Are We THERE Yet?

I would like to be sitting on this bench, featured in A New York Minute by Raceytay. Lovely!

I am a bit like a child at Christmas when I look at the calendar and think of everything that is going on ...

1. HouseHoncho.com is getting ready to undergo a major (fun!) change. I can't wait for you to see what it is! This afternoon I caught a glimpse of what the final version will look like and almost starting jumping on the couch. Stay tuned ...

2. FREEBIES galore are being given away via the House Honcho Facebook group. So far, I have been able to keep up with a-FREEBIE-a-day and am getting all sorts of ideas about future giveaways. (Speaking of which, I received my free canvas in the mail today and am super excited about it. If you haven't taken advantage of this offer, you really should consider it! Totally worth it, in my opinion.)

3. November is shaping up to be the best month in House Honcho history. I have been talking to home managers all over the Internet, brainstorming holiday traditions and decorations, meals and crafts. I am ridiculously excited about the plethora of projects I am going to introduce. Two weeks and counting, Friends ...

4. For those of you who loved the free journal offered in the Facebook group, you will be pleased to know that I just posted a similar offer--this time for a free photo book!

5. And just because we are having so much fun, here are 20 free 4x6 Kodak prints.

Have I mentioned I am excited?

Announcements and Gifts and Holidays: Oh My!

I am thinking these Bike Fox Hand Warmers, by warmYourself would be perfect for my son.

Today is my birthday. I only say that because I can't tell if I'm more excited about that or what I'm about to share. Either way, I am very happy ...

1. I have spent several months trying to decide the best use for the Facebook group. While it remains a great place to show support of the blog (my heartiest thanks to those who have "liked" House Honcho) I also want it to be a useful tool. Hopefully in time, it will provide a broader forum for conversation and brainstorming. In the meantime, I am excited to announce Deal of the Day. Let me explain ...

The Internet is full of Web sites dedicated to coupons and freebies. House Honcho readers send me their discoveries all the time. Over the past few days, I have experimented with posting 1 deal each day--generally the "best" deal of the day, in my opinion. I prefer to post FREEBIES, but sometimes other deals are just too good not to share.

Moving forward, Deal of the Day will be one of the benefits of joining the Facebook group. I will endeavor to post 1 deal a day that is relevant to your life and mine.

2. Each blog entry in November will focus on a holiday project or tradition that will (hopefully) give you ideas for the Thanksgiving/Christmas season. I have scoured the Internet looking at hundreds of blogs, talking to dozens of friends, researching boatloads of concepts, and attempting myriads of projects. I am carefully selecting ideas that are attainable and profitable for the family. More news on that to come. Please stay tuned. I believe November could be this blog's best series yet ...

To all of you who enrich my life by supporting this blog, thank you. I would be sitting in the corner talking to myself otherwise ...

The Gift of (More) Chores

A fall day, a good book, some scented leaves ...what could be better? These books from havenvintage are calling my name!

What if I woke up today with only those things I thanked God for yesterday?

This question has been riding autopilot in my mind lately. I thought about it again this morning as I dressed my son, as I prepared for church, and as I put the ingredients together for a delicious cheesy chicken bake I will have to tell you about later.

For me, it is easy to get caught up in the weariness of daily living. My to-do list oftens contains things of which I get exhausted just considering. Really? It's time to prepare ANOTHER meal? Didn't I just do that an hour ago? Are you SERIOUS? More laundry to do? Wasn't that basket empty this morning? 

But then I am often struck--moments after an internal complaint-fest takes root in my mind--that I would be a whole lot more disappointed without the objects for which I am tempted to complain.

So tonight, as I pillow my head and begin the process of thinking about tomorrow, I won't complain (not even to myself!) I will instead offer thanks to God for His incredible kindness.

"But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."--I Timothy 6:8 (ESV)


Personal announcement: I was recently invited to join a ridiculously talented group of writers in the launch of http://www.inspireafire.com/. I'm honored (delighted, pleased, excited, thrilled) to serve as Inspire's Sunday devotional writer. If you enjoy reading novels, your favorite Christian author is likely part of this group. We cannot wait to ... well ... inspire a fire! Please check it out!

SPARK #10: A Turn in the Road

I love mamapainter's work! Check out this print, BOO.

I am very excited to unleash a new feature here on HouseHoncho.com! If you are a blogger, this post is for YOU!

Since beginning SPARK Thursday, I have received several requests from readers to find a way we can share the things fellow bloggers are writing in response to the weekly SPARK challenge. I think it's a great idea.

So here's the deal. At the bottom of this post, I have listed a place where you can easily link up your blog post if you choose to write the weekly SPARK. You have 1 week to post your blog until the linkup locks.

Very cool. Give it a try!

Today's SPARK challenge is simple. I suggest setting the egg timer for 5 minutes and writing, unedited, on the following topic:

Robert Frost wrote a poem titled The Road Not Taken.  Name a road you’ve always wanted to travel. 

Changing the Game: {Please Read}

Admission: I have an unhealthy love of stationery. This card by DawnCorrespondence is perfect!

I read a post that stopped me in my tracks today.

One of the reasons I hesitated to write a blog for several years is because I didn't know how to spread the word that it is existed--or, frankly--if anyone would care that it did. Blogs seem to be a dime a dozen these days. And while some of them have made a tremendous impact on my life, many of them--likely more of them--have had all the practicality of an umbrella on a sunny day.

Internet Garmins would be nice, yes? Destination: blogs that offer helpful insight vs. those that don't.

Yesterday, I posted a contest to help spread the word about House Honcho. I didn't consider it narcissistic as much as I considered it a plea for readers. One of my concerns has always been waking up to find that absolutely all of my readers gave up and went home.

Then I read a post that discussed--among other things--the lack of humility involved in self-promotion.

As someone heavily involved in the publishing industry (it puts the bread on my table, frankly), I don't believe that promotion is entirely evil. But the article did cause me to re-think the promotion of this blog. And I came to the conclusion that I don't need to promote House Honcho for it to be successful. If it's helpful, it will continue. If it's one of those useless umbrella kind of blogs, it will fade away.

And that will be okay.

SO I AM REVISING THE CONTEST RULES.

They are simple.

Send a note of encouragement to someone this week--someone you haven't sent a note to before would be great! Let's lift someone's spirits, brighten someone's day, put a skip in someone's step. Let me know that you sent a note (no need to say who it was sent to or what it was about) by signing your initials to this post with a quick sentence.

To those who already passed the word about the site, your names are safely in the hat.

As for me, I'm just thankful you took the time to read this. My gratitude is to you ...

CONTEST: Trendy Bliss!

As I near my 500th post here on HouseHoncho, I am asking (read: pleading) for your help.

It's as simple as this. I maintain this blog because of friends like you who challenge me to keep at it. The e-mail I get on a regular basis is overwhelming. The encouragement I receive knows no bounds.

I have big dreams for this little site. I still believe I am just getting started.

I am bursting at the seams with brainstorms. (Dramatic? Yes. True? Also, yes.)

So I humbly ask you to participate in this contest. The rules are simple. The prize is great.

All you have to do is click the brand new "TELL A FRIEND" button at the bottom of this post and ... tell a friend about HouseHoncho.com. Then let me know, by replying to this post, what you did. Each time you TELL A FRIEND between now and Friday at midnight, you will receive an entry into the contest.

The prize?

Krista from Trendy bliss has donated a pair of Black Lace Shoe Clips from her Vintage Collection. (See the photo above.) Totally creative. (I'm guessing you can wear these clips on more than your shoes. We'll talk to Krista later this week and find out. More on Trendy Bliss. Stay tuned.)

Give this new button a run for its money, would you? Please? It'll mean more to me than you can imagine ...

A+ Guide to Managing Motherhood

What's not to love about this awesome 1960s red vinyl gym bag by sevenbc? Almost takes me back to highschool P.E. (Almost.)

Tonight: 2 things. A little something for everyone ...

First, in the spirit of the new school year, I am pleased to announce that I am now posting free eBooks on our Facebook page. I have the privilege of knowing many fabulous authors who publish many fabulous books. I am excited to start sharing their eBooks with those of you who have bought into the eReader revolution. I hope you'll check out the selections and enjoy!

Second, to the readers of this blog who recently sent children to their first day of school ...

This year will be challenging. There will be homework to monitor and grades to encourage. Sports will swing into full gear soon enough, and party invites will roll in. Conferences will require your attendance, and music practice will need your support. Two months from now, when the furnace of responsibility really heats up to a painful roar, remember this:

You are equipped with everything you need.

The only difference between the first day and the last--and all the days in between--is the level of enthusiasm and hope for the future.

It's a funny thing the way students think the challenges of the school year are theirs. The older I get, the more I realize that the real challenges belong to the mothers ...

Happy school year.

Home Is Where the Art Is

This beautiful rosebud ring, by gardenmis, has robin's egg blue flowers, accents of honey yellow, and specks of lemongrass green.

Today has been a long time coming. It's appropriate that I should receive such a wonderful e-mail on the day I compile my In Print entry here on the blog.

This afternoon I opened my e-mail from our social worker and the words beamed off the page:

Wooo hoooo!

And somewhere between the third and seventh 'o' I knew we had life altering news coming our way.

Today I learned that my husband and I have been invited to travel to meet our son and bring him home. My heart is full. We should be in the country in the next few weeks. 

There is plenty to do. I need to dust his room and update photo frames. I need to pack suitcases and buy plane tickets. I need to solidify plans with our house sitter.

... and I need to prepare my heart for the responsibility and privilege of loving this child forever.

It's a Wooo hoooo!  kind of day.

Introducing: Thursday SPARKS

Check out this rendering of a row of beautiful brownstone houses by claudiagpearson! Lovely.

I love stories. No surprise since I work in an industry where story is king.

No doubt, my grandpa had a hand in sparking this love of story. He told the best stories. When I was in college, I decided to ask him if, in lieu of a traditional Christmas gift, he would put some of his favorite memories on an audio tape. I supplied him with a 60-minute tape and told him that he didn’t need to feel like he was supposed to fill it. But that anything he put on it would be special to me.

Well, he didn’t fill it. Instead, he filled 12 90-minute tapes, front and back, with the stories of his life. I have listened to them—in their entirety—several times. And each time I listen, I feel like he is still in the room ... even though he has been gone for over a year.

Those memories are a gift.

My husband lost his grandma this past Monday. One of the greatest gifts she left her family--in my opinion--is the stack of notebooks she filled with family history. I have looked through them and hope to read them in their entirety soon.

Journaling--specifically writing down memories of days gone by--is a gift to future generations. (As well as an exercise in therapy. Trust me.) I believe so whole-heartedly in journaling memories that I have given workshops and aided retirees in writing down their stories without collecting a penny in return.

Today I am announcing a change to this blog. Beginning this Thursday--and every Thursday for at least the next year--I am going to offer prompts here on the site called Thursday SPARKS. Grab a notebook, open your computer, find a tape recorder ... I don't care how you do it. But each Thursday, I am going to post a SPARK on the blog that you should consider recording your answer to, whether or not you are "a writer."

What is a SPARK?--a writing prompt that illicits a memory that is: 

Simple, Personal, Actual, Recordable, Keep-worthy.

Come back Thursday for more information. I think you'll be glad you did.

The Etsy, Etsy Spy(er)

Nothing says summer like ballet flats. Check out these by spirocreations!

Happy Friday!

In today's Favorite Things Friday I am happy to bring you two of my favorite things--along with July's update to this blog.

First of all, I love wall sayings. Walk around my house and you will notice a museum of things I like to think about. I've painted a line from one of my favorite songs on the living room wall, for instance, and there is a small handwritten card in my bedroom with a verse I like to remember. On the bathroom mirror there is a list of three truths I daily remind myself to consider.

The list could go on. Sayings exist all over my house.

I believe that sayings posted on the wall have the power to creep into our subconscious. Hopefully--specifically if the sayings are true or helpful--they make a permanent impact in our thinking over time.

So, you ask, what do these wall sayings have to do with Favorite Things Friday?

So glad you asked.

As soon as you enter my home, there is a frame on the wall with these words: An attitude of gratitude creates blessings. And that is one of my favorite things.

Second of all, I love Etsy. If you are not familiar with Etsy or are in need of an overdose of inspiration, I challenge you to visit the Web site. I could permanently bankrupt myself in thirty minutes on that site. (Now, no doubt, you are itching to rush right over and check it out.)

For July's change, I am excited to announce that I am teaming up with various Etsy shops to bring creative ideas to this blog--things I hope will engage the part of your brain that creates beauty for your home and family. If you run an Etsy shop, feel free to contact me about posting photos of your wares and I will take a look.

Hopefully--more often than not--the daily blogs will feature creativity from Etsy shop owners. Prepare to be amazed.

Have a great weekend!

Announcing a Contest: Book It!

Photo by tableatny

Happy Friday! Let's kick off a contest.

One week ago today, my first book launched. I say "first" because there are a few more ideas rattling around that I may put to paper next. We'll see.

I appreciate--more than you can imagine--the show of support I have received from my friends and family. Promoting the book is something I need help with. I'm as good a salesman as I am a dentist.

[Insert a wail of distress.]

Which brings me to you. I am looking to get the word out that the book is finished. Our publishing company has graciously allowed profits to go to our adoption expenses if the book is bought here. Ridiculously kind, really. We have miles to go before our adoption expenses are paid.

So here is where the contest comes in. Each time you do one of the following things, your name will be added to the hat. [Scroll down to see the prize.]

1. "Like" the page where the book was announced by scrolling to the bottom. (You may need to click on "comments" to choose the "like" button).

2. Share the page where the book was announced in a Facebook status.

3. Simply talk about the book in a Facebook status.

4. Encourage someone to check out the book (in any way you choose).

5. Get creative and do your own promotion of the book. (I would LOVE to see what you come up with!) I would be honored to write a guest post if you run a blog.

I need your help to tell people the book is available. Whether or not you have any plans to read it, I ask you to consider sharing the news with your friends on my behalf. (I ask on bended knee, really.) It would mean more than you know. And it will go a long way in bringing our little fellow home.

Here is the prize: I will send you a book with a personalized note from Luke and me--written to anyone you choose (perhaps you know someone who could benefit from a book on waiting?)--and tucked inside the book, you will find a $20 gift card to Bed Bath & Beyond.

Two of my worlds colliding--home and reading!

Please leave a comment on either this page or the page where the book was announced letting me know what you did and how many times your name should be added to the hat.

The contest ends 1 week from today: midnight, Friday, July 1st.

Blessings,

Out with the Cold. In with the Dew.

Photo by AForestFrolic

In today's Junk Drawer, I bring you 3 exciting, quasi-related things.

1. We have exceeded 500 fans on our Facebook group! Thank you for your support! As promised, I am going to add a tab on this website with all of the Honcho Hints we've collected with each new fan. And I will continue to add a hint or tip for each person who joins the Facebook group.

2. Since announcing that I will be sharing money-saving tips in the Facebook group, I have been inundated with coupons and deals from many of you. Thank you for your feedback! So as to keep it simple (and unique from other money-saving sites), I am going to limit the alerts on the Facebook page to FREEBIES. Last week, we gave away some dog food, spices, and Arby's alerts. This week, look for more FREEBIES.

(Also, I am actively looking for FREEBIES for our international readers!)

3. Finally, I enjoyed the following clip this morning from the Today show. The point I want to draw our attention to is something iVillage Home Decor Contributor, Susanna Salk, said early into the clip:

The stuff that holds your stuff should have personality.

Enjoy.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Happy Monday!

Calling All Coupon Mavens

Photo by Lomo-Cam

I am no financial guru. Granted, I consider myself a good family economist, but I am no Donald Trump (or Dave Ramsey, or Suze Orman).

In lieu of tonight's In Print, I am excited to announce an update for HouseHoncho.com. I was going to save this announcement for June 1st, but I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve with this update.

Having been recently inspired by TLC's Extreme Couponing, I am excited to announce that, in addition to quick home remedies and cleaning tips, I will be posting home-related coupons and freebies on the House Honcho Facebook page beginning tomorrow.

Nothing crazy. Maybe 3 to 5 savings opportunities a week. Basically, the best ones I can find to share with you, my favorite home economists.

Make cents?

Thank you, TLC.

Stamp Out Hunger!

Photo by Stamp Out Hunger

One of the most frequent questions I get on the blog is this: What can I do with items I purge from my house?

It seems like a simple question, but for people who don't want to host a garage sale or don't participate in a local food pantry, it's hard to get rid of things.

In our effort to avoid wastefulness, it is easy to cling to things we don't actually need.

I'll never forget the day it dawned on me that holding on to things when I don't need them and someone else does is, in fact, as wasteful as throwing away things I use every day.

All that said, I was thrilled to receive a notice in the mail that Stamp Out Hunger is scheduled for TOMORROW. Please consider the following simple instruction:

Just leave non-perishable food items at your mailbox on Saturday, May 14, 2011 for your letter carrier to pick up. You can also drop off items at your local post office.

What a great way to purge our kitchens of food items we haven't used, while also meeting the needs of fellow Americans.

Note: At this time, 16% of our daily readers come from 17 countries outside the U.S. I encourage you to consider talking to your local leadership about a program like Stamp Out Hunger. If you already participate in something like this, drop me a note. I'd love to hear about it.

Happy Friday!

On Plucking Petals and Reaching Readers

Photo by AForestFrolic: Funky Cupcake Toppers

As we start to wind down Mother's Day week here on the blog, I have an announcement, a reader response, and an invitation. Read on, Friends.

First, after receiving such a huge response to my solicitation for answers to Mother's Day questions (hundreds of you were willing to answer--thank you!) I've decided to continue asking questions and posting answers here on the blog. Obviously you've got a lot to say, and I am listening!

(This is what a home management network looks like. Love it!)

In other words, be warned. Questions coming to an inbox near you.

Second, I want to share a response from a reader, Anna, who answered this question: As the mother of boys, do you teach them tasks that involve home management? Why or why not?

As the mother of boys, I consider the skills necessary to maintaining a home to be life skills that are not gender-specific. My sons may not marry, or marry later in life. They may marry a woman that has been gifted with other strengths, or they may just need to pitch in and help because their wife works outside the home. Cooking, cleaning, and organizing are skills that I am teaching our boys in a methodical, deliberate way.

Teaching them to appreciate the small touches of beauty that make life more enjoyable is not as easy as teaching a step-by-step task like making their bed. Right now, my rough-and-tumble boys tend to think flowers are made for plucking petals, candles are fascinating because they are fire, and decorative pillows are for throwing at one another. With continued effort and guidance, though, I'm hoping that they will come to appreciate these things as added touches of comfort to their home life.


Lovely answer, Anna! Thank you!

Finally, I invite you to return on Sunday for an open letter to mothers in waiting. Have a great weekend, Friends!

Good News, Good News, and Good News

Photo by GranniesKitchen

Good thing it's "Junk Drawer Monday." I have 3 unrelated items to share with you tonight.

First, at 10:36 this morning I learned that my husband's and my adoption case was presented to the child adoption board overseas and PASSED. It's been a wonderful day. Honestly, you could probably tell me I need a root canal and I would thank you. The support I have felt from each of you has been overwhelming, and I can only hope that I have the opportunity to return the kindness that has been shown to me.

Second, since this is May 2nd, I am rolling out the website update for this month. You will notice--at the bottom of each post, when you hit the "comments" button--you now have the opportunity to "like" or "send" the blog entry via Facebook. Several of you have requested this addition, and I am happy to make it available. Also, don't forget that when we reach 500 fans on Facebook, I will add a page of "Honcho Hints" onto the website.

Finally, since this Sunday is Mother's Day, we will be celebrating all week here on the blog. (Why not?!) Many of you responded with answers to questions about your mums. I will be posting those--and soliciting more answers--to share throughout the week! Keep your ear to the ground. Lots of good things are coming soon . . .

Let's celebrate!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! (x3)

Photo by Steve Snodgrass

We have a winner! We have a winner! (And other relevant news)

1. Thanks to the True Random Number Generator, (is there a False Random Number Generator?) Rebekah Kotlar is the winner of the $25 gift certificate for Tastebook.com. Rebekah, drop me your e-mail address so I can send you the relevant details. I do hope you will come back and tell us what you did with your certificate! From personal experience, I can tell you that building a Tastebook is a ton of fun!

2. Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest. Our Facebook group and daily to-do list subscriptions grew significantly. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!

(Thank you. Thank you very much.)

3. As a reminder, if you are interested in being listed on House Honcho's Readers Who Link Here, simply post the House Honcho button/link and let me know you did.

4. Along those lines, I am going to post a database of Honcho Hints on the blog when our Facebook group reaches 500. If you have not yet joined the group, I urge you to do so for the good of all.

5. One more thing. (This post is feeling a bit like an overcrowded message board.) Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th. I would like to send one interview question to various mothers who are readers/supporters of House Honcho. If you are willing to answer one question--to be shared with readers during Mother's Day week--please let me know.

Alright. That's enough announcements for today. [Collective sigh of relief.]

Keep it simple!

CONTEST: Facebook for Tastebook

Photo by tastebook.com

It's Friday night. Let's ANNOUNCE A CONTEST!

Who doesn't appreciate a bit of a celebration now and then? So let's get this party started . . .

Over on the Facebook page, you will notice that--as of right now--our group is 366 members strong. This is barely a fraction of the people who visit the blog daily and/or receive the to-do list.

So this contest is all about rewarding those who are showing support.

One week from today--Friday, April 22, at midnight, I will draw one winner who will receive a $25 gift certificate for Tastebook.com.

There are 3 ways to get your name in the hat.

1. Go to the House Honcho Facebook group and "share." (There is a button on the left-hand side of the Facebook page that serves this very purpose!)

2. Join the House Honcho Facebook group. (At 500 members, I will be adding a page to the blog with all of the Honcho Hints we've collected with each new member.)

3. Mention House Honcho in a Facebook status. (This week, I will share some of the clever status updates I heard about during this contest last year. Funny stuff.)

Each time you do one of these things, respond to this post with the name you want entered in the hat and how many entries you've earned. You are eligible for an entry every time to do one of the above.

Need a little incentive? Check out tastebook.com. There's no better cookbook printer on the planet.

Let the contest begin.

The Strength of Three

Photo by HarshLight

I have 3 items of business to bring to your attention. (Three is quickly becoming a trend on Monday nights.)

1. CourtneyB is the winner of The Daniel Fast Made Delicious. In response to the question of how she celebrates spring, Courtney said she does so, ". . . with CHANGE and PROGRESS! Spring brings back the motivation that I've been lacking all winter. Reminding myself daily to 'Just be faithful today' ... keeps me from getting overwhelmed."

Lovely answer, Courtney! (Now keep me from getting overwhelmed by sending me your contact info ASAP so I can send you your new cookbook!)

2. You will notice a new tab at the top of the page. I am now pleased to link to those who link to House Honcho. Consider it a mom-to-mom sale. Minus the moms. Plus the blogs.

3. My heart is a million miles away tonight. (Well, technically 8,557 miles.) We received word that our adoption case has the potential of being reviewed tonight (while we're sleeping) by the overseas child adoption board. Should our case be reviewed, we can finally discuss travel.

Tonight, in my tidied living room, I met with my brother, sister-in-law, and husband. Huddled together and connected by compassion for our little brown-eyed buddy, we prayed that our 749 days of waiting is almost finished.

We're ready to bring him home.

Goodnight--

Calling All Bloggers! This Post Is for YOU!

Photo by Trisha: our new blog button!

One of the reasons I began this blog is because I love networking with people who love their home as much as I do.

Though I am full of ideas (many of which float like ferrous metals), I am interested in hearing the ideas of home managers around the world. 15 percent of this site's visitors are from countries outside my own.

To you I say, Hej! Bonjour! Salve! Merhaba! Kaixo!

(Okay. So I know of no one who actually speaks Basque, but I couldn't pass up the chance to say Kaixo!)

So tonight I am rolling out my change for April.

On the right-hand column of this blog, you will notice the presence of a new blog button. If you write for/own a blog that includes any of these themes--family, home, parenting, decorating, cooking--I am asking you to consider doing the following:

1. Right-click on the blog button and save it to your computer.
2. Upload the button (as a photo) in the margin/outer column of your blog.
3. Link the photo to this website: www.househoncho.com
4. Let me know via the comments page that you are linking here.

So long as the blog meets the (simple) criteria, I will likewise link to you via a new tab that will go live on April 1.

I hope to organize links by categories so that you--and I--can continue to learn from home managers everywhere. Please consider joining me . . .

Beranduago!