If you are new here, you should know I am fully in love with Jesus. So in love that I knew this time needed to involve sweet communion and fellowship with Jesus.
I worshiped. Not just Listening to some songs to get through but legit marveling at all of the love, grace, blessings and provision.
I prayed. Well, I guess it was more like non stop talking about all the things but it was faith restoring.
I reviewed sermon notes. That sounds kinda shallow but I take a lot of notes and the goal is to absorb and apply. I was missing that last step quite often.
This time also allowed for meditation on our homeschool word and verse for the current and for next year. This girl is excited for what God is doing!
So, I would love to tell you this time was spent pool lounging and at the spa but, le sigh, work must be done. You would think working would be the antithesis of vacation but, in this case at least, the mental freedom paired with an empty “to do” list made for an amazing working experience.
The mental clarity allowed me to see the proverbial Forrest and not just one tree. I could plan out blogs for the next quarter, review my goals and essentially pivot.
However, I still had to go slow and not get sucked into getting it all done to maintain the refilling.
Just so we are clear, before I even begin this blog, I understand the incredible privilege I have to have been able to enjoy and share this experience. I do not take this for granted and I totally understand if even reading this series is too much for you right now.
So, I was burnt out. I don’t know the term for this level of exhaustion but it was stirring up some serious anger. I needed a full entire break. So, I took one.
I chose a location that was stateside but still touristy and where friends or family wouldn’t be vying for my time. It sounds selfish but I did not have the capacity for meet-ups.
Here’s the problem with choosing a touristy location-There is so much to do and see and experience! I needed this to be a refilling experience so I had to decide immediately that I might do 1 tourist attraction. I gave myself permission to not to do anything more and be ok with that.
This was actually difficult as I typically do the most when traveling. I want to see, do, and experience it all. That’s not what mattered most. I made the mental adjustment.
It just so happened my lodging was in the most touristy part of this city so just walking to eateries and shops, I could experience culture, history and architecture.
That was enough for me. This isn’t a “how to see the sights” blog, it is more of a “how to not be overwhelmed by the sites” and honor what matters most.
You ready for the easiest DIY ever? This one is for the parent over the lego “disagreements”. This is also for those who have spent entirely too much time for one very specific lego brick. Enter, lego trays.
If you can’t tell, I’ve been on an Easter/DIY streak and, hence the title, it continues. Why? It came to my attention that some of you may need a little help in this arena and, as always, it is my pleasure to help you in making memories, starting traditions and not stressing. Let’s get started.
Your boo thang is either like me and could tell you exactly what they want, in what color and quantity; like my husband who never knows; or somewhere in between. I’ve devised this guide for all holidays and birthdays to save you from the mental fatigue that has plagued me.
I also completely respect if you fully recognize and embrace that you are the gift. You are not a snack, you are the whole meal and stop reading now, although, I hope you won’t.
Please grant me a few seconds to explain why this is even a thing- Our first Easter as a married couple it was brought to my attention that my husband never received an Easter Basket so, with my bleeding heart overflowing, I traced all over town putting together a basket for him only to discover he “forgot” he got them as a child. Needles to say several years went by and he got nothing!!!!! Then we had a baby and I made us all Easter baskets and it never stopped. Here is how I put them together.
Theme: A themed basket is honestly a blessing and curse. Blessing because it helps narrow down all the things you could gift, curse because rabbit holes are real and they go deep. However, themes like fitness, gaming, craft beverages, fanatic or accessories are great starting points.
Wants: I mean, if they have dropped some subtle hints or sent direct links to items, why not? This can include things they always want-a specific sock brand, athletic attire, cologne, gaming equipment- and things that are always welcomed and appreciated are a lovely basket stuffers.
Needs: Because underwear, undershirts, toothbrushes are always a great gift. This is a great opportunity to take it up a notch and maybe get a new electric toothbrush, patterned boxers, etc.
Grooming/Relaxation: This may be my favorite because you combine needs and wants and I love a gift that keeps on giving. Body wash, body cream, body oils, skin care, loofahs, gift cards for beauty treatments, manicure kits… you legit can’t go wrong here.
After Dark: I haven’t done this personally but only because I am too impatient. Lingerie, warming massage oils, lubricant, vibrator, blind fold, the options are all yours. You are the squirrel and I want you to get this nut.
Coupons: Make your own, print out a free printable, purchase some you can customize, the choices, as always, are yours. They can be for experiences, items, or time alone. You can put them in fun eggs too!
Snacks: Last but certainly not least, don’t sleep on the power of carbs and sugar. Favorite, salty, favorite, savory, favorite sweet, favorite fruity and maybe add in a little gourmet treat and BOOM! The basket is done.
You could also choose one from each of these categories and make an epic, award winning, over-the-top extraordinary basket that will have you showered in gratitude.
How goes it? I can’t believe it’s April and this is my first organic blog of the year. That should be an indicator of how this year is going. I’ve been doing lots of investment in “me” and the benefits have been great but unfortunately, I have gotten the time balance quite right. All that said, let’s jump into Easter baskets.
Last year’s baskets were for outside fun and faith building. This year, I took their interest and made some very inexpensive yet incredibly intentional purchases.
A note on the actual baskets: I don’t purchase baskets specifically for Easter. I tend to use ones I have one hand. They can be wire, woven, wicker, trays, rain boots or galvanized buckets.
Clothing, Accessories, Summer Styling and Swim-wear
In January, we were traveling and went to a Carter’s outlet. There I found 3-piece short-set pajamas for $4.99 each. I grabbed like 6 sets for each kid and saved one for easter baskets. With the sun shining longer and brighter, sensory sensitive dudes needed a hat to block the sun. I grabbed these from amazon and I might have ordered similar ones for myself because I adore a hat. In the past, I’ve added swimsuits and sunglasses too! The thing for me is not buying excess, just meeting needs.
Books- Activity, Discovery and Faith Building
If you are new here, please know I am fully-aware that I am addicted to books. They are in every basket and I have several book-only wishlists. I stumbled upon DK Star Wars discovery books for only $3.99. I also happened upon these cute and fun Highlights activity books for $.99. They were purchased from Ollie’s but I linked similar. Last year, James got his first personal devotional. Usborne lift-a-flap books have also been a hit.
Crafts, Something To Do/Use Right Away, Outdoor Play
These are honestly the most important to me. Baskets are definitely an eye catcher but can be a let down if everything is for “later”. It is also an added stressor if the recipient can’t do something independently. I made lego trays with items I had on hand. They can use legos they already own and have their own try to continue to work. I also split a box of twistable crayons to add to our nearly non-existent crayons on the art cart. For other inexpensive smaller outdoor play items, you could add hula-hoops, jump ropes or any sort of balls. A new interest my 2 have is fishing and since we joined an awesome Cub Scout troop and will be doing more, I grabbed these sets.
Everyday Essentials
It must be the childhood wonder and innocence that make new “fun” toothbrushes and band-aids or bubble bath a welcomed experience but I am going to ride this until I no longer can. I kept the Star Wars theme going with these electric spin brushes. I may have gone a little crazy and bought an insane amount of band-aids so I didn’t add any this around but they are ALWAYS a hit.
Personalized Items
My kids and I can’t get enough of the personalized tags from Grace and Grain Studio. You can see the intention and attention to detail in each one. They really seal the deal and “finish” the baskets. You could also add something made just for them. I’ve done brother t-shirts, hats and even bath towels. Personalization really does make a difference.
Treats
For us, we do our best to not add candy. Between birthdays, Valentine’s Day and other Easter activities, candy is rampant. So, I’ve opted for the most scrumptious cookies from Pink Turtle Cookies. You could get any other low sugar or organic snack that is seasonal or rare too.
Eggs
We love to hate the amount of plastic eggs we seem to drown in by easter but they can round out an Easter basket if stuffed properly! We’ve done coupons before and that was a hit.You can find tons of free printables or create your own. We also add to their “give, save,spend jars” by adding loose change to eggs as well. I found Lego Brick adjacent eggs this year and seriously considered one coupon for each, a money egg and maybe some legos. I haven’t decided.
Whatever you do, do it because you actually want to, not because you feel pressured to do so. Hope this helps.
So, really, how is your 2021 treating you? If I’m being honest, there’s still a lot of 2020 energy floating around and lots more Pandemic-style birthdays and celebrations are happening. So, on the with the show, right?
What isn’t changing is how I do any type of celebration or gifts to my kids- NO JUNK!!! I’m the mom that does needs and practical fun items and if you looking for some ideas that are my favorite things-easy, inexpensive and cute- you’re reading the right blog. Leggo!
Something to wear: Seriously, seasons are changing and wardrobes are changing too. If your kids are like mine, they definitely need some additions. I take this opportunity to do something I couldn’t find at consignment and they would enjoy. However, I stay under $15 and have high-hopes for reselling and hand-me-downs.
This category also includes shoes. For some reason, my kids’ feet feel the need to grow entire sizes in a matter of months. For spring/summer shoes, we keep them easy and light. I also keep them low on cost because why not? This year I went with some Vans to coordinate with their dad and I. These were $25 which is a good deal for this brand.
April Showers Ready: It rains everywhere, some places more than others. I also know kids enjoy kid size umbrellas and throwing on rain jackets and rain boots. These make great additions or can even be the easter basket.
Books: If you know me at all, you know I have a problem when it comes to books. Simply put, I can’t say no. I am always on the hunt for quality books and my kids are budding book-a-holics. Books as gifts are always a hit here.
Crafts: This can be anything from crayons to a craft kit. My kids are getting personalized crayons to keep those hands busy when streaming church and a wooden box they can paint to store their watches and necklaces
Something they can do/use right away and/or Outdoor play: This is a biggie for me. There is no greater annoyance than having to drop everything to assemble something or deal with the emotions because it can’t be used. So, I get something they can use inside or out, rain or shine that doesnt require batteries or an exorbitant amount of my patience. I am pretty sure jump ropes will be a staple for the next couple years and this year I found kid-sized hoola hoops. I would also suggest skates, scooters, sidewalk chalk or card games.
Personalized Items: I mean, why not throw a monogram on a shirt ot bow? You can also add some personalized touches to items that doesnt include their name. I added these “biggie” and “smalls” caps to their easter baskets.
Summer Styling: Sunglasses, caps, swim suits,beach towels, you name it! Let’s get ready for summer fun and look cute while at it.
Everyday Essentials: Because band-aids, body wash, sponges, character toothbrushes and toothpaste are essential and will be used!
Discipleship tools: This one is near to my heart. James accepted Chtist as his savior on Easter of 2020 and I gotto be there for it and walk hum through it. I will never forget that. I marked that occasion by getting him a cross necklace but I knew then I wanted him to have tools to grow his faith and deepen his relationship. I decided on this devotional for James and this book for Jude.
I want to wrap this up by saying your easter basket will not be pinterest perfect and that is what makes it beautiful.
I’m still reveling in all the advent prep and I am tickled about all the upcoming fun. If you’ve never done before or you have to shake things up thanks to 2020, I’m sharing some easy and inexpensive gifts for advent!Just a note, I tend to theme gifts aound what we are doing that day. FOr example, if we are decorating gingerbread cookies I would gift new cookie cutters and a gingerbread book. You are free to do as you please of course, I just wabted to offer the theme suggestion for ease of planning.
Experiences: That’s right! Tickets to a drive-in show, socially distant play date or family fun day. Honestly, anything to break up the monotony and have some “surprise” fun together is always just what the doctor ordered.
Pajamas: I mean, does this even need an explanation??? For starters, everyone loves pajamas. Kids in a pajamas are adorbs and pajamas go with any movie, any popcorn, any dessert and any breakfast. They are a multi-functional staple that’s sure to have comfort and smiles abounding.
Ornament craft supplies: I see you over there cringing at the thought of glitter and to that I say, solidarity. Join me and break out the paint and embellishments to have crafted ornaments by tiny hands, sans glitter. Seriously though, we do an ornament craft every year and I love the memories even though my heart breaks seeing how fast they grow.
Holiday gear: Light up necklaces, Santa hats, elf shoes and reindeer headbands… all for $1 each and all used well during the holidays. Don’t ask me why these things also come with instant joy and wonder but for the price and ease, I’m just going to take it and run.
Books: Listen, a book can take you anywhere and teach you anything. Books create experiences and provide exposure. Books teach empathy. Can you tell I maybe love books? As we are in a pandemic, our entertainment budget is composed of, you guessed it, books! Stay tuned for ideas from Lakeisha and I from Maya’s book nook. You can also hop over to my IG and see the ones I purchased for my guys.
Wait- I didn’t say snacks because, well, they are a must for sanity in my house but a “special snack” can go a long way.
Ok, that’s all for now. I’m stoked for the next few things I’ll be sharing with you.
