January 27, 2012

Increase Your Wardrobe — Without Spending Any Money {Developing a Women’s Clothing Exchange}

clothing rack

Written by Erin Odom, Contributing Writer My family operates on a tight budget. And since having children, there hasn't been much--if any--room in that budget for adding to mine or my husband's wardrobe. But just over a year ago I discovered a way to increase my wardrobe--without spending any money: a women's clothing exchange.  Image by agador My Sister's Closet A local church where I attend a weekly Bible study has hosted a women's clothing exchange called My Sister's Closet for several years. Although I never would have [...]

Filed Under: Frugality, Living Simply Tagged With: , , , , , , 29 Comments
November 14, 2011

I’m a Mess, You’re a Mess, We’re All Just Lovely Messes

389479047_9Pa2ZBqe_c

Outside the window, leaves of crimson and burnt orange shiver on the trees, and every once in a while, a cluster of them swirl to the ground as a gust of wind blows urgent. The seasons have shifted and I find that as the weather turns chilly and the sun hides its face and the branches become bare, I turn inward, physically and mentally. Physically, I begin to look at my home as the lack of warmth and the steady drips of West Coast rain [...]

Filed Under: Faith and encouragement, Getting organized, Homemaking, Living Simply Tagged With: , , , , , 41 Comments
January 17, 2011

Panel Discussion on Burnout and Fatigue: 3 Women Get Real About Their Struggles, Part 2

2316789059_925573f842

In the first part of this panel discussion, we focused on what led to a situation of burnout and fatigue, how the panelists recognized it, their signs and symptoms and more. This time, I wanted to focus on the hopefulness that exists, even when we find that we've come to the end of our rope. Winter does not last forever. Spring is coming. I chose this tulip image because it well describes that simple but strong hope that I have in my own personal season [...]

Filed Under: Faith and encouragement, Living healthy, Living Simply Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 9 Comments
January 13, 2011

Panel Discussion on Burnout and Fatigue: 3 Women Get Real About Their Struggles

1801666670_f191c6e36f

The response to this month's honest discussions of burnout, fatigue, depression and general health and wellness has been so tremendous. Thank you all for sharing in such real and vulnerable ways. I'm humbled that you would share so much of yourselves and these very personal experiences. I think that it's so important that we as women truly share our stories with one another, rather than continuing to pretend that we're all "just fine". Fellowship, encouragement, growth and healing happen best when we drop our defences and our perfect [...]

Filed Under: Faith and encouragement, Living healthy, Living Simply Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 37 Comments
January 21, 2010

Forum Highlights: January

Oops, I skipped December! So now it is definitely high time that I let you know about some of the fantastic conversations that have been taking place and questions that are being asked and answered in the Keeper of the Home community forum! For those unfamiliar with the forum or who aren't members yet, you can learn more about my vision for the forum. To take a look through the forum you can click here, or visit the link in my navigational bar above, or [...]

Filed Under: Blogging Tagged With: , , , , , , 2 Comments
November 11, 2009

Forum Highlights- November

paper chain neighborhood

Wow, the forum is really hopping these days! I have been so blessed by the way that so many of you have just jumped on board with the forum, starting new topics, answering other's questions, introducing yourselves... it's really phenomenal to me. It is creating exactly the type of community and resource that I had envisioned when I first came up with the idea of having a forum! Thank you for your participation. I love it! Now that there are nearly 300 members and 150 [...]

Filed Under: Blogging Tagged With: , , , , , 4 Comments
October 28, 2009

Introducing the Forum!

two happy women

Oh, this is such an exciting week for me! All of these things that I have been dreaming up and planning for so long are finally taking place! For quite some time, I've wanted to launch a forum here at Keeper of the Home. A place where all of those wonderful questions that get asked in the comments could be answered in a more purposeful way. A place where women could connect with other like-minded women. A place where knowledge and tips can be shared, [...]

Filed Under: Blogging Tagged With: , , , , , 19 Comments