I hope you’ll find my tips and product reviews helpful! Also, feel free to visit my main blog, Serving Joyfully, for my thoughts on Christian homemaking and all that entails for me.
Book Review: The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House Publishers)
I love to read. Since I was ten or eleven, it’s been my favorite pastime. People often talk about a place to go when you want to get away from it all and crave peace. I never had a physical place, I had books. So, earlier this year when I learned about the opportunity to review for Bethany House (Christian Publisher), I applied right away and was excited to have my application accepted, especially since most of my favorite books have been published by Bethany House.
I have a small confession to make—in all my reading of Christian books, I had somehow managed to miss anything by Beverly Lewis. I’ve never been a huge fan of Amish books. However, when The Fiddler popped up on my review list, I thought it would be a good time to give her book a chance, and see what all the fuss was about.
I’m glad I did.
The Fiddler follows the struggles of Amelia Devries (Amy), and Michael Hostettler. Amy is a world-famous concert violinist, but we first meet her when she is moonlighting as a fiddler. Michael Hostettler has been raised in an Amish household, but we first meet him when he’s hiding out after an argument with his strict Amish father. And so, the scene is set for both Amy and Michael to struggle against the pressures placed upon them by tradition, family members, and expectations, as they seek to make their own way in life.
I really enjoyed many aspects of this book. There is an element of romance, but it takes a back seat to the main story as both Michael and Amy try to untangle their own desires from the expectations placed upon them by others. I like the parallel drawn between the pressures Michael faces from his Amish family, and the pressures Amy faces from her family’s career expectations.
I did feel as if there was a lot of judgment toward the Amish culture and beliefs, and that bothered me a bit. It was as if the Amish community was being judged for not allowing the “fancy” visitor to completely change their customs.
Overall, this was a good read, with a bit of hints and mystery woven in to keep you guessing for the upcoming books in the series.
(I was provided a review copy from Bethany House Publishers. However, I was not required to post a positive review, and all opinions expressed about this book are my own.)
Moon Orchid Motifs: Envelope Budget System
I have an exciting post today! Some of you have been following my budget series. One of the things I talked about in my post about our very tight budget, is using an envelope system. Well, Amanda from Moon Orchid Motifs has generously offered me one of her awesome fabric envelope systems for review, AND she is offereing another one for me to giveaway to one of my readers!!!
8 Pockets for Credit Cards, or library cards, since of course we don’t have credit cards 
2 large pockets, plus a zippered pocket
6 Fabric “Money Envelopes” with white space for labelling categories, and secure snaps.
Sturdy snap closure to keep your wallet closed securely.
I have been using this wallet for a couple months now and I love how convenient it is! Before, I was using my regular wallent, plus regular envelopes in a plastic zip-up make up type bag that I got at the dollar store. Yes, it worked just fine, but this is oh-so-much-cuter. And, I can put everything in one wallet instead of having 2 separate things in my purse. It is kind of bulky, but it holds a lot, so it kind of has to be.
The wallet is made out of this cute gray and lime green Ty Pennington fabric. They usually sell for $65.00 in Amanda’s etsy shop, but she is giving one away to a lucky reader!
To enter, simply leave a comment below with your best frugal/thrifty tip!
You can also earn multiple entries by following the instructions below. I don’t “bribe” people to follow me, but you’re always welcome to subscribe to my blog, and share this post and giveaway with any friends you think may be interested.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
God Gave us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren (Waterbrook Press)
I recently got the opportunity to sign up as a reviewer for Waterbrook Press. I was very excited to see that one of the books available for review was perfect for my boys. Yay!
So, last week, we got a little surprise in the mail: God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren; illustrated by Laura J. Bryant.
The good points: One thing I particularly loved about this book is the author’s use of repetition throughout to drive the point home. I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old and repetition is an important part of learning for them. Nearly every part of the conversation ends with some form of “God gave us you.” Since this is such an important message, I appreciated the repetition.
The illustrations in this book are darling! And, overall, my boys and our family enjoyed the book.
Other Notes: The book deals quite a bit with pregnancy. Although it is done in a way that little ones can understand, parents might want to make sure it’s not more explicit than you’re prepared to be (the book discusses baby growing in mommy’s tummy, going to the doctor to hear a heartbeat, mommy feeling special signals when baby wants out, etc.). This being said, I think the book could easily serve as a teaching tool for your child if you’re expecting another little one—it will reinforce that your child was a gift from God, while also explaining what’s to come with a new little one.
Also, while the book is supposed to be for ages 0-3, and it is a board book, I found some of the wording to be a bit awkward, especially for younger children like my 2 year old.
(Full Disclosure: I received this book for free as a review copy from Waterbook Press. However, all opinions stated in this review are distinctly my own.)
Etsy Shop: A Rude Girl Production
Okay, so I am the person who NEVER wins giveaways. I’ve accepted it. But, a few weeks ago…I actually did win something! My friend Susan has started this super cute blog with her friend Soo. It’s called My Babykins and is all about toddler fashion. Susan covers the boy fashion and Soo covers the girl fashion. And, seriously, it’s adorable.
They have been hosting lots of giveaways on their blog. When I went to check out the blog, Susan just happened to be offering up a handmade hooded towel.
When she first contacted me to say I won, I admit, I was less than thrilled. Immediately, I thought about how I had just purged so much unnecessary stuff from my boys’ room. I was expecting a baby towel, you know, like the ones my boys have outgrown and that I had just gotten rid of?
But, then I got it in the mail and it’s no ordinary hooded towel. This thing is huge! It’s a full size towel, with a hood sown on 
Yay! It’s much more useful than I imagined in my head, so we were all pretty excited, and the boys LOVE it! They couldn’t wait for bath time so they could try it out.
(It’s okay if you think my boys are the cutest…I kinda think that too!)
Go visit My Babykins…maybe you’ll be lucky enough to win one of their fun etsy giveaways!
While you’re at it, visit Susan’s etsy shop for some really cute finds. I especially love her red apple card wallet, and Matryoshka doll hair clip.
