I know. It’s Friday. I should be doing the live Five Minute Friday link up with all the gals at Allume. Except I know myself well enough to know that I can’t write in a room full of writers. They intimidate the words right out of my head. Plus, it’s highly likely that this introvert is going to need to escape to her room for a little quiet time, so I thought I’d do a fun “what I’m loving” post instead.
Encouraging conversations sometimes happen most easily when we start by connecting over products and causes and videos we like, right?
affiliate links are included
Veggie Tales Yuletide Ice Cube Fair
We are thick in the middle of the part of raising a toddler that requires a lot of books. Reading aloud is one of our favorite things to do with Madi, and she loves to “read” to her stuffed animal friends as much as we love to read her bedtime stories. This new Christmas book from Veggie Tales, the “Yuletide Ice Cube Fair,” is one of our new favorites. With all of our favorite Veggie Tales characters and a story that teaches the true meaning of Christmas, this is one that we’re going to love for a long time. It starts and ends with Scripture and in between takes us to a fun ice carving contest – which is even more fun for us, since we go to a local ice carving festival every winter!
I have incredibly talented friends who write amazing books. And I love receiving them in the mail. But I love even more when I get a book in the mail that I can read to my kiddo, and she immediately loved Matthew Paul Turner’s “God Made Light.” A fun, lyrical read for the adults and a beautiful story for her that teaches her that God made light – and she can be God’s light wherever she goes. She’s chosen this one over her Frozen books for several nights in a row, and she even made me read her the “God Made Light” notecards when we were done with the book 🙂 DaySpring has a bunch of really fun product to go with this book, which makes it the perfect Christmas gift idea – grab the book, the puzzle, a few other cute items and you’re all set!
Letters From Dustin
Before I worked for (in)courage, I worked at Cross & Crown Productions, and this video reminds me why I loved it so much. The people are amazing, and their hearts to really see and serve others, to really find a way to put into action what we’re always saying inspires me – words matter. Your story matters. {email subscribers click through to watch Dustin’s story}.
Comfortable, cute shirts. Made by survivors of abuse and sex trafficking, giving them hope and a future. Sign me up. My friend Naomi is a huge advocate for EleganTees and met me for lunch the other week to talk about the company, her love for them, and I walked away inspired and owning one of their shirts. I’m in love. These beautiful basics come in stunningly rich colors and in a variety of styles, from tunics to tanks. They look great with a pair of jeans and flats or dressed up for a date night.
I’m a little bit obsessed with my ankle boots from Target. Mine aren’t this exact link, but very close, and after breaking them in with a hike through the Atlanta airport, they’re now my official “go to” shoe. And I have to say they look really cute with a cuffed jean an my new EleganTee {grin}. While I consider myself successful at getting dressed every day, feeling like I have style is something I struggle with – but somehow adding this shoe to a legging or jean makes me feel like I went the extra mile. Not too bad for a shoe from Target.

Crystal,
I’m jealous that I am not at the Allume Conference. I was going to go, but since it was back to back with a trip I had planned to Pittsburgh (high school reunion), I couldn’t justify the cost of two trips away. I’m sure you are like a sponge soaking up all that writing expertise. Hope you are also able to enjoy a little down time – we all need that! Please share your conference highlights…
Blessings,
Bev