Hey, ya’ll! I don’t usually post on Wednesdays, but this draft decided to publish itself without my consent (yeah, told you I was a complete non-techy! lol) so, here it is! Enjoy! Happy May Day!

Several of you have asked for more information about the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle, and I’m only to glad to oblige–I’m really excited about this and want to talk you through any questions you have! In this post I’m sharing actually photographs of content from the bundle and how it’s already enhancing my homemaking and mothering. Skip to the end of the post for my answers about other aspects of the bundle!

When I opened up the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle last week, I thought I was getting just ebooks. But when I found entire kindergarten curriculums included in the package, I pretty much started dancing. We do school year ’round (which works with our kinda crazy traveling schedule) and I had just been looking around for what I could use for curriculum for our summer school session. The Raising Rock Stars Kindergarten Package was exactly what I needed for all three of the kids. How is that possible? I’ll show you.

Yesterday I printed out about half of the “A” activity pages from the Raising Rock Stars Package and passed them around to the kids. They were all excited about new “Table School” as we call it–even my 6 year old, who has not been a fan of seat work lately, actually got into it! The kids liked having something new and fit just to their age and abilities.

Jesse (6) is right at that point with his reading and writing that he needs gentle repetition. A tracing page with a scripture verse (woot!) allowed me to point out the small words he could sound out himself, and give him good writing practice was a win for both of us.

For Claire (4) there was shape recognition, and instructions to follow that will help her develop hand/eye coordination to be ready for writing.

For Seth (2) I just printed out something to be used as a coloring page. He was really happy about being up at the big table with the big kids doing the exact same thing as them! Look at the tongue sticking out in concentration!

 

Can you see the joy?

Last year I used the Explode the Code preschool books with Jesse–they are quality and we liked them. But we only ended up using about half of each book because he wasn’t into that much seat work I don’t believe in making younger children do a lot of repetition and handwriting practice anyway. The beauty of an online curriculum, I’m realizing, is the freedom to print as many or as few worksheets as that particular child needs. I can already tell Claire is gonna love worksheets, and I’m excited that I won’t have to purchase loads of consumable workbooks to keep her busy! I’m also delighted that I will not have to buy a new workbook each time one of my kids reaches the kindergarten level!

Another thing that impressed me with the Raising Rockstars Package, was the variety of skill levels within the package, allowing me to print work for all three ages of my kids from one curriculum! If you have a lot of littles just starting into homeschooling, this package would be very cost effective for you!

Actually, the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle contains a variety of kindergarten homeschool resources–check it out…

The homeschooling resources in that picture alone are worth over $65, but you can get them all in the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle for $29.97. I call that a deal. (Thanks to Carisa of 1plus1plus1equals1.net for the helpful graphic! She’s the author of the Raising Rock Stars Curriculum and is pretty much a rock star herself, if you ask me!)

Here’s to fun summer school for everyone!

Bundle Q and A

1. How do I read ebooks? I don’t have a smart phone!

Well, I love reading ebooks on my phone, but ANY computer or laptop or kindle or ipad or anything can be used to read ebooks! You can learn more about downloading and reading ebooks HERE. If you don’t have a portable electronic device YET (like a ipad or smart phone) but plan on getting one in the future, you can download these books to your computer now and transfer them later to your other devices.

2. I’ve read a couple ebooks but they weren’t really quality…how do I know I’m not just getting a bunch of cheap content?

I hear ya. Because epublishing is so accessible anymore, many books are being published that are not actually worth your money. That’s why I personally opened every single one of the books in the bundle to check them out. I read a lot of ebooks and I can assure you that these ones are the cream of the crop. Many of the books (like Tell Your Time, 31 Days to Clean, and The No Brainer Wardrobe) were best sellers when they released and continue to be popular even a year or two later.

3. 97 ebooks? How will you ever read them all?

You won’t. Or at least, you don’t have to. The average price of the resources in this bundle is about $8. That means if you only buy it for just 4 titles that really catch your eye, it’s still a deal! You can pass on the others as gifts, or store them (without needing new bookcases!) until you’re in a season to want them. Plus, you’re getting all those bonuses–my favorite being the 2 months free at fit2b.us!!!) 97 ebooks may seem overwhelming, but there’s no rules telling you how fast you need to consume them, and you may never see these titles priced this low again!

Do you have anymore questions? I’ll be around in the comments today if you have specific questions about any of the resources in the bundle or how ebooks work, mkay? And watch the blog Friday for another post highlighting more of my favorites from the Bundle!

I get tired of the same old birthday greeting sometimes, don’t you?

Anyway, I really just wanted to get on here and give a huge shout out to the love of my life, the mother of my children, the bestest friend I’ve ever known, my wife.

I can’t say enough how grateful I am to be able to call you mine, honey. You do so much for us I can’t even begin to list the ways you bless me–but I’m going to start anyway.

• The effort you put into keeping house, from sorting paperwork (or trying to) to picking up these stupid toys yet again.
• The time you spend preparing and serving healthy meals.
• The way you have embraced (pun intended, I am a Holden after all ) the process of writing and marketing your books in order to bless those that read them and provide some extra income.
• The time and energy you put into providing a great education for our children.
• The way you organize our lives so we can live ‘on the road’ as much as we do.
• I love how you are always looking for the thriftiest (is that a word??) way to keep all of our closets and dressers stocked with clothes that fit and to grow into.
• Your love for life–from family bikes to long scenic drives through the mountains.
• The way you support me and my passions.
• The way you are always trying to find ways to bless each of our children’s unique personalities.

I could go on but I’ll say that’s a good start for now.

I Love You!

How about you? In what ways has Trina been a blessing and had an impact in your life? Wish her a happy birthday and let her know in the comments.

 

Ya’ll. This moment calls for some drawl.

It’s here, ya’ll. That thing I’ve been quietly working on for months, the project that Jeremy and I have both put dozens of hours into in the past few weeks, the book that was God’s idea–not mine, the call that has brought a deeper measure of beauty to a season that needed it…

It’s here.

I wrote this book for you, ’cause I don’t want you to miss out on the joy God intended for us to experience when He created beauty. And you are beautiful, girlfriend!

But this book isn’t just a magic mirror that shows you what you really look like in God’s eyes (though it does that, too!), it’s chock full of practical advice and hints and tips because that’s how I roll.

Let’s see, we got “4 Steps to Defining Your Own Style“, “6 Flexible Fashions for Your Changing Figure“, 2 of my favorite scarf ties (with links to videos by yours truly!), “10 Questions to Ask to Avoid Bringing Home a Wardrobe Orphan” and my best tips for “Thrift Shopping with Kids in Tow“.

Plus we put these fun things called “Mommy Makeovers” at the end of each chapter–quick little things you can do today to give your style a lift.

It’s all just way too much fun. But I’m not gonna write a whole ‘nother book telling you about my book, you’ll just have to check it out for yourself!

Get it for Kindle

Or for Nook

As a PDF for your computer.

And…(drumroll please)…it’s even available as a paperback! This is huge people, just huge, because this format takes the most effort to create and get just right. But my man delivered, and you can get this baby in a darling little paperback just perfect for stuffing in your purse or as a shower gift for a friend.

Because I’m serious. Every mom needs the reminder that she’s gorgeous, and to be encouraged to reach for the beauty in her day, no matter what season of motherhood she’s in.

It’s time to party, people! Spread the word to your friends about this great new resource by visiting the book page and sharing the graphics and quotes on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Ya’ll, I present to you the most laid back, inauthentic Seder dinner in the 3454 year history of Passover celebrations. Ritz crackers for Matzo. Steak bone for Lamb shank. Celery for Parsley. Kimchi for Horseradish sauce. But you know what? It worked. The purpose of celebrating this Jewish feast is to remind ourselves and our children of God’s great of His people–first from the Egyptions, and later, from Sin and Death through the sacrifice of His Son. We got it, the kids got it, and boy was that steak good! Oh, and I tried all week to do our Seder meal on a more appropriate night (like Passover on Tuesday, or on Maundy Thursday) but it wasn’t till Saturday that we pulled it together. So there. Free-style Seder. 

I took this picture just for you because I wanted you to see my hot crossed buns I made for Easter Sunday. But the buns never got crossed. Right after I took this picture, the bag exploded ’cause I’d made the icing too thick and the plastic just couldn’t hold up to the pressure of my formidable fist. They were still delicious.

This year I FINALLY figured out why I always have trouble putting together an Easter outfit.  I have always thought you were supposed to wear pastels like pale pink, green, yellow or lavender for Easter, and I this past year I figured out I just don’t do pastels. Instead I wore this here indigo maxi dress I made last summer that looked a little too maternity-ish at the time (as in, I put it on, and Mr. Holden asked how far along I was) but now it looks just right, dontcha think? And I’m 11 weeks, if you were wondering. (dontcha love the #RollingPinPhotoBomb? Believe me when I say I do not actually store my rolling pin there.)

This little man. Swoon. New shirt and pants from Grandma. Hamming it up for the camera. New hair cut, too. I want to eat him. Every time I tell him that, though, he says, “Don’t eat me! Tickle me!” He has learned the art of compromise. 

Ya’ll, I now have a chalkboard wall, and am challenging myself to a new bit of art every weekend, using Pinterest for inspiration for quotes and font styles. This is a quick, fun way for me to make time for a little beauty in my day. It’s not perfect, but it brings me joy.

My mind wanders a lot in church, especially when preggo, as I feel my sugar begin to drop and wonder where I stuffed that cheese stick for my snack. But yesterday’s message snagged my mind and has stuck with me. The Pastor spoke on how we usually think of hope as a verb (something we have to DO), or as a noun (something we have to GET), but the reality is, hope is a Person: Jesus Christ. (<–Tweet that) I don’t have to do, I don’t have to strive to get, I can just rest in the One who saved my soul and is redeeming my life every day. I tell you, that truth had me praising God this morning as I saw a few rays of sunshine fighting through the grey of our late spring.

We have a Risen Hope. Hallelujah!

Tomorrow’s the big day! Keeping it real: Jeremy and I will be up late tonight finalizing links and making everything ready to share my new book with you tomorrow! I totally can hardly wait! If you want to be the FIRST to hear the moment the links go live, make sure you’re signed up to my newsletter. Subscribers always get the first scoop!

Your turn: Did you have a less-than-perfect but still-beautiful moment this weekend? Tell me about it?

It’s very quiet here on the blog ’cause I’ve been working really hard on my upcoming book! Just popping in to point you to a piece I wrote last month that was published over at Kindred Grace today.

For a while I resented the call. I worked on the book, I prayed a lot about the book, I talked with God about the book, but deep down I resented that He would call me to something that would require so much going to Him, so little of my actual abilities. Because it’s kinda easier to push ahead in my own strength than it is to sit quiet before Him and wait.

Finally one day I realized what I had been doing — carrying this well-disguised anger at the Almighty. So, I humbly apologized, and, not without resignation, said, “I’ll embrace this call.” And that’s when He spoke to me…

For more, hop over to When a Book is Not Just a Book.

 

Do you know why I love my friends?

Because I’m one of those full-of-ideas, brainstorming types that’s always getting overly excited about way too many ideas, then coming face-to-face with the reality that I can’t follow through on half of 3% of them. And my friends? They know this about me, and they love me anyway! Yup, that’s why I love my friends.

At the beginning of this year I was full of ideas for this here blog and fun things you and I were gonna do together. Then the reality of mold poisoning smacked me in the face. Right now I’m on an hourly schedule of supplements, teas, and treatments to help my inflamed kidneys and address the brain fog, insomnia, and severe anxiety that continue to plague me even though the mold is gone. (The kids have bounced right back, but it takes adults longer, as a dear reader informed me the other day). So, life’s a little on hold right now, and I don’t have much energy for brainstorms OR following through.

Thankfully, what I’m sharing with you today was already mostly done last month, and when we finally moved back home and had access to our desktop, Jeremy and I were able to finish it up quite easily. And then Valentine’s Day came along, and I was in the mood to give something to ya’ll just to tell you how much I loved you, so Jeremy got this all ready  for you to download:

This  ebook is actually built from the talk I gave at Allume 2012. Many of you had expressed interest in hearing my talk, so I took edited the content from my notes and Jeremy formatted it into this beautiful little 24 page ebook just for you. In it I give you a glimpse of my first 5 years of blogging, and some of the beautiful and embarrassing lessons I learned about blogging for people instead of stats.

• if you are a blogger who has ever been discouraged by your stats,
• if you desire to make a difference with your blog no matter its size,
• if you are interested in practical ways to love your readers well,

…then you’re gonna love this book! I share lots of stories and Jeremy arranged the content in a very unique format, so it is just a delight to read! I hope you like it.

Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you, my readers, so much! xoxo

P.S. if you don’t subscribe to my monthlyish, personal newsletter yet, do that now! That’s how you can get your hands on “More Than Numbers”. If you are already a subscriber you’ll be getting an email with the download info shortly.

Today’s featured ebook is very special to me. Here’s why…

Last summer I wrote a series on this here blog about self-publishing your own ebook. In my post “Do you have an eBook in you? {Psst! I think so!}” I encouraged you all that your book idea was worth pursuing. I challenged you to share your dream in the comments, and a reader named Dana did just that…

“Wow, Dana–I definitely want to hear more of your story! And I think an ebook would be a great idea. Just think what a gift it would be (to people like me!) who have only just come upon your blog or heard of your story: a collection of the best of your blog so far so I could jump right in and get to know you and hear your journey. I really hope you will do this!”

Dana and I kept in touch, and in October at Allume, I got to meet her. (Here’s a blurry picture of us taken just after my session at Allume–I was still learning how to use the camera on my smart phone Isn’t she adorable?)

It was then that she told me that she was doing it–really doing it: she was going to publish her first eBook! It was like hearing my blog post was having a baby. OK, that was really weird, but that is what it felt like. I don’t claim any of the credit for Dana’s beautiful work, but she did tell me that my words had helped her birth this dream.

And today her book debuts, with an exquisite cover she designed herself. And I’m just so excited to share it with you!

In Dana’s 40 page book she expounds on one of her most popular posts from her blog Love Like This, sharing “the true life stuff of a good looking quadriplegic and his young wife.”

The first thing I love about the book is Dana’s writing voice. It’s both poetic and real. Secondly, I find her story fascinating–I love the behind-the-scenes peek at a life so different than my own, and yet, maybe not. I could certainly relate to this story about being on auto pilot…

“One time I was on a work trip in Iowa. I was with some coworkers at a sub place for dinner. I was on the phone as we were sitting down to eat, so I was on auto pilot. Without realizing what I was doing, I put my coworker’s straw in his drink, salted his fries and put ketchup on the side, and put his napkin on his lap. I hung up my phone and my coworker just looked at me like I was crazy.

Are you going to feed me? he asked.
I was so embarrassed.” –from We Are: A Caregiving Manifesto

Finally, I really loved Dana’s unique format and the way in which she arranged the content. If you have dreamed of creating an ebook, I think you will be really inspired by this one. Dana proves that everyone has a story to tell, and so many can be blessed in the telling. Her book is beautiful, and I believe yours will be, too!

We Are: A Caregiver’s Manifesto made me tear up, laugh out loud, and count my blessings. Dana’s indomitable effort to find the joy and beauty in the life she lives really inspired me to see my own life from a fresh perspective. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for.

I think it would be fun and romantic to share this short and inspiring book with your spouse this week in which we celebrate love. I’m totally reading it to my guy.  I think he will like it because, as an adaptive ski instructor, he has a passion for helping people with disabilities to embrace life fully.

If you know someone who is a caregiver, be sure to share this book to encourage them!

 

 

It was so fun to hear all of your redeeming moments in motherhood and childbirth in the comments of this post! Our winner, chosen by Random.org, was commenter #8–Amy! Amy, please email me at trina (at) trinaholden(dot)com so I can get your book to you!

Today, for the first time in 4 weeks, I write to you from my home desktop. We moved home last week after Jeremy had remediated the mold in our downstairs bathroom and then sealed it off until we will be able to remodel it. We’re blessed to have 1 1/2 more bathrooms in the house, so we’re not terribly inconvenienced. I’m just a little bit tired of moving now, because every time I move–whether it be across town or across the country–my kitchen looks like this for three days on both sides of the move:

Go look at your kitchen, then look back at this photo, and breath a sigh of relief that your kitchen doesn’t look like this.

For the record, mine has recovered somewhat from the above photo. Laundry (including a whole dresser-full of clothes that had been in the mold infested bathroom) is slowly getting caught up, and we’re doing school again. (a unit study on Africa this week–we’re having way too much fun. Does anyone know of a great book for young kids about David Livingston?)

Slowly I am getting back into my routine, continuing to count my blessings and seek small moments of rest to renew my weary little self. This thought has brought me peace this week…

“Resting is not inaction. Resting is the freedom of walking in obedience and leaving the results up to God.”

Praying that you find rest today,

Trina

Thanks to a phonecall from a blog reader and friend in Ohio the other day (Thanks, R.!!!), I just found out about an ebook bundle sale that includes a bunch of great books for those interested in healing their gut or going grain-free.

I know several of you are really serious about trying the GAPS diet, so I’m sharing about the sale because it includes several great GAPS books I’ve had on my wish list for over a year, and just haven’t been willing to pay full price for. Specifically I wanted to recommend to you…

Cara’s Freezer Cooking Guide for Grain Free Meal Plans and her Grain Free Meal Plan Cookbook. I have really been impressed by Cara’s content and the quality of her books (she gives free download previews of her books and just the samples themselves have been an awesome resource for my GAPS menu!) , but haven’t been willing to dish out $18 a piece for the whole book (I know, I’m cheap!)!

With this sale you can get both those titles, plus a Lacto Fermentation guide from Wardee Harmon of GNOWFLINS (Oh, my goodness! She is the expert on this! Totally excited about this one! But you know me, I get excited about live stuff in my fridge…),

..as well as Real Food Nutrition for Kids from Kristen Michaelis  @FoodRenegade (One of the real food bloggers I hold in highest esteem!) This one has coloring pages and is basically a curriculum for teaching young children about real food. How cool is that???!

There are actually 33 titles total in the bundle, all centered around grain-free diets and healing your body through nourishing foods. I haven’t reviewed all the books, but the four I’ve listed here are high on my wish list, and worth the cost of the whole bundle in my opinion!

 I just think it’s no coincidence that the week we start GAPS, along comes this sale with all kinds of awesome content to support us on this journey. I’m so excited to share it with you!

Here’s more about the sale if you’re an “ALL the details” kinda gal (like me):

(Don’t forget the sale ends Monday, and I was able to sign up as an affiliate, so if you buy through my link, you bless our family!)

What is the Toadally Primal Wellness Bundle?

• 33 ebooks with a total value of $479
• On sale for 7 days – January 7 to January 14
• Sale price of only $39 – 92% savings of the total value!
• Includes automatic entry into the epic giveaway with a total value of $1122

How can the ebooks in this bundle benefit YOU? They can help you to…

• Heal your PCOS
• Plan grain-free meals
• Boost your metabolism
• Nourish your baby well
• Lacto-ferment any food you want
• Educate your kids about real food
• Smartly indulge in treats guilt-free
• Heal your acne without antibiotics
• Restock your pantry with real food
• Cook with real food via 6 unique cookbooks
• Experience your best family camping trip ever
• Give a hospital birth naturally with minimal stress
• Blend smoothies made with real food that taste great
• Homemake skincare products for those you love including your baby

Important notes

• The sale ends on Monday, January 14 at 11:59 PM EST.

• Click on the links to the ebooks to learn more about them.

• Paleo Crock Pot Cookbook is linked to Caveman Feast. Please understand that the PDF you will receive includes 31 crock pot recipes.

• The PCOS Unlocked: The Manual you will be receiving is 52 pages worth; not the entire guide. Why? It has a specifically unique value and thus $47 selling price. A significant discount code to purchase the rest of the guide is inside.

• The giveaway ends at the exact same time of the sale. I will announce the winners on the giveaway page and email them too. Please go to PrimalToad.com/Giveaway2013 to learn more about the prizes.

• Due to the unique nature of this sale, no refunds will be offered. With the bundle containing 33 ebooks at a cost of 92% of their normal price point, everyone is bound to find immense value well worth $39.

Paleo, real food, grain free & coconut oil cookbooks

• I Love Real Food Cookbook ($12) by Svenja Trierscheid @ Paleo-Foodporn.Blogspot.de
• Beyond Grain & Dairy Cookbook ($17) by Starlene Stewart @ GapsDietJourney.com
• Grain Free Meal Plan Cookbook ($18) by Cara Faus @ HealthHomeHappy.com
• Well Fed Cookbook ($15) by Melissa Joulwan @ TheClothesMakeTheGirl.com
• Cooking with Coconut Oil ($20) by Jennifer @ HybridRastaMama.com
• Paleo Crock Pot Cookbook ($10) by Abel & George Bryant @ CivilizedCavemanCooking.com

Lacto-Fermentation, pantry overhaul & freezer guide

• Restocking the Pantry ($10) by Kresha Faber @ NourishingJoy.com
• Lacto-Fermentation ($20) by Wardee Harmon @ Gnowfglins.com
• Freezer Cooking Guide for Grain Free Meal Plans ($18) by Cara Faus @ HealthHomeHappy.com

Indulge in treats without feeling guilty

• Indulge: 70 Grain Free Recipes ($25) by Carol Lovett @ DitchTheWheat.com
• Toadally Primal Smoothies ($10) by Todd Dosenberry @ PrimalToad.com
• Paleo Ice Cream ($10) by Ben Hirshberg @ BenHirshberg.com

Give birth, nourish your newborn, then educate him/her on real food

• Real Food Nutrition for Kids ($20) by Kristen Michaelis @ FoodRenegade.com
• My Buttered Life Baby Edition ($5) by Renee Harris @HardLotion.com
• Nourished Baby ($19) by Heather Dessinger @ MommyPotamus.com
• Unbound Birth ($5) by Jenny Yarbrough @ UnboundBirth.com

Heal PCOS & boost metabolism

• PCOS Unlocked: The Manual ($24) by Stefani Ruper @ PaleoForWomen.com
• Eat for Heat ($10) by Matt Stone @ 180DegreeHealth.com

Simplify, live exuberantly, camp w/ your family & play music

• 3-2-1 Stop: Stop Running and Start Living ($5) by Lorilee Lippincott @ 321-Stop.com
• Family Camping Handbook ($7) by Katie Kimball @ KitchenStewardship.com
• The Musical Brain ($3) by Abel James Bascom @ FatBurningMan.com
• Exuberant Animal ($10) by Frank Forencich @ ExuberantAnimal.com

Paleo time: travel, myths, cleanse, start anew or go wild

• 30 Day Intro to Paleo ($15) by Bill & Hayley @ Beta.Primal-Palate.com
• The Wild Diet ($17) by Abel James Bascom @ FatBurningMan.com
• 12 Paleo Diet Myths ($10) by Matt Stone @ 180DegreeHealth.com
• 21-Day Paleo Cleanse ($24) by Neely Quinn @ PaleoPlan.com
• 21 Myths About the Paleo Diet… Debunked! ($19) by Aglaee Jacob @ Eat-Real-Food-PaleoDietitian.com
• Eating Out and Traveling on the Paleo Diet ($15) by Aglaee Jacob @ Eat-Real-Food-PaleoDietitian.com

Take care of your skin homemade style & heal acne

• Ultimate Secrets to Acne Freedom ($29) by Tracy McCullough @ TheLoveVitamin.com
• Cure Your Skin Compulsions ($29) by Tracy McCullough @ TheLoveVitamin.com
• Guide to Homemade Skincare ($19) by Roxanne King @ TheHolisticMama.com
• My Buttered Life Gift Giving Edition ($5) by Renee Harris @HardLotion.com
• My Buttered Life Summer Edition ($5) by Renee Harris @HardLotion.com

Enjoy the bundle if you choose to invest $39 in YOUR wellness!