3 Year Blogiversary: A Chance to Share the Love (Big Book Sale!)
3 years ago last week, Keeper of the Home went from being a nifty idea in my mind, to being an actual blog that would become far more significant in my life than I could have imagined.
I think it’s important that you know that blogs tend to be just as formational and impactful for the blog writer as they are for the reader, and usually, much more so. Writing almost daily on natural living, nutrition and real food, frugality and the importance of carefully stewarding all that God has given us has challenged and changed me in more ways than I can count.
Having accountability and even friendship with so many other readers and fellow bloggers has given me a unique sense of community that I never knew to even anticipate when I first began. I just came back from the Relevant conference I attended in Pennsylvania this weekend (my 3rd blog conference this year) and I am astounded at how meaningful these relationships have become and how much I love this creative business and ministry that the Lord has so graciously given me!
As I look back on and celebrate 3 years of blogging and God’s rich faithfulness, I want to share some love with you, my faithful readers, and also with some of the least of these…
Announcing the Celebration Book Sale
A few weeks ago, I felt strongly that I was to run a book sale and use half of the proceeds to help support two things which my husband and I are very passionate about.
50% of the profits of this sale will be going towards the care of orphans, in two unique ways:
1. A Love Gift to Street Kids Philippine Missions- 25% of profits
This is an outreach ministry and orphanage for street kids in Cebu City, Philippines. It was started by Matthew and Lee Dwinell, and they are currently caring for 26 children (along with the help of 3 other adults). The ministry is connected with our own local church here in Canada, as our senior pastor has been working to train and equip pastors in the Philippines for the past several years. This orphanage is directly connected to our family of churches, Sovereign Grace Ministries, and to a local church in Cebu led by a Filipino pastor.
The orphanage currently has many needs… to find and purchase a permanent property and home for the children, to provide for the children’s daily physical needs (food, clothing, etc.), etc. For some reason I felt that it would serve them to have a new, large-capacity washer and dryer to help deal with the large amounts of laundry for so many children, and in speaking with Tony (my pastor) he said that would definitely be a blessing to them.
My hope is that we can raise enough money to provide them with those appliances, as well as give extra towards the purchase of property for building a permanent orphanage building!
2. A Forever-Family for One Child- 25% of profits
Although we feel called to serve orphans on a larger scale, our family has also personally felt a very strong call to adopt internationally. It has been our dream since before my husband and I were ever married, and we are hoping to begin to put this plan into motion in the next few months, God willing!
We are slowly beginning to build up an adoption fund, and plan to put another 25% of the profits directly into that fund. I can’t tell you how excited we feel to be starting this process. We are so eager to allow God to add to our family by giving us the privilege of adopting one of His precious children, in the same way that He has so graciously adopted each of us as sons and daughters.
Here’s What’s Included in This Blogiversary Book Sale:
Real Food on a Real Budget
My most recent book, which teaches you how you can shave hundreds of dollars off your grocery bill, without compromising on your desire to eat real, whole and organic foods! Get it here.
eBook: Regular $18.97Â On Sale for $9.97!
To make it even sweeter, if you buy the Real Food on a Real Budget eBook, we will also send you a copy of the Healthy Homemaking eBook for FREE. You can either keep it yourself, or use it as a gift for a friend or family member!
(The second eBook will be sent to your email address within 48 hours of your purchase)
Paperback: Regular $21.97 plus $3.99 shipping On Sale for $18.97 plus shipping (plus you can use code LEAF305 for 15% off at Lulu.com)
Healthy Homemaking: One Step at a Time
My first book takes you through a year of simple, manageable steps to a healthier home and better nutrition. Each baby step gives you some of the why’s, along with extra resources for further study, and then steps for making changes that will NOT overwhelm you! Get it here.
eBook: Regular $12.95 On Sale for $6.95
Paperback: $18.95 plus $3.99 shipping On Sale for $15.95 plus shipping (and use code LEAF305 for 15% off at Lulu)
Some of my favorite bloggers have also joined in on the blogiversary celebration fun! (thanks, ladies)
Heavenly Homemaking Real Food and Child Training Resources
Laura has written a huge assortment of short, simple and practical eBooks on topics like gardening and preserving, cooking with real food (chicken, beef, cocoa recipes… yum), organizing your kitchen, cooking with kids, cookie recipes (double yum) and her newest, a preschool curriculum aimed at teaching little ones not only their letters, but how to serve others!
Get 15% off any book in Laura’s shop with the code “KEEPER“!
Kitchen Stewardship- Healthy Snacks to Go and Kitchen Stewardship in the Big Woods
Katie happens to sell a fantastic eBook called Healthy Snacks to Go ($6.95), which includes the fruit/nut bar recipe that my family just happens to be the most addicted to. Sweet and salty cashew and raisin “lara”bars are our weakness. Along with all those nourishing, kid-friendly snack recipes, Katie also launched a Camping eBook ($4.95) this summer, with a huge focus on how to make delicious real food, in the woods, over a fire, with kids, despite the bugs… yes, she’s my hero. 🙂
Katie is offering 25% off of either book with the code “HAPPYKOTH“!
Frugal Granola- Herbal Nurturing
I just shared about about Michele’s wonderful new book, Herbal Nurturing, last week. It is perfectly in line with this month’s theme at Keeper of the Home- natural home remedies including the use of herbs, oils and more! I was so blessed to meet Michele last weekend and it is so obvious that this is an area of passion and expertise for her. If you didn’t win the giveaway of her book, you’re in luck!
Get 25% off of Herbal Nurturing ($8.95) with the code “KEEPER25“!
Modern Alternative Mama: In the Kitchen- Real Food Basics
This is Kate’s first eBook, written to help guide those who are relatively new to real food, offering information, cooking and kitchen tips, and plenty of recipes (including comfort foods!) that taste so good, you won’t miss any of the food you used to eat. There is actually a giveaway currently happening as well, but I don’t want to hold you back from getting a copy at this price if you’re interested, so if you end up winning the giveaway, I will personally refund your purchase of the book. 🙂
Use the code “KOTH25” to get 25% off the cost ($6.95) of the In the Kitchen- Real Food Basics eBook!
Sale ends Monday night, November 1st!
A Final Thank You
Regardless of whether you buy a book or not, I just want to say a simple thank you from the bottom of my heart. I think every blogger believes this, but truly, I have the best readers in the world!
I don’t even know how or why you started reading this blog (I mean, have you seen my posts from when I first began? Yikes!), but thank you for coming to visit. I love to read your comments, your sweet emails, and to share with you so much of my life over these past 3 years.
Thank you for being a part of this blog!
Disclosure: Yes, you guessed it- there are affiliate links in this post. How else am I going to make money to give to these causes? Your purchases will help us to give generously, so thank you!
This is great! 3 years?! And to think, I’ve been following almost since the very beginning! Thanks for all your hard work. You don’t know the amount of women you encourage along the way of homemaking!
Sarah M
@Sarah M, Thanks, Sarah! I love that there are so many regular readers like yourself that have been reading for so long. I always think “Oh, look what Sarah M said today!” 🙂
@Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home, wow! That makes me very happy that you notice the ‘regular comments’ coming from me! During my kids’ naptime, your site is my first check every day!! And of course, over the YEARS of reading your blog I have recommended your site &/or specific links to many, many women.
After I bought Michelle’s book & your Real Food book, I was surprised to see the Healthy Homemaking in my inbox yesterday–you must have added that deal later? I am already almost done with it!! I just watched “the story of stuff” today and put it on FB & sent it to my homegroup to watch…very important information and SO convicting. Thanks again. I hope someday to meet you as my husband is from Langley and we visit there every year or so and would like to thank you in person 🙂
Have a great weekend,
Sarah M
@Sarah M, I think a lot of people would be surprised to know that I absolutely recognize their regular comments! 🙂
You must have been among the first to buy the book that morning. My smart hubby said that we should make it a crazy good deal and add in the other book as well, so we did (probably about 5 hours after the sale started). I’m so glad that you’re enjoying it already!
And sure, if you’re ever in Langley, just let me know! 🙂
Yay! Fantastic opportunity for everyone to stock up before Christmas! 🙂 I’m thinking of getting some as “stocking stuffers” for my sisters…
It’s amazing to think how long we’ve been on this journey! I found your blog three years ago at Christmastime… What a blessing you have been to so many people! 🙂
@Meg, Good idea on the stocking stuffers!
It is amazing how long it’s been! I didn’t realize you had been reading for so long. So love having you here, and especially writing now, too! 🙂
Hey Steph,
Thanks for the link to the orphanage. Funny I’d have to come to here to even know they had a site. Looking forward to exploring that AND what a great way to support and care for those kids. I’ve been having conversation with others about ways we can help.
Glad you had a good time at the conference. We missed you last night.
@Sandi, Missed you all, too! I was just so tired and playing catch-up still from my travels.
And to make you feel better… I only got the link from Tony because I wanted to do something, so I had to specifically ask him for it. Otherwise, I would have had no clue. 🙂
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks so much for all you do here, and for letting me be a part of it too! I can still remember the first time I found your blog and spent at least an hour reading, and browsing around. Later, I said to my hubby – I found a blog by a lady that is all about exactly the way that I want to live! I was so excited! Your blog has been so helpful and encouraging on our family’s journey!
And thanks for this great sale! I’m wondering, how long does the sale last?
~Emily
@Emily @ Live Renwed, Oh, I’m so glad it’s been an encouragement, and I just LOVE having you as a writer now! 🙂
And good question… I edited the post to include the date the sale ends, which is Monday night, November 1st!
Posted this one on my blog. Hope you get a great response.
@Creative2xmom, Thanks so much! 🙂
I have ordered and downloaded RFORB now I’m wondering where the other e-book is?
@Rebekah, It will come to your inbox within the next day or two. There was no way for us to make the program that we use send out two separate files, so we are having to email the extra ebooks manually to everyone. So they are coming! 🙂
stephanie, it was lovely meeting you at relevant. we didn’t really get to talk raw milk, raising chickens, or full/whole fats, but our family has made so many positive changes in our diet–thank you for sharing your wisdom!
so excited to hear the direction God is leading you to grow your family! grace and peace
@suzannah {so much shouting, so much laughter}, I agree, it was wonderful to meet you and put a face to the name. 🙂 Thanks for your sweet comment… we’ll keep you all updated on the process as we see how God leads us!
How exciting about the adoption process. Keep me posted on how things are going! And congrats on 3 years blogging. I know I found you the day you had stinky diaper covers and asked everyone what to do! LOL that is all I remember but it wasn’t too long after it started.
I ordered your RFRB and am especially excited about reading your babysteps book that came along with it!! Thanks for all your hard work to put these resources together. I am very anxious to learn along with you as you begin the adoption process, so I look forward to any updates you choose to share. I love that you’re supporting the orphanage in the Philippines, too – so many ways for us to care for orphans!
Both of your blogs are on my top favorite list!
@Susanna, Thanks so much, Susanna! 🙂
Stephanie,
I’m thrilled to hear that you’ll be starting the process to adopt a child. I wrote to you 2 1/2 years ago asking for help with a daily schedule. I had a 4 year old & we were bringing home our baby boy from Ethiopia. You gave me lots of encouragement & help with a schedule. We’re still working on that schedule now that I home school my 7 year old & my sweet baby boy is now almost 3! 🙂 In your email you had mentioned how much you wanted to adopt internationally so I’m so happy for you. Thanks for your blog – daily I find something from you to challenge and/or inform me. Keep us up to date on your adoption & when you’re ready I’d love to know what country you’re adopting from! 🙂
Amy
@Amy, Wow, so neat that you remembered that from my email! How wonderful that you’ve got your baby from Ethiopia (a country we would LOVE to adopt from)! We will definitely let people know when we have something more to tell about the process. 🙂
I just ordered my book! I don’t know why I’ve waited so long 🙂 So glad that the profits are going to 2 great causes. We are part of the sgm church in Roanoke, so glad that part of the money will go to the orphanage in the Philippines. I pray you get enough money for that washer and dryer! We are also considering adopting in the future. We have a home study, but no clear direction on a specific child to adopt! Now, I’ve got some reading to do…. 😉
Grateful for these discounts! Ordered the Herbal Nurturing and Healthy Snacks to Go – and tonight I’m ordering another copy of each for Christmas presents.:-)
I’d love to buy some of these eBooks but am a bit worried … I don’t have an eBook reader so will be relying on my trusty PC to read them. Will that be okay? Do they come in an easily accessible format, like PDF files? And are they printable if I want to take them with me?
@Esther, They are in PDF format, so that makes them simple to read on any PC. They are definitely printable, as they are not filled with images. You would want to put them into grayscale and print on a low quality, since there are a lot of pages, but it’s certainly possible.
@Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home, Thanks heaps for that information! I will definitely purchase a few then. Keep up the great work! :o)
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I missed it by a day!! This would’ve been great to easy my husband into it a little bit more! Ah, well. Thanks for the great deals. Wish I’d caught them. Maybe for Christmas… 🙂
@Robin, Nope, you didn’t! I decided to extend the sale– it’s still going, until Friday!!! 🙂
@Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home, WooooHoooo! I gots me some ebooks!! Thanks a ton!
Hi Stephanie, I’m fairly new to your site. I really enjoy/appreciate all you do. In a previous note, someone said that they had watched your “story of stuff.” Not sure what it is. Is it about clutter and too much stuff? If so, I really need to know more about that. I’ve let myself drag in soooo much stuff, it’s ridiculous. And, for some reason, parting with it isn’t easy. Any help/suggestions you could offer would be greatly appreciated. I need help!!
Thank you very much,
Amy
@Amy, The Story of Stuff isn’t mine, but it’s just a video that I linked to. It’s more about consumerism and the effects of how we consume/mass produce goods, not so much about our own struggles with clutter (although yes, that’s a good topic, too!).
On the topic of clutter, I would suggest visiting SimpleMom.net. She writes a lot about decluttering and simplicity. Her ebook and upcoming paperback book also help people to declutter.
@Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home, Thank you. I will be looking into this. Much appreciated. Amy
@Amy, I’m with you Amy, getting rid of stuff is hard to do. I have been trying to declutter and it hasn’t been easy! I have 2 one year old girls running around all day and all the stuff that goes along with them! And apparently everyone feels the need to keep giving me stuff for them, especially Grandma. I shouldn’t complain but we only have so much room! I’ll be looking at SimpleMom.net myself. Thanks Stephanie for the “referral.” I’ll also be picking up a copy of your eBook. Thanks for a great site!
oh, i didn’t find this until it was too late. it looks like it would have been a wonderful deal!
@amanda, It’s not too late! We extended the sale until Friday night!