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.

More Than a Bucket List by Toni Birdsong

Is a “bucket list” just a “to do” list before you die?  It doesn't have to be JUST that.  More Than a Bucket List by Toni Birdsong speaks to what it’s like to live an abundant life; a life filled with adventure, humor, spontaneity, and personal growth. This book is filled with creative ways to challenge you to live a more faithful and fulfilling life.    

I like the way the book is physically designed.  Its smaller square shape feels good in my hands.  It’s small enough to travel with you but it could also be a conversation starter on your coffee table.

The range of ideas for your bucket list include: be ok with a nothing day, visit the locations of some of your favorite movies, make amends, live complaint-free for 30 days, and make a pie from scratch. My current favorite is “kiss your sweetheart under a waterfall in Hawaii” … why not? If you are stuck in a runt, feeling unfulfilled or predictable, take a chance and think outside the box by filling up your bucket.

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: The Southern Foodie by Chris Chamberlain

I love Southern cooking.  It means comfort food to me.  The Southern Foodie by Chris Chamberlain combines two of my favorite things … home cooking and exploring new restaurants that serve delicious food.  The recipes in this book come from 13 different states and draw from some of the best food establishments in the South. 

This recipe book is unique.  It has recipes of course, but it also has interesting facts about each restaurant including comments on the atmosphere, specialties, and insider tips.  It can be used as a food travel guide.  The bonus is that you also get to cook these tried and true recipes in your own kitchen.

This is more than just a cookbook.  I love to travel, so I can see myself seeking out some of these restaurants to have a firsthand experience; ordering the food I recreated in my own kitchen. Now stop reading my review, get the book and start cooking … or if you prefer, it’s time for a foodie road trip! 

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: Song of the Brokenhearted

Song of the Brokenhearted by Sheila Walsh and Cindy Martinusen Coloma is an entertaining read, but a bit predictable and uninspiring.  As the reader, it didn’t bring out the emotion in me that I had hoped for.  I felt a bit unmoved and unchallenged.

The storyline addresses the question of how do we trust God when unpredictable things happen in our seemingly perfect life.  Ava and her family encounter money troubles, a called off wedding, and a disappointing choice by a high school age son.  The problem with the book is that I feel the ups and downs that Ava and her family encounter are kind of watered down.  The reaction of the parents when their son fails a drug test did not seem authentic to me.   

My family has personally faced some dramatic challenges.  As a woman of faith, I have had moments of questioning God, asking for strength during times of brokenness; desperately looking for God to lean on Him during the turmoil.  This novel did not tap into those feelings and God’s promise of “I will not leave you or forsake you”.

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.