With Christmas quickly approaching I wanted to share some last minute gift ideas that are more sentimental or thoughtful. These could also be used for other special occasions such as Mother’s/Father’s Day, Valentines, birthday, anniversary, etc. Below are my top five!

I would love to know any gifts you have given or received that meant a lot to you!

1.Family Recipes

We have started a family recipe book with not only our favorite recipes, but also our staples during childhood and growing up. Typing or writing up some of your favorite recipes would be an amazing gift to give someone that can be kept forever! You can be as creative or simple as you want to be when gifting it.

You can check out our current book here: Recipe Book

2.Photo Albums

Creating a photo album is always a nice gesture for a family member. We have gifted wedding books, and travel books to both families (can also create with grandkids). It is so nice to be able to have your memories in one place and look back on it from time to time. You can spend as much or as little with these!

3.Family Ornament

Customizing an ornament is always a nice and thoughtful gift. It could be for any year a family grows (wedding, baby) or an ornament for another special occasion (purchasing a home). I love having sentimental ornaments on our tree and displaying special memories or years. Below is an example of ornaments we have gifted or family!

4.Special Jewlery

I have received a couple of special jewelry pieces that I absolutely love with my son’s initial and my wedding date. You can personalize/customize it to that person as well as find multiple price points. It can be an initial, birthstone, or date!

5.I Owe You

Gifting someone an “I Owe You” can go a long way if they are needing a personal day, date night or help with a specific project. Offering your time is so meaningful when we are all so busy!

Do you like giving or receiving sentimental gifts?

Blessings,

Jac

Last Minute Gifts For Her (Under $25)

Last Minute Gifts For Him (Under $25)

Stocking Stuffers

Awhile back I shared some tips when traveling with a toddler by car. You can check those out here: Toddler Travel Tips: Car. Today I wanted to follow up with more road trip hacks, since that is the only type of travel we have done this year. My son and I have definitely gotten our little routine down, which is extremely helpful!

I would love to know anything that works well for your family!

1.Find Sweet Spot Time

I have played around with leaving at different times to try and have my son nap at some point in the car since we are far from both sets of parents (and friends). I used to leave mid morning before his nap, however I have now found that if I leave early morning he will sleep while it is still dark outside. It has been so nice to have that quiet time until we stop for breakfast. Finding the perfect time for your kids or family is such a game changer!

2.Plan Stops

With our son being potty trained, we have had to be more mindful about stopping to use the restroom. I have a designated half way spot that we go to when traveling to my parents or my in laws. Designating stops also allows them to know when they get to stretch, potty, and eat. I also really like knowing where I will be stopping with Covid going on this year.

3.Purchase New Toys For Activity Bag

In my last post, I mentioned having a designated bag of toys/books/activities that are easily accessible during a trip. I have realized that purchasing a couple of new items for a trip can be extremely exciting and entertaining. It can anything from a water wow, to a coloring book, to a new vehicle. It helps them pass the time since it is something new for them to experience.

4.Snacks For New Place

In my last post, I mentioned having a snack/food bag for the car. Brining and planning snacks for the actual destination can also be helpful. It is nice to have familiar snack items to eat if your child wakes up early or is hungry in between meals. I also like packing things for myself as well!

5.Laundry Bag/Pods

I bring a small bag that I collect our dirty clothes in with every road trip. I like having things separated and together when it is time to wash. If we are going to be somewhere longer than a few nights, I bring our own laundry pods to do a load while we are there.

Who is traveling for the holidays? I hope everyone stays healthy and safe!

Blessings,

Jac

With 2020 slowly coming to an end, I have began to think about this upcoming year and what I want to accomplish or see in my personal life. I know realistically it may not feel “normal” for the first few months, or even half of the year so I am definitely keeping that aspect in mind. However, I do feel like it is so important to set goals for yourself and create a long term vision. I love creating a vision board and goals at the end of each year. You can check out my tips with creating a vision board here: Vision Boards and my tips for goal setting here: Goal Setting: Top 5 Tips.

This year I wanted to share what categories I am creating a vision and goals for. I like having the constant reminder of what I am working and striving for because it keeps the big picture in mind. Who else loves doing this before the new year starts?

Vision Board 2021 Categories

1.Finances- savings/investment goals (specific numbers)

2.Car – paid off (specific amount and upgrade)

3.Spiritual- growth & involvement with a community

4.Family- grow & prioritize wife/motherhood

5. Travel- husband, family, and friends (at least 1 trip with each)

6.Read- specific number of books per month/year

7.Business- specific stats/numbers

8.Health- routines/consistency/ knowledge (could be a specific number)

9.Mindset – consistent prayer, gratitude

10.Routines- morning, evening, baby

11.Personal Growth

12.Home- specific projects/items

Goal 2021 Categories

1.Time- how I spend

2.Faith

3.Roles- wife, mom, friend, disciple

4.Business

5.Mindset

6.Holisitic Health

7.Routines

What are some things you are working toward this upcoming year? I would love to know!

Blessings,

Jac