How to Be Debt-Free in 2013

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By Stacy Myers, Contributing Writer Some of you clicked on this post out of sheer curiosity…you want to see what this kook has to say. After all, it’s not something you really believe. You don’t REALLY think it’s possible to live free from the bondage of debt. Some of you clicked on this post because your heart’s desire is to live debt free – but you’re not there…you want to know how to get there and you need encouragement. You need to hear from someone [...]

What Our Children Are Teaching Us About Being Givers

What Our Children Are Teaching Us About Being Givers

By Crystal Paine, Contributing Writer Ten years ago, when my husband and I were first married, frugality was a must. If we didn't pinch pennies, we couldn't survive -- or at least not without racking up a serious amount of debt and financial trouble down the road. So we pinched pennies, did without, and prayed that we'd make it until the next paycheck came in. Times were lean, but God was always faithful. As our income increased, there was the temptation to also increase our [...]

Could you have a farm… in your own backyard?

farm in backyard

About 5 years ago, I first stumbled upon the "homegrown revolution" and the idea that it was not only possible, but liberating to be able to grow one's own food. From that first spark, my backyard gardening attempts have continually grown, and I've learned how to support local farmers for my meat and dairy, and the produce that I am not able to grow myself. I wouldn't say that I have a backyard farm. At this point, I'd call myself a somewhat ambitious suburban gardener, [...]

DIY Hall Tree

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Written by Stacy Myers, Contributing Writer When we bought our new home, it didn’t come with a coat closet. Bummer. We did have the Jesus closet, but alas, He’s gone somewhere else (thank you, yard sale!). But a girl just has to have somewhere to hang her coat and purse. Laying a purse on the floor is just begging a toddler to reach in and play with your dental floss…or make “notes” on your checks. Being a HUGE advocate of all things Pinterest, I set off [...]

It’s Not Your Money, Is It?

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Written by Stacy Myers, Contributing Writer A while back, there was this strangely annoying commercial on television for JG Wentworth. It’s a bunch of adults yelling out their windows about THEIR money. While the normal person would just find this commercial extremely dumb, I found it very bothersome. When I heard my pastor mention the commercial in one of his sermons about stewardship and giving, I really started thinking. The sad thing is this MY MONEY mindset is very prevalent today. Most of us consider [...]

Homemade Lemon Citrus Produce Wash {Natural, Fast, & Easy}

Fresh Fruit

Written by Rachel, Contributing Writer It's berry picking season and that means strawberry shortcakes, blueberry banana smoothies and berry jams & crisps but if you are like me, you make sure your fruits (and your veggies) get washed before you ever eat or make anything with them. Did you know that simply rinsing them under water does not get all of the contaminants like pesticides, bacteria or even other toxic chemicals off of your produce? You might as well not even rinsed them. In my opinion, I think produce should be washed in the [...]

10 Easy Natural Household Switches (That Anyone Can Make)

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This month we've been talking all about ridding your home of toxins.  That can get overwhelming, fast, as you look at all the things in your home that contain toxins.  Where do you start?! Today I have 10 very easy switches for you.  These are common and frequently-used household items that you can simply switch for a purchased or homemade alternative, depending on where you are in your journey or how brave you're feeling. :) Personal Care Facial cleanser Rather than using a standard product that's [...]

31 Ways to Use a Mason Jar in Your Kitchen

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I have a bit of a love affair with mason jars. They are sturdy, they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, they can often be found inexpensively, and best of all? They are a completely non-toxic way to store things in my kitchen! We all know by now that plastics usually include dangerous chemicals, particularly if they are heated at all, but even when they are used for any sort of food or liquid that could absorb the toxins that the plastics [...]