Making Babies DVD!

Have you heard about this fantastic 3 part DVD set that is available to Pre-Order? Shoshanna Easling, owner of The Bulk Herb Store has spent a long time creating this outstanding resource for moms that are wanting to conceive, or are already pregnant!



I will be doing a more in depth review of this DVD set later on, but I wanted to give you the heads up that tomorrow, November 1 is the LAST DAY to pre order it and save 26% off the price! Use the coupon code: 26DFF when checking out to save. I can't wait to get my copy of this set!

Here is a video clip taken from the DVD set that shows you how to make an iron infusion. I actually did this, and it was so easy!



To order this set or browse around the website, (I highly recommend the Mamas Red Raspberry Brew tea!) go here. 

LUK Brain Set (educational) and Expressiva Nursing Wear On Sale!

I was quite excited to see that Zulily has the Bambino LUK Brain Set, and the Mini LUK Brain Set on sale right now!! These items have been on my homeschool wish list for a while now, as I have looked at them several times over at Timberdoodle and read so many great reviews on them!

Right now you can get the sets up to 40% off on Zulily! Look under Beyond 123 to find them.

Expressiva Nursing Wear is also on sale! I thought the above blouse was really cute, though it might be low cut for some ladies.

You can use the coupon code GA4756 to save $5.00 of your order of $50.00! I have purchased quite a few items from Zulily to use as Birthday and Christmas gifts. Just be warned that shipping does take a while.

*Just a reminder, today is also the last day to save 10% off your entire order at The Modest Mom! Use the code: RaisingHomemakers when checking out.*

31 Days of Femininity: Being Feminine In Public

We have covered a lot of different topics concerning femininity this past month! I've really enjoyed doing the series, but I have to admit I'm really looking forward to not blogging *every* single day in November. :) I have a lot of exciting giveaways and a fun new topic planned for November, so stay tuned!

I wanted to wrap up the series by talking about being feminine in public. It can be easy to learn how to be feminine at home, but sometimes it's harder to apply these principles when we are out and about.

There have been many times I have been blessed by seeing a woman in a store who, just by her demeanor and appearance, instantly strikes me as being a feminine woman. It encourages me and uplifts my sometimes draining shopping trips to see another woman striving to be who she is called by God to be.

I've realized that at times it is hard for me to be feminine when I am out. Going shopping with four young children can be exhausting, and I have to put on a strong mental attitude before I go out! Plus, I prepare myself for all the comments that come my way - "Are these all yours?"  "My, you must have your hands full!"  "You are expecting again? Oh my!" and the list could go on. There have been times an older gentleman has offered to help me load up my groceries, put away my cart, etc. and while I have certainly accepted these offers many times, I have been known to refuse the help also and tell him I am just fine. During those moments I recognize that I don't have a feminine attitude, but more of a feminist attitude. I'm trying to prove that I have it all together and I don't need any help. I personally think that's the wrong attitude to have. If a gentleman is trying to help you out of the kindness of his heart, let him be that manly gentleman and accept his help! Obviously you need to be discerning in today's world and make sure that the help you are accepting is just from a gallant knight, and he does not have any other motives in mind. I hate to even mention that, but it is sadly the world we live in today.

It is also perfectly acceptable to let a gentleman open a door for you, and you graciously accept his gesture of gallant manhood. I notice that I get the door opened for me far more when I am in skirts than the few times I have gone out in pants. Just a little observation of mine....

Being feminine in public is a mindset. It is a determination before you step out your door in the morning that you are going to put on a meek and quiet spirit and try to witness to others about the Lord through your example. This brings to mind the following quote. Not that words do not matter, for they certain do; but sometimes...

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We might very well say that we believe in being feminine, and we might say we are a follower of the Lord, but our actions speak louder than words. How we behave in public clearly shows what kind of person we are. I have deeply regretted the times I have been in public and spoken crossly to my children when I was tired, only to look up and see someone watching me. That was my only opportunity to show them that I do enjoy being a mother to a larger than normal family, but I wasn't showing it at that moment. And of course I regret it because I'm not showing my child that attitude of a meek spirit in their mother.

As I close this series out, I would just exhort you to continue to display Godly femininity no matter where you are, whether it is in your home with your children, spending time with your husband, or out in public.

31 Days of Femininity: Mommy's Girl....

As we train our daughters (and sons) the most profound effect will be the example we are to them. Are we modeling femininity to our children? What better way for our daughters to learn how to be ladies than through their own mothers. 

31 Days of Femininity: A Link Up!

It's Saturday again, and time for our 31 Days of Femininity link up! I really enjoyed reading all of your posts last Saturday, and can't wait to see what you have to share with us this week!

If you have a blog post written that talks about femininity, mothering, marriage, or homemaking skills, please feel free to link up below! I do ask that you link back to The Modest Mom blog. You can use the code found at the right hand side of the blog for the 31 Days of Femininity button.

Thank you!

31 Days Of Femininity: Godly Resources For Your Daughters

This post is a continuation from yesterday's post for boys! 

Our Favorite Resources For Girls

God's Wisdom For Little Girls

Once again this is another great book written by Elizabeth George! This book goes through Proverbs 31 for little girls. My three year old loves this book! 

The Person I Marry

I haven't had a chance to purchase this yet, but I read through it at a homeschool convention and it is so sweet! This book encourages children to look for good character qualities in a spouse, and if you read it to them as they grow up it will inspire them to develop those character qualities so they can become a good husband/wife one day. This book is good to read to either boys or girls! 

The Courtship Of Sarah McLean

This is a sweet book that will encourage your daughters to wait on the Lord for their husband, and that in God's timing everything will work out. I read all the courtship books in this series before I was married and enjoyed them.

The Mildred Keith Series

I have read both the "Elsie Dinsmore" and the "Mildred Keith" series, which are written by Martha Finley. I prefer the Mildred series, as she is easy to relate to. The oldest of a large family who is not wealthy, the books highlight her struggles and joys into womanhood and marriage. I still pick these up today and read them! 

Talks to Girls

This book is written in the late 1800's, and is full of little lessons on virtue, modesty, family life, etc. I can't wait to read it to my daughters when they are older.

Beautiful Girlhood

I read this book over and over again when I was growing up! It made a huge impact on my young teen years, and I highly recommend it for every young lady to read. 

I always have a long book list of items I want, but there is something called a budget, so I work on getting them slowly. :) Here's a tip on how I get books from Amazon for free, or close to it sometimes. I do my online searches through Swagbucks, and cash in my points to redeem Amazon gift cards! One year I cashed my points in throughout the year and saved them. I had quite a few gift cards saved up to purchase my husband the iPod touch he wanted/needed :) that year for his Christmas gift! So they really can add up. Plus if you tell other people about it (like I'm doing here!) and they sign up under you, then you can earn additional points!  

30% Sale At Lilla Rose!

Take advantage of this four day sale and get a flexi clip 30% off! I love the dangly drop flexi. :)

To shop, go here. 

31 Days of Femininity: Godly Resources For Your Young Men.

I wanted to follow up on yesterday's post with some excellent resources we use in our home to help train our children in masculinity and femininity. It can be so helpful to actually have books or CD's in hand that help reinforce what you are trying to teach to your children. We read a lot to our children and as they get older I'm trying to find books that will help them grow up to be godly men and women.

Today I will share good resources for boys, and tomorrow I will share resources for girls.

Our Favorite Resources For Boys

God's Wisdom For Little Boys

Our oldest son was given this for his one year old birthday, and we have read it many times to both of our boys! It's a sweet simple book that instills good character, showing wonderful pictures of an active little boy busy at work and play. 

Created For Work

I read this book out loud to my boys last year, and plan on doing it again many times over! They could relate to the book easily as the author is a carpenter, and my husband used to own a cabinet shop. The stories are excellent, and while it is written for boys older than seven and five, I was able to edit any parts of the book that were too long or over their heads just fine.  It is so important that our boys learn to work hard, and that they will have to provide for a family! 

Practical Happiness 

This is another book written by Bob Schultz. I haven't read it out loud to my boys yet as it is written for older boys, but I read it myself and it is a great resource for older boys. 

Thoughts for Young Men

I actually read this a few times growing up as it has good nuggets of truth for young men and women alike! It is written especially for young men though, and I would highly suggest every boy turning into a young man reads this book! It is a small book, but contains many truths. 

Tiger And Tom

These are excellent stories written for boys that teach them about hard work, staying away from strong drinks and smoking, taking care of their mother, sisters, and the elderly, and much more! Written in the 1800's they still contain many truths for today. 

Talks To Boys

Another book that teaches boys to be virtuous and honorable. It was originally published in the late 1800's by the American Tract Society. 

Anecodotes for Boys 

I'm currently reading this out loud to my boys and it is excellent! It is a supplement to a much bigger book for young men written by the same author, but since my boys are younger this is just the right age level for them. They like the stories in this book a lot. 

Vision Forum has a whole section of their catalog devoted to boys! You will find many toys, books, and other resources that will assist you in raising a manly man! 

 

31 Days of femininity: Being feminine towards your children

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Do you consider yourself feminine towards your children? This isn't something I stop and think about very often. I strive to be feminine towards my husband and towards other people, but my children?

I considered the reasons why I would want to show femininity towards my children, and here are a few I came up with.

1. To model being a woman. Of course that seems obvious, but I mean a true lady. I want to give my boys a clear vision of what a woman content to be a female looks like, and model that as an example for my daughters.

2. To teach my boys that they are to be caring, considerate, and helpful towards women in general. If I walk around with a rough and tough attitude all the time, how they will ever learn that women are different than men or that they (wonders of all wonders) actually need and, in their better moments, appreciate their help. Many women today are fond of boasting about their independence from men and how unnecessary a man's help is to them (I'll open the door for myself, thank-you!). Well, in my house I let my boys open the door for me, not because I am incapable, but because it helps to instill nobility in my sons. It serves as yet another reminder that they should provide for, protect, and prefer women before themselves in even the little things.

3. To train my daughters that it's not a sign of weakness to be feminine. That they don't have to fall for the world's examples of what a lady looks like. Femininity always seems to summon the word "weakness" in most women's minds, but it doesn't have to be that way. You can be feminine and yet not fall apart emotionally at the first hint of trouble that comes across your path. 

In our family we do set some clear defined paths. Certain things are "girly" in our house, (such as dolls) but the boys are still welcome to play with their sisters if they want-and they do! Other things are clearly "boy" toys, such as their toy guns, but their younger sister can be found with a toy gun in her hand traipsing after her brothers during a pioneer adventure. More often than not though she is found with a doll or stroller following them. 

I am quick to tell my sons that I can't lift a certain heavy item, I'm waiting for papa to get home so he can help me. Now that my oldest son is getting stronger, he has started helping me move heavy items, etc. and is a huge help! I know it makes him feel good to know that he is strong enough to help his mama! 

These are a few ways I try to pass on femininity towards my children. What are some practical ways you try to display to your children the differences between masculinity and femininity? I'd love to hear! 

31 Days of Femininity: True Motherhood

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Yesterday was one of those days.... I was almost in tears several times over some school issues, and I didn't get nearly enough done on my to do list.  I told my husband when I went to bed that I didn't know what to write about today.

Then I came across this article that blessed me so much! This is what the heart of mothering is all about. If we do not develop this heart, it is in vain to write about how to be feminine looking towards our children.

Motherhood is Application

"If I had to pick one word to describe motherhood, I think that word would be “transforming.”

The days of a busy mother are made up of millions of transformations. Dirty children become clean, the hungry child fed, the tired child sleeping. Almost every task a mother performs in the course of a normal day could be considered a transformation. Disorder to order, dirty clothes to clean, unhappy children to peaceful, empty fridge to full. Every day we fight against disorder, filth, starvation, and lawlessness, and some days we might almost succeed. And then, while we sleep, everything unravels and we start again in the morning — transforming.

Days of these little cycles add up and suddenly you see a big transformation. A nursing infant has become a boy on a bicycle, a baby bump has grown into a toddler, and children have been changed into brothers and sisters.

Then there is the kind of transformations that we do — not because we work at it, but because we were created to do it. You eat your lunch, and your body transforms it into nourishment for a baby. Taking something too big for an infant, and still finding a way to feed them with it — with the goal of growing them up to do it themselves.

Pregnancy and nursing are only a small part of a child’s life though — and this cycle is clearly not only a physical one. It is the spiritual cycle of food that is so much more important, and so much less talked about. Christian mothering is a constant cycle of nourishment — both physical and spiritual."

Go here to read the rest of this and be blessed.

New Fabric at The Modest Mom!!

I love Fed Ex deliveries!! Today I squealed for joy when I opened up the box they left, and saw the new fabric we are now carrying at The Modest Mom! 

Our new dark denim fabric! This is high quality denim produced by Robert Kaufman fabrics-a well known fabric line. It is soft, drapes well, and it looks like it will hold up to multiple washes without any ill effect. I'm making myself a new denim skirt out of this! 

At long last! Corduroy fabric for the fall and winter months. Some corduroy tends to be stiff and awkward, but this is soft, lighter weight, and an absolute dream for skirts! Once again this is from the Robert Kaufman company. You just can't go wrong with their fabrics! 

All of these fabrics are available for our custom made skirts. I'm looking forward to a new ruffle maternity skirt out of the denim, and then a women's ruffle skirt made out of the hazelnut once I have the baby in a few months! 

31 Days of Femininity: A Giveaway!

I thought it would be fun to do a giveaway during the 31 days series! So I was thrilled when Beth from Wired Vintage agreed to sponsor a review and giveaway. She makes the most beautiful jewelry!

Wired Vintage specializes in making earrings out of vintage buttons. The results are stunning, she does a fantastic job.

Here are some of my favorite items from her store.

1920's Czech glass buttons with iridescence

Antique Pink Czech glass button earrings

Vintage Inspired White faux Pearl Button Earrings

Antique black glass art deco button earrings

I was sent the black button earrings to review along with the pendant that is included in the set! They are just beautiful, and the quality of her work is excellent. The buttons used in this set date back to the 1920's or earlier! 

Here is a picture of me wearing the earrings. Mind you this was taken last night right before bed, so I'm looking a little tired! 

That will give you an idea of the sizing on the earrings. 

Beth has agreed to giveaway a set of the black button earrings and pendant to one of you! To enter, simply use the form below. 

Read more »

31 Days of Femininity: Putting Modesty In It's Place

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"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your min, that ye may prove what that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God is.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he out to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath death to every man the measure of faith."

 Romans 12:1-3

These scriptures convicted me as I read through them yesterday. It's fun to read all the tips on dressing modestly yet fashionably, to find tutorials on how to make all these cute accessories to go along with your outfit, etc. But if our hearts become so focused on the outward appearance that we forget what is truly important, we have failed in our attempts at modesty. 

Here are a few questions to ask ourselves to see how we measure up.

1. Do my thoughts dwell on the Lord as much as they dwell on how I look and what I should wear?

2. Do I constantly glance at myself in the mirror, making sure I look ok throughout the day? What I am asking is, am I preoccupied with my outward appearance?

3. Am I overly concerned wondering what people will think ("Is this too drab?" "Is this outfit too stylish?" "Oh dear, will they not like these boots?" etc...)

4. Do we meditate on the Lord? Are our hearts focused on truly pleasing Him, or do we merely dress this way out of outward obedience to what we think is right?

While I am not a huge fan of calico dresses anymore, in light of eternity, it honestly doesn't matter if you are wearing a calico dress, or the cutest, stylish, modest outfit you can find. When you meet your maker one day I doubt the first thing the Lord will say to you is "You have dressed well daughter. Enter ye into my rest."

There is balance in everything. My husband is always quick to remind me of this. We once swung out of balance when it came to dressing modestly out of a desire to please the Lord. We since have been convicted that we emphasized this area of our devotion to God too heavily. That being said, we must be careful and watchful not to swing too far the other direction now. 

Clothes are fun. 

Earrings are cute and I adore them.

Shoes can be a nice finishing touch to an outfit.

A skirt that fits nicely can make all the difference in how you look - frumpy or cute. 

Yet, as with every thing else, we must beware not to allow these considerations to consume us. They have their place and they ought to be contained there, never to overshadow the other areas of our witness before God, but to compliment them. They are not, however, what truly matters and if we spend our lives desiring these things, pouring our hearts and minds into how to obtain them, woe be unto us. 

"Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth." 

Colossians 3:2

Have a blessed Sabbath Day! 

31 Days of Femininity: A Link Up!

It has been a lot of fun to do the 31 Days of Femininity series! Now I would love to read your thoughts. If you have a blog post that deals with femininity, modesty, mothering, marriage, or even homemaking, please link it up below!

You can download the button below and add it to your post, or the code is available on the right hand side of the page to grab. Please do link back to us in some way though.

31 Days of Femininity: Taking Care of Your Hair!

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A women's hair is an important part of her. I'm sure many of us can identify with Jo from Little Women, "Oh Jo, you cut your hair! It's your one true beauty!" : )

At any rate, we all want to take care of our hair and make it look nice. Whether you have your hair styled, you wear it down each day, or pulled up in a handy flexi clip, you want it to look healthy. 

With winter coming on, I wanted to pass along a tip that helps to keep my hair looking healthier during the winter. I have thick hair, and it seems every winter I struggle with my scalp getting a bit dry. Little flakes will show up on my hairif I'm not careful. And no, I'm not going to call it dandruff because that always grosses me out. I have problems with dry skin, not dandruff, Ok? (Alright, you can call it whatever you want, for me I'll live in denial! I don't want to face the thought that it could be dandruff. Yuck.) : )

Anyway....here is what I do to battle dry flakes in my hair! Before I take a shower, I spend a few minutes vigorously massaging my scalp. Whether you have a problem with dry skin or not, this is very good to do for your hair. It promotes healthy new hair growth, and who doesn't want that? I went to an upscale salon once (gift card!) and the stylist put oil in my hair, and massaged my head for several minutes before washing my hair. I've even heard you can put olive oil in your hair, wrap it up in a towel for thirty minutes, and then wash your hair, and that can help a dry scalp. 

After you have loosened all the dry flakes, take a shower and wash them all out! Be careful not to use lots of shampoo, as that can contribute to a flaking scalp. Also, they say hot showers are not good for your scalp. I have to confess this is something I can't seem to give up-this mama loves to take a nice long hot shower for a short break! 

And finally, here is a tutorial on how to blow dry your hair that I found very helpful. Just make sure you have a good round brush before you try this. I learned the hard way that my brush was junk, and had hair tangled up really good in it. For a moment I had a fleeting thought of needing scissors to cut the front of my hair off, but I managed to finally get the hair out of the brush. I just bought a new one at Walmart yesterday, as the other brush went in the trash. :)

For instructions go here. 

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31 Days of Femininity: Embracing your femininity and choosing your children.

It's your choice. 

On the days when you feel lousy.

Your hair is greasy.

The house is crumbling in around you.

And you chuckle at the thought of being feminine today-

It's your choice whether you will rise up and call yourself blessed to be surrounded by your children, and embrace your femininity, or if you will instead throw it aside for the moment.

Today I'm going to spend the day being mama to my children. 

We will make yummy cookies. do a fun science project, and maybe even make homemade play dough! 

Feminine Maternity Tops..

If you are needing maternity tops, Zulily has some adorable feminine looking tops for  up to 50% off! Quite a few of them are $15 and under. I love the one above, the flower is so cute on it! Look under QT Maternity to find the tops. 

31 Days of Femininity: How to make your own accessories

*Note-for those of you who remember that I outlined this series at the start, you have probably already realized that I have taken a little bit different path that I originally had planned out. I still intend on getting to the other two topics before the month is out-being feminine towards your children, and being feminine towards others.*

Some of you are extremely crafty, and I'm happy for you! While I sew, I don't do actual crafts very well.  But I found some feminine looking accessories that I think almost anyone could make for themselves!

Make your own fabric flowers! These are perfect to put on headbands, pin them on a jacket, add to a cloth purse....the possibilities are endless! 

The instructions are found here. 

This is so cute! A Felt Flower Corsage Brooch. I can picture using this in so many different ways besides just pinned on a jacket. Be creative, and don't be afraid to try new things! 

Here is another look to a felt flower pin. This is super simple to make, but looks so stunning on this sweater! 

Here are flowers made out of t-shirts! I have thrown away quite a few t-shirts due to stains, and these would be cute to make with those stained shirts instead! 

Yo-Yo hair clip tutorial. I don't think I would wear these in my hair, but they would look so cute in my daughter's hair! 

Make your own scarf from knit fabric! 

Here is a ruffled scarf you can make-I like this one a lot! 

Was anyone else inspired to wear a scarf after yesterday's post? I put a flower one on with a solid maternity sweater, denim ruffle maternity skirt, maternity leggings, and black boots, and one of my favorite pair of earrings.  I felt dressed up to be at home for the day (we did go to families house for dinner) but it was fun! 

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