By Kristen, on May 8th, 2012% 
My husband left me with instructions to spend some time reading while he was gone. He knows me well, because those are instructions that I am happy to follow. My first book of choice? It had to be Tracie Peterson’s latest and newest book – Chasing the Sun.
I have always enjoyed Tracie Peterson. She is one of my favorite Christian fiction writers because of her beautiful writing style. When Tracie writes, she paints beautiful pictures with her words. Her characters have depth and honesty. This book was exactly what I hoped!
Chasing the Sun is set in Texas at the end of the Civil War. It is the story of Hannah Dandridge and her younger siblings. As they wait for news of their missing father, Hannah is confused by a proposal of convenience.
As Hannah struggles to discern her heart, and what God desires, she meets William Barnett. A Texan who fought on the Yankee side, Hannah is surprised to learn that it is William’s ranch on which she is living. Must they leave? Or should they stay? Can she trust William?
When you read Chasing the Sun, you will find yourself in the midst of Hannah’s life, eager to discover where her choices will lead.
If you have yet to read anything by Tracie Peterson, start here! Read something by Tracie Peterson because you won’t regret it! My only regret? I have to wait until the next book in this series (Land of the Lone Star) comes out!
Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
By Kristen, on April 26th, 2012%  
Finally, I had a chance to sit down with Crystal Paine’s new book – The Money Saving Mom’s Budget. Crystal is the author my favorite frugal website – Money Saving Mom. I’ve been reading her blog for over half a dozen years now. She is always encouraging, positive and full of frugal ideas that have truly earned her the title of Money Saving Mom!
The Money Saving Mom’s Budget is exactly what the title promises. This book shows you ways to slash your spending, pay down your debt, streamline your debt and save thousands a year.
Crystal starts the book by outlining her 7 rules for success. These rules are as follows.
1. Set big goals and break them down into bite-sized pieces.
2. Streamline your life and cut the clutter.
3. Set up a realistic, workable budget.
4. Take the cash-only challenge.
5. Use coupons.
6. Never pay retail.
7. Choose contentment.
Crystal’s writing style is encouraging and convinces you that you can do anything you set your mind to in this frugal journey. The fact that her husband made it through law school without any debt, while she worked from home, and then they paid cash for a house in three years, makes her a voice to whom we should listen.
The Money Saving Mom’s Budget is full of many of the hints and tips you find on her website, but with more detail. I especially appreciate that Crystal writes from a strong Christian background. If you are looking for helpful suggestions on how to start (or continue) your frugal journey, go read this book!
Oh, and Crystal is donating all profits from the sales of The Money Saving Mom’s Budget to Compassion International. What an amazing gift!
If you are interested in reading reviews of other frugal living books, you can see all my previous frugal reviews here.
By Kristen, on April 22nd, 2012% 
In our musical, “Malice in the Palace,” my favorite song was one sung by Esther. It paraphrased the words of Psalm 139. I can hear Ruth (our Esther) and the children singing this song so beautifully.
If I climb to the heights of a mountain or search the depths below, I know your arms will hide me – everywhere I go.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn or fly beyond the sea, I will find you there – waiting for me.
What comfort this psalm brings me!
There is no place where I am far away from God. There is no place where I am out of his reach.
There is no place I can hide from God. There is no place where He will leave me alone.
God is always with me. God is always with you. This is good news, indeed.
By Kristen, on April 18th, 2012% 
Last month, Saint Paul’s Lutheran School had their annual auction. As part of their fundraising, they auction of desserts for the tables to eat. This was our second year attending and the second time I was asked to make a dessert.
Last year, I was new at this and made a tray of buckeyes surrounded by peanut clusters. They were delicious, of course, but I learned that cakes and more traditional desserts tend to go for more.
This year, I decided to make a buckeye cake, which my Mom raves about. Once I made it, I quickly discovered why she raves! This cake is decadadent and absolutely delicious. It truly does taste like a buckeye!
This recipe was the winner in a Toll House competition, and created by Krista Linegar. Once you make this once, you’ll see why this recipe won!
Buckeye cake consists of three parts – a brownie like cake on the bottom with a peanut butter fudge layer that is topped by a rich chocolate ganache. For as rich as this tastes, it is actually simple to bake.
Here’s how to make your own delicious buckeye cake.
For the cake layer, you will need the following ingredients.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 packets (1 oz. each) Nestle Toll House Choco Bake Unsweetened Chocolate Flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the peanut butter fudge layer, you will need these ingredients.
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Finally, for the ganache layer, you will need these two ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups (12-oz. package) Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
TO BEGIN, PREHEAT the oven to 350ºF. Grease 9-inch-round cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper; grease.
FOR THE CAKE, COMBINE eggs and sugar in large bowl. Stir in flour, melted butter, Choco Bake packets, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour into prepared pan.
BAKE for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes. Run knife around edge of cake; cool for an additional 10 minutes. Invert cake onto serving platter. Remove pan and parchment paper; cool completely.
FOR PEANUT BUTTER LAYER, BEAT peanut butter, butter and vanilla extract in medium mixer bowl until combined. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. You can do this with a mixer or by hand. Spread mixture on cake, all the way to the edge of the cake. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
FOR THE GANACHE, HEAT cream in small saucepan to boiling; remove from heat. Add semi-sweet morsels; let stand 5 minutes. Stir; refrigerate for 30 minutes or until mixture is spreadable. Spread chocolate on top and sides of cake.
When you are ready to serve your buckeye cake, I would recommend small slices as this is a truly a rich, chocolate dessert.
How good is this cake? Well, here I am with my buckeye cake which sold for $290 at the Saint Paul’s auction.
Buckeye cake is our new favorite dessert!
By Kristen, on April 10th, 2012% Last week at this time, I was enjoying the beginnings of my Spring Break. Now, I’m already back to school. The break was productive and wonderful and over too quickly.
Do you remember my ambitious Spring Break goals that I shared earlier this week? Well, guess what? With the exception of cooking a new recipe and washing my bedspread, I accomplished them all!
I had plans to make fondue, but with junior high boys over who were helping in the yard, chicken fingers seemed more appropriate. As for washing our bedspread? I didn’t have time to sit at the laundry mat, so that will just have to wait.
Here’s what I accomplished, with a couple pictures of moments from my week.
- Went to the National Lutheran Grade School Tournament. We took 5th!
- Clipped, sorted and organized my coupons. I love getting organized for finding good bargains.
- Went grocery shopping. Scored some amazing deals at Kroger!
- Read at least two books. You should add Kisses from Katie to your reading list, too. I highly recommend it.
- Celebrated my 30th birthday. Thanks for the sweet birthday wishes, everyone!
- Went to a Pacers game with my husband. They won!
- Cleaned the baseboards with my new vacuum. Thanks again, Mom and Dad. It was a great birthday present!
- Caught up on all the laundry. Nothing too exciting but always necessary.
- Hemmed Andy’s dress pants. Thank you, iron-on hem tape, for making my life so much easier!
- Cleaned out the refrigerator. Cleaned out the freezer while I was at it.
- Sorted through the mail basket. How does it accumulate so quickly?
- Read through my magazines. It was quite the stack!
- Organized the pantry. I discovered some ancient raisins hiding way in the back from 2009. Oops!
- Scrubbed all the showers. That really required some elbow grease, after all the construction in our downstairs bathroom.
- Got back on track with my list notebook. I missed the satisfaction of crossing things off my list!
- Went out to lunch with friends. Several times, actually. It was nice to leisurely visit and enjoy several meals out.
Bake something new. I didn’t get to this one, even though I had planned to do so. - Continued eating at least 5 fruits or vegetables every day. I’m halfway through this challenge for Be Well, Serve Well.
- Baked cinnamon rolls for Easter breakfast. I baked 9 pans of the Pioneer Woman’s amazing cinnamon rolls, of which I gave most of them away.
- Slept in. Again and again.
- Watched a movie or two with Andy. The new movie “We Bought a Zoo” is simply adorable!
- Made a new wreath. I actually made two, I was on such a crafty kick.
- Continued posting on my website regularly. I miss it when I don’t!
- Wrote in my journal. It had been much too long.
- Went to church – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter SonRise. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
I also accomplished some things that weren’t on my list.
- Gave away a couch and an old TV. They had been sitting in our garage since August. It was past time to go.
- Cleaned all the ceiling cracks and corners of cobwebs. I love my new handheld Oreck vacuum with all the handy attachments!
- Scrubbed my stove top. How do stoves get so dirty?
- Chopped onions for the freezer. It makes my dinner prep so much quicker.
- Made more foaming soap for the bathrooms. It is so simple and really does make soap last longer.
- Organized bins in the attic. I am thankful for our attic storage space since we don’t have much closet space.
While I was busy with my lists, my husband was just as busy with his lists. He cleaned out the entire garage, got our garden ready for planting, and mulched the yard.
All in all, it was a very productive Spring Break. It was a great change of pace for us. It was nice to stay around the house and accomplish so many things that we’ve been meaning to do.
Now, it’s back to the reality of school…and the anticipation of summer break!
By Kristen, on April 5th, 2012% 
Today, I turn 30. It’s hard to believe that I’m entering another decade! A lot has happened – not all of which I expected nor in the order which I expected. I graduated from college, began my teaching career, earned my Masters, began a long-distance relationship, bought a house and got married.
I’ve learned a lot in my 20s so in honor of my birthday, I thought I would share 30 things I learned in my 20s. I have to thank Mandi at Life…Your Way for inspiring me with her 30 things list. Here’s my list of what I learned in this past decade.
1. Living on my own for five years was a wonderful experience.
2. I have a heart for family ministry.
3. Teaching piano lessons requires a lot of patience but is a great side job.
4. I’m glad I earned my Masters of Education. I’m glad I earned my Masters when I did.
5. Waiting to get married was hard at times, but my husband was worth every moment of the waiting.
6. Being patient is still hard.
7. Lutheran ministry requires more of me than I ever dreamed.
8. Writing a website is hard work but I love it!
9. The more I play the piano, the better I (slowly) get.
10. Directing musicals excites me.
11. I am an extrovert who still enjoys my alone time.
12. I don’t respond well to sarcasm.
13. Spontanity makes me nervous, but with time (and the patient prodding of a husband), it becomes easier to be spontaneous.
14. Finding a good deal makes me giddy.
15. Canning isn’t just something my grandmothers did. I can can, too! 
16. You can learn a lot as the youngest teacher on staff.
17. College friendships last.
18. Reading is important to me and I will make time for it.
19. I will not apologize for reading lots of fiction, even as I discover how much I enjoy other genres. Fiction will always be my favorite.
20. I need a good night’s sleep to be at my best.
21. I am a perfectionist, but I have learned that perfectionism does have its time and place.
22. Written letters are a treasure that are meant to be savored.
23. Living without debt is worth every penny pinching sacrifice.
24. Traveling to and living in a different country will change your life-long perspective.
25. Owning a house is a lot of work.
26. I really like living in the country – Amish and all.
27. I am actually crafty.
28. Parents can actually be your parents and your friends at the same time.
29. Good hospitality makes anyone feel welcome.
30. Miles don’t have to separate a family.
Those are a few of the things I’ve learned. What have you learned in your 20s?
By Kristen, on April 4th, 2012%  
Between basketball games over the weekend, I managed to find enough downtime to read a new book from Bethany Publishing House – Sixty Acres and a Bride by Reginna Jennings.
It was set in Texas so that caught my eye immediately, as I grew up there. Also, I knew my cousin Bethany was reading the same book so I wanted to compare notes. Most importantly, though, I enjoy reading historical fiction.
Sixty Acres and a Bride is the story of a young Mexican widow, Rosa Garner, and her widowed mother-in-law, Louise Garner. When their husbands suddenly die, Louise decides to return to her family in Texas. Rosa’s family has disowned her, due to her new Christian faith, so Rosa travels with Louise to Texas.
When they arrive in Texas, they find that their family farm is soon to be reposed, due to late tax payments. Rosa proves herself to be an industrious worker, doing all that she can to help save the farm. I found myself comparing her to the Proverbs 31 woman at times. Quite inspiring!
As the date approaches, they sadly realize that they do not have enough funds to pay all the taxes. Louise sends Rosa to her nephew, Weston, to see if he will help them with the payments.
Weston is willing to help with the payments, to preserve the name of the family. Quickly, Weston and Rosa realize they got more than they bargained for as these two widowers commit to doing what is necessary to save their family farm. In the process, the question of learning to love begins to enter their minds.
I thought this story was well written and quite enjoyable. It is a Texas version of the Biblical story of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth’s story of faithfulness and love has long inspired me. I loved the unique twist of setting it in Mexico and Texas.
Sixty Acres and a Bride was one book that I did not want to put down, nor did I want it to end. Still, I was eager to see how the story of Rosa and Weston would unfold. The ending was a perfect reminder of how God can work in all things.
Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
By Kristen, on April 3rd, 2012% 
It’s officially Spring Break! Well, actually, it’s been Spring Break for a couple of days already but basketball has consumed the start of my break. This is the first I’ve gotten to sit down and really think about what I want to do.
I have long waited for this break and now it’s here. I’m ready for the change of pace. I have lots that I need to do and lots that I want to do. Here’s what is on my list for Spring Break.
Go to the National Lutheran Grade School Tournament. - Clip, sort and organize my coupons.
- Go grocery shopping.
- Read at least two books.
- Celebrate my 30th birthday. Yes, I enter a new decade this year!
- Go to a Pacers game with my husband.
- Clean the baseboards with my new vacuum.
- Catch up on all the laundry, including a spring wash of our bedspread.
- Hem Andy’s dress pants.
- Clean out the refrigerator.
- Sort through the mail basket. How does it accumulate so quickly?
- Read through my magazines.
- Organize the pantry.
- Scrub all the showers.
- Get back on track with my list notebook.
- Go out to lunch with friends.
- Bake something new. Fondue, perhaps?
- Keep eating at least 5 fruits or vegetables every day. I’m on week 3 of this challenge!
- Bake cinnamon rolls for Easter breakfast.
- Sleep in.
- Watch a movie or two with Andy.
- Make a new wreath.
- Continue posting on my website regularly.
- Journal.
- Go to church – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter SonRise.
There’s a bit of what I want to do. By making a plan, this allows me to be organized about making the most of my break. I do intend to make the most of it!
By Kristen, on March 15th, 2012% 
Last Christmas, my mother-in-law gave me the book The Silent Governess by author Julie Klassen. This was the first book I had read by Julie and I really enjoyed it. When I heard that Julie had a new book coming out, I was excited to read it.
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall was another delightful novel by Julie Klassen. Set in the 1800s in England, this book is the story of a Margaret, a young woman who is trying to escape the controlling demands of her stepfather. Since he controls all her finances until she comes of age, she is faced with a dim outlook.
As a last (and sudden) resort, she runs away, disguises herself and finds work as a maid. As a lady born into money, she knows nothing about what to do. Her heart sinks further when she realizes she is now in the employ of a man whose proposal she once rejected.
While Margaret learns the daily chores of a maid, she also learns humility and about her own strength of character. She also finds herself realizing that the man she once rejected may be different than she once thought.
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall is beautifully written and another gem of a book by Julie Klassen.
Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
By Kristen, on March 6th, 2012%  
I recently read All in Good Time: When to Save, Stock Up, and Schedule Everything for Your Home - a new book by Mandi Ehman and Tara Kuczykowski. Since I follow both of their websites (Life…Your Way and Deal Seeking Mom) regularly, I was eager to see what more these fabulous ladies had to share. I was not disappointed.
All in Good Time is a book that teaches you how to be frugal – based on the time. It teaches how there is a proper time for everything, whether it is changing your sheets, calling for an appointment, or shopping for a new suitcase. I had always known this to be true but this book showed me exactly how true this premise is.
All in Good Time is an easy to read book as there are short sections with many bullet points. It covers so many topics that there is sure to be something for everyone in this book.
Some of my favorite things were this. I liked knowing that their stock-up laundry detergent price is 10 cents an ounce. It’s nice to have a formula to follow. That must be why I also liked their toilet paper principle. These ladies recommended paying 1 cent a square foot, or, more simply, $0.50 a double roll. I use the $0.50 rule already so it was good to know that I’m on the same frugal track!
All in Good Time also features hints for how to get an actual person on customer service, best back up your photos, declutter, and clean your oven.
Did you know that you can get a water heater timer to help lower your bills? I didn’t! Did you know that many utility companies have peak usage hours with lower rates for off-hours usage? I need to call my utility company to see if that is true of ours. Did you know that it’s not the threat count that matters but the type of thread used? Thanks to this book, now I know that, too!
All in Good Time is full of useful hints such as these. I highly recommend this book for everyone who is looking to save time and / or money!
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