10 NEW Reasons You Should Buy the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle (if you haven't already!)

You've been putting it off, I know. That's what I would be doing too - waiting until the last minute for someone to really convince me.  So here are 10 reasons, you might not have considered, why you really should just head on over, buy the bundle now, and give a sigh of relief that you didn't let this opportunity pass you by!

1. You are welcome to buy the Bundle and split it up. Is there a book you think your mom would love?  One you know is perfect for your best friend?  You can give those specific books to them (hello Mother's Day!) and just delete the files off your computer.
   
   
2. Better yet - you can give a WHOLE bundle to your mom!  Your best friend wants one too?  You can buy three bundles for the price of two!  That means each bundle is only $19.98.
   
   
3. Did you know that you have the option to own all the e-books in a KINDLE version?  For an extra $10 you'll get all the PDF files, AND the Kindle files.  Pretty sweet, right?
   
   
4. Last birthday Andrew got me a cookbook and it cost almost $30.  For less than that, you can own the FOURTEEN cookbooks in the Bundle.  (Mother's Day present for YOU, perhaps?)
   
   
5. This specific package of books and bonuses will NEVER be available again.  That means you have something like 12 hours to buy it.  You might as well just do it now.
   
   
6. I know I've talked about the bonuses before, but really? They're fantastic!  Mineral make-up, Phosphate-free laundry detergent, sweet little girl dresses, greeting cards, e-planners ...the list goes on and on and on!
   
   
7. You can basically learn to do anything homemaking related: sew, cloth diaper, make ice cream, teach your children to read, memorize scripture, budget...Am I missing anything? Check out the list yourself.
   
   
   
8. Change your mind about the whole thing?  15 day risk-free return policy - so really what have you got to lose?  You can change your mind if you buy it, but if you miss it today - it's gone forever!
   
   
9. Just in case you missed this: the cost versus the value.  The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle includes nearly $900 in products and resources but is less than $30. It's not every day you find that much bang for your buck.
   
   
10. Feel overwhelmed by the idea of owning that many e-books? Just think of it as having a reference library when you need it.  Run out of things to do with your toddler? Oh yeah, I have an e-book for that!  Want to make some meals for the freezer?  Recipes at your fingertips!  Looking for a new devotional to do with the kids? No need to head to the bookstore!  You get the idea, right? 

Act now to get the ultimate eBook collection on homemaking at a once-in-a-lifetime price.

Winners of our e-book giveaways! Contact whocanstandblog@gmail.com within 7 days for your prize.

My Simple Healthy Life - Cathy F. L.
The Homemaker's Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule - Tracy D. M.
More Than a Holiday - Tracy D. M.
Intentional Marriage - Renee J. 

31 Days to a Better Marriage!

**This post is part of 4 days of giveaways celebrating The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle** $900 worth of resources, products and e-courses for less than $30!

Only available until Monday!

Could your marriage be better?   Have you and your husband become like two boats passing by one another without notice (or worse yet, crashing into each other constantly)?  That was the situation Crystal Brothers found herself in when she decided something needed to change.  She writes:

"The biggest threat to marriages in our modern world is daily neglect. When we stop trying, we start drifting apart.  We get caught up in the busyness of life.  We get selfish. We get thoughtless."

She issued herself a challenge to wake up in the morning thinking "What can I do to bless my husband today?"  You shouldn't be surprised to hear that this simple (but not always easy) decision, not only changed Crystal's marriage radically - but herself also.

And from that was born "Intentional Marriage: The Art of Loving Your Husband".  Made up of 31 daily readings - it is designed to start you on a lifetime habit of blessing your husband and strengthening your marriage.  For each day there is a specific challenge - a way for you to intentionally love your husband.  They aren't costly and most of them don't take more than a few minutes - but you might have to step outside your comfort zone, and you'll probably have to let go of your pride.  Your marriage is worth it, wouldn't you agree?

As a bonus, Crystal includes three really practical, creative lists of over 100 different:

• Ways to Bless Your Husband (To keep you going when the 31 days are up!)
• Free/Cheap Date Night Ideas (We do the same things over and over so I'm excited to have all these new ideas!)
• Conversation Starters (I love these!  Planning to print them off and put them in a jar for dinners when we have company - how fun!)

We're so happy to be giving away a copy of "Intentional Marriage: The Art of Loving Your Husband" today.  But my sincere prayer is that any woman reading this will be inspired to look for new ways to bless her husband.  Crystal's e-book is full of inspiration for this - from the really practical (cook his favourite food, flirt with him, send him an encouraging verse) to the attitude changing (brag about your husband, focus on forgiveness, assure him of your devotion).   

Will you start loving your husband more intentionally TODAY?

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This giveaway (along with all the previous ones this week) will end Sunday night - so be sure to enter and share today! The winners will all be announced here on Monday.  You can get Intentional Marriage, along with $900 worth of other resources to help you as a wife, mother and homemaker, by owning The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle today! Check it out now because after Monday it will be gone!

Christmas in April? (One week. Four giveaways.)

**This post is part of 4 days of giveaways celebrating The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle** $900 worth of resources, products and e-courses for less than $30!

Only available until Monday!

We're all trying to give our children a better understanding of Christmas, right?  Last year I feel like I floundered through December - not sure what the say about Santa, how much emphasis to put on pretty Christmas lights, and how to really explain why it IS such a big deal that a little baby boy was  born in a manger 2000 years ago.  I know there are a million different opinions about what you should or should not do when celebrating Christmas, and I've heard of a few ways people try to give Jesus more of a central spot in the festivities (throw Jesus a birthday party, for example) - but none of these have really grabbed my attention.  They still seem so small in comparison to the overwhelming secular influences surrounding Christmas.  What I really wanted was something that would permeate the whole Christmas season with the scent of Christ.

Enter: More Than a Holiday by Scott and Sarah Nichols.  What an AMAZING resource.  It is truly impressive how much work has gone into this book.  It was no surprise when I found out that Scott has a Master's of Divinity - it is obvious that a lot of research went into the historical and theological explanations throughout the e-book.  Now don't panic - we're not expecting you to work through a master's thesis with your kids!

Each day includes "A Closer Look" reading, designed to give parents a greater understanding of the background and also valuable for older children looking to dig deeper into the subject.

In addition, each day in More Than a Holiday includes a Bible Reading, a short Devotional, some "Let's Talk" questions and Family Time Activities.  The 25 days are divided into four sections:

• Is the Christmas Story Real?
• The Characters of the Christmas Story (all the usual cast of characters along with John the Baptist, the angel Gabriel and even Herod)
• The Elements of the Christmas Story 
• Why is the Christmas Story Important to Us?  

This is not your average e-book, and it's not some thrown-together ideas about the meaning of Christmas.  It's well-written, thoughtful, creative, and meaningful.  It's such a wonderful opportunity to incorporate the truth about Christmas throughout the whole month of December. Your kids are sure to look forward to the creative and engaging ways that More Than a Holiday takes a deeper look into the Christmas story, and its likely to become a Christmas tradition for years to come.

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This giveaway (along with all the others this week) will end Sunday night - so be sure to enter and share this week! The winners will all be announced here on Monday.  Come back tomorrow for our third giveaway celebrating The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle!

Linked to Fellowship Friday and Faith-Filled Friday!

A Giveaway To Make Your Life Less Crazy! :D

**This post is part of 4 days of giveaways celebrating The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle** $900 worth of resources, products and e-courses for less than $30!
Only available until Monday!

"Plans are useless but planning is indispensable." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

Whether you're running a country or your own home - Mr. Eisenhower's words hold true.  There are usually two ways my day will go, and I'm sure you'll understand what I'm about to say:

1. I wake up without a specific plan for the day.  We eat breakfast and then I spend some time playing with the kids, waste time on my smartphone, maybe start a load of laundry and all the while have this vague idea in my head about things I should be doing.  By the time everyone's napping I open up my laptop to write a blog post but get distracted by an interesting link on Facebook and just as I'm thinking about getting back on task - Elisabeth wakes up.  I haven't figured out what's for dinner and now we're all set for a 5pm meltdown.  By the end of the day I am super stressed because not only did I not accomplish any of the things I wanted to - I wasn't even intentional about the time I had with Jake and Elisabeth.  Ugh.
2. I set my alarm and wake up as planned per our daily schedule.  I blog for a half hour before Elisabeth wakes up, and after nursing her I join Andrew and Jake in the kitchen for breakfast.  We talk about what we both want to accomplish that day, and I make a list of my own on an index card - making sure I won't be overwhelmed and can have some good play time with Jake.  Andrew and I check-in with each other at lunch and once I get both children napping I'm ready to hit the floor running for some really productive time!  I had a meal planned and prepped in the morning so that's not in the back of my mind, and at the end of the day I feel calm, cool, collected and GREAT!

It's amazing what small changes like a morning routine, to-do list or meal plan can make.  And that is why I am so excited to be giving away a copy of The Homemaker's Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule as part of our five-days of giveaways celebrating The Ultimate Homemakers Bundle!

I love how Amy provides tactics for both the "Schedule Family" and the "Routine Family". Schedulers thrive when each item throughout the day (and week) is scheduled and the family knows what is meant to be happening most times throughout the day.  Routine people (like me), are happy to have a prioritized list of things they'd like to get done that day (or week), and knock them off one by one, moving on to the next when the previous ones have been finished.  Throughout the book, Amy shows an understanding that some of us approach scheduling differently, and provides resources, strategies and inspiration for all types.  She emphasizes the need for schedules to constantly be in flux - something we've discovered from having changing routines throughout various stages: 1st trimester morning sickness, life with a newborn, summer, winter, and even seasons when I've been inspired to get up at 5am!  

In a section specifically on creating a homeschooling schedule, Amy speaks with the same wisdom, understanding and tact in knowing each family is different, but there are some principles that apply to everyone!  She is spot on when she writes "No matter how you order the day, you must order the day!"

Amy, a homeschooling mother of 7, provides an interesting and helpful look at ideas, schedules and tips that have worked for their family - but doesn't put any pressure on the reader to do things just like she does!  Reading The Homemakers Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule is really like having a wise friend sit down with you and help you come up with what will work best for YOUR family.  Indeed, I wish I knew Amy in person! 

For anyone who desires to thrive in their role as homemaker, Amy's book is a great resource!  The Homemakers Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule is available for only $4.99. I am sure you will agree the investment will pay for itself quickly as you'll come away with some new inspiration and strategies towards creating a structure which works for YOUR family and brings more peace, efficiency, and joy to your home.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


This giveaway (along with all the others this week) will end Sunday night - so be sure to enter and share this week! The winners will all be announced here on Monday morning.  Come back tomorrow for our third giveaway celebrating The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle!

A Bundle of Blessings for the Homemaker (78 e-books, $200 in bonus products, AND 4 giveaways!)

If any of the following describe you - listen up!

• Trying to transition your family to more natural remedies
• Need encouragement for thriving in your role as homemaker
• Always looking for more delicious and frugal recipies to feed your family
• Could use a wiser, older woman speaking into your life 
• Desiring to be a better wife but always saying the wrong things
• Looking for fun and creative ways to teach your children about Christ
• Wish you could be more disciplined
• Just want some practical homeschooling resources that don't cost a fortune

All this (and much much more) will be yours when you add this year's Ultimate Homemaking Bundle to your library!  It's got all the practical resources and inspiration you need to thrive in your role as wife, mother and homemaker: 78 e-books, 2 audio presentations, 2 e-courses, 2 printable packs and over 200$ in bonus products (it's worth the price just for them!).

Here's what you need to know about the sale:

When? Available for 6 days only! 8 a.m. EST Wednesday, April 23 until 11:59 p.m. EST Monday, April 28

What? $900 worth of resources and bonus items (3 free mineral eye-shadows? yes please!): 78 eBooks, 2 eCourses, 2 audio files, and 2 printable packs PLUS over $200 worth of bonus products you'll really use!

Where? The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle Website

How much? Well now, that's the best part. The entire package is worth nearly $900, and it's selling for less than $30. Sweet deal, right?

This huge wealth of information and guidance will be right there on your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or Kindle, whenever you need it.

Act now to get the ultimate eBook collection on homemaking at a once-in-a-lifetime price.

At only $29.97, it’s the best deal on homemaking eBooks anywhere on the web. But it will only be available for six days. So grab yours before it's gone!

What's in the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle? ($698 value!) 

(Prepare yourself for a really long list! Remember, you don't have to read them all at once!)

• DIY Natural Household Cleaners: How To Make Your Own Cleaners…Naturally by Matt & Betsy @ DIY Natural ($9.99)
• Filling Hearts While Cleaning Homes: Five Minute Devotions for Families by Jenn Thorson & Lindsey Stomberg ($8.00)
• Hospitality: The Duty of the Christian Home by Kathy @ Teaching Good Things ($4.97)
• How to Build a Strong Christian Home by June @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home ($4.99)
• Life Your Way Printables Download Pack by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($7.00)
• Sewing School 101: Simple Tips to Get You Stitching by Nicole @ Gidget Goes Home ($11.99)
• Taming the Laundry Monster by Angi @ SchneiderPeeps ($3.99)
• The Best of Visionary Womanhood: Volume Two by Natalie @ Visionary Womanhood ($4.99)
• The Homemaker's Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule by Amy @ Raising Arrows ($4.99)

• Bliss Balls for Beginners: 21 Recipes to Get You Started by Luschka @ Keeper of the Kitchen ($3.50)
• Dairy Free 101 by Becky @ For This Season ($5.00)
• Just Making Ice Cream: Over 70 Delicious Recipes Made with Nourishing Ingredients - 2nd edition by Marillyn @ Just Making Noise ($12.00)
• Happy Mom, Healthy Family Meal Planning Workshop + Cookbook by Lisa @ WellGroundedLife ($29.00)
• Meal Planning Made Easy by Kelly @ The Nourishing Home ($6.99)
• No Cook Freezer Meals by Kelly @ New Leaf Wellness ($5.99)
• Simplified Dinners by Mystie @ Simplified Pantry Cooking ($12.99)
• The ABC’s of Freezer Cooking by K.M. @ KMLogan.com ($2.99)
• The Healthy Lunch Box: Sandwich-Free Secrets to Packing a Real Food Lunch by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($9.95)
• The Sweeter Side of Candida: Desserts for the Holidays, Special Occasions, & Everyday Sweet Treats by Paula Miller & Sarah Ives ($14.95)
• {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals & Snacks by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.00)
• Real Food on a Real Budget: How to Eat Healthy for Less by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($18.97)
• Simple Cooking to Save You Money by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($4.97)
• The Frugal Secrets of Real Foodies by Shannon Miles, Sarah Nichols, Kristen Smith, Kate Tietje, and Katherine (Katie Mae) Stanley ($9.97)

• Discipleship & Discipline: Practical Parenting Help for the Desperate Mom eCourse by Sally Clarkson and Sarah Mae ($17.99)
• Pieces of Mommy: Putting Yourself Back Together by Sarah @ SarahStrausbaugh.com ($7.99)
• Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood by Jamie @ Steady Mom ($9.55)
• The Cherished Home: Protecting What's Important by Mary @ The Encouraging Home ($14.99)
• The Pursuit of Motherhood by Caroline Allen, Jennifer Allen, Mary Clendenin, Kelly Crawford, Jasmine Cucuta, Sara Elizabeth Dunn, Jacqueline Fitzgerald, June Fuentes, Heather Knopp, Melinda Martin, Richele McFarlin, Melanie Moore, Amy Roberts, Lindsey Stomberg, Jacinda Vandenberg, and Melanie Young. ($7.99)
• Undivided Mom: Finding Christ in the Chaos of Motherhood by Kayse @ KaysePratt.com ($4.99)

• 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse by Ashley @ LIFE by Ashley Pichea ($7.99)
• Dear Wife: Letters from a Help Meet by Misty @ Beautiful Ashes ($2.99)
• Intentional Marriage: The Art of Loving Your Husband (A 31 Day Devotional) by Crystal @ Serving Joyfully ($3.99)
• The Ultimate Marriage Vow: 21 Days of a Life-Long Commitment by Darlene @ Time-Warp Wife ($2.99)
• To Love, Honor and Vacuum Audio Download by Sheila @ To Love, Honor and Vacuum ($2.99)

• A Heart Prepared: A Simple & Effective Scripture Memory System by Jami @ Young Wife's Guide ($9.95)
• How To Manage Your Mouth: A 30 Day Wholesome Talk Challenge by Connie @ Smockity Frocks ($5.97)
• Restoring the Lost Petal: A Journey Through the Loss and Restoration of Sexual Purity by Danielle @ More Than Four Walls ($8.99)
• Set Apart: Becoming a Woman of Virtue in a Modern World by Anjanette Barr, Whitney Cornelison, Jennifer Fountain, Virginia George, Crystal Hatcher, Sarah Nichols, Rachel Marie, Ashley Roe, Kendra Stamy, Danielle Tate, and Karli Von Herbulis ($3.99)
• The Homesteading Wife's Christian Devotional: Finding Biblical Truths on the Farm by Susie @ Our Simple Farm ($3.99)

• Be Thankful: Cultivating Year-Round Thankfulness by Amanda @ The Pelsers ($7.99)
• Character Badges by Caroline @ The Modest Mom Blog ($9.99)
• God Gifted Virtues by Sara @ Your Thriving Family ($8.95)
• Learning to Speak Life: Fruit of the Spirit Family Devotional by Michael & Carlie @ Learning to Speak Life ($9.99)
• The ABC's for Godly Boys/The ABC's for Godly Girls by Lindsey @ The Road To 31 ($19.98)
• The Warrior Weekend: Helping Dads Raise Boys to Be Godly Men by Patrick & Ruth @ For the Family ($4.99)

• 5 Days to Budget Breakthrough: Change Your Money - Change Your Life by Kimberlee @ The Peaceful Mom ($5.95)
• 76 Free Things to Do with Kids: A Real Mom's Guide by Shannon @ Growing Slower ($5.97)
• Advanced Penny Pinching: Stockpile - Strategize - Save by Tabitha @ Meet Penny ($3.99)
• Cash Flow Your College: Knowledge in Your Head Without Getting in the Red by Kayla @ Renown and Crowned ($2.99)
• Christian Wealth Building by Michael @ MichaelPink.com ($77.00)
• It's Me or the Coupons: How a Busy Mom Can Win the Grocery Budget Battle by Beth @ Eat Better Spend Less ($10.00)

• Healing With God's Earthly Gifts: Natural and Herbal Remedies by Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama ($7.95)
• My Simple Healthy Life: A Minimalist Approach to Herbal Remedies, Beauty & Natural Cleaning by Tammie @ Simple. Healthy. Tasty. ($5.95)
• Simple Natural Health: Wellness Made Easy by Nina @ Shalom Mama ($10.00)

• 100 Days of a New Year 2014 eBook by Jennifer @ ListPlanIt.com ($8.00)
• Christmas Printables for Kids by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($2.50)
• Feast! Real Food, Reflections, and Simple Living for the Christian Year by Daniel & Haley @ Carrots for Michaelmas ($7.99)
• More Than a Holiday: A 25-Day Christmas Devotional for the Whole Family by Scott and Sarah @ Simple Life Abundant Life ($7.95)
• More Than Candy: A 25-Day Christmas Countdown that Counts by Sarah Mae @ SarahMae.com ($4.99)

• 101 Independent Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers by MaryEllen @ Imperfect Homemaker ($4.99)
• 1777 New England Primer Cursive/Manuscript Printable Alphabet Sets by Jacinda @ Growing Home ($5.98)
• A Simple Homeschool Planner by Tsh @ The Art of Simple ($4.00)
• The Charlotte Mason Way Explained by Dollie @ Teachers of Good Things ($7.99)
• The Preschool Journey by Angela @ Teaching Mama ($6.99)
• Weekly Homeschool Planner by Jolanthe @ Homeschool Creations ($20.00)
• You Can Read by Carisa @ 1+1+1=1 ($10.00)
• Write Through the Bible: Exodus 20 (KJV, Manuscript) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)

• Baby Ready: Preparing For and Adapting to Life with Baby by Monica @ Happy and Blessed Home ($7.99)
• Breastfeeding Twins, Triplets and More! by Jennifer @ Growing Up Triplets ($10.00)
• Cloth Diapers: A How-To Handbook on the Basics of Cloth Diapering by Rachel @ Intentionally Simple ($5.99)
• The Breastfeeding Lifeline: A Guide to Navigating the Newborn Days by the authors at Breastfeeding Place: Anjanette Barr, Michelle Ferguson, Jennifer Fountain, Trisha Gilkerson, Sarah Harkins, Shary Lopez, Kristen Smith, and Rhiana Wackenhuth. ($5.95)
• The Minimalist Mom's Guide to Baby's First Year by Rachel @ The Minimalist Mom ($4.99)
• Topical Devotions for Pregnancy: 13 Devotions to Nourish Your Soul by Becky @ Purposeful Homemaking ($3.99)

• 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal @ Money Saving Mom ($4.99)
• Equipped: Because You've Been Made to Live On Purpose by Elisa @ More to Be ($6.99)
• Live for Him: A Grace-Filled Look at Planning by Leigh Ann @ Intentional By Grace ($2.99)
• The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Daylight: Managing Your Days Through the Homeschool Years by Heidi @ The Busy Mom ($10.00)
• Your Retreat: A Guide to Giving Yourself a Personal Planning Day by Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker

• Blog Planner 2014 by Sarah @ My Joy-Filled Life ($4.99)
• Blog at Home Mom: Balancing Blogging and Motherhood by Christin @ Joyful Mothering ($4.99)
• FaithLeaps: The Christian Mom's Guide to Passion, Purpose, and Profits by Alyssa @ AlyssaAvant.com ($4.99)
• Monkey See, Monkey Do: A Tutorial to Using PicMonkey with Professional Results by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($8.00)
• The Blog Planning Kit: A System to Maximize Your Blogging Efforts by Kat @ How They Blog ($15.00)

What are the Ultimate Homemaking Bonus Offers?
($200+ value)

In addition to all the amazing eResources, this bundle includes the best bonus offers it's ever had. These deals are worth over six times the price of the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle.

1. DaySpring—A FREE 10-pack of Premium Greeting Cards. ($20.00 Value. Standard shipping applies.)
2. HopeInk—$15 HopeInk store credit to be used towards anything + a FREE 8×10 Art Print with order. ($39.00 Value. Standard shipping applies.)
3. Redeeming Beauty Mineral Makeup—3 FREE eyeshadows of your choice from Redeeming Beauty. ($16.47 Value. Standard shipping applies - only ships to US and Canada.)
4. Marie-Madeline Studio—A $15 store credit for anything in Marie-Madeline Studio's online store. ($15.00 value. Standard shipping applies.)
5. Once a Month Meals—A FREE One Month Pro Membership from Once a Month Meals. ($16.00 Value. No shipping required.)
6. Dizolve—FREE 64-load pack of Dizolve Laundry Strips for you PLUS a Free 64-load pack of Dizolve Laundry Strips for food banks. ($25.98 value. Standard shipping [$3] applies. Only ships in the US.)
7. TrilLight Health—Get a FREE 2 oz. bottle of a liquid health formula OR $15 store credit from Trilight Health. ($15.00 Value. Standard shipping rates apply.)
8. ListPlanIt—Free 3-month membership OR 3 free ePlanners from ListPlanIt. ($15.00 value. No shipping required.)
9. Bulk Herb Store—Instant download of the instructional video Making Herbs Simple Volume 2 for FREE from Bulk Herb Store. (up to a $15.00 Value. No shipping required.)
10. Fit2B™ Studio—FREE 2-Month Online Fitness Membership at Fit2B™ Studio. (up to a $20.00 Value. No shipping required.)

Remember, this bundle is available for 6 days only, from 8 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, April 23 to 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Monday, April 28th.

To celebrate the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle we're reviewing and giving away four e-books this week, each on a different day. You can still enter yesterday's giveaway, and come back tomorrow for a chance to win!

(And in the meantime, check with your husband about making the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle part of your home library!)

Disclosure: If you buy the bundle through our links, we will receive a small portion of the sale - and we will really appreciate it - THANK YOU :)  Our sincere prayer is that as you'll have blessed us, the resources and products available here will be a blessing to you and to your family.   Here's the fine print and also answers to frequently asked questions about the bundle.

10 Homemade Remedies You'll Actually Use! (One Week. Four Giveaways.)

I'm not the only one who has Pinterest boards full of natural remedies and DIY cleaners, but never implements any of them, am I?  That's something we call "paralysis by analysis".  How am I supposed to choose from the 174 different kinds of natural cold and flu concoctions or the 63 versions of a lemon and vinegar cleaning solutions?  It's overwhelming!

And that is why I love My Simple, Healthy Life - it really is what it claims to be: "A Minimalist Approach to Herbal Remedies, Beauty and Natural Cleaning".  Isn't this what we all want?  Tried and true recipes from a real person!

"This book has really been in the making for the past 18 years as I have found and formulated the things we most often need and use.  Some recipes have come and gone but these have stuck around and we have used them often (many of them every day) for years now." - Tammie, author of My Simple, Healthy Life

This e-book isn't boasting 200 homemade medicines, because how many of those would you really make?  The beauty of My Simple, Healthy Life is that Tammie has only included the 10 herbal remedies that you really will use. Maybe you'd want to start by making the Beat The Flu Elderberry Syrup (because that stuff really works, but it sure is expensive at the natural health store!), or how about the Calm Tummy or Immune Boost remedies to keep the whole family healthy and feeling good?  Looking for something REALLY simple to start with - try the Hot Honey recipe for that sore throat you feel coming on. Doesn't get more practical than this, does it?

Tammie also includes 5 DIY cosmetics (including mascara and two types of natural deodorant) and 5 DIY cleaners - all you need to keep a sparkly clean house...along with a little elbow grease!  You won't have to worry about dangerous chemical residue - and you won't be racking your brain wondering which natural laundry detergent is best - Tammie just gives you one that works!

Owning My Simple Healthy Life will pay for itself over and over when you no longer need to be stocking your cabinets with Pepto Bismal, Nyquil, Mr. Clean and Revlon (or their even more expensive "natural" counterparts.  Offered for only $5.95, My Simple Healthy Life really will make your life simpler and healthier.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway (along with all the others this week) will end Sunday night - so be sure to enter this week! The winners of all the giveaways will all be announced here on Monday morning.  Come back Thursday for our second giveaway celebrating The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle!

Why We Don't Have 5pm Meltdowns Anymore! (Build A Menu Review)

(For the month of November the yearly membership is only $35 - over 50% off!  This sale only happens twice a year so now is definitely the time to sign up! Head on over to Build A Menu now and use coupon code: BAMfor35)

It's 5pm, your toddler wants your attention, your newborn is crying, and you have no plans for dinner - sound familiar?  It was an all too frequent occurrence in our house!  At this point you can blow the grocery budget by eating out, or deal with the stress of coming up with something to eat, making it, eating late and by that time everyone's really cranky (or at least all of us who aren't Andrew - he is cool as a cucumber no matter what!). We all know the BEST way to really deal with the 5pm meltdown is to PREVENT it!

This past January, two things changed in our house: first, we gave birth to our darling Elisabeth, and second we subscribed to Build A Menu.  And let me tell you - the latter has made a world of a difference in dealing with the former!  I can honestly say that since having Elisabeth we have had WAY less 5pm meltdowns than before she was born!  My dinnertime prep with two children has been easier than when I had one!

How does this work, you may ask?  I'll tell you!  Each Wednesday I log into my Build A Menu account and select my grocery store.  This is an awesome feature for those of you who live in the USA, because they update their meals and prices for that week based on the sales at whichever store you shop at. (There is also a generic option if you don't use any of the stores listed - for us Canadians I think the only specific option is Wal-Mart).

After that is when the fun begins!  You can choose from a number of different categories: Dinner (the one I use most), Desserts (our second most used one), Breakfast, Snacks, etc.  And then for each of those you have a whole BUNCH of different options for meals!  The ones I choose from most are Dine-on-a-Dime, Slow Cooker Meals, Family Friendly, and Manly Meals.  There are also options for Gluten-Free, Clean Eating, Vegetarian, Trim Healthy Mama and many more.  You're welcome to mix and match as much as you'd like, and can save which meals are your favourite.

My favourite thing about Build A Menu is how easy the meals are.  Most dinners consist of two or three lines of instructions and are made up of basic ingredients.  We're on a pretty tight budget these days, and I really appreciate being able to make delicious, tasty meals without having to go out and buy special ingredients every week.  As well, with two little ones underfoot, part of what is keeping things sane around here is making simple meals.

So each week, I sit down in front of my computer for probably 30 minutes to plan my meals for the week - and it saves us from hours of insanity prior to dinnertime!  I first take a look at what we've got going that week, and plan my meals around that. I always pick one or two slow cooker meals and make those on days when we have plans to go out during the day, leaving the meals that take a bit more prep for days when I know we'll be home in the afternoon.

Build A Menu puts together your grocery list for you, and also combines all your recipes into one document which can be printed off, and which you can always access retroactively.   Meals we've tried and love so far include: Coconut Beef Stew, Salmon Quiche, Mexican Squash Ground Beef Casserole, and Slow Cooker Thai Chicken - and they taste as good as they sound!  I know that with the Build A Menu meals I don't have to stress about special prep, and I can rest assured we'll be eating a tasty meal come five-thirty!

Now that I've got your mouth watering - head on over to Build A Menu and check things out for yourself!  You can sign up for one month for $8, or jump in for a year which is just over $6 a month. And they have a 30 day money back guarantee - so you really have nothing to lose by giving it a try....except maybe those 5pm meltdowns :)

For the month of November the yearly membership is only $35 - over 50% off!  This sale only happens twice a year so now is definitely the time to sign up! Head on over to Build A Menu now and use coupon code: BAMfor35  

Heads up!  If you subscribe to Build A Menu through our links, we receive a small portion of the sale - and we will really appreciate it - THANK YOU!  Build A Menu really has made our life easier and my sincere prayer is that it will do the same for you! :)

(Linked up at Growing Home, The Modest Mom, Raising Homemakers, Walking Redeemed, Raising Arrows, Raising Mighty Arrows, and Graced Simplicity, Thrive @ Home, Serving Joyfully)

So You Think You're a Good Wife?

I think I'm a pretty good wife.  It's easy enough for me to look around and find people who are cheating on their spouse, constantly bickering with one another, show no affection, and so on, to make me feel good about how I'm doing.    And it seems like a really popular message these days for women is "don't be too hard on yourself" and maybe this IS a message lots of women, mothers especially, need to hear.  But I think often as wives, we could use a little shove in the other direction.  A little more tough love.

See, when we compare ourselves to the world, we may come out looking pretty good.  But if you're a Christian, there is a higher standard. This is where maybe you're worried I'm going to start talking about submission, but I don't even have to go there.  Let's instead look at a passage everyone loves: 1 Corinthians 13.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.  It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Cor 13: 4-7)

This is not the mushy, feel good verse it's often made out to be.  This is hard stuff.  There is no clause in this verse that says "Love is patient and kind ... when you are being loved in return".  And sure, you can say "But my husband is supposed to love me like this too!", and you'd be right.  But see, you aren't responsible for him - you are responsible for you.

Read the rest at Growing Home, where I am very honoured to be guest posting for one of my dearest real-life friends!

The Rise of the New "More Equal" Class

In Orwell's book, Animal Farm, the pigs launched a campaign to rid the animals of the existing order of the farm (which in the book, was pretty bad at the time), and started a system where every animal was equal.  They were successful.  However, over time we see that the pigs had a plan to take all authority and enjoy all the benefits from the work the other animals contributed.  Everyone was equal, but the pigs were "more equal."

It seems there is a new "more equal" class that will not allow someone who thinks differently then themselves take a place of leadership.  It is strange, yet predictable, that an agenda supposedly supporting "inclusiveness" makes its aim the exclusion of everyone except those who support their cause.  Because Brendan Eich, an eminently qualified individual for leading Mozilla, has supported traditional marriage, he has been forced to "resign" (Wikipedia, World).

The march of the communist agenda continues.

Add a Little Ladylike Style to Your Wardrobe {Pinspiration Post}

I'm going to try something new around where every once in a while I'll write a post on a specific topic with some inspiration from Pinterest, as well as some tips from yours truly!

To kick things off, and with the hope of warmer weather in mind, here's some ways you can imbue your outfits with a touch of femininity this spring, while still remaining modest and comfortable as the weather changes!  Even if it's raining and you've thrown on jeans and a t-shirt, it's as easy as this to still achieve that ladylike style!

Add a little sparkle

It's as simple as putting on a bit of jewelry, a sparkly headband, or finding basic items that already have some bling on them.

Add a little pink

I'm biased because its always been my favourite colour, and I know it's the stereotypical girly colour, but for that very reason it will give you a look of youthful femininity!

Add a bow

Bows are great because they can transform an outfit - and depending on the size, fabric, location, etc can be either whimsical or stately.

Add flowers (to your hair!)

What a better sign of spring than putting a colourful bit of nature on.  Though they won't last long (if they're real), they are sure to make those around you smile.

Add a smile

You'll look better and feel better!







But remember

Flesh and blood examples of outward beauty like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn may inspire us to carry ourselves with a little more dignity, but what should really raise our chins and straighten our backs is to know that we are perfectly, matchlessly loved by Christ (Jasmine Bauchum)

Link up to your Pinterest style boards in the comments!

Follow Stephanie @ Who Can Stand's board Ladylike Style on Pinterest.

(Linked up at Growing Home, The Modest Mom, Raising Homemakers, Walking Redeemed, Raising Arrows, Raising Mighty Arrows, and Graced Simplicity, Thrive @ Home, Serving Joyfully)