Alternative Gift Ideas

 

One of my love languages is receiving gifts however I like very little clutter in my house (if I could only get my son and husband on board), some of my favorite gifts to receive are those that aren't physical items. Then there is my other problem... I love to pick out items that could be great gifts but despite all efforts some people are just that hard to buy for and you have no idea what they'd like. Take my book loving mom for example, I know she loves to read but I don't know what book to buy her in fear of that its a genre she doesn't like or one she has already read. Then there are times you don’t know the right size, or shipping costs or delays just make it make more sense to get a non-physical item.

So read on for my best ideas for gifts that don't need wrapping. 

From Chaotic to Organized

Do you have a chaotic family calendar? Do you wonder what to have for dinner? Lose shopping lists? Me too. I have tried so many things to keep up with all things on my calendar, my husbands, and my son's. for the better part of 5 years we have had some sort of dry erase or wall calendar, and for the most part it worked. Until someone didn't check the calendar before making other plans.

We Bought a House

 

If you don't follow me on Instagram, or Facebook, you may not know but there were lots of moving pieces to make this dream a reality.

Easy Elf On The Shelf Ideas

 It's that time of year yet again. Elves are coming! 

    Ok but seriously I regret starting this tradition at times, and then there are times I'm glad I did. The smile on my kids face and the joy that this little creepy doll brings is worth it. When I was first introduced to this guy my kid calls "Snowball" I searched pinterest for all the ideas only to become very overwhelmed. This tradition was started with good intentions however I found myself exhausted trying to do all the crazy elf antics. There were days that I would jolt awake in the morning as I heard QD stirring in his room and would have to rush to go move the dang thing or risk losing the magic.  

    Over the years I learned that I was not "That Mom" I didn't have the energy to make elaborate scenes for Snowball, and frankly I don't like the mess that comes with some of the ideas out there. I still have to live in my house without touching the elf. I figured out that I could keep things simple and toss in a few bigger events without having the magic ruined. 

Holiday Gift Guides

It's that time of year again where we start to get gifts for the people in our lives. Who are you buying for?

Hiya! Happy Shopping err I mean Happy Holidays! I finally finished my holiday gift guides, with ideas for anyone on your lists. Most of you are probably like me and wait until about now to start buying gifts, unlike my Mom who will see gifts ideas throughout the year buy them and put in the "gift tote". I tell my husband every year that I'm going to do the same and every year here we are mid November figuring out gifts. 

No matter who you are shopping for this year I have you covered with ideas. I’ve rounded up some of the coolest things I could find. These are items I’d personally buy for myself, or gifts I would happily buy for others. I even gathered help from my son for ideas. 

When you shop with me through these links I get a very tiny affiliate commission, there is no extra charge for you, and it means the world to me when you do choose to shop things I’ve shared, or even just click a link. 

Easy Crockpot Dinner

This is one of my go to easy meals. You really can't go wrong. 

This can be made before you leave for work just cook on low for 7-8 hours. When I was in the Navy I would start this before I left for work and when I got home around 4 I would kick it down to keep warm until it was time to eat. If you are pressed for time, forgot to turn it on, you can always cook on high for 3-4 mins. 

My husband and son love this meal and I'm a happy mom because my son is eating vegetables and getting protein. 

You really can't go wrong, I keep it to about 3-4 vegetables and a pound of meat. 

Don't have a slow cooker? Want to use your instant pot? Go ahead! Last Fall we tried it in the instant pot, just followed the directions for stew. 

@purechelseab

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♬ original sound - Chelsea

Dresser Makeover

I have always loved taking something old and making it new. As you walk around my house you'll find treasures from decades past, that I have given a new life too.

This weekend I took an old wood dresser that I snagged up from Facebook marketplace and turned it into something new for my son's closet - closet update coming soon.