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This One Thing Will Help You Accomplish Your New Year Goals

BearfruitBasics — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 22:35:02 +0000

Okay y’all, it’s January–which means new year goals and resolution planning! But let’s be honest, don’t most of them fizzle out by March or even February? We tend to start off the year so hopeful, so determined. But little by little, somehow, we lose our steam. So how do you increase your chances of keeping your new year resolution? Let me share the secret with you… Create a Vision Board! The secret to keeping your New Year goals throughout this year is to create a vision board! Now, this idea is nothing earth shattering, but it is worth taking a second look at if you have heard about it before. The bible verse that comes to mind here is Jeremiah 29:11 when the Lord says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I’d like to add a disclaimer here–you can create a vision board but always remember that God ultimately has a plan for you! Align your vision board with what He wants for you, and you will surely receive all of His bountiful blessings! The idea behind a vision board is being able to stay focused on what you would like to accomplish. Keep reading for some key elements when you create your vision board! Successfully Accomplish Your New Year Goals with These Steps: 1. Be Specific. When it comes to creating your vision board, be as specific as you can. For example, don’t just say “I want to lose weight,” but rather “I want to lose 20 lbs.” Putting an actual number will help you measure your results better. (In marketing, we call this a “Key Performance Indicator.”) You need to make your goals quantifiable. 2. Be Realistic. Vision boards work well if you are realistic with what is within your reach. If you want to get out of debt, for example, you can realistically budget how much you can pay. You may have credit card bills, student loans, whatever it may be, but tally up your debt and calculate something doable. To illustrate, you may not be able to knock out $70,000 of student loans in one year on a much lower income or $15k in credit cards. However, having a plan in place will allow you to see how much of that is realistically possible for you. Maybe an extra $300 a month will help you knock out $3,600 of bills. So write that specific number down so you can accomplish that goal. You know this is achievable because it is realistic. 3. Visualize What You Want. The best thing about vision boards, IMO, is that you get to cut out pictures and add them to your vision board! I remember when I wanted to re-do the kid’s bathroom in our fixer-upper house. Pinterest had beautiful examples of the exact tiles I wanted. When it was time to get the bathroom re-done, we were able to save money when the tiles I had my eye on went on sale. Not only does our bathroom look exactly what I pictured it to be, but I saved so much money because I was ready for that sale haha! 4. Place It Where You Can See It Daily. Ever heard the saying, out of sight out of mind? Well, it’s true! Studies have shown, seeing really is believing. I have my vision board hanging in my bedroom where I can see it on a daily basis. It helps me remember what I am working so hard to achieve. If your new year goals are health oriented, place it in your home where it can be your valuable reminder. Put it on a wall next to where you work out, or in the kitchen where you cook, or even next to your pantry where you prepare your meals. This will keep you focused and determined in accomplishing your new year resolution. 5. Write Your New Year Goals In The Past Tense. This one is the winner for me. Don’t write “I will buy a house” or “I will move into my new apartment this year,” but rather “I moved into my new apartment this year.” Writing in the past tense will help you claim what is already meant to be yours. Claim it, Sis! 6. Make It a Family Event. Did you know that you can increase the odds of accomplishing your new year goals with your spouse? I remember when the pandemic hit, we decided as a family it would be best for me to stay at home with the kids since school was shut down for in-person attendance. Unfortunately, this meant having to resign my marketing job. After a while without income (and our old house was giving us so, so many problems), we knew I had to return to work. At this point, I know that whatever I do needs to be a work from home job. I remember receiving in-house job offers, but because my husband and I knew exactly what we wanted, I turned them down. Then, along came the perfect opportunity, where I was able to work for a company that is fully remote, and I couldn’t be more happier! The job I have now aligns perfectly with our vision board, and I couldn’t be more grateful and thankful for my husband’s support. You don’t have to do this with your spouse, you can do it with your child, your parent, or even a best friend. The goal is to have a support system in place so your village can help you accomplish your new year resolution. The Take Away In conclusion, if you are hoping to stick to your new year goals this year, WRITE THEM DOWN! Have a fun family night, and either make one for the family or each family member can make their own! It’s important to tackle your goals together with your support system to increase the odds of being successful. Don’t forget to pray that God blesses you with the determination and self control from the holy spirit to achieve everything you set your heart’s desires on. What are some goals you have set for this year? I’m rooting for you, Sis!

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25 Cheap and Easy Ideas for Valentine’s Day

BearfruitBasics — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 21:57:00 +0000

Fall in Love, Without Falling in Debt! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. It can be a great holiday to show your loved one how much they mean to you. But as JLO sings in her famous hit, love don’t cost a thing! There is no price tag on spending some good, quality time with your significant other! If you’re thinking of what to do – but have a tight budget – we’ve compiled a fun list of 25 cheap (or free) easy ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day. 1. Cook Them a Valentine’s Day Meal Certainly, you don’t have to get a sitter for the kids and spend a fortune eating out. A romantic idea of celebrating Valentine’s Day is to cook your partner a special meal. Use groceries you already have in your fridge to keep the cost low. But if you want something special, or you just suck at cooking, (it’s okay, you can say it), buy an already cooked meal (think sushi, chicken, KFC, or whatever takeout you want). Make it extra special by decorating your own dining room table, dimming the lights, and using candles for that romantic touch. 2. Have a Romantic Movie Night Nothing beats watching a movie in the comfort of your own home. So, get your popcorn and candy ready and snuggle up to your honey with a movie night. Therefore, with online streaming readily available (such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, etc.) you can watch the latest movies right in your own living room. 3. Enjoy a Cheap Paint Night Likewise, a cheap and creative way to spend Valentine’s Day is by having a paint night. You can keep the cost low by getting budget-friendly art supplies from dollar stores or getting a paint set from Amazon. To set it up, all you need are some newspapers over your table, canvases, paints, and paintbrushes. For example, you can Google pictures you want to re-create (or use an online paint tutorial for beginners) and print them off as a guide. Being creative is a great bonding experience for both of you. You can even gift your painting to the other as their Valentine’s Day present. 4. Host a Valentine’s Day Game Night However, if you are one for hosting and enjoy having friends over, then having a game night is for you! The fun thing about game nights is that there are endless possibilities you can do. From board games, to smart phone apps you can download right on your phone, hosting a game night is great for a couple’s date night at your home. 5. Have Breakfast in Bed A sweet and super cost-effective way of celebrating Valentine’s Day is to have breakfast in bed. Surprise your loved one with their favorite breakfast before the rush of the day begins. If you have a special tray, you can make a healthy homemade meal with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Most importantly, you can make it romantic by decorating the tray with flowers and a handwritten love note. 6. Give Each Other Massages Nothing beats a romantic Valentine’s Day evening than when you give each other massages. The materials you need for a massage are extremely cheap, and you might already own them. You can use lotion, fractionated coconut oil, or divinely-scented massage oil. Make the occasion special by playing spa music in the background and lighting some romantic candles. 7. Take a Charming Walk on the Beach They don’t say walks on the beach are romantic for nothing! If you happen to live nearby a beach, a romantic hand-held stroll with your toes in the ocean can be just what your soul needs this Valentine’s Day. (Unless, of course, the water is freezing – it is February after all!) 8. Go on an Adventurous Hike or Camping If you are an outdoorsy type of person, turn Valentine’s Day into a fun outdoor hike. You can take it one step further by camping out and enjoying nature just the two of you. However, depending on how you like to go camping (or “glamping” for my bougie mamas 😆), the cost can range on the varying types of camp methods. For example, if you like to pitch a tent at a campsite, or whether you choose to bring your own RV, to renting out a cabin suite, the prices will vary. See what is in your budget and try to enjoy the peaceful environment around you this Valentine’s Day. Fishing anyone? 9. Start a Valentine’s Day Tradition Another Valentine’s Day idea that barely costs anything is to start a new tradition. For example, will you visit someplace new every Valentine’s Day? Will you decide to write each other letters? Perhaps a special restaurant will become your Valentine’s Day thing. Starting a new tradition is literally anything you want it to be, and can be something to look forward to every year! 10. Take a Joy Ride This one is for the adventurous spirit. Other than a full tank of gas and a reliable car, taking a joyride can be a great Valentine’s Day idea that barely costs you a thing. You can take out a map and decide to go to a place you’ve never been to before, or you can literally flip a coin (heads means turn left, tails means turn right) and see where you end up. Maybe have your phone fully charged so you can always GPS your way back home and not end up lost lol. 11. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset A free Valentine’s Day idea is to watch the sunrise or sunset. Stargazing is romantic and can be great quality time to have a conversation with your honey as you gaze into the galaxy. That is to say, find a wonderful view and bring a warm, cozy blanket to snuggle up with and watch as the sky changes its celestial colors. 12. Have a Picnic in the Park Having a picnic in the park is a tried-and-true Valentine’s Day date that can’t go wrong. It’s dreamy, special, and of course, romantic. You can make your own sandwiches and food, or get your loved one’s favorite meal. Therefore, you can pack up a picnic basket, a blanket to sit on, and surprise them with a picnic in a serene park. If your partner can’t get away from work, see if you can surprise them during their lunch hour by bringing the picnic to them. 13. Rent a Boat Depending on where you live, you can rent a boat or take a boat ride for a scenic view of a beautiful lake or river. Tour guides offer some historical value, so if you are a couple that enjoys learning something new about your city, this would be a great Valentine’s Day gift. Groupon offers a lot of boat tours near you, and has discount codes often. 14. Ride Your Bikes If you own a bike, loading up your equipment and driving to a new place (for example, a national state park) would be a great way to spend Valentine’s Day. You can explore new trails, and even pack a picnic as mentioned before. Other options instead of riding your bike could be kayaking, roller-skating, or any other fun sport that allow you both to spend quality time together. 15. Be a Tourist in Your Own City Becoming a tourist in your own city is a lot easier said than done. It might be a little more on the costly side if you want to partake in new restaurants or different activities your city has to offer. You can Google “Things to do in my city” for more entertaining ideas. In short, to keep your budget low, look for free concerts, free museums, or other free local events. Valentine’s Day can be the perfect time to explore where you live with your wonderful partner. 16. Make a Romantic Bonfire February is still winter, so making a bonfire is a great way to keep the romantic spark going. (See what I did there?) Bonfires create a romantic environment when it’s just the two of you. Make a hot cup of cocoa or bring crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate to make s’mores and enjoy the cackling of the fire as you take time out from your busy schedules to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. 17. Find a Free Event To Go To Valentine’s Day is a great time to find a free event to go to. Many local restaurants, companies, and communities love to promote themselves during a special holiday. Check out your local newspapers or Facebook groups to see if there is anything news worthy to attend. Other than maybe paying for parking and perhaps food at the event site, this is a low-cost Valentine’s Day date idea to try something different. 18. Make Homemade Valentine’s Gifts for Each Other The possibilities are endless when it comes to making homemade gifts for one another. Flowers from your own yard can you turn into a beautiful bouquet. Feeling crafty and enjoy making projects? You can make personalized gifts with your loved one’s name. If you are looking for sentimental gift boxes, there are plenty of online stores that offer cute varieties of gift boxes that can be delivered just in time for something special. Keep in mind shipping delays if you do decide to order something, do it ahead of time so it does not arrive late. 19. Take the Day Off Set your out-of-office reply and use some PTO for the day! Not only do I mean take the day off of work, but you can seriously just skip Valentine’s Day if it’s not your thing. However, make sure you communicate your intentions with your partner beforehand. You don’t want them expecting to celebrate a day with you when you have already checked out. Skipping Valentine’s Day is a personal choice, so don’t feel the need that you have to partake in a holiday tradition if it’s not for you. Bonus: Taking the day off of work does allow you to spend quality time with each other, regardless of the holiday! Finish of your day by chilling by the pool, or enjoying a quiet, relaxing day at home. 20. Write a Valentine’s Day Love Poem I am a sucker for a love note or a love poem. Because of this, I highly recommend that this Valentine’s Day, you take the time to write something special for your loved one. Let them know how much you really care and all the things you love about them. Write them a poem, love note, or even create fun coupons they can cash in with you at a later date. Coupons can range from anything such as daily chores (cleaning the kitchen, doing the laundry, etc.), to something fun and exciting, such as a foot massage, ice-cream date, you name it! 21. Recreate Your First Date Re-creating your first date might be difficult to do if you no longer live by the place your first date happened. However, it doesn’t have to be the exact same location because it’s really the thought that counts. If you are able to visit the first place you dated, it would be a wonderful sentimental date for you both to ponder how far you’ve made it. *Cue Shania Twain’s “You’re still the one” song in the background. * 22. Post Love Message Notes All Over the House A cute Valentine’s Day idea I saw one time was to post love notes all over the house. You can use sticky notes to put them in places your partner isn’t expecting. For example, put them on doors, mirrors, in their closet, maybe in their backpacks or purses if they carry one. Shower their Valentine’s Day with love notes that they continue to find throughout the day. Not only is it sweet, but extremely cost-efficient as all you need are some sticky-notes, a pen, and...

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The 4 Simple Christmas Gift Ideas for Minimalists

BearfruitBasics — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 03:41:06 +0000

All I Want for Christmas Is… Christmas can be such a joyful, and special holiday for families. However, it can also be a stressful time for those who might not have the means and funds. We want to lavish our friends and family members with gifts and presents, even if we can’t afford to. A few years ago, our family adopted what we call the “four asks” for Christmas. This is a great way to keep Christmas gift giving stress-free. Basically, we are trying to narrow down the Christmas items we all ask for. Not only does this help with finances, but it also helps our children be more intentional with what they want. By doing the four Christmas gift ideas, they are more appreciative of what they do get and learn to cherish it more. I also notice that they receive much more quality gifts, since we don’t bombard them with smaller, cheaply-made toys. Gift Ideas for Minimalists The four simple Christmas gift ideas are great for those wanting to minimize their lifestyle. Although I myself am not a minimalist, it’s a goal of mine every time I declutter and clean to get rid of things I don’t use or that no longer fits me – thank you Covid lockdown. Donating or selling clothes makes me feel great knowing I’m helping people as well as creating more space in my house. (I might obsess slightly over Marie Kondo’s folding technique and cleaning up method!) The four asks are very simple and goes as follows: 1. Something You Want This one is an easy one and probably the most favorite of my kids. Instead of preparing a long list for Santa Clause full of all their “wants”, they slim it down to the very most important present they truly want. Prepare yourself to receive multiple versions of this Christmas lists and hearing an excited child declare, “Wait, mommy, can I change my answer?” If they start early enough, you’ll know what they really want when they haven’t changed their answer in a while. If you’re kids are a little too young to really know what they want, a quick google search can be helpful for you to find out what Christmas gifts are trending at the moment. Amazon also recently just launched a “Toys We Love” section to reveal the most popular holiday toys. 2. Something You Need This Christmas gift helps expand their thinking into something more than toys and entertainment. It helps children realize that other things (especially things we consider normal or mundane) are actually gifts as well. I’ve seen new shoes, socks, even underwear pop up in this category. My daughter did effectively argue why she “needed” a Chromebook for her homework. “Everything is online nowadays anyway,” she successfully giggled. “And if it can be a touchscreen, that would be great,” she gleefully added. I did cave and get her one, but the price was significantly cheaper than I thought! Asking for something you need is a great Christmas gift idea to really get kids to ponder the difference between a necessity and a frivolous holiday gift. 3. Something to Wear Our kids tend to ask for new Christmas pajamas for this one, but you can get creative with this Christmas gift category. Think outside the box, as it doesn’t just have to be clothes! Asking for something to wear can range from new eyeglasses, to jewelry, to makeup, to a comfy spa bathrobe. I’ve always loved new slippers every Christmas, as boring as that may sound. We don’t wear outside shoes in the house so I have a great need for them once the year is up. Of course, a new fancy dress or clothing items still make it on the list, too. 4. Something to Read This Christmas gift is a favorite for the whole family. The topics range from comic books, to gardening, to history books, to novels. Getting age-appropriate books are great, but it’s also a neat idea to get your kids something a little more challenging to read. Nothing beats spending the day after Christmas, snuggled up with a blanket, and a new book. In conclusion, these four Christmas gift ideas aren’t hard rules we follow, but somewhat of a guide. Our children might get a little more than four presents each, especially when you include presents from loving grandparents, proud aunts and uncles, and excited cousins. If you are wanting a more refined and precise Christmas list full of Christmas ideas that are very well thought out, try the four Simple Christmas Gift Ideas! P.s. Have you tried making your own Christmas room spray? These non-toxic recipes will help your house ring in the holidays with the sweet scents of Christmas. It’s safe for your family and pets, and makes a great homemade gift as well! If you found this article helpful, sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our recent blog posts and be entered to win our giveaways.

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How to Travel on a budget Stress Free

BearfruitBasics — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 11:26:01 +0000

The Stress-Free Frugal Traveler’s Guide: How to Travel on a Budget Time off for the holidays, but you’re bougie on a budget? Does the thought of spending too much money hinder your ability to enjoy a family vacation? If so, this blog post on how to travel on a budget is for you! If you want to live a luxurious lifestyle, but don’t want to break the bank – or rack up credit card debt – there are tons of ways you can travel with a small or very limited budget. We just got back from an amazing, adventure-packed vacation visiting family in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Our plans to visit the UAE went from a far-away unreachable dream, to a realistic trip to paradise. Surprisingly, there are many affordable methods in traveling stress-free, even when you’re not swimming in dollar dollar bills, y’all. For those of you that don’t already know, I gave up my full-time, corporate America job to be a stay-at-home mom. I work from home doing Marketing and Graphic Design. With my husband’s full-time income, we try to budget for one big vacation a year; it’s important for us to get away from time to time. Having a “family escape” to enjoy the fruits of our labor and, most importantly, enjoy time with each other is vital in strengthening our bonds with one another. Our trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai was hands down one of the best and memorable vacations we have ever done. We follow these tips and advice to aim to have a stress-free vacation by learning how to travel on a budget. Travel on a Budget: When Is the Best Time to Fly? Firstly, did you know that there are best days to fly? Flights tend to be more expensive during the weekends, due to more people being free to travel. Try and fly during the week, Tuesday through Friday if possible for a cheaper alternative to stay within budget. If you are planning on leaving the country, it’s important to know when is the best time to fly to your location. Depending on your final destination, there are busy seasons and off-peak seasons. Aim to plan your travel when it’s not the busiest season and during off-season. This allows you to find plane tickets within your budget. Research to see when peak season is and what the weather will be like, to see if it aligns with your vacation desires. For example, if you are aiming for beach weather, try for the end of summer. Prices are more inexpensive but still warm enough to have salty hair and sandy toes. You can visit your destination’s official website to discover more information on weather conditions and any events that you might find relevant in order to catch them on your vacation. Visit Family Members or Close Friends Overseas If you are fortunate enough to have family or friends in a location you’ve never been to before, go visit them! There are some places that are naturally cheaper than others to travel to, but if you have the advantage of crashing with the fam, then by all means go and enjoy! Knock out two birds with one stone by having family time as well as indulging in a new place. Our magical adventure in Abu Dhabi and Dubai would not have happened had we not been able to lodge with our loving and generous cousins overseas. They allowed us to stay in their guest room and eat and drink all their juice and snacks. The amount of money we saved simply by being able to live at their loving home was THOUSANDS for a two-week stay in the UAE. Talk about a stress-free, living-on-a-tight-budget answered prayer! Uncertain if you can stay with someone you know? Another route to traveling on a budget is to find housing for much cheaper than a hotel. Airbnb is a great alternative to a hotel, as it offers multiple variations of lodging and activities. I have personally used them multiple times. We book housing and activities for our whole family to stay. Some places are pet friendly, where I’ve been able to bring my German Shepherd dog, Leo, too. This helps me stay within budget by not having to spend money on dog boarding. Book Well in Advance to Travel on a Budget Booking in advance really helps you save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Not only do you get the best deals when booking so far ahead, but you get additional options or promotions that might not be available to you if you procrastinate. Take advantage of being able to pick which possibilities work best for your family and budget by planning months in advance. Although last minute deals can be a great surprise, often times booking ahead of time allows you to find cheaper transportation, activities, and accommodations all of which permits you to stay within your travel budget. Pack Light but Clever When it comes to packing, I suggest to pack light but clever. Most of the time, you won’t use everything you pack. Think of clothing items that have multi-purpose use that you can wear several times. Airlines charge extra if your suitcase is overweight or if you have too many bags to check. That’s why it’s important to pick a good travel bag to store all of your things conveniently. It’s important to look up your baggage allowance with your airline company so you know the weight and the luggage pieces allowed before you get to the airport. There is nothing more stressful than having to move items around and/or pay extra because you didn’t check the terms prior to boarding. Conversely, although you should pack light, it’s vital to still take everything you need so you are not wasting time or money trying to find something you forgot at home. Here are some ideas for simple things that you can take with you to save money later on: Ask Locals for Ideas on What to Do There are plenty of free experiences you can partake in, but you have to research and know the best spots. In my experience, asking locals for their opinion on what to do has been a great source of budget-friendly knowledge. Don’t be scared to meet new people and ask what local things are worth doing. There are plenty of art galleries and museums that are free, or charge a small entrance fee for visiting. Places like beaches, hiking trails, and city monuments tend to be free of charge as well, depending on where you visit. Find Reasonably-Priced Restaurants or Pack a Lunch! Most hostels, rooms for rent, Airbnb’s, and some hotel suites have access to a kitchen. By eating in, you can save money by stocking up on groceries and cooking at home. This option is so much cheaper than when going out for a night in the town and eating out. You can eat breakfast at home, then pack a lunch if you’re on a tight budget and go explore! However, if eating out is an important part of your vacation and experience, you can still eat well on a budget. I highly recommend checking out restaurants in advance. You can read google reviews, find an online menu, and even check out prices ahead of time to see if the new food spot falls within your dining-out budget. Again, ask locals where they like to eat for traditional food that doesn’t break the bank! Shop at Local Markets When traveling abroad, the well-known malls and plazas tend to come to mind or may be much easier to find. However, shopping at local markets or souks tends to be much cheaper. Not only can you find better prices, but you’re more likely to find homemade products where you can support locals and their small business. Asking for a deal if you buy in bulk is always a nice way to save a little money, but definitely recognize when a price is fair and worth their hard work and craftsmanship! Shopping locally allows you to have a closer experience with people who actually live where you vacation. A lot of small businesses are family owned. They are ecstatic to share their products with someone who appreciates their work. Local shopping allows you to feel good about saving money, but also support ethical, smaller entrepreneurs. In Conclusion To wrap it up, if you put a family vacation on hold because you can’t afford it, please know there are viable options that you can take to travel on a tight budget! Don’t procrastinate and find good deals in advance. Check different days for flights, seek lodging with friends or family, and shop local for a true, authentic experience. Please remember, it’s not the worse thing in the world if you end up using your credit card (within reason) to enjoy an amazing, lifetime experience. If you found this article helpful, sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our recent blog posts and be entered to win our giveaways.

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10 Ways How to Simplify Life and Be Happy

BearfruitBasics — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 01:12:44 +0000

The older I get, the more I realize that happiness comes from simplifying my life. If you’re reading this blog post, chances are you are looking to simplify your life as well. If you find yourself drowning in clutter, work, or personal commitments with no time for yourself, here are 10 ways how to simplify your life and regain your happiness: 1. Get Rid of Excess Clutter One of the first steps to living a simple life is getting rid of clutter. The more things you have and the more clutter around you, will just add unnecessary stress and hassle to your every-day routine. Learn to get rid of clutter in your home to be better organized and in control. An important thing to note is to not just get rid of what you already own, but stop bringing clutter into your household. I am guilty of buying things just because they are on sale even if I have nowhere to put it or no real use for it. I like to pay off my credit cards and then take them out of my wallet so I am not tempted to use them again for unnecessary purchases. I also have a strict budget where I try not to buy things I don’t need; Amazon is my downfall here! A great way to not hear about sales is to unsubscribe from any marketing emails or newsletters you may receive from stores or from nearby promotions. It’s tough, but it can be done! 2. Only Say Yes to Meaningful Obligations This one is complex, as a lot of us have obligations we must do even if we don’t feel like it. For example, we might have a work obligation or things with the family that we simply must attend. The trick to handling this one is to prioritize what you can handle, and learn to say no to anything else that is stretching you too thin. Does your boss need someone to work extra and asked you? If you can’t handle it, be honest about it. With much prayer and understanding, hopefully you have a boss that understands your situation, and someone else that can cover for you. Try to say “yes” to social events or family obligations that bring you joy. Part of having a simple life and learning to be happy is by doing things that are important to you. At the end of this life, all we truly have are our memories. 3. Take Time to Do Things You Enjoy I cannot stress this enough – you unquestionably need to set time apart for self-care. Simplify your life by having moments to do things you enjoy. Whether it be traveling, spa dates with your girlfriends, more time with your children, or hobbies you relish, take time out for yourself without feeling guilty about it. (Although this is easier said than done.) My biggest issue, especially as a mom, is not feeling selfish when I need a moment to myself. If you can try to remember this quote, “You can’t serve from an empty cup” it might help confirm your need for self-care. Simplify your life and find happiness by taking a breather for yourself in order to reset. Then you can give your best self to those around you. 4. Cut Out Toxic People Controversial topic here – but I’m a strong believer in cutting out toxic people from my life. As a Christian, I believe in forgiveness. There are many reasons why forgiveness is good for you and your health. But just because you forgive someone, doesn’t mean they get a free-pass back into your life. Sorry not sorry! Toxic people can be draining. They defy logic. Some people can be blissfully ignorant and unaware of the damage they do to you and your family. Dealing with toxic situations can expose you to massive stress. Studies show the long-term, everlasting, negative effects toxic people can have on your brain. This Harvard research proves toxic employees destroy culture in the workplace. It explains how feelings of danger and mistrust destroys organizations. It’s essential to reassess who is in your inner circle, and make sure you surround yourself with compassionate, kind, and encouraging people. The bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived, bad company ruins good morals.” 5. Clean Out Your Email Subscriptions Okay, maybe you’re not as OCD as I am, but I absolutely hate having hundreds of unread emails. Just seeing the notification on my phone makes my eye twitch. A way to simplify your life is to clean out your email subscriptions. Have you ever noticed how much time you waste going through emails? How much of that time is pure junk emails that aren’t relevant to you anymore? When you have a moment, go through your emails and hit that “unsubscribe” link to as many irrelevant emails as possible. Hopefully, unwanted spam, newsletters, and annoying email marketing won’t make it to your inbox. Only subscribe to things that will make you happy and provide value to your life, like our monthly Bearfruit Basics Newsletter. (See what I did there?) 6. Donate or Sell Clothes You No Longer Wear This advice of donating or selling your clothes is such a win-win. Not only do you get to clear out your closet and make room by de-cluttering, but someone less fortunate than you can get some neat clothes and up their fashion game. Too many possessions complicate our lives. They can be a financial burden to us. If you can, go a step further and see what else you have laying around that you can donate or sell. Decluttering your life will help simplify it by taking out the energy and attention you spend on keeping everything organized and in order. I love the KonMari Method of cleaning. She has amazing tips on how to only keep things that bring you joy. I highly recommend you check it out! 7. Keep Healthy Snacks at Your Desk Simplifying life also means evaluating your health. Take your daily vitamins and any subscription medicines you need to stay in optimal shape. Try to dedicate time to your health by making smart, nourishing choices when it comes to food. As a stay-at-home mom, I also work from home. I am guilty of snacking all day and, to be honest with you, I’m not the best at eating healthy foods. An easy tip is to stack your desk, purse, or pantry with healthy snacks. Healthy snacks will give you energy to get through your day. If you meal prep, this is a great way of keeping life simple. Your whole family will benefit from meals that are planned out. Meal prepping improves your nutrition, allows you to make healthier choices, saves money and time, and most importantly, decreases stress so you can be happy! I have a magnetic menu stuck to my fridge and, although I don’t prepare my meals in advance, I do prepare a weekly menu in advance. Then, I base my grocery shopping on what we will be eating every day. It helps keep me on track, and on budget. 8. Write To-do Lists This is one of my favorite ways to simplify life. I undeniably adore lists. Whether it be with a pencil and paper, on your computer, smartphone, or even a scribble on a napkin: to-do lists are the bomb and I’m going to tell you why. Not only does it help you stay organized, but it creates manageable goals so you don’t feel overwhelmed. You can take it a step further and delegate to people (kind reminder – it’s okay to ask for help). If you are a procrastinator (like me), you’ll be happy to know that to-do lists make you productive. To-do lists help you stay focused. It can be a stress reliever if you give yourself realistic deadlines and a doable timeframe of completion. Also, writing down your tasks ensure you won’t forget about it, therefore allowing you to relax more. So grab that notebook and make yourself a to-do list! 9. Use Fewer Words Remember the phrase, “Keep It Simple, Stupid”? (I’m sure you do). Challenge yourself to use fewer words: in your speech, in your email responses, etc. Learn to say what you mean by speaking plainly and honestly. The bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 5:2, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” But what does this mean, exactly? Here is another bible verse that might offer some clarity. In Matthew 12:36-37 it says: “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” You might have well-intentioned words, but aim to speak purposefully. Simplify your life by letting your yes be yes, and your no be no (Matthew 5:37). Another valuable quote I love is “No is a full sentence”. 10. Reduce Your Screen Time I am guilty of binge-watching episodes when I know I should be doing something way more productive. When you give your attention to movies, social media, television, or video games, this can affect your life more than you realize. Technology addiction is real, and although technology has some magnificent benefits, we can unfortunately develop an unhealthy attachment to it. As we know, comparison is the thief of joy, and comparing our lives to movie storylines and pictures on Facebook and Instagram is extremely dissatisfying. Due to influencer culture, we are becoming more disgruntled with our own lives. In order for us to protect our mental health online, we should establish healthy habits. Learn to disconnect by taking a break and detoxifying. You don’t have to completely quit, but limiting your screen time will be very rewarding for simplifying your life and learning to be happy. What are some ways you simplify your life? Challenge yourself to embrace simplicity and live a happier, more meaningful life. If you found this article helpful, sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our recent blog posts and be entered to win our giveaways.

The post 10 Ways How to Simplify Life and Be Happy appeared first on Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living.

10 Realistic Ways How To Deal With Mom Guilt

BearfruitBasics — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 22:11:25 +0000

Free Yourself From The Negativity of Mom Guilt. Having children is such a remarkable blessing in life. The flip side of the coin is wondering every minute of your day if you’re doing a good job. As a mom of three, my children bring me joy–yet equally cause an inexplicable amount of mom guilt. Experiencing mom guilt means we are full of compassion, empathy, and care for our babies. For those of us who have chosen the path of motherhood and have struggled with mom guilt, here are 10 ways to help you overcome it. 1. With Mom Guilt, Know Your Feelings Are Temporary Sometimes when we are in the moment of experiencing mom guilt, we can feel like there is no end to our negative emotions. Mom guilt can be triggered by many different reasons: outside pressures of other people’s opinions, social media’s unrealistic expectations of what motherhood should look like, or even our own insecurities. It’s important to remember that your feelings of mom guilt are only temporary. Give yourself a break, and some grace. The reason you are feeling mom guilt to begin with is because it comes from a place of love for your child. We worry ourselves sick hoping the best for our children. I remember feeling mom guilt every time I had to leave my baby to go back to work and STILL feeling mom guilt years later on their first days of school. To be honest with you, maybe mom guilt is a feeling that I will forever have. But I can conclude that it’s a temporary feeling of me questioning if I am doing the best that I can. The next time you feel mom guilt rearing its ugly head, take a deep breath and interrupt that pattern of thinking with reminding yourself that it is only temporary. 2. Don’t Compare Yourself to Other Moms One of my best friends reminds me constantly that “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I’m not going to lie, sometimes I’m scrolling through my Instagram feed and see what I would consider to be “The Perfect Mom.” She stays at home, has a clean house, bakes with her adorable children, has energy to work out, and always looks fabulous in her hair and makeup. I glance at myself in my bedroom mirror and see my reflection is still in pajamas at four in the afternoon. The person glaring back at me hasn’t washed her hair in days, has bags under her eyes, and is probably having popcorn for dinner. Sometimes, the best remedy for mom guilt is to simply just give yourself a break. It’s completely acceptable to remove yourself from situations that make you feel guilty. You are allowed to say “No” to things you can not handle at the moment–especially if it’s going to end up in resentment. Unfollow the people on social media that trigger you. Protect your mental health when you are online. Try not to waste your precious energy on other people’s lives, that will just harbor resentment. And most importantly, give yourself grace. 3. Practice Self-Affirmations When You Feel Mom Guilt The first time I told myself self-affirmations, I felt downright ridiculous. A grown woman saying, “You are beautiful, you are worthy, you deserve happiness and peace,” should have made me feel powerful, but instead it made me feel a bit silly. Something that really helped me believe in what I was saying was putting God’s promises behind each affirmation. I know I am worthy because Jesus said I am. Matthew 6:26 reminds us that “We are more valuable than the birds in the air.” Zephaniah 3:17 says “The Lord your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Remembering who we are through Christ’s eyes, and not listening to the lies of this world is key to believing your self-affirmation. 4. Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations I wanted the perfect marriage, the warm, homey kitchen, the living roomfurniture that was HGTV worthy, the home-cooked meal every day, and much more.I had so many expectations of who I should be and what I should be doing as awife and mother. But sometimes the best thing to say is, “Oh F*** it!” or the expletive of your choice. 😂 Who cares if the dishes go undone one night? Or if the laundry skips a dayor two. Something that I’ve learned to do as of late is letting go of unrealisticexpectations. It’s not realistic to have a perfect marriage. Neither is it realistic to have a clean house 24/7. Nor is it realistic to be optimistic and positive all the dang time! Setting realistic expectations for yourself will allow you to keep the mom guilt at bay by disqualifying the idealistic outlook of what your life should look like. Remember that perfection is not real. 5. Spend Some Quality Time With Your Child When mom guilt comes to us as a result of certain behaviors we do, we can correct our negative feelings by getting back in balance. If I told you I haven’t laid in bed and binge-watched Netflix for days, I would be on the next episode of Maury listening to him say “The lie detector determined…that was a lie.” Occasionally, I will coop myself up in my room for my own well-being. My best part of the day is when the lazy dog is laying down lazily, the house is quiet, and my slumbering kids are snoring in their bedrooms. Another chaotic day put to rest so we can all regain energy for the madness of tomorrow. It’s important to squeeze in some quality time with your child in the midst of it all. Remember, quality trumps quantity. If you are a working mother, some ideas are to include them in dinner preparation, watching an episode of their favorite show together, playing a game outdoors, or building with Lego. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you balance your work and family life. 6. Trust Your Gut With Finding The Root of Mom Guilt A mother’s intuition is real, and you should trust it! This article from Parent.com explains how emotions can play a key-role when it comes to decision making. For a new mother, children become their top priority: “The rise and fall of gestational hormones over the course of her pregnancy, along with the surge of oxytocin during labor and birth, prime mothers for responsiveness,” says Dr. Hrdy. “A new mother’s top priority is often to make sure her baby is safe, and she will have a low threshold for sensing anything amiss.” Although trusting your gut can be the way to go, make sure you make decisions out of a place of calmness and not operating out of fear or anxiety. Combining intuition and knowledge is a powerful tool. Ask yourself what is the root of your mom guilt–and answer truthfully. Many moms feel mom guilt for different reasons, and in order to get “over it” we must understand where the guilt is coming from and tackle it head on. Time alone with Jesus does wonders for the soul. I like to pray and read my bible for reassuring guidance to see if what my gut is telling me is really the holy spirit. Proverbs 31 is a wonderful reminder of beautiful attributes of an ideal mother. 7. Pursue Your Own Goals Mom guilt can often come around when we feel “selfish.” When your outside circle unintentionally pressures you into staying home with your kids, (even if you have other goals), we may feel mom guilt. Women all over the world have had to work twice as hard to prove that they can be both a professional and a mother at the same time. If you are ready to go back to work after having a baby or think you are ready once the kids are old enough to be in school, there is good news: kids actually benefit from having a working mom! This article from Harvard states the results of a study on working moms: “Women whose moms worked outside the home are more likely to have jobs themselves, are more likely to hold supervisory responsibility at those jobs, and earn higher wages than women whose mothers stayed home full time…” Kids are much more resilient and braver than what we give them credit for. Children want their moms to be happy, and the best version of yourself is the best mom you can give them. 8. Don’t Be Scared to Ask For Help When You Need It Mom guilt happens when sometimes we expect too much of ourselves. We need to remember to ask for help when it’s needed. This tip is easier said than done, because there are instances when we feel like we can handle it all, or we fall victim to the belief that we must be “superwoman” and handle it all ourselves. Your closest friends and family members are often willing to help you if you let them know you’re struggling or in need of some assistance. What some people may consider “small” or “no big deal” actually means the world to a mom in need. Let others know how they can help you. Asking for help can come in many different forms, such as: Asking for help can be a great way to get you out of “mom guilt ” when you realize you don’t have to do it all by yourself. 9. Surround Yourself With a Positive Support System When mom guilt sinks in, it tends to be when you are alone or cooped up in the house. One of the best ways to get over mom guilt is to surround yourself with a positive support system. It’s important to be reminded of how special you are, and a positive support system around you can validate your feelings and help you get out of your funk. 10. Talk To a Professional to Help With Mom Guilt When mom guilt seems to be weighing you down more than usual, and the usual pick-me-ups aren’t helping you shake the regular ups-and-downs of motherhood, it might be time to talk to a professional. If you are experiencing intense irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite, or difficulty bonding with your baby, it could be something more serious such as postpartum depression. Tell your doctor your symptoms, be honest, and don’t feel embarrassed or shame. Getting professional help is one step closer to getting back to your regular self and embracing this new role. The Takeaway Remember, it’s completely normal to fell the baby blues right after childbirth due to the sudden change in hormones. In addition to the tips stated above, get as much sleep as you can, ask for help when needed, and eat right and take care of your body. If symptoms become severe, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a healthcare professional. If you found this article helpful, sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our recent blog posts and be entered to win our giveaways.

The post 10 Realistic Ways How To Deal With Mom Guilt appeared first on Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living.

7 Quick and Easy Breakfast Recipes With Simple Ingredients

BearfruitBasics — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 02:43:54 +0000

Easy Breakfast Recipes with Simple Ingredients Every time I look up a new recipe, I want to know two things: Do I have all the ingredients in my kitchen already? And how long does it take to prepare? Bonus points if the recipe is easy enough to remember by memory 🙂 If you are looking for quick, easy breakfast recipes, then this post is for you! When it comes to making breakfast, most of the time my kids are up before I am. I’m not making excuses, but I will say the reason I am not a morning person is because I am a night owl that doesn’t drink coffee. (I know, I know, who’s heard of a Puerto Rican that doesn’t drink coffee?) Not to mention my late night, TV-show binge watching doesn’t help me out either. 🙃 Although I love to eat out whenever we can, being budget conscious makes me want to be more venturesome in the kitchen. As a mama, one of the ways I like to show love to my family is by giving them healthy things to eat (well- healthy for the most part) that I cook out of love. So if you are looking for easy breakfast recipes with simple ingredients that take a short time to prepare, this is for you! Easy Breakfast Recipe #1 Grilled Cheese with a Twist Ingredients First, butter one slice of bread, then add cheese and turkey. Finally place some tomato slices and complete your sandwich with the other slice of bread. You can swap out any of the ingredients to your liking of course. Put the entire sandwich into your toaster oven and toast until golden, (or use your frying pan or griller.) Easy Breakfast Recipe #2 Tropical Smoothie Ingredients This recipe makes one serving (about 12 oz), but you can double up on the recipe to create more smoothies for the rest of the fam! Add 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of frozen fruit to your blender and whip it all up until fruit chunks turn into a smooth consistency. If the smoothie is a meal replacement, you can add your choice of protein powder. Feel free to swap out the vanilla almond milk for regular almond milk for less calories (or whatever milk you prefer to drink). Sometimes when I want more of a “slushie” taste, instead of a milk base, I go for Juice. You can also try a juice base such as orange, apple, or pineapple, depending on what taste you are aiming for. There is no need to add extra sugar into the smoothie, fruits come naturally packed with sugar. Since I use frozen fruit, I don’t need to use cubed ice 🙂 I use an unsweetened “Tropical Blend” for the fruit, which includes mangoes, pineapple, strawberries, and papaya. Another fruit mix favorite of mine is a “Berry Blend” which has strawberries, cherries, and blueberries. Easy Breakfast Recipe #3 Homemade Vanilla Pancakes Ingredients Pancakes from scratch are a favorite in our household. This is my mother’s recipe which is super easy for me to remember because it’s a pattern of either “twos” or “ones” (the only thing that breaks the pattern is the salt since you only need a half of a teaspoon). Firstly, mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl: flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Next, in a separate bowl mix together the wet ingredients: milk, vanilla extract and eggs. Then pour the wet bowl into the dry one to combine the two. I like to fry my pancake batter in a pan with a bit of melted butter but you can also use oil if you prefer. Easy Breakfast Recipe #4 Yoghurt with Fruit Ingredients Another easy breakfast dish is yoghurt with fruit. You can use your choice of yoghurt: plain, vanilla, non-fat, greek, etc. My personal favorite fruits for yoghurt are pineapple and strawberries, but again- use whatever you prefer! Sprinkle the top with granola and Voilà! Here is an in-depth post I found that gives more options on yoghurt recipes. Easy Breakfast Recipe #5 Egg Omelette Ingredients Start by whipping the eggs together until completely blended. Season with salt and pepper. Melt the butter over medium heat then pour the egg in your pan or skillet. Make sure the bottom is set before you add your fillings. When I make an omelette, I like to use spinach, grape tomatoes, diced red onion, and shredded cheese. Another super simple easy breakfast recipe idea that cooks up in less than 5 minutes! Easy Breakfast Recipe #6 Avocado Toast Ingredients I think what really makes this recipe pop is the type of bread you decide to go with. This article goes into great detail about the seven healthiest breads you can eat. Among them listed are: whole grain, sourdough, and 100% whole wheat. Once you’ve selected some healthy bread, toast your slices until they are golden brown. Now it’s time to get the avocado spread ready while you wait for the bread to finish toasting. Ensure that your avocado is ripe. Slice open your avocado and remove the seed. You can peel the skin off or scoop the avocado out into a bowl. Mash it up with a fork and use this spread on top of you toast. Sprinkle with salt. (I like to use Everything Bagel Seasoning.) If you are feeling adventurous, you can add more toppings to your liking! Easy Breakfast Recipe #7 Oatmeal with Fruits Ingredients Oatmeal is a great option for an easy breakfast recipe since you can customize it to your liking. Oatmeal can cook in as little as 2 minutes. It’s the perfect warm, filling, before-school breakfast that is healthy and quick before dashing out the door to take the kids to school or to their school bus. All you need is some instant oatmeal and fruits. Follow the instructions to cook the oatmeal. For the most part, all you need is boiling water. The fruits you use can be dried fruit, fresh fruits, nuts, etc. If you like to spice things up (pun intended), you can use cinnamon, vanilla extract, or nutmeg, among anything else you prefer. And that’s it! Seven easy breakfast ideas with super simple ingredients. What are some of your favorite easy breakfast recipes? Let me know what I am missing out on! Stay connected with Bearfruit Basics by following us on instagram and signing up for our newsletter!

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