Here’s what I’ve been reading since my April update:

To the simple life…

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As with just about anything I do, I always do better when I am held accountable to someone, and often that “someone” is you dear reader!

So I invite you to tag along and join in for the Healthy Home Makeover!

To start off my Healthy Home Makeover, I first made a list of everything I wanted to do from the book, both now and . . . → Read More: Healthy Home Makeover – Organic Cotton Pajamas]]> In my book review of The Healthy Home, I mentioned that I was going to start a Healthy Home Makeover based on the ideas suggested in the book to help you detoxify your home.

As with just about anything I do, I always do better when I am held accountable to someone, and often that “someone” is you dear reader!

So I invite you to tag along and join in for the Healthy Home Makeover!

To start off my Healthy Home Makeover, I first made a list of everything I wanted to do from the book, both now and in the future.  If you remember from my review, it would be easy to get overwhelmed thinking of all the things you would love to change, so instead I am making a “bucket list” of sorts – so that I can do a little over time.  Often it’s the little things that add up to equal big changes!

As I am also preparing to build a home, this will guide me in some of my choices for the future construction as well.  Stay tuned for my construction journey (hopefully, Lord willing…soon!)

Here we go, in order of the chapters of the book (this list is taken from the end of the section “solutions summary”, but it does not cover all of the solutions – just the ones I will implement):

(By the way, I should mention that were were several things that I did know about that I had already done, so I’ve also noted them as well.)

• Switch to organic cotton or cotton pajamas – DONE (see below)!
• Switch to organic cotton or cotton sheets
• Use green, non-toxic laundry detergent (I make my own) – DONE!
• Eliminate dryer sheets (I use dryer balls) – DONE!
• Eliminate dry cleaning (I don’t have anything that needs to be dry cleaned) – DONE!
• Reduce constrictive clothes
• Assess my wardrobe and give away clothes that no longer fit (I do this often, but it’s time for another round!)
• Air out my mattress when laundering the bedding (I already do this) – DONE!
• Move electronics away from the bed
• Regularly unplug appliances and gadgets when not using
• Perform the weekend sleeping experiment to see how much rest my body really needs
• Set a reasonable bedtime and stick to it – weekdays AND weekends
• Go to bed before 10:30 pm (of course, this is ironic as I write this post at 10:55 pm)
• Eliminate caffeine or food three hours prior to bedtime
• Create a winding down routine and follow it every night
• Avoid stimulation (TV, video games) at least 30 minutes before bedtime (I already do this) – DONE!
• Find alternatives to products with parabens, formaldehyde-releasers, and other harsh chemical preservatives (I am pretty sure all of my products don’t have those things, but I need to check)
• Cut down on the number of personal care products (I really don’t use anything extra…my routine is very minimal) – DONE!
• Cut back on highly scented personal-care products (I only use one, and at the moment I’m not willing to give up my Bath and Body Works lotion!) – DONE!
• Stop using antiperspirant and replace with natural deodorant (I make my own deodorant, but have gotten away from using it, as I found some in the cleaning of the linen closet, and was using that up first.)
• Switch to fluoride-free toothpaste (I already do this, but will be switching the children too)
• Get mercury fillings replaced
• Safely dispose of all old prescriptions (I already do this) – DONE!
• Reduce antibiotic use unless necessary (I already do this) – DONE!
• Reduce antibiotic ingestion by purchasing organic meats/dairy
• Discontinue the use of triclosan antibacterial soaps (I don’t think my soap has this, but will check)
• Add a good source of fiber to my daily breakfast (I need to get back to my smoothies!)
• Create a list of all the medications and and supplements I take to place in my wallet or purse
• Cut consumption of high-glycemic “white” foods like white break, white rice and potatoes in half
• Add more brightly colored fruits and vegetables to my diet wach day
• Switch from one daily high-glycemic snack to a low-glycemic snack
• Replace white flour with whole, multi-grain flour
• Serve one meal a day that consists of 60-80% alkalizing fruits and vegetables
• Eliminate processed, high-sodium foods like condensed soups, frozen meals, and cured meats from my diet (I don’t eat any of those things!) – DONE!
• Add more potassium-rich food sources to my daily diet
• Trade in regular table salt for sea salt (already do!) – DONE!
• Throw out any trans-fats and replace with EVOO (only use EVOO and coconut oil!) – DONE!
• Switch from boiling vegetables to steaming them
• Eliminate unnecessary chopping and slicing of fresh vegetables
• Stay five feet away from microwave when it is in use
• Switch plastic/foam containers to glass (already did this last year) – DONE!
• Don’t put plastic kitchenware in microwave (already do this too) – DONE!
• Don’t use plastic wrap (already do this one too) – DONE!
• Remove restaurant leftovers from plastic/foam containers as soon as I get home
• Install a reverse osmosis water purification device in the kitchen (currently use a filter, which is better than nothing)
• Drink 64 oz of purified water a day
• Stop drinking soda
• Cut out processed juices (we don’t drink these) – DONE!
• Reduce milk consumption (we don’t drink much milk either) – DONE!
• Cut back on water/drinks with meals
• Reduce current chemical cleaning products by at least half
• Wear rubber gloves every time when using cleaning products
• Switch to natural homemade cleaners
• Eliminate the use of carpet freshener (don’t use it) – DONE!
• Use a vacuum with a fully sealed HEPA filter system
• Get my home professionally tested for contaminants like radon, mold, carbon monoxide and lead
• Switch from chemical hard-surface cleaners to a steam cleaner – one that uses only heated water
• Make all living areas a “no-shoe” zone and stick to it
• Stop using compact fluorescent light bulbs (and properly dispose the ones I have)
• Use the mobile speakerphone or a hands-free wired headset whenever possible
• Stop carrying phone in jacket pocket
• Maintain a mobile-free rule – at least when phone is transmitting – for children under 14
• Place Wi-Fi router far from bedrooms and main living area
• Shut off Wi-Fi router at bedtime
• Set a “disconnect” time each day, when I shut off computer, TV and mobile phones
• Finish and seal any drywall, ductwork, electric wiring and seams in the garage walls and ceiling
• Install a fan in the garage to remove polluted air
• Properly dispose of any dangerous chemical products that are stored in the garage (already do this) – DONE!
• Move any small gas-powered devices out of the garage an into a separate shed
• Leave garage door open whenever possible (or park outside)
• Get at least a few minutes of daily sunshine without sunscreen (we do this some, but need more)
• Take a vitamin D supplement in the winter
• Add plants indoors as natural air fresheners (we love these!) – DONE!
• Trade in use of pesticides and herbicides for a more integrated approach to controlling pests
• Learn what native plants in my area are good for pest control
• Replace non-native plants in the yard with heartier, native species
• Plant natural pest-repelling plants like lemon basil, rosemary and catnip
• Add a bird house to my yard to naturally reduce bugs
• Add more types of plant life to the yard

Well, as you can see, this list is quite large, and again, is something I will do over time.  But, to give myself an instant gratification and check on the “to-do” list, I did do the first task: switch to organic cotton pajamas.

Here’s my philosophy on this list of lifestyle changes.  Some can be done quickly and easily, without wasting what may be in place now – things like eating more vegetables, drinking more water, etc.  Some tasks require very little outlay – like wearing gloves while cleaning, and adding an indoor plant.  Other tasks require a bit more – like switching your sheets and pajamas to organic cotton.  And yet others will require major overhaul – like removing mercury fillings, or installing a reverse osmosis system.

For those things that can be done quickly and easily, I’ll try to incorporate several of those at a time.  For the tasks that require a bit more outlay or thought, I will incorporate these as I go.  For example, one of the reasons why I picked switching to organic cotton pajamas as my first task was because one of my pajamas was very worn out, and I really needed a new pair of pajamas anyway.  I took advantage of the opportunity to make a more conscious choice in what pajamas I purchased, and went for the organic cotton ones (which are heavenly…by the way…).  I’ll do the same kind of action for switching to green homemade cleaners and other choices that can be done with something I already have wears out, runs out, or needs to be replaced.  I’ll be able to use the knowledge that I have now to make a smarter less toxic choice.  Lastly, for things that require major overhauls, some of those things are projects I would like to incorporate into the building of my home, and others will require savings and upgrades as time and money allows.

The important thing is not to be overwhelmed by all that could be done, but instead to focus on the few small things you can do now to get the ball rolling.  I hope you’ll join in the Healthy Home Makeover, and I’ll keep you posted on my progress as well.

You can also register at MyHealthyHome.com and see the quizzes and lists of solutions for yourself and your situation as well!

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That’s exactly what I do. So, I was intrigued and got the book for myself. It was a great read and I am so glad I did!

The Healthy Home is divided into areas of your house, and what I loved best . . . → Read More: Book Review – The Healthy Home]]> I was at a WBON meeting last month when one of my fellow colleagues started sharing how much she was loving a new book she was reading called The Healthy Home, and then she proceeded to tell us all that we were not supposed to sleep with our phones charging next to us on the nightstand.

Uh oh…

That’s exactly what I do.  So, I was intrigued and got the book for myself.  It was a great read and I am so glad I did!

The Healthy Home is divided into areas of your house, and what I loved best was that there are simple, quick, easy and inexpensive things that you can do now that will impact the level of toxins in your home suggested throughout the book.

In the beginning of each chapter, you take a short quiz that indicates your level of toxicity in that particular area (this was eye-opening in many chapters!).  Then the authors show you how you can correct that toxicity throughout the area, and finally, they end with another checklist that you can use to show how much progress you are making in each area.

The areas covered in The Healthy Home are: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living areas, and the garage/yard area.  In each chapter I learned several things I didn’t already know (and some that I did know, but that everyone needs to hear more than once!), and I was able to find simple things that I could do to help correct the balance.

Now, I know that I can’t change everything overnight, but I can make simple adjustments in the way that I look at things, and I’ve got a plan for gradual change over time.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to get educated about the level and types of toxins that are in our homes which we come in contact with on a daily basis.  While we are aware of many of the main environmental toxins outside, we don’t realize that our homes are often MORE toxic than the air outside!  In fact, one of the simplest things you can do to detox your home is just open the windows!

I’m starting a Healthy Home Makeover based on what I learned in The Healthy Home so I can begin making small changes to impact things that I can control.

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Holly’s mother Esther kept her family a secret and lead Holly to believe that all of her family were no longer alive. Then a letter arrives from Esther’s mother explaining her declining health.

Esther doesn’t want to face her family again, but is left with no choice but to return and expose the lies she has told Holly for her entire life.

When Holly and Esther return to Lancaster, life begins to . . . → Read More: Book Review – Leaving Lancaster]]> Leaving Lancaster is the story of Holly Fisher whose life is turned upside down when she learns that she has a large Amish family she has never known.

Holly’s mother Esther kept her family a secret and lead Holly to believe that all of her family were no longer alive.  Then a letter arrives from Esther’s mother explaining her declining health.

Esther doesn’t want to face her family again, but is left with no choice but to return and expose the lies she has told Holly for her entire life.

When Holly and Esther return to Lancaster, life begins to unfold in ways that neither of them could have imagined.  Relationships are healed and new relationships emerge, while Holly and Esther find their place in the Amish community.

This book was okay for me.  I love reading Amish fiction, and perhaps am a little bit spoiled in that genre.  I understand that these types of books usually have some sort of obstacle or problem that the characters must face and overcome, however, I was disappointed that there was quite a bit of negative thinking by many of the characters throughout the book.  I often felt that some of the obstacles and problems were dragged out and reinforced over and over again.

Whenever I finish an Amish fiction, I am usually left with a sense of peace, and a reassurance of my faith in God.  I didn’t really feel the same with this book.  The story was good, but as I mentioned before, I found the overall negative vibe to be distracting.

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But, six year have passed, and while Maggie, continues to flourish spiritually, Nick is struggling.

After a fight with his family, Nick leaves to drive back home, and runs out of gas. There on the side of the highway, he meets Jesus with a gas can.

The events of the evening unfold, culminating in one of the most touching pictures of God’s love for us, as Jesus . . . → Read More: Book Review – Night With A Perfect Stranger]]> Night With A Perfect Stranger is the story of Nick’s night with Jesus.  The story follows David Gregory’s two previous books which outline his and Nick and his wife Maggie’s meetings with Jesus.

But, six year have passed, and while Maggie, continues to flourish spiritually, Nick is struggling.

After a fight with his family, Nick leaves to drive back home, and runs out of gas.  There on the side of the highway, he meets Jesus with a gas can.

The events of the evening unfold, culminating in one of the most touching pictures of God’s love for us, as Jesus takes Nick to visit a hospital.  In the hospital, we meet a father and a premature baby.

As the father looks down on his child with love, we are reminded that God looks down on us with that same love.  Unconditional.  Powerful.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and had no idea that it was the third one in a series, so my first order of business will be to go back and read the first two!

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I read this book to several children and all of them loved it. Even the ones that were a little bit older.

The story is about a Little Cub on an outing with Grampa Bear when they are interrupted by the “pesky otters”. Grampa uses this interruption to teach Little Cub that we should love the otters anyway, even though . . . → Read More: Book Review – God Gave Us Love]]> God Gave Us Love is a sweet book by a great author Lisa T. Bergren.  I’ve read one of Lisa’s other books of fiction, and when I was given the opportunity to review this book for children, I was excited!

I read this book to several children and all of them loved it.  Even the ones that were a little bit older.

The story is about a Little Cub on an outing with Grampa Bear when they are interrupted by the “pesky otters”.  Grampa uses this interruption to teach Little Cub that we should love the otters anyway, even though we may not like what the otters are doing.

As Grampa says, “Any time we show love, Little Cub, we’re sharing a bit of his love.”

A great little board book about God’s love!  And the pictures of the bears and otters are just precious!

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What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops is a great little devotional that will encourage and inspire you. I so appreciated the way that Laura shared her insights, and especially how she navigated the difficult times with God’s ever present help.

While nothing is earth-shattering or new in the thoughts shared, it really touched my heart at this point in my life, and I so appreciated . . . → Read More: Book Review – What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops]]> I love Laura Story’s music, and one of my all time favorite songs is Blessings.  So of course when I was able to preview Laura’s devotional book based on her experiences, I was excited.

What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops is a great little devotional that will encourage and inspire you.  I so appreciated the way that Laura shared her insights, and especially how she navigated the difficult times with God’s ever present help.

While nothing is earth-shattering or new in the thoughts shared, it really touched my heart at this point in my life, and I so appreciated being reminded of the simple truth of God’s love and protection, even in times of trouble.

I think everyone will be able to find something special from reading What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops.

And, while we’re at it, let’s enjoy the song too:

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But, as soon as the story stopped and the background of the book began, I got a little lost.

There were times where there was so much lingo and quotes from others that it was hard to follow.

Other times the message was so deep and profound that you had to read it through a few times just because it was that . . . → Read More: Book Review – Jesus + Nothing = Everything]]> I have to be honest, I had a hard time finishing this book.  When I first picked up Jesus + Nothing = Everything, I was excited about the author’s story, journey through obstacles, and ultimately big spiritual growth.

But, as soon as the story stopped and the background of the book began, I got a little lost.

There were times where there was so much lingo and quotes from others that it was hard to follow.

Other times the message was so deep and profound that you had to read it through a few times just because it was that good.

So, I’m a bit torn.  I liked the book’s overall message, but I think it would have served better to have it a bit more condensed.

As I mentioned before, the message was at times profound, amazing, and uplifting, and the entire book’s premise of Jesus + Nothing = Everything is right on, but what could be a simple message was, in my opinion, muddled with additional fluff that was not necessary, and that distracted me from the bottom line message.

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Being a sponsor has blessed me in so many ways, I am am thrilled that we can see the fruit in these precious children’s lives as well. They are in my prayers daily, and I can’t wait to give them a big hug!

Now that I have registered, I’m looking for creative ways to come up with the rest of the money needed . . . → Read More: I’m Going to Kenya!]]> I am so excited!  I have just registered for a mission trip to Kenya with Compassion International.  I am most excited about being able to meet my three sponsored children in person for the first time!

Being a sponsor has blessed me in so many ways, I am am thrilled that we can see the fruit in these precious children’s lives as well.  They are in my prayers daily, and I can’t wait to give them a big hug!

Now that I have registered, I’m looking for creative ways to come up with the rest of the money needed to go on this trip.

Would you be willing to sponsor me?

I am putting together an incentive package that will reward sponsors, no matter the amount, and will be announcing it soon.  Since I am blogging for Compassion on the trip, the incentives will no doubt include some great mentions and advertising on my blog throughout the time leading up to the trip, through the trip, and then some afterward as well.

Please pray about sponsoring me for this mission trip, but in the meantime, if you just can’t wait, you can always DONATE NOW.

Thank you for your support and may God richly bless you.

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Corey from Simple Marriage and Mandi from Life…Your Way have brought together some of the top authors in the family life space with 38 ebooks covering a variety of topics related to family life.

I am so excited to be a part of this amazing offer with my own book 101 Ways to Simplify Your Life!

When purchased separately, these ebooks are worth $375, but for four days only, you can purchase the entire collection for just $29! I can tell you that I have read most of them, and they are well worth the full price that I . . . → Read More: Simplify Your Family Life eBook Sale]]>

Corey from Simple Marriage and Mandi from Life…Your Way have brought together some of the top authors in the family life space with 38 ebooks covering a variety of topics related to family life.

I am so excited to be a part of this amazing offer with my own book 101 Ways to Simplify Your Life!

When purchased separately, these ebooks are worth $375, but for four days only, you can purchase the entire collection for just $29!  I can tell you that I have read most of them, and they are well worth the full price that I paid, but getting them all for just $29 is a no-brainer!!

**Important Detail:

This collection is only available from 8 a.m. on April 16th to 8 a.m. on April 20th. There will be no late sales offered.

**Book List:

Click here to purchase your collection today!

When you purchase the Simplify Family Life collection, you get instant access to each of the 38 ebooks listed below:

Entrepreneurship & Blogging

Blogger Behave by Laura @ 10 Million Miles ($4.99)

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Make Money Blogging by Tara @ Feels Like Home ($4.99)

Tap Into Your Unique Creativity and Self Expression Webinar by Lisa @ WellGrounded Life ($39.00)

Tell Your Time by Amy @ Blogging with Amy ($4.99)

Your Blogging Business: Tax Talk & Tips from a Bookkeeper Turned Blogger by Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger ($4.99)

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Get Lean Recipe for Success by Nisha @ Healthy Mom’s Kitchen ($37.00)

Got Dinner? by Susan @ The Confident Mom ($4.00)

How To Cook For Yourself: A Complete Beginner’s Guide by Rachael @ Kitchen Courses ($35.00)

Plan It, Don’t Panic by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($4.99)

Real Food Basics by Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama ($6.95)

Real Food, Real Easy by Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Smart Sweets by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($9.95)

The Everything Beans Book by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($9.95)

Homemaking

2012 Confident Mom Weekly Household Planner by Susan @ The Confident Mom ($9.00)

Clean Start: Your Guide to Natural Home Cleaning by Michelle @ Open Eye Health ($4.95)

Complete Printables Download Pack by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($7.00)

Food on Your Face for Acne & Oily Skin by Leslie @ Crunchy Betty ($7.99)

From Debtor to Better by Barry @ Debtor to Better ($15.00)

My Buttered Life {Summer + Gift Giving Editions} by Renee @ MadeOn Hard Lotion ($10.00)

Not a DIY Diva by Melissa @ The Inspired Room ($3.99)

One Bite at a Time by Tsh @ Simple Mom ($5.00)

That Works for Me by Kristen @ We Are THAT Family ($8.00)

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A Simple Marriage by Corey @ Simple Marriage ($4.99)

Buck Naked Marriage by Corey @ Simple Marriage ($2.99)

Entangled by Amy @ Permission to Peruse ($4.99)

The A to Z Guide: 26 Ways in 26 Days to a Happier, Healthier Marriage by The Dating Divas ($9.97)

Minimalism for Families

101 Ways to Simplify Your Life by Laura @ Journey to a Simple Life ($9.95)

321-Stop by Lori @ Loving Simple Living ($9.97)

Inside Out Simplicity by Joshua @ Becoming Minimalist ($11.99)

Simple Ways to Be More with Less by Courtney @ Be More with Less ($9.97)

The Minimalist Mom’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Rachel @ The Minimalist Mom ($9.95)

Parenting & Kids

4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions by the Moms @ 4 Moms, 35+ Kids ($7.99)

Flourishing Spring by Michele @ Frugal Granola ($5.95)

Mindset for Moms by Jamie @ Steady Mom ($4.99)

Nurturing Creativity by Renee @ FIMBY ($3.00)

Parenting with Positive Guidance by Amanda @ Not Just Cute ($9.00)

Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda @ Impress Your Kids ($6.99)

The Simplify Your Family Life Sale is brought to you in part by Plan to Eat, an online meal planner that makes eating at home simple. Receive an exclusive coupon code on a one-year membership with your purchase!

Click here to purchase your collection today!

The sale ends at 8 a.m. ET on April 20th, and there will be no late sales offered, so don’t wait.

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