Humidifier and Essential Oils Giveaway

Here’s the deal. Currently on our US tour (which so far has lasted 19 months, thanks for asking) we are in the Midwest in the middle of summer. The last thing I want to think about in a midwestern summer is a humidifier! Just open your windows, people! You’ll get your humidifier!

Still, I couldn’t pass up the chance to tell you–especially my dear southwestern friends, who may not even remember what humidity is–about this nifty humidifier and oils giveaway worth $380. That’s three hundred and eighty smackeroos, folks! The little blue humidifier is so stinkin’ cute that I’d love to set it up on the counter next to our teeny little dehumidifier and have them duke it out. It sounds like family night to me!

Onward!

The winner of the humidifier will also receive a whole chunk of essential oils to diffuse using the humidifier. Personally, I’d love the thieves to help keep my family healthy as we travel from church to church sharing my husband’s music and the germs from all the sneezing children at the previous churches. You’re welcome, church goers.

Why do you want essential oils? I don’t know. But I know why I want them, and here are a few reasons:

Safe and natural cleaning.
First aid.
Foot massages. (Grin. Big one.)
Sore muscles massages for my guitarist-hubby’s back after a long string of concerts.
Diffuse them in that cute little humidifier to make the travel trailer smell good, despite the 125-pounds of smelly dog sleeping on our floor every night.
Diffuse them in said humidifier to kill germs. (Remember the sneezy kids?)
And…maybe this is weird…but I’ve always wanted to put a teeny drop of lavender oil in the toilet paper tube in the bathroom, so every time someone took a swipe for a wipe, it would release a nice essence of lavender…to cover, well, other essences. Come on, you know you want to try it.

Positively Real Media Network (a blog group of more-or-less natural Christian bloggers) is giving one of you lucky pups a Blue Rose Ultrasonic Humidifier and a whole passel of essential oils to use with it. See?

Here’s the nitty-gritty.

Blue Rose Humidifier

Little Blue is different than most humidifiers (and different than opening your windows in the Midwest or deep South). Apparently, most hot water humidifiers launch huge particles of water around the room, much like a small boy with a squirt gun set on “destroy.” The blue rose humidifier uses cool mists to distribute a finer water particle, which is safe to use in all rooms, even in those with electronics and family heirlooms (which, by the way you should really pack away until that small boy has small boys of his own).

Isn’t Little Blue cute?!

What else? I’m thrilled that you asked, mostly because I really wanted to make another bulleted list.

More of Little Blue’s features:

Mood light, known as a night light to those of us with children or fear of the dark…or both. Shhh.
Low power-usage. Go green…or blue, in this case.
Quiet. (I don’t remember what that word means.)
Fragrance bottle receptacle for dispersing essential oils. (Huh?! I dunno. Just watch this video to see Little Blue defeating the forces of evil with its mood lighting and force (a.k.a. essential oil dispersal) powers.)

For more scientific information about Little Blue…er, the Blue Rose humidifier visit Kitchen Kneads. And if you don’t win and you just have to bring Little Blue’s mood light and force powers into your home, you can snag your own little defender of the universe while it’s on sale for only $59.99!

Essential Oil Bundle

It’s time to kick it up a notch. Thirteen bloggers–none of which are me–have donated essential oils to beef up this giveaway. Little Blue is pretty excited about this! Here’s what you get if you win, which, coincidentally, is exactly the same as what you don’t get if you lose:

Introduction to Essential Oils Pack (5 ml each of lemon, lavender, and peppermint): Includes the basics for natural cleaning, relaxation, and helping soothe the hard-working hubby’s aches and pains. From Jill of The Prairie Homestead; buy HERE.

Lavender Essential Oil (15ml): Lavender is used for it’s calming and relaxing properties…and making the toidy room smell nice. From Krissa of More Than Mundane; buy HERE.

DiGize Essential Oil (15ml): Di-Gize™ provides valuable aid for digestive concerns and helps support a healthy digestive system. From Clarinda of A Jewel in the Making; buy HERE.

Rare Quality Tea Tree Oil (.2oz): Treats minor cuts, scrapes, bug bites, and burns, gently soothes “ouches,” naturally fights bacteria, naturally penetrates and cleans, and jump-starts the healing process. Little miracle oil, ain’t it? Melaleuca oil from Kristy of Little Natural Cottage; contact her to find out where to buy.

Idaho Blue Spuce Essential Oil (5ml): This oil contains high percentages of alpha-pinene and limonene (What?! I dunno.), with a pleasing evergreen aroma that relaxes both mind and body…you know, Christmas tree smell! From Jennifer of Royal Little Lambs; buy HERE.

Orange Essential Oil (15ml): The rich, fruity scent lifts your mood while calming your body. From Sara of A Mama’s Story; buy HERE.

Tangerine Essential Oil (15ml): Tangerine is a calming essential oil with a sweet, tangy aroma. It helps with occasional nervous irritability…which I totally never have…ever! From Mary of The Encouraging Home; buy HERE.

Thieves Essential Oil (15ml): This oil rocks the world. Period. Exclamation point! It is highly effective in supporting the immune system and good health…and fighting off sneezing children. Back, I say! Back! From Anne of Authentic Simplicity; buy HERE.

Frankincense Essential Oil (5ml): A truly unique essential oil, with a rich, aromatic scent that is calming to your senses, your emotional state and overall sense of well-being. Plus, the wise men gave it to Jesus, so…I love it! From Stacy of A Delightful Home; contact her to find out where to buy.

Clove Essential Oil (15ml): This powerful antioxidant is a favorite among both health care professionals and health conscious individuals for its many useful and healing properties…and it smells like Thanksgiving. Hello! From Sara of Your Thriving Family; buy HERE.

Ylang Ylang Extra Essential Oil (.5oz): Say that five times fast. This intense floral aroma is prized in perfumes and nourishes and encourages the spirit…which I believe is e.o. speak for makes you happy. From Danielle from More Than Four Walls; contact her to find out where to buy.

Peppermint Beadlets: Each tiny beadlet delivers a refreshing burst of peppermint as it quickly dissolves in your mouth, while invigorating your senses as you breathe in the cooling aroma of pure peppermint essential oil. Yeah, I want some. From Audra of Naturally Well; buy HERE.

Purification Essential Oil {5ml}: Purification® can be used directly on the skin to cleanse and soothe cuts, scrapes, and the roghly 12,000 mosquito bites we’ve gotten here in the Midwest this summer. When diffused, it helps to purify and cleanse the air from environmental impurities including cigarette smoke, wet dog, the after-effects of bean night, and other disagreeable odors. From Whitney of Beauty in the Mess; buy HERE.

Enter to Win!

Enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter below. The mandatory entry is super simple – just hit “Enter!” Earn additional entries for following your favorite blogs via Facebook and email. Increase your chances by liking them all…and don’t forget about li’l ol’ me way down at the bottom there. Grin.

This giveaway is only available in the United States and Canada–sorry to my down under friends and anyone else across the Great Blue!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck! Since I can’t win, I hope you do! Yup, that was long. You should get a prize for making it this far…but you won’t. Sorry.

$600 Homemaking E-bundle for $29.97

I’ve got an amazing deal for you today. I don’t want to waste your time on words, so I’ll keep it short and sweet…or at least short.

More than 75 bloggers and authors have combined 97 ebooks and ecourses to create the homemaking bundle of all homemaking bundles. It is valued at over $600, but it will only cost you $29.97! Me too, ‘cuz I already bought it. Grin.

The topics include mothering, organizing, cleaning, cooking, kitchen tips, homeschooling, faith building, decorating, pregnancy, baby care, frugal living, health, fitness, financial tools, work-from-home resources…whew! I think there’s more, but my fingers are out of breath, so just check it all out below.

Ten companies are also offering over $140 in bonus offers. Cool beans, eh?

Enough from me. Check it out down below. (The books and products I owned before this sale are marked with ***. The books I’m really psyched about reading are marked with +++. Do I want all these books? No way. I’ve got a life! But the price for the bundle is far better than the price of just the books I want. The rest would make great Mother’s Day gifts! Also, please note that I do get a commission from each sale. Read more about that at the bottom.)

What’s Included in the Sale?

When you purchase The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection, you receive instant access to all of the 97 eBooks and eCourses listed below.

PLUS over $140 of FREE Bonuses

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. “They” tell me there will be no late sales offered.

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

+++ A FREE Two-Month Membership to Fit2B Studio, where their wholesome workouts for the whole family are tummy safe and particularly target Diastasis Recti (split abs). ($19.98 value. No shipping restrictions.) +++ Very exciting!

A $15 store credit to TruKid. With products like their award-winning sun care, they are dedicated to providing all natural skin and hair care for kids, babies, and now pets. ($15.00 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

*** Your choice of incredible natural products like sea salt and clay for FREE. Choose from the Redmond Trading Earthpaste Bundle ($24.90 value) or the Facial Mud Bundle ($26.90 value). (Standard shipping applies. Continental US only.) *** Love these products!

*** Your choice of a FREE heirloom sourdough starter or FREE yogurt starter from Cultures for Health, the leading supplier of starter cultures and supplies for making cultured and fermented foods ($12.95 value. US & CAN addresses only. Standard shipping applies.) *** Longtime fans!

Your choice of: a FREE 3-Month Subscription (for new accounts) or 30% off a One Year Subscription. Plan to Eat is an online menu planner that uses your recipes, scheduled for the days you want them. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A FREE Culinary Herbs Assorted Seed Pack Check just in time for spring planting from www.wheatgrasskits.com, a living whole foods company. ($11.95 value. Standard shipping applies to all US states and territories- no international shipping for seeds.)

+++ Get $10 off Union28’s original “my husband rocks” tee. Their marriage apparel lets you celebrate your spouse in style. ($10.00 value. Standard shipping rates apply. International shipping available, but free shipping only available within USA.)

A $10 store credit plus 1 FREE lip balm from Bee All Natural. Their whole body products nourish and heal, and are made using only the highest quality, food grade, organic ingredients. ($13.49 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

A FREE 2 oz. bottle of your choice of liquid herbal formula from TriLight Health. They specialize in fast acting, great tasting natural herbal remedies. ($12.95 value or more. Standard shipping applies, within the USA only.)

Your choice of 3 FREE ePlanners OR a 3-Month FREE Membership to ListPlanIt, whose mobile lists will help to organize your life. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

The fine print:

Bonus Offers

Each bonus offer can be redeemed once only per eBook Bundle purchase.
For each bonus offer, transaction numbers or proof of purchase may be required at the time of redemption.
All bonus offers are free gifts from the bonus sponsors, are their sole responsibility to provide, and are subject to availability.
All bonus offers expire at midnight on May 19th, 2013 (2 weeks from the last day of this sale).

General

It is your responsibility to download and back-up your purchase within the 1-month download time-frame. With proof of purchase, we can renew download links up until August 1st, 2013. After this date we will no longer have access to the books and will not be able to provide any new links to download.
Due to the nature of this sale, there will be no refunds available. However, we would invite you to read our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the file types, the download process, how the bonus offers work, etc.

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered, so make sure that you get your bundle right away!

Particularly for those wanting to read these ebooks on their mobile devices (iPhones or iPads, Android, Kindle, etc.) you will want to learn more about the file types, how to download them correctly, and how to transfer them to your device.

This post includes affiliate links, and I make a portion of the sale of each ebook bundle. As usual, all proceeds from The Simple Homemaker go to support my obsession with homeschooling and raising great kids! But you know I don’t promote things I don’t believe in. Hey, I bought the bundle, and my money and I are not easily parted…just ask my kids. So there ya go!

A Widow in Need and a Handcrafted Soap Giveaway ($25 Value)

Please read: To help a fellow mother who was recently widowed, I am joining with other bloggers who are introducing you to Mae’s Handcrafted Natural Soap. Because we live on the road full-time, I have not been able to receive a sample of the soap to review personally. The following information is based on reviews done by other bloggers who have tried the soap and know Mae personally, and a bit is based on personal research.

To enter the giveaway, please scroll down past the review.

To read Mae’s story written by one of her close friends, please scroll down past the giveaway.

Reader, Meet Mae’s Soap!

I have an on-again, off-again relationship with handmade soap. When I have it, I use it and I love it. When I run out, I don’t use it, and I’m bummed…but not so bummed that I stop using soap, so you can still stand downwind of me. I love handmade soap. I love the colors, the smells, the textures, and the ingredients.

I also love that it doesn’t have a lot of nasties in it. I don’t totally wig out over nasties in our soap (because wigging out over anything is not part of my simple philosophy), but when I have the option, I go nasty-free. It makes me happy, and I like to be happy. So there you go.

I just learned about Mae’s Handcrafted Natural Soaps that have no nasties. What I found interesting is that Mae uses real tallow in her soap. My knowledge of tallow is limited to candle making in the Little House books, so I did a little research at a site called beeftallow.com. (There is now officially a website for everything.)

Wow! Tallow rocks the soap-making world! Tallow soap lasts longer than a regular bar of soap, is non-allergenic, doesn’t get slimy in the shower, and moisturizes the skin. Tallow has a number of other benefits as well, but hey, did you read the part about not getting slimy in the shower? What more could you ask for!

Mae uses other gentle, pure ingredients as well. To ensure a more luxurious lather from her soaps, Mae adds coconut oil. Olive oil is soothing for the skin, so, naturally, Mae has popped that in there, too! Lightly scented with essential oils, Mae’s soaps reportedly leave you smelling fresh, but you won’t knock anyone out with an overwhelming aroma when you waft past them.

And look how pretty!

Want some? Yup, so do I.

Reader, Win Mae’s Soap!

You can win one of six $25-gift certificates to select your favorites from Mae’s Natural Handcrafted Soap. Enter the Rafflecopter below (if it isn’t there, just click the link).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reader, Meet Mae!

This review and giveaway is on behalf of a dear friend and sister in Christ who unexpectedly lost her beloved husband in February of this year. He left Mae and a young son behind, reeling from their loss.

Mae’s husband had been out of work for a year, living off of a small military pension. The family, understandably, had to cut back on expenses – one of which was their life insurance policies. His sudden death now leaves Mae and their son with very little income (less than a couple hundred dollars a month). Because of different personal situations, she is currently ineligible for benefits like Social Security. Mae homeschools their son, and, thanks to The Home School Foundation, she will receive a grant to cover homeschooling supplies and curriculum. She is asking the Lord to provide for her son and herself through her small businesses, one of which is making soaps and other body products.

As you can see, the situation is dire for this sweet widow and her son, but we know that God is able to do more than we could ever think, or ask (Eph. 3:20), and we hope that you will consider joining up with us to help our dear friend by supporting her business.

We’re asking you, dear readers, to seriously consider the call of James 1:27—to care for widows and orphans and consider Mae’s Handcrafted Natural Soaps for your next soap purchase.

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1: 27

Anyone who knows Mae is touched by her. She is an incredibly godly woman, who acts as a Titus 2 mentor to those who know her. She is loved dearly and we want to do all we can to support her during this incredibly difficult time! Please pass this on by sharing this giveaway on Facebook and Twitter.

A big thank you to all the bloggers participating:
Ann @ DuctTapeandDenim.com
Anne @ Authentic Simplicity
Tara @ Everyday Ramblings of My Life
Jill @ Jill’s Home Remedies
Sara Elizabeth @ A Mama’s Story
Gail @ The Imperfect Housewife
Renee @ I Am The Clay
Del @ Devote & Seek
Jill @ Blessed Beyond a Doubt
Rebecca @ Rebecca’s Ramblings
Hilary @ Accidentally Green
Marci @ Amazing Graze Farm
Susan @ Learning and Yearning
Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker
Justyn @ Creative Christian Mama
Chelsea Rebecca @ For Unmarried Christian Women
Chelsea Rebecca @ Hearts for Home
Paula @ Whole Intentions
Amy @ A Heart Surrendered Blog
Bambi @ In the Nursery of the Nation
Dana @ Clan Chris Dean
Kristen @ Smithspirations
Caroline @ The Modest Mom Blog
Alicia @ Walking In Faith
Stephani @ The Cheapskate Cook
Amber @ Homemaker by Choice
Marci @ Thankful Homemaker
Katie Sullivan @ Brighton Park Blog
Anjanette @ Raising the Barrs
Pam @ Mom Does Reviews
Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage
Stacy @ Something Whimsical
Natalie @ Visionary Womanhood
Paula @ Beautiful Life of Joy
Rachel @ Of Love and Beauty
Reagan @ The Arsenal
Kelly @ Generation Cedar
Kelly @ Practical Savings
Stacy Karen @ A Delightful Home
Kristen @ Five in Tow
Diana @ A Little Bit of Spain
Elizabeth @ Yes They Are All Ours
Jacque @ Deep Roots at Home
Karrilee @ Abiding Love, Abounding Grace
Karrilee@ Blessed Memories Scrapbooks by Karrilee
Shawnee @ The Apronista
Adrienne @ Whole New Mom
Janine @ True Aim Education
Kathryn @ Singing Through the Rain
Alicia @ Fun Reviews and Giveaways
Deborah @ A Delightful Glow
Stephanie @ The King’s Bookworm
Christy @ The Simple Homemaker
June @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Shadedlily @ With Them
Joy @ Artful Homemaking

Simple Tools for a Simple Home – The Garlic Press

My husband gave me this website as a Christmas gift nearly two and a half years ago. He has been nagging encouraging me ever since to share with all of you the simple tools I use to help me efficiently manage my homeschooled family of nine and run my simple home, in particular my simple kitchen.

It took an invitation from Erin of The Humbled Homemaker to get me started on my husband’s two-year-old request. (Sorry, Babe.) With Erin’s little kick in the pants and an eye-roll from my hubby (I didn’t see it, but I totally felt it), I’m finally following his advice. Each month I will introduce you to one of the tools I use to keep it simple, improve efficiency, keep the family fed primarily from scratch (no boxes in The Simple Kitchen), and still preserve the almost non-existent counter space we have in our dinky cozy travel trailer.

Are these tools necessities? Well, essentially all I need in life is food, water, and my Savior (although you would probably all prefer I keep a layer or two of clothing between the skin God gave me and the outside world), so no. But these are tools I rely on heavily to get the job done right. They made the cut during The Great Purge when we packed up our house for good and took the Christian music mission on the road full time. (But that’s a story for another blog.)

At The Humbled Homemaker I introduce you to one of those quasi-essential tools, my beloved garlic press.

My garlic press has made cameo appearances here at The Simple Homemaker, such as in my amazing (but humble) garlic butter recipe and my homemade Italian salad dressing recipe. I use it for eggs, soups, crockpot dishes, wet rubs…you name it! When I’m lazy I press instead of slice garlic for recipes like chicken adobo. We buy masses of fresh garlic and use it in as many dishes as possible during cold and flu season, ‘cuz who wants a trailer full of pukers with no access to a washing machine. Not me, I tell ya! Not me. Shudder.

Learn all about my garlic press and read questions from real readers (and real answers from real me) to decide whether or not a real garlic press would benefit the real you. It’s all part of The Humbled Homemaker’s terrific weekly series featuring an array of guest writers chatting up their favorite kitchen tools.

Don’t miss an episode! Sign up for The Humbled Homemaker’s email updates for her weekly tool of the trade, and sign up for my updates to learn which lucky tools travel the country with us. Then take a nap, cuz that’s typing your name and email address, like, twice. Whew!

Find out if you would benefit from a garlic press. Click here. Come on, everybody’s doing it.

Wondermill Grain Mill Giveaway Worth $260

It’s kitchen month at The Simple Homemaker. We’ll be talking about simplifying our meals, our kitchen time, and our “necessities.” I’ll share recipes, tips, and some favorite kitchen tools.

To kick it off, I am super-excited to have joined a number of other bloggers for a giveaway of a kitchen tool which, ironically, I no longer have in my kitchen now that we’re on the road. But, hey, who cares! It’s a fantastic giveaway for a Wondermill Grain Mill worth $260.

Now you’re asking why on earth you would want a grain mill.

Long story short, with a grain mill, you can bulk order wheat, oats, rice, kamut, barley, spelt, quinoa, whatever, and grind it to use as fresh flour. (To learn more, watch the video below.)

Now you’re asking why on earth you would want to do that.

And this is when I say, hey, if you don’t want a grain mill, don’t sign up for the giveaway!

Seriously, though, friends, fresh ground flour is delicious and nutritious, and gives many alternatives over wheat if you are sensitive to gluten or want to vary your options. And, believe it or not, it is ultra-simple! Plus there’s no comparison to baking your own bread, and I personally love the flavor and texture from freshly ground wheat or oats in biscuits, cornmeal, or “oatcakes.”

But…

…and that’s a big but, if that nagging little voice inside of you is screaming at you that you just can’t handle one more thing or you’re just not ready to grind your own grains or you just don’t think you ever will be ready to grind your own grains or you couldn’t care less about grinding your own grains or you’re wondering if maybe it will work on Barbie dolls to make pixie dust, please just click away. That’s okay!

If, however, you are interested in a Wondermill Grain Mill, this is a terrific opportunity provided by the Positively Real Media Network (a blog network focused on real faith, real family, real food).

From what I’ve researched, the Wondermill is the world’s top-rated electric grain mill. (I cannot speak from personal experience, because back when we were stationary I used the Kitchen Aid stand mixer grinder attachment. Still, I would like to speak from personal experience!)

Movie time!

The video below will teach you all about this little wonder, aptly named the Wondermill…and if you’re a homeschooler, your kids can watch, too, and call it school. Yee haa!

I know…I totally want one, too.

Enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter below. The mandatory entry is super simple – just hit “Enter.” Then you can earn additional entries for following your favorite blogs via Facebook. Increase your chances by liking them all.

This giveaway is available throughout the United States and Canada, but that’s all. Sorry to all my friends elsewhere.

Click here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(If you win, and you don’t want it, you have my address, right?)

A Planner that Takes the Guesswork out of Housework (And a Discount Code)

You’re ready to simplify. You acknowledge that life is too complicated, and you’re so excited to change that you want to throw yourself head first into purging and cleaning and buying matching containers to organize your entire life by this afternoon. I know. That’s how we all start. And then we crash and burn. You know it’s true. This is a no-denial zone.

Remember that you cannot effectively organize an overly scheduled, overly cluttered, overly hectic life until you rid yourself of the excess, or clear your queue as I like to say. Nevertheless, you can use organizational tools to help you on the journey to simplifying.

I have one such tool for you today, and I’m ridiculously excited about it.

Oooo, I’m getting that giddy feeling! Wheee! See, this is why I don’t drink caffeine. Focus, Christy!

Today’s tool is a planner from Susan of The Confident Mom. It is called…wait for it…

The 2013 Confident Mom Weekly Household Planner

Did you hear the Hallelujah Chorus just now, because I think I did…just a little.

This is not your typical planner filled with pages of imposing blank spaces. Let me tell you about it, unless you’d rather check it out for yourself at Susan’s website, The Confident Mom. In that case, arm yourself with the discount code SIMPHOME for $2 off the planner and supplement package.

Visit The Confident Mom (Don’t forget your coupon code!)

Here’s what I love about Susan’s planner:

It takes the thinking out of home management. It’s like someone took your entire household to-do list (even the things you forget about) for the next 52 weeks and laid it out into short daily and weekly tasks. It’s like that, because that’s exactly what Susan did. Don’t believe me? See for yourself.

Isn’t it pretty? Notice how the weekly chores (as well as yearly or seasonal tasks) are assigned a day, so you’re not overwhelmed by the enormity of merely existing in today’s society. The same-old, same old tasks are also included in their own section, and can be checked off as you (or your children) complete them. And there’s plenty of room for personalization, so if, say, your dog ate the neighbor’s pink flamingo lawn ornament, you can add replace flamingo…and dog…on your Saturday list.

The tasks Susan includes in her list are those which she uses in her own home, from daily to annually, as well as those she has garnered from clients and users of last year’s planner. Wow, that girl is thorough! Occasionally some of the tasks won’t apply to you, so you get to plaster a gold sticker on your forehead without even doing anything. That’ll keep the four-year-old inside you happy!

You realize what this planner means, don’t you? No more paralysis from not knowing where to begin. The thinking is done for you! Now who doesn’t like a little vacation for the brain now and then? Okay, my hubby, but who else? Bill Gates, yes, but, you get my point.

All you have to do is find your day, pick something, and do it. Ignore the other days, ignore the empty bubbles, ignore the naked baby running through the house with a bag of chocolate chips…okay, don’t ignore that one. You can jump in where you are. If you’re down and out for a week with the flu or on family vacation for two weeks, who cares! Jump back in when you can, and keep moving forward, not looking back. Just do the next thing.

Sigh. Relief.

Wait…there’s more. (You knew there would be.)

There are two version of the planner available–with or without a Scripture reading plan that will guide you through the Bible in 365 days. (Again, jump in where you are and don’t stress if you miss a day.)

Plus, Susan offers a terrific supplement that can serve as an excellent family organizational tool. You can be ready for emergencies, baby sitters, holidays, grocery shopping, and much, much more that I won’t go into here. You can learn more at The Confident Mom. To enjoy $2 off the planner/supplement combo, use coupon code SIMPHOME at checkout.

Visit The Confident Mom. Take the coupon code with you!

The planner and supplement are available for instant download after purchase, so you can take advantage of your enthusiasm to fly through today’s list. You can print the planner and put it in a binder, have it bound at a print shop (around $4), or hang a page a week on your refrigerator.

Do I recommend the 2013 Confident Mom Planner?

I do. I really do. I like this planner, and I highly recommend it, but…

I don’t want you to buy it unless you can assure me that you will not obsess over the empty bubbles. Do what you can do and be content with that. You are on the journey of simplifying, and, yes, a safe, clean home is part of a simple life. In our zeal, however, we can put our tools and our end goal ahead of the purpose for those tools and end goal. In other words, sometimes we put “making home safe and clean for the kids” ahead of the kids themselves. Spend time on it with them, spend time on it for them, but don’t spend time on it instead of on them.

Let me reiterate, my favorite part of the planner is this: if it’s not on today’s list, don’t worry about it. Go! Have a snowball fight with the kids. Learn how to bake bread. Take a walk with the love of your life. Then, when tomorrow rolls around, gather your family around you and tackle the new day’s tasks…and just the new day’s tasks.

For more information about the 2013 Confident Mom Planner, to hear what other moms have to say, and to purchase, head on over to The Confident Mom.

Don’t forget your coupon code! The planner alone is $9. The planner/supplement combo is $14, but my readers save $2 off the combo with the code SIMPHOME. Thanks Susan!

If the planner doesn’t work for you, that’s okay. Susan offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Isn’t she a doll?

Click here for more info or to buy! (And don’t forget your coupon code. This is a recording.)

Disclosure: Susan gave me a free copy of the planner and supplement to see if I was interested in promoting it. Would I have promoted it if there was nothing in it for me? Yes, yes I would. Why? Because I share with you anything I believe will benefit you, and which fits in The Simple Homemaker’s guidelines of a simple life…but I will never sell my values or your trust for a few bucks or a free planner…not even one as terrific as this.

If you buy this planner through the links in this post, I will receive a commission, which is one way you can support The Simple Homemaker. Earnings from this site do two things: 1) they are reinvested in The Simple Homemaker, and 2) they buy schoolbooks for my seven children who are chomping at the bit for Spanish lessons and science books. You don’t have to buy through my link, but if you wish to buy, are using my discount code, and appreciated my time investment and honest review, please consider using my link. Thank you! Now go hug somebody.

Kindle Fire Giveaway and Over $300 in Ebooks

At the Simple Home, we like to keep Christmas going and going and going. That’s great news for you, and here’s why. I belong to the Positively Real Media Network. It’s a bunch o’ non-judgmental Christian mamas that like to “keep it real” while striving to eat and parent in a wholesome, but realistic manner. (I say “striving” and “realistic” because right now I’m eating the heads off gingerbread men for breakfast, and when the kids get up, I’ll serve them the bodies.) Anyway…

We are giving away a Kindle Fire!

Just think, that could be your beautifully manicured hand in the picture above, delicately cradling that Kindle Fire…which would look pretty weird if you’re a fella. Let’s move on.

To give the winner (which could be you) something worth reading on that brand spankin’ new Kindle Fire (cuz who wants to stare at a blank screen!), we’re also giving away a bundle of ebooks worth a combined value of more than $300. You can find out all about those babies below, or just jump to the bottom and sign up for the giveaway…which is actually what I would do, and THEN I’d go back and look at all the books, because I’m backwards like that.

Here are the books the winner will receive with the Kindle Fire (if you already own one or more of the books, you can re-gift them to someone else who would enjoy them–think late Christmas present.):

Recipes & Whole Foods Cooking

Have Your Fruits… and Veggies, Too! by Laura Coppinger @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.95)

Real {Fast} Food by Trina Holden @ Trina Holden ($6)

20 Minute Meals by Leigh Ann Dutton @ Intentional by Grace ($4.99)

Real Food… Real Easy by various bloggers @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Smart Sweets by Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship ($8.95)

Healthy Snacks To Go by Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship ($8.95)

Sourdough A to Z by Wardee Harmon @ GNOWFGLINS ($20)

Restocking the Pantry by Kresha Faber @ Nourishing Joy ($7.99)

Easy. Homemade. by Mandi Ehman @ Life Your Way ($3.99)

Grain Free Meal Plan Cookbook by Cara Faus @ Health, Home & Happiness ($18)

Toadally Primal Smoothies by Todd @ Primal Toad ($9.95)

Simple Food {for spring} by Shannon @ Nourishing Days ($10)

Simple Food {for winter} by Shannon @ Nourishing Days ($10)

Well Fed (Paleo Recipes) by Melissa Joulwan @ The Clothes Make The Girl ($14.95)

Crock On by Stacy Walker Myers @Stacy Makes Cents ($5)

Real Food Budgeting

Real Food on a Real Budget by Stephanie Langford @ Keeper of the Home ($18.99)

Plan It, Don’t Panic by Stephanie Langford @ Keeper of the Home ($4.99)

Don’t Compost It, Cook It by April Patel @ An Apple a Day Wisdom ($2.99)

Your Grocery Budget Toolbox by Anne Simpson @Authentic Simplicity ($4.99)

From Debtor to Better by Barry Myers ($10)

Skincare and Beauty

My Buttered Life (Baby edition) by Renee Harris @ Hard Lotion ($5)

My Buttered Life (Gift edition) by Renee Harris @ Hard Lotion ($5)

My Buttered Life (Summer edition) by Renee Harris @ Hard Lotion ($5)

Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy Karen @ A Delightful Home ($3.99)

Holistic Mama’s Guide to Homemade Skincare by Roxanne King @ The Holistic Mama ($19)

…and one more!

Homesteading, Gardening and Preserving

Your Custom Homestead by Jill Winger @ The Prairie Homestead ($4.99)

Guide to Gardening and Preserving by Laura Coppinger @ Heavenly Homemakers ($7.95)

Apartment Gardening by Jami Leigh @ Young Wife’s Guide ($2.99)

Lifestyle

Simple Living by Lorilee Lippincott @ Loving Simple Living ($2.99)

Herbal Nurturing by Michele Augur @ Click here to visit Frugal Granola.” target=”_blank”>Frugal Granola ($8.95)

Simple Natural Health by Nina Nelson @ Shalom Mama ($17)

Healthy Homemaking by Stephanie Langford @ Keeper of the Home ($12.95)

Music: An Essential Ingredient for Life by Resound School of Music ($6.99)

Breast to Bib by Kate Tietje @ Modern Alternative Pregnancy ($8.95)

First Bites by Hilary Kimes Bernstein @Accidentally Green ($9.99)

Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods by Kate Tietje @ Modern Alternative Pregnancy ($8.95)

Unbound Birth by Jenny Yarborough @ The Southern Institute ($4.99)

The Bootstrap VA by Lisa Morosky @The Home Life and Me ($12.99)

Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Daniele Evans @Domestic Serenity ($0.99)

Special Deals!

And just in case you don’t happen to win, some of the authors have generously offered discounts on their eBooks for the duration of the contest:

Your Grocery Budget Toolbox is 25% off, making it only $3.75. Use this link to purchase at the discounted price (PDF only).

The Bootstrap VA is also 25% off. Get the PDF version via this link for only $9.74 using the code NEWYEAR. The Kindle and Nook versions will be discounted automatically.

First Bites is 50% off (PDFs only), making it only $4.99. No code necessary.

Enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter below. The mandatory entry is super simple – just hit Enter! Then you can earn additional entries for following your favorite blogs via Facebook or email subscription. Increase your chances by liking and subscribing to them all!

This giveaway is only available in the United States and Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All ebooks were donated by Erin of The Humbled Homemaker. Thanks, Erin!

Linked to: Planet Weidknecht, 3 Boys and a Dog Deals, Cha Ching Queen, All Ruby Cakes, Inspiration for Moms.

Blue Rose Humidifier

Essential Oil Bundle

Enter to Win!

What’s Included in the Sale?

PLUS over $140 of FREE Bonuses

Home & Property {Cleaning, Organizing, Decor}

Educational Children’s Resources

Budgeting {Finance & Time}

In the Kitchen {Recipes and Cooking}

Pregnancy & Baby Care

Holidays & Special Events

Spiritual Growth

Marriage & Romance

Motherhood

Health & Fitness

Beauty

Working from Home & Blogging

Ecourses

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

The fine print:

Reader, Meet Mae’s Soap!

Reader, Win Mae’s Soap!

Reader, Meet Mae!

Find out if you would benefit from a garlic press. Click here. Come on, everybody’s doing it.

But…

Do I recommend the 2013 Confident Mom Planner?

Recipes & Whole Foods Cooking

Real Food Budgeting

Skincare and Beauty

Homesteading, Gardening and Preserving

Lifestyle

Special Deals!