The Happy Christiam

The Happy Christian: Ten Ways to be a joyful believer in a gloomy world, by David Murray, has been both a joy and a challenge to read.  The reason I say it has been a “challenge” is because this is a topic that I struggle with; it’s close to home. I am a Christian who desires to be a light in the world, but it can be hard to keep that light burning while bombarded by brokenness in the Media, Our Past, Work, and even the Church.

The Happy Christian shares practical ways to help us to lean more on the optimistic, positive side of the spectrum.  This is not a book about the power of thinking positive or looking at a glass half full.  This book acknowledges that we are bombarded by bad news and real heart ships; but that is not where it ends. Instead, as Christians, we can learn to tap into the hope we find in Christ. There is no room for hopelessness in the heart of a person who has experienced the Grace of God.

If you, as the reader, desire to lighten the dark places in your heart, please be patient with yourself and use this book as a resource to strive to expose that light.

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

Dashing Dish by: Katie Farrell

I love a cookbook that includes delicious recipes along with photos of what the dishes look like. Dashing Dish by Katie Farrell has food that is healthy and full of flavor.  It even includes tips for developing healthy habits when you snack and during special occasions. I like that the recipes are not overly complicated. The estimated time each recipe takes is listed so I can select a quick option if I’m in a hurry or select a longer prep time on the weekend, when I have more time to spend in the kitchen.

This recipe book is divided into categories including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Side dishes, Snacks and Desserts. Having a healthy snack section is unique in a recipe book. I’m excited about trying some of these snacks instead of relying on junk food. Additionally I like that at the end of each recipe it shows serving size and nutritional information including number of calories, grams of fat, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, and protein.

To peak your interest, I selected an example of a days’ worth of healthy eating. Start with Cookie Dough Overnight Oatmeal for breakfast, Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder for lunch, followed by a dinner with Apple Bacon Feta Turkey Sliders with a side of Zucchini Tots.  You can’t forget dessert which should be the Strawberry Pretzel Dessert. Simple, delicious, and healthy!

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 Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, by Kristen Feola, is more than a cookbook. It’s a complete guide to the fast, the focus, and the food. It gives a compelling description on what fasting is and what it isn't. It gave me a deeper insight into the Biblical reason for fasting along with the different types of fasts. The Daniel fast is for anyone who desires a deeper connection with the Lord and is willing to commit to a three-week fast with the result of pursuing a deeper connection with God.

This book is broken down into 3 parts.  The first is about the fast, the second is about the focus, and the last is about the food. I must admit that I’m most excited about the food section. I’m sold on the benefits of fasting, but am intimidated by the practical, day-to-day meal planning.

The food section includes weekly suggested meal plans along with preparation tips. The recipes cover breakfast items, appetizers, snacks, salads, salad dressings, soups, vegetables, and main dishes. There are also a few photos of the food items in the center section of the book.

I’m prayerfully considering participating in the Daniel Fast in the New Year. I know one thing for sure, I will use the recipes included in this book!

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's Guide to the Pig

When is a cookbook a great cookbook? When it not only includes delicious recipes, but also entertains and educates the reader about the ingredients that go into these regional recipes. The Southern Foodie’s Guide to the Pig by Chris Chamberlain does just that. It includes interesting back stories, destination restaurants and insider tips.  On top of that, it’s all about the pig; from snout to tail and it is pure comfort food.

I would like to call myself a good cook who also loves to travel. While traveling, we always like to search out local spots that serve regional foods. This recipe book is two in one; a travel guide and a cook book. There have been so many times when I've eaten at a restaurant and wished I could recreate the dish in my own home kitchen. With this cookbook, it can now be possible.

The book is well designed and eye appealing.  The full page photos of the food are like artwork. It will literally make your mouth water! I especially enjoyed the Restaurant profiles. My daughter recently moved to Nashville, TN so I am looking forward to checking out, first hand, a few of the places mentioned in the book the next time we are there for a visit.

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.

Dr. Scholl's DreamWalk Insoles: Chase away the Meanies

I had some fun testing out Dr. Scholl's DreamWalk insoles.  I created a shoe meanie ... the way my feet feel before wearing Dr. Scholl's DreamWalk insoles.  Try them out for yourself and chase the meanies away!

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

The Hope Quotient by Ray Johnston

I can’t say enough about The Hope Quotient by Ray Johnston. I absolutely loved this book!  I would call it life changing. There are times in life when you read something and you immediately feel like the words are speaking directly to you. That is how I felt reading this book.  From the very first section called “Read This First”, the author captured my attention. This book has inspired me to work toward a more hopeful existence. 

Part one of the book shares with the reader what hope is and what hope is not.  The most unique aspect of the book is that there is an access code on the book jacket that the reader scratches off. You enter the code on a website and take a HQ assessment.  At the end of the assessment, you are given a personal HQ score. The overall score is further broken down into seven different categories. I found my results to be very accurate; pointing out three areas where I needed help to improve and two areas that I scored quite high and had a solid foundation.

The second section of the book helps the reader learn how to elevate each of the seven different essential life practices that the author refers to as hope factors.  It is a wonderful detailed teaching tool to help the reader begin to make changes and improvements. This is where the real heart of the book lives. 

The third section helps the reader to unleash an attitude of hope in various aspects of his or her life. In marriage, career, family, church, community and even into the world. Our society and many people we all know and love often struggle with depression, worry, fear, anxiety and discouragement.  This book is a bright light; offering a way to dig out of that mindset and work toward a bright, hopeful future. 

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: Along Came You

Along Came You, written by Karona Drummond and illustrated by Estelle Corke, is a delightful children’s board book.  The illustrations are darling and the dialogue is between a mother and a daughter; sharing all the joys that have happened to the mom after her daughter came along. 

Along Came You embraces the changes that happen when we become mothers.  Even dressing up takes on a new meaning.  The story itself is sweet, but I felt like the strength of the book was really in the illustrations.  I am in love with the bright colors that are used, the movement that is portrayed on the pages, and the faces of mom and daughter.  There are so many details illustrated on each page of this book.  While reading, you could also become very interactive in looking for a cat, teddy bear, butterfly, or even a Mr. Potato Head on the page.  Reading out loud can be so much fun!

If I have any one criticism of the book it is just that it is geared only to a little girl; it wouldn’t be engaging for a little boy.  It would be wonderful if the author/illustrator would produce a companion book with a father and his son.

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.