Family Movie Night & The Best Topping for Popcorn

With summer upon us and school out, I feel I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. But not really. It's only about to get busier as the next couple of months are some of our most full ones!

A few days ago, my husband and I were reminiscing about childhood family-fun traditions we had growing up.  For me, it was getting take out some Saturday nights and getting to choose DVDs from Blockbuster (they still had those then!). It was always so fun and we looked forward to those nights as a family. Game night wasn’t as fun to everyone since there would usually be the more competitive of us left up at 2 am still trying to win Monopoly. Those games could last days, I tell you!

As we move on from participating in family fun nights to having to be intentional about planning our own, these fond memories still play in our minds. Even when life gets hectic, we know how important it is to set aside time to bond and relax. For us, a family fun night isn’t complete without some kind of fun food and an activity we can do together - whether it be a rad board game or a great movie.

When it comes to a fun movie night, we like to get creative to switch things up. Once we find the perfect movie (that usually takes a while), we start getting cozy. Sometimes we set up a blanket fort, and sometimes we use a projector to get a theatre-type feel. Blankets and snacks are a must, whatever we do.

We are pretty picky about the movies we decide to watch and always go for true stories that are inspirational. If you like a good family-friendly movie too, be sure to check out Pure Flix for some wholesome, Christian and educational movies. You can try Pure Flix free for a month, which is a good thing since it might take you longer to decide on a movie than to watch one!  You can pair your subscription with Plugged In Movie Reviews from Focus on the Family to get some in-depth and free reviews.

And then, of course, we need snacks. We take snacks very seriously.

We LOOOOOOOVE popcorn. We recently got a new stovetop popcorn popper and it has been put to good use! I personally like sprinkling (okay, dumping!) nutritional yeast flakes on mine. If we have time, we even cut up some potatoes and throw them in the oven for homemade "fries!" Depending on the night, we might even whip up a homemade pizza or pop some frozen stuff in the oven. It’s a seriously good time. Here's what we do with our popcorn:

Easy Popcorn Topping

what you need:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels

• up to 1/2 TBSP olive oil (or vegan butter)

• a bit of salt to taste

• nutritional yeast flakes (in my opinion, you can never have to much, so it's up to how much you want!)

what to do:

1) Pop your popcorn by whatever means you do so (we have a stovetop popper right now, but I do love air poppers!)

2) Add (sparingly) your olive oil or vegan butter and sprinkle a bit of salt

3) Go to town with adding your nutritional yeast flakes :) 

Now that it’s summer, we hope to spend more time outside on the porch or around the fire pit making s’mores and roasting hot dogs. It's so much fun just hanging out outside and enjoying the heat of the fire.

Hope you've been inspired to set some time aside to enjoy an evening with your loved ones. I’ve decided to share some favourites with you so you can get started right away with your family-fun movie night - and don’t forget the popcorn! I'd love to hear about your family fun nights too!

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What do you do for family fun? I'd love to hear about it!

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True Hospitality Made Practical: 3 Easy Tips

Last week we talked about hospitality and some myths that surround it, as well as how we are called to practice it. As promised, here are some practical ways to be hospitable even if your guests are extremely last-minute. 

Create A Warm Atmosphere

While fresh flowers and candles do go a long way to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, nothing is as refreshing as a warm, loving smile and willingness to serve. That being said, light some candles and cut some fresh flowers for your guests to enjoy as well! It’s simple and makes a great impact.

Welcome everyone into your home. Let them feel loved, not only by you, but also by God.

Related: The Myths & the Calling of True Hospitality

Be aware of needs

Be aware of those around you. Remember that hospitality is not limited to inside your home. Pay attention as you interact with others, and do not let anyone go unnoticed. Take time out of your day to encourage someone, to pray with someone, and to show kindness.

In your home, make sure your guests have what they need, and feel comfortable enough to ask for it. For overnight guests especially, I suggest making everything as accessible as possible. They should feel that they are at home. Make warm drinks and water easily available and stock the bathroom and guestroom with essentials like towels of every size, toiletries and extra toilet paper.

Serve Meals With Love

Meals do not have to be extravagant or use expensive ingredients. Make simple meals with love, and do not feel pressured to make something new or complicated (there's always the danger that something new will flop anyway!). Your guests are not there to judge your cooking. They are there to be blessed by you (whether they know it or not). Don't let them leave just thinking about the spectacular meal you just served them, let them leave rejoicing that you have served their souls.

Build a relationship with those around your table and talk about the things that truly matter. Our motto should be like John's; Less of me, more of Jesus. And remember: entertaining is to impress, but hospitality is to bless!

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How do you show hospitality? Tell us about it in the comments!

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The Myths & the Calling of True Hospitality

We live in a world influenced by social media. Picture perfect table settings and staged homes are nearly all I see when I scroll through Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook. Neat napkin holders and place cards are strategically set by the beautiful food that must have taken hours to prepare and to plate so meticulously. I haven’t even touched on the theme parties, showers and wedding receptions shown that could come right out of a Hollywood movie!

When I talk to others about it, they all seem to express the same underlying tone: that such things are not attainable, so why even try?

I remember taking one of those spiritual gifts tests when I was a teenager and scoring high in the "hospitality" category. While I am not sure how I feel about such tests (when I form a definite opinion, I'll be sure to share), it sparked an interest in me all those years ago.

What is hospitality, and why is it so important? Does it have anything to do with those picture-perfect tablescapes? Is everyone called to show hospitality, or is it just me?

The bible does have a few things to say about hospitality.

I looked just a few up (all verses are from the ESV).

• “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2
   

• “...and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts” Acts 2:46
   

• “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” Matthew 25:35
   

• “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9
   

• "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Romans 12:13
   

• "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34,35
   

• "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20

With the Bible being so clear on the importance of each of us showing hospitality, I felt it important to not only practice but help others do so as well. Today, I want to share with you some hospitality myths, and next week, I'll talk about some practical ways to show hospitality.

You have to have a perfect home to be hospitable

More important than an open home is an open heart and open hands. Your home does not have to look magazine-worthy but should be filled with genuine love.

Hospitality is not limited to our homes. We should constantly be aware of those around us, and meeting the needs that can be met.

Hospitality is to be extended to friends and family

Hospitality is for everyone.

Hospitality requires great amounts of time, meticulous planning, and the best version of myself

Hospitality requires vulnerability and obedience. Some of the best and most memorable visits are messy and unexpected. Sometimes showing hospitality is even unwanted! Although the practice of hospitality asks the sacrifice of our time, our needs and our resources, it is rewarded with great joy. There is not much that is more energizing and fulfilling than serving others. You just need to be willing!

Hospitality is synonymous with entertaining

There is no mention of Pinterest or picture-perfect table spreads in any definitions of hospitality. Of course, there is nothing wrong with making things beautiful for our guests, but is it true hospitality?

Remember: entertaining is to impress, but hospitality is to bless.

Hospitality is a spiritual gift

Hospitality can be risky, and is asked of all of us (remember those verses above?). While some of us may find it easier to do than others, we are all called to show Christ's love and hospitality - gift or not, it can be (and should be!) a part of our lives.

Hospitality is merely about sharing a meal or a bed

Strive to do more than just offer a meal or a bed. When we are hospitable, we reach others in a personal and intimate way. Be intentional about who you reach out to; being aware of those around you and their needs plays a huge role in this. Think of the lonely. Think of the unloved. Think of those who need serving. Be bold and think of those you can help draw closer to Jesus. Think about how your hospitality can affect the world!

 

“Entertaining is for impressing, but hospitality is for blessing!”

TWEET IT!!

Hospitality is for us to show God's love to others. God calls us to it, and the rewards are eternal. We have been blessed so we can bless others. Withholding hospitality will hinder our joy.

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How do you show hospitality? We would love to hear about it!
Next week, I'll be discussing some practical ways we all can show hospitality!

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Essentials for a Cozy and Personalized Home

My husband and I recently moved. Prior to the house we are currently in, we were in a small apartment. While it wasn’t terribly difficult to get everything into one UHaul, once unpacked, we instantly realized how empty the house was. Upgrading in space was nice on one hand, but on the other, we were not terribly excited to try and fill it all up.

So we didn't.

There were a few things we decided on purchasing (like a small bookshelf and new coffee table), but we still figured out a way to balance making our home feel personal and cozy while also keeping things on the simpler side.

As you know, we are not huge fans of clutter or many possessions, but it was easier to balance our minimalism and comfort than we thought.

We love our home and the “at home” feeling it has, so I thought I might share with you some move-in essentials to make your home feel perfectly cozy. 

 

Rugs and Other Textiles

Rugs and other textiles such as curtains really add to a room and there are so many different textures and patterns available to make your space feel just right. It is amazing how just laying down a rug or hanging curtains can change the whole feel of a room. Attractive and warm throws also add a perfectly wonderful warmth to a room.

Artwork

How much more personal can you get than artwork? Your walls do not have to be totally bare, even as a minimalist. Choose pieces that speak to your personality. Go one step even further and feature your own artwork or something done by a friend or family member. Of course, make sure you love it before you display it. We have some artwork by friends and places and things we love displayed in our home. Another thing I’ve come to love are decals to spruce up a wall - but do not be afraid of some blank space! 

Pillows

Pillows are a natural choice when dressing a sofa or a bed. For the sofa, choose colours and textures and patterns that compliment and enhance. In the bedroom, choose pillows that will offer soft support for your body to sleep on (these ones from Casper look amazing) as well as a couple of throw pillows to spruce up the place.

Candles

I love a good candle and not only the scent but also the soft flicker of light and atmosphere they provide. If choosing a candle that will be burned, make sure you purchase (or make!) chemical-free candles like soy candles that will not harm your health. I love the ones I mentioned here.

Furniture

Furniture is easy to switch out and easy to customize. You can also find fun pieces very inexpensively by asking around or checking the thrift stores in your area. Keep your ears open, because people often want to get rid of furniture. A word of caution, however: do not accept something just because it’s cheap or free; make sure you actually love it, otherwise, it will just be something that takes up space. 

Plants

Add plants and add life to your space! If you have a black thumb like me, there is still hope! Choose plants that are easy to care for, such as air plants or even palms! Besides the obvious reason that plants are beautiful, they also help keep your air clean! Totally helpless? Get some fresh flowers and pop them in a vase once in a while! You’ll be amazed at how both your mood and your space will brighten! I will confess that I have one faux plant - it’s a succulent because I have such a hard time keeping them alive - but no one is the wiser, and I’ve never been caught ;-)

So there you have it. I joined in on Casper's new home essentials discussion to share this guide for easy reference and pinning :) :) 

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What are some of the things you consider essentials in your home to make it feel warm and inviting? Why don't you share them with us below!

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Why Living with Less is the Worst

Great news! Spring is here! If you are not one for spring cleaning or spring decluttering, that is okay. Living with less is the worst. Here is why:

Finding your way around in the dark is too easy

Seriously, it’s no fun having no obstacles with which you might at any moment stub your toe with. Middle of the night water runs to the kitchen are no longer fun because they no longer require superhuman ninja skills.

You only own what you love

Sometimes you just want to hate most of the items you have on display, #amirite?

Possessions last longer, which is boring

Wouldn’t you rather keep buying cheap, ugly things that you don’t care about enough to take extra good care of? Spending more money on disposable items is much better than buying good quality ones that are better for the environment and your wallet.

You have less cleaning and dusting to do

There is nothing better than spending your precious time on dusting that clay gnome you made in the second grade. Also, it’s a great work-out moving the piles of paper from one end of the house to the other, just so you can vacuum. Taking 500 items off of surfaces to dust is truly exciting.

Your junk drawer is nonexistent

It’s so boring and predictable to know exactly what is in each one of your drawers. Being able to see every item for quick retrieval is lame.  

Everything has a home

You should not need to know exactly where everything is at any given time. It's just not natural. Scrambling for keys and the like is essential to the human experience.

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Great arguments for living with more if I do say so myself. If, however, you do not share this sentiment, be sure to check out our ultimate spring simplifying guide! We have upgraded our guide and you can now find an expanded Spring Cleaning guide and printable booklet there!

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