Being a mom is an honor and a whirlwind!
Photo courtesy of Taisiia Stupak via Unsplash
Hey Friend!
Read my latest article on Medium.com! This one is all about connecting with God on a daily basis.
Be encouraged!
XO,
Scarlett
New Article on Family Traditions
Hey Friend!
I’ve been absent for a while… busy building my copywriting, editing, and consulting business.
But I have had you on my mind, and I just published an article I thought you might be interested in reading.
You can see it here:
Creating Meaningful Traditions with Your Children to Anchor Them in Life
It’s all about creating your family culture with purpose, intention, and creativity!
See you again soon.
Xx,
Scarlett
You Are Exactly Where You Need To Be
Hello, Sweet Mama!
What’s On My Mind Today?
I have something on my mind that I wanted to share with you.
I heard a young mom talking the other day about how painful and discouraging it is to see other moms on social media who appear to have a perfect life or at least have it more together than they do.
It broke my heart. Because the effect she is allowing it to have on her is paralyzing.
I want to implore you, especially you younger moms… please stop comparing yourself to other mamas!
I know it’s hard.
Their Instagram posts look perfectly curated, with the right filters and captions, and perfectly posed babies or children.
But I would bet money that if you had been in the room or the car or at the pumpkin patch with them, you would’ve seen the real story.
Crying babies, moms bribing kids with candy or extra iPad time or ice cream (been there done that!), frustrated kids, husbands getting impatient. Not exactly the pretty sight you see on their posts, right?!
And I get it, I don’t post all the yucky behind-the-scenes stuff either. I mean, I guess I’ve always just assumed that we all have the hard stuff and who wants to see more of it?
Maybe we all need to post more of that messy stuff.
But what I want you to hear is that there is no perfect mom.
There is no perfect family or marriage or parent.
We all have the hard stuff, the messy bits, the stuff that stays off-camera.
Every. Single. One. Of. Us.
So, I want to ask you…
Do you know you are enough and exactly where you need to be?
{I realize that some religious hounds may come at me for that statement.}
But here’s the thing… if God wanted you to be somewhere else, He would’ve told you, right?
If He had other plans for you, He would’ve shared those with you.
He is our GOOD Father and doesn’t withhold His goodness and good plans from us.
Trust that you are exactly who He has made you to be, that you are in exactly the right place, and that you are living the amazing life He designed for you!
He gave you that precious child. They are a gift straight from heaven! You are the one and only Mama your child needs.
So, trust the process. Trust your gut. Do what is best for you and your family.
If that means posting beautiful, magazine-worthy photos on Instagram every day, go for it.
If that means staying off of social media to focus on what you need to get back on track with knowing who you are and being confident in yourself, do it!
But let’s cut out the comparisons, okay?
Let’s celebrate ourselves and each other and where each of us is in life.
Leave focusing on our differences and thinking we have to measure up to someone else’s life in the garbage bin.
I am sending you an enormous hug and cheering you on!
XO
Did You Know You Can Opt Out of This Recession?
Hey Fellow Mama,
My friend Pedro Adao has a life-changing training that has the potential to change the way you see, treat, and apply principles of money to create Kingdom wealth.
I want to be clear though… it may offend you because out of all the training he has done over the past 3 years…
This challenge… this training… these breakthroughs are the ones people still talk about the most, as having had the most profound impact on their lives.
One way the enemy has been so effective in stealing, killing, and destroying God’s people is in the area of finances… which ends up affecting all the other areas of our lives.
So with your permission starting this TODAY, Pedro will start to literally offend the “hell” out of you…
What do you mean, Scarlett?
I mean, when sound Kingdom Truth and Revelation enter your life, it will offend the poverty spirit that plagues so many Christians…
It will also offend scarcity mindsets and reveal orphan tendencies…
All of which need to be sent back to the “hell” from which they came.
So.. if you are ready to get free from the lies of the enemy and…
Discover the Kingdom Keys for how to create, steward, and multiply wealth the Kingdom Way…
Click HERE and get registered for this truly life-changing 8:18 Kingdom Finance Challenge.
Each day, starting on TODAY, August 11th, he’ll train for just 8 minutes… for 18 days!
That’s less than an hour a week for the most life-changing Kingdom wealth strategies to equip you to opt out of any impending recession!
However, this challenge is not for everyone… If you are not open to discovering the truth from God’s word on how to create and steward wealth as a Kingdom entrepreneur… then this challenge is probably not for you…
Be prepared to hear concepts, strategies, and practical methods that you have probably never heard of before and certainly aren’t going to hear in Church on Sunday morning.
If you’re ready to do this, then click HERE, and let’s get you registered.
I look forward to seeing you in the challenge!
Scarlett xo
Happy Summer… And Let’s Tackle The Recession With A Strategy of Hope
Hello, Friend!
You are on my mind. I hope you’re enjoying this first week of summer!
I’m seeing a lot of talk on social media regarding the state of the world and the recession. I realize there is a bit of a debate about whether we’re already in a recession or heading toward one, but either way, we are seeing and hearing that word everywhere. Gas and grocery prices are the highest they’ve been in several years. Supply chain issues are still affecting the grocery shelves (and every other industry).
How are you feeling? Is the stress getting to you? Are you worried about your finances?
Today, I want to remind you to look to our Heavenly Father for hope and encouragement. He is good. Always good. And He is our Source of strength and hope and provision. He says He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He never goes back on His word.
Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! Romans 15:13 TPT
I have more to share on the goodness, provision, and abundance of God, but I want to go ahead and get to some practical ideas that I hope will help you today.
Here are some ideas about making your money go a little further right now.
Coupon Apps/Websites
If you’re not using coupon apps, you’re leaving money on the table. I’m listing my top choices below. I have used every one of these websites and/or apps and have cashed in my points for gift cards. Hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards over the years!
Just keep in mind that they are supposed to be helping you make the most of your money. Your time is precious. Don’t allow them to become a time-suck!
Fetch Rewards: This is how I turn my receipts into FREE gift cards. Try it and get 2,000 points! All you do is snap a photo of your receipt. And it can be ANY receipt, not just ones from the grocery store. I’ve been using this one for the shortest amount of time, but it is my favorite. It’s the easiest one to use. Never glitches. And they occasionally offer additional perks, such as free magazine subscriptions (i.e. Better Homes & Gardens, Town & Country, Eating Well, Harper’s Bazaar, etc.).
Ibotta: This is another free app that gets you cash back on the stuff you buy every day. Just use my referral code: ktilyma and you’ll get a bonus!
My Points: This site gives you multiple options for earning points, which you can turn into gift cards! You can take surveys, shop, answer poll questions, find coupons, upload receipts, click for points, etc.
Swagbucks: This one is pretty much identical to My Points. Earn points when you shop online! I’ve been a member of this platform the longest and have purchased many birthday and Christmas gifts with the gift cards I earned.
Grocery Savings
Shop at Aldi! I have been shopping at Aldi for 10+ years and am super thankful to my friend, Clarissa, who told me about it back in the day. I had seen a few bloggers mention it but had never been myself, so when we moved back to the States, I found out there were two stores close to me. If you haven’t been to an Aldi yet, find one near you ASAP! I always feel so great about how much I get for my money when I shop there. What a great feeling!
Aldi has a wonderful selection of groceries (including organic items), and don’t miss the fun, middle aisle! You never know what you’ll find. It’s like a treasure hunt.
And if you’re going to Aldi for the very first time, take a quarter for your shopping cart. And take your own bags, unless you want to pay for new ones.
If you don’t have an Aldi near you, make sure you sign up for your local grocery store rewards card. This can save you hundreds of dollars each year and always gives you the best deals. With my local grocery rewards card, I can use my points for groceries or gas. Today I saved 40 cents per gallon, which felt pretty good!
If you have pets, shop online at Chewy.com! I have been buying our cat and dog food via Chewy for years. They are fast, reliable, and have the best customer service in the world!
A couple of years ago, our cat, Elliot, got sick and passed away suddenly. We had just received our Chewy order with a fresh bag of Elliot’s prescription cat food. I called them to see if I could return the unopened bag. They not only gave me a refund, but they also suggested I donate that bag to my local vet.
Then I came home from work a day or two later to this…
Chewy sent us flowers from a local florist and included a heartfelt message of sympathy. That’s what I call a five-star experience. During our sadness at losing our sweet pet, Chewy was the epitome of sensitivity and compassion. I’ve been a faithful customer ever since (We have two cats, two dogs-sometimes three when Austin’s dog is here-and a fish.).
Shop on Amazon.com! Are you a Prime member? Get ready because the Prime Day deals are already looking hot! Prime Day is actually two days – July 12 & 13. Mark your calendar! And if you’re not a member, why not?? There are so many benefits. Shopping, obviously, but also shipping/delivery benefits, streaming and digital benefits, reading benefits, and more!
One of the best ways to get deals on Amazon is to sign up for their Subscribe & Save program. It’s a subscription you set up for items you regularly use. I’ve ordered all kinds of things through Subscribe & Save over the years… from toilet paper to snacks to elderberry syrup and supplements to cleaning supplies.
Another favorite Amazon feature is their Audible membership! But since this is a post about saving money, go to your local library for your audiobooks. 🙂
What else do you hope to find a way to save money on right now?
Leave your thoughts in the comments. I’ll be back soon with more ideas.
Love & Blessings!
Scarlett xo
{This post contains my affiliate links, which simply means that when you purchase through my links, I make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!}
Happy Mother’s Day to You
Hey Mom!
Are you looking forward to having the spotlight all on you this Sunday?
You are a rockstar!
Let your people love on and spoil you this weekend!
It’s time to honor you!
I know motherhood is hard. It’s endless hours of being available and “on.” It’s putting yourself last much of the time. I know it can be exhausting and thankless.
Hopefully, you have a supportive spouse or significant other or friends who cheer you on! (And don’t forget to teach those little ones to say “thank you”!)
But if not, I am in your corner, jumping up and down! Here I am shouting, “You are amazing!” “I celebrate you today!” “You’re doing an outstanding job!”
If you’re feeling a little worn down and weary…
If you’re wishing for a break…
If you’re not sure you’re cut out for this job…
Just remember, this is a marathon and a journey. It’s not a sprint.
And there is grace for every step.
Some seasons will certainly be busier and go by faster. But keep the long game in mind.
This is an adventure with the Lord and your kids.
Keep the relationships in the front of your mind. If your little one is only 2 years old, picture them in 10 years. And then in 20 years.
What do you want your relationship to look like at those intervals? In keeping the big picture vision in mind, you won’t get bogged down in the daily stuff as much.
Remember that God chose you to be the mama out of all the women in the world today. He picked you for your child and your child for you. He wove all that DNA together and tied an enormous bow on top. His gifts are good and perfect.
So I hope they greet you on Sunday morning with breakfast in bed or a pleasant lunch out or a fun picnic at your favorite park!
It’s your special day. Enjoy every moment.
Thinking of you,
Scarlett xo
P.S. Check out this touching, new song: Anne Wilson’s Mamas
Happy Spring!
Hey Friend!
Happy spring, if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere! 🙂
How are you? How is your 2022 going?
I wanted to hop on here to do a quick check-in. 🌸 🌸
I’ve been focusing much of my time on my business in 2022.
I’ve also been able to travel, not once but TWICE, so far this year! Traveling is my favorite!
We went to Texas in February for a memorial service for my late mother-in-law. She passed away in January 2021, but because of all of us living in different places, plus the state of the virus, we weren’t able to have a service at that time. I’m so thankful we could gather with so many beautiful friends and family members to honor Jacque’s life in February. It was a special service and a lovely time together. Plus, it was wonderful to be back in Houston with Bob’s Dad and his sister, Holly, and her family, after way too long.
After Houston, my three girls and I traveled to the Fredericksburg area to visit friends who are opening a winery there. I had not been to that part of Texas for 25+ years, and it was the first time for the girls. We enjoyed staying in a cute little Airbnb very near the winery. We ate some great food and had a fun time exploring Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
While we were there, I learned that the man who has been like a second father to me since I was six years old was at the point of death. Since I was already in Texas, I started changing all my travel plans to go and be with him or to at least attend his funeral. Sadly, he passed away the next morning.
I drove the girls to Austin so they could go home, as originally planned. Then I drove up to the Rockwall area to stay in a hotel. On the way, I stopped by my alma mater, Baylor University! Wow! I knew it had changed immensely since I was last there, but to see it with my own eyes was amazing. I wish I had had more time to explore. But, there was an ice storm coming…
The drive to the hotel was a little precarious, as the ice storm hit the area right when I arrived. I was never so happy to pull into a parking spot and stay put for a couple of days in the warm hotel. It was an opportunity to batten down the hatches in my room, enjoy the solitude, and get so much work done. I am also thankful for the unexpected time in North Texas to reconnect with a dear friend who I got to have lunch with once the ice thawed.
(This is me with Lowell several years ago.)
The visitation and funeral both got pushed back because of the crazy weather, but I got to attend the visitation, which was probably better anyway. One of my long-time friends was also there and pointed out that you really get to visit with the family more at the visitation, so I was thankful for that. I still cannot believe that Lowell is gone. I know I’ll see him again one day, but wow, he was such a bedrock foundation in my life. His absence is still very surreal.
I was home for about a month and then headed to California for the incredible 100X Favor Conference! It was the best event I’ve ever attended. I soaked in the wisdom, worshipped with 700 other Kingdom entrepreneurs (plus 3000 more who were virtual), made beautiful new friendships, gained unbelievable working relationships, prayed, laughed, cried, and got even more clear about the direction Father is taking me.
If you’ve never heard of 100X or Pedro Adao, I would encourage you to check them out. I discovered Pedro in March 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic. He was offering a challenge for entrepreneurs. I was just starting my entrepreneurial journey, so it was perfect timing! I credit that 4:14 Challenge with giving me the hutzpah to start my copywriting biz. Kingdom life truly is THE BEST LIFE!
That’s a brief bit of my 2022 story so far.
I plan to be back here more often and look forward to connecting with you. xo
{This post contains affiliate links. I make a monetary commission when you purchase through my links. Thank you! 😎 }
Huge List of Christmas Favorites!
Hello and welcome to our Huge List of Christmas Favorites!
When my children were little, one of my favorite Christmas traditions was to take 25 Christmas books and wrap them in Christmas wrapping paper. I put them together in a big basket near the Christmas tree. Then each morning, starting December 1, the kids would take turns picking out a book and opening it. We would make hot chocolate or spiced tea and enjoy a cozy time of reading together. Such sweet memories!
In this list, we’re including both books and movies we have collected over the last 25 years.
Christmas Books:
Here are the advent books we’ve used and love:
Jotham’s Journey: A Storybook for Advent by Arnold Ytreeide
Bartholomew’s Passage: A Family Story for Advent by Arnold Ytreeide
Tabitha’s Travels: A Family Story for Advent by Arnold Ytreeide
We read these top five over and over in our home:
One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Elmo’s Christmas Colors by Constance Allen
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story by Gloria Houston
The Mitten by Jan Brett
And here are a few more we’ve collected over the years or checked out from our local library:
If You’re Missing Baby Jesus: A True Story that Embraces the Spirit of Christmas by Jean Gietzen
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
A Christmas Carol: A Young Reader’s Edition of the Classic Holiday Tale by Charles Dickens
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola
The Night Before Christmas: The Anniversary Edition by Clement C. Moore
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg
Christmas In The Country by Cynthia Rylant
The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt
Miracle in a Shoe Box: A Christmas Gift of Wonder by Franklin Graham
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans
My Christmas Treasury by Gale Wiersum
The Christmas Donkey by T. William Taylor
Frosty The Snowman by Annie North Bedford
Just in Time for Christmas by Louise Borden
Angelina’s Christmas by Katharine Holabird
A Full House: An Austin Family Christmas by Madeleine L’Engle
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff
The Shoe Box by Francine Rivers
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
One Snowy Night by M. Christina Butler
Thomas’ Christmas Delivery (Thomas & Friends) by Tommy Stubbs
The Christmas Dolls: A Butterfield Square Story by Carol Beach York
Christmas Movies:
The Preacher’s Wife – This one is my very favorite – I mean, it’s Whitney!!!! I love watching it while we decorate our freshly cut Christmas tree.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Miracle on 34th Street (We enjoy both the older version and this newer one. The Santa in this one reminds me of my dad. xo)
Christmas with the Kranks (Here is a bonus DVD offer with The Holiday – another favorite of mine but definitely PG-13.)
Christmas Carol: The Movie (with Kate Winslet)
The Man Who Invented Christmas
Jingle Jangle – this one came out on Netflix last year!
We love the fun and endearing memories we’ve made over the years reading and watching these favorites together. Now that three of my children have moved out on their own, those memories are more cherished than ever.
Get your books ready to wrap! December 1st will be here soon.
I’d love to hear your favorites, too, so please share them in the comments!
{This post contains my affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This simply means that when you make a purchase through my links, I get paid a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!}
Our Favorite Pumpkin Bread
A Family Recipe
Hey Friend!
Are you a pumpkin spice fan?
Do you enjoy all the pumpkin-fall-related things? Lattes? Donuts? Muffins? Pies? Cocktails? Smoothies?
I will raise my hand and admit that I don’t get the whole PSL fandom. Eek. I know, I know. 🤦🏻♀️
I have friends and family who love them. And I will happily buy one for you anytime we meet for a coffee date. But I will be the one abstaining from the PSL and cheerfully ordering anything caramel or mocha, instead! 😂
I love actual pumpkin, though!
When Bob, Emma, and I were living in Venezuela for a short time, we were there in November and decided we wanted to make a Thanksgiving dinner. There was no canned pumpkin, but I found a fresh pumpkin in my local mercado. So I made a pumpkin pie from scratch for the first time, which was a lot of work and a very special treat.
Every year when the air cools down and the leaves start their descent and the days get shorter, you can bet that the kids and I pull out our favorite pumpkin recipes and turn on the oven. Not so much for pumpkin pie from scratch (I do like the ease of canned pumpkin!) but for pumpkin muffins or bread and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and pumpkin scones. Yum!
I want to share one of our very favorite recipes with you today. We’ve made this one for as long as I can remember. Everyone in the family raves about it and always wants to take extra to share at work or with friends.
It makes wonderful bread or perfect muffins!
Pumpkin Bread
2 cups canned pumpkin
3 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 cup vegetable or light olive oil
4 eggs
3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, water, oil, and eggs. Beat until well mixed.
Combine all dry ingredients. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, beating until smooth.
Grease two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans and dust them with flour. Evenly divide the batter between the two pans. Bake for 60 – 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 – 15 minutes before serving.
Or if you prefer muffins… prepare your muffin tins. Evenly divide the batter between the sections of the muffin tins. This will make twenty-four muffins. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
These loaves (and muffins) freeze well, too.
Happy baking!
Welcome back, Autumn!
Hello Lovely,
I realize I’ve been quiet for a while now. Sorry to leave you hanging.
Honestly, 2021 has been as hard, if not harder, than 2020 was. It’s weird to put that in writing. There have definitely been some wonderful, beautiful, enjoyable aspects to this year. But man, there have also been some hard times and so much grief. We lost three very significant people in our lives in the first 6 months of this year. I’m not sure I’m ready to write about those losses yet. I am processing them and will share more at a later time.
I had planned to write so many things at the time of my last post, but life just kept happening, and I didn’t have it in me.
So… I’m starting today to pick up the pieces. I love being able to tell stories about my life and what I’m experiencing. And I hope to bring some encouragement to you as you mother your little one/s. It’s such an important job and the days are full. I want to cheer you on and support you as much as possible!
Today is the first day of autumn here in the US, and it is a day I look forward to every year.
I adore the four distinct seasons that we get to experience and enjoy on the East Coast. If I had to name a favorite, it would be spring. But all four of the seasons have such unique aspects to them. I look forward to the transition into each one.
Growing up in Texas, I didn’t see the distinction of fall as clearly as I experienced both in Canada and here in Virginia. The colors of the season are truly breathtaking. I cannot wait to take them in again this year.
We have the house decorated and plan to buy some mums for the front porch this week. The leaves are beginning to fall, and I know well see them changing color soon.
Do you love decorating for fall? What are your favorite decorations?
We are experiencing some cooler temps this week, so tonight’s dinner was turkey chili. It seemed fitting for marking the new season. I’ve been looking forward to pulling out the stock pot and cooking up some delicious, warm soups and chilis and stews for my family. I’ll share some recipes soon.
Happy Fall! 🌾 🍁 🍂
The Scarlett Thread 