Friday, July 30, 2010

God's Nuggets: Return to the Garden

Return to the Garden: Embracing God's Design for Sexuality


I recently finished the Bible study called Return to the Garden by Kay Arthur.  It's about embracing God's design for purity.  This study highlighted a lot of passages from the Bible that really speaks to keeping pure in the society we face today.  I really encourage every young woman, mother and grandma to take this class.  

You will learn about:
*The beauty of a woman
*The gift you can only give once
*Man: predator or protector?
*The seductress and how not to be one
*The way love should be

Every lesson is thought provoking and convicting.  How does God want you to live in light of the way he designed you?

You can download video at Lifeway and order the book here: Return to the Garden: Embracing God's Design for Sexuality.

Blessings as you seek God and His plan for your life!  -Shonda

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Upcoming Giveaway Events

I have a few upcoming giveaway events and I would like your help!

I have 2 events planned for Knowlton Nest: 
*Pamper Me, Please in September
*Organic Yummies in October

I need help for creating buttons (at low cost or barter) and review products.  

If you are graphically skilled, I would like to see what you have to offer to help make buttons to advertise this event.  Please fill out the form below of your interest.

If you have an Etsy shop, store or other type of business that you could contribute review/giveaway products.  Please fill out the form below.  

For Pamper Me, Please I am looking for lotions, jewelry, bag/purses, clothes, soaps, lip balms and anything else that speaks to pamering!

For Organic Yummies I am looking for anything that is organic and yummy!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Heavenly Homemakers: Do The Funky Kitchen

I tell you, what I wouldn't do to get my kitchen in order so I can start cooking like Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers.  Oh, wait, Laura wrote this great book that tells you EXACTLY how to get your kitchen functional for all the cooking you will be doing for your family.  I love to have a clean kitchen where I can find everything, but sometimes I get distracted with what I actually need. 


Laura takes you step by step:
*how to clean each area of your kitchen
*ways to keep it clean
*what to keep, what to get rid of
*comprehensive list for essentials for your kitchen


I am starting to work on my "Funky Kitchen."  How about you?  You can download it for only $4.95.  It's a nice little book to keep handy!  Click here to view more details (As an affiliate, I receive a portion of the sale from this product.  Thank you for shopping.)

Monday, July 26, 2010

Homemaker Honey Book Club: The Husband Project

The Husband Project: 21 Days of Loving Your Man--on Purpose and with a Plan

Deborah at Homemaker Honey is hosting a book club and we are going to read The Husband Project: 21 Days of Loving Your Man--on Purpose and with a Plan.  I'm so excited.  Do you want to join in?  Get your book today and also head over to Deborah's site and let her know you are interested.  Let's learn to love our husbands!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Ransomed Dreams Book Review and Giveaway!!

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books.  A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured.  The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between!  Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!


Today's Wild Card author is:


and the book:

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (June 7, 2010)
***Special thanks to Vicky Lynch of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


When the going gets tough—or weird or wonderful—the daydreamer gets going on a new story. Sally John has been tweaking life's moments into fiction since she read her first Trixie Belden mystery as a child.

Now an author of more than fifteen novels, Sally writes stories that reflect contemporary life. Her passion is to create a family, turn their world inside out, and then portray how their relationships change with each other and with God. Her goal is to offer hope to readers in their own relational and faith journeys.

Sally grew up in Moline, Illinois, graduated from Illinois State University, married Tim in 1973, and taught in middle schools. She is a mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. A three-time finalist for the Christy Award, she also teaches writing workshops. Her books include the Safe Harbor series (coauthored with Gary Smalley), The Other Way Home series, The Beach House series, and In a Heartbeat series. Many of her stories are set in her favorite places of San Diego, Chicago, and small-town Illinois.

She and her husband currently live in southern California.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (June 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414327854
ISBN-13: 978-1414327853

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


Topala, Mexico

Eighteen months later

Like everything about the small village tucked into the foothills of the Sierra Madres in central Mexico, sunrise was a leisurely event.

   Sheridan waited for it, tea mug in hand, shawl over her cotton nightgown, bare feet chilled against the tile floor of the second-story balcony. Alone, she listened in the dark to the squawk of roosters and clung to their promise that the world would once again know light.

   “Oh, good grief,” she murmured to herself with a groan. “That is so maudlin. Truly and hopelessly maudlin. You might try something more chipper. Something like . . . Something like . . .” Her foggy brain offered nothing.

   She scrunched her nose in defeat. The morning had shuffled in on the heels of a sleepless night. Chipper was not going to happen, no matter how hard she tried to talk herself into it.

   If she could turn the calendar back eighteen months, she would not be talking to herself. No. Eliot would be right next to her, responding, most likely pointing out a dozen chipper thoughts in that funny way of his.

   Nostalgia and regret hit her, a powerful one-two punch that still took her breath away. She clenched her teeth, waiting for it to pass, mentally spewing forth a verbal attack at the counselor who had promised her that time healed all wounds, that month by month they would see improvement.

   What drivel that was! Eighteen months—or to be more precise, seventeen months, three weeks, and two days; but who was counting? All that time had passed and only one thing was healed: Eliot’s gunshot wound. His other wounds, the invisible ones, still oozed like toxins from a waste dump site. He was not the same man she had married.

   Sheridan took a deep breath and let the bitter argument go. Nostalgia and regret settled back down into whatever corner of her heart they’d found to hide out in. Their impact, though, lingered.

   Would time ever erase her longing for the Eliot she had married? The animated one, the one others adored, the one who was engaged in every detail of life, whether simple or complex, with every person who crossed his path. The one from B.C.E., Before the Caracas Episode. Now, in their A.C.E. days, he might as well be a deaf-mute for all the interest he showed in the world around him.

   Sleep-deprived, she totally blamed him. She didn’t mean to. It wasn’t like he had much of a choice. The bullet that shattered his nerves shattered their life. Everything about it was over. Health, career, home, friends. All gone. Kaput. Some days she barely recognized herself and Eliot. Where were the Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery she once knew? These routines, hometown, health, acquaintances, and even personalities seemed lifted from the pages of some stranger’s biography.

   “Oh, honestly. Get over it already, Sher.” She forced a swallow of tea and focused on the scene before her.

   A lone sunbeam pierced between two mountain peaks and sliced into the distant mists. Another followed. And another and another until finally pure light broke free. Valleys and canyons burst into sight. Loud birdsong erupted. Then, as if God had uncurled His fist, long fingers of sunlight shot forth and touched the wrought-iron railing where she stood.

   It was achingly gorgeous.

   Sheridan flicked at a tear seeping from the corner of her eye. “You should have stayed in bed, you foolish, stubborn woman.”

   Sunrises were the worst because they represented the best of what had been.

   Most days she could ignore that thought. Evidently not today. She and Eliot were morning people. Had been morning people. Their daily ritual of tea and conversation at an east-facing view, awaiting dawn, was seldom missed. With crazy-full schedules, they needed such a time to relate on the deepest levels. Some days their hearts positively danced and sang in union. Naturally, through the years the tune changed now and then, the tempo sped up and slowed down, but the music never stopped. It never stopped. They always talked. They always connected.

   Until that day in Caracas.

   Now she watched sunrises by herself.

   “You really should’ve stayed in bed.”

   But it was so beautiful. And it went on and on like a slow waltz. At the bottom of her street now, purple haze still shrouded the town square. The sky brightened in slow motion above it, the fiery ball itself still hiding behind a peak.

   Something moved in the semidarkness below. A person. Early risers were not uncommon, but she was startled. Something felt off about this one.

   Or was that just her hypervigilance? Compliments of the incident in Caracas, it kicked into gear at times without warning, filling her with anxiety and suspicion.

   Now she could see that it was a man. He passed the bandstand, his strides too deliberate for a villager, too American. He headed straight for the steep incline that led up to her house. In city terms, the distance was perhaps a block. In Topala terms, it was simply up beyond the sculptor’s shop.

   The sun overtook the peaks and the man came into view.

   “No way.” Her heartbeat slowed, but not quite to normal.

   Even with his face concealed by a ball cap, his body clothed in a generic khaki jacket and blue jeans, a city block separating them, she recognized him. She recognized him simply because the air vibrated with him.

   Luke Traynor owned whatever space he occupied.

   Sheridan set the mug on the table beside her, tightened the shawl around her shoulders, and massaged her left arm. She felt no surprise at his unannounced arrival nor at the early hour. It was as if she had always expected him to show up sooner or later.

   But as he climbed the narrow street, an uneasiness rose within her. Her muscles tensed. Why was he here? He had promised not to come. Sixteen months ago he promised. Not that she was keeping track. . . .

   The sound of a soft whistle drew her attention back toward the square. Javier, the young sculptor, stood on the porch steps outside his shop. Behind him, the handicraft shop owner emerged from his door.

   Javier raised his chin in question.

   Sheridan gave a half nod. They needn’t be concerned. The stranger was, so to speak, a known quantity. Not that she felt the least bit glad to see Luke. Eliot would most likely be severely distressed at his arrival.

   Wishing Luke were an apparition did not make it so. He continued his steady pace, arms swinging gently, head down as if he studied the cobblestones, making his way to her house.

   Since that day in Caracas—the day her husband died in every sense except physically, the day this man saved her life—Sheridan had understood intuitively that Luke would always be a part of her life. And there he was, out of the blue, ascending her street in the middle of nowhere on a spring day as if he visited all the time.

   She suddenly remembered the date. “Good grief.”

   It was Annunciation Day, a day of remembrance, of celebration for when the angel Gabriel visited Mary and announced her future. How apropos. Luke appeared without warning. He would not have come unless he had something to tell her, some message that would irreversibly change her future.

   Was this his joke or God’s?

   Luke neared and looked up, straight at her.

   She saw not the man whose presence had always triggered apprehension in her, but rather the guardian angel who had saved her life.

   Sheridan turned and made her way inside, down the stairs, and through the house.

* * *

Sheridan opened the front door and stopped.

   Luke Traynor stood less than six feet away, at the low gate in the stone wall where her front terrace met the steep hill.

   She returned his steady gaze, knowing full well her own expression did not mirror the one before her. While dread, relief, and excessive gratitude rearranged every muscle on her face, his remained perfectly composed. The sharp nose, thin lips, and deep-set eyes could have been made of the same cobblestone he stood on.

   He flashed a rakish grin. “I was in the neighborhood.”

   “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

   He cocked his head, somber again. Always the gentleman, he waited for her to make the first move.

   Sheridan clutched her shawl more closely and resigned herself to riding out the emotional disarray rumbling through her. She both loathed and loved this man. Of course he knew that, so it didn’t matter how she reacted to him except that she’d like herself better if she were polite.

   With a quiet sigh, she walked to him, planted a kiss on his scruffy, unshaven cheek, and eased into his embrace. Nestled against the rough collar of his jacket, she smelled the familiar scent of him, an indescribable mix of earth, sun-drenched air, and confidence that bordered on lunacy. She felt the hardness of his body, always unexpected given his average height and build.

   “Sheridan. How are you?”

   “Fine.” She backed away, crossing her arms.

   “And Eliot?” he said. “How is he?”

   “Fine.”

   Luke blinked, a slow movement of lids indicating he could take the truth.

   She wanted to shriek obscenities at him. The disconcerting thing about angels, though, was that it was impossible to keep up any sort of pretense. Like an angel, Luke had stayed close beside her for long weeks after the shooting. He had gone with her to the edge of hell, holding on to her until she came back. He knew her better than she knew herself. Glossing over answers was a waste of time with him.

   She tried another phrase. “We’re doing about as well as could be expected.”

   He nodded.

   “Eliot is still asleep.”

   “It’s early. Perhaps I can greet him later.”

   The resistance drained from her. Yes, Gabriel had come to deliver a message, and he would not leave until he’d done so.

   She had no inkling how to shield Eliot and herself from this unexpected source of distress but gave a lame attempt. “I don’t suppose you’re passing through town and simply must be on your way right now, this very minute?”

   “Sorry.”

   She inhaled, her shoulders lifting with the effort, and blew the breath out with force. “Coffee?”

   “Love some.”


Excerpted from Ransomed Dreams by Sally John. Copyright 2010 by Sally John. Used with permission from Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.
  Here's my review:
Sheridan Montgomery's life changed in one instant when her ambassador husband was shot leaving him with debilitating injuries.  Eighteen months after the tragedy, Sheridan is living in a remote village in Mexico and is summoned home to the US by her frantic sister concerning the health of her father and some deeply hidden secrets.  Sheridan's life is once again turned around and she questions all she holds onto when she finds buried secrets revealed and she must make tough decisions for herself and her marriage.

The introduction grabbed my attention and from then on it was downhill.  I read through the whole book hoping the urgency and mystery would propel me forward.  Unfortunately, the setting wasn't finished until the middle of the book.  But at that time the conversations seemed to be repeated over and over.  The emotional connection between Luke and Sheridan was so much more interesting than with Sheridan and her husband and as a Christian novel I wasn't impressed with how it was handled.  To me, the whole book had a "soft" atmosphere and wasn't the gripping story I was hoping for.  But what I liked best were that the chapters were short and I felt that the writer fully developed the characters.

*This book was provided to me free of charge for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*


Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this book.  Open to US only and giveaway ends Friday, Aug 6.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.


1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
5. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
6. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 
 

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Giveaways ending on Friday!!

Just a brief note that I have 3 giveaways ending on Friday, July 23 at 12pm PST.  I need to get some info off to the sponsors and I need the weekend to focus on packing for my trip.  So don't forget to enter:

*Simple Green Naturals ends 7/23
*First Juice Brand ends 7/23
*The I Hate to Cook Book ends 7/23 (2 winners)
 

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

My Scent Essence Review and Giveaway!!



How do you create a pleasant and appealing atmosphere in your home?  You could bake something yummy, put out fragrant flowers that only last for a little bit or use a room spray that lasts for just a moment.  But wouldn't you rather display a unique, elegant lamp that allows you to choose whatever fragrance fits your mood and have it last as long as you want?  Try My Scent Essence.

I was privileged to review 3 wonderful products from My Scent Essence.  I chose a lovely sculptured lamp that was easy to plug in and adjustable to how much heat I wanted to have with my fragrance.  I also picked 2 entirely different Scent Shakes to fill the little bowl on top of the lamp.  My choices were: Lavender Apple and Cinna Cookie Dough.  My sculptured lamp had a very pretty pink cylinder that covered the lightbulb and reflected the beautiful glass objects from the mirror stand.  I really enjoyed Cinna Cookie Dough because it made me think of making cookies.  It had a very sweet smell with a hint of cinnamon.  Lavender Apple reminded me of the scent from a store that I like to visit.  It definitely has both lavender and apple distinctives.


The My Scent Essence system is very exclusive .  The motto is "Making homes smell great just got easier!"  The scent shakes are little bags with scented wax beads in shapes of hearts and beads.  Only a few pieces are needed (about 25) to shake into the warmer dish.  Then you set your desired lighting level.  The higher the level, the stronger the aroma.  But the best feature of all is if you want to change fragrances, turn off the lamp  and let the wax harden, and pop out of the dish.  There is no need for pouring, scraping or freezing!  I love it!

*This product was provided to me free of charge for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this product and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*


Buy it: Visit My Scent Essence to get your very own scent system to change the atmosphere of your home!

Win it: My Scent Essence is graciously giving away 1 cubical electric warmer and 2 (2 oz) scent shakes of your choosing.  Giveaway open to US.  Giveaway ends Friday, Aug 6.

To enter: Be sure to connect to all the links before filling out the form for entry.



1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Visit My Scent Essence and share the LINK to your favorite item. (required)
3. Share this giveaway on another site and come back and comment with the share status/link. (required)
4. Follow My Scent Essence on Twitter- @Scent Essence
5. Sign up for the My Scent Essence enewsletter
6. "Like" Scent Essence of Facebook
7. Subscribe to mySE Blog’s RSS feed http://myseblog.myscentessence.com
8. Put my button on your blog and provide the link.
9. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
10."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
11. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog)  
12. Follow me on Twitter-@shondaet 

Suggested Tweet: Win a Cubical Electric warmer and 2 ScentShakes from @ScentEssence on Knowlton Nest


Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The Gardener and The Vine created by Andrew McDonough Book Review

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!


Today's Wild Card author is:

Andrew McDonough

and the book:

Zondervan (January 15, 2010)
***Special thanks to Pam Mettler of Zondervan for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Andrew is the creator, writer, and illustrator of the Lost Sheep series. Way back in 1989 as a young Bible college student, Andrew was asked to give the dreaded “children’s talk” at a large church. Andrew possessed one talent: he could draw sheep. He bought some overheard projector sheets and drew up the story of Cecil and the Lost Sheep. The congregation loved it, so Andrew continued to draw stories to use with kids and adults. Other student, pastors, and teachers started borrowing the stories.



Product Details:

List Price: $4.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (January 15, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310719461
ISBN-13: 978-0310719465

PRESS THE BROWSE BUTTON TO VIEW THE FIRST CHAPTER:





Here's my review:

The Gardener and The Vine created by Andrew McDonough is a unique retelling of John 15:1, 5 for children.  Basil is a small branch in the middle of a lonely desert when the Gardener finds him.  He immediately asks to take Basil back with him, but he has good news and bad news.  Basil thinks he can trust the Gardener, but he has many doubts each time there is a transition of being cut and grafted.  When Basil is finally connected to a larger vine he understands the decisions of the Gardener are only for his good.

I thought this was a beautiful picture of one of my favorite Bible passages.  I think children would be drawn to this simple story with colorful illustrations.  There is also a page in the back that offers suggestions to parents for introducing the story and having discussion after the story.  I can't wait for my son to get a little older so he can learn all about Jesus' love for him with this sweet book, The Gardener and The Vine.

*This book was provided to me free of charge by FIRST Wild Card Tours for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*

Giveaway Scout!!

I've been browsing many blogs and I keep seeing this posting about Giveaway Scout.  They automatically search blogs and list giveaways.  I don't know about you, but sometimes I spend so much time listing giveaways that I have no time to enter them.  So give it a try, I am!!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Booking It July 2010

Whew!  I've been so busy reading books for review that I haven't read any of "my" choosing.  Although I choose all of my books for review, but I used to be a library hound and now I only get books for my toddler there.  Well, I'm having fun anyway, and I do some great giveaways.

Books I read in July:
*Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James (giveaway ends 7/30)
*Love on a Dime (giveaway ends 7/30)
*Beachcombers (giveaway ends 7/21)
*Happily Ever Laughter
*The Mailbox- I loved this one!
*Way Back in the Country Garden
*Her Last Plea
*Return to the Garden- Bible study by Kay Arthur

I also am reading through the Bible and am up to Proverbs.

Completing Him Challenge- The Way to a Man's Heart...

 
This week's challenge is: Make your husband a priority. Ask him what his favorite dinner, dessert and drink are. Be sure to serve him all three one night this week. Bonus: cook his favorite dishes all week long!

Well, I am going to do this another week, because this week I am so busy getting ready for a trip.  I want to make my meal really special for my husband and I want to be completely engaged in that process. However, I really do try to make meals that he looks forward to everyday when he comes home from work on a regular basis. 

I hope that you are able to bless your husband by making him a priority this week.  I can't wait to read about what other wives are doing. 


This challenge has really helped me stay focused on my husband.  I hope to continue these great ideas to keep my husband as my priority as God as called me to do.  I love him so much and am so glad that we just celebrated our 6th anniversary this last weekend.


For more inspiration visit Woman Living Well.

Beautiful Malice Book Review and Giveaway!! (CLOSED)

Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James is a terrifying suspense novel of hateful revenge.  Katherine is a high school student who is trying to put the past behind as she tries to blend into her new school environment.  Then she meets Alice, beautiful and outgoing, everything Katherine is not.  The two become close friends, but never share their terrible secrets with each other.  After Alice begins to change and exhibits bizarre behavior in social settings, Katherine moves on and eventually finds the love of her life.  Alice continues to invade Katherine's life until a dark secret is revealed that binds the two girls together and eventually destroys Katherine's hopes for the future.

I absolutely love suspenseful books and I could not put this down.  There were so many unanswered questions that I had to keep reading.  The author does an excellent job of ending chapters at critical points to keep you guessing.  I did not know what would happen next.  This story definitely takes you into a world of obsession and mind games.  The author does a fantastic job of character development and making twists and turns in the story.  I would love to read this again at a slower pace to get all the details.  If you want a fascinating and thrilling story, then read Beautiful Malice.

*This book was provided to me free of charge by Pump Up Your Book for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*


Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this book.  Open to US only and giveaway ends Friday, July 30.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.



1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
5. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
6. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 

Friday, July 16, 2010

Grandma's Back to Basics All Natural More Than Just a Cookbook Review and Giveaway!!

Grandma's Back to Basics All Natural More Than Just a Cookbook

 Grandma's Back to Basics All Natural More Thank Just a Cookbook by Teresa Thompson is a recipe book full of food, fun and ideas.  Teresa begins by recalling her life growing up with severe allergies and how she had to learn what foods she could eat that would not cause an allergic reaction.  She found that food that came from natural sources rather than processed made her body feel good.  She was able to live in freedom again and enjoy her food.  Her goal with this book was to give healthy recipes using food from the earth.  Most of her recipes also give suggestions for alternative ingredients that replace what you might normally buy.  Her recipes include breads, breakfasts, desserts, sandwiches, soups, vegetables, main dishes, beverages and sauces.

I really liked the suggestions Teresa gave regarding substitutes for sweeteners like using honey, pure maple syrup and making your own powdered sugar.  Her recipes are very simple and actually use many ingredients you already have.  I'm not sure if all of her recipes are truly healthy as many of them call for sour cream and cream cheese.  However, Teresa has complied some unique recipes that would be fun to try.  Here are few recipe titles that caught my eye and made me wonder what they would taste like: Upside Down Muffins, Chicken Broccoli Casserole and Banana Milk shake.  So here are the pictures of these recipes.  Of course, if you want the recipes you may either buy the book or enter to win the giveaway.
 Chicken Broccoli Casserole- very tasty!
Upside Down Muffins- I love the sweet pecan topping.
Very yummy Banana Milkshake!

I received a complimentary copy of (Book Title) as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team.  Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Buy it:You can purchase this book at Dorrance Publishing Online Bookstore.

Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this book.  Open to US only and giveaway ends Friday, July 30.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.


1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
5. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
6. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 




Thursday, July 15, 2010

Love on a Dime Book Review and Giveaway!!

Love on a Dime (Ladies of Summerhill)

Anonymous authoress, blackmail, love triangle, sordid pasts, and Newport high society social circles are all combined in Cara Lynn James' debut novel Love on a Dime set in the late 1800's.  Lilly Westbrook is none other than the famed dime novelist under the pen name of Fannie Cole.  She hides her writing from her high society family so as not to disgrace them, but to be independent and support her favored charity.  Just as Lilly is about to be engaged to a man of good social standing, her former first love, Jackson Grail arrives in town as the new owner for the company that publishes Lilly's novels.  Lilly secretly still loves Jackson, but will not reveal her writing to him, yet she knows her family would disapprove of her career and expect her to marry a well to do man.  Lilly is caught between her two men and her love for writing.  How does Lilly survive as she is being threatened by blackmail and trying to make important decisions of the heart?

I really liked the plot of this book, but I felt that many parts of the book got sluggish and conversations between Lilly and Jackson were much the same.  Lilly was definitely a woman trying to live in a rich society where she felt that she did not fit.  I identified with her love for writing, reading and being independent.  I wished that she had taken Jackson's offer of help so many times but of course, then there wouldn't be good conflict if she had.  I was very surprised at the ending and was glad all the mysterious pieces finally came together.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this book.  Open to US only and giveaway ends Friday, July 30.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.


1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
5. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
6. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Great Giveaways on Homemaker Honey!!


Deborah  over at Homemaker Honey has some great giveaways going on for her "Hello Handsome" Event!  All giveaways end on Wednesday, July 21.

I entered these giveaways:

I also entered a giveaway for Homemaker Honey's book club book: The Husband Project!

So head on over and enter for yourself.  There are so many more that I didn't even enter yet!


Monday, July 12, 2010

Completing Him Challenge: Priorities

This morning I sat down and asked my husband what his top 5 priorities are for me as his wife and mother to our son.  I gave him a few examples, but he mostly came up with his own list.  It was pretty much what I expected (I know my hubby well), but it also gave me some goals that I can work on.  There was one topic that came up about teaching our son and we are going to have a more in depth conversation about that at another time.  I'm so glad my husband opened up and shared his goals and heart for our home.  Now, I need to make a little plaque somewhere so I can remember them everyday.  (I chose not to post my list because it is personal). 

I encourage you to have a chat with your husband and get your own list.  If you need ideas just head over to Woman Living Well and read all the other testimonies.  I feel so blessed everytime I read what others are doing to make their marriage better!

The I Hate to Cook Book Review and Giveaway!!

The I Hate to Cook Book: 50th Anniversary Edition

The I Hate To Cook Book by Peg Bracken is a hilarious, yet realistic book for those who hate to cook, but have to.  This 50th Anniversary edition has been updated and revised and includes a new forward by the author's daughter, Jo Bracken.  The recipes in this book were meant for the cook who wants to spend less time in the kitchen.  Oddly enough, the ingredients in the recipes are readily available in your kitchen and can allow you to whip up an effortless, yet tasty dish for your family.  Not only that, with hints and tips, Peg offers a way for you to make your meals seem extravagant and luxurious.  The book starts off with a chapter for making 30 easy dinners and ends with a super funny chapter on how to have conversations about food.  The era of the 1960's (first publication) shines through at times and will make you smile, but most of the recipes and hints are ageless and this makes Peg Bracken's book a classic!

I really enjoyed reading this cookbook.  I consider myself someone who really enjoys cooking, but I would like every so often to give up and just throw together a quick meal like Peg Bracken's book suggests.  What I found endearing about this book was that the presentation was conversational and at times very hilarious!  Tucked between the recipes are short narratives explaining why and how recipes were chosen.  There were also many menu plan ideas complete with main course, side dish, salad, dessert and beverage.  My two favorite chapters were Little Kids' Parties and Household Hints.  This is one book worth owning, if not only for the recipes, but also for the nostalgia.

When I review cookbooks, I like to make at least one recipe from the book.  I chose to make Cockeyed Cake.
 Yummy, moist and very chocolatey!

*This book was provided to me free of charge by Hachette Book Group for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
  

Win it:  The Hatchette Book Group is offering 2 books for this giveaway!  Open to US and Canada only. Giveaway ends Friday, July 23. (No PO Boxes)

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.


1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
5. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
6. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 


First Juice Brand Review and Giveaway!!


 Recently Shrade and I were given the chance to try First Juice Brand.  What a treat!  These were the flavors that we were sent:
*Blueberry + Purple carrot
*Peach + Purple carrot
*Banana + carrot
*Apple + carrot

I was pretty amazed that you could combine 2 very different kinds of fruit and vegetables and come up with such a yummy juice.  Every time I gave Shrade a taste of the juice he said "Mmmmmmm."  He was very eager to try each flavor with me.  I'm not much of a juice drinker myself, but what I really liked about First Juice is the light and healthy taste.  I think I could drink a whole 32 oz bottle in one sitting.  I thought the combinations were so original and tasty.

Here's the lowdown on the benefits of First Juice Brand for you and especially your toddler:
*Organic
*Low in sugar
*Introduces young children to healthy colorful fruits and vegetables
*Flavorful
*Fun
*Easily portable and reusable 8 oz bottles
*Bottles are BPA free
*Much more information on www.firstjuice.com.

*These products were provided to me free of charge by First Juice for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of these products and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
 

Buy it: Visit First Juice for store locations and online retailers who carry these yummy products!


Win it:
One reader will receive 1 32 oz Apple + Carrot and 1 32 oz Banana + Carrot, and 1 8 oz Blueberry + Purple carrot and 1 8 oz Peach + Purple carrot.  Wow!  Open to only US.  Giveaway ends Friday, July 23 @12pm PST.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.  Thanks!



1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Visit First Juice and tell me one thing you learned. (required)
3. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 
4. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
5."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
6. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
7. Follow me on Twitter (@shondaet)
8. "Like" First Juice on Facebook
9. Follow First Juice on Twitter
10. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 


Sunday, July 11, 2010

Simple Green Review and Giveaway!!


Have you ever wondered if there were products that have been made that not only can you use to clean, but are safe to use in your home?  Would you also like to find a line of products that make cleaning easy?  Well, don't look any further, SIMPLE GREEN NATURALS is the answer!

I recently was privileged to review the Simple Green Naturals line of products.  I was so excited when Denise sent me this huge box with 7 full size products.  I received:

*Simple Green Naturals Dishwashing Liquid (Fresh Squeezed Citrus)
*Simple Green Naturals Liquid Hand Soap (Herb Garden)
*Simple Green Naturals Multi-Surface Care (Lemon Verbena)
*Simple Green Naturals Bathroom Cleaner (Rosemary Mint)
*Simple Green Naturals Glass and Surface Care (Rosemary Mint)
*Simple Green Naturals Floor Care (Sparkling Spruce)
*Simple Green Naturals Carpet Care (Free and Clear)

 
What I noticed first about these products is that they were clear liquids.  Immediately I knew that no artificial colors were in these products.  I loved how easy these products were to use.  I basically took the bathroom cleaner in the bathroom and the multi-purpose cleaner everywhere else.  I really liked the the floor care.  My floor shined and it smelled like I just walked through a forest.  I also grabbed the glass and surface cleaner and ran around the house cleaning those areas.  I used the dishwashing liquid in the sink and I put the herb garden hand soap in the bathroom.  The carpet care was very handy as I have lots of little spots that need to be cleaned up.  It did a superb job!  What I most enjoyed about these products is the fresh non-toxic scent and the way they really cleaned my house.


"Simple Green Naturals contain 100% naturally derived ingredients - no synthetic preservatives, colorants, or fragrances. The ingredients of Simple Green Naturals come from bio-organics such as chicory, coconut, corn, palm, minerals, salt and sugar. The scents in Simple Green Naturals are 100% natural essential oils and plant extracts manufactured to the most stringent regulations of the International Fragrance Association, ensuring skin-sensitization does not occur when these products contact skin. Simple Green Naturals contain no animal or animal derived ingredients and are never tested on animals."


*These products were provided to me free of charge by Simple Green for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of these products and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
 



Buy it: You can visit Simple Green and enjoy the selection of fantastic products. 

Win it:  I am proud to have a giveaway for one of my readers. The winner will get a HUGE box of Simple Green Naturals like I did!  Open to US.  Must be 18+ and have a real street address.  No PO boxes as the prize is shipped by FedEX.  Giveaway ends Friday, July 23 @12pm PST.

To enter: Be sure to connect to all the links before filling out the form for entry.



1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Visit Simple Green and tell me which product you would like to try. (required)
3. "Like" Simple Green on Facebook 
4. Follow Simple Green on Twitter- @simplegreennews
5. Sign up for the Simple Green enewsletter
6. Put my button on your blog and provide the link.
7. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
8."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
9. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog)  
10. Follow me on Twitter-@shondaet
11. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 


Saturday, July 10, 2010

Pear Tree Greetings July Giveaway: Free Personalized Note Cards!!


Who is Pear Tree Greetings? Pear Tree Greetings is a fun, fresh and affordable personalized stationery company that offers Birth Announcements, Moving Announcements, Photo Cards,
Baby Shower Thank You Cards and more, all on 100 lb matte card stock and truly affordable prices!



I don't know about you, but sometimes I wish that email did not exist.  I used to write cards and letters all the time and now I hardly do at all.  I'm so glad that my aunt (who passed away 14 years ago) wrote me letters and notes all the time and I have kept them so I can read them over and over.  What if you could do the same with your very own personalized note cards?  How much would a handwritten note mean to your mom, a special friend, your sister or your husband/boyfriend?

I recently received a set of personalized note cards from Pear Tree Greetings and I love the cards, but I especially loved the handwritten note from Christy.  She was very encouraging and positive.  That is what I want to use my personalized note cards for, how about you?

In honor of these special moments, Pear Tree Greetings is giving one of you a free set of personalized note cards (up to 16 cards) from their new collection.

Buy it: Throughout the month of July, enjoy Free Shipping at Pear Tree Greetings! Just spend $29 on your purchase of Birth Announcements, Moving Announcements, Photo Cards, Baby Shower Thank You Cards and more!  Use code PEARJUL10. Shop Pear Tree Greetings!



Win it:
One reader will win a set of personalized note cards (up to 16) from the Pear Tree Greetings selection.  Check out their selection and let me know what you would choose if you won. Giveaway open to US and ends Wednesday, July 21!!

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.  Thanks!


1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. What set of personalized note cards would you pick if you won? (required)
3. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 
4. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
5."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
6. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
7. Follow me on Twitter (@shondaet)
8. "Like" Pear Tree Greetings on Facebook
9. Follow Pear Tree Greetings on Twitter
10. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 

Friday, July 9, 2010

Brewing up some new giveaway ideas!

I'm over here just thinking about some new giveaway ideas.  I will be contacting companies and Etsy shops who fit what I need and I will also need some help for button designs to promote.  If you have any of the following skills or make items such as these, please fill out the form below:

*Button design
*Organic food (for review/giveaway purposes)
*Pampering items- soap, lotion, spray, etc.  The more unique the better!
*Anything Handmade for children (for my Milk N' Honey blog)

Click HERE to fill out the form.  Thank you so much!!

Beachcombers Book Review and Giveaway!!


Beachcombers: A Novel by Nancy Thayer is a novel about four women and their life changing experience one summer on Nantucket Island.  The three Fox sisters- Abbie, Emma and Lily, are worried about their widowed father who has recently rented the guest cottage named "The Playhouse" to a beautiful recently divorced woman, Marina.  The girls come together to protect their father and end up having chaotic romantic summers of their own.  They form Nantucket Mermaids and each girl takes odd jobs all over the island while making sure their dad is not going to make a mistake in love.  Meanwhile, emotions run high, there are twists and turns in relationships and a very happy ending takes place in this summer romance novel.

The beginning of the books starts off very urgent with concerns for the father, but as soon as all the sisters get together, it seems that they become self centered in their own problems.  I think each character had a very distinct description which stayed true through the whole novel.  I didn't quite approve of the relationship decisions, but it did make the novel more interesting and definitely would be a fun summer read.  I really like how  the beginning and ending of the book touched on the "beachcombers" theme with the Fox sisters and their mother.  What I found most intriguing was the mention of lightship baskets.  I think it gave the novel a unique authenticity as it was set on Nantucket Island.  The ending left a chance for a possible second novel.  I really enjoyed the characters of Abbie, Emma, Lily and Marina would like to read more about their adventures.



*This book was provided to me free of charge by Pump Up Your Book for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
  

Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this book.  Open to US only and giveaway ends Wednesday, July 21. (Note: the cover is different than pictured)

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.


1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
5. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 
6. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 


Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Vitalicious Review and Giveaway!!

I was recently given the opportunity to try several yummy samples of Vitalicious VitaTops and VitaBrownies.  Here is the Super Sampler I received:


I have never tried VitaTops before and I was very curious to see what a 100 calorie goodie would taste like.  I was definitely eager to try the chocolate flavors first, but I was surprised that I liked some of the others as well.   My favorites were Chocolate Mint, Fudgy Peanut Butter Chip, Deep Chocolate and Golden Corn.  My least favorite was Raisin Bran.  I think I was expecting it to taste the like the cereal. Overall, I thought that eating a VitaTop for breakfast was a great way to start my day.  I also thought the brownies were very fudgy and tasted even better than a "regular" brownie because I know it was better for me.  Not only do they taste good, but they also contain 15 crucial vitamins and minerals.  How's that for indulgence?

Upon arrival of the box, I had to put it in the freezer since there are no additives or preservatives.  There was also a sheet of directions of how to defrost and heat the products with a toaster oven or microwave.  I definitely prefer the toaster oven. 



*This product was provided to me free of charge for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this product and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
 

Buy it: You can visit Vitalicious and enjoy the selection of yummy products. 

Win it:  I am proud to have a giveaway for one of my readers. The winner will get a HUGE box of samples like I did!  Open to US.  Giveaway ends Wednesday, July 21.

To enter: Be sure to connect to all the links before filling out the form for entry.


1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Visit Vitalicious and tell me which product you would like to try. (required)
3. "Like" Vitalicious on Facebook 
4. Follow Vitalicious on Twitter- @vitamuffin
5. Sign up for the Vitalicious enewsletter
6. Put my button on your blog and provide the link.
7. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
8."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
9. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog)  
10. Follow me on Twitter-@shondaet
11. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site)