Growing Home

Make Your Own Lip Balm

2012-02-01T04:35:00.000-08:00

It took a few tries, but we finally made a lip balm that's "just right!" It's a combination that works to permanently heal your lips, rather than offer a short-term solution as is the case with many store-bought brands made from synthetic ingredients.

There are a variety of cute little containers to use at the Dollar Store, and if you really want to go all out, you can even design your own labels on the computer! (Do I smell a business potential here? If you're in the natural skin care business, this recipe is free to use.)

:-)

Ingredients:

2 1/2 Tbsp grated beeswax
1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
1 Tbsp Sweet Almond Oil
800 IU (2 capsules) Vitamin E
3 drops tea tree oil
4 drops spearmint oil

Directions:

Combine beeswax, coconut oil, and almond oil in a glass measuring cup (or a double boiler, if you have one).

Add water to a small saucepan and set the measuring cup inside. Heat slowly until all the ingredients have melted together.

Remove from heat. Pierce the vitamin E capsules (I used the tine of a fork) and squeeze into the oil mixture. Add the essential oils and stir together.

Pour into a small container and let it stand for twenty minutes to cool and harden before using.

Looking to make more of our own natural skin care products? Try the DIY Guide by Kristy Howard from Little Natural Cottage. It's a winner of a book and a steal at just $4.00!

Linking to: Frugally Sustainable, Deep Roots At Home, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, The Barn Hop

Teach Me Tuesdays | Homemaking Link-up #29

2012-01-31T04:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 29th edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog. Thank-you all for your encouraging bits of wisdom, the lovely tutorials, and introductions to several new blogs. I so enjoy "meeting" and learning from you all!

A few favorites from last week...

How cool is this dish scrubby made from an onion bag?! A complete tutorial (with pictures) can be found at Mooberry Farm Homesteading.

What if you haven't been blessed with children? Is keeping your home full-time still a legitimate profession? Visit Reviving Homemaking for an honest perspective.

Whether you've suffered through a miscarriage or been spared from having one, Rachel's post on what her miscarriage taught her about the sanctity of human life is well worth your read.

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How have you grown your home this week? Was it through gardening, preserving, baby-wearing, cooking, crafting, teaching your children, cleaning your house, loving your husband, or through something else the Lord has been teaching you? Encourage other aspiring Proverbs 31 women by linking up below. Remember, you may share as many posts as you would like!

Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.

Battling the Selfish Mom in Me

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

I rolled over, pulling the covers on our bed a little tighter and hoping the faint cry I had just heard was part of a bad dream.

It wasn't.

I heard it again, this time a little louder. Maybe he'll go back to sleep. His cries continued and my attitude worsened. Please Lord, make him fall asleep! I selfishly, yet earnestly mumbled. I tried burying my head into the pillow to muffle the sound, but that didn't work either.

I knew I'd have to get out soon and give him his bottle. I didn't want his sister to wake up too. I sighed loudly, secretly hoping my husband would overhear and offer to do the job for me. He didn't.

Annoyed and jealous that my husband could sleep through anything, I complained to myself about having to go through the hassle of stepping out of bed into the freezing cold air, finding my slippers and housecoat in the dark, waiting to warm up Judah's bottle, and spending the next two hours trying to fall back asleep.

I felt so justified with my anger. I was fighting a cold and deserved the rest, or so I told myself. Instead of feeling pity and tenderness towards my teething babe, I responded to his tears in bitterness rather than love.

How often do I resent the violations of my "rights" when I should be praising the Lord that He has enabled me to stay home with our children and given me the opportunity to show them Jesus by dying to myself and putting their needs above my own!

The next time I'm tempted to indulge in a "me-centered" attitude, I hope I pause for a moment and reflect on the love of God through Jesus Christ. If His life exemplified but one thing, it is this: there is no room for selfishness in love.

"[love] does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil...." 1 Corinthians 13:5

Linking to: The Better Mom, Raising Arrows, These Five of Mine Plus Two, Far Above Rubies, Time Warp Wife

Good Morning! Breakfast Smoothie

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks (with several more to go), all the ladies on Brad's side of the family have been attending a whole foods cooking class. By far, the best thing about our evenings together is the fellowship and heart-to-heart that takes place on the way to and from class. The actual instruction and weekly food sampling run a close second though.

;-)

The following recipe is a variation on a breakfast smoothie we were introduced to. If awesome had a taste, I'm sure this would be it. Even better, the addition of essential fats and protein powder make it an easy, filling, and healthy alternative to cold breakfast cereal. Give it a try - you'll like it!

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh or frozen berries (I use blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries)
1 banana
2 servings (50 grams) of protein powder (whey or rice)
2 Tbsp Udo's Oil (or another high quality EFA/DHA oil)
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1 cup full fat yogurt or kefir

Directions:
Blend fruit and milk products together. Add the oil and protein powder, processing until just mixed. Serve and enjoy immediately!

Linking to Comfy In The Kitchen

"Just" A Housewife

2012-01-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

The following was written by Marie from Plowing in Pearls

It was in the hardware store. The fasteners aisle. Our little farmer in training was having a rough day, and I was a bit frazzled. With him hanging off my leg as I tried to weigh the nails I was getting, my frustration must have been showing on my face, because at some point in our conversation, the sales lady says to me

"You don't need to be so stressed dear, you're just a stay at home mom! Imagine if you had a job and a little one!"

At first, I wasn't overly offended. But as I added nails to the bag and the numbers on the scale went up, so did my level of offense taken. Just a stay at home mom? Are you kidding me right now? As if being a stay at home mom is meaningless, and I need a job to be validated.

I left without saying anything to this woman, but in hind sight, this is what I would have liked to tell her.

I am proud and thankful, every day, to have the most important job in the world. Being a wife and a mother encompasses so much more than those two words could ever imply. It's no seceret (at least to most other moms) that to be a mother is to wear just about every hat there is! Doctor, chef, maid, waitress, chauffeur, you name it, mothers do it.

As much as I am thankful for my right to vote, own property, and get paid the same wage as a man for doing the same work, radical feminism has demeaned the role of wife and mother, making it out to be "domestic slavery", useless work that contributes nothing to society in direct and tangible ways. Instead, to be a homemaker, or housewife, is often seen as an insult to modern women.

In my mind, to be a wife and mother is makes me stronger, more honorable, more feminine than any job I could do outside the home. Don't be fooled into thinking that being a submissive housewife means our husbands rule over us, or that men are above us. A good wife works with her husband, as a united team, drawing from his strengths, and he from hers.

I know I wouldn't be as successful as I could be without my husband, and vice versa. In fact, at one time I did entertain the thought of having a job, but after being away for one day, Farmer B almost had a melt down. He called me and said I couldn't have a job. I was too valuable to him, to our son, and to the farm. That's the greatest thing I've ever heard, and the best reward I could ask for. In no other job I've had, have I felt appreciated even a little. But in this job, I know my position is a meaningful one.

I choose to live a life that honors my womanhood and the God-ordained roll of homemaker. Call me a housewife, helpmate, family manager, lady of the house, but don't ever call me "just" anything.

"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband. . . ."

(Proverbs 12:4)

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Marie is mother, homemaker, and farmer's wife from South-Central Ontario. She is blessed to be a stay-at-home mom, raising their "Farmer in Training", as well as naturally, and sustainably produced meat, eggs and vegetables to sell at their on-farm market. By (finally) following God's will, He led her to an "amazing life, as a farmer's wife" which she shares at her blog Plowing in Pearls.

Giveaway from Little Natural Cottage

2012-01-25T04:11:00.000-08:00

What if you could find a resource that would teach you how to save money, improve your health, and satisfy the DIYer in you? What if, instead of scouring the Internet for hours to find tutorials on how to make just about anything, you had one guidebook to teach you everything you need to know about making your own:

laundry soap
hand soap
natural cleaners
hand cream
herbal tinctures
cough syrup
baby wipes
facial moisturizers
natural hair treatments
whole food recipes
and much more?

Kristy from Little Natural Cottage has compiled three eBooks to help you do just that! Better yet, she's generously giving away 2 complete sets (six books total) today to two of you!

I can attest to the value of these books from personal experience. The cleaner recipes in the DIY Guide really work and the hand salve? It's the only thing that seems to keep my hands from cracking this dry winter. Wholesome Mixes offers twenty-seven make-ahead mixes that will save both time and money in the kitchen and Holiday Mixes & Gifts in a Jar contains nineteen simple, healthy, frugal gift ideas that are sure to please.

For your chance to win 1 of 2 complete sets, use the entry form below. If you can't wait until Friday when we'll announce our winners, DV (I don't blame you!), take advantage of the Cottage Mama's excellent pricing and buy the DIY Guide today for just $4.00!

Linking to: Frugally Sustainable, Deep Roots At Home, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Teach Me Tuesday | Homemaking Link-Up #28

2012-01-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 28th edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog! Each Tuesday, I feature a few favorites from the week before...

Thank-you all for your encouraging bits of wisdom, the lovely tutorials, and introductions to several new blogs! I so enjoy "meeting" and learning from you!

I love the beautiful analogy Jerica makes in her post It Starts With A Seed. Children are like seeds; they both need to be treated with tender loving care in order to grow.

Terry is a "Mom of Many" with much wisdom to offer. Her post How To Make Doughnuts and Raise Responsible Children reminds us of how important it is to capture our children's hearts by teaching them to become independent of worldly trappings.

Isn't this Upcyled Plarn Grocery Tote the most ingenious thing you've ever seen? Kara from Petals to Picots offers a free pattern with detailed instructions.

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Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.

___________________________________

Picnik is closing on April 19th!

Make over your blog with Blog Design on a Dime while there's still time!

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How To Fold Sheets And Have Clutter-Free Linen Closets | Guest Post By Elvie Look

2012-01-23T04:18:00.000-08:00

Nothing is more frustrating then going into your linen closet and pulling out a sheet set and everything comes tumbling down. Or worse, you open the door and get dumped on.

Let me show you a nifty way to fold even the most cantankerous of sheets ... The T-Shirt Sheets! And, with just one more step, let me show you how to store them to create a neat and clutter-free closet.

Elvie Look: Your Professional Organizing Coach who is helping people get organized with her easy tips and suggestions. These systems help the busy mom, businessman or woman, entrepreneur or student learn the keys to organizing in simple, actionable and manageable steps. She teaches how to get organized and maintain your organized space while carrying on your normal busy life. She is the author of "21 Steps From Chaos To Calm and "One-A-Day" Tips, and "How To Get Organized So You Can Relax Without Guilt" Video Coaching. Elvies Essentials

Linking to The Barn Hop

Gourmet Mommy's Pizza Recipe

2012-01-20T04:54:00.000-08:00

I think pizza is underrated. It seems that everyone demonizes pizza - blaming it on their inability to loose weight or their poor health. To be sure, pizza from your favourite fast food place or the food court in the mall is terrible stuff. It's loaded with processed ingredients, chemicals, and unhealthy fats. But pizza that you make yourself at home can actually be a great option for several reasons.

It's frugal. You don't have to use a lot of meat (which can be pricey).
It's healthy. Make your own crust, top with loads of veggies, and drizzle with healthy olive oil.
It's easy. It comes together fast, cooks quickly and can use whatever leftovers you have in the fridge.
It's popular. I don't know about your family, but when I announce that it's pizza night at our house everybody celebrates!

My family's favourite is a simple tomato and asparagus pizza that I invented out of the leftovers in our fridge one night. It's become an often-requested favourite!

*Note: This recipe easily becomes gluten free by replacing the crust with either a pre-made frozen crust or by purchasing a GF pizza crust mix and making your own. Right click to "save as" and print recipe alone.

First you need a crust. You can do whatever your family likes best. I use a very simple whole wheat recipe, but I'm eager to try my hand at a sourdough pizza crust. Maybe this one. Either way - to save on time I always make a double batch and freeze half the dough. That way every second time we have pizza all I have to do is pull it out of the fridge and let it thaw! It's almost faster than delivery.

Oil a baking sheet (or pizza stone, if you have one) and spread the crust over it, pressing with your fingers to make little dents. Drizzle with more olive oil.

Preheat your oven to 500 degrees and prep your toppings. Bacon is optional, but satisfies my meat-loving husband. I try to buy all-natural bacon whenever it goes on sale and freeze. Dice the bacon and sauté until crispy. Drain and reserve.

To prep the asparagus, snap off the woody end and then snap into bite-sized pieces. Throw them into a bowl, toss with olive oil, sea salt and pepper and set aside.

I used pesto this time because I had it, but you could also just use fresh basil chopped and sprinkled over or even dried basil. Spread over the crust.

Grate or slice your cheese. Whenever fresh mozzarella is on sale I snap it up because it is so delicious. It's too soft to grate, so you have to cut slices. But we also use regular old mozzarella all the time too and it's just fine. Just don't buy the pre-grated stuff - not only is is overpriced but it's also coated in chemicals to keep it from sticking together. Yuck!

Finally, thinly slice two tomatoes. Now you're ready to assemble!

Lay the tomato slices over the pesto. Next add the cheese, bacon, and asparagus. I also added in some crumbled feta cheese when I took these photos because it was languishing in my fridge, but it's not essential. Bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Slice it up and serve to your happy family. Little do they know they're eating healthy!

Linking to Comfy in the Kitchen

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Emily is a young wife and stay at home mother who blogs at Gourmet Mommy about life, food and kids. She was married to her wonderful husband Cory in October of 2008. Their first son, Eli, joined their family on September 13, 2009 and they welcomed their second son, Theophilus [Theo], on May 25, 2011.

Emily is passionate about her faith in God, being a homemaker, living a healthy lifestyle, cooking (and eating!) healthy and delicious food, homeschooling and lots of other things. You can follow Emily on Facebook and Twitter, and don’t forget to check out her lovely blog as well.

Juicing | Why It's Good For You & How To Do It

2012-01-19T04:18:00.000-08:00

One of our goals for this year is to eat healthier; juicing raw fruits and vegetables makes that easier. We've found that the benefits of making our own juice outweigh the time it takes to pull out the machine and put it together. Truthfully, this was the reason I let our juicer sit in the back of our cupboard for much of last year. In reality, it's quite silly of me not to use it, especially when I compare the small amount of work it takes to clean it up to the incredible nutrition value it can provide for my family.

Let's take a look at some of the benefits of juicing:

Juicing extracts from raw fruit and vegetables the vital nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants our bodies need function properly by building up the immune system, and promoting cell regeneration and growth.
There is no heat involved in juicing raw, fresh fruit and vegetables, so the live enzymes are preserved.
A quality juicer can extract vitamins and minerals from the parts we wouldn't normally consume - peelings, pits, and seeds.
Juicing is the most concentrated, digestible, form of food which makes it easy for our bodies to receive the maximum value from the food source.
Making your own juice ensures you know exactly what's in it and allows for unique flavor combinations you can't find in the store!
Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants. Drinking a glass of them will help remove the toxins, fat, and chemicals left behind by processed foods.

Read the rest at Under The Golden Apple Tree!

Forcing Bulbs Indoors

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

It's cold up here. There's no sign of Spring as far as the eye can see. Snow, ice, and bitter wind have marked the past few days and my guess is that the theme will continue for several more months.

Inside, it's a different story. Crocuses are blooming in my kitchen and serve as a reminder that Spring will surely come. Sooner than later, we will be able to say:

"For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in the land." Song of Solomon 2: 11, 12

Forcing bulbs to grow indoors during the off-season is a simple project and an easy way to rid yourself of the winter blues. If you have children, this is a wonderful way to teach them about Creation and an opportunity to draw a visual parallel to the doctrine of re-birth.

You'll need:

1 small pot with drainage holes
1 saucer or container to catch the water
potting soil
a shovel
3 bulbs (Hyacinths, crocus', tulips, daffodils, and paper whites are excellent choices)

Directions:

Fill 2/3 of your pot with soil. Arrange the bulbs on top, leaving an even amount of space between them. Too many bulbs in a pot will promote poor flower growth. Cover with the rest of the soil and place in another container or on a saucer to catch the water overflow.

Place your pot in a cool, dark place (a garage or basement) until you see some green emerge from your bulbs. Transfer to a sunny spot and remember to water regularly.

Once your bulbs are finished blooming, let the leaves die completely before planting them in your garden.

Linking to: Frugally Sustainable, Encourage One Another, Women Living Well, Raising Homemakers, Delightful Order, Little Natural Cottage

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Last week I switched up the look of my blog and it didn't cost me a penny! My new eBook was written to help you do the same.

Teach Me Tuesday | Homemaking Link-Up #27

2012-01-17T03:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 27th edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog! Each Tuesday, I feature a few favorites from the week before...

Thank-you all for your encouraging bits of wisdom, the lovely tutorials, and introductions to several new blogs! I so enjoy "meeting" and learning from you!

Kristy, from Little Natural Cottage, shares why she's not cut out to be a homeschool mom.

Our sponsor, Raising Dieter, shares a fabulous recipe for homemade Barbecue Sauce!

My friend Jill from Jill's Home Remedies, offers a natural, healthier alternative to the terrible taste of commercial cough syrup.

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Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.

Last week I switched up the look of my blog, and it didn't cost me a thing!

My new eBook was written to help you do the same.

What If You Only Have One Child?

2012-01-16T04:21:00.000-08:00

"I'm so glad we have at least two. Now it feels like I'm busy enough for staying at home to qualify as a real job."

Have you ever felt that way? That there's not enough labor involved with raising just one child to constitute giving up a career to stay at home? Is there a particular number of children one must have or a certain level of busyness we must undertake in order for our calling to be considered a noble one?

Parenting is a task that far exceeds our abilities. Every mother is called to be for her child what no one else can be, and to do what no one else can do. We will be held solely responsible for the children God places into our care. Whether we have one child or two, six or twelve, our divine calling to raise them in the fear of the Lord remains the same.

In John 10:11-16, Jesus tells the story of two shepherds. One, the hired servant, cowardly abandons the sheep - after all, they are not his own. His self-interest is of greater importance. In contrast, the good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for the sheep because they are his. He treats what he owns with a love great enough to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Similarly, no amount of money can make a day care provider, baby-sitter, or school teacher love your children like only you can. No amount of delegation or waiver signing can change the fact that God appointed parents - not the State, nor the Church - to raise their children.

God does not differentiate between the parent of one child or the parent of many; His calling for mothers "...to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home...that the word of God be not blasphemed (Titus 2:4, 5)," is the same across the board. When we follow His guideline with joy and obedience, He is often pleased to bless our weak efforts, thanks to the atoning work of Jesus on the Cross.

Of course, the dynamics of managing a small family will look much different than managing a larger one. Those blessed with fewer children will have different opportunities than those blessed with more. Either way, your schedule is your creed; what you believe in you have time for. Your child reads it daily and decides which is more important to Mommy - her job, decorating the house, writing a blog, or instructing her children in the way of the Lord.

If you find yourself under attack for choosing to stay home and parent a single child, take heart - you cannot improve upon God's design. When given the choice, remember that the investments we make now have eternal repercussions, no matter how many arrows we find in our quiver.

Linking to: The Better Mom, A Handful of Heart, Raising Arrows, Raising Mighty Arrows

How To Make Your Own Sausage

2012-01-13T04:29:00.000-08:00

This week, we made our own sausage for the first time! I was so pleased with how they turned out. They're similar in taste to our local Mennonite summer sausage and surprisingly easy to prepare. By using local, organic beef, you can rest assured that the quality of your product far outweighs the store-bought variety. No fillers, or cancer-causing nitrate preservatives, homemade sausage is an excellent source of protein for gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and normal diets alike!

The following recipe is just a base. Tweak it to your own tastes. I rolled one sausage log in ground pepper to give it an extra kick.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp Water
2 Tbsp Salt
2 tsp Liquid Curing Smoke
1 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Dry Mustard
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Ground Pepper
2 lbs Lean Ground Beef

Directions:

Combine the first 7 ingredients in a bowl. Add ground beef and mix well. Divide into 2 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 2 inch diameter log. Wrap each log tightly with heavy-duty foil. Chill for 24 hours. Using a fork, poke holes in foil along the top and bottom of each log. Place on a wire rack set in a baking sheet with edges. (or use a broiler pan if you have one). Bake at 300F for 2 hours. Let stand in foil until cooled. Chill. Each roll cuts into 32 slices.

Linking to: Little Natural Cottage, Comfy in the Kitchen, Frugally Sustainable, Homestead Revival, Nourishing Treasures

How I Redesigned My Blog (and how you can too!)

2012-01-12T03:58:00.000-08:00

Growing Home has had the same look since it was officially launched in August 2011. Six months later found me itching for a new, fresh design. Like many of you, hiring a professional designer is not an option as the associated costs are often too steep for what we can afford. It helps to know the basics of blog designing - creating your own headers, buttons, and social media icons - so that, whenever the itch strikes, you can switch things up in a matter of of minutes.

Before:

After:

Last week, I released my first eBook, Blog Design on a Dime, where I explain in detail how to create all of the elements above (through screenshot tutorials) without spending a penny on expensive software. The response has been overwhelming and the kind reviews daily brighten my day. Here's what people are saying:

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"I have really been blessed by your book already. My blog design was just recently done for me and while I like it, I am slowly learning a bit more about my style as a blogger....You could have charged double and I still would be delighted I bought it!" Kasey Norton, These Five of Mine PLUS Two

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"Jacinda thank you so much! I just purchased your Blog Design on A Dime ebook and have only gone through Chapter 1 and already learned so much!!!...I wish I had found you sooner!! I can't wait to read the rest. Thank you again! You are truly a blessing. God Bless." Sheri

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"I have a little experience with design since I love to do my own thing...I thought of myself as someone who could make a decent blog button or header. Blog Design on a Dime brought it to a new level. All those designs that needed an little extra something I thought I could not accomplish I learned I could." Richele, Under The Golden Apple Tree

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"I am so excited and cannot thank you enough for your ebook...it is SUCH a blessing! I have already implemented some things and my blog looks so much more professional! I am going to do a review and advertise for you! I am so happy. :)" Jenny Ervin, A Mother's Heritage

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"If you are looking to design your blog by yourself, this just released book is a HUGE help! I have read through the eBook and it is just excellent! Highly recommend it!" Caroline Allen, The Modest Mom

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Ready to make over your blog?

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Lemon Dustcloths

2012-01-11T04:53:00.000-08:00

I try to avoid using chemical cleaners if at all possible. With the exception of one product (a terribly toxic substance that seems to be the only solution to wiping out the ring of dirt and hard water around the tub - might anyone have a natural remedy to this problem?), everything in our cleaning cupboard is safe to use and wouldn't kill our children if they were to accidentally ingest it. Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Lemon go a long way!

These lemon dust cloths take just minutes to prepare and can be stored in an airtight jar until you're ready to use them. Sometimes dusting with a dry cloth does more harm then good as it moves the dirt around instead of catching it. These cloths are damp and infused with vinegar to help catch and kill the bugs at the same time. The addition of olive oil and lemon rind bring a soft polish to your furniture.

To make, you'll need six things:

1 cup vinegar
1 cup water
1 tsp olive oil
1 lemon rind
2 dust rags
1 glass jar with lid

Mix the vinegar, water, and olive oil together. Soak the rags in the solution. Ring out until damp-dry. Alternate rinds with rags inside your jar and seal the lid tightly.

Do you have any natural cleaning solutions to share? I'm especially interested in learning how to get marker off fireplace stone. It seems someone in our house decided the slab looked to boring in grey. :-)

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Linking to: Homestead Revival, An Original Belle, Far Above Rubies, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, Frugally Sustainable , Deep Roots At Home, Raising Mighty Arrows, Our Simple Country Life, Your Thriving Family, The Purposed Heart, A Wise Woman

Teach Me Tuesdays | Homemaking Link-Up #26

2012-01-10T04:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 26th edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog! Each Tuesday, I feature a few favorites from the week before...

A Mother's Calling spells out what it really take to care for the flock the Lord has entrusted into our care.

My Old Kentucky Homestead shares six tips to help you get started on organizing your home.

Hidden Treasures understands anyone who's ever looked at the mess in their house and thought the best thing to do is "Burn it down and start over."

Thank-you all for your encouraging bits of wisdom, the lovely tutorials, and introductions to several new blogs! I so enjoy "meeting" and learning from you!
_______________________________________________

Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.

Make Your Own Lavender Salt Scrub

2012-01-09T03:58:00.000-08:00

It takes just a few minutes to whip up this exfoliating salt scrub that will leave your skin looking fresh and feeling smooth. It's also an easy and inexpensive gift idea for birthdays, Mother's day, or "just because." All you need is a pretty jar (the Dollar Store has many to choose from), and three ingredients.

Ingredients:

Coarse Sea Salt (enough to fill your jar)
Olive or melted Coconut Oil
Lavender Essential Oil (a few drops)

Directions:

Pour the salt into your jar until just below the rim. Stir the essential oil into the olive or melted coconut oil. Pour over the salt crystals until the jar is full. Screw the lid tightly onto your jar, attach a small spoon, and embellish however you please.

To use:

Store the mixture in your shower stall. After a good rinse, scoop the scrub into your hands and work into your rougher patches of skin - knees, elbows, around your ankles, etc. Rinse off and towel dry.

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Cheesy Chicken Omelette

2012-01-06T04:07:00.000-08:00

Don't you love it when you throw a whole bunch of leftovers together and it turns into something your family asks for again and again? That what happened to me the other day and hence the birth of a Cheesy Chicken Omelette. It's one-dish meal that's healthy, quick to prepare, uses on-hand ingredients, and is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And if you're on a gluten free diet, it will fit your bill too.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups boneless, skinless chicken, cubed
1/4 cup butter or coconut oil
1 small tomato, diced
1/2 a small onion, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
fresh parsley, a generous sprinkling
salt, to taste
ground pepper, to taste
5 eggs, lightly whisked
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

Fry chicken in butter (or coconut oil) with onion, garlic, and tomato until chicken is fully cooked and the onion is clear. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and add eggs. Pour mixture into a greased pie pan, sprinkle with cheese and bake at 350 F for 30 minutes or until knife comes out clean.

Linking to: Comfy in the Kitchen, Little Natural Cottage

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Today is the last day to enter for a chance to win a free copy of my new eBook, Blog Design on a Dime!

Frugal Ways To Cozy Up Your Home

2012-01-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

I always find our house a bit bare looking after December. The Christmas decorations are packed away for another year, and of course, it's much too early to set out the Spring decor! The cold weather outdoors has inspired me to cozy up things inside during these middle months between the season change.

It costs next to nothing, but somehow, the addition of a few twigs, evergreen branches, holly from my Mom's bush, pine cones, and a Shabby Wreath made from scrap material, help to make our home feel more warm and welcoming. When the whether outside is frightful, make the indoors delightful with these five inexpensive ideas:

Pour apple cider into a crock-pot, add a few lemon slices, a cinnamon stick or two, and a cheesecloth bundle of cloves for a tasty drink that will warm you to your toes.
Keep a generous supply of blankets on hand. Quilts or afghans rolled up and stored in a bushel basket under the coffee table are easy to access and make curling up on the couch that much more enjoyable.
Make or invest in a good pair of slippers for each member of the family. If their toes stay warm, they'll feel toasty all over.
Burn a candle. Although they won't do much to increase the overall temperature of your house, a flickering flame and scents like cinnamon, apple pie, and vanilla add an element of coziness that light bulbs just can't.
Shovel the driveway. Shoveling snow isn't just good exercise; it also helps one appreciate the warmth indoors that much more!

How about you? Do you have any special ways of making your home feel warm and cozy during these cold Winter months? I'd love to hear your ideas!

Linking to: Homestead Revival, An Original Belle, Far Above Rubies, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, Frugally Sustainable , Deep Roots At Home, Raising Mighty Arrows, Our Simple Country Life

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My new eBook came out yesterday and we're giving you the chance to win a copy! Click on the banner below for more information, an affiliate opportunity, and to enter.

It's Here! Introducing Blog Design On A Dime!

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

Every week, without fail, I receive several emails like these:

“I desperately want to update the look of my blog. Can you give me any good pointers on how to go about using/creating backgrounds, graphics, etc.? How did you increase your knowledge and skill on such things? I appreciate any help you can give...” - L.J.

"I was wondering if you would be interested in helping me toy around with a blog design... I'm no good at web designing. I'll need a Header, background, and Ad button with the grab me code. Would you be interested in helping me any?” -H.K.

“I'm loving this design, Jacinda! ...I really think this is a keeper! Where did you get the photos and elements to work with? Love it! I really do. You need to start blog designing!” -H.R. (professional blog designer)

It’s always somewhat surprising to me to receive a request like this because:

I am not a blog designer
I don’t own or know how to use any photo editing software (Photoshop? Adobe? What’s that?!)
I don’t have a clue about HTML coding, CSS, or any other funny term
I have never spent a dime on my own blog design

Every header, button, banner, gift certificate, and social media icon I’ve ever designed for myself or anyone else, was made using an old computer and a bit of imagination. All it cost was my time.

I wish I had enough of that to spread around to every aspiring blogger! But since I don’t, I decided to do the next best thing:

write an eBook that will teach you everything you need to know about designing your blog without spending a penny on tools.

In Blog Design On A Dime, I will walk you through every step it takes to create a blog header, button, and social media icons without the use of expensive photo editing software.

You'll how to create drop shadows, circle buttons, and position elements for maximum impact. You’ll know all about color codes, how to make your own grab box, and link your Facebook page to an icon you make for it. You’ll learn how to create a properly sized header and how to center the elements on your sidebar.

By the end of this book you’ll have learned all the techniques required to make and install stuff that looks like this:

Plus! Enjoy a bonus chapter on how to use these techniques to create a Facebook Welcome Page and profile, eBook covers, and gift certificates!

Best of all, no experience is required!

Buy it now for just $4.99!
(the first 14 people to purchase a copy will be given the opportunity to give one away, free of charge, on their blogs!)

____________________________________________________

Want to make money from home?
Earn 20% of every Blog Design on a Dime eBook you sell!
Find the complete details of our easy-to-use Affiliate Program HERE
___________________________________

Enter below for your chance to win a copy of Blog Design on Dime - for Free!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be chosen at random this Saturday.
Linking to: Women Living Well, Frugally Sustainable, Raising Homemakers

Teach Me Tuesday | Homemaking Link-Up #25

2012-01-03T04:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 25th edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog! Each Tuesday, I feature a few favorites from the week before...

Cheryl, from Treasures in a Shoebox, shares the tragic story of her accidental abortion.

Pam, from Ramblings of a Happy Homemaker keeps a computer journal! What a fantastic idea! Hand-written notes just don't have the same appeal as a Word Pad document.

Whole New Mom serves up a delicious, dairy, egg, gluten, and sugar free way to eat baked oatmeal. Mmmm!

Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.

Coming SOON!

Revolutionary Resources For Your New Year Resolutions

2012-01-02T04:23:00.000-08:00

Did you make any resolutions for the New Year? Last year I made a few and predictably broke them all. In most cases, I simply bit off more than I could chew. This year, I resolved not to make any resolutions I couldn't keep.

Instead, I jotted down a few reasonable goal to strive towards. Making promises only to break them a short while later is vanity, but setting goals and making a conscious effort to pursue them is biblical:

"Where there is no vision, the people perish..." Proverbs 29:18

My guess is that many of you have set out to accomplish the same things I have. To that end, here are a few favorite resources to help us along the way.

I will strive to be a better mother.

I will strive to be more organized.

I will strive to cook more wholesome, healthier meals for my family.

I will strive to replace products with harmful chemicals and preservatives with natural, healthier homemade ones.

I will strive to promote biblical manhood and godly femininity is my sons and daughters.

Linking to: Domestically Divine, Time-Warp Wife, The Barn Hop

Another Year Is Dawning

2011-12-30T05:11:00.000-08:00

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.

Another year of progress, another year of praise,

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,

Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,

Another year of training for holier work above.

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

Frances R. Havergal, 1874

This past year brought with it highs and lows. We rejoiced in welcoming our first son, Judah Paul, into our family on March 23, 2011:

and were devastated when Charity broke her femur a few weeks later on May 20, 2011:

We were honored to be a part of our sisters' weddings this year - my sister Naomi was married on July 13, and Brad's sister Esther tied the knot on October 15:

and enjoyed a week of cottaging up North with our friends from Church:

It has been a wonderful year. God has been faithful to us despite our failures and shortcomings. We look forward what 2012 will bring, because we know that the One who holds the future, is the One who holds our hand.

May God bless you all with a Happy New Year!

Camping photos courtesy of Meagan

What's Ahead For Growing Home in 2012?

2011-12-29T03:58:00.000-08:00

To be honest, I really don't know.

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:9

I have a few plans for Growing Home, but whether they come to fruition or not, is entirely in the Lord's hands. God's blessing on Growing Home since its official launch five months ago in August 2011, leaves me baffled. I can only hope and pray that He will continue to graciously bless this wee corner of the web and use my humble musings for His glory in the year to come.

If God in His good providence allows it, these are the goals for this blog in 2012:

E-Book Release. For the past few weeks, I've been putting together an eBook. Every week, without fail, I get asked to design, help design, or offer pointers on how to make over a blog. It’s always somewhat surprising to me to receive a request like this because:

I am not a blog designer

I don’t own or know how to use any photo editing software (Photoshop? Adobe? Gimp? Paint? Corel? Picasa? What’s that?!)

I don’t have a clue about HTML coding, CSS, or any other funny term like that

I have never spent a dime on my own blog design

Every header, button, banner, gift certificate, and social media icon I’ve ever designed for myself or anyone else, was made using an old computer and a bit of imagination. All it cost was my time. I wish I had enough of that to spread around to every aspiring blogger, but since I don’t, I decided to do the next best thing:

write an eBook that will teach you everything you need to know about designing a completely customized look for your blog without spending a penny on tools.

My goal is to have the book published by the end of January. I'm also planning on creating an affiliate program so that you can make money from home by receiving a generous commission on every sale you make through your own site. And, just for perks, everyone who buys a copy within the first 14 days, will be given the opportunity to give one away, free of charge, on their own blog. Stay tuned for all the details, and several opportunities of win a copy for yourself. :-)

April Advertising Sale. Do you have a new business or blog and would like to get the word out without spending a fortune? We'd like to help you do just that by offering a savings of nearly 30% on our regular advertising fees for the month of April; ~~$35~~ $25 for a 3-month, 125x125 sidebar ad and a complimentary guest post! That's a $10 savings! Anyone interested in taking advantage of this deal is invited to contact me before March 10, 2011. Please refer to our Advertising Page for our current statistics, audience information, and additional advertising options.

Guest Contributors Wanted! If you are a stay-at-home daughter, a gardener, and/or a gluten-free cook, I'd love to consider featuring a post from you on Growing Home! Please contact me for further details and writing guidelines.

Monthly Giveaways and Teach Me Tuesday | Homemaking Link-Ups are major highlights around these parts and are here to stay. If you have a product (valued at $10 or more) you'd like to promote that will be of benefit to the Christian homemaker, you may send it to me for an honest review and a featured recommendation.

The Lovely Blog Directory is a project I recently put together, but am continuing to add to all the time. It's a shame that more people aren't aware of so many beautiful blogs gracing the Internet! The Lovely Blog Directory is attempting to help solve that problem by acting as a one-stop resource for such blogs. If you have (or know of) a blog that meets the criteria, do let me know and I will add it as soon as I can. Help yourself to the exclusive button if you find your site listed there!

Need to contact me about any of the above? Feel free to send an email to:

jacinda @ growinghomeblog . com

What would you like to see more of on Growing Home?
Please comment with any suggestions or improvements you might have!

Photo Credit

Put The Phone Down And Be A Mother

2011-12-28T03:54:00.000-08:00

Today, six friends and I are writing a series called Put the Phone Down! Our hope and prayer is to draw to your attention the importance of one-on-one relationships with those around you without the distraction of a phone and/or computer. In closing, you will find a list of lovely ladies and their individual Put the Phone Down topic.

I must begin with a confession: I'm a rather old school sort of girl who doesn't own a cell phone. It's not that I have anything against them; I've simply never had the need or desire to stay up to date with the latest technology. You might think that my relationships would be perfect then, since I don't have a little gadget constantly buzzing in my back pocket for attention.

However, I have a computer, and though it is an ancient beast that causes the middle of my desk to sag, it has the power to wield the same time-wasting, relationship-breaking temptation as latest iPhone model. As a mother to two young children and an avid blogger, I'm becoming increasingly aware of the need to turn off the power and focus on building relationships with these precious souls that have been entrusted into our care for such a short time.
One day, I will say to Charity, "Please don't rub the diaper cream in your hair; it's not shampoo," and she won't. One day, after Judah spits up sour milk into the carpet and I hurry to clean it up before the bacteria can start to brew, I'll say, "Oh Judah! You're too big to be spitting up your milk!" and my floor will stay clean. One day, I will hesitantly step out of bed in the morning and be surprised to discover that there is no herd of stuffed animals waiting in the hall to sprain my ankle. One day, when I ask, "Can I just have two minutes of peace and quiet?" I will be answered with a deafening silence. One day, when I say, "Mommy just has to write a blog post for a minute. I'll be right back," as I walk down the stairs, I will return, and my children will be gone.
Are we willing to turn off the technology so we can mother like Jochabed? Can you see her there, nursing Moses, praying for him, and teaching him the truth about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? In the few short years between Moses' birth and the time he was weaned, his parent's influence was so great that we find Moses listed among the heroes of faith: "By faith, Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharoah's daughter." (Hebrews 11: 24)
Time is short, and the precious few moments we're given with our children are fleeting. It can be a real challenge trying to keep up with emails that require a response, comments that need to be published, and a Facebook status that's waiting to be updated. As much as I hate to admit it, it really doesn't matter if any of these things get done today. There are other lovely blogs for people to read, and other pages to "like."
But my children - I only have them on loan for a short while and the time in which they are most impressionable? Once it's gone, it's gone. Seize the day. Spend as much time as you can training them up in the way that they should go, so that, when they are old, they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).

Linking to: Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots At Home, Women Living Well,

Teach Me Tuesdays | Homemaking Link-Up #24

2011-12-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 24th edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog! Each Tuesday, I feature a few favorites from the week before...

Caroline, from The Modest Mom, gives some practical tips and spiritual encouragement on mothering through dreary days. If you're an exhausted mother, you'll find renewed hope in Caroline's excellent post.

Stefanie, from Stefanie's Pleasant Places, reminds us that praying specifically for our church family and leadership is of great importance.

Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.

Honey-Mustard Lemon Chicken

2011-12-26T04:43:00.000-08:00

It can be hard to cook healthy, tasty meals for your family during this busy season -especially if you're on a gluten-free diet. Here's an easy recipe that's quick to prepare, made with good-for-you ingredients, and, it's a great way to use up any leftover chicken!

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts (skin and bones removed)
1 tsp butter
2 tsp coconut oil
1 Tbsp mustard
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp Herbamare
1 tsp parsley

Directions:

Cook chicken in frying pan with butter and coconut oil until no longer pink. Mix the remaining ingredients together and pour over chicken. Fry over medium-high heat until golden . Serve with potatoes or rice and steamed vegetables.

Looking for more great tasting, easy to prepare, healthy recipes? Treat yourself to the Cottage Mama eBooks, available for just $4.00 each!

______________________________________

We've got some exciting plans for 2012 at Growing Home! Stayed tuned for the announcements later on this week, DV!

And the winner is....

2011-12-23T04:22:00.000-08:00

Brandee!

Your entry (# 2,741) was chosen by Rafflecopter out of 2, 885 entries!

Congratulations! May these gifts truly bless and encourage you in your divine calling as a homemaker.

A HUGE thank-you to all our amazing sponsors, who made this giveaway possible.
I heartily recommend doing business with each one of them:

Sip-N-Savour

Simple Joys Boutique

Joyfully Sewn Designs

The Honey Cycle Shop

Vintage Handmade Soaps

Little Natural Cottage

Dezingz By Liz

Cards By Meagan

A Mother's Heritage

Doorposts Publishing

Bambi-Lilla Rose

True Christian Motherhood

Rachel Ramm Fine Art

The Encouraging Home - Living Clay

______________________________________________________

To our Growing Home readers, we wish you a:

(Please excuse the fact that our children are in another world)

;-)

What does the birth of Jesus have to do with homemaking?

2011-12-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

What does the birth of a Baby in a dirty, Bethlehem stable over 2,000 years ago have to do with homemaking?

Absolutely Everything.

Homemaking is naturally beautiful. Even rampant feminists find a bountiful garden, handmade jellies, patchwork quilts, flower arrangements, a well-made bed, and an orderly house irresistible. The Internet is full of sites dedicated to helping DIY junkies turn their houses into homes. Martha Stewart has built a multi-million dollar empire teaching women how to store apples and wrap presents with style.

We could be the empress of homemaking, with our own magazine, TV network, line of crafting supplies and interior decorating solutions, but if we've failed to recognize the meaning Jesus brings to our domestic duty, than I'm afraid even our best efforts are in vain.

I love keeping our home, but I fail at it all. the. time.

Sometimes I spend more time reading up on perennials than I do plucking the weeds out of my own heart. Sometimes I find it easier to serve my children freshly baked bread rather than offer them the Bread of Life. Sometimes I spend more time dreaming up clothes to sew than clothing myself with humility. Sometimes I'll step back and admire the beauty of a recently organized cupboard, without thinking twice about how I rearranged my priorities to get it that way.

Every day, my heart is prone to wander and worship homemaking rather than our Home Maker.

But, joy to the world, Jesus came to redeem my mess! The mess I make of my relationships, the mess I make of homemaking - what ever mess I've allowed sin to make is a mess that Jesus has the redemptive power to clean up and flip on its head for God's glory.

When God looks at the beauty and perfection of His Son who took my sin and guilt and stands before the Father in my place, He doesn't see my botched up homemaking efforts. He sees Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 perfectly kept with joy and obedience. Through His Son, God is well-pleased and herein lies my hope as a homemaker.

Linking to:Women Living Well, Raising Homemakers, Far Above Rubies, Raising Mighty Arrows, Homestead Revival, Deep Roots At Home, Our Simple Country Life, Time-Warp Wife, The Modest Mom, A Wise Woman

Today is the LAST DAY to enter our special giveaway!

(valued at over $200!)

Sugar Gift Bag

2011-12-21T04:36:00.000-08:00

Here's a sweet little gift bag idea that won't break the bank!

After you've emptied the sugar bag from all your holiday baking:

fold the top of the bag inside
reinforce four small holes with grommets
attach two equal lengths of pretty string to make the handles
add a tag with a creative play on words : "To my Sweetheart," "To a Sweet friend," etc.

Guaranteed frugality and originality.

________________________________________________

There's still time to enter our special giveaway!

(valued at over $200!)

Teach Me Tuesdays | Homemaking Link-Up #23

2011-12-20T04:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 23rd edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog! Each Tuesday, I feature a few favorites from the week before...

Rhonda from Abide At Home (a wonderful new addition to the blogosphere...you'll want to meet her!) has a mouth watering Christmas Cookie Round-Up featuring Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Peanut Blossoms and Pretzel Turtle Candies!

Missy (Graceful Little Honey Bee) invites us to join her in the new year as she challenges herself to memorize a new Bible verse every week. Read her post for more details!

First Steps Take Courage is a post that got me a little teary-eyed. Ellen Stumbo from Our Once Upon A Time shares the touching story and video of her special needs daughter learning to walk.

Thank-you all for your encouraging bits of wisdom, the lovely tutorials, and introductions to several new blogs! I so enjoy "meeting" and learning from you!

Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Don't forget!

We have a very special giveaway in honor of the Christian Homemaker going on right now!

It's valued at over $200 and we would love to have you enter!

Click here to do so now!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.

A Special Giveaway In Honor of the Christian Homemaker (valued at over $200)

2011-12-19T04:04:00.000-08:00

I've been anxiously looking forward to this day for a long time!

We're giving away over $200 worth of gifts to one special Christian Homemaker!

My heart wants to see women embrace their calling to be a keeper at home for the glorious, God-given duty it truly is. There are plenty of voices in this world that would have you think it's some mindless activity for the lower class. It's not. Keeping your home and tending to the needs of your family is the single most powerful, effective, Kingdom work you can engage in.

Whether you've been a homemaker for most of your life, or whether you're brand new to this thing, or whether it's something you desire to be one day, we want to thank-you for your devotion by giving you the chance to win a little something that ought to put a spring in your step and a smile on your face as you go about your domestic duties.

This week's giveaway, the last one until the New Year, would not have been possible without the supreme kindness and generosity of our amazing sponsors. Most of them are homemakers like you are, and it is their prayer, as it is mine, that you would be abundantly blessed in your sacred responsibility. Please visit and be encouraged with as many donors as you can and consider doing business with them in the future!

Passionate Housewives Desperate For God - from yours truly

50grams of Bella Coola Loose Leaf Tea (the flavor and aroma is second to none) - from Sip 'N Savour

Of Birds and Trinkets Necklace and Earrings Set - from Simple Joys Boutique

$15 gift credit to Joyfully Sewn - from Joyfully Sewn Designs

Cupcake Twirly Skirt (Size 3T-4T)- from The Honey Cycle Shop

Two bars of natural, handmade soap - from Vintage Handmade Soaps

1 set of three eBooks - from Kristy at Little Natural Cottage

1 set of reusable washies - from Dezignz By Liz

Embracing the Mess eBook by Jenny Ervin - from A Mother's Heritage

$30 gift certificate to Doorposts Publishing - from Doorposts Publishing

8X10 Christmas Subway Art - from Cards By Meagan

True Christian Motherhood eBook - from Mrs. June Fuentes

$15 Lilla Rose Flexi-Clip-from Bambi (Lilla Rose Consultant)

8x10 Print of "Morning Correspondence" -from Rachel Ramm

(p.s. Rachel is offering free shipping to anyone who places an order before Dec. 21!)

Living Clay Face and Body Scrub - from The Encouraging Home

Doing any one of the tasks below will enter you in the giveaway. None of the tasks are mandatory, buthe more you do, the greater your odds are of winning. Sharing this giveaway will give you five additional entries!

The winner will be announced on Friday, December 23.

All the best everyone! I hope you win!

I'm linking this giveaway to these great link parties.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Christmas Tradition

2011-12-14T04:54:00.000-08:00

My Mom makes oliebollen* for her neighbors every year around Christmas time. She's done this for as long as I can remember. We'd pile a mountain of the goodies on a festive paper plate, dust them with icing sugar, cover them with plastic wrap, attach a card, and deliver them throughout the neighborhood as a family.

Our humble Christmas offering was always warmly received and often led to long over-due neighborly chit chat. It was a simple way of keeping in touch with the neighbors and letting them know we care. And, it gave us the opportunity to present Jesus as the Reason for the Season to those who might not hear about the good tidings of great joy otherwise.

Now I live in a different neighborhood with my own little family, but the fond memories I have sharing oliebollen in Christmases past, have inspired me to carry on the same tradition. Instead of oliebollen, however (I have a deep-fryer phobia), we like to make our own candies and serve them in a cheery tin.

I'm quite certain that any home-baked delicacy would be a pleasure to receive, but if you're looking for a recipe that is simple, quick to prepare, makes a large batch, and can easily involve the whole family, feel free to use our tweak which we'll call Neighborhood Sweet Treats for the sake of this post. (Right click, "save", and print for the recipe alone)

*Olibollen is a traditional Dutch delicacy similar to an apple fritter except made with raisins and cinnamon instead. The deep-fried "oil balls" are usually served with icing sugar on New Year's Eve. They're terribly unhealthy, but oh-so-yummy when eaten fresh!

Read the rest of today's post at Stringer Mama!

Linking to:Women Living Well, Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots At Home

Teach Me Tuesdays | Homemaking Link-Up #22

2011-12-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 22nd edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog! Each Tuesday, I feature a few favorites from the week before...

These Five of Mine...Plus Two! sweetly reminds us that our work is temporary but relationships are eternal.

An Original Belle has begun a new link-up called Make It Yourself Mondays, where you're sure to find plenty of creative inspiration.

The Encouraging Home offers four excellent responses for when your best laid plans fall apart.

Thank-you all for your encouraging bits of wisdom, the lovely tutorials, and introductions to several new blogs! I so enjoy "meeting" and learning from you!

______________________________

Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Don't forget!
we have a massive giveaway planned
(valued at over $200!) planned for December 19!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.

When God Gave Grandma A Baby

2011-12-12T04:26:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, my family received one of the most wonderful gifts imaginable.

His name is William Timothy and today, we're celebrating his 2nd birthday!

Like most things of great value, this gift came with a hefty price-tag. Anyone who receives a child from the Lord knows that 9 months of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the desire to raise children for God's glory requires a life a sacrifice.

But when you're already grandparents and considered "too old" by most to have more children, giving birth to a sixth child at 43, gives the word "sacrifice" a whole new meaning.

Knowing that people are whispering behind your back about your "carelessness" (Grandmas aren't supposed to have babies, you know!), or hearing remarks such as "Don't you think she's being a little bit selfish?" (I've always wondered when selfish became synonymous with sacrifice), or "There comes a time when enough is enough," were quite possibly just as uncomfortable as the "high-risk" profile and gestational diabetes Mom already had to endure.

Mom and Dad set a wonderful example for us and just brushed the snide comments aside as if they were never uttered. They understood full well that children are a blessing from the Lord and that the fruit of the womb is God's reward. Their quiver would be a little fuller, but to them it was a sign of God's undeserved mercy and favor.

Two years later, we're still celebrating William's birth and the choice my parents made to receive the child the Lord had planned for them. My siblings and I finally have a little brother (our first brother is 21 years older than William), and though he is four months younger than our Charity (15 months older than Judah), their closeness in age will probably turn William into a life-long favorite Uncle (once they learn to appreciate the idea of being play-mates, rather than pests who find particular delight in getting on each other's nerves).

Every giggle, every rumbling tractor noise, every time Charity tells me, "I wuv Uncle Wo-Wo, Mom!", every smooch I manage to coerce from his lips, reminds me that some gifts are worth the sacrifice it takes to receive them.

In a few weeks we'll celebrate the birth of another baby, born into this world over 2000 years ago. His worth is infinitely more valuable than any other gift this world has ever been offered. His name is Jesus, and He came to save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) Are we willing to sacrifice our hearts at the foot of the Cross and surrender our lives to the One who has the power to turn sin as red as scarlet into a heart as white as snow? (Isaiah 1:18)

Happy Birthday, Little Brother! We're so thankful the Lord gave you to us!

An Original Belle

Becoming Lydia

Little Natural Cottage

Love Being A Mom

Raising Mighty Arrows

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Linking to:Women Living Well, Raising Homemakers, Far Above Rubies, Raising Mighty Arrows, Homestead Revival, Deep Roots At Home, Our Simple Country Life, Time-Warp Wife

Food Allergies? Here's Someone We Want You To Meet...

2011-12-10T05:06:00.000-08:00

If you or someone you love has food allergies of any kind or if you simply enjoy cooking with whole foods, our newest sponsor will make your day a little brighter and much tastier!

_____________________________________

Hi! I am Shay and my blog is Raising Dieter. I am married to Kimball and I have two children, Dieter and Samantha.

My son Dieter has allergies and that is what inspired me to start my blog. I believe the Lord sends us trials so we can learn from them. That is exactly what I have had to do! His allergies include:

corn,
dairy,
soy,
gluten,
refined sugars,
and tree nuts.

I cannot give him anything processed or from a box.

Over the past two years I have learned how to cook (I don't think I had really cooked anything before I was married.) My cooking is with traditional, whole foods. Each recipe I try, I am amazed at how good food really is!

On any given day you can find my in my kitchen, folding laundry, changing bums...all of the those amazing things mothers get to do! I am also discovering how much fun and frustrating a two year old can be! I am truly blessed and I hope you come and visit!

________________________________

A note from Growing Home: You can follow Raising Dieter via Google Friend Connect or on Facebook to receive the last recipes and recommendations from Shay!

Scrappy Christmas Wreath Tutorial

2011-12-09T04:47:00.000-08:00

Skill level: Easy

Cost: Under $5

Time: 1 hr.

This vintage-inspired, scrappy, country Christmas wreath was very easy, cheap, and fun to make! By using a 50% coupon at Michael's, I bought the embroidery hoop for just $1.49 (and still have the middle insert to use for a second wreath!), and used linen scraps from a discontinued fabric sample book, courtesy of Joni Bouma.

Materials:

one large embroidery hoop
several dozen fabric scraps -enough to cover the hoop (I used a combination of linens, red and green suedes, and an old doily for a very textured look)

You can really do no wrong with this wreath! Simply cut fabric into 1" x 5" strips and tie around hoop with a single knot. The more texture you use, the scrappier it will look. Come Spring, I plan on removing the red and green strips and replacing them with aqua, yellow, and lime colored ones.

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We're giving away a copy of Embracing The Mess this week!

Have you entered for your copy yet?

Today is the last day to do so!

Visionary Gift Ideas For Men and Women ( + Blog Hop!)

2011-12-07T04:33:00.000-08:00

You're making your list and checking it twice, but you're still unsure of what to get for your fellow homemaker, your single baby-sitter, and your husband who likes to remind you that you're all he really wants for Christmas anyway.

You're committed to giving gifts that will please the Lord and encourage the recipients in the calling God has for them. So where do you go? And what do you buy?

May I suggest a resource that will not disappoint? Vision Forum is one of our favorite places to purchase family resources. Their selection is second to none, and each product is aimed at building up the family for the glory of God. We have been no less than impressed with the quality of their materials, their excellent service, and competitive prices.

Plus, until December 8th only, you will receive up to 30% instant cash-back on your order!

Below are my favorite gift suggestions for wives, mothers, homemakers, and single women too:

And to inspire vision and hope among the Men...

For more fantastic ideas, visit the Vision Forum website.

Below is a 2nd Blog-Hop where your hostess' (Kristy, Heather, Heather, and yours truly) are inviting you to join up with us and link your own gift ideas, giveaways, recipes...anything related to our 31 Days of Hospitality theme.

Linking to: Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, Deep Roots At Home

Teach Me Tuesdays | Homemaking Link-Up #21

2011-12-06T04:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 21st edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog!

Were you a wife or a mom first? Last week, Jennifer from This Gal's Journey, shared an excellent reminder of the need to treat our husbands as just that, and not one of our children. You can read the post in it's entirety here.

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Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.

*Please note: the winner is responsible for providing a 125X125 ad button should they desire to be featured on our sidebar.

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P.S. Are you on Facebook? You can find us {there} now too!
Don't forget!
we have a massive giveaway planned
(over $160 value and counting!) planned for December 19!

What Guides Your Gift Giving?

2011-12-02T06:47:00.000-08:00

Christians, of all people, ought to embrace the gift of giving. As Randy Alcorn so eloquently put it in his book, The Treasure Principle,

"Our giving is a reflective response to the grace of God in our lives. It doesn't come out of our altruism or philanthropy - it comes out of the transforming work of Christ in us. This grace is the action; our giving the reaction. We give because He first gave to us. The greatest passage on giving in Scripture ends not with "Congratulations for your generosity," but, " Thanks be to God for His indescribable gifts." (2 Corinthians 9:15)

If our generosity this season is rooted in gratitude for what the Lord has already given us through the birth of His Son, then it stands to reason that our gifts to each other should reflect that which pleases the Lord. The focus should not lie in the increase of material possessions, but rather things that will encourage the recipients of our gifts to lay up "treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through not steal." (Matthew 6:20)

For little girls, this may mean gifts that will encourage them them to model the woman of Proverbs 31 that the Lord would have them to become. Little boys would benefit from gifts that encourage leadership and masculinity. Wives, mothers, and homemakers, would be encouraged with gifts that make her high calling all the more delightful.

Husbands and fathers are particularly under attack from the father of lies who would have them believe that their duty to love their wives and Christ loves the Church and to train up their children in the way that they should go is somehow obsolete. Give them gifts that inspire vision and hope for their families!

So, what do these gifts look like? And where can you find them? Come back Monday to view our favorite family-building resources and where to purchase them.

Have a great weekend, friends!

____________________________________

Please visit and be blessed by the other 31 Days to Generosity participants!

Love Being a Mom

Linking to: Homestead Revival, Hidden Treasures, Far Above Rubies

Teach Me Tuesdays | Homemaking Link-Up #20

2011-11-29T04:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 20th edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! (Can you believe this is our 20th link-up already?!) Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog!

Susie, from Our Simple Farm, shared a post last week called I Am A Veteran. What an incredible testimony of God's grace in her life! I hope you'll be as touched by her story as so many others were.

______________________________

Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.

*Please note: the winner is responsible for providing a 125X125 ad button should they desire to be featured on our sidebar.

_____________________________
P.S. Are you on Facebook? You can find us {there} now too!
Do you like tea? Check back tomorrow for a wonderful giveaway from Sip-N-Savour!
And one more thing: we have an EXTRA special giveaway coming up for you!

Leaving Home

2011-11-28T04:26:00.000-08:00

As odd as it sounds, homemakers everywhere are leaving their homes in droves. Odder still, is that they can do it without lifting so much as their very toes.

No, it's not some magical phenomenon or a figment of your imagination. It's an alarming reality powerful enough to ensnare any homemaker who's not on her guard. This relatively new method of leaving home is practically epidemic, but thankfully, there's hope for whose who are searching for their way back.

"Therefore, I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, giving no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully." (1 Timothy 5:14) Here, the apostle Paul expresses God's will for young women to guide the house. In the previous verse, he explains what exactly they were doing that enabled the devil to bring reproach upon the family. "...they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle, but also gossips and busy-bodies, saying things which they ought not."

Their sin was being idle instead of industrious (Proverbs 31:17-27), visiting from house to house (blog to blog? Facebook page to Facebook page? phone to phone? tweet to tweet?), repeating their discoveries, and giving their "righteous opinions" about everyone else's business (comment threads? online chat rooms? texting?).

One of the unfortunate things modern technology has heightened in our culture is the ability to stay at home without keeping the home. While we can be bodily present inside the four walls, our hearts can be far away, thanks to the misuse of telephone and computer. I wonder, how many individuals, families, even entire churches have been destroyed by idle gossip among women around the knitting table, telephone, and now more prevalently - the Internet?

Keeping the home involves far more than staying at home; it means having a heart that is fixated there too. Our exemplary in Proverbs 31 had no telephone, computer, or TV to distract her from her domestic duties, yet she still often found herself working through the night and rising early in order to get everything done (Vs. 15, 18)! It can be overwhelming to read all that our biblical example managed to do, but if we were to truly take stock of what's eating our time, perhaps we might find the opportunity to be equally industrious.

So, how can the Christian homemaker keep herself free from this snare that has captured so many? And how does ones escape if she finds herself already enslaved to idleness? For some, it may mean removing the temptation completely (Matthew 5:30). For all of us, it wouldn't hurt to conduct a careful inventory of what has a hold on our heart.

Do you have difficulty finding the time to make dinner, but no trouble keeping up with your friends on Facebook?
Is your blog regularly updated while your laundry is way behind?
Do you respond with greater grace, wisdom, and patience in a comment thread than you do to the inquiries of your own children?
Has the time you spend in conversation with your Creator and Redeemer been cut short or replaced with virtual discussions between people you've never met?
Do you update your online status more frequently than you offer a prayer?
Do you keep up with blogging, Facebook, and Twitter with more passion and zeal than you do with your marriage, children, and housework?

If you answered "yes" to any questions in the litmus test, it's time to turn off the power switch and rediscover the incredible plan God has for you as a keeper of you home! It may require deleting your Facebook account, or giving up blogging, or cutting the cable. But the sacrifice it may appear to be is nothing compared to the eternal reward God has for the homemaker who delights to do His will.

Linking to: Homestead Revival , Time-Warp Wife, Far Above Rubies, Women Living Well, Raising Homemakers

It Takes A Family

2011-11-24T04:12:00.000-08:00

The following is a letter written to the editor earlier this week by by husband, Brad.

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I want to thank Dave L. for highlighting "Strong Start", a private endeavour made possible by generous donors and volunteers, among them a retired principal. In these days when provincial government has too strong a hand in the education of our children, it is tremendously encouraging to see the efforts of caring individuals making up for our deficient public education system. At the end of the article, Mr. L. draws the conclusion that this is a perfect example of the phrase "it takes a village to raise a child"; it doesn't prove that it "takes" a village, it just proves that the village can do it to some extent when a family won't. It takes a family to raise a child, not a village.

More importantly, what's highlighted is that the government can't do it well, (nor cost-effectively), and if you look around, you will see tutoring-type businesses springing up all over the place as a further testament to the truth of what I recently heard a radio talk show host say: "Education and healthcare are too important for government to be involved in."

Recent stats note that parents are increasingly choosing alternative education options. Perhaps this is a reflection of Dalton's efforts to remove children from their parent's influence at an earlier and earlier age; this is not encouraging, partly because of the huge expense and extensive social science research exposing the many drawbacks of early institutional care for children, but more importantly because of the societal change that will occur when children are raised by the state (or the church) instead of their parents. (See here)

Concerned parents should know that the Pascal report Dalton is embracing actually suggests keeping schools open all year, eventually including children in “the prenatal period through to adolescence.” Here's a chilling little quote from the Pascal report: "The report is about so much more than replacing part-time kindergarten with a full-day program for 4- and 5-year-olds...it’s about transforming schools into vibrant, family-centred learning hubs. Instead of operating for the regularly scheduled six hours a day, 188 days a year, they would open from 7:30 in the morning till 6 at night year-round."

It doesn't stop there. A speaker I heard recently was discussing the origins of public, state-controlled education and mentioned that one of the "intellectual heavyweights" who contributed much to the way children are taught today was Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Besides writing the book Emile about how children are to be educated, he also had 5 children, whom he deposited on the steps of an orphanage shortly after birth; after all, it takes a village to raise a child. I'm not sure if it makes it worse, but he didn't even bother to check their gender. One book Rousseau appreciated above all regarding education, was Plato's Republic. Plato suggests that, "All ... women shall be wives in common to all the men, and not one of them shall live privately with any man; the children too should be held in common so that no parent shall know which is his own offspring, and no child shall know his parent."

Add a good dose of LGTB activism that passes for Dalton's "sex" education, and Ontario's parents have never had such good reasons to take back their children.

Brad

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One day after Brad sent off the above letter, we discovered this movie, Overruled, via ParentalRights. It will chill you to the bone. You'll notice this movie is American-made with American examples, but the same sort of thing is happening right under our noses here in Canada.

Your letters, phone calls, rallies, petitions, and pleas do make a difference and it's not difficult at all. Let's take advantage of the comfort and freedom we enjoy today to ensure we still have our children tomorrow. Visit ARPA and HSLDA for new briefs, protection, and creative ways to stand on guard for your country.

Family Economics Conference 2012

2011-11-23T04:03:00.000-08:00

The budget said I'd have to choose:

A Nikon DSLR or an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime weekend getaway with my husband, packed with hope-filled messages, inspiration, and vision for our own home economy.

Funny how it really wasn't much of a choice.

Three years ago we were introduced to Generations With Vision through the annual OCHEC conference. Since then, the Lord has tremendously blessed our lives through this ministry. Particularly influential was the first Family Economics Conference nearly three years ago which was birthed from a vision to prepare families "to grab a hammer and anvil and forge a fruitful household economy for the Kingdom of God!"

While we weren't able to attend in person, we devoured the resulting DVDs and MP3's from the past two years and shared the inspiring message with our families and friends:

"Families around America are beginning to see the vision for work and economics that existed for over 4,000 years – family-based production in the context of the household. Forget about world GDP, population implosion, or the CPI for just a moment, and consider the power of a family unit knit together in relationship, love, and honor – all diligently working toward the single goal of being productive for the kingdom of God."

Lord willing, we'll be heading to Chicago in March to attend the third annual conference in person for the very first time! We are so excited and would love to meet you there too! It will be worth any sacrifice you make in order for it to happen.

Come and be blessed by an incredible line-up of speakers who have been hugely influential in our own lives and will help equip your family's economy for long-term success: Kevin Swanson, Doug Phillips, Steve and Teri Maxwell, Dave Tucker, Erik Weir, Bill Roth, RC Sproul Jr., Alex and Cassie Michael, and many more! In addition, you'll be encouraged by the practical wisdom found in the popular Q&A panels, where you will have opportunity to interact with the speakers.

Just a small sampling of the topics:

Raising Sons to Provide
Household Budget Management
Marketing a Family Business
Facing the Onslaught of Socialism
Household Chores and Time Management
The Duties of Dominion
Keys to Being a Successful Family Entrepreneur
Stories from Successful Family Start-Ups
A Special Proverbs 31 Track for Moms
...and much more!

Also included in the price of registration is a family pass to the 2012 Annual Liberty Day Celebration on Saturday night after the conference (value of $59).

Registration is $279 per family, unprecedented pricing for a conference of this size and venue.

Click here to register now!

We hope to see you there!

Linking up to: Raising Homemakers, Far Above Rubies, Raising Mighty Arrows, Women Living Well

Teach Me Tuesdays | Homemaking Link-Up #19

2011-11-22T04:06:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 19th edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog!

I'm absolutely thrilled to feature Kristy, from Little Natural Cottage this week! We "met" just recently and I've been benefiting from her humble musings immensely. Her challenge, 10 Days Without Complaining seemed to strike the same chord in all of us. It's harder than seems, isn't it?

Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.
P.S. Are you on Facebook? You can find us {there} now too!

Peanut-Butter Chocolate Bars

2011-11-21T04:19:00.000-08:00

I was going to write a blurb about how yummy these sweet treats are, but suffice it to say that they taste twice as good as they are bad for you. :-S If you're looking to involve your little ones in your holiday baking, this is a simple recipe that will appeal to kids of any age. It's also naturally gluten-free!

You'll need:

1 c. corn syrup

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. peanut-butter

6 c. crisp rice cereal

2 c. melted baking chocolate

Directions: Melt corn syrup and sugar until sugar is dissolved (do not boil!). Stir in peanut butter until smooth. Add cereal and spread evenly in an edged cookie sheet. Cool and harden. Using a pizza cutter, shape into bars. Dip one end of the bar into the melted chocolate and allow to harden on waxed paper. Drizzle with white chocolate if desired.

The variations on this recipe are limited only by your imagination. You could replace come of the cereal with nuts for a crunchier and more peanut-buttery taste. Or, dip them in dark chocolate for something really rich! I've even cut them into smaller squares and turned them into candies! Best of all, they're great for giving away since they're so easy to dress up:

Enjoy!

Linked to: Homestead Revival, Comfy in the Kitchen, Time-Warp Wife

Jeans to Skirt Tutorial

2011-11-18T04:11:00.000-08:00

Recycling clothes to get more miles out of them is a fantastically creative way to save money and update the look of your wardrobe at the same time! The following is a tutorial I promised in Dressing On A Dime and can be used to convert any pair of pants (adult or child) into a skirt. This is especially handy if the knees on the pants are already worn out and can't be passed along. If you can sew a straight line, you can make this! Six simple steps is all it takes...

You'll need:

and old pair of pants
fabric and trim
threaded sewing machine (I used a clear nylon thread for this project so any mistakes would be harder to see!)
scissors and pins

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Step 5:

Step 6:

Ta-da!

Do you think she was pleased?

:-)

Linked to: Homestead Revival, An Original Belle, Far Above Rubies, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, Frugally Sustainable

Hospitality Helps For The Faint Of Heart

2011-11-17T04:14:00.000-08:00

I know all the excuses for not showing hospitality like the back of my hand. They've been replayed so many times in my head, I can rattle them off from memory:

My house is too small
My house is too messy
My baby is fussy
I can't cook that well
We're just too busy
It's not my gift
It's a lot of work
It's expensive

Nevertheless, God commands us to "Use hospitality one to another, without grudging." 1 Peter 4:9 He knew I'd try to weasel my way out of it with excuses galore, so He included several more verses that completely dethrone any hang-ups I might have:

"He who gives, [give] with liberality." Romans 12:8

"There is one who scatters yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich and he who waters will also be watered himself." Proverbs 11:24-25

"...The righteous gives and does not spare." Proverbs 21:26

"Do not eat the bread of a miser, nor desire his delicacies; for as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, but his heart is not with you." Proverbs 23: 6,7

"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:38

In reality, showing hospitality is not a very difficult investment to make when compared to the eternal rewards you will receive. "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels." Hebrews 13: 2 Once your heart has been properly aligned, a little bit of foresight and a little bit of elbow grease will go a long way to making your home a place where people feel welcomed. No matter what the size of your house or budget, here are a few things that will help make hospitality an easier task than it appears....

Read the rest at Under The Golden Apple Tree

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Linking to:Women Living Well, Raising Homemakers, Raising Mighty Arrows, Our Simple Country Life, Deep Roots At Home

Serving Our Families | A Waste of Intelligence?

2011-11-16T04:06:00.000-08:00

Our affluent culture would have us women think that it's a shame to just stay at home and serve our families. A waste of intelligence, a mindless activity - something you do if you're not very smart, they might say. Indeed, it doesn't take a genius to know which way the diaper goes on or understand that undisciplined children are prone to unruly behavior. You do not need a degree in mathematics to figure out how many potatoes to peel for a family of seven, or study the arts in order to beautify your home. Yes, without ever stepping foot inside a classroom, you can still fold laundry, bake a cake, and braid hair with competence.

Clearly, the Lord must have had something much more difficult than completing a set of daily tasks in mind when He called women to be keepers at home (Titus 2:3-5). Much harder than the head knowledge it requires to develop a homemaking skill set, is the act of serving others from the heart the way Jesus did.

We all know well the story of John 13. On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus exemplifies for us what serving others really entails. It would've been very tempting for Jesus to say to his disciples, "Don't you guys know what's about to happen to me? You ought to be the ones comforting me here!" Instead, He says nothing about the weight of the wrath from a just and holy God that would crush Him in just a few days. Without self-pity, He simply serves.

Jesus knew that Judas would soon betray and Him over to the authorities. He knew that Peter would soon deny Him three times and that the others would abandon Him when He needed them the most. Yet, He stooped to His knees and served them all.

Maybe you feel like you're always butting heads with your opinionated 13-year-old over clothing choices and diligence towards schoolwork. Maybe the novelty of cooking gluten-free for your Celiac husband has worn off. Maybe you're fed up with your 8-month-old who still gets up twice in the night to nurse. Maybe you feel as though your talents would be better used somewhere else, like at a real job, for instance, where your mind could be stimulated and challenged and where your intelligence would actually be recognized and appreciated.

Remember, it was precisely these kinds of people (the ones who couldn't pay Him back, those who were the least deserving) that Jesus calls us to serve. Much more difficult than filing papers, memorizing formulas, or giving presentations is finding your life by dying to self. Serving our families requires a life of sacrifice; cleaning up messes that you didn't make, waking in the middle of the night to feed your baby, preparing meals for picky-eaters, purchasing clothes for children who will wear them out before they outgrow them...

We must be careful to never minimize the humble service of one person to another; it is a sign of God's grace at work in a person's life. Sure, it might not take a genius to know how to keep a home, but only a sinner, saved by grace, who recognizes the necessity of following Jesus' example, can serve her family well. What comfort lies in the fact that any homemaker - whatever her score on the IQ scale is - has the opportunity to live a fulfilled life by finding meaning and purpose in serving her family...just like Jesus called her to.

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There's still time to enter our Goat Milk Soap Giveaway! The winner will be drawn later this evening, DV.

Linking to:Women Living Well, Raising Homemakers, Far Above Rubies, Raising Mighty Arrows, NOBH, Homestead Revival, Deep Roots At Home, Our Simple Country Life, Time-Warp Wife

Teach Me Tuesdays | Homemaking Link-Up #18

2011-11-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 18th edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog!

Last week ended up being the largest link-party ever at Growing Home with 89 entries! Thank-you all for your encouraging bits of wisdom, the lovely tutorials, and introductions to several new blogs! I so enjoy "meeting" and learning from you!

Susie, from Our Simple Farm and this week's feature, hit the nail on the head with her post entitled Dear Husband, I Overspent! Interestingly enough, she's also the sweetheart behind our current giveaway: your choice of two raw goat milk soap bars! If you haven't entered already, feel free to do so. The giveaway ends tomorrow evening.

Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.
P.S. Are you on Facebook? You can find us {there} now too!

Darling Clementines

2011-11-11T04:38:00.000-08:00

Seeing my favorite fruit of the season on store shelves gives me just another reason why its the most wonderful time of the year; clementines are our favorite winter-time snack! We're half-way finished our first box of the season. This year's crop seems especially juicy and sweet, just the way we like 'em!

Charity can't get enough of them either it seems, and I have little reservation about allowing her to eat as many as she likes. They're packed with vitamins, folate, calcium, potassium, and fiber. They're easy to peel and each slice is naturally bite-sized.

And they're so pretty too! My favorite thing to do is fill a glass dish with the cheery citrus fruit and use it as part of our Christmas display. The only problem is, I can't decide where they look better: on top of the piano (first picture), or on the baker's table (second shot)?

What do you think? Do you enjoy clementines too?

Ooops! How'd he get in here?

;-)

P.S. We just joined {Facebook} and would love to connect with you there too!

Dressing On A Dime

2011-11-10T05:05:00.000-08:00

I rarely purchase clothing. We don't even budget for the expense because left-over grocery money is usually enough to cover what we don't receive from family and friends. In God's good providence, He's blessed us with a community who has a light hand on their material possessions and often pass along their unused clothing to us. Additionally, we both grew up in large families where living on a dime was the name of the game for a significant part of our childhood. The following 13 principles still guide our decisions about clothing purchases....

Read the rest of this article at Pure Modesty

Linking to:Raising Homemakers, Raising Mighty Arrows, Women Living Well, Our Simple Country Life, Deep Roots at Home, A Wise Woman Build Her Home

P.S. We just joined {Facebook} and would love to connect with you there too!

Teach Me Tuesdays | Homemaking Link-Up #17

2011-11-08T04:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 17th edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog!

This week's feature is My Child's Not A Trophy by Desire from When You Rise. Here is an excellent article that encourages us to put away our pride in parenting and cling to the Lord for grace to raise our children for His glory, not our own.

Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.
P.S. Are you on Facebook? You can find us {there} now too!

We're on Facebook | The Whys and Wherefores

2011-11-07T04:26:00.000-08:00

Since changing our domain a few months ago, there's been a dramatic increase in visitors to Growing Home and several requests to start our own Facebook page. With a few exciting developments in the works (Shhh! Top secret!), we figured there's probably no better time than the present to take the plunge.

This decision was a bit of a toughie. I probably deliberated over the idea for at least half a year before we took the plunge. The reason it took so long? I've been on Facebook before, about two years ago, and know full well how easy it is to get side-tracked from what I ought to be doing. The Bible is replete with admonitions for time-wasters (see Proverbs 6:6-11, Ephesians 5:16-17, Ephesians 4:28, Proverbs 24:30-34) and feeling convicted one day, I deleted my account.

I kept up blogging, however, and though it can wield the same kind of time-wasting temptation, I found it to be an excellent way to encourage and be encouraged while hopefully honing any writing skills at the same time. I absolutely delight in meeting other Christian homemakers and relish articles written to encourage the keeper of the home in her glorious, God-given calling.

Words cannot express the blessings I have received through the emails, comments, link-ups, and "followers" of Growing Home. I've been mailed goodies and cards "just because," and my inbox is filled with dozens of sweet notes everyday. In a world where there's a shortage of kindness, it's an immense privilege to be surrounded by such rubies as you are!

Among the emails have been several inquires about where to find us on Facebook. Apparently everyone and their uncle is on the popular network! Joining will hopefully just make things easier for you. If I understand how this works correctly, "liking" the Growing Home Facebook Page will enable you to receive all our updates, participate in the discussions, and be notified of anything really exciting taking place on the blog. (Does anyone else feel slightly awkward using terms such as "like" and "fans?")

I will not be using a personal account on Facebook and the Growing Home Page will be strictly used in direct connection to the blog (so if it's your birthday and I haven't written on your "wall," that's why :-). The blog will continue operating the way it always has with a few exciting things planned to take place in the new year, Lord willing!

I look forward to connecting with you all there and just have to shout out a huge thank-you to Heather from Raising Mighty Arrows for helping me get started with this thing!

Introducing CPT Worldwide, Growing Home's Newest Sponsor!

2011-11-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

CPT (Cheap Pregnancy Tests) is run by a pro-life, stay-at-home mom. Her mission is to provide crisis pregnancy centers with wholesale rates on pregnancy tests; they do not service any abortion clinics. That fact alone gives plenty of good reason to purchase through their site!

CPT's professional quality, early pregnancy and ovulation tests are also available for purchase to the individual consumer at a very low, affordable cost. At just $0.33-$0.55 each, there's no better place to purchase the tests than from the privacy of your own home!

It gets better! Each month, CPT gives you the opportunity to receive their tests for free. The pregnancy tests are good for up to two years, so if you think you or a friend may be needing them within that time, be sure to enter their regular giveaways! CPT's current giveaway just started and runs until December 6, 2011. You can enter HERE.

-------------------------------------

Do you have a business, service, or a new blog and need to get the word out on a virtually non-existent budget?

Then click here to see how Growing Home can help!

Giveaway Winner!

2011-11-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the

is....

Sarah!

"Neat! I've never done digital scrapbooking either, but I've see some done before and they're pretty professional-looking! I'm surprised by how inexpensive the packs are on this site! They've got a lot of really cute things.... I like the pack called "Pieces"---I think the puzzle piece idea is super cute!

Thanks for the great giveaway!

Sarah"

Didn't win?

You can still take advantage of the exclusive Growing Home code STMMMS71469 to receive $10 off your software purchase (just $29.97 with code) and receive $10 credit for anything in the My Memories Store! ($20 value)

This is an amazing deal for the amount of stuff included with the software (embellishments, papers, buttons, flowers, layouts, die-cuts, brads...way too much to mention)! Thanks Liz!

In other news, we finally took the plunge and joined Facebook! You can find our page HERE. More about why and what to expect in a future post. :-)

Next week, we'll be giving away the #1 eBook in Amazon's Best-Seller list for Kindle in the "Motherhood" Category and #1 in Hot-New Releases!

Why Our Kids Drink Goat's Milk

2011-11-04T04:53:00.000-07:00

When someone discovers that our children drink goat's milk, they invariably ask, "Oh no! They don't have allergies too, do they?" Thankfully, their consumption of goat's milk does not stem from a cow's milk allergy!

Goat's milk isn't something I ever intended to give our children until a few months ago. It's much more expensive than cow's milk (thanks to a few great connections, we now buy it at $7.84 per 4L instead of $10.69!) and I still can't bring myself to drink it! Try as I might, I just can't get over the taste and smell!

When we were researching ways to change our diet so Brad could start feeling better, we bought a copy of The Maker's Diet by Jordan Rubin. The author had a similar condition to Brad's and was eventually cured, by God's mercy, through eating raw, "biblical foods." I know others who have had success in boosting their immune system, attain and maintaining their weight, and improving their digestive system this way too.

Goat's milk is a "biblical food. "And thou shalt have goat's milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance of thy maidens." Proverbs 27:27 Unlike cow's milk, it

is less allergenic. (It does not contain the complex proteins that stimulate allergic reactions to cow's milk)
does not suppress the immune system
is easier to digest (Goat's milk will digest in a baby's stomach within 20 minutes, whereas pasteurized cow's milk takes a minimum of 3 hours)
has more buffering capacity than over-the-counter antacids
alkalizes the immune system by increasing the pH of the blood stream
contains twice the healthful antimicrobial fatty acids than cow's milk
does not produce mucus or stimulate a defense response from the human immune system
is a rich source of selenium
contains less lactose (the sugar in milk which many people have a hard time digesting)

So, along with 65% of the world population and at Brad's request, our kids are drinking this amazing stuff too. Other than breast milk, Judah has never been given anything else, so he quickly developed a taste for it. He can't wait to have his bottle! Charity is the world's least-pickiest eater. Not a word of a lie, she will eat anything we put in front of her (famous last words). Raw tomatoes, spicy chili, uncooked noodles - you name it, she'll eat it. The transition from cow's milk to goat's was an easy one.

Now, if I can just get Brad and myself to develop a taste for the stuff!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Photo Credit

Information taken from The Maker's Diet by Jordan S. Rubin

This book is highly recommended to anyone concerned about eating healthy

and is available for purchase through our Family Resource Shop

Linking to: Comfy in the Kitchen, Hope In Every Season, Far Above Rubies, Homestead Revival

5-Minute Valance (Tutorial)

2011-11-02T04:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick and easy way to dress up a bare window:

You'll need:

-fabric

-thread

-one tension rod

-plastic garbage bags or tissue paper

If you enjoy quick and easy homemaking tutorials like this one, stay tuned for lots more to come. Next time in the sewing department, we'll convert a too-small pair of jeans into a skirt!

Linking to:Raising Homemakers, Far Above Rubies, Raising Mighty Arrows, NOBH, Sew Can Do, The Girl Creative, Tea Rose Home, Someday Crafts, Sew Much Ado, Today's Creative Blog, Women Living Well, Our Simple Country Life

Teach Me Tuesday | Homemaking Link-Up #16

2011-11-01T04:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 16th edition of our weekly homemaking link-up party: Teach Me Tuesdays! Here, you can share as many posts related to homemaking as you would like from your own blog!

I was thrilled to discover that Bambi (who just sponsored our recent Lilla Rose Giveaway) is this week's winner! Her post, A Walking Billboard For Motherhood at In the Nursery of the Nation was easily the #1 favorite and it's obvious why. Here she gently explains how we can convey motherhood to the world as the joyous and sacred calling that it is...even if you find yourself shopping with your seven children. :-)

Enter the direct link into the Linky Tool below.
A link back to Growing Home is kindly appreciated but not necessary.
Enjoy the learning and fellowship!
Vote ("like") for your favorite entry.
Check back next week to discover who's been featured and to link-up again!

Disclaimer: Growing Home is not responsible for the content of any blog or ad linked herein.

An Exciting Announcement!

2011-10-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read that right. We'll be giving away something special every week until Christmas! Thanks to a slew of wonderful sponsors, we've got an amazing line-up of gifts to give away that will undoubtedly encourage or benefit the Christian woman, wife, mother, or homemaker, especially during this season of extra busyness and expense. Think:

Digital Scrapbooking Software

Books

(Passionate Housewives and True Christian Motherhood anyone?)

Loose Leaf Tea

Natural Skin Care Products

Handmade Christmas Cards

Daughters of His Story Paper Dolls

And much, much more!

Every woman is allowed to participate in the giveaways and we encourage you to pass the word on so others can join in the fun! Each giveaway will run for just three days at random intervals so be sure to check back frequently for winner announcements and new product updates. Subscribing to GH will not be a requirement, but we'd be delighted if you chose to "follow" Growing Home anyway (and to ensure you don't miss out)!

Linking to:The Modest Mom: 31 Days of Femininity, Women Living Well, Raising Homemakers, Far Above Rubies, Raising Mighty Arrows, NOBH, Homestead Revivial, Deep Roots At Home