Oh, For Real Cookbook and other cooking adventures

   

Last spring I purchased this new book from Laura at Heavenly Homemakers and I'm happy to say that I'm totally in love with it!!  It comes in PRINT!  I am using it so much.  These are Laura's favorite recipes she makes with her family and I can tell why!

I love all the quick recipes and tips to make cooking many meals to save time in the kitchen.  I still don't have a perfect system, but I'm working my way there.

Here are some of the recipes that my family enjoys:

From the Quick Mix-
*Pancakes
*Peanut Butter Cookies
*Chocolate Chip Cookies
*Quick Mix biscuits

Dry Mixes-
*Ranch Dressing for the Cheddar Ranch Burgers
*Onion Soup Mix to put in everything!
*Turkey Sausage Seasoning mix

Breakfasts-
*Baked Oatmeal
*Homemade Hash Browns
*Very Berry Smoothies

Lunch/Dinner-
*Corn Dog Muffins
*Hearty Green Bean Casserole
*Italian Pasta Bake
*Lasagna Casserole

I still need to try out many of the snacks and desserts.

 

What will you find in Oh, For Real? 

• Over 115 healthy, real food breakfast, lunch, supper, casserole, slow cooker, and snack recipes that will save you time, money and sanity
• Versatile mixes and whole grain dough recipes that offer loads of healthy recipe options with little to no effort
• Freezer cooking ideas and instructions to help you actually get ahead in the kitchen
• Last minute (healthy) meal ideas, because for real, you don’t have to resort to ordering pizza in a pinch
• More information about my family and me than you ever really needed to know.  We are real.  :)

It's $25.95 which includes shipping and handling in the US.  I use it everyday, it's worth it!


Click here to visit Laura Coppinger @ Heavenly Homemakers   AS for my other cooking adventures...     I just made 6 freezer meals from Sidetracked Sarah's blog.   This kitchen is busy!!

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky Book Review

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky is the story of Julia Foster, former missionary to India looking for employment in England in 1911 while her father recovers from an illness.  Julia is hired as governess by the widower, Sir William Ramsey of Highland Hall.  She is immediately put to work caring for Sir William's two children, Andrew and Millie, and his deceased cousin's teenage daughters, Katherine and Penelope.  Julia's calm determination helps her face the many trials that arise in her position.  She befriends Sir William's sister Sarah who gains confidence in running the estate.  And as time progresses, Sir William starts to confide in Miss Foster.  Both begin to develop deeper feelings for each other, but because of social standards they are unable to move beyond their current employer/employee relationship.  As financial disaster looms ahead, Sir William must make some difficult choices in business, love and the future of his family.  Can Sir William and Julia move beyond social barriers to unite together to bring peace and joy to a broken family?

The author, Carrie Turansky, describes The Governess of Highland Hall as Downton Abbey meets Jane Eyre with a little Sound of Music thrown in.  I quite agree with this description.  Julia Foster had both inner intelligence and stunning outer beauty combined with high standards and the qualities of a well bred lady.  Others in the home were either jealous of her or she was well respected.  Carrie's description of each character was fascinating  and she had several love stories as well as a good plot and excellent climax with many surprises throughout.  I was completely taken with the estate (see pictures below), the staff, the village, Julia and William's interactions and how the children responded to Miss Foster.  When Carrie writes she listens to the movie soundtracks of The Prince of Tides, Little Women, Cider House Rules, A Beautiful Mind, Anne of Green Gables and of course Downton Abbey.  This book and upcoming series is not to be missed!!



The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Here are a few pictures of the inspiration for Highland Hall: Tyntesfield

Main staircase: the family and staff gathered here each morning for prayer and Scripture reading

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for this review. All opinions are my own.*

Women Living Well by Courtney Joseph Book Review + FREE ebooks and FREE webscast information

 

Women Living Well: Find Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids, and Your Home by Courtney Joseph is a true treasure for every woman who desires to improve in these areas.  Through Courtney's personal stories and practical advice, she shares boldly from her heart.  This book has four sections.  Your Walk with the King encourages you to find solitude with God, plan a quiet time, what focused prayer can look like and connecting with other women.  She quotes lots of Scripture and gives great lists of resources for further study.  Your Marriage is about letting your husband lead and you to be his helper.  She explores several ways to take steps toward creating a godly marriage by considering his needs, give respect and banish bitterness.  And tucked inside is a 10 Day Complete Him Marriage Challenge.  Your Parenting is about the influence you have as a mother, the competition you face and tips for parenting in the digital age.  And she reminds you that you are not just teaching, but training.  Your Homemaking focuses on the beauty that Courtney often shares on her blog about creating the right atmosphere in your home.  She gives fun tips for cooking, cleaning and family night.  And she emphasizes the value of a routine.  She also ends with a section on the Proverbs 31 Woman (and she has a free ebook on her blog along with a 14 week Bible study on Good Morning Girls).  The last question she asks is, what is your driving force?  Yes, excellent thoughts, stories and sound Biblical advice for the woman who seeks to honor God and not be influenced by the world.

 

The author, Courtney Joseph is a sold out, solid follower and lover of Jesus Christ.  Her joy in serving God in her marriage, parenting and ministry is absolutely evident.  Courtney is counter-cultural (for some) and holds fast to God's Word and lives her life in pursuit of Him.  I honestly respect her and look up to her not only that she is a role model, but also that she humbly admits her mistakes and shortcomings.  I love how she points everything back to God.  This book had so much to digest that I can't wait to read it again and again!  This is a great resource for every woman to have that will help and encourage you to pursue God's best in every area of your life.  If you like Courtney's blog, you will really like this book! 

 

If you order this book by September 30 you will receive a pre-launch giveaway package including 10 FREE ebooks!!  See Women Living Well for more information.  Included is a study guide of the book!

 



And every Thursday night for 7 weeks, Women Living Well TV will have a FREE webscast of the conference that was held this summer in Ohio.  You don't want to miss this!
Note: These videos are available for 24 hours during the day of the broadcast.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book for my review.  All opinions are my own.*

Dining on a Dime Cookbook Sale (ebook and print) through October 1!!

Hi friends-  You all know how much I love cooking.  I bought this cookbook (Dining On A Dime Cookbook) about a year ago and I love how easy the recipes are to create especially when I have a "pantry moment."  I often use this as my go-to cookbook for recipes that call for ingredients I already I have.

This is also more than a cookbook, there are some great tips for frugal cooking and living.  There are over 1200 recipes and money saving tips...many of which you may not know.  She includes many homemade mixes, ideas for gift baskets, cleaning recipes, substitutions and plenty of fun!!

This week the book is 50% off through October 1.  So check out the book on Living on  Dime and order your copy to get the great deal.  Happy Fall to you!!

Dining On A Dime Cookbook

Eat Better, Spend Less

$10.98

Sale ends 10/1

Fall Plans

Summer is over (in my eyes) and Fall is slowly creeping in.  I'm ready for the cozy fire, a fragrant candle, hot soups, drinking chai tea while watching a good movie, clear nights, warm blankets and anything that has to do with pumpkin!  Are you with me?

Here are a few things I'm starting up:

Peak313 Living and Active


Memorize Ephesians 1


4 Weeks to a More Organized Home



Countdown to Christmas (using my friend's organized blog)
Here's my Christmas Pinterest Board.



Crafts and Food from my Fall Pinterest Board
What are you up to this Fall?  Blessings, Shonda

How to Get Ahead with Real Food Make-Ahead Meals (e-course and ebook now available!) with Heavenly Homemakers

Hi Everyone!  You know I'm a big fan of Heavenly Homemakers and I also love to make meals ahead of time.  But if you are like me and want to get really good at it, there is a new e-course and ebook available right now.  I'm planning on getting some friends together to make freezer meals happen for more than just myself!  How about you?  Check out these great resources provided by Heavenly Homemakers:

Get out your mixing bowls, Pyrex, and freezer bags!  The Let’s Do This! Getting Ahead in Your Real Food Kitchen eCourse and {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks eBook are now available for purchase!  Join me as together we get ahead and save time (and money) while we feed our families healthy, delicious food!

The Let’s Do This! eCourse answers your questions about Getting Ahead in Your Real Food Kitchen:

• I can’t even keep up – how am I supposed to get ahead?
• I don’t have freezer space for freezer cooking, how I can I make this work?
• Will this actually help me save money on food?
• Will this really save me time and energy?
• How can this work for me if I’m not an organized person?
• My family is picky.  Will this frozen food taste good?
• I want to get ahead, but I don’t even know where to start…

Even if you already have a pretty good idea of how to work ahead in the kitchen to prepare meals and snacks ahead of time to make life easier – I still believe you will benefit from these resources.  After all, you can never have too many healthy, make-ahead recipes!
The Let’s Do This! Getting Ahead in Your Real Food Kitchen eCourse includes five simple but detailed lessons:

1. Getting Ahead for the Day
2. Getting Ahead for the Week
3. Getting Ahead With Meals and Snacks
4. Getting Ahead During Spare Moments for Busy Moments
5. Using Your Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks

Within each lesson, you will be given loads of practical tips and information, online links, downloadable worksheets and planners, and plenty of down-to-earth encouragement.  Each lesson includes a brand new, exclusive recipe not found on my website or in any of my books.  (Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Creamy Salsa Enchilada Casserole – plus three more delicious recipes you’ll love!)  In addition, I’ve recorded short videos for each lesson so that you can watch me in action – getting ahead in my real food kitchen.

This Sour Cream Enchiladas (in Lesson Two of the Let’s Do This! eCourse)
recipe is SO easy to make, and has now become a family favorite.

This entire eCourse costs only $5 – total!  Your purchase will allow you unlimited, lifetime access to all of this information.  These lessons are online – or print them out if you prefer.  There is no limit to how many of you can take the eCourse, nor is there a time commitment.  Work through the lessons at your own pace, on your own time, in the middle of the night, while your kids are napping, in the morning, in the evening -  whenever works for you.

Purchase the Let’s Do This! Getting Ahead in Your Real Food Kitchen eCourse

$5.00

While the eCourse includes helpful information to help you get ahead in the kitchen, plus five great new Make-Ahead recipes, we couldn’t just stop there.  To go along with the Let’s Do This! eCourse, we put together an eBook filled with 33 more easy, healthy, real food recipes – all of which can be put together and set aside or frozen to be served when you need them.  We’ve got you covered through breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.  Only a few of these recipes can be found on my website – most of them are brand new and only found in the {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks eBook!

Here are the recipes you’ll find in the {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks eBook:

All of these recipes have now become family favorites.  I love keeping the freezer and fridge well stocked with great, easy foods my family loves!
Here’s more exciting news:  Within the {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks eBook, you will find over $14 worth of savings on other products in our Heavenly Homemakers Shop.  The Bonus Section of the eBook includes additional free printables as well.  It’s too good a deal to pass up!

Purchase the {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks ebook

$5.00

Want them both?  We highly encourage it – as owning both the eCourse and the eBook will offer you a wealth of Getting Ahead in Your Real Food Kitchen information!  That’s why we’ve packaged them up and knocked a couple dollars of the price of the package.  And don’t forget the additional coupons worth $14 you’ll receive with the purchase!

Purchase both the {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks ebook and theLet’s Do This! Getting Ahead in Your Real Food Kitchen eCourse Package Deal

$8.00

Sword Study (II Timothy) by Tammy McMahan Book Review

 

 

 

Organized into different levels according to age, each study provides in-depth material from the same book of the Bible. Each study book is synchronized to cover the same truths at the same time but with graphics and learning tools appropriate for the age group.

• Level 1, for ages 4-7, is an activity book with coloring, drawing, matching and other fun learning tools.
• Level 2, for ages 7-10, contains light reading, fill-in-the-blank, and application sections.
• Level 3, for ages 11-14, involves more investigation and questions for the student to answer.
• Level 4, for teens and adults, steps up the reading and the depth of study including the definition of several Greek or Hebrew terms.
• Level 5 is for the parent or study leader with guidance and background to lead a group of all ages. 

The Sword Study series, originally created for competitors in The Shelby Kennedy Foundation's National Bible Bee, is now available to everyone for the first time. Families no longer have to compete in the Bible Bee to establish family discipleship in the home with this one-of-a-kind study.

 

The Sword Study available for this tour is II Timothy. I John is also available to the public and I Peter is scheduled for release in the fall of 2013. A new study is scheduled to be released each year. For more information visit www.swordstudy.org.

 

The Shelby Kennedy Foundation exists to help families strengthen their personal relationship with the Lord.  They do this by coming along side parents as they disciple their children through in-depth study of the Word of God, Scripture memory and prayer. For more information visit www.swordstudy.org.

 

My review:

 

I was given level 5 of the Sword Study: A Family Centered Bible Study on II Timothy for Each Age Level.  This study book is for the parent/leader.  There are 10 weeks of study.  Each lesson begins with a short introductory story for the week with 5 days of study.  Each day students begin by praying, reading and writing and then do an investigative study with application.  Each day is concluded with a guided prayer with ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication).  Each week kicks off with a Family Bonfire which gets the family prepared and ready for the upcoming week.  Every Family Bonfire has a great outline for reading Scripture, Worship, Family Discussion Questions, Bible Memory and a Closing Prayer.  There are also several diagrams and interactive worksheets to fill in. 

 

This looks like a powerful and well thought out Bible study for families to enjoy together.  I'm very impressed with the depth of the lessons and that all age levels will be able to participate in their own way.  This product is very well endorsed by Nancy Leigh DeMoss (Revive Our Hearts radio host), Kirk Cameron (Actor, Speaker) and Joni Eareckson Tada (Founder and CEO of Joni and Friends).  This is a great tool for bringing families together, searching Scriptures, applying God's Word to daily living and praying for guidance to live the Spirit-led life. 

 

*I was given a complimentary copy of this study by Glass Road Media for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own.*