Here is our menu for this week with recipe links included:
For more weekly Menu Plans and Recipes visit:
Monday, January 21, 2013
Menu Plan Monday 1/21
Here is our menu for this week with recipe links included:
For more weekly Menu Plans and Recipes visit:
Sunday, January 20, 2013
LitFuse Blog Tour: The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher
About The Lesson:
Centered on one of Suzanne Woods Fisher's most loved characters, this is the story fans have eagerly anticipated. The precocious M.K. is all grown up (well, almost) and ready to take on the world-with surprising results. Fisher's trademark plot twists and turns are as unexpected and satisfying as ever in this third book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series. In her wildest dreams, spunky and impulsive nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp never imagined herself behind a schoolteacher's desk. A run-in (literally) with the schoolteacher compels her to act as a substitute teacher, just as her restless desire to see the world compels her to apply for a passport . . . just in case. The only thing of interest to M.K. in the sleepy Amish community of Stoney Ridge is the unexplained death of a sheep farmer that coincided with the arrival of a mysterious young man into the community. Frustrated that no one takes the crime seriously, she takes matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, as tends to be the case for M.K., she jumps headlong into trouble.
About Suzanne Woods Fisher:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is the host of internet radio show Amish Wisdom and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.
Connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
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My Thoughts and Review:
The Lesson is the 3rd and final book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series. I have now read all 3 and The Lesson was a GREAT ending to the series! I picked up the book and just couldn't put it down. I was even very tired the day I was reading, but I still stayed wide awake until the wee hours of the morning to finish reading.
I really enjoyed how this book had mystery and romance all in one book. I was fascinated at how many "Twists and Turns" the book took. Mary Kate is a very intriguing character who goes through many trials to learn a "Lesson" of life. Mary Kate is a spunky, adventerous girl whose adventures can sometimes get her in trouble. I related to that because I am not afraid of adventure and trouble myself. LOL Suzanne Woods Fisher completed this series with a BANG and I truly enjoyed "The Lesson" and I am sure any book lover will also!
I give The Lesson: 5 out of 5 Stars
Celebrate the release of The Lesson with Suzanne Woods Fisher by entering to win one of TWO iPads!
- A brand new iPad
- A $15 gift certificate to iTunes
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book as part of my participation in the LitFuse Blog Tour Program. I was only required to give an honest review. I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own!
Friday, January 4, 2013
CWA Review Crew: TITL Apparel
I have always wanted and searched for good quality clothing to express my Christian faith, but I could never find any. Well that was until I was offered a product in exchange for a review of product and website!
Introducing: TITL Apparel Christian apparel boutique featuring designer products for both men and women. TITL is taken from Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. TITL puts many of their profits into ministries to help save the lost. I appreciate a company that provides for others through their business.
I selected a very nice Long Sleeve T-Shirt as seen below. Retail Value: $54.00
Back of Shirt
I did find the website a little difficult to navigate at first, but quickly began discovering how to navigate it easier. I was wishing instead of having to scroll to see the merchandise that it would be thumbnails and then link to the item page. I eventually navigated my way around and selected a product I wanted to review.
The day the mail lady delivered the package, I got all excited like a kid on Christmas morning. I ran into the apartment and tore open the package and out came a BEAUTIFUL shirt. I had ordered a 2XL and upon examination I thought "this is not going to fit me" as it looked "tight and small". I tried it on and to my delight it fit PERFECTLY. I normally like my clothes a little loose, but the style of this shirt it felt GREAT to have it a little tight. Things I LOVE about this shirt: The quality of material and how the product was made: PHENOMENAL! The material is very soft and feels great on the skin. The shirt is made so that you can wear something under it but I haven't needed to do so yet. The rhinestones and design on the back are high quality. My 8yr old son tried to "pick a couple off" but he couldn't. It is very clear that the rhinestones were put on in a delicate manner and those who did the work did it WONDERFULLY! Things I dislike about this shirt: NOTHING! I LOVE this shirt and have worn it proudly many times!
TITL Apparel is run by Stephanie Osborn. Stephanie has apparel and jewelry for both men and women. The prices are very reasonable for the quality you are getting. I HIGHLY recommend TITL Apparel for yourself, for gifts, for anyone looking for quality Christian Apparel and Jewelry!
To learn more about TITL Apparel and Jewelry products you can visit TITL Apparel on their Website, Blog and/or Facebook Page.
Disclosure: I received the shirt to review from TITL Apparel as part of my participation in The CWA Review Team. I was only required to write an honest review I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.
Monday, December 31, 2012
My Crazy Busy Life: Goodbye 2012
WOW, this year has certainly gone by SUPER FAST! I myself didn't really get to "Enjoy" this year as I have been EXTREMELY busy this year.
2012 started off great, we were in our normal routine. I have Vein Surgery on March 9th to help relieve the pain from the Superficial Phlebitis I had been suffering from for almost 2yrs. The surgery was very easy, even under Local Anesthesia and barely any pain killers. I was pain free and no swelling for a few months. I was a very happy camper.
Our family continued to follow our normal routine until Mid-May. Mid-May my mom had foot surgery and then a week later my dad ended up in the hospital and then Rehab/Nursing Home for a foot issue. This is when things got super busy and haven't slowed down. The boys and I become the "Drivers" for getting my mom back and forth to Dr. appointments, grocery shopping and more. My dad stayed in the Rehab until late July, so I was also going back and forth to the Rehab for visits, laundry help, and more. My dad was home from Rehab for a couple of weeks, only to have his foot problem get worse and he returned to Rehab. The Rehab center bought in a Podiatrist who took one look at my dad's foot and diagnosed the problem. He stayed at Rehab until late September and came home. This is when life got REALLY BUSY! He can't drive at this time because his foot is in a cast, but he needs to get to Dialysis 3x a week. I have been getting up at 3am, picking him up at 3:45am, dropping him off by 4:30am and getting back home by 5am. My brother was picking him in the beginning, but for the past 5 weeks or so hasn't been able to do pickups as he is now working. So now I do drop off and my boys and I do pick up 3 days a week. I know children are supposed to take care of their parents when they are older(even though my parents are that "old").
I know this year has been a time of life lessons and helping others which is great for my boys, we are just TIRED! We have seen the inside of our van more then anything else this year! I know God puts us through "seasons" in our life and takes us off course for reasons only he knows. The boys and I have looking forward to a "new season" or even our "normal season" to hopefully return soon! I know God's plan will always come into plan before my own "desires and plans" and that has been proven this year!
My year in review update would usually include all the Family Fun activities we normally do like Park Days, Picnics/BBQ's, Library Days, exploring Chicago, and much more, but we haven't had time or energy to do much of anything this year. I am an AVID reader and I the only reading I did this year was reading the books for my Book Reviews that I do. I didn't do my usually Library visits for reading materials. I had set a book reading goal this year and came NOWHERE close to that goal. I have had no time for BLOGGING as you all can see from the "bareness" of the blog this year. I was just making my review deadlines. I have not had time to do weekly Menu Planning and get organized with our grocery shopping. I had begun to take part in a 36 in 366 challenge on a message board I am on, but had to "Abandon my List" because I just haven't had time and energy for accomplishing to much other then taking care of my parents. My boys are getting TIRED and BORED of being in the van so much. They are good sports most of the time, but as of December it has really "worn on them".
The one MAJOR thing that I did accomplish for me was I finally demanded the Dentist allow me to get Dentures and the Dentist finally agreed. Here is more on my Dental Journey, Dental Journey Update and a pic of the day I got my "teeth"!
I am looking forward to 2013! I am looking forward to getting my household back in order and back on routine! I am looking forward to many days of Family Fun for our family of 5. I am looking forward to having my boys experience new and different things and more of the same! I am looking forward to making 2013 one of the BEST yet and being a RELAXING year!
Friday, December 14, 2012
12 Pearls of Christmas- Day 1: God with Us . . . And Us with Him by Susan May Warren
Welcome to the12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!
Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.
We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items (books, a gift pack, music CDs) from the contributors! Enter now on Facebook or at the Pearl Girls blog. The winner will announced on January 2, 2013 at the Pearl Girls blog.
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
***
God with Us . . . And Us with HimBy: Susan May Warren
Every year over labor day weekend, the Warren family has a MWE. Mandatory Warren Event. It’s a call to come home and enjoy the long weekend with our favorite people. Since my children have left for college, I relish every second of this weekend—the laughter in the kitchen, the long conversations in the family room, the frenzy of backyard football, the quietness of the morning as we drink coffee on the deck and watch the sunrise. I cherish these people, and when they are with me, I drink in their presence.
I’ve been reading the prophecies about Christ this season and came across Isaiah 7:14, Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
I am struck by the word Immanuel. God with us. The closest I get to comprehending this is reading about how Jesus’ loved his disciples. Surely they relished the time with him more profoundly after his resurrection, knowing he would soon leave.
Thankfully, he didn’t leave them for long and sent His Holy Spirit. God . . . still with them.
As I consider the magnitude of this God who would come to earth, who would abide with the disciples, and then with me, I have to wonder not only do I relish God’s presence in my life, but does God relish time with me? Am I committed to embracing His entrance into my life? Am I even making the effort to see Him?
Imagine that during our MWE weekend, I ignored my children, and they, me? I would lose the joy of their presence.
It is not surprising to me that the Jewish people did not recognize their Savior. After all, who would guess that the Almighty might package himself as a baby and appear among them, fragile and dependent? But today, we know the story, we know the miracles, we know the truth, and God invites us into an abundant relationship, one that He wishes to relish, one that will change us. A relationship that will slake our thirsts and satisfy our hungers. One that reminds us that we are never alone.
Because every day we are a mandatory event to our Immanuel.
This season, look for the ways that God is your Immanuel, with you, every day.
***
Susan May Warren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 40 novels. With over 750,000 books in print, her stories of family, romance and adventure have earned her acclaim and reader fans from around the world. Visit her website for upcoming books and sneak peeks!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Menu Plan Monday 11/26
Praising God for such a wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend! The ENTIRE family was all present for the first time in 16yrs and it was AMAZING!! Had a wonderful feast prepared by my sister and had fun "hanging out"! My family was also blessed with a Pre-cooked meal from a local grocery by a small group from our church. I also went out on Thanksgiving Day and purchased a 15lb Turkey to put in our freezer for cooking at a later time. I paid $8.78 after the sale price! I do hope to catch another sale during the next month and hopefully get a couple more.
Here is our menu plan for the week with recipe links in blue: Weekly Menu Plan 11/25-12/1
For more Menu Plans and Recipes links visit:
LitFuse Blog Tour: The Breath of Dawn by Kristen HeitzMann
About The Breath of Dawn:
"Heitzmann weaves a many-layered tale keep[ing] readers entertained and wondering when the next bit of drama will occur." -Publishers Weekly
Corporate turnaround specialist Morgan Spencer, dubbed the "success guru," has a Midas touch in business. But losing his wife sent him to the brink, and his two-year-old daughter, Livie, is all he's living for-until they encounter a woman whose trouble just might draw him out of his own.
Four years ago Quinn Reilly did the right thing. Now the man her testimony put in jail is getting out. Though she has put up barriers to protect herself and those around her, she has come to care for the Spencer family, especially the winsome Livie and her mercurial father. Unwilling to put them at risk when the threats begin, she requests something she hopes the super-successful Morgan might be able to deliver.
Fixing problems is what Morgan does best, but his counterproposal takes them in a direction neither is equipped to handle. Determined to confront the past, will they survive to build a future?
Link to buy the book:
Meet Kristen:
Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of over a dozen novels, including "Freefall", "Halos", "A Rush of Wings", and the Christy Award winner "Secrets". She and her husband, Jim, and their family live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she serves as worship leader in their church.
Find out more about Kristen at:
My Thoughts and Review:
I am a fan of Kristen Heitzmann, having read many of her books. The Breath of Dawn proved to be another favorite! Breath of Dawn is the 3rd book in a series, but is also great as a Standalone Novel. I have not read the first 2 books in this series, but I was not lost in the storyline.
I really like how the characters in this book grow in their faith and overcome obstacles in this story. The book is filled with suspense and twists and turns that it is hard to put the book down once you pick it up! I really related to Quinn Reilly in the fact that I also "put up barriers" when I feel I need to protect myself. Quinn gave me some inspiration and encouragement that with God's Love and help you can break those barriers and bring 'em down!
The Breath of Dawn does not disappoint the reader! I give this book 5 out of 5 stars! LOVE Kristen Heitzmann books!
Contest Sponsored by the Author: Win a Kindle Paperwhite and connect with Kristen at her 11/27 Facebook Party!
Kristen Heitzmann is celebrating The Breath of Dawn by giving away one of the new Paperwhite Kindles and hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. (11/27)
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Paperwhite
- The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann
So grab your copy of The Breath of Dawn and join Kristen on the evening of the November 27th for a chance to connect with Kristen and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book as part of my participation in the LitFuse Blog Tour Program. I was only required to give an honest review. I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.
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