What I’m Reading This Week #21

Each week I share the books that I am currently reading as a part of my Read 100 Challenge and the links that I love from around the blogosphere.

It has been a wonderfully quiet week here at our house.  Little Sister turned 3 on Thursday, and we had a nice, simple party for her.  (You can read more that I’ve written about Why We Have Simple Birthdays and 5 Tips for a Frugal Birthday Party.)  Other than that, we’ve been enjoying reading our library books, playing with new birthday toys, and going to bed early.

I praise God for simple weeks when I can catch my breath!  I have been able to read a few books, get in some extra work on the blog, and be in bed by 9:30.  Pure bliss!

Books I’ve Read

The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel

My husband and I have taken to watching “The Astronaut Wives Club” miniseries in the evenings, so I knew that I had to read the book!  I really enjoyed learning more about a piece of American history that I wasn’t very familiar with.  I especially appreciate that it shared the lives of women and the roles that they played at that time period.  Fascinating!

The Presence: A Ghost Story by Eve Bunting

A few of my students had read this ghost story recently, so I wanted to check it out.  The story and writing are a bit simple, but it was a fun, quick read.  If you have a middle or high school student looking for a suspenseful book (but who doesn’t usually like to read!), this tale might tempt them.

What I’m Listening To

This week I have listened to more things online than I usually do.  I thought I would share them with you!

Make Over Your Mornings Course by Crystal Paine

I thought that I had a pretty good handle on my mornings, but I have learned so much from this course already–and I’m only on Day 3 of 14.  If you want to start your day with purpose (which doesn’t mean just getting up super early and beginning the to-do list!), I highly recommend it!  You can even download the first day for free and see if you want to purchase the entire course.

4 Essential Habits of Healthy Families  Audio Course

I am in the midst of a food and exercise makeover in my life.  This FREE audio course is giving me some great food for thought.  I’ve been learning some fascinating facts about the importance of sleep that I didn’t know before; discovering tips for exercising on a budget; and am learning more about natural remedies.  Great stuff!

Links I Love

Faith

Doughnuts to Donuts: The Cost of Comparison  Nearly Orthodox shares a great reminder that comparison is the thief of joy.

The Mystery of the Forerunner  In the Orthodox Church, today is the Feast of The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.  Father Stephen Freeman gives some insight into the importance of the Forerunner.

Family

11 Ways to Make S’more Without Graham Crackers  For those of you planning barbecues or camp outs for Labor Day weekend, you may want to check out Kitchen Serf’s creative takes on the classic s’mores.

10 Fun, Frugal Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary  Will you be celebrating your anniversary soon?  Of the Hearth has a great post to help you have a good time without blowing your budget.

Frugal Living

Books That Have Changed My Life  My blogging friend Ciara over at Favored Mom shares several (mostly) financial books that have impacted her life.  I will have to add a few of these to my list of books to read!

Leftover Money Each Month  Kelly Cox at Home shares some tried and true ways to make sure that you have more money than month.

On The Orthodox Mama

Why My Children Go To Bed (Ridiculously) Early

Healthy Living on a Budget

One Small Thing That Has Completely Changed My Mornings

What have you been reading?

(This post contains affiliate links.  Please see my disclosure policy for more information.)