Keepin' It Simple with Friends

 There are basically two groups of people when it comes to having people in their home, aka, hospitality. Group one: People who enjoy it. Group two: People who don't. 

Group A people understand that it's not about perceptions and perfection. It's about connection and conversation. They know it's not about what you serve, but that you serve. They know it's not about being fancy or having everything 'just so', because they're just so happy to have you in their home. 

Group B people, on the other hand, are too on edge to enjoy themselves, which means their guests don't enjoy themselves, either. They are nervous that someone won't like what they serve, that someone might spill or break something, or that someone will be taking mental notes about everything that's 'wrong' with their house. There's also a faction of Group B people that just can't deal with someone invading their personal space. 

Now before I continue, I want to say that if you are a Group B person, there's no shame in it, and if you honestly can't bring yourself to invite people into your home, take the plunge and practice the art of simple hospitality outside your home. FYI: We'll talk more about that in a minute. 

For all you Group A people, I know the cost of groceries can make opening your home to family and friends a bit more challenging these days. But there are things you can do that will make things simpler and more economical, without diminishing the quality of the connecting and conversation that takes place. Things like...

*Have a potluck. Everyone brings a dish. 

*A baked potato bar is easy, economical, and yummy. 

*Use real plates, glasses, tableware, and cloth napkins. Using the real stuff saves money. We use both for every meal. The napkins go in the laundry with everything else, so what's the big deal? Everything else goes in the dishwasher. FYI: Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water no matter how full it is. FYI part two: Dishwashers use very little water. 

*Soups and crackers are always a hit. And don't bother with a fancy layout for the crackers. Dump 'em in a bowl and be done. 

*Water and tea (sweet and unsweet) are all you ever need to serve for drinks. Well, maybe coffee if there's pie to go with it. 

*Spaghetti, salad, and bread is a budget-friendly meal that is easy to fix for a group. 

*Skip the meal and host a game night where everyone brings their favorite snack to share with others. 

*Not every event requires food. Hosting clothing swaps, toy or curriculum (homeschool moms) swap, a book swap, or a plant/seed swap don't need anything other than the items being swapped. But iced tea, water, and/or coffee are never a bad idea to offer your guests. 

See? Keepin' it simple doesn't equal dull or boring. Remember-it's about connecting, not impressing. 

Now, as promised here are some ideas for those of you Group B people who want to enjoy the benefits of connections and conversations but just aren't ready to roll out the 'welcome mat'...

*Invite a small group of people to join you for coffee. 

*Start a walking group for people in your neighborhood, your workplace, your church, or the parents of your child's friends. Walking is great exercise and doesn't prevent conversation. 

*Start a book club and meet at the library, a cafe, or other public place. 

*When the weather permits, sit on your front porch and invite a couple of friends or neighbors to join you. Tea, water, and a treat are optional. Unless it's hot. In that case, tea and water are not optional. :)

*If you are a mom with little ones, invite other moms and kids to join you at the park once a week. You get adult conversation, the kids get to play and socialize, and no one's house gets 'destroyed'. 

See? Keepin' your hospitality simple doesn't have to put you on edge and shove you out of your comfort zone. 

Keepin' it simple with friends is best because when you keep it simple you leave plenty of room for the friendships to grow. And isn't that what we all want? 

Love,

Momma D

Waste Not...Want Not

Turns out this old saying--'Waste not, want not'--is really, really old. It dates back to 1576 when the Richard Edwards wrote a collection of poems titled, "The Paradise of Dainty Devices". The original phrase was, "Willful waste makes woeful want.", but has been paraphrased or reworded to sound like something we would actually say and understand. But the meaning hasn't changed one little bit. Being wasteful is like stealing from yourself. 

Think about that for a minute. Throwing things away before they are used up causes you to spend money replacing them that that wouldn't have to be spent. Letting leftovers sit in the fridge until they go bad (vs. eating them) increases your food/grocery budget. Not taking proper care of your things reduces their 'lifespan', which means you end up spending money fixing them or replacing them before you should have to. 

I guess what I'm saying is that our grandparents may have gone a little overboard by saving every plastic butter tub and piece of tinfoil, we could learn a few lessons from them. And in the process, save ourselves a chunk of change to spend on something we want instead of something like paying the plumber, replenishing our wardrobe, and buying way more trash bags than we actually need. 

So, if the idea of having more money by being less wasteful appeals to you, try doing a few (or a lot) of the following....

*Use glass and safe plastic for storing leftovers, in the pantry, and when packing lunches. The savings over using disposable items is HUGE! 

*Use real plates, tableware, and cloth napkins. Yes, cloth napkins. You do laundry anyway, right? A few more napkins added to the load isn't going to change anything. Well, except the amount of money you waste on paper towels. Oh, and instead of using paper towels to wipe up spills, old washcloths kept in a basket under the sink work just fine. Wash, reuse, and save money! 

*Fill your watering cans with cold water from the kitchen sink while you are waiting for it to get hot. Use it on your plants, to fill the coffee maker, or for boiling pasta, potatoes, or making tea. 

*Cook large quantities of soup, chili, lasagna, taco meat, and even scrambled eggs, at one time. Freeze in portions for your family. This not only saves time but also reduces the amount of electricity or gas you use. 

*Buy some inexpensive but sturdy reusable shopping bags for groceries. If you want to use plastic bags to line your bathroom trashcans, you will get plenty of those from other places you shop. Besides, who really needs allllllllllll those bags? 

*Trade. Trade childcare with other moms for date nights. Trade houseplant starts. Trade books. Trade a pot of your 'famous' stew for your friend's beautifully decorated birthday cupcakes for your kids. Trade rides to and from practices or school with other moms. Trade tutoring for housecleaning or some other skill/service. In other words, get creative and save money in the process!

I could go on, but I won't because I think you get the point and I don't want to waste time telling you something you don't need to hear/read. So, waste not, want not, and enjoy new experiences and people in the process! 

Keepin' it simple, 

Darla, aka, Momma D 

Who am I?

 

I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.

I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

​

What do I write? 

 

Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.

​

Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

​

Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.

 

What do I say and who do I say it to?

 

*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.

​

*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!

​

*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.

​

*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!

​

*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.

​

*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.

​

*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.

Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

​

Where can you find me?

 

My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore or order on my Square Store

 

 

You May Not Need 'It' Anymore, but Someone Else Does

New Year's resolutions are on most everyone's mind this time of year. For better or worse, we are thinking about upping our exercise routines, cutting down on calories or 'obsessions' with coffee, tech, or whatever, and come hell or high water, we are determined to purge our closets, drawers, pantries, toyboxes, and garages of everything we no longer need or want. Am I right? Of course, I am! 

No one flinches when tossing expired canned goods or that horrendous shade of lipstick that looked a lot different under the lights of the cosmetic counter. Clothes the kids have outgrown? Easy. Clothes we no longer wear (the reasons of which are none of anyone's business :))? Also easy...sort of. But what about all those extra sheets and towels? What if we actually do need them someday? The suitcases and backpacks we've accumulated over the years? Can you really have too many? FYI: Yes. 

Most people toss everything in a trash bag or box and haul it off to a donation bin. It's easy, completely anonymous, and it's a one-and-done event. But easy isn't always best. And one-size-fits-all is a fairytale in the world of fashion, so...

Instead of getting rid of your stuff just so it will be out of your way, why not give your old stuff a second chance at 'life', i.e., to be useful? How? So glad you asked!

*Donate all your old towels and sheets (even blankets) to an animal shelter. 

*Craft supplies the kids or grandkids no longer use? Donate to a local nursing home or library for their craft projects. 

*Books? Deposit them in a little FREE LIBRARY BOX. You can find them scattered around most any community. You can also donate them to a childcare center or doctor's office waiting room. 

*Fancy shoes and dresses? Donate them to a school or church so they can be given to girls who cannot afford to purchase these things for prom, etc. 

*Old backpacks and suitcases? As long as they are in GOOD working order, donate them to a foster care facility or local homeless shelter. Better yet, turn them into blessing bags and give them to the school nurse or social worker. 

Doing any or all of these simple acts of kindness has the potential to change lives for the better! And that's about the best way I can think of to start your 2025 off right! 

Keepin' it simple, 

Darla, aka, Momma D 

Who am I?

 

I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.

I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

​

What do I write? 

 

Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.

​

Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

​

Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.

 

What do I say and who do I say it to?

 

*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.

​

*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!

​

*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.

​

*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!

​

*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.

​

*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.

​

*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.

Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

​

Where can you find me?

 

My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore or order on my Square Store

 

 

Keepin' it Simple...Boredom Busters

 

Now that Christmas is over, you will probably hear a few 'I'm bored' or 'There's nothing to do' comments from the kids. Never mind they have a few new gifts to play with/read/'do', right? You can fix this little problem, though, by calling their bluff. How? By giving them something to do (age appropriately, of course). 

*Teach them how to sew on a button, hem a dress or pair of pants, and iron the wrinkles out of their clothes. 

*Teach them how to read and follow a recipe...and make something for supper. 

*Teach them to do the laundry. 

*Teach them how to write a proper thank you note for all those gifts they just received. 

*Purchase an inexpensive printable so they can work on the family tree. FAMILY TREE PRINTABLE 

*Spend some time together each day reading a classic they'll enjoy. "Charlotte's Web", "Nancy Drew Mystery", "The Boxcar Children", "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe", or "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" are all good choices. 

*Visit a nursing home and play Bingo with residents, read to them, or listen to their stories. 

*Spend a day cleaning, sorting, and organizing their bedrooms. 

*Have a board game tournament. 

*Go on a scavenger hunt...or two...or three. 

Simple projects to educate, entertain, and bust the boredoms to smithereens. 

Keepin' it simple,

Darla, aka, Momma D 

Who am I? 

I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself. I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

​

What do I write? 

 

Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.

​

Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

​

Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.

 

What do I say and who do I say it to?

 

*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.

​

*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!

​

*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.

​

*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!

​

*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.

​

*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.

​

*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.

Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

​

Where can you find me?

 

My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore or order on my Square Store