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!

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 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! 😎 }

Book Review: Believe It: How to Go From Underestimated to Unstoppable by Jamie Kern Lima

Photo of my hard copy of Believe It on my desk.

Hey Friend,

Do you enjoy reading?

I am an avid, lifelong reader and try to have a specific goal each year of how many books I plan to read. Last year, I fell very short of my goal. It shocked me when I got to the end of 2020 and saw that I had read only 21 books. What? Seriously?! We’ve been in a pandemic, for goodness’ sake. I’ve been home. Didn’t I have the time? Why in the world did I not read more books?

Then I realized that for me, 2020 was the year of the course, the webinar, the master class, the podcast, and the challenge. I listened a lot. Just not to audiobooks. I started a new business in 2020, so much of what I watched and listened to was about becoming a copywriter/business owner/entrepreneur. Aha. So, I learned a great deal and from some incredible mentors. I just didn’t have time to add many books to that packed learning schedule.

This year, I’m back to my pleasure of reading. I’ve taken time for 10 books so far and have a goal of reading at least 50. Today, I get to share with you one of those books I’ve read recently…

If you’re in business or thinking of becoming an entrepreneur (or if you just feel stuck in life- no matter what stage or role you’re in), I want to recommend Jamie Kern Lima’s brand new book, Believe It: How to Go From Underestimated to Unstoppable to you for inspiration. I was only vaguely familiar with Jamie until recently. I love makeup and fashion and knew about It Cosmetics but have never been a QVC watcher, so I had missed out on her hours and hours of product promotion on that channel.

When I recently came across Jamie on my Instagram feed, I was intrigued. I did a little reading about her and wanted to find out more. Then the opportunity to be on her launch team presented itself, and I jumped at the chance to read her moving story. (Thank you, Jamie, Daniel, and Team for the opportunity!)

Believe It is Jamie’s story of going from broke to billionaire, from Denny’s waitress to cosmetics queen. She and her husband, Paulo, started It Cosmetics in their living room, hoping to sell their brand in the luxury market. She recounts her many, many rejection stories and how she never gave up. This lady has guts and massive amounts of determination! She believed in her dream so deeply, so fiercely, that she refused to agree with all the nos she received along the way.

Believe It allows the reader to come along on each appointment, only to experience rejection after rejection and tears and more tears. And after six years of wondering how it will finally happen, to one day being invited to appear on QVC. Jamie’s real-life approach to sharing her rosacea on live television went against all the coaching advice and expert opinions, but in the end, going with her gut won out. Believing in her why and going with her gut allowed her to achieve the success she always believed would be hers.

I won’t spoil the ending for you, but the story gets even better!

Believe It is not only about Jamie’s makeup company but also includes many personal stories, from the beautiful gifts her closest friends are to her, to some of their own success stories (shout out to the ever-shining Lia from Valencia Key Jewelry (Lia’s story will also have you both in tears and shouting for joy at the success God has given her!). Jamie also includes her struggles with weight and pregnancy loss, the decision to hire a surrogate, and finding out at age 27 that she had been adopted. Shocker! Then the difficult search for her birth mother and all the emotions and analysis that come along with being given up at birth.

Believe It is part memoir, part self-help, inspirational narrative, and is a book I am happy to add to my bookshelves in 2021. We need more people in the world like Jamie. She says, ‘I’m partly self-made, but I’m mostly God-made’. I love that! Life is such a stunning partnership with God. I celebrate your success with you, Jamie, and give Jesus glory for what He has done in your life! Thank you for never giving up and for being a beautiful, loving champion of women.

One of the most impressive aspects of this precious soul and sharing her story with the world is that she is donating ALL the proceeds to Feeding America and Together Rising. I took part in Jamie’s special book launch event, Becoming Unstoppable, with other incredible and inspiring people (including Tony Robbins, Victoria Osteen, Robin Roberts, Trent Shelton, Ed Mylett, so many others). During that event, there were over TWO MILLION meals donated to Feeding America!

Please let me know if you read Believe It and what you think of it!

Thinking of you,

Scarlett xo

{Disclaimer: I received an ebook copy of Believe It by NetGalley as a part of joining Jamie’s book launch team. I also purchased my own hard copy from Amazon. This post contains my affiliate links. This means that when you make a purchase through one of my links, I get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.}