Each week I hope to share the books that I am currently reading for my Read 100 Challenge, as well as interesting links related to faith, family, and frugal living.
Books
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
So many bloggers that I respect have mentioned this book as one of their favorites, and I just had to check it out for myself. I have only just begun, but I am already excited about its premise. Duhigg has interviewed hundreds of people and companies who have changed their lives by changing their habits. He also has extensively studied neurobiology and interviewed scientists involved in researching how habits affect the brain. He says that 40% of our daily actions are done without conscious thought, but instead out of habit. If we can change our habits, we can change our lives. I am excited to continue reading this thought-provoking book.
The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart
I recently finished listening to The Mysterious Benedict Society on audiobook and couldn’t wait to read the next in the series. This is a masterpiece of children’s literature–filled with adventure, intelligent children, dangerous situations, and humor. I expect to finish this second in the series over the weekend, and I highly recommend it for children in grades 4-7 or adults who love good children’s lit.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
I spent two years living and working on the Zuni reservation in New Mexico. Though I only have this limited experience of living and working with Native Americans, Alexie’s book–its subject matter, its tone, its humor, its philosophy–rings true with my experience. The book is considered controversial because of its profanity, intense subject matter, and sexual references. However, I am really glad that I started listening to it during my commute because it is thought-provoking and downright funny at times.
Links I Love
Faith
Orthodox Pascha in Dachau St. Peter Orthodox Church shares the story of a Holocaust survivor who participated in a liturgy on Pascha (Easter) in the Dachau concentration camp. I’d had no idea that so many Orthodox Christians and clergy were placed in concentration camps by the Nazis, so this article was both inspiring and informative.
Children in Church Elissa Bjeletich of Raising Saints writes a must-read post for every parent who takes their children to Church. At once practical and beautiful, her writing encourages parents in what is often a source of struggle and stress.
Family
14+ Ideas for Cheap Kids’ Sidewalk Fun Sarah from Earning & Saving with Sarah Fuller shares ideas for having frugal fun this summer with your children.
How to Motivate Your Kids to Clean Do your children resist doing chores? Would you like them to help around the house more? Check out The Latina Homemaker’s tips for motivating children to clean.
Frugal Living
6 Ways to Save on Meat Meat is always the most expensive part of any grocery budget. But does it have to be? Take a look at Julie from Frugally Blonde’s tips for saving on meat. I especially like number four!
The Easy Way We Save Thousands Each Year Want to save some serious money? Proverbs 31 Woman shares one way that her family has been able to save thousands.
By the way, there’s only two days left to sign up for the absolutely FREE 4 Simple Steps to Stress-Free Homemaking Video Course. Filled with fantastic practical tips, this video series is designed for busy moms looking for ways to ease the burden of homemaking. Try it out. You’ve got nothing to lose but stress!
What are you reading this week?
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(Linked to Modern Mrs. Darcy.)
Thank you so much for including 14+ Ideas for Cheap Kids’ Sidewalk Fun in the Links You Love this week. Very flattered and appreciative.
You are very welcome! I’m excited to try out the ideas with my kids this summer!