Awakening Beauty

This is a podcast/website my dear friend and I have been working on. We just want to share our hearts as believers, mamas and wives! We want to thrive as God designed us! Have a listen and let me know what you think! Thank you!


This is the link to the newest podcast:
http://awakeningbeauty.org/?p=135

The website is:
www.awakeningbeauty.org

New Website and Podcasts!

Wow...long time no chat! Sorry about that! I wanted to let everyone know that, along with a friend, we have started a new blog and have uploaded some podcasts that you can now get on itunes for free! Our blog called www.awakeningbeauty.org is mainly for women/wives/mamas and focuses on having steadfast conviction while serving God, our husbands and our children! I would love feedback! And I do promise to still post recipes/homeschooling/family stuff here! Happy Thursday!

Moving!!!!

So as many of you know we are moving back to the U.S...... we are really excited!!! We head out tomorrow Thursday the 28th and are hoping to arrive in Colorado by Sunday. We are planning to spend a few days with the in-laws and then we will make the last stretch of our journey home to Arizona! I am going to try and post something at least once during our stay in Colorado, but I am not promising..... ;) As soon as we are settled I will start my regular posting back up! Please feel free to leave comments on what you would love to see more of on All About Home or request certain recipes! In the meantime check out some of the previous recipes I have!! See ya soon!

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Mothers The World Needs

I saw this on A Wise Woman Builds Her Home and it just tugged on my heart. The part that says "storm heaven's gates until the children are in" sent chills up my spine. I want to be this Mama. I pray that I can become more like this Mama. I thank the Lord for giving me a yearning in my soul to be and do better.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Mothers The World Needs: "'Mothers with courage; mothers who pray, These are the kind the world needs today. Mother who think, who study and plan; Mothers who laugh ..."

Only 1 more day to enter to win a free DVD!!!!

Only one more day!! Don't forget to enter..... I have 6 Making Herbs Simple DVD's to giveaway! Here's the link:
http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Making-Herbs-Simple

To enter the giveaway I want you to tell me what you would like to see more of on All About Home. Homemaking? Homeschooling? Home cooking? Recipes? Specifics are appreciated!


For a second entry: Follow my blog then leave a second comment letting me know that you did.

For a third entry: post something about the All About Home's dvd giveaway on your blog, then leave a comment telling me you did with the blog url.

Giveaway will end February 9th at midnight (EST), that's 2 weeks to enter! The winners will be chosen randomly. Good Luck!

*Please be sure to give me your email address so I know how to contact the winners!! *

Celebrating my new blog name with a DVD giveaway!!

So there's this store.... The Bulk Herb Store. I love them. I have been ordering from the BHS for at least 5 years and I have been so impressed with their products! I love their Eden's Salve, I use it on scrapes, cuts, burns and bug bites. It works wonders healing the wound quickly and without a scar. I also love their Resolution Tea, tastes just sweet enough to curb my sweet tooth. Their beautiful hair mix, herba-smoothie mix, spirulina, slippery elm bark..... well you get the point. I love what they stand for and what they sell. The Bulk Herb Store is giving me 6 DVD's to giveaway!!! The name of the  dvd is called Herbs Made Simple Vol. 1. I actually own this dvd, my girls and I have had a great time watching it and learning from it. It's very child friendly and entertaining! Here is the description of the dvd from their website http://www.bulkherbstore.com/ :

We are so excited to bring you ”Herbs With Shoshanna”, where we teach you to identify the herbs in your own back yard. With close-up camera angles and a professional videographer, we introduce you to the wonderful world of herbs and how to use them. No herbal experience is needed for this video. We will take you step-by-step how to find, wash, dry, and store herbs. We teach you the hands-on steps of making poultices, tinctures and much more. This video is packed full of great information in an exciting way. We made this video for you.



The new blog name also comes with new ideas. To enter the giveaway I want you to tell me what you would like to see more of on All About Home. Homemaking? Homeschooling? Home cooking? Recipes? Specifics are appreciated!

For a second entry: Follow my blog then leave a second comment letting me know that you did.

For a third entry: post something about the All About Home's dvd giveaway on your blog, then leave a comment telling  me you did with the blog url.

Giveaway will end February 9th at midnight (EST), that's 2 weeks to enter! The winners will be chosen randomly. Good Luck!

*Please be sure to give me your email address so I know how to contact the winners!! *

2 days and counting..... here are some sugar free ideas.

Who's ready? Who's with me? C'mon sugar-free for a week can't be that hard! Right? Hmmm.

Sugar free breakfasts

sprouted bread with almond butter
oatmeal sweetened with stevia and applesauce
yogurt (I sweetened mine with stevia and vanilla) and fruit
scrambled eggs
omelette's with lots of veggies
smoothie with kefir


Sugar free snacks

veggies with a balsamic dip
banana or apple with almond butter
popcorn
almonds, peanuts (just writing that word makes me quiver) or walnuts
smoothies
fruit
cheese and organic crackers (with NO sugar)
pretzels (the gluten free ones are yummy)

Sugar free meals

bean and rice burritos
soup and salad
homemade pizza
taco salad (check ingredients to make sure everything is SF)
grilled chicken or fish
panini's with sweet potato fries


If you need to curb your CHOCOLATE addiction... this is amazing.

Chocolate Kefir smoothie

4c combo of kefir, organic milk or plain yogurt (I use 2c kefir and 2c organic milk)
3T cocoa powder (make sure theres no sugar in it)
1T vanilla
1-2 frozen bananas
3T coconut oil
1/2c packed dates
approx. 12 ice cubes

put it all in your vita-mix or blender and voila!

Check out my other recipes for some sugar-free yumminess!! Also I will be posting a sugar-free recipe everyday during the diet, starting tomorrow. Good luck everyone!!!

Going sugar-free... only for one week... who's in?

Alright starting January 21st I am going sugar-free for a week, who wants to join? I will be posting a few ideas of meals and snacks to eat. Here are the ground rules:

1. No sugar of any kind, no honey, no maple syrup, no artificial sweeteners and nothing that is labeled "sugar-free" (sorry starbucks drinkers, but sugar-free really isnt good for you) :)


2. Stevia is ok.

3. You may choose to still have fruit if you would like but try to stay away from juice. Even things labeled 100% juice. If you want to make a smoothie add coconut milk, organic milk, iced green tea, kefir or plain yogurt.

4. Just because we are going sugar free doesn't mean load up on carbs or things that arent that great for you but are "sugar-free". Try to eat veggies, eggs, salads, grilled meat, fruit, etc. I am not saying don't have carbs just minimize your intake.

5. Try not to hurt anyone during the week. That's all. :)

Comment if you want to join!!! :)

10 things I am grateful for today.

1. A hard working, handsome, responsible, sensitive, loving husband.

2. A warm, cozy, laughter filled home that no one is running in. I despise running in the house.

3. The passion I have for cooking. The Lord knew I would need it.

4. Children that love to snuggle. With me.

5. Coffee, especially on chilly mornings.

6. Children who will eat whatever I put on their plate.

7. My Pioneer Woman cookbook. Love it.

8. World maps. I love them. They intrigue me.

9. Friends who encourage me.

10. My Dr. Bronner's ginger-pineapple chap stick. Yum.

Manners.

I thought these were adorable! The girls and I had fun learning our Hoops and Yo-yo manners. :D

http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/article%7C10001%7C10051%7C/HallmarkSite/hoops_yoyohome/Animations/HYY_MANNERS

Movie Review: Come What May.

James and I watched Come What May last night. This film was made by a handful of home schooled kids now attending Patrick Henry College. Basically the whole idea behind the movie is when does life really begin? In the Mother's womb or the minute the baby is born? And why should a young girl have to tell her parents she is getting abortion? The main character Caleb struggles between his Dad who is a believer, his Mom who is career driven woman about to embark on a huge case pro-choice and what he truly believes. We really enjoyed this movie, alot of awesome points made. The end left James and I cheering for the truth Caleb spoke during his debate. Now keep in mind this film is alot like Flywheel in its production, this is no Hollywood film, but then again that makes it even better. This movie isn't rated but aside from the parents arguing a couple of times there wasn't anything wrong. James and I are choosing to let our older girls watch it with us tonight. I am interested to see Aislyn's reaction, she gets very fired up about abortion. For all of you who know me for me to let my kids see it, it's gotta be clean. Come What May is a vivid reminder that choosing what's right is never easy... but it's always worth the cost.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my Mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in that secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139:13-16

For Today..... April 29th!

Sorry it has been a while since I posted..... just plain busy!! :)

For Today...

Outside my window... a beautiful sunny day is beginning!

From the learning rooms... finishing up Ancient Rome and starting to read Quintus!

I am thankful for... children who are helpful and homeschooled!

From the kitchen... lots and lots of grilling...... and some new yummy salads!

I am wearing... a knee length skirt and layered purple and black short sleeved shirts

I am reading... the 4th book in a Karen Kingsbury series and a child training book

I am hoping... to find Liberty's birthday present here in Canada!

I am creating... chip board books and Province flashcards.

I am praying... for the Lord's direction in our "after Canada" plans!

Around the house... we are trying to finish up school and declutter!!

One of my favorite things... family game nights and a cup of coffee!

A few plans for the rest of the week... school, park, zoo, school, playing OUTSIDE and reorganizing my recipes and school!!

Here are a couple pictures I thought I would share with you...

I dont know why the pics always go to the top???? Oh well there they are! Just a couple pics from a Museum we went to when Mimi was here!

for today.....

For Today...

Outside my window... sun, bright, shining and warm!!

I am thinking... about dance moves for my workshop and next weeks menu plan (since we will have company- yeah! )

From the learning rooms... finishing up history reading, personal reading, and doing some painting crafts for our "art wall".

I am thankful for... my thoughtful husband..... he is really a special man!

From the kitchen... smoothies, grilling and new salads!!!

I am wearing... a pinkish skirt with layering shirts and a black flower clip in my hair :) aww warmth is here.. out come the skirts and dresses!!

I am reading... the 4th book in a Karen Kingsbury series... I am officially addicted!

I am hoping... warm weather tis next week, family and friends to arrive safely and a blessed time with them!

I am creating... my little boys outdoorsy/ fly fishing room!!!

I am praying... for God's will in the Steng household

Around the house... spring cleaning, finishing decorating and washing all the windows!

One of my favorite things... having freidns over for dinner and playing games!

A few plans for the rest of the week... LOTS of playing!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... this picture is of Kaleb and Liberty playing resturant and this is what you see in the drive thru.... you want coffee?? french fries?? chicken?? ice cream??

for today part 2......

Outside my window... I can see the grass turning green and the geese coming back!

I am thinking... about my order of school things I will need for next year!

From the learning rooms... we will be studying the birth and life of Jesus Christ for the next 2 weeks!

I am thankful for... women who have a deep passion for Christ and share that on their blogs and my awesome Husband!

From the kitchen... Grilled Fish with veggies, brown rice and salad

I am wearing... cozy pants, black shirt, pink socks and glitter on my eyes!

I am reading... a Karen Kingsbury book called Fame

I am hoping... that spring comes quickly and the Lord's will be revealed!

I am creating... a huge mass of food for tomorrow's St. Patricks Day dinner party!

I am hearing... worship music, birds chirping (from Liberty's sound machine), the heater turning on and children fast asleep....which actually sounds like nothing :)

Our newest addition to the basement family...

This was a total score off of craigslist!!! I paid 10 bucks for this thing!!!! It is Kaleb's new best friend!! Just thought I would share some more basement fun!!! We can't wait to start taking these things outside!!!

For today....

For Today...

Outside my window... the sun is rising and it looks cold out there

I am thinking... about my great party I have planned for St. Patricks Day with our new friends

From the learning rooms... we are having a half day week in school, just math and reading, a sorta spring break!! But we will be doing plenty of St. Patrick/Missionary studies and crafts

From the kitchen... I am going to clean out the cupboards and then make homemade calzones

I am wearing... my hair curly, black shirt, pants and fun striped socks

I am reading... some really nice blogs, Theras and His Town and a Karen Kingsbury book

I am hoping... for warm weather and that I find decent priced horse riding lessons

I am creating... St. Patrick Day crafts, board books for Bee and Kaleb and some more rice milk and butter

I am hearing... the sound machines and peaceful sleeping children (which don't really sound like anything but noise machines...but oh well)

Around the house... laundry, beginning of spring cleaning, school planning for next couple of weeks, cookies to make, bathtub to scrub and spring clothes to shift through

One of my favorite things... is a cup of black coffee in the quiet of morning before everyone else is up reading my bible

A few plans for the rest of the week... grocery shopping, party planning, go to the dollar store (they have the nicest dollar store I have EVER seen here), call the horse riding school I found, go to the library, finish researching free things to do in the Toronto area, have lunch with a new friend, take new photos of my kids and definitely go for a couple of walks....... :)

Things that make me smile.....

1. a husband who cuddles.
2. a clean home.
3. cuddling with my littlest 2 to read.
4. family time playing board games.
5. little house on the prairies nights with the older 2.
6. xoxoxoxoxox's
7. my son's bald head (surprisingly)
8. coffee
9. the artwork my older girls do for me daily.
10. here comes heaven bible study with my girls.
11. making a dinner everyone loves.
12. deep conversations.
13. music
14. a husband who brings me home a coffee.
15. Liberty's little girly bedroom.

Casting Crowns!!!

WOW!! Thats almost all I can say about the Casting Crowns concert last night!! It was so amazing! James and I were so blessed by going to see them. They were funny, touching and you could feel the love for Jesus just by being near them :). Something else new happened last night we sponsored a little girl from Ethiopia. We were really feeling lead to sponsor a child for the rest of their lives and decided to sponsor a little girl. Her name is a little hard to pronounce so we call her Boo. We are so excited to write her and know she is being taught about Jesus with her own NEW bible !! We are so blessed to help our special little boo :) We have decided to cut our grocery bill by $5 a week and the girls are going to give up 2 snacks a week to help pay for Boo's sponsorship. I think it will be an awesome reminder atleast 2 days a week that their are starving, cold, sad innocent children that don't have the luxuries or blessing we have and take for granite. Anyways..... it was a good night, I had a great time with my man and we had awesome chats while driving and waiting for the concert :). I thank God for my hubby, he is the man I thought I would never have or deserve and yet he is mine!! :) Hope you all had a blessed weekend!

27 Random Things....

1. 3 of the 4 places i have lived in my life start with a C.
2. I am really into photography.
3. I like cleaning my kids' ears out with Q-tips ( totally weird but true)
4. I really, really like coffee- black, espresso, iced...whatever I like it all.
5. I wasn't into reading until I read Francine Rivers.
6. I really like planning and decorating for birthday parties.
7. I would rather hang out with people than sleep.
8. I love board games.
9. I am afraid that one day I will have to live without my husband. :(
10. I really love In-n-out and Chipotle.
11. I have grown up to be a total history buff.
12. I love the Lord with all my heart.
13. I don't care for jewelry or diamonds, lucky for my hubby.
14. I really love music.
15. I dance everyday.
16. I cried with each kid when they read their first book.
17. I love having friends over for dinner.
18. I cry EVERYTIME i watch Little House on the Prairie.
19. It grosses me out and makes me gag when my husband pulls lint out of his belly button.
20. I lost my love for cooking when we found out about the kids' diseases.
21. I think i-pods are the best invention.
22. I love chick flicks.
23. I love good will.
24. I love rooting for the underdogs.
25. I would love to have my own garden and farm one day.
26. Growing up I always wanted my name to be spelled Katelynn.
27. When the kids are grown James and I want to have a coffee/fly fishing shop called Hooked On Espresso!

100 Things....

100 Things

RULES: There are 100 statements and you bold the ones you have done. Grab it and play for yourself!!*

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyworld
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo.
11. Had stitches
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea - on the beach, at least
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept in an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Lived in another country
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten cavier
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day