New Colors in the Popular Mamuye Leather Tote!

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

The Mamuye Tote was very popular during the Christmas season, and I have some fun news today! In addition to the three original colors, there are now three new hues to choose from. Aren't they beautiful? Just in time for spring!

In case this is your first time hearing about LiveFashionABLE, they work with heroic women who have overcome difficult circumstances, both locally and globally. Their stories are inspirational. And isn't it so satisfying to shop, knowing that the money spent will be supporting women who are overcomers!? The Mamuye Tote is 100% distressed leather, handcrafted in Ethiopia.

Which is your fave? Pewter, Merlot or Moss . . . 

Go to LiveFashionABLE now to make your pick!

Blessings and love. xo

God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation in Our Country

You guys, I read this story on The Elijah List last week and cannot stop thinking about it (I'll share the story in a minute). 

I know God's heart is for all people. Every single person ever born or to be born on this planet has incredible, intrinsic value. It was God's idea to create us and it is His love that sustains us. He loves people. We have gotten so far away from His plan and heart when it comes to relationships, in so many ways. Slavery was not His will and plan. Divisiveness in 2016 is not His heart. I could write pages on those issues, but I'm not going to take the time right now, because I want to get to the story. I believe with all my heart that reconciliation is God's heart. Unity and honor and doing life together on equal ground. Those are the things God wants for His precious creation.

My family and I watched the Academy Awards last night. We enjoy movies and although we haven't seen even half of the movies nominated or mentioned last night, we are genuinely interested in the lives of the actors and actresses (and producers, composers, designers, musicians, etc.) in those movies. We don't worship them, but we do care deeply about their lives. We have also followed the controversy surrounding the #OscarsSoWhite issue this year. And while I understand that this is a genuine and important issue, I believe it could've been handled differently. I believe there can be healthy, productive conversations. There can be healthy, fruitful dialogue. The divisiveness is not necessary. It's actually harmful and unhealthy. It only adds fuel to the fire and divides our country even further. 

So, what do these two things have to do with one another? Let's get back to the original reason I'm writing today. I am encouraged, and want you to be encouraged, that God is working. He is weaving us together with people who can bring His Kingdom to this earth and see lives changed. I read this amazing story by Will Ford, as well as this one mentioned in that post. I wept and will probably weep again when I share it with my family. This is Who God is! He is a connector, not a divider. He draws us to Himself, instead of pushing us away. Jesus says "Come." To every single one of us, this is His beautiful, incredible, life-changing invitation.

This is a story we need to read. This is a story we need to tell our children. This is a story we need to share with the world, because this is God's story of providence and reconciliation and purpose and love and answered prayer. Please click on the links and read it. This testimony is going to be a catalyst for even more reconciliation and healing.

I also found a church service where Will Ford and Matt Lockett share this unforgettable story. You can go HERE to watch. 

May we, no matter our skin color or gender or socio-economic status or age or background or experience, join in His Kingdom assignments and see heaven come to earth in a way that we have never seen before. May we all be faithful to press in to our God-ordained purposes and to see those purposes fulfilled for His honor and glory.

Blessings and love. xo

The Unhurried Homeschooler: a simple, mercifully short book on homeschooling {review and giveaway}

{Disclaimer: I received a copy of this product in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my very own. This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you.}

Hello Friend,

I'm sharing a wonderful resource for you today, Homeschool Mama. 

Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but The Unhurried Homeschooler takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves.

 
Drawing on twenty years of homeschooling her eight children, Durenda Wilson gently reminds parents about the things that really matter, as she offers a clear portrait of what a life-giving home life can be during the homeschooling years. Reading The Unhurried Homeschooler is like having coffee with a trusted friend. You’ll be encouraged as you learn to do what God has put before you. This book will lighten your load while helping you learn how to raise life long learners and ENJOY the homeschool years with your kids.

Isn't it fun and so encouraging to read and learn from the home-educating Moms who have gone before us? The Unhurried Homeschooler, by Durenda Wilson, has been a delight to read. I found myself nodding in agreement, page after page. I think you will be blessed and encouraged by her experience and her advice. Don't be burdened by trying to "do school" the way the public school does it or even the way the homeschooling family down the street does it. There is so much freedom in homeschooling. Let Holy Spirit lead you. 

Guess what?! Durenda has kindly offered to give away a copy to one of my readers. Woohoo! See the Rafflecopter below to enter.

By the way, if you are burned out and discouraged, please feel free to email me {scarlettroyce(at)gmail(dot)(com)}, and I would be honoured to pray for you. We can do this, Mamas! We're in this together. Don't give up. God loves us and has a purpose for our lives and our individual homeschools. He will provide all that we need. Put your hope in Him.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blessings and love. xo

Musana Intl Homemade Jewelry #stronglikeyou

Hi my friend,

I didn't want you to miss out on this wonderful opportunity to support beautiful women and their families in Uganda!

Musana employs artisans in Uganda to create handmade, high-quality, and absolutely beautiful jewelry. But what I love even more than the product is the mission of Musana, which is this: to empower women and provide opportunities for their children, creating a generation of change. Fantastic, right? To support their mission, they provide their artisans with a steady salary, classes, subsidized schooling for their children, and subsidized health care. Each day they show how much they care about their employees, and I'm so inspired by that. That’s why 100% of all profits of this sale will be going back to Musana! WOW!!!

These bracelets regularly sell for $26.00 but are on sale for $10.50 each. They will go quickly, so don't hesitate to get yours now! #stronglikeyou

Buy here

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you.

2015 Holiday Gift Ideas!

Hello, friend!

I have several fabulous gift ideas to share with you this afternoon.

The first is this gorgeous Heta Wallet, which is hand-made in Kenya and 100% genuine leather. Who wouldn't love to receive such a beautiful gift? And what makes it even more special is that each wallet is made by women who are overcoming obstacles in their lives. I love fashion with such a life-giving purpose!

Next, check out these Positively Prints that are on sale, BOGO Free! There are 56 designs to choose from. 

These Home State Pillows would make fun hostess gifts or you could spruce up your own family room! 

And here are some ideas for hand-crafted Gifts Under $50 - jewelry, scarves, key chains and more!

I hope you see something that interests you!

Blessings and love. xo

FashionABLE Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale plus FREE shipping!

FashionABLE is a wonderful company that pairs beautiful products with inspiring stories of overcoming women. I am thrilled to share their products with you. Shopping for gorgeous products that have an amazing purpose and meaning behind them is one of my favourite things. Shopping with FashionABLE is significant and valuable.

My favourite FashionABLE product is this gorgeous Mamuye Tote! Be sure to read the story behind it, too.

The 2015 Gift Guide for Him and for Her has some wonderful ideas. Check it out and see what you may find on your shopping list.

Get 20% off plus FREE shipping when you use the code: HOLIDAY

Happy shopping!

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you!

Friday Faves {06 November 2015}

Hello, friend!

How are you on this fine Friday!? November has come in with so much beauty! I love Virginia and all her colours.  

Here are a couple of my favourite shots lately . . . 

Check out a few of my favourite deals going on today . . .

I think this would be so cute in a family Christmas photo!

Mantle or Shelf Banner - only $6.99!

http:// 

Wow! 64% off - Colorful Fashion Rainboots! 

Need a teacher gift idea? Teacher Lanyard + Pendant Charm!

Do your iPhone/iPad cords tear or wear out easily? They do around here, so I'm thinking a "strong" cable is next on our list!

76% off - Apple Certified Strong Cable (only ($9.99)!

‪

This is a fun one! Pick Your State Home Tees - 54% off!

And in case you missed my post earlier this week, don't miss these Thanksgiving Deals going on now!

This is not a favourite yet, but I am thinking of putting this on our Thanksgiving menu! It looks delicious. I mean . . . pumpkin, espresso, AND coffee rum glaze?! Yes, please!

Pumpkin Espresso Bundt Cake

I haven't tried this yet either, but it looks like something my whole crew would enjoy. And I like the ease of a crockpot meal.

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

And my favourite inspiration for this week is a Facebook post by Bethel Music. Please don't miss it, especially if you have any illness or pain in your own body or have someone in your life who is ill. Be encouraged! God is GOOD.

We Speak Life

Have a great weekend!

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. This simply means that when you choose to purchase through these links, there is NO additional cost to you, and I make a small commission. Thank you!

STRONG and KIND: And Other Important Character Traits Your Child Needs to Succeed {Review and Giveaway}

When A&E's Duck Dynasty first became a hit television show, our family did not have cable. So when we moved into this house almost two years ago, we were able to have cable and spent many evenings catching up on the first few seasons of the show. The move had been pretty stressful for us, so to be able to just sit and relax and get to know a little more about the Robertson family, their wild success, their deep faith in Jesus, and their fun lives was just what we needed. They are so down to earth and real. We adore this family. It amazes me how busy they are (just follow them on social media to see all of their ventures), yet they are consistently calm, classy and joyful. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review Korie's new book, STRONG and KIND: And Other Important Character Traits Your Child Needs to Succeed. 

About the book: 

Hardcover; 240 pages

Publisher: Harper Collins Christian Publishing (October 27, 2015) 

In her new book STRONG and KIND: And Other Important Character Traits Your Child Needs to Succeed, Korie Robertson - New York Times bestselling author, wife of Duck Commander® CEO Willie Robertson, star of A&E's Duck Dynasty, and mother of five - argues that developing good character in our children is the single most important thing we can do to help ensure they lead happy, healthy adult lives.  Robertson explores key traits and what they truly look like in action, asks readers to select the two traits that they hope to see most in their children, and shares hands-on ways for nurturing strength of character.  Written with her mother Chrys Howard and featuring stories and wisdom from husband Willie, STRONG and KIND cuts through the contemporary cacophony of parenting manuals to rediscover, unfold, and embrace the enduring wisdom that has guided the best parents for centuries. 

About Korie Robertson:

Korie Robertson, wife of Duck Commander® CEO Willie Robertson and star of A&E's beloved series Duck Dynasty, is a mother of five, a New York Times bestselling author of several books, including The Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family, and Ducks built a Dynasty, written with Willie; Faith Commander: Living Five Values from the Parables with Jesus, written with her mother Chrys Howard; and The Women of Duck Commander: Surprising Insights from the Women Behind the Beards about What Makes this Family Work, written with all of the Robertson wives.  She is also an in-demand public speaker, Duck Commander® executive, entrepreneur and founder of boutique Duck and Dressing, and philanthropist, who remains active with a variety of organizations that focus on children, adoption, and foster care.  Korie lives with her family in West Monroe, Louisiana. 

My thoughts:
While watching Duck Dynasty or following Korie, her mother, or the other Robertson ladies on social media, I've often thought 'we could be fast friends'. I think if I had the chance to sit down at the table with them over coffee or a glass of iced tea, we would have a meaningful and fun time. Reading STRONG and KIND has reinforced that thought even more. I could relate to many of Korie's convictions and experiences as a mom. Sadly, I haven't found too many friends who value honesty as much as I do, so when I read that she and Willie require their kids to wait until age thirteen to get a Facebook account, per the rules, I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion, and appreciated her stories of Will and his strong and challenging younger years. I had to chuckle when she mentioned warning babysitters that 'he could sense weakness a mile away'. I had the same experience with one of mine and had to caution babysitters that they would be tested. 

I appreciate and value each of the character traits that Korie and Willie have worked to instill in their five children, as Bob and I have also done with our children. Early on in our parenting years, we were encouraged to look at the big picture and to work to train our children to be pleasant and able to adapt to many different situations and environments. And although we have been at this parenting thing about the same amount of time as they have, as I've read through STRONG and KIND, I found myself spending time thinking about where each of my children is in this season of his/her life, and if I have dropped the ball on encouraging any of these qualities. I think it's healthy to stop and analyze the situation once in awhile. Sometimes these traits come more naturally and sometimes we have to work at them. We can count on life to bring us plenty of opportunities to continue working them out.

I have to share a quote that made me love Korie even more than I already did:

Being a loving mother doesn't mean that I act like a Disney princess every day. Now, I love Disney princesses as much as the next person does, and I know some women who seem to have that personality naturally, but that's not me. It's not most people. For most of us, life is not all sunshine and roses. We get tired, frustrated, or in a funk and act in ways that aren't very princesslike. That's part of being real. Being loving doesn't mean that you have to always have a smile on your face and talk in a soft, high-pitched voice. What it does mean is that your home should feel like a loving place, a place where your children, spouse, friends, and family want to be. It means that when we come out of that funk and realize we haven't been the most pleasant person to be around, we apologize and move on. It means that your family should know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they are loved unconditionally by their heavenly Father, God, and by their parents without reservation and to the moon and back. (pages 130-131)

I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it, especially to younger parents, but even if you've been on this parenting journey awhile, I believe you will find refreshing words and inspiration in Korie's (and Willie's) beliefs, convictions, principles and the stories shared in STRONG and KIND.

Today is release day, so get your copy now! 

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Giveaway:

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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.

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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Open to residents of USA and Canada, age 18 or older.

Blessings and love. xo

Where will you cast your stone?

If you haven't seen Kathie Lee Gifford's beautiful and touching tribute to her late husband, Frank, I encourage you to hit play (don't forget to grab your tissues first!).




What a wonderful testimony of our Father's love, grace and transforming power. And what an encouraging word to pick up your stone and live your purpose for the glory of Jesus and His Kingdom. He has a purpose for each of us. Do you know yours?

Blessings and love. xo

bloom: A Journey to Joy (and Sanity) for Homeschool Moms

(Disclaimer: I was given a product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. This post contains my affiliate links, which means that if you choose to purchase through my links, I will make a small commission. Thank you!!!)

***This course is only on sale through tonight (Saturday, June 20, 2015) and will not be available again until sometime in 2016. Please make your purchase today!***

I want all my homeschool mama friends to know about this new online course called "bloom"! It's an 8-week video course that comes with a corresponding At Home Discovery Packet, which includes 88 pages of charts, exercises and writing prompts to get you thinking about how to have more joy in your life and subsequently, in your homeschool. The videos are pre-recorded, which makes it nice to be able to watch anytime, at your convenience. The sessions are about 20 minutes each, so nothing that requires sitting for hours and hours. You could listen/watch while you fold laundry or while you're sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee or even while cooking dinner for your family. 

Please forgive my tardiness in getting this information to you. I had agreed to review and promote "bloom" what seems like "way back" in April. It's crazy how things can change so drastically in a matter of just a few days or weeks. For many years now, I have held the belief that joy is a choice. I've even written in the past about my thoughts on encouraging more Christians to be happy. I believe Heaven to be the happiest place in existence, and we, as believers, are ambassadors of Heaven. So, while I believe happiness and joy go hand in hand, there are those times when life provides more opportunity to purposefully press through in choosing joy more than at other times. My experience these past 7 weeks has been a path of choosing joy. 

In the past couple of years, there has rarely been a time when I didn't blog on a weekly basis, and most of the time, I was posting several times each week. I had gotten into a nice groove. Until last month, when a friend's death, a severe sports injury in our family and some additional circumstances have left me needing more margin and rest. Life can throw some curve balls, and sometimes those curve balls require stepping back, praying more, re-evaluating, listening and waiting. So that's where I've been. That's really where I still am, and although I feel eager to move past it all, I know there is still a need to take a break and rest. 

This course goes right along with pursuing more of that joy that I've been talking about. I believe life can be filled with joy, even amidst the hard places and dark times. And Alicia does a wonderful job in the course to encourage us as homeschool mamas to evaluate what may be keeping that joy at bay in our daily lives and how to put pillars in place to keep it there. 

Here are the class titles to give you a better idea:

•  Class 1: The Big Fat Lies (and the Truths That Set Us Free)

•  Class 2: Firm Foundations: Building Rhythm Around Daily Pillars

•  Class 3: Steps to Simple (and Rest-Filled) Days

•  Class 4: Homeschooling Joy Stealers: Part 1: The Perfectionist Vice

•  Class 5: Homeschooling Joy Stealers: Part 2: The Comparison Leech

•  Class 6: Homeschooling Joy Stealers: Part 3: The Anger Monster

•  Class 7: Needs and Opinions: How to Not Drown in the Tidal Wave

•  Class 8: The Path to Perennial (not Annual) Joy

The awesome thing about the “bloom” course is that the learning is three-dimensional: First, you learn the information in the video classes; second, you process and apply the information through the at-home exercises; and third, you have the opportunity to discuss these issues in real time with other women going through the course via our general “bloom” Facebook group or one of our “bloom” Community Groups (hosted by other top homeschooling bloggers). In addition, the resources are always there, so you can always go back to a class and use the tools again and again to gain more wisdom as your life circumstances change.

Please let me know if you have any questions . . . you can contact me directly at scarlettroyce(at)gmail(dot)(com).

And don't forget that today is the very last day to purchase!

Register NOW!

Blessings and love. xo

What I Wore {noVae Clothing}

{Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. When you use these links to make a purchase, you bless me and my family. Thank you!}

Hello, lovelies!

Isn't it sometimes difficult to find beautiful, fashionable, modest dresses? They are either way too short or too low cut or the fabrics are not appealing or the sleeves are all wrong. That predicament has now come to an end. I am sharing more from noVae Clothing today for my What I Wore post this week! Check out these new spring dresses! And I have a sale coupon to share, as well! Act quickly, as noVae inventory sells out fast and the coupon is good only through Sunday.

Check out these gorgeous dresses from noVae Clothing!

Floral Ruffle Wrap Dress

 Vintage Sleeveless Dress

 Polka Dot Ruffle Wrap Dress

 Ruffle Wrap Dress - Solid Color

Which one do you like best? I like them all but the floral is my absolute favourite! It is going on my birthday wish list right now. 

Blessings and love. xo

And don't forget to see what else is going on over at What I Wore Wednesday on The Pleated Poppy.

Weekly Menu Plan {20 January}

(Credit: slate.com)

Did you do anything to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today? 

The kids and I had the opportunity to go to a local rally, but honestly, we just needed a day at home after a busy weekend. So we watched several videos and looked at photos, thanks to the MLK Freebie from Classical Composers! Dr. King is one of my heroes, and I believe it is so important to be able to share his life with my children. The above list from Dr. King's 'Integrated Bus Suggestions' is utterly amazing and inspiring. 

This one is particularly challenging:

Be loving enough to absorb evil and understanding enough to turn an enemy into a friend. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Wow. So very beautiful!


Here is my menu plan for this week. It is suppose to turn snowy tomorrow and that is always welcomed at our house! 

Monday - Ina Garten's Bangars and Mash, plus sautéed kale, because I come from a long line of 'there must be something green on our plates' mamas. (This was the first time making this recipe and it was a HUGE hit! Those mashed potatoes were delicious!)

Tuesday - Chicken and Dumplings, salad

Wednesday - Sloppy Joes, sweet potato fries

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Oven BBQ Brisket, potato casserole, sautéed zucchini/onions/broccoli

Saturday - Thai Chicken Salad (I made this a couple of weeks ago and it is one of my favourite salads now!)

Sunday - Snack-y supper
Have a wonderful week and stay warm if you're in the path of the cold and snow! 

Blessings and love. xo

And as always, I'm linking up with Org Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.