Last week we welcomed Connor Charles on Thursday. He arrived in the afternoon at 8 pounds, 1 oz. He looks a lot like his brother and sister and is doing great. We are all in love with him already.
I’ll be taking a little time off from writing here while we all get used to being a family of five. I’ll be sharing some guest posts from friends and will come back with meal plans in a couple of weeks. In the mean time, you can find past meal plan posts here, follow along as I “micro-blog” on the facebook page, and check out what’s inspiring me on my Pinterest boards.
When I first saw this collection of ebooks I was pretty excited. I already have some of them so was familiar with the authors. This ebook library is pretty big, and each book isn’t for everyone. However, there probably is at least 4-5 books that you can learn from making the price of the package worthwhile. It’s a homemaking theme, so it covers food, budgeting, parenting, schooling, marriage, health, blogging, holidays and more. It’s not just for my eco-friendly readers, but for any mom, sister, grandparent, newlywed or blogger that is interested in building up her home-keeping resources. (I should say dad, brother or grandfather too, right.)
Why am I buying the ebook bundle?
I am already a fan of ebooks. They are with me on the go in my iPhone or iPad, plus I have others organized on my laptop. When I download a bundle, I have everything go to my laptop. Then I pick and choose as needed and email it to myself to open in either my Kindle app or iBooks app so I have it when I’m waiting at a doctor’s office or traveling.
The reason I’m buying my own bundle is because I wanted these specific books for myself. I’ve seen them advertised and now is the right time to purchase them, plus the balance of the library.
The cost of these four books alone is $34.91 so the low bundle price of $29.97 already gives me a deal, plus I’ll get all the free products too. Keep reading to the end of the post (sorry it’s really long!) and the freebies are noted at the end.
Some of my favorite ebooks I have already read and would recommend:
Mindset for Moms by Jamie @ Steady Days ($4.99) (FAVORITE ebook, keeps me sane as a mom to a preschooler and toddler)
For 6 days only, more than 75 widely-known bloggers and authors in the homemaking sphere have joined together to offer 97 of their most popular eBooks and eCourses, valued at just over $600, for the incredibly low price of $29.97!
More than anything, our goal for this sale was for it to be, well… ultimate! We firmly believe that you will not find a more comprehensive collection of homemaking resources anywhere on the web, and particularly not in this price range. For this low price, you gain access to every single one of these resources, so that you can customize your own collection to contain exactly the ones you want and know you’ll use.
This library of homemaking helps include topics such as mothering, organization and cleaning, recipes and kitchen helps, home education, spiritual growth for both moms and kids, home décor and DIY, pregnancy and baby care, frugal living, health and fitness, and even work-from-home and financial tools.
To sweeten the pot, we’ve also teamed up with 10 companies to bring you over $140 in bonus offers, giving you an affordable opportunity to get products you’ll use and love for only the cost of shipping, or in some cases, entirely for free!
The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection comes with more than $140 of FREE Bonuses from 10 companies that we know you’ll love. More on these bonuses below.
Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered.
PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…
A FREE Two-Month Membership to Fit2B Studio (for new members) or $20 off a Yearly Membership (for current members), where their wholesome workouts for the whole family are tummy safe and particularly target Diastasis Recti (split abs). ($19.98 value.No shipping restrictions.)
A $15 store credit to TruKid. With products like their aware-winning sun care, they are dedicated to providing all natural skin and hair care for kids, babies, and now pets. ($15.00 value.Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)
Your choice of incredible natural products like sea salt and clay for FREE. Choose from the Redmond Trading Earthpaste Bundle ($24.90 value) or the Facial Mud Bundle ($26.90 value). (Standard shipping applies. Continental US only.)
Your choice of: a FREE 3-Month Subscription (for new accounts) or 30% off a One Year Subscription. Plan to Eat is an online menu planner that uses your recipes, scheduled for the days you want them. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)
A FREE Culinary Herbs Assorted Seed Pack Check just in time for spring planting from www.wheatgrasskits.com, a living whole foods company. ($11.95 value.Standard shipping applies to all US states and territories- no international shipping for seeds.)
Get $10 off Union28’s original “my husband rocks” tee. Their marriage apparel lets you celebrate your spouse in style. ($10.00 value. Standard shipping rates apply. International shipping available, but free shipping only available within USA.)
A $10 store credit plus 1 FREE lip balm from Bee All Natural. Their whole body products nourish and heal, and are made using only the highest quality, food grade, organic ingredients. ($13.49 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)
A FREE 2 oz. bottle of your choice of liquid herbal formula from TriLight Health. They specialize in fast acting, great tasting natural herbal remedies. ($12.95 value or more. Standard shipping applies, within the USA only.)
Your choice of 3 FREE ePlanners OR a 3-Month FREE Membership to ListPlanIt, whose mobile lists will help to organize your life. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)
The fine print:
Bonus Offers
Each bonus offer can be redeemed once only per eBook Bundle purchase.
For each bonus offer, transaction numbers or proof of purchase may be required at the time of redemption.
All bonus offers are free gifts from the bonus sponsors, are their sole responsibility to provide, and are subject to availability.
All bonus offers expire at midnight on May 19th, 2013 (2 weeks from the last day of this sale).
General
It is your responsibility to download and back-up your purchase within the 1-month download time-frame. With proof of purchase, we can renew download links up until August 1st, 2013. After this date we will no longer have access to the books and will not be able to provide any new links to download.
https://emilyroachwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/UHeb-300x250-1.png250300eroachwellnesshttps://emilyroachwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Emily-Logo-header-1.pngeroachwellness2013-04-29 09:03:222013-04-29 09:03:22Why I am buying the Ultimate Homemaking eBook Library
The Project Simplify challenge this week became a little more in-depth so I decided to split it out into two separate posts. This project features the creation of a quiet activity desk for my preschooler. I used some wasted space to carve out a special area for her to enjoy in the nursery when I’m busy with the new baby next month.
I recently had an interior designer, Dina from Honey & Fitz, come for a visit to help me plan out the kid’s room as it shifts from a girly one to a shared girl/boy bedroom. We also reviewed the layout of the nursery and debated what to do with this random desk space that was built into the room. We never used it as a desk, even when the room was my home office. Once I cleared off all the clutter, including the day care notes from years past, the desk looked so lonely. I realized that it could be a good place for the kid’s to be entertained while I’m busy nursing the new baby. This led to the creation of the “Quiet Desk.”
The desk offers great work space and it’s just the right size for a child. Madison said, “I can do my homework here.” Cute since she is a long way off from homework days, but she already gets the concept of it. While I’m happy the desk is now functional, I would love to add a couple more interesting things on the wall to look at. Maybe a fun map to start talking about geography, or some hanging clipboards with activity sheets attached to them. The goal is to have some activities that the kids can do independently when I don’t have any hands free.
When I search on Etsy for Quiet Books, there are so many fun options, depending on the age of your child. I really like this quiet book from Handcrafting Harmony as it offers lots of fine motor skill practice.
I’m curious to see how well the two “big kids” share this new space. When I introduced it to them it was a hit, except it’s a little tight for two little people at the same time. I also need to find a little place mat as I think the crayons will soon decorate the desk instead of paper the way my little guy colors.
What other activities would you add to this quiet space? Any other tips for entertaining older kids while you are busy nursing a newborn?
For more organizing ideas, head over to the collection of posts on Simple Mom’s week three round-up of “pile” projects. You can see all of my other Project Simplify posts here. Up next week~ the put off project! You know you have one…
https://emilyroachwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Create-a-Quiet-Desk-for-Kids-RandomRecycling.com_.jpg21011858eroachwellnesshttps://emilyroachwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Emily-Logo-header-1.pngeroachwellness2013-04-25 22:11:032013-04-25 22:11:03Creating a Quiet Activity Desk for Project Simplify Part 2
Happy Earth Day 2013! While I believe Earth Day should be everyday, I do like being able to highlight easy ways to bring a little more green into your life. Getting kids outside to appreciate nature will make them good stewards of the Earth as they grow up. If they don’t get out and experience nature, they won’t be that motivated to help protect it.
Here’s my list of 25 Free Outdoor Activities for Kids, all battery-free!
https://emilyroachwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/25-earth-day-activities-outdoors.jpg1102735eroachwellnesshttps://emilyroachwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Emily-Logo-header-1.pngeroachwellness2013-04-22 09:26:572013-04-22 09:26:5725 Earth Day Outdoor Activities for Kids
For months there has been an ongoing debate in our house about our next car: SUV or Minivan. As our family grows, I wanted to make the leap to the flexibility of having a third row. One, to give the kids some breathing room in the car. Two, to give me the space I need to carry a stroller and hit Costco at the same time. We needed to decide on buying a minivan or an SUV. The choice was not an easy one. I asked for advice on my facebook page and got a great response.
We have spent the last couple months test driving cars to decide what will work for our family. We drove the following: Ford Explorer Sport, Ford Flex, Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna.
Minivan versus SUV
I have to admit I’ve been the big hold out when it comes to driving a minivan. Someone could certainly quote me on saying, “NEVER” on more than one occasion. Then I drove one and I realized there were a lot of benefits of driving a minivan for a soon to be family of 5.
Pros
Ease of the automatic doors
7-8 passenger capacity
Grows with our family
Storage room
Good gas mileage
More room in our garage since the doors don’t swing open
Cons
It’s a minivan
Large size
Honda Odyssey doesn’t offer All Wheel Drive
Pros (Ford Explorer Sport)
It’s not a minivan
Super comfortable to drive
Felt very safe driving in a rainstorm
Cool interior and exterior design
Cons
Height made it difficult for my four year old to get in
Heavy doors were a safety concern
Lower gas mileage
5 passenger option since we needed the middle row to be captain’s chairs
Less storage than the minivan
Both the Ford and the Honda had awesome back up cameras. The Toyota Sienna camera was super small in comparison. I really like this safety feature since my kids are often running around outside, and their toys/bikes/shovels/etc. tend to migrate to the driveway.
The only bummer about the Honda Odyssey is it isn’t offered with All Wheel Drive. Living in New England it would be a great option and I’m surprised they still don’t offer it.
As someone committed to living a sustainable lifestyle, some people are surprised I already drive a small SUV (Ford Escape). We love the car and plan to keep it as our second car. We walk into town often to do our shopping and neither my husband or myself use a car to commute to work. Since our cars don’t get too much use, I’m ok with driving an SUV that uses more gas than an average car. Thankfully there are so many new eco-friendly engine options for cars, including the Eco-Boost engine on the Ford models.
So, have we decided? We are nearly certain it will be the Honda Odyssey for us. I think with a new baby, this will just make life a little easier. This will be our third Honda and we are just used to the brand. I would love for the Ford Explorer to be the upgrade to our Escape when the time comes that she needs to be replaced. It is an awesome car and I was sad to turn it in after I drove it for a few days. My friends were surprised when I said a Ford was “cool.” Times have changed and it really has been modernized with the technology details inside and the great driving comfort it offers.
I loved being able to Sync my iphone with the Ford Explorer as soon as I got in.
Which camp are you in? Camp Minivan or Camp SUV?
Disclosure: I was provided Ford vehicles to test drive. This in no way influenced my opinions shared here.
https://emilyroachwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/team-minivan-randomrecycling.jpg430690eroachwellnesshttps://emilyroachwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Emily-Logo-header-1.pngeroachwellness2013-03-14 10:13:452013-03-14 10:13:45Minivan versus SUV? Comparing the Honda Odyssey to the Ford Explorer.
This is the week to talk about Green Eggs and Ham and The Lorax with your kids. Why? Well it’s Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2nd. Dr. Theodore Geisel’s wonderful story books deserve a special time to celebrate the silliness of them. Our own collection of Dr. Seuss books are hand-me-downs, some from my own childhood and others from my younger cousins. I love sharing them with my kids and laugh at their questions about all the funny things everywhere. We had a fun Dr. Seuss party and here’s some fun food and decorating ideas.
READ
No question the best way to celebrate Dr. Seuss book’s is to read them. You may be reading aloud with your little ones like us, or you get to listen to young readers work their way through funny phrases. Read Across America Day is this week and there are numerous events to get involved. “Grab Your Hat and Read with the Cat” is the theme of Read Across America week for 2013. Pottery Barn Kids will be hosting a special story time and craft activities to celebrate Dr. Seuss. A “Cat-a-Van” will travel the country stopping at 17 cities to promote literacy and giveaway more than 20,000 books.
Be green and borrow Dr. Seuss books from your local library. If you want to fill in your own collection, Toys R Us has a special buy 2 get the 3rd free sale this week. We also have the Dr. Seuss app from the Apple Store. It’s a collection of stories and it has both the read aloud or read to me functions. I love having these books on hand when we travel!
WATCH
My kids are PBS kids and they love watching The Cat in the Hat. My daughter calls Nick and Sally “friends.” This Friday, there will be two new episodes on PBS Kids. THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! will feature two brand new episodes. “Rumbly Tumbly / Planet Name Game” features a super shrunken trip into Thing One’s stomach as well as a whirlwind trip to each of the eight planets, and “Top of the Sky / Jiggle Bones” follows the Cat, Nick and Sally as they travel to Audrey the Astronaut’s space station and visit Dr. Giggles to see why bones are important.
LEARN
Use the books as inspiration to do a project with the kids. Here are a few I came across that look fun!
Create silly photo props. Let the kids take some pictures with their Thing 1 and Thing 2 hair.
Make Silly Socks. We may need these for “Wacky Wednesday” at preschool this week.
As December begins, it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of the holiday season. Presents to buy, packages to ship, parties to attend…it takes a real effort to slow down and enjoy the littles details that come along with this wonderful holiday of ours. I took a few minutes today to write down the activities that are really important for me to share with my kids. When I think back to my own Christmas as a child, it wasn’t the presents I remember best, (although there was that really awesome My Little Pony Castle one year) but the small moments of togetherness that warms my heart. Favorite stories like the Santa Mouse, and making buckeye balls with my mom and sister, are the moments I cherish. In no particular order, here are the things I want to accomplish this holiday season with my family. In the comments, I would love to hear what you have on your list.
Please welcome my guest blogger Elizabeth who is sharing some great sustainable camping tips. I have been camping once so I am happy to have someone with a lot more experience share some fun ways to stay green while camping.
My first camping memory is from when I was seven years old. We lived in Fort Lewis, Washington at the time and I can still recall running down the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean with my siblings and friends. There is a vague memory of waking up in a tent and the smell of campfires. I love talking to my father about my first encounter with a raccoon that was stealing trash through a fence right near our camp. It was beyond exciting.
Since I have grown up, camping has taken on a whole new interesting twist for me. Now I have a growing interest in all things frugal, but also in trying to be sustainable and take care of the same environment I’ve grown to love spending so much time in.
Basics – Follow the Rules
First and foremost, follow these common and important rules that you’ll find in most camp areas.
Don’t bring firewood that isn’t from that particular area. This creates a risk of introducing disease and pests that could wreak havoc on the beautiful place you are staying.
Make sure you never leave your fire or hot coals unattended. Also, if possible try to only have fires in designated areas.
My mom always taught us to leave the campsite cleaner than it was when we arrived, and I think it’s one of the best pieces of advice for any camper.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
When you start packing your camping boxes, you may find yourself reaching for paper (or Styrofoam *shudder*) plates with those white plastic forks, knives, and spoons. There will inevitably be those rolls of paper towels and paper napkins accompanying them. My best piece of advice is to resist this urge and the illusion of convenience.
These items are garbage, no really; they are just going to be trashed. This inevitably is negative because obviously if you care about sustainability you don’t want to contribute to our trash problem for no reason. You may not have considered that this trash is also inconvenient for you. The more of these papers goods you are putting in a trash bag in your campsite, the more objects there are for our favorite camping critters and friends to smell out and then toss all over your campsite.
So let’s consider some really fun options out there.
BPA-Free reusable plastic kitchenware comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. Check out the Sea To Summit X Bowl & X Plate which is collapsible so it saves you room. They also have the Delta Plate and Delta Bowl.
Check out the many metal-based products out there. The MSR Mountain Plate is stainless steel and lightweight, while still being a bit more sturdy then the cheaper aluminum plates. Enamelware plates are also really popular choices like this GSI Metal Rim Plate. If you are interested in a bit more of an investment, check out this Snow Peak Titanium Plate that leaves no metallic taste in your food and will not rust.
Sporks are not just a fun idea for kids in school, so check around for some great multipurpose reusable utensils. The Delta Spork with Serrated Knife is BPA-Free and is ergonomically designed for easy use. Bamboo has become known as a great sustainable resource and so I was excited to find these Bamboo RePEaT Utensil Sets that come with cute cases in various colors, but it doesn’t just stop at bamboo. Those cases are made from recycled PET plastic! How great is that?
Check out local thrift stores for hand towels you can pack with you to use instead of paper towels. The great things with these are that you can just simply rinse them out and then you hang them up to dry and they’ll be ready to go by your next meal generally.
Cook Well, Store Well, Eat Well
A great investment option for campers is cast iron that can be used both in your home and during your great outdoor adventures. One of my favorite pages for information on cast iron is found at Sustainable Baby Steps. You can either purchase these beauties brand new or you can keep an eye out for friend, family, or garage/yard sales looking to get rid of older pans.
Next, invest in a real cooler. Do not be tempted by cheap coolers because the chances are you will quickly lose money in the ice that you will have to replace. Not all of us can go for coolers like the Coleman OptiMaxx though, which rings in around $370. The Coleman Xtreme is a much cheaper cooler that promises to keep ice for around 5 days at 90F degrees, that isn’t bad! Be sure to test your cooler out before you purchase it as well. Sometimes coolers makes great promises but are difficult to latch or barely stay closed at all.
Lastly, remember to eat well. Sometimes campers are bombarded by convenience foods that are packed with unnecessary fillers, preservatives, and tons of sodium. Before you venture out into your camping trip, make a detailed list of meals for your time. Be sure to include snacks and drinks. Most recipes are easily translatable to a campfire, especially if you have a cast iron Dutch oven that allows you to bake.
Meet your campsite neighbors.
See if your campsite has fun activities for the kids (or the adults – bingo anyone?).
Walk trails.
Bring your bicycles.
Go swimming if you can.
Create traditions.
Most of all – make memories with your loved ones that will last their lifetime and enjoy the time you have together in nature. About the Author
Elizabeth Beadles is a twenty-something stay at home mom and wife. She loves camping, writing, and playing with her son. She believes that we are all capable of making choices to become responsible individuals living a sustainable lifestyle. You can find her ramblings and thoughts on life, love, and sustainability at As We Grow Green.
Need more Camping Food ideas? Check out the Kitchen Stewardship in the Big Woods ebook with lots of real food recipes for camping. Plus tips on how to organize your campsite and what to pack to keep the kids entertained. (Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Kitchen Stewardship ebooks. I love her recipe books and I get a small percentage of each book sold. Happy reading.) photo credit: bulliver via photopincc
