Frumps to Pumps – a motivational devotion by Sarah Mae:
I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. I expected it to be good, because Sarah Mae is an insightful and entertaining writer, but I didn’t really think I’d get much from it. I don’t need to be convinced to avoid frumpiness, and I already get dressed every day — in the morning, even! I’m no longer mom to a toddler who makes daily showering a big challenge (though I do remember those days), and I’d say that’s who this book is primarily geared towards.
However…
I was surprised at the “deep” insights I gained. Day 11 of this twenty day challenge, for instance, deals with being too tired to get dressed, but it spoke deeply to me about aging (which I’m beginning to have to face as I realize this body is no longer 20) and about my dad’s illness. Sarah Mae reminded me that this is not my forever body. And though my dad is trapped in a body that has begun to betray him in a multitude of ways due to ALS, he will not always be weighed down by the earthly body he has now.
In another day’s challenge, I was reminded in a way I really needed to hear, that I have freedom in Jesus; I do not have to squeeze myself into a bunch of self-imposed rules.
Sarah Mae encourages us to embrace “pretty” (on the outside, but far more importantly on the inside), to be productive (which is more easily done when not wearing bunny slippers), and to do it all for His glory.
I highly recommend Frumps to Pumps! You can buy it in a kindle (or Nook) version or a pdf version.
[UPDATE: I’ve seen some people write negatively about Sarah Mae’s book because she suggests buying new dangly earrings or a new shade of eye shadow. These are just suggestions, not “required” to meet the challenges. If you don’t want to buy anything new, you certainly don’t need to. And if you do, there’s no need to spend big! The heart behind these ideas is to just get thinking about things differently, and to feel good about yourself.]
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4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions – another ebook I received in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t have what would be considered a large family, so I wasn’t sure how much useful information I’d get out of this book, but since we do hope to have more kids, I thought I’d just do the review so I could file away mental notes for the “if” of becoming a big family. Once again, I was surprised at how much I got out of this book!
If you are parent to an only child, you can still certainly learn from tips on how to be more patient, how to help children behave in church, teaching age-appropriate chores, and how and when to talk about sex. These are just a few of the topics the four moms share from their 70+ years of parenting experience!
If you have more than one child, you’ll find even more helpful ideas — on topics ranging from teaching kids to get along, to managing outings with little ones, to dealing with “fairness” among siblings. Really, if you are a parent to ANY number of kids, you will find useful information in this ebook!
You have the option of purchasing 4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions in pdf form or in a kindle version.

Wife, mom, grandma. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and personal trainer. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
I’m curious to read 4 moms of 35+ kids….I’m always looking for advice on lots of littles.
It’s good, Jess. And sometimes laugh-out-loud funny!
Thank you SO SO much for this review, Jamie! Means so much to me, and I’m so thankful that it had some insights for you! 🙂
You’re very welcome, Sarah Mae! I really liked it!
I got Frumps to Pumps a couple of weeks ago and really like it. I’m always dressed within minutes of getting out of bed but with the arrival of no.4 last year, skin care and basic make up had dropped off the list and this is helping me get that focus back. Also learned a FAB and oh so simple everyday eyeshadow application from it (and that’s saying something because I’ve done bridal make up for a few years so I already know quite a bit!!)
Might check out the other one… it sounds good too!
Great reviews, Jamie! I’m especially interested in Frumps to Pumps although I only wear heels on Sunday (or maybe a rare night out!). Right now, I’m at the computer in my PJs. I get dressed when the girls get up, right before breakfast. Otherwise, I wouldn’t get as much done as I hope to in the early mornings. 🙂