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Showing posts with label Blogs to Read. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogs to Read. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Train Up Tuesday: What's in THE Name?


I LOVE Isaiah 9:6 and this print is a beauty! (Be sure to head over to jonesdesigncompany.com where you can download this print in this color and a blue/gray version)

This verse is often quoted at Christmastime, and appropriately so. It's no wonder that it is used in Advent readings, as well. Speaking of which, this week marks the first week of Advent! If you are looking for appropriate Advent readings, BillyGraham.org has a GREAT series.

Are you also looking for ways to teach your children about the names of God? There are plenty of great resources out there, I'm sure, but I adore the site: Impress Your Kids. She has SO many ideas that are great for every day, but she has helped shaped our family in great ways with activities, lessons, and even the homemade gift below!

Homemade Gift (#3)
Last year, I saw a great tutorial on Impress Your Kids on how to cut out your own letters, apply them to a canvas, paint over it, and VOILA! make a beautiful personalized painting.



Amanda at Impress Your Kids used a favorite quote from the Jesus Storybook Bible (which you know I LOVE). I used it for one of my "Want, Need, Wear, Read" gifts (the "Read" one) by combining the names of my 3 boys into a painting along with the verse that inspired their names. It turned out beautifully (the picture isn't great...had to snap it at night with low light):



It really was a simple project (and inexpensive). I used a canvas from Goodwill that I painted over. I was able to complete this project over the course of a couple days' worth of naptimes (with 3 boys, that's the only way I could do it!) It's well worth your time and makes a great impact! I hope to make more in the future for family birthdays and such.

You could even use the idea for the Isaiah 9:6 verse! How lovely that would be. :)

Enjoy your countdown!
Ashlie

Friday, November 25, 2011

Forrest Gump meets Pinterest

I hope each of you had a blessed Thanksgiving day reflecting on the Lord's blessings and love. Normally, I would be out conquering the Black Friday mayhem and rig-a-ma-row but those crowds and sales aren't quite calling my name like they usually do.

In fact, at this moment, I am blessed with a child-free, QUIET, peaceful calm house and this is what was calling me.

I am taking fulllll advantage of this time to just be by myself--the fire, a cup named "a joe" and my "Good Book". :) :) :)

While enjoying this much needed time, I was kinda hit in the head with a Forrest Gump "My Momma always said..." meets Pinterest moment.

I mentioned here that MY Mama has always placed a BIG importance on displaying scripture around the house. One reason is because it's a great reminder. Another reason is because it is repetitive and helps hide it in your heart (and memory).

She really is right because when I read a scripture she's had displayed in her home for my whole live-long life (Here's where the Pinterest part comes into play. )....the visual (mental pin) instantly pops into my head of that scripture on that exact plaque, picture, wall what have you. In fact, those scripture-displaying items from her home are some of the things that I hold most dear to my heart.

This little item (pin) is one example. It dates back to my parents hippy days and It's been displayed since before I was born. I recall finding great entertainment playing with it before I could even read. It is small but I LOVE it...and how appropriate the verse is for the season!

...and now, as I sit in my parent's living room, these are the glimpses of God's Word one will catch (pin/repin) as their eyes sweep the room in an effort to gaze at the fire. It's Pinterest in person. :)
Psalms 103:2-5
My James 1:2 creation from Girl's Night Out
A picture of my brother, Nathan, crossing the finish line at the San Diego Rock n' Roll Marathon the July before he died and Hebrews 12:1-3

A Multiple Blessings by Caroline Simas original of Lamentations 3:25-27

Romans 5:5 pottery by Alicia Daily
What are some of the favorite ways that you've seen scripture displayed throughout your life that have helped you "pin it" in your heart and mind and others to "repin it" in theirs?!?! :)

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Thrifty Thursday: Free Freezer Friendly eBook!

It's no secret on the Roof that we are BIG advocates of cooking for the freezer. Perhaps you recall our Fix and Freeze series not too long ago? Well, I am excited to let you in on a lil tidbit that Money Saving Mom has recently created a Guide to Freezer Cooking with some of her own helpful hints.

This ebook can be yours FREE if you show some love for her new book, The Money Saving Mom's Budget

Go on and pay a visit here to find out exactly how to show the love so you can indeed receive your free ebook! Happy Freezer cookin', ya'll!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Charlotte Mom Favorites

We were featured in a guest post today on Charlotte Mom Favorites! If that's how you were led over to the Roof, WELCOME! We invite you to browse around and stay awhile.

Some things you may enjoy from the women of the Roof are:
You may also want to check out these specific topics as they apply to you:
We hope you'll become a regular around here and we'd love to hear what you think! TGIF, ya'll.

Love,
HPS

Friday, October 21, 2011

Free-for-all Friday: Girl's Night Out!!!

Hi Ladies! I'm sooooo sorry I've been MIA (missing in action) lately but let's just say this lil thing called life has been kicking my bootie. Thankfully, I had a long awaited, FUN, therapeutic Girl's Night Out last night that did me goooood and I'm excited to tell ya'll about it!

At the beginning of the summer, Musing Foodie, Carolina Clipper and I put our heads together and were mulling around having a blog GNO incorporating each of our blog's readers. We knew what we wanted to do and were excited about it but we were having a hard time getting the pricing and logistics juuuuust right. Just as we were getting ready to throw in the towel, I shared our vision with my sweet friend and amazing licensed artist, Caroline Simas.
The Lord laid it on Caroline's heart to say, "Hannah! IIIIIIII will create a custom art piece incorporating scripture and IIIII will come share and teach your group how to create that piece." It was an amazing answer to prayer and above or beyond anything our minds could've conjured up!
So, I shared it with the women's ministry at our wonderful church and they not only were thrilled about the idea but wanted our Bible Study, mom's Heart to Heart to host it for alllllll the Women of Central.

Well, last night was THE night and it was so fun to me. There was something so refreshing about getting out of the "mom bubble" and be able to spend an evening with women of all ages and all walks of life. I was able to sit at a table with a beautiful, spunky lady in her 70s that reminded me sooooo much of my grandmother and I loved every minute. The only thing better would have been if my grandmother could have been there, too!

I was so busy that I didn't get many pictures but Musing Foodie catered a FABULOUS baked potato bar and smores bar and Caroline created a mixed media piece incorporating a choice of three scriptures.
  • Women of Central theme verse: "For we are to God the fragrance of Christ."  2 Corinthians 2:15
  • Roof with a View theme verse:  "What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops." Matthew 10:27
  • Mom's Heart to Heart Study of James theme verse: "Consider it all joy, brethren, when you encounter various trials" James 1:2
Here is my creation which I admit felt a little challenged and "special" when I compared it to the others. Once I got it away and on it's own, I was feeling just a tad more confident about it. :)
One girl who happens to be an art teacher got REAL fancy with it! Whoooo would've thought of a bird cage?!?!?
...and HOW about this BABY that could be our RWAV theme picture!?!!? I LOVE it!
Caroline took a TON of pictures and will be putting them on her blog soon so be sure to head over there to see them! Let's hear it for GIRL'S NIGHT OUT!!!!!

Any of you girls that were there and want to show and tell, send me your creations to roofwithaview (at) gmail (dot) com!

Happy Friday, ya'll!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Train Up Tuesday: A Servant's Heart

There is a "theme" that keeps repeating itself around me...in my reading, talks and discussions, and even suggested blogs I receive from friends. It's that of "servanthood".

There is SO much I could write regarding how God is shaping our family in this way. It would take several posts (will this be a part 1 of several? We'll see?). Let's step our toes into the water first. :)

I clearly remember being taught to have a "servant's heart" as a kid in school. I can still remember the tune and most of the words to a song we were all taught (I wish there was a version of kids singing it, because that's how I "hear" it, but this should give you a good idea):



I want to be a servant for Christ and others. I want my boys to become those "servant leaders" I admire. In today's culture, though, opportunities for that are rare and not enticing. I mean, even in the church world, we want to proclaim our efforts and receive accolades (or feel that we have to give them to those who do serve....many who want to do so quietly and NOT receive earthly recognition). How in the world do we train children in a world that loves platforms and fame? I'm finding that it isn't easy, but we CAN be intentional in our efforts. Why a servant's heart? As an opportunity to share the gospel of The ultimate Servant-Leader...not just to be a "pushover or a loser" (thanks, Tim Hawkins):



Let me whet your appetite with a few things that have lit my family's fire. :) First, you can read more about how my family has been challenged and how we are starting (we fondly call it the "garbage game") in my husband's post. Check out this blog that will no doubt give you great ideas for random acts of kindness (a launchpad for serving others).

How are you teaching your children or teens to have a "servant's heart"? What does that look like in day-to-day life and how do you apply it? I'm not asking just to get you thinking....I really want to know your ideas so I can share them and maybe even incorporate them into my own home. :)

Much love,
Ashlie

Friday, September 2, 2011

TGIF!

It is FRIDAY! How many of you just finished a first full week of school and are excited to kiss this steamy, hot weather goodbye w/ a long weekend?!?!? While you're taking a brief hiatus from your one week back into routine, the www is BUZZING with all sorts of action and excitement. Wanted to take a couple minutes to fill you Charlotte ladies in on some fun things a few of our friends would like you to know.

Giveaways
  • Our friend, Caroline Simas, is giving away one of her Hope and Peace Skinits on her blog! These skinits are so cute so get in it to win it!
  • Macaroni Kid South Charlotte is giving away 100 tickets to the upcoming Yiasou Greek Festival! Click here to enter on their website and be sure to like them on Facebook to stay updated on some of the latest and greatest.
Events
  • You may remember from back in July that our Catherine (Musing Foodie) won second place in a Cookies for Kids Cancer contest with her recipe for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Well, September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and there is a month of fundraising to go towards finding a cure for kids' cancer. For further details, visit to cookiesforkidscancer.org and gogriergo.com. You can also send a virtual cookie to your facebook friends, and from that one click, oxo will donate money to help the cause!
  • Pregos and Mamas w/ newborns, the registration is now open for All About Baby, a network of pregnancy, baby & parent related businesses in the Charlotte area, who have come together to bring you fabulous events and swag. The fall event is September 11 and there are some great vendors and sponsors you won't want to miss! Like them on FB so you can stay updated.
In the news
  • Our good ole Carolina Clipper was just interviewed by our friend Dion Lim of WCNC on the topic of coupon theft from newspapers. If you missed the clip, you can watch it here. Check your newspapers before purchasing, or better yet, take advantage of this HOT deal to have them delivered to your home for $1 per paper.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Thrifty Thursday (post 1 of 2): Giveaways

Maybe this should really be called Giveaway Thursday because there are some exciting giveaways that some ladies and friends of the Roof are hosting right now! I feel good posting each of these giveaways because even if you don't like to enter giveaways or don't happen to be fortunate enough to win any of them, they are all products and/or services about which you will benefit knowing (I know I'm bombarding you w/ links but you'll be glad).
Ya'll go enter some giveaways and check out these great sites while you're at it. Spread the word. Let us know if you win anything!

Thrifty Thursday (Post 2 of 2): Queen City Consignment LOVE

Fall is many people's fav season. Lists of reasons most likely include football, apple cider, pumpkin patch, pretty leaves, and crisp air. I'm screamin' that one reason to love Fall is CONSIGNMENT SALES!
There are TONS of excellent consignment sales in the Charlotte area from which you can benefit. Our friends at Little Ones Magazine have compiled a very helpful comprehensive list that you can print and stick in your purse or calendar for excellent reference as you plan your shopping trips. Just click here to view and print. You can also find a comprehensive list compiled by our friend at Charlotte SmartyPants with the help of Little Ones Magazine.

I am thankful for these lists since I've been in mourning that my fav sale, Divine Consign, has decided not to return to our area. I've eyeballed a couple of replacements.

If any of  you, our other readers, happen to have a comprehensive list in your areas (Raleigh, Atlanta, Austin, etc.). Please do share so we can make sure the sisters in your area can benefit!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Savory Smackerel: Daily Bread

Hope ya'll have enjoyed some of the ways to implement your garden crop and farmer's stand produce. I must say I might be in mourning that the summahtime produce is nearing the end. :( Right now, butternut squash just isn't exciting me as much as the abundance of tomatoes we've enjoyed. If you would like to give one last fun tomato recipe a whirl, be sure to check out Musing Foodie's fried green tomato endeavor and tutorial.

Now, we're moving on to a year round food item--bread. Who can ever get enough of it? Talk about comfort at it's finest. Unfortunately for my hips, anytime I am in a "changing" season in my life (ie the week of my wedding, the weeks after my brother's death, 1st trimester morning sickness)...you know, anything that tends to get the stomach rumbling....bread is one of the only thing I find that settles the ole tum tum.

For awhile, I've heard some of my friends talk alllll about their bread machines. I'll admit I didn't sink my teeth right away because I didn't want to succumb to the pressure of having "another thing to keep up with" or another thing on the list "to do."

I happened to be browsing Craigslist about 3 weeks ago and found a good bread machine for $25. I figured I'd give it a whirl and see if I'd really use it. That way, we wouldn't be at much of a loss if I didn't. I had to see for myself but, boy, have I been missing out! If I knew then what I know now, I totally would've registered for one for my wedding, requested grains and flour in place of baked ziti after my brother's death, and lived on bread alone for my 1st trimesters (who needs Zofran?)!

Report: I haven't bought any bread items in 3 weeks (even including burger/dog buns and pizza dough) so we've more than made up for that $25 and I've found you don't eat nearly as much bread when it is full of good, hearty ingredients opposed to preservatives and air. Not to mention, it makes your house smell A-Mazing! It is sooooo worth it.

Hence, our new Savory Smackerel series~ Daily Bread! We are going to explore some fabulous ways to get the most outta those bread machines. First up: Onion Bagels.

I heart onion bagels. Never in a million years did I imagine I would ever bake my own bagels but it was so easy. This was the second thing I did in my bread machine and they are Di-Vine! Move over, Bruegger's, Panera and Einstein. HPS has your number! Try them and let me know what you think.

Onion Bagels (adapted from http://www.grouprecipes.com/5615/onion-bagels.html)
Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water, warm
  • 4 tablespoons of butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups of white whole wheat bread flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast
To finish:
  • 1 oz. sugar
  • yolk of 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/4 cup of onions, sauteed (I probably used more like 1/2 cup)
Instructions:

  • Put the ingredients in the order listed above into your bread machine baking pan.
  • Set the program to dough.
  • When the cycle has finished, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide into 8 equal sized pieces.
  • Shape each piece into a sausage shape with tapered ends measuring about 9 inches in length.
  • Working with a piece at a time, join the ends together to make a circle.
  • Then pinch them gently to seal them.
  • Place the circles on a lightly oiled cookie sheet, leaving enough room between them for each to rise.
  • Cover the circles with a clean dish towel and leave them to rise for about 20 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 .
  • Finely chop enough onion to make a 1/4 cup. Saute in a bit of butter.
  • Put the onions aside.
  • Bring a large pan of water to boil.
  • Add the sugar and stir the water until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Place 2 bagels in the boiling water and let them cook for about 30 seconds on each side.
  • Continue until all bagels have been in the water for a total of 1 minute.
  • Turn them with a slotted spoon.
  • Lift each bagel out of the water, gently shaking it as you do so to remove as much water as possible.
  • Return the bagels to the baking tray.
  • Beat the egg yolk with the water, then brush this mixture over each of the bagels.
  • Sprinkle the sauted onions over the bagels.
  • Bake the bagels in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until they are golden.
  • Transfer the bagels to a wire rack and leave them to cool.

Friday, August 19, 2011

$10 for $50 of Christmas Cards AND $0 for $75 worth of Comfort Food

I'm sure many of you may already receive Living Social's daily deals. If not, you definitely want to sign up now! Today's deal is all the reason you need. You know how we love VistaPrint on the Roof, right?!?!? Well, right now you can get $50 worth of VistaPrint love for  only $10! I don't know about you but I'm thinking Christmas Cards!!!! The fine print says you need to use this deal by November 22 so my goal is to have my act together in the Christmas Card department (pictures taken, card done) and order those babies up early. Then, I won't be a procrastinator, won't have to pay more than the cards themselves for expedited shipping and can actually get them out before New Years. I know, I know. I sound so ambitious. It's easy to sound that way in August. You know as well as me that the proof is in the puddin, it's where the rubber meets the road, what other cliche can I come up with? So if you, too, at least want to feel ambitious in August, get your Christmas cards in August for only $10 today by going here now.

Next up..food. I know how ya'll LOVE comfort food, free stuff and to bless your friend's hearts. What's better than $75 worth of comfort food that you don't have to make?

a comforting alternative to flowers
Truth is, it will only be a matter of time before you fall in the category of either needing your own heart blessed and/or feeling like you should bless somebody else's heart...which means ALL of you need to go here pronto to enter the $75 Comfort Food {Giveaway!} courtesy of Sympathy Food. I think I mentioned the other day that this site, (Finding Hope), is one of my new babies so it would be great if you wanted to help me with any feedback and spread the word about it!




Monday, August 15, 2011

Savory Smackerel: Salsa

So, I promised last week that I would share a fab salsa recipe with you in the event you don't know what to do with your summer's tomato bounty. Welllll, my hubs made a kidder outta me. He is so tickled with our salsa production that he want's it to be a novelty to those with whom we share it...yes, a secret (gasp). Since I'm called to be submissive, I'm afraid I have to oblige. BUT I'm not going to totally leave you hangin'. :)

I WILL tell you we combined two recipes plus added our own tasty ammendments to our batch of salsa. I WILL tell you that this is an excellent base recipe (wink, wink). From there, have fun with it! I don't think you can mess it up and you'll be more than happy with the end result. Be sure to jot down exactly what you do. Then, you'll have your very own secret recipe with which you can tease us! :)

xoxox

Friday, August 12, 2011

Free-for-all Friday: Giveaways Galore and Super Doubles!

Have ya'll been praisin' up a storm with our new theme song??!?! I just love it.

Since, I switched things up on ya'll yesterday, thought I'd share at least a couple of fun little tidbits with you today.

First, hurry over to Sarah Masci: a drop of golden sun on Facebook for the last day to enter her giveaway for a set of back to school labels and matching notecards for your child (winner's choice)! Not sure when she's drawing so you might want to enter as sooooon as you can.

Next, howwwww cute is this IPhone case? Want it, need it, gotta have it.

This is one of our friend, Caroline Simas', designs and she is giving away two on her blog right now. You know you want one so go enter here pronto!

Update: Charlotte SmartyPants would like us to make sure that you Charlotte ladies know about their Back to School Giveaway which includes $3oo worth of product from Alphabet Soup, Carolina Pad and Children's Theater (Seussical). To enter, simply fill out this survey.

Last but not least, for those in the southeast, you probably already know that Harris Teeter is Super Doubling coupons right now (until midnight on Tues.). If you are overwhelmed and need a boost, you can head over to Southern Savers to see the sales (advertised and unadvertised) matched up with the coupons to use and plan your trip. If you are like this twin mom, feel free to utilize the reduced $1.95 online Express Lane fee for the last weeks of summer while you can. Don't know where I'd be without it and no need to justify b/c you couldn't even get a babysitter for that!

Happy Friday! Ya'll stay cool out there.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Marvelous Monday: Pinterest!

Pinterest....heard of it? Heard of it and wonder what in the world it is? Either way, trust me. You want it.

Even if you aren't a Facebooker, you will LOVE Pinterest. There is zero pressure. It weeds out the mundane details of what your neighbor's best friend ate for dinner, where your high school BFF's sister checked in for her bi-weekly spa treatment or whose genius child went poopie on the potty at the age of 18 months (ok...I'm being a little dramatic and I do love FB-just not some of it's trivialness).

Basically, Pinterest is a bucket list of fabulous ideas at you fingertips for which you would otherwise have to read 5 years worths of subscriptions to Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple and Good Housekeeping to generate the same amount of creative energy.

Think back to your adolescence-did you have a bulletin board in your bedroom and live to decorate your school locker? Remember how you would cut out magazine clippings of buzz words you liked, celebrities you stalked, and the latest trends you "had" to have?

Save the bulletin board clutter, ladies. Pinterest is your technologically savvy, 2000's version of all that magazine clipping.

How it works
The jist is you sign up for Pinterest, install a "pin" on your computer toolbar and anytime you see a visual of something you like online, you "pin it" for future reference.

You have "boards" which are basically  like folders which you can label in whatever categories you like and you can organize your "pins" amongst your "boards."

It is like Facebook in that you have "friends" and you can follow your friends "boards" but there really isn't  pressure. It's just a fun way to share ideas.

You can "repin" other pins onto your boards and "like" or comment to "pins" as well.

Soooo, in summary, when you glance at your Pinterest homescreen, it is like looking at the best of the best of internet ideas and blogs all on one screen-which, in essence, saves you a ton of time--at least, if you "need" ideas. Otherwise, it could quite possibly err on the addictive, time sucking side (just a preliminary caution).

Enough of my chatter. Proof is in the puddin. Here are a few of my favorite "pins."
Store your sheets inside one of their pillowcases.
The Rain Gutter bookshelves we featured.

Halloween alternative to candy. Hello, Dollar Store!

Hotdogopus

TuTu tableskirt

DIY Ribbon Wreath
...and this doesn't even include all the fabulous recipes!

Convinced yet? On Pinterest, each picture is linked to the site from where it came so you can get all the scoop you need. See how it saves you tons of blog reading?!!? What's not to love? I know you're Pinterested so just take the plunge.

Have a Marvelous Monday and Happpppy Pinning. :)

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Savory Smackerels: How does your garden taste? Part 4

We've covered the cucumber, the peach and the tomato. But what's the novelty of "livin' off the land?"

I just got this email and thought it was a little too amazing not to share. Now, how can people not believe in the God of creation? He amazes me.

Oh, and one question. Since we have a rather abundant fig tree in our yard, would that have anything to do with the fact that we have twins when they don't run in either of our families? I shoulda known. It was the fig tree. :) Anybody need some figs? :) Speaking of figs, check out CC's latest fig endeavor (and perhaps you should stay tuned for her upcoming announcement. She did mention something about eating 16). :)

In the meantime, be in awe.

God's Amazing Pharmacy
It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... All before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!
God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research showstomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocados, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives
assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Fellow blog love

We are REALLY excited about sharing a sweeeet fellow blog sister, Caroline Simas, with you as a MomPrenuer in the near future. We are also working with her on something really exciting that you'll find out about very soon. In the meantime, you can show her some RWAV love!

First of all, she is an amazing artist who loves Jesus and beautifully incorporates His promises into her work.

She has a line of cuuuute protective covers for your phone and/or computers with SkinIt. Because her designs are selling so well, they have asked her to design 4 skins with scripture to be released in the 4th quarter!!!! Isn't that exciting?! So, she needs to hear what scriptures her audience would most like to see as a reminder each day on their "skin"! Go here pronto and share your verse of choice!

While you're there, she is having a GREAT giveaway that you'll want to enter! She has designed a line of beautiful fabric for Robert Kauffman and is giving away four bundles of her not yet released line entitled Finally Free.  Go here to witness the beauty and get in it to win it! Tell her the ladies of the Roof sent you. :)

xoxox
Happy Friday!

Free-for-all Friday: What's so great about blogging anyway?

A former coworker recently shared a blogpost with me that I knew I had to share with you. If you blog, I think you'll shout a resounding, "Amen!" when you read this. If you're not yet a blogger, it may help you understand all the blogging hooplah and maybe even make you want to start a blog of your own.

Background: Mom in Mendon is a mother and grandmother with grown children including daughters that are probably the age of many of us. She does an excellent job articulating the reason why we thought starting a community such as
Roof with a View would be significant for moms. I say, "way to blog, Mom in Mendon!" Us moms following in your footsteps always appreciate the wisdom and insight of our foremothers. You are needed in the blogosphere and on the web! 

Rescued
Blogs are genius. Without question they've done more for Today's Woman than psychologists, counselors, and women's magazines who sought to come to the aid of all those mid-century Donna Reid Moms--mothers like mine. Like me.

In the 1950's and 60's, my mother prepared her four daughters for The Role of house-wifery and motherhood: "The most mundane, yet most meaningful work." She taught us to cook, sew, iron and economize. But she noted, "Happy mothers seem to have something extra going: a hobby, a creative outlet--something besides the Bendix washer on the service porch and a clothes line in the back yard. Something to ease the pressure of keeping up appearances, so all-important in that era. She told me about her friend. Bernice showed her a little pencil sketch she had done. "It wasn't very good, really," Mother explained, but Bernice said, 'I just need to have something else--an outlet.' " Along with all she tried to teach, Mother gave us permission to have an outlet.

There was nothing I wanted more than motherhood. Happily it arrived. But it was a LOT. Consequently, I kept my mother's counsel. With five young children in Riverside, California, I painted watercolors, I learned cake decorating, I tried writing. And mother was right. It helped. But even then, it wasn't enough. "What lack I yet?" I wondered.


Dad wasn't unaware. He praised the BLT's. "This was a lot of work. You had to toast the bread, slice the tomatoes, etc." He willingly sent me off to painting class while he held down the fort. In addition, of course, there were friends and neighbors, girls to call on the phone. 

But despite my best efforts, it was a wistful me who wrote:


1973
Where are all the fans?! Why couldn't someone be there to applaud, or at least nod in admiration...as I deftly, maternally fit a diaper? Or why not a chorus of ooh's and ah's as I place the pot of Spring Garden on the table, with murmured comments around about my ability to balance budget, nutrition and time in one clever meal?
 I would be modest....[in the face of praise]. An audience is all I require for the maintenance of....patience, wisdom and creativity. In a musical voice I can say to the child bouncing off the couch, "Furniture is not for jumping." The child is bored? "Why, here, Sweetheart. Mother has made this cardboard box into a robot." Exclamations of awe and surprise from the fans. But [the Mom, staying at home in] obscurity has no fans.... If the clean clothes are mounded high on the folding table and the floor goes a few weeks unscrubbed, who will know? If my voice demands harshly, "Get this robe picked up!" no one can condemn.

In fairness to my younger self, I wrote on and explained my conviction that good mothers shouldn't depend on shallow praise for recognition. I ended with a reiteration of my reliance on faith and my certain belief that Eternal Fans watched from beyond the Veil. I still hold fast to those convictions, but it was, nevertheless, a lonely time.

Not so for my grown daughters today. The new Millenium arrived, bringing with it the Web Log. Wow. Precisely meeting their need, blogs provide women with the Audience, with the Fans, with the Recognition. Mothers, wives, single women have been lifted out of obscurity. They don't need a big readership. Mainly, they are no longer alone. That's not to mention the cyber friendships, the fresh ideas, the learning, and the just plain fun they get in online interaction. The internet has filled the void.

I know it's not the answer to everything. We women will continue with our moments of wistfulness. But what a blessing! My daughters are better off. And I'm glad for it.


You can read Mom in Mendon's original post here.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Thrifty Thursday: Deal and Giveaway

VistaPrint has a current special where you can get 140 address labels free right now. Think out of the box on this! Examples: At one of my recent Fix and Freeze exchanges, my girl Donna had them made to read "Made with love by Donna Graham" and stuck to her dishes. Now, that's creative! Also, our girl Karen posted an idea from this blog to have them made to pre-address envelopes for your Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes so the children that receive your boxes can write you. Sweetness! There are all sorts of creative possibilities.

Update:
I received word from a trustee reader that she was having a hard time getting to the VistaPrint deal. If you have already signed up for VistaPrint, it should take you straight to the offer. You will just need to log in. If you are not a current VistaPrint customer, all you need to do is click on the below link, sign up and you should be taken to the offer OR you may receive it ASAP in your email. Thanks for the heads up, Ellen U.! Ya'll let us know if you still have trouble.
Save up to 80% on custom printed products at Vistaprint. Order today!

BabyElan{Daily} is hosting a timely end of summer giveaway for four tickets to Wet n' Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro, NC! You have until tomorrow (Friday) to enter. Get in it to win it!

Happy Thursday! Make it a thrifty one. :)

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Train Up Tuesday: Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy! Some Thrifty Fun for Boys!

Okay, so not just for boys ;-) (I would have been all about these ideas during my tom-boy years....oh wait, I'm STILL a tom-boy!).

I know you've probably seen posts about the free Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics for kids, but you REALLY should take your kiddos to these! They are totally free (we've been to 3 and no money so far)! My two big boys have so far made a windmill putt-putt toy, a 4th of July waving flag stand, and a tow-truck (reminds them of "Mater"). The next class is scheduled for this Saturday (July 23rd, 10am in our area).


I think they are making binoculars, which sounds pretty interesting. When you sign up your kiddo for the first time, get them there early so they can get a free apron and goggles. They also receive a certificate and a badge (for the apron) each time they complete a project. What fun! They do actually sell the Build & Grow kits in the store, which is still good for doing things together, but it's hard to pass up on FREE. So, sign up for a class soon!

The boys are having some great Daddy time, and Daddy is having some great boy time! I'm hoping to coax the boys into using some of their handmade items as gifts for their cousins for birthdays or Christmas. I'm sure we'll be running out of room to put 2 of each of these items.

Image by ParentingPress.com

This next idea I'm so excited to share with you. What kid doesn't love a good fort...rainy day or not?! A great gal-pal of mine thought of me (don't you love when someone "thinks of you" and actually gets it right?!) when she saw this post by Emily at Salt Water Kids on a fort building kit. Basically, it is everything you need to build a sheet fort bundled nicely for gift-giving. Wouldn't that be a most awesome gift to give or receive?! Be sure to check the sidebar on the sight for more fort ideas and some other cool homemade gift-giving ideas. I'm becoming her follower ASAP!

So, with 3 boys, I'm always looking for good, wholesome, thrifty fun. If you have a favorite blog or idea, PLEASE post in the comments!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Thrifty Thursday: All sorts of fun info!

I've recently had the privilege of meeting a great group of local bloggers and women in media. One refreshing commonality among us is we want to work together to keep moms like you and me "in the know" and make one another day to day's routine a little easier while adding a little pizazz to the underpaid yet best job on earth called motherhood.


There's a lot going on out there, and on this Thrifty Thursday, here is what these women want you to know.
  • It's no secret the ladies of the Roof LOVE consignment stores and sales. It seems most of our favs end up clothing our quivers. Now, there is one to clothe US! Green Jeans semi-annual consignment event for women and teens features NEW local boutique fashion and recycled brand name and designer clothing, shoes and accessories from petite to plus sizes, including maternity.  In the spring and fall, two sisters host a 3-day shopping event in Lake Norman (Cornelius, NC) and Fort Mill, SC that attracts over 200 consignors and hundreds of shoppers.  You can find brands like Seven for all Mankind, Dooney and Burke, Kate Spade, Ferragamo, Milly, Tory Burch,Banana Republic, J.Crew and Ann Taylor LOFT in all sizes. Visit the website here  and follow them on Facebook here to stay updated on shopping and consinging for the fall. Green Jeans is also hosting it's Twelve Weeks of Green Jeans giveaway featuring local business artists. They just announced the first week's giveaway winner featuring Celebrate Today but check back  here to enter the second week's giveaway. 



  • Macaroni Kid's Visit Florida campaign is giving away a family travel set including the Britax's brand new baby carrier (retail 129.99) and the new Britax B-Agile stroller (retail $250.00). You have until 9 pm today to enter this giveaway here.

  • Speaking of Britax, there is another car seat checking station scheduled for this Friday (weather permitting). See website for details.

  • If you are an expecting mom living in the Charlotte area, you will want to enter Charlotte Mom's fabulous giveaway featuring one big package full of amazing products from green i am, Natural Luxe, USA Baby, Belly Elan, A Drop of Golden Sun, Miss Monkey’s Boutique, EcoMcBaby, and Bella Tunno! Giveaway ends July 21st so visit here to enter now!
Happy Thursday, ya'll! Have a blessed day.

Love,
Hannah