• 1-800Lighting

Online Reading this Summer

There are so many great sources for online reading this summer!  As testing is going on in many schools around the country, parents and teachers are hoping that their children are well prepared and have acquired the reading skills needed to excel on their tests and be promoted to the next grade.  More than that, though, we want our kids to have a love of reading, so that throughout their lives, they have endless opportunity that is afforded when a person can read, comprehend, and use the information gathered to change their lives.  Good reading skills can certainly be life-changing!  This summer, we are going to be spending time in good books- what about you?  Read more HERE.


Advertising Disclosure: Some tips include links where Mom’s Priority receives an incentive per click or per purchase.  If you ever have any questions regarding this, please contact [email protected]. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

When Mother’s Day is Difficult

When Mother's Day is Difficult

Soon we’ll celebrate Mother’s Day once again. For many families, it’s a time of celebration, appreciation, and joy. But for others, it’s one of the most difficult days of the year. This is especially true for women facing infertility or those who have recently experienced the loss of a mother, daughter, or other loved one.

I know what it’s like for Mother’s Day to be difficult. My husband and I struggled with infertility for almost a decade and experienced loss along the way. While we learned to live in hope and God eventually gave us a daughter (we adopted her when she was twenty-one years old!), we still remember the hurt and how holidays could bring it to the surface.

I also know what it’s like for Mother’s Day to be difficult because of experiences from working as a writer for DaySpring. Each year we would receive several letters from people thanking us for our “Difficult Mother’s Day” cards. One woman who wrote to express her appreciation said, “I spent seven very painful Mother’s Days longing for motherhood while dealing with infertility and the losses of eight children through miscarriage and failed adoptions. I’ve also seen my own mother’s grief and struggle through Mother’s Day after the death of her mother. And I have many friends in less-than-ideal situations either with prodigal children, abusive/estranged mother or children, loss of a child, and more.”

And finally, I know because of my training as a licensed counselor who has had the sacred honor of grieving alongside many women. I’ve learned that experiencing sadness on special occasions is a normal part of loss and longing. These days often serve as reminders of what we have let go or do not yet have.

So as Mother’s Day comes this year, I’d like to share a few thoughts from my heart to yours.

Embrace Your Emotions

First, if Mother’s Day is difficult for you then give yourself permission to grieve. When holidays come, we often put expectations on ourselves to feel a certain wayREAD MORE @ DaySpring


Thank you to DaySpring for allowing us to reprint an excerpt of this devotional.  Advertising Disclosure: Some tips include links where Mom’s Priority receives an incentive per click or per purchase.  If you ever have any questions regarding this, please contact [email protected]. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

Teacher Appreciation Week May 2-6

Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up the week before Mother’s Day!  This always sneaks up but we can’t forget the amazing teachers!  At our schools, oftentimes the whole class will go into together and give the teacher small gifts for every day.  A few examples would be

  • Fresh flowers from your yard, in a mason jar that says “thank you for helping us bloom!”
  • Apples for the teacher!
  • A beach bag filled with simple summer items like chapstick, a magazine, lemonade mix, flip flops.  Different children bring in the various items and fill the bag.
  • A simple card signed by the class

Gifts for teachers vary from simple to elaborate homemade to simply purchased, but the most important thing is letting teachers know they are appreciated.  Check out Mom’s Priority’s Pinterest board for a variety of ideas, and thank those teachers!!

For the purchased route, gift cards are always appreciated, and Amazon gift cards are good for most anything!

For the semi-homemade route, go to Tagxedo and make a word cloud with your teacher’s name, the grade and any other words that fit your theme.  Put it in a simple frame and hang with ribbon!

Our teachers pour so much into our children all year long, and it is a gift to be able to show them how much we appreciate all they do!


Advertising Disclosure: Some tips include links where Mom’s Priority receives an incentive per click or per purchase.  If you ever have any questions regarding this, please contact [email protected]. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

 

Unforgettable Baby Showers

Unforgettable Baby Showers

Unforgettable Baby Showers

I have been blessed to be either invited to or helping host baby showers for seven moms-to-be within about a month’s time!  All the love, excitement, and catching up with old friends makes all the planning so worth the effort!   A baby shower is one of the sweetest ways to celebrate the pregnancy and upcoming arrival of a new baby! It’s all the good- the excitement, anticipation, and joy-that surrounds a new baby. A baby shower gifts the parents to be with cute baby bedding and clothing, the latest baby technology and gear, and supplies for feeding, diapering, and helping this new baby sleep!  Here’s what I’ve learned from hosting a fair share of baby showers.

Tips:

  1. Simple or elaborate- keep the focus on the guest of honor!
  2. For invitations, evite works, but a printed invitation for such an occasion is simply classy and a special keepsake for the new mom!

owl invitation baby showers

    Owl baby shower invitation

3.   Send out invitations a month in advance to give guests a chance to clear their schedules.  These adorable stamps from Zazzle are perfect!

owl baby showers stamps

owl baby showers stamps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.   Think about asking your guests to bring an item around a theme, such as books to stock the shelves of the baby’s library.  Or, if there is more than one guest of honor, think about filling baskets per mom to be around a theme, such as diapers, so the burden to come isn’t so great.  This works great when the shower isn’t for first time moms.

Baby Shower Décor

  1. Gather your boutique or heirloom baby clothes to hang on a clothesline for décor!   No extra cost!
  2. If you want to go along with this woodland owl theme, use burlap, sticks, nests, moss, and outdoor materials to decorate
    baby showers birch place card holders swoozies

    baby showers birch place card holders

    inexpensively.

  3. Keep it simple!

 

Baby Shower Food

  1. Keep the food simple, especially if it is an afternoon shower!  Petit fours or cupcakes, snack mix, a little fruit or veggie tray, and a sparkling punch is the perfect amount of food.
  2. For those of us who like everything to be coordinated, check out these plates and napkins from Zazzle.  Aren’t these great?!  There are many customizable options!
owl baby showers paper plate zazzle

baby showers owl paper plate

3.   Solid colored paper products or using your dishes are other great affordable options.

Baby Shower Activities

  1. Ice Breaker – Have guests write 3 AM messages on the diapers to give new moms and dads a laugh in the middle of the night.
  2. Games- Play identify the candy bar!  To prepare, place crushed candy bars in the baby diapers.  Wrap up the diapers like you are going to dispose of them, and have each guest take turns guessing.  Have prizes ready for the winners!
  3. Owl Bingo- Have each guest guess at which gifts will be given by writing them on the  game board.  The first to get 5 in a row is the winner!
baby showers owl bingo game swoozies

baby showers owl bingo game

Baby Shower Favors

  1. Don’t forget a small favor for the guests!
  2. For the grandma, this would make her day!
baby showers grandma button owl

grandma button owl

3.   These honey jars are adorable, and would be perfect to send home with guests.

baby showers favor honey jar

baby shower favor honey jar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of the shower, you want to feel like you helped make the day extra special for the mom to be because of all of the love that was shared, and not over the top decorations, in my opinion.  These are just a few ideas for making that happen.


 

Advertising Disclosure: Some tips include links where Mom’s Priority receives an incentive per click or per purchase.  If you ever have any questions regarding this, please contact [email protected]. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birthday Books

Something I have done for our kids since they were born is to make them birthday books after each birthday, to look back over the past year and record milestones, favorites, and special events.  Because we don’t regularly print pictures, unless we are using them in a frame or for a special project, all these pictures that we take are not going anywhere other than on a screen!  I make these books so we can look back and see how much he grew in the past year, what he was interested in, and even special stories that impact his life.  Because the years pass by so quickly, I don’t want us to miss it.  They are also my way of “holding on” to special artwork and writings.  I take a picture of the artwork and include it either as a background  or a photo.  Then, for most I discreetly discard the original.  The artwork goes along great with the story I am trying to tell of their lives!

MyPublisher, Inc.

So I make these books, and my go to software and development company has always been MyPublisher.  I have made over 10 books using their program, and have been very pleased with the quality of the books and the ability to customize completely.  They all match and their name and birthday date are on the books’ spines.  You can create custom, or use the quicker method which automatically arranges the photos for you.  I love these birthday books!  Currently, you can receive up to 65% off!  See below!

 

FREE 8.5″ x 11.25″ photo book with free cover option! ($39.99 value) Ends 3/24.

50% off quality hardcover photo books from MyPublisher!

Spring Sale! Up to 65% off photo books through 3/31.

 


 

Advertising Disclosure: Some tips include links where Mom’s Priority receives an incentive per click or per purchase.  If you ever have any questions regarding this, please contact [email protected]. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

Verse of the Week Update

Pinners all over have created such amazing artwork to display verses that glorify God. Check out Mom’s Priority’s Inspiration Board for many more verses displayed eloquently that motivate and encourage, and most importantly, glorify GOD!  This year, we are not updating this page weekly, but are pinning on Pinterest the most beautiful and inspired work!  If you have a verse of the week artistically displayed that inspires you, please send it to us so we can include it in our gallery!

verse of the week

Love the Lord Your God

Mom Artists: You Can Sell Online!

Mom Artists: Learn How to Sell Online Here

Mom Artists: Learn How to Sell Online Here

Calling out the talented, crafty mom artists!!  If you are talented and gifted at making things, yet you struggle to find enough people interested to make a business out of it, you need to read this!  If you have been given gifts and talents, but are not using them because you think there is not a market for them or a way for you to market them, you need to know there are ways online to market your handmade products and designs!

Market Your Handmade Products!

    • Mom Artists who Paint or Design:  Check out Zazzle: Designer!  You can upload your art, photography, or graphic designs and buyers can customize products to include your art!  You set your own royalty rates!

      Sell your Art Online with Zazzle: Designer

      Zazzle: Designer Platform

    • Mom Artists who Create:  Check out Amazon Handmade!   If you can create vinyl stickers for wall decals, stationery, party supplies, jewelry, basically anything handmade, here is the place to market your products!

    • Mom Artists who Sew, Embroider, and Monogram:  Check out Etsy!   You’ve most likely heard of Etsy.  Open your own store, set your rates, communicate directly with your customers.. the possibilities are limitless!
    • Moms Artists who Design:  In addition to those mentioned above, check out Minted! You submit your design and it is voted on by the Minted community.  The winning designs are used to create Christmas cards and more.

I am excited to share this with you today, because I can imagine the challenges you may feel as a mom who also has a God-given desire to create!  As moms, we have been given a great responsibility to raise up children, love our husbands, and serve God.  The opportunities mentioned above may be a way to use your God-given gifts and talents outside of home and bless others!  Be sure to check out each program for rules and requirements, and let us know how it goes!  Good luck!


 

Transparency Disclosure: Some tips include links where Mom’s Priority receives an incentive per click or per purchase, but we also include links that are not incentivized. We only promote businesses and services that we believe truly add value, and hope to earn your trust in that regard. If you ever have any questions regarding this, please contact [email protected]. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

Exciting Changes Coming to Mom’s Priority!!

This venture is so fun for me because I get to combine my background in Six Sigma, supply chain, and technology with my heart for encouraging moms to live in a way that reflects their priorities!  Mom’s Priority helps moms intelligently spend and gather for their families (like the Proverbs 31 woman) in a way that reflects their priorities!  Mom’s Priority is on a mission to explore these “priorities” and help moms achieve financial, organizational, family, social/ethical, and personal goals by providing money and time-saving strategies that allow moms to use their hearts in their time and purchases for good.  We have a big job raising up the next generation, and there’s so much out there that current technology can help us understand, in the products we buy and how we spend our time.  Right now I’m just so excited to be to this point in this learning curve, even though I still have so much to learn.  I’m diving in to the technology side in order to bring more value to this site and the moms who come here with exciting changes coming soon!!  Thank you for checking out this site, and I hope it helps you live out your priorities!

The Four Drachma Coin

We read all over the Bible and are told by well-meaning Christians that God will supply our needs, and many times, it’s easy to shrug it off and dismiss it.  We have found it to be true, and this short story about the “four drachma coin” is such a great example.

In Mathew 17:27 , Jesus gives his disciple Peter an example to live by.  He says, “Go to the lake and throw out your line.  Take the first fish you catch, open its mouth and you will find a four drachma coin.  Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

four drachma coin Mom's Priority

four drachma coin Mom’s Priority

What gets me is that Jesus knew the need, just like He knows our needs.  He also knew He needed to be a good example by paying the tax.  Most importantly, though, what gets me is that ultimately, everything we have comes from God’s supply.  The coin that Peter found in the fish’s mouth was just enough to pay the tax for Peter and Jesus.  And Jesus knew it was there.  Maybe He just wanted Peter to be involved in the  process.  Possibly, Jesus just wants us to ask Him so He can supply what HE has already put in place for you to receive.  And when He does, we give God all the credit and glory for entrusting us with His supply, so we can be a part of His work here on earth!

For more devotionals from Mom’s Priority, click HERE.

MLK Weekend Deals

If you are in need of marked down winter clothes, now is a great time to find them at many stores, with the MLK Weekend Sales events!  See the deals these retailers are advertising!


 

Carters:

Carter's
Little Big Sale! Extra 20% off Clearance! PLUS Free Shipping on $50+! Valid 1/13-1/18


OshKosh B’Gosh

OshKosh B'gosh
Ginormous Clearance! Save up to 75% off! This is HUGE! Valid 12.25-1.12
Up to 40% off New Arrivals! Plus Extra 20% off $40+ with code OKBGJAN! Valid 1/4-1/12
Ginormous Clearance! Extra 20% off Clearance PLUS Free Shipping on $50+! Valid 1/13-1/18


Macys: 

Extra 15% off Sitewide Clearance & Sale with code FRESH at macys.com. Valid 1/12-1/14

$99.99 and under Coats at macys.com! Valid 1/10-1/16

Save 50-80% off Kids and Baby Clearance at macys.com! Valid 1/12-1/18


Zazzle:  Adorable and unique gifts, invitations, stamps, iPhone cases, prints, T-shirts, home décor, and more! 

Shop Custom Baby Products on Zazzle

Cozy Up Sale – Up to 50% Off – Use code: ZAZZLEWINTER – Starts: 01/11/2016 Expires: 01/15/2016 11:59 PM


Gymboree: Clothes that last and kids love, on sale now!

Get up to 75% off when you take an extra 30% off clearance at Gymboree!


Hanna Andersson Well-made clothes that last. 
Save on New Spring Arrivals – 20% off select styles for girls and boys at Hanna Andersson! Valid 1/8-2/14


Janie and Jack: Heirloom quality clothes that you can pass down.  Trendy, stylish, and on sale!

Free Shipping Over $100 at Janie and Jack!


Crazy 8: Fun clothes for fun kids!  Low prices!

For two days and online only, get 50% off snow-ready styles at Crazy 8!


Amazon:



Kohls Department Stores Inc
Take 15% off your order of $100+ with code CATCH15OFF!
$10 off your baby and toddler clothing, maternity and select baby gear purchase of $30 or more with code BABYLOVE10. Select styles. 1/4-1/24
Take 50-60% off Home Closeouts. Select Styles. 1/4-1/16


Sanrio: 


Clearance on all Sanrio Sale Items! No code required. Limited time offer. Shop now!
Free Hello Kitty Insulated Bottle with $65 purchase at Sanrio! Code TRAVELBOTTLE. Limited time offer. Shop now!
Free My Melody Umbrella with $25 purchase at Sanrio! Code MMUMB. Limited time offer. Shop now!
Supercute Gifting Ideas from Sanrio’s Holiday Gift Guide! Find the perfect gift by price or collection. Shop Now!


Walmart:  No shipping fee when you spend $50! 

Wal-Mart.com USA, LLC

New Year, New Workout Gear! Find Activewear for the Entire Family at Walmart.com!


Sam’s Club

Sam's Club Spend Your Gift Cards Right


Lego Online

Our kids LOVE Legos, and as parents, WE LOVE the way Legos spark the creativity and imagination in our kids, proving early on that if they can envision it, it can become reality!  The official Lego shop has a plethora of ideas for making dreams become reality in the world of toys.  ree shipping on all purchases over $75.

LEGO® Juniors: Introduce your child to the world of building.
Visit the World’s Biggest LEGO Shop!

FREE LEGO® NEXO KNIGHTSTM Intro Pack with any purchase!


Gander Mountain
$10 off $100+ purchase at Gander Mountain with code GMTN10!
$5 off every $50 spent at Gander Mountain; save up to $40! Use code GMT5!
Gander Mountain


The Land of Nod

a-teepee-to-call-your-own-silver-metallic

Land Of Nod: Design for Kids and People That Used to be Kids

Create a Land of Nod Baby Registry
Get up to 80% off at the Nods and End Outlet


ThredUp:  online consignment shop featuring name brands at low prices, up to 90% off!

Thredup Inc.


Transparency Disclosure: Some tips include links where Mom’s Priority receives an incentive per click or per purchase, but we also include links that are not incentivized. We only promote businesses and services that we believe truly add value, and hope to earn your trust in that regard. If you ever have any questions regarding this, please contact [email protected]. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

 

 

  • Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.