Sunday, January 31, 2016

Book Review: Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

As part of the Revell Reads crew, I received a copy of  Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander:


Synopsis:
Can love redeem a broken past?

Shelby Kincaid is ready to move forward after the death of her husband left her devastated. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family's homestead, Misty Willow, so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she has her work cut out for her.

AJ Sullivan never wanted Shelby's family homestead in the first place. His grandfather left it to him as punishment for not following his wishes, and he's let it fall into ruin. AJ's more than happy to unload it to this spitfire of a woman. But even after angry exchanges over the state of the house, he can't get her off his mind.

With writing that evokes a strong sense of place and family history, Johnnie Alexander deftly explores the ties that bind us to home--and the irresistible forces that draw us to each other.

About the author:
Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides. Johnnie is an accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking road trips. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee.

My thoughts:
Where She Belongs is a beautiful book.  Johnnie Alexander's picturesque way of writing paints a gorgeous picture for the setting of this story and allows the plot to unfold around you as if you were actually right there with Shelby and her adorable daughters.  This book isn't all sunshine and roses though.  There are some twists and turns and ominous undertones that I wasn't expecting from reading the book's description, which made the book even more exciting to read.  I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out!  

Where She Belongs teaches the reader a lesson to remain faithful as to God's plan for us, not our plan for us:)  

If you are a fan of Christian romance/fiction you will probably enjoy Where She Belongs.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Friday, January 29, 2016

Entertain Your Brain with JAX Games!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**


Looking for some fun family games?  JAX has an awesome selection of fantastic educational games for all ages!


Have you ever played SEQUENCE?  JAX has a large variety of SEQUENCE games to choose from.  We loved each one we reviewed including States and Capitols (great for learning US geography) Dogs, Cats, Bible and Num6ers.  The object of the game is to draw cards and strategically place them both offensively and defensively to be the first player to get a row of 5.  On the Dogs, Cats and Bible cards you get little facts about breeds or bible stories.  In States and Capitols you are matching them and in numbers you are solving addition and subtraction problems to get a number on the board.


These games are fantastic teaching tools and already hold a special place in our homeschool curriculum.  My kiddos' only suggestion is that JAX makes a fish or ocean themed SEQUENCE game next:)

JAX offers even more learning fun with Doodle Dice, Word's Out! and How Tall Am I?


In Doodle Dice, players compete to get a card from each color group by rolling the dice and trying to create a doodle from the available gallery of cards.  This game encourages critical thinking and it was a blast!


Word's Out! is a great game for teaching spelling and reading skills.  Players race to be the first to cover each of their letters in a 6 letter word.  Draw Cards are sometimes helpful, but sometimes they turn the game upside down!  Very entertaining:)


How Tall Am I? is a great game even for the younger family members.  Each player rolls the dice to see which body segment they must choose from the pool.  Once everyone has finished their person, everyone gets the chance to measure them to see who is tallest.  A wonderful game for teaching critical thinking and measurement!


We also got to try out 3 cards games from JAX, Over and Out, Bible Match Four and Match 'Em.


Match 'Em and Over and Out are great for practicing addition and subtraction and Bible Match Four helps teach scripture and Bible stories.  All of these great cards games are portable and would be great for road trips, camping and much more!

JAX's game selection is super awesome and these games would make great gifts!  If you want to be entertained and educated at the same time, check out their phenomenal selection:)


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Get Quality Artisan Goods Each Month with a Prospurly Subscription!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

We recently had the chance to try out a lovely subscription box service that focuses on sending artisan goods straight to your door each month, Prospurly:


Every month, members discover 6-8 artisan crafted products.  Each box is valued at $80 or more. From delicious snacks to amazing body products, Prospurly has been rated the #1 subscription box for small-batch goods. Prospurly promises a monthly surprise box packed full of products that inspire a happy, whole and prosperous life.

Once a month, you'll discover a bright, beautiful orange box packed full of intriguing and delectable goods, made by real small businesses and curated around exciting themes, like a summer picnic, backyard barbeque, or breakfast in bed. 

The theme for the December 2015 box that we were sent to review was “A Seasonal Splendor"


When it comes to choosing what goes in the box, Prospurly only picks items that are sustainable, ethically produced, and truly help one live a more prosperous life. 


Let's take a look at the goodies in our review box:


These smell heavenly!  We loved simmering them in our cider to create a deliciously infused mulled drink:)


As you can see, this lovely loose leaf tea is full of rich dark chocolate chunks, that steeped with the mint tea adds amazing aromatic properties to the full tea tasting experience!  I am an avid tea drinker and this tea is fantastic!


Another awesome product from St. Fiacres Farm, this soothing Winter Balm is moisturizing and smells great!  It really helps mend dry, chapped winter skin and helps keep it protected in between uses.


This body resurfacer works great to help slough off dead skin and leaves skin smooth to the touch.  It's peppermint aroma is refreshing any time of year.


A mini greenhouse and bonsai seeds were a hit with my 7 year old who planted it immediately and my 9 year old daughter was intrigued by the Sensitive Plants seed packet.  They are both enjoying watching their little plants sprout.  Both pants are perfect window sill plants that can be kept indoors.


This adorable soap was a hit with the kiddos as well.  It smells as great as it looks and it came with a recipe for a real cake as well.

As you can see, this subscription service is a lot of fun and a great value at $49.95, but if you need even more reason to try them out, listen to this: Prospurly donates 2% of all sales to humanitarian, environmental and animal rights causes.  A business with a conscience?  I love it!

The folks at Prospurly say their box is really all about one thing: living a better, more prosperous life.  Get started on your Prospurly adventure or gift a subscription to a loved one.  This box is sure to impress:)


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Harlem Globetrotters 90th Anniversary World Tour + Discount Code!

**Complimentary tickets received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

 The Harlem Globetrotters 2016 North American Tour has Launched!  I have an exclusive special offer to share.  My readers receive 25% off Harlem Globetrotters Tickets to any game!  Use promo code FAMFUN for game dates, times and tickets please visit http://harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets


Celebrating 90 years of providing smiles, sportsmanship and service to millions of people worldwide, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters will bring their unrivaled family show to an arena near you during their 90th Anniversary World Tour. On the court, the Globetrotters' 90-year celebration will feature some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet. With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm - plus female stars TNT Maddox and Sweet J Ekworomadu* - the Globetrotters' one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. You won't want your family to miss it - use promo code FAMFUN to save 25% off your tickets.


We had the chance to check out the Corpus Christi show and it was fantastic!


The players are super talented and extraordinarily entertaining for ticket holders of all ages.


There is a ton of audience participation and the laughs are non-stop!


We were really impressed with the entire show and kinda bummed that more of Corpus didn't come out to show support and enjoy the amazingly talented and entertaining Globetrotters.


If this travelling show comes to a town near you this year, I would highly recommend taking the whole family.  You won't leave disappointed!


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Super Awesome Fun with SKAZOOMS!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Book Review: Hannah's Choice by Jan Drexler

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

As part of the Revell Reads crew, I received a copy of Hannah's Choice by Jan Drexler:


Synopsis:
When love and family conflict, will she listen to her head . . . or her heart?

Hannah Yoder loves her quiet life on the banks of Conestoga Creek. In 1842, this corner of Lancaster County is settled and peaceful--yet problems lurk beneath the placid façade. Hannah strives to be the one person who can bind the threads of her family together in spite of her father's worries, her mother's depression, and her sister's rebellious ways. But her world threatens to unravel.

When two young men seek her hand in marriage--one offering the home she craves and the other promising the adventure of following God's call west--Hannah must make a choice. Will she stay true to the faith of her family or defy her father and abandon her community?

About the author:
Jan Drexler's ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s. Their experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan is the author of several Love Inspired novels and lives in South Dakota with her husband, their four adult children, two active dogs, and a cat.

My thoughts:
You can tell Jan Drexler knows her Amish history.  She weaves a beautiful tale that at times is heartbreaking and at other times heartwarming.  Her characters are absolutely believable and well-rounded as they deal with issues that early Amish would have most certainly dealt with.  She pulls you straight into the story so that you feel as if you are actually sitting right next to Hannah, feeling her anguish and joy.  If you enjoy reading Amish fiction, you are likely to love Hannah's Choice!  

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Book Review: Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

As part of the Revell Reads crew, I received Thin Ice by Irene Hannon for review.


Synopsis:
If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave?

After losing her parents and her sister, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Now, life is finally starting to feel normal again--until an envelope addressed in her sister's handwriting arrives in the mail. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case . . . but he's coming up with more questions than answers. Is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As Lance digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: someone in the shadows has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon pulls out all the stops in this high-stakes thriller that races to a bone-chilling finish.

About Irene Hannon:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including That Certain Summer, One Perfect Spring, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, three HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers' Choice Award, a Booksellers' Best Award, and a National Readers' Choice Award. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

My thoughts:
Irene Hannon is masterful at creating a gripping tail that thrills all the way up to the end!  Thin Ice is an intriguing story of tragedy and heartbreak, hope and healing, and faith and redemption told with plenty of plot twists throughout to keep the reader thoroughly engaged.  This thriller has a fun dose of romance and the whole story is full of reminders of the role faith can play in a variety of stressful life situations.  This is a page-turner that lovers of Christian romance/thrillers are sure to love!


Disclosure:  I received this book for this review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Light and Sound Control via Your Phone and Sengled Pulse Bulbs!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Baking for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet from Ulysses Press

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**


100 Grain-Free, Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free Recipes
By Kathryn Anible

About the book:
Delicious baked goods that sooth gluten intolerance, celiac disease, IBD, IBS, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, diabetes and food allergies
For more than a quarter century, suffers of incurable digestive problems have followed the guidelines in the clinically-tested Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) in order to make dishes that are both healing and flavorful. Now the recipes in this book allow readers to enjoy favorites they thought were forever off limits—baked goods. The 100 easy-to-follow recipes cover everything in the tasty baked dessert realm from like strawberry shortcake and coconut cake to savory snacks like rosemary crackers and pizza. The author also provides a guide to the diet’s “legal” and “illegal” ingredients, as well as tips and techniques for getting the best out of your baked goods within the SCD guidelines. Strictly gluten-free, grain-free, and sugar-free, these specially-designed recipes go back to the basics, avoiding difficult-to-digest ingredients while offering choices sure to satisfy any craving.

What I thought:
This cookbook is great!  It is full of mouthwatering baked goods that use, for the most part, easy to access ingredients and simple techniques that even beginner bakers can follow.  There are so many great items, both sweet and savory that will make great additions to any Specific Carbohydrate Diet, and if you follow the SCD, you know how hard it can be to find really good recipes that fit the bill.  I was a bit bummed not to have any pictures accompanying the recipes since I love me some good food pictures, but that was the only issue I had with the book:)  An awesome resource for those baking for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet!

Find this and many more great cooking resources at Ulysses Press!


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Bring Peace Into Your Home with a GuruNanda Essential Oil Diffuser

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**


About GuruNanda:
GuruNanda, also known as Puneet Nanda, is a successful entrepreneur-turned-yogi. GuruNanda’s hard-won philosophy is all about enjoying life without judgment or expectation. His simple yogic approach to life serves to foster greater happiness, well-being and peace of mind. He and his company strive to develop resources and products based on this positive and holistic foundation.  GuruNanda is committed to providing people with simple, convenient, safe and resoundingly rewarding resources and products.


The word "Ayurveda" in Sanskrit means "Knowledge of Life," and the focus of an Ayurvedic lifestyle is balance. GuruNanda products are Ayurveda-inspired and are carefully mined and made with your overall health and well-being in mind. All products work synergistically together to help you build a strong foundation - inside and out.

We reviewed the essential oil diffuser from GuruNanda.


About the diffuser:
The GuruNanda diffuser uses ultrasonic waves to work with water and natural essential oils and produces mist for aromatherapy, humidifying and purifying the space.  It's soothing 7 color changing lamps add beauty to any space.  The water tank has a capacity of 100ml of water and you can add a few drops of natural essential oils to relieve stress. When used with a diffuser; they are very relaxing, calming , romantic and soothing.  This diffuser came with two starter bottles, Lavender and Peppermint.




This unit is super simple to set up and use, even my 7 year old can get it up and running easily.  It has two options for diffusing, constant or intermittent, and works quickly to diffuse lovely scented mist throughout a room.  


We have tried a few diffusers and this one ranks up near the top of all of them.  It's a great, affordable choice for a single room diffuser.



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Celebrate National Hugging Day With a Huggy Buddha!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

In celebration of National Hugging Day on January 21, Huggy Buddha made its debut in time for a day filled with warm embraces.


As an ancient symbol of good luck and well wishes for a happy life, Huggy Buddha is all about hugs, happiness and more. So what better way to celebrate National Hugging Day, than with hugs and a Huggy Buddha?

This little guy is cute and cuddly and super soft.  It is made by Gund, so you know it is a quality plushie:)  Whether you want to keep him around for good luck or as a softie to snuggle, Huggy Buddha has got you covered.  Not to mention, Huggy Buddha comes in three huggable sizes making him a great gift for all ages.  Get your hug on with Huggy Buddha!


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Book Review: Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

As a Bethany House Book Reviewer, I recently received a copy of Beyond the Silence for review.


Synopsis:

The Shadows Over This Olive Grove Hide More Than Just the Truth

Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother's dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. Murky rumors swirl around Woodward Colton, her new employer, but the gossip doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know.

Still, something dark did happen in the family's past. Lillian's seven-year-old charge hasn't spoken in over a year. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he'll one day feel safe enough to share what scared him. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. When the housekeeper is brutally attacked, the town once again suspects the worst. Will discovering the truth help Lillian clear the name of the man she has come to love--or will it endanger her even more?

My thoughts:
Beyond the Silence is a really well-rounded book that features a little bit of everything:  mystery and intrigue, heartbreak and romance, danger and excitement, you get the picture, and an underlying theme of Christian faith and perseverance throughout.  The overall story is at times heartwarming and heart wrenching and it was a joy to read.  The authors do a lovely job of keeping the story line interesting and holding the reader's attention with exciting plot twits throughout.  Beyond the Silence is a great book to curl up with this January!


Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book for this review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Chewy.com January Pick: Nutro Crunchy Real Peanut Butter Dog Treats

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Chewy.com is your one-stop shop for all things cat and dog!  One of the fantastic products you can find at Chewy.com is from Nutro:


NUTRO Crunchy Treats With Real Peanut Butter are great rewards for your best friend. They have included real peanut butter and healthy ingredients. These treats contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. They make the perfect natural dog treat for your deserving dog.

These little peanut butter bites have gone over really well with our pup Jessie.  She LOVES treats and peanut butter is one of her favorite flavors.  These treats are the perfect size for training treats or to fit in the puzzle type dog toys we previously reviewed thanks to Chewy.com.  I love knowing Jessie is enjoying a treat made from real, healthy ingredients. 

These treats are currently on sale at Chewy.com for just $6.99, making them a really affordable treat for your pup!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Chewy.com January Pick: Outward Hound Kibble Drop Puzzle Dog Toy

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Chewy.com is your one-stop shop for all things cat and dog!  One of the fantastic products you can find at Chewy.com is from Outward Hound:


The Kibble Drop is a treat-seeking puzzle for your smarty pup! When treats are dropped into the top of the toy, they fall randomly into one of the four treat chambers covered by flaps. Your dog must determine which chamber the treat has fallen into and which flap to lift in order to retrieve the treat. Scent holes on the chambers assist in your pup's search for the reward! Every dog's a winner with the Kibble Drop! Bring out the genius in your dog with this interactive, treat-seeking puzzle and exercise toy.


Our pup, Jessie, is super treat-motivated, so this was the perfect toy for her!  Within minutes of showing her how the Kibble Drop toy worked, she was a pro at finding the treats.  She gets super excited every time one of us brings out this toy and it does a great job of holding her interest.  She really loves it!

This fun toy is currently on sale at Chewy.com for just $7.99, making it a really affordable playtime toy for your pup!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

My Favorite Gluten-Free Cake EVER from Inspired by Happiness!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Over the last year, we have gotten to try quite a few gluten-free goodies, but of all that we've tried the desserts we received from Inspired by Happiness definitely take the cake:)


Baked goods and desserts from Inspired by HappinessTM are made with premium ingredients for delicious flavors, amazing textures and moistness that you won’t believe is gluten-free.  All Inspired by Happiness products are made with premium, high-quality ingredients, with all natural flavors and no artificial colors. Plus they contain no artificial trans fat.

We got to try 3 different layer cakes:

Dreamin' of Chocolate Dark & White Chocolate Layer Cake


This outstanding cake was designed for dedicated chocolate lovers in mind. 


With two generous layers of the finest Belgian white chocolate mousse between layers of dark chocolate sponge cake, this chocolate ganache-topped decadent cake is moist and rich in taste - you won’t believe it’s gluten-free!

Cravin' for Cookies & Cream Layered Cake


Reminiscent of an old-time favorite, this creation delights with melt-in-your-mouth sponge cake, cubes of cookies and silky vanilla cream mousse. 


Smothered with a dark chocolate ganache and white chocolate drizzle, this cake is so good - you won’t believe it’s gluten-free!

Dreamin' of Strawberries White Chocolate Shortcake

This spectacular-looking layered cake begins with perfect succulent strawberries transformed into our most excellent strawberry fruit filling. 


Between three scrumptious layers of light and moist shortcake, we added strawberries and the finest Belgian white chocolate mousse before topping it with real whipped cream. Finished with white chocolatey drizzle, be prepared to taste perfection - you won’t believe it’s gluten-free!

These cakes were absolutely the best gluten-free desserts we've ever tried!  They were moist and flavorful and just as beautiful as they were delicious!  Seriously, when they say you won't believe it's gluten-free, they mean it.  The Dreamin' of Strawberries was the whole crews favorite with the Cravin' of Cookies and Cream a close second, but we really enjoyed them all.  Whether you are restricted to a gluten-free diet or not, I can't recommend these cakes enough!  Sure to satisfy any sweet tooth and big enough to share:)


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.