Gumbo Lily

Today I'd like to share a few wonderful homemaking blogs and sites with you that have really inspired me and reinforced my commitment to keeping myself about the tasks of "home and family." I hope you'll find some encouragement and inspiration too.

Laine's Letters has been around quite a long time. This Christian woman has lived on a tight budget in California for many years raising her children and teaching them to pitch in and help in the home as well. At Laine's site you'll find an archive of her past email letters of encouragment, recipes, and tips for economical homekeeping. I have learned so much from her and I still like to go back to the archives and read her uplifting, real-to-life letters from one homemaker to another.

I just recently was one of five winners in a contest that Marilyn Moll was having at her blog. She asked her readers to give their Top Tips for Busy Homemakers so I gave it my best shot! There were 30 contributors so there's plenty for you to glean from. You'll find gobs of ideas for feeding and watering your flock in healthy, practical ways at Marilyn's. Also, I fully recommend her fine online store, Urban Homemaker. Every single thing I have ever purchased from UH has met my highest expectations. From good quality bread pans to water purifiers to deodorant stones --- you'll find it at Urban Homaker.

Ever since its conception, I have been a faithful reader of Storybook Woods. Clarice is so genuine and so full of practical, frugal, creative ways to make a house a home. She's a fantastic cook and she shares recipes that will make your mouth water just reading about them. She can set a perfect tea table, home school her sweet daughters, and pinch a penny so hard it'll scream. I absolutely can't wait to see what Clarice will post next.

Another lady who is dripping with creativity is Deb at Homespun Living. This woman just amazes me with the many projects she does day in and day out.....knitting, sewing clothing, sewing totes and purses, painting barns, refurbishing her kitchen and the list continues on and on and on. I promise, you'll be inspired (or challenged). Deb also has a nice Etsy store where you can buy some of her handcrafted things.

For the young mother with kidlettes hanging round her legs, you'll be refreshed with Soule Mama. My kids are all grown into teens and twenties now, but I still enjoy visiting this blog. Perhaps it's because it reminds me of those days when my kiddos were little or maybe it's because I'm going to be a Gram in July. Whatever the reason, I love it. Oh, and she's just published a new book -- The Creative Family.

Enjoy!