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My calendar

January 5, 2017

since january is usually the month where we make big plans to get organized, i thought i’d share what is working for us.
i am not an organizer.
i do not get excited about planning or purging or goal setting.
but by necessity i have to attempt to be at least SEMI-organized to keep us from missing practices, appointments, birthday parties & deadlines.
and because i am a grown up.
#lame

last year i bought these big dry erase monthly calendars.
these have been great for me because i am very visual.
if i see it on the calendar – i usually don’t forget that event (not a guarantee… but 90% of the time it works).

at the end of each month i erase and then add the next month so we can always plan in three month segments.
(in theory i do that… sometimes i forgot)
it’s not fancy or pretty but it’s what i need to keep up with these people.
i just pinned it to the wall with thumbtacks.
simple!
it’s hanging right in the kitchen so everyone can easily see it, add to it & answer their own questions about when & where events are.

we use wet erase markers which is important because if someone walks by and wipes their hand on the calendar or leans onto the wall… it doesn’t erase!
can you imagine?! that would be terrible!
these have each been erased many times and the calendar still looks very clean with no staining.

i ordered this set of markers at the same time as the calendars and just pinned the whole set to the bulletin board so i didn’t lose any.
my black marker is missing because a certain basketball coach borrowed it and didn’t put it back…

pretty planners are awesome! I love to look at them! but in reality that hasn’t worked for me.
phone apps are awesome too! my husband only uses his phone for all organizing & that’s a great system for him!
but what works for me is WRITING it myself and SEEING it often.
and seeing several months at a time.

happy january!

source – calendars / markers / bulletin board

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Joy - I totally agree with you! I need to see it right in front of me daily without effort. I bought a planner at the end of last year thinking it would be so handy, but it hasn’t yet been touched. Deciding on a personal system and sticking to it always seems to work the best!

sharon / tpt - HAS to be on my calendar. From little to big.

Stephanie L. Robertson - Meg,
I’m with you on all this, Girl. I’m not inherently organized, but had to learn to be when I got out in the “real world” a hundred years ago. And yes, it is a wife/mom-requirement.

I’m also very visual and have to write down stuff so that I can remember it, too. I’ve got all of these little yellow legal pads to help out. As long as I don’t loose them in a clutter pile, I’ll be ok. 😉

Best of luck in 2017!
-Stephanie

Jenny Logan - My husband is always telling me to just put stuff in my phone. I’m like you though, I need to see it and it definitely helps if I write it down. I’m glad I’m not alone! I love the dry erase idea, that way when things change you don’t have scratched out writing!

Sharon - I’m a pen and paper on the wall girl. I was at Michael’s yesterday oogling their day planners, wishing that I was actually the kind of person who used these gorgeous inventions. But what works for me is a calendar with big squares, in a high traffic area. If it’s not on my calendar, it doesn’t exist. Love your blog! 🙂

Lisa - That is a great idea! I HAVE to see my stuff hanging on a wall, as well!! 🙂

S - I am the same as you – I have to physically write it, see it, refer back to it in order for it to stick in my brain. What works for me is my wall calendar to capture activities and appointments and school events and then right near that calendar is a dry erase week at a glance sticky – each week I write it out and add reminders (lunch account $$ for A, library book for B, pick up C at 4:45 – don’t forget water bottle) on the day we have to remember something that wouldn’t really “make it” on my regular calendar. I also use a separate dry erase board for a running grocery list so the family can add to it. Love that your black marker is missing – good thing the thief is your favorite guy ever!!

Jackie O'M - Back in my Mama days, each family member was assigned an ink color so I could tell at a glance who had activities each day. 🙂

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nashville

October 7, 2016

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last week i got to get away for some girlfriend time.
it was just what i was needing!
i met up with my friend shannan in nashville, tennesse.
her book “Falling Free” launched that week and her publisher is in nashville.
she was doing some press work with them and i just tagged along.
🙂

after arriving we took a nap. seriously.
we are wild.
off the charts.

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Shannan was speaking at an (In)Courage event that evening and i decided to join them too.
there was a panel discussion about friendship, then we chatted in small groups and made new friends. 🙂

the next morning shannan left early for book/work/promo stuff and i literally stayed in bed all day.
D R E A M Y!
(yes… i did bring my own mug! i knew i’d be in the room a lot, drinking lots of coffee and hotels either have teeny tiny mugs or paper cups. so i thought ahead and threw a REAL size mug into my suitcase to help me relax even more!)
after Live with Kelly (& Chris Pratt) AND The Price is Right… i clicked around the local Nashville news channels and there she was!
Shannan cooked tacos on Today in Nashville & got to share about her book.
how fun is that?

after it aired i texted her “i just took 72 photos of your news cast!”
i wanted to be sure i got a good one!

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that evening her publisher threw her a party at a very lovely restaurant called Adele’s.
i wish i’d taken 100 more photos but i didn’t.
doesn’t she look ga-ga-gorgeous in that vintage dress!?!
perfect choice!
it was so fun to get to celebrate her accomplishments and meet so many of her Nashville area friends!
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and see some of my own!
so fun to get to sit with laura at dinner!!!
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it was such a fun night!
i was so thrilled to be her plus one.
LOL.

we goofed around in nashville the rest of the weekend doing more eating and talking.
we are pros at NOT finding the cool things to do in cool cities.
neither one of us like to plan or make decisions so we end up at a strip mall or mcdonalds or dairy queen.
no joke.
but who cares – all we want is time to talk & the tables at mcdonalds over a fountain Coke work just fine for that.
seriously though you do not want us to be your tour guides.
we’re terrible.
three
we did hit Anthropologie.
that store is so pretty and so awesome and so ridiculous all in one.
usually i leave empty handed but filled with inspiration!
inspired because of things like this – check out this quilt (below)
IT IS MADE OF ENVELOPES!
one
it’s P A P E R!!!
who thinks of this stuff?!! who sews envelopes together to make a quilt?!
brilliant artists – that’s who!

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our friend tara lives close by(ish) and came to join us for saturday night!
she IS a wonderful tour guide and found us great spots to eat and shop.
she saved the day!
tara always brings the laughter to any party.
i feel lucky to be her friend.
the three of us stayed up waaaay too late talking about everything imaginable while enjoying our stash of party food.

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the goodbyes always come too soon.
AND i forgot to have shannan sign my book!

.
several times during the weekend i had moments of overwhelming gratitude to God for putting me with certain people at the perfect time.
i had some truly important DEEP talks with brand new friends that i NEEDED to have.
it blew me away with how specifically God was meeting my needs that i didn’t even voice out loud that i needed.
more than once i thought “wow God! thank you so much for this conversation! you really DO know my heart!” while the other person was still talking!
not to mention all the ways my “old” friends blessed me too!
i am a verbal processor and i needed several days to get allllll my words out – and processed. 😉

i felt loved by God in nashville.
(maybe that’s how everyone feels in nashville?! HA!)
that was not what i was expecting to get from that trip but i’m not complaining one bit.
so now…. the most important part of this post is this:

have you read Falling Free?

i loved it for so many reasons and i know you will too.
you can order it here on Amazon or it is available anywhere books are sold!

shannan – i am so proud of all the hard work you did to bring your words into the world.
you continue to be an example of humility, grace, wisdom and all with no frills.
i just like you so stinkin’ much.
the end.

🙂

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Tara - I was just getting lost in your blog, enjoying all the eye candy you enhance my life with and WHAT??? it’s me and you and shanbam and margs and ice cream and laughter and happiness and i want to do it all again. i love you so my friend!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Friends that you can say “hey, I want a nap” to are golden. Truth.

Tessa - I just started reading “Falling Free” and I can’t wait to read more tonight after the littles are in bed. I found Shannan’s blog when she went to Ecuador with Ashley Campbell. Oh my goodness, she has rocked my world in every good way possible and I haven’t read her book yet. In some ways, it is like I have finally found a kindred spirit and in other ways, she is pushing me out of my comfort zone by reminding me about the simplicity and importance of loving thy neighbor. I also have to add that I could totally relate to not needing to see the “tourist attractions” and instead, just wanting to veg in a hotel room and talk over a soda at McD’s. Sounds absolutely wonderful! 🙂

Heather - That Flower Patch girl is the best!! I love her va va vintage dress!! Hey can I ask what paint color you have in your “new” house!!

jo - Shannon is stunning looking in that dress. What a humble lady. Wish her much success with the book. Looks like you had a lot of fun.

Laura - Love you!!!!

Su - So I just got the following email from my mil and then I see this post. Perhaps I should order the book, eh? Here is the email. Pass it onto Shannan; I am sure it will encourage her 🙂

Email:

I have a friend that I am anxious to tell you about who, in agreement with her husband and children, have made a decision to give up the life they have been living and step out in faith to follow Christ – the kind of stories that excite you. Part of their decision was confirmed by a book, “Falling Free”. Below are reviews of the book and her blog if you are interested. Maybe you are already familiar with her. mom

sharon / tpt - Geez how fun! Good on ya.
I follow you both. Have her book already:) You are great lights in the world. For reals.

and #anthropologyNeverwrong !!

Tiffany - Girl time, Girls Night Out, Girl Talk – Priceless!!

Stephanie L. Robertson - Hi Meg!
Enjoyed your post. Nashville is lots of fun.
Just two words: Nashville Flea Market! Oops, that was 3. Anyway, I live about an hour and a half south, so send me a msg the next time you guys all get together. Looks like so much fun!
Blessings!
Stephanie

Marcia (123 blog) - People on amazon are calling this book as “in the vein of Francis Chan’s Crazy Love” and that swayed me – I will buy it and I can’t wait to read.

SoCalLynn - I have read it and I love it. It has come at the perfect time for me as I am examining my existence and what I’m here for for the next 20 years. My youngest is graduating high school this year so that means I’m finished home schooling and I need to do something meaningful.

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me time.

March 5, 2016

last week i took a trip all by my big girl self.
i took my big suitcase so i didn’t have to think while packing.
i brought 6 pairs of shoes for a 5 night trip.
but that’s the beauty of free bag check… no over thinking.

my chicago bestie picked me up and took me straight down to Michigan Ave!
what a treat!
we shopped and walked and talked and ate for 11 hours straight.
literally.
my dream day. 🙂
and we were dumb and took NO photos at all.
who am i?

i got to spend time with her family who are three of my favorite people in the world.
i was able to to go to my former church on sunday ( i even worked in the nursery!). they treated me to chicago foods, tok me by my old house and saw the neighborhood.
we watched The Intern (could’ve been better but could’ve been way worse so it was… OK)
but mostly i was so happy to get lots of face time with Jen.

jenny has been through almost everything with me as a mom and a wife.
we met at church but also lived on the same hall in our apartment building… Glen Oaks forever!
there was one apartment between us – Frank.
she & dave were newlyweds and we were two years in.
we only had little bitty Lauren back then.
she even stayed with Lauren when we went to the hospital to have scott!
we were in a small group together that met every monday night for 8 years!
she’s been there for everything.
she was in the room for talby & annie’s birth.
she would’ve been there for sean’s but he was born so fast that even craig almost missed it.
Jenny’s my girl.
and i hate that we live so far apart.

after a few days jenny took me to meet up with Shannan for the second part of my trip.
and it just so happened to be National Margarita Day!
so obviously we celebrated.
we are proud americans – we had to!

love both of these girls so much!
and when i am with them i am not the tallest lady in the picture!
🙂

i had never been to Goshen, Indiana before.
i loved it.
we ate fancy pizza.
went thrifting.
laid around in yoga pants.
had massages.
ate fruity oatmeal.
watched season 4 Parenthood.
and i finally got to see Straight Outta Compton – just ask shannan about my rap history knowledge…
we talked till late and over breakfast and all day in-between.

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Howard liked me.
at least i am pretending that he did.

that blanket is a HUGE “quilt” that is crocheted!
each block is different!
it’s dreamy… i am hoping a certain college aged daughter will agree with me.

she made me tacos and homemade salsa with Siley’s help.
praise hands!

one funny story i don’t want to forget was that silas asked me in front of their whole family
“hey Megan… do you like Coors Beer?”
i laughed a little and said “do i like Coors beer? well… it’s not my favorite but i would drink it”
shannan said “WHAT?! Silas!! Why did you ask that?”
cory laughed and said “Silas why don’t you ask her again..”
Silas slowed down and said “Megan… do you like Cory’s beard?”

HA HA HAaaaaaa!

i told him i thought it was actually a pretty cool beard.
🙂

and then… Goshen had a surprise blizzard!
no kidding.
the day i got there her kids were riding bikes in shorts and then we woke up the next morning to this!
we haven’t had snow in kansas in two years!
i have missed it so much.

calvin shoveled the snow for the entire block!
what a cool dude!

Ruby and Silas made a snowman in minutes.
they played in the snow all morning because school was canceled of course.

we were bummed to hear my flight was on time so we loaded up and made the long drive to airport.
but shannan spotted this GIANT thrift store about 5 minutes before the airport and we had time so we hit it.
and just as we were getting ready to go.. stating our disappointment in how big the store was with so little to offer… i saw some black eyed susan peeking out from behind some other “art”.
i said “this has potential” and we wandered over.
it was this gorgeous original oil painting in every beautiful color with all my favorite flowers.
we both died.
then we couldn’t find a price… and you know what happens when there isn’t a price at a thrift store… no sale.
we weren’t going to stand for that.
we called for a manager.
she wasn’t as thrilled. she wasn’t going to budge. she told us to come back in two hours when it has gone through pricing again.
we said “we can’t come back – we don’t live here”
then she offered $20 in a frustrated voice.
S O L D.
the manager told the cashier “give it to her for $20… if we wait it’ll have a hole in it by 8:00”
so true.

shannan is providing foster care for my painting until we find a way to ship it.
i told her to hang up and enjoy it! Why not?!
make “Jack Baker” proud. (the signature in red on the bottom)
it was the perfect ending to my trip.

i came home rested and happy.
i loved having time with my friends one-on-one.
i enjoyed the sleep. the talks. the massage. the snow.
i was so happy to get a break from regular mom life.
and just as happy to come right back into it as well.

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meg duerksen - it’s an Orla Keily yoga bag from target. i do not use it for yoga. 🙂 i use it for my computer and all the crap i drag around with me everyday.

Janel - Where did you get that SUPER cute Black/white floral bag with the yellow handles….LOVE!

Mindy - What a fun trip for you! Friends are the best. I am cracking up over the Coors beer vs. Cory’s beard haha.

beth larson - I loved everything about this post Meg. Aren’t girlfriends just the biggest blessing??? Have a super great weekend! xo

meg duerksen - Michelle – i am pretty sure she meant that someone would accidentally ruin if it stayed there – it was fragile. 🙂

sharon / tpt - I mean. Your God-fearing, people-lovin, Coors drinking life. I love it.

Melanie - That painting is gorgeous! Congrats on such a great find and having such a good friend to hold onto it. Also, i LOVE your gray booties in one of the top photos. Brand? I am in desperate need of new shoes.

Michelle A - I think this might be the artist:
http://www.askart.com/artist/Jack_Baker/11086723/Jack_Baker.aspx

Nicole C - So funny! I live in Goshen and saw your thrift photo on Instagram and thought ‘I never have good finds like that’. I guess I need fresh eyes 😉 Also, that snow storm was nuts!

Marsha Kern - Wonderful trip!

Lauren Honaker - This might be a creepy comment but I live in Indianapolis and I’ll be driving out to the craft house in June. I’ve seen on IG that Shannan makes trips to Indy every so often. I’d be happy to drive your painting out if you’d like me to! -Lauren (@thehonakerhome)

Angela - Not the point of your post, but I am from Indiana and have been missing it so bad. My whole family still lives there, and I’ve been in Texas since 2006. I love seeing pictures from there, even if it isn’t my town, and I’m glad you had a great time with your friends. 😊

Michelle from Australia - I did a “Mum’s hiatus” trip in early 2014. I flew from Australia to Upstate New York. And they had a very unexpected 10″ of snow just after I arrived. This sub-tropical Aussie was in snow heaven. It was magical. That trip holds a very special place in my heart. It was such a time of re-energising for me. So much so that I’m doing it again in October and early November this year. Except I’ve added on a visit to Newton, KS on the way home. I’ve never been to Kansas before and I’m more than a little thrilled to mark ‘Go to Kansas’ off my Bucket List.

Kristin S - Oh, what a gift! There is nothing like time with friends.

jamie - i heart your friendship with jen. i got tears. i don’t remember ever hearing the history.

Julie - What an awesome break away. That painting is fabulous!!!

Michelle - and told the cashier “give it to her for 20… if we wait it’ll have a hole in by 8:00”
so true.

*******

Did she mean that you or someone else would put a whole in the painting — intentionally or accidentally?

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Q&A

January 23, 2016

on instagram a few days ago i asked for topics to share about here on the blog.
i love hearing from you!

some topics mentioned were:

– parenting tips for survival and sanity with schedules
– parenting teen girls
– dealing with mean girls
– how do we handle kids with phones and social media
– parenting regrets
– parenting big kids and staying close as they grow up
– what are your favorite things
– favorite fashion if money was no object
– Organizing photos/storage/printing
– what is your decorating inspiration
– how’s supper club so far?
– how was the happy hour with jamie ivey
– furniture painting tips
– how did you start craft weekend
– what devotional do you like and tell us about your bible time – how can you focus?
– can you share about your best, most loyal girlfriends?
– food choices, healthy eating and fitness
– dealing with Post Pinterest Inferior Syndrome (that was a cute one!)
– how do you balance life, work, hobbies
– what is your next house project
– what made you want chickens
– favorite family meals
– what blogs & IGs do you follow
– what are you reading

so… i am going to touch on a few here today.
and hit others soon.

most of the comments were asking to see our house.
gosh… you guys are very kind.
right now christmas decor is put away and nothing has taken it’s place.
so i am working on that.
we hung the barn doors up and i am working on how to make it pretty again.
i promise to show it as soon i do.

and the rest of the house.

if you are new-ish here you may not know there is a category in the sidebar for home decorating.
you can see all the post that have ever been tagged in that category.

How do you like living in a more modern house vs the vintage?
well… i don’t want to sound ungrateful in any way here so please don’t think i am.
i love this 14 year old house and i’ll tell you why.
i like having a garage. i like the big cement driveway. i like that it was built solid, sturdy and reliable.
i like that there is a tornado shelter! i like that all the windows work. i like having a sink in the laundry room. i love our block and location on our block. i like the gas fireplace! i like large open space. i like dry wall vs. plaster. i like i like that the plumbing & electrical is not even two decades old. it’s a really great house! i tell craig how much i like it here all the time.

BUT… if i could have an old white two story farmhouse with land and a view of sunsets and pretty fields with chickens all around the garden and an old porch with a swing…. i’d pick that in a heart beat.
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but with old houses comes old plumbing and probably a lagoon. Also drafty windows and doors and broken steps and paint that needs stripping and re-painting. it would most likely need new bathrooms and/or kitchen. there would be wallpaper to strip and I’m sure there would be trim that needed to be painted white. 😉 There would be much more work than this new house is.
And i would still choose that over the new.

BUT as 40 year olds with 5 kids, 2 jobs and a non-stop schedule AND another house… the newer, more reliable house is the best option right now.

and maybe ever. (cause we aren’t getting any younger)

What is your morning routine?
oh girls.
this one made me crack up.
because i am THE WORST about mornings.
and about routines!
i love sleep so much it’s not even funny.
but i hate to go to bed at night… i’m a total night owl.
it’s not falling asleep that i love… it’s the not getting up part.
summer break with big kids is the best thing ever! sleeping until 10 or 11? every day?! HEAVEN!
but i have kids in school now so i have to get up each morning.
we wake up around 6:30-6:45.
i make sure everyone got up with their alarm and i make coffee.
then i sit there and stare at nothing and drink the coffee while they get ready for school.
i say things like “did you put your homework in your bag yesterday?” “are you bringing a coat?” “tie your shoes please”
but really i have trained them to be VERY self sufficient.
they don’t actually need me to be awake but obviously i want to see them and help if needed.
then at 7:30 they leave and run down the block to catch the bus.
and just two weeks ago scott started driving so he leaves a little after them and drives himself & sean to school.
after that… if i have nothing going on that morning… i go back to sleep!
then i get up and drink more coffee and wake up real slow.
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probably not the inspiring go-getter routine you were hoping to hear… ha ha ha!

BUT i have a routine that i WISH i was great at and that i am attempting to try.
5:30 – workout
6:30 – coffee and quiet time
7:30 – shower
8:30 – have a productive day
hmmm…. it sounds horrible.
truly awful!
wish me luck.
it starts in the morning… i’m trying not to cry already.
i saw this blog post on pinterest and thought it was right on!
i’m going to try some of her tips.

being a grown up is dumb.

and last for today:
How do you maintain your house… no clutter, no piles?

well…. there ARE piles and clutter here.
but not crazy amounts i guess. (the laundry room doesn’t count)
house work is not my strength.
my husband is the clean one and the one who keeps things neat.
i am not a slob but i don’t have a binder with cleaning charts and a schedule either.
i am able to be pretty chill about all of it… clutter and mess do not undo me.
i have no trouble going to bed with a sink full of dirty dishes or unfolded laundry.

i’d say there are 3 things that help keep it under control.
1. the kids clean up their rooms and bathroom on saturdays.
that is their space and their responsibility… i do not get involved.

2. our kids alternate loading and unloading the dishwasher
(meaning i don’t have to do dishes every single day)
we started this as young as kindergarten for unloading.
right now my boys take turns loading the dishwasher and the girls unload.

3. i have a cleaning service.
the woman who cleans for me is absolutely awesome!
i spend several hours picking up the house in the morning on the day she comes so she can deep clean.
having professional help has kept the clutter & chaos down immensely.
she cleans the main floor of the house except for annie’s room and the guest room.
that means the kitchen, dining, living room, hallway, bathroom, my bedroom and bathroom.
i know that it’s not the answer for everyone to have a cleaning service… but i decided about 3 years ago that FOR ME it was absolutely worth the money because the keeping up with the housework had gotten to be too much for me with everything else going on.
i hated it!
i hated thinking about it, worrying about it and of course DOING it.
and i hated that i couldn’t keep up.
so for me – a cleaning service was the answer.
it has made my life easier and it is my favorite!
i am grateful and it’s freed me up to get other things done during that time!
AND she’s so much faster than i ever was.
when my kids were babies and toddlers it didn’t feel like the best use of money because little ones are tornadoes of mess 24/7.
but with bigger kids who are gone all day and many evenings… it is totally worth it!

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thanks for all the topic ideas!

and guess what i’m going to do now… yeah.
another basketball game.

🙂

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Amy aka aphotomama - Thanks for answering!! It is so encouraging to read your answers and just get the sense of you being you and being content with who you are and where God has you. It can be a struggle in today’s Pinterest/competitive world where it seems people are afraid to just be authentic and real. So thanks. Love the part about the country house. I grew up in the country in the house my great grandfather built. Every time it would rain hard, the basement would flood. Thanks for all you do and share! Hugs!!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Do you know what a relief it is to know that I am not the only mom in the world who love, love, loves her sleep? That is all.

Kimberlee Jost - I need a tshirt that says “being a grownup is dumb”. 😉

Lis - I think you did a post about this awhile ago but I can’t find it. What do you do for kids’ chores? Ours are 6, 7, 8, 8, and 14. The house is constantly a disaster and chores are essentially non-existent. I make them clear and load their dinner dishes but the rest (my fault) seems to fall on me. What were your expectations and do you pay them?

Jenny B. - Love the Q & A! 🙂 Love the picture/quote about cleaning with kids. So funny and true. I also identified with “cause we aren’t getting any younger.” My husband I will both turn 40 next month, and I am feeling some urgency about big decisions. Are we going to live in this little house for the rest of our lives? If not, then we need to get a move on! It’s like “someday” is upon us and it’s time to act. And, oh my word, are we saving enough for retirement? And, what about the kids’ college tuition? Oy… You’re right. Being a grown up is dumb (and time is still a jerk).

Amanda - 3 broken windows, a handful of others that don’t open, floors that are unlevel, trim not on, that needs painted, snakes in the scary cellar, kitchens and bathrooms waiting for time and money to be redone. I could go on. I wanted to laugh and cry all at the same time reading about this!! Just a week or so ago I asked Craig how you guys were liking moving from old to new. So funny reading this now. I’ll admit I almost had to quit and tell myself to breathe…it’s ok…we gave up some amenities for others. But the journey and potential ahead is exciting. And in all of its imperfections, it’s feeling more like home in 6 months than the other did in 10 years. So there’s that. 🙂

Marcia (123 blog) - I love reading your honest morning routine. I’m also not a morning person but sadly, I have to get to work so I wake at 6.45 most days.

Interestingly, I heard on Gretchen Rubin’s podcast a night owl said “I have to exercise first thing while I’m not awake” and I think the exact opposite. I am useless in the morning.

I live in an old house and I love it but Lord, the maintenance….. I sometimes dream of no draughty windows and doors, and things that don’t leak, and so on. Still deciding 10 years on 🙂

Can’t wait for the rest of the Q and A

Momma Ginny - Meg! You are adorable!! You remind me of myself! If that makes sense?! Thanks for sharing!!!

Lisa - Being a grown up IS dumb! Haha! I could not agree more. And I wanted to cry when reading your schedule you’re going to attempt. Waking up and working out at 530am?! I’m not sure i could ever do that! I have a hard time waking up at 730am! Haha! Fun to see a glimpse into someone else’s life!.;)

Kelly - These posts are so much fun! I clicked over to your old blog via a pinterest link the other day and you know what I kind of miss (I really liked it but I only kind of miss it because it was a time suck but oh such a fun time suck!) that little side bar you had of all the fun linkies! 🙂 Kelly

Heather S. - Oh Meg! You and I could not be more different, but I love that I still think you’re fabulous! If we were all the same, well, all but one of us would be redundant!
Going back to bed after coffee???? 🙂 Impressive. I’m far too awake after coffee – that’s when I hit the elliptical!
Love the honesty! Always fun to get a window into someone else’s world.

Tricia - Your morning routine is basically identical to my own, except we start at about 6am, because the school bus comes really early here. lol. I sometimes wish I was a morning person, but I’ve about given up hope.

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ordinary week

January 18, 2016

my giant barn doors finally came inside this weekend!!
HOORAY!
i am in love with how they change the space.
i’ll show it when i have it styled the way i like (which could be a long time but i’ll try not to let it be)
i wanted them to be hung on the wall because i wanted them to go almost to the ceiling.
so we had to figure out HOW to do that.
and it only took two trips to the hardware store.

cuddly brothers. IMG_0782-2
these guys are still here.
they are the world’s most boring pets… FYI.
and they creep me out.
i’m not “afraid” of them but they just gag me.

the bathtub at the craft house is heavenly.
it’s worth driving 15 minutes to take a bath.
100%.

talby had a volleyball tournament last weekend… those are crazy.
crazy loud. crazy crowded.
but love watching her play and smile and be silly with her team & her brothers.

and we had another week full of basketball games.
like… 9 games.

funny guy.
🙂

of out ALL our kiddos… i think annie may possibly love basketball the most.
which is fun to know we still have a lot of basketball in our future.
and that is serious. i am not being sarcastic.
i love to watch them play!
(i also love to stay home and do nothing but we get to do that all summer)

i love this 40’s house but i really do miss the chickens being out like when we at the farmhouse.

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last week was busy with scott, sean AND talby getting their driver’s licenses.
scott got his full license and the talby and sean got learner’s permits.
a learner’s permit means you can drive with any licensed driver over 21 in the passenger seat.
then at 16 (or after driver’s ed) they can get a restricted license that allows them to drive to work or school only.
it was a big week!

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i got to help make a meal for Scott & Sean’s basketball team last night.
i like those boys.
all of them.
and i am LOVING watching all their games this year.

i did some art journaling (keeping with my 2016 goal of creating something each week)
🙂

.
i started reading this book… I Quit Sugar
on paper it seems so easy.
and logically it IS.
but it’s so much deeper than that isn’t it?!
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i thought both of these books looked interesting at B&N this weekend.
The Paleo Kitchen and Clean Eating with a Dirty Mind
they both had really great photos and everything looks SOOOO good to eat!

silly
and keeping with pure randomness… these 4 pics cracked me up this week.
1. i don’t answer my phone unless it’s my child.
2. i cut my boys hair and they don’t love it but don’t want to go GET a haircut either.
3. this sign needs to live in my laundry room
4. i would like 7 of these tank tops. one for every day of the week. ha ha haaaaa

.
and lastly…. craig and i went out on a date (that i begged for) on saturday night.
(begged is a strong word) (threatened… ? ha!)
we ran into Barnes & Noble & i was chatting with mr. duerksen, looked up & said “well hey! that’s my friend Jeanne!”
and sent her this grainy pic immediately.
🙂

Jeanne has TONS of classes on her site but there is one going on right now called LISTENING.
she asked over 20 men and women to share our thoughts on Listening – Finding the Quiet and hearing the voice of God.
and i am one of those women and i did make a video about my personal struggles and praises.
so come join this free class!!!
it started january 1 but it’s not too late to join at all…you can still see all the videos.
listening-tagline_zps6kygw4ko1 listeningteacherscolor_zpsqjhdh1a51
alright.
my house is empty today! my husband is off work and the kids are off school but no one is here!
i am making PW Dr. Pepper pork in the crockpot.
my husband has requested Bread Pudding for dessert (see??? deeper than the logical I Quit Sugar)
and i HOPE we get to watch a movie tonight as a family.
(but no doubt there will be a football or basketball game on that can’t possibly be missed…)
HA.

did you see The Martian?! we watched that on friday and LOVED it!

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Cat Sasser - Please! I MUST know the name/brand of your toe nail polish in the bathtub pic! (It’s perfection!) 🙂

meg duerksen - Michelle- I don’t have that tank top. I saw it on Facebook but I bet if you google it you’d find a source.

Michelle - Where did you get the “Am I skinny yet” tank?

Jenny B. - Love your art journaling piece! My grandmother passed away at the beginning of January, and that was the hymn she had requested we sing at her service. <3

Love the barn door! How did you end up hanging it? French cleat? Have fun styling it! 🙂

meg duerksen - our walls are SeaShell Gray by Valspar.

meg duerksen - Shelly – i was just helping with the meal… but they served baked potatoes with chili and/or shredded pork as a topping. Not chili in bowls. and desserts. 🙂

Lisa - I just spent the weekend at a volleyball tournament with all 5 of my kids. It
IS loud and crazy. But so fun! I also need that laundry sign. Too funny! 😂

Andrea - we just watched the Martian… (it was really good and funny!)

Lisa D - OK – LOVE those doors! I grew up on a farm in SW Minnesota and I have a thing for barn doors!! 🙂
And….what color are you walls….almost a gray/white color??
Thank you for all of your wonderful posts – Lisa

Shelly - OK – what did you feed the team? I’m on my third team meal of the basketball season and I’m OUT.OF.IDEAS!!!!! Please help!! 😉

Kelly S - Read The Martian, then saw The Martian, and LOVED both!!!! (book was better, of course, but movie was fun and great). Excited to see The Revenant. I don’t know what revenant means? 🙂

Melanie - I was just thinking that my coffee habit is keeping me away from my goal weight, and how I would like to quit/reduce my sugar intake. You cannot out-exercise a bad diet, huh? le sigh. I’m with ya sister! Keep the faith, try try try again.

Michelle - My husband and I just watched The Martian last night and thought it was great! 🙂 Hope you have a good night with your family. I’m watching PW while my 3 month old naps….looking forward to the days of family movie night. We are in the throws of nursing and diapers! 🙂

Julie - Looking forward to seeing how you style those doors. We turned mine into my sewing table and another into my cutting and fabric storage table.

http://justjulielou.blogspot.co.nz/2014/08/weekending-sewing-room-edition.html

I have looked at going sugar free, but have decided that I am going to stick to the everything in moderation theory, besides I cannot afford all the nuts, fresh dates, cacao nibs etc you are meanto use instead in cooking and baking.

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goals

January 6, 2016

ok…. the kids have gone back to school.
i got one day to myself (or technically just a half day).
so with my silent morning…. i wrote out my goals for 2016.
{{{{{cringe}}}}}
why does it make my stomach hurt?
goals are good…. right?
everyone says they are so it must be true.
even it feels scary.

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unrelated: my sister got me adorable polka dot “sleep” pants for christmas and i’ve worn them for dayzzzzzzz.

i separated my page out into sections – Self Care / Personal / Business / Jesus stuff
very professional.
probably just like Beth Moore would do it.
🙂

i will share a few but not all because some are personal & also i don’t want to bore you….

*Self Care
1. get a mammogram (cause i’m 40 now and it’s that time)
2. figure out if i can enjoy and see benefits of the Essential Oils
i want to understand… but i fear i may not be self aware enough… like knowing if my body is responding or not… or if have the stamina to keep it up… idk… we shall see. i have them. but feel basically clueless about them.
feel free to share why you love them and why i should as well.

*Personal
1. create something every week.
anything.
because i haven’t for months and i am slowly dying on the inside.
dramatic much?
i feel my best when i am creating… so i need it to be more not less.
2. send happy mail often.
i love to send people happy mail and i want to do much more of that in 2016

*Business
1. record and balance accounts early & often
this is pretty much my least favorite thing ever of all things related to business stuff
but now that i’m 40… ha ha ha.
it’s still my least favorite.
that doesn’t mean i can’t do it.
and it would make my husband so happy too.
win – win!
2. new products in my shop.
because duh… it needs to happen.
i just gotta do it.
feel free to share what you’d love to see in the shop!

*Jesus Stuff
1. READ MY BIBLE
i’ve always been really lax about this.
that makes me sad to say.
but it’s the truth.
i want to dig in and spend time in the bible.
i want to know Jesus more. i need it.
not in a ‘do better’ kind of way but in the ‘i miss closeness with jesus’ kind of way.
2. memorize bible verses.
it doesn’t have to be fancy.
this week’s was from our sermon at church.
Eph.6:11 “Put on the full armor of God so you can stand firm against the devil’s schemes”
3. Africa
someway – somehow – sometime this year.
yep… it’s a jesus thing…. it could be in the personal category too but it’s so big that’s it falls under Jesus Stuff for me.
(i knooooow that in reality EVERYTHING falls in that category. I do.)

——-

and then i attempted to fill out my 2016 calendar.
ughhhhh.
that is just dumb.
but i did it.
basically it was 571 basketball games and 3 dr appts.

ok… boring talk is over.

——

here is something you need to do: listen to Jami Nato’s Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey.

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trust me.
it’s REALLY good.
crazy good.
you’re welcome.

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Lacy - I did the armor of God study by Priscilla shrier.. It studied all of Ephesians. It’s a great study and chapter! Great verse to memorize!

Lindsay - I love my oils! I’ve been using them consistently for two years now and the best thing I can recommend is get yourself a reference book, something you can look up your ailments and learn about the oils themselves. You can check any of these links (not affiliate): http://www.discoverlsp.com, tinyurl.com/yleobooks, http://www.aromaweb.com/books

When choosing a brand, research the company and how they make their oils. Labeling isn’t regulated, but some companies have videos of behind the scenes type stuff. I narrowed it down to two companies and I really wanted to pick one because of their branding/bottling, but I ultimately chose the other company because they’d been around longer and own their own farms/distilleries.

Essential oils work, if you use them. Try a new use everyday. Research some new ways to use them, make a quick calendar, and commit to using them at least once a day everyday for a month!

Do we still get sick? Yes, but it’s not as bad/doesn’t last as long.

I understand you already have some oils, but if you’d like to compare the two, I would be happy to send you some samples!

xo. Lindsay

Dawn Kitley - Hi! Just started reading your blog.
Goals always make me nervous. It’s me making a commitment and I get nervous when I make too many commitments.second, I would love to send more happy mail as well. I love getting mail! And not EMAIL!
Third, I just started an R-260 reading commitment. It’s 260 of the most important readings in the Bible. So, you’re not reading the whole thing. But there’s an app (Replicate) and it tells you what to read and when to read (only 5 days a week) and it doesn’t take long. Maybe 10 minutes a day.
P.S. Sorry if there are any typos, my iPad is not allowing me to see what I’m typing for some reason.
Good luck with your goals!!

Lilly - Hey Meg – have loved your blog for a very long time and you have inspired and encouraged me on countless occasions. And I love the pumpkin cake and cheesecake recipes – so does my fam. But one thing – please please – as someone many people read, respect and admire – when you refer to Africa, say the country. I am Ethiopian-American and have been living back in East Africa (Ethiopia and Kenya) for nine years with my hubby and four kids. When we travel back to the US each year, one of of goals is to inform those we love and spend time with that Africa is not a country – it is has 54 wildly diverse and wonderful countries. Just as I don’t say I am going back to “North America” can I suggest that maybe you just mention which of God’s hilariously awesome African countries is on your heart? Kenya couldn’t be more different than Ethiopia and they are neighbors – so imagine this continent that can house all the land mass of the USA, China, Mexico, most of Europe and India – is so different, so unique that border to border you find thousands of languages, people groups and cultures that could never fit under the one banner of “Africa.” I say this only in love and hope you can receive that way. Bless you and happy new year, Lilly

melissa@joyineveryseason - thanks for posting your goals … I love to see what other people are working on. 2016 will be a great year!

Jenn B - Hi Meg,
I have loved your blog for years! Goals are great but focusing on God’s goals for us is most important. I find that I get really wrapped up in my goals and used to often forget God’s so now I just pray about my vision and goals for the year and he directs my steps. I love the one about getting into your Bible more. You will be blessed.

On the essential oil subject, I have to say we LOVE essential oils. We use doTERRA (and to be upfront my husband and I are Wellness Advocates) but even if we weren’t WA’s we would still sing their praises. We have been using them over two years now and they have literally replaced our medicine cabinet. We use them for cleaners, mood pick-me-ups, and the all around good smells. Our children have benefited from them as well. They are even good to get rid of stinky smelly boy feet! Anyway, it is VERY important for you to learn to use them safely and properly because they are very concentrated. I have a section on my website about them and would love to teach you more if you’re interested. I could picture them at your craft house too! Diffusers in every room adding to the ambiance. Cheers to a God-focused and healthy New Year for you! Blessings, Jennifer

Janna - Oops posted comment too soon meant to add this We’ve been loving the breathe stick around here to use with breathe in diffuser and breathe cough drops when the sniffles start! Always using our on guard on feet and in diffuser with og throat drops when things start feeling wonky😥And every one of us use digest zen and digest zen softgels pretty frequently. I think these might all be my faves if someone asked me:) Well in the winter for sure!😜 Can’t really be without oregano tho if the throat gets sore and the Melaleuca and lemon gargle don’t cut it. Guess i better stop…I think i could go on and on😁Stinking love these oils! So so thankful for them!! So so very rarely have to haul my kids to an appt. And i have 5 kids ages 14,13,11,6 and 11 months. We ALL use them! So does my hubby; ) took him awhile to become a believer… But as soon as the oregano gargle wiped out his sore throat he was a believer! Lol! And he also used lavender on a burn on his hand and couldn’t believe that it quit hurting almost instantaneously. It did take me quite a while to start using them after I got mine. But once I got the book and could look up anything then I really started using them. I really really hope you start using yours and love them too 🙂

Janna - Yep totally agree with Lisa! I LOVE MY OILS and am SO THANKFUL for them!!! TRULY! But I like to say they are the icing on the cake. With all the other healthy choices we make they become the icing on the cake of not having to run to the doctor and just being able to take care of all the little ailments at home. I love love love it!

valerie - Your posts are always inspirational, this one is no exception! Love it, inspiring me to get my calendar all marked in!!

Lisa - PS- My take on oils… They are not a miracle item. I think sometimes people think (and promote them) like they are the thing that will cure anything and everything. I have found them to be a great thing in ADDITION to other stuff. For example-My kids will continue to get sick even while using oils if they are eating lots of treats and sugar. I have used different oils for headaches, tension in my shoulders, when congested and thought they definitely helped and I loved that it was natural. I think oils have a place but they can’t be the miracle worker if nothing else is in place. Hope that makes sense!

Lisa - I probably should sit down and do this. I need some goals for the year. I feel like i’ve been “flying by the seat of my pants” all year and I don’t like it.

Linda - love your post! thanks for sharing your post. I’ve been hoping you’d put the rainbow sweatshirts back in your shop! Also will you post your weekly create? I’d love the inspiration!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - I like your list.

Shannon - So now they recommend having a mammogram at 35 years old to establish a baseline. Had my first this year and had to go back for a second. Actually wasn’t as bad as I thought but then I’m not very “blessed” in that area. I use oils just when I find they are beneficially. I’ve completely stopped using chemicals cleansers on my face and switched to oils and items you probably have in your kitchen. It’s made a huge difference. And we have found a few that seem to really help with my husbands horrible seasonal allergies. Other then that I buy and diffuse ones that smell good. I’ve also had several people from different aspects of my life recommend Jamie Ivey lately. I guess God’s trying to tell me something. Yes to Africa! I’ve been twice, just waiting for God to say it’s time to go again.

Heidi - Love the list!! Same here on oils…I bought some in December from one of the “big” name companies and want to be a believer/hard corer because I know so many ladies personally that are, but not sure I can tell if they’re helping/changing. And same with the bible reading/memory…got a journaling one for Christmas and LOVE it (even though I’m not craft or artsy, love it for notes and thoughts).

Kate - I LOVE your goal to create each week! I am on the same mission!! Will you be blogging about your weekly projects? I would love to see what you are doing and of course, give your projects a try!! You always have the coolest ideas! Your blog is one of my favorites and I always love hearing what you have to share! Happy 2016!

Lori - Thanks for sharing your goals and especially thanks for sharing about the podcast. I saw Jamie Ivey when she cohosted the For the Love book club with Jen Hatmaker, but I’d forgotten about her. Loved this episode! I’ll definitely be listening to more. Thanks and happy 2016 to you!

Marge - Great new year post! I envy your alone day!! We use oils…. Mainly lavender /orange for sleep, on guard for cold sick season, and peppermint for headaches and upset stomach. I would love to see your colorful fabric bunting banner in your shop 😊

Happy New years!

jen - Yep. I just put all the volleyball practices and tournaments on the calendar. I feel ya.

Val - Hey Meg, you need to read Edie’s posts on essential oils – she gives you all the information you need to know. Her blog is lifeingraceblog.com 😀

Elliottsurf - Hello Meg and Happy New Year, can you tell me who did the art pieces you show in your kitchen next to the window? Looks like you have two pieces, one on each side of the window over the sink. Would love to know who the artist is and if we can purchase some prints. Thank You.

susan mooney - I love your blog. I think we have the same planner or a similar one…i got mine at Target and the only thing i didn’t like is that it was kinda plain inside so thanks for the idea of brightening it up with colorful markers!!! I like how real you are in your posts…and i think a lot of us women have very very similar goals as we strive to be the best version of ourselves…one thing i’d add is that i am doing a 30 day detox and so far so good. It involves yummy plant based protein powder and i’m not miserable AT ALL. Yay me! Feels good to flush out all the junk i consumed over the holidays! (i just re read and it sounds like i;m selling something and i’m totally not haha!) Anyway thanks for doing what you do! God bless your sweet family.

Gina - I always love this time of year…fresh start!! 😀 I love reading others goals. Reading my Bible changed my life!! You will never regret spending time in The Word!! I plan my life around it and try to never miss reading because it has been so beneficial in my life. It is where we meet Jesus. 🙂 And hiding His Word in our hearts is so very important. I hope you share what you are creating. 🙂

Dawn - I always think it’s dull and boring to share my goals but then I always love reading when others post theirs!

HJM - I tried the essential oil thing and sad to say, I never had that “miracle moment” where they worked for me. (And yes, I was using one of the two large companies where you get oils, the higher grade stuff!) We all got sick despite using the immune system oil, I had some skin issues that didn’t go away even though I used the intended oil to help with it, along with other failures. Maybe I was doing it wrong. Interested to hear your take!

Kim - Just had to comment to say thanks for sharing! Goals are personal, but it made my day to read some of yours!

Kelly - I have a great resource for memorizing Bible verses: Slugs and Bugs Sing the Bible. It is word-for-word Bible verses (and whole chunks of Scripture) put to upbeat, fun music making it so easy to memorize. AND Vol.1 heavily includes the African Children’s Choir(!!!) Our WHOLE family loves it! Technically for kids, but my husband and I listen when there are no kids in the car, too…it is THAT good. You will LOVE. Volume 2 comes out in March, but we have it already because we were part of the Kickstarter…you will LOVE it, too! Here is the link to purchase volume 1: https://store.rabbitroom.com/collections/slugs-bugs

Mandy - Essential oils are wonderful! I’ve always been a “sickly” type person who has a hard time sticking with trying new things to help! With Essential oils it’s easy! They have become part of my family’s daily routine and helped with so many of our medical concerns. They’ve helped so much I can’t help but share them for others to also see the benefits! If you have any health concerns you’d like to try to correct in a natural way you should definitely give them a try! 🙂

Julie - I’m trying to pluck up courage to book my first mammogram – in New Zealand they are free, once you turn 45. Got to be responsible now I have reached this age.
What a lot of basketball games – you are a good mum.
Being creative is so important – one of my favourite sayings that I have pinned is:

“being creative is not a hobby, it is a way of life

Good luck with achieving your goals and all the best to you and your family for 2016.

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cookbooks for #cookallthethings

November 6, 2015

TWO food posts in one week?!
who am i?
i had better get some crafts going over here so i don’t confuse myself!

I’ve been cooking… and thinking about food… and wishing for new cookbooks to inspire me even more to keep this streak going!
i am pretty sure an evening at Barnes & Noble is in my future to check these out in person.
what if i even got to go on a date???
i know… don’t get crazy Meg.

dinnertime1
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime
i mean… how beautiful is that cover?!
she’s amazing.
and all her dishes on the counter and in the background… all strategically placed… she’s an empire.
total rockstar.
remember her waaaay back in the beginning of blogs?
and now this.
dude… what she’s done is amazing.

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The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
i have only heard wonderful things about this girl.
so i am guessing this cookbook could be great… or maybe too hard foe me? i don’t know!
it feels fancy for sure.

DinnerPlaybook-COVER-714x1024
Dinner: The Playbook: A 30-Day Plan for Mastering the Art of the Family Meal
ummm…. HOW DID SHE KNOW i needed a plan?!
this looks like it could save my dinner time issues.
and i have seen her previous book called Dinner: A Love Story: It all begins at the family table and love it.

DinnerLoveStory_finalfinal
i mean what a GREAT title right?
it’s true.
i want my family to know i love them and care.

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i am pretty sure that One-Dish Wonders is the kind of cookbook i would USE.
like not just look through and comment on how pretty it all is.
this looks like real meals for a large family with a narrow view of “good food”.
casseroles forever!

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Juli Bauer’s Paleo Cookbook

and then to swing ALLLLLL the way to the opposite of casseroles… Paleo.
i like her blog for paleo recipes so why wouldn’t i love her cookbook to have on my shelf?
these recipes i would assume would be mostly for the grown ups but maybe i could find some meals for everyone?

danielle-walkers-against-all-grain-meals-made-9781628600421_hr
Against All Grain: Meals Made Simple
i am so curious about this.
the no grain eating… could i do it?
what about cake? or cinnamon rolls?
i guess it’s a moderation thing just like it would be no matter if you ate no grains or not.
i know that many people have allergies and that is why a lot of people eat grain free… but not every one.
so that is what i am curious about.
i bet her recipes are yummy and would make it less painful to transition to.

100DaysOfRealFoof_book_cover_NYT_best_seller_number_1_521x590
100 Days of Real Food: How We Did It, What We Learned, and 100 Easy, Wholesome Recipes Your Family Will Love
i wonder about this one?
this is what i wish i could say about my family’s eating.
“we eat real food. everyday.”
hashtag food goalzzzz.

2014-09-27-Soup-a-Day-1
Soup of the Day sounds like one i would enjoy.
i reeeally like soup.
but doesn’t everyone? or are there people out there that can’t handle the texture of soup?
you know… there are people who hate smoothies because they are thick and cold… i bet there are people that feel similar things about soup.
i am NOT one of those people.
i have a memory of my parents getting together with their good friends on a saturday night and a few of them brought soup. the others brought bread or salad. and everyone brought wine. 🙂

coverimage1
Food52 Baking
annie has really become a baking enthusiast and i want to encourage that every chance i get.
this book would probably make her very happy.

🙂

gallery-1429042548-sega-cookie-love
Cookie Love: More Than 60 Recipes for Turning the Ordinary into the Extraordinary

whatever that cookie is… I WANT IT!!!
this is probably going in the cart for someone for christmas.
not me… but someone who may make those cookies for me.

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Hand Made Baking: Recipes to Warm the Heart
annie can’t get enough chocolate.
ever.
this book would win at our house.

so how was that for the most random list of cookbooks i am thinking about today?!
but that is how my brain works.
i want healthy real food.
i want cake.
i want an easy meal.
i want gourmet.
i want to be Ree Drummond.
i want Annie to do all the work.

of all the cookbooks we have… my favorite is probably the first PW cookbook The Pioneer Woman Cooks
thepioneerwomancooks5001
what is your most favorite cookbook you own?
i need to know.
thanks in advance.

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Andrea - Seriously the book I cook the MOST from regularly is Bread & Wine by Shauna Niquist! Weird, I know, because it’s only kind of a cook book!! BUT…most of it’s yummy AND easy! We have the “Sweet Potato fries with Sriracha sauce” probably weekly!! P.S. And I LOVE the turkey burgers! (but DO NOT MAKE THEM INTO MEATBALLS…epic fail!!!!)

Lillian - The original PW cookbook and Whitney Ingram’s The Family Flavor are the only two cookbooks I actually use. I have a whole shelf of them that has been slowly whittled down, but they’ve mostly become pipe dreams of Hingis I wish I’d actually make and my family would actually eat! Everything is online;)

Crissy - These are great! I have the Against All Grain cookbook and I like the recipes. If you don’t have a pantry stocked w/ a lot of the ingredients, it can feel like an investment. But, not having the same bloated feeling after a meal (like when we eat gluten) is nice. We aren’t gluten free… we’re w/ you on the moderation.

I love the Real Simple cookbook called Easy, Delicious Meals and Gwyneth Paltrow’s It’s All Good cookbook. I have a young kid so the Weelicious books are fun too. 🙂

Myra - I really like Danielle Walkers Meal Made Simple because of the ease of use. She has organized shopping lists ready for every week. I would just take that list and go to the store with out planning any meals out for the week. Whatever I couldn’t find at my store I would order from Amazon. It’s so simple!

Laura in Sacto - Pioneer Woman, A Year of Holidays. LOVE IT!

Marcia at Organising Queen - My favourite cookbook is Pinterest 🙂

Sandra K, - Hi Meg, My absolute favorite is Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa on Food Network. I love all her cookbooks but Barefoot Contessa ‘Family Style’ is my top pick. I also have learned so much from watching her show over the years.

I’ll also second the vote for the Our Best Bites blog and cookbooks. They are two moms who share fabulous recipes your family will eat. They’re delightful.

Thanks for the fun food posts – love your blog. 😊

Kerrin - I love the Looney Spoons Collection by Janet and Greta Podleski It is actually three cookbooks in one. So many yummy recipes from soup to pasta to roasts to desserts. All of them are easy and most are quick.

KWolff - My favorite cookbook is one that my mother in law put together for me the first year I was part of the family. She did one for each of her three kids & their spouses. I pull that thing out on a regular basis for reminders on how to make old favorites. My second favorite is my Gooseberry Patch holiday book. I love to read the stories in there and many of the recipes are ones that I use each Christmas.

Jessica Strait - Oh you’ve gotta know about Seriously Delish: for People who totally love food.
From Jessica Merchant. She’s amazing/awesome

link love: http://www.amazon.com/Seriously-Delish-Recipes-People-Totally/dp/0544176499

and her blog (always fun and totally honest) http://www.howsweeteats.com

her blog and your blog are my two go websites!

Kimberlee Jost - I love this post. Like really LOVE.

Deb Meyers - Jim Lahey’s pizza crust from “Dinner: A Love Story” has become the bridge I crossed to meet and love on my kid’s college friends. IT IS FAIL PROOF.

(And I would tell you to make Jenny’s Arugula/Ricotta pizza NOW, only I’m afraid you will post it on your blog and then all the world will realize I am not a culinary genius but only a truly enthusiastic copycat 🙂

Lee Ann - Is it sad that I rarely buy cookbooks anymore? I just use the world wide web 🙂 BUT….I do miss flipping through the pages. Maybe for Christmas I’ll have to get a new one. Who doesn’t love the Pioneer Woman? And “100 days of real food”? Good stuff. Against all grain – Makes me feel so good (I have Celiac so I can eat everything!).

And….I pulled up your blog because December is coming. I’ve really been laying off the sugar, but I’m so ready to have your mint brownies (gluten-free style). They will probably taste sooo sweet after not much sugar. Anyway – You have to re-read that post. So sweet. Annie said, “what dat mell?” 🙂

Traci - You have highlighted all of my favorite cookbooks above, plus some that I want to check out! Smitten Kitchen is not too fancy, and I mean that in the best possible way. Hers is probably my favorite. You should start with her website, there are new recipes there all the time. Happy cooking! :]

Jill - Well…. I have to say that I LOVE my copy of the Betty Crocker Cookbook…. you know… the old one with the red and white checked cover. It’s my grandma’s copy and there are notes in her handwriting next to the recipes I remember eating when growing up. But, I do love The Pioneer Woman too. Question…. I am wondering if you cook with gas…. waffling on what kind of stove to get. If you do…. is it stainless under the burner grates? If so… is it hard to clean? HELP!!!

Jackie O M - Forty some years and hundreds on cookbooks on my shelves? Just can’t pick one! Depends on the subject? Southern? John Martin Taylor’s Low Country Cooking. Chinese ~ Ruth Law’s Dim Sum ~ totally falling apart. Mexican? Diane Kennedy The Tortilla Book. Vegetables? Marian Morash The Victory Garden Cookbook. Life Changers at the Sidewalk House? Martha Stewart Entertaining and The Silver Palate Cookbook. On and on. Sarah Foster, Joanne Weir, Ina Garten, and Jacques Pepin’s Fast Cooking my Way are currently day to day resources. I am an addict. A user ~ of cookbooks!

Emily - I have the Meals Made Simple book because my husband and I did a grain free nutrition challenge with some others at our gym. Everything we have made from it is delicious!! And really they are simple. Our favorite is the creamy dill salmon. My husband is not a fish eater but asks for this once a week!

Lori - I love The Smitten Kitchen cookbook!

Jenn - I have three PW cookbooks, they are definitely favs of mine. However, I also love The Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten). Her recipes are so delicious and generally pretty easy.

Lisa - I love Ree too, and Giada de Laurentis, all her recipes are amazing. I also love Smitten Kitchen, all of her recipes from her book that I have tried have been fantastic too, you should follow her Instagram, she posts yummy recipes everyday.

Stephanie - I love my PW cookbooks–I have three. She just seems so real. Rich, but real. Lol.
My favorite cookbook of all time is Nourishing Traditions. It’s all about traditional food.

Kimberly - The smitten kitchen chocolate pudding pie is my go-to. Delish! Bet Annie could make it no problem! 😉 I don’t make the crust though– I do the Pillsbury crust.

Janna - You need “oh My Goodness Cookbook” by Ellen Halberg on amazon. It MIGHT only be available thru today as they plan to put them in bazaars and local stores here in WA state starting tonight; )

Janel - A Forest Feast is an awesome, real food, simple ingridients cookbook. Erin’s blog is wonderful! One of my go to cookbooks.

I also love William Sonoma cookbooks. I have one from 5-6 yrs ago that gets used all fall/winter long…they have great recipes in general.

I definitely love all the paleo cookbooks…you can’t go wrong there at all..

Virginia - The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Kitchen-Cookbook-Heavy-Duty-Revised/dp/193361501X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1446855925&sr=8-2&keywords=america%27s+test+kitchen+cookbook+family

Jill Hinson - Anything by Ina Garten, she seems fancy but I like that most of her recipes are less than 10 ingredients.

xo~jill

Lindsey Barlow - Have you ever heard of “our best bites?” They have a blog, it their cookbooks are great, I use their recipes a lot around our house.

Christie - LOVE LOVE LOVE 100 days of real food cookbook – it won’t disappoint and so much easy to read and understand information about our food at the beginning of the book.

Michele - I love Pioneer Woman and have them all, I’m like you the first one is my favorite although the latest is very good I just haven’t got to look through all of it. I make her Cinnamon rolls with my daughter at Christmas for our neighbors and now after 3 years they look forward to them and are tickled when we show up with them.

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