I love your posts about homeschooling life and outdoor adventures...it's what drew me to your blog in the first place. I would love to read some posts about faith and how this breathes life into your family.

Goodness! I enjoy all the subjects. Truly. I love reading about all of these things. I enjoy reading both the ones that match how we live-homemaking, herbs, gardening, natural skincare products, and those that don't. :) Please just share your heart and I'll keep on reading!!!

I want that soap. :) I love ALL of what you share, Renee. I love your authenticity and your honesty. I love how you don't pretend to be someone you aren't. (Thank YOU for that.) I suppose my most favourite part of your blog is the "random mother musings." Again, because you are so REAL I feel a mother-to-mother connection to you (even if I don't agree with everything you say.) You know what I mean? You keep on sharing what speaks to you and I'll be here reading. I love FIMBY. xo

Renee, I've greatly enjoyed so much of what you chosen to write about that I am having a hard time choosing the "best" answer. I would say your how-to's and homemaking are currently the most applicable to me right now, but I find myself searching your archives and bookmark posts for later. Thank you.

Oh my, I can't just choose one. I love it all, but my top three (in no particular order) are homeschooling, recipes, and the outdoorsy stuff. I also really liked when you did your day in the life post--thanks for keeping it real. And thanks for not making us jump through any hoops to enter--I really dislike that, and won't enter a giveaway if it requires things like that; questions I don't mind, though. Keep writing what you write--I always look forward to reading it!

Hi. Thanks for posting. I can't pick one, but I will order some of them for you: What I like best about FIMBY is the:

    * outdoorsy hiking family stuff
    * creative ideas and inspiration
    * photography
    * random mother musings
    * homeschooling talk
    * family life updates
    * homemaking in general

Oh Gosh - there's so much to love. But I guess I find myself mostly archiving your fantastic soap and other skin care recipes. They have been a wonderful guide for a first time soap maker! I also feel honored to glimpse your lovely family adventures and intentional living. Thanks!

I can't pick just one. I can't. I like the homeschooling stuff. I like that you are another family trying to live a simple, vegan, creative life. So anything to do with that I guess.

I hear you on the competition thing. I am currently running a giveaway and have asked people to comment or tweet. But it feels weird, and a bit wrong really, as I am not a commercial blog. I don't think I will do it again.

oh and please don't enter me in the running for the soap - it looks awesome, but I guess it would be a pain to send it here to the UK. And we just had a visit to Lush where they did very well out of us!

Impossible to choose just one! I come here because of the versatility in what you offer us. I love reading about things I can relate to like homeschooling, family, & health but I also love your perspective on things that don't necessarily apply to me too. Your photography, stories about hiking, your inner thoughts & hope & dreams - they inspire me...

Happy Holidays to you and yours...

If I had to pick one I would say homemaking and homeschooling. Okay, that's two. You seem like you have a good hold on these parts of your day and I find it inspiring.

What do I like best? Sorry, can't choose - there are so many reasons your blog is one of my very favorites. I think it might be the tone though, more than the subject matter - you're very forthright and I love how you post honestly about your life and objectives. I love when you share your innermost thoughts, they often resonate with me. As for the list, these are the things I'm most interested in, they're either things I'm also passionate about or want to learn more about:

homeschooling talk (how you inspire me to stay steady in my own beliefs!)

family life updates

creative ideas and inspiration

random mother musings

soap recipes and skin how-tos (I do come back to these so often)

outdoorsy hiking family stuff (of course this is awesome)

homemaking in general

vegan recipes and health (now I need the "how-to" to get the rest of the family interested...)

Thank YOU Renee.

Your blog is lovely. It would be too difficult to pick one subject of a blog that is a comprehensive diary of what makes you such a wonderful mother. Your family is inspiring, and I love reading about your adventures. I originally came to your blog for the recipes, creative ideas, and homemaking tips. The rest of it is icing on a "crunchy" cake. :) Courtney ~ crnest.blogspot.com

I enjoy everything even though I'm not a mom let alone a homeschooling mom. I enjoy the voluntary simpicity you talk about without really calling it that - its just you and what works for you I enjoy that.

As others have said, it is impossible to just choose one aspect of FIMBY that I like the most. If I had to describe why I like reading here, it would be because I am inspired by the way you have decided on your values as a family and seek to live them out in real ways. Almost all your posts reflect this in some way, whether they be "random mother musings", practical posts about how you organize your time and home to accomplish your goals, or simply some photos from a great hike (the rewards of your mindful lifestyle!).

I enjoy the variety of what you write--which seems to be what your blog won for. :) Your kiddos are a little older than mine so it's nice to see what someone who has already been there, done that, has and is doing in the way of homeschooling. I also love photography, try to cook healthy meals (although we have no special diet), enjoy the outdoors and writing, all of which you incorporate and I love and keeps me coming back for more. I don't really comment, but I always read. :) Would love to try soapmaking one of these days too. For now, the kids and I are going to try making candles as gifts for Christmas. :)

Thanks for a wonderful, helpful blog, Renee!

The other comments have said it so well, it's the variety that makes your blog worth reading. I only follow a handful of blogs and yours I think was the first. I like your homeschooling posts because I also homeschool. I love your soapmaking/lotion recipes because they brought me closer to my daughter when we made them together. I love your outdoor/adventure posts because I believe families (well everyone really) should be outdoors, learning together and becomming closer to each other. And so on.....As for blog hoop jumping - it is annoying and time consuming - I would rather be reading to my kids or baking/cooking with my kids or outdoors with my kids...well you get the idea! Alot of these blogs seem to be more interested in attracting readers but people (myself included) read your blog because it is real and honest and true. Keep up the great work and congrats on your blog win!

What is not to like about FIMBY. =) Picking a fav few would be difficult. At this moment, I am into creativity, decorating, cooking, crafting, etc.
Thank you for this opportunity.

I would love to win some soap! I love your soap/lotion posts and outdoorsy posts!

The Home school talk!I am really considering home school for my son when it is time for him to go to school.I am undecided but I like to know as much about it as possible jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

Clearly I am not at all original in thinking that it's the mix of topics on your blog that keep me coming back!

I am a Canadian/flexible vegan/homeschooling/outdoor loving/homemade cleaning and beauty product making mama myself. I really appreciate getting a glimpse into your life as a whole, and benefit so much from the insights, skills and ideas you share. I feel sad that you don't have a place where you feel you "fit in" because your blog is the place that I come to relate, feel understood and encouraged.

Especially during these gloomy, lonely days of November (at least they are here in Ontario) I find myself doing a lot of soul searching. I've been working on becoming comfortable with the idea that I won't ever "fit" anywhere except in my own little growing family. I know I can find and give support, friendship, and solidarity for different aspects of myself and my lifestyle from a variety of sources (live friends, blog communities, books...) but that I'll never find it all in one place. I like to half-jokingly call this "outsourcing". When I am chatting with one friend, and know that there is no point bringing up a certain topic as I know she won't relate I just say to myself "That's ok. I can just outsource this topic to (insert different friend, or blog, etc) later". I know it's goofy..but at least for now it seems to be the best I've got.

So thank you for all you do. I'm sorry that the encouragement I feel from being here couldn't be mutual..but I suppose that's just how the blogger/reader relationship goes. You don't need to send me any (of that amazing looking) soap...there are clearly more than enough contestants in the running. Just wanted to leave my thoughts.

I just started reading your blog only a couple weeks ago (in time to vote for you though and I did!) but so far I enjoy the homeschooling things you share, the creative ideas and the skin how-to's. Honestly, it's been incredibly nice knowing I'm not the only one out there who is doing this stuff. Where I am I don't know anyone who feels like I do about being eco-friendly, being green, making things (I've been laughed at for this), for homeschooling, for my faith, and for trying to raise my daughter in the best way possible. It's been a struggle at times making the changes I have, and you have no idea how thankful I am to have found your blog so I know I am NOT the only one striving for this! It can get very lonely at times, and I appreciate you sharing things here instead of just a journal or scrapbook at home. I come here to feel a part of something, to not feel so alone, to know that there are others who are trying to live their lives in similar ways. So thank you for that! :o)

Hi Renee- I have read your blog for a long time but this is my first comment. (i must really want some soap!) I was first drawn to your postings on living simply, vegan cooking/recipes and your beautiful photos. I am not a homeschooler but have really enjoyed getting a peek into that world. I like too the mom musings and your great outdoor adventures. But it is your honest personal style of writing that I look forward to most. You share your actual feelings, fears and ideas. Your postings are a true gift to your readers as you share your true self with us. I always find something interesting, no matter what topic. Keep up the good work.

Great questions--I would've been happy to answer anyway, but the handmade soap sounds lovely too :)

My favorite parts are:

homeschooling talk and creative ideas and inspiration

Thanks :)

I enjoy you in person Renee and so nice to get a glimpse of what's taking place in your life, your head, your family...on a weekly basis. I really enjoy the homeschooling; ideas, tips, thoughts, as I'll be hitting your age groups in a few years. I also love all things outdoors-gardening, God's beautiful creation, and I can really relate to the decision to be a, "full-time homemaker" and all that comes with that.

I love the layers of the soaps. How LOVELY!

Congrats on your win. I'm so HAPPY for you. To sum up what I love about this blog: EVERYTHING. That's why we voted for you. It's too hard to pick one thing. I love your mother-ramblings. They're refreshing. I love the homeschooling stuff and creative ideas and inspirations. I get a lot of my daughter's educational ideas from here. I love the recipes. My daughter is allergic to casein so vegan-friendly recipes are easiest for us. I love the whole blog.

Keep blogging! Thanks again for sharing. Really, thanks. :)

First off, CONGRATULATIONS! And hmmm, can I pick more than thing I like to read about on FIMBY? On different days I like to read different things and so variety is really nice, but I think I especially appreciate the family stories you share, your personal experiences in homeschooling and family life, etc. But it's all good!

My favs are the homemaking and homeschooling and outdoorsy stuff. But it's all good. Jennifer

Mmmmmm . . . soap! My favorite part of FIMBY is the vegan recipes and health posts. I can't tell you how many times I have gone back through your recipes. Just yesterday I made the chocolate chews for the first time. (Good stuff!) I also like any posts that involve how you prioritize and live according to your values.

Thanks!

I have been reading your blog since March and I must agree with many of the others who have commented that I really do love EVERYTHING about your blog. Thanks to the tips and info I have found here, I now make all of the soap my family uses and I'm even thinking of homeschooling our oldest son next year. I can relate to everything you post about, whether it's gardening, outdoorsy activities with the family, or your random mother musings, and your photos are all beautiful as well. Some of the places you and your family go hiking are absolutely breathtaking!

Thank you Renee for such a wonderful and interesting blog, and for this easy-to-enter giveaway :)

It's so hard to pick just one. I love this whole blog and all of your thoughts! Okay, if I have to I'll pick family life updates (with adventuring a close second). That soap is beautiful :)

I found your blog as a homeschooling resource but very soon it became my daily dose of inspiration - to be bold and honest about my life priorities. Thank YOU Renee!

Your homeschooling posts help to encourage me as I will be embarking on my adventure with my oldest son next year. I look forward to beginning homeschool because of the inspiration you provide in your blog. I'm also inspired by your creative soap recipes (and other crafts/food recipes) and I've asked a friend of mine, who makes soaps, to help me start making soaps. It's also helped her think outside of the box to make layered soaps (she never thought about it so you're inspiring her in an indirect way). Also, I feel refreshed when you write of your home life and everything about it. It seems you live simply, and I love that. Makes me want to do more of living simply.

Congrats on winning! I voted too :) I recently found your blog and the first thing that had me coming back was your how-to's and homemaking posts but I have fallen in love with your Outdoorsy stuff and homeschool posts too. I would love to win some soap!

It's funny, I think that I wandered to your site looking for homeschooling inspiration and I stayed because of that and everything else. I have connected with many things you have posted and have found inspiration in so many ways. So Thank You for writing on so many interesting topics.

Oh, it is hard to pick just one area of interest! I most like to read about homemaking, vegan recipes, homeschooling and outdoor time. I find your site refreshing, honest, and uplifting. Please continue to keep the posts coming!

I mostly love your homeschooling, outdoorsy talk and the general family talk posts. I feel you are upfront and honest and I like that..there isn't that P.R. spin feel to your blog. Thanks for that.

Hi Renee, I love reading your blog!! Congrats on being a 2010 blog winner!! My favorite posts are about homeschooling, since I have just started this endeavor with my own children, and your homemaking tips. I am gradually making changes in our diet and lifestyle to be as organic as possible...and appreciate all your advice. Please keep up the great work! DANA

Thanks for the giveaway! I would love to win some of your beautiful soap. I enjoy reading about all of those subjects on FIMBY, but would choose "family life updates" and "homemaking in general" if I had to choose just two. And I also enjoy Adventure In Progress and all the outdoorsy stuff. The only posts that don't directly pertain to my life right now are the homeschooling ones, because my son is still quite little. Nonetheless, it's inspiring to read about how you manage a household and homeschooling and center your lives around the home. Both blogs have helped me discover many wonderful things - green smoothies, minimalist shoes, and more. Thank you!

How am I supposed to decide what I like best? I've tried out the recipes (that 'cream' on the baked apples is a huge hit here). I love the outdoorsy stuff (and so does my husband). But it's probably the homeschooling stuff that hits home the most - I haven't found anyone else in blogland who is quite like you...and your style and philosophy is right up my alley! Thank you!

It's the mix of topics that I find interesting and the peak into your life (I know that sounds voyeuristic...) Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

i'm fairly new to your blog, but have been enjoying all of it! i like to read about the real life stuff people are doing....so for you that is the outdoor/hiking posts.....i also enjoy reading herbal posts.....recipes for bodycare, soaps, etc...... thanks!!

I like it all but probably the homeschool info, homemaking, soap and skin, and recipes best. Thanks for the giveaway!

Oooh, your soaps always look amazing and I would love to experience one in person...thanks for the giveaway! :) I think there's a good reason you won in the "variety" category. It's great that you share so many of your passions and interests. I've never made soap and maybe I never will, but I enjoy what you write about it because your joy comes across. But the most helpful posts for me are about homeschooling, homemaking, family life, and your hiking adventures...all related, I think. I love hearing the details about how you get stuff done and schedule your days, as this is so helpful to me at the beginning of my mothering journey. Happy Birthday Brienne!!! Peace, Kelly

I love it all...but I really love the family life updates the best...and the pictures, of course! :0)

It's difficult to choose, but as a family new to homeschooling, I suppose I must choose that one. I am voraciously seeking any advice, and I love you honesty and look to you as a more seasoned homeschooling Mom! Thanks!

Renee, it's you that I appreciate the most. I cannot distinguish between the topics on the right side of my computer screen. In my world, they all combine into one. I do most appreciate you for your honesty, and vunerability, that bleeds through each post. Because of FIMBY my feelings of isolation have been replaced with a sense of community. Thank you is just not enough, but for now it's all I have. Carry on Renee...carry on

I like your posts about soap making! jmls09@aol.com

I love all your posts :) I really enjoy coming to visit you at your blog - you write in such a way that everything is interesting!

Thanks for the giveaway :)

I think the thing I like most about your blog is the natural living and vegan-y stuff. You are to some extent a role model for the life I'd like to be living and your blog is a resource for me to achieve some of my goals. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog.

What I love most about FIMBY is the homeschooling talk. It helps me keep my head on straight. :)

I found your blog because of your Best Homeschooling Blog Award. Congrats! I have been devouring all of your posts and each one is so interesting! I really am interested in all of the subjects you write about. I suppose the hiking and photography would be my least favorite, but only because it is not something that my family participates in. However, it is still interesting to read about! Looking forward to reading many more of your posts! Thank you! Lori

I think the combination of thoughtful posts, beautiful photos, and an honest window into your family life is what makes FIMBY so great. I wandered to your site a month or two ago from Simple Homeschool and I am so greatful. The first post I read here was just what I needed at that time. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed about homeschooling and family life (there is just too much info on the internet sometimes) and read something here where you said that there are things you do now that you never would have done when your children were little. And I realized that I was wasting all this energy on what I thought would be great for our future family and losing focus on our present family. Sounds silly I know. So thank you for your inspiring blog! While I originaly came here for homeschooling posts, I have enjoyed reading about healthy eating and living, being outdoors as a family and your homemade items. Warmly, Gina Brown

I started reading this blog when I was looking online for learning how to make homemade soap. There seemed to be so many interesting articles around so I bookmarked the page and then added it to my google reader so whenever a new post comes up I can make sure read it. I LOVE how family oriented this blog is! I love to see that you just seem to be so relaxed about raising a family yet very pourposeful. I LOVE how you guys go on outdoor adventures and make sure the kids participate in frugality and enjoy it! I don't have a family (yet) besides my husband but I hope we have many adventures like walking to the library and hiking, camping and making things with our hands out of love like you do. Thanks for sharing your family and heart with us I appreciate it!

I enjoy the homeschooling stuff, particularly the recent post on how your kids learned to read. I found that very encouraging and helpful!

absolutely all of it! my outdoorsy homeschooling girlies & i are making body products & are adding soap making so that is useful too. but i like reading it all ;)

It's not so much the topics you write about as it is who you are. Your quest to live a life centered on your family, an authentic relationship with Jesus, and healthy living (among many other things) paints every entry you post--no matter the topic. I know no one is perfect, but what you choose to share with us is very encouraging and makes me want to be a better person. Thank you.

What I like best about FIMBY is the:

homeschooling talk. Thank you ;)

Renee, What I love most about your blog is the truthful, honest, and raw way you write. I feel like I know you and can trust that what you say is real and I am so incredibly impressed with that. And since what you write about is what you know and love...your family and natural living, outdoor life, I am impressed with how amazingly you 5 manage to do it. Really live life. Hugs, Nicola

Renee, My favorite part about FIMBY is that as you live, and teach others how to live... truly live. raw, healthy, fun, asventerous life... a life that follows God, and teaches others how to love, and live in His creation. Your style of life has always inspired me, and my family. You are an amazing photographer, and a wonderful mom, all tied together with your passion to truly live... (i voted for you, not because you asked, but because I wanted you to feel encouraged to keep telling the world how to live this way so succeffully!) i would LOVE some more of your soap, but these words come not from deisre for it, but rather from my desire for you to be encouraged, and loved... hope you enjoy your day!

Quite honestly, I really enjoy all of your posts, but if I had to choose something in particular, it would be all of these:

soap recipes and skin how-tosoutdoorsy hiking family stuff *homemaking in general

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your family with all of us.

Wow - I'd love to have some of your homemade soap!! I think my favorite part of reading your blog is that I get ideas I can incorporate into my own homelife. Even though our family life is very different from yours, you are very honest about the joyful parts as well as the ups and downs of a mother's life and it makes me realize we're not really all that different after all. We're both trying to live our faith and raise our kids well while enjoying the journey.

Oh how I would love one of your soaps! I have always wished that you would sell them and now, I have a chance to win one! What I love about your blog is not so much the topics (although I would be lying if I said that I have not been inspired by your outdoors/hiking/woddsy fun-esp the winter variety). What I realize is that I enjoy HOW you write. I can read your musings about the trial and error of homemade- toothpaste -making and enjoy it as much as I also enjoy your self reflections. Thanks for sharing of yourself!