31 Days to Pray for Your Spouse Challenge starts January 1

It's almost January 1, 2014.   A new year and also my 10th year of being married.  I count it a HUGE privilege and ministry to be able to pray for my husband.  Ashley from Life by Ashley is hosting a challenge for the month of January to PRAY for your spouse. 

Pick up the ebook to enhance the challenge- 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse

Check out these details:


Visit Ashley's blog to sign up for the daily emails.

100 Days of a New Year from ListPlanIt Ebook Review and Giveaway (2 Winners!!) ends Sunday, Dec 29

I always thought that I had to have everything together BEFORE the new year started. As hard as I tried,  I couldn't seem to possibly make all my lists and ideas in a few days. I would get frustrated and discouraged and completely give up and fumble through my year...again!

But with ListPlanIt, Jennifer has made a way for me to get my goals together step by step by taking the first 100 days of the new year to methodically make that plan happen.

100 Days of a New Year by Jennifer Tankersley is now available!  This ebook is designed to be completed in 4 months working through goals, money, meals, cleaning and more!  There are links to blog posts from ListPlanIt as well as extensive worksheets for planning.  Jennifer gently guides the reader through each day with encouragement, ideas and questions to get you started.

I am so excited for this book as I'm trying to figure out my goals for the year.  I don't want another bumbling year!  This book breaks up large chunks to small bites that are easy to handle and in the end the big picture becomes clear and is a great way for me to enjoy 2014.

Are you looking for some direction?  Take a look at this great planner and get started right for 2014!!

 

SPECIAL OFFER:

Get 100 Days of a New Year (PDF format) for $3 OFF

Use coupon code: 100DAYS3OFF

 

Regular price: $8

Sale price: $5 

 

 

GIVEAWAY:

I am offering TWO readers a copy of 100 Days of a New Year.

 

To Enter:

Make a comment on my blog.  Be sure to leave me your email address.

 

Giveaway ends...Sunday, December 29!

Merry Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas from the Knowlton Kids

 

 Be sure to point your children to Jesus this Christmas!

 

When Calls the Heart DVD directed by Michael Landon Jr. Review

When Calls the Heart is a Hallmark Channel movie based on the book by Janette Oke. In 1910, young Elizabeth Thatcher dreams of starting her career as a teacher.  She meets with Mr. Higgins who she assumes will assign her to her first post but is confused by his personal advances and rebuffs him.  In return he assigns her to a remote coal mining town far away from her family and cultured life.  Elizabeth is discouraged but determined and after she discovers the diary from her aunt Elizabeth who was also a teacher in a remote town, she takes steps to prepare herself for this new adventure.  This movie shares the story of both women as aunt Elizabeth encounters wolves, an attentive man who she assumes is one of  the parents and the way the community comes together to raise money for a sick student.  And young Elizabeth sets off to her new job to be independent only to find that she also is in need of protection and love. 

This is a sweet movie with two romances!  I read this book when I was in high school and loved it.  Although the story is little different than the original book, it covers much of the same scenes that I remember which charmed my heart.  You will enjoy how both Elizabeths show their courage and strength in the midst of challenging circumstances, but also being ladies and giving love and goodness to those around them.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this movie from Edify Media.  All opinions are my own.* 

 

WHEN CALLS THE HEART

RELEASING TO VIDEO NOVEMBER 19th

 

The Movie that began one of the first Television Series inspired by a Christian Author

 

Nashville , Tennessee- When Calls the Heart, directed by Michael Landon Jr. and based on the best-selling books by Janette Oke, tells the story of a young high society teacher receiving her first classroom post in a prairie town in the Western Frontier.  Determined to prove to her family that she is brave enough to live on her own,  Elizabeth (Poppy Drayton) struggles with her own fears and doubts until she discovers her late Aunt's diary.  Her aunt (Maggie Grace), also named Elizabeth, had set off on a similar adventure as a teacher into the frontier, where she struggled with prairie life and eventually met and fell in love with a Royal Canadian Mountie (Stephen Amell).  Reading her aunt’s words, the young Elizabeth decides to put her future in God’s hands and embark on her own adventure where she uses the diary as her guide as well as Edward, another Mountie (Daniel Sharman), sworn to see her arrive.

 

When Calls the Heart debuted on the Hallmark Channel to more than 3.2 million viewers, making it the No. 1 movie of the week on ad-supported cable.  Distributed by Word Entertainment, The DVD will be available to purchase in Christian Retail November 19^th, 2013.

 

Synopsis

When Calls the Heart is the story of Elizabeth Thatcher, a cultured young school teacher in 1910 who, through the discovery of her aunt's secret diary, finds the courage to leave her big city home to accept a teaching position in a frontier coal mining town.  And in the process, she also finds the potential for love with a handsome Royal Canadian Mountie.

 

Michael Landon Jr. – Director:  Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend Michael Landon, has been in the film business for over 25 years.  With two of the highest rated films in the history of the Hallmark channel, and several top ten releases targeted to the Christian market, Michael has become known for creating heartfelt, inspiring films that connect to the family.  He has developed and/or produced, directed, and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime, and others.

 

Oh, For Real Cookbook and other cooking adventures

   

Last spring I purchased this new book from Laura at Heavenly Homemakers and I'm happy to say that I'm totally in love with it!!  It comes in PRINT!  I am using it so much.  These are Laura's favorite recipes she makes with her family and I can tell why!

I love all the quick recipes and tips to make cooking many meals to save time in the kitchen.  I still don't have a perfect system, but I'm working my way there.

Here are some of the recipes that my family enjoys:

From the Quick Mix-
*Pancakes
*Peanut Butter Cookies
*Chocolate Chip Cookies
*Quick Mix biscuits

Dry Mixes-
*Ranch Dressing for the Cheddar Ranch Burgers
*Onion Soup Mix to put in everything!
*Turkey Sausage Seasoning mix

Breakfasts-
*Baked Oatmeal
*Homemade Hash Browns
*Very Berry Smoothies

Lunch/Dinner-
*Corn Dog Muffins
*Hearty Green Bean Casserole
*Italian Pasta Bake
*Lasagna Casserole

I still need to try out many of the snacks and desserts.

 

What will you find in Oh, For Real? 

• Over 115 healthy, real food breakfast, lunch, supper, casserole, slow cooker, and snack recipes that will save you time, money and sanity
• Versatile mixes and whole grain dough recipes that offer loads of healthy recipe options with little to no effort
• Freezer cooking ideas and instructions to help you actually get ahead in the kitchen
• Last minute (healthy) meal ideas, because for real, you don’t have to resort to ordering pizza in a pinch
• More information about my family and me than you ever really needed to know.  We are real.  :)

It's $25.95 which includes shipping and handling in the US.  I use it everyday, it's worth it!


Click here to visit Laura Coppinger @ Heavenly Homemakers   AS for my other cooking adventures...     I just made 6 freezer meals from Sidetracked Sarah's blog.   This kitchen is busy!!

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky Book Review

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky is the story of Julia Foster, former missionary to India looking for employment in England in 1911 while her father recovers from an illness.  Julia is hired as governess by the widower, Sir William Ramsey of Highland Hall.  She is immediately put to work caring for Sir William's two children, Andrew and Millie, and his deceased cousin's teenage daughters, Katherine and Penelope.  Julia's calm determination helps her face the many trials that arise in her position.  She befriends Sir William's sister Sarah who gains confidence in running the estate.  And as time progresses, Sir William starts to confide in Miss Foster.  Both begin to develop deeper feelings for each other, but because of social standards they are unable to move beyond their current employer/employee relationship.  As financial disaster looms ahead, Sir William must make some difficult choices in business, love and the future of his family.  Can Sir William and Julia move beyond social barriers to unite together to bring peace and joy to a broken family?

The author, Carrie Turansky, describes The Governess of Highland Hall as Downton Abbey meets Jane Eyre with a little Sound of Music thrown in.  I quite agree with this description.  Julia Foster had both inner intelligence and stunning outer beauty combined with high standards and the qualities of a well bred lady.  Others in the home were either jealous of her or she was well respected.  Carrie's description of each character was fascinating  and she had several love stories as well as a good plot and excellent climax with many surprises throughout.  I was completely taken with the estate (see pictures below), the staff, the village, Julia and William's interactions and how the children responded to Miss Foster.  When Carrie writes she listens to the movie soundtracks of The Prince of Tides, Little Women, Cider House Rules, A Beautiful Mind, Anne of Green Gables and of course Downton Abbey.  This book and upcoming series is not to be missed!!



The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Here are a few pictures of the inspiration for Highland Hall: Tyntesfield

Main staircase: the family and staff gathered here each morning for prayer and Scripture reading

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for this review. All opinions are my own.*

Women Living Well by Courtney Joseph Book Review + FREE ebooks and FREE webscast information

 

Women Living Well: Find Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids, and Your Home by Courtney Joseph is a true treasure for every woman who desires to improve in these areas.  Through Courtney's personal stories and practical advice, she shares boldly from her heart.  This book has four sections.  Your Walk with the King encourages you to find solitude with God, plan a quiet time, what focused prayer can look like and connecting with other women.  She quotes lots of Scripture and gives great lists of resources for further study.  Your Marriage is about letting your husband lead and you to be his helper.  She explores several ways to take steps toward creating a godly marriage by considering his needs, give respect and banish bitterness.  And tucked inside is a 10 Day Complete Him Marriage Challenge.  Your Parenting is about the influence you have as a mother, the competition you face and tips for parenting in the digital age.  And she reminds you that you are not just teaching, but training.  Your Homemaking focuses on the beauty that Courtney often shares on her blog about creating the right atmosphere in your home.  She gives fun tips for cooking, cleaning and family night.  And she emphasizes the value of a routine.  She also ends with a section on the Proverbs 31 Woman (and she has a free ebook on her blog along with a 14 week Bible study on Good Morning Girls).  The last question she asks is, what is your driving force?  Yes, excellent thoughts, stories and sound Biblical advice for the woman who seeks to honor God and not be influenced by the world.

 

The author, Courtney Joseph is a sold out, solid follower and lover of Jesus Christ.  Her joy in serving God in her marriage, parenting and ministry is absolutely evident.  Courtney is counter-cultural (for some) and holds fast to God's Word and lives her life in pursuit of Him.  I honestly respect her and look up to her not only that she is a role model, but also that she humbly admits her mistakes and shortcomings.  I love how she points everything back to God.  This book had so much to digest that I can't wait to read it again and again!  This is a great resource for every woman to have that will help and encourage you to pursue God's best in every area of your life.  If you like Courtney's blog, you will really like this book! 

 

If you order this book by September 30 you will receive a pre-launch giveaway package including 10 FREE ebooks!!  See Women Living Well for more information.  Included is a study guide of the book!

 



And every Thursday night for 7 weeks, Women Living Well TV will have a FREE webscast of the conference that was held this summer in Ohio.  You don't want to miss this!
Note: These videos are available for 24 hours during the day of the broadcast.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book for my review.  All opinions are my own.*

Dining on a Dime Cookbook Sale (ebook and print) through October 1!!

Hi friends-  You all know how much I love cooking.  I bought this cookbook (Dining On A Dime Cookbook) about a year ago and I love how easy the recipes are to create especially when I have a "pantry moment."  I often use this as my go-to cookbook for recipes that call for ingredients I already I have.

This is also more than a cookbook, there are some great tips for frugal cooking and living.  There are over 1200 recipes and money saving tips...many of which you may not know.  She includes many homemade mixes, ideas for gift baskets, cleaning recipes, substitutions and plenty of fun!!

This week the book is 50% off through October 1.  So check out the book on Living on  Dime and order your copy to get the great deal.  Happy Fall to you!!

Dining On A Dime Cookbook

Eat Better, Spend Less

$10.98

Sale ends 10/1

Fall Plans

Summer is over (in my eyes) and Fall is slowly creeping in.  I'm ready for the cozy fire, a fragrant candle, hot soups, drinking chai tea while watching a good movie, clear nights, warm blankets and anything that has to do with pumpkin!  Are you with me?

Here are a few things I'm starting up:

Peak313 Living and Active


Memorize Ephesians 1


4 Weeks to a More Organized Home



Countdown to Christmas (using my friend's organized blog)
Here's my Christmas Pinterest Board.



Crafts and Food from my Fall Pinterest Board
What are you up to this Fall?  Blessings, Shonda

How to Get Ahead with Real Food Make-Ahead Meals (e-course and ebook now available!) with Heavenly Homemakers

Hi Everyone!  You know I'm a big fan of Heavenly Homemakers and I also love to make meals ahead of time.  But if you are like me and want to get really good at it, there is a new e-course and ebook available right now.  I'm planning on getting some friends together to make freezer meals happen for more than just myself!  How about you?  Check out these great resources provided by Heavenly Homemakers:

Get out your mixing bowls, Pyrex, and freezer bags!  The Let’s Do This! Getting Ahead in Your Real Food Kitchen eCourse and {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks eBook are now available for purchase!  Join me as together we get ahead and save time (and money) while we feed our families healthy, delicious food!

The Let’s Do This! eCourse answers your questions about Getting Ahead in Your Real Food Kitchen:

• I can’t even keep up – how am I supposed to get ahead?
• I don’t have freezer space for freezer cooking, how I can I make this work?
• Will this actually help me save money on food?
• Will this really save me time and energy?
• How can this work for me if I’m not an organized person?
• My family is picky.  Will this frozen food taste good?
• I want to get ahead, but I don’t even know where to start…

Even if you already have a pretty good idea of how to work ahead in the kitchen to prepare meals and snacks ahead of time to make life easier – I still believe you will benefit from these resources.  After all, you can never have too many healthy, make-ahead recipes!
The Let’s Do This! Getting Ahead in Your Real Food Kitchen eCourse includes five simple but detailed lessons:

1. Getting Ahead for the Day
2. Getting Ahead for the Week
3. Getting Ahead With Meals and Snacks
4. Getting Ahead During Spare Moments for Busy Moments
5. Using Your Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks

Within each lesson, you will be given loads of practical tips and information, online links, downloadable worksheets and planners, and plenty of down-to-earth encouragement.  Each lesson includes a brand new, exclusive recipe not found on my website or in any of my books.  (Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Creamy Salsa Enchilada Casserole – plus three more delicious recipes you’ll love!)  In addition, I’ve recorded short videos for each lesson so that you can watch me in action – getting ahead in my real food kitchen.

This Sour Cream Enchiladas (in Lesson Two of the Let’s Do This! eCourse)
recipe is SO easy to make, and has now become a family favorite.

This entire eCourse costs only $5 – total!  Your purchase will allow you unlimited, lifetime access to all of this information.  These lessons are online – or print them out if you prefer.  There is no limit to how many of you can take the eCourse, nor is there a time commitment.  Work through the lessons at your own pace, on your own time, in the middle of the night, while your kids are napping, in the morning, in the evening -  whenever works for you.

Purchase the Let’s Do This! Getting Ahead in Your Real Food Kitchen eCourse

$5.00

While the eCourse includes helpful information to help you get ahead in the kitchen, plus five great new Make-Ahead recipes, we couldn’t just stop there.  To go along with the Let’s Do This! eCourse, we put together an eBook filled with 33 more easy, healthy, real food recipes – all of which can be put together and set aside or frozen to be served when you need them.  We’ve got you covered through breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.  Only a few of these recipes can be found on my website – most of them are brand new and only found in the {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks eBook!

Here are the recipes you’ll find in the {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks eBook:

All of these recipes have now become family favorites.  I love keeping the freezer and fridge well stocked with great, easy foods my family loves!
Here’s more exciting news:  Within the {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks eBook, you will find over $14 worth of savings on other products in our Heavenly Homemakers Shop.  The Bonus Section of the eBook includes additional free printables as well.  It’s too good a deal to pass up!

Purchase the {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks ebook

$5.00

Want them both?  We highly encourage it – as owning both the eCourse and the eBook will offer you a wealth of Getting Ahead in Your Real Food Kitchen information!  That’s why we’ve packaged them up and knocked a couple dollars of the price of the package.  And don’t forget the additional coupons worth $14 you’ll receive with the purchase!

Purchase both the {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks ebook and theLet’s Do This! Getting Ahead in Your Real Food Kitchen eCourse Package Deal

$8.00

Sword Study (II Timothy) by Tammy McMahan Book Review

 

 

 

Organized into different levels according to age, each study provides in-depth material from the same book of the Bible. Each study book is synchronized to cover the same truths at the same time but with graphics and learning tools appropriate for the age group.

• Level 1, for ages 4-7, is an activity book with coloring, drawing, matching and other fun learning tools.
• Level 2, for ages 7-10, contains light reading, fill-in-the-blank, and application sections.
• Level 3, for ages 11-14, involves more investigation and questions for the student to answer.
• Level 4, for teens and adults, steps up the reading and the depth of study including the definition of several Greek or Hebrew terms.
• Level 5 is for the parent or study leader with guidance and background to lead a group of all ages. 

The Sword Study series, originally created for competitors in The Shelby Kennedy Foundation's National Bible Bee, is now available to everyone for the first time. Families no longer have to compete in the Bible Bee to establish family discipleship in the home with this one-of-a-kind study.

 

The Sword Study available for this tour is II Timothy. I John is also available to the public and I Peter is scheduled for release in the fall of 2013. A new study is scheduled to be released each year. For more information visit www.swordstudy.org.

 

The Shelby Kennedy Foundation exists to help families strengthen their personal relationship with the Lord.  They do this by coming along side parents as they disciple their children through in-depth study of the Word of God, Scripture memory and prayer. For more information visit www.swordstudy.org.

 

My review:

 

I was given level 5 of the Sword Study: A Family Centered Bible Study on II Timothy for Each Age Level.  This study book is for the parent/leader.  There are 10 weeks of study.  Each lesson begins with a short introductory story for the week with 5 days of study.  Each day students begin by praying, reading and writing and then do an investigative study with application.  Each day is concluded with a guided prayer with ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication).  Each week kicks off with a Family Bonfire which gets the family prepared and ready for the upcoming week.  Every Family Bonfire has a great outline for reading Scripture, Worship, Family Discussion Questions, Bible Memory and a Closing Prayer.  There are also several diagrams and interactive worksheets to fill in. 

 

This looks like a powerful and well thought out Bible study for families to enjoy together.  I'm very impressed with the depth of the lessons and that all age levels will be able to participate in their own way.  This product is very well endorsed by Nancy Leigh DeMoss (Revive Our Hearts radio host), Kirk Cameron (Actor, Speaker) and Joni Eareckson Tada (Founder and CEO of Joni and Friends).  This is a great tool for bringing families together, searching Scriptures, applying God's Word to daily living and praying for guidance to live the Spirit-led life. 

 

*I was given a complimentary copy of this study by Glass Road Media for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own.*

 

Season of a Lifetime (DVD Review)

Season of a Lifetime is the documentary story of Jeremy Williams (you may have seen him on Extreme Home Makeover), a high school coach with Lou Gehrig's Disease who refused to give up and lived his life was with strength and faith.  Jeremy's rock solid faith in God gave him courage to face one of the most challenging and rewarding seasons of coaching as after being diagnosed spent one more year with the Greenville Patriots to head for the Georgia State Championship. 

Not only that, Jeremy and his wife Jennifer have two children and their young son was born with spina bifida.  But the family is close with a full support of extended family and the community.  When people look at this family they see perseverance, joy and hope.  The mother and especially the daughter are the caregivers for their two men.  It's amazing to see the unity of this family in the face of impossible and adverse situations.  Jeremy told his wife, "You can cry one day" and then "We do what we do."

The testimony of the players at the end was incredible.  Jeremy was the father figure, the spiritual leader, and the ever faithful coach.  His devotion to the team was what brought him the satisfaction of whether they won or lost, they were winners because they played and did their job.  He coached through insurmountable odds and still kept the team together and brought them to the playoffs.  But mostly he impacted the young men that he came in contact with.  That is what he wanted to do!

What a fantastic testament of a modern day hero!  I encourage you to check out Jeremy Williams story and be inspired to impact a life today.



*I was given a complimentary copy of this DVD from Edify Media for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.*

The 50 Fridays Marriage Challenge by Jeff and Lora Helton Book Review

 

 

The 50 Fridays Marriage Challenge by Jeff and Lora Helton is book with 50+ questions to ask over a period of a year.  Pick a time, place, pray, get a journal and go!  Each chapter begins with a challenge in the form of a question, a Bible verse, a relevant story and a quote from an author or famous person.  Each chapter is short and simple, but embraces the challenge and gives real life examples.  Couples are encouraged to share and discuss these questions, be intentional, faithful and build a better marriage by consistent conversation and fun!

 

This book holds a lot of good discussion questions that are good for every couple to ask each other.  I liked that the questions were different than other books with the same message.  A few questions that I really liked were...In the midst of conflict, what kind of animal are you?  What are some things that make you laugh out loud?  How do you handle failure? and What in your spiritual pathway helps you experience and love God?  These questions and many others are designed to ignite conversation and carry the marriage to greater intimacy and more time spent together.  As a married person I know that developing a friendship and love relationship with my husband takes effort and time.  This book is step in that direction.  I suggest this for couples who are having trouble, happy or newly married!  Yes, any married can benefit from this book. 

 

*I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.*

CAMP (DVD Review)

Ken Matthews is a cocky young financial advisor and volunteers to be a camp counselor for kids in the foster care system to impress one of his clients.  He is assigned to Eli, a 10 year old in his eyes is the "worst camper ever."   He is not prepared to chase, be yelled at and ultimately wish the kid left camp after causing a fight with another camper.  But Ken is encouraged to stick with his camper, put away his cell phone and really try to help Eli have at least one good week where he is loved and wanted.  Ken discovers that Eli is hiding some major secrets and as Eli comes to trust Ken, Ken starts to open up and share himself with Eli and the other campers.  Ken completely changes his heart and ultimately his life by the end of this movie inspired by true events.

This movie had me choking back tears for the sad circumstances of the kids that attend this camp.  What I thought was really unique about this camp was that there was a counselor for each camper.  For one week a camper was to have the full attention of one counselor and the goal was to have FUN!  The kids came with brokenness and even though they were only there for one week, the counselors really went above and beyond to meet the needs of that child.  It was absolutely touching.  There were so many great moments in this movie that made me realize that I want to reach out more to those around me who are hurting and feel forgotten.  One person can make a difference.  You will enjoy this movie, the message and the awesome surprise at the end!

*I was given a complimentary copy of this DVD from Edify Media for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.*

The Healthy Lunch Box by Katie Kimball from Kitchen Stewardship Book Review with Great Deals!

 

It's that time...school lunches!  Whether you are packing lunches to go or need lunches at home, this is the book for you to trade out the same old PB&J for healthy lunches that don't even require a sandwich.

 

Katie is never without great ideas for helping you make healthy choices.  She begins the book with 10 secrets to successful lunch packing.  She has recipes for Meats & Mains, Side & Salads, Breads & Not-Breads, Dips & Dressings, and Snacks & Sweets.  The tips and suggestions are not only interesting, but creative and fun!  Parents will look forward to putting together these healthy alternatives knowing that their children will benefit from the good choices and the kids will look forward to trying yummy food that will entice them to ask for more. 

Some recipes I would like to try:
*Creamed Cauliflower
*Mexi Bean Dip

Tried these:
*Rice and Veggie Muffins- YUMMY!
*Classic Granola Bars- Let them sit and they are good as gold!
*Stovetop Cinnamon Rice Pudding- A Winner!!

 

Katie's new ebook is absolutely fantastic.  I can't wait to start making healthy and delicious lunches for my kids!!  Check out the great deals this week as you consider purchasing this ebook. 

 

GREAT DEALS:

* 35% off through Thursday night (8/29)
* coupon inside the book for 50% off the companion eBook, "The Healthy Breakfast: Cereal-free Secrets to Starting the Morning with Real Food" which will come out later this year.
* TEN bonuses with the premium package!
* 45 recipes, over 100 links to more resources
* five pages just of "what to pack" ideas
* coupons embedded for other cool lunch and green products
* 20 winners for over $700 in back-to-school prizes
 

 Get your copy today!

The Healthy Lunch Box eBook by KitchenStewardship

On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin {Romantic Getaway Giveaway, Facebook party and Blog Tour}

Sarah Sundin is celebrating the release of her latest novel, On Distant Shores, with a Romantic Weekend Getaway giveaway!

  One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (good for a perfect couple's getaway)
• With Every Letter and On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 2nd. Winner will be announced September 3rd at the "On Distant Shores" Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Sarah will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, announcing the winner of the Weekend Getaway, and giving away a ton of books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving party goers an exclusive look at the next book in the Wings of the Nightingale series.

So grab your copy of On Distant Shores and join Sarah on the evening of September 3rd for a chance to connect 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. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 3rd!

 

My review:

On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin is the second book in Wings of the Nightingale series about flight nurses in WW II.  Georgie Taylor is a respectable and faithful southern woman working far away from her doting family and anxious fiancé.  She loves her work and enjoys the fellowship with her new friends but is insecure about her duties as a flight nurse.  She meets Hutch, a quiet and handsome non-commissioned pharmacist with impeccable knowledge in his field, but is given very little respect.  And he has a concerned fiancée waiting for him back home.  Georgie and Hutch meet and eventually after broken relationships and betrayal from their former loves become bonded in a secret friendship. Their paths cross off and on, but when Hutch becomes bitter, Georgie pulls away.  Can Georgie and Hutch push beyond the pressures of war and blossom a love that God planned for them?

 

This second novel is just as enticing with the combination of romance and war.  I fell in love with Georgie and Hutch.  They were very different in personality and character, but uniquely alike in their dreams and purpose.  Georgie was absolutely charming, but with a strong backbone despite some weaknesses that she eventually overcame.  I felt sorry for Hutch who seemed to constantly be trampled by commanding officers and just could never quite achieve what he was striving to do by pursuing the Pharmacy Corps.  Sarah gives fascinating facts about flight nursing, the army pharmacy and the protocol of love relationships between ranks.  All this combines to form an enjoyable historical romance.

 

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Hens for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own.*



Artisan Nut Thins from Blue Diamond Review

Artisan Nut Thins are no guilt, flavorful, crunchy and healthy crackers!  Each of the flavors I tried (Sesame Seeds, Multi-Seeds and Flax Seeds) were made with brown rice and almonds.  And all were wheat and gluten free.  I really enjoyed the flavor of each of these.  And I loved the crunch along with the great health benefits.  These artisan-baked crackers are 130 calories per serving (13 crackers) and paired with meats, cheeses or fruits they taste fabulous and on their own they are amazing too!  Check out Blue Diamond for more information on these savvy new crackers that will spice up any gathering or offer a quick and enjoyable snack.


Thanks to Naturally Savvy for sending me a complimentary sample of these products for review.

Back 2 School Survival Guide by Susan Heid from The Confident Mom Review and Discount

 

It's time for BACK to SCHOOL!!  I was a teacher for many years and I love the beginning of the school year, but now the tables have turned and I will be starting school (at home) with my son this year.  I love the routine, new habits, comforting food and sense of excitement that Fall brings.  But for many, the beginning of the school year is daunting.

Susan Heid has a wonderful resource just for you!  It's the Back to School Survival Guide 2013.

This 80 page ebook is filled with practical suggestions for getting your school year started right including schedule changes, basic morning/afternoon/evening/bedtime routines, homework hints and tips, preparing for school, family priorities, teaching responsibility, school lunches and more!

There are also 48 pages of printables:

      Student Planner

      Master Family Planner

      Routine Checklists

      School Information Sheet

      Schedule Adjustment Worksheet

      Countdown Maze

      My Favorites Lunch Planning Worksheet

      Grocery Planner

      Family Fun Worksheet

      Family Meeting Agenda

      School Goals Worksheet

      Classmate Contact Sheet

      Important Dates At-A-Glance Sheet

      Lunchbox Notes, Jokes, and Quotes

      Note to Teacher Form 

 

Susan's step by step suggestions for back to school success are practical, doable and obtainable.  The best part that really made it a personal planner is filling in your own action steps after each survival tip.  Susan doesn't just tell you what to do, she encourages you to take action.  That makes for a very successful and enjoyable school year for you and your children.

I felt like I could confidently make a purposeful and meaningful plan for my school year with this survival guide.  I know that when I have a plan and I have written down schedules, routines, and the family knows what to expect, the chance for a prosperous and thriving school year is available to me and my family.

This guide is adaptable for both families that send kids to school and those that homeschool.

Starting the new school year can be joyful, fun and organized.  Get your Back 2 School Survival Guide today!!

BACK 2 SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE 2013
Regular price: $10
Discount code for $2 off: SCHOOLMOM
Expires: 8/10/13

Get your Back 2 School Survival Guide today!!

Anniversary Gift: A Dating Book!

Engaged...November 26, 2003

Ever since we had kids our dating life took a serious nose dive.  And also, I've been throwing myself into motherhood, cooking, blogging, Bible study and anything else that has really taken time away from my marriage.  We have a good marriage, but I miss all the fun we used to have.  I've been pinning marriage ideas on Pinterest for quite awhile, but have not pursued anything that I've bookmarked.

Walked the new Narrows Bridge in 2007

We are coming up on our 9 year anniversary this month and I really wanted to bring back dating into our relationship with some new and fresh ideas.  I have to say that we have been in the same rut- go to dinner and walk.  That is nice, but I would love to try some other things and maybe bring back some old ideas.

Grand Park hike to Mt. Rainier 2006

Mariners Game 2009


I am so excited to have made this fun Dating Book for my husband!
Here is a little video of my book.

 



At home dates:
*Bake cookies
*Make milkshakes
*Puzzle
*Watch Funny YouTube Videos (we like The IT Crowd)
*Share websites we like
*Listen to S*xy Marriage Radio- podcast  (Clean, Christian and lots of fun)
*Fondue night
*Game night
*Indoor picnic
*Make ice cream sundae
*Living room campout/movie
*20 questions
*Make breakfast and eat in bed

Outdoor dates:
*Try a new sport
*Be a tourist
*Go to a park and play
*Go to a local sport event
*Bike ride
*Play Frisbee
*Farmer's Market
*Outdoor music concert
*Play Bocce
*Horsehoes
*Walk

Indoor Dates:
*Thrift store/Antique
*Go to a play
*Museum
*Bowling
*Try a new restaurant
*Go to a bakery
*Coffee shop
*Listen a local band
*Go to a used bookstore
*Bookstore Date- Dating Divas

Source: thedatingdivas.com via Shonda on Pinterest

I also included a few printables:
*30 Conversation Starters for Couples

Source: momlifetoday.com via Shonda on Pinterest

*30 Day Marriage Challenge for Husbands from All Pro Dad
*30 Day Marriage Challenge for Wives for iMom
*Marriage Conversation Starters from All Pro Dad

And I printed this and put it on the back cover:

Source: time-warp-wife.blogspot.ca via Shonda on Pinterest

And I found a few coupons for a yogurt place and Mexican restaurant that I tucked in there as well.
And I added a few quotes that I really liked from some Facebook marriage pages.

So check out my Marriage Pinterest Board for more ideas!  I can see more dating books or something like it in the future!!  Can't wait to see how this one goes. 

Happy Anniversary to my love!

July 16, 2004