Book Review: Country Faith

Country Faith: 56 reflections from Country Music Stars is a wonderful celebration of faith and country music.  It’s a devotional packaged in an eye catching way.  It’s filled with beautiful photographs of country music’s biggest and newest stars.  I love the look of the book.  It is visually very appealing, artistic and draws you in. The photographs are creatively “framed” and look ready to hang on a wall or place on the mantel of a fireplace. 

Each country star selects a favorite Bible verse and shares how it is meaningful to them.  It is refreshing to hear successful musicians who are willing to share their faith.  These devotions are inspiring and uplifting.  In a world where we ache for good role models, this book points us in the right direction.

This devotional would be a great gift to give.  I plan to purchase another copy to give to my daughter.  She is a college senior who not only loves country music but will also be moving to Nashville this year to start her career in the field of accounting.  I hope this book inspires her to live out her faith. 

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Sweet Olive

Sweet Olive, by Judy Chrisie, is a story that showcases the lifestyle of a quaint town in Louisiana.  The author does a wonderful job developing the characters in this book.  I had the privilege of reading it while away on a vacation in Hawaii.  I began reading it on the airplane during the long flight and then picked it up pool side, anxious to find out how it would all turn out for the people I was becoming attached to.

Sweet Olive is a small town community in Louisiana that is in the midst of a controversy among the residents around the selling of their mineral rights to an oil company.  The book gives the reader a peek into this “artsy” community that is filled with good folk who care about their art, their neighbors, and even come to love and appreciate this outsider who brings disorder into their orderly world.

If you, as the reader, live a hectic lifestyle or feel the rush of a big city, you will enjoy escaping in the pages of this book.  The pace of the story, as it unfolds, is refreshing.  The characters are diverse and you will find yourself hoping for a positive outcome for all that you meet.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Kashi Hummus Crisps

I recently had the opportunity to try out a new product by Kashi: Sea Salt & Olive Oil Hummus Crisps.  They are delicious!  They have just the right amount of crunch and are loaded with flavor.  The Sea Salt & Olive Oil flavor had a good balance of flavor and saltiness.  The crisps can stand alone, no need to use dips.  Finally a snack with "grown up" flavors.  I can't wait to try Sundried Tomato Basil & Feta and the Caramelized Onion. These crisps are also a healthier snack choice.  No more boring, greasy potato chips for me.  I love how these stayed together in the bag; very few broken crisps. 

I participated as a BzzAgent and received this free product as part of the campaign.  I am sharing my own honest opinion.

Book Review: Encouragement for Today

Encouragement for Today by Renee Swope, Lysa Terkeurst,  Samantha Evilsizer and the Proverbs 31 Team has been a great way to begin my day.  I agree with the subtitle … these are devotions for everyday living.   I enjoy starting my day with a cup of tea, my Bible, and a devotion before heading off to work to face the day. Not all devotionals are created equal.  Some can be too long, or too academic, or not relatable.  In the case of Encouragement for Today, I found each devotion to be just about the right length, plus I could relate to the topics.   

Each daily devotion ends with a challenge to remember, reflect, and respond.  It also lists power verses for those readers who want to delve more deeply into the devotional text as time or interest allows. Since it includes these additional power verses, I think this devotional could also being used for a more in depth Bible study. You can expand the way it's used or simply use it for a quick read as you head out the door.  A great way to customize it day to day.

I also enjoy the fact that different writers contribute to the devotional; it adds a variety of styles that I find refreshing.  In today’s world where there are so many devotional books to choose from, I would definitely place this one near the top of the list.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Sherlock Holmes and the Needle's Eye by: Len Bailey

Sherlock Holmes and the Needle’s Eye by Len Bailey was not what I had hoped for. The idea of Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes solving Bible based mysteries is a great concept.  I was hoping to be able to learn Biblical truths while enjoying a book filled with mystery and intrigue. Unfortunately, I found the book awkward, the time travel disjointed, and the choice of Biblical stories obscure. 

The end of the book has study questions; perhaps that would appeal to some readers. I just don't think there was enough depth of content to challenge the reader. 

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Simply Delicious Amish Cooking by: Sherry Gore

Many of us are intrigued by the simple lifestyle of the Amish.  In this hectic life we lead, there seems to be a movement to slow down, spend time with family, and maybe even hone those home cooking skills. Simply Delicious Amish Cooking by Sherry Gore is a good start.

The pleasantly illustrated cookbook is filled with some delicious creations that can be made with simple ingredients, stuff you already have in your pantry. As most cook books, it’s divided by basic categories like breads, soups, salads, side dishes, seafood, pies, and even a category called “This and That”.

There are some black and white photos that begin each section and two small sections of color photos of the finished products.  The “Final Exam Brownies” look especially gooey.  Intermixed throughout the cookbook are tips and “diary like” journal entries.  These are meant to give the reader a peek into the life of those living in an Amish Mennonite community in Florida.  Although that added a bit of charm, I did not feel it really enhanced the overall enjoyment of the cookbook.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Amber Honey Apple Upside Down Cake (Kroger - Private Selection)

I tried Kroger Private Selection Amber Honey Apple Spice Upside Down Cake.  It was very easy to warm in the oven.  The pan it comes in is a "no mess" pan. My husband commented on the wonderful aroma ... and thought I was baking it from scratch.  I could taste the sweetness of the honey, but it wasn't overly sweet.  The apples had a nice spice to them and the edges were a bit crispy ... that was the highlight for me.  I especially enjoyed a piece with my morning tea the next day; I warmed it slightly in the microwave. I would consider serving it to company as a dessert because the appearance is also visually appealing if served on a fancy dish.  I’d like to try the two chocolate versions too: Double Chocolate Molten & German Chocolate Fudge.

I participated as a BzzAgent and received this free product as part of the campaign.  I am sharing my own honest opinion.

Lysol "Touch of Foam" Hand Soap Review

I recently tried Lysol "Touch of Foam" antibacterial hand soap.  I really like how soft it makes my hands feel.  My daughter, recently visiting from college, even commented on how soft it made her hands feel. She also liked the scent "Creamy Vanilla Orchard".  I gave her a couple of the 75 cents off coupons and she plans to buy some for her apartment.

I am using the hand soap on my kitchen sink because I really like that it has antibacterial properties.  I'm super careful when handling raw meat while cooking in my kitchen, so this is a perfect spot in my house to use it.  There are two other scents that I haven't tried yet: "Wild Berry Bliss" and "Rose & Cherry Bloom". 

I participated as a BzzAgent and received this free product as part of the campaign.  I am sharing my own honest opinion.

The Christian Mama's Guide to Baby's First Year: by Erin MacPherson

I am a mother of a “college age” son and daughter.  I am well beyond the child bearing years.  You might wonder why I’m reading and reviewing The Christian Mama’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Erin MacPherson.  Well, I know a lot of expecting mothers, and have been invited to many baby showers this year.  I've been looking for a book to include as a gift that is practical, encouraging, humorous, and Christ based.  I am so happy to say that I've finally found all that in this book; a perfect gift for a “mama-to-be”! 

As I read this book, I was so excited to learn that this guide is written in the spirit that believes a child is a gift from God.  We are not meant to raise a child all on our own.  It is so helpful to partner with someone who has walked a similar path.  This guide is that companion.  It touches on subjects such as breast feeding (including breast feeding FAQs), diaper choices (and wow, there are a lot of choices now), and finding some “me” time (when you feel overwhelmed and utterly exhausted). Oh how I wish I had this book 23 years ago!

I really like the eye catching cover of this book. My only negative feedback is that I wish the cover was a bit sturdier.  If a new mom continues to reference this book during their child’s first year of life … it may not hold up quite as well.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition

I tried the Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition on my hair and on my skin.  If I'm being honest, I thought it made my hair look greasy so I didn't think that was successful. Maybe it's because my hair is not very dry to begin with.  Perhaps it works better if you are trying to correct dry or frizzy hair.

I liked it better when using on my skin.  It gave my legs a nice glow and did not feel greasy.  I also put some on my hands with nice results.

I guess I'm a bit baffled by this product.  It's from a company I associate with hair products, but I liked it better on skin.

I participated as a BzzAgent and received this free product as part of the campaign.  I am sharing my own honest opinion.

Simple Truth Products

I've recently tried some of the "Simple Truth" products that are now available through my local Kroger grocery store.  I've been very pleased with the quality and variety of offerings.

The big favorite so far has been the Simple Truth Chocolate Almond Milk.  It was creamy and indulgent.  I usually drink the Silk brand Chocolate Soy Milk, but I really did enjoy the Almond Milk.  Another snack I enjoyed was the Vegetable Chips; made from various root vegetables.  They were fresh, crispy, and are even visually appealing.  I also picked up some frozen raspberries that I haven't tried yet ... but I see a fruit smoothie in the near future.

I participated as a BzzAgent and received free products as part of the campaign. I am sharing my own honest opinion.

Cafe Escapes (k-cup)

If you are a k-cup user, I'd recommend trying Cafe Escapes. You don't have to just be a big coffee drinker to enjoy these. My favorite has been the "Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa". It was so yummy on a cold night.

I'm also a big tea drinker, and they have a great tasting Chai Latte. It's a more cost effective way of getting something special to drink in the comfort of your own home. A lot less than a "chain" coffee shop. I'm even considering lobbying for a k-cup machine to use at work. Wish me luck!

I participated as a BzzAgent and received free coffee, cocoa, and tea samples as part of the campaign. I am sharing my own honest opinion.

New Product: Glad Expressions Oil Diffuser

I just tried a new product called Glad Expressions Oil Diffuser.  The scent I selected is  "Lavender & Juniper Berry".  I placed it in my guest bathroom and it provides a nice continuous scent to both the bathroom and the surrounding area.

I also like the look of the diffuser.  It fits in nicely with my decor.  I was very pleasantly surprised that the scent was not too over powering.

It is a bit pricey when you buy the starter set, but they do sell refills that are more cost effective.  I recommend you give it a try!

I participated as a BzzAgent and received a free Glad Expressions Oil Diffuser as part of the campaign. I am sharing my own honest opinion.

Unglued Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst

Unglued Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst is a wonderful 60 day devotional.  Lysa subtitles the book by referring to it as 60 days of imperfect progress.   I can relate to that sentiment.  We are imperfect, striving to live a more pleasing life in the eyes of our Creator, our families, and our world.  It speaks to the part of me that is trying to be less reactionary and more present in life’s circumstances.  This devotional is helping me along that path.

Each daily devotional has a quirky title like … “The Root of My Rot” or “Resist the Funk” or “Pizza Man Grace”.  There is also a scripture verse, thought for the day, and a prayer.  They are quick to read and easy to relate to. 

I know you’ll enjoy the way this devotional will inspire you without criticizing you.  The thought for today is “The best thing for me to do is position my heart in a place where I can experience God”.  I like that so that is what I’ll strive for today.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

20,0000 Days and Counting: by Robert D. Smith

 20,000 Days and Counting by Robert D. Smith is a quick read with some thought provoking ideas. How do we measure our time here on earth and determine our worth?  As I sit here today, I've been alive exactly 18,036 days.  Maybe that means I’m ahead of the curve.  By God’s Grace I still have time to live each day to its fullest; to live abundantly. Perhaps this book can point me in that direction.

At the beginning of each chapter, there are quotes from people who have lived throughout the ages. I especially enjoyed one from a person who lived exactly 20,830 days: “Take care of the things you need to take care of today.” This is practical advice from Horace, a Roman poet who lived from December 8, 65 BC to November 27, 8 BC.; words that can be put to use many, many years later.

I think you’ll enjoy the way this book challenges you to eat dessert first, say yes, and ask yourself these two important questions … “What is important right now to you?” and “What is next for you?” Don't forget to go the website theRobertD.com to find out how many days you've been alive.  It may spark you on to even greater things.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.