Category: Continuing Ed for Moms

  • Living on a Dime – How one family does it.

    13 ebooks for $13.00
    13 ebooks for $13.00

    I hope you all had a wonderful New Year’s celebration and feel ready to face the New Year with optimism and purpose. I , personally, have struggled to face the last few New Years since my husband and father-in-laws deaths.

    But, the constant media barrage of negative reports about our national economy, unemployment, and ever increasing national debt have not helped my frame of mind either.

    I want 2011 to be different!  Are you determined to get-0ut-0f debt, make healthier, home cooked meals, and get organized?

    While I certainly don’t have all the answers and solutions I came across a new book entitled Radical Homemakers – Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture. One of the premises of this book according to author Shannon Hayes, is to build a “life-serving economy” while reducing our “reliance on the extractive economy.” (p. 59)

    In other words, if we can find ways to reduce our expenses then the less dependent we are on the corporate paycheck and the better our family finances will become.

    To me, Tawra Kellam and her mother Jill Cooper, are very inspirational and authoritative writers on learning to live more with less cash. Jill raised her two children as a single parent on $500 a month. Tawra and her husband paid off a $20,000 debt in five years on a low income while raising their young children.

    From today through next Monday, the Living on a Dime ebooks have been discounted a whopping 85% off of the regular price. This once-a-year sale is a great deal because you can buy their 13 ebooks for $13.00. The 13 E-books include 445 pages of money saving tips, great recipes and plenty of inspiration to make life easier and more frugal!

    For example the Money Management ebook is a 72 page e-book designed to help you say goodbye to debt! Packed with lots of stories and advice, this e-book is an essential tool for your Debt Elimination Kit.

    Money Management includes the story of how Michael and Tawra paid off $20,000 debt on $22,000 per year income.

    • Do you find the idea of budgeting daunting? You’ll find information about how to make a budget and how to make budgeting simpler and easier.
    • Learn how to reduce your financial stress.
    • You don’t have to be a slave to debt!
    • Testimonial:
    “We’ve learned so much from Tawra… As of last week, our regular bills are finally all paid up! We’re no longer behind on any of them and can start working on our debt instead of playing catch-up with the utility companies. This was due in very large part to Tawra and her mom’s wonderful advice, ideas and guidance.”-Karen from Ontario, Canada

    “I was the most wasteful profligate spendaholic, I earned a lot, and thought I was entitled to spend every penny on myself. Now I have a savings, a growing IRA and have come to my senses.”  -Kathy from California

    Their other ebooks show how to save money in the kitchen, put together delicious and easy dinners, get and keep your home organized, save money on kids activities, move on a budget, save money on creative gifts and much more.

    I know you can will come up with enough practical tips, and money saving recipes to more than justify the $1.00 a book price. Besides, there is always a money back guarantee.

    Check out the complete offer here.

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

    Follow me at Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheUrbanHome

  • Encouragement Chart – Print and Save

    YOU SAY

    GOD SAYS

    BIBLE VERSES

    You say: ‘It’s impossible’

    God says: All things are possible

    ( Luke 18:27)

    You say: ‘I’m too tired’

    God says: I will give you rest

    ( Matthew 11:28-30)

    You say: ‘Nobody really loves me’

    God says: I love you

    ( John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

    You say: ‘I can’t go on’

    God says: My grace is sufficient

    (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

    You say: ‘I can’t figure things out’

    God says: I will direct your steps

    (Proverbs 3:5- 6)

    You say: ‘I can’t do it’

    God says: You can do all things

    ( Philippians 4:13)

    You say: ‘I’m not able’

    God says: I am able

    (II Corinthians 9:8)

    You say: ‘It’s not worth it’

    God says: It will be worth it

    (Roman 8:28 )

    You say: ‘I can’t forgive myself’

    God says: I Forgive you

    (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

    You say: ‘I can’t manage’

    God says: I will supply all your needs

    ( Philippians 4:19)

    You say: ‘I’m afraid’

    God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear

    ( II Timothy 1:7)

    You say: ‘I’m always worried and frustrated’

    God says: Cast all your cares on ME

    (I Peter 5:7)

    You say: ‘I’m not smart enough’

    God says: I give you wisdom

    (I Corinthians 1:30)


  • Savory Treats and Appetizers

    iStock_000001215593Small-300x225Take a class and learn to compliment holiday sweets with savory appetizers and classic winter dishes – spiced nuts, yogurt cheese spread, braised winter herbs and plenty of nourishing dips. Register Here.

    VIDEO: How to make radish roses, carrot curls and other vegetable crudites
    VIDEO: How to make chicken liver pate
    VIDEO: How to roast chestnuts over an open fire

    MENU: Favorite appetizers for Christmas
    MENU: Dishes to Bring to a Holiday Party
    MENU: Warm Treats for Winter Caroling

    RECIPES: Almond-flax bread, cheddar cheese balls with bacon and walnuts, chicken liver pate, savory spiced nuts, savory spiced seeds, grain-free cheese crackers, nut and seed crackers, homemade yogurt and herb crackers, olive tapenade, anchovy toasts, homemade yogurt cheese spread, braised winter herbs in olive oil and lemon, preserved lemon tapenade, blue cheese dip, roasted garlic, mulled wine, spiced cider, roasted chestnuts.

    This class will be December 8.  Register Here.

    Listen to my Interview  with Jenny McGruther to hear her passion for real foods.

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

    Follow me at Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheUrbanHome

  • Will Wheat Prices Become Volatile?

    multigrain2I just read this article on the New Harvest Homestead Discussion group that suggests that the wheat market may become volatile because Russia, a major wheat exporter, ceased exports this past summer because of  a poor crop harvest.  That means that the countries that depended upon Russia (including Iraq) will now be looking elsewhere for their wheat.

    It is always prudent, in my opinion to stock up on grain when the price is good and to protect you and your family from shortages.

    Fortunately, the United States had a superior harvest this past year and my grain supplier does not plan any major price changes for now.  Yet we do not know what the 2011 harvest will be like yet, and since Australia a major grain producer is being hit at this moment with the worst plague of locusts in 70 years that fact may effect world grain prices to become volatile.

    Read this link from an article from the Kansas Wheat Commission regarding the situation to get a more complete picture of the unknowns:

    http://www.kswheat.com/news.php?id=463

    Having a good supply of wheat for our family’s daily bread can be a huge blessing not only to our own families, but to others who may be struggling. Neighbors will always welcome a loaf of fresh bread from us regardless of their circumstances.

    Marilyn’s Famous Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

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    Enjoy!

  • Holiday Sweets and Treats!

    Sweets and Treats

    Love Christmas cookies and chocolate fudge? Learn the healthy way of making these favorite holiday sweets with whole grains, good-for-you fats like butter and coconut oil and natural sweeteners.  This class will be December 6.  Register Here.

    Class Includes:

    VIDEO: How to soak flour and make buttermilk gingerbread

    VIDEO: How to maple sugar walnuts

    VIDEO: How to make sugarplums

    MENU: Candies and Treats to share with neighbors.

    MENU: Sweets & Treats for Holiday Gift-giving

    MENU: Selection of Christmas Cookies Every Kid Loves

    RECIPES: Gingerbread, cinnamon-molasses cookies, sugar cookies, spritz cookies, honey macaroons, sprouted spelt and maple shortbread, honey and mandarin marmalade, fudge, maple sugar walnuts, white chocolate peppermint bark, sugarplums, pasteli, gingerbread men, almond-flour gingerbread men, cookie mix in a jar, pecan crispies, spiced oatmeal raisin cookies, chocolate-coconut truffles.

    For complete information on this class and others in the Happy Healthy Holiday Classes

    Listen to my Interview  with Jenny McGruther to hear her passion for real foods.

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

    Follow me at Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheUrbanHome

    Classes are from Jenny McGruther of  Nourished Kitchen – author of How to Cook Real Foods

    This is a new series from Jenny.  You can pick and choose which classes you are interested in.

  • FREE – Bonus Lesson for How to Cook Real Food!

    Bonus Lesson: Nuts & Seeds

    In this bonus lesson for How to Cook Real Food, the online cooking class hosted at Nourished Kitchen, you’ll receive a quick, sneak-peak into the cooking class through this brief video covering how to properly prepare nuts and seeds including recipes for a basic pesto sauce and a basic fruit and nut snack bar.  Please note that videos in the online cooking class will be more comprehensive than the brief look at nuts and seeds you see below here.

    In this video and using these downloadable print materials.

    Preparing Nuts and Seeds Traditionally

    Nuts and seeds can be a powerfully nutritive food: rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.  However, as is the case with many foods, nuts and seeds are also potent sources of antinutrients: particularly food phytate which binds up minerals preventing their full absorption and enzyme inhibitors which makes them difficult to digest.  Fortunately, the simple act of soaking nuts and seeds in slightly salty water overnight improves not only their digestibility but also the availability of minerals naturally found in these foods.

    Combining unrefined sea salt with warm, filtered water and pouring this salty mixture over your nuts or seeds provides optimal conditions to help mitigate the effects of these two antinutrients.  Leaving the nuts or seeds to soak overnight in warm, salty water, you’ll not only improve the nutrient profile of these foods, but also their texture.  They become softer and, for this reason, are well-suited to cooking and using in sauces like classic pesto, fruit and nut bars, breads and other dishes.  If you have a food dehydrator, you can even dry the nuts or seeds after soaking to make a delicious snack.

    In this Bonus Lesson, you’ll learn:

    • Why nuts and seeds prove valuable additions to a nourishing, healthy and wholesome diet.
    • How to prepare nuts and seeds to maximize nutrition and digestibility.
    • How to make a basic pesto using nuts or seeds, herbs and greens and an unrefined oil.
    • How to save money making a basic dried fruit and nut bar featuring dates, dried fruit and soaked nuts.

    Bonus Class Materials: Video & Printables

    nutsandseedsWatch the Nuts and Seeds Video Lesson Now!

    Enjoy your free lesson and downloadable material!   I can’t wait to try the nut and dried fruit recipe, because I won’t need an oven or stove top to prepare this yummy snack.

  • Ultimate Homeschool Expo On Line

    The Ultimate Homeschool Expo has been awesome for me today even though I don’t have daily homeschooling responsibilities anymore.   I loved speaker Kimberly Ehlers challenge today:

    I will not compare myself to any other Mom; I will not compare my child to any other child; I will celebrate the God created specialness of my child.” I think this applies to all moms whether we homeschool or not!

    Here is tomorrow’s don’t miss schedule:

    10AM CT

    Welcome: Movie Makers

    Workshop: Power in Words: Encouraging Your Writer in the Art, Craft, and Ministry of Writing with Rachel Starr Thomson

    1PM CT

    Welcome: Sharon Jeffus from www.VisualManna.com

    Workshop: Getting Kids to Help: Your Part and Theirs with Stephanie Buckwalter from www.BusyHomeschooler.com

    3:30PM CT

    Welcome: Tara McClenahan from www.TaraMcClenahan.com

    Workshop: Spiritual Disciplines for Your Kids with Jane VanOsdol from www.OnlyByPrayer.com

    I’m really excited about the Spiritual Disciplines Workshop for ideas for teaching my daughter,for teaching my Sunday School Class and for my future grandkids, the first one is due in August.

    Take a peak at the rest of the week’s schedule you are sure to find some workshops that you won’t want to miss:

    Wednesday, May 5, 2010

    10AM CT

    Welcome: Kelly Thorne from www.iBloom.us

    Workshop: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly in Review with Jenn Schwilling from www.MomsNoChaosZone.com

    1PM CT

    Welcome: Lois Graham from www.BuildingBlocks4Life.com

    Workshop: E-Learning: Making Video Part of Your School with Felice Gerwitz from www.MediaAngels.com

    3:30PM CT

    Welcome: Candace with www.Sonbeams.com

    Workshop: Catching the Foxes that Ruin the Vineyard with Christine Field from www.HomeFieldAdvantage.org

    Thursday, May 6, 2010

    10AM CT

    Welcome: Kate Estes from www.HandsandHeart.com

    Workshop: Teaching Art to Reinforce Understanding of Core Concepts for Visual and Kinesthetic Learners with Sharon Jeffus from www.VisualManna.com

    1PM CT

    Welcome: Movie Makers

    Workshop: Publishing Your Young Writer’s Work:  Tips for Getting Their Work in Print with Jane VanOsdol from www.OnlyByPrayer.com

    3:30PM CT

    Welcome: Elana Michelson from www.biblicallapbooks.com

    Workshop: Dad, Mom’s Eating Broccoli Again! with Angela Ramos from www.homeschoolfitnesscoach.com

    Friday, May 7, 2010

    10AM CT

    Welcome: Molly Evert from www.MyAudioSchool.com

    Workshop: Mother: YOU can Make a Difference in this World! with Karisa Rivera from www.KarisaRivera.com

    1PM CT

    Welcome: Anne Elliott from www.AnnesSchoolPlace.com

    Workshop: Teaching the Multi-Grade Homeschool with Terri Johnson from www.KnowledgeQuestMaps.com

    3:30PM CT

    Welcome: Denise Warnick from www.floatasoldier.org

    Workshop: Re-Charge Your Homeschool! with Cindy Rushton from www.CindyRushton.com

    Remember, everything is recorded, so you don’t have to attend a live event.

    Get your ticket for the Mommy Grab Bag of Goodies, Fabulous Freebies and Downloads, and all the other great resources.

  • The Ultimate Family Expo

    Are you longing for the ultimate help in raising your children whether you home educate or not?  I homeschooled full-time my three children for 19 years.  The two oldest are homeschool graduates and college graduates.  After my husband passed away, I became a part-time homeschool mom.  Now I encourage younger moms to persevere in their high calling.

    I remember when I went to the homeschool conventions filled with big name motivational speakers but I always felt that there was no way I could measure up to what they were doing, so I was always left feeling more overwhelmed than encouraged by those experiences.

    I longed to hear from real moms who were finding solutions to making their homeschool work for their particular family situation, budget, and learning styles.  I longed for more information on managing the day to day then teaching the academics.

    I hated coming home exhausted and feeling like I couldn’t absorb another piece of information.  I didn’t like choosing between two workshops I didn’t want to miss.  All these objections have been solved by:

    The Ultimate Homeschool Expo is everything I longed for and MUCH, MUCH more. The Ultimate Expo has something for everyone and for all Families.  You will find speakers talking about topics of interest to ALL FAMILIES. Read more details below:family-mulitigenerational

    There are no large crowds!  No outrageous gas bills! No makeup! No babysitters! No parking miles away! No expensive trips or hotel stays! No walking for blocks and blocks! No lugging big loads of books around! No expensive trips or hotel stays!  No rushing around so you can catch the vendors, yet missing the wonderful workshops!

    In fact! No missing ANY workshops!  Look at this sampling of speakers that will appeal to all Families including those who have a baby on the way!


    Anne Elliott
    Using the Bible to Choose Methods and Curriculum

    Carol Topp
    Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out
    Is Your Homeschool Group Ready for 501(c)(3)Tax Exempt Status?
    Micro Business for Teens

    Christine Field
    Catching the Foxes that Ruin the Vineyard

    Cindy Carrier
    Creating a Joyful Home Atmosphere

    Cindy Rushton
    Back to the Heart of Homeschooling
    Say Goodbye to Super-Mom!

    Dawn Billesbach
    Making Family Dinners More Feasible, Fun, and Healthy in a Busy, Multi-tasking World

    Jane VanOsdol
    Spiritual Disciplines for Your Kids
    Publishing Your Young Writer’s Work:  Tips for Getting Their Work in Print

    Jennifer Schwilling
    Homeschooling Through the Hard Times
    The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly in Review

    Karisa Rivera
    A Trip Down Memory Lane: Sweet Memories and Valuable Lessons

    Kimberly Ehlers
    Homeschooling a Child with Health Issues

    Kimberly Guthrie
    A Mom’s Journey to Healthy Eating on a Real World Budget

    Lisa Hodgen
    “Teach Us to Pray” ~ Becoming a Family of Prayer

    Lois Graham
    Facing Frustrations and Surviving Stress
    ABC’s of Creative Bible Learning

    Lorrie Flem
    How to Raise Children Who Win Friends and Influence People
    Mind Training
    Attitudes are Born in the Mind

    Mary Kane
    Take 5- Time Out with Jesus

    Matthew Rushton
    Graduated, Married, Got a Baby On the Way–NOW, What I Think About Homeschooling

    Molly Evert
    Protecting your Marriage
    Homeschooling the Dyslexic Child (A Parent’s Perspective)

    Paul and Marissa Osborne
    Have A Killer Garage Sale and Live To Tell About It

    Phyllis Wheeler
    Internet Savvy for Homeschoolers

    Rachel Starr Thomson
    Power in Words: Encouraging Your Writer in the Art, Craft, and Ministry of Writing

    Regina Hicks
    Who’s Driving Your Bus? Tranquility or Turmoil
    High School & Beyond: The Final Leg of the Journey
    Three R’s for the Homeschool Mom: Rendering, Resting & Romancing

    Rhea Perry
    The Biggest Gap in Education and How to Fill It
    Online Businesses You and Your Kids Can Start from Home

    Sharon Jeffus
    Using Art to Help Struggling Students/A Different Approach
    Teaching Art to Reinforce Understanding of Core Concepts for Visual and Kinesthetic Learners

    Stephanie Buckwalter
    What I Learned From Keeping a Dirty House
    How to Make Any Curriculum a Right Brain Curriculum or How to Make Any Curriculum Right Brain Friendly
    Getting  the Kids to Help—Your Part and Theirs

    Susan Scott

    Homeschool Success for Every Child: Uncovering the Unique Gifts within each Child

    Tara McClenahan
    Unpacking Your Child’s Suitcase
    Discovering Your Child’s Love Language.

    Is That Ultimate or What?  There is something for everyone all from the convenience of your home!

    I know I can’t wait, there is a lot for me still to learn.  I hope you will join me in obtaining a ticket to the Ultimate Family Expo.



  • Moving to the Camp Kitchen

    I spent a large portion of my time last week moving kitchen essentials into my camp kitchen and boxing up the non-essentials from my “old” kitchen.  The picture below shows my kitchen table, working counter top with a hot plate, electric tea kettle,  and storage for silverware, mixing bowls, and pots and pans.

    IMG_0223.JPGThe right corner of the camp kitchen contains an old computer desk that I used for writing ebooks and newsletters when Duane was still living.  Now I have my bible,  laptop, home telephone and answering machine located here.  To the right of the main eating table (outside the picture) is a very old set of file drawers that are doubling as a counter to house my microwave/convection oven combo, an airpot being used as a faucet for cold drinking water, and my beloved Bosch.

    IMG_0222.JPGAlong the left side of my camp kitchen facing the window is my entire family library with a banquet table set up in front for my cutting board, utensil storage, and dish washing station.  The trash can is in front of the banquet table.

    IMG_0224.JPG

    IMG_0226.JPG

    I now have my dining room, family library, kitchen, and desk area tucked into about a 10 X 12 foot space.  It’s all very cozy but surprisingly functional.

  • I am a ‘Kept’ Woman!

    There have been times when I thought I would lose my mind, but God kept me sane.  Isaiah 26:3 –

    There were times when I thought I could go on no longer But the LORD kept me moving.  (Gen 28:15)

    At times, I’ve wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, but the Lord kept my mouth shut.  (Ps 13)

    Sometimes I think the money just isn’t enough, but God has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc,  (Matt 6:25-34

    When I thought I would fall, He kept me up.

    When I thought I was weak, He kept me strong!  (1 Pet 5:7, Matt 11: 28-30)

    Are you or do you know a ‘kept’ woman?

    If so, pass it on to her to let them know they are ‘Kept.’

    I am kept by the Love and Grace of God!  I am indeed  kept woman and praise God for it!

    Please share this with someone in need of encouragement today.