It’s been a dream of ours for over three years now to put together a new book (the paper copy kind!) that includes the “best of” our posts here at Heavenly Homemakers. Enough dreaming about it already. It’s time to do this!
Our idea is to put together some of our most popular articles, mixed with our most popular recipes – and combine it all in such a way that it creates a super fun read along with some practical tips and delicious kitchen delights. We want it to be enjoyable for all ages, kind of a coffee-table book that anyone could pick up and enjoy, but one that might also inspire a person to head to the kitchen to whip up something tasty.
Matt and I have some definite ideas as to what we consider to be the “best of” what I’ve written during the past eight years. But you are really the ones who get to have opinions about the “best of.” After all, you’re the ones reading here. Your vote matters most.
There are over 4,200 posts here at Heavenly Homemakers. We’d like each of you to spend several entire days reading through all 4,200 of them, picking which ones you like the most. We don’t ask for much.
Or, since I guess that request may be a little bit impractical (you guys can be so whiny sometimes), here’s a better idea:
Think for a few minutes. Click around for a while. Make good use of the search box in our side bar under the One Child Matters banner (where it says “Search this website). What posts, articles, series, and recipes come to mind that make you say, “I loved it when you wrote *******!!!” Even if you don’t remember the exact title of the post or the specifics of its contents, you can give us some hints like, “Remember that one time you wrote about that one thing and how it made us laugh and then we cried and some of us snorted and then we all made bread? Definitely include that one.”
If you happen to come across a very specific post you love during all of this thinking and searching you’ll be doing, feel free to grab the exact link to that post to leave along with your comment. In other words, we want you to do all the hard work for us. No biggie.
While you’re thinking, if you also come up with a clever title for this book, that would be great too. Otherwise we’ll just call it:
Laura Wrote Some Stuff
Because everyone would buy that.
Friends, this is going to be fun. I’m incredibly curious to learn which posts are your favorites. From practical to silly to serious to borderline ridiculous – tell us what you have loved the most!
To get us started, I’ll share that the book will definitely include the story of the 2008 rooster attack. We’ll pair that story with some egg and chicken recipes. It just makes sense.
Let the thinking and the commenting begin! I can’t wait to hear your suggestions!
Cheryl R says
This is my favorite ! You are so funny and really enjoy your blog.
About Our Garden and Our Cat. Wait. We Have a Cat?
becca banana says
I absolutely loved the posts on marriage that both you AND Matt wrote… ABCs I think. And all of the “story” of what led you to healthy cooking and how that led to a domino effect of small choices.
Oh! And the posts about anxiety, letting go, etc. About this time last year I had those bookmarked and read them every few days.
Thank you and happy New Year!
Becca in Oregon
Su Ann says
I love the Pour and Bake bread. Also, any marriage/family type articles are a favorite of mine. I also like “series”. (weird, huh?) And then we have the articles that ‘Laura’ is talking to herself again. For example, the do I pee before I leave the store or can I make it home conversation….I have that one with myself ALL the time, lol. Thanks.
Kim says
Of course I love your recipes and your real food journey, but my favorites are your series on marriage and overcoming anxiety.
Christine says
Our family’s favorite recipe is the cheesy enchilada casserole. I would like their to be a link to your all the $5 dollar recipes. I think that’s the name of the recipe series. It’s difficult to find them searching your website. Happy New Year!
Michele M. says
I have learned so much and been entertained by so many of your posts. When I first discovered your site, I read your story about being home alone for the weekend and finding a snake in your house. I laughed until I cried! I’ve been coming back ever since.
Ashley says
God is Bigger than a Free Range Chicken. That is your best, hands down. It summarizes your philosophy and explains why I love your site. You serve up healthy food WITHOUT a heaping side of guilt, like many other sites do.
Emily says
I agree!
Angela says
I’ve enjoyed your posts about praying for your husband, marriage. I think sometimes we get busy and forget the priority of this. And as a 30 year type 1 diabetic, I really enjoy the recipes where you’ve tweaked the sugar or used stevia… Thanks for your blogs. I’ve been reading and passing “you” along for many years now. Blessings on your New Year.
Alex says
I absolutely love your sense of humor. Hands down. I’ve had tears so many times! I will call several of my friends and ask, “Did you read Laura today?” One that always stays with me is the story of you cutting hot peppers, and then rubbing your eye, and how you found out later about putting milk in your eye. That one had ME crying! I refer to your seasoning blend recipes quite often. Those would be good to include, in my opinion.
Charlotte Moore says
I love the recipes, family things, inspirations, and really all of it.
Karen says
Off the top of my head, your Mac & cheese, stir fry noodles, and High Five recipes are some of my favorites.
Betty Sievert says
That is a tough one. How do we measure “favorite?” It depends on the day. Sometimes the hour. Sometimes the minute (my life can change on a dime). The thing is, you pretty much have everything covered. I guess you are just going to have to put all 4,000 plus posts in your book. Choosing favorites is like trying to choose which of my kids are the favorite. That too depends on the day, hour…..etc. (However there are very clear times that I could decide which is my LEAST favorite of the moment.) No matter what you include in it, we will buy it and we will love it. Because no matter the day, hour or minute, we need it. That is why we read your blog.
Amanda says
Here’s my list:
1. A few posts about how to easily serve and eat more vegetables. They said really obvious things like, “cut up veggies, and put multiple options on the table,” but were surprisingly helpful.
2. Your growing potatoes in trash cans thing was surprisingly memorable, even though I’ve never done it. Actually I really like all your gardening posts.
3. No one shares my love of jars and a well-stocked pantry like you do; that’s nice.
4. There was a post about how you guys eat bread and gluten, and it doesn’t make you feel sick, so you keep eating it. That was nice and validating.
5. There’s a general sense I get from your writing that it is possible for your eating to be “good enough.” There’s no fear. I like the “eat nourishing foods because it’s good for you, and that just makes sense, plus we can serve God better” perspective, rather than the “eat the best possible perfect foods so you don’t give yourself and your children autoimmune diseases and destroy God’s creation while you’re at it” perspective. So include some of that vibe :)
Karen H. says
I enjoy everything you post, Laura, but the make-ahead recipes this Thanksgiving really were an amazing gift to me. Also your faith-focused posts. Maybe include a combo of recipes, tips, life stories, and faith inspiration and encouragement, perhaps arranged in chapters by categories of some kind? Have a blessed New Year! :-)
Serenity Summers says
Will All The Real Mom’s Stand-up. Best post ever. For reals ???? I have read it several times over the years and I always feel encouraged, inspired and comforted. It’s simply your best.
Serenity Summers says
I have no idea why there are question marks after “for reals” in my comment. Silly iPhone.
Leah says
Your snake story (with the pictures) definitely sticks in my memory!
elaine says
I didn’t read all of the above comments so I hope I’m not duplicating – my suggestion for the book is “Heavenly Homemakers Reader’s Choice Awards” or some variation. This was quite a creative stretch for me as I have a white cat named … Whitey. It’s a miracle my children have names beyond #1, #2, …
Also, I did see someone mention the snake story as I quickly scrolled through and I 100% agree that must be included! It would be so hard to pick a favorite as I have loved this blog for so many years I’ve lost count! You are a treasure and a blessing and I appreciate all you do! Happy New Year!!
Cheryl says
Definitely the white vs red wheat post. It was my aha! moment.
Jill says
Your strategy for cooking pasta in the milk that will ultimately be used to make the sauce changed my life.
That and giving us permission to “wash” our baking potatoes in the dishwasher. Wow!
elaine says
Totally agree about cooking noodles in milk … awesome!
Cassandra says
My favorite recipe is the taco potatoes, but my favorite blog post is about how you delivered homemade Gatorade to your husband and sons working on someone’s roof. The first thing that touched my heart is that you guys were teaching your sons how to serve others. The second thing that touched my heart is that you not only delivered a lunch to all the hard workers, but took the time to MAKE Gatorade. Bravo for serving in your community and taking the time to think about nourishing their bodies. Our family has benefitted from your blog in so many ways, I can’t even describe. Thank you. And now that I have written you a book, I will sign off! ????
Shaela says
I LOVED the letter to your younger self. I am a homeschooler of four kids 4-10. I needed to know it will be okay. Very encouraging. Top five topics I have enjoyed, not in order : homemade vanilla, making breakfast the night before while your making dinner (genius) , grinding wheat flour with a nurtimill ( I bought one because of your post about the healthfulness of grinding your own, homeschool hubbub articles, and when your blend tech exploded. LOL!!!!
Kadee says
Two that come to mind are the Your House is Beautiful from June 2013 and the Will all the Real Moms Stand Up that someone already mentioned. Those two I have read several times and they really struck a chord with me. Enjoyed many others, too! I love your style of writing, and you keep it real and never seem like you are trying to be something you are not.
Rae says
I love “the boy who saved Christmas”
Stefanie says
A few years ago I searched through your past articles for help with my son’s eczema. I was SO thankful to have you firmly yet politely ask people to NOT give you advice or condemn your personal choices. As someone who has tried many diets, creams, conventional and natural doctors, medicines, and all the like, knowing that someone else was struggling over the innumerable choices of treatment for their child too was comforting. Everyone wants to help, but everyone will forcefully tell you that they are SURE their way will help. Thank you for gently encouraging us to keep working towards healthy living and good choices for our families.
I love how you recently said you had a “fierce” love for your children. The particular article was good, but that one statement has stuck in my head.
I liked the 3-part section on “praying for your husband,” “remembering why you married him,” and something about “thinking about his good qualities.” Very helpful to look back at that, and to look at what WE can do to serve our men and be thankful for them. Perspective is 90% of the battle, and being thankful and positive is so important.
Thank you for your service to us. I, too, appreciate that you don’t condemn your readers for not eating ONLY super healthy stuff, and that you don’t encourage them to make healthy eating an idol. You just gently encourage us to run the race faithfully and with joy.
God is good. Thank you for your help!
Angie says
I’ve gained so much wisdom from you about raising boys. We also have four boys but ours are just a bit younger so I feel like you’re teaching me things right before it will happen in our house. I also like how you’ve written about anxiety. I tell people about your blog all the time!
lyss says
Real Life Stories of a Heavenly Homemaker
The Ramblings and Recipes of Laura Coppinger
The Life of a Heavenly Homemaker: Encouragement, Tips, and Recipes…For Real!
Just some ideas. : )
I agree with other commenters, that I love your God is bigger than.. article.
Alicia says
Definitely, The Real Moms post from years ago!! Can’t remember the exact title, but I’m guessing you know the one. And another one or two about Why I Don’t (soak grains, make cheese, etc) type posts. Butterscotch bars. The freezing muffin batter one. Freezer/make ahead meals. Now, act all surprised when I tell you I’m the mom of 5, 10 to 18 months!! Love to you & yours Laura in the new year! It is evident that you are growing in your ability to know & set boundaries for yourself & your family, & I couldn’t love it more!!!! I’m right there with you!!
Kendra M says
The marriage thing you and Matt did!
The start of your Healthy eating journey.
I really enjoy the bulk chicken or bulk food ones you do where you give us ideas how to buy bulk cheaply and then break it down for future meals.
And I also enjoy any unhealthy foods that you tweak to make them with REAL ingredients and “more” healthy!
Jessie Weaver says
I have to be honest and say it’s been a lot of years since I read your (or ANY) blog regularly because, well, I popped out three kids and a freelance career and got nutso. But I still use your recipes all the time and just visiting the front page I realized how much I miss following along about your life!
One of my favorite old posts was about “punctuation.” That just make me laugh, and was also a lesson for me!
Favorite recipes: Apricot Breakfast Bars, Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns, Sloppy Joes, Pizza Pockets. I make those a lot still!
Jessie
Jessie Weaver says
Oh, and the Giant Breakfast Cookies! My kids go nuts for them.
Rhoda says
Anything that mentions jars, butter, and the now infamous cat would sound good to me. I also appreciate your honesty and candor in your journey with eczema and real food, You do need to make an honorable mention to the 3 year old cooking guy. He’s precious! Thank you for letting us walk down memory lane with you. Oh that reminds me–your yearly school shopping trips with your boys–enjoy watching them grow up.
Allison says
The recipes I always come back to are the mac ‘n cheese and the pumpkin muffins. I add a couple more spices: ginger and nutmeg to the pumpkin recipe, but my kids love it and they always go over well. We appreciate the low sugar recipes and that most of your sweets have less sugar than other sites. I always loved your gratituesday posts, but cannot think of a specific one right now.
Lori in North Dakota says
I have made your Giant Breakfast Cookies a million times! That is how you gained your fame in my household, Laura.
The 31 Days of Real Food Reality series was a favorite. I still look back at those.
I must also mention your homemade vanilla extract and the instructions to make it. I did that one year for friends and family and they loved it.
Tricia says
My favorite is what brought me to your blog in the beginning…Malachi’s journey with eczema. My family’s favorite recipe from the blog is giant breakfast cookies. We make them almost every week!
Meredith says
Can I just say two words? “Turkey sausage”. You know what I’m sayin. I also liked the posts about your mom. I can tell you loved her so much.
Laura says
I just read this again and it made me LOL. It was so fun to meet you that day in KC! I think of you EVERY TIME I made turkey sausage now! :)
Meredith says
:) I’m so glad I met you too! Your family is an inspiration to all of us. Because of your new dedication to open a can of beans instead of soak them (I’m with you), I feel like I have to share this recipe with you. It’s DELICIOUS and meat free (unless you want to add it in) http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/special-dietary-needs/vegetarian/roasted-veggie-and-black-bean-burritos/
K. Ann Guinn says
I also love your philosophy on real food eating. I just looked at the post entitled, “God is Bigger Than a Free Range Chicken” (that someone else mentioned), and I couldn’t agree more. There was another post which I cannot find which essentially said the same thing. It put into words almost exactly how I feel about nutrition in our “real world”.
I love so many of your recipes and tips. My favorite tips (off the top of my head (now there’s another funny expression), are freezing muffin batter and baking pumpkins whole. Both have transformed my making-muffins-ahead and making-pumpkin-puree-from-scratch (along with any squash!) experiences!
You have encouraged, equipped and inspired me. Thank you.
Barbra says
– The letter to your younger self – I cried.
– “Christmas Brunch” it gave me the warm fuzzies, I eagerly anticipated reading it.
– The one I laughed myself hysterical over was about putting your Christmas decorations away in the attic and climbing those stairs, I believe your father-in-law was there (?) I tried to look for it, but “Archives” wouldn’t work.
Recipes: many bread/loaf ones; “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… cookies”!; taco seasoning and homemade tortillas are faves…; Honey Whole Wheat Bagels – very tasty.
I sure appreciate all the hard work you did and how you shared with all of us over the years. I am thankful that you have the recipes archived, I come back often to look for new recipes to try.
It took my family a while, but when I say “Laura said this or that” or “this is Laura’s recipe” they know who I’m talking about! (Not just my imaginary friend.)
Keep pressing toward the mark, you’re a great example of a Titus 2 woman.
Jennifer says
Did anyone, ANYONE mention the letter to Velveeta? Classic Laura – humble enough to point out her flaws, gracious enough to make us laugh with her. I will be sad if it is excluded. In fact, just put it on the cover.
Phyllis says
Hard to choose “best,” but these were memorable:
Homemade Peppermint Patties, 27 Nov 2011 – Admire the peppermint patties, but do not eat them. Do not even lick your fingers.
Journey, 30 Oct 2013 – The only way to find true peace is to become broken at the feet of Jesus. His mercies are new every morning.
A Lesson in Trusting God, 16 Feb 2015 – Confident trust in God is the only gift I have to offer my children.