Family - Part 2

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl Review

March 26, 2013 By Kristen

I’m going to start this book review with a disclaimer. This might have been one of the most unique Amish books that I have yet to read. Well, it’s about the Mennonites, but they are similar to the Amish so I’m classifying it as the same genre of book.

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl is the second book in the “Road to Kingdom” series. I had not read the first one, but it did not detract from this story in the slightest.

Unbreakable is the story of Hope Kaufman, a young Mennonite girl who has recently become engaged to Ebbie, a fellow Mennonite member. Hope grew up with Ebbie, and over the years, they became best friends who decided to marry. When Hope meets newcomer, Jonathan Wiese, she begins to question her engagement.

However, the biggest decision Hope faces is one regarding her safety and the safety of her town. The quiet Mennonite town of Kingdom finds itself under attack by a group of vigiliant-types who are threatening local Christian churches and individuals. As Mennonites do not believe in violence or carrying weapons, this leads to some thought-provoking discussions and decisions by the Mennonites in town.

Nancy Mehl did an excellent job writing this book. It was suspenseful – in the fact that I truly did not know what was going to happen as the story unfolded. I was very impressed with how she presented the spiritual and emotional decisions that the Mennonites struggled with regarding their beliefs in non-violence. It really made me think, personally, about how I would respond in a similar situation.

Unbreakable was so unique that I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a thought-provoking suspense / romance / fiction read. Like I said earlier, if you like Amish fiction, you might be particularly interested in this read. If you read it, I would be curious to hear what you think of this book.

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.

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The Good Life for Less Frugal Book Review

March 6, 2013 By Kristen

I like reading new frugal books. Even though I find some of the advice repeats, I can always glean something new from a good frugal book. The best thing is that each time I read a book on frugality / couponing / saving money, I am inspired. I am inspired to do more (or do less), and save more (or spend less).

Such was the case with Amy Allen Clark’s new book about The Good Life for Less. Amy is the founder of the website Mom Advice, which I have read occasionally. For that reason, it was interesting to learn more about Amy and, as her tagline says, how to “give your family great meals, good times, and a happy home on a budget.”

The beginning of the The Good Life for Less was my favorite because that was where the focus was on really saving money – via your budget and grocery shopping. Two of Amy’s points here really stuck out.

First, never underestimate the power of a good list. Whether grocery shopping or for life in general, I find this very true. Second, Amy recommends to make fewer trips to the store, even if you spend more per trip. For someone who doesn’t like to grocery shop (like Amy), I can see how this would be very helpful. I do like to grocery shop, so don’t mind the trips to the store, as long as I stick to my list. Otherwise, fewer trips will tend to save you money.

Amy featured a lot of simple, homemade recipes in the middle of her book (75 pages of recipes, to be precise). While they looked like good recipes, and I jotted several down, this was my least favorite part of the book. I would have liked to see fewer recipes and more actual content. I agree with the reasoning behind the recipes, as Amy shared the following quote (page 67).

“For most families, achieving peace and love within the budget begins not just at home, but in the kitchen. This is the place where you can both save and share, pinch pennies and show love. It is the heart of a family’s frugal, happy home.”

I enjoyed reading about bartering and swapping, something I would like to practice more. I also agreed that when you are cooking, you should double everything you can. Make one dish for tonight’s dinner, and another for later. You are saving yourself quite a bit of time by doing this!

Amy also wrote about being productive with your time, and doing every week chores. For example, I do our laundry on Saturday, coupons and menu planning on Sunday, and grocery shopping on Monday. Routines like these help you stay on track with accomplishing chores in the most productive manner possible.

I appreciated the positive outlook of The Good Life for Less. It was an easy and conversational read with many helpful ideas from which any home can benefit. I know mine will! I recommend this book as a good frugal one to read.

If you would like to see what other frugal books I recommend, take a look through my previous frugal book recommendations. There is something for everyone!

Filed Under: Frugal Living 2 Comments

Another Book Review: Wishing on Willows

February 27, 2013 By Kristen

I hope you all don’t ever tire of reading my book reviews. I won’t be offended if you skip by them. It’s my frugal way of getting new free books to read! I get to read all these new books for free and I don’t have to pay for any of them. I simply get to share with you about these fabulous books I’m reading. If you are a blogger, you can sign up too at Blogging for Books.

Wishing on Willows by Katie Gansher was my latest read. It’s a modern story that follows cafe-owner and young widow, Robin Price. Robin misses her husband and bakes her heart into everything she serves at her small town Willow Tree Cafe. Baking and mothering her 3 year old son leaves no time for anything – or anyone – else until Ian McKay arrives in town.

However, their first meeting is the opposite of ideal. Ian is a developer set to build new condos on the exact location of the Willow Tree Cafe. Soon, Robin is embroiled against Ian (and much of the town) in an effort to save her cafe.

This was an interesting premise, and I thought a realistic view of grief. This book shows there is no time table for grief. It would be convenient, but grief doesn’t work that way. Not only is Robin grieving, but Ian has several sorrows of his own.

Wishing for Willows was well written. It was a bit slow moving for me at the beginning, but the pace picked up as the book continued. After I finished the book, I learned there was a prior book in the series - Wildflowers from Winter - but I don’t believe that would have changed my enjoyment of the book.

Wishing for Willows will be released for sale mid-March, so look for it on bookshelves then.

Please note that I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

February 20, 2013 By Kristen

Awhile back, my mother-in-law gave me a book by Julie Klassen and told me I was going to love her. She must know me well because I have quickly fallen in love with several books by Julie Klassen. For that reason, I was quite excited to see that Julie had a new book coming up – and was eager to read it. The Tutor’s Daughter was as breathtaking as (and more suspensful than) I anticipated.

The Tutor’s Daughter is the story Emma Smallwood, the only daughter of her widower father who serves as a tutor for young boys. With profits declining for their Smallwood Academy, Emma hatches a plan to find new boys to tutor. Emma remembers 2 brothers – Phillip and Henry – whom her father tutored in the past. She had a friendship with one and a rivalry with the other, but remembers that they have two younger step-brothers. After a quick correspondence, Emma and her father are soon on their way to Cornwall to tutor these boys.

Emma quickly finds herself renewing her acquaintance with both young men, even as she assists her father with tutoring the younger brothers. Things in Cornwall are not as they seem, and Emma is curious about the reasons why. There are pranks being played on Emma and she cannot figure out which brother is teasing her…or is it something more?

This book reminded me greatly of Wuthering Heights, so I was not surprised that Julie Klassen lists Jane Eyre and Jane Austen as two of her favorites. There is something to be said for the romance of centuries past when we all had defined roles to play. Another reviewer suggested (and I concur) that if you enjoy Downton Abbey, you would enjoy Julie’s books.

I can’t decide which one of her books is my favorite, so I encourage you to read them and chose for yourself! The Tutor’s Daughter is a well written historical story that will have you turning pages quickly to see how the book ends.

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.

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A Long Distance Hug on Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2013 By Kristen

Today is Valentine’s Day, so Happy Valentine’s Day! I have a fun Valentine’s Party planned with my three-year-olds today…and another one for my four-year-olds tomorrow. We’ll be eating lots of red and pink foods, as well as cheese in the shape of hearts (yay for small cookie cutters), reading more Valentine books, and making simple projects. Oh, and of course, we’ll be opening our Valentines.

Earlier this week, we spent some time creating a special Valentine for our parents. I wanted to do something more than a card and when I stumbled on this idea from Tons of Fun. I knew this would be perfect for a special gift for our preschool parents. Since my other preschool teacher agreed, we started right away. In honor of Valentine’s Day, I want to share our Long Distance Hugs with you.

The project itself is very simple – which makes me love it even more. Cute and simple is every preschool teacher’s dream! Take a piece of white cardstock, paint both of your child’s hands, and stamp them on the paper. I used a large ink pad for some, but decided the paint left a better handprint. Once dry, cut out the hands. I left a bit of white space because I think it makes the hands stand out more. Then, attach the two hands with a piece of red ribbon. Ta-da! You are finished. You have a hug that your child can share even when they are not there.

I wanted to send a poem home that explained to the parents that this was a hug from their child. I put my rhyming hat on and set to work. I wrote a simple poem that I liked…until I read what Christa (the other preschool teacher) wrote. Hers was simpler and cuter – again, every preschool teacher’s dream! She typed it up, we mounted them, and then had the children sign their names. Well, the fours signed their names, and for the threes, I sent it home as is.

If you would like a copy of the poem we used, you are welcome to use it! We typed it four to a page and cut them appropriately. You can download a pdf copy of Long Distance Hug Poem here. It made my day when I had a preschool parent email to say that it made her tear up. I’m glad to know these simple reminders of a child’s love are cherished!

I hope that you are receive many hugs today, on Valentine’s Day, and every day for that matter! Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

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Gazelles, Baby Steps and 37 Other Things…

February 6, 2013 By Kristen

I started my Saturday morning by reading this short book that I picked up from the library. It was my funny, frugal read of the month. Yes, I just said funny and frugal in the same sentence. Let me tell you why.

Gazelles, Baby Steps and 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt is written by Jon Acuff of Stuff Christians Like fame. He is also known for writing Quitter as well as working for Dave Ramsey, when he’s not writing books.

This book was short and a humorous spin on getting rid of your debt so you can live a debt free life. Even of the 37 points Jon addressed were covered in just a couple of pages. This made the book very easy to read in one sitting.

Jon covered topics like Hobbies Eat Money (so true!), You’re Going to Have a Marriage Money Arguement (again, true!), and You Can’t Walk Out of Target with Only One Item (who else has experienced this?).

With a tongue in cheek manner that I enjoyed, Jon reminded us that yes, Dave Ramsey has some extreme ideas, but they will make your life better in the long run. It is best to live debt free, even as he wrote a chapter about “Beware the Temptation to Do It Yourself.”

If you are at all acquainted with Dave Ramsey, or have a desire to be, Gazelles, Baby Steps and 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt is a great refresher / introduction. It motivated me (again) to look at our expenses and work hard to pay off our car – our only current debt (except our mortgage). We all need the motivation so if you, too, want quick and inspiring motivation that makes you laugh – read this book.

If you want to read about more frugal books that I’ve reviewed and recommended, you can do so under my Frugal Living Book Review section.

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Sisterchicks in Gondolas Review

January 30, 2013 By Kristen

Ah, Robin. Last week, I read from her Glenbrooke series, and this week, I read from her Sisterchicks series. Once again, I found that Robin spoke to my heart in this book. What a talented lady!

Sisterchicks in Gondolas is part of the Sisterchicks series. What is a sisterchick, you might wonder? A sisterchick is defined as “a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you’re being a brat.” Don’t we all need one of those special friends? I know I do, and I know exactly who my sisterchicks are. Do you?

This story is of sisterchicks Jenna and Sue. Both are in their late 40s, and wondering if their lives have any adventures left for them. When Jenna is invited to Venice to cook for a missionary retreat, she invites Sue along for the ride.

Adventures abound in Italy, whether they are attempting to speak Italian, sampling varieties of gelato, purchasing fresh bread and groceries for their cooking endeavors, or exploring the nooks and alleys of Venice. Jenna and Sue soon discover that they are not done yet, because God is not done yet.

Sisterchicks in Gondola was a delightful read. First, this book has me thanking God for the sisterchicks I have in my life. Second, it has renewed my longing to visit Italy. Third, this book made me laugh, think and pray.

Not only do I recommend Echoes, but I also recommend Sisterchicks in Gondolas. Reading both of these books in such close sequence reminded me again how much I enjoy reading Robin Jones Gunn. I am confident you would enjoy her books, too.

Please note that I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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How to Save Money and Time by Cooking Chicken in the Slow Cooker

January 24, 2013 By Kristen

A year or so I stumbled upon something simple, frugal and – for me – absolutely life changing. You see, I had always been one of those gals who bought boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I used them for every one of my recipes with chickens. I always thought eating chicken off the bone was too messy. My husband tried to convince me that it was moister and I did have to concede that fact. Plus, I continued to notice that the price was substantially cheaper for chicken on the bone.

Finally, one day, I decided to take the chicken plunge. I bought chicken breasts split on the bone on sale for $0.97 a pound. It was a dollar cheaper than any of the sales I got on boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as the best sale I could find on those was $1.97 a pound.

I brought my chicken breasts home and decided to cook them in my slow cooker. I filled my slow cooker with chicken. It is a good sized slow cooker than holds 8 to 10 pounds. It holds 8 pounds easily, and 10 pounds makes it very full.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Simply layer your chicken in, as best as you are able. Then, pour a 1/2 cup of water over the chicken. Here’s a picture of my chicken waiting to be cooked.

Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Then, cover up your chicken and set it on low to cook. I cook it around 8 hours. If I fill my slow cooker, I cook it closer to 10 hours because I want my chicken cooked.

When the time is up, remove your chicken from the slow cooker. You will find that it will literally fall off the bone. Let your chicken cool slightly on a plate before shredding or dicing your chicken. I have found that chicken from the slow cooker is so tender, it tears easily in my fingers.

At this point, I decide what I am going to do with my chicken. Sometimes, I dice the chicken. It is so tender that this can be a challenge at times. Most times, I shred the chicken. I shred the chicken directly into my Pampered Chef measuring cup, so I can bag the chicken appropriately.

Chicken in the Slow Cooker

I like to sort the chicken into 2 cup bags, as well as 4 cup bags. I use a sharpie to write on my bags so I can remember how much chicken is in each bag. Once I have several bags of chicken, I put them in a large gallon bag (to protect against freezer burn) and store the chicken in my upright freezer. Then, when I want to make a recipe with chicken, my chicken is ready for countless recipes. I’m saving time down the road, too!

Now, let me summarize the advantages of this chicken method.

I put the chicken in the slow cooker in the morning and it cooks while I’m at school. I can then shred pounds of chicken in minutes. I am saving time.
I am buying my chicken for a dollar cheaper a pound. Say that I buy 100 pounds of chicken over the course of the year (which I probably do), that means a savings of $100 for chicken that is just as tasty – and more moist. I am saving money.
It is a simple way to save time and money.

As you can see, I highly recommend this chicken cooking method. Since I’ve started cooking my chicken in the slow cooker, I haven’t once looked back. Give it a try, and let me know if you agree. I think you will!

Filed Under: Cooking, Frugality 3 Comments

Echoes by Robin Jones Gunn Review

January 23, 2013 By Kristen

When I was in junior high, my friend Allison introduced me to Robin Jones Gunn with her Christy Miller series. She and I read the entire series – and thoroughly enjoyed them. To this day, I have such fond memories of these times and books and this author.

When I had a chance to review another book by Robin Jones Gunn, I quickly took it. I vaguely remembered reading this book years ago, but wasn’t sure. As I read, there were a couple of quotes that jogged my memory and made me smile – again.

Echoes is part of the Waterbrook series. It is book 3 in the series, but you don’t necessarily have to read the previous ones to enjoy this one. Echoes is the story of Lauren Phillips, a reluctant still-single gal. After breaking up with her fiance, Lauren realizes that it is important to be whom God wants her to be – and that she needs to live her life without putting it on hold for a guy.

Along the way (this book was written originally in the late 90s), Lauren begins emailing a Christian guy known to her only as KC. Over the course of a year, Lauren realizes that she is beginning to fall in love with a man she only knows through letters.

I don’t want to spoil the ending – happy as it may be – so I’m going to stop my review here. I’d highly recommend Echoes or any other book by Robin Jones Gunn. She is a talented writer with a way of writing that touches my heart time and time again.

Please note that I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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My Favorite Frugal Book Reviews

January 10, 2013 By Kristen

I read a lot, and next to fiction, my favorite books to read are frugal books that will give me new ideas for ways to save money.

About once a month, I try to share a frugal book review with you, my readers, because I am constantly learning – and I want to share other perspectives with you, too. Here is a compilation of 18 of my recent (and favorite) frugal book reviews. Each link will take you to my book review so you can read more about the book to decide which ones you want to read.

I hope this list will help you and inspire you! Look at the titles and see which ones catch your interest, and then start reading and learning. Here are some of the frugal books I’ve read…with more to come!

Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half by Steve and Annette Economides

Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Cracker

Point, Click, and Save! by Rachel Singer Gordon

The Money Saving Mom’s Budget by Crystal Paine

All in Good Time by Mandi Ehman and Tara Kuczykowski

The Lazy Couponer by Jamie Chase

Instant Bargains by Kimberly Danger

Supershop Like the Coupon Queen by Susan Samtur

How to Shop for Free by Kathy Spencer

Shop Smart, Save More by Teri Gault

Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider

Save Big by Elizabeth Leamy

Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey! by Joanie Demer and Heather Wheeler

Shift Your Habit by Elizabeth Rogers

Suddenly Frugal by Leah Ingram

The Coupon Mom’s Guide to Saving Money by Stephanie Nelson

1/2 Price Living by Ellie Kay

The Little Book of Big Savings by Ellie Kay

I’d actually recommend all of these books, because they all have different frugal hints and tips that can benefit you. However, if you are overwhelmed and trying to figure out where to start, consider this.

If you are looking for a good beginner’s book, and don’t know where to start with couponing, start with Crystal’s book.