You know how sometimes life never feels like its going the way it should?? You look around and you think “what the hell??” I’ve had a few of those head shaking moments lately, but in the midst of it all have been little pockets of sunshine. These are moments that just make me happy and I realize all is going to be o.k. in my world. My sister, Danielle, first said that phrase to me a couple months ago and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s a reminder to focus on the good and not the bad (sometimes easier to say then do).

The other day I stumbled across the blog Cold Antler Farm. It’s a homesteading blog and is really interesting. The blog was a little pocket of sunshine for me. I really enjoyed her peace and hope posting (may 21, 2009). If you have some time, grab a cup of joe, sit back and read through her posts–I know you’ll be happy you did.

It’s interesting how I ended up at Cold Antler. I googled (does anyone know when that became a verb??) the book Backyard Homestead and Cold Antler Farm came up. Of course, with a name like that I had to check it out and I’m so glad that I did

Anyways, back to the book. I ordered The Backyard Homestead by Carleen Madigan because I wanted an easy reference on how to be more sustainable in my own backyard. Turns out the books was everything I expected and more.

The book is broken into easy to read chapters with lots of reference material. Want to learn about beekeeping–she’s got ya covered. Interested in making your own beer, wine, or cheese–yep that’s included as well. I especially like her coverage of vegetables and herbs–that’s where we are at right now and may be as far as we ever get, but I know if I’m ever interested in trying something new I can turn to the Backyard Homestead and she’ll have the answers for me. Another little pocket of sunshine.

Another little pocket of sunshine has been some items I’ve won by entering contests on blogs. I spend some time blog stalking and when I see a blog contest I usually enter. I’ve been pretty fortunate the last couple months and when I see the “you’ve won” email those are definitely pockets of sunshine.

Some recent wins include:
$25 Kroger gift card from Jolly Mom

My OBaby tote bag from Dexter’s Super Savy Mommy. I love tote bags and this one is perfect for books to carry back and forth to work or the beach

A Klean Kanteen from Dexter’s. I haven’t received this item yet, so I have no comments about it. I’ll let you know the good or bad when I do.

$25 gift certificate to Wear the Earth from Dexter’s. I used it to buy my guys t shirts. I loved the packaging from Wear the Earth. It was like opening a present.

Here’s the shirt I picked out for them (as always, Alan is thrilled to model for me):

On a side note…this t shirt if a size Large. Large usually fits Alan really well and this one is on the verge of being a tad short. It will definitely have to be line dried.

I also one an e-book from the Frugal Front Porch and the book ‘Winter Birds’ from Tree Swing Reading

Because I’ve been so lucky the last couple months I’m going to host my own contest for a book giveaways.

I’ve recently read and enjoyed The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O’Neal

If you’d like to win this book just leave a comment telling me one of your favorite books. That’s it…that’s all you have to do. Stay posted for other book giveaways–I’ll be sorting out my book pile this weekend and I’d love to share them with you. Winner will be picked radomly–either by using random.org or asking one of the kids to pick a number