Fall Fashion Tips!

Hey There Nebo Divas!

I haven't written in a while and I was trying to think of something that I've been inspired by lately to share with you.  I'm embarrased to say that the first thing that came to mind was not deep or profound... it was fashion! (Don't judge me... I spend all day online shopping for you!)

Sooo... I thought I would share a few FALL FASHION TIPS that are easy, quick, and cheap for all of you hard working Nebo girls (and moms) on the go!

Colors:
Mixing grey and brown is a big hit this year!  Throw in navy or even a pop of a fall color like mustard yellow or teal if you want!

Shoes:
Boots are where it's at... and I highly reccomend a tall boot in a camel/tan color.  This color literally goes with anything now.  The "black doesn't go with brown" rule is out the window.  Camel goes with ANY color!  I got mine at JC Penney for $40 last year and they are still going strong! 

Skinny Jeans:
I cannot live without my skinny jeans!  Mainly because I can wear my boots over them! ;)  I got my favorite pair at Wal-Mart over three years ago for $20.  They are the brand Lei.  They are stretchy (they never fail me no matter how my weight fluctuates) so they are also comfortable.  No matter what your body type is, the right pair of skinny jeans are imperative for your fall wardrobe!  Also, the colored skinny jean is a fun way to incorporate color and still wear your boots!  I have a deep plum purple that I got at Express and look great with my tan boots!

Accessories:
Scarves are for sure a Fall staple!  Anything goes with a fabric scarf... it will take any outfit to the next level of cuteness and quick when you're in a hurry! 
Also, I wanted to mention that throwing on a bunch of different bracelets all at the same time, or even a couple with your watch is definitely a trend.  The chunky layered look is what you are shooting for!

Metals:
Gold is the big metal for the season but also mixing metals is in style too!  Don't be scared to put gold and silver together... the more the better!

Jackets & Blazers:
You can throw on a leather jacket or a lightweight blazer with a t-shirt and scarf and look very chic and pulled together.  I have found myelf lately grabbing one of Kory's white v-necks (obviously it is oversized on me which I love) and I just throw on a scarf and a blazer or jacket with my skinny jeans and voi-la! 

Handbags:
Satchels, toteskk, and crossbody purses are definitely the hot ticket on handbags this season. But, any cute purse is ALWAYS better than NO purse! (Anna- that comment was for you. eh-hem.)

Other Ideas:
If you have a cute flouncy type dress in your closet... stick a cardigan and leggings on with it and your boots.  It looks so pulled together and it's comfy too!

I hope this is helpful as you try to make yourself presentable this Fall!  :)
Happy Dressing!

 

Just Do It!

My inspiration for you today is this... do the RIGHT thing, no matter what you FEEL like doing!

How many times have you said "I'm going to start eating really healthy," or "I'm going to organize my closet," OR "I'm going to work 7 hours today instead of the normal 5"... and then you didn't follow through because you just didn't FEEL like it?  It happens to the best of us, and it happens every day!

Recently, I have had the desire to lose some weight and for whatever reason, I have never had a difficult time commiting to excercise.  However, I do talk and talk about how I need to or am going to eat better, cut back on carbs, blah blah blah... and 2 days later, I find myself giving in to the dessert in front of my face.  This is the story of my dieting life and I'm sure many of you can relate.

So, I am telling you the same thing I have recently told myself.  Sometimes, you just have to do the RIGHT thing, even though you don't want to.  If you wait for that feeling... it is never going to come.  That is because so often, doing the RIGHT thing is the HARD thing and we don't want to have to do anything that's hard.

So, whatever it is that you are struggling with right now, I hope today's blog will inspire you to suck it up, quit waiting on the feeling that's never gonna come and just DO IT!  The feeling that will eventually come is the pride you have in yourself for your accomplishing something great!

Nike's got nothing on me! :)  This is GOOD STUFF and not to mention, it's free!

Happy Wednesday!
~NF

Meal Planning 101

After Tonia's brilliant analogy of the "grocery list" theory, I thought I would attempt to aspire some of you to take your literal grocery list to the next level with meal planning.  I know there are a few of you who like me, are already experts at this and if you are one of those do not worry about reading the rest of this! 

Meal planning is something I started doing a few years ago and it has greatly changed my trips to the store, the amount of wasted food in my fridge/pantry, and most of all- THE GROCERY BUDGET!  If you are willing to take the time to meal plan, it will save you a ton of money and you will waste a lot less food!

I typically plan my meals on Sunday's when Addy is asleep.  I turn on spa music and this whole "process" totally relaxes me!  I look online for recipes, usually resort to at least one "old faithful" recipe, and get creative.  Since all of you have different amounts of mouths to feed and different schedules, you will have to decide what works best for you but I typically try to plan about 6-8 meals at a time. 

First, I decide on my meals BEFORE I make my list.  I actually plan mostly dinners, sometimes a few lunch options, and maybe one "special" breakfast.  I write down the meals I choose and keep the recipes handy.  Then, I start to make my list.  I start with all the groceries I need in general- fruit, veggies, cereal, milk, diapers, etc.  Then I begin adding in the ingredients needed for my meals.  I try to plan meals that I already know I have at least a few ingredients for.

I don't actually plan which day we will eat what because I never know exactly when these meals will be or what I'll be in the mood for BUT, I do hang my meals on the fridge with a magnet so that I know what I've planned to make and cross off as I go. 

I highly reccomend meal planning to you because it keeps you organized, and spending much less money!

Happy Planning! ;)

~Your Thrifty Nebo Fairy

It's All About Perspective!

Hey Nebo Girls!

It's been a while since I posted.  I've had a busy summer as I know so many of you have as well.  I felt inspired today and thought I would share with you!

As most of you can relate to, my husband and I have many opposite personality traits and though at times it can be frustrating, I believe God is very intentional in why He pusts us with someone so different.  It is an opportunity to grow in the areas where we are weak, and they are strong and vice versa.  Many times, my husband will view something in a way that causes him to feel stressed out and I encourage him to turn the thought in a different direction. There are many moments though when I say to him "it's about perspective babe"... changing the perspective from focusing on the negative and evaluating all the positive things in our lives that we can be thankful for makes a huge difference in the way we live our lives. 

When we are positive, we are more productive in every way.  It changes our motivation, our mood, and the"aroma" we give off to everyone we come in contact with.

Do you need to shift your perspective today?  Do you need to focus on the positive and not the negative?  If so, don't wait another minute.  Take a second and change your focus so that you can accomplish more today in all areas of your life!

Until next time...
The Nebo Fairy

The Power of a Chair

So, I was thinking about the chair that I sit in every single day to work.  I used to work at our corporate office everyday.  Then, we moved farther away from the office and my dad and Glenn graciously allowed me to start coming in 2 days a week and work from home the other days of which I worked those days in our home office.  Then, along came Addy Grace. :)  In order to spend my day with her, I have now moved my "office" to my leopard print recliner in the living room.  She plays with her toys in the floor and there I sit, in a chair fit for a diva, feet propped up and laptop in the lap!  This, my friends is where the magic happens!

Where do you sit everyday to work?  Is it comfortable?  Do you enjoy your view?  I think sometime all of you should post your work space.  It might be funny to see the makeshift "offices" we all have.  Just keep in mind that if you like your chair, you will sit there longer and if you sit there longer, you will make more money and if you make more money, you win more prizes and if you win more prizes, I will sit in this chair longer!

In honor of this thought, I wrote a poem for all of you... 

"The Nebo Prayer"

Now I sit me down to sell
I pray dear Lord, I'll do it well
And if I quit before it's four
Lord please don't let Tonia show up at my door!

Happy Friday and Happy Sitting!

A Mother's Heart

As Mother's Day approaches, my heart is stirred with the grattitude I feel for the gift that motherhood has been to me.  I have been doubly blessed to have been given the honor of being a mom to Addyson but also, I have the treasure of an amazing mom, which many of you know as Dana or "Bob's Wife." 

I don't know what your relationship with your mom is like but I know that for me, her role was a vital part of my upbringing.  She offered unconditional love, support, honesty (sometimes too honest!), and a guaranteed good time no matter what!  There is not a major memory or moment in my life that I don't remember her presence.  Her wisdom helped guide my way many times when relationships left me confused or I had to make an important decision.  It's funny to look back and see how many times God uses the voice of our mother to speak on His behalf! 

One thing I have learned over the years is that every woman needs at least one influential woman in her life.  Maybe for you it wasn't your own mom, but someone else's mom that made an impact on you.  The love from a mother's heart is what gives us the strength to become the woman we are meant to be. 

So, today I challenge you to look around you... who can you invest in?  Your love and wisdom could be empowering another young woman to become something greater than she knew she could be.  Even if you don't have your own children or they are grown now... it's never too late to give a mother's heart to a heart in need.

Happy Mother's Day!
~Nebo Fairy

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Hi Lovely Ladies!

Today, I’d like to inspire you in another direction… a favorite fast and easy meal that is a winner EVERY time!

Since you are all hard at work and most of you run kids all over the place when you’re not working, I thought a new recipe would be a great idea!  This recipe is one my mom made all the time growing up.  In fact, it’s one of the ONLY meals she ever made (we ate out a lot!) It’s called “Crock Pot Chicken” and it has many variations.  I’m going to give you the original and then 2 more delicious “Round 2 Recipes”.

Here’s what you NEED for CROCK POT CHICKEN:

Flash frozen chicken breasts

Olive oil

Italian seasonings dried (basil, thyme, oregano, sage)

Fresh rosemary (if you don’t have any outside, just buy some in the produce section and freeze it so you can re-use whatever is left later.) *Just don't cut a corner and used dired- the fresh rosemary is the SECRET WEAPON in this recipe!

Crock Pot ( I love to get the Crock Pot liners they sell now to keep the clean up minimal!)

Here’s what you DO for CROCK POT CHICKEN:

Put the chicken in the pot

Cover generously with a LOT of olive oil

Cover with Italian seasonings and lay rosemary on the top

Cook on low for 6-8 hours

*Serve over steamed rice and use the broth in the pot to pour over the top of chicken and rice.  I serve with green beans and a wheat roll.

CPC Round 2 - Chicken Caesar Salad

Here’s what you NEED:

Leftover CROCK POT CHICKEN

Romaine lettuce

Garlic croutons

Mary’s Caesar Dressing (in the produce by the bagged lettuce at Target & Wal-Mart)

Shredded parmesan cheese

Fresh Avocado

Bacon

Here’s what you DO:

Shred chicken

Cut avocado into chunks

Cook several pieces of bacon in microwave

Mix everything together in one large salad bowl and serve with garlic bread

*Use as much dressing as you like

*For a more traditional salad, omit the bacon and avocado

CCP Round 3- Chicken Tortellini

What you NEED:

Leftover crock pot chicken

Buttoni’s cheese tortellini (comes in tri-colored, regular, and whole wheat) in the refrigerated section usually by the cheeses

Mozzarella cheese shredded

Light Alfredo Sauce

Marinara Sauce

What you DO:

Cook tortellini as instructed on packaging

Meanwhile, shred crock pot chicken and warm lightly in microwave

When pasta is ready, drain and add back to pan

Add in chicken and part alfredo/part marinara to cover

Toss together and then cover the top with mozzarella cheese

Bake until cheese melted

*Serve with garlic bread and a salad

All of these meals are quick, delicious, and relatively healthy!  I hope this helps you out with your busy schedule!

Enjoy!

~Nebo Fairy

The Shark

Happy Monday Ladies!

I'm so glad you loved Fairy Friday and getting your foam soap was an unexpected happy moment at the end of your week!  I loved every minute of doing that for ya'll and can't wait to do it again! ;)

Well, I am the proud owner of a new vacuum cleaner!  I'm sure that you understand what a powerful moment this was in my life.  My old vacuum cleaner sucked. (No pun intended!)  Actually, it didn't suck and that's why I have wanted a new one for basically the last six years of my life.  I inherited the vaccum with my husband when I married him and he was SO PROUD of his vacuum.  So, literally every week for the last six years I would gripe about how much I hated the thing, and he would get offended because he thought it was awesome and that it worked fine so we didn't need a new one.  I'm not sure how, but finally after all this time I was able to talk him into getting a new one.  So, last week on Tuesday night, I put Addy down and went to Target alone.  (Some of you are so jealous right now that I actually got to go to Target ALONE!)  I walked around for a while like a zombie (I needed this moment just to unwind from the crazy day and process the fact that I was there ALONE!)  Then, I found the vacuum aisle!  And there it was.... The Shark...constant sucking, multi-surface, 5 year warranty, and over half the price of a Dyson- SOLD!  Oh, and did I mention it was purple?

Why am I telling you all of this you may ask?  Because this weekend as I was using my UH-mazing vacuum cleaner, I had some thoughts I'd like to share.

First, having something that actually did its job really well has changed my life!  It has cut down on the time I spend vacuuming because I don't have to roll over the same spot a hundred times.  Plus, my floors and rugs have never looked better! 

Second, I realized how truly horrible the prior vacuum was and wondered why in the world I waited such a long time before getting a new one.

Sometimes, we get stuck in the normalcy (which is often chaos) of our lives and we just accept mediocrity when we don't have to.  I hope that you are not doing that right now and if you are, that you will be made aware today of this fact- you do not have to settle in any area of your life.  You deserve and can have the greatest life you want to.  You may have to make some choices to let things go (may be people or things... or even feeling and emotions) to get to a place where you know, without a doubt, that you are living your best life.  If you are holding on to anything in your life right now that is holding you back from pure joy, peace, and freedom- LET IT GO! 

The other thing is this- do your job REALLY well so that nobody (especially Tonia!) can ever say "this one is just not working that well, we really need a new one." 

Okay, that's all for now.  Have a great week!

Until next time...
~Nebo Fairy

Gratitude

Nebo Queens...

Fancy meeting you here!  I'm thrilled to have another avenue to connect with all of you on a consistent basis.  My desire is to offer support to you as a working mom, wife, and/or woman in all the areas you may need a little extra inspiration!  At Nebo, family is a big deal and that's why we love that we can give you the opportunity to contribute financially and keep yours a priority! 

For me, the meaning of family has recently become an even more powerful word in my life.  Last year about this time, I was taking in the sight, sounds, and smells (sometimes better than others!) of a newborn baby girl.  For you NEWBIES who haven't had the chance to meet her yet, I must say you are in for a treat!  Addy Grace is above and beyond all I could have hoped and dreamed for a child.  The love I have for her will never be articulated in words.  I am so grateful!  Grateful for a God who has blessed me with such a sweet little life.  A wonderful (good looking) husband.  A precious, healthy little girl.  A supportive & loving family, a cozy little home, a car that runs, a job that fulfills me (and helps pay the bills), a church community that provides me opportunities to grow and serve,  great girlfriends, PLENTY of clothes, and a  sweet little dog Zoe (that pees on the floor all the time but I love her anyway!)

What are you grateful for today?  Gratitude is one of the most beautiful qualities we wear as women.  It takes the focus off our discontentment, our fears, and our frustrations and puts it on the things that matter most. 

Today, I challenge you to write down (you can even do it leaving a comment here!) 5 things you are most grateful for TODAY.  My bet is that if you are lagging a bit today- in your mood, your energy, or even your SALES... this quick little excercise can turn everything around for you!

I can't wait to hear your thoughts!  Thanks for letting me share. 

Until we meet again...

~The Nebo Fairy