Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Their Name Is Today {Review and Giveaway}


It's a rare occasion when I feel a sense of refreshing after having read a book (other than the Bible). But that's exactly the feeling I have since reading Their Name Is Today: Reclaiming Childhood in a Hostile World by Johann Christoph Arnold. I am happy to share this book with you today and to offer one for a giveaway (see below).

About the book:
Despite a perfect storm of hostile forces that threaten to deny children a healthy, happy childhood, courageous parents and teachers can turn the tide. Yes, we can reclaim childhood, says Johann Christoph Arnold, whose books have helped more than a million readers through the challenges of education and family life. In Their Name Is Today, he highlights drastic changes in the way our society treats children. But he also brings together the voices of dedicated parents and educators who are finding creative ways to give children the time and space they need to grow. Cutting through the noise of conflicting opinions, Arnold takes us to the heart of education and parenting by defending every child’s right to the joy and wonder of childhood.



About the author:
Born in 1940 to war resisters driven out of Nazi Germany, Johann Christoph Arnold’s parents fled Europe when he was a baby and settled in Paraguay. It was a childhood of dire poverty, but his upbringing gave him a special sensitivity for the downtrodden. At fourteen, he moved to New York, where he has lived ever since. In the 1960s, his interest in the Civil Rights Movement led him to the American South, where he met Martin Luther King Jr. and marched with him. The ensuing friendship was to impact him for life. A noted speaker and writer on marriage, parenting, and end-of-life issues, Arnold is a senior pastor of the Bruderhof, a movement of Christian communities. With his wife, Verena, he has counseled thousands of individuals and families over the last forty years, as well as serving as an advisor at several innovative private schools. A writer whose down-to-earth perspective has helped his books sell more than a million copies in twenty languages, Johann Christoph Arnold offers sound advice on a wide variety of contemporary issues. An outspoken social critic, he has addressed gatherings from Sydney to London and visited hotspots around the globe, including Ireland, Iraq, Chiapas, Israel and Palestine. His work has also taken him into hospitals, nursing homes, juvenile detention centers, and even to death row. 

My thoughts:
I was unfamiliar with Mr. Arnold and have enjoyed his writing so much I am planning to find his other books very soon. I am so happy to have this book on my shelf of deep, meaningful, practical books on parenting. Mr. Arnold is a wise man who comes from a remarkable background and his personal stories are some of my favourites in this work. He shares not only his own wise words, but also the wisdom passed down to him from his own parents and grandparents. Don't misunderstand, he is not encouraging us as parents to return to the past or what some may call "those good ole days". No, he seems completely in tune with our modern culture and what we as teachers and parents face in 2014 and beyond. His heart is for our children to live in this modern day but with their innocence, individuality and wonderment intact and in the security of our unconditional love. He is big on getting children out in nature (yes!), giving them responsibility (again yes!) and protecting them from not only too much screen time (a struggle in my own home) but also especially from the violence that many parents are allowing their children to experience via video games. 

Here is one of my favourite quotes Mr. Arnold shares in this book:



I have very few parenting books that I recommend to my friends, however Their Name Is Today is now going be in my top five. I may even buy some extra copies to pass along to my friends who are trying to navigate parenting in this seemingly hostile world. This book is a breath of fresh air and will give you hope and direction for your household. Whether you are struggling as a parent (or educator), or just want a new perspective in your educating/parenting, I highly recommend it. 

To buy copy of this book (which is only $10.62 at the time of posting), click on this image:



 
And great news! FlyBy Promotions is offering one of my readers the opportunity to win one copy of Their Name Is Today
Giveaway Details:
1. Tell me about your toughest parenting struggles or your favourite things about your child/children in the comments.
2. Leave your email address, so that I have a way to contact you if you win!
3. Giveaway is open to anyone, age 18 or older, in the U.S. or Canada. 
4. Giveaway closes 14 November 2014 at 11:59pm ET.
5. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Winner chosen by random.org.

Congratulations to you, Dawnita! You were chosen by random.org as the winner! I will contact you shortly. Thank you to all of you sweet moms for entering the giveaway! Blessings on each of you as you continue loving your children and imparting life to them. 

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. This post contains affiliate links. When you use my links, there is no additional charge to you and I make a small commission. Thank you!

Monday, November 3, 2014

Weekly Menu Plan {3 November}


Hello, friends! Did everyone have a fun Halloween and weekend? Are we all on a sugar high? I'm thinking of sticking half of our candy in the freezer to save for a few months, at least. That way it's not staring us in the face all the time. What is your favourite candy? I am mostly a chocolate girl, particularly DARK chocolate! I also occasionally enjoy fruity candy, such as Skittles. 

Here is our meal plan for this week:

Monday - Leftovers

Tuesday - BBQ Ribs, mashed potatoes, green beans (Emma's turn to cook)

Wednesday - Lamb Stew (Ben's turn to cook)

Thursday - Cappellini Pomodoro, salad

Friday - Mom's Potato Soup, cornbread

Saturday - Stuffed Peppers (with ground turkey), Texas toast

Sunday - Snack-y supper

Blessings and love. xo

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Chaos to Clutter-Free {Review AND Giveaway!}


Hey guys! Today I wanted to introduce you to my new friend Davonne and her brand new ebook, Chaos to Clutter-Free: 16 Realistic Steps to an Organized Home.  When I was offered the opportunity to be apart of Davonne's launch team, I thought, "Yes, I definitely need this. I used to be so organized, but since moving into this house, something has happened to me. Ugh." More on my struggles below.

Davonne has so many great tips and ideas in this book. Here is the Table of Contents:


Introduction: How to Use this Book (Q&A) Step One: Be Encouraged
Step Two: Prepare Your Home and Your Heart Step Three: Tame the Laundry Monster

Step Four: Tidy Your Home
Step Five: Learn Basic Declutter Tips (Assignment: Living Room)
Step Six: Learn How to Stay Ahead of the Little Ones (Assignment: Organize Your Personal Spaces)
Step Seven: Unclutter Your Bathrooms
Step Eight: Sort Clothing
Step Nine: Clean Out Kids’ Toys
Step Ten: Streamline School Papers and Other Childhood Mementos
Step Eleven: Organize Your Kitchen
Step Twelve: Purge Your Storage Closets
Step Thirteen: Organize Your Laundry Room
Step Fourteen: Clean Out Your Storage Room
Step Fifteen: Complete Any Remaining Areas
Step Sixteen: Tips for When You’re In a Time Crunch
Conclusion: The Bigger “Why” Behind the Effort, Plus Some Gentle Encouragement
 

Davonne has written this book out of her own experience and what worked for her. I really appreciate how she breaks things down, section by section, room by room. If you are overwhelmed by a messy or cluttered house, and you want to make a change, this book is an excellent resource. Davonne has gentle encouragement and wisdom to share with you. Her practical steps can be implemented right away.

I had a few trouble spots that have just been weighing on me. Isn't that how clutter works? It's a burden. I am not a neat freak, but I also cannot stand a permanent mess. We homeschool and are home much of the time, so there are going to be messes. I remember a friend who said to me one time, regarding her going back to work and her kids all being in school or day care, "I'm so happy we are not home all day. My house stays so much cleaner." I kind of laughed at the time. I guess I can't really relate to that, but that's fine. We each make our choices and mine, for now, involves us being home and making messes. 

And in reading through Chaos to Clutter-Free, I realized something had been going on with me emotionally, that I didn't recognize before. We have moved three times in three years, as of last December. We are renting this house and signed a one year lease, as we really didn't know what we would be doing next. Last month our landlords asked if we would like to renew our lease, and we said yes. We are still in an odd place, with Bob's job situation, but something happened when we said we would be staying here another year. Some kind of psychological break took place for me. I gave myself permission to finish unpacking and get my house in order. Looking back, I really should have done this many months ago, but unpacking every last box was just too much for me. I realized deep down I had been thinking, 'will I just have to repack those boxes come November/December if we have to move again?'. Saying yes to another lease gave me the vision for continuing to make my home a haven. Something that has always been very important to me.

Here is my living room, before and after (I failed to take photos of the other corner, but it previously contained five cardboard boxes.):







It took a few days to find a place for everything, but once it was finished, it was such a huge relief. Whew! It feels so much better and is so much more inviting.


On another note, I wanted to share one of my favourite tips from Davonne, regarding laundry: 

Even though it may seem that owning more clothes means we’ll spend less time cleaning them, the opposite is true. When we have several weeks’ worth of clothing, it can be tempting to go for a while between washings, which contributes to huge, overwhelming piles of laundry. Also consider the extra drawer or closet space we need to hold the clothes, and the amount of time we spend looking through dozens of items for the “perfect” outfit each day.

So, as you work on laundry, go ahead and put some things in donation bags instead of putting them back in drawers. 

This is one of the things I learned 10 years ago from another helpful mom, and it has made a huge difference in my life. If I can never get caught up on my laundry and always have piles of clothes -- to be washed, folded or put away, I need to go through all the clothes and get rid of half of them. Most of us Westerners have too much stuff, clothes included. We really don't need it all. I encourage you to do as Devonne suggests. Go through your closets and donate what you don't need! It's so freeing and you will be amazed at how much easier it is to get the laundry done. 

Guess what, dear readers?!? Devonne has generously offered TWO copies of Chaos to Clutter-Free for a giveaway! There will be two winners for this one. Here's what you need to do:
1. Comment below letting me know what area/s of your home you could use help with. Leave your email address so that I have a way to contact you, if you win!
2. For extra entries: Follow Davonne on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest. Leave a comment for each extra entry.
3. Deadline for entries: November 7, 2014 11:59pm ET. Open to anyone, as this is a digital product. 

Giveaway Winners!

I have FIVE winners (instead of two, like I originally mentioned) chosen by random.org:

Maddie Bell
Diana Estrella
Lisa R
Sunni F
harknessangels

If you did not leave your email address, please email me within 48 hours to claim your prize (scarlettroyce (at) gmail.com). Thanks to all who entered!

Blessings and love. xo

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

What I Wore


Hello! How are you today? 

I have some super cute pieces to share this week and they are all from groopdealz.com! Have you shopped from groopdealz.com yet? 

Check out these sales happening now - but only for a short time!

Tunic Shirt Dress - 7 Colours

Knotiebib Color Pop Necklace 


 Darling Ruffle Trench Coats - 4 Colours

 Cozy Long Hoodie Sweatshirts - 4 Colours


Plaid Fleece Lined Leggings (I LOVE these!!!)

In My Pocket Striped Tee

Designer Herringbone Puffer Vest 

 I have ordered several things from groopdealz.com and have had a great experience each time! I'd love to know what you have ordered or would like to order from them.

Have a great Wednesday!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy.

Blessings and love. xo

{Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. All this means is that when you purchase through my links, there is no additional cost to you, and I make a small commission! Thank you!}

Monday, October 27, 2014

Weekly Menu Plan {27 October}


Hello, friends! How's life going for you? What is everyone doing for Halloween, if that's a "holiday" that you take part in? We have finally come up with our costumes, so photos will be coming soon. Maya is especially excited about getting to wear her costume to ballet class!

Here's our plan for this week:

Monday - It's Emma's night to cook, and she is treating us to Chinese take-out!

Tuesday - Ava wanted in on the cooking for our family this week, so she will be making Macaroni and Cheese! 

Wednesday - Ben is going to make Shrimp and Grits, salad, green beans

Thursday - Thai Chicken Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce (this is one of our favourites!)

Friday - Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Chip and Guac

Saturday - Leftovers

Sunday - Snack-y Supper

I'm linking up with Laura and the ladies over at Menu Plan Monday! Hop on over.

Blessings and love. xo