News & Giveaways

The Spring Blessing Blowout: $360 PayPal Cash Giveaway!

April 18, 2012 By Leigh Ann Leave a Comment

Spring is such a beautiful season!

The first buds of the year are blooming, grass is getting greener by the day, and temperatures are on the rise. At least, they say it is. Here in the High Rockies, we’re still waking up to snow, but that is totally beside the point at the moment.

We still want to celebrate Spring, and I’ve teamed up with several other bloggers to offer you this Spring Blessing Blowout Giveaway, and one reader will win a BIG prize: $360 in PayPal cash! How’s that for really cool, snow or not?

We pray that this Spring Blessing Blowout Giveaway is truly a blessing to one of you. We’re thankful for the time you spend with us here in each of our little corners of the internet, the thoughtful comments you share, and the encouragement you’ve given. You have been a blessing to us! Intentional By Grace readers you are a blessing, and I cry often (I’m not a cry-er so it’s hard for me to admit), because I’m overwhelmed by the opportunity to do life with you.

So friends, grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and send in as many entries as you like using the Rafflecopter widget below. There are many blogs you can “like” or follow to gain entries, and you can take your time doing it. Have fun!

*Please note that comments left on this post are NOT counted as entries; you must enter through the Rafflecopter form below. Though if you want to share with me how cool you think this is, I’m all ears.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run from today, April 18th until 12:01 a.m. on April 25th. It’s open to everyone and one winner will receive $360 in PayPal cash. The winner’s name will be displayed on this post after the giveaway ends.

By the way, if you’re enjoying this post, please consider subscribing to my blog and I’ll give you a free copy of my ebook – A Surrendered Marriage: A Guide to Intentional Conversations.

Filed Under: Giveaways, News & Giveaways

I Want to Get to Know You

April 6, 2012 By Leigh Ann 1 Comment

Intentional By Grace is growing quickly, and I’m learning that’s it harder and harder to get to know you all. Recently, I realized that I don’t know many of you, and I certainly don’t know why you read Intentional By Grace. Of course, I can assume, but wouldn’t it be amazing if I could know for sure what you come here to this little corner of blogosphere looking for?

So, would you do me a favor? Would you take 5-10 minutes and fill out a survey for me? All of your answers will be kept completely confidential. Your honest answers will help me know who you are and how I can best serve you. If there is something you love, tell me. If there is something you hate, tell me. All answers will be read and humbly considered.

Thanks so much for your time! I truly appreciate your willingness to help make Intentional By Grace a better place to visit. I value each of you, and I look forward to getting to know you a little better.

If you haven’t already subscribed to Intentional By Grace, would you consider doing so? In return, I’ll give you my ebook, A Surrendered Marriage: A Guide to Intentional Conversations, for FREE!

Filed Under: News & Giveaways

How to Intentionally Select the Best Books for Your Children

March 27, 2012 By Leigh Ann 10 Comments

Today we have a guest post from Ashley at Tips4Mom.com. This is a woman after my own heart. Well, actually, God’s, but I really love this post (and her blog, oh my gosh, I love her blog). If you know me, then you know I adore books. My son has more books than most kids, and I follow all of Ashley’s suggestions. Enjoy!

Navigating the library with kids in strollers and kids in tow can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of books from which to choose. Books are pulled off the shelves, perused excitedly, and then stuffed in our bag, full to the brim with this week’s reading.

But what are we actually bringing home? What diet of literature are our children feasting on? How can we ensure we are intentionally offering them the best?

Reading has always been a staple past time in our family. From the start, I determined that I would raise my kids to love books. I wasn’t an avid reader in my own childhood, so I really didn’t know where to start. With the advice of a mentor and a few book guides, I jumped in to accomplish over time the goal I’d set.

But I think the best teachers have been the books themselves. The best books are like chocolate. Once you’ve tasted the “real” thing, anything less just doesn’t compare.

Literature is a formative tool in our children’s lives. When we intentionally choose the best books, we invite our children into a life-changing journey.

Gladys Hunt says, “I cannot believe that children exposed to the best children’s literature will later choose that which is cheap and demeaning. That is why only the best is good enough for children, for we are shaping a future” (Honey for a Child’s Heart, p.40).

Criteria for Selecting Quality Children’s Books

From board books to chapter books, each stage has a rich storehouse of treasured books to be had. Set a high standard of what you allow on your bookshelves. Your standard becomes theirs.

The best books have “ingredients of human life…found in depth and leave a residue of mental and spiritual richness in the reader” (Honey for a Child’s Heart, p. 45). Offering them a wealth of the best literature will give them a love for books. You’ll be raising life-long readers!

Here are some of the criteria I use when selecting books for my children.

The book must…

Have Beautiful Illustrations

This is a rather subjective criteria. However, the illustrations are another portal into the story through which our children enter. In fact, when they are pre-readers, they’ll spend hours pouring over pictures rather than words. My little ones call this “reading.” In my book selections, I must give equal weight to the writing and the illustrations.

Be Enjoyable for Grown-Ups Too

“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” C.S. Lewis. If we dread reading to our children, then we are probably not reading them the best books!

There are times when I will be as engrossed in the story as my children. They’ll beg for another chapter. I gladly comply because I too can’t wait to see what happens next.

Have Stood the Test of Time

I’m not saying we won’t read books by current authors, but I tend to lean towards the classics. Many of today’s books seek to be politically correct and often focus on adult topics rather than on preserving the innocence of childhood.

A good rule of thumb: Look for books written before 1960. They are more likely to portray Judeo-Christian values.

Be Unabridged

There is a tendency to simplify great works of literature into water-downed versions for younger children. Although it is tempting to want to read my sons an abridged version of Peter Pan or Robin Hood in their early years, the real magic of the stories lie in the beauty of the original words. These greats are truly worth the wait!

Next time you visit the library, try going armed with this criteria. Just wait and see what treasures you and your children will uncover!

What is your criteria for selecting the best books for your children? Please share!

Ashley Brendle

She is the proud mama of 6 boys (including 1 set of twins). She and her husband live on a small sustainable farm in Oregon where they love to integrate homeschooling, faith in Jesus, family, and ministry into one big, happy life! She believes God wants mothers to thrive in their homes. She writes at Tips4Mom.com and shares her journey via podcast at ChristianMommyMinute.com.

Filed Under: Guest Posts, Learning Together, Motherhood & Family Living

Guest Post for Intentional By Grace

March 13, 2012 By Leigh Ann 2 Comments

Interested in submitting a guest post to Intentional By Grace? With our upcoming cross country move, I would love for others to join me in this space!

If you think you might be interested in submitting a post, then read the guidelines below. Then, start sending me your posts!

What I’m Looking For

Devotional encouragement and inspiration
Practical help for wives and mothers
Easy, real food recipes
Homemaking
Intentional living

Guidelines

Posts should be 500-700 words.
Posts should contain original content (i.e., not published elsewhere).
Please include one photo. Image should be sited.
Send your entire post to me in html format. Simply draft your post in your blog. Include your pictures, bios, links, head shot, etc. within your drafted post. Then, copy from your html tab and paste in the body of your email to me.
Send posts to intentionalbygrace {at} gmail {dot} com.

What I Will Do

Edit for grammatical errors and format to fit the style of Intentional By Grace.
Schedule your post.
Email you with a post date and link, so you can share an excerpt on your blog the day your post goes live.

Disclaimer

Though I welcome all posts to be submitted, I cannot guarantee that your post will be published. I retain the right to determine whether or not it fits with the overall mission of Intentional By Grace. And because I have to say it, no advertising posts will be accepted unless otherwise agreed upon. I accept advertising on this site, and you can view what I have available here.

Submit

You can submit your posts to IntentionalByGrace {at} gmail {dot} com.

Filed Under: Guest Posts, News & Giveaways

Flexi Clip Giveaway Winner Announced

March 10, 2012 By Leigh Ann 1 Comment

What a fun giveaway! Looks like there are lots of ladies wanting spruce up the hair! And the winner is {chosen by Random.org} …

Nikki

“I shared on FB yo!”

Well, yo-yo, girl you won! I’ll email you very soon.

Thank you to everyone who entered. Be sure to check out Sue Ellen’s entire collection here to get your own Flexi-Clip. They are totally worth it! Also, be sure to check out this sizing video to ensure you get the right size {flexi-clip}! This is very important to being able to get the look you want.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Filed Under: Giveaways, News & Giveaways

Because a Mom Likes to Feel Pretty {Flexi-Clip Review & Giveaway}

March 6, 2012 By Leigh Ann 49 Comments

I do not wear make-up every day or brush my teeth with enough frequency, but I do get dressed and fix my hair every day. Now, fix my hair needs a little qualifying.

I have a natural wave to my hair, which my husband happens to prefer. It requires very little maintenance – a shower, a little mousse and voila! I have pretty curly hair. If I’m feeling particularly spunky, I’ll throw the diffuser on my blow dryer and fluff it a bit. And since I don’t wash my hair every day, on the days that I just roll out of bed, my curly hair doesn’t need brushed. I just put some bobby pins in and go on my way.

photo by Sarah Stonier

Suffice it to say, my hair routine is basic and minimal because it doesn’t need to be more.

With a one year old, my hair stays up a lot (you might have noticed in our intentional conversations). I’m not a huge fan of my hair being pulled. I especially dislike finding avocado smeared in my hair while standing in the checkout line at the grocery store. Yes, this really happened to me.

However, I am a fan of feeling pretty and put together. I’m not really into the whole frumpy housewife thing. Nothing wrong with sweats and t-shirts, but I’m not a fan. If I put on sweats, it’s a day that I will spend on the couch. Not to mention, a day that I do not invite affection from my husband. *cough*

Insert the sweet Sue Ellen, an Independent Consultant for Lilla Rose. She sent me a beautiful Flexi-Clip to review. Within a few minutes of opening the package, I was in the bathroom playing with hair styles. I fastened my clip in place, and showed my mother-in-love. She confirmed my suspicions. It is beautiful!

I have had my Flexi-Clip for about four weeks now, and I can count on one hand the number of times I haven’t worn it. I literally wear it every day. I will be purchasing more! It’s an easy way to spruce the hair up without any extra effort on my part. Plus, the man of my prayers loves it.

One of my concerns upon receiving my Flexi-Clip was whether or not it would cause migraines for me. I can’t wear heavy earrings or clips for long periods of time without fear of developing a migraine. I have had zero problems with the Flexi-Clip. I can literally wear it all day without problems. That’s a super bonus in my book!

I wear mine in a tail up style, but there are so many different ways you can wear your hair with these amazing clips! My friend, Erin from The Humbled Homemaker, has a Flexi-Clip, and she wears hers in a half-up style.

Lilla Rose also has several other hair accessories that I can’t wait to try. I recently won some bobby pins in a giveaway. I cannot wait to get them in the mail! I will most definitely be doing this with them:

There are so many fun ways to style your hair that are easy to do! I have really enjoyed being able to “dress it up” without any extra effort. Check out Sue Ellen’s entire collection here. Also, be sure to check out this sizing video to ensure you get the right size {flexi-clip}! This is very important to being able to get the look you want.

Also, Sue Ellen has offered to give away a beautiful flexi-clip to one Intentional By Grace reader! (Giveaway ends March 9th!) Leave a comment for each entry … winner will be chosen using Random.org and announced on Saturday, March 10th.

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Sue Ellen’s website, and leave a comment telling me which Flexi-Clip is your favorite!

Additional Entries (leave a comment for each one):

Like Sue Ellen’s Facebook Page

Share about the giveaway via your favorite Social Media (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Blog, etc.)

Like Intentional By Grace on Facebook

Subscribe to Intentional By Grace via RSS or Email

The giveaway open to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

I did receive a free Flexi-Clip from Sue Ellen in exchange for my honest review. Please see my disclosure policy here.

Filed Under: Giveaways, News & Giveaways

Your Blogging Business: Tax Talk and Tips from a Bookkeeper Turned Blogger {Review & Giveaway}

February 10, 2012 By Leigh Ann 6 Comments

Are you ready for taxes? I sure wasn’t … until I read Your Blogging Business: Tax Talk and Tips from a Bookkeeper turned Blogger!

You see, I’m a writer. I like words. I do not do numbers. The man of my prayers laughs that I get a calculator out to add 7 + 5. It’s sad. I’m really that bad. In my defense though, I can keep a mad spreadsheet. It does the numbers for me.

Anyways, the point is – Tax Talk and Tips speaks to people like me. My friend, Nikki from Christian Mommy Blogger, is an incredible writer (you really should check out her blog); not to mention, she is very knowledgeable when it comes to how to file taxes as a blogger. I could not have done my taxes without her.

Your Blogging Business is just what bloggers like me have been waiting for. My hubby and I read through this book in an evening, and then made notes regarding sections we wanted to revisit in detail. This book is informative, and provides just what we need to make our blogging businesses work.

To add to it, Nikki is funny. I like when someone teaches me something AND they have sense of humor. I felt like I was sitting on the couch next to Nikki while she was explaining this ~~boring~~ important stuff to me. Me, numbers, and laughing generally don’t go hand-in-hand. Ask the man of my prayers! But he and I laughed while talking taxes. That’s a good thing. Real good thing.

Thank you, Nikki, for sharing your gift of being able to add 7 + 5 with us, and for helping me sift through the IRS terminology that I never would have figured out on my own. Seriously.

If you’re a blogger, even if you’re just starting out (or if you’re thinking about starting out like my lover boy), then this book is for you. I am so glad that I have this book as a guide.

Your Blogging Business: Tax Talk and Tips only costs $4.99 (psst … it’s a tax deduction).

Better yet! Want a chance to win your own copy of Your Blogging Business: Tax Talk and Tips from a Bookkeeper Turned Blogger? Enter below–giveaway ends Sunday! Tax season is upon us, and I know you need this book asap!

And if you want to go ahead and buy it and end up winning, Nikki has promised to refund you your money!
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Books & Reading, Giveaways

A Surrendered Marriage Prays {31 Days to Build a Better Spouse Giveaway}

January 31, 2012 By Leigh Ann 17 Comments

Are you a faithful, diligent, prayer warrior for your spouse? Not the, “Lord bless my husband today” kind of warrior. Do you strap on the vest of prayer and pierce the heart of the devil with specific, scripture breathed, faith-filled prayers for your spouse? There is truly no greater gift we can give to our husbands than daily, focused prayer on their behalf.

As we gear up for our new series, A Surrendered Marriage, I wanted to kick things off with a giveaway, as well as announce this month’s amazing sponsor – Ashley Pichea, author of 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse: Power of Prayer! Thank you, Ashley!

Ashley’s book, 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse, is one of my favorite ebooks. 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse, is filled with short devotionals leading us through 31 days of intentional prayer for our spouse.

My husband and I have been using her daily prayer prompts to build into our marriage the habit of faithful prayer for one another. Each day you pray through a specific topic (i.e., your heart, choices, priorities, humility, courage, respect, peace, etc.). Most readings start with a scripture verse, quote, or song lyric. Then, Ashley takes a few paragraphs to encourage you, and closes each day with a prayer prompt and sample prayer.

A surrendered marriage starts with prayer. Will we surrender our time and intercede on behalf of our husbands? Do you want to see change in your marriage? Then, let’s pray for our men!

I want to invite you to join me in praying for our spouses everyday for the next 31 days. Each day, we’ll read a short devotional from 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse, and we’ll check in with others {via Facebook or email} in order to keep one another accountable. People around the world praying for their spouses and their marriages, coming together in community to encourage one another and help each other be accountable to building their spouses up with prayer – yes, please!!

Are you in?!?

What you need to do:

1. Get a copy of the ebook 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse.

31 Days to Build a Better Spouse is available on Kindle, Nook, and as a PDF for just $4.99. You can’t beat it! Use the coupon code: “IDIDIT” to receive 50% off your purchase. Sale ends tomorrow {February 1^st}!

Or you can enter today’s giveaway to try to win a FREE copy of 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse! Just use the Rafflecopter form below. I’ll announce the winner here on Intentional By Grace first thing tomorrow morning. If you don’t win, you’ll still have time to use the coupon code “IDIDIT” to receive 50% of your copy.

2. Join the Intentional By Grace accountability group.

For the past month, I have been part of a group set up by Ashley, and it has truly blessed me, which is why I want to do it again – with you! I had the privilege of leading several other women in praying for our husbands, and had front row seats to the power of prayer in our marriages. I even watched as God restored a marriage that has been in the pits for more than six years! A husband refusing to believe in God, saved by grace, and restored to his family! Ladies (and gentlemen), your prayers do matter! Let’s come alongside one another and build grace into our marriages through the power of prayer … together.

Ask to join A Surrendered Marriage Group on Facebook {click here}. Each day, I will post a scripture and prayer prompt to remind you to pray for your spouse. You can check in by simply “liking” the post, or leaving a comment with your prayer for your spouse.

Don’t have Facebook? No worries! Send me an email – intentionalbygrace {at} gmail {dot} com – and let me know that you would like to receive daily email prompts. Be sure to put “Prayer” in the subject line.

3. Grab a button.

<a href="IntentionalByGrace.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://intentionalbygrace.com/ASM-Button.jpg" alt="IntentionalByGrace.com" width="125" height="125" /></a>

I would love for you share our button on your site so others can find us and join in.

4. Tell your friends.

If you’re reading this in your email, feel free to forward this to friends you think might be interested. Or you can use the share buttons below to share this post with your friends on Facebook or Twitter. Help us get the word out about A Surrendered Marriage and 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse!

Finally, a big thank you to Ashley Pichea for sponsoring not only this post and giveaway, but the entire A Surrendered Marriage series. I absolutely love Ashley’s heart for marriages, and I am so grateful for her ebook. Each morning, Mark pulls his book out, and reads the prompt for the day. My heart swells with love for him when I stumble into the room to find him with his head bowed, eyes closed, praying … for me. Thank you, Ashley, for leading us in prayer. Our marriage thanks you!

Now, enter the giveaway ya’ll! If you can’t see the form for entry, click here.

Why You Should Have Subscribed to Intentional By Grace Months Ago

December 28, 2011 By Leigh Ann 4 Comments

Did you know that not subscribing to Intentional By Grace means that you miss out on some really great stuff? You did? You don’t care? Right, you know I’ll tell you about it later, and oh, you saw it on Facebook. Well, ok then … don’t mind me.

But check the list below in the meantime, and let me know what you missed.

This list was compiled using Google Analytics (aka, I didn’t make it up).

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10. Immune Boosting Breakfast Lentil Soup - Part of our 5 Flu Fighting Foods series. Have you ever had soup for breakfast? You should try it. We absolutely love it. So warm and hearty and homey and oh … just try it.

9. How I Got My Husband to Leave His Job – I didn’t nag. I cried a lot. But I didn’t nag. What did I do? I … go read it. You would know if you subscribed.

8. What I Do When I Find Bananas, Flour, and Boogers On My Pants Legs – How’s that for a visual? Next time, I’ll take a picture for you.

7. Deceptively Delicious Potato Soup – This is just yummy. I’m amazed how many other people like it as well.

6. 30 Things to Do Before I Turn 30 – I want a goat. That’s just one of the many crazy things I want to do before I turn the big 3-0. I have a couple more years to get ‘er done.

5. Pumpkin – A Simple Immune Boosting Baby Food – Another post from our 5 Flu Fighting Foods series. This was one of Samuel’s favorite foods when he was into pureed foods.

4. I Despise In-Laws – Now, that’s an interesting post. It was fun re-reading it. It wasn’t so easy writing it. It’s weird.

3. 7 Ways to Eat Raw Garlic – Yet another post from our 5 Flu Fighting Foods series. This one has a step-by-step picture tutorial on how to eat raw garlic. My husband was a reluctant participant. He is appalled that you people keep reading this post. He says, “I look so ridiculous.”

2. Dear God, Will You Ever Give Me the Man of My Prayers – Well, you know he did. But this is a walk down memory lane for me. The beginning of our story if you will. I hope to write our whole story in 2012.

1. Menu Plan: Getting Back on Track with Freezer Cooking Marathon – This has been my number one post since it went live. I think you’re trying to tell me something. You want to move past the freezer section in Kroger and make your own stuff. I’m listening. I got plans to help in 2012.

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Don’t want to miss anything else in 2012? Well …

OR you can find Intentional By Grace on Facebook or Twitter. I’m even on Pinterest, ya’ll.

Choose your way to stay up-to-date, but please, do choose. And know that I would LOVE to have you join us in 2012! You know, an exclusive a relationship. I really need a commitment. Please?

If you already subscribe to Intentional By Grace, I want to say a big THANK YOU! I am continually amazed by the people who sign up to follow this little corner of the internet. I hope you continue to be encouraged and edified in the new year. Don’t forget, Healthy Holidays: Slightly Indulgent Sweet Treats is still available for free download. It’s at the bottom of your email or RSS feed. Just click the link, and it’s yours.

I have lots of plans for more free stuff in 2012. So, those of you still on the fence about subscribing should hop on board. My subscribers are in for a treat this year!

This post is linked to LIFE by Ashley.

Filed Under: News & Giveaways

Join the 31 Day Challenge to Pray for Your Spouse

December 20, 2011 By Leigh Ann 1 Comment

There is power in a marriage covered in prayer – God’s power. In the midst of our busy lives, it is easy to allow too much time to pass before we take a moment to pray for our husbands. However, friends, we mustn’t let this happen. We must be committed to prayer.

But how can we faithfully pray for our husbands?

My friend, Ashley Pichea has written a wonderful ebook entitled, 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse, that can help you access the power of prayer to build up your spouse and change your marriage for the glory of God! I have talked about this wonderful ebook before. I love this ebook!

Because I love this ebook, I’m totally excited to share with you what’s happening as a result of this wonderful prayer tool …

Would you like to grow in praying for your spouse daily? Well, consider joining the 31 day challenge!

Sign up today!

Purchase your copy of 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse and pray along with us each day in January. Sign up on the 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse website so you can be assigned an accountability group. Then, watch your marriage be transformed by the power of prayer.

Remember 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse is available on Kindle and Nook for just $4.99! If you purchase the PDF you can get your copy for $2.99 with the code “INTENTIONAL” (valid through the end of the year 2011).

So for just $2.99, you can build a better spouse through the gift of prayer!

I hope you’ll be joining us for the 2012 challenge!

By the way, if you’re enjoying this post, please consider subscribing to my blog (and get a free copy of my Healthy Holidays: Slightly Indulgent Sweet Treats ebook).

This post contains my referral links. Please see my disclosure policy here.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous