tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71272268254587030272024-03-29T00:46:19.453-07:00ShambrayLive a Happy LifeShambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.comBlogger405125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-46948248909864411132021-01-12T09:20:00.000-08:002021-01-12T09:20:08.972-08:008 Great Parenting Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLgsr4bAs-s/X_yv8gVvwrI/AAAAAAAAJvI/wMWfk3HTglo97meOdDns5QOfPt4jUEXgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Header%2B8%2BGreat%2BParenting%2BBooks%2B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="8 Great Parenting Books" border="0" data-original-height="1113" data-original-width="2048" height="348" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLgsr4bAs-s/X_yv8gVvwrI/AAAAAAAAJvI/wMWfk3HTglo97meOdDns5QOfPt4jUEXgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h348/Header%2B8%2BGreat%2BParenting%2BBooks%2B.jpg" title="Books full of advice for parents" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Are you looking for some great parenting books? </span><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Books that will help with discipline. Books with parenting/mom tips and hacks. Books full of parenting advice for both working and stay at home parents. Books about positive parenting that also share great family activities. I put together a great list for you. </span></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><span style="font-size: medium;">I want you to ask yourself these questions:</span></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>1. Are your kids in a new stage that you don't know how to navigate? </span></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>2. Are you looking for small ways to connect with your child? </span></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>3. Do you have a child that struggles with anger or maybe anxiety? </span></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>4. Are you wondering how in the world you are going to get your kids to get along? </span></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>5. Are screens slowly taking over your household? </span></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>6. Do you just want your kids to listen, really listen? </span></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>7. Do you want to make sure your kids love reading? </span></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you answered yes to one or more of these questions then look below at my list of fantastic parenting books. Some of them might not be for you so read the description and you can pick up which ones speak to you.<b> I also almost NEVER say to buy a book without reading it first, but these books are different. These books are books you will turn to all the time. They are books that you will want to mark up and write down notes. </b>Like I said before you might not need each of them for you or your family, but if it will help you then make sure to use them. That is what they are for! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></i></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><b><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">These links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these books and commission would never sway me to recommend something I do not love.</i></b></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3bv0TwQ" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="8 Great Parenting Books" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JiY7nbxvncg/X_yrKTlkkTI/AAAAAAAAJuI/t9vkJ2jQa58YK9zSZ9OpF6fHtwo6yXw6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w213-h320/Becoming%2Ba%2BPresent%2BParent.jpg" title="Becoming a present parent" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3bv0TwQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Becoming a Present Parent</a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>By: Mary Ann Johnson</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This book might be my new favorite. It is the most recent parenting books I read. I absolutely love the way Mary Ann Johnson gives attainable realistic ways to connect with your child. I don't really like the work "hack" because it seems like a short cut and I don't like thinking about taking parenting short cuts, but in a way this book is FULL of parenting or mom "hacks". They are quick ways to connect with your child. I absolutely love this book and can't recommend it enough. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3sb3qm1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="8 Great Parenting Books" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tpDt2Vls64/X_yrKca8VWI/AAAAAAAAJuA/HYd2YlK6q7YskEnQch0Se4lEhwGiedFcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w212-h320/Generation%2BStressed.jpg" title="Generation Stressed" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3sb3qm1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Generation Stressed</a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>By: Michele Kambolis</b></div>If you have a child that is easily overwhelmed, stressed a lot, or typically anxious then this is a book you NEED in your home. We strive to do one or two of the activities in this book a day. It helps ground my children, especially Hannelore (my oldest) who deals with some intense anxiety. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/39oSV5M" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="8 Great Parenting Books" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1792" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y-_BZQpRpA/X_yrKRTSbpI/AAAAAAAAJuE/l4V8o1R-O24ipBLA2Cirbki2YQP2KL_6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w280-h320/How%2Bto%2BRaise%2Ba%2BReader.jpg" title="How to Raise a Reader" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amzn.to/39oSV5M" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Raise a Reader</a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>By Pamela Paul & Maria Russo</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I LOVE to read. Part of being a mom for me is teaching my girls how to love reading as well. This book has fantastic reading lists to make your way through. There are so many reading lists depending on age and topic. Then there is great advice on how to help children love reading for different stages of life. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2LeOtPe" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="8 Great Parenting Books" border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVZzc_LgM6Y/X_yrKnC-GzI/AAAAAAAAJuM/b96I4eqbHvQJDXsLHgeX3e6JfbW9yhsqACLcBGAsYHQ/w209-h320/How%2Bto%2BTalk%2Bso%2BKids%2BWill%2BListen.jpg" title="How to Talk so Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" width="209" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2LeOtPe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk</a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>By: Adele Faber & Elaine Maxlish</b></div>I have wrote a whole blog post on this book alone. It is a must have for everyone's library. Honestly, I have used some of the techniques found in this book on my husband. "Communication is key", right? So why not get some great basics down. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/35tQOwm" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="8 Great Parenting Books" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_T9fwMkBlI/X_yrLbR_mVI/AAAAAAAAJuU/tdBB1SA5_R0HbZB3EsB-16o1xJQurZhwwCLcBGAsYHQ/w213-h320/Reset%2Byour%2Bchild%2527s%2Bbrain.jpg" title="Reset Your Child's Brain" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/35tQOwm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Reset Your Child's Brain</a></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>By: Victoria L. Dunckley</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You guys! I cannot recommend this book enough. I can promise you. Promise with every fiber of my being that if you try to do the things found in this book that you will see an INCREDIBLE change in your kids. If you have a child that is melting down more than normal, an anxious child, a child with any "issues" psychologically then this book is a must. Honestly, I think everyone should try it. At least once. Is it easy? NO, but I can't tell you how worth it it will be. SO WORTH IT! There are so many studies in this book done on all types of families. Families with ADHD children. Families with mood disorders. Families with autistic children. Families that just want to reset and stop being so consumed with the world and technology. I promise this is such a great book. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2K671R5" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="8 Great Parenting Books" border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="893" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqpJ-7hvtag/X_yrL-EZgeI/AAAAAAAAJuY/K6nC445Xsjs7KMFDbAZZWWltRAXLKPR1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w210-h320/The%2BExplosive%2BChild.jpg" title="The Explosive Child" width="210" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2K671R5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Explosive Child</a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>By: Ross W. Greene</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The title of this book tells it all. My oldest daughter struggles with some pretty severe anxiety. This causes her to be explosive at times. Thankfully it is getting better as she gets older, but it is also getting better because of some amazing conversation techniques found in this book. It is a different approach to parenting. It is more cooperative and I love it. I have friends that have autistic children who have used this book and seen amazing results. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2LowLIP" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="8 Great Parenting Books" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1368" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uy2EEf3aKYo/X_yrQ1ulevI/AAAAAAAAJuc/U061dP6Hqu8ZQhcacLu8HjFndL_0iqG_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w214-h320/The%2BMe%252C%2BMe%252C%2BMe%2BEpidemic.jpg" title="The "Me, Me, Me" Epidemic" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2LowLIP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The "Me, Me, Me" Epidemic</a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>By: Amy McCready</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I turn to this book ALL. OF. THE. TIME! I absolutely LOVE this book. This one might be my favorite. Honestly, it is one of the top 3 parenting books in my opinion. At least of all the books I have read. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3ifu2xH" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="8 Great Parenting Books" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qN4Y6N50RiQ/X_yrYjfUxtI/AAAAAAAAJug/XSqMP1xdG_gunKAhxBWkFKiD8hWYa3oQACLcBGAsYHQ/w213-h320/Peaceful%2BParent%252C%2BHappy%2BSiblings.jpg" title="Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3ifu2xH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings</a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>By: Dr. Laura Markham</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you follow me on Instagram then the parenting topics that I am currently talking about all stem from this book. There are so many fantastic resources in this book. I really do hope to raise friends for life. My girls will need each other in this crazy world and I am so grateful for this book to help guide me. Sometimes siblings get along great, but mine are polar opposites and with my oldest having anxiety sometimes that is hard, but things are looking up and I thank this book in part for that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Parenting books that are on my "To-Read" list</span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://amzn.to/35A5Twn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://amzn.to/2K8YlJJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">If I Have to Tell You One More Time... by Amy McCready</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://amzn.to/3skm9eU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Collapse of Parenting by Leonard Sax</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://amzn.to/3i7vjXj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://amzn.to/3qeeSLL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Gurdon</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Twub6_CYnH0/X_yrlUPsZAI/AAAAAAAAJu4/xFEuA-8_I4YZTfJ5w-l9G--QUXo-TtAkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Pinterest%2B8%2BGreat%2BParenting%2BBooks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="8 Great Parenting Books" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Twub6_CYnH0/X_yrlUPsZAI/AAAAAAAAJu4/xFEuA-8_I4YZTfJ5w-l9G--QUXo-TtAkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Pinterest%2B8%2BGreat%2BParenting%2BBooks.jpg" title="Great parenting books about positive parenting full of advice, hacks, tips, and activities" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-1894383476282181272020-01-27T09:54:00.000-08:002020-01-27T09:54:10.934-08:0012 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apTJjyvDMlw/Xi8bPK3itRI/AAAAAAAAJd0/YjYI65jYEjcojvw9XUfp3XU3Ek60pHbdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Valentine%2527s%2BDay%2BShirts%2BFacebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 tips to help you become comfortable with DIYing shirts using iron on vinyl." border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apTJjyvDMlw/Xi8bPK3itRI/AAAAAAAAJd0/YjYI65jYEjcojvw9XUfp3XU3Ek60pHbdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Valentine%2527s%2BDay%2BShirts%2BFacebook.jpg" title="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" width="640" /></a></div>
I haven't made a shirt with iron on vinyl in YEARS! AND when I did I didn't design it and cut it out myself. However, I set a goal that I was going to do it. Guess what?! I did it and honestly it was SO SIMPLE!<br />
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<b>I DIYed Valentines Day shirts for me and my girls using the Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut EasyPress, and Cricut's Everyday Iron On and Patterned Iron On. </b> I am thrilled with how they turned out and I want to share some tips that I learned.<br />
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First off, I am going to share these files with you so you can make these exact shirts if you wanted too. However, if you feel like you want to try to design something yourself then jump into Cricut design space and start designing. There are so many things you can do!<br />
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<a href="https://design.cricut.com/#/landing/project-detail/5e288f082de1e40699274f7a" target="_blank"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljVKf06U13k/Xi0WTlGeBUI/AAAAAAAAJbc/F0lfr8c555k078jt7bOOr94JjzTKK1orACEwYBhgL/s200/Cricut%2BUnicorn%2BValentines%2BDay%2BShirt.jpg" title="Unicorn Valentines Day Shirt" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/5e288f082de1e40699274f7a" target="_blank">Unicorn Valentines Day Shirt</a></div>
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<a href="https://design.cricut.com/#/landing/project-detail/5e2d15b7b9d98f06a1e66b06" target="_blank"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFKUQLMxT9A/Xi0WTbgST4I/AAAAAAAAJbU/oUWZHcGa0Y8z31XNHj546VwZbEqMCkdTgCEwYBhgL/s200/Cricut%2BHeart%2BBalloons%2BShirt.jpg" title="Heart Balloon Valentine's Day Shirt" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/5e2d15b7b9d98f06a1e66b06" target="_blank">Heart Balloon Valentines Day Shirt</a></div>
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<a href="https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/5e2d1635c980c506a4597098" target="_blank"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="154" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9g9zR5RnQs/Xi0WToke-wI/AAAAAAAAJbY/Kje1Wh7zMVoxf6A7ME6Lqgf_0jsMrTAVwCEwYBhgL/s200/Plaid%2BValentines%2BDay%2BShirt.jpg" title="Plaid Heart Valentines Day Shirt" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/5e2d1635c980c506a4597098" target="_blank">Plaid Valentines Day Shirt</a></div>
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One thing I want to mention is you might want to watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBlg75hgSZU" target="_blank">this tutorial on how to use HTV Iron On for the first time.</a> It isn't the shortest video (I really try to make them short, but I feel like if you have NEVER done HTV then this is the least you can do to make sure you know the ins and the outs.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q7Mcl2KJNg/Xi4NA1XjXtI/AAAAAAAAJdc/-2zNCKQ_eEkAcYm-EhyuBC3nBYdfjQLygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Valentine%2527s%2BDay%2BDIY%2BShirts%2BPinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 tips to help you become comfortable with DIYing shirts using iron on vinyl." border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q7Mcl2KJNg/Xi4NA1XjXtI/AAAAAAAAJdc/-2zNCKQ_eEkAcYm-EhyuBC3nBYdfjQLygCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Valentine%2527s%2BDay%2BDIY%2BShirts%2BPinterest.jpg" title="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" width="426" /></a></div>
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Next, I want to share with you 12 tips to help make Iron On vinyl easier. These are things I have learned along the way.<br />
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<br />
1. My number one tip is to let the vinyl cool for a bit. If it is a warm peel (next tip will explain this) then make sure to let it cool a bit before trying to peel off the "backing". I made this mistake and luckily I was able to save it but it could have been a disaster! I say to let it cool for 20 seconds.<br />
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2. When you buy the EasyPress 2 you will get a booklet in the box that gives a website to help guide you when it comes to deciding what temperature to set the EasyPress on and also how long to set the timer for. It will also tell you if you should peel it when its warm or cool. It is very interactive. You get to choose what kind vinyl are you using as well as what type of material you are adhering it to. <a href="https://cricut.com/en_us/heatguide" target="_blank">You can pull up that website here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OclK2oL-Ke0/Xi4HN-x-adI/AAAAAAAAJcw/Av5U70byxyIjo1joksfG9MSS5h2ptmPIACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Heat%2BSettings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OclK2oL-Ke0/Xi4HN-x-adI/AAAAAAAAJcw/Av5U70byxyIjo1joksfG9MSS5h2ptmPIACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Heat%2BSettings.jpg" title="Heat Guidelines for EasyPress2" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. For an easy way to know what size to make your designs refer to these guidelines:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Adult:Around 11x11</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fitted adult: 9x9</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Youth: 7x7</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Toddler: 5x5</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Onesie: 3x3</div>
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4. When you get ready to cut out the vinyl the program lets you know that it needs to be mirrored and which side to lay down on the mat. So just make sure to pay attention and you will get all the guidance that you need. (For example, the way I am laying down the vinyl in the picture below is wrong, but thankfully the program corrected me and I fixed it which is the second picture.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xb2yVHM-UlA/Xi4BgpVAjjI/AAAAAAAAJbs/SDpKtJToAck_RV8YfawlN2mmu1mYz3mHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Shiny%2BSide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xb2yVHM-UlA/Xi4BgpVAjjI/AAAAAAAAJbs/SDpKtJToAck_RV8YfawlN2mmu1mYz3mHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Shiny%2BSide.jpg" title="Setting iron on vinyl the wrong way on the mat" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DjeJD7TxHM/Xi4CumX2ISI/AAAAAAAAJb8/rcyg6hE_nrUu5RgyJGHn8g6AMhEwjyU4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Not%2BShiny%2BSide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DjeJD7TxHM/Xi4CumX2ISI/AAAAAAAAJb8/rcyg6hE_nrUu5RgyJGHn8g6AMhEwjyU4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Not%2BShiny%2BSide.jpg" title="Setting down iron on vinyl the right way on the mat" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. To make it easier to find the center of the shirt then fold the shirt in half (pictured below) and run the EasyPress over it to create a crease. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U10_PMYWCpM/Xi4Fxtx0MAI/AAAAAAAAJcc/mZpJ1HTUlPA4vR5AJ45eHY-TN5nrNMjgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Fold%2BShirt%2Bin%2BHalf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U10_PMYWCpM/Xi4Fxtx0MAI/AAAAAAAAJcc/mZpJ1HTUlPA4vR5AJ45eHY-TN5nrNMjgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Fold%2BShirt%2Bin%2BHalf.jpg" title="Crease the center of the shirt" width="320" /></a></div>
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6. Make sure to preheat your material. There will also be a suggested amount of time to preheat it in the heat guide that I mentioned above.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vM4tlZ_WDcU/Xi4HtFkeZNI/AAAAAAAAJc8/Va8vgVGMLTEFDtISNNVqcdqtXlmicKT5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Preheat%2Bmaterial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vM4tlZ_WDcU/Xi4HtFkeZNI/AAAAAAAAJc8/Va8vgVGMLTEFDtISNNVqcdqtXlmicKT5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Preheat%2Bmaterial.jpg" title="Preheat material" width="320" /></a></div>
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7. If you are wanting to do multiple colors (like what is seen in the shirts above, then make sure to use everyday iron on. Glitter should be a top layer.<br />
<br />
8. Layers should be done separately. As long as the protective sheet is not touching any other protective sheet then you can put as many "layers" on each time you apply the heat. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0n1Hmo_zKk" target="_blank">I felt like this tutorial showed this really well</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyJgPVDdz7A/Xi4GtuZ_J0I/AAAAAAAAJco/fuZWRsvy3iMW6asITFVoufu2lRGrXEKfACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Don%2527t%2Bhave%2Bthe%2Bcolors%2Btouching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyJgPVDdz7A/Xi4GtuZ_J0I/AAAAAAAAJco/fuZWRsvy3iMW6asITFVoufu2lRGrXEKfACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Don%2527t%2Bhave%2Bthe%2Bcolors%2Btouching.jpg" title="Don't layer plastic protectors" width="320" /></a></div>
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9. The first layers should be 10-20 seconds less because you don't want to overheat them. This is also explained the the video tutorial above.<br />
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10. One great way to not actually layer the iron on vinyl on top of each other is to use the slice method. I did this on the unicorn and plaid shirt above. It basically slices out the layered pieces so that all the vinyl is adhering to the fabric not to the vinyl underneath. If you look at the picture below you can see that the hearts right under the horn are not layered on anything. Before I did the slicing method the hearts were layered on the hair and the horn. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv6aQum70o4" target="_blank">This video tutorial shows it what I am talking about and how to do it</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8EzP2V24O0/Xi4IONDeePI/AAAAAAAAJdE/VyUMxrVeI2oF4BmDzybwuVR_lavf8mHhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Slicing%2BMethod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8EzP2V24O0/Xi4IONDeePI/AAAAAAAAJdE/VyUMxrVeI2oF4BmDzybwuVR_lavf8mHhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Slicing%2BMethod.jpg" title="Don't let layers touch" width="320" /></a></div>
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11. Never put the EasyPress directly on the Iron On material. So make sure to save the plastic protectors and place them on top of the exposed vinyl each time you heat a new layer. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfjdnhFqd0Q/Xi4JLD8DxpI/AAAAAAAAJdQ/VdZ4zD37tD4a3rdhn7hs67vcYjOkKTvdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Plastic%2BProtectors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfjdnhFqd0Q/Xi4JLD8DxpI/AAAAAAAAJdQ/VdZ4zD37tD4a3rdhn7hs67vcYjOkKTvdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Plastic%2BProtectors.jpg" title="Cover iron on vinyl with plastic protectors" width="320" /></a></div>
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12. Last tip is to just hold the EasyPress still, don't move it around. This is prevent you from accidentally moving your vinyl.<br />
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Now one thing I want to mention, this isn't a tip, but something you want to be aware of. You do NOT need TRANSFER TAPE. It is already on the vinyl.<br />
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<br />
Lastly, I want to mention tools that will either make your life so much easier if you have! I don't recommend anything unless I truly feel like you will benefit from it.<br />
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1. <a href="http://shrsl.com/22z6e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Essential Tool Set</a>: This set will give you all the tools you need to slice, weed, and trim the Iron On materials. It comes with a lot more tools to help do many more things with your machines as well.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAF-hAQzKZY/Xi4DY_6teCI/AAAAAAAAJcI/SfCUp4S4qZ4UzvtOHjpd8hMi2f2R_9PIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Slicing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAF-hAQzKZY/Xi4DY_6teCI/AAAAAAAAJcI/SfCUp4S4qZ4UzvtOHjpd8hMi2f2R_9PIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Slicing.jpg" title="Slicing iron on vinyl" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aN-BZ4TfpU/Xi4CMzvurUI/AAAAAAAAJb0/HodoUzDD5bsWQrRETUMw0meRJXLJtxpzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Essential%2BTool%2BKit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aN-BZ4TfpU/Xi4CMzvurUI/AAAAAAAAJb0/HodoUzDD5bsWQrRETUMw0meRJXLJtxpzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Essential%2BTool%2BKit.jpg" title="cutting iron on vinyl" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqnOgiuhlKU/Xi4EHj80ZAI/AAAAAAAAJcQ/pNNIPD1U_HgIMgd6Bw3sxbFOI6spO3u-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Weeding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 Tips for DIYing Valentines Day Shirts with Iron On Vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqnOgiuhlKU/Xi4EHj80ZAI/AAAAAAAAJcQ/pNNIPD1U_HgIMgd6Bw3sxbFOI6spO3u-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Weeding.jpg" title="Weeding iron on vinyl" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. <a href="http://shrsl.com/22z70" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EasyPress Mat</a>: You can use a folded up towel, but the way this mat is designed it helps eliminate moisture and directs heat right to your design.<br />
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3. <a href="http://shrsl.com/22z7a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BrightPad</a>: I have the BrightPad, but for these designs I didn't need it. If you are working when it is dark it might help you. Or if you are weeding a more intricate design then the BrightPad will help so much!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2020/01/should-i-buy-cricut-explore-air-2-or.html" target="_blank">Check out other simple projects you can make with the Cricut Explore Air 2!</a></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: start;">
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" /></div>
</div>
Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-83670498778340228992020-01-13T09:56:00.001-08:002020-01-15T20:49:26.121-08:00Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsSjR1pZgvM/XhQA7rtkswI/AAAAAAAAJZI/KNqWoLTQAlkxp1EnB8GqpCU4ALMbFWlKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Cricut%2BUnboxing%2BFacebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="See why a Cricut Explore Air 2 and an EasyPress 2 is worth the investment. Check out what you can do with these machines and what kinds of projects you can make." border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsSjR1pZgvM/XhQA7rtkswI/AAAAAAAAJZI/KNqWoLTQAlkxp1EnB8GqpCU4ALMbFWlKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Cricut%2BUnboxing%2BFacebook.jpg" title="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Have you been asking yourself if you should buy a <a href="https://tap.fit/HkqIdVIcH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cricut Explore 2 or even an EasyPress 2</a>?</b> Then, if you have decided to buy one then where should you buy one? I asked the same questions and I am here to explain why you SHOULD buy these products and why. Also, explain some things about where you should buy them depending on what you are looking for.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First up, why should you buy it?</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: justify;">It doesn't take up a lot of space so you don't need a huge crafting area. Gone are the days that you need cartridges for Cricut machines. Also, the EasyPress comes in lots of sizes. So you can get the size that you have space for.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">You can design/create your own designs. Nothing feels better than turning something inside your brain into reality. (Side note: There are plenty of ready to use designs as well.)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">It cuts so many things! (See a list below.)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">It writes beautifully for you, in case you are like me and dream of having beautiful lettering skills, but don't.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">It has a print then cut function. Gone are the days that you have to cut things out all the time! WHAT!?!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">It isn't loud. My family is a household full of people with sensitivity to sound. So it being quite is necessary.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">It's easy to use and there are SO MANY resources to help you if you need to figure something out. <a href="http://inspiration.cricut.com/?_ga=2.91046111.416862444.1578372624-169588993.1578372624" target="_blank">There are tons of videos and tutorials.</a></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The EasyPress will simplify life for you and help you make your projects long lasting.</li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZZxxE_IcOo/XhQMnpI9jCI/AAAAAAAAJZU/BB-z-gCOg2QNRtCBIX1ILNRxbQ1-Cf6-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Cricut%2BExplore%2BWriting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZZxxE_IcOo/XhQMnpI9jCI/AAAAAAAAJZU/BB-z-gCOg2QNRtCBIX1ILNRxbQ1-Cf6-gCEwYBhgL/s640/Cricut%2BExplore%2BWriting.jpg" title="Cricut Explore Air 2 Writing" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Writing done by the Cricut Explore</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What can you do with the Cricut Explore Air 2?</b></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Cut so many things! The list includes:</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Paper</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Card stock</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Magnet Sheets</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Vinyl (Holographic, Foil, Iron On, Dry Erase, Chalkboard)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Iron On Vinyl</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Washi Sheets</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Wood</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Burlap</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Tissue Paper</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Leather</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Duct Tape</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Felt</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Soda Can</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">So much more!</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">It writes beautifully.</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
The EasyPress 2 helps you transfer vinyl onto different materials such as:</div>
</li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Material</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Wood</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Metal</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Paper</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SuWn1_3SXU4/XhQMnzOT-jI/AAAAAAAAJZg/BpdanPPbKGU_2gq69Z3_yz8a4liWE5PSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SuWn1_3SXU4/XhQMnzOT-jI/AAAAAAAAJZg/BpdanPPbKGU_2gq69Z3_yz8a4liWE5PSwCEwYBhgL/s640/Banner.jpg" title="Making a garland/banner with a Cricut Explore" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The whole banner was cut with the Cricut Explore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What can you make with a Cricut Explore Air 2 and an EasyPress 2?</b></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Place Cards</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Door Signs</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Coloring Pages</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Gift Tags</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Garlands</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Pillowcases</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Ornaments</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Cupcake Toppers</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Magnets</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Window Clings</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Valentines</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Greeting Cards</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Mugs</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">T-Shirts</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Wall Decor (I can't wait to make gold polka dots for my new house!)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Vases</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Stencils (think stenciling the tops of wood stools!)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Organization Labels</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Wreath Details (wood or fabric flowers anyone?)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">And so much more!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKiz4kNdYJE/XhQA7Q7U-yI/AAAAAAAAJZE/VrNr7k8ae9g3zkrCaQLEXshMDPpEVzDwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Cricut%2BUnboxing%2BPinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="See why a Cricut Explore Air 2 and an EasyPress 2 is worth the investment. Check out what you can do with these machines and what kinds of projects you can make." border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKiz4kNdYJE/XhQA7Q7U-yI/AAAAAAAAJZE/VrNr7k8ae9g3zkrCaQLEXshMDPpEVzDwgCEwYBhgL/s640/Cricut%2BUnboxing%2BPinterest.jpg" title="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" width="426" /></a></div>
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I have owned a Cricut machine for about 4 years now and love everything I can make with it. I don't consider myself a crafting genius, but I do like being creative and making my own things. I feel a sense of pride when I make things myself.</div>
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Check out the new products I received from Cricut as a partnership with them. I am excited to bring new tutorials and new ideas for you to use in your own home. Check out my unboxing video on IGTV. Then leave a comment on what you have questions about and also what you want to see me make.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Check out these projects I have used the Cricut Explore to make:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2017/02/wood-slice-crafts-st-patricks-day.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OM7ogQe3dQ/XhQR2cwCpeI/AAAAAAAAJZo/5buRTHq3AsEObvojIPl28gjA345s_mcCACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Wreath%2Bmade%2Bwith%2BCricut%2BExplore.jpg" title="St. Patrick's Day Wreath" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2017/02/wood-slice-crafts-st-patricks-day.html" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day Wreath</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2017/02/wooden-st-patricks-day-garland.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="640" height="105" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1_UhATYUO4/XhQSFQJZd3I/AAAAAAAAJZs/KMe5cRbK5bQxPgOnBp2iR4xOygTZFw9fgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Wooden%2BSt.%2BPatrick%2527s%2BDay%2BGarland%2BCricut%2BExplore.jpg" title="St. Patrick's Day Garland" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2017/02/wooden-st-patricks-day-garland.html" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day Garland</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2017/02/wooden-st-patricks-day-garland.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNQpEqI5NL8/XhQSRjdjbqI/AAAAAAAAJZ0/3Z1u2FFxGpY0rMgkZJdFZhmr9-e3T0U1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Little%2BMermaid%2BGame-Cricut%2BExplore.jpg" title="Princess Fishing Game" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2016/07/princess-birthday-party-games.html" target="_blank">Fish Die Cuts for a "fishing game"</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2016/05/princess-birthday-party-party-favors.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr5_DEPldfU/XhQScQ_PbsI/AAAAAAAAJZ8/j990hKWlL3ImHnuhTyrzurSmqGbDrpRdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Princess%2BParty%2BFavors_Cricut%2BExplore.jpg" title="Princess Party Favors" width="133" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2016/05/princess-birthday-party-party-favors.html" target="_blank">Princess Party Favor Bags</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/11/simple-yet-happy-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuY9_bKIrlQ/XhQSvvBFUDI/AAAAAAAAJaE/ENj8JpIeUkg8icbF80zfLDfrhZhs2_B_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Christmas%2BCountdown_Cricut%2BExplore.jpg" title="Christmas Countdown" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/11/simple-yet-happy-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/05/a-frozen-birthday-party-for-3-year-old.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NR-hsQNIpLY/XhQS8JuPATI/AAAAAAAAJaM/z3tbMHi03XMbbnD7-7itv8rhR0yW3HyngCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Frozen%2BPhoto%2BBackdrop%2BCricut%2BExplore.jpg" title="Frozen birthday party photo backdrop" width="133" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/05/a-frozen-birthday-party-for-3-year-old.html" target="_blank">Frozen birthday party photo backdrop</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/04/recipe-and-kitchen-themed-bridal-shower.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cOAArLaIgBA/XhQTHtffoFI/AAAAAAAAJaY/kKP5cwhAqR0WRJYdCino7KOoOjTDIVjLACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Cricut%2BExplore%2BCupcake%2BToppers.jpg" title="Kitchen themed cupcake toppers" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/04/recipe-and-kitchen-themed-bridal-shower.html" target="_blank">Kitchen themed cupcake toppers for bridal shower</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/03/quick-and-colorful-easter-garland.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvl9Jh1VYUs/XhQTVPYTUTI/AAAAAAAAJag/CIhX7AIpRPoTB3NvQudQMugVsYAkeaLkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Easter%2BEgg%2BGarland_Cricut%2BExplore.jpg" title="Easter Garland" width="133" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/03/quick-and-colorful-easter-garland.html" target="_blank">Easter Garland</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/01/5-valentines-crafts-you-can-easily-make.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="429" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVRK57scNwI/XhQTie0xeaI/AAAAAAAAJao/mkk4TmF8uekCobOl21QFyj3mSKTxplMtACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Valentines%2BCrafts_Cricut%2BExplore.jpg" title="Valentines Decor" width="133" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/01/5-valentines-crafts-you-can-easily-make.html" target="_blank">3 different Valentines decor items</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2014/12/west-elm-glitter-star-garland-knockoff.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Should I Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or an EasyPress 2)?" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2PmAxO3teA/XhQTwi6NdVI/AAAAAAAAJaw/qOpk6wrHUYgjR4FVCr3qsDguqHepqVnBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/West%2BElm%2BKnock%2BOff%2BGlitter%2BStar%2BGarland-Cricut%2BExplore.jpg" title="West Elm Garland" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2014/12/west-elm-glitter-star-garland-knockoff.html" target="_blank">West Elm knock off garland</a></div>
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<b><a href="https://tap.fit/HkqIdVIcH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Get a one or both of these products today and start making something for yourself. </a> Please send me what you make. I love seeing others be creative as well!</b><br />
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</div>
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-666320352350137532019-12-28T21:13:00.000-08:002019-12-30T21:00:06.248-08:002020 Reading Challenge List for Adults <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRzzOBlov_w/XgaPXvPipYI/AAAAAAAAJYI/8V04v9CiEtgf3FVr6MlwFYDlAXjjQ0rCACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2020%2BReading%2BChallenge%2BFacebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRzzOBlov_w/XgaPXvPipYI/AAAAAAAAJYI/8V04v9CiEtgf3FVr6MlwFYDlAXjjQ0rCACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2020%2BReading%2BChallenge%2BFacebook.jpg" title="Get a FREE download of this 2020 Reading Challenge for you and a friend now!" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Do you love to read, but feel like you don't have enough time? Do you only read books that fit under a certain genre, but wish you would branch out more? Do you need book inspiration? </span><br />
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<b>If you answered yes to any of those questions then this 2020 Reading Challenge for Adults is a great option for you! </b>This reading challenge is designed to be versatile to YOUR needs. It is to get you hitting your reading goals. It will help you read different books than you normally read and/or read more books than you normally do. </div>
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Do it with a friend. The download that I have provided has 2 copies of the list. So that is perfect for you to share with a friend. Make it a fun gift idea and give your friend a copy of the list with a book or even a gift card to the nearest bookstore. </div>
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Make reading a priority this year. Reading has so many benefits. <b>Here are just a few I want to share with you so you can also make a reading a priority this year:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Reading helps increase concentration. </li>
<li>Reading can make you more empathetic. </li>
<li>Reading helps increase your sleep quality. </li>
<li>Reading slows the progress of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. </li>
<li>Reading helps lessen negative thoughts.</li>
<li>Reading helps your general knowledge. </li>
<li>Reading helps you to relax. </li>
<li>Reading helps expand your vocabulary. </li>
<li>Reading helps improve your memory. </li>
<li>Reading is FREE entertainment! </li>
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<b>So how should you use this challenge to help you reach your reading goals? </b> Like I said make it work for YOU. If you feel like you need to read more then set a goal for how many books you want to read this year and use the list I provided to help you think of different books to read. If you want to branch out and read different types of books then use the download to help you achieve that. If you want to try and read all the categories on the list then great, but if that is too much for you to handle then set a goal that is reasonable to you. </div>
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My goal this year is to read 36 books. I plan on reading a self help, spiritual, or parenting book once a month. Then I also plan to read both a nonfiction and fiction book each month. I am so excited to read more. In 2018 I read 46 books then in 2019 I read about 12. I noticed a HUGE difference in my attitude. So I decided to make it a goal again. <b> I hope you will join me. </b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Su0IWK9DQQ/XgaPXoe6dtI/AAAAAAAAJYM/hRI0dYWjrqMrxxsD2FjBxe8A9q16SkJ7gCEwYBhgL/s1600/2020%2BReading%2BChallenge%2BPinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Get a FREE download of this 2020 Reading Challenge for you and a friend now!" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Su0IWK9DQQ/XgaPXoe6dtI/AAAAAAAAJYM/hRI0dYWjrqMrxxsD2FjBxe8A9q16SkJ7gCEwYBhgL/s640/2020%2BReading%2BChallenge%2BPinterest.jpg" title="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5e06e42bee174c002656d2fa" target="_blank">Download your FREE printable by clicking here!</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></b></b></b></div>
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<b>Check out the following book suggestions under each of the categories that are listed on the 2020 Reading Challenge for Adults to spark ideas and give you inspiration. </b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Action/Adventure</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2smA3Tz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1035" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMzp69RSvQQ/XgVNPqeHImI/AAAAAAAAJMU/fWsG-cxH0oMyOJR5Myy_yEoJJAoTY9bhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Into%2BThin%2BAir.jpg" title="Into Thin Air" width="206" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2smA3Tz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Into Thin Air</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ZqWBi5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRDInMz6mME/XgVMr5nqX2I/AAAAAAAAJMI/YOvdkGpm0lcu7ZbK98aInsiw6ol89zfYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Swell.jpg" title="Swell" width="244" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ZqWBi5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Swell</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2St5fet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1PnT_Fvk1Q/XgVMSGeLnaI/AAAAAAAAJMA/HcGCHSwamXgTbup7vFHiCuq2c1XI51YbACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jimmy%2BBluefeather.jpg" title="Jimmy Bluefeather" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2St5fet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jimmy Bluefeather</a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Art Inspired</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2se5dN2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mXH1zeabuI/XgVOducu_NI/AAAAAAAAJMg/dahsiTvw_yMB7MYQhpGq2f3a8BjqwUK2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Steal%2BLike%2BAn%2BArtist.jpg" title="Steal Like An Artist" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2se5dN2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ruoidg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1311" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlQKFyE4LqA/XgVPEXV0okI/AAAAAAAAJMo/EIt_Ia5SS0Q_qM4pw2NsN7BF1d0ZVeHJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BArtist%2527s%2BWay.jpg" title="The Artist's Way" width="262" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ruoidg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Artist's Way</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Sv1HZo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUUIUrN1kLY/XgVPYIqeKSI/AAAAAAAAJMw/axKRieiD9I8ckhNAagXhzWdrHgHBOkulQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BMandala%2BBook.jpg" title="The Mandala Book" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Sv1HZo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Mandala Book</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PYtH5D" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="395" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RpKyJQmjJYk/XgVPqoWVWeI/AAAAAAAAJM4/1bPGTvrwaxs9U6zPJSC0vutsxfNI41NzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Broad%2BStrokes.jpg" title="Broad Strokes" width="252" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PYtH5D" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Broad Strokes: 15 Women Who Made Art & History (in That Order)</a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Parenting</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2t4uxVB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oliFWRz8nYY/XgV9zf-XRwI/AAAAAAAAJNE/OpmxxqzBRcYXTpziejHSQYad3EqkGXWzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Peaceful%2BParent%252C%2BHappy%2BSiblings.jpg" title="Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2t4uxVB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Alternate History</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ZC4JfX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dread Nation</a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Autobiography/</span></u></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Memoir</u></b></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2t8SJX6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/352qYwg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Last Jew of Treblinka</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Q2Zin5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Educated</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Spiritual</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Science</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PXJdyT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Biography</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Self Help</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Chick Lit</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Book/Reading Inspired</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Coming of Age</span></b></u></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Food Inspired</u></b></span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Drama</span></b></u></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Diary/Journal</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2QmjSh7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Diary of a Bookseller</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ZuTRAr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daybook: The Journal of an Artist</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Q2AU51" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2tb9rop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="772" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bCNsi7lQt4/XgYnmSihBYI/AAAAAAAAJSU/sL_VHAHj96MSq_Sgwogdtemz2qfu6TZzACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BJournals%2Bof%2BSylvia%2BPlath.jpg" title="The Journals of Sylvia Plath" width="206" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2tb9rop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Journals of Sylvia Plath</a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Fairy Tale</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/36d7eI5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzhV3wwYhOs/XgZCklo9QZI/AAAAAAAAJSg/gX9mWQ-6F3YJFrSvPPPJxEjKr4RzCN2iwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BPrincess%2BBride.jpg" title="The Princess Bride" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/34WKdaI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Night Circus</a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Health</span></b></u></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></u></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/37deOlW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJrfhcUGLfY/XgZDcyFJ7jI/AAAAAAAAJS0/UlDTip19xaoZerAZhb3c7yvh1lh_3sk3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Women%2527s%2BBodies%252C%2BWomen%2527s%2BWisdom.jpg" title="Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/37deOlW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2t47p9U" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You Can Heal Your Life</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2t47p9U" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Better Than Before</a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Fantasy</span></b></u></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></u></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/39i6Fi4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiYFybnkjX0/XgZHaw8drOI/AAAAAAAAJTQ/wOgtbix0Pt8jW_1V28BOKR_uItteGEk5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Heartless.jpg" title="Heartless" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2QoXUdh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Lady Jane</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2QoXUdh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harry Potter (Any of them)</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2MzS5sq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27NPxHYPSu0/XgZIQK8muEI/AAAAAAAAJTs/cl49xNY2RMAwNGTwA3JL22LZcdmRQICQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BWonderful%2BWizard%2Bof%2BOz.jpg" title="The Wizard of Oz" width="207" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2MzS5sq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wizard of Oz</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>History</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/39ct8Nr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2020 Reading Challenge List for Adults " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1053" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMs8AHvu_Xk/XgZJe13z9kI/AAAAAAAAJT4/80QAuWl_tFMY-Vx131HWgcOZxYHoe44_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Madame%2BFourcades%2527s%2BSecret%2BWar.jpg" title="Madame Fourcade's Secret War" width="210" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/39ct8Nr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Madame Fourcade's Secret War</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2EYFsmE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3550c6C" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rena's Promise: A Story of Sisters of Auschwitz</a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mystery</span></b></u></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></u></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2EWDgM6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Saving Sarah</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2SvweGn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cabin By The Lake</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Anthology</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/03/book-list-inspiration-for-women.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">If you want more book ideas then check out this post as well! I have read all the books on this list and gave my reviews.</span></a></div>
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-55306437138030750342019-12-16T09:59:00.001-08:002019-12-29T15:55:45.772-08:00Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ht-SUq0V9nY/XfQL59Xuu9I/AAAAAAAAJKs/IQxngZoxscAJdbctG7nsNujQwOqTNTcYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Kids%2BChristmas%2BBooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ht-SUq0V9nY/XfQL59Xuu9I/AAAAAAAAJKs/IQxngZoxscAJdbctG7nsNujQwOqTNTcYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Kids%2BChristmas%2BBooks.jpg" title="Do you like reading Christmas books as a family? This list contains both picture books and read alouds." width="640" /></a></div>
My favorite books are Christmas books. So this post is putting my two favorite things together...books and Christmas. There is something about Christmas that is magical. The way people come together. The way life slows down while speeding up. The music. The movies. The love. </div>
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Then there is books. There is something about books that is also magical. The way you can go to a whole new world. The way the pictures can come to life and even with books that don't have pictures images can flash before your eyes without actually being there. </div>
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So I am so excited to make a whole new list of Christmas books for kids this year. These are added to my first Christmas book list so be sure to check that one out as well (link at bottom of page). This book list also includes some read alouds as well.<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></b></b></b></div>
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I have wanted to read this book for a few years now. WOW!!!!! I love this book. The pictures were fantastic. The story is short, but engaging and fun. I love at the end it talks about the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the history of it. This one is one of my favorites. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2LIFgvm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">When Santa Was a Baby</a></div>
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This book was so cute. It follows Santa from when he was a baby to when he became the Santa Claus that we know. It was so cute because it shows why he is perfect for the job and why this job is exactly what he wants to be doing. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2DMW4ND" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZl7fZefVRo/XeSWNbH4gNI/AAAAAAAAJDs/w96BNOugNM8bdN4CjKvfKAu7942eJiq3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Santa%2BClaus%2Bthe%2BWorld%2527s%2BNumber%2BOne%2BToy%2BExpert.jpg" title="Santa Claus the World's Number One Toy Expert" width="211" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2DMW4ND" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Santa Claus the World's Number One Toy Expert</a></div>
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This is a quick read, so perfect for young readers. I love the end and seeing the playful side of Santa. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2E2NOsV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1298" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8hdT89UGJI/XfBpthJQIOI/AAAAAAAAJI0/s9_QkUE_acIiaDCqaCUvWEpWbeQ5eqSAACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Santa%2BRex.jpg" title="Santa Rex" width="259" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2E2NOsV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Santa Rex</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/35EfDne" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We read Tea Rex and my girls loved it</a>. We also loved this book. It is such a quick and fun read. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2rq52xK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1157" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUoUAY-biB4/XfBqSqfIo6I/AAAAAAAAJI8/P8OdoepBPdIHiOBrF02bBrrKI3pfJnRZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BSnowman.jpg" title="The Snowman" width="231" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2rq52xK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Snowman</a></div>
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This is a wordless book so the story is your's to create. My girls love books like this because I can start the story and then they fill it in. It is fun to read as a family. This isn't technically a Christmas book, but a book about a boy and his snowman he built. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/38wkCZp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oSYqCHyL-dI/XfBrLkw4UQI/AAAAAAAAJJI/R1HOqcbEDfIXiYtzAsQZb9akq8bxQXxRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Maple%2B%2526%2BWIllow%2527s%2BChristmas%2BTree.jpg" title="Maple & Willow's Christmas Tree" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/38wkCZp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maple & Willow's Christmas Tree</a></div>
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We LOVE Maple & Willow in this house. This book is so cute. My girls love that they are sisters and I love that they were able to resolve conflicts. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2YFDznH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y6OZhVwRxs/XfHDf8B7GiI/AAAAAAAAJJg/hP49h3a2C6EWiJnTB_7UKsOMI1kbzzCBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BDay%2BSanta%2BStopped%2BBelieving%2Bin%2BHarold.jpg" title="The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2YFDznH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold</a></div>
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Santa stopped believing that a kid existed?! What!? I love when Santa finds out that Harold is real and Harold finds out Santa is real. My girls laughed on that page. I love when books bring us together laughing or thinking together. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Y89z3q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1379" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY6-bu7ws1w/XeSXpnAJiiI/AAAAAAAAJEA/EqzKDT4yFF8-J3PldcyGJusySLNMCeUmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BGingerbread%2BPirates.jpg" title="The Gingerbread Pirates" width="275" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Y89z3q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Gingerbread Pirates</a></div>
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This book was so fun. I loved it so much. My four year old said it was a bit scary, but it really isn't. It has some suspense in it for a 4 year old though. I really liked it and it captivated both my girls. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RNiwy1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="500" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHzOlK5-qTU/XfMl6BoBMkI/AAAAAAAAJKM/b2_YmqzYFKoLMuDP1HYo9ukj-DLW5f_BACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Samurai%2BSanta.jpg" title="Samurai Santa" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RNiwy1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Samurai Santa</a></div>
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I loved how in this book Santa knew exactly what the main character wanted even if it wasn't a toy to put under the tree. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RL4hd5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="500" height="277" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2hC_RN_kSg/XfMmQhuZM8I/AAAAAAAAJKU/weEmgmFGY9M21do_Lji7EB07kJGCeAqFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2B12%2BSleighs%2Bof%2BChristmas.jpg" title="The 12 Sleighs of Christmas" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RL4hd5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The 12 Sleighs of Christmas</a></div>
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Why change the original sleigh? I did love the creativity from all the elves. My girls loved choosing which was their favorites. On the last page my girls laughed and said, "Well at least he made it to Christmas morning, not have it happen during the night."</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2LaX8P6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="1466" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opuYC4fqRAQ/XeSWyHE1oFI/AAAAAAAAJD0/U6FUC4xBHFgcZbP2rfdK8pMlHaC6uLkgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bunny%2BSlopes.jpg" title="Bunny Slopes" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2LaX8P6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bunny Slopes</a></div>
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This one technically isn't a Christmas book. It is more of a Winter book, but it is a fantastic interactive book. It is just the kind of book my four year old likes. However, my 7 year old loves it too. So that is a good book in my opinion.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2YJ4Rtx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1562" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1czLg4lnEA/XfQT50930wI/AAAAAAAAJLY/MfuUg--FitkwRHIcy6oAeJF99c7zLsmUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Llama%2BLlama%2BHoliday%2BDrama.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2YJ4Rtx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Llama Llama Holiday Drama</a></div>
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We love Llama Llama books so we have to include the holiday version on this list. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/36CCY9f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="442" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FQllB9mfIk/XfQTOSBB3WI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/tEOhXTuIuD899JsTVJxbShunaVHLK8kcACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Tree%2Bof%2BCranes.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/36CCY9f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tree of Cranes</a></div>
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I love reading books set in different countries and this is such a great one to read. I love the lessons learned in this book. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/35l2oIe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1379" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0KtFxdHGdE/XfQVEKBkBfI/AAAAAAAAJLk/Z-ZrJrsAg1wFAw2hbODlImd1yMWy-rq3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Great%2BJoy.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/35l2oIe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great Joy</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2017/12/picture-books-about-kindness.html" target="_blank">This book is on another book list I put together about Kindness and Friendliness.</a> I think it is such a great book that teaches great values. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2skOabC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtVBSKAnwHI/XfMnf4Wf5CI/AAAAAAAAJKg/SqFmb0kRMRcsdOW6UYSQJgfqPy2mqWofACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BTale%2Bof%2BThree%2BTrees.jpg" title="The Tale of Three Trees" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2skOabC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Tale of Three Trees</a></div>
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I LOVE THIS BOOK! LOVE it! I bought it years ago before I even had kids I loved it so much. After we read it this year I heard my oldest asking my youngest while brushing their teeth, "Which tree do you like best?" I love books that get my girls talking. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2DzCZ15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1076" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faEcyzcOjDU/XeSVJfjW5zI/AAAAAAAAJDc/oryT4ZvHos4tl2JV_IZDxK0Al1Zzpi0AgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BFamily%2BUnder%2Bthe%2BBridge.jpg" title="The Family Under the Bridge" width="215" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2DzCZ15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Family Under the Bridge</a></div>
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Have you read this book? It has been years since I have read it, but I am so excited to read it with my girls. I love it so much. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2r3xRzG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1090" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBxoDW2pOs8/XeSUVX2kFZI/AAAAAAAAJDU/YfWGbhsd3Ys8kiGWU8e66TWQGkmdMWm3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Nancy%2Band%2BPlum.jpg" title="Nancy and Plum" width="217" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2r3xRzG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nancy and Plum</a></div>
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I haven't read this book yet, but I really, really want to. It was recommended to me and it sounds absolutely amazing. I think it would make a wonderful read aloud. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RbPbx0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JE6wYBVaIQo/XeSTWQJisqI/AAAAAAAAJDI/5J8CUk9rmAISiCctZMMhXIOqtSje4yKoACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BBest%2BChristmas%2BPageant%2BEver.jpg" title="The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" width="215" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RbPbx0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Best Christmas Pageant Ever</a></div>
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I actually haven't read this one, but it has been recommended to me a few times so I wanted to include it. I am a bit skeptical that I will like it. It kind of seems like a book that might not be up my alley, but I want to prove myself wrong. Have you read it? I want to hear your thoughts. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/35n3xz4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="305" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3DqUGuhHB0/XfQSL9VFPxI/AAAAAAAAJLE/gahHb8MZ_fkmxCY4X4vBLnMXn8Uc32uhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Kringle.jpg" title="Kringle" width="195" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/35n3xz4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kringle</a></div>
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This is the book we are reading right now. I thought it might be a bit to scary for Hannelore, but she is handling it really well. It is a different twist on Kris Kringle that is for sure. This is a fantasy story through and through. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OinrjnYfMWM/XfQOjGCUQuI/AAAAAAAAJK4/w9XCj4yTJJItLQsXg6TAXr7ot1B7fjk4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Christmas%2BBooks%2BPinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read as a Family" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OinrjnYfMWM/XfQOjGCUQuI/AAAAAAAAJK4/w9XCj4yTJJItLQsXg6TAXr7ot1B7fjk4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Christmas%2BBooks%2BPinterest.jpg" title="Do you like reading Christmas books as a family? This list contains both picture books and read alouds." width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/11/top-10-christmas-books-for-kids.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Check out the other book list I have for Christmas picture books!</span></a></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-49245096837831799712019-12-09T19:58:00.002-08:002019-12-29T15:55:59.474-08:00Gift Ideas for Kids (Girls ages 7 and 4)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Sometimes you can have lot of ideas on what to get kids that are a certain age and other times there is a huge mind blank.<b> I have decided to compile a list of gift ideas for kids, more specifically girls that are aged 4 and 7. </b> That way when you hit a blank then you can use this as inspiration OR if you have no idea where to find something then hopefully I can help with that as well. </div>
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So lets dive in. There will be some inexpensive and then more expensive things as well. These are actual things that my girls have asked for and if not then I know they will love them so I got them things that will entertain them for longer than 5 seconds.<br />
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First off, I promised my followers on Instagram that I would share the Santa bags that I got. I only wrap 4 presents from Santa. The rest go in stockings or in their Santa bags. It is kind of fun. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/570174613/15-styles-santa-sacks-personalized-free?show_sold_out_detail=1&frs=1" target="_blank"> I love the quality of these bags! </a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/570174613/15-styles-santa-sacks-personalized-free?show_sold_out_detail=1&frs=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyprcPaQTlo/Xe8XuMS1jTI/AAAAAAAAJIo/9QdJBQwX9_kmicIZFh6FzoqaZ9hBawnTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Santa%2BBags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></b></b></b></div>
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<a href="https://goto.target.com/Wa5YO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="444" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WaQH4pixdqE/XerMqr64HyI/AAAAAAAAJE8/QwM-H9W95GUk6mfb6EdZgsid9omXn0aAACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Patrice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://goto.target.com/Wa5YO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My daughter picked this exact one because of the hair, but there are plenty to choose from! </a></div>
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<a href="https://goto.target.com/KLbxv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1318" height="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OngBkc9W594/XerPnZEfq4I/AAAAAAAAJFI/HTtBAfTivE4XUOAD_TTga70t3C798nGaACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bunk%2BBed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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She also asked for a ton of different accessories and stuff for her doll. <a href="https://goto.target.com/KLbxv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This bunk bed is one of the things she is getting</a>. I linked to the whole Our Generation section. This is great for any 18 inch doll. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/33VJKFj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1122" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rwy8A4kY2xY/XerQX59qBvI/AAAAAAAAJFQ/GUNC36s9TjMKcX3ryX0hUgmwBefOJb7jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Best%2BFriends.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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My daughter loves all of Shannon Hale's books and she has been wanting <a href="https://amzn.to/33VJKFj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Friends</a> since it came out. Graphic novels are so fun for avid readers as well as kids who don't like to read. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PjrBMl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1059" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bwrypDUk_c/Xerfp1nCpbI/AAAAAAAAJFw/u80VZN6jd9M9z4S48pbVgNawsi06kGDVACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BConfidence%2BCode%2Bfor%2BGirls.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PjrBMl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This book is such a great book if you have girls.</a> It has good lessons to teach girls. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2sVoCSV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="1500" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tdw8Fq4sgBY/XerRA5d2jII/AAAAAAAAJFY/s9uWU58mmi8iYGBwEzmzSzOP6UgGDfkGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jewelry%2BBox.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My daughter NEEDS a jewelry box, because she has jewelry ALL OVER THE PLACE. <a href="https://amzn.to/2sVoCSV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I got this one based on the amazing reviews and also the fact it came with some jewelry so it will be even more fun</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/122415/565706/9383?veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FTwisty-Petz-Series-3-Limited-Edition-Lip-Gloss-Collectible-Bracelet-Styles-May-Vary-Walmart-Exclusive%2F791207869%3Fwmlspartner%3Dwlpa%26selectedSellerId%3D0%26wl13%3D2921%26adid%3D22222222227316382920%26wl0%3D%26wl1%3Dg%26wl2%3Dc%26wl3%3D392413733173%26wl4%3Daud-430887228898%3Apla-832048647993%26wl5%3D9029829%26wl6%3D%26wl7%3D%26wl8%3D%26wl9%3Dpla%26wl10%3D8175035%26wl11%3Dlocal%26wl12%3D791207869%26veh%3Dsem%26gclid%3DCjwKCAiAlajvBRB_EiwA4vAqiGyfg__Byvw0r5m92HIethJXPGNk-GWUY6NCQR371fBIyqp4LagUtxoCWysQAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdZPBhbU7cI/Xerc1PatADI/AAAAAAAAJFk/Scd72FCk3hkOLfvCltK4w3IDrSNus-JKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Twisty%2BPetz.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/122415/565706/9383?veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FTwisty-Petz-Series-3-Limited-Edition-Lip-Gloss-Collectible-Bracelet-Styles-May-Vary-Walmart-Exclusive%2F791207869%3Fwmlspartner%3Dwlpa%26selectedSellerId%3D0%26wl13%3D2921%26adid%3D22222222227316382920%26wl0%3D%26wl1%3Dg%26wl2%3Dc%26wl3%3D392413733173%26wl4%3Daud-430887228898%3Apla-832048647993%26wl5%3D9029829%26wl6%3D%26wl7%3D%26wl8%3D%26wl9%3Dpla%26wl10%3D8175035%26wl11%3Dlocal%26wl12%3D791207869%26veh%3Dsem%26gclid%3DCjwKCAiAlajvBRB_EiwA4vAqiGyfg__Byvw0r5m92HIethJXPGNk-GWUY6NCQR371fBIyqp4LagUtxoCWysQAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I got one of these</a> and a big unicorn family pack. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2rlRVgQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="824" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aekyzoEsIQ0/XergBWvNd4I/AAAAAAAAJF4/7WfGIcru1Rsg-PH85qmxNWYR2woOsDvFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Squishy%2BHuman%2BBody.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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I always like to get my girls at least one educational gift. <a href="https://amzn.to/2rlRVgQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My 7-year old has wanted this one for a few years</a>, so she will be happy to finally get it. </div>
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I also give my girls a "creative" gift and <a href="http://goto.target.com/Dgok5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this is a perfect one for my 7 year old</a>. She has a purse and a lap desk already and enjoyed them a ton. This will also be functional. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/33YM1zA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="387" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_v60qfwQRY8/XerkzrJdDMI/AAAAAAAAJGQ/3aRiHBCxVegeSZ5n5jaaWpayyC90gkGUACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Planner.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/33YM1zA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This isn't the exact planner I got her</a> because the one I got her was at her school book fair, but it was similar and for some reason a lot of girls her age LOVE planners. </div>
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Now onto my little 4 year old. She has been pretty adamant about getting one thing, but I have shared some other ideas. </div>
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<a href="https://goto.target.com/P9Obq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGkiYS-lIEs/Xesynl__ErI/AAAAAAAAJGc/iO5O6SwuF74a0CciOlLXGLf7h0F2vVG5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Power%2BWheels%2BJeep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://goto.target.com/d0BqK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My 4 year old doesn't want ANYTHING else, but this Jeep</a>. She will even use her own money to help Santa make this present for her (she said that). We usually don't spend this much on Christmas gifts, but I got a REALLY good deal on it (actually 3 weeks before Black Friday...the Black Friday deal was not even close to as good of a deal) and she will be the happiest little girl. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2OXBkch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="586" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zL9cx0bC_2o/Xes3dA3R-nI/AAAAAAAAJGo/q3LpKbpvrKEr0_hfRXuFs-9IYSbfRQDtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Water%2BBottle.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2OXBkch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She wants to be just like her sister and her sister has one of these only a unicorn design.</a> She has been asking for one for awhile. Perfect time to get it to her for Christmas.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/368YeTG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="848" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHqm4_6Q85o/Xes4BoExugI/AAAAAAAAJGw/andXuCds5LUrEw-VLnJCRWNrXnFJOAsKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Danny.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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My 4 year old has a hard time making decisions. <a href="https://amzn.to/368YeTG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I hope this book will give her confidence</a>. Think choose your own adventure book, but all about good choices. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2qttzRP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="916" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYGx7DIiIAU/Xes4zlomohI/AAAAAAAAJG4/SswIfpLgNzY3AhcHVBwQZYIMSkCzM6eOACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Ariel%2BHair.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2qttzRP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She loves to do hair so this is perfect for when she doesn't have anyone to sit for her</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/363G5qq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="879" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fP5cPhWyA04/Xes5disZHVI/AAAAAAAAJHA/Cq2d2JsIB3cV6-iWfeBcmpdc3qVb893egCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Foil%2BArt.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
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Once again her older sister has something like this so she wants to be like her. She has been begging to use her sister's FOIL! <a href="https://amzn.to/363G5qq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I love giving things like this to keep them occupied for hours</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PkvNeF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ly7mNr7C2p4/Xes67Z1QMLI/AAAAAAAAJHM/UmasFrSK-nUsgtSdrcyLcgYH7cYIPWMEgCEwYBhgL/s320/Pout-Pout%2BFish.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PkvNeF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She LOVES this book</a>. So much. She loves me to read to her even more. So I got the CD as well, just in case I can't read it to her 800 times one day...only a slight exaggeration. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2OVEP2T" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1500" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DC7pucX-qEs/Xes8S5eLafI/AAAAAAAAJHY/t4QwEOR8LjMPUmmhozv5W6QI381Gskm2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Blume.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2OVEP2T" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Every time we go to the store she wants one of these.</a> So she will be happy to try one. I like how you get to do something with it before you get to play with it. Makes it more fun. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2P0iOjA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1L1AGDyQwM/Xes8_g52fBI/AAAAAAAAJHg/EnWRXhVsgJEcSRRxZm1CRl_6vU9ZhO93gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Hoppy.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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I got this as something useful. She is a VERY active 4 year old and constantly wants to be running and jumping. <a href="https://amzn.to/2P0iOjA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">So hopefully this will help her not go crazy while she can't jump on the tramp</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://goto.target.com/eMzxz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zj_qw3n2Ws8/Xes958n_gSI/AAAAAAAAJHs/QNV73TfxaU84oLBbqRcspzzvss4_Ym6XACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Scribble%2BScrubbie.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once again giving them something creative usually lasts longer. So I always go for something like this. <a href="https://goto.target.com/eMzxz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She hasn't ever asked for one of these</a>, but it looks right up her alley. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RpUMjv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1500" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHc4eEPZS68/Xes-Pi2lprI/AAAAAAAAJH0/kL6Mff6ko2AZ4iDiP-HtpTm95VRaATB-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Clock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RpUMjv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This is the educational toy I got her this year</a>. I love how at first she can learn some of the shapes she doesn't know yet, then grow into the time portion. </div>
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Every year Santa brings two family presents and they are always a puzzle and a game. It is fun to have something they can do together. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2rdnae9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="994" height="317" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkmItTAgJMk/Xes-_7SQKDI/AAAAAAAAJIA/Z7zGbczhOPQ3-zYAmHhgeffHJouYwIYMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Geometric%2BShape%2BPuzzle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We usually do a traditional puzzle, but my girls both love this from the library. <a href="https://amzn.to/2rdnae9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">So I thought this would be a fun twist to a puzzle</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2s72pAU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1500" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVBgL9ljlqc/Xes_VuzPxDI/AAAAAAAAJII/dWyzHCc900I-OyW83ItJQYVpVt_eklh1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Charades.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2s72pAU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I thought this would be a fun game to try, especially to help my girls use their creativity minds</a>.</div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-4374636398823399402019-11-13T10:24:00.002-08:002019-12-13T15:12:38.251-08:00The Best Thanksgiving Books for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fA231kQ1YNs/XcxFtPRK24I/AAAAAAAAJAM/1R8d6AYMDWAzEDiA6qjQYorTLjr0Xk0iwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Thanksgiving%2BBooks%2BFacebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fA231kQ1YNs/XcxFtPRK24I/AAAAAAAAJAM/1R8d6AYMDWAzEDiA6qjQYorTLjr0Xk0iwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Thanksgiving%2BBooks%2BFacebook.jpg" title="Check out the best Thanksgiving books for kids!" width="640" /></a></div>
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Are you a Thanksgiving fanatic? Or do you jump right to Christmas books and Christmas decor? I am a HUGE holiday lover. I love to focus on each and every holiday. It makes life so much fun for me. </div>
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<b>I am so excited to share my favorite Thanksgiving books for kids. </b>Some of them are picture books and some are more read aloud books for books or for independent readers. The key here is to pick a book that will make you and your kids excited for Thanksgiving. Maybe you can even pick one to add to your Thanksgiving books library. </div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></b></b></b></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2MXaVdG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1598" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W87RCC5LbEw/XbhmYcVrrEI/AAAAAAAAI9A/BRi1IKEt53IuWZhwrWKeLtTcW7oXJF-tQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Thankful.jpg" title="Thankful" width="319" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2MXaVdG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thankful</a></div>
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We have read this book many, many times. I love how it goes through different people and how they are thankful for different things. I also love how the things they are thankful for are so simple. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PvYh70" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1454" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Emm8xd_gA5o/Xbhm3UzMO5I/AAAAAAAAI9E/_BXuvl81EuUffp4hNfqn651Zi0k08tIOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/I%2BKnow%2Ban%2BOld%2BLady%2BWho%2BSwallowed%2Ba%2BPie.jpg" title="I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie" width="290" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/36gdorb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie</a></div>
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This book made both my girls laugh. My youngest (4 years old) wants me to read it over and over. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Jz81JZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="500" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QbTbIpCHeRc/XbuthkMiTbI/AAAAAAAAI9c/-zfGOHxaQkcaO64cfqP-1yyMrNGhckfvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Mary%2527s%2BFIrst%2BThanksgiving.jpg" title="Mary's First Thanksgiving" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Jz81JZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mary's First Thanksgiving</a></div>
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This book is PERFECT in all the right ways. It shares information about the Thanksgiving back in the 1600's. It shares simple things that we should be grateful for. Hannelore (age 7) said that it taught her and Isla (age 4) some really good lessons. I considered that a win.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2X3HbPq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="393" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwxxQKI-srM/Xcj4k3IOSuI/AAAAAAAAI-o/p09tF7olC4oEUg9w3R9_S31NAoUA41OZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BThanksgiving%2BStory.jpg" title="The Thanksgiving Story" width="251" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2X3HbPq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Thanksgiving Story</a></div>
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I loved how much information this story put in a small book. The girls learned a lot and there are sections which make it easier to stop at if the story is getting too long. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/34UkCPW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rNgAaHTNrY/XcxGxZMgNgI/AAAAAAAAJAY/butGVOCZD4wnx0CIp3XPXmbafiQbqiK-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Spookly%2BA%2BFamily%2Bto%2Bbe%2BThankful%2BFor.jpg" title="Spookley the Square Pumpkin A Family to be Thankful For" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/34UkCPW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spookley the Square Pumpkin A Family to be Thankful For</a></div>
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Do you know the book Spookley the Square Pumpkin? This is just as cute, but has a thankful twist to it. I love anything gratitude related. It is so good for kids to read books like that. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/34U67vC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zv5nEzbW04c/Xcuge2I6jNI/AAAAAAAAI_s/ebVgsKUTxhoBW3VB7V069LC1MQudn9MdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BNight%2BBefore%2BThanksgiving.jpg" title="The Night Before Thanksgiving " width="319" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/34U67vC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Night Before Thanksgiving</a></div>
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We own this book and read it the night before Thanksgiving every year. It has been fun and helps us get excited for Thanksgiving. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2X8bOnb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ckpM4wfpeQ/XcuemO6gpUI/AAAAAAAAI_Y/-004o28e4jwLwCkQYdBDF-msIFrt7Gy8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/%2527Twas%2Bthe%2BNight%2BBefore%2BThanksgiving.jpg" title="'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving " width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2X8bOnb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving</a></div>
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We read this every Thanksgiving. It is funny and cute. The girls really like it. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2O5RwGB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1115" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gY4OVOChuaU/XcufKfjDF3I/AAAAAAAAI_g/uQMPUIsMG2spj4LRKTdFmSo3TslgjW5cQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/What%2Bwas%2Bthe%2Bfirst%2Bthanksgiving.jpg" title="What was the First Thanksgiving? " width="223" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2O5RwGB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What Was the First Thanksgiving?</a></div>
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Every holiday I buy one book to add to our library. This was the book I choose this year. It is inexpensive. These books are fun for kids and also informative. We checked it out at the library, but didn't get it finished. I was going to recheck it out, but decided that I wanted to add it to the library. Hannelore is excited to read it.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Px5HqG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1085" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXoj4QbZSMA/XbuueS1sNLI/AAAAAAAAI9o/sSOMQgOY3FQhtOp1r_m1qxxZgtXVtpm9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Mayflower%2BTreasure%2BHunt.jpg" title="Mayflower Treasure Hunt" width="216" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Px5HqG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mayflower Treasure Hunt</a></div>
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We have a A to Z Mysteries lover in this family, but I have to say that this one was really good. It had a lot of suspense in it. I was even on the edge of my seat at the end. We were only reading a chapter every night, but when we were supposed to stop at the end of chapter 7 we all couldn't so we finished the book instead. I love books like that. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2CM6RXv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kk1j2WzGqHM/Xcw_pvxPjAI/AAAAAAAAI_4/wk5j16_wNDsn5lV5EeFh73A7_zbvzxCSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Thanksgiving%2BThief.jpg" title="Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew Thanksgiving Thief " width="216" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2CM6RXv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Thief</a></div>
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My daughter loves mysteries and trying to figure things out. We haven't read this book yet, but I know it will be a great book for her. These books are a lot of fun. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2O8rkLJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1089" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pj-rBa4PzJM/Xcw_t02RYvI/AAAAAAAAI_8/7sE0GxYaqIIPNaCmUQpt4esHgWhWqLnewCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Thanksgiving%2Bon%2BThursday.jpg" title="Magic Tree House Thanksgiving on Thursday" width="217" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2O8rkLJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thanksgiving on Thursday</a></div>
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We haven't read this book yet either, but I have heard great things about it. Plus, Magic Tree House books are so fun and most kids love them! </div>
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<b>Do you have any that you would add to the list? I love book recommendations! </b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MRgFAxJMHY/XcxIMIlUtUI/AAAAAAAAJAk/TzLJrgkgA4o2LSGGyQ6N179P9Nkj1-RmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Thanksgiving%2BBooks%2BPinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="11 great thanksgiving books for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MRgFAxJMHY/XcxIMIlUtUI/AAAAAAAAJAk/TzLJrgkgA4o2LSGGyQ6N179P9Nkj1-RmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Thanksgiving%2BBooks%2BPinterest.jpg" title="Check out the best Thanksgiving books for kids!" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Other Thanksgiving Posts:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2014/11/Thanksgiving-Attire-What-to-wear-for-Thanksgiving-Dinner.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Attire</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2016/10/thankful-turkey-thanksgiving-tradition.html" target="_blank">Thankful Turkey: A Thanksgiving Tradition</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/11/gratitude-banner.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/11/gratitude-banner.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Banner</a></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-87320120207097000842019-10-15T22:18:00.002-07:002019-12-13T15:11:57.787-08:0016 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yRCY1dY5go/XaYmBB4f-kI/AAAAAAAAI8U/tPoB69ewxFkXeGOeWYq1TtFSzBxz0giowCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Halloween%2BBooks_FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="16 NEW Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yRCY1dY5go/XaYmBB4f-kI/AAAAAAAAI8U/tPoB69ewxFkXeGOeWYq1TtFSzBxz0giowCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Halloween%2BBooks_FB.jpg" title="16 fun Halloween books for kids that are the perfect amount of spooky." width="640" /></a></div>
Who doesn't love reading books for any holiday? It doesn't matter what the holiday is I love to read books for myself and with my girls for any holiday. <b>This year I checked out a bunch of Halloween books for kids that were new to us.</b> Some aren't actually Halloween books, but they are great for Halloween time. We have had so much fun reading them.<br />
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I have a little tradition with my girls. For every holiday I get one new book for that holiday. That way I can build a collection, but it doesn't break the bank. Maybe you could do something similar.<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></b></b></b></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2o5bet0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 NEW Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WdQkiT-60rM/XZWIhDgXvcI/AAAAAAAAI5U/yDCmEOQM-vMGWJky3caXFA-d-_YPYdRkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Leo%2Ba%2Bghost%2Bstory.jpg" title="Leo a ghost story" width="260" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2o5bet0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leo a ghost story</a></div>
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This book is the CUTEST! It might be my favorite I read this year! My girls felt so sorry for the ghost in this book and really started thinking about how lonely it would be to be a ghost. It is a really cute book. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2n709r7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="492" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGk_bpKpqg0/XZWJNONQKeI/AAAAAAAAI5c/-2zB7-TEfII8tmfM-xrbHZwPFQYKvepsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Pumpkin%2BEye.jpg" title="Pumpkin Eye" width="314" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2n709r7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pumpkin Eye</a></div>
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This book is all about all the things kids can dress up for on Halloween. I liked it because it was good to show that these things might seem scary, but it is actually kids dressed up under the costumes. It is a really fast read for kids that need something short to hold their attention.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2AKMZmN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLZb0f6OTM8/XZlufiEeMxI/AAAAAAAAI5o/tTnOnH8teKgjWzgV_nDG-xU3DdCNKw4zACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/A%2BTiger%2BCalled%2BThomas.jpg" title="A Tiger Called Tomas" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2AKMZmN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Tiger Called Tomas</a></div>
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Both of my girls felt sad that Tomas wasn't brave enough to get off his stoop in the first of this book, but it is a cute book that shows that everyone should feel included. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ANWGB2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKl4xH8x3Wo/XZlvMY88JDI/AAAAAAAAI5w/VU_UWDLLGGMxocjWACQTWp0_1qFdOpCnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BCloset%2BGhosts.jpg" title="The Closet Ghosts" width="281" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ANWGB2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Closet Ghosts</a></div>
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I almost didn't include this book in the list because I wasn't sure if it scared my oldest daughter (7 years old and scared of EVERYTHING). However, she said she loved this book. We read it the same day as A Tiger called Tomas and she said she liked this book more. There are closet ghosts, but the girl does get rid of them. So if your child is scared of monsters (or ghosts) in their closet then this might not be a good read. Unless you want to come up with solutions on how to get rid of them. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Onylda" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="361" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfoKrATWLZ8/XZlv7wrimOI/AAAAAAAAI54/M8jBX94OW8MeQbyxaGLV7Z7neZ_EZUitwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Zombelina.jpg" title="Zombelina" width="231" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Onylda" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zombelina</a></div>
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This is a cute book and a really quick read. I loved how it had a lot of references to how family is everything and having their support is really important. They were always there for each other and supportive of each other. It was cute. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2nn3531" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="1587" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gllFupKn8Ao/XZlwdBcuUzI/AAAAAAAAI6A/lVHTT2CzdZEgKOy4AF1LCSoxB-tjLgRNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BDark.jpg" title="The Dark" width="242" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2nn3531" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Dark</a></div>
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Seriously, this book describes perfectly how the dark felt when I was a kid. I loved how it made "the dark" feel like a person. I loved how "the dark" was helpful in the end and it explained why we need the dark in our lives. It was really cute and both my girls loved it. Not really a Halloween book, but it could be classified as a little spooky because for awhile the girls didn't know what the dark wanted from the boy in the book. So there was a bit of suspense, but nothing to scary. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/31MnBZI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OfoKbdX3hU/XZlxh8omNeI/AAAAAAAAI6M/KU9fsAGmT_8poevJC43i-XZW-nAAd4tcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Goodnight%2BGoon.jpg" title="Goodnight Goon" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/31MnBZI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodnight Goon</a></div>
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Both my girls liked how it was so similar to Goodnight Moon (which they both grew up being read multiple times a month at bedtime). I like Goodnight Moon more (of course...its a classic), but I like the "Halloweeny" twist for the month of October. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2VgjFOx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="500" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ta9CYZA72iI/XZlyMHCgeoI/AAAAAAAAI6U/27KUYjQMptEtGeZuEqnp_0c178ryYtQ5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/La%2BLlorona.jpg" title="La Llorona" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2VgjFOx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">La Llorona</a></div>
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This is how sheltered I am...I had no idea this was a movie and it looks a little too creepy and scary for my liking. So if that is something that will bother you then know this book is a board book version of that movie. Basically it counts down from 10 (in both English and Spanish) to 1 and it counts different things in the movie (like gravestones and other things like that). It is a REALLY quick read. There isn't anything more scary than what you see all around you during the month of October, because it is for babies and toddlers. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2nogJCZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1247" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6rD6YP9wcY/XZq-tzZHdxI/AAAAAAAAI6g/E3tvJmfA5iIPv8v6KjDboVKo8nxjT_kQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Los%2BGatos%2BBlack%2Bon%2BHalloween.jpg" title="Los Gatos Black on Halloween" width="249" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2nogJCZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Los Gatos Black on Halloween</a></div>
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I liked how it is a bilingual poem so we could learn together what some of the words meant. That was fun. The girls liked seeing if they said the words correctly or not. My oldest kept saying, "This is creepy". But she never was too scared. Then they both thought it was funny that all the "creepy" things were scared of kids dressed up for Halloween. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2pPh0j3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--r5yz7odZyQ/XZq_ZHWHCtI/AAAAAAAAI6o/Ge66oEriT-QveeqRRfNl7SlIjNhFNWw8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Zen%2BGhosts.jpg" title="Zen Ghosts" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2pPh0j3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zen Ghosts</a></div>
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I really liked this book. I loved the story within the story and how it made you think. My oldest and I had a long conversation about it after we finished reading. I love books like that. My youngest daughter fell asleep during it, not because it was boring, but because she was tired. However, I will say that she wouldn't have completely understood what was going on if she was awake. The pictures would have been good enough for her though. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2LXsuJO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="408" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukw09D41bgg/XZwVLnu4gDI/AAAAAAAAI60/a04grfY0RJIMZZ7ATOXroNwMXiV8Zja7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BBake%2BShop%2BGhost.jpg" title="The Bake Shop Ghost" width="261" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2LXsuJO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Bake Shop Ghost</a></div>
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Once again not too scary, but a little spooky. I liked how Annie in the book didn't let the ghost scare her and that she started something and she wasn't going to stop until it was finished. It showed persistence. I also liked how she and the ghost became friends. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2OWEYnf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TM1FPmH5bMI/XaYgE5kWlyI/AAAAAAAAI78/QFe764xbH4kEbE4o7W7ArsLyTBk19h9pACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Gus%2Bthe%2BGhost%2BLearns%2Bto%2BBoo%2521.jpg" title="Gus the Ghost Learns to Boo" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2OWEYnf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gus the Ghost Learns to BOO!</a></div>
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This book is seriously the cutest. I love this one. The only hard thing is that it isn't readily available all the time on Amazon. I picked up this one from Hallmark. I love all the cute illustrations. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/32isxpD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yftSOTy8S6Y/XaYhE6H0siI/AAAAAAAAI8I/Q3ZDVJUz_okhiKEvDuXxJAozfEoSR1x5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BSpooky%2BExpress%2BUtah.jpg" title="The Spooky Express Utah" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/32isxpD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Spooky Express Utah</a></div>
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Of course this is a favorite around here because it has cities in Utah and my girls like that. If you aren't from Utah then you will want to get your own state and make it fun for your kids. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2VJGrOU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="337" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJZf4S5OndY/XaX0fSgf7RI/AAAAAAAAI7M/MGfotIUyYJ4n1CyYLPjnUFi6ZLYRtkI5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bunnicula.jpg" title="Bunnicula" width="215" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2VJGrOU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bunnicula</a></div>
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We are actually currently reading this and even though my daughter is super scared of EVERYTHING, this is just creepy enough to be good for Halloween, but not scaring her so that we are dealing with nightmares or her scared of everything. So in my mind...that's perfect! </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2MIhe3d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="323" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNJHG_vpDO4/XaX1VkxiPMI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/e9VeYuCtXEoh8-uM68ngR7P3hv_44jggwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BBlack%2BCauldron.jpg" title="The Black Cauldron" width="206" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2MIhe3d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Black Cauldron</a></div>
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We are actually reading this after Bunnicula. So I can't tell you how it is exactly, BUT I have heard good things. I hope it is good. I will update this blog post when I read it and give an actual review at that time. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2MIhe3d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1043" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jY9HWwWUiCQ/XaX2Qxdd4YI/AAAAAAAAI7k/VrJe6fytdIogltMaIbf41tbj2rz0sMXOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Skulduggery%2BPleasant.jpg" title="Skulduggery Pleasant" width="208" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2MIhe3d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Skulduggery Pleasant</a></div>
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I have this one waiting to be read, but we are reading the novels in the order my oldest wants to read them in. I am not sure we will get to this one, but I heard it is the right amount of spooky as well. I have also heard that some people like this series more than the Narnia and even Harry Potter books (WHAT?!....I can't say anything since I haven't read it yet). </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ISzKF4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="495" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ieIV-_i37c/XaX3UjyA-0I/AAAAAAAAI7w/Ijhym36llnQ8KLfcSMh1ctEIQKd9z7wjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10%2BTimid%2BGhosts.jpg" title="Ten Timid Ghosts" width="316" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ISzKF4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ten Timid Ghosts</a></div>
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This book is sometimes read more than once a day. I think my girls like it so much because of all the rhyming. I read it during a Halloween party a few years ago and it was a favorite at that party too. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/90705379982462595/?nic=1" target="_blank">Pin this post for later? Click HERE!</a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QzbYyrZwMDE/XaaiygNcHHI/AAAAAAAAI8g/eFSwRt9PaaA6fN6OwVUe4k4nQFGu09YngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Halloween%2BBooks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="16 Halloween Books for Kids, Plus a Favorite Year After Year" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QzbYyrZwMDE/XaaiygNcHHI/AAAAAAAAI8g/eFSwRt9PaaA6fN6OwVUe4k4nQFGu09YngCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Halloween%2BBooks1.jpg" title="16 fun Halloween books for kids that are the perfect amount of spooky." width="426" /></a></div>
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Other Halloween posts:</div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2016/10/the-ultimate-guide-to-happy-halloween.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate Guide to a Happy Halloween</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/10/31-kid-friendly-things-to-do-in-october.html" target="_blank">31 kid friendly things to do in October</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2014/10/kids-halloween-party.html" target="_blank">Kid's Halloween Party</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2014/10/our-halloween-tradition.html" target="_blank">Soup recipe perfect for Halloween</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2014/10/4-quick-and-easy-ways-to-decorate-jute-stars-moon-31-black-tape.html" target="_blank">4 ways to decorate pumpkins</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2014/09/burlap-and-polka-dot-halloween-banner.html" target="_blank">Halloween banner</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/10/easy-frozen-themed-pumpkins.html" target="_blank">Frozen Themed Pumpkins</a></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-19799529465506949042019-05-18T12:21:00.001-07:002019-12-13T15:12:51.586-08:00Why I am Planning a Screen Free Month (and you should think about it too)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMkMIiC0eGQ/XN-Od3m1tsI/AAAAAAAAI3w/m3F7p7JPhk8rpifMXkqYnSi48GkXUL3qgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screen%2BFree%2BMonth_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why would you ever consider a screen free month? Check out some reasons here! " border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMkMIiC0eGQ/XN-Od3m1tsI/AAAAAAAAI3w/m3F7p7JPhk8rpifMXkqYnSi48GkXUL3qgCEwYBhgL/s640/Screen%2BFree%2BMonth_Facebook.jpg" title="Why I am Planning a Screen Free Month" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Why am I planning to do a screen free month? </b> Sensory issues. Headaches. Stomachaches. Anxiety. Fearfulness. Easily frustrated. Trouble sleeping. Poor sportsmanship. Defiance. These are just some of the problem areas that we have with our girls. On top of that I don't want there to ever be an addiction. So I want to stop any road going toward screen addiction. </div>
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Do any of these things sound familiar? Are you having the same sort of "issues"? Has your child been diagnosed with something that needs medicine to treat, but you don't want to move to medicine quite yet? If so then you might want to consider a screen free month as well. </div>
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Now before I go on I want to say that I am sure some of you are already thinking (or even saying out loud), "Kids are kids. They are going to be kids. So they are going to have those sort of issues." I completely agree. However, there are "more normal" behaviors when it comes to the things listed above and there are excessive behaviors. I am talking about the excessive behaviors. </div>
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Also, I am sure some of you are thinking, "Why would you not give your child medicine if it is needed?" I am not saying that at all. However, there are some things that can be done beforehand to either lower the dose or to help the child not have to resort to medication at all. Believe me. My dad is a doctor and I am grateful for modern day medicine. </div>
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I want to tell you why I am going to try this. I want to tell you why I think everyone should try it. I want to see what things get fixed from this "reset" and what things do not. I want to see how behaviors and attitudes change after the "reset". </div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">My Story</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://conferenceformoms.com/" target="_blank">It started in October when I was listening to Mom Conference</a>. I started listening to Dr. Victoria L. Dunckley. <a href="https://amzn.to/2H58hPU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She wrote a book called Reset Your Child's Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen-Time</a>. I was intrigued. The way she talked about the effects of screen time on our kids made me want to look into it farther. She had a lot of knowledge about screens and how they affect children. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2vIZnRI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Why I am Planning a Screen Free Month" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlFm_bwM8pw/XNI_t1Eu_3I/AAAAAAAAI3A/At4w36u8djMGga9lYpbYvk2ImQiTjPzvACLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BFree%2BBook.jpg" title="Reset your child's brain" width="213" /></a></div>
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I decided to check out the book from the library first before I bought it to see if I was still interested in doing something this extreme after reading the book. I read the book in January and knew I wanted to do it. All the research she did with her own patients was overwhelming and amazing. She has tried this with kids that are ADHD, to kids with sensory processing disorder, with kids who are bipolar, and so many more. </div>
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So I started planning and seeing when I could do it and succeed at it. I didn't want to do it half way. I truly wanted to do my own study on my own kids. I didn't want me to mess up at all and wonder if the outcome would have been different if I would have done it all the way.<br />
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<b>I decided to start it in June because that is the first full month my girls are out of school. </b> I can know EXACTLY how much screen time they are getting when they are home with me. So I figured that would be the best time to do it.<br />
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Now I want to tell you the main reason I am wanting to do this. I have two girls. Our 7 year old has been super sensitive to sensory things since she was a baby. We could rarely watch TV with her in the room as young as 6 weeks old. I am not joking and I wish I was.<br />
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I remember when I went to the pediatrician completely in tears because my baby just cried ALL NIGHT LONG. She suggested the no TV thing to us. So we tried it and we noticed a difference. Sadly it was still really bad, but there were moments that were better.<br />
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<b>Unfortunately, it hasn't gone away. </b> She gets overstimulated extremely fast. She is a very sensitive child. She has some very irrational fears, some of them crippling. She has meltdowns all the time and although they are getting better with age they are still very often. Also some very strong tantrums happen daily. She gets easily frustrated. She has separation anxiety. She is very impulsive (there is no pause between feeling angry and hitting or throwing something). She is constantly yelling, screaming, or whining. She has really bad sportsmanship. She also has some severe stomachaches and headaches.<br />
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Our youngest is three. She isn't as severe as our oldest and some would say she is all around easier. She doesn't have all the extreme things that our oldest daughter has, but she does have trouble with sleep. That is getting better with age, but some nights it can be pretty bad. She also can get frustrated really easily.<br />
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Now I know that somewhere out there I am going to have some people rolling their eyes. I know kids will be kids. I know kids are still learning. I know all these things. However, I know that I have tried so many different ways to make life just slightly more easy or simple for my girls with very little success.<br />
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I want you to know that all around my girls are fantastic girls. They might sound unbearably hard, but they are great for their teachers (school, dance, and church). They are not bullies at school. My oldest gets good grades and is ahead of her grade in all subjects. My three year old is learning to read and loving it. So I don't have anything that I am extremely worried about, but my oldest has some anxiety and she is the main reason why this whole thing intrigued me. I wanted to add this in because I never want to come across that my girls are a pain. Never!<br />
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<b>When I heard Dr. Dunkley speak I knew I wanted to give it a shot. </b>Then when I read the book about all the amazing things it has done of kids as young as toddlers up to late teens I knew I needed to do it for my sanity, but also for the benefit of my children (or maybe just my oldest). Our youngest might not be as "severe", but she can benefit from it as well.<br />
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That is exactly why I think every parent should try this. It certainly won't hurt your children to try it. You can set some goals to see if any specific problem areas get better and hopefully they will. If not then you at least gave it a chance.<br />
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I can't wait to see what things will change. I can't wait to come up with a plan that works for each of my children individually. All kids are different. All kids can handle different things. <b>Just because the AAP and the AHA say that a certain limit is ok doesn't mean that for every child it is recommended, only you as the parent can decide that. </b><br />
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This break will help reset the screen time and then help you add it back in slowly. When I say slowly I mean 15 minutes a week slowly. More on that later. It does seem extreme to me, but for me I know I want to try it for my child. If you are in a similar situation then you might want to do this as well.<br />
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I will be doing a series with this topic. I want to share all the resources and all my tips, tricks, and things I learned along the way. I will also share what the outcomes were. I hope you take this journey with me or at least learn something along the way.<br />
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Parenting is hard. That is why it is so much better doing it with other amazing parents. <b>And YOU are an amazing parent! </b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMJM4rXvnxo/XN-Od1OpaQI/AAAAAAAAI3s/7iiJU28u4qkwesZFIN5EaRUt1lxFgQoxgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screen%2BFree_Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why would you ever consider a screen free month? Check out some reasons here! " border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMJM4rXvnxo/XN-Od1OpaQI/AAAAAAAAI3s/7iiJU28u4qkwesZFIN5EaRUt1lxFgQoxgCEwYBhgL/s640/Screen%2BFree_Pinterest.jpg" title="Why I am planning a screen free month. " width="426" /></a></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-9301574313506762442019-03-24T15:12:00.000-07:002019-12-13T15:13:01.631-08:00Book List Inspiration for Women<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ia2x4O0Vg0/XJfy4TwSThI/AAAAAAAAI10/YUXuMtH0ehULhWv-U2NhIGXc4NgvOmVtACLcBGAs/s1600/Book%2BList%2BInspiration%2Bfor%2BWomen_Facebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Check out this book list for women. There are quite a few must read books on here with a total of 35 different titles." border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1200" height="356" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ia2x4O0Vg0/XJfy4TwSThI/AAAAAAAAI10/YUXuMtH0ehULhWv-U2NhIGXc4NgvOmVtACLcBGAs/s640/Book%2BList%2BInspiration%2Bfor%2BWomen_Facebook.png" title="Book List Inspiration for Women" width="640" /></a></div>
In 2017 I made a goal to read 35 books throughout 2018. <b>I have some book list inspiration for women that I want to share with you, but let me tell you the story real fast about this goal I made for myself. </b> Maybe you can relate. </div>
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Reading 35 books in 2018 was a pretty lofty goal since I read UNDER 12 in 2017. However, I have always loved reading. However, when I became a mom that hobby took a backseat, WAY in the back. So it rarely happened. </div>
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In 2018 I wanted to focus on self care more to help combat some anxiety I deal with. So I thought reading was a fantastic way to start. I read 46 total. It is crazy how if you put your mind to something you can accomplish it. </div>
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I am providing my list of books as a book list inspiration for women and I will give tips on how to read more if that is a goal you want to achieve as well too. It is doable. If you like reading, but find it hard to take the time to do it then please keep reading. You owe it to yourself. </div>
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Book List first, then a few tips. I am going to break my books that I choose into categories. I will also provide links to all the books that I had on my 2018 reading list. <a href="https://thequietgrove.com/blog/2017/12/29/2018-reading-challenge-with-free-printables-for-adults-youth-and-kids/" target="_blank"> I must add that I decided to do this because of a reading challenge that my friend Julia posted about on her blog.</a> I decided to take her challenge and I loved the diverse books I read because of it. When I introduce a book I will list what category it fulfilled in that reading challenge. </div>
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I am saving my favorite books for last. They are my books I like to call my personal "Hall of Fame" books. These are books I want to read dozens more times in my lifetime.<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></b></b></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5sf8u16Ws_Q/XJfy39ztqEI/AAAAAAAAI1w/W6-VvJeb9k4om_1wcoLzleCvS_E6MV9LACLcBGAs/s1600/Book%2BList%2BInspiration%2Bfor%2BWomen_Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Check out this book list for women. There are quite a few must read books on here with a total of 35 different titles." border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5sf8u16Ws_Q/XJfy39ztqEI/AAAAAAAAI1w/W6-VvJeb9k4om_1wcoLzleCvS_E6MV9LACLcBGAs/s640/Book%2BList%2BInspiration%2Bfor%2BWomen_Pinterest.jpg" title="Book List Inspiration for Women" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Not my favorite</span></u></b></div>
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<i>I didn't love these books, but I would love to hear your thoughts if you read them and loved them. That is the beauty of books, some people love a book while others might hate it. Books are very personal. There are VERY FEW BOOKS I DON'T LIKE, even these ones had great moments. However, I wouldn't recommend them to anyone personally.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2YlxfkE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZCv2CNNR0w/XIa58pvBINI/AAAAAAAAIvs/lm04rR7-qW0bp_9pftdVjJ_XANWdgB6hwCLcBGAs/s320/Catastrophic%2BHappiness.jpg" title="Catastrophic Happiness Finding joy in childhood's messy years" width="211" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2YlxfkE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click picture to read more about this book</a></td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"With a subtitle": </b> This one is my least favorite book I read in 2018. It had some really good one liners. It had some points that I could relate to wholeheartedly. However, it was hard to get through. The author and I are very different in a lot of big topics. So it was hard for me to push through it. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2ur67TB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DsRA7TytME/XIa9xglzM6I/AAAAAAAAIv4/1EZViyLFI-010WDzR3hD8ZG5kXUhnRJXQCLcBGAs/s320/A%2BRoom%2BWith%2BA%2BView.jpg" title="A Room with a View" width="208" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2ur67TB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click picture to read more about this book</a></td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Set in a place I want to visit": </b>Just for those of you wondering....it is set in Italy. This was SO SLOW at first. That is why I wouldn't read it again. It became a lot better, but not enough to fully redeem itself. This could go in the "Classics" category I have below, but I just wouldn't recommend it. So that is why it is here.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Un-categorized</u></b></span></div>
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<i>These books had their own categories and I didn't have two or more books to go with them. So I threw them in this category together. </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2uzwgQt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="654" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1mhayWz4njM/XJFFG3jbwDI/AAAAAAAAIw0/OuQYY2lLNHgImhVvYrFoPDBaoI20N5O-wCLcBGAs/s320/The%2BRescue.jpg" title="The Rescue" width="195" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2uzwgQt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click picture to read more about the book</a></td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Favorite Author": </b>I can't say that Nicholas Sparks is my only favorite author, but I picked him because it had been quite a few years since I read one of his books. I of course loved this book. I had a friend who usually doesn't like love stories read it and she loved this book because of all the twists and turns and details in the book. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TeqxsZ" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1045" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9_k2WXjdl2A/XJFGHDUfEkI/AAAAAAAAIxA/AQ_pNWRnjggHTX3zQFQL8nkIVYcACBaGgCLcBGAs/s320/Counting%2Bby%2B7s.jpg" title="Counting by 7s" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click picture to read more about the book</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"# in title": </b>This book was happy and sad all in one. The girl in this book is so strong and so amazing. I want to read this to my girls when they get older. It shows that hard things don't have to define us. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2JkXBQm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oE08VgfbHlk/XJFG34mvvJI/AAAAAAAAIxI/6eAT7E57Z4AHNkbpk-2aTNmYVNEmskElgCLcBGAs/s320/Love%2Band%2BSecrets%2Bat%2BCassfield%2BManor.jpg" title="Love & Secrets at Cassfield Manor" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2JkXBQm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click picture to read more about the book</a></td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Random book chosen by it's cover": </b>I think the reason why I picked this book is because I love regency romance novels. I was very happy when I liked this one as well. It had plenty of suspense and a great love story to make it even better. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2JCIC4H" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1031" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7BfGfALTSTM/XJFHiY5t-tI/AAAAAAAAIxQ/ylTi91_bx4sH8BB8idMKF8t2rovgdMCmwCLcBGAs/s320/A%2BMan%2BCalled%2BOve.jpg" title="A Man Called Ove" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click picture to read more about the book</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Translated from a different language": </b>I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this book. This isn't the type of book that I like to read (usually), but I really liked it. I found myself laughing out loud numerous times during this book. Ove was so endearing. I fell in love with him and I loved seeing his heart soften (think the movie Up) throughout the book.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2CsZVyZ" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="993" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ikxbtTAduVc/XJFImYDA3DI/AAAAAAAAIxc/nQJQiV3tLBkHBzTUa7-gRPZRq9ekz-QnACLcBGAs/s320/And%2BThen%2BThere%2BWere%2BNone.jpg" title="And Then There Were None" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click picture to read more about the book</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Mystery": </b>Once again I am surprised with how much I liked this book. I was super scared to pick a book from this category because I am the biggest scaredy cat in the whole world. However, it wasn't as creepy as I thought it was going to be. I talked to a lot of people that told me I would be fine. They were right. </div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Series</u></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2UK5ekz" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="334" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80HI_HHAN7U/XJGzMnvWTiI/AAAAAAAAIyY/dYLkw8wwbBcv1x2h2vvAQ6uBY-ckSRA4wCLcBGAs/s320/City%2Bof%2BLost%2BSouls.jpg" title="City of Lost Souls" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click picture to read more about the book</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"From my must read list": </b>I had read the previous books in this series years ago and needed to finish the series. I actually reread and read all the books remaining books in this series during the year as well. I actually like this series a lot. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2FdpMvm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7I4BBLl8u1k/XJG0auiBNEI/AAAAAAAAIyk/TbjOln9ueAYLFZJcwYSifKwvZCSHEeNewCLcBGAs/s320/The%2BCrown.jpg" title="The Crown" width="212" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2FdpMvm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click picture to read more about the book</a></td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Published in 2016": </b>I am sad to admit this, but I really didn't love this book. I didn't hate it, but I wish I loved it as much as I did the first 3 books in the series. The first 3 books will be shown later on in this list. Let me tell you when I read them 4 years ago I FLEW through them and I am NOT a fast reader. </div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Non-Fiction</u></b></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2YiU8W3" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="823" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_V_AJAy52o/XJaUa1kcnwI/AAAAAAAAIy8/Z0UrS1ykdwIqDV3gPcEH3gpjHOkCzm3KwCLcBGAs/s320/Russell%2BM.%2BNelson.jpg" title="Russell M. Nelson Father-Surgeon-Apostle" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click picture to read more about the book.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Biography": </b>I am not a typical biography girl, but this one was captivating. I loved getting to know him better. I also liked reading about everything he has accomplished.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2OoS3Dh" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="335" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ta5hsdLI2_8/XJaVBz64BGI/AAAAAAAAIzE/aXs4pRVKhlg3yNbB6fyUewkglwli9IUdQCLcBGAs/s320/The%2BExplosive%2BChild.jpg" title="The Explosive Child" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click picture to read more about this book.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Self Improvement": </b>This IS a parenting book, but I still put it in self improvement, because I am a mother who wants to get better. This book is amazing. It has changed the way I look at raising my kids. It has more of a cooperative approach to parenting. I really really liked it and suggest anyone who has kids who get really angry or are highly emotional to read it.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2HD5gIg" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="349" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-769BU_pvLVg/XJaVtHnPzvI/AAAAAAAAIzM/AkFEGDhOjnkCDcl9M8vx7GYmkWUlsiKygCLcBGAs/s320/The%2BGateway%2BWe%2BCall%2BDeath.jpg" title="The Gateway We Call Death" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click on the picture to read more about this book.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"150 pages or less": </b>This is a very quick read. I decided to read this one because my young cousin died in a tragic accident. It came very suddenly and it was very hard. I also knew I would be losing my grandma sometime soon. Sure enough she passed away a few months after reading this. There were great words in this book. I loved it.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ts7k7t" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMzUDum0cGg/XJaWbS6PgQI/AAAAAAAAIzU/AvwgUPdT8AkX32Fsqs4YYDiRIQdiX-QSQCLcBGAs/s320/I%2Bam%2BMalala.jpg" title="I Am Malala " width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click on the picture to read more about the book.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Culture I'm not familiar with": </b>I know OF this culture, but I found out I knew NOTHING about it. I can't begin to explain how life changing this book was. I think about my life here in the United States so differently than I ever did before. This book is phenomenal.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2Yixr4b" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1037" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExnvEV1O-2Q/XJaW9JLOvfI/AAAAAAAAIzc/xV3bhPW1E2gygSiXQgURKZbbkBzmbg7MACLcBGAs/s320/Quiet.jpg" title="Quiet" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click on the picture to read more about this book.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"A book I previously started": </b>I had started this book the year before. Just like most non-fiction books I didn't get through this very fast. Even if I like them it takes me longer to get through them. This one was beyond interesting. If you are an introvert you must read this. If you are an extrovert and have a hard time understanding introverts then this would be a great book to read.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2OoxnLz" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-maFa8jzwft4/XJaXvuFp9PI/AAAAAAAAIzo/JGa2H_UQiK8Q6ltxuyTlxVmpW_rPlFKEACLcBGAs/s320/The%2BMagnolia%2BStory.jpg" title="The Magnolia Story" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click on picture to read more about this book.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Written by a celebrity": </b>Who doesn't like Chip and Joanna? I love their personalities AND their style. So naturally I loved this book. It was so fun to get to know them better. If you have a chance you should listen to it on audio book, because they read it and it is so good. <b> </b>However, you want to hold the book too because there are pictures as well.<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Classics</u></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Y9FZuc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1227" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o86mC9_D_UE/XJGsACUHYXI/AAAAAAAAIxo/51tXP-d0ylgkA802Jsgz-DwhC73IMbYWwCLcBGAs/s320/Peter%2BPan.jpg" title="Peter Pan" width="245" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Y9FZuc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click picture to read more about the book</a></td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"In a made up place": </b>I read this with my 6 year old daughter. It had some parts that were tough to get through because of the old English that was used, but we loved it. I will say that it is MUCH darker than the Disney version of Peter Pan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2JlDeT8" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gvzlzoLzA4/XJGssTgzzOI/AAAAAAAAIxw/91rJmSxgpukmE9UvkpUQ0oOY0oDzSrwoQCLcBGAs/s320/Pride%2Band%2BPrejudice.jpg" title="Pride and Prejudice" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click picture to read more about the book</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"100+ years older than me": </b>Can you believe I have never read this book? I have seen many versions of it in movie form, but never read it. It has been on my "to read" list for years. So I decided to change that this year. I loved it. I knew I would.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2CDx1MP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="348" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNHoiDmz4Ps/XJGtfOumsuI/AAAAAAAAIx4/ZtbDtY5o3P0By_v5_tWzcs0YvViW4YJKACLcBGAs/s320/Sense%2Band%2BSensibility.jpg" title="Sense and Sensibility " width="222" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2CDx1MP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click picture to read more about the book</a></td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Over 400 pages": </b>Reading this one checked another book off my "to read" book list that has been on there far too long. I didn't know as much about this book as I did Pride and Prejudice, but I knew enough to anticipate some things happening. Once again. I really enjoyed it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2CDxHSn" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8ioFDc6pOE/XJGugAju7tI/AAAAAAAAIyE/l56K7tY-9ogYjBsOOqyNbMdXur0r82uigCLcBGAs/s320/A%2BLittle%2BPrincess.jpg" title="A Little Princess" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click picture to read more about the book</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Considered a classic": </b>When I was younger I watched this movie on repeat. I am so very surprised I haven't actually read it. I knew the story line, but I was surprised how much my heart hurts for her while reading it, even though I anticipated everything. Once again a beautiful story about a girl who doesn't give up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2HsURi4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4120X63S0M/XJGvJu415LI/AAAAAAAAIyM/zKa4m7eeOTsdXWH_F1UiB1RYdeilb-8XgCLcBGAs/s320/A%2BChristmas%2BCarol.jpg" title="A Christmas Carol" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2HsURi4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click picture to read more about the book</a></td></tr>
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<b style="text-align: justify;">Challenge Category-"Favorite Holiday Book": </b><span style="text-align: justify;">I know most of you are probably thinking there is no way I can be a book lover and not have already read all of these classics. I know. I know. I am shocked too. I know this story inside and out. I knew what was going to happen and I basically knew when it was going to happen. I laughed out loud a few times because Charles Dickens is just so amazing at telling stories. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Historical Fiction</u></b></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2YrCLT4" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SAk5-fzVU5s/XJaj_TKspbI/AAAAAAAAIz0/caincvLlCJ8V2zDVXITbN4NIVJSC2KeGACLcBGAs/s320/When%2BCalls%2Bthe%2BHeart.jpg" title="When Calls the Heart" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click on the picture to read more about the book.</td></tr>
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<b style="text-align: justify;">Challenge Category-"1st book of series": </b><span style="text-align: justify;">I liked this book, but not as much as the TV show. Maybe because I was smitten with the show first. It was a fast read and I liked the book, just not quite as much as the show. </span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2Yi10D3" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1014" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-byCYXOzY8AU/XJakyB0ZGYI/AAAAAAAAIz8/zi4lw_eayVcZ7S9PZ9e772DsZaY6bK9TACLcBGAs/s320/The%2BGuernsey%2BLiterary%2Band%2BPotato%2BPeel%2BPie%2BSociety.jpg" title="The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society " width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click on the picture to read more about this book.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Book to Movie": </b>This book was so good. I loved it. It took me a bit to get all the names of the characters down, but I loved it so much. I wish the ending wasn't as abrupt, but it was really good.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2U4Qcc3" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQcwfoqMp58/XJalUMZgNLI/AAAAAAAAI0E/I4-AUfl_k6o3Y7XMW-ypcmjE42tNp0hRQCLcBGAs/s320/All%2Bthe%2BLight%2BWe%2BCannot%2BSee.jpg" title="All The Light We Cannot See" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click on the picture to read more about this book.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"An Award Winning Book": </b>I love historical fiction books. So very much. My favorite historical fiction books are usually set during WWII and that is the time period of this book. Just like all WWII books (typically) I wish it had a happy ever after. Although the end of this book isn't terrible it wasn't a ride-into-the-sunset-forever-happy type book. I guess that is how WWII was though...even when it was over there was so much loss.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2OlB5FX" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1018" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHRiXf5g3IM/XJamD1nVYEI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/GtrF-fSfnTM1JcSuHg6Bg0-qChObxpBpwCLcBGAs/s320/Mrs.%2BMike.jpg" title="Mrs. Mike" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click on the picture to read more about this book.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Book with a name in the title": </b>This book had me captivated by the first page. However, it lost steam for me in the middle and then picked up toward the end. I had no idea about this part of the world during this time frame. I learned a lot and there were so many good insights and thoughts about life and how hard it can be, but finding happiness through it all.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2YkpH1u" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1049" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LxTPF-Ac4N8/XJamq9GPpkI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/9csNS0KARg0cp8ES9ZHYidb3ylqXkzR7wCLcBGAs/s320/Before%2BWe%2BWere%2BYours.jpg" title="Before We Were Yours" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click on the picture to read more about this book.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"A New York Times Bestseller": </b>YOU GUYS! This book! Are you kidding me?! It was heart wrenching. It makes me sick to think this actually happened. I read all about the actual events of this whole scandal and I couldn't believe it. Utter shock. It was a good ending, but still so heartbreaking. How can you have both endings?!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2OoBis6" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="323" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BvrnNCDTns/XJanQxB_3EI/AAAAAAAAI0g/4eJW7KGwuqIP4saTIy5Is-PXPxDr6lBpwCLcBGAs/s320/Fire%2Bof%2Bthe%2BCovenant.jpg" title="Fire of the Covenant " width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click on the picture to read more about this book.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Based on a Historical Event": </b>Once again I had no idea that I had such little knowledge about the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies. So little. I was so intimidated by the mere size of this book. I read it towards the end of the year and I was scared I wasn't going to finish it in time (I am not a fast reader). However, I flew through this book. I couldn't put it down from start to finish. I wanted it to keep going and see the characters settle in more. It was so good. I loved how the author brought in both historical and fictional characters.<br />
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<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2CA60cW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmUv9lLLufE/XJaoWaW_-2I/AAAAAAAAI0s/SxMcgaiKAZcGUoTHP6zThWN-gTT4HghJgCLcBGAs/s320/The%2BNightingale.jpg" title="The Nightingale" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2CA60cW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click on the picture to read more about this book.</a></td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Sure to make me cry": </b>This book is borderline into the next category as well. I don't know why it isn't so maybe I should move it there. I guess because I wanted to keep it with the other two WWII books. It was so good. I cried a lot. The ending was sad and happy at the same time. This book made me see how brave people were during this time. It was mainly the women that it followed and wow. I want to be that amazing.<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><u>Personal Hall of Fame</u></b></div>
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<i>These books were my favorite of the whole year. They are ones I have already read numerous times or plan to read again. They are ones I will recommend to everyone.</i></div>
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<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Cy6eRM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jbAKMEjICI/XJa7NkqTBiI/AAAAAAAAI04/til2Seid-UU6xunbQAgiP-oBEe32_vFcwCLcBGAs/s320/The%2BFragrance%2Bof%2BHer%2BName.jpg" title="The Fragrance of Her Name" width="218" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Cy6eRM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click on the picture to read more about this book.</a></td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Recommended by a friend": </b>My friend Tera recommended this book to me. She actually knew I would like it so she gave me a copy. I haven't read a lot of books during WWI so it was fun to read. There was a ton of references to the Civil War as well which I haven't read a lot of. I LOVED the suspense in it, but the love story was the BEST. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2YhIevv" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1032" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLbQsv1Fsp4/XJa8sELHYUI/AAAAAAAAI1E/sVwo1vylweoOSRtQfBtldIWeTVgGO3qCACLcBGAs/s320/Cinder.jpg" title="Cinder" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click on the picture to read more about the book.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Fairy Tale": </b>I have to say I was VERY skeptical about this book. I need to tell you though that I loved it so much that I stopped reading the books on my reading challenge and read this ENTIRE SERIES before I read another book on my list. I blew threw them so fast and I wanted to start reading them again as soon as I was finished. The twist of the fairy tales was so creative. I seriously loved it. So if you are skeptical then you must give this series a chance anyways because I was the same way. </div>
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<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Yh7kdT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1062" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHmC-Ll9JVk/XJa-DFKsh9I/AAAAAAAAI1Q/_eE4gRXG_tkhr9dOv7blJ-ekWT8UvaRrgCLcBGAs/s320/Essentialism.jpg" title="Essentialism" width="212" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Yh7kdT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click on the picture to read more about this book.</a></td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"One word title": </b>I know I keep saying this, but THIS BOOK. You have to read this book. It puts everything into perspective. It makes you think about what is important (essential) in life. It is just so good. You must read it and refer back to it often. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2UNRGoe" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="365" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYCvG5Pp880/XJa-yHikQFI/AAAAAAAAI1Y/NYbccEtOOYUV7fvQ2cdkSu9mApMnakk7wCLcBGAs/s320/Selection%2BSeries.jpg" title="The Selection Series" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click on picture to read more about these books</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"3 books by same author": </b>I wanted the first 3 in a picture together and so I had to have all 5. I actually read all 5 in this year. I have already talked about The Crown earlier. The first three books are some of my favorite books ever. My best friend gave me them when I had my youngest baby. She gave them to me to read while I was nursing. Well read them I did. I read all 3 in a week. Once again I must say that I am not a fast reader. This was done because I couldn't put them down! </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://amzn.to/2CvN9j1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Book List Inspiration for Women" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1007" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EQM2ENRufrc/XJbBhG5inAI/AAAAAAAAI1k/TP2i1CqbGCghPB-oMZH0-6C8s4ZL7M4HQCLcBGAs/s320/Edenbrooke%2Band%2Bthe%2BHeir%2Bto%2BEdenbrooke.jpg" title="Edenbrooke and Heir to Edenbrooke" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click the picture to read more about these books.</td></tr>
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<b>Challenge Category-"Read before" AND "Finish in a Day": </b>I had to put both of these together, because you can't read Heir to Edenbrooke without having Edenbrooke in your hands. They are bound together. With that said, I don't know if Heir to Edenbrooke should be in my Hall of Fame books, but it is so short that why not? They are literally in the same book. Edenbrooke on the other hand has my whole heart and soul. I LOVE THIS BOOK. It is my favorite book ever. I could read it over and over again. </div>
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<b>Tips for reading more:</b></div>
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<li>Audio Books! This isn't holding a book in your hands, but you are "reading" a book. It makes chores so much better. I loved doing this during chores, driving in the car alone, or whenever I really wanted to read, but couldn't actually sit down and read.</li>
<li>Schedule time to read. Make a date with yourself and read the book you have been wanting to read for quite some time. </li>
<li>Always carry your book with you. You never know when you will be waiting at an office or in your car, might as well be reading. </li>
<li>Do a reading challenge like I did. It is crazy if you put your mind to something then you will find ways to do it. </li>
<li>Go to bed earlier. This way you can read for a bit and then go to sleep at your normal time. </li>
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<b>So that's it. Have you read any of these? Have you been wanting to read any of these? Did this post add any books to your list that you want to read? Also, I would love to hear what you are currently reading! </b></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" /></div>
Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-7383663370151353092019-02-20T05:30:00.000-08:002019-12-13T15:13:11.630-08:00The Best Shampoo and Conditioner for YOUR Hair<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GvfG0MLDdpc/XGuBVeb46gI/AAAAAAAAIus/Eo7y59ho8GQHYylIOmqHG1-YOqlprY9RwCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BBest%2BShampoo%2Band%2BConditioner%2Bfor%2BYour%2BHair_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Best Shampoo and Conditioner for YOUR Hair" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GvfG0MLDdpc/XGuBVeb46gI/AAAAAAAAIus/Eo7y59ho8GQHYylIOmqHG1-YOqlprY9RwCLcBGAs/s640/The%2BBest%2BShampoo%2Band%2BConditioner%2Bfor%2BYour%2BHair_Facebook.jpg" title="The Best Shampoo and Conditioner for YOUR Hair" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I received a set of shampoo and conditioner in exchange for writing a review on the blog. Although this post is sponsored, all my opinions are my own.</i></span><br />
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You know how people say "I thought I died and went to heaven" when referring to something amazing? I kind of thought I would only love my hair when I died and went to heaven. I always told people that my hair will be different in heaven, because it is FAR from perfect. </div>
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<b>I had so many people, including cosmetologists, tell me to try different shampoos and conditioners that were "the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair". </b>I would like things about it but there would be a million and one things I didn't like about it. I always said, "If I was a millionaire then I would pay a chemist to develop a shampoo and conditioner for MY hair. </div>
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Well guess what?! Sadly, I am not a millionaire....at least not yet. However, I had my first bottles of shampoo and conditioner made just for me last Fall that cost less than MANY of the other ones I tried previously! I couldn't believe that I had customized shampoo and conditioner that were developed for me. It was a dream come true. </div>
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Do you want to hear my real life experiences with it? No hiding anything. I will tell you the same thing I told my sister and close friends not all over the internet. <b> I LOVE it. HOWEVER, the first ones they made I HATED. </b><br />
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I can't explain to you how bad I hated them. I felt terrible because I had heard so many amazing things about everyone else's products. Everyone I talked to was loving it. I wanted so badly to love it, but I hated it.<br />
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I want to tell you my story about it, because I am that passionate about this story. <a href="https://www.formulate.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I want you to find something that you love for your hair as much as I love Formulate for mine</a>. Life is too short to not have the best for your self care needs. Especially if you don't love your hair as much as I didn't love mine.<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">My Experience</span></b></u></div>
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When I first started setting my profile up they had me take a very in depth questionnaire. It asked things like how thick my hair is (and showed different examples so I could pick the closest match). It also asked if my hair was thin, course, or in the middle. It asked where I live so that they could take into account the temperature and the humidity. It asked how "greasy" my hair is. They asked these questions and so many more. Seriously they thought of everything. </div>
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Then I got to choose what 5 hair goals I wanted to have this shampoo and conditioner target. I chose to target mending split ends, anti frizz, hydration, deep conditioning, and preventing thinning. There are a lot of choices and I felt like this was the best thing for me at the time. My biggest complaints were that my roots are always greasy, but from the middle to the ends there is immense frizz. Also, I got to pick the fragrance I wanted it to be and how strong I wanted the fragrance to be. I picked Freshly Squeezed at medium strength.<br />
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Then I waited for them to put my formula together. It takes between 5-7 business days. When I got it I seriously was more excited for the package than I want to admit. I couldn't wait to try it out.<br />
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Then I tried it. Now let me give you a back story. I had never used sulfate free shampoo before. So I was not prepared for the lack of lather that happened. I tried to push past it, but that was the first thing that made me question the whole thing. I followed the directions in the package exactly because I wanted to give an accurate review. It said to use 6 pumps. So I did. It felt really heavy.<br />
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I tried to rinse it out over and over, but just decided that it was going to feel like that. Then I used the conditioner from the middle down. I have been doing that for years so that is nothing new. Then I got out of the shower and still didn't love the way it felt,<b> but again tried to remain positive and hope that after it was dried it would feel better. </b><br />
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I dried it and I HATED the way it felt. It was so weighed down. I can tell you there was NO FRIZZ so that target was hit, but I didn't like the way it felt so much that I knew I would rather have frizz than have it feel like this. My husband said he liked the way my hair looked and I told him I hated the way it felt.<br />
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So he felt it and immediately said, "It feels like you spread clay in it." I started laughing and was glad he was able to put words with how it felt. That is exactly how it felt. I am not a person to try something once and give up on it. I wanted to love it so I gave it 4 more shots. Each time I tried something different. I would use less product. I would wash with warmer water. I would wash with colder water. <b> I tried everything.</b><br />
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However, I still hated it. I was devastated. I felt so bad that I didn't love it as much as everyone else I had talked to. <b>So I decided to reach out to Formulate. Do you know why? Because that is what they said to do. They were PHENOMENAL. They said, "Lets fix it.</b> <b>We don't get it right the first time all the time. So lets figure out why you hated it and we will send you new ones."</b> After talking they had a better idea of what would work and then asked if I wanted to try the same scent. I decided to change to At Dawn. Side note: I didn't mind Freshly Squeezed. It smelled clean, but at times I felt like it smelled too close to a cleaner and so I went with At Dawn instead.<br />
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I was so optimistic. However, I wasn't getting my hopes up. So I gave them my revisions and waited a bit longer. When I got my new shipment I was excited once again, but a little reserved. When I tried it the second time I was more prepared for the lack of lather. I was so so so happy with the product.<br />
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I can't even explain to you how happy I am with the whole experience. I love the way my hair looks and feels now. I was beyond surprised with how amazing the customer service was. I have had more compliments on my hair since I started using Formulate then I have in over 5 years. I feel the difference as well. It makes me more confident and my frustration with my hair has diminished.<br />
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I am getting ready to get a new formula started for me because now that I have my most frustrating issues taken care of I am going to work on getting my hair longer, manageability (keeping my style maintained throughout the day) and then also more intense oil control at the roots (it is better, but I would like it even better). I am also going to try the fragrance Burgeon. I really like At Dawn. So we will see how I like this one.<br />
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I want to say one more thing. If you have been around here for a bit then you know I like to live a more simple lifestyle. I do not consider myself a minimalist, but I do live a more minimalist lifestyle. <b>It is easier for me to feel more peace in my home where there is less stuff. </b> With that said this product has dropped the amount of product I have to put in my hair. I used to have to put heat protectant on and detangler right out of the shower. Formulate has heat protectant in it. I do apply more protectant on it when I curl my hair the third day after washing. However, I use way less of that product now. I also used to have to use Moroccan oil the same day I washed it because of frizz. Now I don't have to use it until day 3 or sometimes even day 4.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-hxaGG48KM/XGzSIu1P77I/AAAAAAAAIu4/7rGHte7opEoOz_kYg3ZB5opzLt59rXDXgCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BBest%2BShampoo%2Band%2BConditioner%2Bfor%2BYour%2BHair_Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you wondering if you have the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair? Check out this amazing beauty product that makes your hair so healthy." border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-hxaGG48KM/XGzSIu1P77I/AAAAAAAAIu4/7rGHte7opEoOz_kYg3ZB5opzLt59rXDXgCLcBGAs/s640/The%2BBest%2BShampoo%2Band%2BConditioner%2Bfor%2BYour%2BHair_Pinterest.jpg" title="The Best Shampoo and Conditioner for YOUR Hair" width="426" /></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Your Experience</span></b></u></div>
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So now I want you to try it. I want you to love your hair and your hair care products. So please give this a shot if you are looking for something better. </div>
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Tips:</div>
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<ul>
<li>If you are a person who uses a heat everyday then I would set one of your hair goals to be heat protectant. </li>
<li>Don't be afraid to tell Formulate if you don't like your formula. They are just people and sometimes they don't get it right, but they will get it right. I would say give it about a month to see how your hair fully reacts to the product. My hair continues to get better the longer I use it.</li>
<li>Don't waste more money and time on getting "the best shampoo and conditioner". Instead let a chemist do the guess work for you and formulate something for YOUR hair. </li>
<li>If you feel like they can't get it right then you can discontinue and get a full refund. So really there is no risk. </li>
<li>Remember that your hair changes with age. So as you use Formulate your hair goals might change. You can change it at any time.</li>
<li>The app is SUPER simple to navigate and switch things up. </li>
<li>For a 14 oz set it is $49. This lasts me around 5 months. I wash my hair every 4 days. </li>
<li>If you would rather just pay for a starter set they are 4 oz. They cost $19.95 for the set. </li>
<li>Shipping is always included. </li>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkBHWUapABI/XGzU2aX-QjI/AAAAAAAAIvE/DDIzt4yc7w8JxS0CTKFpLR6jGqNlhuw1QCLcBGAs/s1600/Burlap%2BInstagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkBHWUapABI/XGzU2aX-QjI/AAAAAAAAIvE/DDIzt4yc7w8JxS0CTKFpLR6jGqNlhuw1QCLcBGAs/s640/Burlap%2BInstagram.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Giveaway</span></b></u></div>
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I am so excited! Formulate is giving away a set of shampoo and conditioner to one lucky winner! So don't wait. <b><a href="https://www.formulate.co/u/shambrayblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Enter now and hopefully you will be the lucky winner!</a> Just click on the link to go to my Formulate profile and you can enter there. </b></div>
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Do you want to know the best part?! <b>The non-winning entries will all receive a $5 off coupon code! </b>So once again everyone will win! </div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-25137685129937698852019-01-22T21:02:00.002-08:002019-12-13T15:13:26.031-08:00Storage Tips for Your Home<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1uwU2fOI6s/XEfzj5LabNI/AAAAAAAAIsU/MBT9kPo1XNgYrpZ5pqyLt_nQnzFBmjkeACLcBGAs/s1600/Storage%2BTips_FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Storage Tips for Your Home" border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1200" height="388" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1uwU2fOI6s/XEfzj5LabNI/AAAAAAAAIsU/MBT9kPo1XNgYrpZ5pqyLt_nQnzFBmjkeACLcBGAs/s640/Storage%2BTips_FB.jpg" title="Storage Tips for Your Home" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever made these excuses? My house is too small to have organized storage space. I have too many weird shaped things to have organized storage. I need to have a ton of money to get storage containers if I want an organized house. Have you said any of these things? </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up.html" target="_blank">I have posted some quotes on storage tips from the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a>. I have put Marie Kondo's quotes in quotation marks, anything outside of quotation marks is my own words.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I have only two rules: store all items of the same type in the same place and don't scatter storage space.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have already been selecting what to keep on the basis of what speaks to your heart, then you will understand what I mean because you have already collected items by category, spread them out in one spot, and held them in your hand to make your decision. The work you have been doing has actually honed your ability to sense what belongs together and to choose appropriate places for storing them."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Marie Kondo goes on to talk about storing based off of frequency of use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I use only two categories for frequency of use: things that I use often and things I don't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Take the contents of a drawer, for example. You will naturally start keeping the things you use less in the back of the drawer and those you use more in the front. There is no need to decide this when you first lay our your storage space. When you are choosing what to keep, ask your heart; when you are choo<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">sing where to store something, ask your house. If you remember to do this, you will instinctively know how to proceed with organizing and storing your things."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>It doesn't need to be complicated. Like she said it will come naturally.</b></span></div>
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Let's talk about how its best not to pile things...I mean lets be honest. <b>Who wants to put back something that is on the bottom of the pile. No one!</b> Clutter will start to form if things are too hard to put back. So let's see what Marie Kondo has to say about vertical storage. </div>
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"I store every item vertically if possible, including clothes, which I fold and stand on edge in my drawers, and stockings, which I roll up and stand in a box. The same is true for stationary and writing to<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ols: whether boxes of staples, measuring tapes, or erasers, I stand them on edge. I even store my laptop in the bookcase as if it were indeed a notebook. If you have storage space that should be sufficient yet falls short, try standing things vertically. You'll find that this solves most problems.</span></div>
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I store things vertically for two reasons. First, if you stack things, you end up with what seems like inexhaustible storage space. Things can be stacked forever and endlessly on top, which makes it harder to notice the increasing volume. In contrast, when things are stored vertically, any increase takes up space and you will eventually run out of storage area. When you do, you'll notice, 'Ah, I'm starting to accumulate stuff again.'</div>
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The other reason is this: STACKING IS VERY HARD ON THE THINGS ON BOTTOM. When things are piled on top of one another, the things underneath get squished. Stacking weakens and exhausts the things that bear the weight of the pile. Just imagine how you would feel if you were forced to carry a heavy load for hours. Not only that, but the things in the pile virtually disappear because we forget that they even exist."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSiu5CNuyqA/XEf0O8Ojk2I/AAAAAAAAIso/xsz5TvYkRcYjXbypK8kpw9f_Pu0lvN75ACLcBGAs/s1600/Storage%2BTips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Storage Tips for Your Home" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSiu5CNuyqA/XEf0O8Ojk2I/AAAAAAAAIso/xsz5TvYkRcYjXbypK8kpw9f_Pu0lvN75ACLcBGAs/s640/Storage%2BTips.jpg" title="Playroom closet storage" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my playroom in the closet. Nothing fancy, but my girls have changed toys 3 times since I did the challenge so buying bins specifically for certain toys just doesn't make sense. Use what you have.</td></tr>
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I am really passionate about this next thing. I have talked to so many people who say that getting organized is expensive. They worry about spending $100s on storage containers. <b>I am HUGE on looking around my house and seeing what works first. No it might not be AS pretty, but it is functional and FREE.</b></div>
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I especially like doing this with kid toys, because those are rotated as kids grow and want different toys. That way you can change up the containers easily.</div>
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<b>The numbe</b><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><b>r one container I use are shoe boxes.</b> I use these in my girls' playroom ALL THE TIME.</span></div>
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<b>Uses for various containers:</b></div>
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<b>Shoe box:</b></div>
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-Socks</div>
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-Store shampoo bottles, conditioner bottles, detergents, or other house hold cleaning products</div>
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-Garbage bags</div>
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-Clothes</div>
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-TOYS</div>
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<b>Lid of shoe box:</b></div>
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-Cooking oils</div>
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-Spices</div>
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<b>Extra plastic food containers:</b></div>
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-Small items in kitchen</div>
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-Bath toys-I have 3 in my bathroom for this purpose</div>
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"Large cardboard boxes or electrical appliance boxes, however, are too big for storage dividers, inconvenient for other types of storage, and just plain ugly. Please get rid of them. Whenever you come across likely storage boxes while you are cleaning and sorting your belongings, set them aside and in one spot until you are ready to start storing. Be sure to discard or recycle any that are left once your house is in order. NEVER HANG ON TO THEM IN THE BELIEF THAT YOU MIGHT USE THEM SOMEDAY.</div>
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I don't recommend using round, heart-shaped, or irregularly shaped containers as dividers because they usually waste space. However if a particular box gives you a thrill when you hold it, that's different....Hair accessories, cotton swabs, or sewing supplies might work in them."</div>
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<b>Let's see what she says about bags...I love this storage idea.</b></div>
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"The best way to store purses, handbags, and other bags is to make sets according to the material, size, and frequency of use and to store them one inside the other, like nested boxes. All straps and handles should be left in plain view. If the handbag used for storage came in a bag, you can store the set in that. Line up these sets in your closet or wardrobe where you can see them."</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are like me and like to label everything to easily find things and put things back then I have a bunch of blog posts for you. You can get all these labels for free on my blog. Check out which ones I have below. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2014/10/a-childs-dream-playroom-toy-storage-alphabet-wall-Ikea-play-kitchen-artwork-display.html" target="_blank">Playroom labels</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/06/craft-room-organization-labels.html" target="_blank">Craft room organization</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/01/organization-happiness-labels.html" target="_blank">Closet, garage, and laundry room</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is just a reminder that when we get rid of things then we can have more joy. BUT remember to take care of the things you have. If you do they will last longer and your home will also be less cluttered. Win-Win!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fl_SD4WvWc8/XEfzj0fl-kI/AAAAAAAAIsQ/lzUE07_GkLEDbst2XLGJ_DZVgHy2Ar9igCLcBGAs/s1600/Storage%2BTips_Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Don't make organization hard by over complicating the storing process. Check out these easy storage tips for your home." border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fl_SD4WvWc8/XEfzj0fl-kI/AAAAAAAAIsQ/lzUE07_GkLEDbst2XLGJ_DZVgHy2Ar9igCLcBGAs/s640/Storage%2BTips_Pinterest.jpg" title="Storage Tips for Your Home" width="426" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-size: large;"><b><u>Other posts in this series</u></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up.html" target="_blank">Book Review: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/why-declutter-and-how-to-do-it.html" target="_blank">All about the decluttering challenge</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/take-control-of-your-house.html" target="_blank">What is holding you back from tidying up & how to get past it</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/how-to-declutter-your-home.html" target="_blank">How to declutter your home</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/decluttering-tips-for-clutter-free-home.html" target="_blank">Decluttering tips</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/quotes-from-books-life-changing-magic.html" target="_blank">Helpful quotes from the book</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Some other links you will find helpful</span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Mk0y1n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purchase The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80209379" target="_blank">Watch Tidying Up on Netflix</a></span></span></span></div>
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Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-29443596849177362722019-01-22T21:02:00.001-08:002019-12-13T15:13:35.269-08:00Decluttering Tips for a Clutter Free Home<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bs-7NuaeS3E/XEftBd9a0PI/AAAAAAAAIr4/fk6QudPx-ekxipSkXGjozjgZ_lHtXrXzACLcBGAs/s1600/Decluttering%2BTips_FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Decluttering Tips for a Clutter Free Home" border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1200" height="388" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bs-7NuaeS3E/XEftBd9a0PI/AAAAAAAAIr4/fk6QudPx-ekxipSkXGjozjgZ_lHtXrXzACLcBGAs/s640/Decluttering%2BTips_FB.jpg" title="Decluttering Tips for a Clutter Free Home" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">When I read the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up I was so intrigued with the idea of never having a rebound. The thing that bothered me the most with decluttering was that it was constant. Once you decluttered your house you started over with where you started. I felt like it was very defeating.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">So when Marie Kondo promised that if you tidied in the way she said you wouldn't have a rebound I was all ears. I then planned on my decluttering challenge to be a life changing thing. It was going to be habit forming. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">However, I also knew that I would get sick in my life, my kids would get sick, life would have it's crazy times. So I planned on keeping my decluttering sessions in place (it is something I have been doing for about 5-6 years now). If I have nothing to declutter then I won't have to do anything, but if I do then I can get on top of it right away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I currentl<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">y have 3 15-minute sessions a week. I set the timer and I attack my clutter piles and put things away. <a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/take-control-of-your-house-what-is.html" target="_blank">This doesn't include my paper clutter session that I mentioned in this post</a>. It is under the section titled "Paper Clutter". </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I really haven't had to have any marathon decluttering sessions. I do declutter my kids' playroom 3 times a year and because I like them involved sometimes that can be more lengthy, but I feel it is worth it in the end because I am teaching them the value of only keeping things you love. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1f72zyGJZLg/XEftBxlgrTI/AAAAAAAAIsA/xzPYzlIX6iIcMrQ8u-BngHyMosjfXGmAwCLcBGAs/s1600/Decluttering%2BTips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Decluttering Tips for a Clutter Free Home" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1f72zyGJZLg/XEftBxlgrTI/AAAAAAAAIsA/xzPYzlIX6iIcMrQ8u-BngHyMosjfXGmAwCLcBGAs/s640/Decluttering%2BTips.jpg" title="Decluttering your drawers" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another real life picture. This drawer used to stress me out every time I opened it. I haven't had even a slight relapse with this drawer. Everything has a home. </td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another tip that I swear by is: If something takes 2 minutes or less to do or put away then do it right then. I promise that your clutter piles will be lessened if you do this.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the book Marie Kondo talks about emptying your purse/bag daily. (if you have the book then this is a must read...I find it entertaining)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't have the time to do it daily. However, it is in my weekly cleaning schedule to clean out my car, wallet, purse, and diaper bag. So make sure you find a routine that works for you. <b>This will keep it from getting out of control, but not just that it will help you find things more easily. </b>I have found that as I am getting gas I will quickly go through my car and purse and get rid of all the garbage. For some reason garbage just piles up. I also keep a plastic bag in my car and if I have time while waiting for my gas tank to fill I will put anything that needs to be carried into the house in that bag. It saves me time on my weekly car cleaning day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This next tip might seem silly to you, but try it if it is something you don't do already. <b>Take off the labels of anything you don't need to label.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our brains register every written word. So when you open a closet full of containers and each of those containers has a label from the store on them then your mind sees all the busyness of it and can't settle. So be very sure when you add words that it isn't too excessive to a space and will cause your mind to not rest when you open the storage space. Does that make sense?</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFDYmi_FnVo/XEftBkkaYRI/AAAAAAAAIr8/Fj2Q-t4iC_ELUghYQo0zXSgAZuN0AmcUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Decluttering%2BTips_Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Check out these very easy and simple decluttering tips for a clutter free home. " border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFDYmi_FnVo/XEftBkkaYRI/AAAAAAAAIr8/Fj2Q-t4iC_ELUghYQo0zXSgAZuN0AmcUQCLcBGAs/s640/Decluttering%2BTips_Pinterest.jpg" title="Decluttering Tips for a Clutter Free Home" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-size: large;"><b><u>Other posts in this series</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up.html" target="_blank">Book Review: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/why-declutter-and-how-to-do-it.html" target="_blank">All about the decluttering challenge</a></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/take-control-of-your-house.html" target="_blank">What is holding you back from tidying up & how to get past it</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/how-to-declutter-your-home.html" target="_blank">How to declutter your home</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/quotes-from-books-life-changing-magic.html" target="_blank">Helpful quotes from the book</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/storage-tips-for-your-home.html" target="_blank">Storage tips</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Some other links you will find helpful</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Mk0y1n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purchase The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80209379" target="_blank">Watch Tidying Up on Netflix</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6U8AIHCaUt8/XEXoVKGtuWI/AAAAAAAAIqA/cwdPWmuZJzY88zg2l3OR7S5Wt10dVjHlgCEwYBhgL/s1600/How%2Bto%2BDeclutter%2BYour%2BHome_FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Declutter Your Home " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1260" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6U8AIHCaUt8/XEXoVKGtuWI/AAAAAAAAIqA/cwdPWmuZJzY88zg2l3OR7S5Wt10dVjHlgCEwYBhgL/s640/How%2Bto%2BDeclutter%2BYour%2BHome_FB.jpg" title="How to Declutter Your Home " width="640" /></a></div>
Should I declutter room by room? Should I declutter a little drawer each day? How should I begin? </div>
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I was at a loss on how to declutter and feel good about what I did. I would find ways to declutter, but then in 3 months, 6 months, or even 1 year later I would find myself needing to declutter that same area again. It was quite defeating. </div>
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I can say that after doing this challenge for myself and my readers last year that this way works. It transforms your way of thinking and you won't go back to more clutter. It is amazing and I have been so happy that I took the time to do this. </div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/why-declutter-and-how-to-do-it.html" target="_blank">As I mentioned in the first post about the challenge, you will do it by categories</a>. This helps you start with the easiest things and then work towards the harder things. That way when you get the the hardest category (sentimental) you will have had lots of practice before hand. </div>
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I want to give you some tips I learned along the way for each of these categories. <a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up.html" target="_blank">I mention a book and when I do it is always the book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I wrote a whole blog post about why you need to read it</a>!<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Clothing</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vgek2TFw1eQ/XEVfpx1V_lI/AAAAAAAAIpI/aT3nTp2ncuAJGsFvEQnCS-SXySM7150NACEwYBhgL/s1600/How%2Bto%2BDeclutter%2BYour%2BHome%2BClothing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Declutter Your Home " border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vgek2TFw1eQ/XEVfpx1V_lI/AAAAAAAAIpI/aT3nTp2ncuAJGsFvEQnCS-SXySM7150NACEwYBhgL/s640/How%2Bto%2BDeclutter%2BYour%2BHome%2BClothing.jpg" title="Declutter your clothes" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;">My biggest thing with clothing is to make sure you love what you keep. Even if that means getting rid of something you only wore once. Even if it means you get rid of a gift. Things like that will just sit there and collect dust and take up space. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;">You will feel so much better and confident with a closet full of clothes you like and want to wear. <a href="https://www.shambray.com/2017/03/Minimalist-Wardrobe-List-36-Piece-Wardrobe.html" target="_blank">I have had a 36 piece wardrobe for about 3.5 years now</a>. It has been amazing to me to see how much I love my closet now and I have A LOT LESS STUFF than I used to have. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is from the book: "Books are usually arranged in rows in bookcases so that their titles are clearly visible, so it does seem to make more sense to weed out those you don't want when you can see them. Not only that, but books are heavy. Taking them all off the shelf only to put them back on again seems like a waste of effort. Even so, do not skip this step. Remove <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">all the books from your bookcases. You cannot judge whether or not a book really grabs you when it's still on the shelf."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She goes on to say, "Once you have piled your books, take them in your hand one by one and decide whether you want to keep or discard each one. The criterion is, of course, whether or not it gives you a thrill of pleasure when you touch it. Remember I said when you TOUCH it. Make sure you don't start reading it. Reading clouds your judgment."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then once you are done and only have books that you LOVE it will feel SO GOOD! She says, "For someone who loves books, what greater happiness could there be?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/why-declutter-and-how-to-do-it.html" target="_blank">If you have too many books to pile all on the floor at once then take them in the categories that are on the spreadsheet and weed them out that way</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Here are some quotes from the book about books.</b> I loved them and wanted to share them. Anything that isn't in quotations is my own thoughts:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"The most common reason for not discarding a book is "I might read it again.'"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Books you have read have already been experienced and their content is inside you, even if you don't remember. So when deciding which books to keep, forget about whether you think you'll read it again or whether you've mastered what's inside. Instead, take each book in your hand and decide whether it moves you or not. Keep only the books that make you happy just to see them on your shelves, the ones that you really love. That includes this book, too. If you don't feel any joy when you hold it in your hand, I would rather you discard it."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"The problem with books that we intend to read sometime is that they are far harder to part with than ones we have already read."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"If you missed your chance to read a particular book, even if it was recommended to you or is one you have been intending to read for ages, this is your chance to let it go. You may have wanted to read it when you bought it, to teach you that you didn't need it. There's no need to finish reading books that you only got halfway through. Their purpose was to be read halfway. So get rid of all those unread books. It will be far better for you to read the book that really grabs you right now than one that you left to gather dust for years." </span></div>
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Talking about old text books, notebooks, and qualification books she says...</div>
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"So if, like many of my clients, you have any books that fall into this category, I urge you to stop insisting that you will use them someday. Get rid of them today. Why? because the odds are very low that you'll ever read them. Of all my clients, less than 15 percent put such books to use......If you haven't done what you intended to do yet, donate or recycle that book. Only by discarding it will you be able to test how passionate you are about that subject. If your feelings don't change after discarding it, then you're fine as is. If you want the book so badly after getting rid of it that you're willing to buy another copy, then buy one-and this time read and study it." <b>I followed this advice when cleaning out my books.</b></div>
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She went on to say keep the books that are in your personal "Hall of Fame" category. These are those books that you know you will read again and just by looking at them you can't help but smile. </div>
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Then the next category of books to keep but didn't make the "Hall of Fame" are books that inspired you. These books will change as life changes. <b>So you need to keep tabs on these books and discard when necessary.</b></div>
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The last quote I want to share and completely think this is true is "I have noticed that having fewer books actually increases the impact of the information I read."</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Magazines can be one of those things that can build.</b> I like to keep my cleaning to a minimum on Sundays. It's the one day a week that I give myself rest. However, I always take 10 minutes to look through a magazine. I might take longer if I have a bigger pile of magazines. That way I make sure to get through one or two magazines. If I see something that I HAVE to reference later then I usually tear out the page that I need to reference or take a picture of it and file it in a folder to look back on. I always make sure that this is something that is worth keeping. I don't want clutter in my home or even on my computer/phone if it will never be referenced again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once I am done with the magazine I recycle it and move on. If I didn't do this then my house would be swimming in magazines.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Papers</u></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkW3d2Ny4QE/XEVfqMuZhDI/AAAAAAAAIpU/qv5hhTk03NsR41rpcWrFANshyW7kaPHAwCEwYBhgL/s1600/How%2Bto%2BDeclutter%2BYour%2BHome%2BPaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Declutter Your Home " border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkW3d2Ny4QE/XEVfqMuZhDI/AAAAAAAAIpU/qv5hhTk03NsR41rpcWrFANshyW7kaPHAwCEwYBhgL/s640/How%2Bto%2BDeclutter%2BYour%2BHome%2BPaper.jpg" title="Declutter papers" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lecture/talk/seminar materials: </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">The reason we go to a lecture or seminar is to learn and grow in that area of expertise. Now I am going to say something that might seem harsh, but I don't mean it that way. THE ONLY WAY YOU WILL GET RESULTS FROM A SEMINAR IS TO PUT IT INTO PRACTICE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I say this because if you keep the notes for years, more than likely you won't ever look at those notes and they will clutter your home. If you do then you might not remember what <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">was meant by your notes after years of sitting in storage and you will probably want to take another class on the same thing to freshen your memory.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Think about it! How many past notes do you reference all the time? Probably not many. If you do then you are putting it into place and pretty soon you will have a great routine and know what the notes say just by practicing what the notes say. Therefore you won't need the notes anyways. (Wow I said the word notes a lot there!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you REALLY can't part with something then get it converted electronically. I like to take stock of my electronic files yearly just to stay on top of them as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Credit Card & Bank Statements: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My number one piece of advice is to immediately go (like right when you start decluttering this type of paper) and get these put online. There are paperless options. Please use them. If you can't do that then take this advice: Once you get these statements then check the content to confirm everything is correct and record it where necessary. Then get rid of it. At that point it has fulfilled its purpose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pay Stubs & Greeting Cards:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pay Stubs first...</b>The main reason you should keep these is to check what is on there and that it is correct. Most times at that point it is a good idea to get rid of it. If you are applying for a loan then maybe keep a few months worth. No more than a year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Greeting cards: </b>When I get a thank you card or any card for that matter I read it and cherish it in the moment and then get rid of it. I will say I keep some that are more life changing. Basically really special ones only. The purpose of the card was to let you know that yo<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">u were thought of. If you took that positive vibe in then its purpose is over. I do keep Christmas cards. These bring me TONS of joy so I punch holes in them (only the ones with pictures) and then bind them with book rings. My family and I love to look back over all the years and see how much everyone changes. It brings us lots of joy so it makes sense for us to do this. I also store them with my Christmas stuff.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Medical documents (this includes insurance documents and HSA docs):</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is my thing. The ONLY reason you should keep something is for reference or to provide information for yourself or others. Here is what I do with these kinds of papers:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. I keep them if I have a print out of what was paid for tax purposes. Then I keep it with my tax documents for 7 years. If it is provided online then I don't print it out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. If I have a large bill that hasn't been paid (babies anyone?) then I keep all the supporting documents until it has been paid. Once it is paid the only thing I keep is the record of what was paid for (again for tax purposes).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Manuals</b>-Only keep ones that you continually reference. If you are going to stick it in a file then get rid of it. Utilize it when you first get the item and then toss it. Most of these manuals can be found online anyways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Warranties</b>- Keep them as long as they are not expired. Keep them all in one file together. Then either each time you have to pull one out OR once a year go through them and get rid of the expired ones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xmVJ4omEHwc/XEVfqBH1rrI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/tjehPNm_-gQr3Hj1bqeoPAbxi_GW4V0VwCEwYBhgL/s1600/How%2Bto%2BDeclutter%2BYour%2BHome%2BMisc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="How to Declutter Your Home " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xmVJ4omEHwc/XEVfqBH1rrI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/tjehPNm_-gQr3Hj1bqeoPAbxi_GW4V0VwCEwYBhgL/s640/How%2Bto%2BDeclutter%2BYour%2BHome%2BMisc.jpg" title="Declutter miscellaneous " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real picture of what I did to my closet outside of our main bathroom.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Let's talk about the the things around the house that we don't notice all the time because they have become part of our house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Unused gifts</b> - I'm talking about party or wedding favors, souvenirs from friends/family, gifts given to you on your birthday, and so on. Now I am not talking about things that are your taste or that you love. I am talking about the ones that you have used once, if at all. They are the items in your house that cause you guilt every time yo<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">u look at them because you wish you liked it or could use it, but you just can't. They are either put in the back of a closet, on top of a shelf, or in a drawer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now I want you to hold that gift and think about the person that gave it to you and remember that they gave it to you because they love you and thought of you. They would HATE to know that it is causing you guilt or is going unused. You will do so much better getting rid of it and letting someone else actually ENJOY it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cosmetic samples saved for trips</b>: If you do not use them within a year please throw them out. Reason is that when the quantity is very small (like samples) the quality deteriorates faster. You don't want to be on a trip trying to relax and realize that the lotion, shampoo, or conditioner is all dried up or bad. Then you are driving around trying to find these items or paying an arm and a leg for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just make it a habit to toss them yearly. Set a reminder on your calendar if you have to. Just do it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Electronics Packages</b>: I have to tell you that this is what my husband kept the most of. I have broke his error of judgement (haha), but it has taken years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Boxes take up SO MUCH ROOM! So get rid of that box your cell phone came in as soon as you get it out of the box. My husband kept them because he thought the electronics would be <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">easier to sell if he had the box, but he has sold so many without the boxes since I had him get rid of them right away.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You also don't need them for moving...unless you are moving in the very near future. Don't save them for a "someday" move. <b>Get the boxes for moving at that time of moving.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Unidentified cords</b>: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">HAHAHAHAHAHA. WE ALL HAVE THESE! 99.9999999% of the time you can toss it and you won't even know the difference. However, if you get nervous then keep the pile of them and make sure after you are done decluttering that each of your electronic devices has a cord. Then toss the pile (it is probably a pile of cords <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">for already disposed of electronics).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Honestly, if you find that you need a cord later on then go buy one. It will take you less time to do that then to try and find it in the mess of cords.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Broken Appliances</b>: Get rid of them. Unless you have a hobby and ENJOY fixing these things, then get rid of them. The only exception is if you can't live without it and you need it repaired right away. However, if you don't NEED it or it's going to sit for months or years to "someday be fixed" then please get rid of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>"Bedding for the guest who never comes"</b>: Don't keep tons of bedding for guests that you never have. It is such a waste of space. I am not talking to anyone who has regular guests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Products from the latest trends:</b> This can be any kind of trend. It is the trend that you went all in and got so many things to do it...health trends, hobby trends, kitchen trends, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are no longer passionate about it then get rid of it. I know it cost a lot of money, but it made you happy while you did it. It is no longer making you happy. So let it go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Spare buttons</b>: My mom had a Tupperware full of them and they were RARELY used. Many times if you lose a button on a clothing you will either wear it without the button, be done with the piece of clothing anyways, or let it sit until the article of clothing becomes faded because it has been sitting too long. Don't keep the buttons if you aren't going to use them. If you have suits or coats that you KNOW you will replace the buttons to then sew the extra buttons to the inside of the article of clothing. They do that now with a lot of coats anyways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This one is my favorite category. Phone cleaners, notepads, pens, fans, plastic cups/water bottles, glasses, Post-It notes, folder, calendars, balls, whistles, the list goes on and on. You didn't buy any of these things because they don't bring you joy. So get rid of them! Only keep the things that bring you joy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Any guesses on what Marie Kondo finds the most of laying around all over the house?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coins....I found it interesting and I can totally see this. Her advice is to put coins IMMEDIATELY in your wallet. Coins are not junk. They are money. So make sure to use them! Don't just think they are worthless because they aren't paper. We have an allowance system in our home. So we have a bank with coins to give our girls, but they aren't all over the place. They are either in the "bank" or in our wallets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Key point to take from it....use your coins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Marie has a part in her book about stock piles. Do you want to hear some of her records for stock piles?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Toothbrushes = 60 (this person sounded like they lived alone)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Plastic kitchen wrap = 30-20 meter rolls</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She goes on to say, "Unlike a shop, if you run out of something at home, it's not a big deal. It may cause you temporary stress, but it does no irreparable damage."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Give it away to friends who need it, recycle it, or take it to a donation shop. You may think this is a waste of money, but reducing your stock and relieving yourself of the burden of excess is the quickest and most effective way to put your things in order.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you've experienced the freedom of a life without surplus stock, you won't want to give it up and will naturally stop stockpiling. My clients tell me that now life is more fun because when they run out of something they enjoy seeing how long they can last without it or trying to substitute other things. It's important to assess what you have on hand now and eliminate excess."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have one extra toothbrush on hand for my girls at a time. You know just in case they drop their's in the toilet...or something. I always take stock of my plastic wrap when I put together my grocery list. Same goes for cotton swabs. Toilet paper I check monthly because I buy a big package when I need to at Sam's Club. I get the feeling of not wanting to run out! I hate running out of something, but I don't want my stockpile to consume my life either. This part was interesting to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Sentimental things</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHmqo4D_5OE/XEVgQFayKmI/AAAAAAAAIpw/xZryrmzJl20CBY3kp61XwqVolZzR4TQ_ACLcBGAs/s1600/How%2Bto%2BDeclutter%2BYour%2BHome%2BSentimental.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Declutter Your Home " border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHmqo4D_5OE/XEVgQFayKmI/AAAAAAAAIpw/xZryrmzJl20CBY3kp61XwqVolZzR4TQ_ACLcBGAs/s640/How%2Bto%2BDeclutter%2BYour%2BHome%2BSentimental.jpg" title="Declutter Sentimental items" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some quotes I loved from the first section on sentimental things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">REMEMBER: Keep the s<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">tuff that still brings you joy. There isn't a limit on what you can keep, but really think about each item.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"No matter how wonderful things used to be, we cannot live in the past. The joy and excitement we feel here and now are more important."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love this quote and everything she says here: "By handling each sentimental item and deciding what to discard, you process your past. If you just stow these things away in a drawer or cardboard box, before you realize it, your past will become a weight that holds you back and keeps you from living in the here and now."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A piece of advice she gives is DO NOT SEND YOUR SENTIMENTAL THINGS TO YOUR PARENT'S HOUSE. <b>That is just prolonging this process. </b>At one point you will have to address it. Do it now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When it comes to things your kids gave you then really think if it brings you joy. My guess is some of them will and some of them won't. So keep the ones that do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Letters were hard for me. This is what she said about letters. "The purpose of a letter is fulfilled the moment it is received." So don't hold on to it just because...only hold on to the ones that bring you joy and happiness. This category was hard, but after months of practice I luckily had become so much better. So don't stress out now! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once again, hold on to the things that you would love to look through over and over again. (The things that bring you joy!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's talk photos. I am going to quote the book again because as I did my decluttering I noticed a lot of truth in these statements.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Because photos tend to emerge from the most unexpected places when we are sorting other categories, it is much more efficient to put them in a designated spot every time you find one and deal with them all at the very end."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"There is a good reason to leave photos for last. If you start sorting photos before you have honed your intui<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">tive sense of what brings you joy, the whole process will spin out of control and come to a halt. In contrast, once you have followed the correct order for tidying ....sorting will proceed smoothly , and you will be amazed by your capacity to choose on the basis of what gives you pleasure."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She goes on to say that you should pile all your pictures in a big pile. Now....I was a huge scrapbooker back in the day. I did not take my pictures that I spent time and energy on (not to mention hours of journaling) out of the scrapbook just to put them in a pile. I also have many pictures already filed by date. I did not take those and jumble them up and have NO idea what year they are from.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, I did take pictures one by one and really thought if it is something that my kids, grand kids, or great grand kids would want to see. If it truly brings me joy then I think they will want to see those pictures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Go through them now. Enjoy them now! Don't keep piling these pictures up until you are gone and then your kids have to go through them and maybe not care what half of them are. I speak from experience in this...my husband's mom passed away 13 years ago. We have gone through picture after picture of not knowing what it was or who was in the picture (we've asked my father in law and we've asked siblings if they knew what the picture was). Many of the pictures were of things or blurry, so we didn't care about them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, we still cherish the ones with her and her family and ones where she is smiling. Those are the ones that bring us pure joy!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JY-VaDKvOfQ/XEXoVAg-yyI/AAAAAAAAIp8/AZgmRhwen0c7nmsvyV15Xoxn4GytBEkvwCEwYBhgL/s1600/How%2Bto%2BDeclutter%2BYour%2BHome_Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Find out how to declutter your home by going through categories instead of room by room." border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JY-VaDKvOfQ/XEXoVAg-yyI/AAAAAAAAIp8/AZgmRhwen0c7nmsvyV15Xoxn4GytBEkvwCEwYBhgL/s640/How%2Bto%2BDeclutter%2BYour%2BHome_Pinterest.jpg" title="How to Declutter Your Home " width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-size: large;"><b><u>Other posts in this series</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up.html" target="_blank">Book Review: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/why-declutter-and-how-to-do-it.html" target="_blank">All about the decluttering challenge</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/take-control-of-your-house.html" target="_blank">What is holding you back from tidying up & how to get past it</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/quotes-from-books-life-changing-magic.html" target="_blank">Helpful quotes from the book</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/decluttering-tips-for-clutter-free-home.html" target="_blank">Decluttering tips</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/storage-tips-for-your-home.html" target="_blank">Storage tips</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Some other links you will find helpful</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Mk0y1n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purchase The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80209379" target="_blank">Watch Tidying Up on Netflix</a></span></span></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-12977065743191235882019-01-22T21:01:00.001-08:002019-12-13T15:13:53.361-08:00Quotes from Books: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I loved almost every single line of the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Has that ever happened to you? </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"> I usually have favorite quotes that I love from a book, but this was hard to come up with my favorites, because I loved so much. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I did however compile a good list of quotes and added my own thoughts. I hope this helps you better understand just how amazing this book really is. It seriously is a must read. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Anything that is in quotes is coming from the book straight from Marie Kondo. My comments are not in quotes.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"If you tidy up in one shot, rather than little by little, you can dramatically change your mind-set. A change so profound that it touches your emotions will irresistibly affect your way of thinking and your lifestyle habits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you use the right method and concentrate your efforts on eliminating clutter thoroughly and completely within a short span of time, you'll see instant results that will empower you to keep your space in order ever after."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This is why doing the challenge in 6 months or less is so important. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"What is the first problem that comes to mind when you think of tidying? For many, the answer is storage.... A booby trap lies within the term "storage".... most people leap at storage methods that promise quick and convenient ways to remove visible clutter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Putting things away creates the illusion that the clutter problem has been solved. But sooner or later, all the storage units are full, the room once again overflows with things, and some new and "easy" storage method becomes necessary, creating a negative spiral. This is why tidying must start with discarding. We need to exercise self-control and resist storing our belongings until we have finished identifying what we really want and need to keep."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This is why it is important to declutter first and then put away. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/why-declutter-and-how-to-do-it.html" target="_blank"><b>A reminder to do things in the order that I posted about in this post.</b> </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"For the best results, I ask that you adhere faithfully to the following rule: TIDY IN THE RIGHT ORDER. As we've seen, there are only two tasks involved--discarding and deciding where to keep things. Just two, but discarding must come first. Be sure to completely finish the first task before starting the next. DO NOT EVEN THINK OF PUTTING YOUR THINGS AWAY UNTIL YOU HAVE FINISHED THE PROCESS OF DISCARDING.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Failure to follow this order is one reason many people never make permanent progress. In the middle of discarding, they start thinking about where to put things. As soon as they think, 'I wonder if it will fit in this drawer,' the work of discarding comes to a halt. You can think about where to put things when you've finished getting rid of everything you don't need."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"People have trouble discarding things that they could still use (functional value), that contain helpful information (informational value), and that have sentimental ties (emotional value). When these things are hard to obtain or replace (rarity), they become even harder to part with."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This is exactly why we are saving sentimental things for the end, because they tend to fall in all or some of these categories.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Now this part of the book really spoke to me because of experience. So please follow this advice.</b>.." Don't let your family see what is in the pile to discard or donate."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have experiences with my mom and with my daughter. So just try to get rid of it without them knowing. I am not talking about getting rid of THEIR stuff. That I do not recommend doing, but they have an attachment to even YOUR stuff. Strange I know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I loved this quote because it tells you why people can't tell you exactly how much to keep. YOU get to choose that.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"The click point differs from one person to another. For a shoe lover, it might be one hundred pairs of shoes, while a book lover might not need anything but books. Some people, like me, have more lounge wear than clothes for going out, while others may prefer to go naked in the home and therefore have no lounge wear at all. (You'd be surprised at how many fall into this latter category.)"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I love this inspiration!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"As you put your house in order and decrease your possessions, you'll see what your true values are, what is really important to you in your life. But don't focus on reducing, or on efficient storage methods, for that matter. Focus instead on choosing the things that inspire joy and on enjoying life according to your own standards. This is the true pleasure of tidying. If you have not yet felt a click, don't worry. You can still reduce. Tackle this job with confidence."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Again...I love this quote.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"When we honestly confront the things we own, they evoke many emotions within us. Those feelings are real. It is these emotions that give us the energy for living. Believe what your heart tells you when you ask, 'Does this spark joy?' If you act on that intuition, you will be amazed at how things will begin to connect in your life and at the dramatic changes that follow. It is as if your life has been touched by magic. Putting your house in order is the magic that creates a vibrant and happy life."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"The point in deciding specific places to keep things is to designate a spot for everything. You may think, 'It would take me forever to do that,' but you don't need to worry. Although it seems like deciding on a place for every item must be complicated, it's far simpler than deciding what to keep and what to discard. Since you have already decided what to keep according to type of item and since those items all belong to the same category, all you need to do is store them near each other."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"What is the perfect amount of possessions? I think that most people don't know. If you have lived in Japan or the United States all your life, you have almost certainly been surrounded by far more tha<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">n you need. This makes it hard for many people to imagine how much they need to live comfortably. AS YOU REDUCE YOUR BELONGINGS THROUGH THE PROCESS OF TIDYING, YOU WILL COME TO A POINT WHERE YOU SUDDENLY KNOW HOW MUCH IS JUST RIGHT FOR YOU. You will feel it as clearly as if something has clicked inside your head and said, 'Ah! This is just the amount I need to live comfortably. This is all I need to be happy. I don't need anything more.' The satisfaction that envelops your whole being at that point is palpable. I call this the 'just-right click point'. Interestingly, once you have passed this point, you'll find that the amount you own never increases. And that is precisely why you will never rebound."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I have found this to be true as I went through my categories. I hit a point where it felt good and I had just enough, not too little and not too much. I looks good and it feels good.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm going to be quite honest now. I started this challenge for me. At the same time I wanted to help others too. I wanted to do it alongside some other people. And thankfully that is what happened!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another honest moment: I struggle with some pretty intense anxiety. I was sick of living with it. So I have done a lot of research and talked to A LOT of professionals. The bottom line for me is simplifying. And this decluttering challenge was the start of me simplifying my life. It was so freeing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I hope you all can find that click point so that we can all live our lives happily and function better. So we can share our gifts with the world instead of worrying about all the stuff in our home.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I like this quote, because I can completely relate to it.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"The reason every item must have a designated place is because the existence of an item without a home multiplies the chances that your space will become cluttered again. Let's say, for example, that you have a shelf with nothing on it. What happens if someone leaves an object that has no designated spot on that shelf? That one item will become your downfall. Within no time that space, which had maintained a sense of order, will be covered with objects, as if someone had yelled, 'Gather round, everybody!'"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is so true. <b>I feel that if you only have stuff you LOVE then you will want to take care of those items...not throw them wherever. AND if it has a designated space then it is simple and easy to put back.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"One of the main reasons for rebound is the failure to designate a spot for each item. Without a designated spot, where are you going to put things when you finish using them? Once you choose a place for your things, you can keep your house in order. So decide where your things belong and when you finish using them, put them there. This is the main requirement for storage."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Clutter is caused by a failure to return things to where they belong. Therefore, storage should reduce the effort needed to put things away, not the effort needed to get them out."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>READ THAT AGAIN! It is so good! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"When we use something, we have a clear purpose for getting it out. Unless for some reason it is incredibly hard work, we usually don't mind the effort involved. Clutter has only two possible causes: too much effort is required to put things away or it is unclear where things <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">belong. If we overlook this vital point, we are likely to create a system that results in clutter."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ahhhh this is so so true. <b>It needs to be so simple to put away. So simple that a child can do it</b> (at least that is what I am telling my husband) haha.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yidwFbZP6jY/XET3TV9copI/AAAAAAAAIo0/-Mufz_R99yIasiNlDkZNCNJWErTG78LrwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Quotes%2Bfrom%2BBooks%2BThe%2BLife%2BChanging%2BMagic%2Bof%2BTidying%2BUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Quotes from Books: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yidwFbZP6jY/XET3TV9copI/AAAAAAAAIo0/-Mufz_R99yIasiNlDkZNCNJWErTG78LrwCEwYBhgL/s640/Quotes%2Bfrom%2BBooks%2BThe%2BLife%2BChanging%2BMagic%2Bof%2BTidying%2BUp.jpg" title="Quotes from Books: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a part in the book titled</span><b style="font-family: inherit;">: Put your house in order and discover what you really want to do</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I love that title. Let me break down my favorite parts in that section.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"AT THEIR CORE, THE THINGS WE REALLY LIKE DO NOT CHANGE OVER TIME. PUTTING YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER IS A GREAT WAY TO DISCOVER WHAT THEY ARE."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love this because if you really think about what you liked as a kid usually you still like the same type of things. They might have evolved, but USUALLY they are similar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She goes on to write about her clients..."For the majority, the experience of tidying causes them to become more passionately involved in their work. Some set up their own companies, others change jobs, and still others take more interest in their current profession. They also become more passionate about their other interests and about their home and family life. Their awareness of what they like naturally increases and, as a result, daily life becomes more exciting."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Doesn't that sound like how we ALL should be living.</b> I started being able to do more with my girls once I got rid of the clutter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then the final thought I want to share in regard to this section is..."Although we can get to know ourselves better by sitting down and analyzing our characteristics or by listening to others' perspectives on us, I believe that tidying is the best way. After all, our possessions very accurately relate the history of the decisions we have made in life. Tidying is a way of taking stock that shows us what we really like."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had a professor during college tell us to look around the room at what others were wearing. He said, "Now think about how what everyone is wearing they loved at one point in time. They might currently still like what they are wearing, but regardless they loved it at some point enough to buy it." <b>It has really stuck out to me to make sure I don't just accumulate something that I don't REALLY care about.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Another part of the book that I recently reread and LOVE:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Tidying dramatically changes one's life. This is true for everyone, 100 percent. The impact of this effect, which I have dubbed 'the magic of tidying.' is phenomenal. Sometimes I ask my clients how their lives changed after taking the course. Although I have grown accustomed to their answers, in the beginning even I was surprised. THE LIVES THAT TIDY THOROUGHLY AND COMPLETELY, IN A SINGLE SHOT, ARE WITHOUT EXCEPTION DRAMATICALLY ALTERED."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This is a part of the book that I like. The beginning is a quote from one of Marie's clients that considered herself a tidy person.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">" 'Previously, I had no confidence. I kept thinking that I needed a change, that I should be different, but now I can believe that I am okay just the way I am. By gaining a clear standard by which I can judge things, I gained a great deal of confidence in myself.' As you can see from her testimony, ONE OF THE MAGICAL EFFECTS OF TIDYING IS CO<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">NFIDENCE IN YOUR DECISION-MAKING CAPACITY. Tidying means taking each item in your hand, asking yourself whether it sparks joy, and deciding on this basis whether or not to keep it. By repeating this process hundreds and thousands of times, we naturally hone our decision-making skills. People who lack confidence in their judgement lack confidence in themselves. I, too, once lacked confidence. What saved me was tidying."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First thought about this, I started noticing that I was honing in my decision making skills as early as a week into the challenge. I could decide when I'm at the store if I actually WANTED something. I no longer buy things that will bring me joy for 2 seconds or 2 months. I<b> buy things that will bring me joy for a long time.</b> No need to try and find a home for something that I won't care about after a short time. That creates clutter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Second thought, <b>I too have felt my confidence strengthen. I am not as ashamed of my home as I used to be. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The next quotes are from a part in the book called, "Your living space affects your body".</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Once the process of tidying is under way, many of my clients remark that they have lost weight or that they have firmed their tummies. IT'S A VERY STRANGE PHENOMENON, BUT WHEN WE REDUCE WHAT WE OWN AND ESSENTIALLY 'DETOX' OUR HOUSE, IT HAS A DETOX EFFECT ON OUR BODIES AS WELL."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I completely believe this. <b>Clutter and an unorganized home causes lots of side effects.</b> Many that we don't want to admit. This is the number 1 reason I decided to declutter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I know it sounds like false advertising to claim that you can lose weight by tidying or that it will make your skin clearer, but it is not necessarily untrue. Unfortunately, I can't show you before-and-after pictures of my clients, but I have witnessed with my own eyes how their appearance changes when their rooms are tidied. Their figures are more streamlined, their skin is more radiant, and their eyes shine brighter."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I think a lot of this has to do with the confidence that you gain after tidying your home.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"When I first started this business, I found this fact quite intriguing. But when I thought about it carefully, I realized that it isn't that strange. I think of it like this. When we put our house in order, the air inside becomes fresh and clean. Reducing the amount of stuff in our space also reduces the amount of dust, and we actually clean more often. When we can see the floor, the dirt stands out and we want to clean. Because clu<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">tter has been eliminated, it's much easier to clean and therefore we do it more thoroughly. The fresher air in the room must certainly be good for the skin. Cleaning involves energetic movement, which would naturally contribute to losing weight and staying fit. And when our space is completely clean, we don't have to worry about tidying, so we are free to focus on the next issue that is important in our lives. Many people want to be slim and fit, and that becomes their focus. They start to walk longer distances and eat less junk food, and these actions contribute to weight loss without consciously dieting."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes. Yes! YES! I think back to all the time I spent doing this challenge. Now my small nightly tidying ritual keeps me free of clutter. <b>It has given me more time to take care of my body. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This is my favorite part of the section titled "Your living space affects your body".</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"But I think the main reason tidying has this effect is because through this process people come to know contentment. After tidying, many clients tell me that their worldly desires have decreased. Whereas in the past, no matter how many clothes they had, they were never satisfied and always wanted something new to wear, once they selected and kept only those things that they really loved, they felt that they had everything they needed."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This might be my favorite because I have seen this happen in my own life. I am so happy with where my house is. <b>I have less stuff than I have ever had in my life, but I am so content with it. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Last part of the section titled, "Your living space affects your body".</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"We amass material things for the same reason that we eat - to satisfy a craving. Buying on impulse and eating and drinking to excess are attempts to alleviate stress. From observing my clients, I have noticed that when they part with excess clothing, their tummies tend to slim down, when they discard books and documents, their minds tend to become clearer, when they reduce the number of cosmetics and tidy up the area around the sink and bath, their complexion tends to become clear and their skin smooth. Although I have no scientific basis for this theory, it is very interesting to see that the part of the body responding corresponds closely to the area that is put in order."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I love this quote from the book. It is put very simple and makes complete sense.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"The philosophy of feng shui is really about living in accordance with the rules of nature. The purpose of my approach to tidying is exactly the same. The true purpose of tidying is, I believe, to live in the most natural state possible. Don't you think it is unnatural for us to possess things that don't bring us joy or things that we don't really need? I believe that owning only what we love and what we need is the most natural condition."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"By putting our house in order, we can live in our natural state. We choose those things that bring us joy and cherish what is truly precious in our lives. Nothing can bring greater happiness than to be able to do something as simple and natural as this."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ahhhh I love this. <b>What a way to live life. Not weighed down by THINGS. Just living life to the fullest.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I love this part of the book where she talks about only keeping the things you love.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"If you can say without a doubt, "I really like this!" no matter what anyone else says, and if you like yourself for having it, then ignore what other people think.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can think of no greater happiness in life than to be surrounded only by the things I love. How about you? All you need to do is get rid of anything that doesn't touch your heart. There is no simpler way to contentment. Wha<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">t else could this be called but 'the magic of tidying'?"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>So simple, but yet so hard. However, so worth it!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This quote is all about why we are tidying in a 6 month span. We are not going to be tidying the rest of our lives.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Human beings can only truly cherish a limited number of things at one time. As I am both lazy and forgetful, I can't take proper care of too many things. That is why I want to cherish properly the things I love, and that is why I have insisted on tidying for so much of my life. I believe, however, that it is best to tidy up quickly and get it over with. Why? Because tidying is not the purpose of life."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the last paragraph in the book. It is very enlightening. This is how we should live our lives. <b>We all bring something special to this earth so lets share that special something with the world around us.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"If you think that tidying is something that must be done every day, if you think it is something that you will need to do all your life, it is time to wake up. I swear to you that tidying can be done thoroughly and quickly, all in one go. The only tasks that yo<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">u will need to continue for the rest of your life are those of choosing what to keep and what to discard and of caring for the things you decide to keep. You can put your house in order now, once and forever. The only ones who need to spend their lives, year in and year out, thinking about tidying are people like me who find joy in it and who are passionate about using tidying to make the world a better place. AS FOR YOU, POUR YOUR TIME AND PASSION INTO WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY, YOUR MISSION IN LIFE. I am convinced that putting your house in order will help you find the mission that speaks to your heart. Life truly begins after you have put your house in order."</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4iJfIyJS6Q/XET3THJc6kI/AAAAAAAAIow/O9MqBGU5EG8UnAoTxRYvznvlJm7zgPStgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Quotes%2Bfrom%2BBooks%2BThe%2BLife%2BChanging%2BMagic%2Bof%2BTidying%2BUp_Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Finding inspiring quotes from books can be powerful. Check out these amazing quotes from the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. " border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="819" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4iJfIyJS6Q/XET3THJc6kI/AAAAAAAAIow/O9MqBGU5EG8UnAoTxRYvznvlJm7zgPStgCEwYBhgL/s640/Quotes%2Bfrom%2BBooks%2BThe%2BLife%2BChanging%2BMagic%2Bof%2BTidying%2BUp_Pinterest.jpg" title="Quotes from Books: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" width="416" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-size: large;"><b><u>Other posts in this series</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up.html" target="_blank">Book Review: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/why-declutter-and-how-to-do-it.html" target="_blank">All about the decluttering challenge</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/take-control-of-your-house.html" target="_blank">What is holding you back from tidying up & how to get past it</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/how-to-declutter-your-home.html" target="_blank">How to declutter your home</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/decluttering-tips-for-clutter-free-home.html" target="_blank">Decluttering tips</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/storage-tips-for-your-home.html" target="_blank">Storage tips</a></span></span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Some other links you will find helpful</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Mk0y1n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purchase The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80209379" target="_blank">Watch Tidying Up on Netflix</a></span></span></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-12275397268141307042019-01-22T20:59:00.002-08:002019-12-13T15:14:04.786-08:00Take Control of Your House: What is Holding You Back from Decluttering<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't have the time to declutter right now. What if I need that in the future? My house is too small to be organized. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kids bring so much clutter; when my kids grow up THEN I will organize my house and get rid of so much. <span style="font-family: inherit;">My spouse doesn't want to get rid of anything, so why try to declutter. Yeah, decluttering sounds so nice, but I am so overwhelmed with the thought. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My kids won't let me declutter; as soon as I start they mess everything up. I start decluttering and then I get a mental block because I have no idea what to get rid of and what to keep. My kids make so many art projects and they are all cute how do I not keep them all. I have no idea where to start when it comes to paper clutter; every single day I get mail, school paper, and papers from my community. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do any of these things sound familiar? Are any of these reasons the reason you haven't started decluttering? When I started my decluttering challenge I asked all my readers/followers what was holding them back from decluttering their house and these were the answers I got. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am going to address them one-by-one. I want to help you get past the mental block of each and every one of these things. I want you to be able to say, "I took control of my house!" </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: black; font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></b></b></b></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Lack of time</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I TOTALLY GET IT! I would say this was my number one thing that held me back for so many years. That is exactly why I made it a top priority in 2018. I wanted to completely go top to bottom on tidying my house. </span><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">In the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up the author (Marie Kondo) says that the best way to not have a rebound or in other words to keep your house tidy is to do it all in one swoop</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now obviously we can't do i<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">t in one day. That is impossible. However, she said making sure it is under 6 months is crucial. <b>That is exactly why we are completing this challenge in 6 months.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So back to the issue with time. The number one thing is to make this a top priority. Now I'm not saying to neglect your family, but there might be some things that you will have to "give up" because you want this so badly. I want you to envision how you will feel in your home once it is tidy and full of only those things that bring you joy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That is my first tip. If this is really something you want to do then you will need to make it a top priority. When I did this challenge myself I would make sure to schedule times out of my day to declutter. In the same book Marie has done research after research and has found that early morning is the best time to declutter. She has said that if you do it early then you typically can do twice as much in the same amount of time. I believe it. I tried it morning, afternoon, and night and mornings were my most productive. And I am NOT a morning person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2VPBALB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In 2017 I started practicing The Miracle Morning (another FANTASTIC book) and it can be quite addicting to get done some things before the house wakes up.</a></span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Fear of getting rid of something you may need in the future</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Honestly, I think the root of this fear is close to the root of clinging on to the past (or sentimental things).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The biggest piece of advice I have for this is to really only keep those things that make you happy (or as Marie Kondo puts it "brings you joy") and that you need right now. If you have those things then you won't be remorseful of getting rid of something. All you will see is that you have been surrounded by things that you didn't need. However, if you use it or have used it in the recent past then don't get rid of it. Also, make sure you aren't getting rid of something that isn't truly yours. For instance, if your spouse uses it, but you don't then you shouldn't get rid of it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1cg8F-aGkl8/XEfnWQyjzPI/AAAAAAAAIrg/KBQa2W4FT2UxzSQyld1nEgTvyNckibzwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Take%2BControl%2Bof%2Byour%2Bhouse_Space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Take Control of Your House: What is Holding You Back from Decluttering" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1cg8F-aGkl8/XEfnWQyjzPI/AAAAAAAAIrg/KBQa2W4FT2UxzSQyld1nEgTvyNckibzwQCEwYBhgL/s640/Take%2BControl%2Bof%2Byour%2Bhouse_Space.jpg" title="Small space is holding you back" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Space</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The more I have read and reread and looked into studies on organization and decluttering (yes I have done that) the more I realize that space is usually not the issue. Now I say that and know that you might be shaking your head at me. I promise I was shaking my head too. But hear me out, we can all fill bigger houses. That is the main reason why I don't want a big house. I don't want to accumulate more things. Things ca<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">n weigh me down.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have a friend named Kelsey Nixon (That's her TV name at least and I'm sure some of you have heard of her). She has lived in NYC for many years and she is an amazing chef/cook/TV personality. Well as many of you know NYC apartments aren't huge. Yet she had amazing products that were multi-functional and she could cook gourmet meals out of a small kitchen space.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to share with you something from Marie Kondo's book that I completely believe and know is true.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I can't count how many times people have complained to me that they don't have enough room, but I have yet to see a house that lacked sufficient storage. The real problem is that we have far more than we need or want. Once you learn to choose your belongings properly, you will be left only with the amount that fits perfectly in the space you currently own. This is the true magic of tidying. It may seem incredible, but my method of keeping only what sparks joy in the heart is really that precise. This is why you must begin by discarding."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have tried decluttering two ways: putting away as you discard or waiting to put everything away until you are completely done discarding a certain category of clutter. I can tell you that you will keep WAY MORE than you WANT to if you store before you completely discard.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJPuGqniPO8/XEfnWVZ8ZHI/AAAAAAAAIrc/XrDZ1lYjKZIbqwSUjjS0xpsWi1A6WuZdwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Take%2BControl%2Bof%2Byour%2Bhouse_Kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Take Control of Your House: What is Holding You Back from Decluttering" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJPuGqniPO8/XEfnWVZ8ZHI/AAAAAAAAIrc/XrDZ1lYjKZIbqwSUjjS0xpsWi1A6WuZdwCEwYBhgL/s640/Take%2BControl%2Bof%2Byour%2Bhouse_Kids.jpg" title="Kids are holding you back" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Kids</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">By this I mean you worry that if you start decluttering they will completely ruin the rest of your house. OR once you declutter it then they ruin it faster than you can put it away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I laugh at this because this is so real. It is so messy to declutter and seriously kids love making messy things even more messy. It is a natural gift for every kid.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">That is why I think it is important to do before your kids wake up. Another tip is possibly doing it after they go to bed. If you do this then most of your house can be decluttered without kids around. YES you will have to sacrifice your "you time", but think of how amazing it will feel once you are completed. It isn't forever. You won't have as much on your plate once this is done either, because you will have less stuff to clean up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, you still have to declutter their room(s). So when it comes time for that do "quiet time". I do this with my girls once or twice a day depending on the day. During this time I can do whatever I want. They have to do something quiet. This might be playing with some select toys, or coloring, or reading. I let them pick, but they have time to decompress and I have time to get stuff done. If you have to resort to the TV/screen then do it. It won't be forever, just when you are decluttering their room. If they are old enough then get them involved in the process!</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PtB8IiZSYc/XEfnVPfxJaI/AAAAAAAAIrU/md7OGFy5Ts8Jqa8Qf82f_95yK96vyUqPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Take%2BControl%2Bof%2Byour%2BHouse_Spouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Take Control of Your House: What is Holding You Back from Decluttering" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PtB8IiZSYc/XEfnVPfxJaI/AAAAAAAAIrU/md7OGFy5Ts8Jqa8Qf82f_95yK96vyUqPwCEwYBhgL/s640/Take%2BControl%2Bof%2Byour%2BHouse_Spouse.jpg" title="Spouse is holding you back" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Spouse</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I actually find this funny because seriously marriage has so many challenges. Some small and some big. This one can be so frustrating though.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My number one tip is to not push your spouse. AND DON'T THROW OUT ANYTHING THAT IS THERE'S. That is a recipe for disaster.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you want to hear a story? This decluttering projec<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">t had been on my mind for at least a year before I decided to actually do it. About six months before that I heard about something called a 25 piece wardrobe. I was so interested in seeing if that was something that could work for me. So I tried it out. <a href="https://www.shambray.com/2017/03/Minimalist-Wardrobe-List-36-Piece-Wardrobe.html" target="_blank">I have tried and perfected it and now I have a<b> 36 piece wardrobe</b></a>. Yes I get full on jaws dropping when I tell people that, but it is something that I wanted to give an honest shot.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At first my husband did not think it was possible. I didn't really say anything, but he noticed how now I buy with purpose. I now have inspired him to reduce his wardrobe. The reason I am telling you this is because this happens a lot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">People who are around you will notice how the things you do affect you. If you are at peace with the things in your life and you have been able to rid yourself of some things then they may follow. I doubt it will be immediately, BUT it will probably happen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now lets say it doesn't...that is ok too. You need to feel good about what you got rid of and how you have tidied the house. Ask your spouse if there is a place that you can put their things so that you can feel at home (if it is too overwhelming). However, I can almost guarantee that if you get rid of the things that weigh YOU down then you won't be bothered by their stuff as much. It is strange, but you need to trust me on this.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqjvh15LeeM/XEfnU2cIizI/AAAAAAAAIrg/x04zJ6glExscT93daqRqWTevu2eN6VGkgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Take%2BControl%2Bof%2BYour%2BHouse_Overwhelmed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Take Control of Your House: What is Holding You Back from Decluttering" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqjvh15LeeM/XEfnU2cIizI/AAAAAAAAIrg/x04zJ6glExscT93daqRqWTevu2eN6VGkgCEwYBhgL/s640/Take%2BControl%2Bof%2BYour%2BHouse_Overwhelmed.jpg" title="Feeling overwhelmed is holding you back" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">This is real life. My office was a JOKE. I am a clean freak and I could never get in control of my office. Do you want to know why? I had too much stuff. Seriously I got rid of 75% of the stuff in my office/craft room. This picture is only one of 3 of my before pictures. It was so bad and so embarrassing.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><u><br />Feeling overwhelmed or not knowing where to start</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That is exactly what I am hoping this challenge will help alleviate. I'm not saying it will completely take it away, but I am hoping to help you with the process. Essentially I am hoping this "game plan" will help take the overwhelming feeling at least down a few notches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I plan on there being bits of overwhelming times, but hopefully this can make it more manageable.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUBTou07bK0/XEfnWcI-nWI/AAAAAAAAIrk/1lgVmCgXIbo9lpMy5wgPKmadXH9_1-7mACEwYBhgL/s1600/Take%2Bcontrol%2Bof%2Byour%2Bhouse_Toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Take Control of Your House: What is Holding You Back from Decluttering" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUBTou07bK0/XEfnWcI-nWI/AAAAAAAAIrk/1lgVmCgXIbo9lpMy5wgPKmadXH9_1-7mACEwYBhgL/s640/Take%2Bcontrol%2Bof%2Byour%2Bhouse_Toys.jpg" title="Toys are holding you back" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><u style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Kid's clothes and toys</span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">This is what I do to keep things under control in the kid's department. If I HATE it then I usually can toss it and my kids don't care. If they love it then I tend to not hate it. So it kind of goes hand in hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When it comes to toys I always watch to see what things aren't being played with. Then<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> I ask my girls if we can get rid of it. Another good option is to pick 5 toys (I like to do this for each of my girls. Since I have 2 girls then this ends up being 10 toys) that I don't like and that aren't used often (if at all). Then let them pick 1 that they can keep. That way they have power and it shows them how little they play with them and that there is less mess and they can enjoy the toys they love more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I basically do the same thing with clothes. I also buy with purpose. I don't have them own 5 coats each (or really 5 of any of the same thing). Each piece of clothing serves a purpose. If they hate wearing something then I get rid of it even if I love it. It's not worth the fight.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Knowing what to get rid of</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In this challenge you will take EVERY SINGLE ITEM into consideration. No matter how small. And if it doesn't make you happy/bring you joy you will get rid of it. This can't work for every single thing, like medicine isn't something that brings you joy, but it is a necessity and those you will keep to a minimum.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ic-i22Iwpnw/XEfnVfkKIaI/AAAAAAAAIrY/KmoJFCBElbIX1WmUe2_eMiUYYRoNy-i5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Take%2BControl%2Bof%2Byour%2Bhouse_Kids%2527%2Bartwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Take Control of Your House: What is Holding You Back from Decluttering" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ic-i22Iwpnw/XEfnVfkKIaI/AAAAAAAAIrY/KmoJFCBElbIX1WmUe2_eMiUYYRoNy-i5gCEwYBhgL/s640/Take%2BControl%2Bof%2Byour%2Bhouse_Kids%2527%2Bartwork.jpg" title="Kid's art work is holding you back" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><u>Kid's artwork</u></span></b></div>
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Here are two options you could do when it comes to kid's artwork:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Let them choose 4-12 projects a year and keep it in a file folder for that year along with other important documents</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-<a href="https://chatbooks.com/" target="_blank">Start a kid's artwork Instagram account for the sole purpose to attach it to </a><b><a href="https://chatbooks.com/" target="_blank">Chatbooks</a>. </b>Then post pictures of the artwork with a caption describing it as they come in. Then once you hit 60 pictures Chatbooks will send you a picture along with the captions. I would be selective of the things you take pictures of or this could get out of hand. Also, maybe keep a few originals that are extra special. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><u>Paper clutter</u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Do you want to hear something shocking, but at the same time not surprising at all? In Marie Kondo's book she said that the minimum amount of paper her clients have thrown out when tidying up is 2 45-liter bags. Then she said the maximum so far is 15 of those bags! 15! That is nuts, but if you think of ALL THE PAPER in your house you might start nodding your head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I really don't love paper clutter. It is on<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">e of those things that can creep up on you really fast. I came up with a system that works wonders for me and keeps my papers in check. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit;">I have a stand up magazine box (from Ikea) that sits on my kitchen counter. I stick anything throughout the week in there. When it comes to mail I quickly glance at it and throw away anything immediately that I know I don't need. Then I stick anything in there that I know I have longer than a week to get to (if I have less than 1 week then I take care of it right away). Once a week I empty that box. I actually schedule this time into my schedule because then it actually happens. I also clean out my purse/wallet/diaper bag at the same time. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit;">Then when I store any papers I really think if I am going to NEED that document in the future. I keep VERY LITTLE paperwork. Obviously, I will always need SSN's, insurance documents, leases, mortgage docs, and stuff like that. But I go through this often. I keep my tax forms for 7 years then I shred. I keep warranties until they are up then I toss them. That way I don't have filing cabinet on top of filing cabinet in my house. I actually have a one drawer filing cabinet. When I started this challenge I had 3 drawers! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-size: large;"><b><u>Other posts in this series</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up.html" target="_blank">Book Review: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/quotes-from-books-life-changing-magic.html" target="_blank">Helpful quotes from the book</a><br />
<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/why-declutter-and-how-to-do-it.html" target="_blank">All about the decluttering challenge</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/how-to-declutter-your-home.html" target="_blank">How to declutter your home</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/decluttering-tips-for-clutter-free-home.html" target="_blank">Decluttering tips</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/storage-tips-for-your-home.html" target="_blank">Storage tips</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Some other links you will find helpful</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Mk0y1n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purchase The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80209379" target="_blank">Watch Tidying Up on Netflix</a></span></span></div>
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Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-57642999539470012862019-01-22T20:59:00.001-08:002019-12-13T15:14:15.855-08:00Why Declutter and How to do it Successfully: Decluttering Challenge with Free Printable<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08BSqzgghJk/XEYvV4IJqzI/AAAAAAAAIqY/MJD0UrEwdRs_VDgk5wsVZQhtigUc3XyMQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Declutter%2BChallenge_FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why Declutter and How to do it Successfully: Decluttering Challenge with Free Printable" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1200" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08BSqzgghJk/XEYvV4IJqzI/AAAAAAAAIqY/MJD0UrEwdRs_VDgk5wsVZQhtigUc3XyMQCEwYBhgL/s640/Declutter%2BChallenge_FB.jpg" title="Why Declutter and How to do it Successfully: Decluttering Challenge with Free Printable" width="640" /></a></div>
Clutter was affecting so many aspects of my life. I was constantly feeling anxious and stressed. I was sick and tired of opening a drawer and searching for something instead of finding what I was looking for right away.<br />
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If this sounds like how you are feeling then you have come to the right place. Even if you aren't anxious because of the clutter in your house, but you want to be a little more at peace in your own house. Or if you feel like the house is full of stuff that you don't use or love. Maybe you don't even know what are in all the boxes in the basement. If any of this is you and you want to make changes so you don't have to live with all this STUFF then let me help you.<br />
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<b>I did a decluttering challenge last year with quite a few of my readers and it was such an eye opener to me with how much clutter affects lives. </b> The people that joined me on my declutter challenge (that I set up for me) were constantly saying how much it changed their lives and their thinking. I was so happy to help so many people and while doing it with them and for myself I learned a lot about how to make this successful.<br />
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So do you want to do it too? Is this year the year you will get in control of your home and your clutter? Let me help you put together a plan with all the information I learned from completing this challenge myself and helping 100's of others do the same thing.<br />
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up.html" target="_blank">This challenge is inspired by the book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a>. I wrote a whole blog post about it and it is a must read. So when I reference the book now you will know what I am talking about.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Challenge</u></b></span></div>
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The challenge is simply to go through your house, top to bottom, left to right, in 6 months or less. It is important to not drag out the process longer than that. This way you finish before you have time to go back to the "old way of thinking". This challenge will change your perspective and way of thinking.<br />
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The big thing to do is take everything in that category and put it in a huge pile on the floor. This can be very eye opening. You might really find out how much you have in a category when you do this. It will also make it easier to go through the items one-by-one. </div>
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The main concept is easy. Keep only what makes you happy, or as the author says, "brings you joy". You will have to keep some necessities that might not bring you joy (medication is an example of that). Just try to focus on what makes you happy and keep those things. </div>
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Check out the rules below to get started and always know that I am just an email away to help you! <a href="http://eepurl.com/gdTswH" target="_blank">Also, make sure to download a free printable checklist of all the items you need to go through</a>. This will help you not forget any part of your home. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LIESU-zkGWg/XEYvhZTBGeI/AAAAAAAAIqc/BkKrIaPK19goZOmGCvZUWmEIUyq9__m3QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Decluttering%2BChallenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Why Declutter and How to do it Successfully: Decluttering Challenge with Free Printable" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LIESU-zkGWg/XEYvhZTBGeI/AAAAAAAAIqc/BkKrIaPK19goZOmGCvZUWmEIUyq9__m3QCEwYBhgL/s640/Decluttering%2BChallenge.jpg" title="Donation Truck Load" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During the challenge I did for myself, I took 2 truck loads this big to a donation center and many, many more small car loads.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are the important rules to this challenge:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. DO NOT THINK ABOUT PUTTING ANYTHING AWAY UNTIL YOU HAVE PURGED. Once you discard a category then you can put back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -This might seem dramatic, but you don't want to base your decisions on what to keep and not keep because of how much space you have to store things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Do not ask family members or friends if they want your items that you are getting rid of.</span><br />
-You are getting rid of this stuff to free yourself from chaos and clutter, why would you want to put family and friends in a hard situation of saying no or even if they think they want it then they have to deal with where to put it. Unless you specifically know that you are getting rid of something that one of your friends or family members is in search of then don't ask. Please! </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Set a day each week to bring anything that needs to be donated to the donation site. If you want to do more than once a week then that is fine, but at least once a week. You need to get this stuff out of your home ASAP.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Order to discard in (this is very important):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Clothing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Books</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Papers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Misc</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Sentimental</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In her book Konmari she says that sentimental items are the hardest thing to go through. This is universally the hardest category for people to declutter. It makes sense because we have a lot of memories and attachment to these items. So if you can "hone" in your decluttering skills on easier items then you will be a pro by the time you get to the sentimental items. With that said it will not be EASY, but hopefully you will have the mindset and the skills to think through each sentimental item. I put together this challenge for myself (and a group of listeners that wanted to join me) and I am so glad I set it up to do sentimental items last. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>This post is just one post in a series of blog posts. If you want more information then check out the following categories that I go into more detail in other blog posts. I am so excited for you to love your home more than you do now.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCAi7MWNTTg/XEYvV0ywWtI/AAAAAAAAIqU/rlr8nI40A64dRFz3SfUqfKLS2D7fwUZcgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Declutter%2BChallenge_Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you wanting to declutter? Find out why it is important to declutter, how do do it successfully, and download a free printable to get your started. " border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCAi7MWNTTg/XEYvV0ywWtI/AAAAAAAAIqU/rlr8nI40A64dRFz3SfUqfKLS2D7fwUZcgCEwYBhgL/s640/Declutter%2BChallenge_Pinterest.jpg" title="Why Declutter and How to do it Successfully: Decluttering Challenge with Free Printable" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-size: large;"><b><u>Other posts in this series</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up.html" target="_blank">Book Review: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/quotes-from-books-life-changing-magic.html" target="_blank">Helpful quotes from the book</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/take-control-of-your-house.html" target="_blank">What is holding you back from tidying up & how to get past it</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/how-to-declutter-your-home.html" target="_blank">How to declutter your home</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/decluttering-tips-for-clutter-free-home.html" target="_blank">Decluttering tips</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/storage-tips-for-your-home.html" target="_blank">Storage tips</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Some other links you will find helpful</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Mk0y1n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purchase The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80209379" target="_blank">Watch Tidying Up on Netflix</a></span></span></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-91239420927663757192019-01-22T20:59:00.000-08:002019-12-13T15:14:24.606-08:00The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: A MUST Read for Every Single Person<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMEqJeoEgg8/XEK4pXied9I/AAAAAAAAIoI/mT8oGAW3XXUmva4kkXHDon7Z4_pPhS9vwCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BLife%2BChanging%2BMagic%2Bof%2BTidying%2BUp_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: A MUST Read for Every Single Person" border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1260" height="370" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMEqJeoEgg8/XEK4pXied9I/AAAAAAAAIoI/mT8oGAW3XXUmva4kkXHDon7Z4_pPhS9vwCLcBGAs/s640/The%2BLife%2BChanging%2BMagic%2Bof%2BTidying%2BUp_Facebook.jpg" title="The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: A MUST Read for Every Single Person" width="640" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></b></b></b></div>
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This house is so cluttered. I have no idea how to organize my life and my house. I really need to figure out what I want to keep and what I want to get rid of. Yep, we have all said these things. </div>
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I was done with saying these things and actually doing something about it at the end of 2017. I had to make a change or else I was going to go crazy! <b> <a href="https://amzn.to/2VL0ufm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I had read The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up earlier that year and it was ACTUALLY life changing.</a></b> So I decided to act on that book and put together a decluttering challenge for myself. When I mentioned that I wanted to do it to my readers and followers on social media I was overwhelmed with the amount of people that said, "Please do it with your readers so I know what to do and can use you as inspiration."</div>
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So I started a Facebook group and we started a decluttering challenge for the first 6 months of 2018. I will go into more detail about that challenge and how you can do it for yourself. I can promise you that it will transform your life and your thinking. You will not look back and you will be so happy that you did it. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDFs55tlkTw/XEK4petkB2I/AAAAAAAAIoQ/xUehOKVkkrc8oavrN25rTTca8wZqFh69wCEwYBhgL/s1600/The%2BLife%2BChanging%2BMagic%2Bof%2BTidying%2BUp_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: A MUST Read for Every Single Person" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDFs55tlkTw/XEK4petkB2I/AAAAAAAAIoQ/xUehOKVkkrc8oavrN25rTTca8wZqFh69wCEwYBhgL/s640/The%2BLife%2BChanging%2BMagic%2Bof%2BTidying%2BUp_Instagram.jpg" title="The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: A MUST Read for Every Single Person" width="640" /></a></div>
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However, first I need to talk about the book that started it all. <a href="https://amzn.to/2VL0ufm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I truly believe that The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up is a book that needs to be read by every single person.</a> It is so inspiring and so amazing that everyone should have it in their life.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although there are parts of this book that seem a bit extreme for me I don't laugh entirely at them because it is all positive stuff. I believe STRONGLY in the power of positive thinking. I have seen it work on me and on others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So when she talks about greeting her house although it is a bit much for me I understand why she does it. If we think of each of our possessions as living and breathing then we take better care of them. This also includes the homes we live in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want you to know that about this book so you are prepared, because some people get turned off from it, but it is a matter of perspective. If you look at it in a different perspective then you won't give up on this book. Again, I only have amazing things to say about it. AND since I have put this book to practice I know that it works and I am so very glad that I did this a year ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S. Have you seen the Netflix show that is called Tidying Up. It is a show where Marie Kondo goes around and helps others take the advice in her book. <a href="http://travelthroughtext.com/" target="_blank">I first heard about it nearly a month ago from Jess with the blog Travel Through Text</a>. (That is a must follow blog as well!) Anyways, you should start watching it if you haven't yet. It is a great way to keep up your motivation to start tidying your home.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDQpcQEb_Yo/XEK4pbSZA5I/AAAAAAAAIoM/xO3ZhaXEJ18tOQQTCIYesTP_KZldl0qTgCEwYBhgL/s1600/The%2BLife%2BChanging%2BMagic%2Bof%2BTidying%2BUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Have you read the book that everyone is talking about? The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up is what it says it is....life changing." border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDQpcQEb_Yo/XEK4pbSZA5I/AAAAAAAAIoM/xO3ZhaXEJ18tOQQTCIYesTP_KZldl0qTgCEwYBhgL/s640/The%2BLife%2BChanging%2BMagic%2Bof%2BTidying%2BUp.jpg" title="The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: A MUST Read for Every Single Person" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-size: large;"><b><u>Other posts in this series</u></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/quotes-from-books-life-changing-magic.html" target="_blank">Helpful quotes from the book</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/why-declutter-and-how-to-do-it.html" target="_blank">All about the decluttering challenge</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/take-control-of-your-house.html" target="_blank">What is holding you back from tidying up & how to get past it</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/how-to-declutter-your-home.html" target="_blank">How to declutter your home</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/decluttering-tips-for-clutter-free-home.html" target="_blank">Decluttering tips</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2019/01/storage-tips-for-your-home.html" target="_blank">Storage tips</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Some other links you will find helpful</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Mk0y1n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purchase The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80209379" target="_blank">Watch Tidying Up on Netflix</a></span></span></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-41837221919218115572018-11-08T20:41:00.001-08:002019-12-13T15:14:35.258-08:00The 15 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--W8h8uOMoLc/W-UO8AcTXlI/AAAAAAAAIkw/vQSmk1x4S00TEwb79P3TAsGWN3gMKLrPACLcBGAs/s1600/Board%2BGames%2Bfor%2BPreschoolers%2Band%2BChildren%2Bup%2Bto%2Bage%2B8_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The 15 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1200" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--W8h8uOMoLc/W-UO8AcTXlI/AAAAAAAAIkw/vQSmk1x4S00TEwb79P3TAsGWN3gMKLrPACLcBGAs/s640/Board%2BGames%2Bfor%2BPreschoolers%2Band%2BChildren%2Bup%2Bto%2Bage%2B8_Facebook.jpg" title="Board games make great Christmas gifts! " width="640" /></a></div>
Do your kids want to constantly be planted in front of a screen? Yeah, mine too. It can be so frustrating and almost defeating. </div>
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I have been filling my home with great activities, toys, and games that make them want to play with them more than watch screens. It is so wonderful. One of the best resources for me as a mom are games. However, finding fun games for young players can be hard. Also finding games for younger and older kids to play together can be hard. <b>So I put together a list of the 14 best board games for preschoolers and these games are also great for children between the ages of 7-8. </b>We have loved these games as a family and my girls play them independently as well. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains some affiliate links, which means if you purchase items after clicking some of the links then I will be paid a small commission. However, every item I talk about in this post I enjoy. I do not link something I don't recommend.</span></i></div>
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<b>If you want to find out more details of each of the games then click on the pictures and you can purchase that way as well.</b></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2yZM7KC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpZf7tbQ5a8/W-O96otRWkI/AAAAAAAAIiI/no6Y97m5cZE2vLItIO2mY9d0nwlJ7Y3pwCLcBGAs/s320/The%2BSneaky%252C%2BSnacky%252C%2BSquirrel%2BGame.jpg" title="The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2yZM7KC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game</a></div>
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This game is great because it is educational, but there are also hand eye coordination activities as well. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RKPb4l" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1244" height="277" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LI3fpXWqgTk/W-O-aUDvC9I/AAAAAAAAIiQ/4tHNHs8QuMgNOwNojzl8Fs18BlnM8zuggCLcBGAs/s320/Seek%2Ba%2BBoo.jpg" title="Seek-a-Boo! " width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GP28T7S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=c85a031bf3a04e4e6a1b4fc00ac7f3eb&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seek-a-Boo!</a></div>
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This game is actually great for toddlers too! Sometimes finding games for such young kids can be hard. There are lots of different ways to play this so it can grow with your children as they get older. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Da7prJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ro5B4fFwdM/W-SKFSQ-nNI/AAAAAAAAIic/TkZmV864mwMfzdBamdtu2ljufRRSMTmkwCLcBGAs/s320/Cupcake%2BGame.jpg" title="Cupcake Party" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007B7LTE6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=8071722c39be6e7442a597f9f8152a0e&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cupcake Party</a></div>
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This game is my girls' favorite game. Well at least one of them. They love playing the game, but they also love playing with the cupcakes and coming up with their own stories and games. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2qzu35k" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1500" height="248" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq03XaS7qDs/W-SMboAji3I/AAAAAAAAIio/8WH_hSsyqxkf7wcUAw_GFT2IwgWOogc3wCLcBGAs/s320/Busytown.jpg" title="Busytown Eye found it! " width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002V3RCE6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?coliid=I7K0TKC7S8KMT&colid=1WBMI4S4AD8AK&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=13da6a59aeb1bf216b78fcdef858a484&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Busytown Eye found it!</a></div>
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I love this game because it is collaborative. Kids this age like to help each other and ask for help anyways. So why not work together?! This game helps with counting and memory. It is highly interactive. It is such a great game for young players. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2qCOkak" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1472" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd10HQ_Rx5o/W-SN1pe27tI/AAAAAAAAIi0/E5i9qM3LS80_zcBKkSaJMwB_fFNaraAGgCLcBGAs/s320/5%2BLittle%2BMonkeys.jpg" title="Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" width="314" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012UTR2E0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?coliid=I1WJEJAKCNJDUV&colid=1WBMI4S4AD8AK&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=e2a6ffa16555e34531c6ebd0b7bc21f3&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monkeys Jumping on the Bed</a></div>
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Everyone loves this song right? This game also focuses on fine motor skills because the goal is to not have the monkeys fall off the bed. This game is a great game to make work for your level of child too. I love games like that, where you can help them grow with each child. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2JQXsAP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="470" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SX-PfjIs_Y/W-SVGpKYUUI/AAAAAAAAIjw/CY9X_11BqA0l8SyQmkjiMwp7QnjQ4H55wCLcBGAs/s320/Palace%2BPets.jpg" title="Royal Pet Salon" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NVCCOLW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?coliid=IHBK9MI2ZWNAT&colid=1WBMI4S4AD8AK&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=7236a9f0535a12d3925c31fa81c152cb&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Royal Pet Salon</a></div>
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This game is really simple for young players to pick up on easily. It isn't too long so it keeps their attention. It also comes with the little pets that my girls love as well. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2SXhk9J" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbe5S4dwGxM/W-SOqSt3SaI/AAAAAAAAIjA/ysRqJk_JoOYyH4oAGPvyuwtvI3w1gx38QCLcBGAs/s320/Candyland.jpg" title="Candy Land" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00000DMF5/ref=as_li_ss_tl?coliid=ILOF61P9T4JYI&colid=1WBMI4S4AD8AK&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=cb3854667caa11172c7f08fe38a6d739&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Candy Land</a></div>
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I can not put this list together and not include Candy Land. This classic game is great for younger and older players. It is simple enough that no matter what the age of your kids they will have fun playing it. <a href="https://amzn.to/2SYfvJm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">If you have a My Little Pony obsessed child then there is a version you may want to look into getting.</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PSAhM8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2sR_Qh_QuU/W-SPQDFNXOI/AAAAAAAAIjI/TYuSbO9IggIHNrKEr4qEtTIg1QaDZ6u4gCLcBGAs/s320/Bingo.jpg" title="Farm Bingo" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OL2D6K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?coliid=I3KEAF3N8Y8WTE&colid=1WBMI4S4AD8AK&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=6b7c5f650b1b583ec33ac4f444cf1202&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farm Bingo</a></div>
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Bingo is another classic, but with little kids you can't always play the classic bingo. This one is perfect because it uses farm objects instead of numbers. My girls both love this game as well. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2DsLL2R" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwEZ4KZ6TlM/W-SP4RHr0dI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/Zfu0dTu_mbcnU6T0r_GtLoe8kC2k1R05wCLcBGAs/s320/Fairy%2BTale.jpg" title="Fairytale Spinner Game" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QKYLDU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?coliid=IEFDZOH0I37BL&colid=1WBMI4S4AD8AK&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=e6cd12c4a55d0476b4034c36a56e56c2&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fairytale Spinner Game</a></div>
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This game promotes creativity. I also like to come up with our own way of playing this game. You can use this game in so many different ways. Just find a way that works with your family and it will be a hit for years to come. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RKoJYt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1500" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9slfjuwcEg/W-SSu2Ro_JI/AAAAAAAAIjc/nDriP-5WFDIVN8-v6kM2W8XZPcHCNu8EQCLcBGAs/s320/Chutes%2Band%2BLadders.jpg" title="Chutes and Ladders" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chutes-Ladders-Game-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B00000DMF6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1541705861&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=chutes+and+ladders+board+game&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=b115efab0cec37ebb48cf6f9e51c9982&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chutes and Ladders</a></div>
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Another classic game that both my kids love to play over and over. As soon as one of them wins they say, "Lets see if the other person can win" and they start over again. So simple and so fun. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RJxK3P" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlU87_VOs_Y/W-SUqJtDxDI/AAAAAAAAIjo/hF2TFi_OQX48n0h5POzWqLKcQFgd8GJnQCLcBGAs/s320/Elmo%2BGame.jpg" title="Elmo's World Hide & Seek" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Identity-Games-Elmos-World-Hide/dp/B0721L28N9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1541705841&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=elmo+hide+and+seek+game&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=d3de0a8048d8457dc2e14f630d08963b&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elmo's World Hide & Seek</a></div>
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My girls love this game. They play with and without the cards depending on the day. My oldest loves to hide Elmo from my youngest and give her clues where to find him. You can turn Elmo's voice on for little hints while searching or leave it off for more of a challenge.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2qCAULg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C64tIVnr6iA/W-SV8UjDmaI/AAAAAAAAIj8/Z0-J0w2lQkMvX3CW_0znkrcFI3vWme2YACLcBGAs/s320/Princess%2BGame.jpg" title="Pop-Up Magic Castle Game" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDBZ7L4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=8c0982e1ffce46b77b6cc3e51754cc0d&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pop-Up Magic Castle Game</a></div>
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The figurines alone had my daughters in love with this game. It is simple and fun. They also love to make believe with the figurines and the castle. I love multi functional games like that. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2D8hhlS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1425" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbWwE5MuaPg/W-SWMqOqVyI/AAAAAAAAIkE/yMULW-PqDnMBKIuDqYqatZsrp3QYsZ3iwCLcBGAs/s320/Cinderella%2BGame.jpg" title="Cinderella's Coach Game" width="304" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HAFN8I4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=5ec42ad64228ce18daec11c07e5c1a71&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cinderella's Coach Game</a></div>
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This game can be attached to the one above. Once again there is a lot of imagination that goes into this game. It is simple if you want to play it just as the directions say. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PHJLtx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOX2QK13qpE/W-SWgBFbJNI/AAAAAAAAIkM/RdnxQoLPXVsMV7T_I_EWQp9YHDmz7XvgQCLcBGAs/s320/Rapunzel%2BGame.jpg" title="Tangled Game" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Disney-Princess-Pop-Up-Tangled/dp/B00EDBZ7JQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1541710541&sr=8-2&keywords=tangled+game&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=d41215ff8f60fb7bf78e2c4fa72f1acb&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tangled Game</a></div>
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Yep you guessed it. You can attach this one to the ones above as well. If you want an extra long game you can attach all three, but if you want shorter games then use only two or even one.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PHKtab" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVBs6NSOgcE/W-SjDDTJxNI/AAAAAAAAIkk/wAFH1Z0pl1cTsPENiZ47AMxRE7sMMYIFwCLcBGAs/s320/Frozen%2BGame.jpg" title="Frozen Pop up game" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Disney-Pop-Up-Magic-Frozen/dp/B00IFWSMS2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1541710566&sr=8-3&keywords=tangled+game&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=5b88b8509c68ad24f882dc03188dd056&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frozen Game</a></div>
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We actually haven't played this one, but it is on our list. I have looked into it and it is just like the other pop up games above. You can attach this one to the above ones as well. Great for any Frozen lovers. So fun! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>BONUS</u></b></span></div>
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If you are wanting a fantastic game for the youngest of players then this game has been a favorite for years. Older kids love to help little toddlers know how to play. It is very basic so they might get bored of it and that is why I didn't include in above. I wanted to mention this one though, because finding a game for kids under 2 can be a challenge. It teaches colors, emotions, counting, and is great for interaction. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2yWF3hO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The 14 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_GDQ1-Zs2I/W-SXTbkJ9iI/AAAAAAAAIkY/ZoCo9FJr3xwklMejrt2Cvi8JGbt1sxh7QCLcBGAs/s320/Think%2Band%2BRoll.jpg" title="Roll & Play" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0070A9OUA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=shambray05-20&linkId=6ed1271416de00eb0ff5838be0a1aae6&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Roll and Play</a></div>
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<b>I gift my girls a game to share each Christmas. It is a fun way to add games to our game closet without being too overwhelming. Just one at a time. </b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsnXCZgaDzg/W-UPXlKDlHI/AAAAAAAAIlA/KimdFlSnHz8sBfW0NYH9skNcZZ2hUgXSACLcBGAs/s1600/Board%2BGames%2Bfor%2BPreschoolers%2Band%2BChildren%2Bup%2Bto%2Bage%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Looking for board games for kids in preschool preschool or younger children. Here are 15 great ideas, plus a great game for toddlers. " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsnXCZgaDzg/W-UPXlKDlHI/AAAAAAAAIlA/KimdFlSnHz8sBfW0NYH9skNcZZ2hUgXSACLcBGAs/s640/Board%2BGames%2Bfor%2BPreschoolers%2Band%2BChildren%2Bup%2Bto%2Bage%2B8.jpg" title="The 15 Best Board Games for Preschoolers up to Children Ages 7 or 8" width="426" /></a></div>
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Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-10941905153519138662018-11-07T05:30:00.000-08:002018-11-12T12:37:46.254-08:00Why Playing With Kids is Actually Good for Stress & Anxiety<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><i>This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PlayWithPlaymobil #CollectiveBias</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kRLO4ixv9uA/W90pohXyTrI/AAAAAAAAIhU/ZCokjnQsi1AF9kEnD79qJDxX_wL_Wb_KwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Why%2Bplaying%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bis%2Bactually%2Bgood%2Bfor%2Bstress%2Band%2Banxiety_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Being a mom is a lot of work and finding time to play with kids at home is difficult, but there are so many good ways to do it and also huge benefits. " border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kRLO4ixv9uA/W90pohXyTrI/AAAAAAAAIhU/ZCokjnQsi1AF9kEnD79qJDxX_wL_Wb_KwCEwYBhgL/s640/Why%2Bplaying%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bis%2Bactually%2Bgood%2Bfor%2Bstress%2Band%2Banxiety_Facebook.jpg" title="Why Playing With Kids is Actually Good for Stress & Anxiety" width="640" /></a></div>
"Mom! Will you play with me?" "Mom! Will you help me set up a pretend castle so my carriage can drive to it?" "Mom do you want to be the teacher or the bus driver?" If you are a mom then you probably have had similar questions asked. </div>
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How on earth do my kids expect me to get the laundry and dishes done if I play with them? How am I supposed to dust, vacuum, sweep, and the million of other things that it takes to keep a house semi-functional PLUS play with my kids? </div>
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If I tell them no then I get this other feeling that creeps in....GUILT! This has been a struggle for me since I became a mom six and a half years ago. </div>
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<b>Do you want to hear why I titled this post "Why Playing With Kids Is Actually Good for Stress & Anxiety"? </b>Everything above tells me the opposite. I don't have TIME to play with my kids. Why can't they just play with each other and let me clean up the mess that they just made. Am I the only one that thinks like this?<br />
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I have talked to other moms who feel the same. However, I want to tell you something that I have discovered through LOTS of mindfulness research and also through putting it to practice and using it in my own life. Playing with kids will actually help you get things done more efficiently. You will be more at ease to go throughout your day. You will feel happier and have less stress.<br />
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I am sure some of you are rolling your eyes right now at your computer or phone, but I want you to hear me out. It was about 2 years ago that I started doing something I call "Hannelore/Mommy Time" or "Isla/Mommy Time". They also do it with their daddy when he isn't gone for work.<br />
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This is a special time that is one on one with each of my girls. I put my phone away and I let them choose what we get to do. I have been very surprised with all the things my kids come up with. Their imaginations are amazing.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IVJ4T5IPOcE/W90poPezSsI/AAAAAAAAIhk/KYIPA9wJXsEYIbrle8xiNCIjqkDFMuZgQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Playing%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bin%2Bplayroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why Playing With Kids is Actually Good for Stress & Anxiety" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IVJ4T5IPOcE/W90poPezSsI/AAAAAAAAIhk/KYIPA9wJXsEYIbrle8xiNCIjqkDFMuZgQCEwYBhgL/s640/Playing%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bin%2Bplayroom.jpg" title="PLAYMOBIL Bus in playroom" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Some key points to having this be successful</span></u></b></div>
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<li>Set a timer. That way you know that you can give your full attention for that amount of time. Let your kids know that when the timer goes off you are free to go and they can keep playing that activity or move on to something else. </li>
<li>PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY. No phones are allowed. This is a time to be completely in the present moment with your child. </li>
<li>Let your child decide what they get to do during the time they get with you. Don't dictate anything. If they are super stumped then you can give them suggestions. </li>
<li>Try your hardest to do this daily. </li>
<li>For younger kids they need more time to see the benefits. I suggest until about 8-12 years old shoot for 20 minutes a day. I sometimes break that up into 2 sessions if that works better. Depending on your child you could reduce this to 10 minutes after they are older. </li>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Benefits from doing playing with kids</span></b></u></div>
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<li>Your kids will start acting better. Seriously, most kids through fits or have attitude problems because they want attention. This is a great way to give them your undivided attention daily, especially when it is unstructured like playing with toys. </li>
<li>So much research has been put into to mindfulness activities and how it reduces stress/anxiety/depression. The biggest thing with mindfulness activities is to be in the present. What better way to be present than to pretend and use your imagination with your child. </li>
<li>There will be a stronger bond between you and your kids. </li>
<li>You will get to know your child better. </li>
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Now like I said, you want the kids to pick the activity that you do together. If they are stumped then you can guide them, but try not to do this very often. I like to have toys in my home that are imaginative. I like toys from both real situations (house, school, park, zoo) and fantastical (present day dinosaurs, unicorns). I also like high quality toys that have great attention to detail. I like things that can grow with my kids as well. If you don't buy these types of toys then you will be buying toys all the time because they break or they grow out of them so fast. If they can't use their imagination with them then they get bored easily. </div>
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I found a toy that we have been loving from PLAYMOBIL. We have a few PLAYMOBIL toys, but my oldest has been wanting a school bus for over a year now. PLAYMOBIL has one and it isn't just a bus. <a href="http://cbi.as/a277s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The PLAYMOBIL bus has all the bells and whistles too.</a> It fits the description above perfectly. I was also very happy with the price.<br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-e96c1c14-7fff-8dee-f0fc-0adbc4599d60"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hover over the image above to start shopping for PLAYMOBIL toys!</span></span></span></div>
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Want to hear something even better? Although PLAYMOBIL toys are classic, they are new to Walmart. So now you can find these awesome toys at Walmart while you are getting all your other shopping done. How convenient is that?! Have you ever shopped in the Walmart toy department? I usually do not like toy departments because they aren't organized enough for my liking, but Walmart clearly marks everything and I always have an easy time finding the sections because of the signs.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EP1K9vhwjzo/W90rWvzzBNI/AAAAAAAAIhw/IOc9z7sevD0rTCNE6ycMdMFb5CunM6XlgCEwYBhgL/s1600/PLAYMOBIL%2BBus%2Bat%2BWalmart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why Playing With Kids is Actually Good for Stress & Anxiety" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="769" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EP1K9vhwjzo/W90rWvzzBNI/AAAAAAAAIhw/IOc9z7sevD0rTCNE6ycMdMFb5CunM6XlgCEwYBhgL/s640/PLAYMOBIL%2BBus%2Bat%2BWalmart.jpg" title="PLAYMOBIL at Walmart" width="306" /></a></div>
Look at all this attention to detail that I love, but it doesn't go unnoticed by my daughter either. The lights flash. The roof comes off to get the people in there easier. AND they even have a place to have the people "hold" on so when you drive the bus around they stay in their seats. It comes with 4 people AND there are even little backpacks for the students. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--45qv94NST0/W90pnn-z2oI/AAAAAAAAIhg/Hzu5f4lLd4MkhRo6EbTTbohwtqv2DgjRQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Playing%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bcloseups%2Bof%2Bseat%2Band%2Broof%2Bremoved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why Playing With Kids is Actually Good for Stress & Anxiety" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--45qv94NST0/W90pnn-z2oI/AAAAAAAAIhg/Hzu5f4lLd4MkhRo6EbTTbohwtqv2DgjRQCEwYBhgL/s640/Playing%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bcloseups%2Bof%2Bseat%2Band%2Broof%2Bremoved.jpg" title="PLAYMOBIL Bus roof comes off" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2fl-rc4cHfQ/W90pnm47YhI/AAAAAAAAIhc/xrRdqAPy3YMZyTJYurxVtFH9eFupa6-uwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Playing%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Band%2Blights%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why Playing With Kids is Actually Good for Stress & Anxiety" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2fl-rc4cHfQ/W90pnm47YhI/AAAAAAAAIhc/xrRdqAPy3YMZyTJYurxVtFH9eFupa6-uwCEwYBhgL/s640/Playing%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Band%2Blights%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbus.jpg" title="PLAYMOBIL Bus lights" width="426" /></a></div>
I love this set because my daughter and I pretend to be the little people and we go pick up the kids at the bus stop and then bring them to school. We have even taken them on pretend field trips (the most recent a zoo that we set up). I like seeing her interact with these pretend people because she doesn't get to ride the bus to school. So it helps her develop social and emotional skills through play as well. </div>
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So next time your kids ask you to play with them think about it before saying no so quickly. <b> Playing with your kids is not just another thing to do. </b> It is actually important for both you and your child!<br />
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There is a great resource that shows all the different ways moms are playing with their kids with PLAYMOBIL toys. <a href="http://cbi.as/a2cmh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check out all these amazing ideas</a>. You won't run out of ideas.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4d2qAqXgDYE/W90povy0NnI/AAAAAAAAIho/etCDsb0LOCM_-d4dV9EONFTW2jX4dgQ_QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Why%2Bplaying%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bis%2Bactually%2Bgood%2Bfor%2Bstress%2Band%2Banxiety_Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Being a mom is a lot of work and finding time to play with kids at home is difficult, but there are so many good ways to do it and also huge benefits. " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4d2qAqXgDYE/W90povy0NnI/AAAAAAAAIho/etCDsb0LOCM_-d4dV9EONFTW2jX4dgQ_QCEwYBhgL/s640/Why%2Bplaying%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bis%2Bactually%2Bgood%2Bfor%2Bstress%2Band%2Banxiety_Pinterest.jpg" title="Why Playing With Kids is Actually Good for Stress & Anxiety" width="426" /></a></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-51972215015473894192018-10-06T19:31:00.000-07:002018-11-07T12:42:48.423-08:00DIY Fall Hoop Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YShkInGEUw8/W7gwBTL8PJI/AAAAAAAAIdg/mu3cI9F10MYOWfE52gWmFHbZYfH2gKN0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Fall Hoop Wreath" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YShkInGEUw8/W7gwBTL8PJI/AAAAAAAAIdg/mu3cI9F10MYOWfE52gWmFHbZYfH2gKN0gCLcBGAs/s640/Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath_Facebook.jpg" title="DIY Fall Hoop Wreath" width="640" /></a></div>
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It has been a few years since I made a Fall wreath. <b>I made the Halloween wreath last year, but not an overall Fall wreath. I knew immediately that I wanted to use a hoop. </b> I thought I was going to use an embroidery hoop, but then my husband told me about 6 different metal hoops in the garage. He showed me them and I immediately knew that is what I was going to use!</div>
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I had so much fun finding the materials for this wreath and also putting it together. It was so simple and so fast. I want to share with you the steps so you can see just how fast it really was. I can honestly say that you can do this. Even if you are not a "crafty" person. Which I will beg to differ if you were to tell me that because I believe everyone is crafty. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP8qNwZ70VQ/W7kxoXyjt8I/AAAAAAAAIec/EIXdD0-nH10VOTudLfhet0jnrhmwTqiJwCLcBGAs/s1600/Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath_Pinterest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Fall Hoop Wreath" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP8qNwZ70VQ/W7kxoXyjt8I/AAAAAAAAIec/EIXdD0-nH10VOTudLfhet0jnrhmwTqiJwCLcBGAs/s640/Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath_Pinterest2.jpg" title="DIY Fall Hoop Wreath" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains some affiliate links, which means if you purchase items after clicking some of the links then I will be paid a small commission. However, every item I talk about in this post I used. I do not link something I don't use.</span></i></div>
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<u style="font-size: xx-large;">Steps</u></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Gather all your supplies.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_6R_kuDmGqw/W7g2RFEq-YI/AAAAAAAAIds/4fkJr8boaKclPEkc2_kP03uG-_bgrV3EACLcBGAs/s1600/Gather%2BSupplies_Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Fall Hoop Wreath" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_6R_kuDmGqw/W7g2RFEq-YI/AAAAAAAAIds/4fkJr8boaKclPEkc2_kP03uG-_bgrV3EACLcBGAs/s640/Gather%2BSupplies_Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath.jpg" title="Gather supplies" width="640" /></a></div>
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<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">
-<a href="https://www.joann.com/panacea-products-circular-metal-hoop-18-inch/16068447.html#q=metal%2Bhoop&start=1" target="_blank">Metal hoop</a></blockquote>
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-Flowers and greens (The orange ones are Orange Mini Poppies, <a href="https://www.joann.com/blooming-autumn-20-mum-bush-yellow/15950496.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwl9zdBRDgARIsAL5Nyn2bgODzRIM1xyvkGJLqSHaGqotuuF93YrWPTnGzPaFNYeLaCFJQzEYaAouVEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Yellow was a Mum bush</a>, <a href="https://www.joann.com/27in-smilax-spray-x3-with-91-lvs-green/9024134.html" target="_blank">Smilax Spray was one of the green bunches</a>, and other other bunch that is shown in the picture above is a fern bush) I linked the ones I could find on the internet. </blockquote>
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- <a href="https://amzn.to/2OdlJqp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wire cutters</a></blockquote>
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-<a href="https://www.joann.com/panacea-products-26-gauge-bright-paddle-wire-1-4-lbs/3989548.html#q=26%2Bgauge%2Bwire&start=1" target="_blank">Wire</a> (mine was 26 gauge jewelry wire) </blockquote>
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-<a href="https://amzn.to/2pFix7Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hot Glue gun</a> and<a href="https://amzn.to/2BYGnmA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> glue</a></blockquote>
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-Optional: <a href="https://amzn.to/2pFqOZI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pliers</a> (I use my fingers only, but some people prefer to use pliers) </blockquote>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Lay out everything very quickly and snap a picture. This doesn't have to take a long time, but you will want to get a general idea on how you want it to look. Then you can reference the picture as you are attaching everything.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0T3eAVtgJgs/W7g2RdqbL9I/AAAAAAAAIeI/cEdE4Lh2EHgLINZtMezARwkPQdEc7ZgJQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Lay%2Bout%2Bflorals_Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Fall Hoop Wreath" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0T3eAVtgJgs/W7g2RdqbL9I/AAAAAAAAIeI/cEdE4Lh2EHgLINZtMezARwkPQdEc7ZgJQCEwYBhgL/s640/Lay%2Bout%2Bflorals_Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath.jpg" title="Layout greens and flowers" width="640" /></a></div>
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Start attaching the stems. You will want to attach your greens first. I like to cut small pieces of the wire (6-12 inches) and just start wrapping the wire around the stem until you get to the end of the wire. Just wrap it until you run out of wire. Then press the ends of the wire tightly around the hoop and stems. Then move on to the next piece. Continue doing this until you have attached all the stems. Feel free to move things and twist things until you like the way it looks. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VD0fQmbV_U/W7g2SPrd41I/AAAAAAAAIeI/oCtqDbi9bewDeaBIq349h47ADh5mW64ZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Wrap%2BWire%2Baround_Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Fall Hoop Wreath" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VD0fQmbV_U/W7g2SPrd41I/AAAAAAAAIeI/oCtqDbi9bewDeaBIq349h47ADh5mW64ZgCEwYBhgL/s640/Wrap%2BWire%2Baround_Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath.jpg" title="Attach stems with wire" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like to glue the flowers on the stems. They can fall off if there is a good sized wind gust. You can completely skip this step if you feel they are securely on there. However, the mums (the yellow flowers) were slipping off while attaching the wreath. Not all the time, but some of the time. I didn't want to risk it. Just put a little bit of glue on the top of the hole and then slip it on the stem. The glue will be pushed down into the hole and stick. So don't worry about getting it in the hole. The glue will just be sitting on top. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ceYtnDPfKEc/W7g2R59O7_I/AAAAAAAAIeI/G7WGyIGhoz8Lkxo_SAOy9TP1KTxDbGJMgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Put%2Bglue%2Bin%2Bflower_Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Fall Hoop Wreath" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ceYtnDPfKEc/W7g2R59O7_I/AAAAAAAAIeI/G7WGyIGhoz8Lkxo_SAOy9TP1KTxDbGJMgCEwYBhgL/s640/Put%2Bglue%2Bin%2Bflower_Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath.jpg" title="Put a dallop of glue on the hole opening" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4elPjDAh6lU/W7g2RTdKU4I/AAAAAAAAIeE/ue3XMhQv29k6_rD-VqXzIFVSjEW4BPxRQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Glue%2Bon%2Bflower_Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Fall Hoop Wreath" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4elPjDAh6lU/W7g2RTdKU4I/AAAAAAAAIeE/ue3XMhQv29k6_rD-VqXzIFVSjEW4BPxRQCEwYBhgL/s640/Glue%2Bon%2Bflower_Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath.jpg" title="Glue sitting on top of hole" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewK6nIRnafk/W7g2RjbnQrI/AAAAAAAAIeI/1Z5GQX9bL5cs9HvSPs9J0dxRDdWn9E87wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Put%2Bflower%2Bon%2Bstem_Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Fall Hoop Wreath" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewK6nIRnafk/W7g2RjbnQrI/AAAAAAAAIeI/1Z5GQX9bL5cs9HvSPs9J0dxRDdWn9E87wCEwYBhgL/s640/Put%2Bflower%2Bon%2Bstem_Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath.jpg" title="Put glued flower on stem " width="640" /></a></div>
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You are done! Less that 5 steps and you made a beautiful wreath! Way to go! Now go hang it up and show it off</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxQkv4nglfc/W7g-D5kV7WI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/O7klNnW0nOkbxhjvmQ2bVB7QkpDsuhTVACLcBGAs/s1600/Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Fall Hoop Wreath" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxQkv4nglfc/W7g-D5kV7WI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/O7klNnW0nOkbxhjvmQ2bVB7QkpDsuhTVACLcBGAs/s640/Fall%2BHoop%2BWreath_Instagram.jpg" title="Finished Fall Hoop Wreath" width="640" /></a></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-16395389182159910812018-09-25T08:36:00.000-07:002018-11-07T12:42:57.265-08:00Break All the Rules: Only Brush Your Teeth for 30 Seconds<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGlKDDuCXNc/W6kpmyTLycI/AAAAAAAAIdI/BI5oeOFl1ZQx6mpsXyER69NJpy3eGQOdgCLcBGAs/s1600/EZ%2BTeethbrush_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Break All the Rules: Only Brush Your Teeth for 30 Seconds" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGlKDDuCXNc/W6kpmyTLycI/AAAAAAAAIdI/BI5oeOFl1ZQx6mpsXyER69NJpy3eGQOdgCLcBGAs/s640/EZ%2BTeethbrush_Facebook.jpg" title="How to brush your teeth correctly for good dental health" width="640" /></a></div>
A month or two ago I asked on social media what people struggled with the most when it came to self care. I want you to guess what the top three answers were. Two of them I expected because I struggle with them too, but one of them I had no idea so many people struggled with. It wasn't just one person or two people it was a BUNCH of people. So if you struggle with these things then you are not alone. Have you guessed what they were? I am going to tell you now.</div>
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The three things were:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Not washing your face at night (one that I have struggled with my whole life, but have been FANTASTIC the last 3 months....which I'm so happy to say!)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Getting exercise in (yeah...I get it. I always say my kids are my exercise. However, I feel so much better now that I make the time to AT LEAST get 150 minutes in a week of organized exercise).</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>The last thing was not brushing your teeth day and night. </b>And even if the teeth were brushed morning and night it was very rarely done for 2 minutes. </li>
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Like I said these things were NOT just one or two people. These were the things that were brought up the most. Because of that I wanted to share this product with you. I have asked the creator so many questions he is probably sick of me. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfMcOg6iKIs/W6auBbc03QI/AAAAAAAAIcs/PSey6tJc3_Eq2hWeGbcVHJCTtcVtR9xQwCLcBGAs/s1600/EZ%2BTeethbrush_Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Break All the Rules: Only Brush Your Teeth for 30 Seconds" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="724" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfMcOg6iKIs/W6auBbc03QI/AAAAAAAAIcs/PSey6tJc3_Eq2hWeGbcVHJCTtcVtR9xQwCLcBGAs/s640/EZ%2BTeethbrush_Pinterest.jpg" title="How to brush your teeth correctly for good dental health" width="428" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">This post contains sponsored links from EZ Teethbrush. However, I wouldn't write this post if I didn't believe that this product has some AMAZING solutions to real life problems.</i></div>
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<a href="http://ezteethbrush.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I want to introduce to you the EZ Teethbrush</a>. It just hit Kickstarter today. If you want the best deal then during the first 72 hours they will be priced at $79...that is 60% off! The retail price is $189. So let me talk about this product for a minute and then you can decide if it is right for you. </div>
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First off let's talk about who this is good for. </div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Busy people who are always running late, but don't want to skip brushing their teeth</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Anyone that has a hard time brushing their teeth for 2 minutes</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">People who have adult kids with disabilities and struggle with brushing their teeth</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Anyone that skips brushing their teeth regularly</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Anyone that brushes their teeth/gums too hard with a normal toothbrush head</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Anyone who wants a fun new way to brush all their teeth at once</li>
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If you don't think this is for you then there is a sonic toothbrush head that you can attach to it instead, but you could give it a try and see what you think first. If it still isn't for you then you probably know someone that fits the categories above. I am hoping this product finds people that are really looking for a solution to their problem(s) and find it in this product. </div>
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Features that I like: </div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Pulses at 30 seconds. This is the bare minimum I would do. That way you hit all your teeth in the 30 seconds. <b>However, it doesn't auto shut off until the 2 minute mark. </b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">It comes with a normal sonic toothbrush head if you want to use that on days you have 2 minutes to brush your teeth. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">It is soft on your gums so that you won't harm your gums by over brushing or too forcefully brushing. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">There are 3 settings depending on what you are trying to achieve. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>It is approved by dentists. </b> This was the first thing that I was looking for, because I don't know what is good or not. I can think it is a good product all day long, but I want a professional to tell me it is. I know some of the dentists personally and I trust their word. </li>
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<b><a href="http://ezteethbrush.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Make sure to get one of these before the price goes up!</a></b> I'm very excited to see all the people this product can help. I hope all around it will help people achieve their dental health goals. We as human beings can tend to forget about the health of our teeth until it is so painful and SO expensive. I want to help others fix the issues before they get to that point.</div>
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If you have any questions at all about this product please ask in the comments of this post or you can email me as well. I am in touch with the creator often so I can pass along any questions that I don't know myself. </div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" /></div>
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Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-14177126174140487172018-08-29T12:56:00.001-07:002018-11-07T12:43:06.578-08:00September Self Care Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NxctMIJr_-U/W4HN5smpD1I/AAAAAAAAIaI/Jxc1XGgDVI0I4Oos8UGoxtCMmepXeaW6QCEwYBhgL/s1600/September%2B2018%2BSelf%2BCare%2BChallenge_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="September Self Care Challenge" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NxctMIJr_-U/W4HN5smpD1I/AAAAAAAAIaI/Jxc1XGgDVI0I4Oos8UGoxtCMmepXeaW6QCEwYBhgL/s640/September%2B2018%2BSelf%2BCare%2BChallenge_Facebook.jpg" title="September Self Care Challenge" width="640" /></a></div>
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Self care isn't just important. It is necessary. However, it is something almost EVERYONE looks over. We fill our lives with so much stuff that there is no time to just be, to just reflect, to slow down and think, or to take care of small and simple things. That is why I am doing these self care challenges. <b>This September self care challenge is not going to disappoint. </b></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>My Monthly Focus</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXmcBXmERC4/W4HPHN3XcpI/AAAAAAAAIac/raLAOStHxyoCpjydO-fGDr3uvRXGTs3yQCLcBGAs/s1600/Affirmations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="September Self Care Challenge" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXmcBXmERC4/W4HPHN3XcpI/AAAAAAAAIac/raLAOStHxyoCpjydO-fGDr3uvRXGTs3yQCLcBGAs/s640/Affirmations.jpg" title="Daily Affirmations " width="640" /></a></div>
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Every month I focus on a new goal. I like monthly goals because it can create a habit. I made a monthly goal in July and August and both of those months helped me create amazing habits that have been life changing. </div>
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<b>This month I am focusing on a new goal of daily affirmations. </b> I used to do this everyday for a good 6 months and then I only did it periodically. Affirmations are so powerful. Our mind is so powerful and if we feed are mind with good thoughts then our mind can do great things in a powerful and wonderful way.<br />
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Here are some great resources to use when deciding your daily affirmations:<br />
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<a href="https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/growth-mindset-statements-affirmations-classroom-home" target="_blank">25 Growth Mindset Affirmations</a></div>
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<a href="http://blissfulgal.com/what-my-dogs-taught-me-about-self-love-and-affirmations/" target="_blank">20 Self Love Affirmations</a></div>
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<a href="https://ellduclos.blog/positiveaffirmations/" target="_blank">15 Daily Affirmations</a></div>
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You can make up your own and that is a great thing to do. I did that and am planning on doing that this month. I am excited to do this. If you haven't tried this before then you must try it before you knock it. It works. I promise. </div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></i></b></b></b></b></b>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Explanation of contest</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-926ulApvWPM/W4RZOuThl_I/AAAAAAAAIa4/tD3Be-ldGAgU0Bs5lL95tFv9y9ViqJKVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Mary%2BKay%2BPrize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="September Self Care Challenge" border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="580" height="398" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-926ulApvWPM/W4RZOuThl_I/AAAAAAAAIa4/tD3Be-ldGAgU0Bs5lL95tFv9y9ViqJKVQCEwYBhgL/s640/Mary%2BKay%2BPrize.jpg" title="Mix and Match Giveaway" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>If you are new here then you will find out that another fun thing that I will be doing every month will be holding a contest to go along with the challenge.</b> Here is how you enter:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://eepurl.com/dzjt-L" target="_blank">Download the self care challenge calendar</a>.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Snap a picture of you completing the challenge each day and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #sept2018selfcare. Each picture that you post will be an entry into the challenge giveaway. <b> (Make sure to make the pictures public or else I can't see them unless I follow you. Better yet tag me in it!)</b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/253517908570050/" target="_blank">Join our Facebook group and post pictures on the Facebook group of you completing the challenges.</a> Each picture posted will be an entry into the giveaway. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Also, leave a comment on this post below and tell me your personal goal in regards to the monthly focus (daily affirmations). This will be worth 5 points. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Also you have to follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mkwithmorgan/" target="_blank">MK with Morgan</a> in order to win! (If you don't have Instagram then email me. We will work something out.)</li>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Prize</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd1BMGnErV4/W4RZOop3KmI/AAAAAAAAIa0/uNtyPnuSyfo90ob1Sl5vPqN-dCPSPn3KwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Mary%2BKay%2BContest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="September Self Care Challenge" border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="768" height="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd1BMGnErV4/W4RZOop3KmI/AAAAAAAAIa0/uNtyPnuSyfo90ob1Sl5vPqN-dCPSPn3KwCEwYBhgL/s640/Mary%2BKay%2BContest.jpg" title="Mary Kay Giveaway" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am so excited to share with you the prize for September. Charcoal masks are huge right now, but I love how this pack is paired with a moisturizing mask as well! Here are some benefits and some things to be looking forward to when it comes to using these masks:</div>
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<ul style="text-align: center;">
<li style="text-align: justify;">The charcoal mask will deeply cleanse your skin. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The gel mask will instantly hydrate your skin. It also softens, smooths, and firms your skin. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">You will get to use these at home to give yourself some love. It is easy. You don't even need a babysitter. </li>
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After you try these you will continue to want to pamper your skin and yourself.<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Breakdown of certain days "challenges"</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rapWCmW8CG0/W4HN5j7RkyI/AAAAAAAAIaQ/7V9Rb3-n9bgvlgFa_lrbkvoeboDeoH2VACEwYBhgL/s1600/Sept%2B2018%2BSelf%2BCare%2BChallenge_Pinterst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Join us for the September Self Care Challenge and get entered to win an amazing giveaway prize! " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rapWCmW8CG0/W4HN5j7RkyI/AAAAAAAAIaQ/7V9Rb3-n9bgvlgFa_lrbkvoeboDeoH2VACEwYBhgL/s640/Sept%2B2018%2BSelf%2BCare%2BChallenge_Pinterst.jpg" title="Join us for the September Self Care Challenge and get entered to win an amazing giveaway prize! " width="426" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not think is worth every penny.</i></b></b></b></b></b></div>
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I have provided some suggestions, ideas, and tips for SOME of the day's challenges. They are all simple, maybe not easy, but simple.<br />
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Day 1: <b>Say a prayer of gratitude only. </b> Just give thanks. Do not ask for anything. This is really powerful and I have been doing it daily for a month now. You will see great results in your soul. If you do not pray then take this time for grateful meditation.<br />
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Day 2: <b>Go to bed early!</b>: Go to bed an hour earlier than when you usually do.<br />
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Day 3: <b>Set a goal to help lessen a weakness. </b> Think of all the weaknesses that you want to try and get better at. Set a VERY SPECIFIC goal in regards to that weakness. Make sure the goal is measurable AND make sure you set a "due date".<br />
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Day 4: <b>Set a dentist appointment.</b> When I asked my Instagram followers and the members of the Facebook group what they needed help on in regards to self care I got a lot of responses that needed help with making sure they take care of their teeth better. So I wanted to put this challenge in there. If you have an appointment set up in the next 6 months then you are good to go. If not then search out a dentist if you don't have one and set an appointment. PLEASE!<br />
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Day 5: <b>Set an appointment with an OB/GYN.</b> This is so important for women's health. If you have an appointment within the next year then you are good to go. If not then get one set! ASAP!<br />
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Day 6: <b>Set an appointment with an optometrist</b>. This is something so many of us overlook, me included. So this is so good for me. Make an appointment within a year and you will be good to go!<br />
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Day 7: <b>Watch everything you eat today. </b> Mindful eating is so important. It can tell you a lot about yourself. So of course try to put nourishing foods into your body, but if you put something that isn't nourishing do a check and see what your body is craving and how you can help yourself make better choices.<br />
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Day 8:<b> Do something for your spouse.</b> This is so important if you are married. If you aren't married then do it for a significant other, good friend, or family member.<br />
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Day 9: <b>Do an at home facial, pedicure, or manicure.</b> <a href="https://colorstreet.com/JUSTNAILS/products" target="_blank">Get a hold of some Color Street strips and you will be loving life</a>. Or get the masks that are part of the giveaway and your face will thank you. <a href="https://amzn.to/2orQ45f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">If your feet need some extra love then grab this tool</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2C0LEMh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">put some lotion on your feet afterwards</a>. Paint your toes for an extra bonus!<br />
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Day 10: <b>Pursue one of your hobbies.</b> Hobbies come in all shapes and sizes. It doesn't have to be crafting (although it can) or photography (although it can). It can be organizing, planning, cooking, playing a musical instrument, or reading. The list goes on and on.<br />
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Day 13: <b>Have a "night off". </b> <a href="https://www.shambray.com/2014/07/nights-off-made-me-better-mom-and-wife.html" target="_blank">If you are a mom then these are NECESSARY!</a> Please do this for yourself. If you have any questions then please ask me, because this is important.<br />
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Day 15: <b>Do yoga or just stretch. </b> I was VERY surprised to find out that a lot of people don't like doing yoga. If you are one of those people then just give your muscles a great stretch today.<br />
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Day 17: <b> Healthy meal prep for one week. </b> <a href="https://www.thevibrantlifestudio.com/product/the-vibrant-bite/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Better yet sign up for The Vibrant Bite and they will meal prep the week for you, plus give you 3 workouts for the week</a>. (Seriously if you haven't tried this then this is the time to do so. It is an amazing service and risk free. Just try it for a month. Don't forget to <span style="text-align: center;">use code SHAMBRAY10 for $10 off your first month)</span><br />
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Day 18: <b>Try an exercise class.</b> There are so many I want to try. Maybe I will try them all this month.<br />
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Day 20: <b>Make a smoothie. </b><a href="https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/copycat-jamba-juice-aloha-pineapple-smoothie-recipe/" target="_blank">I don't know what it is about this one, but I want to have it right now so bad</a>!<br />
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Day 22: <b>Eat slowly and mindfully. </b> Be thankful for the food you are putting into your body. This is a great way to have a healthy relationship with food. Thankfulness goes a long way.<br />
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Day 23: <b>Drink some hot chocolate.</b> I don't care if it is warm outside. Do it anyways. Your inner child will LOVE you for it.<br />
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Day 24: <b>Power clean your house.</b> So here is what you are going to do. Set your time for 10 minutes and clean as much as you can in those 10 minutes!<br />
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Day 25: <b>Do something kids love to do.</b> This might be jumping on the tramp or with a jump rope. Maybe it is hopscotch or swinging on swings. Just be a kid for a minute.<br />
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Day 26: <b>Go running.</b> Better yet why don't you start a running group or if you know of one to join then join that one.<br />
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Day 27: <b>Sit in sun for 15 minutes</b>. If it is too cold outside then sit by the window with the sun on your face.<br />
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Day 29: <b>Read part of a self development book.</b> If you have already read one and want to go back and read some highlighted parts then do that. If you have one you want to start then get reading it. Here are some of my favorites:<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2MFAOjC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Essentialism</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PLUaRQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Happiness Project</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PfFdGU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Miracle Morning</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2wq44Rf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2LBQFdu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The 5 Second Rule</a> </div>
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(I actually haven't read this one, but it is on my bookshelf to read because I've seen a lot of presentations with the author and I LOVE the concept)</div>
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Day 30: <b>Complete a page in a coloring book.</b> This can be SO RELAXING! It doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some of my favorites:</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2NvQHWd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazing Swirls</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PjfhKm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disney Dreams Collection</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2LEOBkS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Colored Pencils</a></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-47458079902703678282018-07-31T15:10:00.002-07:002018-11-07T12:43:15.621-08:00August Self Care Challenge <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QFqiH3eHxrM/W1_iOHA5cAI/AAAAAAAAIXM/CIV5G5O1IFsGk1C4jWChuoJXXwVQZWlfgCLcBGAs/s1600/Aug%2B2018%2BSelf%2BCare%2BChallenge_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="August Self Care Challenge " border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QFqiH3eHxrM/W1_iOHA5cAI/AAAAAAAAIXM/CIV5G5O1IFsGk1C4jWChuoJXXwVQZWlfgCLcBGAs/s640/Aug%2B2018%2BSelf%2BCare%2BChallenge_Facebook.jpg" title="august self care challenge" width="640" /></a></div>
Welcome back if you joined in on the challenge for July. <b>If you are new to this August self care challenge then welcome. </b>I hope you enjoy this challenge and find it motivating and uplifting. I hope it helps you take better care of yourself. I hope together we can learn to love our self more every day. Don't hesitate to email me with any questions, tips, tricks, or suggestions. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/253517908570050/" target="_blank">Also, make sure to join our Facebook group so we can interact more often</a>. </div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>My Monthly Focus</u></b><br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these items and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not think is worth every penny.</i></b></b></b></b></b><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaF95IrXiJI/W1_hiW3stAI/AAAAAAAAIW0/Xag_OKVgZXIHNMVUhVDMxoQYtxeH0dpagCLcBGAs/s1600/StockSnap_AYWO7QN7K7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="august self care challenge" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaF95IrXiJI/W1_hiW3stAI/AAAAAAAAIW0/Xag_OKVgZXIHNMVUhVDMxoQYtxeH0dpagCLcBGAs/s640/StockSnap_AYWO7QN7K7.jpg" title="Meditation and prayer" width="640" /></a></div>
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Every month I focus on a new goal. I like monthly goals because it can create a habit. That is exactly what my fitness focus last month did. By the end of the month I didn't even need to really think about what I put into my body because I only reached for good foods (with of course an occasional treat, because why not!). Same with my exercise routine. It started to become easy to get up early and exercise because it makes me feel so much better.</div>
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<b>This month I am focusing on a new goal and that is mediation/prayer. </b> I really love the peace that meditation brings. I need it more in my life, especially since school starts this month. So I am excited to be focusing on it this month. I also want to make my prayers more meaningful and really searching for answers when I pray. So I am incorporating that as well. Sometimes prayer in itself can take the place of mediation if that is something you like to do.<br />
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Here are some great apps and products to increase your chances of having a great mediation and/or prayer session:<br />
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<a href="https://www.calm.com/" target="_blank">Calm</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app" target="_blank">Headspace</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2v4ibeo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Year of Powerful Prayer</a></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Explanation of contest</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sF_yaLlEl7Q/W1_hqSiAY2I/AAAAAAAAIW8/j4Ni6Jh2N1gLsAeGGjl6BfKlEME1pdWfwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nail%2BContest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="august self care challenge" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sF_yaLlEl7Q/W1_hqSiAY2I/AAAAAAAAIW8/j4Ni6Jh2N1gLsAeGGjl6BfKlEME1pdWfwCEwYBhgL/s640/Nail%2BContest.jpg" title="Color Street Nails Giveaway" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>If you are new here then you will find out that another fun thing that I will be doing every month will be holding a contest to go along with the challenge.</b> Here is how you enter:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jJ5F9alWH4FZr0N_lCfPn2sWG7dML_MI" target="_blank">Download the self care challenge calendar</a>.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Snap a picture of you completing the challenge each day and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #aug2018selfcare. Each picture that you post will be an entry into the challenge giveaway. <b> (Make sure to make the pictures public or else I can't see them unless I follow you)</b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/253517908570050/" target="_blank">Join our Facebook group and post pictures on the Facebook group of you completing the challenges.</a> Each picture posted will be an entry into the giveaway. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Also, leave a comment on this post below and tell me your personal goal in regards to the monthly focus (meditation and/or prayer). This will be worth 5 points. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Also you have to follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justnails.stephanie/" target="_blank">Just Nails Stephanie</a> in order to win! (If you don't have Instagram then email me. We will work something out.)</li>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Prize</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hw7qQrCJM68/W1_hqa_v05I/AAAAAAAAIW4/Db61PNH_MzofKry6tLvMghy1OTk9ctT6wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Color%2BStreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="august self care challenge" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hw7qQrCJM68/W1_hqa_v05I/AAAAAAAAIW4/Db61PNH_MzofKry6tLvMghy1OTk9ctT6wCEwYBhgL/s640/Color%2BStreet.jpg" title="Color Street Nails Giveaway" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am so excited to share with you the prize for August. I have been using these for over a year and I am obsessed. <b>This month the winner will get a package of Color Street Nail Strips! </b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">These last a long time. No more chips after 1 day. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They are SO FAST and EASY to put on. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They go on dry. No more waiting for your nails to dry. </li>
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After you try these you will want a million like I have. Okay, I don't have a million, but close. </div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Breakdown of certain days "challenges"</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h68R3ViPmzk/W1_iOA-JvcI/AAAAAAAAIXc/C338rxTYmgcT2WXwQRRz1wRHpwiHDe8ygCEwYBhgL/s1600/Aug%2B2018%2BSelf%2BCare%2BChallenge_Pinterst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="august self care challenge" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h68R3ViPmzk/W1_iOA-JvcI/AAAAAAAAIXc/C338rxTYmgcT2WXwQRRz1wRHpwiHDe8ygCEwYBhgL/s640/Aug%2B2018%2BSelf%2BCare%2BChallenge_Pinterst.jpg" title="august self care challenge" width="426" /></a></div>
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I have provided some suggestions, ideas, and tips for SOME of the day's challenges. They are all simple, maybe not easy, but simple.<br />
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Day 3: <b>Wash your face before you get in bed. </b> The biggest thing I tell others to do when it comes to washing your face is to buy something you are really excited to use OR that costs enough that you will use it because you don't want to spend the money and then not use it.<br />
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Day 4: <b>Meditate.</b> Since I am a religious person a lot of time my "meditation" is spent in prayer. So I pray and then I am quiet and calm while "listening" to an answer to my prayer. However, I also love to actually meditate. <a href="https://www.calm.com/" target="_blank">I love to use the app, Calm.</a> <a href="https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app" target="_blank">Another great app is called Headspace</a>.<br />
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Day 5: <b>Paint your nails.</b> <a href="http://www.mycolorstreet.com/JUSTNAILS" target="_blank">Better yet, use Color Street</a>. No streaks, no smudges, no drying time! They are SERIOUSLY the BEST!<br />
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Day 6: <b>Grab that book you want to read. </b> <a href="http://amazon.com/shop/influencer-2e0353dd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check out some of my favorite books</a>.<br />
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Day 8: <b>Put this calendar up where you see it often. </b>It might be by your nightstand, or bathroom mirror, or maybe your fridge. Just put it somewhere so you can be reminded that self care is important to you.<br />
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Day 9, 10, & 12: I love to use an app that locks me out of certain apps. I have this set up daily. <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.dfki.appdetox&hl=en_US" target="_blank">This is the one I am currently using</a>.<br />
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Day 11: <b>Date Night. </b><a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/04/3-date-night-ideas-for-after-kids-are.html" target="_blank">Check out this post on date night ideas</a>. <a href="https://www.shambray.com/2015/03/4-new-date-night-ideas-i-am-adding-to.html" target="_blank">Here is another one</a>! <a href="http://eepurl.com/ckfk19" target="_blank">I even have a 52 Date Night Ideas e-book</a>!<br />
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Day 15: Watch a chick flick. I will be watching The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, but <a href="http://amazon.com/shop/influencer-2e0353dd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">check out some of my other favorites</a>.<br />
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Day 17: <b>Have a healthy snack. </b>Here are some of my favorites:<br />
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-Hard boiled egg</div>
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-Protein balls</div>
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-Protein bars</div>
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-Cottage cheese ranch dip and veggies</div>
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-Frozen grapes</div>
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-<a href="https://www.sargento.com/our-cheese/balanced-breaks?gclid=CjwKCAjwkYDbBRB6EiwAR0T_-pCBgbssTowUUPyXy5R4P8ZLNpBDJZ9aCkNSMkhxai5YO3Y2RmRdexoCOQkQAvD_BwE&ef_id=Wxi8sgAADWYFwfyQ:20180731205516:s" target="_blank">Sargento Balanced Breaks</a></div>
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-Turkey wrapped around string cheese (melt it on your George Foreman and it's even better)</div>
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-Apple and cheese stick</div>
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-Belvita crackers</div>
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-Yogurt with <a href="https://www.naturespath.com/en-us/love-crunch/" target="_blank">Love Crunch</a></div>
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Day 18: <b>Try a new recipe! </b>Put one of those recipes you pinned to good use. </div>
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Day 19: <b>Go to bed early!</b>: Go to bed an hour earlier than when you usually do.<br />
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Day 20: <b>Write in your journal</b>: Journaling is so important for self care. It doesn't have to be long. It can be really short, but journaling really grounds you. It makes you mindful of your life and is a great way to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Here are some journals I love:<br />
-<a href="https://amzn.to/2lb4DIs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Floral journal</a><br />
-<a href="https://amzn.to/2JDJXHM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Self Exploration Journal</a><br />
-<a href="https://amzn.to/2JQ4xAN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">5 Year Journal</a><br />
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Day 21: <b>Get up and get ready before your kids get up</b>: This is one thing I do every day. There are very few days that I don't do this and it is necessary for my sanity.<br />
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Day 22: <b>Do yoga: </b>My favorite people to do yoga with are on YouTube, they are <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/SarahBethShow" target="_blank">Sarah Beth</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA" target="_blank">Adriene</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX32D3gKXENrhOXdZjWWtMA" target="_blank">Kassandra</a>. <a href="https://www.downdogapp.com/" target="_blank">I also love using the Down Dog app</a>.<br />
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Day 23: <b>Get a sweet treat</b>: This will probably be a PB Twix or a chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich for me.<br />
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Day 25: <b>Go on a hike</b>: <a href="https://amzn.to/2JLafDU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">If you want to get your hands on an awesome book then check out this one</a>! (That one is for Salt Lake City, but if you want to find one for near you then go to the search menu and type in "60 hikes within 60 miles and then type in a major city near you. There are a ton of options.)<br />
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Day 26: <b>Get cozy with your favorite drink</b>: Frozen hot chocolate or a lime ricky are calling my name! I want to see yours post on Instagram or in the Facebook group!<br />
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Day 27: <b>Grab a puzzle book</b>: Anything will do, but here are some ideas:<br />
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-<a href="https://amzn.to/2Owc9v2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sudoku</a><br />
-<a href="https://amzn.to/2M7u7T5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Word search</a><br />
-<a href="https://amzn.to/2LWDjN4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brain Games</a><br />
-<a href="https://amzn.to/2LPHKcO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Games, puzzles and trivia</a><br />
-<a href="https://amzn.to/2v7roT2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mystery and logic puzzles</a><br />
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Day 29: <b>Text or call 3 friends today</b>: Sometimes these conversations can be long. So talking might be hard, but actually have a conversation with them. Don't just stalk them on social media. </div>
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Day 30: <b>Set up a friend date</b>: It can be anything. Paint night, dinner, movie, play, pedicure. Just spoil yourself with one of your girlfriends. Or five if you want. </div>
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Day 31: <b>Join a club</b>: It can be any club. Book clubs have my heart. </div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127226825458703027.post-17725028345595484872018-07-17T20:49:00.001-07:002018-11-07T12:43:25.833-08:00Women Colored (or White) Shorts Outfits (Minimalist Wardrobe List: A 36 Piece Wardrobe)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FzA9W1AKvo8/W032s9y2tqI/AAAAAAAAIRI/yX_Yinc9wMYliCQlLpmgmfLTPDdnEBiCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Women%2BColored%2BShorts%2BOutfits_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Women Colored (or White) Shorts Outfits (Minimalist Wardrobe List: A 36 Piece Wardrobe)" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FzA9W1AKvo8/W032s9y2tqI/AAAAAAAAIRI/yX_Yinc9wMYliCQlLpmgmfLTPDdnEBiCwCEwYBhgL/s640/Women%2BColored%2BShorts%2BOutfits_Facebook.jpg" title="Women Colored Shorts Outfits" width="640" /></a></div>
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With a small wardrobe you want to make sure you have variety in your closet to keep things fresh. <b>That is why having women colored or white shorts is something you need in your closet. </b> It will help not make the Summer months so boring by only wearing your denim shorts. </div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ways to wear women colored or white shorts</b></span></u></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-4GuyOJBEc/W060vTl3TYI/AAAAAAAAIRo/0kPmX3VRUZYUtehDSYbRRu9ve7IPkjPhACLcBGAs/s1600/Women%2BColored%2BShorts%2BOutfits_Pinterst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Women Colored (or White) Shorts Outfits (Minimalist Wardrobe List: A 36 Piece Wardrobe)" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-4GuyOJBEc/W060vTl3TYI/AAAAAAAAIRo/0kPmX3VRUZYUtehDSYbRRu9ve7IPkjPhACLcBGAs/s640/Women%2BColored%2BShorts%2BOutfits_Pinterst.jpg" title="Women Colored Shorts Outfits | minimalist wardrobe women list" width="426" /></a></div>
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I like to wear a more neutral colored shirt with colored shorts, but if I am wearing white shorts I like to wear something with color. I want to give a word of caution to white shorts. White shorts with kids can be hard. Especially if you are holding them often because their dirty shoes will rub on your shorts and it isn't pretty when you are done. I will start getting white shorts after my youngest is around 5, until then I buy colored shorts. </div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Places to purchase women colored or white shorts</u></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Some of these links contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking on the link I will receive a very small commission. I wholeheartedly recommend these stores and commission would never sway me to recommend something I could not stand behind.</i></b></b></b><br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></i></b></b></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=604579&u=1022444&m=43844&urllink=&afftrack=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jane</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=604579&u=1022444&m=43844&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="Women Colored (or White) Shorts Outfits (Minimalist Wardrobe List: A 36 Piece Wardrobe)" border="0" src="https://static.shareasale.com/image/43844/jane-180x150-02.jpg" title="Jane women colored or white shorts" /></a><br />
If you are looking for a good deal then this is a great place to start. Search for "shorts" in the search bar to see if anything comes up. <b>Also, there are a ton of outfit ideas when you search this way! </b><br />
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<a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=775513&u=1022444&m=30149&urllink=&afftrack=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Groopdealz</span></a></div>
<a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=775513&u=1022444&m=30149&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="Women Colored (or White) Shorts Outfits (Minimalist Wardrobe List: A 36 Piece Wardrobe)" border="0" height="166" src="https://static.shareasale.com/image/30149/FloralMaxi_336x280web.jpg" title="Groopdealz women colored or white shorts" width="200" /></a><br />
I check out Jane and Groopdealz at the same time. I love both of them!<br />
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<a href="https://www.downeastbasics.com/collections/denim" target="_blank">Downeast</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.downeastbasics.com/collections/denim" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYzyosz1cAc/W063Z0qYiLI/AAAAAAAAIR0/U2uSPDa8PLctEIRZF0RRS-hbBgcq9ys4gCLcBGAs/s200/Downeast%2BColored%2BShorts1.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
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Once again Downeast made my list. I like looking here because I like their clothes fit me. It is good to go with a comfortable fit. </div>
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<a href="https://www.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=white%20shorts#pageId=0&department=Women" target="_blank">Gap</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=white%20shorts#pageId=0&department=Women" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5pqgBsj3zM/W063Z5dBRGI/AAAAAAAAISA/yv3mzsmo67IeSymxkEvVWBkoZmCid69yACEwYBhgL/s200/White%2BGap%2BShorts.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Gap usually is rough for me when it comes to the way their bottoms fit me, but I love the styles they have so I always look there. </div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Posts about the </b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Minimalist Wardrobe List: A 36 Piece Wardrobe</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">:</b><b> </b></div>
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<b>-</b><a href="http://www.shambray.com/2017/03/Minimalist-Wardrobe-List-36-Piece-Wardrobe.html" target="_blank">Introduction of the list</a> (Download your own checklist)</div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2017/03/v-neck-shirts-minimalist-wardrobe-list.html" target="_blank">V Neck Shirts</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2017/04/how-to-wear-leather-pants-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Leather Pants</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2017/06/graphic-tees-for-women.html" target="_blank">Graphic Tees</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2017/06/summer-sandals.html" target="_blank">Summer Sandals</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2017/08/flip-flops-for-women-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Flip Flops</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2018/01/riding-boots-or-cowgirl-boots.html" target="_blank">Riding/Cowgirl Boots</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2018/01/skinny-jeans-outfit-ideas-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Skinny Jeans</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2018/01/womens-pea-coat-or-fur-coat-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Pea coat or fur coat</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2018/01/womens-ankle-booties-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Ankle booties</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2018/02/womens-military-jacket-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Military Jacket</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2018/02/womens-leggings-outfits-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Leggings</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2018/02/blouses-for-women-minimalist-wardrobe.html" target="_blank">Blouse</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2018/02/womens-black-dress-minimalist-wardrobe.html" target="_blank">Black Dress</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2018/03/womens-fashion-sneakers-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Sneakers</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2018/03/blazers-and-denim-jackets-for-women.html" target="_blank">Blazer or denim jacket</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2018/03/cuffed-pants-for-women-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Cuffed Pants</a></div>
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-<a href="http://www.shambray.com/2018/03/womens-cardigan-outfit-ideas-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Cardigan</a></div>
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-<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2018/04/womens-flats-shoes-minimalist-wardrobe.html" target="_blank">Flats</a></div>
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-<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2018/04/simple-high-heels-shoes-minimalist.html" target="_blank">High Heels</a></div>
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-<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2018/04/floral-or-patterned-dresses-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Floral or patterned dress</a></div>
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-<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2018/04/how-to-wear-pencil-skirt-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Pencil skirt</a></div>
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-<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2018/05/pleated-or-flouncy-skirt-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Pleated or Flouncy Skirt</a></div>
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-<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2018/06/womens-button-down-shirts-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Button Down Shirt</a></div>
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-<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2018/06/simple-womens-striped-shirt-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Striped shirt</a></div>
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-<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2018/07/womens-cropped-trousers-minimalist.html" target="_blank">Cropped Trousers</a></div>
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-<a href="https://www.shambray.com/2018/07/simple-jean-shorts-minimalist-wardrobe.html" target="_blank">Jean Shorts</a></div>
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1tG5zehERc/WWeDnOcFuXI/AAAAAAAAHL0/OkKcXFIudjsQwSStcQIi7qaRCJsFdJMmwCLcBGAs/s1600/signature.png" />Shambrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12910442967915565588noreply@blogger.com1