... and the winner is!

I ran the total number of comments through Random.org and it came up with #46, which is...

Karie said...

I would love to have a copy.

Please contact me at coffeeteabooksandmeathotmaildotcom with your address.  I will give it to Whole Heart ministries.

Thank you to my friend, Sally, for the book.  I know the winner will love it.  Please remember the Clarkson's in your prayers.  As some of you know, Clay is recovering from back surgery and it has been a difficult journey.

Regular posting will return this evening or Friday... God willing and the creek don't rise (and we don't get blown away from all this wind!).

Educating the WholeHearted Child give away

Being a die hard bibliophile... when I first started homeschooling, I read everything I could that was written on the subject.  There were a few books that I read over and over but only one which became a true reference book.  That was the original Educating the WholeHearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson.

I loved that book, it was full of information about homeschooling, parenting while homeschooling, books to read and use, other reference materials, different styles of homeschooling, etc.  So, when I heard Clay was spending a couple of years updating and rewriting the book, I wondered how he could improve upon it (other than updating it with more current information).

That is, until I read through the new book when they sent it to me recently.  Oh, my friends... it is fabulous!  It is a big book full of information which you will go back to read over and over (perhaps daily!).   I would go so far as to say it should be on the desk of every homeschooling family... not on the bookshelf because you will find yourself referencing it quite often.

Although it is a book about homeschooling, it would also be enjoyed by those thinking of homeschooling as well as anyone who enjoys reading about parenting from a Christian perspective.

Some of the areas covered are...

Home
The Christian Home, The Christian Homeschool, Home Nurture, Home Discipleship, Home Education

Learning

Living and Learning Together at Home, Creating a Home You Can Learn Within, Understanding Your Child, Beyond the WholeHearted Child

Methods

The Study of the Bible, The Study of the Basics, The Study of Ideas, The Study of Learning, The Study of Living

Living

Keeping the Vision Alive, Keeping the Homeschooling Together, Keeping the Home Together, Keeping the Spirit Strong, Keeping Faith in the Family


There are pages upon pages upon pages of book lists as well as forms which can be copied.


No wonder it took Clay years to revise this book.  I can't begin to tell you how useful it would be but think encyclopedia... mixed with "how to" information... mixed with years of homeschooling wisdom... and all written in such a way you can curl up with a cup of tea and read it for enjoyment.


If you only had one book about homeschooling, this is the book to own... and I thought it could not get any better than the 1990s version!


Sally is offering to give a copy to one of the readers here at Coffee Tea Books and Me!  All you have to do is leave a comment before noon on Thursday and I will draw a rabbit name out of the hat.


Should you not be the fortunate winner, this book is available through Amazon.com.


Of course, you can also purchase it through the Clarkson's Whole Heart website... here. 


Remember... noon on Thursday is the deadline to leave your comment.

The winner is!

Tracy

"To me, domesticity is finding joy in creating a comfortable, cozy nest for my family. It is finding joy in life's simple pleasures and creating happy memories together with my family. Domesticity is freedom. :)"

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated without replacement:

7

Timestamp: 2010-08-21 19:15:20 UTC

The comments were so much fun to read, hearing what domesticity means to each of you.  Congratulations Tracy, e-mail me your mailing information (Write Me on the Pages Info at right has the e-mail address).

Coffee Tea Books & Me Birthday Give-away

Click on picture to enlarge

CTB&Me is now four years old!  My next post will be in the fifth year of this blog.  When I started blogging (at Stephanie's request), I was still actively homeschooling dividing my time between home, a couple classes at the community college, and nightly fencing lessons... I called it "homeschooling while waiting".  Lots of reading was accomplished back then.  :)

I had no idea that day I wrote out the first post (knowing only three people who would be reading it) that I would be so blessed with new friends.  Many of you have become soul sisters along the way.  Quite a few of you have blessed me by sending a gift in the mail just when I needed it as well as ordering through my Amazon widget (which allows me to make fond purchases).

As I pondered what I'd like to put in the give-away package, I decided the books The Gentle Art of Domesticity and Tea With Patsy Clairmont would reflect what this blog is all about.  Both are favorite books which I think you would like, too.

I also have a thin journal and a package of cute coasters purchased from an Amish store.  I wouldn't be surprised to find a few packets of tea thrown in before sending. :)

All you have to do is leave any comment but if you would like, write what the word "Domesticity" means to you.  I'll be back late on Saturday to draw a name!

The winners!

Everyone who posted up to a minute ago was included.  I used Random.org to find the two winners.  For those who did not win, Sally's book is available at their website and I have added it to my Amazon widget.

Here are the fortunate two who will receive Sally's wonderful new book.  You have one week to e-mail me with your full name and address and I will send the book along to you the next time I get to the Post Office in town, which should be on Monday.

The e-mail address is on my sidebar

Dyana said...
Thanks for sharing about Sally's latest book! She is a wonderful author and, a great encouragement to young mothers.
Dyana

and

Dale Ann said...  Reading is my passion. I have to admit I've never read Sally's writings before but would love this to be the first one, especially since you think it is so special. Thanks to Sally for offering these 2 books.

A Dancing With My Father give-away

I believe it was late summer last year when Sally asked me if I'd mind reading the manuscript of her new book and sending a comment to her publisher.  Mind?  Of course, I would love to read the book.  It wasn't too long until the rather large envelope arrived and I spent many a pleasant evening perusing this new book and sending off e-mails to her such as... This is good... and then, This is very good, and then again... I think this is your best book ever!  :)

As I re-read Dancing With My Father this past weekend, I was reminded why I truly believe it is Sally's best book she has ever written (and she's written a couple of my favorite nonfiction books).  This is a book which all women (and a few men) can read to know "we are not alone"... especially as we are rather battered and beaten at times and find ourselves worn out physically... emotionally... and spiritually.

Sally shares more of her life that I often wondered about, those years ministering as a single woman behind the Iron Curtain, her engagement to Clay, and the journey of ministry as a speaker and author over the years.  It is in many ways, her most autobiographical work.  She allows the reader to walk beside her as she learns to live a joy filled life again in the midst of life's challenges.

A few chapter titles include:

• The Search for Joy in a Less Than Perfect World
• A Heart that Dances to Celebrate God's Presence
• Dancing Through the Twists and Turns of Life
• Hearing the Refrain of Heaven
• Exchanging the Drudgery of Duty for the Dance of Delight
• Listening For the Music of God's Voice

I loved this book and I know it will be one I will re-read many times through the years.  Each chapter includes questions for individuals and groups to use should they desire.  This would be an excellent book to use as part of a Bible study, Sunday School class, or simply a group of women meeting for tea once a week and sharing their heart.

I'll be writing more later this week about my quiet time basket.  This is the kind of book I keep in the basket as "devotional reading"... those books which help me stay focused and grow deeper in my relationship with the Lord... that are written in such a way I can read a little each day (or as I most often do, read the entire book and then re-read a little at a time over a few weeks).

For further information about Dancing With My Father, go to:

Whole Heart Online... here.  Just click on "Our Books".

Sally's Blog is... here.

Now... an announcement for YOU:

The publisher has provided two copies of Sally's new book to give to you!  Just leave a comment on this post and I will draw two names on Wednesday evening.  Yes, two winners will be drawn.  :)

The winner is!

Everyone who posted a comment or sent an e-mail (I posted a comment for you) was entered and here is the number that came up.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

19

Timestamp: 2009-04-13 14:23:07 UTC

Comment #19 is...

Friend Debra said...

I too, love the tray. I am so happy you have been posting often.

Debra, e-mail me with your address and I'll send the teapot and teacup to you!

It was fun reading all the comments. There are so many of us who love all things "tea time". Thank you for taking the time to enter.

Dayspring tea time products and give away

Click on all pictures to enlarge

I'm so happy to share these items with you. I was contacted by Dayspring (the Christian division of Hallmark) to review the products and I told them I'd also be happy to share in a give away.

I chose not to put any advertisements on Coffee Tea Books and Me with the exception of the Amazon widget (which lets me share my favorite books and brings me a little book credit!). However, in this case, I wanted to share these lovely products with you because they are pretty and so reasonably priced.

Just last week I was looking at china products at Macy's (I had a couple hours until I had to pick up the guys) and was aghast... that's a great word, aghast... at the prices. One teacup cost $60.00!

Not only are the Dayspring prices reasonable but they are offering a 20% discount off the total purchases when you order. (I am not receiving any kickbacks, hehehe..) I'll share pictures of a few of their products and then you can follow the link to see what other "tea time" pretties they offer (just in time for Mother's Day and Spring events!).

Here is their tea tray (Tray with Inserts) that I've shown propped up against my vintage sewing machine (which will give you an idea of the size). I not only loved the inside picture but guess what? The bottom of the tray is removable and it comes with four different tea time inserts but you could also display your own pictures or "scrapbook" a design.

It is very sturdy and deep enough to hold a teapot and a few teacups safely. Plus... it has glass over the picture insert which makes it easy to clean. I can also see putting pretty vintage lace linen napkins over the bottom (especially if using one of my floral teapots). Can you tell I love this tray??


Next is their beautiful little "Pink Floral Tea for One" that is so petite and feminine. It makes me smile.


Dayspring is famous for their beautiful cards which I've purchased for many years. I especially like to go to the local Christian bookstore to find a Dayspring card for my husband on Father's Day and our anniversary. Below are a couple pictures of their Teacup Boxed Note set... so feminine and like the rest of the products, a good price even when a sale is not offered.


Of course they offer pretty teacups and teapots.... and guess what? That's what you have a chance to win! They are a beautiful blue and white with the scripture "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it".


Here is what the teapot and cup look like together.


All you have to do is leave a comment between now and Monday. I'm using this time to take a little blog break and give you time to peruse the Dayspring tea time website should you want to take advantage of this sale they are offering you.

To enter to win the teapot and teacup, just leave a comment on this post. Perhaps how you would use the teapot and teacup?

If you decide to purchase any tea time items on their website, to receive an additional 20% sale price just use the coupon code SPRING09. This sale expires May 1st, 2009. Yes, you even get to take an additional 20% off sale items by using this code.

To view the Dayspring line of tea time products (there are a lot more than I have reviewed), click here. There are two "pages" of items so be sure to check out everything. As I said, I'm not getting any kickbacks from Dayspring, I'm just happy to participate.

Have a very blessed Passover and Easter my friends. I'll announce the name that gets pulled out of the basket on Monday. :)

And the winner is!

Thank you to everyone who left a comment!

The tiny little piece of paper pulled out of a bowl had #22 written on it.

That is:

Becky K. said...

I would love to be entered for this drawing. We listened to a tape series a couple of years ago. It was so beneficial.

Thanks!

Becky K.

Becky, e-mail me at the address on the sidebar to give me your address!

Sally Clarkson give away

Um... no, I'm not giving Sally away! I'm giving away two wonderful Whole Heart Ministries items they have provided, though.

I first "discovered" Sally and Clay when I used their book, Educating the WholeHearted Child, as a guidebook in the early days of my homeschooling journey.

I listened to one of Sally's tape series over and over until I had practically memorized her wisdom. The first time I listened to it, I had taken a very young Christopher to the playground and I felt like I was listening to an old friend chatting over tea while I pushed him on the swing and let him play in the sand.

Later, I started reading Sally's books and receiving her ministry letters. I enjoyed how open and honest Sally was in her books for I knew she had gained wisdom the hard way... life. I know in the movie Shadowlands, there is the famous Lewis quote that "we read to know we are not alone". However, I had never felt like an author could read my mind before. My feelings were later echoed by Stephanie when she began to read Sally's books... how the things their family enjoyed were so similar to us!

Here is another woman who finds herself driving to a cafe or coffee shop in the morning with her Bible, pen, and paper (or journal)... savoring a hot drink and perhaps a sweet morning snack. She has moved almost as often as I have but since some of her moves have been "across the pond and back", she takes the endurance award there.

Life has not been easy for the Clarkson's... they are not perfect people and I know she wouldn't want you to think they are perfect... she is honest about that in her books... but they work together as a family through trials and tribulations to minister as God has called them... to the homeschooling community... and to Moms around the world.

One of the joys that has come through the access the Internet has given me is to become a friend of Sally's and to get to know her better. We are twins separated at birth... despite not having the same birthday. Fraternal twins... she's a blond and my hair used to be naturally black. If life does not permit us tea time together in this world... I get dibs on a hundred years of tea and conversation in Eternity!

You will love The Mom Walk, even if you do not homeschool. This is taken from the back of the book... you will:

• Discover the gift of sacrifice
• Cultivate a heart for the Word
• Embrace your very own home-based ministry
• Set spiritual goals for yourself and your children
• Nurture fellowship and support other mothers

I read this book when it first came out and thought it to be so helpful (as well as an enjoyable read).

And... the CD series she sent... it is the CD version of that tape I practically wore out listening to all those years ago. Mom's will enjoy it even if their kids go to public or private schools. It would also be perfect for those considering homeschooling.

The title is: WholeHearted Child Home Educating Workshop; Educating the WholeHearted Child and it's message contains:

• Shaping Your Child's Heart to Live for God
• Strengthening Your Child's Mind to Learn for God
• Living and Learning Together at Home
• Enjoying Homeschooling As a Way of Life

Did you know many of Sally's WholeHearted Mother's Conferences are on CD... check these out.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post between now and Saturday at 5:00 EST. Maybe a little later if I can't get to the computer quickly. Would you do me a favor, would you spread the word on this one? I'd love for even more people to have an opportunity to know about Sally's books and teaching CD's.

If you do let others know, just leave an additional comment on this post and you will be entered to win more than once! You don't even have to put it on a blog, if you don't want... I'll take your word for it that you let at least one other person know about this give away.

And... thank you to Sally for going along with my request for the book and CD to offer to you all. She didn't have any idea I was going to make such a big production out of it. :)

And the winner is...

My hubby looked quite confused as I cut out numbers 1 - 45 (the number of comments) and then had him pull one out of a bowl while he wasn't looking. I did have to explain...

And the winner is... #22!!!

the pleasures of homemaking said...

Hi Brenda, Happy Happy blogiversary!

Manuela

Manuela, perhaps blogging again brought you good fortune!

Send me your snail mail address at the e-mail address posted on the sidebar. I won't be able to get to the Post Office until next Saturday but I'll send them to you on that day.

Congratulations!!!

Blog birthday give away

Okay, I have just enough time tonight (before DROPPING into bed) to give you three of the four books I'm going to offer in my give away. Each represent a different interest of Coffee Tea Books & Me.
The first one is familiar because it was part of last year's give away. However, I was sent TWO copies of the same book by the wonderful people of Hoffman House Publishers and I tucked one of them away for later.

I'd planned another give away by now so it is only a coincidence I'm offering The Entertaining Touch at exactly the same time this year. This is a gorgeous book by the editors of Southern Woman Magazine (and Victoria). The recipes in it are quite good but the pictures of parties (including tea parties) will keep you reading and re-reading it, not to mention trying some of their ideas.

I'm also going to include Whatever Happened to Penny Candy, which is an "Uncle Eric" book about economics that is fun to read for any age. It represents Home Schooling.

Then I'm including a paperback version of Mount Vernon Love Story, the only historical novel written by Mary Higgins Clark. It's a perfect size for putting in one's pocket (or purse for those of the feminine persuasion). I loved this story about George and Martha Washington. I think it was Clark's first book and very different from anything she wrote later. It will be a lovely novel to read when the weather cools.

The first book is brand new and donated by Hoffman House, the Uncle Eric book is one of mine that I ended up not using (since we went a different direction for Economics), and the Clark book is from a library sale but in great condition. I haven't decided the fourth book so it will be a surprise!

Just leave a comment and I'll be back on Saturday with a winner (pulled out of a hat by one of the guys in a blindfold... okay, something covering their eyes). :)

And the winner is!

I cut out 35 pieces of paper with #s 1-35.

I pulled out #28.... counted up... counted down...

just to be sure.

The winner is...

JESSICA!

Send me you address at my Coffee Tea Books & Me e-mail addy (side bar).

I always wish there were more to go around. :)

A Spring give-away!

Another heavy snow storm/blizzard was coming our way but it looks like the worst of it MISSED us. Hallelujah! The meteorologist said there has now been seventeen storm systems come up through our part of the Midwest since January 1st. Which explains why my head has ached so much... yikes.

Let's just say I am tired of having to shovel snow and drive my car as if I were one hundred years old with really thick glasses. Hehehe, as it is I got behind a very slow and very senior citizen at the grocery store today. The cashier kept looking at me with an apology in her eyes. When the little old lady was out of hearing range, I told the cashier I didn't mind waiting at all. I'm getting slower and a little more dense with every year!

I am thrilled to be able to offer you this book for a Spring give-away. The nice people who give us Victoria Magazine sent me this to review a few months ago. I told them at the time that I wanted to wait until early March. What makes Flowers especially unique is the way the author has separated the chapters by COLOR! It covers more than flowers, too. For instance, the chapter "Orange" also gives advice on using Persimmons and Bittersweet in flower arrangements.

If you love flowers in general and arranging them in all kinds of containers, you will love curling up in a comfy chair with a glass of iced tea (assuming we have warm weather soon)... or perhaps outside on your porch with a cup of morning coffee... and finding inspiration for using your beloved flowers.

I'm going to also include my copy of Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden for added inspiration. This is such a charming book and if you enjoy gardening, you'll find excellent advice from Mrs. Whaley and her gardener-friend. I enjoyed it just as a good biography. I just may have to add a few packets of my favorite tea in with the package. :)

So... all you have to do is comment on this post. I'll leave it up until Monday afternoon (which will hopefully give me time to catch up on e-mails!).

The winner is!

Sorry I could not get to the computer yesterday. We received nearly a foot of snow so we (in the country) were snowed in until snow plows could get through. That meant my husband was on the computer constantly checking his fantasy football numbers when Christopher wasn't chatting with friends online who were also snowbound. I will get caught up as this week continues.

I saw this morning that we had 46 comments so I wrote out numbers 1 - 46 on paper scraps, placed them in a bowl, tossed them around like a salad, and drew one out...

The winner is #44, HEATHER!

Heather's blog is A Place of Quiet Rest.

Wow, congratulations! I didn't see what time you commented but you came in "whistling Dixie" so to speak. :)

Use the Hotmail e-mail address in the side bar to get me your snail mail address.

The guy from the computer "hospital" called this morning. He realized the reason the other person couldn't fix it was because it needed a better motherboard than he was trying to put in. I found it interesting that he has three e-machines in the shop with the exact same problems. However, he believes with this new motherboard, it will be like a new machine.

In the meantime, I'll have more access to Christopher's computer since his semester has ended (A in English, A in Biology, waiting for the Math grade!). I am feeling much better since I had two days to rest. It appears the fever and chills were symptoms of a mild flu going around. How happy I am that I wasn't sick last week!

Once again, congratulations Heather!

The winner is!

Wow, there were a lot of Comments

but after printing all of them out...

cutting into even sized rectangles...

placing in bowl...

mixing up really, really well...

and, shutting my eyes to reach in... the winner is!!!

Joanna

I laughed to myself when I saw the name. Didn't she say she never wins anything?

Send me an e-mail with your mailing information!

A Victoria give away

I've been corresponding with the very nice people from Victoria for a few months off and on. I am so excited that Hoffman Media are behind the revival of Victoria. Not only do I already enjoy their magazines but they have the nicest lady working for them (lady in every sense of the word).

They have provided a copy of a most gorgeous book called The Entertaining Touch; Recipes and Inspiration For Every Occasion. It is Southern Hospitality at its' best with lovely pictures, recipes, and ideas for entertaining ...whether it is an informal tea party, an outside party, something special for the family, or a fancy, "lets' get out the china and silver" occasion.

You'd love the pictures alone but the recipes are excellent, most are easy to prepare. Each "chapter" gives another idea to show hospitality to family and friends. I told their representative I was tempted to enter my own give away. :)


Along with the book, they will be giving you a gift subscription to the new Victoria!

I am slipping in a copy of the original Victoria just for old times sake.

All you have to do is leave a comment. You can remain anonymous if so desired. If you do not have a blog on Blogger, you can leave a comment as anonymous, too. Just leave a name I can use at the drawing on Monday morning. The winner will have to e-mail me their address (using the e-mail address on the blog). I will send you the lovely book on hospitality and an issue of the original Victoria. I'll also be e-mailing your information to Hoffman, who will contact you regarding the subscription.

For more information on the new magazine, click on the name Victoria in the first paragraph.

Oh, I have seen the mock up of the magazine. Lovely! What else would we expect from the publishers of Tea Time?

Although this date for the give away has been planned for weeks, it comes at a good time. I need a little space right now...time to ponder so to speak. Our Vet is ill so we will be having our girl with us one extra day, taking her for her shot on Friday. She has been shown a lot of love. Thank you so much for your comments and e-mails. You will never know how much they mean to me. I am as ready as one can be in the situation.

I'll be back Monday morning.

Just a hint

Shhhh...

Just a tiny hint here before Friday.

My give away has something to do with...

this...

Open the envelope please...

Okay, so I really drew the number from 65 pieces of paper, each with a corresponding number to a comment...no envelope was involved. :)

And the winner is.....TA DA...#46!

That's Bethanie!

Bethanie, contact me at my Coffee Tea Books and Me e-mail address located on the side bar! Congratulations, I'll be sending your package as soon as I hear from you.

Thank you to all who left a comment, it was fun reading them...and quite amazing that there were so many!

Anyone else who wanted to contact me should be able to at that e-mail address.

A couple of people mentioned they didn't know Miss Read had an autobiography. She has two, from Wikipedia, they are:

Autobiography:

• A Fortunate Grandchild - 1982
• Time Remembered - 1986

These two were also published in an omnibus edition titled Early Days.

I love the Miss Read books, especially when I need a mental escape...