How to Grow Your Blog Review & Weekend Links

Here are a couple of  links I wanted to pass along, but first I want to share with you my review of, "How to Grow Your Blog, and Manage Your Home" by Jacinda from Growing Home.

When I began blogging three years ago, I had no clue what I was doing, I just wanted a place to write. Write what? I had no idea, but everyone was doing it and I wanted to as well. Big mistake!

Once I figured out what I wanted to write about, I still did it poorly, and what I did learn, I  learned the hard way!

How to Grow Your Blog, and Manage Your Home is perfect for women who want their blogs to thrive without compromising the well being of their homes and families.

First thing first: Should You Blog? This is the first and most important chapter in her book. I don't think this is a chapter written solely for the newbie blogger. Every blogger needs a heart-check from time to time. The truth of this chapter is convicting and loving all at the same time!

Jacinda writing is easy to read! I will be the first to admit, I am a computer nerd but in the wrong sense of the word. I'm not techy at all, so I am thankful when I have something in front of me I can easily understand and follow through with. From your blog layout and design, to making money blogging, Jacinda walks you through each step to having a better blog.
I wash I had this book three years ago!


If you are considering starting a blog, or want to give your current blog a fresh look,  I would recommend you also purchase Jacinda's other ebook, "How to Design a Blog for FREE." Again, Jacinda breaks down all the computer lingo into easy to understand how-to instructions.

Easy-peasy, I promise!

p.s., Jacinda gave me a free copy, but all opinions are my own. :0)

Now for the links...

If you scroll down my sidebar to "Kindred Spirits" you will see "Heroines of the Faith"
JES is so lovely and delightful and encouraging and I simply hope that you will subscribe to her blog. My daughters and I have been working through the Bible very slowly so we can soak in as much detail as possible when it comes to the places and people we are reading about. JES has a wonderful post about Why Noah's Flood is Important for Mothers and Maidens. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!  You should also consider reading through her Godly Princess Unit Study!

Visit Life With jack for some encouraging words for mom's from 1 Corinthians 13. I really enjoyed this!

Last night our family was able to listen to some beautiful Bluegrass music downtown. I am still in awe that the Lord has brought us here! Isn't this beautiful!?

Whatever your plans are, I pray you have a great weekend!

Be sure to visit my lovely sponsors, Joyfully Sewn Designs and  Sunny Patch Cottage! Modest clothing for the little girls in your life!

Honey

Get this free printable at Wool & Flax!

Have I mentioned how much I love my gracious Sponsors? Be sure to stop by Victorian Rose Soap Co.,            Joyfully Sewn Designs, Sunny Patch Cottage, and Craving's!

Weekend Freebies!

I hope you are having a delightful weekend! The hubs and I are piddling around the house doing chores and attending to some late-season Spring cleaning!

I came across a few freebies I think you will appreciate...

The Moore family is sharing their love for families once again! This time you can watch "This is Your Life: The Moss Family" for FREE from now until the end of June! I love the Moss family. Even though I do not personally know them, their family story is very similar to mine. Go here to watch this beautiful family walk in faith when it comes to their family size.

Frugally Sustainable is a new website to me and I'm so happy I found it! If you subscribe to Frugally Sustainable, you can get "Herbal Rescue: Your Guide to Creating a Homemade Herbal First Aid Kit" Trust me! You will be so happy you did!

For my fellow bird watchers...We ordered a Free Nesting Birds Poster a few weeks ago and we can't wait for it to get here! I just checked and you can still order this:

Have you found any freebies or deals? If so, I would love for you to share!

Free Shipping at Lilla Rose!

I would like to introduce you to Paula Ramm. She is a dear reader of mine who is also a consultant for Lilla Rose! Right now, Lilla Rose is offering free shipping on orders over $20, a special Mother's Day flexi and a free music download of a special song for mothers!

Look closely and you will see a mother and child intertwined within the heart design!

What a stunning gift for any special lady in your life!

You too can sign up to receive email updates on new products and special by going here or you can follow Paula's Pinterest Board!

Have you tried the amazing Flexi Clip yet?

Full of Purpose and Promise~April Update

I had taken a few months off from my Purpose and Promise schedule to relish in the joy of having our sixth baby and since then life has taken on a "new normal."

Working life around feeding's, naps and diapers has been some what of a challenge but more of a blessing. Through God's sovereignty, I feel Him molding and refining my heart a little each day.

With this new season of life, I had to cut back on my reading somewhat. Though I have two books listed for each month, it's simply not possible to fit them all in. I am going to keep the books listed and do my best to play catch up when more time becomes available so until then, I highlighted the books I plan to read.

This month I purposed to study medicinal healing herbs as well as essential oils. I am quickly learning this will be a continuous journey! There is so much to gain from the wonderful herbs God has provided, not only to heal us but to delight our meals with! Right now I am reading The ABC Herbal, from The Bulk Herb Store and I can not recommend it enough. The ABC Herbal  is very easy to read and if more time allowed I could have finished it in a day or two! This book is primarily written to treat your children with herbs and gives a wealth of information for recommending certain herbs for different ailments, tinctures, herbal first-aids, and herbs for emotional stress. This is an excellent book for the novice "herbalist" who wants to learn more about herbal treatments with out feeling too overwhelmed.

Kristy at Little Natural Cottage introduced me to some fabulous herbal extracts from Mountain Meadow Herbs. Feeling the effects of sleepless nights and roller coaster hormones, I am loving the H B (hormonal balance) Formula she suggested. I am also using the Blues Buster to help with post-partum depression. Both extracts are really affordable and tasty!

I have been so impressed with the quality of products and service from The Bulk Herb Store and Mountain Meadows Herbs, I have become an affiliate of both companies!

In my quest for researching and learning about herbs and essential oils, I have come across  a few other blogs dedicated to natural living and wellness. A few I would encourage you to visit are, Like A Mustard Seed, Jill's Home Remedies, Keeper of the Home, and Day 2 Day Joys. I also created a Pinterest Board to bookmark all my findings!

In other news...after much consideration and prayer we have decided to allow paid advertising and sponsorship to Pure Modesty! If you are interested in advertising with me, please visit my advertising tab for further information!

The Cottage Mama E-Book Bundle Giveaway!~CLOSED

This Giveaway is now closed! Congratulations to Sharon K.!

I was delighted when Kristy from Little Natural Cottage contacted me and offered me her E-books to review and enjoy! Even though I was raised on the beaches of southern California, reading her books brought out the "South" in me I never even knew existed! As I read through each delicious recipe, I couldn't help but want to say to my family, "Y'all are going to love this recipe!"

Seriously!

Kristy not only has amazingly delicious and healthy recipes for nourishing your family, but she writes in a way that says, "Welcome to my kitchen, what can I get you?"

Kristy has written four fabulous e-books I would love to share with you today.

This little gem of a book is packed full of creative, healthy and easy make-ahead mixes for your family. It screams "Brilliant!" I wish I would have had this book while I was pregnant. I would have been able to plan ahead to those, I need toothpicks to hold my eyes open, sort of days with out wondering what can I whip up real quick. Now I have had on hand, several mixes from Buttermilk Pancake mix to Homemade Pizza Dough!

Holiday Mixes & Gifts in a Jar is a wonderful book and my new favorite go to gift guide. Kristy gives ideas for creating Holiday Goodie Baskets that would make very heart warming gifts. For example, attaching a cookie cutter to you jars for the cookie mix recipes or simply adding a few tea bags or a bag of home made coco into a pretty tea-cup or mug. This book has recipes ranging from Muffins, Soups and even Apple Pie in a Jar! She even has a Spiced Pumpkin Mix and Y'all know how I love my pumpkin! (see below)

This DIY e-book is amazing! Kristy has broken up this book into four sections; DIYourself for your Home, your Health, your Babies and for Fun! I really appreciate the simplicity this book. Kristy gives step by step instructions as well as photos for making liquid hand soap, herbal salves, baby teething biscuits, and facial lotion. Again all these delightful recipes could be used as gifts!

The Cottage Mama Plans Her Menu is Kristy's latest book and again, it's full of delicious recipes that are wholesome and healthy! Kristy plans out 14 days worth of meals and give tips  to accommodate for gluten and dairy sensitivities. Included is a Grocery Shopping List, Whole-Food Hints and Time Saver Tips.

You can also download a free preview of each book by going here!

Now for the Giveaway!

To enter, simply leave a comment why you would love to win the e-book bundle.

For additional entries:

"Like" Little Natural Cottage on Facebook

Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Best wishes!

How about some yummy goodness to brighten your morning, courtesy of The Cottage Mama herself!

Spiced Pumpkin  Muffin Mix

In a bowl combine:

1/2 C. sugar cane crystals or Sucant

1 3/4 C. whole wheat pastry flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Place mix in a quart sized bag and add 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips at the top. Seal and attach a label. Recipe yields a single batch (2 dozen muffins, enough to fill one bag.

Instructions for the label:

In a large bowl, cream together:

1 C. butter (softened)

4 eggs

1 C. pumpkin purée

2 tsp vanilla

Add all Pumpkin Mix; stir until just combined.

Fill greased muffin cups with batter

Bake at 350-degrees for 20-30 minutes.

Yields 2 dozen muffins

Enjoy!

I am linking this giveaway with some fabulous blogs! Will you join us?

Raising Homemakers

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Visionary Womanhood

Comfy in the Kitchen

Crafty

Last year I resolved to be a fun mom. To be more crafty and a bit spontaneous. I had every intention of sharing with you the arts and crafts I would do with the children, however life happened and honestly... I forgot!

A few days ago I came across this fabulous art idea from Pinterest! You can find the original source here. The supplies are minimal and very inexpense. The creativity can be endless!

I loved this idea and decided to create "works of art" made by my girls for their bedroom. I have prayed Scripture over my children and I see certain qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman in my girls. I chose to use their name and the verse that best suits them.

Here is what they created:

This was not only super fun but also a teachable moment for the girls and I. I was able to read to them from the Bible about what it means to be a virtuous woman and I was able to teach them what the Word says in regards to writing Scripture upon our door-frames. We can decorate our homes with the Living Word to help us hide them in our hearts!

How about you? Have you done any fun crafts lately? What Scriptures do you have on your walls?

DIYourself Skirts & Dresses!

I've been paroosing the web for some fresh idea's for making skirts and dresses your way. Here is what I found...

Better Homes and Gardens  shows you how to make this super cute Circle skirt:

Sew a Straight Line gives an amazingly easy, I must make this skirt now, tutorial for a Domesticated Skirt!

Your Style Rocks (why, thank you!) has a free downloadable pattern for this fantastic dress:

Elle Apparel created an easy-peasy winter shirt-dress tutorial I can't wait to make!

Do you sew? Do you have a blog that has your sewing creations?

Don't be shy...share it with the rest of us!

I'm linking up with Stay at Home Daughter today, where others are sharing posts all about modesty! Will you join us?

Knitting?

I am almost too embarrassed to make these pictures public but here I go...This year I purposed to learn a new skill each month beginning with learning to knit or crochet. I actually tried both at the same time, which I strongly suggest otherwise. You will confuse yourself beyond all reason and want to quit instantly. (Not that I did or anything...)

Casting on...

A Stitch I can't remember the name of...

A disaster in the making...

Hopefully I will have made a scarf by winter. (We'll see.)

In the mean time if you are interested in learning how to knit, here are some fun web-sites I found with the help of some much more skilled readers! 

Raverly

Wool and the Gang

Knit Witts

Knit Picks

... I was a stranger...

...and you welcomed me.~Matthew 25:35

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I have been reading through "Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition" these past few weeks as a part of my book schedule.

I highly suggest you read it as well.

This book is life-giving to the home but not for the hostess but rather for the guest and will stir your soul into action. 

When we think of hospitality, we often think of simply entertaining our friends and family in our homes. Have you considered opening your home to strangers? Someone you have never met until that moment?

Jesus said, "When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed because they cannot repay you."~ Luke 14:13-14

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Here are a few quotes...

"In Romans 15:7, Paul urges believers to "welcome one another" as Christ has welcomed them...In the church, the household of God, hospitality is a fitting, requisite, and meaning filled practice...Though part of everyday life hospitality is never far removed from it's divine connections."

"Hospitality is central to the meaning of the gospel...A fuller awareness of the riches of hospitality tradition and the extraordinary experiences associated with hospitality enriches Christian faith and brings Christian practice into closer alignment with the basic values of the Kingdom. Hospitality is a lens through which we can read and understand much of the gospel, and practice by which we can welcome Jesus himself."

"In hospitality, the stranger is welcomed into a safe, personal and comfortable place, a place of respect and acceptance and friendship. Even if only briefly, the stranger is included in a life-giving and life-sustaining network of relations."

"Hospitality is not optional for Christians, nor is it limited to those who are specially gifted for it. It is, instead a necessary practice in the community of faith."

Matthew 5:39-44

Matthew 25:31-46

Luke 6:27-31 

Luke 10:29-37

Luke 14:13-14

Side effects

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A byproduct is defined as "Something produced in the making of something else. A secondary result; a side effect."

Lately I have been feeling like I am a byproduct of feminism. What is considered a grand design for a woman's "freedom" and a hope for multi-generational success, I have chosen to live counter-cultural to it's views on womanhood and motherhood.

I am the side-effect in it's ideology.

And "they" don't like it.

"They" are the ones who ask "Do you work?" 

"They" are the ones who wonder about how I get my 'me time' with "all those kids"

"They" are the ones who assume I can "do it all"

But isn't that what "they" wanted?

To do it all?

What is the "it all" and why does mine have to match theirs?

I'm not sure.

I am sure that I do work and that my job carries a great responsibility.
"he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you-they are your life..."~Deuteronomy 32:46-47

I am sure that I get me me time with the One who deserves it the most.
"Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long."~Psalm 119:97

I am most assured I can't do it all, however, because my strength is not my own.
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."~2 Corinthians 12:9 

My side-effect-ness is frowned upon with each book read to my babes, each meal I prepare and every laundry load I wash. I hear "tisk-tisk" whispered for encouraging my girls to dress like girls so they can define femininity not androgyny. It is most criticized for willfully submitting to my husband and for honoring his vision.

And so I must always remember, "Am I trying to win the approval of men, or God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of God."~Galatians 1:10

Do you have a side effect? How does it show?

Dressing On A Dime~Guest Post

Photo Credit

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:

~Invest in good quality, classic clothing. By choosing well-made, timeless items like skirts, tailored jackets, a good pair of jeans or slacks in neutral colors, you can wear them for multiple seasons without feeling "dated."

~Use cheaper accessories like scarves (which help keep you warm, stylish, and ensures your cleavage stays covered!), belts, and necklaces to dress up a plain shirt instead of buying a new one.

~Buy your clothes off season when they are on sale. Stock up on commonly worn clothing like underwear or t-shirts when they're on clearance.

~Avoid buying clothing you love in the wrong size. You'll get more use out of it if you feel good in it.

~If you're not sure whether it really "suits" you, don't buy it. It will end up having a lonely life in the back of your closet.

~Swap clothing. Growing up, my three sisters did this all the time. Between us, we had oodles of clothes to choose from.

~Hand it down. With the exception of birthday presents, my children live in hand-me downs. They don't know the difference, and to my knowledge, no one else does either (until now...the secret's out!). Find a friend or two who have children slightly older and/or younger than yours and share clothes back and forth. It takes a little organization and frequent purging, but it can work!

~Recycle clothing. My 2-year-old has just gone through another growth spurt which left a few of her pants looking like floods! Since the waistband still fits perfectly, I'll be cutting them up and turning them into skirts which will hopefully fit her for a few more months. (Tutorial coming soon on Growing Home.)

~Try selling clothing you no longer wear (and would be too embarrassed to pass along) at a garage sale or consignment shop. It surprised me when a local consignment shop gave me a couple bucks for clothing I thought was terribly dated.

~Shop at outlet malls, discount warehouses, and thrift shops to get the best bargains. You may have to do some digging around, but you're bound to find a steal.

~Visit a clothing department's website before you go. Often you'll find a $5.00 off coupon just for visiting! Keep your eye out for promotional codes.

~Pick clothing with labels printed on the inside. All the big names are plastered on the outside, but if you're looking to spend half of what it costs to buy lables like Dooney & Bourke, skip the lettering.

~If you're the trendy sort, purchase just one or two knock-off versions to keep yourself from feeling ripped off when they go out of style two months later.

Do you have any other frugal clothing shopping tips? I'd love to hear your savvy ideas!

Jacinda is a sinner, saved by grace, the cherished wife to her best friend Brad, the mother of two precious children so far - Charity Sofia (2) and Judah Paul (6 months), and a passionate homemaker who enjoys blogging about it all at Growing Home!

DIY

Here are some lovely DIY's I found I think you'll enjoy!

Remember my Garden Inspiration post? At The House of Smiths, you can learn how to make your own, amazingly easy fabric flower! You can add these flowers to anything! Purses, headbands, cardigans, you name it!

Quinn at Reformation Acres gives very simple instructions on how to make a "Gathering" Apron. Perfect for fellow homesteaders!

You can learn how to to make a skirt from a t-shirt from Melissa at Sew Like Mom.

If you can find a men's business shirt, Dana Made It will teach you how to make a darling dress for a little girl.

Do you have your own DIY idea to share? Send me an email!

Have fun creating!