Beginner Beans

How and When to Use PicMonkey Touch Up Tools

2013-06-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

So far I've stuck with PicMonkey's Basic Edits and Effects for my beginner photo editing, with some Text and Overlays when I'm "designing" something for the blog. I recently branched out to try the Touch Up features and am so impressed at it's ability to beautify my mug.

PicMonkey Photo Touch-up Features

Here's the list of everything I did to improve this photo (hopefully without going overboard)...

Blemish Fix

This is actually my face at one of its clearest times. Yet there were still some noticeable bumps and spots along the cheek, chin and forehead which this feature helped clear up.

Airbrush

In addition to the bumps and spots mentioned above, I also have large pores and an ugly scar above one eyebrow that the airbrush feature helped smooth out. (My forehead might be on the verge of looking a little botox-y in the after; go extra light on this feature.)

Wrinkle Remover

This picture was taken when I was 21, so hopefully not too many wrinkles. Yet I still had deep and noticeable lines under my eyes, and even natural smile lines. This tool helped make those less defined.

Spray Tan

The natural lighting made my forearm and my collar extra pale, and the spray tan tool helped add a little natural skin tone color to those areas.

Teeth Whiten

Who couldn't use a little extra teeth whitening? (Unless, of course, you already whiten your teeth ;)

Eye Brighten

This is a cool feature that helped make my hazel eyes pop. Especially in a professional profile photo, those eyes might benefit from showing a little more life.

Blush Boost, Lip Tint, Mascara, Eye Shadow, Highlights

These features can help add a little color to pale lips, enhance undefined eyes, or touchup makeup not showing up in the photo. Another fun way to use these is trying out makeup colors before buying. It's like a virtual makeover to try out new makeup--how fun is that!

Tips + Tricks for Using Touch-Up Features

There are a few things to keep in mind when touching up personal features in a photo. Here are a just a few things to consider...

Keep it natural.

Each of these features has the potential of making you look terribly fake, and well, just plain terrible. With each tool you use, consider if it looks natural--is it normal for a person to be this wrinkle-free, to have this smooth of skin, to have this white of teeth, or this color of skin? Wrinkles and blemishes add character and make us human. Without them (or at least hints of them), we're no better than magazine covers that shave off thighs and bellies that might make stars look a little more like us--and that "look" is human.

Be true to you.

In addition to being naturally human, it's important to be naturally you. What colors and touch ups fit in with who you are and what you look like in real life? Is this photo an accurate portrayal of what you look like on a daily basis, or an attempt to look like Barbie? (Barbie's plastic--it's not a good look on us humans.)

Go light.

With each tool you use, always go light. Find where you think it might look good, then consider going a little lighter. Too light will still improve your photo without looking fake, but too heavy on the effects will just not come out right. Basically, there's no such thing as "too light" when touching up a photo.

Basic edits first, then touch up, and end with effects.

When editing a photo, start with basic edits, adjusting your photo for color, brightness etc. Then, dive into Touch Up features to improve complexion, whiten teeth or whatever else needs to be done to improve the people in the photo. Finally, end with Effects to make the photo look processed how you like. Doing this out of order could cause your touch ups to look worse (especially in regards to colors).

Not every tool is needed.

If you're editing a close-up profile pic, then go through the tools but recognize which ones are needed and which aren't. If it doesn't actually improve the photo, then don't apply the changes. Or, just start with pointing out the 1-3 main areas that need improved and do those without using every single touch-up feature available. This will help accomplish that natural, human-looking appeal mentioned above.

Not every photo needs it.

Finally, not every photo needs touched up. If there's glaring shine on someone's forehead, an obviously yellowing smile, or a distracting pimple, by all means fix it. And if you're adding a close-up profile picture to your social media accounts, by all means make it look like you on your best day (and no better). Otherwise, for the average snapshot, these touch up tools may not even be needed. And that's okay.

>>>>>

Check out Jen's touch-up tutorial on PicMonkey's blog for more fun before and afters and great tips on getting the most out of PicMonkey's Touch Up tools.

Your Family Needs You to Be Courageous

2013-06-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

There's something I've been keeping from you. And if I'm going to grow, I can't keep this to myself any longer. It might not be a surprise based on hints I've made to this. I just avoid putting these words to it, largely because of the struggle to be considered a good enough mom.

Are you ready? Here it is...

While I love being a mom, (there's just no other way to put it) I don't love being a mom.

I know, judge all you want, it's the simple truth.

I love my kids and am incredibly honored and privileged to be trusted with their care. I love their sweet cheeks, their adorable eyes, their innocent hearts, and their overflowing love and kindness. I appreciate everything they teach me about love and life and God. They make me laugh, warm my heart, and color my life. And I know I'll one day long for them to be little again.

But sometimes, sadly, the selfish child in me comes out. And I throw internal tantrums or ugly pity parties about how being a mom excludes me from what I want to be doing. And I'm not talking about going out drinking and partying and having fun (I've never drank or "partied"). I'm talking about feeling excluded from mission and purpose.

When I was 15, my first plane trip (ever) included a series of flights from Atlanta, USA to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Nine months later, when I returned home to Kansas (irrelevant side note: "home" was Tennessee when I left), it became evident that adventure awakened in me a hunger for mission and a thirst for purpose.

In college, I started dreaming more about where my post-school adventures would take me. Maybe to be a missionary? Maybe to Colorado for evangelism training? Maybe to Spain for a minor in Spanish? Maybe to grad school to pursue family counseling?

I hadn't learned all the stuff I'm learning now about discovering and pursuing passion, so I was a bit unsure and excited about the possibilities. (Irrelevant thought: Shouldn't purpose and passion be covered before we drop tens of thousands of dollars on a 4-year degree? Just wondering.)

Didn't matter much, because none of those big ideas happened. By the time I graduated college, I was married, had a 5-month-old and a full-time job. Blessed, content and happy. (And not a bit of sarcasm in that.)

A couple months after graduation, Daniel got a job in Florida and we moved. Instead of working full-time, I would now stay home with Brylee (who was 18-months-old at the time), and I was ill-prepared for that transition.

The responses to my getting to become a stay-at-home mom were genuine happiness for me, purely positive, and often nostalgic. "Oh, staying home with my kids when they were young were the best years of my life!" was a common response from older women.

So why wasn't I feeling genuine happiness, and purely positive with a bit of nostalgia? Why didn't these feel like the best years of my life?

I longed for the full-time job that held accountability, clear goals and achievements complete with encouragement and a "keep up the good work" from the boss... and purpose. Home with a toddler was lonely, frustrating, exhausting, and seemingly without purpose. The daycare we left in Nebraska did a better job caring for her than I was--she was at least less bored there.

It took about a year, but we slowly adjusted and found a routine that worked. We got involved in a weekly mom's group, had a weekly routine that helped us get out most days, became members of a great church, and made friends that taught me a little more how to be a good mom.

Yet, I can't say I ever really found my purpose or mission in staying home. I was getting better at it. I was happier and more positive. I saw the nostalgia as Brylee grew and I became pregnant with baby two. But my passion was elsewhere. Surely there was something else out there that would better use my strengths and help me feel more alive.

Is that terrible?

I mean, my kids and spending time with my family makes me feel alive. Then, in the day-to-day I always feel a drive for more, and it's rarely in more crafts, art projects, or "fun" messes (isn't that an oxymoron?) for the kids. That's just not me. I'm sorry, Brylee and Ian, you got the boring introvert mom who thrives in "alone" time, writes for fun, and calls a clean house "art."

I longed for a mission and a purpose. An adventure in the way I remembered it years earlier.

The way I learned about it from Pamela Moore's Safer than a Known Way. It was a book I read shortly after returning from Mongolia. She lived a comfy and predictable life in England and, on a spiritual weekend retreat, prayed her life over to God while essentially requesting He leave her life comfy and predictable.

Of course, He answered a little differently and led her overseas, used her in public speaking (her greatest fear), and led her to her husband in her 40s rather than in her 20s like she wanted. She was happy and content through it all because trusting God was all the comfort and predictability she needed.

Her book put a real-life story to what I longed for. There was evidence that the adventure I sought existed, and just maybe God wanted it for me too.

Of course, life distracts me from that a bit, and often tells me I can't have it. There aren't too many epic adventures awaiting a primary caregiver of two little helpless souls. I periodically try to convince myself those two helpless souls are my adventure, but between the whining, colored walls, and Curious George it just isn't convincing enough.

I long to be an epic Christian, to let my light shine, to rock this world in Jesus' name! That has been my earnest prayer over the last couple years--that God would use me in big ways for His glory.

If only His answers came to me all at once in the form of clear direction. I'm one of those that Shane Claiborne classifies as having the "gift of frustration." I am frustrated by my desire to give up on traditional church and the misunderstandings I get from that. I am frustrated by the apparent gap between being mom and being part of Jesus' epic call to missions. I am frustrated that this growing process looks like death at first, but is really life.

I'm frustrated that at its roots, what I'm talking about is comparing letting-go-of-my-passions-to-focus-on-being-mom to feeling like death!

I'm frustrated that this is just all so confusing.

God knows when I'm feeling that way.

A couple weekends ago, our church held meetings for young adults. My college public speaking and magazine writing professor was the guest speaker. (He's also author of this and this--apparently incredible books I sadly have yet to read.)

Daniel warned me it was going to be good. He got to enjoy one of Chris Blake's talks just a week or two before, and he was inspired. So, we made it a priority to show up.

The Friday evening session caught my attention, and I was ready for whatever else would come in the remaining sessions on Saturday. Problem is: there wouldn't be kids' programs for those. So our kids would be with us. How can I state this clearer? Considering my not-yet-church-trained two-year-old, this made me a little hesitant. But it wouldn't stop us.

We showed up. And we sat on a couch in the back, where we would be out of the way. One of the pastors pulled Daniel aside asking for help with the anointing they had planned for the end. There would be a communion, and Daniel would help a few others pray over individuals. They would anoint their hands with oil as they prayed for their mission and purpose.

Excuse my nerdy-ness, but this sort of thing gets me excited. Especially considering the growth journey I've been on as of late. This anointing would be just the sort of symbol I needed to make it all "official."

Time wore on and so did the kids. At last, so did I. The noise and the trying to escape, the coloring on things, and the noise. I was about over my limits when someone leaned over and hinted it probably wasn't a good idea to let Ian play with something he had. (I plead the fifth on that.) Sure, it was obvious he shouldn't play with it. But I was watching him, and I was just trying to make it to the end of this thing and get to the good stuff!

Finally, as they were bringing out the wine (juice) and bread, I called it quits. The kids' fatigue and hunger won, and I couldn't keep them there any longer. I wasn't even sure what Mr. Blake was talking about anymore.

Frustrated and, well, frustrated, I walked out with both kids and whispered to Daniel that I couldn't do it anymore and I'd meet him at home. I was disappointed I'd be missing such a vital part of the weekend. I was frustrated that being a mom trumped my ministry for Jesus. I was frustrated with the young guys that walked out right behind me seemingly because they weren't comfortable with the commitment requested from the end of the service.

Fine, you take my kids and entertain them, and let me stay here and recommit my life to God!

Is that judging? Probably.

I let those flames fade while I went home to prepare lunch. Daniel walked through the door, and the first thing I could get out was, "How'd the anointing go?"

He gave a vague, "Good."

And I pressed, "I mean, what'd you guys do? How'd you do it?"

He held out my hand, lightly rubbing two fingers in my palm and describing the oil and prayer, concluding as he let go of my hand, "That's it."

"Okay, anoint me." It's all I cared about. Being called and validated in that call. Jesus, anoint me please! Make this frustration mean something. Use me in big ways for Your glory!

Not sensing my seriousness, he chuckled, "I can't, I don't have the oil."

A disappointed sigh escaped as I returned to picking up toys in the living room while waiting for the lasagna to finish baking.

Within moments, I hear him calling me to the kitchen. He's standing by the stove with one hand out to me, an open bottle of canola oil on the counter behind him. I chuckle trying to brush off how much I really cared as he uses his free hand to move a toy train and a block from my hands to the counter.

He gently rubs oil in my palm as he prays over me. Anointing this lil light to shine for Jesus in the world, and in our home. I don't remember all the details. Just that tears flooded my eyes as I glowed in the moment. This moment that it became a little more clear that my mission and purpose start in my home.

I recently read Psalm 127 and this gem in verse 4 caught my attention:
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.

If we're at war and children are our weapons (our "arrows"), then why do we let ourselves feel so futile and purpose-less as parents? Why do we let ourselves think that because we have to head home early to put the kids to bed, or because we have to slip out the back door so a cranky babe won't disrupt the service, that we're automatically excluded from the race and from the adventure?

The truth couldn't be any more opposite. And the truth is this, parents: We are at the heart of battle.

Preparing these little arrows to fight the good fight in faith. Training them to win over our enemies in love. Teaching them to disciple the nations in loving fear of God. Challenging them to be Mighty Warriors bringing glory to Him.

And in this process, we ourselves become the arrows we were once prepared to be. We join this battle that we know is the Lord's. We find mission and purpose, and it's nothing short of an epic calling.

Sometimes, we won't feel like it. Sometimes the whining or the potty training or the missing a talk we really want to hear will distract us. Sometimes we'll momentarily lose focus, and other times we'll throw an all-out internal tantrum that this is what we've been called to.

But God hasn't given up on us. He's used to calling a stubborn people, and He's patient through this conversion process. He's patient in convincing us of, and qualifying us for, His calling.

So, friend, keep on keepin' on. God wants to use you in big ways for Him. And He's likely calling you to start in your home. To sharpen the tools you've been given for His purpose. To be courageous in the work, the little ones, he's given you. To start by meeting your family's needs.

And your family needs you to be courageous.

Revive us, O Lord. | Ps. 119:107

Homemade Tea Tree and Coconut Oil Deodorant

2013-06-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Note: I am not a healthcare professional or scientist or chemist or anything worthy of giving guarantee on the information shared here. Just a gal sharing my personal experience, take it or leave it for what it is...

When I started using coconut oil as an occasional deep conditioner for my hair, I also found quite a few sources saying it could be used as a natural deodorant. I gave it a try, and it worked... kind of. It had to be reapplied later in the day, and didn't work well in the heat of summer or through a heavy workout. It also could leave oil spots on clothes if not careful.

I've also tried Tom's, and while it smelled delicious, I had similar issues with it as I did with coconut oil--just not effective enough.

I pinned Jen's recipe for homemade D.O., but was still pretty hesitant to try anymore natural solutions. So, my sister-in-law tried it instead. She even convinced my brother to use it, and they both rave about it. (Rumor has it, she might even be sharing their take on the recipe on their blog soon!)

I know all the reasons to avoid antiperspirants and kept using 'em anyway. I desperately wanted another solution, so when I ran out of deodorant over a month ago, I finally made my own.

Phewy, what took me so long?! This stuff is amazing.

Seriously, so easy with only 4 ingredients--2 wet and 2 dry. It smells yummy--you get to pick the essential oils used. And it's healthier than antiperspirant or even the average store-bought deodorant.

I call that a win-win-win. ;)

Little changes like making d.o. or cloth-diapering or no 'poo or the diva used to seem so unapproachable and epic hippie--now, I realize they're just common sense.

Homemade Tea Tree Deodorant Recipe

1/3 c. baking soda
1/2 c. cornstarch
5 TBSP coconut oil
16 drops tea tree essential oil

1 | Mix baking soda and cornstarch in a small bowl.
2 | Heat coconut oil 15-30 seconds until liquefied, add tea tree oil and mix.
3 | Combine oils with powders, and store in an airtight container. Full recipe fits in a 1 cup container.

How to Store Homemade Deodorant

Deodorant Stick or Glass Jar

While the mixture is still soft, it can be poured in your preferred container. An empty deodorant stick container can be reused (doesn't work well when mixture is melted), or a small mason jar, or small pyrex container. Start with whatever you have in hand, then see what you think and what works for you. For travel, it would need to be stored in a leak-proof container (i.e., one with screw top lid).

Refrigerator or Bathroom

The mixture can be refrigerated if you would prefer to apply it as a solid. That is probably the best solution if you're hoping to use it in a deodorant stick container. However that makes it more difficult for travel. I prefer to keep it on the container in the bathroom where I get ready in the morning. Sometimes it's solid and sometimes it melts, but it can be applied either way.

How to Apply and Use Homemade Deodorant

If the mixture is solidified in a deodorant stick, then you can apply as you might store-bought deodorant. You could also use a q-tip or some other "scoop."

I use my finger to scoop a little out (just enough to cover the tip of my pointer finger), then spread it between my finger tips on both hands and apply it to my underarms. This is enough to last all day. I reapply if I'm about to go work out, or have been outside sweating in the heat a lot. I did this with my antiperspirant too, so no change there.

Does Homemade Deodorant Work?

Yes, it works! This recipe is great.

The small amount shown above is all I use at the start of each day. I reapply if I'm about to go work out, or have been outside sweating in the heat a lot. Although, I did this with my antiperspirant too, so no change there.

One important thing to remember is there will be some adjustment if you're switching from an antiperspirant to this homemade recipe--because this isn't an antiperspirant! You will sweat with this deodorant, and that's a bit of a transition if you're used to not sweating when using a store-bought antiperspirant.

If you've been using a store-bought regular deodorant, then this should work similar to that.

Like a normal stick deodorant, it can be prone to get white marks on dark clothing. To avoid this, don't use too much and thoroughly work mixture into the skin (like shown in photo above) before putting on clothes. If white does show up on clothing, just a little water will get it off.

Why Tea Tree Essential Oil?

You are not limited to tea tree essential oil. That happened to be what I had on hand. (I found it on clearance at The Body Shop.) I love the fresh smell of tea tree, and it blends nice with the tea tree soap we get from Trader Joe's.

Its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities also add medical benefits and help this mixture's effectiveness as a deodorant.

There are lots of other essential oils that could be used (lavender or grapefruit to name a couple). Just do your research and make sure the one you choose is safe to use on skin (i.e, bergamot has a delicious citrus smell but shouldn't be used on skin that will be exposed to sunlight) and that you don't use too much.

Growth // the old stuff has to die to make room for the new

2013-06-07T22:42:00.000-05:00

After minimal "research" on air-cleaning plants, we recently stocked up on a few for our apartment. I'll actually share more of the details (what plants, what is "air-cleaning," where did we put them in our small space, etc.) later this month. Today, I'm focusing on something these plants are teaching me called growth.

As previously mentioned, there was very little (if any?) research done before this endeavor. You put 'em in dirt, water them, and watch 'em grow, right?

That's the general idea.

But of course each plant has its own specifics for sunlight, water, and soil. After a couple weeks we started to wonder. Are we watering them too much? Or too little? Does this brown tip or this fading flower mean anything? Is it even possible for a houseplant to get as much sunlight as this vague little label says it needs?

Needless to say we're (or, I'm) a bit clueless.

We got a spray bottle to add a little moisture to their leaves in between watering. As I'm making my rounds to spritz each plant (we have one in each room), I comment to Daniel that we might be losing one.

Its large, previously lively leaves are now faint and droopy. The flower is keeling over, and I'm pretty sure the poor thing needs professional help STAT. In that brief moment of observation thoughts flash, with one general conclusion: We shouldn't have committed to all of these plants before doing our research.

Daniel looks over the now sad-looking plant, before concluding, "No, Trina, it's not dying."

I chuckle thinking he's sarcastically missing the obvious.

"Look, right here." He points to tiny little vibrant green leaves, freshly breaking through soil right along side those apparently dying. "The old stuff has to die to make room for the new."

I look closer and concede he must be right. The new growth seems to be evidence that the plant is getting its essentials. And the old leaves need to get out of the way.

It hits me right away, like most obvious life applications do, that this is exactly what God is doing in my life. There has been some tension in a few key areas, and I'll share a couple with you later this month. At first, I thought that tension must mean I'm doing something wrong. Then, I realized it's just the tension I've been awaiting for years.

I got baptized when I was 12. I know there's lots of debates on when kids are truly ready, and I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all answer. I wasn't in any way pressured into it, and knew as best as anyone could what I was signing up for. In fact, I was warned about what I was signing up for.

I was warned that Satan doesn't want us to follow Jesus and once we make that commitment he will test us and try us like he did to Jesus in the wilderness. I knew this going into it. And that happened to be my first thought once the baptism was over and my sister and I ran through the house to put on dry clothes: I wonder what temptations and trials I will face now.

A little melancholy? Yep, that's me. I wasn't upset about it, I just had been warned and was preparing myself.

But I quickly forgot about it. Because nothing major happened. No one close to me got cancer or died. And I didn't get cancer or die. I wasn't tempted to turn a stone into bread or asked to bow down to an image.

Instead, life went on as usual.

Well, as usual as my life could go.

I joined a puppet team with my mom, and gave my first sermon when I was 13. (Have I mentioned I'm terribly shy?) I completed 7th and 8th grade in the same year so I could join my brother and sister in academy. At 15, I went to Mongolia with a friend and her family and taught English to students twice my age. I got my G.E.D. at 16 and worked full-time in a real estate office, before heading to college, getting married, having a baby, and graduating with a Bachelors in English by the time I was 21.

You know, life as usual.

Of course, praying, reading my Bible, and attending church along the way.

Then, I started to make a real effort to meet Jesus. Not just, ho hum, here I am again.

But, bleeding woman trying to catch the edge of His coat just to be healed kind of meeting.

No, I wasn't on my death bed. Or any of those other "trials and temptations" I was sure Satan would meet me with once I committed to following Jesus. I was simply bleeding on the inside and looking for a Savior to save me.

It wasn't just one meeting. It was Bible and prayer and prayer journal as usual. But it was also one book that got me thinking, then another, and another, and another. Authors pointing me to Jesus. Not so much telling me how to live as saying, "Look, over there, that's Him. Go meet Him. Talk to Him. Follow Him. He will change your life and you'll never go back."

Yep, that's the meeting that's been happening between me and Jesus (via a few of His friends and followers) over the last couple years. It's been slow, but powerful and evident and life-changing.

Maybe no one else can see it from the outside, but He is rocking my inside to the core. And it won't be long before people will see and know that Jesus is my Lord.

And, then, the growth thing.

Amongst all of this meeting Jesus, growth has been inevitable. Along with it, I'm starting to notice more obvious tension. Maybe it was always there before, but now it matters. And it's simple. Others would likely even brush it aside suggesting it's just not a big deal and not something worth making an issue over.

But it keeps coming up. It keeps being an issue. Until changes are being made. My life is changing and it just might not ever be the same again.

I'm hesitant, because at first, it's looking like death. Are you really calling me to give this up? I mean, I understand A, B, or C. But, this, really?

And I cling a little longer, because I don't want to be that person that jumps on board with unrealistic changes on a spiritual whim that fizzle out when I realize they weren't really for Jesus at all.

So I ask questions and pray and read and ask Him some more. And do you know what He does? He answers me by a simple gesture.

He pulls back those overgrown droopy leaves that I once thought were my life, and points to the tiny vibrant growth trying to break its way through.

And He says,

The old stuff must die so the new stuff can live.

So, with a gulp and a prayer, I'll be sharing some of this new growth with you this month. It's not immediately pretty, and some of it's been a downright challenge. But, I tell ya, I want to be a part of what He's growing!

And those old leaves need to get out of the way.

>>>>>

Summer Pedicure Giveaway | #SharingtheLove acichild.com

2013-06-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Congrats, Jessica! You are the winner! Contact me at beginnerbeans//at//gmail.com by Jun 19 to claim your prize.

One of my favorite outings sans kids is to my sister's favorite nail place for a pedicure. The massage chairs and gossip magazine indulgence and the warm stone massage for only a couple more bucks. It's my favorite mini-escape.

Next best?

An at-home spa day with my girly. We soak our feet in water and baking soda (makes them so soft!), paint our nails pretty and even add a couple stickers for that special pedicure touch. Brylee has come to think a pedicure also includes putting curlers in her hair--why not!

It's so nice to feel special and pretty and relaxed. It's a feeling Brylee and I both take for granted, and we so wish we could share with a little girl named Poojitha.

She's a girl from India I introduced you to in this post. Her dad died in an accident and her mom is a day laborer (making low wages) to support her and her sister. We pay $360 a year ($30/mo) to help her attend school (Christian education at that), which also covers her uniform, lodging and food.

It's not an indulgent pedicure, but it's likely just the assurance of hope and safety her mom needs for her.

This month, I'm happy to share a small piece of that pedicure experience in this month's giveaway, while also sharing the love for children like Poojitha who need a little extra help with more basic needs for food, shelter, and Jesus.

Keep reading to learn about how to win Beginner Beans' first ever #sharingthelove giveaway.

Enter This Summer Pedicure Giveaway

There are four things you need to know about the giveaway: What it is, who it helps, how to enter, and when to find out if you won. You'll find all of those details below...

1 | The Giveaway: An at-home pedicure set.

More specifically a Burt's Bees "tips and toes kit," Physician's Formula trio nail polish that's a lil safer than your average nail polish, and Kiss tip & toe nail art to complete the pedicured look.

Wish I could send you the massage chair too, but it just wouldn't fit. ;)

2 | The Organization: Adventist Child India

ACI makes it possible for poor children from the villages of India to attend a Christian school. The average income in India is less than $1 per day. $30/mo gives a child more than a Christian education--it gives them the safety of food and shelter and hope for their future.

Let's help raise awareness for the love ACI shares with children in India and their families!

3 | Share the love, and enter to win.

Share the love for Adventist Child India for up to three chances to win this giveaway.

Use your favorite social media outlets (up to 3) and give a shoutout to share the love (and raise awareness for) acichild.com. Tweet, pin, Instagram, share on Facebook--whatever makes sense for you. Then, be sure to leave a comment below saying that you've done so with the link directly to where you shared it.

Need ideas on what "sharing the love" looks like? Try one of these phrases in your tweet, pin, share, or post...

Win a pedicure set on BeginnerBeans.com #sharingthelove with children in India via acichild.com -- Click to tweet.
Burt's Bees pedicure set giveaway on BeginnerBeans.com #sharingthelove with acichild.com -- Click to tweet.
Over 3500 children sponsored in Christian schools in India by acichild.com! #sharingthelove via BeginnerBeans.com -- Click to tweet.
Help poor children from villages of India attend a Christian school on acichild.com. #sharingthelove via BeginnerBeans.com -- Click to tweet.
30 dollars/mo gives a child in India food, shelter, safety, and hope thru acichild.com. #sharingthelove via BeginnerBeans.com -- Click to tweet.
Praying for acichild.com work with children in India. #sharingthelove via BeginnerBeans.com -- Click to tweet.

4 | Find out if you won...

This giveaway will be open through next Tuesday (June 11). The winner will be announced in this post next Wednesday (June 12) and will have one week to contact me and claim the prize.

NOTE: This giveaway open to continental U.S. shipping addresses only. If you are outside of the continental U.S., you are still welcome to join in sharing the love with acichild.com but will not win the pedicure set. Thank you for understanding.

Congrats, Jessica! You are the winner! Contact me at beginnerbeans//at//gmail.com by Jun 19 to claim your prize.

Thank you for contributing!

>>>>>

The Month We Put Away the Kids' Toys

2013-06-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm reading Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne. I've been reading this book off and on for months now and am still working my way through it, but love what he's sharing.

While I wrote a little more about simplicity last month on the blog, we were also trying some things out to simplify in our home. Going along with what I'm learning in this book, we jumped right in with the kids' toys: Most of their toys have been "away" for over a month now.

Kim goes into all the particulars (what, why, how) on simplifying a kid's environment in his book. This post is not about that.

This post is about something he wrote on page 110:

Simplification establishes an unspoken emphasis on relationship.

Yep, that about sums it up.

But I know you're probably wondering the what, why, how, so here's my version specifically relevant to this last month.

How We Put Away the Kids' Toys

This month, we put away most of the kids' toys. Brylee helped me (and was oddly excited about the process). We spent about 30 minutes pulling every toy out of their ottomans (in the living room) and bins (in the bedroom), and deciding if they would be put away in the tubs for the month of May, or if they would be kept out to be played with.

We kept out the obvious: a couple items Ian uses as his "pirate gear" and a couple of Bry's dress-up accessories (one of each item, rather than the multiple skirts, necklaces, tiaras, etc. she's accumulated... again). A few books (we visit the library weekly to rotate through new books), and some musical instruments. Balls and blocks and a soft doll for Brylee. We also kept out some cars and a container of plastic food. It sounds wimpy, but that's about it.

Now, over a month later, I can't remember exactly what is still in those three tubs of toys sitting in our hallway. I know the basics of what I was looking to eliminate:

Duplicates,
things rarely (if ever) played with,
toys with lots of small pieces that are dumped out and neglected,
toys that serve one narrow purpose and don't encourage imaginative or active play, and
anything that turned on (except what we call the "kid pad" that's a tablet for the kids pulled out for Brylee to play a little bit when Ian naps).

Why We Put Away the Kids' Toys

I'm not sure I could articulate one precise reason we decided to do this. I've been dreaming about this for a while. We did a serious toy overhaul when we moved from Florida and it was incredibly freeing. Now, two years later, it was time again.

In a nutshell, here's the two-part reason:

1. The kids spent their "play time" making a big mess of the toys, mixing together pieces, etc. then quickly deciding they weren't having fun and needed entertained. Often resorting to whining at me for food or TV.

2. The mess drove me crazy, and it was too much for them to clean all of it themselves. Things were often quickly thrown in the ottomans and bins (by me), which wasn't organized and was a challenge for future play.

So, what happened?

It went about how I expected and hoped:

The kids didn't miss any of their toys.
They actually played with their toys more without prodding from me.
Even if they got everything out, they could clean it up by themselves in a reasonable time.
They still asked for TV and got whiny at times, but were overall more likely to play.
Any time enriched with art, music, activeness, friends or nature is 100 times better for them and me than any toy we could buy. (They actually prefer these things to toys.)

Now May is over and I'm not exactly sure what we'll do with those three tubs in the hall. I imagine we can't ignore them forever. (I had a cleared out hallway for all of a couple weeks, and I want it back!) I'll probably talk to Brylee about which toys she'd like to keep before we open the tubs.

I'd like to keep a few toys on a shelf in their closet that we'll change out with what they have in their room so they can keep a little variety without having it always available (and thus lending to the mess and boredom issues).

The rest of the toys we'll likely get rid of. And we'll all be better for it.

Kim continues the above quote:

By eschewing some of the distractions that could easily consume our time and attention--limitless media, activities, and stuff--we leave our emotional door open for our loved ones.

I feel that's really at the heart of the matter. The time not spent in organizing and cleaning (or arguing and threatening when cleaning doesn't happen) these toys is all the more for family time--at the dinner table, on a walk, in a simple family worship. Or just peacefully doing our own things without the unspoken stress of it all.

Sure, maybe it's possible my kids will look back on their childhoods and feel deprived. But when I look back on last month and the play they've enjoyed, the times we've shared, and the reduced stress that accompanied reduced clutter--I breathe easy knowing our happiness is in God and each other, not "things."

That's not just a theory--it's a truth we tested and proved for ourselves this month.

Dear Reader | June 2013

2013-05-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

3 | simplifying kids' toys
5 | giveaway
7 | on growing
10 | homemade d.o.
14 | courageous at home
17 | photo touch-ups
19 | decorating w/ plants
21 | on quitting yoga class

Dear Reader,

One of my favorite summer memories growing up was when our family moved from our home in the Midwest to live on a beautiful piece of property on the Tennessee River. This was quite a bit different from the small town I had grown up in, where we road our bikes everywhere and spent everyday at the public pool.

Now, we had access to fresh water right outside our back door. We had large windows surrounding our kitchen to watch the geese with their babies and see the blue herons stealthily move in on a fish. We also had our own boat at-the-ready tied to the dock where our yard met the water's edge.

This naturally beautiful scenery was obviously a joy by itself, but my favorite part of it all was my dad and our time together as a family. Before the move he spent long hours at work, often noticeably stressed when he was home.

This change of scenery and change of pace living on that corner of the river brought a calm to our lives. We got to spend lots more time together, cruising down the river in the boat, watching the rain as it'd pour in a line across the water, and overall just relaxing in an environment that put us all at ease.

I feel like that's also the essence of summer: not just time with family, and not just opportunities to get outside, but an irreplaceable blend of the two. Family time outside. Conversations and laughter and memories. Sunshine and storms and a warm breeze.

Togetherness in God's creation is just what I plan to give my family this season.

He cuts out rivers among the rocks;
and his eye sees every precious thing. | Job 18:10

Happy Summer!

-Trina

PS, You're invited to receive my monthly-ish news + updates e-mail that includes things like what's coming next month and giveaway information. Sign up >> here.

Finances, Simplified

2013-05-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Do you know how much money you need to live?

I'm not talking about how much do you budget, but how much of your budget is absolutely essential?

It's called a bare bones budget and we usually know this number right along with our regular budget number, and yes, they're different.

This is the amount, that if our income quit tomorrow, we would need to cover a few specific minimum expenses. In a bare bones budget, we basically include two essentials: food and shelter. Although depending on the circumstances, we'd likely add to that things like insurance, phone bill (especially if there's a high amount to cancel it), etc.

Why does this matter?

I notice two basics reasons a simple, "bare bones" budget matters...

1 | It's too easy to get confused on wants and needs.

Our budgets show it when we end up with line items for frivolous extras that we're not willing to budge on.

2| We just might find ourselves needing to live on a bare bones budget.

We did two years ago. We were temporarily jobless and homeless, staying with my sister while we looked for a job and a place to live. Our last paycheck from the previous job came in June, and we had minimal savings that we used up in moving ourselves from Florida back to the Midwest. We didn't know when we'd find jobs, what they'd pay, or when they'd start.

We had no choice but to fall back on our bare bones budget.

Even what we live on now, might be considered a bare bones budget by some. Simply because our income while I stay home with the kids isn't much above covering our basic essentials.

Here are some of the things included in our bare bones budget:

Giving // Giving 10% of our income is non-negotiable. If we have anything coming in, we tithe on it. This is included in our bare bones budget, unless we have no income (i.e., living on savings), then we'd wait to give when we have something (anything) coming in.

Food // The amount set aside for food is lowered for our bare bones budget. I've mentioned before that we budget about $100/wk for food that covers $75/wk for groceries and $25/wk for eating out. If something major came up, we would likely lower this quite a bit, possibly to as low as $250/mo. Now, some might wonder how that could sustain a family of four. It'd be a challenge, but dry beans, pasta, rice, oats, a 10 lb. bag of potatoes and few select produce items are super affordable and can go a really long way in making lots of different semi-healthy meals. Remember, the point of "bare bones" is survival, not luxury.

Housing // Our rent is included in a bare bones budget. Unless, of course, we lost our jobs. For instance, when we were living on our last paycheck in the summer of 2011, we were staying at my sisters and didn't have to include housing in our bare bones expenses. I'm sure that might have changed if we stayed there a long time; but within a couple months we had an income and a place of our own, so we were blessed with their generosity for that temporary transition.

Transportation // We intentionally do not maintain any car loans, so only need to include gas and insurance in our bare bones budget. If things got tight, we'd really limit use of the car possibly dropping refills from two-a-month down to one-a-month, and selling the car would probably be a last resort. (Especially considering we plan on being a one-car family for a while.)

Communication // Internet and cell phone is a part of our bare bones budget. Having at least one phone for our family is important. If needed, we could likely take data off our plan to save a little money each month. Internet could be cancelled if necessary, especially when it can be used for free at so many places around town. With things like phone and internet, we'd consider if we're still in a contract because of cancellation fees.

Debt or Bills // Private student loans have to be paid no matter what, while federal student loans can usual be deferred or put on some sort of payment plan to match new circumstances. Debt or other monthly bills would need to be considered case-by-case. We don't have anything beyond student loans, so this is pretty simple for us. If you have credit cards or medical bills or anything else, minimum payments would likely need to be included in a bare bones budget.

Spending // In a truly bare bones we've-been-homeless-for-months type of situation, spending/blow/fun money should not be in the equation. However, if there is any room for it, it's helpful to have a tiny amount available for the unplanned. This might cover a necessary (and discounted) clothing item, a very occasional (and affordable) family night out, etc.

There's something so freeing about viewing our finances from this simplified, bare bones perspective. Especially when we found ourselves jobless and homeless, I feel like this was the commonsense that backed up my faith.

Faith in God--that He was leading us back to the Midwest, that He would lead us to a job and a home--that faith definitely kept me going and gave me the security I needed to feel at peace through the transition.

Having a realistic understanding of our budget--of needs vs. wants and knowing what was truly essential--that truly lowered our stress and our uncertainty and gave us space to enjoy the unknown.

Simplifying our finances through a bare bones budget certainly helped in that time of heightened stress. But it's real purpose comes into play each month.

Whenever we find ourselves overspending in an area, or having an unexpected medical bill to pay--these basic financial survival skills of evaluating needs vs. wants are the only thing that keep us from getting further in debt, or falling into a trap of bad financial decisions.

We have a long ways to meet that debt-free goal. And we're doing it one simple baby financial step at a time. Eliminating that debt makes living simply and on less a lot easier.

PS, I really like Nicole's take on simplifying the monthly budget, especially when it comes to "extra," occasional, or unexpected expenses. And my brother wrote an awesome post on two letters that eliminate debt and build wealth.

>>>>>

This concludes Simplicity, Simplified. Go here to see all of these posts shared in May.

Meals, Simplified

2013-05-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

thai peanut noodles

It's probably safe to say that most of us complicate this meal-business a little too much. When Jesus teaches us to ask for our daily bread, I tend to believe He literally meant daily bread. Not five course meals that require hours of weekly planning and triple that in shopping and preparing.

Alright, so none of us actually makes five course meals. Then what are we all so grumpy about anyway? Maybe it's just me, but as I look around I see others struggling with meals too. Either we realize we're not eating healthy enough, or we have the plan but "don't have time" to cook, or any number of other meal-time problems.

While I love meal-planning, my lil picky-eaters often make the whole process less than desirable. So when I get to this place of stressing and struggling over meals, I remind myself to take it back a notch.

I don't need a whole month-long meal plan that ensures we have brand new meals every week. We'll be just fine if we repeat meals each week. And as nice as it sounds, I really will survive grocery-shopping every week (instead of the once-a-month dream I have).

One thing that has stuck out from a few documentaries I've seen (Forks Over Knives and Happy to name a couple), is that meals don't have to be complicated to be good, healthy and serve the purpose of a meal. Other remote and happy cultures teach me that meals can be simple, and they can be repeated. And we'll be better for it.

Eating simply has all sorts of benefits...

It teaches us gratitude and contentment.
It gives us predictability.
It lightens my load as meal-planner, grocery-shopper and cook.
It helps us think more about others.
It reduces waste.
It's healthy.
It's picky-eater friendly.
And the list goes on.

pita pizzas

Here are a few ways to simplify meals...

1 | Keep the recipes simple.

Isn't it fun to drool over beautiful pictures of food and clip the recipes for later attempting in our own kitchens? The cooking often doesn't happen because the recipe takes too long or has too many ingredients. Instead, intentionally collect healthy recipes with few ingredients that you'll likely enjoy and will make again and again. While I love this vegan enchilada recipe, this vegan tomato basil cream pasta is a lot quicker and easier with less ingredients.

Stone Soup and Vegan Stoner are two blogs I enjoy with notoriously simple recipes from few ingredients (think: 5 or less).

2 | Use leftovers.

Ugh, are we done hearing about how we need to use leftovers? No! Not until we all start actually using our leftovers. If you're going to take the time to slow cook beans, make a month's supply that can then be frozen and easily thawed for burritos, tacos, chili, etc. If you're going to make a pasta dish, double the recipe and save some for later this week or for a meal next week. Have a leftover day on the weekend when the meal is whatever can be pulled together from the week's leftovers. You get the idea. Use 'em up!

3 | Make sandwiches.

Seriously, they're a meal. Use quality whole grain bread (preferably something without corn syrup and with "stone ground whole wheat" as the first ingredient--you might have to work your way up to this if your family is still on Iron Kids bread; or do they even make that anymore?), use fresh veggies, serve with a side of carrots or wheat thins and hummus, or even blend up a smoothie and you've got a simple, quick and delicious meal more nutritious than anything from a box that takes 20 minutes to cook.

tacos

4 | Repeat the basics.

Since when were we expected to find hundreds of recipes to cycle through? Sit down and write up a quick week's menu. Nothing that requires browsing Pinterest or your recipe cards. (Does our new generation of moms have those? I don't.)

Just sit down with a pen and paper and write 5 go-to no-recipe-needed meals.

For us this is: pasta and sauce with a veggie, bean and veggie tacos, yellow curry and veggies over rice, chilli and cornbread, and breakfast for dinner. Add two more if you need to include the weekend: pizza (or pita pizzas), popcorn and smoothies for Saturday night and veggie burgers with homemade fries for Sunday night.

Done.

And that, my friends, is our go-to weekly meal plan that keeps us eating semi-healthy meals without too much prep or planning, and approved by my picky-eaters. Sure, we sometimes like (even need) variety. But these basics serve as our "daily bread" just fine.

5 | Simplify your food rules.

Depending on which diet we choose to follow (anyone jump on the "new" Paleo trend?), our food and the rules for eating it tend to change. But we could all benefit from simplifying these "rules" in efforts to stick with them. My favorite source for doing so comes from Michael Pollan author of In Defense of Food. He sums it up in three statements: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

Simple enough, right? His book goes into more detail about what constitutes "food" (that highly processed stuff with 27 ingredients, 26 of which you can't even pronounce likely isn't actually food), and he even published a pocket manual of sorts called Food Rules to help break it down. Check 'em out. He doesn't push eating mostly meat or going vegan or any other diet trend; he shares more simple ideas that can help us all eat better.

Next time you feel guilty about not planning five-course meals or having the same thing again, go ahead and remember some village in China eats rice for supper every. single. day and they're better off than most Americans.

Repeat wisely, and your simple meals just might be the best thing you could do for your family.

>>>>>

This is the last week of simplicity, simplified. See list of posts here, and check back in Wednesday for the last post in this series.

Going Back to When it All Began

2013-05-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

I started this little blog 4 1/2 years ago. Somewhere around December 28, 2008.

I didn't really have any specific intentions or goals with it. I didn't even have a name. (It was just "TrinaCressDotBlogspotDotCom." Original, I know.) I needed a public place to share my ramblings, and Myspace wasn't cutting it anymore. (That's why I have posts pre-dating 2008.)

I also wanted some way to live beyond myself. To grow into the loving Christian mother, writer, wife, neighbor that Jesus always meant me to be. And a way to include others in that journey.

Too bad I didn't realize back then what an amazing community of bloggers already existed. I sadly didn't find that out until about two years in :/

As I think about where I've been and where I'm going with this space, and really with my life, my original posts that started it all still have all sorts of relevance. Those two original posts still resonate truth of who I am and what I'm doing. And, because I didn't have any readers back then, I decided to share them with you.

I added images (because I didn't do much of that then), and made them fit with the style of my current posts. Otherwise, here they are in all their raw glory fresh from this eternal beginner...

The Two Posts That Started It All:
In my perfect world...
Journey to "Yes"

PS, That photo was taken in March 2009 when I decided I needed a profile photo. If you're thinking I looked more professional back then, I'm with ya. I worked full-time as an Enrollment Marketing Assistant for the same college I now do freelance writing for. I guess the haircut helped me fit the working mom role. At one point I even woke up at 4:45a to get my P90X workout in before work. Who was I?!

A Peek at Tomorrow's Giveaway

2013-05-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hey, I'm stopping in for a short and sweet note to you today. Just letting you know tomorrow is my second giveaway over at PrefoldsLove.com. I'd love for you to be a part of it!

This one is not specifically cloth diaper related. In fact, it's from a non-profit that donates 100% of proceeds. Doesn't get much better than that.

I've been brainstorming for the last four weeks on the best way to turn all my giveaways (here on Beginner Beans and over on Prefolds Love) into acts of love and service. This is my first attempt, and I'd love to hear what you think.

So, head on over to PrefoldsLove.com first thing tomorrow (Thu May 23) to take part in the giveaway. It'll be open a week. I can't wait to see what we can all do together to raise awareness for these girls that need us. (Awareness is gift we can give for free!)

Plus, of course, one of you just might win the special giveaway pictured above ;)

>>>>>

PS, I'll be back Friday for a devotional thought, and have a couple posts planned for next week to wrap up our month of Simplicity, Simplified.

Memories, Simplified

2013-05-20T06:00:00.002-05:00

The kids played at our neighborhood playground, while I read from a nearby bench. A grandma (I gleaned this from the kids calling her "grandma") observed from the other park bench.

Brylee ran around with the two older kids, while Ian contentedly played in the sand "making a pie" like his sister taught him to do. The youngest of the three, Carolina who was about Ian's age, wandered near where he excitedly held out a handful of dirt for her. A 2-year-old's etiquette at it's finest.

The grandma and I both chuckled from our benches at the sweet and simple exchange of these two innocent babes. (Innocent for the moment--Ian is usually an instigator.)

Then, I hear the grandma exclaim, "Ah, I wish I had my camera!"

A few simple words that I used to proclaim more than I care to admit, now make me cringe.

I'd say it whenever something sweet or funny happened. Anytime we enjoyed pretty scenery or a special moment with special people. Whenever Brylee did something cute, or something too good to be true that I needed evidence.

Gotta applaud the heart behind it. We have amazing digital cameras these days that quickly and easily capture a moment, so now we want to capture every moment. Because we can.

Now, I'd rather be in the moment.

I'd rather experience it with all my senses--sight, touch, taste, smell, sound--rather than through a camera lense figuring out how to capture it in a way to do the moment justice.

It's sometimes fun to try. It's fun to snap a quick picture and instantly share it online where my mom can get her grandkid fix states away. It's fun to have photos of our family outside and at home and with friends and each other--just a sampling of daily life as it is in the good ol' days.

Plus, improving phone cameras and fun filters make capturing the moment so much more artsy and gratifying. Even for us non-photographers.

But as with most areas in our life that need simplified, it's worth asking: How much is enough? More appropriately: Have we crossed over the memory card capacity into too much?

As with household items and wardrobes, we all likely have a different idea of an answer. And that's okay. I read someone's suggestion for saving around 10 photos per year for each person, and I was on board. Until I got into Instagram, or Lomogram now that I have a Windows phone. Now I'm more likely to capture and post at least 10 a month.

Still, the principles that initially struck me in that 10-photo/year idea (read about it here) have stayed with me.

Sure, I take and share quite a bit more than that. But I no longer kick myself for not having my camera. Or, now that I'm often using my phone as my camera, I no longer kick myself for not taking every picture. Or not sharing every picture I've taken. I try to only keep, post, and preserve the good ones.

Because taking a million photos of my growing kids has not helped me never forget a single moment. In fact, it's actually overwhelming often leading me to miss the moment in my efforts to preserve it.

I'm thankful to have handy lil point-and-shoot cameras that take quality photos. I'm thankful to have social media for quick and easy ways to share with all our family and friends (and the whole world-wide-web while we're being honest). I'm also thankful to put the camera away and take a moment to just be.

To lock the feel of my kids' smooth hands and cheeks in my mind. To twirl Brylee's curls in my fingers. Hearing their voices through sweet songs and prayers and laughter. Observing how they play and what they like and what they don't.

Because while I could take every picture, record every video, write down every memory and fill out hundreds of questionnaires to remember all the details of their little selves, the only person it really matters to is me. And them. And maybe Grandma. And for all those details, pictures, videos, and questionnaires just aren't enough.

Those specifics are best captured in person and stored in my God-given memory.

Where we both remember we were together in those moments, and that's what matters.

Everything else is just a sampling to remember that fact.

>>>>>

This month I'm sharing Simplicity, Simplified. See full list of posts here, and join me for another couple weeks in not over-thinking it.

If We Only Knew that These are the Good Ol' Days

2013-05-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Something from last night's series finale of The Office struck me in a way only a comedy trimmed with truth can. I tried to remember exactly what Andy (Ed Helms' character) said, but the words in the photo above were as close as I could get.

How we always look back on some golden-lined time in the past. What we later call "the good ol' days." A time when, of course, we rarely saw the good lying all around us.

So excuse me while I take a break from my usual ramblings and simply...

...enjoy these good ol' days while they last.

The end of a thing is better than its beginning;
Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?”
In the day of prosperity be joyful. | Ecclesiastes 7:8, 10, 14

>>>>>

Fashion, Simplified

2013-05-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Brylee has taught me a thing or two about fashion. Okay, so she brings to light all sorts of things surprising for a five-year-old. Fashion just happens to be an area she is a natural while I... well, I often just don't care.

That said, her favorite outfit last year was a pair of skinny jeans and a black shirt. This seemed plain compared to all the other fun colors in her closet, so I asked her why these were her favorites.

Her response?

"Because of the ruffles and the buttons."

She was, of course, referring to the ruffles along the bottom and sleeves of the black shirt, and the sparkly button accents on both the shirt and the jeans. Just the right details was all that mattered to her.

She also loves tutus and fluffy skirts, and anything that moves right when she twirls. Her favorite color is pink, and she always notices when I'm wearing earrings or a necklace. (What little girl doesn't?)

But more than passing on her fancy tastes in fashion, I've learned a bit from her on simplifying. Mainly because beyond a little ruffle and a couple sparkly buttons, she's content.

She rocks pink leggings with a big hole in the knee and a too-small denim dress with a paint stain on the bottom ruffles. Not because we're overdue to go shopping (although I'm not denying that), but because it's her favorite. This outfit combines her love for ruffles, pink, and swishy dresses. And, hey, she needed to get dressed this morning and this little outfit did the job.

Okay, so that simplicity probably won't fly for long. After all, when she starts kindergarten in the fall I'm sure there will be some observant little kid that will be quick to point out her pants have a hole in the knee or that she's worn the same outfit (her favorite) twice this week. (Or maybe she'll be that blessed kid for some other kind soul.)

As much as possible, I hope she won't lose her personal flair for fashion on her own terms. This is what keeps fashion simple.

Keeping up with fashion mags, stars, our BFFs or that perfect girl we sometimes stalk online (who, me? never.), well, it's just exhausting. It causes us to lose ourselves, and grow a closet of things that we won't be taking with us into eternity. (And maybe some clothes that shouldn't even be taken into the next decade.)

Most of all, I pray she'll keep that contentment smothered in thankfulness for what she's been provided. Not just sans complaints, but with a cheerful heart.

A beautifully cheerful heart.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. | 1 Tim. 6:6-8

>>>>>

This month I'm sharing simplicity, simplified. See the full list of posts here, and join me in not over-thinking it.

Home, Simplified

2013-05-13T09:44:00.003-05:00

When I was 3, my family moved from our rental home to the home my parents purchased a few miles away in the next town over. The only memory I have of this little excursion is riding over to the house that was now "ours" and venturing in to the presently empty space.

My mom gave me a couple of my doll things and my glow worm sleeping bag to play with and nap while everyone else helped with the moving.

I cloudily remember arranging these precious belongings in the room that my sister and I would be sharing. I carefully rolled out my sleeping bag over the hardwood floor, and neatly tucked my baby in her cradle. The room still echoed with emptiness, yet I was content with what I had created. Little did I know so much more would be coming.

My mom, of course, had bigger plans of an actual bed and dresser, curtains, and the homemade bedspread my Grandma made for us. There would be a large rug to warm up the floor, and a special crystal lamp to light up the room from a shelf.

In all my sharing about home, I too often neglect the more important message: This world is not my home.

All the decluttering and simplifying, organizing and decorating, and making it a little bit of heaven upon earth--is nothing more than rolling a miniature sleeping bag out on a cold hardwood floor and tucking my babydoll into her little wood crib. That's all we're doing as we settle into our apartment and call it home.

Wouldn't that be a funny site from Heaven's view? Because God has planned for so much more. Days that glow with His presence, land warmed with greenery that never dies, creation as He made it to be, and a special mansion to call our own.

It's a good thing for me to remember. Simplifying my home isn't about finding perfection, or even settling into contentment until I'm numb to hoping for the future. Simplifying my home is all about looking forward to home in heaven.

As much as I enjoy and appreciate simplicity and nesting into our little space, I hope it leads me to long for home, and remember that this world ain't it.

>>>>>

This month I'm sharing simplicity, simplified. See the full list of posts here, and join me in not over-thinking it.

Comfort for Good Enough Moms // #fiveminutefriday

2013-05-10T10:41:00.001-05:00

A coffee mug at the store told me what a good mom does, but I didn't fit the mold.

Well, that's a comfort in the midst of my own self-debt.

Then, I had to wonder, who gets to decide what makes a mom a good one?

Is it my 8-year-old self when I knew my own mom was good when she selflessly shared the middle (read: crust-less, read: best) part of her sandwich?

Is it the guy at the at&t store that thanked me for being a good mom while I half-managed my kids while he set up my Mother's Day gift?

Is it the ranting from other moms on "mommy support groups" about how terrible a mom at the grocery store or on the playground was for how they managed (or didn't manage) their kids?

Who gets to decide? Because all of the conflicting messages do not make my mommying any easier, and they are in no way comforting.

And, then, maybe that's it. Maybe it's that comfort I shared about the beginning of the month. Maybe sometimes from us to our children, but mostly from God to us. The encouragement and support. The provisions to help a helpless being grow into an independent (or appropriately dependent) one.

On our behalf, it's not preceded by impossible statements like "always" and "never." It's accompanied by the comfort of God's grace. That He'll pick up our slack and make our sometimes selfish, sometimes overwhelmed, sometimes bad efforts in parenting, good enough.

I am thankful I can point my kids to someone that comforts (and parents) better than me. The true definition of good. And that's a real comfort for this tired momma.

>>>>>

Linking up for 5-minute-Friday with Lisa Jo on the word "comfort." This is also part of the encouragement I'm sharing this month for simplicity, simplified. See full list of posts here, and join me in not over-thinking it.

Mother's Day Gifts, Simplified

2013-05-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

One of the few Mother's Days I clearly remember getting something for my mom was when I was 12. (I know, I feel horrible about it. I blame that we didn't do much for holidays.)

My sister and I had spent a couple weeks traveling along the East coast (Kansas to Virginia and down to Florida) with my grandparents in their motor home. We would be meeting back up with our family in Georgia for my brother's high school graduation. We had a blast with Grandma and Grandpa, and saw and learned so much. But I looked forward to being with my parents again.

We would see them on Mother's Day weekend. My sister and I wanted to do something really special for mom, so we searched for something we knew she loved: Liz Claiborne perfume. (The stuff that originated the year I was born.) She probably already had a bottle not yet used (and maybe even had moved on from it), but we wanted to get her something special. And that was special.

She seemed surprised and thankful. But after-the-fact, I realize we could have been a little more original or at least intuitive. And maybe as mothers (or whoever it is receiving the gift), we could all be a little more open about what we want and need and make this gift-giving thing easier on others.

We know it's the thought that counts. But aspiring-minimalists also know that those thoughts often translate to guilt in keeping things we don't want or need. Likely not the giver's intention, but a common by-product of gift-giving nonetheless.

As Mother's Day approaches, here are some simple ideas and categories that might lead you to that perfect gift (playing loose with the descriptor perfect) that mom (or sister or daughter or good friend or mentor or neighbor) just might use and love.

Finding the Perfect Minimalist Gift

What you may not realize is that minimalists (and attempting minimalists) are actually pretty easy to buy for. Mainly because, they often quit (or at least slow down) buying for themselves, while still having plenty they want, need and use.

Here's how to get started finding that perfect gift...

1 | Listen. Or look at her Pinterest boards. And look for ideas in one of the following categories: reusable, consumable, frequently used, luxury (wouldn't buy herself), want, need, reading material, experience, charitable. See examples below.

2 | Whatever can be homemade, secondhand, fair trade, or raise funds for a good cause in these categories--even better. At least for this momma ;)

3 | Give and detach. There is always a possibility that a gift will lose it's appeal, become outdated, or no longer fit with the receiver's wants/needs. Don't put guilt on the receiver to forever keep a gift.

Minimalist Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Reusable

Unless you're Bea Johnson and already have all the reusable products you need, we all could use reusable alternatives for our disposable products. Does she have unpaper towels/cloth napkins, zippered snack bags, a water cup, mesh produce bags, or fold-up shopping bags? Reusable products are great packaged up into a gift and likely would be used again and again. (I love the large Starbucks cup my husband got for my birthday.)

Consumable

This category is great for minimalists, those you don't know well, and anyone you're not sure what to get. It's also a perfect area to give handmade, if you're opting for that route. Candles, bath salts, chocolate or baked treats (all with or without recipe tags) are just a few ideas. If the receiver especially enjoys green goods, then even homemade cleaning products packaged up nicely might be a special gift.

Hobby or Frequently Used

We all have frequently used items for hobbies or otherwise, that either ware out or get used up quickly. For me, this is journals. I write everyday and have a specific type (spiral-bound without lines) that I use and wouldn't mind a couple back-ups at the ready.

Luxury

Everybody has something they would love to have (whether need or want), but is a little more extravagant than they feel comfortable buying for themselves. For me, this is woodwick candles. They're a special treat that I don't normally buy for myself. A massage or spa day, gift card to a fancy restaurant, or leather bag (instead of canvas) might also fit in this category. It's a good idea to be sure of their feelings on the gift, or even get their input before purchasing. (Unless you have a gift receipt and make it clear they're free to exchange it as they wish.)

Want

This is probably the largest category, but one of the hardest to nail down. Pinterest and past conversations are helpful here. The subcategories here are endless. Women everywhere (even extremely minimalist ones) have a clothing item, home good, accessory or other item they really want. If you're not sure, then avoid this category because if it's not top of their wish list, these are the items that would likely end up in the outbox. Something in my wishlist that most wouldn't guess: air filtering plants.

Need

Does she need an upgrade on a phone, camera or computer? Maybe she needs a good case for an electronic she already owns? An aspiring minimalist or strict budget-keeper might appreciate a replacement for a worn-out item, or needed kitchen utensils, reusables, or homegoods that would benefit the whole family.

Reading Material

I made this a category all its own because even "non-readers" have something they'd love to read--even if it's a subscription to a favorite magazine. (Perhaps e-versions for the green-conscious?) A "to-read" Pinterest board would be the ideal place to look. If the receiver is a library-goer, then find a book that's not available through the local library. Several books on my list aren't available at the library, and I would love to get them to read and pass on. (This is also a great category for regifting.)

Experience

What is something the receiver doesn't get to enjoy often enough? Maybe a massage, facial or spa day. A photo session with her family (and no complaining). A family outing to the zoo, a movie or a pottery painting session. Even coupons like an at-home massage, day off cleaning, or laundry pass. You can plan it for her special day, or give her a certificate for a future time.

Charitable

Is there something dear to the receiver's heart that she'd love to contribute to? It could be a donation in her name and tell her about it (I'd save this for those you know would appreciate it), or buy a scarf or bag or t-shirt that donates a percentage of (or all) proceeds to that cause. All sorts of purchases can be found to benefit all sorts of needs.

>>>>>

This month I'm sharing simplicity, simplified. See full list of posts here, and join me in not over-thinking it.

Family Time, Simplified

2013-05-06T12:12:00.000-05:00

As Daniel gets ready to head out of town, our family spends a little time together. We're all in the car when I'm briefly thinking about what to share in this post, so I decide to ask each person: What is your favorite thing to do with the family?

Brylee: "Um, painting."
Daniel: "Hang out. With the family."
Ian: "House. Mommy and daddy house." (He has a big proud grin that I asked him, too, and he answered.)
Brylee: "Okay, now ask me again!"
Me: "Brylee, what's your favorite thing to do with the family?"
Brylee: "Play games! Like hide-and-seek!"

I know, these answers aren't very insightful. I did put my family on the spot, after all.

But that moment perfectly exemplified quality family time. Yes, in a car on our way to run a couple errands together before Daniel leaves town for a few days. Sometimes, we each space out in those moments. But other times, like that moment, we take the opportunity to engage.

The kids tell knock-knock jokes for days. (Ian's not so bad with the jokes himself.) Sometimes I interject asking for each person's input on their favorite fill-in-the-blank or what they love most about this-or-that. Daniel and I point out houses or yards we do or don't like, and dream together. (The kids have started speculating on houses we pass, which most likely explains Ian's answer above.)

Whether we're out running errands, playing at our nearby playground, or lazing around the house, our favorite family moments are all similar in that they're simple. We laugh with each other, or exhaustively tolerate each other. We give eye contact to show we're listening, or physical contact in the form of hugs, cuddles or wrestles.

It happens when we simply eat lunch together when Daniel's in town (our family "dinner" of the day). It happens when we sing "I'm too young" and pray together before the kids go to bed. And when we do chores together and Daniel turns it into a game or competition.

Togetherness happens when we enjoy a Sabbath afternoon nature documentary or visit the bison. Or when we have a family date night that simply means we skip the gym and spend an hour together before the kids go to bed. It even happens when we make errands an opportunity to talk and enjoy each other's company.

Brylee shares things she's learning, Ian acts as Brylee's shadow evoking a few laughs from us, and Daniel and I get to relax and soak in the moment.

It's almost never anything fancy (unless we're inspired to create a brown bag date night, dress up the living room with white lights for pizza night, or unleash our inner child for a theme). Other than those few themed family date nights, I can count on one hand the times we've painted together, did pre-planned Easter-countdown worships, and went "all out" for family time.

Sure, I sometimes wish we did that more. If only there were enough energy, creativity, and motivation in me to do so.

But the moments that have really mattered, are the recurring ones. The ones so simple, easy, natural that they didn't take any additional planning or creativity or time on Pinterest.

All they require is simply... us.

Our time. Attention. Our personalities and presence. In this moment, together.

And that is our family time, simplified.

>>>>>

This month I'm sharing encouragement for simplicity simplified. See full list of posts here, and join me in not over-thinking it.

Simplicity, Simplified

2013-05-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

After launching my new cloth diaper blog, I quickly transitioned to scratching it all, then salvaging it with a new name and new purpose--all in the matter of hours. Of course this happens while husband is home sick for a couple days, and winter made one final (I hope) appearance in May (!) which happens to lead to full-moon type behavior from the kids.

It's moments like this--when our family isn't well, our home is a mess, and my "work" in all its forms continues to grow--that I want to quit technology, give up pursuing work I enjoy, and throw our stuff over our third floor railing. These are the moments I long for simplicity.

I'm not talking about the simplicity you find in the next minimalism book. (Although, we all know I love a good minimalist-inspired read.) In these moments, I don't want to research the next right steps to declutter, take on a new project, or add one more thing to my to-do list.

I simply want simplicity. In all true-ness of the word. And I want it now, before I go insane.

You know, the actual definitions of "being easy to understand or do" and "being plain or natural."

I'm talking about simplicity, simplified. Not Americanized, the way we've turned it into an abstract thing that takes special skills or abilities or requirements to pursue. How we're so far removed from that allusive goal to "simplify."

We like to think certain people are prone to need simplicity or adapt to it better than others. A friend lives simply with her fam on their own little piece of country-side. My brother and sister-in-law actually chose to sell 90% of their possessions to remodel an airstream and live in it. And my own OCD tendencies make simplicity necessary before I break down in all-out depression.

We like to think these are unique cases. But I think this is a misconception. Because, we all need simplicity and we all have access to it. Not ten years from now when the kids aren't so needy, or five years from now when I finally finish decluttering every nook and crevice of our apartment, or even next week when I can finally check one particularly looming task off my list.

We have access to simplicity today.

In this moment, we have the opportunity to pause. To count our blessings. To focus on the Kingdom. To thank the King for His provisions. And in these simple acts, take on Kingdom Contentment and simply live.

Kingdom contentment--that's what I'm finding is the answer to a happier, simpler life now. It's what brought Paul to write about rejoicing in all things while he was in prison (Phil. 4:4). It's what moved David to praise God for bringing him to a "spacious place" while he was pursued by his enemies (Ps. 18:19).

It's what empowers me to refuse, to rethink my needs, and not add one more thing to my home to declutter. It's what encourages me to pause and enjoy this moment, before my kids aren't kids anymore. It's what reminds me to ignore the mess long enough to thank God for a home to mess up. It's what energizes me to love when I feel like there's nothing in me to give.

Just stopping in His presence to know that He is God. He trumps anything that overwhelms, confuses, stresses or distracts me. A pause in His presence is all the simplifying focus I need to refresh and live simply by Him and for His glory.

>>>>>

This month I'm sharing more encouragement for simplicity simplified--with focus on Kingdom contentment. I hope you'll join me in not over-thinking it.

May Day Home Giveaway (closed)

2013-05-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Congrats, Nicole! You are the winner! Contact me at beginnerbeans//at//gmail.com by May 15 to claim your prize.

I remember when my sister and I discovered May Day. I don't remember how... maybe through mom or school. All I remember is the incessant paper basket making and decorating, and picking flowers (or what some call weeds) to fill our miniature baskets. Then, leaving them at our neighbors doors, ringing the bell and running away.

It was such a joy to put thought and effort into bringing joy into someone else's day.

And I get to repeat that on some level through this month's giveaway--a May Day basket of sorts. (Or maybe even a Mother's Day re-gift?)

This month's giveaway is a home-themed May Day gift including a "What I love most about my home..." painted canvas and the book Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin.

Not included in this giveaway: A basket ;)

Enter this May Day giveaway one of three ways...

(one entry given for each item completed; leave a comment for each)

1 | Answer the following question in the comments below: What do you love most about your home?

2 | Share this giveaway (or another of your favorite Beginner Beans posts) on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest, and let me know that you've done so in the comments below with a link.

3 | Subscribe to the monthly-ish news + updates e-mail >> here. Let me know that you've done so in the comments below. (Hey, this is an automatic entry for those already subscribed if you leave a comment saying so :)

Note: to reduce shipping costs, this giveaway is open to continental U.S. shipping addresses only. Thank you for understanding.

This giveaway will be open through next Tuesday (May 7). The winner will be announced in this post next Wednesday (May 8) and will have one week to claim the prize.

Be sure to check this post Wed May 8 to see if this gift "basket" is yours.

Congrats, Nicole! You are the winner! Contact me at beginnerbeans//at//gmail.com by May 15 to claim your prize.

Thank you all for contributing!

>>>>>>

Dear Reader | May 2013

2013-04-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

giveaway (closed) | 1

simplicity, simplified | 3

family time, simplified | 6
mom's day gifts, simplified | 8
comfort for moms | 10

home, simplified | 13
fashion, simplified | 15
the good ol' days | 17

memories, simplified | 20
new take on giveaways | 22
the first posts | 24
meals, simplified | 27

finances, simplified | 29

coming in june | 31

Dear Reader,

I've noticed when people want to make a point of how unpopular they are, they'll use the familiar line, "My mom thinks I'm great." Similarly, the common blog "success" story often starts with, "In the beginning, only my mom and my best friend read my blog."

It makes sense, because our moms care and think we're great even when others don't. But there's a little more to it than that.

On one particular day, I was overwhelmed with all the details of life. A passionate little boy throwing temper tantrums, a bored little girl on a never-ending quest to be entertained, and typical challenges of writing for pay, blogging for fun, and managing home.

I wondered if that fun part--the blogging for myself--mattered. You know, should I keep blogging if it's only just for me? When I click "Publish" and I'm returned with crickets and cranky children, it doesn't always seem worth it.

Then, I read a message from my mom. She had me in tears encouraging me on my writing and my blogging. (And I hadn't told her about the doubt.) Not false hope or instant popularity or anything to include in a resume. Just simple, honest, heart-felt encouragement. The kind only my mom can give.

And the great news is this: No one is excluded from that kind of motherly comfort...

As one whom his mother comforts,
So I will comfort you;
And you shall be comforted
in Jerusalem. | Is. 66:13

I pray that promise encourages you this Mother's Day.

Happy May!

-Trina

PS, Would love to welcome you in the group that receives the monthly-ish news + updates e-mail sent out the end of each month. Sign up >> here.

Let's Comfort Each Other with These Words, Friends

2013-04-26T23:04:00.001-05:00

Friends...

Guess what. That stuff in the Bible about the Lord Himself descending from heaven? That's for real.

No, seriously, it's gonna happen. With a shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God.

And those people we know that have died (or the ones on all those news reports we can't stop obsessing over)--the ones that died from tragic, terrible things, or unjust ways, or even simply from old age. They're going to rise to meet Him first.

Then, the rest of us--you know, you and I, if He comes now--we will be caught up together with them.

In the clouds.

To meet the Lord in the air.

And, just like that, we will be with Him.
...always.

When we feel worrisome or fearful or sad or even downright paranoid, or when we feel too comfortable (maybe especially when we feel too comfortable), let's comfort each other with these words.

Okay, friends?

Okay.

>>>>>

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Linking up with Lisa Jo Baker for 5-minute Friday. I detoured a bit from writing about the prompt "Friends," to share a piece of encouragement for my friends.

How to Color Match in PicMonkey (and make your own color palette)

2013-04-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Just when you thought Earth Day was over, I sneak in another green post. Earth month is all April long, after all. However, I saved this one for after Earth Day because it's less about the environment, and more about the actual color green. Or any color really.

Today, I'm sharing how to color-match and use the colors you really want in PicMonkey.

I was a true beginner lost in the color palette, struggling to find the colors I liked before finally giving up and choosing blindly. Until my sister-in-law (airstream dweller, teacher blogger and craftivity-creator extraordinaire) showed me color-matching in PicMonkey. Oh, the possibilities! And that's when I finally found the precise color palette I used to redesign Beginner Beans, and chose colors to brand my newest blog Prefolds Love.

Color-matching isn't only helpful in branding and designing a blog, it's also helpful in creating holiday cards, matching overlays to a photo, and limitless other possibilities.

So, let's get started.

How to Color-Match in PicMonkey

design-seeds color palette screenshot

1 | Choose your preferred color inspiration, and save as a jpeg.

I found mine at Design Seeds. Jessica continues to grow an incredible selection of color pairings! Seriously, I'm positive she has a palette that will tickle your fancy. Otherwise, inspiration can be found on Pinterest, design blogs, or even your favorite photos or online artwork. Actual color palettes (like those found on Design Seeds) are easiest to use. But colors can also be pulled from photos or even screen shots.

The key here is that it needs to be something you can save as a digital image. Once you choose your source color inspiration, save it as a jpeg image. (If you don't see an option to save the image: Ctrl + "Print screen" then insert into Paint and save as a jpeg.) You will need to be able to add it temporarily as an overlay to your work.

If you are matching text or overlays to the photo being used, skip to the next step.

2 | Load blank image or photo to PicMonkey, edit as desired.

If you're using a photo, then edit it (see basic photo editing steps >> here). A blank image like shown above can simply be resized as desired.

3 | Add color palette jpeg as an overlay.

Add your color palette image as an overlay. This will be here temporarily while you work, and will be deleted when you're done color-matching. Adjust size or placement so it's out of your way. You can even take it completely off the image as you edit, then move it back on when you need to adjust colors.

If you are adding text and overlays over a photo background and wish to match them to the photo, then skip steps # 1 and 3.

4 | Add text or overlay, then use color match tool to select your color.

Add text or overlay shape. To adjust color, click on the color-matching tool (far right color strip in the text editing tool OR dropper icon in the top right corner of the overlay tool), and use the dropper to click on the color you wish to use--either from your color palette image or from the photo background itself.

You'll notice the color will continue to change as you hover over various colors on the PicMonkey editing screen until you finally click on something to select its color.

5 | Delete color palette overlay when you are done color-matching; finish editing image, and save.

The only editing that should be left to do is final cropping or moving text and overlays around. You'll want to do basic photo editing and adding effects in step #2 above in order to keep your colors how they are.

Tip | Make your own color palette strip if colors will be used again.

If you plan on reusing these colors in the future (like when designing a blog), it's handy to make your own color strip to upload for future color-matching. This is especially helpful if you had a hard time finding the colors you wanted to use, or pieced them together from a couple different palettes (like I did in the colors for this blog).

Simple add shapes (circles are my fav), and change each one to the color you wish to use in your palette using the steps above. Crop and save image as a jpeg in an easy to find location on your computer. When it's time to add a blog design element, your colors will be easy to find and use as detailed in the steps above.

Happy color-matching!

>>>>>

9 Steps to Green Your Everyday Living

2013-04-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Earth Day!

I am excited to share with you a few fun green-living resources from Beginner Beans and elsewhere, along with an opportunity to linkup your own green-living post.

First, let's talk some simple steps to green your everyday.

Originally, I considered this my "greenest things we do" post. Then, I realized sharing the principals that helps us make green choices seemed a little more beneficial than focusing on our specifics. I mean, really, what's a guy to do with my "greening your period" post? That's a pretty green choice I've made that has nothing to do with him (or even some girls).

Instead, we'll use the "teach a man to fish" idea and help you grow your own "greenest things we do" list.

9 steps to greening your everyday living...

These steps might look very similar to the refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rot mantra of Zero Waste Home. Let me clear that up for you: It is. This is what those options might look like in practice.

1 | Do without.

This is that "refusing" business I shared about last week. It's hard. But it makes the biggest impact. Learn to do without. It prevents wasted resources in production and waste when you realize you didn't need that thing in the first place.

What doing without might look like: Stop using q-tips; say no to freebies; asking for gifts of experiences instead of things; ditch the shampoo + conditioner; be content with what you have; make new outfits out of what's already in your closet.

2 | Use less.

If refusing isn't an option, then consider using less. Reducing our consumption is the next best thing to refusing.

What reducing might look like: Put a brick in the toilet to use less water at each flush; take shorter showers; meal-plan and make smaller portions of food; minimize the makeup bag and have no-makeup days; use a smaller rotation of things like towels and socks; unplug electronics when not in use or over night.

3 | Look into reusable.

If something is used repeatedly, then it's a good idea to find a reusable alternative rather than it turning into waste after each use. (Although, there might still be a time and place for disposable.)

What reusing might look like: Have a stock of reusable grocery bags, napkins, glass storage containers, water bottles in the kitchen; use a diva cup instead of tampons; bring your own mug to get coffee; cloth diaper your baby.

4 | Buy consumables in bulk.

Things like cosmetics and food are often packaged in a way that creates waste. Consider buying these in bulk (as they're available), and even using reusable packaging to do so.

What buying bulk might look like: Buy rice, beans, oats, flour, cookies, dried fruit, cereals, even soaps and non-food items in the bulk section of a local store; use Bea's new bulk locator app to save your fav bulk locations or find some new ones.

5 | Buy consumables with recyclable packaging.

If the consumable food and cosmetics you need are not available in bulk, then choose products with recyclable packaging.

What buying recyclable materials might look like: Seasonings in glass containers; hair products in plastic #1 or #2; products in cardboard boxes.

6 | Make or grow your own.

Making or growing your own is all about being resourceful and forgoing "easy" for what's best. This gets at the heart of green-living.

What making/growing your own might look like: Grow your own tomatoes or herbs or a whole garden; make a little girls skirt or dress out of a shirt you no longer wear; slow cook dry beans into your own chili; bake your own muffins; make a yummy green smoothie instead of going out for ice cream.

7 | Buy secondhand or borrow.

When we purchase things secondhand instead of new, it extends the life of that item, keeps it out of the landfill, saves us money, and saves the resources going into making new items.

What buying secondhand or borrowing might look like: Make a list of needed clothing items (remember #1 above) and check thrift stores periodically until you find what you need; search Craigslist and Facebook selling groups for household items, cars, etc.; ask around to borrow someone else's if it's an occasional use or seasonal item (i.e., tent or waffle iron).

8 | Extend its life.

Whether it's food or a piece of clothing, extending the life of what you have is important in not adding to the landfills and preserving resources.

What extending life might look like: Freeze leftovers so they won't go bad before eating them; repair a hole in a piece of clothing; save up to purchase better quality that will last longer.

9 | Dispose with care.

When it's finally time to let go of something, we should be considerate of how we do so.

What disposing with care might look like: Donate or sell clothing or home goods with use left in them; Freecycle products to help them go directly to someone that wants them; bag up clothing with holes and stains and label "rags" to donate to Goodwill; compost food products; recycle paper, glass, cans.

Conclusion | One change at a time.

Hope this list gets you started. You don't have to start where anyone else is. Just note that one thing that seems to create the most waste in your home, and find solutions to change it. One change at a time, one person at a time, makes a real difference!

Finally, a few green resources for you. Then, linkup with your own!

Their links...

1 | zero waste home tips
2 | 40 ways to go greener at home... besides just recycling
3 | non-toxic home cleaning
4 | can shopping save the world? (6 min. video)

My links...

Your links...

Linkup your green-living related post, past or present, below.

When you link-up, remember to...
>> Keep your post relevant to today's topic.
>> Link here in your post. If you'd like, get the button here.
>> Visit the person who linked up before you and leave 'em a comment.

Jump | 5-min friday with lisa jo

2013-04-20T11:17:00.002-05:00

Ever wonder why adults quit jumping?

I mean, my 2-year-old does it all the time. He's in love with this concept that his legs can not only walk, they can actually empower him to leave the ground. And he looks so proud every time.

Adults, however, seem a little too knowledgeable about this thing called gravity. It gets old jumping and always returning to the ground. We'd rather fly! But we know that's not really an option on our own. So we stay grounded. We no longer jump.

And in that simple conclusion, we don't put our trust in the One that gives us wings like eagles. We forget what He empowers us to do. We avoid the possibility that if we gave it our all, He just might move us to fly.

Or not. But that's not really for us to question, is it?

We are simply called to have faith. The audacity to move our little legs in a springing upward motion, and leave the rest to Him. To His power. To His will. To the slightest possibility He would defy gravity on our behalf.

That's not too much to ask the Creator of that little force, is it?

I'm learning His force is greater. And with that, I will give myself over to the child-like joy of faith. One hopeful jump at at time.

>>>>>

Linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker for 5-minute-friday. Five minutes to write on one word, then post the first-ish draft--brought to light something all too familiar to me as I get ready for (what feels like to me) a big jump coming up soon.

Beginner Beans

How and When to Use PicMonkey Touch Up Tools

PicMonkey Photo Touch-up Features

Blemish Fix

Airbrush

Wrinkle Remover

Spray Tan

Teeth Whiten

Eye Brighten

Blush Boost, Lip Tint, Mascara, Eye Shadow, Highlights

Tips + Tricks for Using Touch-Up Features

Keep it natural.

Be true to you.

Go light.

Basic edits first, then touch up, and end with effects.

Not every tool is needed.

Not every photo needs it.

Your Family Needs You to Be Courageous

Homemade Tea Tree and Coconut Oil Deodorant

Homemade Tea Tree Deodorant Recipe

How to Store Homemade Deodorant

Deodorant Stick or Glass Jar

Refrigerator or Bathroom

How to Apply and Use Homemade Deodorant

Does Homemade Deodorant Work?

Why Tea Tree Essential Oil?

Growth // the old stuff has to die to make room for the new

Summer Pedicure Giveaway | #SharingtheLove acichild.com

Enter This Summer Pedicure Giveaway

1 | The Giveaway: An at-home pedicure set.

2 | The Organization: Adventist Child India

3 | Share the love, and enter to win.

4 | Find out if you won...

The Month We Put Away the Kids' Toys

How We Put Away the Kids' Toys

Why We Put Away the Kids' Toys

So, what happened?

Dear Reader | June 2013

Finances, Simplified

Why does this matter?

1 | It's too easy to get confused on wants and needs.

2| We just might find ourselves needing to live on a bare bones budget.

Here are some of the things included in our bare bones budget:

Meals, Simplified

Eating simply has all sorts of benefits...

Here are a few ways to simplify meals...

1 | Keep the recipes simple.

2 | Use leftovers.

3 | Make sandwiches.

4 | Repeat the basics.

5 | Simplify your food rules.

Going Back to When it All Began

A Peek at Tomorrow's Giveaway

Memories, Simplified

If We Only Knew that These are the Good Ol' Days

...enjoy these good ol' days while they last.

Fashion, Simplified

Home, Simplified

Comfort for Good Enough Moms // #fiveminutefriday

Mother's Day Gifts, Simplified

Finding the Perfect Minimalist Gift

Minimalist Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Reusable

Consumable

Hobby or Frequently Used

Luxury

Want

Need

Reading Material

Experience

Charitable

Family Time, Simplified

Simplicity, Simplified

May Day Home Giveaway (closed)

Enter this May Day giveaway one of three ways...

Other posts you might be interested in...

Dear Reader | May 2013

Let's Comfort Each Other with These Words, Friends

How to Color Match in PicMonkey (and make your own color palette)

How to Color-Match in PicMonkey