It's that time of year again. New Years... a time of renewal, another chance, a fresh start.

And the time for those darn New Year Resolutions!

Yep, I use to think and ponder, and come up with the best lists possible to improve upon and reach those higher goals for the upcoming new year.
I USED to do it. After years of setting unachievable goals, I gave up.

Yes, I know, I'm a quitter and a failure.

But here's why I quit setting these ridiculous ideals that never seemed to pan out! I present to you, a countdown of my top 5 resolution fails!

#5 Lose weight.

This is a classic for me and I always put it on the list. But it is so vague! 5 pounds? 30 pounds? Who knows!

Pass me that cupcake will ya?

Just be healthy! Want that cupcake, go ahead! Just don't eat the whole box!

 
#4 Keep the house clean and tidy.

Let's get real. I have 2 teens, a husband, a dog, and a herd of cats. Clean and tidy ain't happening at the same time.

Life is chaotic. Messes happen.

Do you have clean clothes? Yes.

Does every dish in the house have to be clean? No.

Is the roof going to collapse if the beds aren't made every morning? No.

Can the kids play with their toys in the living room? Yes! Toys can be picked up later.

Enjoy the fact that your child wants to be in the same room as you because that won't last forever! It's your home, LIVE in it!

#3 I will look presentable everyday, makeup and hair done.

Well, seeing as it is 10:30 on a Sunday morning and I am writing this in my pjs, this one fails miserably!

Look folks, I am a stay at home Mama. If I'm at home, why shouldn't I be comfortable?!

And really, what's the point of wearing makeup if I'm hanging with the kids all day?

Trust me, I don't have Sudden Selfie Syndrome where I will be posting selfies of me and my morning hair every few minutes! You are welcome!

#2 I will manage my time like a boss.

I've tried the beautiful planners, and the expensive management systems.

I've done lists, notes, paper, electronics, doesn't matter. If I was managing my time like a boss, I would most definitely fire myself!

There are only so many hours in a day. You can't change that. Micro managing those hours won't magically create another hour or two.

When I find the planner system that factors in my daughter's melt downs, or my son's bathroom accidents, or a flat tire on the car, I will jump on it!

But until then, eh, life happens. Do what you can.

#1 I will make more money, save more money, and spend it wisely investing in my future.

I'll be honest with you. We are a one income family. My husband is a hard worker, working long hours to bring home that paycheck.

But that paycheck can only stretch so far! I am very frugal and very talented at juggling bills around, keeping our utilities on, and having food on our table.

We don't have cable or satellite (yep our house sports that big ole antennae on our roof!) We don't have internet, except for my phone. We don't go to the movies or big fancy dinners.

But what we do have is family movie night where we rent some movies from the local library.

We have a vast backyard with wooded trails to explore.

We have breakfast for supper at least once a week.

We have fun. We have love. And most of all, we have each other! Doesn't that make me the richest person in the world?!

So, there you have it. My top 5 resolution fails and why I don't believe in them anymore.

Perhaps I do have one resolution every year.... Live everyday to be a better person than you were yesterday.

Simple enough, don't you think?

So, any resolutions you have given up on?

Let me know in the comments! And, as always, I would love a share!

Want to know why my blog is called Southern Blessed Chaos? Find out in my Welcome post!

And don't forget to check out my Holiday and Party Ideas page!

So, a couple of nights after Christmas, I suddenly realized that I had been watching TV uninterrupted for over an hour. And it wasn't Sesame Street or SpongeBob!

Now, this is an unheard of event in my house! It was a big deal!

"This blog may contain affiliate links, which means if you click a link and/or purchase a product from their site I may receive compensation or a commission. However, all recommendations and opinions are my own. Grant it, I won't get rich, but maybe I can splurge on a cup of coffee! This won't cost you anything except the satisfaction of knowing you are keeping my coffee addiction alive."

I was so inspired by this rare occurrence, that I started writing about it. And here is what I came up with!

I think most Mamas can relate. Hope you enjoy it!

Twas the night after Christmas and all through the South...

Not a single kid was crying or fighting, not one opened their mouth.

All of their gifts were scattered across the room and the floor... 

The room that was so clean and so bright just hours before.

Before the chaos, the frantic hurry, or the immediate joy...

Of finding the one, the only, that just perfect special toy.

Yes, the special toy that turns little woes into merriment...

That special toy that the oh, so smart Santa sent.

The toy that turns frowns into smiles and stops that annoying whine...

The toy that allows Mama a moment to herself and that oh glorious glass of wine!

Santa hit the jackpot with his attentive selection this year...

And Mama can watch just a little TV and actually hear!

Although it won't last, the calm will slowly fade away...

But until then, this Mama is going to enjoy the quiet of this special day.

You can find flea markets scattered all over the South. Some are warehouse size, some small, some cater to antiques only, some to homemade goods and resale items. But the one I revisited recently caters to everyone and has everything! All under one roof!

Right here just south of Hattiesburg, MS, stands the 49 Antique & Flea Market. Now this is your ultimate one-stop shop where you can find something for everyone (including yourself!) on your list!

The market has been a fixture here for years, and hosts a multitude of various vendors, over 200!

It is located at 19 Dewitt Carter Rd, directly across from Paul B. Johnson State Park on HWY 49. Nearby is Camp Shelby and a little further south would be our beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast. 

Open hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9am - 5pm. Plan on spending a couple of hours, so you can see and visit with all the wonderful vendors on site! And don't worry if you get hungry or need some coffee, there is a cafe inside (I've been told you have to try their chicken soup!) 

If that wasn't enough to convince you to visit, here are some more reasons.

Convinced yet? Well, let me share my fun adventure with you and I'm sure you will be yelling "Road Trip!" very soon!

My fun began before I even entered the building! Look at this massive porch, after all who doesn't love a Southern cozy front porch?!

Let's go inside and explore! Upon opening the old country door, Santa greeted me and beckoned me inside.

Once inside, the office personnel welcomed me as I looked around taking it all in. I've got to tell you, I loved meeting the wonderful management and the vendors, as well. Southern hospitality abounds! 

The last vendor I spent some "time" with was the Watch Man (see what I did there?!)
His name is John Whittington and he is the owner of It's About Time 49. He was quite the character, and I enjoyed meeting him immensely. You can, also, find him on Facebook.


It wasn't until later, as I was checking out his Facebook page that I realized he is the Minister who directs the Market's worship service every Sunday. Yes, that's right. This market hosts a "Come as You Are" service every week! I told you that you can find something for everyone here, didn't I!

More information about the HWY 49 Outreach Ministry can be found on their Facebook page.

Before I wrap my visit up, I want to share a few more pics of the variety of items that can be found here in this unique market.




By the end of my visit, I had spent about $30 in all. I was very excited to be going home with several books, numerous DVD movies, a wooden sign, the stocking stuffers, more gifts, and my new lights. It was such a good day!

I truly hope you enjoyed reading about my fun filled afternoon at The 49 Antique & Flea Market. I know I had a ball and will be returning very soon. If you decide to see this wonderful market yourself, maybe I'll be there. If so, I will be at the cafe trying some of that soup!

For booth reservations or more information about the 49 Antique & Flea Market, please call (601) 583-4554. You really need to check out their website and Facebook page, as well. Be sure to watch the video of the 6 sisters spontaneously breaking into song! It is absolutely breathtaking! You never know what you are going to find at a flea market!

I do. I still believe in Santa.

Ok, ok...maybe not in the jolly Ole St. Nick delivering presents with his reindeer driven sleigh. I believe in the Christmas Spirit. I believe in the miracles of the season. I believe in the goodness of people's hearts. I believe in everlasting love.

I know it's hard to see the Christmas spirit in all the hustle and bustle this time of year. There are longer lines at the checkouts, sold out toys, and don't even get me started on the traffic delays!

But there is so much wonder to see if you look carefully, and listen with your heart!

So much wonder as the days get shorter, and the nights get colder.

I know this time is very busy for everyone. So much to do! But don't forget to take the time to enjoy it. Take the time to spread some joy. Take the time to savor all that this amazing season has to offer.

Spread some love today and keep the spirit of Christmas alive in your heart all year long!

If you are a Mom, then you know how hard it is to get our children to count their blessings. It is a daily struggle and I'm right there with you!

We all want to spoil our precious ones with love and affection, but not raise spoiled children, right? 

I thought I would share some effective ways for children to learn to be grateful and have a thankful heart that will last thru their adulthood.

Show them your thankful heart. 

Children learn by example, as we know. If they are hearing you say, "Thank you", often, it will become just a natural thing for them to say.

At snack time, I ask them to name something or someone that they are thankful for.

It doesn't have to be full of sentiment and gushy feelings, just whatever THEY are thankful for. 

The words pizza and recess come up a lot! And that's ok! And while we enjoy snacks or even later in the day, I ask them why they are thankful for whatever it was they chose.

This gets them thinking about the why and might start a wonderful conversation!

No surprise that my daughter's answer was pizza but when I asked the why?

She said because we make our own pizzas and she loves being in the kitchen with me.

*Heart melting*

Challenge them to smile or say hello to 3 new people every day.

I remind them that some children may not get smiles or encouragement every day from home or school. Your smile or kind words may be the only one they get all day.

After I started the daily smile challenge, my daughter upped the game!

She set a goal for herself to compliment someone everyday.

It may be the cashier or the lunch lady, but she says to them, "I like your hair" or "Your face lights up when you smile!"

I love this idea and really love that it was all her idea!

After times of disaster, we, of course, discuss it as a family.

I let them lead in what children their age might feel who are going thru it. 

We then decide on ways that we might be able to help. Whether it be donating clothes, toys, or just sending cards to victims, we decide how to best help them.

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