Marriage Lessons and Drastic Haircuts

My husband and I had an experience recently that taught us something about our marriage:

There are things we each do well.

We need to stick to those things. Other tasks should be... well, left to the professionals.

Case in point. About two months ago, my hair looked like this:

FYI, I'm the one on the left. The lovely lady in yellow is a childhood friend; we grew up down the street from each other.

This is a photo my hubby took about an hour ago. As in, what I look like now:

And yes, if you're wondering, purple is my favorite color, although these are two of about three purple shirts I own.

And also yes, there is about a 12-inch difference in the lengths of my hair in those photos. I bet you're wondering why!

Well, I've been wanting to cut my hair for a while. It's been literally a decade since I cut off more than an inch or two, and I wanted it shorter.

About six inches shorter.

My loving husband offered to help me out. I'm cheap frugal, you see, and pay for a haircut about once a year, if that. I trim my bangs myself, I learned to layer my hair myself, and my mom has help me cut length off the long portion before. I figured Joshua knows how to use scissors, he was confident he could do it, no problem, right?

I did not take into consideration the fact that he is a man. And as a man, he is perfectly capable of buzzing his own hair, but he doesn't have to make sure his hair turns out an even length when he does that. It's all just buzzed off, basically. Nor does he have any experience whatsoever cutting female, long, hair.

I didn't think about that.

So he gathered my hair into a ponytail and cut. And, well, it was about six inches shorter than I'd been planning. And not quite evenly cut.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'll tell you I was a baby. I cried a little. Then he said, "But you look so sexy! It's adorable! I love it!"

And I sniffed and looked in the mirror and asked in a small voice, "Do you really mean it?"

Of course he did. He doesn't just say that sort of thing.

So the next morning I called the nicest salon in town and made an emergency appointment, and the girl did a great job evening things out, and I've gotten the most fantastic reactions since yesterday afternoon.

I've never done anything like this before, other than the eight inches I cut off when I was twelve for Locks of Love. (No, I didn't donate this time, unfortunately... I wasn't planning on cutting off enough TO donate!)

But I definitely learned some things from this. One, never let my husband near my hair with scissors again. Two, take life in stride. Things don't always go the way we plan, but sometimes they end up going a better direction. Three, don't take myself so seriously. Loosen up. Live a little. Let your hair down. Or cut it, anyway.

And plus, we have a hilarious story for our kids one day.

FLASH SALE of Real Food for the Real Homemaker!

For only twenty-four hours (less than that now), Elsie, Jami and I are offering Real Food for the Real Homemaker for 50% off!! Happy Labor Day!

This is a fantastic deal. For less than $7, you get two copies of the book (a PDF and a copy for your Kindle), recipe cards with each recipe from the cookbook printed on them, and an Excel meal planner and list generator.

If you haven't gotten a copy of Real Food for the Real Homemaker yet, NOW is the time to do it! This price won't get any better, and it won't last.

The sale goes till midnight TONIGHT (PST). That's 2 am Tuesday morning for those of us in the Central Time zone.

If you're still torn, check out what some of our very happy customers have to say HERE on our Testimonials page. We pray that this cookbook will be a blessing to you--and we're excited to offer it at such a great discount! Don't miss it!

If you have any questions, feel free to comment or email me, or check out our FAQ page on the website.

I realize my blogging has been rather sporadic lately, and almost non-existent in the last week. We started our new semester a week ago, and life has been pretty crazy. I'm getting used to the new schedule and building up my stamina again-- summer was much more relaxing than this week has been! It's been great, though, and God is so good. We are blessed and thankful every day. However, that's no excuse to neglect writing, and especially no excuse to neglect my lovely and faithful readers. Please forgive me. I will do my best to get back to a normal writing schedule this week. I've missed it, and I've missed you!

Cinnamony French toast, homemade pancake syrup, and take-that-Starbucks

You know those times you try something new in the kitchen and it's a complete flop?

I definitely have experienced that.

Today, however, was not one of those times. Today I tried THREE new things and they ALL worked! I was so excited.

We had French toast for breakfast this morning, one of Joshua's favorites. I love putting cinnamon in the batter that the bread gets dipped in (I REALLY like cinnamon), but usually the cinnamon doesn't mix in and just floats on top. So the first few slices get lots of cinnamon on them and the last few don't get any. Not cool. Today I changed around how I mixed the ingredients for the batter and it worked beautifully!

First, I beat two eggs in a medium bowl. Then I added about 1/4 cup dark brown sugar and beat it again till there weren't any lumps. Next I mixed in about 1/3-1/2 cup plain (homemade) yogurt (I don't usually measure) and beat again till smooth. Then I whisked in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and it mixed in beautifully! Finally I added 1/2 cup 2% milk (or so), and it was perfect. Usually I mix the eggs and milk first, so it starts out pretty runny. This time the batter was quite thick when I added the cinnamon, so the cinnamon mixed in well. It made amazing French toast!

While I was cooking the French toast I made homemade syrup to go on it. Last night I Googled "homemade pancake syrup" and found this recipe. It was so easy, and it tasted incredible--my husband absolutely loved it. I don't know if we'll quit the store-bought syrup altogether, but we'll definitely be using this pretty often. I added about a teaspoon of butter and a few drops of vanilla extract to the mixture after I took it off the heat, plus a little extra water because it was getting thick. I poured it into a half-pint jar when it was still hot, and it solidified in there pretty quickly as it cooled, but I'll just microwave it before I need to use it again. I know it's still lots of sugar, but at least there aren't any weird ingredients like in store-bought syrup, and NO high fructose corn syrup! Yay!

Finally, I made a homemade chai latte this morning. Yeah, you read that right.

I felt like cinnamony, spicy tea to go with the French toast, and then it hit me: if I can make a latte with coffee and hot milk, why not make a chai latte with tea and hot milk? Duh.

It worked. Really well.

I steeped a chai tea bag in half a mug of boiling water, for quite a while (to get it strong). I added milk to mostly fill the mug and popped the whole thing in the microwave for a minute and a half to heat it up well (you could just steep a chai tea bag in a saucepan of 1 cup milk, too, and forgo the water entirely). The milky tea, a healthy teaspoon of coconut oil, and about 1/2 teaspoon of honey went in the pitcher for my immersion blender and I blended it like I do with my coffee (for about a minute, agitating the blender to incorporate a lot of air into the stuff). I finally realized why it gets such a rich foam: the fat from the coconut oil helps the milk (just 2%) get really foamy and creamy. YUM.

Man, it was good. I'm doing this all the time now, when I don't make a coffee latte. Seriously, who needs Starbucks?!?

I apologize for how long this ended up being, but I hope you go try at least one of these things. I kind of tend to geek out over food. Good food, that is. You won't find me going into raptures over a burger and fries. (Unless, of course, it's a homemade burger, grilled and juicy, with oven-baked fries tossed in olive oil... sorry. I'll stop now.)

Weekend fun and exciting happenings!

Happy Friday! I've spent the day so far doing laundry at my grandparents' house. They are officially AWESOME. I love them.

I also love my husband, who took me out for lunch today (Subway, yum!). And who is working super-hard, like he always does, to help provide for me. Seriously blessed with that man.

I have two exciting things to tell you. One is that I'm guest-posting for Lindsey Brackett today! She is one of my favorite bloggers, and she asked me to talk about one of my favorite things: loving our husbands. From that post:

The source of all love—whether love between friends, between children and parents, or between husbands and wives—is God.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8

We know what love is because Jesus has modeled it for us. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” 1 John 3:16 “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

God has described to us what real love looks like. 1 Corinthians 13 is a great starting point, although that kind of love is only shown perfectly by Jesus himself. Jesus said that the greatest commandments are these: to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40).

These Scripture passages all give us a great definition of what love is and where real love comes from. But what does love look like, practically speaking, in a marriage?

Head to Lindsey's blog HERE to read the rest, and leave her some comment-love! And read her other posts...she has a beautiful family and a beautiful heart for the Lord.

The second exciting thing I can't actually tell you about yet. It's TOP SECRET business. But not for long. Keep an eye on the blog, and my Facebook page-- trust me, you're going to want to hear about this the second the word is out!

Finally, I'm really looking forward to this weekend. Today's payday, which means grocery shopping (I'm probably one of the few people in the world who has fun meal-planning, grocery-list-writing, and playing the how-little-can-I-spend-on-groceries-and-still-get-lots-of-good-food game). Plus tonight we're going to an ice cream social at my in-laws' church and going to see the new Wolverine movie with my brother-in-law and his friend, and tomorrow we get to see another of Joshua's brothers and pick my friend Sara up from the airport. Mini road trip with my hubby? Yes, please! I'm also hoping to squeeze some garage sale-going in there...we're on the lookout for a couple of bedside tables and a hutch for the kitchen. Dreaming big!

So. Go read my post on Lindsey's blog. Keep your eyes and ears open for the news I'll finally be able to share soon. Have a fantastic, joy-filled weekend. And tell me in the comments what you're up to! I love hearing from you!

always learning: amateur photo editing

I've recently discovered PicMonkey--a free photo editing site that's perfect for a novice like me.  I can add text, do some basic editing, add fun effects, and it doesn't cost a thing!  I've been having fun playing around with it, and am pleased with the results.

Just for fun, I thought I'd show a before and after (the photo was taken about three years ago by my friend Rachel Ahlers).  Granted, the original photo is fantastic--Rachel is extremely talented and has a wonderful camera besides!  The original photo had a foot in the background, was a little dark, and I discovered that I could increase the 'warmth' of the photo plus make my teeth whiter-- that was fun. :)

BEFORE:

AFTER:

No more foot, warmer colors, and whiter teeth.  I'm pretty pleased!

Have you used PicMonkey?  Are you one of those people I wish I could be who has fancy photo editing software and an amazing camera and takes incredible pictures?  (I don't hate you, I just wish I had that talent!)

By the way, PicMonkey doesn't even know I wrote this post; it's not sponsored or anything.  I just thought I'd share something fun!

Twenty-two lessons in twenty-two years

Today I'm turning twenty-two.  It's not a particularly exciting birthday, like eight years from now will be (gee, am I really going to be thirty in only eight years??).  However, I like even numbers, and I like symmetry, so 22 is a good number.

I've learned a lot in 2.2 decades.  Most of these lessons have been things I've come to understand fairly recently, but they're all a result of experiences throughout my life.  I thought it might be fun (and a bit of a challenge) to come up with twenty-two worthwhile things I've learned about life, relationships, and myself.  Can you relate with any of these?  It can't be just me!

1)  Don't make snap judgments about people.  Some people you might not like much at first but later you'll become friends, and some people who seem cool when you meet them really aren't.

2) Never hold a grudge.  It's not healthy for you and it doesn't affect the other person much anyway.

3) Learn to laugh at yourself.  You do goofy things, and you'll be happier if you can see the humor in those things.

4) Avoid assuming (although do try to assume the best about your spouse as much as possible).  We all know what happens when you ASSUME.  Yeah.

5) Learn to not take things so personally.  Not everything is about you!

6) Appreciate when people listen to you, and learn to listen to others.  They have a lot to teach you.

7) Learn to forgive yourself.  Guilt is not a burden you need to bear; Jesus destroyed it on the cross.

8) Try new things.  You might find you like some things you swore you never would (like country music!).

9) Dance at every wedding.  It's a win-win: you get to flirt with your husband, and show off your sweet swing-dancing skills.

10) Don't be afraid of what people think about you.  The opinions of most people don't matter, and you're defined by being a child of God, not by other people's opinions.

11) Embrace opportunities to make new friends.  Cultivate those relationships while you have the opportunity (before you move or they graduate from college).

12) It's okay to have several "best friends."

13) Get to know people of a variety of ages: your age, younger than you, and older--sometimes much older--than you.  Children bring so much joy to life, and you can learn a lot from older people.

14) Always lick the spoon.

15) Don't beat yourself up over mistakes.  Everyone makes from them.  Take note of the lesson you've learned and move on.

16) It's okay to cry and not know why.

17) You'll always need your mom.

18) Face your fears.  That's the easiest way to conquer them.

19) On second thought, just don't be afraid.  Fear is of the Enemy.  You are a child of God and the Holy Spirit lives in your heart; you have no reason to fear anything!

20) Judge sin, not people.  You don't want to turn into a Pharisee; you just want to be like Jesus.

21) Don't focus on the future; instead, have an eternal mindset.  What's going to matter after this life is over?

22) Leave the worrying about everything to God.  Worrying does no good, and only steals joy, contentment and happiness.  There is always something to be thankful for; focus on that instead of whatever is worrying you.

What are some of the most important/useful/funny life lessons you have learned?  Share in the comments!

my best (outer!) beauty advice

I feel like I write about serious topics a lot...marriage, homemaking, Christian life.  Those can be fun too, of course, but I think I'm overdue for a less intense topic!

I believe that inner beauty is more important than outer, or physical, beauty, but I also believe that it's very good for us to take care of our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit.  After all, our physical bodies are gifts from God, and we should treat them as such!

My "beauty routine" is very simple, but perhaps some suggestions will be helpful for you.  These things are (in my opinion) the most important things to do for a healthy, beautiful body:

1) Drink water.  I definitely don't do this enough, but I feel so much better when I do!  Being properly hydrated keeps your skin soft and smooth, helps freshen your breath, and keeps your whole body running properly.  When you feel good on the inside you'll look better on the outside!

2) Get enough rest.  I know, these are no-brainers.  But if you're tired your eyes won't be as bright and you might get dark circles under them (like me...although I kind of have permanent little bags under my eyes!).  If you're well-rested you'll be more energized, happier and more cheerful, and a smile is the prettiest thing you can put on your face!

3) Eat just enough and eat food that is really good for you.  There's nothing wrong with some ice cream, potato chips, or a hamburger and fries on occasion.  Just make sure that the majority of what you consume is going to be beneficial for your body!  Healthy fats (like those that come from nuts, avocado, and dairy products) will keep your skin soft and your hair shiny.  Calcium (from dairy, fish, and dark green veggies) will keep your teeth and nails healthy, and your bones as well, which will help with your posture.  You can do more research to find out what foods contain nutrients that you personally need.

4) Exercise.  Yes, another "duh" one, but I forget how good exercising makes me feel!  You don't have to do it much-- a half-hour walk four times a week is enough for most healthy people.  If you're trying to lose weight, of course, more exercise might be necessary, and if you're trying to tone and strengthen your muscles (like me!), some weight-lifting two or three times a week would be really good for you.  Exercise gets your heart pumping and lungs working, which improves your circulation and gives you a healthy glow, plus it will keep your body working well and feeling good.  When I work out my core muscles it helps a lot with my posture, and good posture is much prettier than a slouch!

5) Spend some time each day with your clothes, hair, and makeup.
 I actually don't wear makeup every day.  I don't own much.  Some people would say that I should at least own foundation and concealer...I don't.  My facial skin is even and mostly clear (please don't hate me), and I really don't need foundation.  I wear blush, eye shadow, lip gloss, and sometimes mascara and eye liner.  That's about it, and it takes me maybe five minutes to put all of that on!  At the very least, here's what I do (mostly) every day:
-Shower (every other day unless I get particularly sweaty; my skin dries out if I shower daily)
-Wash my face, in the shower or sink (preferably twice a day, morning and night)
-Brush my teeth, twice a day (clean teeth and fresh breath are big confidence boosters for me!)
-Brush and "style" hair (usually a ponytail or half-up.  If I'm feeling fancy, a pretty bun or braid.)
-Put on some jewelry: a necklace, earrings and bracelet makes me feel more "put together."
-Get dressed, for real.  Those days I spend the morning in my bathrobe I get less done and I'm a lot less motivated for anything.  I love wearing skirts and dresses, especially in the summer, and wearing a dress means I don't have to coordinate a top and a skirt or pants!

6) Use coconut oil. I'm not kidding.  This is my favorite "beauty product."  It's an incredible moisturizer, and it works all over your body!  I use it for shaving to get a close, smooth shave and silky legs, it's in my homemade deodorant, I use it on my hands and arms for lotion and then rub my face with the oil on my hands, and it makes an amazing super-conditioner for your hair.  (To do that, apply about 1/4 cup of coconut oil evenly throughout your hair, put it in a bun for a few hours or overnight, and then shampoo as usual.)

I realize that every person is unique, so maybe these suggestions won't work with you or your routine.  Maybe you really like wearing makeup or need it.  (My sister is SO good at makeup application...I wish I knew as much about it as she does!)  Maybe you work a physical job and a shower every day is necessary.  Maybe your job requires a uniform and "getting dressed" can't involve jewelry or a dress.  Maybe health issues prevent you from exercising as much as you'd like.  Maybe you're a young mom and five hours of sleep is a good night.  Maybe you can't stand the smell of coconut oil--I don't know, the point is, I know we're all different.  So take what you can from this (and remember, it's just my advice, ask an expert [like a doctor, nutritionist, cosmetologist, or personal trainer] if you're having any particular issues or problems).

And then--talk to me!  What's your best beauty advice?  What is the most essential part of your beauty routine?

Paying it sweetly forward

I'm so terrible with these things.  Lindsey Brackett gave me this award two weeks ago and I'm finally doing a post myself.

I have to be honest with you: I don't always pass these on.  Sometimes they feel like those emails that guilt-trip you into forwarding them to 10 friends.  But this one was different.  Lindsey described me as "the sweetest girl I don't know in real life."  Awwww.  That made me feel special. :)  And Lindsey, it would be lovely to actually get to know you in real life!  Someday. :)

Anyway, there are a few rules that I'm passing on from Lindsey's blog:

• Thank the Super Sweet blogger who nominated you
• Answer 5 super sweet questions
• Include the Super Sweet Blogging award image in your blog post
• Nominate 12 other bloggers

Thanks again to Lindsey for her thoughtfulness!  It's lovely to be recognized. :)

Super Sweet Questions:

1. Cookies or cake?  Honestly... it depends on the cookies and cake!  Generally, though, I'll go for the cake if I'm given a choice.  I like both, but I LOVE cake.  Of pretty much any kind.

2. Chocolate or vanilla?  Chocolate.  90% of the time, anyway!

3. Favorite sweet treat?  Just one?!?  This is going to require some thought... I'm very, very fond of cheesecake.  Especially if it contains chocolate.  And caramel.  And toasted pecans.  So... I guess, turtle cheesecake would be way at the top of my list of favorite sweet things. :)  Then there's Cinnabon cinnamon rolls.  I love cinnamon.  And my mom's frosted cutout cookies... and homemade brownies... see, I told you I can't just pick one!

4. When do you crave sweet things the most?  Usually in the evening, when I'm hanging out with my hubby.  If there are no sweets in the house we usually whip up a batch of homemade brownies!

5. Sweet nickname?  My brother's godmother--a dear friend of our family--started calling me "Jaimiekins" when I was little.  Twenty-plus years later...she still does!

Now for a shout-out to the sweetest bloggers I know!  These are all wonderful ladies who are such a blessing to me, whether I know them in person or not.  Stop by their blogs and leave them some sweet comments!  (Also, ladies, don't feel obligated to continue the Super-Sweet award... but just know I think you're awesome!)  P.S.  These are in no particular order. :)

Jami from Young Wife's Guide--a good friend who I've never met.  Her blog is inspiring and encouraging!
Amy from A Contented, Common Life--I love her encouraging posts and meal plans!
Jamie from See Jamie Blog--I enjoy reading about her family and homeschooling (what is it with all these Ja(i)m(i)(e)'s?)
Julia from black tag diaries--I know Lindsey already nominated her but this is another of my best blogging buddies who I've never met!  Love doing Thankful Thursdays with her!
L from All Glorious Within--a beautiful sister in Christ whose love and passion for Him is in every post she writes
Lora at eager hands--an artist who makes beautiful things and gives her Creator the glory
Cari at Life as We Know It--a new wife and mommy-to-be who I met in college, loving following her pregnancy journey
Shaye at The Elliot Homestead--a hilarious writer, whole-living inspiration, and dear sister in Christ
Elsie at Back to the Source--another dear blogging friend and sister in Christ (who I get to meet in person this summer!) whose recipes inspire me in my cooking
Ashley at Stay-at-Home Daughter--a beautiful woman who encourages me in my faith and is on an amazing missionary journey right now
Elisabeth at a blissful simplicitea--a real-life friend who shares my passions for tea, Jane Austen, and Jesus
Nikki at Kindred Spirits--another dear real-life friend who inspires me in so many areas of life: marriage, homemaking, cooking, and living for Jesus

So many amazing bloggers.  Go visit them now! :)

eBooks for Every Woman: 97 for $30!!

This post contains my affiliate links.  See my disclosure policy here.  Thanks for supporting Living in the Light!

It's here.

That big sale I was telling you about-- it starts today!  For six days only, April 29th to May 4th, you can take advantage of this deal to get $600 in eBooks and eCourses (97 of them!)--

for the ridiculously low price of $29.97!

Here's the deal:

Seventy-five of the most well-known bloggers and authors with experience in homemaking have teamed up to offer this fantastic deal.  There really is no better deal on the web--and especially not in this price range.  Seriously: that comes to just about THIRTY CENTS per book!  This bundle includes books on the topics of mothering, organization and cleaning, recipes and kitchen helps, home schooling, spiritual growth, home decorating and DIY, pregnancy and baby care, frugal living, health and fitness, and even books about working from home and financial tools.

In other words, there's something in this bundle for everyone.  (And, if there's a book in the bundle that you can't use or don't need, you can give it to a friend, mom, or sister--Mother's Day is just a couple weeks away!)

PLUS, there are ten companies who are offering more than $140 in bonus offers, which is a fantastic (and extremely affordable) way to get products you'll use and love for just the cost of shipping--and in some cases, for free!

 

What's Included in the Sale?

When you purchase The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection, you will get instant access to all of the 97 eBooks and eCourses listed below.

PLUS over $140 of FREE Bonuses.

Each The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection comes with more than $140 of FREE Bonuses from 10 companies that you're just going to 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.

Home & Property {Cleaning, Organizing, Decor}

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae @ SarahMae.com ($4.99) Getting it Together: Your Guide to Setting Up a Home Management System that Works by Kayse @ kayse pratt ($3.99) Pulling Yourself Together: Implementing a Cleaning Routine that Sticks by Becky @ Clean Mama ($10.00) Simple Living by Lorilee @ Loving Simple Living ($2.99) NOT a DIY Diva by Melissa @ The Inspired Room ($3.99) One Bite at a Time: 52 Projects for Making Life Simpler by Tsh @ Simple Mom ($5.00) 28 Days to Hope for your Home by Dana @ A Slob Comes Clean ($5.00) Organizing Life as Mom by Jessica @ Life as Mom ($9.00) Clean Enough: Simple Solutions for the Overwhelmed by Jenni @ Live Called ($4.99) 10 Steps to Organized Paper by Lisa @ Lisa Woodruff.net($5.00) Handmade Walls by Jamin and Ashley @ the handmade home ($9.95) Easy Peasy Chores: An Easy-to-Use Chore System That Brings JOY Back Into Family Chores by Alina Joy @ The Good Old Days Farm ($17.99)

Educational Children's Resources

Princess Training by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($3.99) The Armor of God by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($2.50) My Bedtime Learning Book by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($1.00) Think Outside the Classroom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($6.97) Raising Rock Stars — Kindergarten Bundle by Carissa @ 1plus1plus1equals1 ($10.00) The ABC's For Godly Boys Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00) The ABC's For Godly Girls Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00) K4 Curriculum by Erica @ Confessions of a Homeschooler ($15.00) Write Through the Bible (print) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00) Write Through the Bible (cursive) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00) Balcony Girls (books 1 & 2) by Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer ($19.90) The Dig for Kids: Luke (Volumes 1 and 2) by Patrick, husband of Ruth @ The Better Mom ($5.98) Music: An Essential Ingredient for Life by Ryan @ Resound School of Music ($6.99)

Budgeting {Finance & Time}

From Debtor to Better by Barry @ From Debtor to Better ($10.00) Tell Your Time by Amy @ Blogging with Amy ($2.99) The Homemakers Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule by Amy @ Raising Arrows ($4.99) Your Grocery Budget Toolbox by Anne @ Authentic Simplicity ($7.99) Finding Financial Freedom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($5.97) Become a Frugalista in 30 Days by Susan @ The Confident Mom ($3.99)

In the Kitchen {Recipes and Cooking}

Crock On by Stacy @ Stacy Makes Cents ($5.00) Real Food, Real Easy by various bloggers @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95) Wholesome Mixes by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00) 20-Minute Meals by Leigh Ann @ Intentional by Grace ($4.99) Restocking the Pantry by Kresha @ Nourishing Joy ($9.99) Money Saving Mom's Guide to Freezer Cooking by Crystal @ Money Saving Mom ($3.99) Simply Summer by Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama ($7.95) Do the Funky Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($4.95) Real Food Kids: In the Kitchen plus 1 month access to select Real Food Kids eCourse videos by Wardeh @ GNOWFGLINS and Jami @ Eat Nourishing ($20.00) Seasonal Menu Plans on a Budget: A Month of Meals from My Humble Kitchen to Yours by Diana @ My Humble Kitchen ($4.99) Just Making Ice Cream by Marillyn @ Just Making Noise ($12.00) The Curative Kitchen by Susan @ Handy Pantry ($20.00)

Pregnancy & Baby Care

First Bites by Hilary @ Accidentally Green ($9.99) Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert by Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95) Stress-Free Baby Shower by Sara @ Your Thriving Family ($4.00) Unbound Birth by Jenny @ The Southern Institute ($2.99) My Pregnancy Journey by Mindy @ Simply Designs ($9.99) My Buttered Life Baby Edition by Renee @ Made On Hard Lotion ($5.00) The Minimalist Mom’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Rachel @ The Minimalist Mom ($5.00) Redeeming Childbirth: Growth & Study Guide by Angie @ Redeeming Childbirth ($3.99)

Holidays & Special Events

Festive Traditions by Jill @ Modern Alternative Kitchen ($7.95) Holiday Mixes: Gifts in a Jar by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00) Flourishing Spring by Michele @ Frugal Granola ($5.95) Family Camping Handbook by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($6.95) Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda @ Oh, Amanda! ($7.99) Plan a Fabulous Party by Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect ($4.99) iPhone Photography: The Visual Guide by Alli @ Alli Worthington($9.97)

Spiritual Growth

Pursuit of the Proverbs 31 by Amy @ Amy Bayliss ($3.99) The Best of Visionary Womanhood by Natalie @ Visionary Womanhood ($5.00) God’s Word in my Heart: A Scripture Memory Learning Guide with Verses {all 4 versions} by Jenn @ The Purposeful Mom ($3.99) Kept: a 13-Week Inductive Study on 1 Peter by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($4.99) Love Like Him: an 8 week Inductive Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13 by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($2.99)

Marriage & Romance

Rekindling Romance by Jason & Jami @ A Biblical Marriage ($4.99) Good Wife’s Guide by Darlene @ Time-Warp Wife ($2.99) 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse by Ashley @ Ashley Pichea ($4.99) 31 Days to Great Sex by Sheila @ To Love, Honor and Vacuum ($4.99) Entangled: Recognize Your Emotional Affair by Amy @ Amy J. Bennett ($4.99)

Motherhood

The Heart of Simplicity by various authors @ The Heart of Simplicity ($9.99) True Christian Motherhood by June @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home ($7.00) Hula Hoop Girl by September @ One September Day ($4.99) When Motherhood Feels Too Hard by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($4.97) Mindset for Moms by Jamie @ Steady Days ($4.99) From Cube to Farm by Heather @ From Cube to Farm ($2.99) 4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions by various authors @ 4 Moms, 35+ Kids Parenting E-book ($7.99) That Works for Me! by Kristen @ We are THAT Family ($8.00)

Health & Fitness

100-pound Loser by Jessica @ Muthering Heights ($4.99) Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Danielle @ Domestic Serenity ($2.99) 42 Days to Fit by Brandy @ The Marathon Mom, Emma @ Real Fit Moms and Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($4.99) Healthy Homemaking by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($12.95) Personal ePlanner by Jennifer @ ListPlanIt ($5.00)

Beauty

Frumps to Pumps by Sarah Mae @ SaraMae.com ($4.99) The Cottage Mama’s DIY Guide by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00) Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($3.99) The No Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley @ The No Brainer Wardrobe ($7.99) Embracing Beauty by Trina @ Trina Holden ($9.00) Reuse, Refresh, Repurpose by Kristen @ The Frugal Girl ($3.99)

Working from Home & Blogging

Your Blogging Business: Tax, Talk and Tips by Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger ($4.99) The Bootstrap VA by Lisa @ The Home Life {and Me} ($12.99) How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home by Jacinda @ Growing Home ($4.99) How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($12.00) Simple Blogging: Less Computer Time, Better Blogging by Rachel @ Small Notebook ($8.00)

Ecourses

Learning in Love: The Preschool Years by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99) Homeschooling from the Heart by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99) Grocery University by Carrie @ Colorado Bargains ($24.95) Vibrant Living Strategies for Moms by Lisa @ Well-Grounded Life ($59) You Can Do This! The First Five Steps to a Real Food Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.00)

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies...

A FREE Two-Month Membership to Fit2B Studio, 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 award-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 heirloom sourdough starter or FREE yogurt starter from Cultures for Health, the leading supplier of starter cultures and supplies for making cultured and fermented foods ($12.95 value. US & CAN addresses only. Standard shipping applies.)

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.
• Due to the nature of this sale, there will be no refunds available. However, we would invite you to read our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the file types, the download process, how the bonus offers work, etc.

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, so make sure that you get your bundle right away!

Particularly for those wanting to read these ebooks on their mobile devices (iPhones or iPads, Android, Kindle, etc.) you will want to learn more about the file types, how to download them correctly, and how to transfer them to your device.

This post contains my affiliate links, and I earn a portion of the cost of each bundle.  See my disclosure policy here.  Thanks for supporting Living in the Light!

Top X (10) reasons I'm excited for summer

This was my husband's idea.  X is the Roman numeral for ten.  Bingo!  A "top-ten" post!  Next week I'll do a top-ten things I've learned during the A-Z Challenge.  It's been quite a month!

Presenting-- the top X reasons I'm looking forward to this summer:

X: No homework.  I don't mind working during the day as long as I can come home and relax and not have homework hanging over my head!

IX: Summer clothes.  Hello, skirts, sundresses, tank tops and shorts!  I'm especially excited to be wearing my sundresses again.  Just pulled one out today for the first time this year!

VIII: Time to get the house clean.  No, seriously.  I was thinking up a list this morning of everything I want to get done around the house as soon as school lets out.

VII:  Summer work.  I have a JOB this summer!  Working at the campus library!  With some of the loveliest ladies ever!  Can you tell I'm a little excited about this one?

VI: Weddings.  FOUR of them, to be exact, and three of the four within eight days of each other!  In two of those three I'm a bridesmaid, and in one of those two my husband is a groomsman (we get to walk down the aisle together again)!  I can hardly wait to celebrate the marriages of some very, very dear friends--and especially my brother-in-law and future sister-in-law!

V: The farmers' market.  And the garden of one of my teacher-friends.  I am looking forward SO much to fresh produce, artisan breads, and fresh flowers.

IV: Time with family and friends.  My sister's confirmation is in just a couple weeks, we'll be in WI again at my parents' for one of the weddings, and they're coming in July (over my birthday week!).  Plus in August we're going to visit some dear friends after they move, and I get to meet one of my dear blogging friends when she and her husband visit us!  AND several of my closest girlfriends from school will be staying in town this summer to work, so I am anticipating some amazing girls' nights and thrift-shopping days!

III: Blogging projects. In addition to the eBook sale (going on next week!  don't miss this!), I have a few other plans up my sleeve for this summer.  I'll let you know more as I know more, myself!  I'm also excited to have more time for blogging in general.

II: Time to do more projects around the house and in the kitchen.  I'm hoping to find some nightstands and furniture for kitchen storage at garage sales this summer.  I also want to start making sourdough, do a better job keeping up with my kombucha, and develop a really healthy (but really yummy!) brownie recipe. :)

I: The number-one reason I'm excited for this summer?  More time with my husband!!  Life can get so crazy during the school year... I'm looking forward to quiet, restful evenings together, fun weekends, and trips to see family and friends together.  This is definitely the best thing about summers: I get to hang out with my best friend!

What are the top reasons you're looking forward to this summer?

L~ Literature

I could have written about so many things today!  "L" is an easy letter.

Legalist...what, if it wasn't for the grace of God, I would most certainly be.  (Life isn't about me and what I do, it's about GOD and what he does!)

Love...in all its wonderful forms.  Of God, of my husband, of my family and friends.

Light...of Christ--and living in it.  For obvious reasons.

But this afternoon I did something I haven't for a long time, and as a result I realized what I wanted to write about.

Literature.

As a child and teenager, I would often spend hours at a time reading--historical fiction, inspirational novels, books like Little Women and Pride and Prejudice and the entire Mitford series by Jan Karon.  One of my favorite historical-fiction series was the "Dear America" series.  These books were written from the point of view of fictional girls who lived in real historical places and experienced major events in history.  I owned three, and the rest I got from the library.  In these books I could experience the life of a girl traveling the Oregon Trail, another girl who lived through the Revolutionary War, one who was on the Titanic and survived, and a Black girl moving to Chicago from down south in the 1960's.  At our school's annual Scholastic book sale last week I bought a new one, about a girl living in California in 1880, during the gold mining era.

This afternoon, after coming home from work and getting some groceries with my hubby, I spent a bit more than two hours reading all the way through this book (a little over 200 pages long).  Granted, it's pretty easy reading, and I'm a really fast reader.  But my husband was impressed. :)

It's been a while since I got that lost in a story--completely unaware of what was going on around me, immersed in the lives of the characters.  The story has already burned itself into my mind so that thinking back on what I read, it feels like my own memories.  Like they're people I knew, having experiences that I shared.  And when I put that book down, it was almost like I was saying goodbye to friends I wouldn't see again for a very long time.

Have you ever experienced anything like that?  The magic of good literature?  I'm so glad that I was exposed to many good books as a child.  As a result, my life has been fuller, my imagination has been enlivened, and my knowledge of the world enriched--just through the power of books.

Something I thought I'd never do...

Well, it's happened.

I've started playing video games.

Just one, actually--LEGO Lord of the Rings.  Joshua bought us a PS3 for Christmas (hello, Netflix!) and a couple games, and this was one of them.

Image credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net

I didn't grow up with video games (we had a few on the computer, also LEGO--Chess and Racers), so this has been a new skill for me to learn.  I mean, those buttons on the controllers don't say anything!  They're just arbitrary shapes and symbols!  But I'm getting the hang of it.

And can I tell you--I love it?

I'm having fun with the game itself.  The animation is great, there's funny bits that the game-makers added to the story, the music and voices are right out of the movies, and it's exciting.

But the best part is hanging out with my husband, laughing together, encouraging each other, and just being "buddies."

It's not so much the game itself that makes this worth it.  It's the fact that my husband and I are doing something together that we both enjoy.  I finally decided to give one of his favorite hobbies a try--and discovered that I actually like it.

This, I've found, is such an important part of marriage: learning to like things the other spouse likes, and doing those things together.  Being intentional about spending time together.  Cultivating friendship with each other. Because your spouse should be your best friend.  I don't mean your best girl friend, if you're a woman.  I mean the person you'd rather be with than anyone else--the person with whom you have the most fun.

And every marriage should be fun. :)

So tell me--what do you and your spouse do for fun?  Have you learned to enjoy some of their hobbies, or have they tried yours?  What's your best idea for having fun with your spouse?


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Linking with: To Love, Honor and Vacuum, We are THAT Family, Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots at Home 

Book Launch: "Single Girl" by Ashley Schnarr (and GIVEAWAY announcement!)

I'm so excited, honored and proud to announce that my friend Ashley has just released a new eBook:

"Single Girl:

the single woman's guide to life, liberty and the pursuit of godliness"!!

Ashley’s book is full of wise, Scriptural encouragement for the single woman.  She dispels commonly-held myths about singleness, but her message isn’t “I’m so sorry you’re not married, let’s all feel bad for ourselves.”  Neither is it “Singleness is the best thing ever!  Never get married!  Who needs husbands?!”  She honestly says, 

“I don’t pretend to pray that I remain single for the rest of my life either.  Marriage and family is something I deeply desire and want very much.  Like every girl, I long for the companionship and security of a marriage.  And yes, I’m one of those hopeless romantics that’s been dreaming about my wedding since I was five.

So why am I writing this book?  It’s not because I’ve got everything figured out but rather the Lord has brought me through some trials and taught me a few things in the middle of it all.”

Ashley is a young woman who has done a lot of learning already in her life.  She’s a stay-at-home daughter and is busy preparing to be a wife and mother herself someday.  But that does not mean she fails to look for ways that she can serve God by serving others as a single person.  She has practical tips in this book for skills a single girl can learn, ways to make money and have a job without going to college, alternatives for gaining education without going to college, ideas for ways to volunteer and serve in one’s church and community, and fun and helpful tips on beauty, modesty, and relationships with guys.  More importantly, she has suggestions and encouragement for young women on how to grow in their relationship with Christ.  Ashley is passionate about the Lord, and she wants to share that with those who read her book.

This book is Ashley’s gift to other young, single women.  She’s sharing with them what she has learned.  This is her testimony to how God has worked in her life, it’s her witness to her faith in him, and it’s her call to other young single women to be all that they can be, and embrace their life just as it is.  She writes, “I firmly believe that if the Lord is gracious enough to teach you something, you should be thankful enough to share it with someone else.  So that’s what this book is all about, me sharing some of the lessons I’ve learned, and continue to learn, during this journey of singleness.”

I highly recommend this book to any and all single women, no matter what your age.  This book is also excellent reading for anyone who is friends with or ministers to a single woman (e.g., pastors, teachers, youth ministers, counselors, and parents, just to name a few).  If you are in any of these categories I encourage you to get this book and use it for your own edification and to enable yourself to better encourage and instruct the single women in your life.

As a special gift to her readers during the book's launch week this week, Ashley is also hosting a giveaway of a fantastic set of beauty products!

Head over to Ashley's blog to enter the giveaway and buy the eBook--only $4.95 for a pdf version, OR you can get it on your kindle or nook!

Also, I'm excited to announce that next week I'll be giving away a copy of Single Girl right here at Living in the Light!  Ashley has graciously offered one of my readers a copy of her book.  So if the giveaway last month, for married people only, wasn't for you--this just might be!  Stay tuned!

"Take Every Song Captive": "Hallelujah"

Marvin Olasky wrote an article in the December 29 issue of WORLD magazine about Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."  You know, the familiar song with the haunting, beautiful melody--but terrible words--made popular in the movie Shrek?

Olasky decided to write his own version of the song.  I think it's fantastic, and he recommended a beautiful instrumental version of the song that you can listen to while you read Olasky's lyrics.

(and if you can't click on the video, here's the link to the video on YouTube)

I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, it pleased the Lord.
But You don't love us for our music, do You?
Sin goes like this: The fourth, the fifth,
Adam's fall, the major rift,
The baffled king neglecting Hallelujah.
Chorus: Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

Nathan said, "I see your lust.
You violate a solider's trust.
Your pride, your pomp, at night they over threw you.
You steal, you will, you get your way,
But God has said, your child will pay,
And from your lips He'll draw the Hallelujah."
Chorus: 4X Hallelujah

David prayed, "Have mercy, Lord,
You saved me from Goliath's sword.
Yes, I lived for self before I knew you.
Now, more evil in your sight,
So I give up, I cannot fight.
Mine's a cold and broken Hallelujah."
Chorus

"Blood your hyssop, I'll be clean.
Wash me so my sin's not seen.
Give me of your Holy Spirit, will you?
Create in me a new, clean heart.
Give me now a strong, fresh start,
So every breath I draw is Hallelujah."
Chorus

"You don't delight in sacrifice.
You don't excuse our secret vice.
You want from us a broken spirit, do you?
You've shown me what I did was wrong.
I'll stand before You, Lord of song,
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah."
Chorus


I really love the tune to this song, and I'm thrilled that now there's a God-praising version I can get stuck in my head!  Olasky wrote in his article, "Great tunes should not be wasted.  Second Corinthians 10:5 says, 'We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.'  My corollary: Take every song captive."

Let's take our thoughts, words, actions, and songs captive for Christ!

The results of the soap-making experiment...

I'm sorry I don't have pictures.  It's plain white, nothing very interesting, and I just put it into sterilized glass jars and my shower-gel bottle.

I had to laugh yesterday when I came home from work and the stuff had "gelled" already--it only took about six hours!  It was like not-quite-set jello in the pot, so I whipped it up with a whisk, and then with my hand mixer.  And I'll be honest--the reviews I read saying the consistency was "snot-like"?  They were absolutely right.  It is. :)  It was hilarious pouring the stuff into the bottle and jars... such a funny consistency!

But you know what?  It smells good.  It cleans my skin and leaves it feeling perfectly soft.  It's workable in the shower.  I won't force my husband to use it--but hey, now I won't have to buy shower gel for probably three or four months or more!

Most of all, I'm proud of myself for trying something new.  For sticking with it.  And for not having high expectations of myself or my project for once--I couldn't be disappointed, just amused! :)

Next on my list for do-it-myself, natural beauty products is to switch from regular shampoo and conditioner to baking soda water and apple cider vinegar water.  Have you heard of this method?  I'm most interested in it as a money-saving enterprise (a little baking soda and acv is waaay cheaper than a bottle of shampoo or conditioner!), plus as another effort to use more natural products on or in my body.  I'm getting there...slowly but surely. :)  Probably in another five years you'll be able to label me a "crunchy" homemaker--but I'm good with that!  See this site, this one, and this one for info on the "no-poo" method.  I'm excited. :)

What about you?  Have you started making any homemade cleaning/beauty products?  What works for you?

On tea and other hot beverages

My mom got me started drinking tea when I was quite small.  I was probably eight or nine when I learned to enjoy a hot cup of tea.  "Tea parties" with dolls and (when I was very young, two to four or so) with Daddy were fun play-time activities, but it wasn't till I was older that I realized the lovely possibilities for other happy times that tea holds.

Pretend tea parties turned into real ones with my girl-friends down the street, two sisters who had a knack for baking.  We'd all make sweet treats and I set the table with the fancy china, tablecloth and linen napkins, and we used my mother's pretty tea cozy: large straw cylinder with a space inside that exactly fit the teapot that came with it, lined with pretty fabric and stuffed with some insulating material.  (Go to this site to see exactly what my mom's tea cozy looks like on the outside.  This site shows kind of what it looks like on the inside.  It's quite brilliant, and keeps the tea hot for quite a long time--warm for nearly 12 hours!)

Then, in high school, tea parties took an even more mature turn with my tea and Jane Austen-loving friends.  We would play "big girl dress-up" with fancy dresses that J's grandmother, a talented seamstress, had made, eat fancy and delicious snacks, and choose from J's big collection of tea.

When I started college I was given a hot pot, several new mugs, and several boxes of tea by dear friends who knew how important that was.  I enjoyed cups quite often while studying in my dorm room, or with a friend or a few.

Now my husband and I will often drink tea together with breakfast, or during a cool evening while watching a movie and doing homework.

Tea has been the center of gatherings for my mom, me, and many friends, and tea parties with different people are among my happiest memories.

But tea isn't the only lovely hot drink there is!  In the fall and winter, spiced hot apple cider is one of my favorite tastes and smells.  I'm drinking a tea right now that tastes like Christmas: "Market Spice" by Simple Graces.  (I looked for this tea company online but couldn't find it...I'm wondering just how old this tea is!  Oh well, it still tastes amazing. :) )  A good hot chocolate, either from a high-quality mix (my mom makes a homemade mix; I'll share a recipe for it later this fall!) or made from scratch, is a treat that is unmatched in the winter.  And then there is coffee, of which I am not a connoisseur but which I enjoy very much.  My dad drinks Gevalia but I am quite happy with Maxwell House or the like.  In lieu of hazelnut coffee creamer (my very favorite), I like putting some brown sugar and milk in my coffee.  Also, I discovered this recipe for iced coffee on Pioneer Woman the other day, and I am making it very soon!

While other hot drinks are wonderful, and suited to their own occasions, tea is good all the time and there are so many kinds, tea suits itself to all tastes and seasons.
My mom's favorite tea, and one of the few that Joshua will drink, is Earl Grey.  Bigelow's is my favorite.  Actually, all of the tea that they make is high-quality and delicious!

Green tea with honey and lemon is refreshing and healthy-feeling.  Peppermint is extremely refreshing, very Christmassy, and excellent all year for soothing the tummy.  Chamomile has been one of my favorites for a long time, and especially with a little honey tastes wonderful and is very soothing.  Plain black tea--especially a good one like English Breakfast--with cream and sugar is perfect for breakfast or teatime with some scones.

And then there are all the fruity-flavored teas, and the different herbal teas.  I haven't had it yet, but I've heard that Red Raspberry Leaf tea is one of the best natural supplements for pregnant women--I plan on getting a lot of it someday! :)  My favorite fruity tea is peach--so yummy.  I'm also fond of lemon teas, which are wonderful iced.

Until I started writing this, I never knew to what raptures I could go about tea and other hot liquids that are drunk from a mug!  Tea really has been a recurring, happy theme in my life...I hope it continues to be so.  And I hope I've made you want some right this minute--go put the kettle on!