Preparing for Easter and Lent

2019 is in danger of getting a ticket.  I mean it is definitely going way too fast.  I can't believe we are already talking about Easter and Lent.  Don't let them sneak up on you, girls.

Easter is Sunday, April 21st

so

Lent will begin on Wednesday, March 6th

I love Easter and always want to be focused leading up to it.  So I usually try to do something for the Lent period.  It is good to have something constantly taking my mind and thoughts back to the meaning of Easter.  I usually try to add something and I usually try to give up something

Ideas to add could be - an additional dedicated time of prayer each day, a set amount of time to do some Bible reading each day, praying for one particular person or situation each day or you could add something like drinking a certain amount of water each day, walking 20 minutes each day, completing some household chore every day

Ideas to give up could be - complaining, criticizing, hitting the snooze button, sodas, fried foods, social media, television, shopping, listening to music

I try to choose something that will be challenging to me, something that brings me to prayer each time I think of it.  Whatever that is in your life......prayerfully consider adding or giving it up, whichever applies in your case.

So we have a little time before March 6th but start thinking now so you will be ready.

Also in preparation for Easter Celebration check out the new Easter Advent Banner

One side has a countdown of 40 days leading up to Easter, the reverse side celebrates Easter Day and His Resurrection

Easter Banner

While you are counting down you can use this calendar that comes with it

This calendar gives you a very short story to read each week of Lent, then a verse with 1-3 questions to read each day. It is a 5 minute devotion to go with each day of the countdown.

I have an older version of this banner that I have had for several years.  It is a very good quality and I always enjoy pulling it out each year.  Now is the time to order one for your home so you will have it in plenty of time.

See you back on Friday!

Encouragement.....for you

This is the last week of February.  I hope you have had the opportunity to encourage someone, to pray for encouraging spirits and to be encouraged yourself.  If you need to refresh yourself on our prayer challenge for the year just click here.

Since it is the last week, I wanted to encourage you.  One of my favorite Pinterest Boards is "Words".  I pin all kinds of quotes and scripture there.  When I am looking for the right words to share with someone, I often pop over to my Pinterest Board for some inspiration.

Today I am sharing a few of my favorites that I have pinned

and most of all I hope you know

You can find more inspirational words on my Pinterest board, just click the Pinterest button which is on the top right of this blog page.

I hope you are encouraged and that you are able to encourage others as you go thru this week.

Make it a great Monday!

Oscar Gifts for the Actresses

I love watching the Oscars even though I have not seen any of the movies they will talk about.  I don't go to the movies much, but I do rather enjoy watching all the dresses and hair and such.  I also like to hear about all the movies that I may eventually watch.  In honor of the big show on Sunday I have a few things for you today.  I usually do a post about the movies that are nominated for best film.....but they were too hard this year.....I just couldn't find a complimentary retail item for some of them.  So we are going with the BEST ACTRESS category.   After all each one of us at one time or another could have won in this category. I've included the movie trailer for each just in case you are like me and clueless about some of the movies.

First up, Roma

This movie chronicles a tumultuous year in the life of a middle class family in Mexico City in the early 1970's.  Yalitza Aparicio is nominated for her role as a domestic worker named Cleo.
I thought if I could buy her a little something, just as a special treat for her what would it be.  Well I have only seen the trailer but, she is hustling through the whole thing.  So here is what I would buy for her

X-Large Heating Pad

Picture yourself under this warm little beauty every evening, Ms. Cleo......Every night I plug in my heating pad and put it between the sheets.  Then I take a shower and climb into a toasty bed.  I then move the heating pad up to my shoulders while I read or watch tv or scroll thru instagram.  After all Cleo has going on this movie, I think she would find this quite a nice treat.

Next up, is Melissa McCarthy as Lee Israel in Can you Ever Forgive Me.  

The trailer told me two things about Lee Israel: 1) she needs a hug and 2) she needs a better cardigan.  I've got the perfect thing for her

Barefoot Dreams Circle Wrap

It's the cardigan that feels like a hug....you are welcome, Ms. Israel.

Now onto Olivia Colman who plays Queen Anne in The Favourite....

ok I understand this one may really push the limits as far as explicit scenes....so I probably won't actually see this one.  However, I will give her a pretend gift too. Based on what I heard about the movie I started to just buy her a devotional.....but instead I decided she might need a hobby. Maybe something to keep her busy, past the time with some positivity -  so she gets my favorite pens

Stabilo Pens

and a nice coloring book

Coloring Book

Maybe these can become her favourites.....ha, see what I did there? ok moving on.......

Glenn Close is nominated for her role as Joan in The Wife.

Now I am a Glenn Close fan.  I think she has just aged beautifully.  But this pretend gift is not for her.  It is for her character Joan.  And here is what I would select for her

Moonstone Pendant

It is subtle, it is elegant and it is on sale.  I think Joan would love it......and maybe you too.

Lastly, Lady Gaga as Ally in a Star is Born

Wow this was a tough one......what to get Ally?  Ally is tough, has a rocking voice but seems to question herself.

And I feel like with a little lip gloss and this

Kaftan

her self-esteem is going to sky rocket.  Wear it with confidence, Ally. And it is a great swimsuit cover which she will need because she's 'far from the shallow now".

I hope you enjoy the Oscars.  Gift giving is one of my favorite things, but I gotta be honest I can't believe I just spent two hours watching these movie trailers and picking out pretend gifts.

Have a great weekend! Meet you back here on Monday!!!

The End of Sock Season

Y'all.....this weather!!! One day in boots the next day in sandals....wow it has been intense.  But here is the thing.  Last week I wore my normal booties for a couple of days and then it was like above 75 degrees and so I thought I would wear a little pair of leopard flats without hosiery......honestly I was shocked at the paleness of my feet.  They were borderline transparent.  So I am used to this, every summer I give myself a little winter recovery jump start with


Usually I don't kick in with this until late March.  But this year is going to require an early start.

I saw this on instagram

Photo courtesy of Letterfolk Instagram

and I just had to laugh.......because.....that's just truth.

Here's what I love about the Jergens Natural Glow.....it is a decent moisturizer, it goes on easily, you simply apply every day and the color builds.  It doesn't give you this immediate artificial looking color.  It gradually builds to a nice, healthy, sun-kissed color.

You can find it pretty much everywhere......Target, Publix, Amazon.

Let the natural glow begin........

See you back here on Friday!