Each week I share books I’m reading for my Read 100 Challenge, as well as podcasts I’m listening to and links I love from around the blogosphere. I love to get recommendations, so please let me know what you are reading!
Books I Am Reading
The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett
I finished reading The Wright 3. This sequel to the wildly popular young adult mystery Chasing Vermeer does not disappoint. Balliett has just the right combination of mystery, danger, children solving problems on their own, and art that will interest many young readers. In the story, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses is about to be dismantled and shipped off to three museums. The children work to solve an old mystery and save the house. Great fun!
The Hollow Boy: Book 3 of Lockwood & Co by Jonathan Stroud
The Lockwood & Co series is quite possibly my favorite new Young Adult lit find of the year. (You can see my complete review of The Screaming Staircase for more details.) In the series, all of England has been taken over by “The Problem”–an epidemic of ghosts that haunt, and kill. They can only be seen by children, so new agencies of ghost hunters have been formed to protect London’s citizens. The Hollow Boy continues the adventures of Lucy, Lockwood, and George as they try to combat The Problem. A spooky read in preparation for Halloween!
The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful by Myquillyn Smith
I am probably the most uncrafty, non DIY friendly, least talented homemaker that you will ever find. Why then did I pick up this book about decorating? No idea. But I am so glad that I did. Smith’s major premise is that our homes don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. We often let fear of failure or risk-taking keep us from decorating our homes. Smith sounds like the older sister that I wish I had, giving tips and cracking jokes. I haven’t finished yet, but I have already been inspired to add small touches of beauty around my house. If you are like me (honestly scared of decorating your house), this is the book for you!
What I’m Listening To
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 11 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.
Links I Love
Faith
Martha or Mary? Adventures with My Kids writes honestly about the struggles of raising children in and bringing them to church.
Bitter Fruits Close to Home (one of my favorite Orthodox blogs) considers the negative effects that complaining has upon our faith, our souls, our marriages, and our families.
Family
We Don’t Save Our Kids from Disappointment Jamie at Medium-Sized Family explains why they don’t shelter their kids from disappointment. A thought-provoking read!
Budget-Friendly Family Activities Your family will never run out of things to do if you implement A Budget Friendly Life’s ideas!
Frugal Living
Why Would You Pay for Something If You Can Get It Free? Six Figures Under is one of my favorite frugal living blogs. This week Stephanie shared some great ideas for getting things for free.
My Favorite Things to Buy Used And, if you can’t get it for free, Frugally Blonde will show you what to buy used.
This Week on The Orthodox Mama
Posts for the week:
A Review of The Insight: First Book of Athira Take a look at this great fantasy novel written by an Orthodox Christian!
The Liebster Award I was honored to receive the Liebster Award this week.
Engaging Children in Church: Tips and Tricks for Parents Do your children struggle with paying attention and participating in Liturgy? I offer a few ideas to help.
What are you reading this week?
(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details.)
(Linked to Quick Lit at Modern Mrs. Darcy, Small Victories Sunday.)
How did you like “The Nesting Place”? I’m also such a non-craft, but you got me curious now. 🙂
I really liked it! If you’re looking for a step-by-step for how to design a room, then this isn’t the book for you. But, it is a great book for inspiring you to find your own style and just get started.
I need simple DIY or craft books, I can use all the help I can get. You’ve got quite a lot read this week. I love that you include links you loved reading this week too. Thanks as always for sharing with Small Victories Sunday linkup and the link back. HopHope you join us again this weekend. NewNew linkup starts at 8pm EST.