Sweeter Than Honey

I've moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 19:55:00 +0000

You can find me over at my new home:

Hope to see you there!

Maine Homemaker is LIVE

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 15:12:00 +0000

Hi friends! Just letting you know Maine Homemaker is now LIVE, but the layout is only temporary. I plan to work on it as I post along :) Looking forward to seeing you over there!

Happy Homemaking,

Farewell Sweeter than Honey...and hello!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:13:00 +0000

Photo Credit

It's true. I am bidding farewell to this blog. I hope you aren't sad; as poet John Gay put it "We only part to meet again."

I'm only parting with Sweeter than Honey to take on another blogging and writing adventure at my new blog - Maine Homemaker. You will be able to find me at mainehomemaker.com once I am up and running :)

Maine Homemaker. Sweet and simple :)

Purchasing our new home, and now with the blessing of making a home that is our own has initiated a lot more change than just moving in. Would you believe it's even changed my vision for blogging?

I'm excited to share with you the life the Lord has blessed us with, here on our 26 acre mountain home. I'm looking forward to sharing my love for the state I live in, the love and labor of keeping a home, and much more over at my new spot :)

Hope you decide to join me or pop in for a visit :)

Thrifty finds - this old chair

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 18:18:00 +0000

The past week we've had a taste of early fall temperatures. It's about that time I start hitting up the thrift stores on a look-out for anything I can add to my fall decor...for cheap. I didn't see much today except for this cute little pumpkin:

Brought him home for 50 cents; just need to find a place to put him.

My find of the day was this old chair (still very sturdy, though) I snagged for $2.

As you can see, her pretty ol' paint is peeling all over the place. Not sure if you can tell, but the paint is a light, minty green.

Not sure what or if I want to do anything to her! Any ideas? For now she remains on a corner of the deck holding a couple plants.

Kitchen Makeover ~ Before & After

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 15:41:00 +0000

If you stopped by last month, you may remember my kitchen looking like this during my re-do:

After a lot sanding, priming, painting and trim work my kitchen now looks like this :)

I have always wanted a white kitchen! To me, it's timeless and fun to accent. My decor will certainly change with the seasons and it will be simple.

A few things I love about my new kitchen...

I'm loving the blue mason jars, the deep sink and the onions hanging from the window my sweet friend India gave to me from her garden.

These guys that stop to visit every now and again right outside the kitchen window while I'm preparing my morning coffee:

The view from my stove...I thought enjoyed cooking before!

Most of all, I've been blessed with a space where I can teach my daugher to cook...

Prepare meals and sweet treats for friends and family...

and enjoy the company and conversation nearby

I'm really happy with the way the kitchen has turned out. Just a few little things here and there to be done like ordering handles for the cabinets and finishing up the window. I'm just glad the major paintng is over :)

Thanks for stopping by and hope you visit again soon!

Linking up to: Growing Home, Raising Homemakers, Raising Mighty Arrows, Homestead Revival, Deep Roots at Home

Sweet Breakfast Rolls

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 18:20:00 +0000

Here is a fun and delicious recipe to make with your daughter. Haley had a blast making these with me. I mixed up a smaller batch of dough, so she could play alongside me.

Gather ingredients:

1/4 C organic shortening (I used Spectrum brand)
2 C self-rising flour
3/4 C whole milk
1/4 C butter (half stick), melted
1/2 C sugar
2 teapoons cinnamon

Mix shortening and flour together with a fork until crumbly.
Stir in milk and turn with wooden spoon until dough forms.
Place dough onto floured surface and knead until smooth.
Roll dough out into a 1/4 inch-thick rectangle (or oval)
Brush or spread butter with spoon onto dough
Combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over dough
Roll up dough, using the long side
Slice into 8-10 slices and place on baking sheet
Bake at 425 degrees for 18 minutes.
Drizzle with icing (below)

Icing:
Mix together 1 C confectioners sugar, 3 Tablespoons milk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Linking up to: Growing Home, Raising Homemakers, Raising Mighty Arrows, Homestead Revival, Deep Roots at Home

Fun in the brook

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 03:00:00 +0000

We are settling into our new home and have accomplished a lot around here in a short amount of time. There is still lots to do, but we've been taking the time to simply enjoy what God has blessed us with!

Adam and I took a walk last week and found this beautiful spot in the woods where a brook flows through. I just knew the kids would love it, so we walked down to it the next day and have been everyday since. They love it and we literally spend hours there - swimming, skipping rocks, building stick forts - just having a blast!

I promised the kids we could pack a picnic lunch when we go tomorrow, so I'm hoping for a sunny day. Hope everyone is having a blessed week!

Eek what a mess! (Kitchen-redo)

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 19:11:00 +0000

Hey y'all! So, my new kitchen has been cah-razy! We are still in the rental until *squeal* tomorrow...and then the moving begins. However, I'm a little antsy that my kitchen still looks like this:

(minus the lack of paint and trim around the windows- we do have paint on the walls now, praise the Lord, but this picture was taken earlier last week). Everything else still looks just like the photo!

Betcha can guess what I'm doing here...

Yep, so these girls are getting a paint job. Can't wait to show you how they all turn out!

Also on the list to do...clean farmer's sink and get that ugly rust spot out...fix or replace faucet because it keeps spraying everyone who turns it on...and install a water filtration system.

At some point the counter tops have gotta go. I've finally convinced the hubs that butcher block is the way to go. Thinking that may be a fall/winter project.

Alrighty, so soon I'll have some after shots. Just thought I'd update you on what a project I'm getting myself into! Thanks for stopping by :)

New Home: Before & In-progress Interior Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 23:39:00 +0000

Sorry for the delay in my posting. I know I had said I'd post interior photos sooner - I should have known I wouldn't have as much time to blog as I'd hoped. I'm squeezing in some time now :)

There is so much work to be done, but we've enjoyed doing it. My husband amazes me with all his carpentry skills. For those who know him personally, you know he is a jack of all trades.

Here are a few interior before photos and of our work in-progress. I'm so excited to see the finished result. Everything is coming together great. My step brother hired a couple sheetrock guys for us and they are awesome - very reliable and work quickly.

Open concept living area. View from master bedroom/loft.

Looking up at loft from living room

My hubby is building barn-style doors for these storage spaces

Hubs removed the trim around the staircase to expand the wall. I'll post pictures of that soon, too.

Looking into open concept area from deck. I'm doing some light kitchen remodeling at the moment :)

Today Adam worked on building a post for our mailbox. It took him about 20 minutes to make and saved us almost $15 building it himself.

I'm having a hard time keeping my eye lids open so I'm going to have to call it a day! I'm looking forward to a post of before and after pictures, so stay tuned for that :) Thank you again for all of your encouragement and prayers!

We got the house! & {Exterior Before Pictures}

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:19:00 +0000

I just want to start out by saying THANK YOU to all our family, friends and many of you we've never even met for praying for us as we anxiously bit our nails during this whole house process. God has blessed us beyond our imagination, and with that said, we are still in a dream-like state. So thank you for praying on our behalf. We pray our home will be used to glorify Him; that comers and goers will know that this was His doing; His will for our family.

Time to start building memories.

...But we also have a lot of work ahead of us. I will begin with a "before" exterior shot of our little homestead. I will post many "after" photos starting in August.

The home is a newer construction with a story behind it. It sits on 26 acres atop a hardwood mountain. An older couple built this home to retire in. The husband was a contractor and built it from the ground up. He passed away in 2009, leaving behind his wife and their unfinished home. She resided in the home for a year or two, and decided to move closer to family. Two weeks after she listed the property for sale, we placed an offer.

I imagine it was difficult letting go of this home, but at closing we could see relief in the seller's eyes when she heard our vision for the home and that it is being sold to a family who will truly love and care for it.

There were three showings before us and each inquirer was turned off by the same thing:

the driveway. It is 600 feet long. We live in New England. One word: winter.

We have a solution for that. He is a 6 ft, tall, dark and handsome country man who wants nothing more than to run his own snow plow. I like to call him Hubby :)

There are so many things we had in common with the seller when it came to our ideal house lot and one of them is this: privacy. Absolute, serene seclusion.

view from the house

berries on the property

Our immediate exterior to-do list:

1. Make a lawn. Hubs loves running an excavator so he plans to extend the edge of the existing "lawn" (it is all dirt and a loop driveway right now, with the exception of green grass growing on the leech bed). He plans to get rid of the loop driveway and make the majority of it a lush, green yard :)

2. Stain the porch and fix up/stain the deck.

At some point we'd also like to make another sitting area under the deck (first photo in this post). Right now there is a tarp under there with some wood the seller left behind, along with other random things that are being tossed. I think it will eventually look nice with a couple rocking chairs and maybe a porch swing :)

Well, that is it for the exterior shots for now! I plan to post before pictures of the interior tomorrow. I would love some feedback on paint selection after the pictures are up :)

Keeping children content: a few tips

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:14:00 +0000

1. Always have breakfast planned ahead and prepared each morning.
A fed belly is a happy belly.

2. Include them in your work.
Allow them to towel dry the dishes, wipe down the appliances, prepare lunch etc.

3. Send them outdoors.
Let them get dirty, let them run, and let them get their Vitamin D.

4. Have less stuff.
Try to only keep toys that can withstand more than one generation, such as wooden toys.

5. Be predictable
Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.

6. Be unpredictable
Do something spontaneous every now and then. Break the routine and go to a movie; pack a picnic lunch and head outdoors; surprise them with an ice cream party for breakfast, etc.

7. Be affectionate with your husband in front of them.
I shouldn't even have to explain the feeling of security that comes along with this.

What are some tips you have in raising content children? I'd love for you to share them in the comment box below :)

Linking up:

Raising Homemakers

My First Extreme Couponing Experience - Bath & Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:45:00 +0000

I've been posting a lot on how and where I've been saving money at the grocery store. In my last post, I shared where to save money on organic/natural products. I also shared our grocery budget for our family of 4 and my desire to shop below that.

This past week I challenged myself to extreme coupon. I've been hesitant to go this route because I know there are a lot of things I don't need, but I think my clipping efforts were well worth it this week as I scored some great deals!

Here's a peak at my findings and savings:

2 packages of Seventh Generation diapers $9.99 each...$19.98 @ Hannaford

2 coupons for FREE Seventh Generation diapers, wipes or training pants (up to $13 value each)

TOTAL: $0.00

1 bottle of LA Looks Beachy Mega Waves Spray Gel...$1.94 @ Walmart

1 coupon $1.00 off any LA Looks product

TOTAL: $.94

Colgate Optic White toothpaste...$4.79 @ Rite Aid

Rite Aid coupon $1.00 off Colgate Optic White toothpaste

Manufacturer's Coupon $1.00 off Colgate Optic White toothpaste

Manufacturer's Coupon $1.00 off any Colgate toothpaste

TOTAL: $1.79

Daisy + Venus disposable razors...$5.97 @ Walmart

2 Manufacturer Coupons $2.00 off Venus or Daisy disposable razors (-$4.00)

TOTAL: $1.97

2 Bic Soleil razors $3.00 each...$6.00 @ Ocean State Job Lot

2 Manufacturer Coupons $3.00 off Bic Soleil Razor

TOTAL: $0.00

CVS Tranquil Body Wash...$2.37

Coupon for FREE CVS Traquil Body wash

TOTAL: $0.00

Take a look at my savings!

I purchased $41.05 worth of items
I spent only $4.70!!!

I saved $36.35 this trip. Not too shabby for my first extreme couponing experience!

Where to find coupons on organic & eco-friendly items

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:47:00 +0000

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I am not an extreme couponist, although I am a clipper for sure. When I'm clipping I'm looking for things that my family will actually use and are safe/healthy. In a post last month I shared our family's food budget, and ways we stretch our meals.

I do like having a budget and trying to shop below it. When I created our grocery budget I made sure it was realistic and comfortable for our family. As much as I'd love to pay virtually zero $ for all of our groceries, it probably won't happen. And again, my goal is health, which is not something I'm willing to sacrifice no matter how great of a deal I'm getting.

With that said, when I'm shopping I have my magic number in mind - not to go over $130. Now we all know how expensive organic products can get. BUT if you seek out sites and resources where you can gather the savings, you'll see that you can purchase these items and still remain within budget.

For example, on a recent shopping trip my total came to well over $160. That is $30 over budget. My cart included many (mostly) organic items ranging from Seventh Generation diapers to tubs of Stonyfield Organic yogurt. I also had 3 cartons of milk - Organic cow's milk, soy milk and rice milk which easily adds up to over $3 a piece.

After coupons I watched as $160 dropped to $120. I went from being $30 over budget to being $10 under budget.

Below is my short and sweet list of where I find the best coupons and savings on organic items:

1. Mambo Sprouts

2. Stonyfield Organic (be sure to sign up to have access to their coupons. Also, make sure you KEEP the LIDS on all your yogurts. Under "Rewards" you want to enter in the codes on the top of the lids to start earning points toward free products. I have gotten several free cartons of milk, organic half & half, organic chocolate syrup and many other products by using this incentive)

3. Ebay YES I do purchase coupons on organic items off of Ebay and it is SO worth it! Just be sure to check the expiration date in the listing. Recently, I purchased 2 coupons for FREE Seventh Generation diapers. I paid $7 for the coupons and shipping was free. At my grocery store, Seventh Generation diapers start at $10 per package. Both coupons could be used toward wipes, diapers or training pants not to exceed $13. I paid only $7 for TWO coupons worth $26!

Just a few tips on saving on organic:

- A common tip shared by even the most extreme couponists is to combine coupons with sales and markdowns. Some stores will even allow you to double.

- Many grocery stores have their own free monthly magazine. Be sure to grab these for great coupons.

- Keep your eye out for free or reduced subscriptions to popular home, garden and cooking magazines. You'll find coupons and deals here.

- Visit your favorite organic sites often for coupons, sweepstakes and giveaways. Annies currently has a wonderful promotion for a free subscription to Organic Gardening magazine (a $23.94 value) when you mail in 2 UPC codes.

- Stop by my Cork Board often for wonderful resources on savings each month.

Feel free to share in the comments section below how your family saves on organic and eco-friendly items :)

Linking to: Growing Home, Far Above Rubies, Deep Roots at Home, Raising Homemakers, Raising Mighty Arrows, Our Simple Country Life, Women Living Well, Time Warp Wife, Our Simple Farm, Natural Mothers Network Homestead Revival

Healthy Happenings, Savings & Smoothie Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:17:00 +0000

I'm still here! I know things have been a little quiet around here, but offline life has been quite busy! We are jumping through a couple hoops within this home-buying process, but I trust the Lord's leading.

In the meantime, I'm thoroughly enjoying being distracted by a desire to be healthy! I've always been a health nut to some extent, but with spring time here, it is a season of cleaning things up. Many of us have found eating organic can get pricey, but I'm running into some great finds that I'm happy to share with you all.

My favorite site for saving on organic groceries and natural living products is Vitacost.com. I was never big on purchasing groceries online until recently, especially with free shipping over $49 and many other incentives they have on saving money. I'll share with you my latest purchases.

Order #1 4/21

~ 3 loaves of Ener-G Light Gluten-free/Wheat-Free bread. This is normally $2.47 per loaf, but at the time of purchase it was on sale for $1.99 a loaf! I paid $5.97 for all three - two in my freezer.
~ Arrowhead Mills Organic Kamut Cereal $1.57. I'll be enjoying this with rice milk in the morning :)
~ Peppermint Castile Soap 8 fl oz $2.97. I plan on diluting this and using in my foam soap pump.
~ Seventh Generation Mult-Surface Wipes 70 wipes $4.75. At the grocery store this is over $3.00 for 35 wipes. I thought $4.75 for 70 was a great deal. I plan to keep these in the bathroom to wipe down counter top and toilet each day.
~ Brainstrong Prenatal Vitamins two month supply $13.19. I am very particular about my supplements. I chose this one because it comes with an Omega 3 capsule. I also like that the Vitamin A is in beta-carotene form and Vitamin D is D3.
~ Amazing Grass Chocolate Superfood powder $21.34. Okay, so this is definitely where I splurged, but I still found it for less here. This is my absolute favorite protein-powder mix. I've shared it in a recipe below.

And the grand total....$49.69 (free shipping!)

Order #2 4/24

Yes, I really did place an order 3 days later, but that's because VitaCost was having a promotion I couldn't turn down - free shipping on orders $24.50 and up. I also had a $10 coupon for referring a friend to register with Vitacost!

~ 2 cans Eden Foods Brown Rice and Cajun Red Beans $1.76 each. These cans are BPA free! These cajun rice and beans will make an easy, healthy dinner. I plan to warm them and wrap them in tortillas with salsa and shredded cheese. Easy peasy in a pinch!

~ Mur Glen Organic Tomato Sauce 8 oz $1.07. I plan to use this with the gluten-free pizza crust mix I ordered.

~ Bob's Red Mill Organic Rolled Oats 32 oz $4.00

~ Raw Chia Seeds 9.5 oz $7.49 I use these in smoothies and oats

~ Organic refried beans $1.92 Warm and place in tortilla with fried egg and cheese for hubby's breakfasts.

~ Aluminum-free Baking Soda $2.12

~ Toasted Pine nut Couscous $2.35 This will be a side grain for dinner - all I need is a vegetable and protein and it will be a complete meal!

~ Kumquat natural fruit spread 10oz $2.69 This will taste great with the gluten-free bread from Order #1 and topped on oatmeal!

~ Gluten-free Pizza Crust Mix $2.90

~ Family Size Annie's Mac n Cheese $2.91. Add in ground turkey and vegetables and voila! Dinner!

~ Earth Balance Peanut Butter 16 oz $3.75

And the grand total....$24.72 (free shipping!) The subtotal was $34.72, but I used my $10 off coupon here.

I plan on making several purchases with Vitacost! I have two $10 off coupons to use for referring new registrants. If you'd like to save $10 off your first order and begin passing along the savings click here to sign up! If you'd like to follow along my savings with healthy eating/living and see how I use these items to feed my family - please stop by again.

I leave you with a delicious green smoothie recipe, using some of the items I bought!

1 Cup rice milk
1 handful fresh organic spinach
1 very ripe banana
1 Tbsp raw chia seeds
1 scoop Amazing Grass Chocolate Protein Powder

Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high for 1 minute. Enjoy!

Mom: Hand over your reins

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:11:00 +0000

What a privilege it is to have my children entrusted to my care. And not just sometimes, but all of the time. And how easy it is for me to forget that it is indeed a privilege. God chose me, out of all women, to mother my children. He chose you, too.

It's a challenge too, especially when I try to face the day as a one woman army. I'm sure you know the feeling of fighting in the ring by yourself.

That is just what we're doing when we are weary, overwhelmed, panicked through this journey of motherhood.

Join me today at Under the Golden Apple Tree and hand over your reins with me :)

Linking up with: Raising Mighty Arrows & Our Simple Country Life

Coconut Vanilla Wafer Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:49:00 +0000

Now here's a sweet, delicious, tropical moist cake worthy of an appearance at a luau :) The big plus is it is super easy and a great recipe to have the kids help make.

What you'll need:

1 (12 oz) box of vanilla wafers
1 C butter, softened
1 1/2 C sugar
6 eggs
1/2 C milk
1 (7 oz) package flaked coconut

1. Preheat oven 325 degrees
2. Grease and flour a bread pan
3. Crush or grind vanilla wafers (the kids will love this part!)
4. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy
5. Add eggs in one at a time, stirring together after each.
6. Add wafers, milk and coconut; stir.
7. Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Serve warm or cooled. This would be delicious topped with vanilla ice cream....or enjoyed with your morning coffee :)

Growing Home, Far Above Rubies, Deep Roots at Home, Raising Homemakers, Raising Mighty Arrows, Our Simple Country Life, Women Living Well, Time Warp Wife, Our Simple Farm, Natural Mothers Network Homestead Revival

Meal Stretching

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:25:00 +0000

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Meal stretching is by far my most favorite way to save on groceries without having to become an extreme couponer, although I do use coupons and follow store sales for things we actually eat (who needs 50 bottles of BBQ sauce? And yuck). I am also able to feed my family healthy this way.

My 2 Meal-Stretching Techniques:
1. Plan to use the same ingredients in different recipes throughout the week.
2. Dress up dinner leftovers for lunches the next day.

Our budget, which I smile big when I don't go over, for our family of four is $130 per week. That is for all breakfasts, lunches and dinners (including hub's breakfasts and lunches). Many times I'm able to stretch that to a week and a half/two weeks and most of the time I'm under budget. This week I was under budget at $90.

First, I'll give you a 3 day example of our dinners, and then I'll throw in some other money-saving, meal-stretching tips that work for us.

Meal-Stretching Example

Monday: Ziti Pasta Bake, Salad & Homemade Garlic Bread
1 box of Ziti, 1 jar of pasta sauce, 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion chopped, 1 C shredded cheese (2 cups in one package), seasonings of choice.
Salad was mixed greens, cucumber, and broccoli. Dressing and/or squeezed lemon.
I baked this in a large casserole.
Stretch it: Before I serve anyone, I fill two Pyrex containers and place in fridge- one for hubby to have for lunch the next day, and the other to divide for me and the kids for our lunch. I pack a small salad for the hubs too.

* Monday morning I made two loaves of homemade whole wheat bread. For the first loaf I used half as garlic bread with Monday's dinner and the other half for breakfast toast. The second loaf I've used in Tuesday's dinner.

Tuesday: Breakfast Casserole and potatoes
2nd loaf of homemade bread from Monday torn or chopped, 8 eggs, 1 onion chopped, spinach I found in the fridge that needed to be used quickly, 1 Cup shredded cheese (last cup from Monday's package), milk, melted butter. I also threw in sour cream that was about to expire.

Potatoes cubed, toss in oil, and desired seasonings. Bake.
Stretch it: Plenty of left over casserole for Wednesday's breakfast

* I made homemade white/wheat hot dog buns for Wednesday's dinner

Wednesday: Hebrew National Hot Dogs and Fries
Hot dogs on homemade buns, fixings, and homemade fries using potatoes from Wednesday.

Stretch it: Use leftover buns as sub rolls for hub's Thursday sandwich. Also use leftover buns to make baked french toast for mom and the kids.

Tips

1. Bake often or reserve a day just for baking. Freeze large batches in freezer bags and use throughout the week.

2. Use what you already have in your cupboard in recipes. I love using this tool from allrecipes.com. Just type in ingredients you have on hand and it will shoot you various recipes with those ingredients. I've gotten pretty creative here and it has saved food from going to waste.

3. Set a snack time for the kids and stick to it. Don't let kids snack throughout the day.

4. Keep breakfasts for you and the kids simple. Protein, fruit, starch - that's it.
Examples:
- Scrambled eggs, grapes, wheat toast.
- Whole milk yogurt, apple slices, slow cooked oatmeal.

5. Buy sale produce (particularly for those who don't have a garden). I only buy fruit that is on sale and use these for breakfasts and in hub's lunches.

6. Buy less meat and with the meat you do buy, use it in casseroles, on salads, or in burritos/wraps. It gives the appearance of "more" when mixed in with other ingredients.

7. Always fill a container for hubby's lunches before serving dinner. Make sure your man is fed :) It is much easier on the bank account this way too.

8. Get meal ideas from other blogs. I love seeing all the delicious recipes in the various Link-Ups throughout the week :)

9. Eat less. Don't serve the kids (or yourself) mammoth-sized servings. Use smaller plates.

10. Let the kids in the kitchen. I've found that the more the kids are involved in the meal prep process, the more likely they are to finish their meal. Less food waste = more $.

What are some ways that you stretch your meals each week? I'd love to hear :)

Linking to: Growing Home, Far Above Rubies, Deep Roots at Home, Raising Homemakers, Raising Mighty Arrows, Our Simple Country Life, Women Living Well, Time Warp Wife, Our Simple Farm, Natural Mothers Network Homestead Revival

Before you beat yourself up

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:58:00 +0000

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You and I have probably never met in person. You only know me through my writing. You know that I love to sew, that I have two children and that I love Jesus.

What you didn't know (until now)...

...that I didn't shower until lunch time today. tmi?

...I *gasp* left a very large pile of dirty dishes in the sink last night. Not to mention the dishes scattered all over the counter coated with a (film? mass? concrete?) of pasta sauce.

...my carpet looks like I own an animal that is not housebroken (I don't own any animals), but I have two kids who keep forgetting to take of their mud boots off when they run into the house determined to show me a handful of worms they dug up. Gag.

...I haven't read to my children today. I haven't touched any homeschooling material today. I am actually not on a routine or schedule as far as homeschooling goes right now.

...I am not beating myself up for any of the above. None.

What I do know and you should know too

...I am not a perfect homemaker, hence my catch phrase under the title of my blog. It is in the making. It will always be in the making until I am in heaven.

...my kids are in training. I have a 3 and 5 year old who love to play and love to help me out around the house. Sometimes. Mostly just chasing each other with a vacuum...BUT I really do use everyday moments to train my kids in housekeeping. This will pay off.

...dinner is in the works almost every night before my husband comes home regardless of how I look or how many crushed cheerios are on the kitchen floor. I try my best to greet him with a smile (though this is not always the case), but we do enjoy this time when we're all together at once. Tonight, however, I'm going to ~~beg~~ ask if he can pick up a pizza on the way home. See? No need for perfection all the time.

...we are a family. We are a family. We are a family who loves each other and we are in this together- from cookie crumbs to catastrophe. We pray together, cry together, laugh together, shout with and at each other. We are family. We are a rarity this day in age. I hesitated to type that, but it is the truth.

So before you beat yourself up....

Remember there is no need for perfection.

I bet half of the women you enjoy reading about are just like you and me.

God is working in our hearts this very moment. He is working on the things that we constantly beat ourselves up over.

Let Him work. You just pray.

Give Him the victory and bury His word in your heart. However it needs to happen, let it happen! I'll tell you my time with the Lord is not always the same time everyday. One day I found myself clutching my Bible after going wild mad on my kids, which happens more often than I'd like to admit. It was one of those days - early 10AM nap time for you kids! But I cried over my Bible, prayed, and fell asleep. Woke up renewed!

Also, know that you're a work in progress. Embrace the change that God is making in you. The little and the big. Praise Him for the work He is doing and the work He has done.

Now hang up the gloves.

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you

will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Philippians 1:6

A quiet, busy bee

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:22:00 +0000

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Every so often I'll look out my window and see a bee at work; making his rounds from plant to plant. He looks pretty busy. He is very quiet, but clearly he is making something happen!

I believe that is how God is working in our lives.

In this very moment I'm marveling at the power of His steady hand; how it has stilled me. I am not a patient person by any means. Quite the opposite.

But for now I feel a stillness and feeling of contentment that the Lord is at work. I can't help but praise Him.

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10a

Putting the Extra in Ordinary for Our Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:55:00 +0000

Photo Credit

Oh, motherhood. Some days I can't tell if I'm caught in a current or just riding the waves.

My heart yanks me toward my children and their cries for my attention, but my mind is caught up in another ~~Mount Everest~~ pile of laundry.

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

- Matthew 26:41b

Oi. Ouch. Yep, that's me.

It has become both a temptation and habit to say "just a minute" to my children. Sometimes I never actually make it to their request, and I well with regret at the end of the day. And the cycle continues when I open my eyes the next morning.

All they wanted the entire time...was my time.

But first, I need His time. To renew me. To fill me up. To do ordinary things with extraordinary love.

Join me today at Under the Golden Apple Tree for ideas on how we can put the extra in ordinary for our kids!

Seeking an Informal Mentor in Blog-o-sphere

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:47:00 +0000

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"My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,

that they may dwell within me;

he whose walk is blameless

will minister to me."

- Psalm 101:6

I love blogging. I love that I can connect with so many like-minded women that encourage my walk with the Lord and as a mom.

It is nice having a group of friends who cheer you on. Who see your messy past, and don't hold it against you. Rather, they are in awe of God's work. The reality of God is ever-present when we witness a sinner saved by His grace alone.

I understand the habit of internet over-load and desire for connection. It is something I've personally struggled with and continue to pray about.

My solution has been this:

1. Face it. What is my intention for being on here? Usually it is for connection, information, and to run away from the dishes.

2. Seek it. Only read content that is going to help you grow (as a homemaker, mother, baker, candlestick maker?) And more importantly, with the Lord and His purpose for you. In short, seek a mentor(s). More on this below.

3. Apply it. This is the fun part when the computer is off and you are living out your life. You're living out motherhood or whatever your season. You feel a reassurance that others are living it too. That you do, indeed, have companionship and if you need guidance, your friends are there.

I have not formally asked to be mentored, although it is something I may request if the Lord leads me to that person. I do find myself reading blogs that encourage virtuous living, humble mothering, and anything else my soul is thirsty for. Little do these authors know, they are mentoring me and helping me to build godly-character in myself and home.

If you are not sure where to start, visit my Favorites Page, where you will find a list of blogs that have encouraged my own walk. Also, be sure to visit Growing Home's Lovely Blog Directory. I often find myself in the Titus 2 Section.

It is possible to be mentored in blog-o-sphere, as I term it. You just have to face your intention, seek guidance, and apply what you've learned.

Home in the making

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:46:00 +0000

First, let me apologize for my posts appearing later in the day...or spread out. It's an exciting time for our family as we enter spring.

Part of the reason why my mornings have been so busy (on top of the business that already exists) is that I've been contacting realtors, researching property, etc. We are hoping, praying to be purchasing land soon to build our first house.

As exciting as this is for us, I trust in God's provisions. I only want what He wants. I do daydream of all the possibilities. Our first home. A place to build memories; to learn and use the land; to grow together in our walk; to fall short together and persevere; to be hospitable; to laugh and pain together; to love; to live.

Oh, and praise God for Pinterest. So many wonderful ideas for the home here. It makes planning fun.

I will chronicle our home building journey as we go along, and let you pitch in on some suggestions. And of course, I'll share lots of photos :)

Spring Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 01:41:00 +0000

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I am over winter and in need of spring cleaning.

Not just the house, but my spirit.

I am so looking forward to the season of renewal.

I'm feeling weary lately; constantly searching and not feeling all that settled.

I'm snappy, overwhelmed, sluggish.

But, I'm hopeful.

I have Someone to hang onto, leading me to the next season.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me

Psalm 51:10

Make Every Effort: I think I can!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:37:00 +0000

Photo via Pinterest

First, I'll let you appreciate how seriously adorable this mug is.

And how seriously crucial coffee is in your life. or tea? I know some of us can live without the java. Look at you go.

Now that you've made an honest effort to bypass that sarcasm...

If you have your Bible handy...

Turn to 2 Peter, Chapter 1.

Read verses 5 through 9.

Or, right click here and open a new tab.

When I read this passage, what stands out to me the most is:

1. make every effort

2. self-control

3. ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ

There are so many evil desires in this world. It is corrupt. Every day is a battle, not of flesh, but of good and evil in the spiritual realm.

A temptation to chime in on gossip. An untamed tongue. A temptation to give into past sins.

And if we don't, we get a snicker here or a turned up nose there. From non-believers and fellow believers alike. From ourselves. All the while, our deepest desire is to do good. And then we beat ourselves up for it.

That's why I love this verse.

“My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,

so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

God already knows that we aren't strong enough. No one in this world is going to deliver you from your weakness, from your setbacks, from your “I did it agains” but God Himself.

He doesn't tell us to do it alone; He asks us to make every effort we can.

Making every effort you can doesn't have to be a daunting task. You don't need to do everything at once.

But you do need to start with knowledge of who God is. That starts with His word.

Make every effort to spend a moment with your Heavenly Father (start with Titus? Chapter 2? Great read.) The more you spend with Him, the more prepared you will be to control yourself in times of temptation. You'll be aware, even in every day physical life that you are amongst a spiritual battle ground.

The more you know God, the more control you have over these situations. And the more likely you will choose to represent Christ.

Photo Credit

Yes you can!

Chasing Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:12:00 +0000

I look at this picture and I don't know whether to smile or cry.

Maybe both?

I took this picture of our babes last summer at a playground in our small town. A little blurry, yes, but it still captured a moment in childhood that I remember feeling myself. I remember running around barefoot as a little girl, laughing and playing in the sun, never knowing the hour. Completely in the midst of time.

Now I feel like I'm chasing it.

How many times do I need to read this verse before I take it seriously?

Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

- Psalm 90:12

I was ironing when I found my daughter beside me on my hope chest, all curled up taking a nap beside our window. I just stared at her, warmed by the sun's rays coming through my window. She wasn't thinking about what she had to check off her schedule, what project needed to be tackled. She was just content. Asleep. In the midst of time.

I'm learning that I don't have to be a perfect mom. I just need to be present. Available.

So, what ways is this imperfect mama making herself present and available with her two babes?

Well, right now I've been curling up with them, reading the classic story of Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne.

Each day I read one chapter aloud to them. It is a chapter book with few pictures, but the timeless tale of The Hundred Acre Wood keeps both my 3 and 5 year old wide eyed. They just got through celebrating a birthday with Eeyore. Little imaginations :)

You don't need to be a hostess to be present with your children. Being available doesn't need to be planned out either. It happens on a whim, out of sacrifice of self, to place yourself beside them.

I actually love reading about Pooh bear and all his friends to my children. We read all sorts of books together throughout the day, but this particular read is just a special time for us. I get to be a kid again, enjoying the very things I loved as a child. Back to the days when I wasn't chasing time :)

Sweeter Than Honey

I've moved!

Maine Homemaker is LIVE

Farewell Sweeter than Honey...and hello!

Thrifty finds - this old chair

Kitchen Makeover ~ Before & After

Sweet Breakfast Rolls

Fun in the brook

Eek what a mess! (Kitchen-redo)

New Home: Before & In-progress Interior Photos

We got the house! & {Exterior Before Pictures}

Keeping children content: a few tips

My First Extreme Couponing Experience - Bath & Beauty

Where to find coupons on organic & eco-friendly items

Healthy Happenings, Savings & Smoothie Recipe

1 Cup rice milk 1 handful fresh organic spinach 1 very ripe banana 1 Tbsp raw chia seeds 1 scoop Amazing Grass Chocolate Protein Powder

Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high for 1 minute. Enjoy!

Mom: Hand over your reins

Coconut Vanilla Wafer Cake

Meal Stretching

Before you beat yourself up

A quiet, busy bee

Putting the Extra in Ordinary for Our Kids

Seeking an Informal Mentor in Blog-o-sphere

Home in the making

Spring Cleaning

Make Every Effort: I think I can!

Chasing Time

1 Cup rice milk
1 handful fresh organic spinach
1 very ripe banana
1 Tbsp raw chia seeds
1 scoop Amazing Grass Chocolate Protein Powder