Young Wife & Mom

It's beginning to fell a little festive here lately,  so today I'm sharing my FAVORITE holiday planner, and I still can't believe it's FREE!

 

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This freebie was one that I was a little skeptical about, though it came directly from the company’s social media. I’d never heard of Netflix Jr. but my kids do have kids accounts on Netflix. 

Netflix announced a new free magazine for kids called Netflix Jr Magazine, and if your kids are like mine, they LOVE to receive real mail with their name on it! I followed the link and it was so easy to sign up. 

Our first issue arrived yesterday! There’s stickers, stories, games and crafts featuring familiar Netflix Jr. characters. This one’s going to become a favorite in our house.

Sign up at https://www.netflixjr.com/subscribe/ and they also offer a free pdf download of this issue for you to check out this issue.

Enjoy!

I recently rediscovered my love of audiobooks and have been growing my library selection. One of my favorite places is Christian Audio since Christian Living books are my main genre these days. Each month christianaudio.com offers one audiobook for FREE. This month the selection is HOPE YOUR HEART NEEDS by Holley Gerth (normally $10.98).

Description:
"Understanding more of God's character and how he loves us changed bestselling author Holley Gerth's life in beautiful, powerful ways. She realized that she didn't have to settle for "I'm fine" when there was someone whispering to her in every moment, "You're mine." The hope, joy, peace, and purpose she longed for were already there, in the heart of God. Now in 52 devotional readings, Holley shares with women the answer to the restlessness they feel in their hearts that keeps them hurrying, striving, pushing. She shows them that "the God who scattered stars like diamonds across the velvet of the universe, the keeper of every sparrow, the maker of us all, is inviting us to draw closer to him. He is the place where our hearts can go on the hard days and the happy ones, in the highs and lows, when we are sad or frustrated or downright giddy. He is what we've been searching for all along."

Sounds like what we need right now.

To get your copy, head over to https://christianaudio.com/free, and follow the easy instructions.
While you're there, check out some of the other titles. Several of Gerth's other books are on sale as low as $4.98!

I recently rediscovered my love of audiobooks and have been growing my library selection. One of my favorite places is Christian Audio since Christian Living books are my main genre these days. Each month christianaudio.com offers one audiobook for FREE. This month the selection is THE REWIRED BRAIN: FREE YOURSELF OF NEGATIVE BEHAVIORS AND RELEASE YOUR BEST SELF by Dr. Ski Chilton (normally $19.98).

Description:
"Trade Negative Thinking for Confident, Fearless Living Most of us don't realize that we have a surprising amount of control over our own thoughts and behaviors and can unintentionally influence our brains negatively, causing cycles of bad choices and experiences. The ReWired Brain offers a clear framework for understanding our brains and the decisions we make, showing how certain fears and instincts drive unhealthy emotional dysfunctions and related behavioral patterns in the most important areas of life. This book shows how to reframe negative experiences, overcome fears, experience emotional and spiritual healing, and ultimately rewire our brains, empowering us to be free and to live fearlessly."

Sounds promising!

To get your copy, head over to https://christianaudio.com/free, and follow the easy instructions.

I recently rediscovered my love of audiobooks and have been growing my library selection. One of my favorite places is Christian Audio since Christian Living books are my main genre these days. Each month christianaudio.com offers one audiobook for FREE. This month the selection is GRACE IS GREATER: GOD'S PLAN TO OVERCOME YOUR PAST, REDEEM YOUR PAIN, AND REWRITE YOUR STORY by Kyle Idleman (normally $10.98).

Description:
"The writer of the letter to the Hebrews said, "See to it that no one misses the grace of God." Over the centuries much ink has been spilled on the subject of grace. Yet perhaps nothing is as hard to explain as God's grace. It doesn't make sense. It's not fair. It can't possibly cover over what I've done. The best way--perhaps the only real way--to understand it is to experience it. But too often in our churches, we're not getting grace across and grace is not experienced. 

Bestselling author and pastor Kyle Idleman wants everyone to experience the grace of God. Through the powerful medium of story, Grace Is Greater leads readers past their hang-ups toward an understanding of grace that is bigger than our mistakes, our failures, our desire for revenge, and our seemingly impossible situations. No sin is so great, no bitterness so deep that God's grace cannot transform the heart and rewrite the story. 

Perfect for individuals and also for small groups and church-wide studies, Grace Is Greater will help readers truly grasp God's grace, even if the Christians around them have failed to live it."

I've heard of this book a few years ago and never got around to reading it. I'm so glad it's back on my radar, it sounds amazing!

To get your copy, head over to https://christianaudio.com/free and follow the easy instructions.
You can listen on your computer or mobile device.

While you're there, check out some of the other titles. With their current sale, many books are cheaper than listed on other sites. I just purchased one myself for a few bucks cheaper!

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!!

Spring is here, and there's no better time to start earning free gift cards through Swagbucks! All throughout April, 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 May 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 81,671 SB over the years and have redeemed for Amazon Gift Cards and Paypal. They've helped with purchasing baby essentials when my daughter was a newborn, to Christmas gifts and even a few treats for myself.

Join TODAY and get that BONUS!

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.

Creative Live is my favorite class website for creatives and business. I currently own 14 classes, in an array of topics and have NEVER paid full price thanks to their deals. They also air free classes during the week on many subjects that you can drop in and watch while they are streaming.

TODAY ONLY score a FREE iPhone photography class from Creative Live! The class - "iPhone X: The Quick Guide to Great Photos + Video," is geared towards iPhone X users but you may be able to pick up a few skills even if you don't currently have this model. (I had the iPhone 7/7S class before I actually upgraded to it.)



How to get the deal:

1. Login or Register* at Creative Live here. 
2. Go here and add the class to your cart.
3. Go to checkout and add the code "GETLUCKY" in the promo code box 
4. Make sure the total reflects the discount - FREE!
5. Complete purchase.

*New users registering through my link will receive an additional $15 credit to their account. I will also receive a $15 credit to my account. We both save on our next class!!

I don't know if the credit can combine with the promo code, but if you try and it works let me know!

Not a fan of iPhones or looking for a different type of class? You can see the full list of classes here. Add one and pay the difference at checkout.

A tangible record of the things I love each week and possibly a few resources or ideas for you.
Last week the kids were on break and I got absolutely nothing done including my regular posting.

Here are the things that gave me life this week:
Podcasts - This week I heard a really good episode of Cultivate a Good Life - Episode 022 Getting Teens to Talk. Becky and Becky are joined by Wendy Howe and Kari Holt. The ladies give good advice on how to find what works for your child and comfort for those in the struggle. While I don't quite have a teen yet, Princess A is entering her tween years and I feel so unprepared. We're already struggling to get along sometimes. I liked a bunch of their ideas and are printing off the show notes for future reference. If you have any parenting tween/teen tips for me too, please let me know!


Listen: https://beckyhiggins.com/podcast/
Show Notes: https://beckyhiggins.com/podcast-show-notes-episode-022-getting-teens-talk

My FREE Jaclyn Hill Palette  -  This one was so awesome that it has its own post but I scored a free Jaclyn Hill eyeshadow palette. Yes, it's real and No, it wasn't a gift or sponsored. Read about it here!


Exercise - I made it to cycling class and Body Pump this week! Whoo-hoo! I'm sore as crap, but I feel really good.

Crafts - Last week, I dedicated the kids time off by doing a different craft almost every day. I was inspired by a show called Kirstie's Handmade Christmas that we saw over the weeks counting down to Christmas. Each week, Kristie Allsop would have a new theme and new crafters who would compete for the handmade trophy. There were makers who felted, paper craft, sew, weave, baking and so much more. Aldi had a sale earlier this month on craft kids for around $5 so I scooped up a bunch. Along with the crafting supplies I already keep on hand we made watercolor paintings, glass stones (that we turned into paperweights, magnets, and accessories), felted llamas and pandas, made shrinky dink jewelry, and decorated foam airplanes for my little man.


Then I began on my Easter crafts. So far I've painted some foam eggs and will be gluing them to some jute string. My plan is to hand them from some branches I have in a vase. I also made a new "HOME" sign with interchangeable items for the "o". Currently, there's a cute wooden bunny in its place.

I'm always looking for new ideas and things to try. Let me know in the comments, what "gave you life" this week!

• I have emailed them directly several times.
• Commented to the deal post on social media several times.
• Sent a Direct Message.
• All with ZERO response!

There are great deals going around today with my favorite being from Chick-fil-A.

How would you like $20 free to use for used kids clothes? Schoola is an online site that offers used kids clothes up to 70% off retail with 40% of proceeds benefiting schools! I've placed several orders with them & am very impressed.