More Than A Young Wife & Mom

A tangible record of the things I love each week and possibly a few resources or ideas for you.

The kids are back in school from a LONG spring break (almost a month!!) and things are getting back to normal. The weather has been so nice, making it a great week to get some crafts done!

Here are the things that gave me life this week:
BOOKS: I finished "It's Okay Not to be Okay" by Sheila Walsh a couple of weeks ago. It was later than I'd anticipated but I finished and that's all that matters. LOVED it and highly recommend it especially if you or someone you know is struggling right now.


I began "It's Not Supposed to be This Way" by Lysa Terkeurst. She's another one of my favorite Christian authors. This book has been on my radar since fall and within the first few pages, it's already resonating with me. Looking forward to digging deeper and unpacking all the wisdom in the pages.



PODCASTS: I'm getting caught up on missed episodes from the break and listened to two from Jen Hatmaker, both so exceptional and inspiring!

• Series 16, Episode 6 - SARAH BESSEY:  LIFE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF BEING BROKEN
• Series 16, Episode 8 - RAP ARTIST LECRAE NAVIGATES INJUSTICE & TRAUMA WITH LOVE & HIP-HOP

CRAFTS: Over the weekend I found a cute vanity stool with arms for $6!! It even has storage under the seat! In need of a little paint and an upholstered seat cushion, I thought it was perfect to match my new-to-me full-length mirror. After searching for ideas online, I discovered it was actually a piano bench/stool in its former life. I noticed some scratches in the armrest, probably from a younger player. I purchased some black satin spray paint (to match the mirror) and a beautiful silver crush velvet fabric. I'll keep you updated on the transformation!



The other day I was scrolling through some of my old Instagram photos and came across this gem. I realized how much I loved that sign and hadn't made one yet so I got to it. I'm loving the finished product. Stay tuned for the DIY post.




Yesterday, I finished my creative apron. I feel like all great artists wear an apron, right?! Or, maybe it will just keep my clothes clean while giving me a few pockets for tools and my phone. Using rainbow holographic heat transfer vinyl, my Cricut Explore Air, my Cricut EasyPress and a cheap apron from Amazon it was a success.


And today I stopped into my local hardware store looking for a sheet of plywood for the upholstered seat. I came across a section of unmarked wood and MDF. I flagged down an associate who told me they were cut scraps and they were FREE!! I walked away with 8 pieces ranging in size from 24 inches to 48 inches long. The last one should do the job once it's cut down to size. The rest is a bonus!!

Start your new year off right by earning free gift cards through Swagbucks! All throughout January you can earn large bonuses when sign up as my referral on Swagbucks. Swagbucks is a rewards site where you earn points (called SB) for things you're probably doing online already, like searching the web, watching videos, shopping, discovering deals, and taking surveys. Then you take those points and exchange them for gift cards to places like Amazon, Target, or PayPal cash.

When you sign up through me this month, you can earn a 300 SB bonus!

Here's how:

1. Sign up using this link
2. Earn 300 SB total before January 1st, 2019. You'll get a 300 SB bonus for it!
3. That's it. It's super easy, and Swagbucks is for real. I use it myself, and I've earned 79,525 SB over the years, which means lots of redeemed Amazon and Sephora gift cards and PayPal pay outs.                                      

Disclosure: I am a long time user of Swagbucks and am now an Influencer. This post is sponsored by Swagbucks and contains my referral links for new sign ups.

All throughout October you can earn large bonuses when sign up as my referral on Swagbucks. Swagbucks is a rewards site where you earn points (called SB) for things you're probably doing online already, like searching the web, watching videos, shopping, discovering deals, and taking surveys. Then you take those points and exchange them for gift cards to places like Amazon, Target, or PayPal cash.

I have personally used Swagbucks for at least 8 years. I remember using it every chance i got to myself when Princess A was napping. I still can't believe it's been that long. Just a few years ago I became an Influencer and get the inside info on special events and offers to share with my readers, like this one.

When you sign up through me this month, you can earn a 300 SB bonus! Here's how:

1. Sign up using this link 
2. Earn 300 SB total before November 1st, 2018. You'll get a 300 SB bonus for it! 
3. That's it. It's super easy, and Swagbucks is for real. I use it myself, and I've earned [GIVE EARNED SB AMOUNT, WHAT YOU SPEND IT ON]
   

Disclosure: I am an Influencer for Swagbucks and will receive compensation for this sponsored post and new referral signups.