"Our Days" Homeschool Link-Up

MFW Blogroll Update: The 2013-2014 MFW Blogroll is now live at Little Natural Cottage. If you're a MFW family, hop on over and link up your blog.

 
"Our Days" Homeschool link-up is a place to share our weekly projects and show our curriculum-of-choice in action.

If you have a post that pertains to any other topics or to homeschooling in general, please link those posts in the Mama Moments Mondays Link-Up. You're more likely to get a few more visitors. :)

If you haven't linked up to the blogroll, please do so here

Since we school year round, this will be a weekly link-up until further notice. :)

See y'all next week!



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Ecological Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing

After experiencing issues that we feel were a result of using contraceptives, my husband and I both received a moral conviction regarding contraceptives and chose to take a more natural route, avoiding artificial hormones and artificial methods of birth control.

I already viewed myself as a die-hard breastfeeder and wanted to use breastfeeding as a natural way to space my children, but I didn’t think it worked, because even while breastfeeding exclusively, my cycles come back immediately. So I never gave it a chance.

But what the majority of women deem as “exclusive” breastfeeding is far from what nature requires.

To continue reading how we've enjoyed the benefits of ecological breastfeeding and its affect on naturally delaying fertility, please visit Modern Alternative Pregnancy, where I'm contributing today.

Spark of Amber {Review and Giveaway}

Have you seen the babies and toddlers with the lovely amber necklaces and wondered about the significance? 

My son has worn an amber necklace since he was 4 months, and other moms frequently ask if it works or if I can see results.

I explain that amber is believed to have healing properties and that our youngest fella has experienced virtually no issues with teething and has been very healthy. Whether or not he's benefiting from the necklace, it sure is cute. :)

Before you become concerned about anything too “out there,” here are some details on what makes amber so special.

According to Julie, the owner of Spark of Amber.

The natural heat of the body releases the Succinic Acid (the key ingredient in the exterior of the Amber), which works for pain relief and anti-inflammation, immunity, and more!

The healing oils (Succinic Acid) of the Baltic Amber are said to relieve teething pain, tame baby’s irritability, and relieve inflammation in the throat, ear, and stomach.

Authentic Baltic Amber is also used as an anti-toxic and anti-bacterial agent, for headaches, for skin irritations, for bronchial conditions, and for throat and thyroid conditions (along with many other uses).

 Why Spark of Amber?

First of all, I’m incredibly impressed with the level of customer service they provide—super fast and free shipping, prompt communication, great prices, and they’re selective concerning their suppliers. Even the packaging is beautiful!

Plus, they offer a terrific selection of both amber and hazelwood jewelry not only for babies but for grown-ups, too. 

You'll also find earrings, gorgeous breastfeeding necklaces, teething bracelets, and more. Even your family pet can enjoy the benefits of amber.

Julie sent along these beautiful matching mother/baby necklaces.

A Mother/Baby Amber Necklace Set from Spark of Amber.

 I’ve received many compliments on them, especially the one for the mama! While grocery shopping, two ladies noticed and we discussed amber's versatility—health reasons aside, we all agreed that it suits a variety of outfits, skin tones, and fashion styles. So this mama can look a bit more fashionable.

One admirer told me that she's worn amber jewelry for years but that my necklace looked of a higher quality.

A close-up of the baby's necklace. You'll notice that the string is knotted between each stone.

 
To learn more about Amber jewelry, visit Spark of Amber's Question and Answer page. 

Visit their blog, as well, to keep up with any new happenings. You'll also find a variety of pictures on her Facebook Page.

If you have any questions about Spark of Amber, Julie is knowledgeable, personable, and happy to help you choose the perfect piece of amber jewelry for your baby, yourself, or as a gift.  As a side note, a matching mother/baby set would make an excellent baby shower or new baby gift. 

As usual, what review would be complete without a giveaway? Thanks to Julie of Spark of Amber for her generosity in blessing one of my readers with the benefits of Amber by offering a mother and child set.

 Statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information on this blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Sharing with Deep Roots at Home, Moms the Word, The Better Mom, and The Modest Mom.

Mama Moments Mondays {Link-Up}

Here are the Top 3 Most Visited from last week

3) Oh, how I wish I read this post from Teachable {MOM}ents when I was first married! Visit last week's third most visited post to discover her 3 Tips for Newlyweds.

2) You know those yellow things that crop up in your yard? Most people can't wait to destroy them with weed killer, but did you know that dandelions have nutritious value? (Please don't eat them from your yard, if there's a chance that they've been chemically messed with, 'k?) Visit this great post for a recipe for Dandelion Mint Tea from Simple Foody.

1) I'm sure you've heard of antibiotic resistance by now. Learn tips on being prepared by visiting last week's #1 most visited post by Blessed in Homemaking.

Featured above? Help yourself to a button:

 

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And onto this week's link-up, please join me and share your tips and ideas on creating culture in your home. 

 
Topics may include homemaking, homeschooling, natural living, personal wellness, family-life, attachment parenting, working with or parenting children with “special needs,” etc.

My rules are simple:

 1) Please post a hyperlink in your post or a link-up button on your post or sidebar and link back here so others can find us and participate.

 2) As a courtesy, please visit at least one other link and leave a comment for that blogger, letting her know that you've visited. :) Positive comments are a great way to make a blogger's day. :)




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"Our Days" Homeschool Link-up {Our week in pictures}

"Our Days" Homeschool link-up is a place to share our weekly projects and show our curriculum-of-choice in action.

If you have a post that pertains to any other topics or to homeschooling in general, please link those posts in the Mama Moments Mondays Link-Up. You're more likely to get a few more visitors. :)

If you haven't linked up to the blogroll, please do so here

Since we school year round, this will be a weekly link-up until further notice. :)

See y'all next week!



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Confessions of a Raging Perfectionist {Book Review}

Are you a perfectionist? Do you think that everyone has it together but you? I certainly feel that way sometimes.

I often feel that other women keep cleaner, more organized homes; prepare better meals; always neatly press their children’s clothes instead of tossing a wrinkled item back into the dryer before putting it back on their child; keep up with their homeschool load so that they’re not behind, and are never, ever, ever late for anything.

 

As a perfectionist, I tend to attach how well I carry out these daily tasks and responsibilities to my value as a person. If my kitchen is buried under dishes, the breakfast plates and bowls are still on the table when lunch time comes around, and I realize that I forgot to take the clothes out of the washing machine after yesterday’s run (or maybe it was two days ago?), I immediately begin to feel guilt, wondering how on earth could someone such as I be used by God?

When I first saw the title Confessions of a Raging Perfectionist: Learning to be Free, I wondered if it would encourage or inspire me, because I’ve read many books on struggling with perfectionism and each time finished the book feeling worse—as though they were only reminding me again that keeping order equals a happy home, and I was failing. While I’ve made improvements with each child—after my fourth, I had to learn to let go and realize that not everything in within my control, I still struggle.

What impact did this book have on me?

If not for the little ones who needed my attention, I would’ve read the entire book in a day! While the mom’s lifestyle isn’t exactly like mine, she’s a mom writing from her heart. She’s very real sharing her struggles, holding herself to a high standard. Most important, though, is that by the end of the book, I realized that my worth in God’s eyes is not tied to how often I vacuumed my home this week.  It’s not even tied to my children wearing matching outfits (I used to tire myself out getting all of my children coordinated—now I reserve this feat for Christmas pictures) or if we finished every single homeschool project this week.

Covering topics such as parenting (even parenting a special needs child), marriage, finances, personal health, even Diet Coke, I think she touches on just about every topic that the average woman can relate to in some way, even if the reader doesn’t identify as a perfectionist.

The end result? I wasn’t 100% transformed overnight, but I have no doubt that I’m finally on the road to being free!  Thanks to the author for being brave enough to open her heart and to Tyndale for providing a copy for review.

Confessions of a Raging Perfectionist: Learning to be Free By Amanda Jenkins / Tyndale House

Sharing this post with Moms the Word, The Modest Mom, The Better Mom, Happy and Blessed Home, Graced Simplicity, Raising Mighty Arrows, Walking Redeemed, Whole Hearted Home, Growing Home, Deep Roots at Home, The Time-Warp Wife, Raising Homemakers, and  Cornerstone Confessions

Confessions of a Cloth-Diaper Convert {Review & Discount Code}

When I first met Erin of The Humbled Homemaker, I was immediately taken by her friendly personality and her dedication to provide only the best material and resources for her readers.

So it was exciting to watch her journey through the process of putting together this excellent e-book for anyone who is curious about cloth diapers or who simply want to learn something new about cloth diapering.

As many other mamas, I was initmidated by cloth diapering. Would they leak? Were they high maintenance? Did they really work? I wanted to try cloth because I knew it would be easier on the budget and of course I'm always interested in any and all things natural and chemical-free.

When I first started cloth diapering, I immediately became addicted. We still use paper dipes from time to time, but there's something very quaint and even comforting about stuffing a fresh load of warm, clean pockets and inserts.

While there was an instant delight from wrapping my baby's bum in soft, plush, comfortable cotton, wading through all of the choices--all in ones, pockets, fitteds, covers, etc. was certainly daunting. And then there were the different types of inserts--cotton, bamboo, etc. Oh and I had to use the correct laundry detergent! So many choices!

The cool thing about Erin's book is that it takes a novice step-by-step through the process of switching to cloth diapers.

She covers topics from discussing the benefits of using cloth to sorting through the different kinds, helping the reader narrow down what will work best for the family's specific needs. Other topics include using cloth while potty training, traveling, nighttime wearing and even addressing concerns and questions from other family members.

Once you get started with cloth, I'll warn you that you'll likely want to move quickly to build your stash, especially with all of the super cute options out there, and she even includes building that stash while being on a budget!

If this e-book was available when we started cloth diapering years ago, it would've saved me hundreds of dollars!

Check out the page and pick up a copy for yourself!

The price is already a bargain, but if you use code amamasstorycloth, you'll get 20% off! That's a super great deal! 

Discount code good until May 27th.

What about you? Do you use cloth in your home? If so, what's your favorite brand or type?

And what review would be complete without a giveaway? Erin is generously giving away one copy of her e-book to a reader!

Enter below for a chance to win

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sharing with The Better Mom, Happy and Blessed Home, Raising Homemakers, Wholehearted Home, Walking Redeemed, Deep Roots at Home, Our Simple Farm, Little Natural Cottage, and Raising Mighty Arrows

 

Mama Moments Mondays {Link-up}

Here are the Top 3 Most Visited from last week

3) Are you looking to help your child learn how to pray? Check out this very informative post by To the Moon and Back.

2) I love this post by Prairie Ink--These are Good Problems. Some days motherhood feels hard, especially when mothering little ones. But just as this mama did, I now look back on sweet memories of my babes and happy to have the honor of having more little ones with me now.

1) I love candles! I love mason jars! I love this post on how to make your own soy candles using mason jars by Artful Homemaking! Hers is the #1 most visited link from last week!

Featured above? Help yourself to a button:

 

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And onto this week's link-up, please join me and share your tips and ideas on creating culture in your home. 

 
Topics may include homemaking, homeschooling, natural living, personal wellness, family-life, attachment parenting, working with or parenting children with “special needs,” etc.

My rules are simple:

 1) Please post a hyperlink in your post or a link-up button on your post or sidebar and link back here so others can find us and participate.

 2) As a courtesy, please visit at least one other link and leave a comment for that blogger, letting her know that you've visited. :) Positive comments are a great way to make a blogger's day. :)




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