Geography FREEBIE!

Hi Homeschool Friends,

I just had to pop on here this afternoon to let you know about a fantastic geography FREEBIE that I have already downloaded and will be using in our studies soon. Free Homeschool Deals and Homeschool Giveaways are co-sponsoring this great deal. Just click my referral link below to check it out!

Free Country and Province Study Notebooking Pages

This package has a $25.95 value and includes hundreds of pages (125+ for each country)! Don't delay though, as this offer expires 02/27/15 at 11:59pm ET. 

I'd love to know if you download this free resource and how you plan to use them in your homeschool studies.

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my referral link. I did not receive any compensation for this post. I just like to share good deals when I find them. 

What I Wore

Good morning, Ladies! I hope this finds you well. I am a tiny bit under the weather this morning, but fighting this cold with my amazing DoTerra Essential Oils. 

I have several fantastic finds for you today, again all from groopdealz.com. Have you ordered from them yet? If so, have you enjoyed your purchase? I'd love to know what you have added to your wardrobe or home!

Check out what I'm highlighting this week:

Bohemian Chiffon Top - 6 colours

The Perfect Pocket Cardigan - 4 colours

Beach Pants - 5 colours

Spring Flower Print Tunic - 4 colours

Crystal Stud Earrings - 23 colours

I love anything that has to do with globes, maps and travel, so I thought I'd show you this Watercolor Map Printable (in 40 colour choices), in case you enjoy this kind of thing, too.

Also, right now, groopdealz.com has lots of Free Shipping offers, as well as St. Patrick's Day and Easter items. Pop on over and see if there is anything for your party or home.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Sweet Haute.

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. This simply means that if you choose to purchase via my links, there is NO additional charge to you, and I make a small commission. Many thanks!

Weekly Menu Plan {23 February}

Hello, friends! I hope you are starting off this week on a warm and cozy foot. We had a big snow storm over the weekend, which is still beautiful. The temperature also warmed up significantly yesterday. That meant that the pipes, which had been frozen all week, thawed, and I could do a week's worth of laundry. I don't think I've ever been so happy to do laundry in my life!!!

We're trying to cook solely from the freezer and pantry this week, so here's our plan:

Monday - Tilapia and Veggie Stir Fry

Tuesday - Baked sweet potatoes with black beans

Wednesday - TBD (Ben's night to cook)

Thursday -Rigatoni with Chicken, Goat Cheese and Rosemary  (Emma's night to cook)

Friday - Caesar Salad (Maya's night to cook)

Saturday - Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, veggie tray

Sunday - Snack-y supper

Have a great week!

Linking up with Menu Plan Monday.

Blessings and love. xo

What I Wore

Good morning, friends! Here we are at another Wednesday and another edition of What I Wore. I have some fun fashion to share with you today from groopdealz.com!

I think this Animal Print Top is so cute and would love to add it to my wardrobe!

This Colour Block Ruffled Tunic is also very fun and a good transition to spring . . .

And what about this Bell Sleeve Crocheted Top?! It comes in 6 colours.

I've featured this one before and am happy to see it's back. Cheetah Long Sleeve Top - 3 colours

Over the Knee Two Tone Spring Socks - 4 colours

There are so many great shoe choices on groopdealz.com right now, including these Women's 'Calla' Sandals (4 colours) . . .

These are just a few of the many deals going on right now. If none of these items catch your eye, check out groopdealz.com for something that suits you better. Just remember that these are only for a limited time!

Have a fantastic day!

Linking up with Sweet Haute and The Pleated Poppy. 

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you choose to purchase items through these links, there is no additional cost to you, and I will make a small commission. So many thanks!

Weekly Menu Plan {16 February}

Hello, friends! How are you on this Monday afternoon? We are watching snow fall, after having some bitterly cold temperatures the past few days. Some of our pipes are frozen, which is always challenging and adds in some extra thought and work. We are happy for the snow, though, and I think the temps will be a little warmer tomorrow.

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Monday - Easy Beef Stroganoff, salad

Tuesday - Crock Pot Beans and Sausage, cornbread

Wednesday - Spinach and Artichoke Pasta (Ben's night to cook)

Thursday - Turkey Chili - similar to this recipe (Emma's night to cook)

Friday - Chicken Caesar Salad (Maya's night to cook)

Saturday - Sautéed White Fish with rice (Austin's night to cook)  

Sunday - Snack-y supper 

Linking up with Menu Plan Monday.

Blessings and love. xo

The Great Backyard Bird Count

Nature-loving friends, have you been waking up to more and more birdsong lately? Even though it's still cold here in the Mid-Atlantic, the birds are starting to sing their lovely songs again, which means more opportunities to observe them and see what species are making an appearance again. Don't forget about the Great Backyard Bird Count! It runs from February 13-16, 2015, which means it starts today! Don't worry, it only requires 15 minutes of your time on one or more of those days. You choose how much time you want to devote to counting and observing the fine-feathered friends that come to visit your yard. 

How does it work? Count birds for fifteen minutes on one or more days of the GBBC. Count birds in one or more locations (your backyard, the park, your great aunt's backyard, or wherever you choose) and report your findings. Submit a separate checklist for each new day, for each new location, or for the same location if you count at a different time of day. Estimate the number of individuals of each species you see during your counting period. There are helpful tools on the GBBC website for assistance in identifying birds. There is also a bird list for your specific postal code. It's also fascinating to view the world map on the site to see where people from all over the globe are reporting on the birds they have observed. 

We participated in this when we lived in Canada but have not done so since we moved back to the States. Since my little girls and I went through the Birds Of A Feather unit study earlier in the school year, this is going to be a fun "extra" for them. You can see my review of Birds of a Feather HERE.

Are you going to sign up and count the birds in your garden this year? I'd love to know if you do and what kind of birds you have the opportunity to observe. Go here to sign up and print out your observation sheets. There's also a free app, if you would prefer to enter your data via your phone!

Happy bird watching!

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. This means that if you purchase through my links, there is no additional cost to you, and I make a small commission. Many thanks!

What I Wore

Good morning!

Some of you were interested in the linen pants from last week and guess what, just like I thought, they're back on groopdealz.com this week (see below)! Hurry, though, as these deals are only offered for a limited time.

And don't forget the jewelry giveaway I have going on right now! Click HERE to enter.

Side Button Tunic - 4 colours

Beaded Rhinestone Cross Necklace

Fold-Over Linen Pants - 6 colours

Draped Utility Jacket

Boho Crochet Lace Top

And check out these things for your home:

Farmhouse Style Wooden Trough - 30 colours

Modern Card & Picture Hanging Wire Kit - This would be so cute for all that artwork the kids create!

Handmade Fabric Flag Bunting - 3 styles

Which item will you choose?!

Have a great remainder of your week!

Linking up with Sweet Haute and The Pleated Poppy.

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase via my links, there is no additional cost to you, and I make a small commission. Many, many thanks!

Rasmus and the Vagabond {Review and Giveaway}

Does the name Astrid Lindgren ring a bell? 

Maybe if I provide this photo . . . 

Yes, it's Pippi Longstocking, and Astrid Lindgren is the name of her beloved author. The spunky girl with the red braids is not the only memorable character created by Mrs. Lindgren. I have been pleased to learn of her other lovable characters, including Ramus, who is the subject of today's review, Rasmus and the Vagabond. This book was written in Swedish in 1956 and was translated into English at that time. Plough Books acquired the rights to it and has published it again as a "rediscovered classic." I am delighted that they did so, and that we have had a chance to discover it and add it to our personal library.

About the story:

After running away from an orphanage, nine-year-old Rasmus finds the world a cold and unfriendly place until he befriends an extraordinary tramp called Paradise Oscar. Together they meet more adventure than they ever imagined, solve a mystery, and catch the culprits. Rasmus dreams of finding a family and a home someday. But when he does, will he be able to part with his new friend and life on the road?

  

About the author:

Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002), the creator of Pippi Longstocking, Emil, and dozens of other world-famous characters, has thrilled three generations of children with her storytelling. She is the only children’s author with a literary prize, a theme park, a museum, a satellite, and a minor planet named in her honor. (After this last honor, she suggested changing her name to “Asteroid Lindgren”.) A jury appointed by Swedish Radio’s Culture Department to elect the “Author of the Millennium” voted Astrid Lindgren second after William Shakespeare. She was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal and heaps of other awards and honors.

Our thoughts:

Rasmus captured our hearts as soon as we met him in the linden tree at his orphanage, where he was pondering his list of things that shouldn't exist. This thoughtful child and his story of being an orphan and longing for a family is endearing and one that will be a treasured memory for my children (ages 8, 9, 12 and 14) and me forever. I read this book aloud to them during lunchtime for the past two weeks and there were many times when the adventures of Ramus and his new friend, Oscar, were so exciting that we didn't want to stop with just one chapter. The characters were well developed, the plot kept our attention, the vocabulary included a few new words, the setting was appealing and the ending was simply perfect. This is exactly the kind of story I look for when searching out a new read-aloud. We highly recommend it!

Official Website: Rasmus and the Vagabond

Giveaway:

This giveaway has ended. 

The winner, chosen by random.org is #3 - Tina! Tina, please contact me (scarlettroyce(at)gmaildotcom) within 48 hours (I'm posting this at 4:16pm ET on Monday, 23 Feb 2015), so I can get your mailing address. Thank you! 

If Tina does not respond in time, a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to all who entered! xo

FlyBy Promotions is offering one copy of Rasmus and the Vagabond for a giveaway and is responsible for prize fulfillment. 
1. Please leave a comment telling me if you have ever read any of Astrid Lindgren's books or tell me the title of one of your favourite books from childhood (or one that you've read to your children). 
2. Please leave your email address so I have a way to contact you if you win. 
Open to residents of US and Canada, 18 years of age or older. Giveaway ends February 20, 2015 at 11:59pm ET.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. 

Blessings and love. xo

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. 

Weekly Menu Plan {9 February}

Hello and happy Monday to you! How was your weekend?

We were busy with cleaning the house, plus work for Emma. Bob went down to Charlottesville to attend the memorial service for his precious great aunt. I'm so thankful he was able to do so and spend time with extended family. We had a new friend over to hang out and have supper with us Saturday evening, which was lovely. Yesterday was busy with church and then we went on a family hike. It's been a long time since all seven of us were able to go together. The place where the kids and I have been going hiking lately is an old golf course which has been turned into a conservation area. It's right along the Shenandoah River, and we are thrilled to have discovered it! Here are a few photos from the afternoon.

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Monday - BBQ Chicken in the crock pot, mashed potatoes, salad     {This is so easy! Slice 1-2 onions and place in bottom of crock pot. Place 4-6 chicken breasts on top of onions. Pour one bottle of your favourite BBQ sauce (or the equivalent amount of homemade sauce) on top of chicken. Turn crock pot on low. Cook 6 hours or until chicken is thoroughly cooked and falling apart. Shred with two forks. Serve with extra BBQ sauce. I usually serve this on buns, but decided to change it up a bit for tonight.}

Tuesday - Corn chowder

Wednesday - Homemade Vegetable Soup (Ben's night to cook)

Thursday - Chicken Pot Pie (Emma's night to cook)

Friday -  TBD (Maya's night to cook)

Saturday - BBQ Beef, potato casserole, green beans (Austin's night to cook)

Sunday - Snack-y supper

What are you planning to eat this week? Do you have a special Valentine's menu planned?

Linking up with Menu Plan Monday and Missional Women.

Blessings and love. xo

Speaking Life . . .

Good morning, friends! 

I've been thinking about our spoken words and their consequential impact on our lives. I read a book 10 years ago called Blessings and Curses by Derek Prince, and it opened my eyes to the power of our words. Through the years, I have come to see the effects of words on my family, my own life and friends' lives. Another huge influence on this awareness I've experienced has been from our friends in Kenya, specifically the stories of witchcraft and then the more powerful breaking off of that witchcraft through the power of Jesus. Lives are transformed in story after story after story. It is a choice though. Sometimes people choose to live in the witchcraft. Tragically, some choose the curse. 

This is one Scripture that address the urgency of our words:

Proverbs 18:21 NIV

"Life and death are in the power of the tongue, 

and those who love it will eat its fruit."   

Or a new version that I love so much states it this way (as also seen above):

Proverbs 18:21 TPT

"Your words are so weighty that they have 

power to bring life or release death, 

and the talkative person will reap the consequences." 

There are negative words everywhere. Curses are being spoken - sometimes flippantly, sometimes out of tradition, sometimes purposefully. Sometimes we are just repeating what we have heard spoken over us  -- I'm fat; I'm stupid; I'm too skinny; I'm no good at ___; I can't ever get things right; I'm so clumsy. I'll never make it. I'll never be healthy. I'll never get out of debt. Sometimes we speak curses out of pure jealousy of a friend, relative, neighbour or even a complete stranger. 

Sometimes we have just simply listened to the enemy whisper his wretched lies and have come into agreement with him. 

Whatever avenue has brought about the curses, our response has to be to fall down before the Throne of Grace in repentance. The Father is kind. He is ever faithful to forgive. Our sins have already been paid for on the cross of Jesus. If we have given our lives to Him, we do not have to been known by them any more. We are His sons and daughters, no longer slaves.

The next step is to change our thoughts, which in turn brings about a revolution in our mouths. As Cindy Trimm says, 'Our miracle is in our mouth"! One of the most potent ways to purposefully put blessings and life in our mouths is to speak the Word of God over our lives and our circumstances. 

I'm going to be sharing verses and promises from time to time in this series. These are verses and truths I have been declaring into the atmosphere and have seen breakthrough and freedom and hope in my life, as a result.

This time around, I'll start with some of my favourite Scriptures from Deuteronomy. I think of them as the foundation for speaking life.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

I'd love to know what verses or truths you speak into your circumstances, too, so please share in the comments! We're in this life together. And if you need some life-giving words spoken over you, please say so!

Have a great weekend! 

Blessings and love. xo

Charming Finds Jewelry Giveaway!

Hello! Today I'm excited to introduce you to a relatively new business called Charming Finds, run by a mother-daughter team from Winchester, Virginia! I met Jill at a couple of local events and was thrilled to find out that her products could be found on Facebook, as well as in a local shop. Today Charming Finds is offering this beautiful necklace to one of my readers in a giveaway (see details below).

Charming Finds offers trendy jewelry and creative gifts for your home. They just added their line of boot cuffs last fall, and I was so excited to win a pair, along with a beautiful necklace and matching earrings. The boot cuffs come in several colours and styles.

Probably my very favourite items in the shop are the Word Bracelets! I bought "hope" because it has been a very special word for me in the past few years. If you have a "word of the year," this is a fabulous way to keep it right in front of you. This photo shows just some of the words Charming Finds offers . . .

They also have Typewriter Initial Rings . . .

These earrings are so cute! I just may have to put them on my wish list.

And look at their fun coasters! These make fantastic hostess gifts! There are so many colours and patterns from which to choose (this is just a sampling of styles)  .  .  . 

You can find all of their hundreds of products, which include everything I've highlighted for you today, plus all kinds of rings, necklaces, earrings (both pierced and clip-ons), bracelets, leather cuffs, headbands, boot cuffs, Valentine's (and other holiday) banners and decor, key chains, picture frames and more on the Charming Finds Facebook page. They invoice through PayPal. There is a website in the works, as well, so keep checking their page for that announcement. 

Northern Virginia friends, they are also set up in Sweet Tea in Winchester! Go by and say hello!

Here are photos of my bracelet and my boot cuffs (aren't the pom-poms so cute!) . . .

Now let's get on to the GIVEAWAY!

This giveaway is now closed and the winner has been chosen by random.org. 

My first winner did not contact me within the allotted time, so there is a new winner: #1 - Elise! Congratulations! Thank you for leaving your email address, Elise. I will contact you shortly.

Thank you all for your interest! xo

Please leave a comment telling me which Charming Finds item you would like to add to your jewelry box/wardrobe/home. Leave your email address in order for me to contact you if you win! This giveaway is open to residents of the US, 18 years or older and ends February 19 at 11:59pm ET. 

Love and blessings! xo

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this blog post. All opinions are my own. Charming Finds is responsible for prize fulfillment.