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Books Read in 2014

January 1, 2015 by Aliesha

Books-Read-in-2014For the past couple of years, I have been keeping track of all the books I read in the year.  I always love getting new book recommendations, and I hope you do too!  I think I probably left a few books off the list, but I did my best to keep track of all of them!  In order to keep this post from being super long, each book “review” is just one sentence, but I’ll happily share more info about any of the books if you ask!

Listed roughly in the order I read them…

little-women
 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
A re-read, of course, which felt like catching up with old, dear friends.

contentmentContentment by Lydia Brownback
Great little devotional book that is perfect for busy women (since each devo is just 2-3 pages).

hospitality brodockHospitality: The Duty of the Christian Home by Kathy Bradock
Nice little summary of the biblical basis for hospitality with some practical advice for those new to showing hospitality.

101-Independent-Activities-for-Kids3101 Independent Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers by Mary Ellen Bream
Contains lots of ideas for activities for busy little ones… a great resource!

Cover-ItsMeOrTheCoupons_eStoreIt’s Me or the Coupons: How a Busy Mom Can Win the Grocery Budget Battle by Beth Cranford
Helpful resource on getting started couponing without losing your mind.

Blog-at-Home-3D-500Blog at Home Mom: Balancing Blogging and Motherhood by Christin Slade
This is a really great book for learning how to juggle blogging and being a mom, without losing your mind!

monkey-see-monkey-doMonkey See, Monkey Do: A Tutorial to Using PicMonkey with Professional Results by Richele McFarlin
Before reading this, I had no idea that I could use PicMonkey to create really awesome graphics for my blog (and otherwise!).

no-cook-freezer-mealsNo Cook Freezer Meals by Kelly McNelis
This has 18 great recipes for freezer meals you can prepare quickly (no or little cooking required).

build-a-better-spouse31 Days to Build a Better Spouse by Ashley Pichea
Guided prayers for your spouse… such a good resource for strengthening your marriage through prayer!

a-heart-preparedA Heart Prepared: A Simple and Effective Scripture Memory System by Jami Balmet
This little eBook comes with printable Scripture cards, plus practical ideas for committing God’s Word to memory.

taming-the-laundry-monsterTaming the Laundry Monster by Angi Schneider
Contains good ideas for laundry management, including when and how to get your kids involved in doing their own laundry!

real-food-real-budgetReal Food on a Real Budget by Stephanie Langford
If you’d like to get started cooking and eating real food for your family, this book is an awesome place to start, filled with all the practical advice you’ll need to make it work time-wise and budget-wise.
Undivided_Mom3D-906x1024Undivided Mom: Finding Christ in the Chaos of Motherhood by Kayse Pratt
These devotionals are perfect to read during naptime or another quiet part of the day, and are both encouraging and challenging.
Joy by BrownbackJoy by Lydia Brownback
This is another great devotional that is deep, but is also broken down into very tiny chapters.
Fierce WomenFierce Women by Kimberly Wagner
This might be one of my favorite marriage books to date, simply because Wagner (a naturally strong woman) explains submission to a husband’s leadership in a very biblical and approachable way, with lots of personal stories from her life and the lives of women she has counseled.
a-womans-walk-with-GodA Woman’s Walk with God by Elizabeth George
We did this study on the fruit of the Spirit with our ladies Bible study, and we all loved how practical and biblical it was!enoughEnough: 10 Things We Should Be Telling Teenage Girls by Kate Elizabeth Conner
Reviewed in full here, this book is an awesome resource for moms, sisters, aunts, youth workers, and anyone else who is influencing teen girls.glimpses of graceGlimpses of Grace: Treasuring the Gospel in Your Home by Gloria Furman
I was encouraged after reading this excellent book to apply the Gospel to my ministry in my home and to my family.diy-natural-remediesDIY Natural Remedies by Nina Nelson
I’m starting to dabble in DIY herbal remedies, so this was a good starting point with lots of “recipes.”31-days-to-a-staged-home31 Days to a Staged Home by Leslie Ann Hoyt
I love reading Leslie’s blog, so I found this book on home staging very practical and interesting!essentials of essential oilsEssentials of Essential Oils by Rachel Ramey
If you’re new to essential oils, this book is helpful for learning the basics of methods, diluting, carrier oils, and more.how-to-become-a-better-home-cookHow to Become a Better Home Cook by Lindsay Moe
This was a good little eBook about growing in your cooking skills.kidseatrealfood_with-borderKids Eat Real Food by Vanessa Pruitt
I enjoyed this eBook on raising kids who enjoy eating a variety of healthy foods.The-Everything-Beans-Book-Cover_Flat_200pxThe Everything Beans Book by Katie Kimball
We eat a lot of rice and beans in our family, so I read this book to try and add a few new recipes to the mix.Pickle-cover-3D-792x1024Can I Get a Pickle Without Yellow 5, Please? by Sarah Nichols
If you aren’t aware of the possible health hazards of consuming artificial food dyes, you definitely should read this book.

The-Eczema-CureThe Eczema Cure by Emily Bartlett
I have struggled with eczema for over three years, and this helpful book finally has me on the right track to finding healing from it.

sovereignty-of-God-and-prayerThe Sovereignty of God and Prayer by John Reisinger
If you’ve ever wondered, “If God is sovereign, why do I need to pray?” then this is a book you’ll want to read!

How to Market and Sell Your eBookHow to Market and Sell Your eBook by Sarah Mae
This was a reread, but I wanted to refresh my memory as I prepare to write my first eBook!

How to Blog for ProfitHow to Blog for Profit without Selling Your Soul by Ruth Soukup
This was also a reread this year, but it’s an awesome book about growing your blog and generating an income from it.

sacred parentingSacred Parenting by Gary Thomas
We are doing this study in a moms group I am a part of, and I just love the emphasis on what God is teaching ME and how He is sanctifying me through parenting my children!

ruth-and-estherRuth & Esther by Kathleen Nielson
This is a 12-week Bible study through two well-known books of the Bible, but it provides lots of insights into historical background an whole-Bible context.

Book of the Year

give-them-graceGive Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson
I’m going to write a full review on this one soon, but it was definitely my favorite book I read in 2014, and one of my favorite parenting books ever!

What were some of your favorite books you read last year?

Filed Under: book reviews, books

Enough: 10 Things We Should Be Telling Teenage Girls {Review, Printables, & Giveaway!}

July 24, 2014 by Aliesha

Two years ago, my friend Kate Conner wrote a blog post entitled “10 Things I Want to Tell Teenage Girls.” Within a day, I was seeing links to her post all over Facebook as it went viral.  It received more than two million views in two weeks!  Kate’s post is full of wisdom and humor, and she soon landed a book deal so that she could reach a wider audience with her powerful message!

On August 1, Kate Conner is releasing two books: one for parents/youth leaders/etc., and one for teenage girls.  I was so excited to receive a review copy of Enough: 10 Things We Should Be Telling Teenage Girls.  Each chapter is based on a point from Kate’s original post, and covers topics ranging from modesty, to social media, to boys, to not following your heart.

Using personal stories, cute illustrations, and examples from popular movies, Kate crafts a compelling book that deserves to be read by anyone ministering to teenage girls (talking to you, big sisters, moms, teachers, friends, and pastor’s wives!).

My favorite chapter was the last one, entitled “Enough.”  In this chapter, Kate presents a case that even “the most beautiful, self-assured, powerful, productive woman longs to hear, at the end of every long day, ‘You did enough today. It is okay to breathe now. You are enough.'”  Kate really gets to the heart of the matter here, when she lays out the Gospel clearly. “God doesn’t love us because we are enough–we are enough because He loves us,” she writes. “We are enough to be loved radically. We are enough to be pursued, ransomed, redeemed, bought back, sacrificed for, rejoiced in, cleansed, purified–worked on and in and through. We are not perfect, but He is perfecting us.”

If you loved Kate’s original 10 Things post, I know you will love her book too!

You can find Kate here:  blog  |  facebook  |  twitter  |  instagram  |  pinterest

As I mentioned, there is also a book specifically written for teen girls as well (based on the same 10 points).

I ordered three copies of 10 Things for Teen Girls to give to some amazing teenage girls I know!

I created some graphics to go along with the books I am sending to my girls!

I’m sharing them with you today as well!  These printable quotes are perfect for sticking on your bathroom mirror or attaching to a copy of the book you’re giving to a friend!

Wrap up the books, print out the graphics, and slap on some washi tape!

To save, click on the image, right-mouse click, then click “save as.” These are sized to print on 4×6 photo paper. Personal use only.





And, LAST BUT NOT LEAST! I’m giving away a copy of Enough: 10 Things We Should Be Telling Teenage Girls to one lucky reader!

To enter, log in to the Rafflecopter widget below, and follow the instructions to enter!  (Note: Even if you don’t have Facebook, you can log in with your name/email and choose the comment method of entry!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received one copy of Enough for free from B&H Publishing Group in order to facilitate this review. I also know Kate in real life, but these opinions are 100% mine and I totally recommend her books!

Filed Under: book reviews, books, printables, reviews

Books Read in 2013

January 1, 2014 by Aliesha

For the past few years, I’ve been keeping track of most of the books I read throughout the year.  (You can see my lists for 2011 and 2012.)  I bought an eBook bundle in the spring, so that’s how I got a hold of so many wonderful eBooks this year!  I still read quite a few “real” books as well, but this is the first year my list of eBooks outweighs physical books!

(To download, click to enlarge, then right click, then click “save as.” For personal use only.) 


I’ll try to keep my reviews to just a sentence, but if you want more info on any of these books, let me know in the comments.

In no particular order…

Fit to Burst by Rachel Jankovic
I love reading Rachel’s blog, and I thoroughly enjoyed her first book (Loving the Little Years), so it was no surprise that I liked this book on motherhood too, and found it both challenging and inspiring!

Better than a Box: How to Transform Processed Food Recipes into Whole Foods Favorites by Katie Kimball
If you’re new to the journey from processed food to real food, this book (a guide book as much as a cookbook) will help you adapt family favorites to a new, healthier way of eating.

1 & 2 Peter (MacArthur Bible Studies) by John MacArthur
Our ladies’ Bible study did this study this year and we were challenged to remain steadfast in the faith in the midst of trials and persecutions.

Practicing Hospitality: the Joy of Serving Others by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock
This was a great book on the biblical basis for showing hospitality and it also contained recipes and menu ideas!

The Art of Hospitality by Yvonne G. Baker (out of print)
This is an intensely practical book with so many fantastic ideas for showing hospitality to others, including meal plan ideas and recipes as well.

Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes by Shauna Niequist
While I don’t endorse everything in this book, I loved it overall and was so inspired to show hospitality after reading it (and I’ve made 12+ recipes from the book already…all delicious)!

The Church Planting Wife: Help and Hope for Her Heart by Christine Hoover
Christine’s blog is fresh and inspiring, so it’s no wonder that her book was excellent as well, and I really learned a lot from her wise perspective.

Embracing Beauty by Trina Holden
This is a super-practical guide to dressing in a becoming and stylish way during any season of womanhood/motherhood!

Frumps to Pumps by Sarah Mae
I really liked this book motivating moms to get dressed every day and look nice for their husbands and families!

Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson
By far the best book I read this year, Desperate gave me the encouragement I needed to press on in the challenging role of motherhood.

The Christian Homemaker’s Handbook edited by Pat Ennis and Dorothy Kelley Patterson
This is a “reference” book in a lot of ways, so I didn’t read every word of it this year, but I gleaned a lot from it and will definitely refer back to it for years to come!

How to Blog for Profit Without Selling Your Soul by Ruth Soukup
Of all the books on blogging I read this year, this was the most helpful and included the most practical advice for monetizing a blog and driving new traffic.

How to Feed a Family of 4 or More for Less Than $200 a Month by Melissa “Liss” Burnell
I was already doing most of the tips listed in this book, but it could be a good resource for some.

You, Your Family, and the Internet by David Clark
This was a helpful, biblical perspective to your internet usage.

Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Daniele Evans
I was challenged by this book to prioritize rest in my life.

Plan a Fabulous Party by Mary Carver
I love party planning, and this book had some great ideas and tips!

Handmade Walls by Jamin and Ashley Mills
This is a gorgeous book that is filled with tons of DIY ideas for frames/art for your home.

Not a DIY Diva: How to Create an Authentically-Inspired Life in a Pinterest World by Melissa Michaels
This is an inspiring book about being content with your home when surrounded by so much “perfection” on blogs and Pinterest.

Pulling Yourself Together by Becky of Clean Mama
If you’ve never implemented a home cleaning routine, this book is very helpful in getting started.

4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions
This book made me laugh out loud at times, but provided great practical help in some mothering issues I was struggling with (keeping children in worship, etc.).

That Works for Me! compiled by Welch and DeGroot
Lots of tips on homemaking taken from her popular blog.

Unbound Birth: How to Have a Natural Birth in the Hospital by Jennifer Yarbrough
This is a GREAT resource filled with practical ideas for anyone who desires to have a natural birth in a traditional hospital setting – which I’ve been blessed to have three times now!

How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home by Jacinda Vandenberg
This is a great book on balancing blogging with homemaking, including tips on prioritizing and creating great content.

How to Have Your Cake and Eat it, Too by Mandi Ehman
This is another book on balancing blogging with family life, and I learned a few tips from it (even though I don’t see my blog heading in the direction of “business” at this point).

Reuse, Refresh, Repurpose by The Frugal Girl
This had a few simple ideas for repurposing old garments into new projects.

Simple Blogging by Rachel Meeks
This had some great advice on time management and blogging.

Your Grocery Budget Toolbox by Anne Simpson
I’m not sure whether to be encouraged or discouraged that I was already doing most of the money-saving tips in this book, but it was very practical and would be a great resource for you in economizing while feeding your family in a healthy way.

101 Days of Christmas by Mandi Ehman
This is a compilation of some of the best ideas from her blog, and there are a lot of good recipes, projects, and gift ideas here.

The No-Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley Morgan
This book has lots of good advice on putting together a capsule (mix and match) wardrobe, shopping thrift stores, and using Pinterest to find outfit inspiration.

A Woman’s Wisdom: How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything by Lydia Brownback
Our ladies’ Bible study also went through this book this year and we all benefited from the practical advice and from the emphasis on Christ as our wisdom.

I’m reading a few more books currently, but I didn’t finish them before midnight last night, so they’ll have to wait for 2014’s list!

What was the best book you read in 2013?

Disclosure: a few of these are affiliate links, but I only give honest opinions about the books listed here.

Filed Under: book reviews, books

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This blog shares our family's story and our journey from newlyweds to a family of seven. We share milestones, we share struggles, we share sweet memories, and we share about our Savior. Keep reading...

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