AN UNEXPECTED HUG
Jesus hugged me last night.
Let me back up.
Last night at our Beth Moore bible study we had to break up into small groups. We had to go around the group and each say a praise and a prayer request. We went around the little circle of women.
I’m thankful the quilting group is growing.
I’m thankful my teenage son helped me clean.
I’m thankful my Husband got into school.
I wanted to go last because I couldnt think of one praise to say out loud. See - I’ve been feeling a bit lost lately. It would have been no problem for me to complain, but praise – praise was hard. My head was empty and I couldn’t make my mouth form any words.
My friend Brooke leaned over and told the group that I was thankful for my daughter’s health.
Yes, that’s it. Of course I am. I’m thankful that my daughter’s ear infection has cleared up.
Then someone said ok, let’s do prayer requests. Before I realized it, everyone else had already gone and there were several sets of blinking eyes staring at me expectantly. All of a sudden, the words were sitting on my tongue, but I hesitated for just a second:
Are you really about to say this out loud to all of these women so that they can pray for it?
My prayer request is for me. I want to have another baby and be able to stay at home.
The words tumbled out before I could decide if I was actually going to say it out loud.
The women smiled at me, shared stories about how they had gotten to stay at home with their babies, what they gave up, what they got used to, and how they wouldnt have traded it for the world.
We all turned back around and got ready to start the bible study. Then it happened.
I felt Jesus hug me, right there in His house.
You know how sometimes your kids are standing there and they say something that makes you want to throw your arms around them, but you can’t hug them like you would hug your husband or even your Mom, because they are so tiny, so you just wrap them up in your arms and squeeze?
That’s what it felt like.
Thirty Three Social
It’s been in my head for a while to put this out there.
I have been doing SEO for a while now – about 4 years – but I’ve only recently began to look at it like it could actually be a job. One that could help me support my family while letting me work from home. I’m desperate to work from home.
See the thing is - I dig SEO. I kind of love it.
Can you make a living doing something you love? I’ve never really done that before.
I’m still ironing out the details. But here is what I’ve got so far:
What is SEO?
SEO is short for Search Engine Optimization. All that means is that your site is optimized (or ‘set up’) to show up on search engines, mainly Google, for certain keywords that you choose.
Basically, if done correctly, it will get your more customers, more subscribers – it gets more people to your website.
Who would benefit from SEO services?
Anyone with an online goal. Do you want your business to show up in Google when people search for “cute toddler clothes”? Do you want more people to subscribe to your blog? Do you want people searching for “Hair Salon in Clemmons NC” to find your business?
What is your rate?
SEO is so intricate, it would be difficult to charge a flat rate. Let me know what your goal is and I’ll determine exactly what needs to be done to get there.
Why the name Thirty Three Social?
Thirty Three is for Matthew 6:33, my favorite bible verse. Social is because that is what it is. SEO is like introducing people. It’s making introductions. The internet is one big party, and who you know makes all the difference.
Also, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. etc) is a large part of marketing your brand online. I am going to offer social media services in addition to SEO. Don’t have time to do Twitter? Let me handle it. Facebook confuses you? Let me help.
So what do you think? Questions or Comments are welcome.
Blue Sea | What I Wore
What I Wore:
- White Tank Top (Target)
- Blue Sleeveless Ruffle Top (Vince Camuto)
- Light Brown Belt (J Crew)
- Black Zip Cardigan (Loft)
- Black Pants ( Susana Monaco)
- Glasses (Nine West)
I’m linking up with The Pleated Poppy. If you like fashion, and attempt to look nice on occasion, then you should, too. Because it is important that we, as MOMS fight the call of the sweatpants, and 2- remember to do things we enjoy, like dressing up.
Maybe one day I will get better at taking pictures of myself, but for now, this will have to do. Imagine some amazing background if you want.
Land of Nod: 60% Off Winter Wonder Sale
Land of Nod is having their Winter Wonder Sale right now, with great deals on bedding, decor & toys for the kiddos, as well as little gifty type items that would be perfect for your gift closet.
Here are my faves:
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Summer Best Dressed Decals (Other seasons available – I just like this one) $50 $29.95
Cute decor, that is also fun to play with – count me in.
click for more details
Secret Mission Bat Little Ugly $9.95 $6.95
Lilly has been interested in bats ever since we ran into a real one at our front door. (Ew) She would get a kick out of this, and for under $7 bucks, so would I.
click for more details
Scribble It Postcards $9.95 $7.95
Two words: GIFT CLOSET
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A Fine Mess Aprons $14.95 $6.95
Cute for pretending or actually helping Mom in the kitch. Also: GIFT CLOSET.
& too many cool toys to list.
Have your kiddos been good?
Modcloth: 70% Off Cabin Fever Sale
It’s physically difficult for me to pay full price for cute clothes and accessories, but I barely hesitate at 70% off. Modcloth is always full of clothes and accessories that feel special, so it’s not hard at all to fill up your virtual cart. Sale ends Monday.
Here are my Cabin Fever Sale favorites:
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Aw, Strap Heel $119.99 $35.99
I can see this in Fall/Winter with dresses and tights or Spring/Summer with maxi dresses.
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Chime in Any Time Necklace $49.99 $19.99
An easy way to dress up a basic white tee and jeans.
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Classified Plaid Coat
Nothing makes me feel pulled together quicker than a nice coat.
&
too many cute dresses to even list.
Can you resist?
Thrifty Thursday
There are some pretty good personal care coups out right now. If you see any you might use go ahead and print them out and then hoard them while you wait for a sale. Then you strike. Bwah ha ha ha.
Why personal care coupons you ask? Well, no matter what you eat you still have to brush your teeth and cover your grays, amiright? And nothing jacks up your grocery bill like a few bottles of cold medicine and some new toothbrushes. Also, these coupons dont save you 30 cents, they’re all at least a dollar. And so, let the savings commence.
SAVE $1.00 on ANY Beano® Product (30ct. or larger) take it, and there will be no, well, you know
SAVE $1.00 on ANY shade of L’Oréal Root Rescue™
SAVE $3.00 on ANY Centrum® or Centrum Specialist™ Multivitamin
SAVE $7.00 on NATURE’S BOUNTY® Co Q-10 Ubiquinol i’m not even sure what this does
$2.00 off when you buy any ONE Advil® Congestion Relief Product
$5.00 off when you buy any ONE Philips Sonicare brush head multi-pack
$1.75 off when you buy any TWO Pedialyte® Products do popsicles count?
$3.00 off when you buy ONE REFRESH OPTIVE™ Product (any size)
$1.10 off when you buy any ONE Nature’s Bounty® Vitamins or Supplements
$1.40 off when you buy any NatureSmart Ester-C® item
$1.35 off when you buy any TWO AXE® 4oz Bodysprays, 2.7 oz Anti-perspirants and Deodorants or 3oz Deodorants (Excludes Trial & Travel sizes, Bonus packs) some of these smell really good #imnotevenkidding
$2.50 off On Cold-EEZE Cold Remedy ORAL SPRAY
$1.00 off any one PediaCare product
$1.50 off DESITIN™ Soothing Rash Bath Treatment
$1.00 off Sally Hansen Hand Cremes
$1.00 off one Coricidin HBP product
$5.00 off On Any 1 Size of ProNutrients Probiotic
$1.00 off on any Afrin Nasal Spray like crack for your nose
$1.00 off on any ONE (1) Alka-Seltzer Plus Allerg
$5.00 off Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion
$1.00 off On any Schiff Vitamin or Supplement
$2.00 off one Colace or Peri-Colace Product i wont tell anyone about your ‘issue’
$2.00 off one Senokot or Senokot-S Product
$3.00 off any Slo-Niacin
$1.50 off any one (1) box of Revlon Root Erase™
$1.00 off (1) 4-oz. Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief perfect for your sensitive teeth
Buy 2 packages of Kotex® products, Save $1.50. Expires 2/1/2012. One time use only.
Buy 1 RapidLash, Save $10.00. Expires 2/8/2012. One time use only. (Only at CVS)
Buy any 1 Sundown Naturals® product, Save $1.00. Expires 2/8/2012. One time use only.
Buy 1 GUM® Go-Betweens®, Save 75¢. Expires 2/1/2012. One time use only. ok this one is less than a dollar but you can probably get it for free
Buy 2 GUM® Toothbrushes (does not include Crayola Kids), Save $1.00. Expires 2/1/2012. One time use only.
Buy 1 GUM® Eez-Thru Flosser®, Save 75¢. Expires 2/1/2012. One time use only. ditto
Pastel Zig Zags | What I Wore
All of my outfits are black and white. It’s just easier. I’m trying to interject more color into my wardrobe and I was really pleased with this black & white/pastel purple combo.
What I’m Wearing:
- Black and White Dress – Missoni for Target
- Pale Purple Woven Shirt – Polo Ralph Lauren
- Black Sweater Vest – H&M
- Tights – WalMart
- Bow Flats – Jessica Simpson
What do you think – cute or not?
Look for Less: Anthropologie Dropped Dots Dress
Look for Less: Anthropologie Dropped Dots Dress
Of course you love Anthro – but who can afford it? Here’s how to get the same Dropped Dots Dress look for less.
- Instead of the Petanque Necklace ($68) try this Chain Fringe Necklace ($6.80).
- Instead of the Dropped Dots Dress ($158) try this Like it A Dot Dress ($49.99 at ModCloth.com).
- Instead of the Dazed Cobalt Tote ($348, wait, seriously?) try the I’ll Be Briefcase Bag ($49.99 at ModCloth.com
)
- Instead of the Sweetbriar Skimmers ($98) try the BDG Fleece Camp Skimmer (on sale for $19.99)
Total original cost: $672.
Total Look for Less cost : $126.77
I just saved you $545. You’re welcome.
Paying Bills Online*
I appreciate the guest post, Ignacio Phillips
I got on the internet today using my clear connection. It was that time of the month. The time of the month that all of my bills were due. I have a bill paying routine. On the twenty first of every month, I sit at my desk with my computer. I check my bank balance and then start paying my bills. All of my utilities can be paid on-line except for my gas bill. The gas company has the option to pay your bill on-line but charges a three dollar on-line processing fee. It is cheaper to mail a check! I can pay our mortgage and credit card bill on-line too. It takes about an hour to log in and make sure that I didn’t miss anything. I also record the payments on Quick Books, but paying bills on-line is so much easier than it used to be when I had to write everyone a check and hope that the post office got the check there in time that the bill was due. So many times, the post office lost my letters and they would end up showing up a month late after I had already sent another check. Then the business would cash the other check and I had to spend hours clearing it up!
