12 favorite books read in 2013

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12 Favorite Books Read in 2013 at Fromthiskitchentable.com

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As I’m in the middle of making a list of books I want to read this next year, I wanted to share some of the ones I really enjoyed this past year.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

I loved this book! It’s a completely fascinating read. I didn’t want to put it down and that’s saying something for non-fiction. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I’m an introvert. This book should be required reading for all seminary or business students, pastors, business owners etc, in my opinion, especially those that are extroverts. It would really help them understand where the introverts of the world are coming from.

EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches
Another read I really enjoyed! Lots of wisdom and ideas but an easy book to tackle.

John Adams

Okay, so I’ve tried a few times over the past many years to read this book. This past year was the time that I started determined to finish. I found it completely intriguing and was shocked at how much I didn’t know about this era in our country’s history. Those that help found the country really gave up so much (and their wives too letting their husbands and sons even be gone for months or years at a time with limited or no communication). It made me realize that much of the fighting, arguing, backstabbing etc going on in the government today is nothing new. 

Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together

This and the following book are by the same authors. A story of an unlikely friendship between an art dealer and a homeless drifter. (These are also quick reads.)

The Forgotten Garden: A Novel

This was my first book to read by Kate Morton. It was riveting and different than any book I’ve read. I love mysteries and the intrigue that went along with this story was captivating. I’m hoping to read another by Kate Morton this next year.

The In-Between: Embracing the Tension Between Now and the Next Big Thing

I had the privilege of hearing Jeff Goins speak at a conference this year and thoroughly enjoyed it. This book is an easy read that reminds you to live life where you are. Don’t always be waiting for the next big thing.

Christ in the Chaos: How the Gospel Changes Motherhood

As mothers, we don’t have to be perfect. In fact, we’ll never be perfect. But that’s okay. Christ has forgiven us, and He’ll give us what we need.

In Defense of Food An Eater’s Manifesto

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.” Those 7 words are Michael Pollan’s answer to what we should eat. In this book, he talks about how to make wise decisions as to what we eat.

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption

What an inspirational story!  Follow a young lady’s amazing journey following a mission trip to Uganda.

7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess

A light-hearted read written in an informal  and personal tone. You will laugh and sometimes find yourself stopping to think.

The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving (LifeChange Books)

Another short read (the shortest book on this list) but good one! Randy Alcorn shares how you can learn the secret of joyful living.

What were your favorite books to read this year?
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Menu Plan and Goals

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Menu Plan and Goals at From this Kitchen Table

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas. Our Christmas Eve was spent at home and church followed by dinner at home. Our daughter was exhausted and was not only in bed but also asleep by 7:19! It was fun experiencing Christmas morning with our daughter who didn’t remember anything from last year. She had a blast opening her presents and handing out the ones she picked out for us and her brother. The day was finished with a game night at a friend’s house. I wish I came in victorious, but nope. At least we gave the winner a slight run.

Menu Plan and Goals at From this Kitchen Table

This week started with a little rocky start. Both kids have been under the weather and just got over a fever and still have a  bit of a cough. But the week is a fun one anyway. We are off of work and get to spend time with family. I’m going to thoroughly enjoy a small break from cooking.

Meals:

  • Potato Sausage Soup
  • Snacks and finger foods
  • Roast
  • Homemade Pizza

My goals this week are simple:

  • Blog brainstorming
  • Write 4 posts
  • Makes goals for the next year
  • Have fun!!!

Coming up this week I’m sharing some of the favorite books I read in 2013 and sharing a round up of posts to help you with your goals setting for the new year.

Linking up to Menu Plan Monday

December Link Love

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Here are the links I’ve enjoyed through December.

Can You Read People’s Emotions? For each picture choice the word that you think best describes what the person is thinking or feeling and see how good you are understanding someone’s mental state based on their facial cues.

8 New and Necessary Punctuation Marks There are several of these that I think would be a great benefit. My husband needs the “sarcastises”.

20 “Forgotten” Words That Should Be Brought Back

Is It Time for a Clean Sweep If you are feeling overwhelmed it might be time to evaluate what you are doing and just maybe so no to a few things.

Packing Light Challenge A 10 day challenge that might be fun to go through as you begin the new year.

Celebrate What You Already Know “Buy Less, Buy Better and Fix Don’t Replace”

Business Success Won’t Make You Happy “Success makes you more of who you already are

In case you missed it, the most popular post at From this Kitchen Table during December: Ideas for Homemade Gift Baskets

What have been your favorite finds in December?

Linking up to Homemaking Link Up, Lovely Ladies Link Up, Fellowship Fridays

Christmas Post Round Up

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Merry Christmas Eve! I hope that you are having a wonderful holiday and are making memories and enjoying your family. It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is the 25th and in another week we’ll be entering another year.

Christmas Posts Round Up - Food and Drinks, Gift Ideas, and Thoughts on the holiday

Today I have a round up of my Christmas posts from the last 3 weeks in case you missed them (bottom three in each category) and several other holiday posts divided into three categories: food, gifts, and thoughts.

Don’t think it’s to late to read about keeping Christmas calm, traditions, and our focus during the holiday. Now is the time to start planning for next year!

Food:

Gift Ideas for last minute shopping:

Christmas Thoughts:

Linking up to Thriving Thursday,  Let’s Get Real, Fellowship Fridays, Faith Filled Friday, Mama Moments, TGIM, Teach Me Tuesday, Babies and Beyond, Titus 2 Tuesday, Do Tell Tuesday, Homemaking Link Up, Lovely Ladies Link Up,  Pin It Thursday, Thrifty Thursday, Faith Filled Friday, The Weekend re-Treat, Pin It Monday, Link Party Palooza, Strut Your Stuff

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