Eric, access his blog by clicking here, had an offer to view the current issue of The Girlhood Companion if I agreed to post a review of it later.  My daughters and I spent quite a long time enjoying this gem and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys celebrating girlhood.  There is something for everyone here, with recipes, nice stories, cute pictures of rabbits having tea, etc.  We had a Dutch rabbit, so it was nice seeing these cute bunnies enjoying tea!  This is a very nice e-magazine available by clicking  here. 

They also made a very nice video on youtube, which you can see here.

**Updated to add that this is also available in print form.  For more information go to: www.giftoffamilywriting.com for more information about it.  :-)

~Karen

Marci is holding a new drawing for 2 copies of the books, The Maker's Diet by Jordan S. Rubin.  Just post a comment saying you want to be entered into the contest.  Her blog link is  here.  To access the post for the contest, click   here.

Have a great day!

~Karen

Last week I received my latest copy of Keepers at Home magazine.  This is a magazine put out by Amish and Mennonite women here in Ohio.  I have subscribed for the past several years (maybe 5 or more) and have been very encouraged each time I read it.  I remember when one of the editors lost their youngest son when he was hit by a car.  I cried for their family and was thankful for their strong faith that was not shaken, only made stronger.  The other editor always has a poignant letter to the readers that always inspires or admonishes me.  I highly recommend this great magazine. 

I found a website that sells subscriptions (Mennonite Maidens) and this is what they say about this lovely magazine:

Keepers at Home is a quarterly magazine especially for Christian mothers and homemakers. Each issue is packed with ideas, encouragement, and how-to articles on anything from how to better organize your home to making your own noodles. Practical as well as spiritual insights are shared by writers and readers. Regular features include: Gleanings from Gramma (spiritual lessons on a relevant subject), My End of the Hoe (our garden editor shares on a gardening subject), Gracia‘s Garden (How-to on Herbs), Care to Share (Readers’ questions-Readers’ responses), Birth Announcements, Recipes (centerfold tear-out of readers’ recipes on a specific food category). If you’re a mother, there are many other reasons why you’d enjoy Keepers at Home.

~Taken from Mennonite Maidens website

For ordering info. click here.

~Karen

Last week I went to our local libraries annual book sale.  I found quite a few neat books, including the one above.  I wrote about wanting to do something fun with each child for about 30 minutes each day and this will work wonderfully for my daughters.  This projects in this book range from short, lasting about an hour, to longer projects lasting a few weeks to a month.  Thank You, Lord!!

I usually run into other homeschoolers there and this year was no exception.  I ran into a lady I bought several schoolbooks from last year.  She said she had a definate idea of what she wanted whereas I just go with an open mind.  Last year I found an early 1900's copy of Emily Dickinson's poems.  This year I found a complete set of poetry books dating to the year 1923.  You can see some of the books in the first picture.  They are stacked in front of the Michael's bag. 

My oldest son went with me and was a real trooper.  He ran out to our van several times while I stayed behind and filled up another bag. 

This is a donation-only sale as well so it didn't break the bank!

~Karen

I really debated about buying this book.  I wasn't sure if I could justify (in my mind) the expense or if the book was really worth the money.  I always like to find ways to improvise something I've seen advertised so I can tailor it to my needs.  Well, after taking the plunge I anxiously waited for my package to arrive.  Wow!  This is a picture of what the package looked like when I opened the box.  What a pretty presentation!  The sachet smells wonderful and the ribbon was prompty asked for by my 13 yo daughter.  But, the true treasure is what lies inside the pages of this delightful book.  There are tips on managing a home, homemade cleaning recipes, stocking a pantry, what to have on hand for emergencies, gardening, a section on sewing, etc.  It reminds me of a book my friend Melissa has that was written in the 1850's for farmers.  Her book not only covered crops, animals and weather, but it also addressed the home and what a farm wife could do to make it run more smoothly.  I have been inspired by this book to de-clutter my house, make things more special for my family, and to really care about each day we spend together.  For all this book has inspired me to think about and to make plans for, it was well worth the money I spent.