Over the past few months I have been working toward eliminating grains from my diet. I haven’t felt this good in quite some time. While going grain free may not be for everyone, I am convinced that reducing the amount of grains we consume would be beneficial to most. With the holidays coming up, I…
By Diana, Contributing Writer I can’t believe it’s been a week since Thanksgiving. I had a wonderful time planning and preparing a real food feast for my family and friends. I spent two days in preparation that included a slow roasted pastured turkey; sourdough crackers and rolls; labneh (yogurt) cheese; roasted brussels sprouts with onions and bacon;…
I know that many of you enjoy finding a good deal as much as I do, so I’ve compiled some excellent deals and coupon codes from around the web… Yes, this phenomenal Healthy Living eBook Bundle is coming back! For those who missed it the first time, in particular those who were dealing with power…
Throughout history, many cultures have held celebrations of thanksgiving to recognize their gratitude for what they have. Most often, traditional thanksgiving celebrations have been held during harvest time in the fall. In the United States of America, our Thanksgiving has evolved into the start of the Christmas shopping season. You’ve probably heard jokes about how…
By Crystal Paine, Contributing Writer Looking for some inexpensive and simple Thanksgiving-related activities for your tots, preschoolers, or grade schoolers? I’ve culled the internet and put together a list of over 31 of my favorite Thanksgiving-themed activity ideas, plus a number of free downloads and printables. Enjoy! Fun & Frugal Activities Make Turkey Footprints or…
I’m always on the lookout for natural alternatives and healthy recipes, and I’m sure you are, too–especially if you read Keeper of the Home frequently. With all the gluten intolerances, food allergies and reduced sugar guidelines so many readers face today, I’m glad to be able to make quick substitutions like these: You can also substitute 1…
I never was a big fan of pumpkin pie during my childhood years. Every year at Thanksgiving, I would choose cherry or apple pie over the classic pumpkin pie. I never understood why it was such a big deal around the holidays! Until… I had my first pumpkin pie made out of fresh pumpkin. Wow!…
Fall always finds me preparing new schedules and routines, re-organizing, and yes, writing lists. There’s something about getting back into the regular everyday groove after summer that just makes me want to get organized. I held a garage sale a couple weeks ago, have been setting up a new homeschooling binder for the year, am…
There was once this little girl who hated tomatoes. The very thought of them nauseated her, and so if one dared touch her food, she grimaced disdainfully, and flicked the slimy debris from her plate as best she could. Annoyed that the food she would have eaten had been tainted by this undesirable, unnecessary addition…
This month we’ve been talking all about ridding your home of toxins. That can get overwhelming, fast, as you look at all the things in your home that contain toxins. Where do you start?! Today I have 10 very easy switches for you. These are common and frequently-used household items that you can simply switch for…
There’s nothing like the gentle flicker of a candle flame, and a warm, sweet scent filling your home to evoke feelings of peace and wellness. Except when that candle is actually filling your home with toxic chemicals and contributing to indoor air pollution. I know. I hear that sigh, and have sighed myself many times….
Written by Erin Odom, Contributing Writer When I first started cooking from scratch, it didn’t seem too hard. I gathered my ingredients and followed the recipes. But then one day it hit me: I wasn’t buying processed, pre-packaged meals anymore, but I was using processed, pre-packed ingredients to make my “from-scratch” meals. And these ingredients were…
This post is part of a 3 part series. Read Part 1 and Part 3 here. As I shared last week, I think that working-at-home is an amazing and viable opportunity for many women who wish to (or need to) work but still want to remain at home with their children. Today, I want to…
I hope that you’ve all had a restful and memorable time with your family during the Christmas season! Our holidays were relatively uneventful, but still wonderful. My husband and I took a couple days away the week before Christmas to do some dreaming and goal-setting for the coming year. Then we spent a quiet week…
; As 2011 comes to an end, we’re sharing helpful lists to help you save money, stay healthy, get organized, creatively repurpose, frugally gift-give, intentionally celebrate and more in our “11 Things for 2011” series throughout these holiday months. By Contributing Writer Brandy Ferguson As a busy wife and mother of almost eight boys, it’s…
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end… Isaiah 9:6,7 Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas, as we celebrate…
As 2011 comes to an end, we’re sharing helpful lists to help you save money, stay healthy, get organized, creatively repurpose, frugally gift-give, intentionally celebrate and more in our “11 Things for 2011” series throughout these holiday months. As I’ve been learning that less is more and working hard to purge and pare down the…
Whether you’re on a strict budget, have a large family and many friends, or simply enjoy creating meaningful Christmas gifts, I hope you’ll find a few Christmas gift ideas you’ll enjoy making – and giving – on my list. It’s wonderful to create lasting memories, especially during the Christmas season. Merry Christmas to you and…
As you well know, it’s Christmastime! Your music is playing, the stockings are hung, your tree is decorated and it’s time to get baking! When I think about baking during this season, my first thoughts are about gingerbread houses and cookies. I love the spicy, sweet flavor. They are adorable, although they are full of…
; Written by Mindy, Contributing Writer I have always loved making, giving, and receiving handmade gifts. There is just something very special about a gift that somebody takes the time to make themselves! As much as I’ve always loved making gifts to give others, I do…ahem…have a history of not completing all of my handmade…
Although I think we would all agree that Christmas is a season for giving, we often restrict that giving to family and friends. Yet this season offers us a beautiful opportunity to show the love of Christ in a very tangible way, as we give beyond our personal relationships. Not only do we have the…
As 2011 comes to an end, we’re sharing helpful lists to help you save money, stay healthy, get organized, creatively repurpose, frugally gift-give, intentionally celebrate and more in our “11 Things for 2011” series throughout these holiday months. Written by Stacy Karen, Contributing Writer Homemade gifts are my favorite gifts to give and receive. A…
As 2011 comes to an end, we’re sharing helpful lists to help you save money, stay healthy, get organized, creatively repurpose, frugally gift-give, intentionally celebrate and more in our “11 Things for 2011” series throughout these holiday months. Written by Erin Odom, Contributing Writer As followers of Jesus, keeping Christ as the center of my family’s…
I’m rereading Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts and I am reminded of how true this is. Gratitude really does change everything, most of all our hearts and our attitudes, regardless of our circumstances. I know that you will all be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow with your sweet families and friends. Blessings on your day and your celebration! As…