Holiday Thoughts on Celebrating + A Giveaway

Halloween is such a strange "holiday". I've never been a fan of the scary and creepy, mostly because it makes me uncomfortable and reminded of darkness and hopelessness. I guess you could say, it's sort of a spiritual thing. As a kid, I remember enjoying dressing up and having class parties with pumpkins and scarecrows -- but I disliked the witches and blood that I always saw. Each year we had to bring our sweet little black cat, Luv,  in from outside because we knew that she might get harmed, especially on Halloween night! When we were out for Halloween night, we would often return home to see that the pumpkins on our porch had been smashed despite our bowl of candy left out. That always gave me a bit of apprehension for what could happen during the night.

So how will I handle Halloween as a parent? For now, having only a 2 year old and another on the way, we don't even go trick-or-treating because -- well... candy...and bedtime. I actually have never gone in my life. I had fun handing out candy at my parents house, but some of the kids were dressed so gross, honestly! Tonight we'll dress up our little guy in a cute little costume [probably Tarzan!] and take some pictures, have some friends over -- it will be a great night :)

When we go on walks -- Marshall thinks calls the ghosts that we see in front of people's houses, SNOWMEN! ...and I don't correct him! :)

The holidays I'm looking forward more are THANKSGIVING and CHRISTMAS!!!! I can't wait :) For Thanksgiving, we actually will be able to be with extended family and a lovely gluten free spread! And for Christmas, we will be pioneering new traditions for our little family. Our church will have a Christmas Eve service and then the adults will carol in bars afterward to meet people who are often lonely and far from Jesus (I mean who do you think is in bars on Christmas Eve?)

Speaking of Christmas, have you noticed that Christmas decorations are already flooding the stores? Go ahead, push out Halloween -- fine by me! Well, I guess it is time to start preparing! King of Christmas sent me an email this week about sharing their giveaway this month --and it is seriously one to celebrate -- so I wanted you guys to know about it!

This great giveaway is super simple to enter and the prizes are (1) their Cypress Spruce Christmas Tree with LED Lights and (2) a $100 gift card to their website! If you need a Christmas tree or ornaments, you should really check them out! They have free shipping, Unlit artificial Christmas trees and 7 foot artificial Christmas trees!

There are so many things to celebrate -- and I don't think Halloween sends quite the right message. Speaking of which, tomorrow is November 1st, All Saint's Day -- and my mom's birthday! :) ahhh much better!

Comment below, because I'd love to know: How does your family celebrate Halloween? What are you looking forward to in holidays coming up?

Get social with Mitchael Journey!

    

Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin'

Click this button to vote for me and my blog!
*This post may contain affiliate links and sponsorship -- thanks in advance for your support!

linking up: 

Loving the 2nd Trimester in My eShakti Dress - Review

I'm coming up this weekend on the 22 week mark in pregnancy for this darling little baby #2! I love feeling the kicks and going on walks regularly now that it is cooling off a bit! I have to say, I really think this baby is super kind. I'm not sure what it is exactly but I keep telling Josh -- this is a sweet baby -- tell me I'm not crazy!

I was given an opportunity to choose and review a dress from eShakti -- Hopefully you'll get a good feel for what they have to offer! The opinions are totally mine and I got to keep the dress in exchange for this review! So fun :)

Straight off the bat I noticed that the eShakti.com site was very user friendly -- I love that you are able to customize and have your dress tailored to your exact measurements! I didn't feel like I had to apologize or feel embarrassed about my changing pregnancy body, I just handed my husband the tape measure and entered in the numbers! eShakti had images for the how-to on various measurements, which was perfect for my husband, who isn't much of a tailor himself :)

The dress I chose to clothe my currently almost 22-weeks-pregnant self was this lovely shirtdress from the eShakti site!

eShakti Women's Belted Stretch Cotton Poplin Shirtdress

I don't own any structured and tailored dresses, so this was a piece that caught my eye! There were so many customization options possible not only in regards to personal measurements, but also sleeve length, fabric color, overall length and keeping/removing pockets.

My multi-talented husband shot a few pictures for me to share this look with you! I hope you notice the Open Door Traders earrings made by my sister and her hubs -- I just love them so much! In regards to the dress, the coloration of the material was greener than I had thought it would be from the website's picture - thought it would have more of the blue hues in it. In different lights, you can catch different perspectives -- but all in all I do like the color!

I'm so not used to having a tailored dress! I could really tell when I put it on that it wasn't a one-size sort of dress, I knew that they used my measurements -- because they are unique right now, being in my second trimester of pregnancy! I actually scooted up my belt so that it would hit above my baby bump!

The buttons on this dress are really cool and seem durable! I like the sleek and architectural look. The dress came with two extras just in case.

I really love the concept of eShakti because so many times women become self-conscious about their body especially while shopping for clothes. When they don't fit in all of the predetermined "normals" of a particular size, it can become a discouraging experience. eShakti's customization and 0-36W size options are key and beneficial to women!

I don't usually buy many clothes new, but eShakti often runs special deals! Right now:
Get $25 OFF your first order!
FREE Customization on ALL first time orders. Your size, your style, your choice!
!!PLUS I am able to offer an exclusive 10% off discount code to my readers! Just type mitchaeljourney into the promotional code box! It is valid from 10/31/2014 –11/30/2014. FYI:: It can be used with other offers but not on clearance/sale/gift card purchases or overstock. 

Scroll around their site and social media [Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter] for a bit and look at all of the pretty dresses and outfits! I plan on updating you at some point to see how long this dress is wearable during my pregnancy! We shall see :)

Pin and Share the Love

Comment below, because I'd love to know:: Have you heard of eShakti before? What are your favorites?

Get social with Mitchael Journey!

    

Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin'

Click this button to vote for me and my blog!
*This post may contain affiliate links -- thanks in advance for your support!

linking up:

Nap Time Means My Time - Making time for Mama

Mamas need their break times to relax and recharge! This week's topic for Mamas Tell All is --

How do you make time for Mama?

October 19 

When I get a chance, I love to go on a date with Josh! Getting out as a couple really feeds my love language of Quality Time with face-to-face conversation with my best friend.

During the day, I try and use nap time to refresh! Sometimes this means simply making myself food, taking a bath, reading or watching HGTV :) Often I try and nap as well, yet other times I find that catching up on laundry, dishes or projects helps me feel like I got ahead and accomplished things, which helps my mindset for the day!

Another way I regain sanity is to get outside and get exercise by going on a stroll. I often call my Arkansas family during my walks or listen to a downloaded audio-book from the library (right now I'm listening to Cleaning House - a book about ridding kids of youth entitlement)

I also love when I have the chance to get out with friends! Last semester I joined a women's Faith Art Journaling weekly connect group -- it really fed my love-cup! Josh got to have Dad time with Marshall, and I was out for a fun evening with the ladies once a week!

Recently, I really got to go on a retreat -- to a women's conference called Women of Faith! I learned so much, and was refreshed in my soul, encouraged in the most important things in life and inspired in the everyday!

the boys getting their time together

One thing I aim to regularly do is volunteer with my church, whether it is Adopt-a-Block, worship ministries, or children's ministries. I really am blessed by being able to love others and share the hope of Jesus!

Comment below, because I'd like to know:: What are your favorite ways to rest and recharge?

Get social with Mitchael Journey!

    

Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin'

Click this button to vote for me and my blog!
*This post may contain affiliate links -- thanks in advance for your support!

{Frugal} 21 Home Accents that Give Back

I had SUCH a fun time putting together my series {Frugal} Gifts that Give Back that I wanted to continue to share some of my favorite picks from various businesses that have a core in their DNA on giving back and making a difference with every purchase!

Today I've picked the concept of Home Accents! I think beautiful homes can be so welcoming and hospitable, but price and lack of purpose with the added goods are often a hindrance for me. I hope you find some treasures for your home in my picks! Welcome, and please let me know that you stopped by!
For the Home:
$5-$10                                                                    

Scrappy Potholders from Scarlet Threads

Fair Trade Felt Tea Rose (sold individually) from Global Goods Partners

$11-20                                                                    

Little Shirley Vase from Material Good

Coasters - Set of 4 from Joyn

Micah 6:8 Love Mercy Poster from Mercy House Kenya

Placemat Set from Sak Saum

Orange Blossom Soap (2-Pack) from Hand in Hand

Hand-Rolled Paper Coaster Set from Mercy House Kenya

The Kuni Utensil Set: Aqua from Badala

Mogul Jade (Large) from Village Artisan

Coasters - Live Life from Sak Saum

$21-30                                                                    

Pillow Cover - Lucite Chevron from Joyn

Planter Box from Open Door Traders

Candle Holder from Sak Saum

Pillow - Cotton Hand Batik Elephant from The Go Exchange

Coffee Subscription from Sweet Aroma Coffee

$31-40                                                                  

Classic Table Runner - Paisley from Joyn

Tamu Bowl - Sky from Badala

Decorative Tray from Open Door Traders

Indego Africa -Tea Small Copabu Bowl from Toms Marketplace

Kuni Bowl: Avocado from Badala

Get to know more about these wonderful businesses that bring joy to so many, by giving back! Their stories are inspiring -- simply click on their names beneath their logo to read more. 

Joyn                                                Global Goods Partners

Open Door Traders               Sweet Aroma Coffee

 

Village Artisan                         Material Good

    The Go Exchange                                Mercy House Kenya

Sak Saum                                          Hand in Hand

Scarlet Threads

Badala                                       Toms Marketplace

If you haven't seen the rest of this series -- now is a great chance to check it out! Christmas is around the corner!!

If you haven't seen my series -- now is a great chance to check it out::

• {Frugal} 21 Gift Ideas that Give Back: For Her
• {Frugal} 21 Gift Ideas that Give Back: For Kids 
• {Frugal} 21 Gift Ideas that Give Back: For Him
• {Frugal} 21 MORE Gift Ideas that Give Back: For Him
• {Frugal} 21 Home Accents that Give Back
  

*This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you! Thank you for your support :) Product images and logos are from the shop's sites. 

Get social with Mitchael Journey! I'd love to get to know YOU! 

    

Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin'

Click the button above to vote for me and my blog!

Linking up with Jack of All Trades and The Diary of a Real Housewife's Friday Favorites