funny story. Anyway, I love them and have re-ordered many times. You can buy them here.

There you have it! My Friday Favorites, happy Friday everyone!

Until Next Time,
Neko

Do Not Seek Your Heaven on Earth

This blog post could have easily been titled,

“Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” 

Or,

“If Your God is So Good, Why Do <insert babies, spouses, parents, friends, etc.> Die?” 

I've heard both questions posed and as a Christian, I'm sure you have, too. A doctor one time looked at me, shrugged and said, sometimes bad things happen to good people. True, but not very reassuring.

Years ago at my Monday morning bible study, my friend told us she asked her husband why bad things happen to good people. His answer? Because we're not home yet. So much truth.

We were never promised an easy life as Christians. If you're living out your true God-given purpose, it might be the opposite of an easy life. We were promised eternity. If we believe in Jesus, we will see eternal life. Nowhere in the bible does it say if we believe in Jesus our life will be easy with no problems. If you see this in your bible, I'm afraid you have a counterfeit version. See your local pastor for confirmation and destruction.

Do not seek your heaven on earth.

You won't find it. Sure, you may have experiences that feel like heaven. For me, it's feeling the warm sun on my face. I could be on my deck, on a beach, outside of Trader Joes or even on the front steps of the courthouse getting ready for jury duty. When the heavens open up and the warm sun hits my face, every last worry I have disappears for that moment and I feel peace. That is the closest I feel to heaven. Bonus points if I can hear my husband and kids voices as this happens (happy voices not aimed at getting my attention of course).

What experiences do you have that feel like heaven?

It's one thing to feel the warmth of God's presence, it's another to be continually seeking heaven on earth. Instead, seek the heavenly kingdom of God. Live your life as if your number one goal is eternity because it should be. Earn your spot in heaven. Did Jesus die on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins? Yes. Most certainly. I'm a born people pleaser. I don't want to be handed this gift. I want to earn it. Okay, it's a nice safety net to know it's mine, but I don't want to stop at that.

If Jesus were to knock on your door today and ask how you are living your life to earn your spot in heaven, what would you say?

Knock, knock.

Jesus: "Neko, how are you living your life to earn your spot in heaven?"

Sidenote: I'm sure Jesus would word His question in a more eloquent way, but let's just go with it for simplicity sake.

Neko: "Life is good, often great. I felt your call, I heard it loud and clear. I've also felt your nudges loud and clear. I look forward to them and appreciate them. But I'm struggling to follow and have to continually redirect my life. I'm a work in progress. Because of the amazing gift you've given me, I've tried to live a life you would be proud of. And often times failed. Thank you for your constant forgiveness. You are the coolest. Can we take a selfie so I can post it on Instagram?"

Because if I met Jesus I'd have to be a little awkward, He is Jesus Christ, son of God. Let's be honest though, I still don't get the appeal of Instagram and am a horrible selfie taker - especially under pressure.

Your time on earth is precious, it is a gift. And your days are numbered. You will never find heaven on earth. But through Jesus, you will find heaven one day.

As Easter approaches, think about the gift you have been given. You do not deserve it. I do not deserve it. But it is free for all who want it. Show your appreciation to your Heavenly Father by accepting His gift and spreading the Good News.

Until Next Time,
Neko

Friday Favorites

#1
Bible verse: Romans 12:18

#2
"The Best Yes" by Lysa TerKeurst

Lysa TerKeurst is my favorite Christian author, her words speak directly to my heart (what a beautiful sentence I just wrote!) My sister-in-law let me borrow one of her recent books that for some reason I haven't read yet, gasp! "The Best Yes" teaches you to learn to say yes only to the things that are best for you. And how to say no. Kindly. It's a quick read and well worth it! You can buy it here.

#3 
"Shark Tank" on ABC

I don't know what it is about this show, but the Kleckner family is addicted! If you have never watched "Shark Tank", it is a panel of self-made multi-millionaires looking to invest in up and coming entrepreneurs. Regular people like you and me pitch their idea to this panel of "sharks". Sometimes it is well received and sometimes not. If the sharks like what they see, they will invest/partner with the entrepreneur. We sit on the couch and watch this and yell at the tv. It's pretty exciting stuff. We've even bought a few of the products pitched on the show!

#4
Yeti 20oz Rambler

This Yeti Rambler was a birthday present and I couldn't love it more. The size is perfect for water during the day and an occasional coffee in the morning. I have the brick red color and it is to die for! It keeps my coffee warm for sure. I don't know about keeping my water cold, I despise cold water. Room temp all the way. You can buy it here.

#5

Soft and Juicy Dried Mango from Trader Joes

When we were in Hawaii my sister-in-law had dried mango from Costco (still kicking ourselves for not going to Hawaii Costco). My kids went nuts over it. So we were on the hunt to find the perfect dried mango in Iowa. I can hear you laughing. Anyway, no luck at Costco Iowa and we tried a version from Target and it was G-R-O-S-S. And then we found this gem and the heavens opened up and the angels sang. All five of us agreed that it was just as delicious as the Hawaii Costco version. And only $1.99. Trader Joes for the win!!

There you have it! My Friday Favorites, happy Friday everyone!

Until Next Time,
Neko

Vacation Planning From a Mom’s Perspective

Planning a vacation, specifically a family vacation, is not for the faint of heart. As a mom, specifically this mom, it is completely full of blood, sweat and tears. Last week our family traveled to Hawaii. It was a wonderful trip that we will never forget, spent on the beautiful island of Oahu visiting my husband's sister and her husband and kids. 

The day we returned - after finishing the fifth load of laundry and emptying the sand from our suitcases and shoes - I reflected on what actually goes into planning a vacation for our family. So I decided to share my to-do list(s) with you all. And as a bonus, my husband's to-do list is at the end.

My to-do list:

Long-term:

• Convince husband we need go to Hawaii
  
• Check our calendar and figure out the best time for us to go with kids activities in full swing
• After loads of research, book the flight
• Build excitement with the kids for the next several months
• Start an envelope "fun money" fund
• Coordinate with my sister-in-law to figure out transportation, lodging, vehicles, activities, etc.
• Make sure husband takes time off of work, stay on the phone with him while he physically schedules his time off to be sure it gets done

Week before:

• Call two schools to let them know the kids will miss two days of school
• Let dance teachers know the kids will miss dance class
• Confirm flight and seating arrangements
• Plan and buy decorations for the girls birthday party I planned for two days after we return from Hawaii
• Check the swimwear status of family members and buy new suits
• Check the water/hiking shoe status of family members and buy new shoes
• Write out a schedule of planned activities for the week we're on vacation
• Begin checking the weather to help with packing (only 8-100 times daily)
• Confirm details with sister-in-law
• Worry about every single detail concerning this trip

Short-term:

• Shop for flight snacks... 8-hour flight and no meal on the plane
• Charge all electronics to be used on the plane...again, 8-hour flight
• Make sure everyone has working earbuds...again, 8-hour flight
• Create a packing list for kids to attempt to pack themselves and check their work...then re-pack them
• Pack my own clothes, trying not to cry because my shorts don't fit as well as they did last summer
• Meticulously roll and fold all clothing items in an attempt to fit one week's worth of clothing for five people into two suitcases
• Shop for last minute supplies needed (sunscreen, travel-sized items, etc.)
• Buy the kids their favorite gum to chew during takeoff
• Line up people to check our mail
• Have kids pack their carry-on bags
• Double check there are no liquids in the kids carry-on bags 
• Triple check there are no liquids in the kids carry-on bags
• Check flight status
• Print and pack boarding passes
• Make sure husband and I both have our driver's licenses

Morning of:

• Check flight status
• Make sure everyone is up and dressed appropriately for a winter morning and a tropical afternoon
• Pack all devices that were charging overnight
• Pack chargers
• Pack last minute toiletries into the suitcases
• Weigh the suticases to make sure they're under 50lbs
• Double check all doors are locked and lights are off and things unplugged
• Check one more time there is no liquid in kids carry-on bags (the squishy toy goes in the checked luggage just in case)
• Make sure we're out the door at the appropriate time
• Make sure we're out the door with the appropriate gear
• Make sure garage door closes behind us

Plus a million other things. In each category.

My husband's to-do list:

• Lay out his clothes for me to pack
• Finance the vacation

Like I said, vacation planning is not for the faint of heart. But so worth it to see the joy on our kid's faces! 

Until Next Time,

Neko

Friday Favorites

Hello readers! I'm back after taking a blogging break while my family traveled to beautiful Oahu. Jet lag = writing at 12:26am Iowa time, 7:26pm Hawaii time. This week's Friday Favorites is a travel edition. Stay tuned for other travel inspired blogs coming soon. Enjoy!

#1
Bible verse: Psalm 91:11

#2
Convertible Purse/Back-Pack/Crossbody

This Thirty-One backpack purse goes with me on every vacation I take. Unfortunately, it appears Thirty-One doesn't sell it anymore but I found my exact one on amazon.com of course (here). Do any of my readers that are also Thirty-One reps know if this is a discontinued product? Anyway, this beauty has adjustable straps so it can be used normal, crossbody or backpack style. The backpack style is money when running through the airport. It also has a zippered flap that goes all the way down the back and that's where I keep my travel documents and boarding passes. Love this bag!

#3 
Travel Luggage Scale

If you do any amount of travel by air, having a luggage scale is crucial! It seems before we got ours we were always over the 50 lb limit and had to carry a Target grocery bag on to the plane with our overflow items. This isn't our exact model, but a similar version. This trip we weighed in at 42 and 47 pounds...for the win!

                                                          

Read more »

Kitchen Fails

"Cooking is love you can taste". That image actually made me LOL and is the opposite of what I'm writing about today. I know my way around the kitchen, but I wouldn’t say I’m the world’s best cook. I like to cook, I don’t love to cook. You get the point. Today I thought it would be “fun” to share some of my kitchen fails. You know, besides the typical meal times when my children cry over what I’ve prepared. That’s not a kitchen fail, that’s a kid fail.

Here we go!

When I was a little girl (but old enough to know better) I made instant pudding. Super easy right? Add the pudding powder to the bowl, add milk, whisk and refrigerate. Done. Except the pudding doesn’t set when you accidentally use water instead of milk. Not once, but on two separate occasions. Spoiler: when you do this your older brother makes fun of you for it for all eternity. Fail.

Easy Mac = not so easy for this gal. If you’re not familiar with this invention, it is a disposable bowl with noodles and cheese powder in the bottom and you simply have to add water and microwave. The “simply add water” is where I failed. Again not once, but on two different occasions. I had three bowls to make for my three kids and was working really fast and forgot to add the water to the third one. Both times. A little microwave fire and our kitchen smelling like burning for a week after was the result. Both times. After the second time, Easy Mac was banned from our house. Good call husband. Fail.

Another idiot proof invention that I messed up...the Keurig. I was super careful to read the directions and do everything properly. The first time was a huge success. So was the second time. The third time...fail. The Keurig is a super convenient way to brew coffee...unless you forget to put a cup under to catch all of the deliciousness dripping out. Good thing I caught it. Two minutes after the cycle finished brewing. Fail.

Microwave popcorn. Ugh with this stuff. 2-2 ½ minutes it says. Just wait for the popping to be a couple of seconds apart it says. Yes and yes and burn. Seriously? If I grab it too early half the bag is popped, If I grab it too late, burnfest. Luckily for me, we bought an air popper a few years ago so we rarely have microwave popcorn. Which works out well for me. And my indecisiveness for microwave popcorn extraction. Fail.

There you go, a few of my kitchen fails. I’m not afraid to admit I’m not perfect. I’d love to hear your kitchen fails to make me feel better though!

Until Next Time,
Neko

Friday Favorites

#1
Bible verse: Philippians 4:11

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

#2
Dollar Shave Club

I was first introduced to the Dollar Shave Club through this hilarious and brilliant commercial. The razors are great, I ditched my Venus razors and have been using these for over a year. They recommend changing blades weekly (insert laugh) but I usually change them every 2-3 weeks. It is an autoship company and mine come every third month. I love these razors and highly recommend them! For more info click here. It's my referral link, shameless plug.

#3 
Survivor

My family is obsessed with Survivor. I watched it for years, took a few years off and randomly tuned in halfway through last season. My family became obsessed (especially my seven-year-old) and now we're all in for season 36 and a new family tradition is born.

#4 
Invisibelt

I'm a curvy girl so I need to wear belts. I hate the bulkiness belts can cause and was ecstatic when I discovered the Invisibelt. It's a clear belt that lays flat in the front. Brilliant! You can find it here.

#5 
Ring Size Adjusters

Do you have a ring that you love but it is way too big? Then you need to get ring adjusters! They are different than the typical adjusters that just slip around the ring and don't stay in place. These wrap around the ring and do. not. move. I have super narrow fingers. The struggle is real people! These were a ring game changer for me. You can buy a set here.

There you have it! My Friday Favorites, happy Friday everyone!

Until Next Time,
Neko