L.O.V.E. Putting Your Love Styles to Work for You: Book Review

L.O.V.E. : Putting Your Love Style to Work for You by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott

I opened this book, turned to the first chapter and saw this quote:

“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner

I am still laughing! Okay, so if you are married, you have probably realized by now that living with another person has its ups and downs. You both have those little quirks in your habits or personality that didn’t seem so glaring before the vows were said. So why do you behave the way you do? And why does he behave the way he does?

It has a lot to do with your personal LOVE style. Are you a Leader? An Optimist? A Validator? An Evaluator? I had a hard time deciding whether I am an Optimist or a Validator. I think I am a mixture of both. I married a Leader.

Wow! I have to say that as far as the personality descriptions – this book was right on! I loved the second part of the book best. It teaches you how to best LOVE your spouse with chapters titled “If You’re Married to a Leader,” “If You’re Married to an Optimist,” etc. This is a book you can read with your husband or just for yourself if your husband doesn’t like to read self-help books.

From the Back Cover:

The letters L.O.V.E. represent four personality dimensions that make up your personal ‘love style.’ Once you know your own love style and that of your spouse, you will be able to love him or her in a way that will help you get the love you need in return.

Relationship experts Drs. Les& Leslie Parrott stand on a mountain of research to show you how this single insight can draw you closer together. Never before have we had such an easy-to-use and scientifically proven tool for pinpointing each person’s approach to love. You’ll discover how much these dimensions inform your love style:

• L – Leader: The Take-Charge Spouse
• O – Optimist: The Encouraging Spouse
• V – Validator: The Devoted Spouse
• E – Evaluator: The Careful Spouse

The L.O.V.E. online assessment, in combination with this book, will show you how you are designed to approach everything from communication and conflict to sex and intimacy. This is not your typical marriage book. It’s a practical tool for learning how to express love to your spouse and feel truly loved in return.

I highly recommend this book to you married women out there. It will help you better understand your spouse. For more information you can visit the Parrotts website RealRelationships.com.

The Prairie Girl’s Guide to Life – Book Review and Giveaway

The Prairie Girls Guide to Life:

How to Sew a Sampler Quilt & 49 Other Pioneer Projects for the Modern Girl

This delightful little book is sure to win your heart if you love timeless wisdom, crafts, and recipes. The Prairie Girl’s Guide to Life by Jennifer Worrick is chock full of ideas to feed your pioneer’s spirit. Learn how to:

• predict the weather
• embroider a pillow
• bake a rhubarb pie
• make bread and butter pickles
• knit a shawl
• make a night cream
• braid hair
• prepare sweet cherries
• lay a fire
• pan for gold
• make rock candy
• braid a rug
• make candles
• spin yarn
• milk a cow
• and much more!

I wanted to share a particularly fun recipe from the book with you. When I was a kid, rock candy was such a treat! We would go down to the shops in Warm Springs, GA (close to where I grew up) and buy rock candy. So, when I saw this recipe, I knew I wanted to make it with my own kids.

Rock Candy

What you need:

- clean glass jar

- 6-inch ice cream sticks

- pencil

- tape

- 4 cups sugar

- 1 cup water

- food coloring

In a saucepan, heat (but do not boil) 2 cups of the sugar and the water. Stir slowly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Gradually add a few drops of food coloring – your choice – and the remaining sugar, stirring continuously until all the sugar is dissolved.

Pour your colorful sugar water into a clean glass jar. Tape the sticks to a pencil and suspend them across the mouth of the jar so that the ends hang into the liquid.

Crystals suitable to eat will form in a hour and continue to grow for several days to a week. Pieces can be broken off and eaten after the first hour, but try to resist the urge to suck on them.

Although you may see modest results quickly, larger rock-candy crystals will take time to form. Good things come to those who wait, and pretty sticks of candy are yours to be had if you show a bit of patience.

Yields 12 ounces

I am fairly certain you will find a wealth of ideas here in this book. And, if you homeschool girls, this book is a perfect addition to your home economics course! If you would like to win a copy of this book comment here and on Friday of next week – February 5th – I will draw a name!

The Farm Chicks: In the Kitchen – Cookbook Review

When I received my copy of The Farm Chick’s In the Kitchen cookbook, I was so excited to sit down and pour over the recipes. You know how much I like to cook! This cookbook is not only filled with yummy recipes, it has stories, craft ideas, tips, and even an adorable apron stencil that can be used in so many ways! It’s one of those cookbooks you’ll want to curl up with on the sofa when the house is quiet and just read.

Being the apron loving, vintage homemaker that I am, one of my favorite ideas was: aprons from vintage sheets. Simply purchase vintage sheets (often selling for as little as $1.00 at the flea market) and use the fabric for your apron pattern.

Another sweet and inexpensive idea for decoration the kitchen was using ribbon or ric rac to edge your cabinet shelves. I loved this idea and plan to do this in my own kitchen. I wish I could share all of the delightful ideas with you, but you’ll just have to get your own copy of this book.

Some of the yummy recipes you’ll find inside include:

<!–[if !supportLists]–>- <!–[endif]–>Pumpkin Waffles

<!–[if !supportLists]–>- <!–[endif]–>Tangy Cucumber Cups

<!–[if !supportLists]–>- <!–[endif]–>Savory Sweet Potato Soup

<!–[if !supportLists]–>- <!–[endif]–>Asian Quinoa Salad

<!–[if !supportLists]–>- <!–[endif]–>Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

<!–[if !supportLists]–>- <!–[endif]–>Pecan Chocolate Chip Short/bread

<!–[if !supportLists]–>- <!–[endif]–>And many, many more!

I do, however want to share a few recipes with you. It was hard to choose a favorite, but these two are some of mine…

Sweet Onion Tartlets

I like to serve these as a side dish to our suppers from time to time! … Melissa

¾ cup butter, softened

1  3-oz. package cream cheese

1 cup all purpose flour

4 cups quartered and thinly sliced sweet onions (about 3 large)

2 tsp. sugar

½ tsp. salt

1/3 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

Make the crust: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Combine ½ cup (1 stick) butter and the cream cheese in a medium size bowl and mix with a wooden spoon until smooth, Add the flour and miz until well combined. Scoop the mixture into 24 heaping teaspoonfuls and roll each into a ball. Press each ball into the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased mini-tart (muffin) pan; set aside.

Cook the onions: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the remaining ¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter, stirring until melted; then add the onions, stir in the sugar and salt, and saute’ over medium-low heat until golden brown and caramelized – 20 minutes. Divide the onion mixture evenly between the 24 tartlet shells.

Bake the tartlets: Combine the cream and egg in a glass measuring cup and whisk until smooth. Pour into the tartlets, dividing evenly. Bake until the filling and crust are golden brown – 22 to 24 minutes. Transfer the tartlets from the baking pan to a serving plate and serve warm.

 

Apple Puff Pancake

Perfect for Sunday brunch! … Melissa

¼ cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)

¼ cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

5 large eggs

½ cup milk

½ cup all purpose flour

Dash of salt

Maple syrup or confectioner’s sugar for serving

Heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a 9 inch glass pie plate. Heat in the oven until the butter is melted and bubbly – 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, stir well and mix in the apple slices. Return to the oven and bake for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the eggs, milk, flour, and salt in a blender or food processor and process until frothy – 1 minute. Pour over the apple mixture. Bake until the cake is puffed and the center is set – 18 to 20 minutes. Serve warm with maple syrup or sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar.

 

This charming cookbook would make a perfect gift for your mother, sister or best friend… or even yourself! You really must have this one on your shelf!

Creating an Intimate Marriage – Book Review

“There is no doubt in my mind that this book will disturb you, inspire you, give you some great ideas, and also help you realize (as if you didn’t already know this) that to bring more connection, intimacy, and spirituality to your marriage it will take a great deal of focus.” Page 11

Jim Burns’s host of HomeWord radio broadcast, uses his own marriage of 30 plus years, in his attempt to show us how to have a more intimate marriage. If you’ve longed for a more intimate marriage but struggled with the know-how, and implementation process this book is for you and your spouse. The author shows step by step the differences through Affection, Warmth and Encouragement (A.W.E.) method has made in his own marriage. If you are anything like me, when you are presented with the knowledge of what needs to happen there is often a gap in between actually implementing the changes. Not with this book, the author has Questions for me, Questions for us and a final set of questions called Heart-to-Heart HomeWork. These questions will spur even the greatest procrastinators into action. They get you asking, answering and sharing with your spouse. They also show ways of implementing the steps that need to be changed to have more A.W.E. in your marriage.

Mr. Burns has the reader concentrate on change. But wait, I know what you are thinking, “Yes, my spouse needs to change; I wish they would do this, or they need to stop doing that.” The author takes the reader and helps them realize that no change can take place unless, you, the reader is willing to make the necessary evaluations and changes first. Not our significant other. The author’s goal is to help the reader take a serious look at their own life, behavior within the marriage and than evaluate the necessary changes they can make first in the marriage. All the while using the A.W.E. method.

Jim Burns is the founder of HomeWord Radio Broadcast. He is a highly respected in youth ministry and family issues. He is the author of several books including “Addicted to God, Surviving Adolescence.” He also writes the popular “What’s Up With My Life?” column for Ignite Your Faith magazine. Jim graduated Magna Cum Laude from Azusa Pacific University, earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Princeton Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in Religious Education from Greenwich School of Theology.

This book is written from the self-help marriage perspective. Based on similar books that I have read on this subject I would give this book a 5 on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest. It helps the reader take self-help to the next level by actually getting both spouses involved in the process all the while having them focus on personal change. With the A.W.E. method you will find affection, warmth and encouragement returning right away to the marriage relationship.

Review by Melissa Waters

Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter

Finding the Light Behind the Clouds
Hugs, Hope and Peanut Butter
by Marsha Mott Jordan, the creator of Hugs and Hope Foundation
Illustrated by Critically Ill Children

Who hasn’t been depressed or discouraged, weary from struggling with the difficulties we all face in life? Now be honest. We all have. Do you want to quit? Throw in the towel and walk away?

Well… this author understands exactly how you feel as she has faced many losses in her own personal life. She has dedicated this book to the special people in her life that she lost along life’s journey. Through her own losses and struggles, the author shares with us the o­ne constant in her life, God. He has never left her or forsaken her, just as His word promises.

It is Marsha’s hope that as you read about her journey through life that you will learn from the lessons she’s learned.

Her amazing journey and the stories of those included within her book were all written to help the reader find hope, encouragement and perseverance in this race we all call life. Most of all she hopes you will learn to laugh and smile.

The lesson’s of her life and others that are written in this book share what God has for all of us as His children. Humor permeates the pages of this book, but don’t let that fool you there is Bible wisdoms shared within as well.

Some of the lessons we will see the author has learned are in pain, sorrow, and struggles. Some of the chapters include: I’m okay, you’re not okay, but that’s okay; Looking up; Learning to trust. Interwoven within each story you will find nuggets from God’s Word to shine the light of hope into the reader’s life.

Did you know that hugs reduce stress, tension and boost your immunity to sickness? They also raise your self-esteem and lowers blood pressure.

Marsha is also the creator of Hugs and Hope foundation. She began this non profit organization when her own grandson was burned badly. It was her heartfelt desire to put more joy into the lives of seriously ill and injured children. At the request of many of the parents who have received Marsha’s newsletter over the years, she put all her stories in book form.

So what are you waiting for grab your copy today and sit down with the Peanut Butter Queen and find hope again.

Review by Melissa Waters

On Higher Ground – Book Review

There is something about the beginning of a new year that begs us all to review the year before and set new goals for the coming months. I don’t have many “resolutions.” I routinely, throughout the year, set goals for myself. My main points of focus this year are:

Draw nearer to Him.

Get in shape – tone those muscles!

Eat even healthier.

Spend more time truly enjoying my family.

I have begun to read the book pictured above, Hind’s Feet on High Places written by Hannah Hurnard. This book was a gift from my mother, a truly godly woman. She read the book and so loved it, she bought a copy for me. This particular copy has a daily devotional to go along with the story which is written by Darien Cooper. Hind’s Feet on High Places is an allegory about a woman named Much-Afraid. I have only read the first few pages as yet, but I can see myself in Much Afraid, and I am sure you will see yourself in her as well.

It begans like this:

“This is the story of how Much-Afraid escaped from her Fearing reletives and went with the Shepherd to the High Places where “perfect love casteth out fear.”

For several years Much-Afraid had been in service of the Cheif Shepherd, whose flocks were pastured down in the Valley f Humiliation. She lived with her friends and fellow workers Mercy and Peace in a tranquil little white cottage in the village of Much-Trembling. She loved her work and desired intensely to please the Cheif Shepherd, but happy as she was in most ways, she was concious of several things which hindered her in her work and caused her much secret distress and shame.

In the first place she was a cripple, with feet so crooked that they often caused her to limp and stumble as she went about her work. She had also the very unsightly blemish of a crooked mouth which greatly disfigured both expression and speech and was sadly concious that these ugly blemishes must be a cause of astonishment and offense to many who knew that she was in the service of the great Shepherd.

Most earnestly she longed to be completely delivered from these shortcomings and to be made beautiful, gracious, and strong as were so many of the Shepherd’s other workers, and above all to be made like the Chief Shepherd Himself… ”

While I do not have crooked feet or a crooked mouth, I know I have shortcomings and have experienced shame in my life. I often feel of no use or not good enough to serve my Shepherd. I am looking forward to seeing what this book will teach me – bring out in me. I hope you will get a copy of it and find yourself in Much-Afraid – perhaps we can learn to be fearless together!

This new year, enjoy the moments you have, don’t spend time in needless worry and fear. Make this year the best you can, but don’t look back, sideways, or down. Look Up!

Twelve Extraordinary Women – Book Review

Twelve Extraordinary Women
How God Shaped Women of the BibleAnd What He Wants to Do with You
by John MacArthur

Published by Nelson Books

Written as a sequel to the best selling book “Twelve Ordinary Men”, John MacArthur’s character study formats deal with the lives of 12 principal women of Scripture.He states that it was a hard decision to decided which women to include in his character study, finally he chose what he feels are 12 women who are critical to the story of redemption.
As the journey begins into each of their lives, you’ll discover spiritual lessons that have been taken directly from the trials of Jesus followers and relatives.The lives of Eve, the mother of all, Sarah, Rahab, Ruth, Hannah, Mary, The Samaritan woman, Mary and Martha, Mary Magdalene and Lydia are revealed in brief character studies.From each o­ne of these women lives we see the ordinary, common and in some cases low o­n the social scale lifestyles, yet each of them were made extraordinary by a life-changing encounter with God.These women are woman we can relate to as we see aspects of our own character in their personalities, short comings, struggles, failures and most of all their deep seated desire to be everything Christ wants them to be.
It will fill you with hope as you see these ordinary women transformed into the extraordinary, not because of any of their own natural qualities or traits, but because the o­ne true God refined them like silver.As their lives unfolded between the pages in a way I’ve never imagined before, I discovered new and exciting aspects of myself in each person.It is the type of book that will draw you in and cause you to see your own personal traits that Christ wants to refine.These women stand as a reminder of both our faithfulness and our potential.
John MacArthur brings out the unique feature of the Bible in that it exalts women.It is his hope as you meet these women in Scripture and get to know them o­n a personal level, they will challenge, motivate you and encourage you with love for God in whom they trusted and served.
Review by Melissa Waters

Apron Memories

When EllyneAnne asked me to review her newest book, The Apron Book, I could hardly wait to receive it in the mail. My love affair with aprons, began about two years ago. Since then I have acquired a fair number of vintage aprons and have sewn up a few as well.The day I received the package from Andrews McMeel Publishing, I was even more delighted than I had expected! The book was adorably packaged and so sweet. The book itself includes:

• - An exploration of the history, evolution, and heyday of aprons, including 95 full color photos of vintage and new aprons
• - Adorable apron patters
• - Tips on collecting and preserving these textile artifacts
• - Recipes
• - Household tips or “apronisms”
• - Stories and images of apron livers past and present.

My favorite part of the book, though, is the patterns. There are all types and styles and so many creative ideas, you could stay sewing for weeks making new aprons! There is also a full size pattern in a pocket in the back of the book. The pattern is simple enough for a beginner, so you’ll have no excuse for not making one for yourself…. and someone you love, too!

The stories – Apron Memories – make me wonder what my own children will remember about me and my aprons…

Homemakers everywhere should purchase a copy of this beautiful book! You will most assuredly enjoy each and every page!

On November 22 of this year, we are going to be celebrating Tie One On Day. Created by EllyneAnne Geisel, author of Apron Memories and The Apron Book, to recognize and celebrate the humble apron and the spirit of women of earlier generations who have worn it. On the eve of Thanksgiving, EllyneAnne encourages us to wrap a loaf of bread in an apron and tuck a prayer or note of encouragement in the pocket before delivering the bread to someone in need of spiritual or physical sustenance.

Send your apron memories to A Virtuous Woman using the form below. The winner will receive a copy of the book, The Apron Book: Making, Wearing, and Sharing a Bit of Cloth and Comfort as well as a vintage apron. Deadline is on November 15. Winners will be announced on November 22.

The Apron Book:

Written by EllynAnne Geisel
Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing

Creative Hospitality – Book Review

Certified home economist Nancy Van Pelt helps you turn home entertaining into a Christian ministry. Includes menu preparation, food presentation, introductions, relating to guests, reaching out to coworkers and neighbors, and quick fixes for an unprepared home. Nancy Van Pelt helps you reach out to others and minister to their needs through warm hospitality by making entertaining easier than ever before. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for four or a big bash for 40, you’ll find all the creative ideas and practical suggestions needed to make your occasion extra-special.

Some Chapters You’ll Enjoy:

• Hospitality: A Powerful Witness
• Creating a Special Atmosphere
• On Being a Good Guest
• Shortcuts, Quick Fixes
• Setting Pretty
• Center Pieces
• Buffet Entertaining
• Toasts: Reviving a Grand Tradition
• Creative Church Potlucks

Nancy Van Pelt is a best-selling author, certified life educator, and a certified family and consumer science professional. She is the founder of the Compleat Courtship, the Compleat Marriage, and the Compleat Parent seminars and has conducted hundreds of seminars around the world on family relationships and personalized home organization.

Nancy frequently appears on television and radio programs and is a popular speaker at churches and conventions. Her books include: The Compleat Courtship, The Compleat Marriage, The Compleat Parent, How to Develop Your Child’s Character, and How To Communicate With Your Mate. Her 22 books have been translated into more than 20 languages. She and her husband, Harry, have three grown children.

I think this is a great book for those called to the hospitality ministry. Remember part of being a virtuous woman is being able to minister to the stranger through Christ’s hospitality.

Review by Judy Culbert

Beautiful Places, Spiritual Space – Book Review

Today’s fast pace allows little room for time-consuming trips to decorating stores. Or perhaps the lack of funds keeps us from furnishing and redecorating our homes. This is a Bible study to understand how to build and maintain a biblical atmosphere in our homes. Designed to meet the needs of today’s woman, Beautiful Places, Spiritual Spaces is the ideal companion for women navigating the uncharted territory of life – offering daily, short, inspirational mediations, and creative decorating how-to’s.

“Beautiful Places, Spiritual Places” is a refreshing way of combining self-reflection and interior designing. It is easy to read and provides good and practical insights on how to deal with clutters not just in our homes but most importantly in our hearts.

This book is perfect for everyone who is thinking of starting a new home, planning on renovating it or simply trying to have a new perspective in life. Starting a new home or a new life can really be overwhelming that sometimes you just don’t know when, where and how to start. It makes starting over as easy as ABC in a stress free way.

Beautiful Places, Spiritual Spaces is the collaborative effort of interior designer Sharon Hanby-Robie & Deb Strubel (Director of Foundation Relations for the Institute of American Values) It is a decorating guidebook designed specifically to help women conquer clutter in their living space, confidently combine patterns in their surroundings, make big changes for relatively little cost, discover their “true color personality”, nurture the spiritual needs of themselves and their loved ones, and gain five minutes of peace for themselves whenever they need it most! Reader friendly, immanently practical, and occasionally inspiring, Beautiful Places, Spiritual Spaces is especially commended to the attention of do-it-yourself, non-specialist, general readers wanting to change the decor and live out their lives in a serene, pleasant, personalized environment.

The words “interior design” take on new meaning in this unique new book. It’s half inspiration, half instruction, and wholly delightful! Gifted authors Sharon Hanby-Robie and Deb Strubel wisely realize that at the heart of every home beats the heart of every person who lives there. Until we understand that our personal interior, our heart, is meant to reflect God’s design, our houses cannot possibly reflect their true purpose. More than a place of beauty, a house should be comforting-a safe retreat from the world outside, a place where we can fellowship with our family, our friends, and our God. This creative compendium contains fifty power-packed readings on fashioning a home that is practical, yet beautiful, and definitely spiritually inclined! Ideas are easy to read, simple to accomplish, and possible to afford (especially for someone who is decorating-challenged like me!) Best of all, coordinated throughout each reading, like a decorator’s color chart, are spiritual overtones that blend function with passion. I love the daily meditations that tie up each reading with the ribbons of Scripture and personal application. This is a must-read for anyone wanting to refurbish her home and her heart. I highly recommend it!

Review by Judy Culbert