umi-fashion: September 2011

Friday, September 30, 2011

RUN!!! Don't Walk----to See the Movie "Courageous" {& FREE Tickets Giveaway}

I cried.

And then I cried.

And then I cried some more.

(Did I mention that I cried?)

RUN NOW---to your nearest movie theater! Go and see the exceptional-and excellent movie that just released today-"Courageous", it is worth every penny. Take your husband, your family, your friends, your church group, your unsaved friends, take EVERYONE! This movie will not disappoint. I am even planning on going more than once. Here is the trailer but it does NOT even do the movie justice, you MUST watch it!

If you have already watched it, you know what I mean!

Here are the new Courageous books and The Resolution poster:

This is the "Courageous Collection" now being offered over at Vision Forum. This will definitely be a HOT gift for men (think Christmas, ladies!)

I loved this movie so much, I want to bless someone with TWO TICKETS--someone who might not otherwise be able to afford going because of tough times. Leave a comment or email me at wisewomanads@gmail.com. (I will send cash via PayPal, so make sure you have an account!) I will announce the winner tomorrow.

Now for the rest of you---

go watch the movie NOW! :)

(And don't forget to bring a box of tissue!)

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Visionary Womanhood Gatherings Ebook

We live in a time where women are desperately seeking mentoring, guidance, and fellowship from one another. Sadly, that is lacking today, as many women find themselves alone, removed from family, and feeling somewhat isolated due to various factors. Many women are craving and searching for intimate fellowship with other godly women.

Natalie Klewja, who blogs at Visionary Womanhood, is doing something about that. She is hosting Visionary Womanhood gatherings in her home and discipling many women through biblical book, movie, and CD studies. Her groups are large, filled to the brim with women and have even multiplied. Now she is sharing with us how to do the same by writing us the helpful and newly released ebook, Visionary Womanhood Gatherings: A Family Strengthening Mentorship Tool for Women and Maidens.

This ebook contains vision, hope, guidance and important details on how to unite women of all ages and study God's word for His glory. She has taken the time to lovingly share with us how to invest in others lives and why. She also has a generational vision, which is so needed today. I highly recommend this book to all women, that they may be encouraged in their walk and learn how they bless those around them.

An encouraging quote from the book:

"Woman’s work is foundation work for society, for the state, for the kingdom of Heaven. In the homes of America are born the children of America; and from them goes forth American life. Who has the hand upon these springs of life? Woman. These children of American homes go out with the stamp of these homes upon them, and only as these homes are what they ought to be will these children be what they ought to be. …Woman may think her sphere and work are limited and contracted, but in this she was never found in a graver mistake. In the home she is imprinting herself upon the man; in him she builds up society, in him she builds up the state, in him she legislates, in him she executes, in him she rules. She makes man what he is, so far as human power can operate. Yes, if she never does anything else but “nurse babies,” she can do no grander work. May God impress upon our women the high, heavenly, holy duty of rearing the children of our country, and making our homes places of joy and comfort. Alas! for the state! if our women are to leave the work of our homes and run hither and thither in search of larger rights and larger powers.” William H. Felix (1838-1912),

You can get the book HERE, for only$4.99!

Be sure to spread the news!

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Fall Food Goodness and Sewing Tutorials for Pretty Clothing

Come fall time the Fuentes family tries to celebrate by adding to their meals an assortment of recipes that include pumpkins, squash, apples. etc..We especially like pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin soup...you get the picture!

This year I thought we would try to add a few new recipes to our cooking repertoire and experiment with the following...

Pumpkin French Toast

Pumpkin Scones with spiced tea

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Baked apples in the crock

(we have made these before, but I put this in here so I won't forget to make it this year!)

Smores Milkshake

Mmmm.....can't wait to try them!

And a quick note about yesterdays post---

Many of you contacted me wanting to know where to buy the pretty the outfits, but I must let you know that several of the pretty shirts could be made simply for only a few dollars at home. Sachiko, over at Tea Rose Home, is an incredibly gifted gal and shows us how to make beautiful clothes step-by-step. So if your budget is tight and you would still like to achieve the look of yesterdays post or add some new prettiness to your fall wardrobe this year without breaking the bank--please visit her. She is amazing! You will definitely thank me later! She even uses two shirts to minimize the sewing and just adds the pretty ruffles on with the fabric from cutting up the second shirt. I love how she uses this method to help save time. Here is her tutorial for the pretty blouse above.

My daughter and I plan on trying our hand at making some of her lovely ideas too (I love, love, love the pink one above and plan to make this!)--I have been so inspired by her and now I am ready to create! Fall is wonderful time to get back to sewing and finding new simple projects to do with our daughters.

I mustn't forget, a sweet reader sent in a super easy link to make the pretty scarf too!

Check it out:

Hope you enjoy the links and plan to have a fabulous fall with your family!

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Fall Clothing Inspiration

I love the styles I see out now in the stores. Usually it is hard to find pretty things and I think many styles that are usually in style are not very feminine in nature. I gravitate toward clothing that is pink or ruffly, and if it has a rose on it, even better! I was so happy to see that flowers were in this past summer and hope to see it continued in fall.

This reminds me of how cozy sweaters can be, especially curling up on the couch with a quilt and good book in hand!

I love this rose look and had purchased several shirts this summer like this--I hope the keep it through the winter. My daughter and I both are hoping they will!

For a while I kept my clothing pretty simple because I was either pregnant or busy with little children. I am trying to change my look this year to something fresher, and to look nicer for my husband, but yet still practical and not spend too much. Trust me, I am not a fashionista by any means (I know some of you are)...but I do like pretty things!

And ruffly scarves---I have seen a few I liked this year and thinking about getting one.

Not sure how warm they will keep me,
but it would sure look pretty!

I love these feminine fall coats---

I know most people don't dress like this anymore, but I like how classy and feminine they look. They remind me of the 60's--a much simpler time.

Hope you are enjoying this cozy fall day!

( Images from my Pinterest Board with backlinks)

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Adventurous Femininity

When Being “Girly” Is Not Enough

Anna Sophia & Elizabeth Botkin

Which activity is more feminine: embroidering a pin cushion or digging up ancient artifacts in a foreign land? The answer may surprise you. In this practical message from Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin, femininity is examined in terms of how a young woman can fulfill her unique calling within her family—not by defining which adventures and activities girls “can” or “can’t” enjoy. The exhortation to young women is clear: Do not pursue a brand of femininity that is so obsessed with its own girliness that you can’t get your hands dirty with real service for Christ.

Adventurous Femininity is HALF OFF today and ONLY $5!

(until midnight)

Get it while you can!

Listen to a sample here.

Have a blessed day raising your daughters for the Lord!

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Monday, September 26, 2011

180 Movie

Have you seen it yet?

It just came out and you can watch it now for FREE!

Watch Ray Comfort from Living Waters:

*Beware--some content not for children!*

Let me know your thoughts!

(Psssst....if you like it, share it on your blog to get the word out!)

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The Sights and Sounds of Fall

The first day of fall made it's entrance last week--there is so much goodness to be associated with a new season and much fun to celebrate. At our household we indulged in a bit of festivities and had a lovely first day of fall, with simmering beef stew, hot cocoa with multi-colored marshmallows and taffy apples for dessert. We have our pumpkin spice candles glowing and lights shimmering through pretty leaf garland. A refreshing time to mark the new season and create an atmosphere of coziness throughout the home.

To place pumpkins strategically in nooks and crannies--

And hand make some simple candle decorations to adorn the table.

I so love watching the leaves glide and float down from the trees.
The rustling of them as you take a walk through the neighborhood giving you a great appreciation for God's creation. I also love seeing homemakers get creative with the natural resources around them to add that special touch of homespun beauty to their homes.

We had never really celebrated fall much in my childhood home,
but I want every season to be full goodness for my children to look forward to with traditions and fun that they will pass on to my grandchildren.

However you celebrate, make sure to make those special warm memories of a fall atmosphere with your family!

(More fall inspiration to come!)

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-Images

Friday, September 23, 2011

A Mother's Love Chapter

If I talk to my children about what is right and what is wrong, but I have not love, I am like a ringing doorbell or pots banging in the kitchen. And though I know what stages they will go through, and understanding their growing pains, and can answer all their questions about life, and believe myself to be a devoted mother, but I have not love, I have nothing.

If I give up the fulfillment of a career to make my children's lives better, and stay up all night sewing costumes or baking cookies at short notice, but grumble about lack of sleep, I have not love and accomplish nothing.

A loving mother is patient with her children's immaturity and kind even when they are not; a loving mother is not jealous of their youth nor does she hold it over their heads whenever she has sacrificed for them.

A loving mother believe in her children; she hopes in each one's individual ability to stand out as a light in a dark world; she endures every backache and hearthache to accomplish that.

A loving mother never really dies. As for home-baked bread, it will be consumed and forgotten: as for spotless floors, they will soon gather dust and heel marks. As for children, right now toys, friends and food are all-important to them. But when they grow up, it will be their mother's love that they will remember and pass on to others. In that way, she will live on.

So care, training and a loving mother reside in a home, these three but the greatest of these is a loving mother.

-Anonymous

Need MORE encouragement as a mother? Get a

copy of the new best seller, True Christian Motherhood.

Pay by PayPal or credit card for the instant digital download
PDF version (below) or get it at Amazon and Barnes and Noble for your

KINDLE or NOOK!

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Struggling Through Hardships and Link-up!

I recently announced that I was giving away three free copies of my new best selling ebook, True Christian Motherhood. I was *overwhelmed* with the amount of response that I received (so we will be giving out more than three), and must say that most of the emails I received had me in tears. The stories that poured in truly touched my heart and so I would like to share a few words.

I realize that many of you are struggling and going through such hardships right now---whether they be financial, physical, spiritual, etc., right now and I wanted to let you know that you are NOT alone. The Lord is with you with each and every step so be COURAGEOUS as you face the day.

I wanted to share this verse with you from my Bible reading time this morning:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

This verse is very comforting and I pray that it will comfort you today also.

We are saying a prayer for each and every single one of you! God knows your struggles, your weaknesses and He will guide your way---even as you feel as though you are stumbling in the darkness. Even as you feel the pressure rising up so high that you feel you cannot tolerate it any longer. Even as give it your all, yet still failing, just give up and weakly turn your eyes upon Him.

Remember, He is there and to PRAISE Him. Through my stormiest trials did He bring the most growth in my life, truly refinement that could not have taken place otherwise. I thank Him for those times because I know He had great love for me. And He does for you, too!

Also a few points of interest:

1. If you are looking for a powerful book on discipling your family--Family Driven Faith by Pastor Voddie Baucham is half off today and only $10 (sale ends at midnight).

2. Mama Chocolate is having a True Christian Motherhood giveaway--stop by and enter!

3. Read a prayer from our True Christian Motherhood Discussion group led by Jasmine. WOW! She is quite a prayer warrior and has been praying over us in the group. If you'd like to join its not too late! Just grab a copy and click here.

Now on a lighter note, I am having a link up today so please feel free to link-up and share your lovely posts with us on homemaking, motherhood, biblical womanhood, recipes, etc. I am sure that many would love to read an encouraging word from you!

If you link up here please use the image below to let others know that you have linked up here so that they might join in the fun and be encouraged as well:

(It's easy--just copy and paste the code in this box!)

Have a blessed day!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I Would Be a Coward

"A dog barks when his master is attacked.

I would be a coward

if I saw that God's truth is attacked

and yet

would remain

silent."

-John Calvin

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Wise Woman Tip:

Homemaker by Choice is giving away a FREE copy of True Christian Motherhood this morning!

Hat tip to Stephanie!

Monday, September 19, 2011

My Mother is a Bridge

"I cannot forget my mother.

She is my bridge,

When I needed to get across,

she steadied herself long enough

for me to run across safely."

This a quote included in the new bestseller, True Christian Motherhood. If you are a mother looking for encouragement, vision, support and hope, I wanted to invite you to the officially start and kickoff of the True Christian Motherhood Discussion Group online and would love for you to come and join us. There are currently 248 ladies there and we are covering Chapter one today. It is a wonderful way to start the new season and school year by helping us to stay focused on what really matters and how we mother. It is NOT too late to join, you can grab a book right now and jump right in. It is available at Amazon for Kindle, Barnes and Noble for Nook or you can just download it on your PC instantlyby clicking here (it's super easy):

Also, I am getting word that women are using this as a Bible study in their homes and churches. This is a wonderful way to share this book with other women. If you are doing this OR thinking about doing this, please contact me. I will give a discount for group purchases, email me at truechristianmotherhood@gmail.com for more details. Also, for those who have contacted me about reviews, we are working on answering all the emails we have gotten since the book has been released and you should hear from us very soon!

And for those who didn't know, you can download Kindle onto your PC for FREE, just click right here, and purchase True Christian Motherhood directly through there instantly as well (not to mention all the great other ebooks they have--several are free or start at 99 cents! Great for homeschoolers--I just recently dowloaded several excellent classics at no cost).

**UPDATE**: I am also giving away THREE free copies to Mom's who are going through financial hardship who are in the group, just send me an email at the address above and tell me your story. :)

See you over at the TCM Discussion Group!

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Friday, September 16, 2011

Creating A Warm Atmosphere for Fall

Fall is upon us once again and how exciting it is to be alive and look forward to the new season that lies ahead. This is a wonderful time for mothers to create warm, loving and cozy space in their homes and bring a breath of fresh fall air into the atmosphere. I love creating memories with my children and making sure we try to get the most out of experiencing and celebrating the change of the seasons.

(fall leaf craft)

I have already done alot of shopping for the fall wardrobes and brought in what I had stored away in the garage. A good thing I did too because it has been cool and crisp, weather-wise over here and no sooner did we get the clothes we were already needing to wear them. All of you know that with a large family, dealing with wardrobe changes for the season is a major project. One of the things I liked to do in my earlier years was write out all that we had and needed and kept a running list in a notebook of all that we needed. This included everything from sweaters, skirts and pajamas to jackets, scarves and mittens. It would get confusing trying to remember who had what so I would take a shopping list of sizes and needs to the store so I wouldn't have to use too much brain power in regards to that and just be able to concentrate on shopping. Now I am older and able to have a "sixth sense" of what is needed and not so reliant on the lists as before.

Every year we usually have plans of getting out and going to festivals, etc. But this year I wanted to focus alot more on making memories at home. I love the ideas I have found over at Pinterest and new craft ideas:

(fall embroidery craft)

I have already pulled out the fall decor and placed pumpkins all around. I am not done yet, but love the lighting up my Scentsy candle and smelling the cinnamon/baked apple pie aromas simmering through the house. My children have grand memories of fall and for many it is their favorite season. I also like to indulge in some early Christmas music as I plug in some of those white Christmas lights around to make the house feel warm on overcast days and sipping on the first hot cocoa of the year.

I am also turning my attention to the special foods we can make this year-- creamy soups, hearty stews, pumpkin breads, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin scones, spicy chili, mouth watering smores and taffy apples...mmmm....so much to create and sooooooooooo little time! Don't you agree?

(taffy apples on sticks)

( simmering avocado chili)

(warm homemade apple pie)

(maple leaf butter)

Mothers help to create memories that will live fondly in the hearts of their children forever.

How about you?

What do *you* like to do to get ready for fall?

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Also,

a big thank you goes out to all my readers--

True Christian Motherhood has climbed the ranks and was #1 last night on the best seller list.

Today it is #2 (it is updated hourly) but we are still rejoicing and giving God all the glory. It is #1 in Hot New Releases.

So if you would like a good book to curl up with for fall,

that will inspire and encourage you

grab a copy of True Christian Motherhood!

(view the Table of Contents here)

Thursday, September 15, 2011

True Christian Motherhood Winner

Thanks to all who entered the True Christian Motherhood giveaway--we had over 1,325 entries!

(Not only that but True Christian Motherhood is #3 this morning in the Kindle Motherhood Category and #1 in the same category for Hot New Releases! To God be the Glory!)

I am so excited to announce the winner....let's begin----drumroll please....

{total silence}

The winner of the True Christian Motherhood super bundle is... Lisa G! (Lisarigdon@)

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thanks so much for entering!

Now for those of you who didn't win, you can get your new copy of the hot new release

True Christian Motherhood right now!

DOWNLOAD IT NOW for only $7.00

Pay by PayPal or credit card--Instant digital download
PDF version

or get it at

Amazon and Barnes and Noble

for your

KINDLE or NOOK!

(Read the fabulous reviews over here!)

Have a blessed day!

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

True Christian Motherhood Study, Amazon, and More

Dear Ladies,

I am amazed at what the Lord has done--I have stood back and watched Him do mighty things. From day one with my eBook, True Christian Motherhood, I have seen His hand open doors that only He could have opened, leaving me in tears at His power, providence and sovereignty.

I was even more stunned when I saw that we had made it to second place on Amazon's best selling list for our category.

I will step back and watch the Lord do amazing things with this ebook---it is all His and not mine. He absolutely gets all the glory for every single word and every single life touched by it. I could not serve a better or more awesome God (trying to hold back the tears).

So with that said, I want to also point you all in the direction of this incredible online community that has grown quickly to over 200 women around the world. We are gathering there and discussing our struggles, victories, and more on motherhood there. We will begin going through True Christian Motherhood officially on Monday, the 19th. So if you would like to join us, grab a book and click here to join, there is much exciting discussion transpiring over there already. My dear friend, Jasmine, at Far Above Rubies will be leading the group and I will be popping in and out to connect with everyone. (Psssst...she just put up a review of my new ebook and is giving away two free copies! Sonya is too, at Becoming a Strong Woman of God.)

Now another thing that just floored me was that the giveaway drew over 1,200 entries!!! That is the biggest giveaway I ever had on my blog, and I just wanted to give you all a ((((((big hug))))))) and thank you for your support. The giveaway ends today at midnight so get your extra entries in while you can! One winner will take it all home and I will announce who it is tomorrow!

Now if you haven't gotten your copy of the book yet , just click on the button below:

or here for your Kindle and Nook.

Have a blessed day!

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