A Day in the Life {Jam-Packed Busy Mom of 3}

I’ve been a mom for 7 years now and in no way am I am expert, but I am getting much better at this gig than I was when I first became a mom. A few weeks ago we hosted small group at our own home for the first time and I was amazed by how young, yet grown up the other couples were. When I think back to my early mothering years I wasn’t anywhere close to how mature, financially responsible or spiritually strong these couple are now.  My husband was … [Read more...]

Chocolate Avocado Popsicles

The middle of summer means a lot of heat, sun and hopefully fun. In the midst of summer business of swim lessons, vacation Bible school, and staying up later, we love to have fun outside. We go to splash pads to keep cool, play in the back yard with the hose and often go for bike rides in the evening as the sun is setting. Always remember to use a good sunscreen or cover up in the sun to prevent skin damage. Another thing we love is a delicious, healthy popsicle. If you’re wanting a … [Read more...]

7 Ways to LOVE Your Husband

Before you start reading this, I just want to let you know that I do not do all these things with blissful glee. I want to, I'm a work in progress with the intention of being a more godly wife, probably much like you. Sometimes when I read about the Proverbs 31 wife, I feel in adequate, that I'll never measure up and that I've failed A LOT! At times, instead of lifting my husband up, I put him down. I've been quick to reply with harsh words, and since my nature isn't touchy-feely, I've … [Read more...]

How to Host an Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Packing Party

For the past few years, I have loved being able to participate in packing shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child with my kids. I usually let each of them choose the items at the dollar store, we decorate a card and pack the boxes all while listening to Christmas music and drinking hot beverages. It's been a tradition of trying to teach them to care about others around the world that might not have as much as they do. And this year won't be any different but after I met Alex at a conference … [Read more...]

Unhealthy Pantry Staples Remade

I'm over at Keeper of the Home with a post about taking unhealthy pantry staples and replacing them with healthy alternatives.sneak peak:Back in the days before most of us were even born, when our mothers or grandmothers were girls growing up, pantries were stocked very differently than in today's world. Here's a picture of a pantry from the 1940s: image credit Today, most pantries are stocked with stuff that is not even real food, with unhealthy fats, loads of sugar, BPA-laden cans of … [Read more...]

25 Uses for Tea Tree Oil

  I hope you'll join me over at Keeper of the Home where we're talking about an essential oil that you've probably heard of before or have even seen in recipes for homemade cleaners: tea tree oil.  Tea tree has such a diversity of usefulness that's both practical and convenient that you'll never want to live without it again! And the good news is that it is very inexpensive in comparison to other essential oils.  photo credit What is Tea Tree Oil?Tea tree oil, also known as Melaleuca … [Read more...]

How to Read Food Labels

    Today I'm over at Keeper of the Home taking about reading food labels.                           sneak peak:  When it comes to reading food labels, you may be wondering where to start. And I have definitely been there, standing in the aisle holding up a can or box, feeling overwhelmed and questioning why the grocery store just can't have all real food instead of a bunch of … [Read more...]

Holiday Lattes In the Crockpot {Plus Free Printables}

There is something about this time of the year that makes us love having a hot beverage treat to warm our hands and indulge our taste buds. The favorites seem to be the gingerbread latte, eggnog latte, peppermint mocha and then the pumpkin spice latte.  Join me over at Keeper of the Home to take a look at the recipes!  And check out these Free Printables! Give the gift of a warm holiday beverage this Christmas! Print recipe "tag" cards for all four of these holiday lattes and attach them … [Read more...]

Real Food Substitutions and No-Bake Cookie Dough Balls {a perfect holiday treat}

I'm always on the look out for natural alternatives and healthy recipes, and I'm sure you are, too--especially if you read this blog. With all the gluten intolerances, food allergies and reduced sugar guidelines so many readers face today, I'm glad to be able to make quick substitutions like these: You can also substitute 1 cup sugar for 1 teaspoon of... find the rest of the recipe here at Keeper of the Home. What is your favorite recipe to use healthy real food substitutes? … [Read more...]

A Day in the Life of…. A Busy Mom

  Please join me over at Keeper of the Home where we are taking a look into the writer's lives, there will be homeschool moms, pastor's wives, frugal moms, etc... very similar to our "A Day in the Life" series, which you can still link up to here! Here's a sneak peak into my life: I am 30. This might be young to some while older to others, and even though age isn't significant in motherhood, at 30 this year has been the hardest year of my life. Although I would like to give you my "ideal" … [Read more...]