Thursday, May 30, 2013

Betty Crocker Presents - Baking Gluten Free Kit - Giveaway

It's time for a commercial break, brought to you by Betty Crocker. . .





Betty Crocker introduces 2 new Gluten Free baking mixes:

1. Sugar Cookie Mix.

2. All-Purpose Gluten Free Rice Flour Blend.

 
 
The new mixes are a great addition to their growing line of gluten free products.


To celebrate baking gluten free, I was given a baking kit!

 You can enter for a chance to win one for yourself! 


The kit includes the following (as pictured above):

  • Baking Tool Set  (This is beautifully packaged, and includes a rolling pin, kitchen timer, pastry brush, and spatula.)

  • 8" Square Cake Pan  (This non-stick pan works great! I used mine to make a delicious, homemade coffee cake the other morning.  The recipe came from one of my Betty Crocker Cookbooks!)

  • Retail Value: $60



  • The Giveaway



    To enter for a chance to win, please leave me a comment answering the following 2 questions:

    1.  Have you tried Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Baking Mixes?

    2.  What is your favorite Betty Crocker Product?



    For additional Entries:


    1. Post about this on Facebook.

    2. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.

    3. Post about this on Twitter.

    4. Follow me on Twitter.

    5. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

    *Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*


    One random winner we be selected on Monday, June 3, 2013. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.


    You must include your email address in your profile, or in your comment, or I can't find you if you win! - Anonymous comments will be void.




    This contest is closed.  The winner is:  Julieanne!
     

    *Disclosure - "The information and prize pack have been provided by Betty Crocker, for review purposes". *


    To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.





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    Wednesday, May 29, 2013

    When Company Comes

    Southern Hospitality

    I spent much of yesterday morning in little errands and housework.  I picked up one of my girls and one of the grandbabies.  We did some shopping and came home.  Most of my children were here yesterday, along with one of their friends.  My parlour was neat and tidy and I made a nice lunch of lasagna with sesame Italian bread. 

    There was chocolate cake and tea for those who wanted a nice afternoon refreshment.   Everyone spent time outside, walking the grounds, or playing games indoors.  We visited throughout the house and helped take care of baby.

    The ones who weren't here, telephoned in their visit.  They missed home and wanted to be here.   We had a few pictures to look through; and talked of daily life and news.

    I cleaned throughout the day, just a few minutes here, a few dishes to wash there, a chair to tuck in and a floor to tidy, and things stayed nice.  I did laundry for one of the grown children.  (I love when they come home with their laundry!)  Then I rested for a few late afternoon hours.  Children came into my room and sat with me while I rested and we enjoyed a little Pepsi.

    The past few weeks, I have been reading "To Kill a Mockingbird."  Aunt Alexandra hosted The Ladies Missionary Society in the family parlour.  Southern neighbors would get all dressed up and have a nice meeting. They would talk of needs in distant or local lands, and then it was time for refreshments.  Treats and tea were served on pretty trays.  This was where young "Scout" learned to be a lady.  Perhaps we can have some sort of missionary society in our own homes.  What a nice way to have company, when one uses a portion of their visiting time, for noble causes.

    When company comes, even if it is mostly family, it feels like a holiday. It is also a lovely time to enjoy being a homemaker.  It is the time to feel rewarded for all the hard labor of washing floors, cleaning windows, and dusting furniture.  It is a sweet "recital" at the end of a hard week of work, to showcase ones happy home and share a bit of Christian Hospitality.   

    Blessings
    Mrs. White







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    Mother's Faith Reviews and a Giveaway




     Many children go through periods of waywardness. This can break a mother's heart.  "Mother's Faith," a pink, purse sized, book is designed to encourage mothers during the difficult years of raising older children.

    Several bloggers have read and reviewed the book for me.  You will see their links below.   If you decide you want to purchase a copy for $9.99, I would love it if you would buy through one of their posts (which should contain an affiliate link, and will provide them with a small commission). 

    At the end of this post, you will see a giveaway offer.  You can win your own copy of this book.

    Please come along and visit these bloggers, and enjoy a sort of book discussion on "Mother's Faith."







    Catherine at Our Village is a Little Different.


    Laura at Harvest Lane Cottage.


    Tami at A Godly Homemaker.


    Blossom at North Laurel Home and School.


    Debbie at Debbie's Digest.


    Briana at I Can't Decide.


    Lisa at The Berry Patch.


    Elizabeth at Yes They're all Ours.


    The Giveaway - Jasmine at Far Above Rubies.  (Contest is now closed.)



    [Note - If you have reviewed this book on your blog, and would like to be added to this list, please let me know!]



    Blessings
    Mrs. White






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    Monday, May 27, 2013

    Housekeeping With Mister

    Family Farm

    It rained all last week.  Mr. White had promised to help me start our humble garden, so when the weather cleared a bit, I walked outside with my pink umbrella.    Mr. White smiled at me and mumbled that it was not raining.  I watched while he put soil into planters.  My watching is part of helping. (gentle smiles)

    I walked around the 2 acre property, happily holding my umbrella, and standing near him. I followed while he did the heavy labor of digging soil, and clearing bits of land.  When he signaled, I dropped flower and vegetable seeds.  . . just a few.  Gardening is still an experimental hobby for me.  I am an amateur and Mr. White willingly helps me. I wouldn't dream of gardening without him.

    Inside our 1850's colonial house, I cleaned the kitchen, baked banana muffins and chocolate cake with strawberry pink frosting.  I vacuumed. . .  and dusted. . . and washed all the curtains.

    When the curtains were clean, I stood on a chair and tried to reach the rods to put the curtains back on the windows.  Mr. White smiled. He is over a foot taller than me.  He started to help.  We worked together.  He got the rods and I filled them with curtains.

    Like all people, sometimes I forget to be content.  This means to be at peace and yielded happily to one's lot in life.  I cannot let the bad days or the normal strains of life make me forget about the happiness of being here.  I have to remember the cozy fires and reading books by Charles Dickens.   I need to remember the time I have to patiently crochet an Afghan or hand-sew a new apron.   I can play checkers or chess with my children at any time.  I can bake and cook and serve my family in an unhurried way.  I can be here for my children and grandchildren any time they need me.

    This morning, Mr. White mowed most of the lawn, while I made a hot lunch.  When we took a little break, he reminded me that despite all the troubles, we are very blessed and grateful for what we have, and for our way of life.

    The very act of cleaning and cooking and keeping a home reminds one of how very precious it is to have a home and family.  . . To be settled and peaceful is the very definition of contentment.

    Blessings
    Mrs. White






    For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking




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    Thursday, May 23, 2013

    Never a Car Payment - Reflections on Poverty

    Wall Street Crash, 1929

    Mr. White and I received our first car as a wedding present. It was an old car given to us by an Aunt. She had decided to buy a new one, and gave us hers.  Over the years, we have been driving beat up cars, that were beyond second-hand. 

    One of our vehicles had doors that wouldn't open.  We would be all dressed up, with our two little girls (at the time).  Mr. White would hand me one of the children (a toddler or a preschooler) through an open window, and I would reach back and buckle them in.   We certainly had our dignity and a sense of humor!

    I remember once, in the early 1990's, getting a few thousand dollars as a tax refund.   We used most of this money to actually buy a decent vehicle from the friend of a relative.  It was a small, cream colored, station wagon. I was amazed!  It was old, but beautiful to me.   It lasted a few years, before it was totalled in an accident.  (A drunk driver had crashed into my husband and put him in the hospital. His recovery took several months.)

    Insurance money provided us with another used car.  This one was an old mini-van.   By the time we were forced to give it up, it required a screwdriver to start!

    One year, my husband bought a large, old conversion van for under $100.  We loved going for rides in it, with all of our (by then) five children.  My husband used it for commuting to work. I never drove it.  I was too afraid to drive a large van!

    At one point, we had one dead car, and one barely running car.  I became very ill and couldn't walk without assistance for a month.  After some weeks, my husband's co-worker mentioned he was getting a new car, and did we want his old one for free?  That was such a great blessing!

    I remember, a few years ago, my husband came home with a beautiful pastel purple Cadillac with white leather seats.  It was very old and cost under two grand.  We had our tax refund money and he wanted to ask me if we should buy it? I didn't hesitate. Of course! It was lovely and seemed like such a treat!  I loved riding in that car with him.  He used it for commuting. I never drove it, myself, because I am terrified of driving large vehicles. But I loved having him as my chauffeur.  This car now sits in a carport. . . Pretty to look at. . . but worn down so much that it can't be driven.

    We've certainly had our fun adventures with cars, but we've never had a car payment.  We could never afford it.  To us, that is for those "rich" people. (gentle smiles) Or, the middle class.  It is a way of life for them.  As for the White House,  we have no idea what will happen to us tomorrow, financially, and can't promise to make those monthly payments.  This is poverty.  But it is also an adventure in faith.

    Why am I writing all this out?  We have been having major car trouble, and it is only getting worse.  My current car was bought by one of my children in early 2008.  It was old then.  She bought it for me to drive her to college and to do errands with her. At the time, we had no money, but she did.  She paid cash from a year of hard work.   This precious child gave that car to me after a couple of years.  But now it is needing to be replaced.

    The last few months, I have been wavering in my faith.  How will I drive the children to church and their activities?   How will I take them to appointments and do our grocery shopping? We live in a rural area with no public transportation.  A running car is an absolute necessity.  It is a basic need.

    This morning, an answer came. . . I must take care of the car I have, even if it is falling apart, and making alarming noises (gentle smiles).  Today, when we do an errand, we will stop and get it all vacuumed out.  We will polish the dashboard and the windows and keep it as nice as we can.  We will take care of it, and continue to drive it, and do the best we can with the repairs, until the Lord brings our next vehicle.  Our faith in Him is the hope for those of us in poverty.  We know He can do all things. We know He is the one who feeds the sparrows and watches over us. . . In the meantime, I will love the car I have, and I will take care of it.  . . and I will wait upon my Lord.


    Blessings
    Mrs. White

     





    For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking




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    Tuesday, May 21, 2013

    A Home Remodeling Giveaway

    I have a special treat for you today. . . .

    I have a delightful giveaway, and an inspiring video to share.

    First, please watch this brief video of my guest, Cassandra Lavalle, who will share some home design tips and ideas.


    [Note:  If you are an email subscriber and can't see the video, please go directly to the blog to view.]






    A lovely home is always made nicer with a little design and decorating.   This video makes one want to freshen up the home with paint, drapes and pretty flowers.  It would also be great to turn a bathroom into a little spa, with a RainFall Waterpik showerhead, some colorful bath towels, and a new shower curtain.



    I have a giveaway that will help you get started!  This package includes the following:





    1.  A $25 Gift Card to Home Depot.

    2.  A luxurious RainFall Waterpik Showerhead.  {This easily installs in minutes, features 7 spray settings,  and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.}

    3.  A Set of 2 Candles. ("Pillar Classics" - Unscented).






    To enter for a chance to win, please leave me a comment answering the following 2 questions:

    1.  What was your favorite idea from the video?

    2.  What color scheme would you choose if you were to create a spa-like setting in a bathroom?



    For additional Entries:


    1. Post about this on Facebook.

    2. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.

    3. Post about this on Twitter.

    4. Follow me on Twitter.

    5. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

    *Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*


    One random winner we be selected on Monday, June 3, 2013. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.


    You must include your email address in your profile, or in your comment, or I can't find you if you win! - Anonymous comments will be void.



    This contest is closed. The winner is:  Illinois Lori!
     

    *Disclosure - I received these items, information, and video for review purposes.  Giveaway package will be shipped to the winner directly from the marketing company. *


    To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.





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    Tuesday, May 14, 2013

    Will You Walk the Grounds With Me?

    Through the Garden Door

    In Jane Austen's day, guests would "take a turn about the room." Or they would walk the garden. This was a way of visiting. Two or more would walk together and talk. It was a restful sort of recreation and exercise.

    When the weather is nice here at our Vermont Estate, I often ask one of my teenagers if they would walk the grounds with me.  We have a 2 acre parcel of land.  I walk up the back property, near the rushing river and enjoy the retreat - like setting.  We have a tiny garden plot with new blueberry and strawberry plants which have not yet been established enough to bear fruit.  But they are fun to look at.

    In the early spring and summer mornings, I do the majority of my housework.  I do the dishes, the baking, some cooking, and tidying.  Then I do laundry and hang it on the clothesline.  While I work, I look forward to my walk around the grounds.  I love to call out, on my way out the door, "Will someone walk with me?"  Often it is one of my teenage boys who goes with me. 

    I see things that remind me of what it must be like on old homesteads.  In the spring, farmers would walk the property and assess the needs.   A certain fence might need to be repaired. A barn door might  need a hinge tightened.  Perhaps the porch steps need a few boards replaced.  The farmers worked hard to maintain and repair the grounds so the homestead would function as it should.  On my own property, I see some weeds that need to be removed.  I see a porch that needs painting and a playground that needs to be cleaned and ready for children to enjoy for the season.

    All these chores can be done at our own pace, over many weeks or months.  They give us great joy to labor on our own property.  We take pride in our land and our homes, when we enjoy our own work.

    As I am walking the grounds, I am not thinking about what must be done outside the property.  The outside world is shut out.  Peace reigns.  A soothing happy feeling of walking the garden with my Lord is in my thoughts. . . And for just a little while, I forget about my poverty, realizing I have everything I need, in this old 1800's house, and on this beautiful land.


    Blessings
    Mrs. White




    For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking




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    Wednesday, May 8, 2013

    Echoes From The Kitchen

    Pie Baking Day

    I have been listening to the old songs of Patsy Cline on my kitchen radio while I work.  The sound is not as crisp as modern recordings.  It adds a sort of nostalgic gentleness to my chores.

    While I wash dishes, polish the stove, and sweep, the echoes of Mother's work goes throughout the house.  The sounds of the old music tells the family that Mama is busy in the kitchen.  It makes them happy to know that, very soon, there will be something special to eat, and the kitchen will be clean and polished.

    The Echoes from my Kitchen will become a memory for my growing children.  They will remember all the work I did in there with love and creativity. 

    I was talking to Mr. White yesterday about baking pies.  He wants a chocolate cream one. I told him I would try my very best to have a different homemade pie, or a special cake, for the family each Sunday afternoon.  It will be a new tradition.  Thinking of lovely things to do during kitchen time keeps things exciting!

    There are many things we can do to make our kitchens homemade and special.  We need to enjoy being in there.  It should be our favorite place in the house.  Perhaps some lace curtains or a vintage flower vase would add special homestyle touches.  Or maybe a pretty basket for apples or oranges near the breadbox.  Whatever pretty things you can find to make your kitchen unique will help you enjoy the work so much more. . . And the Echoes of your Kitchen work will touch the hearts of all who enter.

    Blessings
    Mrs. White





    For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking




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    Friday, May 3, 2013

    Overcoming Hard Times with Grace

    Richmond on the Thames

    In this economy, many of us are struggling. There is a confusion added to this, about standard of living.  We see magazine covers at supermarkets of beautiful homes and elaborately prepared foods.  We see television programs about rehabbing houses, and making them "livable" with the latest upgrades.  This is like an upgrade in standards, and it costs far more money than most of us can manage.

    It used to be that thrift stores and churches had decent clothes available for free, or for a meager cost.  Many mothers used to talk about the missionary barrel.  When times were hard, they would find clothes and remake them with what they had at home.  They made lovely things with their own efforts, out of cast-offs.   

    Mothers were able to create recipes based on what was left in the pantry, rather than what was for sale in the store.

    Home repairs and maintenance was done to survive, with scrounged supplies, or inexpensive parts to make-do, for those with little money.

    I realize we need certain skills to create out of little, but we can certainly learn. 

    Money used to mean something different than it does today.  Money was for basic housing and basic needs, and an occasional treat, rather than for splurging and spending on what we want right now.  [Or what we think we need in this confusing, consumerist, culture.]

    We need a good does of the history of the family during hard times.  We need to read about the depression-era mothers, the pilgrims, and the pioneers to find a way to overcome the culture of today, with dignity and grace.


    Blessings
    Mrs. White

    For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking








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    Thursday, May 2, 2013

    Provident Films Presents - Ring the Bell DVD - Giveaway

    Movie - Ring the Bell - DVD

    Presented by:  Provident Films

    Rating - PG - For "Mild Thematic Elements."

    Running Time - 96 minutes

    This wholesome, family-friendly movie is about a wealthy executive from the city, who heads to a small town.  He flashes his money, trying to sign a star, high school, ball player to his sports agency.  He is met with integrity, kindness, and a steadfast resistance to his way of life.

    He spends some time at a boy's ranch, which is an orphanage and is run by two amazing young people.  Viewers are taken along with him to experience what life is like for those who are devoted to the Lord and His ways. 

    A few brief meetings with the town's pastor (played by Steven Curtis Chapman), is a blessing to watch.

    We are also treated to an excellent town concert with the real Casting Crowns, who share an inspiring message.

    The meaning of "ringing the bell," is absolutely precious! 

    Overall, this is an amazing movie and a surprising delight.  It is something to watch more than once, and share with others.



    The Giveaway

    How would you like a chance to win a copy of "Ring the Bell" on DVD?

     To enter, all you have to do is leave me a comment, telling me if you have a favorite song of Casting Crowns.


    For additional Entries:


    1. Post about this on Facebook.

    2. Post about this on Twitter.

    3. Follow me on Twitter.

    4. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

    *Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*


    One random winner we be selected on Monday, May 6, 2013. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you. 


    This contest is closed.  The winner is - Nancy!
     

    *Disclosure - I received this movie for review purposes. The giveaway copy will be shipped directly to the winner, from the marketing company.*


    To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.





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    Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals



    It's time for a commercial break, brought to you by Pepperidge Farm!



    Pepperidge Farm introduces 2 gluten - free products to the Baked Naturals line of snacks.

    Simply Tortilla:  This is a delicious, light, natural - tasting chip. 

    - Nacho Cheese Tortilla:  This one has a bit of spicy cheese flavor, which my teens will love.

    These are made with stone ground corn and offer 16g of whole grain per serving.  Baked Naturals are a fun snack that you can feel good about sharing with your family and guests.



    *Disclosure - I received this product, and information, for review purposes.*






    To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.




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    Wednesday, May 1, 2013

    The Homeschool Letters

    Albert Einstein's Study at the Institute for Advance Study at Princeton University

    My youngest student is a teenage soon-to-be man.    I have been working with him all his life, and he has made tremendous progress. This student is my only one out of five, who was learning disabled, and wasn't able to learn to read well until he was 10 years old.  It just didn't click for him until then.  Day after day, year after year, from the time he was 5, I worked with him.  Now, all these years later, he reads the KJV Bible fluently.  But we still have such a long way to go.  The difficulty is understanding our relationship.  I am his Mother. He is growing up and will be a man.  He doesn't always want to do things my way.  He sometimes senses that I am "nagging" him in our little school at home.  I must adjust.

    I realized that we need to communicate in a different way.  We need a way that will work, or his education with me will not progress.    The way I have discovered is through letters.

    For a student to learn, he must have time to think.  He must have time to seek out his education.  He must have time and quiet to evaluate and analyze.  He must study and solve.  How can this happen knowing his mother is hovering nearby waiting to "help?"  This is why I have backed away.  I will let him stumble and struggle while he learns the skill of learning for himself, rather than learning for me.

    On each weekday morning, I have a set of letters waiting for him.  These are formal letters, with dates and indented paragraphs, and a proper signature.  The letters are instructions for the day, where to find the books he needs, and a little chart to show him a specific lesson I would have showed him in person.  He will use these letters to guide him through his homeschool day.  He will also take notes and write me back, telling me what he learned, and telling me what he needs help with.

    He will also see the chalkboard, with problems and puzzles to solve.  They will appear "mysteriously" on the board because I will write them when no one is around to see me.  This adds intrigue and adventure to his learning. 

    Each night, I will read his letters to me and check his books.  I will then write back, explaining problems he had trouble with, and giving him the new day's directions. 

    As he learns to work all day long, without a hovering mother, he will begin to grow and think more independently.  He will acquire mighty skills he needs in order to be a man.  He will become less dependent on me.  He will also rise in wisdom and knowledge because there is a sense of intrigue in these letters and secret chalkboard puzzles, which will create in him a thirst for learning. 

    These Homeschool Letters are my key to finishing the last few years of his education.  I am stepping back, while he is stepping up.   This is the last phase of my mothering of a child.


    Blessings
    Mrs. White



    For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking




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