ON BEING A STAY AT HOME WIFE

November 20th marked 2 years since I left my last job. That is the longest I have ever gone without being employed. The reason I left that job was due to a relocation, and I figured once I got settled in our new home, I would then begin the job hunting process. However, that is not what happened and here I am 2 years later. But I feel I am right where I am suppose to be. Don't get wrong, not being employed for so long was a huge adjustment for me, initially that is. I am a person who thrives on routine and I always figured that as long as I don't have children, there is really no reason for me to stay home full-time. I like to contribute financially to our family and I like interacting with others. I was afraid that I wouldn't have enough to do to keep me busy and content, but little did I know the Lord would provide plenty for me to do. He has truly grown me these past 2 years and taken my focus from that of self preservation to one of service. I have been able to travel, spend time with family, work on a professional certificate, volunteer, serve others in different ways, make sure our household runs smoothly, attend a women's bible study and so much more. I am now more comfortable being completely financially dependent on my husband (although he would argue that my wanna be independent self sometimes emerges!). It's amazing how my perspective has changed and I have tried to focus on what the Lord has allowed me to accomplish during this time. With that being said, we are getting ready to move early next year and I would be lying if I said I wasn't researching employment opportunities in our new location. I am ready for what the Lord may have for us. Whether that be working full-time, starting a family or continuing my education. We may not know what tomorrow holds but I know that His plans are perfect.

FRIDAY FAVORITES

Happy Friday ya'll! I am loving today because my husband is off for the holiday weekend! The sun is out and we are planning on a chill day (per his request) and I am ok with that! We have a low key weekend but I am hoping to complete most, if not all of my Christmas shopping. A girl can dream right?!? I've got some goodies on today's Friday Favorites list that I am truly loving right now!

ONE

This sweater from Costco! Let me tell you, I have worn it like 5 times in the last week. It is super soft and very comfortable. I think its versatile and can be worn for lounging or paired with some fun sneakers for a more casual look. I am hoping to add more colors to my collection!

TWO

Pumpkin bread mix, also from Costco. Just a handful of ingredients and very moist and delicious! 

THREE

This show was recommended by Emily and we are hooked! We love military shows and this one does not disappoint. If you haven't watched it already you need to check it out!

FOUR

Happy 242nd Birthday Marines! My husband and I are both Marines so today is a day for celebration in the Marine Corps community. Semper Fi! 

FIVE

I recently got these as an early Christmas gift (there is such a thing in my world!). I think these are going to be put to good use especially when we relocate to a colder place next year. I will be freezing in style :)

  

Have a great weekend! 

PREPARING FOR OVERNIGHT GUESTS

In a couple of weeks, we will be hosting overnight guests for several days. I want to make sure that our home is as inviting as possible and I am in the process of making a to do list on how I plan to accomplish that. Because of our lifestyle, I have traveled quite a bit in the last 15 years, so I have been both the host and the guest. I know my likes and dislikes about being a guest and therefore try to incorporate or avoid certain things when I am the host. I would like to think that I am an easy guest! Hehe! Not everyone has a designated room for guests and that is ok! If all you have is a hide-a-bed or air mattress, that can be overlooked just by making others feel at home :) It doesn't take much to be hospitable!

Guest room- clean thoroughly before guests arrive. This means dusting, changing sheets and vacuuming. Have extra blankets and pillows available. If you are able, it is helpful to provide some empty drawers or closet space so guests can unpack their bags.

Guest bathroom- is cleaned and stocked with clean towels, toiletries (soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, razor, toothbrush). You can also add some fun lotion/soap for an extra touch! 

Reading material- if you know your guests like to read specific magazines, books, or newspapers,  you can always have some on hand. 

Wifi information- make it easy for your guests to connect to your wifi. Some people like to print it out and place it in the guest room. #genius. I found this cute sign at Wifi guest password sign!

Food- I always ask guests what they would like to eat while they are here. I have a lot of picky eaters in my family and therefore don't want to purchase food that is not going to be eaten. They are more than welcome to help themselves to whatever is in the kitchen. One of the things that I always request as a guest is coffee and Natural Bliss vanilla creamer. I also bring my Keurig on roadtrips! 

Temperature- I don't particularly like freezing or burning up so I usually let guests control the temp in their room. I also understand that electricity can be expensive so of course this is not an option for all. 

Have realistic expectations as to what the schedule will look like while your guests are visiting. Especially when dealing with jet lag! Make sure everyone knows there is room for downtime if needed! 

NOVEMBER GOALS

I can't believe it's November already! Bring on the most wonderful time of the year! Since I am not much of a Halloween person, this is when the holiday season officially starts for me. This November will be especially busy as my in-laws will be visiting so I have lots to get ready for! I want to be better about setting goals on a smaller scale and I have tried to do monthly goals in the past, but haven't really focused on them. I am hoping this month will be different, considering all I have going on. Although my list is short, its gonna take some work! :)

1. Get my house ready for our guests. 

2. Host a Friendsgiving AND Thanksgiving (this makes me tired just typing out!)

3. Complete my Christmas shopping. 

4. Prepare for hosting 2 baby showers in December! 

5. Implement a fitness routine. 

On top of that, we also have to prepare for an impending move at the beginning of the year. Oy! I am going to take it one day at a time, give myself some grace and truly enjoy the season!