"The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home" - A Review

I recently had the privilege to read "The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home" by Kathy Peel, who bills herself as America's Family Manager. A catchy title to bestow on oneself.

I have to admit that I skimmed through most of this book as I really didn't find any new (well, new to me!), useful information in the first few chapters that I did read. The chapters are broken down into: Managing Your Time, Managing Your Home, Managing Menus and Meals, Managing Relationships, Managing Your Finances, Managing Special Events and Managing Yourself.

Within each chapter you will find ideas and tips to make each area of your home run more efficiently thus giving you a happy and organized home. This would be a great book for a new homemaker who may feel lost in how to run their home. I have to admit this would have been a perfect gift for me when I got married twenty years ago. Learning something new is always a bonus - but I don't feel like I learned anything new from this book. I've read a lot of books on how to organize my home...it's implementing that knowledge that is where I could use the most help! Hubs would probably agree as clutter control seems to be one of my major issues!

A good how-to reference book for beginner's.

Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review. Opinions in this post are solely my own.

Menu Plan Monday ~ August 9 - 15

Another week, another menu!

Monday ~ Fire Island Ziti

Tuesday ~ Kid's Create - Hubby and I attend Financial Peace University so I let the kiddoes fend for themselves

Wednesday ~ Haystacks Over Rice - a recipe that sounds fun and looks good!

Thursday ~ Salmon Patties, Peas and Buttered Noodles

Friday ~ Steak Subs and Salad

Saturday ~ My Birthday! Grilled Steak, Shrimp, Baked Potatoes and Salad

Sunday ~ BBQ Ribs, Macaroni Salad and Baked Beans

Menu Plan Monday ~ August 2 - 8

Wow - it's been awhile since I've done one of these posts. I'm trying to be more intentional about posting as I continue to figure this blog thing out. I sure do enjoy reading all the other great blogs out there but I'm still not sure there is a niche for mine. Anyway, we have a pretty simple, quiet week at the homestead before we get back into life in the fast lane. Here's what we're eating:

Monday ~ Grilled chicken quarters, grilled zucchini and roasted red potatoes

Tuesday ~ Hubs and I attend our FPU class where we have dinner with our group; kiddoes are having quesadillas and chips and salsa. I know, it's not very healthy. Here's to hoping they top those quesadillas with avocado and chopped tomato...doubtful but I can hope!

Wednesday ~ Cincinnati Chili and cornbread

Thursday ~ Grilled Salmon, more grilled zucchini and brown rice

Friday ~ Hubs and I are headed to a crab feast for a free date night; kiddoes are dining on...I don't know yet - maybe leftovers!

Saturday ~ Youngest child turns 13! It will be his choice for dinner but I believe he is leaning toward burgers on the grill and corn on the cob

Sunday ~ BBQ ribs, baked beans and macaroni salad

Sorry no recipes to share. Like I said it's a simple week here! Find more great menus over at Menu Plan Monday courtesy of I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Review ~ Friendship for GrownUps

Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson Publishers) recently provided me with a copy of "Friendship for Grown-Ups" by Lisa Whelchel. I really enjoyed this book. Actually, I've enjoyed just about everything written by Lisa Whelchel! I also enjoy her on the Women of Faith tour - but that is a topic for another day! The author shared her struggles with making and keeping friends - not just acquaintances but friends who will there for you through all of life's challenges and joys. I loved the practical applications on how to be intentional with your friendships. An author who can share with me the where's, why's and how-to's, plus share her journey, is someone I want to continue to read and be mentored by (in the relative sense - I do not know Ms. Whelchel, although I believe we could be great friends if ever given the opportunity - which is slim). Her strong faith in Jesus and willingness to bare her soul before all of us is one of the reasons I enjoy reading her books. I recommend "Friendship for GrownUps" to anyone who is looking to be intentional with their friends. Thanks again to Book Sneeze for sending me this copy.

Tithing...Test Me in This ~ A Review

I was recently provided a copy of "Tithing...test Me in This", written by Douglas LeBlanc, by Booksneeze (from Thomas Nelson Publishers). First, let me say that my husband and I are committed tithers, so I was a little interested to read stories of others who also tithed and see the work that God was doing in their lives. The book included nice little vignettes of people of varying religions and the reasons why they tithe. It was encouraging, and motivating, to read these stories. This book was written as part of an Episcopalian Ancient Practices series. I have to admit that I had no idea what "Ancient Practices" were. I would recommend this book if you were struggling about your decision to tithe. Mr. LeBlanc does give scripture reference to back up the principle of tithing, which I appreciated. All in all, I did enjoy the book but I'm not sure I would have purchased it had I been perusing the bookstore shelves simply because it leaned more toward one religion.

The opinions in this post are 100% mine. I was provided a copy of the reviewed book from Thomas Nelson Publishers under the agreement that I would give an honest review.

Menu Monday for the week of 3/22

Another week ~ another menu! Hubby is away this week so my meals will be kid friendly and apparently not so good on my budget!

Monday ~ French Bread pizza and salad. Found a good deal today on an about to be expired loaf of french bread so a quick and easy meal. My original plan was leftover corned beef and cabbage (the kids weren't real keen on that!). Looks like that will go in the freezer.

Tuesday ~ BBQ'd turkey cutlets, buttered noodles and green beans.

Wednesday ~ Take-out pizza. Yep, pizza again! I have a meeting to go to and my son has been asking for "real" pizza.

Thursday ~ Scout night. Sandwiches or leftovers.

Friday ~ My son is headed to a laser tag birthday party right when I get home from work so that means the girls and I have to either grab something quick or go someplace while we wait for him to get finished. We will probably go out.

Saturday ~ Steak, baked potatoes and broccoli.

Sunday ~ Chicken-etti and salad.

See what others are cooking this week by visiting Menu Plan Monday .

Menu Plan for 3/15 to 3/21

Here is this week's menu:

Monday ~ Daughter #2 turns 14! Her dinner of choice is roast chicken, buttered bowtie noodles, gravy, green beans, biscuits and leftover ice cream cake (we had a family dinner on Saturday). Simplicity at its best!

Tuesday ~ Spinach, mushroom, swiss cheese omelets, toast and fruit.

Wednesday ~ St. Patty's Day! Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, turnips, bread.

Thursday ~ Pumpkin Pasta and peas.

Friday ~ Dinner Salad Nite. I take a large serving bowl and fill it with chopped lettuce then put out bowls of a variety of salad toppings - shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, diced green peppers, chopped hard boiled eggs, beans, basically whatever I have handy. To get everyone to eat healthier, I've tried to incorporate this meal in at least once a week.

Saturday ~ Dinner Out! I have an all day scouting event and will be a little brain frazzled by dinnertime.

Sunday ~ Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread.

See what others are cooking this week by visiting Menu Plan Monday .

Still Plugging Along

I'm still here - hanging on by a thread and lots of prayer! Our family has had its share of illnesses, birthday celebrations (how did my oldest child turn 16 so quickly?), work, service projects and so on and so forth. I've been able to do a bit of reading and hope to jump back into some of the challenges that I was very excited about in the fall.

Still trying to figure out where I want this blog to go. There are so many great blogs out there and I enjoy them all immensely. Who wants to reinvent the wheel?

Help for Haiti

Like many of you, I've been watching the news coverage and my heart is just breaking for the people in Haiti. I've also been wondering what I could do to help? The obvious is to pray - fervently and without ceasing. Secondly, I can give. Even if it is a little bit - a little bit put together with everyone else's little bit will go a long way to helping. My husband and I will be prayerfully considering where to give our donation and I ask that you do same.

Crystal over at Money Saving Mom is hosting a "Help for Haiti" project at her blog. Please go and check it out. If you are a blogger, please link up with her as I've done on this post. For every blog link, she is donating $10 to Compassion International .

Toni at The Happy Housewife is donating $1 for every comment to her church's relief fund.

And, at Frugal Hacks today, Deputy Headmistress who blogs at The Common Room gives ideas on how you can help even when you don't think you have any extra money to give. There are some great ideas and reminders that it doesn't matter how much you have, or don't have in your bank account, you can still give something.

While I don't have the readership to sponsor donations like Crystal and Toni, there is something I can do. I have a few books sitting on my shelf that I've been wanting to list on ebay. Maybe now would be a good time to do so and then donate my profits. Something little but in the long run, something beneficial and big.

There are many, many more bloggers out there doing their part to help those who are hurting. What are you doing?

Take Your Best Shot ~ A Review

Recently I had the opportunity, courtesy of Thomas Nelson publishers, to read the encouraging book "Take Your Best Shot" by Austin Gutwein. I enjoyed that it was a light, quick read and when I was finished, I passed it on to my teenage daughter for her to enjoy. Young Austin saw a need and set out to fill it with the help of God and his family. He started Hoops for Hope to raise not only money but awareness of the plight of AIDS orphans in Africa. Just as important as that was in itself, it is also important to realize that Austin answered God's calling on his life even though he had to step out of his comfort zone to do so. What we could all accomplish if we would do the same? This is a great book for teens, and adults too, who need to be reminded that listening to God will make it possible for great things to happen.

(Thomas Nelson Publishers sends me books to review on my blog via the Book Sneeze program. For more information, please go to: Book Sneeze .).

Menu Plan Monday 11.16.09

It's been a while since I posted and I want to get back in the mix. We have another busy week with activities four out of seven nights! Still trying to find that quiet life...

Monday - BBQ chicken thighs, oven roasted potates, broccoli

Tuesday - Crockpot beef stew - no real recipe, just dump beef stew meat, cubed potatoes, chopped carrots, onion, garlic, tomatoes and spices (whatever you like) in the crockpot and turn it on. Serve with butter bread or rolls.

Wednesday - Mom and Dad are having dinner out (a little late for our first Friday date night!); kids are having leftovers or whatever they can scrounge

Thursday - Grilled cheese and tomato soup

Friday - Salmon Turnovers and salad

Saturday - Breakfast for dinner - pancakes and sausage patties.

Sunday - Baked Spaghetti , garlic bread and salad.

See what others are cooking this week by visiting Menu Plan Monday .

What's On Your Nightstand - October

This is my first time participating in the What's On Your Nightstand? meme at 5 Minutes for Books. I love their blog - I'm always checking it for new books to add to my "To Be Read" pile - which keeps growing! A few of the books on my first list below were recommended by 5 Minutes for Books.

Alas, I didn't get much housework done this month but I did get some books read! The dreary, wet fall days we are having in Maryland are just perfect for cozying up with a good book and warm drink. I'm looking forward to November, December and January so I can do a lot more reading. Oh wait....Christmas is coming and I need to buy presents for the children, decorate the house, bake and so on and so forth. Oh, well, I'll fit it in somewhere!

Here's what I read this month:

1. Dawn's Prelude by Tracie Peterson. This was an okay read. I loved reading about the Alaskan frontier but I had a hard time connecting with the main character. I think I felt that she spent too much time feeling sorry for herself. When I read a book, I like to think about which character I'd be if I could jump in the story. Lydia, the main character, was not my first choice. I rather pictured myself as her aunt - yikes, whose name I can't recall. I need to start journaling when I read so I have better notes for these posts! I've read other books by Ms. Peterson and I have to say this was not one of my favorites. This is the first in the Song of Alaska series and I do want to read the second book Morning's Refrain when it is available at my library.

2. The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers. This is the second time I've read this story of Sierra and Alex. I had to re-read it for my book club which meets in November. I enjoyed the book so much more the second time around. Francine Rivers is a master story teller and I enjoy how she weaves a Bible story into her fictitious retelling.

3. The Noticer by Andy Andrews. This was the first time I read anything by Andy Andrews and I enjoyed this story of an apparent vagrant who helps the people in a small town notice what's around them and change their perspective. Very subtle story-telling. For some reason, I thought Mr. Andrews was a comedian from the '80's. I'll need to research that a little bit more. Anyway, I wouldn't mind reading other books of his.

4. First Things First by Kurt and Brenda Warner. I enjoyed reading this book and learning how the Warner's teach their children to love others first. Brenda Warner was very candid about sharing her heart and struggles as a Mom and Kurt Warner appears to be a very hands-on Dad. They are raising their children to know the Lord and to be in the world, not of it. The only thing I did not like was how Brenda's attitude came across sometimes. She seemed very flip about the fact that they had money, maids, nannies and she was able to jaunt off with her girlfriends often. That's great that they have the money - and they give generously - but I felt like she was putting it in my face. Just my opinion. I did enjoy this book and it gave me a lot to think about concerning my three teens.

So what's left on my nightstand? Just a few hundred books yet...well, they are really on my dresser, my jewelry armoire, the bookshelf in the hallway, my desk and so on. But here are a few that I plan to read next:

1. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This is my current read. Oh. My. Goodness. Is this book good!!! My boss recommended this to me and I can't put it down. A little hard to read in some parts just because it is so raw and open but definitely a page turner. Again, Ms. Rivers took a Bible story and meshed it into the 19th century frontier. This is by far the best book I have read in a very long time!

2. Family Driven Faith by Voddie Bauchum. I've heard nothing but praise regarding this book so I ordered it off of Ebay and will be reading it next.

3. Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. This has been on my shelf for a while so it's time to dust it off and give it a spin.

That's it for now. I don't want to get too ambitious with what I plan to read because you never know what's in store for me next month!

What are you reading? Head over to 5 Minutes for Books to see what others are reading.