Krema Peanut Butter Review + Giveaway!

Most of you already know my penchant for peanut butter. I love it on sandwiches, with fruit, by the spoonful, you get the point:) So, when I was offered the chance to review a new peanut butter, I jumped at it! Krema sent me two jars of their peanut butter and have offered to host a giveaway as well. Check it out below!

I received one creamy and one crunchy peanut butter. Krema is known for their all natural peanut butter. Get this, the only ingredient listed is....peanuts!! This has no added salt, sugar or hydrogenated oils! You get only peanuts. I LOVE it! Because this is natural and doesn't have all the added junk, it is very oily when you first open it. I have used peanut butter like this before and this came as no surprise. You have to stir it very well to mix the oil in and it will still be somewhat oily but that comes from being all natural. Remember only peanuts here:)

My favorite type of peanut butter is crunchy. The rest of the family likes creamy but I try to buy crunchy for myself. Like I said above, this needs mixed very well. If you don't know better, you will think you have it done but there is a lot that settles on the bottom so you really get a workout mixing. I got mine opened and started in mixing it. My mouth was watering by the time I was done though. Look at the amount of peanuts in here! This smelled delicious and looked even better. I cut up a banana and had it with peanut butter. This is one of my favorite snacks to have in the afternoon. This has such a full flavor and the roasted peanuts taste delicious! And the nice thing abou this is, I can have my snack without having all the trans fat and nasty additives that I normally get with my peanut butter.

The creamy is very oily and you have got to mix it well. It will still be more runny as it doesn't have the pieces of peanuts like the crunchy. But I enjoyed having this on a sandwich. I used peanut butter and fluff for a lunch and boy was it good! Nice and smooth. I am telling you, natural peanut butter has really spoiled me for anything else. There is just nothing like the taste and the rich flavor of this.

So, are you ready to try something new? Or maybe you use natural peanut butter all the time and would like to get a chance at winning this? Either way, Krema Peanut Butter is one of the best I have tasted in a while. One winner will receive the same thing I did, two jars of Krema Peanut Butter. Get your entries in below.

USA ONLY!

Giveaway will end 6/12. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

I received product for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.

Interview with Tessa Afshar and Giveaway!

Today I have an interview with a lovely lady, Tessa Afshar, author of the new book, Harvest of Rubies. I am actually reading this right now and am really enjoying it. Beautiful telling of a time in history and the writing is excellent. Anyways, not to get into my review, which will be coming up soon, but you do have a chance at winning a copy of Harvest of Rubies by entering below! Check it out:)


Thank you for being with us today, Tessa!!
Thank you for inviting me on your blog, Charity! It's a pleasure to hang out with you and your readers.

How long have you known you wanted to be an author?
Since I was in grade school. I was always a voracious reader and loved writing essays. They never felt like work to me. Math on the other hand...!

Can you tell me a little bit about your newest book?
Harvest of Rubies is the story of Sarah, the prophet Nehemiah's fictional cousin who can speak several languages, keep complex accounts, write on tablets of clay, and solve mysteries. As a result, the talented Sarah is catapulted into the center of the Persian court-working long hours, rubbing elbows with royalty and becoming the Queen's favorite scribe. Yet a devastating past has left Sarah with two conclusions: that God does not love her, and that her achievements are the measure of her worth-a measure she can never quite live up to.

And then she meets Darius Pasargadae, a man accustomed to having his way. A wealthy and admired aristocrat, the last thing he expects is a wife who scorns him. Throw two such different people together and the sparks fly as Sarah learns to overcome the idols that bind her.

When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?
I want them to have laughed and cried, and perhaps even seen a little bit of themselves in Sarah. Many of us struggle with finding our worth in our accomplishments as Sarah does. Harvest of Rubies asks the primal question of identity: who are we? What gives us value? Do we live as if we belive our own theology?

This novel also grapples with human pain: How do we deal with a good God who sometimes allows bad things to happen(even if He may not be the author of them?) Can we trust Him in the midst of our shattered dreams?

Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?
I have lived on 4 continents, and been a citizen of three countries. I feel truly blessed for the diverse experiences in my past, which have taught me that the greatest privilege in my life is to be a citizen of heaven. I confess that all this traveling has turned me into a homebody who loves nothing better than the companionship of my close friends and family. Having said that, I wouldn't say no to visiting a sunny Caribbean island where I can enjoy the warm ocean lapping at my feet.

If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?
Jesus, of course, because I can't imagine anything more fulfilling than spending time with Him. And because there are a few questions I would still like to ask. Also, Laura Hillenbrand, who has written two of my favorite books. She has suffered from debilitating illness for many years and yet she manages to write convincingly about overcoming impossible odds.

What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?
That's a hard one to choose. The resurrection. The Pentecost. The day God parted the sea for Israel to walk away from Egypt. The day Jesus returns. How can you pick only one?

Do you have a favorite hobby?
Reading and writing, of course. Hanging out with friends and family. Decimating desserts that contain whipped cream. Knitting. Cooking. Watching movies, especially BBC dramas. Sleeping. Sleeping while eatching BBC dramas.

Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?
I am trying to become healthier in my eating habits. This means that I sometimes mix kale or spinach with my bananas and pineapples and have it as a shake for my breakfast. It may not sound it, but it can be really delicious.

Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?
We can drive ourselves crazy with depressing statistics, discouraging circumstances and impossible odds. However, there is a truth we sometimes misplace: God is strong. He is able. He is an ever-present help in trouble. He can cover our gaps and our shortcomings. He is the best agent, the best marketer, the best editor you can find; after all, He too is a writer. Our destiny is in the palm of His hands, and though we are buffeted by the winds of adversity and the wiles of our enemy, God is far more powerful than both.

Any last thoughts for your readers?
Don't give up on your dreams!

And how can they connect with you?
Charity, thank you so much for inviting me on your wonderful blog. It's been an absolute pleasure. If your guests would like to visit me on my website, it is TessaAfshar.com. Or visit me on my Facebook author page where there is always some discussion going on.

Readers, Tessa has graciously offered a copy of her book, Harvest of Rubies for a giveaway! I am telling you, if you love a good historical novel, this is one you won't want to miss! Of course, you might want to read her first book as well, Pearl in the Sand. Enter through the form below!

USA ONLY!!

This giveaway will end 6/11. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Blog Tour for A Love Forbidden by Kathleen Morgan

Up next is a blog tour for the second book in the Heart of the Rockies Series by Kathleen Morgan. A Love Forbidden is a neat read that I enjoyed. Find out more below!

Moved by the desire for adventure and a yearning to help the Ute Indians, twenty-year-old Shiloh Wainright impulsively accepts a teaching position at the White River Indian Agency in northwestern Colorado. The new job, however, isn't what she imagined it would be, and Shiloh soon finds herself caught in the cross fire between the Utes, their unyielding Indian Agent, and the unrealistic demands of the US government. Her unexpected encounter with Jesse Blackwater, an embittered half-breed Ute and childhood friend, only complicates matters as they battle their growing feelings for each other amidst the spiraling tensions threatening to explode into a catastrophic Indian uprising.

Set amongst the wilds of the Colorado Rockies in 1879, this is a tale of a forbidden love and a faith tested in the cauldron of intolerance and the harsh realities of life on the untamed frontier. Bestselling author Kathleen Morgan deftly explores themes of mercy, fidelity to one's beliefs despite what others think or do, and compassion for those different from oneself as she plumbs the depths of the human heart and the healing power of God's love.

MY THOUGHTS-I have read a couple of Kathleen Morgan's other books but those were all part of her Highland Hills Series so this was somewhat of a different read for me. But I definitely enjoyed it! I liked how the storytelling makes you feel like you are really there in the rockies. The author portrays how wild and vicious it was back then in a manner that makes it come alive for the reader.

I had mixed feelings over the relationships in this book. I think nowadays it is looked upon as nothing for two people of mixed heritage to marry. But back then things were a lot different and this was seen as almost a sin. Personally I felt bad for Jesse and I had no problem with the growing friendship between Jesse and Shiloh. Jesse has gone through so much heartache and still tries to be strong but it is hard. Shiloh was a great female character and I loved her attitude.

If you want a good historical book that doesn't gloss anything over, this is one you will want to pick up. I can't wait for the third book in the series!

Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

I received a copy of the book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.

Vacation Traveling!

Hey everyone! Been a long week and we have friends visiting so I feel like I am not getting anything done here on my blog. Just one of those things. But I wanted to talk to you all a little about traveling. Have you ever gone on a fun trip? Maybe sight-seeing? I love taking trips like this, so long as they are once in a while, not all the time:) I prefer doing a big one once every couple months or so. Rather than taking trips constantly. But sometimes it feels like we do that a lot.

Anyways, I have a couple favorite places to visit and I figured I would share some of them with you. One of my absolute all time favorite cities to visit is Chicago, Illinois. Talk about a great city! There is so much to do and so many places to see while you are there! From the parks to the musuems, the restaurants and the night life, you can't escape the fun of this city. And if you have kids, it is all the better! Whether you go in the summer time or during the fun of winter snow, there are plenty of things to do. We even went ice skating a couple times!

The other place I really like to go is Louisville, Kentucky. We visit at least once a year and this is a place that really gets to you. I enjoy the history and all the historic downtown district is fun to wander. Now, don't get me wrong. There is a lot more to this city than what happened in the past. We also love the antique malls, the thrift stores and don't forget the book stores! There are museums to visit along with some other great places. The horses are one of those things you kind of can't miss in Louisville:)

Now, one thing you have to have though is money. And whether that is through the US Money Reserve, savings, etc, you will have to make sure the funds are flowing when you visit these places. Just so much to see and do!

My Weight Loss Success Story

I don't know about you, but I am always looking for ways to help lose weight and be healthy. There is nothing more that encourages me than weight loss success stories. It helps to know others who are having this same battle and struggling with it every day. People all over the world and some near me! So, I decided to give you my story and some tips as well that I have found useful.

I was always thin and skinny growing up and could eat anything without putting on pounds. But once I reached my early 20's, I put on weight in a way I never thought I would. So, I decided to go on a diet without having a specific diet. I would use right eating, exercise and healthy habits that would change my life in more ways than one. I have outlined some of them below so maybe they can help others as well. I have now lost about 10 lbs and still losing steadily. I want to lose more but I am going to do it in a manner that is healthy. Check out my tips and leave any you might have in the comments!

1.Use Portion Control.
This is something major and I am so happy that this is working for me. It is amazing how big our portions have become in America and what they used to be. I am really digging in on this and using portion control. I eat smaller portions and try to leave some on my plate. I know it goes against what we all heard as children to eat everything off your plate and don't waste, but this really works!

2.Exercise Daily.
I do cardio and weights daily. My cardio is anything from an exercise DVD to walking. But I get in a good amount of time doing this. And my weights I do at least 3 times a week. I don't use a large amount but I do enough that it tones the body quite well.

3.Drink Lots of Water.
This is something I learned from a friend who kept pushing me about this. I was pretty good about drinking water on a regular basis. But now that I have it with me constantly and drink when I feel hungry, it has made an amazing difference! Water is so healthy for you and it really helps curb the hunger.

4.Use a Fitness Tracker.
One thing that has really helped me is being accountable to friends. I joined a fitness tracker and we all help each other check in. Amazing!!

So, leave any tips or helpful info in the comments below. I am all for losing more weight and am sure my readers might find it interesting to see what worked for you!

This is a sponsored post for Xango, however, all the points and views are
my own.

Honey Bunches of Oats Review + 2 Winner Giveaway!

Okay, remember how many times I have said one of my favorite benefits with blogging is introducing new products to my readers? Well, this is one of those times! Honey Bunches of Oats is not really a new item, but they just recently came out with, Honey Bunches of Oats with MORE bunches!! I LOVE it! The granola bunches are my favorite part of the cereal and this just made it better:) I will be having a giveaway where 2 winners get 2 coupons for a free box of Honey Bunches of Oats cereal so make sure you enter at the bottom!



I am someone who likes to eat food that is better for you. Whether that means not eating cereal period, or finding one like this, I do what I have to. But I also like when my food tastes good! Have you ever eaten some of these cereals? They can taste pretty bad:) But I have no fears of that with Honey Bunches of Oats. I can't wait to try their other new one, Fruit Blends. It looks yummy! This one that I received for review is the Honey Roasted with more Granola Bunches.

This cereal has 10 grams of Whole Grain! I am a big fan of getting whole grains and this is an excellent way to start off. After having my breakfast I have already had 10 grams! It is also heart healthy and only has 6 grams of sugar per serving. Like I said, I really like this aspect and this is just the start for a great cereal.

I have always liked Honey Bunches of Oats. It is a good cereal with a good flavor. I like how it is sweet and crunchy and I often have this for my dinner as well;) The extra bunches of granola taste really delicious. I love the flavor and the crunch! This is a cereal you will really enjoy if you like a good taste and delicious crunch. Excellent breakfast or dinner:) Even the children like this cereal adn that is saying a lot! Just look at the bunches of granole in that picture below:) YUMMY!

Readers, there will be two winners that are going to receive 2 free coupons. This is good on any box up to $4.49.

USA ONLY AS I AM SHIPPING!!

This giveaway will end 6/4. Winners will be chosen through Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. USA ONLY!!

Post provided a free sample of their Honey Bunches of Oats-Honey Roasted so I could review them. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

How to be Fashionable and Still Wear Modest Clothing

As a young lady who wears modest clothing all the time, I am a big advocate of being fashionable and still modest. I mean, really, who wants to be modest and yet look dowdy or frumpy? Not me, that's for sure! So, below are some tips I have found useful in the past and still use today. Check them out!

1.Pair Cotton Shirts and Skirts.
I love the cotton t-shirts that are light, airy and yet fashionable. You can get a shirt with pretty much any statement on it or design. Pair this with a light cotton skirt. I like the maxi tiered skirts and love wearing one with a t-shirt on top.

2.Use Peasant Blouses.
I personally like peasant blouses. They are very pretty and they have almost nothing to them! You can wear one without feeling like you are wearing too much on the top. This is great for the summer time where you don't want to be sweating in your denim tops.

3.Must Have Maxi Dress.
These have just recently come back into style and the Maxi Dress is a really cute look. I think the cotton ones are a great way to be fashionable and at the same time keep your modest look.

4.Wear A Hat.
Now, I like a baseball cap. But another one that is great for looking cute and modern is a floppy hat. You know the wide brimmed ones that many people wear at the beach? That is what I am talking about! They are great for being fashionable!

So, these are just some of my tips. Leave a comment below if you have another one for me. I am all for being fashionable while being modest and I like to see what other ladies have to say.

This is a sponsored post for Downeast Basics, however, all the points and
views are my own.

FIRST WildCard Tour Lisa Troyer A Place To Belong CD

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!




You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card artist is:

Lisa Troyer

and the cd:

A Place to Belong

℗ 2012 LifeWay Worship

***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***

MY REVIEW-This CD is such a blessing!! Lisa Troyer has a beautiful way of bringing things to mind through song. Some of these were a little bit the same but I personally liked a lot of them. Some of these I didn't care for but that is my personal opinion. Just a bit of a different style. If you want something that speaks of a walk with the Lord, this CD is the one to pick up!

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Radio personality, recording artist, speaker and author Lisa Troyer finds herself heart-deep in ministries that are changing lives forever. Her incredibly successful Circle of Friends women's ministry, formed over a decade ago, is growing in all directions. With ministry and songwriting partner Dawn Yoder, Lisa and her Circle of Friends offer women's conferences, leadership training, counseling services, worship music, life skills classes and marriage/family resources. No matter the outlet or the venue, Lisa uses her gift of encouragement, her influence and her resources to open doors for women everywhere to discover their significance and belonging through Christ.





Visit the author's website.

SHORT CD DESCRIPTION:

Every woman needs acceptance, love and a place to belong. That's the underlying theme of the new music CD, A Place to Belong (Lifeway Worship), from singer/songwriter Lisa Troyer, president of Circle of Friends Ministries. Refreshingly authentic and dynamic, the companion worship CD to Troyer's recently released book, A Place to Belong: Out of Our Comfort Zone and into God's Adventure (Barbour Publishing), tenderly draws women into a place of true freedom and belonging in the very heart of God.

To order go HERE.

Product Details:



$7.92 or $0.99 per song

Genres: Christian & Gospel, Music

Released: Mar 23, 2012

℗ 2012 LifeWay Worship

AND NOW...A SAMPLE SONG OFF THE CD:

Buying Chickens for Your Backyard

In our household, we like chickens. Whether for laying or eating, or even the cute chicks that the kids love. I had never really thought about purchasing them online until this website, californiahatchery.com was brought to my attention. I mean, who ever thought of buying chickens off the internet? I know you can buy a lot of things but the thought of chickens just never crossed my mind. How do you ship them? Don't they die? Check it out below!

This website offers the lowest prices and shipping online. After finding them I went and browsed some other sites and they really do offer great prices. And the variety of chickens are amazing! From the rare breeds like the Black Copper Maran down to the everyday Barred Rock and Jersey layers, they have them all! And not only chickens but ducklings! I have always loved ducks and when I had some property we had several that had run of the yard.

So, if you are looking for chickens for sale, check out this company. Lots of great prices, feed, etc that you can choose from. And they even have a safe arrival guarantee.

I have not purchased from this site but have browsed. All thoughts are 100% mine.

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning Book Review

This next book review is one that was somewhat of a different plot and I enjoyed this debut read from a new author.

She has a secret to keep. But will she give her heart away?

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago's rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work and squeeze herself into the mold of the well-dressed wife who spends most of her time and money redecorating.

When she meets Will, an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World's Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family's expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?

Get swept away into the lavish world of Chicago's high society as Olivia Newport brings to life an age of glitz and grandeur, stark social contrasts, and one woman who dares to cross class lines for what she believes.

MY THOUGHTS-This book is based around the time frame of The World Fair in Chicago, IL. I found this aspect pretty interesting as I often travel to Chicago and I love history! The Pursuit of Lucy Banning was a good read and one of those that you enjoy without even realizing where the time went. There are a lot of little sub plots in this book as well.

Lucy is somewhat forward thinking in her views of women attending college and learning things instead of just being wallflowers for some man. I do think she was kind of deceptive in her attending college without her parents knowing, them thinking she was helping out children at an orphanage. I realize things were worked out later but at the same time, it was deceptive and the aunt was helping out. Charlotte is one of the minor characters but I can't help being happy that the next book in this series is about her! I actually loved her character and couldn't help feeling sorry for her at times.

Overall a good book that was a great opening to this new series. Can't wait to read the next one and find out more about Charlotte. Great debut novel!

Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary

CFBA Tour Chameleon by Jillian Kent

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Chameleon Realms (May 15, 2012) by Jillian Kent



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jillian Kent is a busy writer and the alter ego of Jill Nutter, a full-time counselor.



Jill spent the first semester of her senior year of college at Oxford studying British Literature, where she fell in love with England. During this season, she came to appreciate the written word, the rich imagery of romantic poetry like The Highwayman, and historical novels of many types, including Jane Austen and all things Regency.



Jill received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Bethany College in West Virginia, and her Masters Degree in Social Work from WVU, and she brings her fascination with different cultures and societies into her writing.



Jill has always been a romantic at heart, so readers will find a good dose of romance woven through each of her novels. Jill, her husband Randy, and children Katie and Meghan are animal lovers. They currently own two dogs, Boo-Boo and Bandit and a menagerie of cats, Lucky, Yuma, Snow, and Holden. Critters of all assortments make their appearance in her stories.



ABOUT THE BOOK

How much can you really know about someone?

Lady Victoria Grayson has always considered herself a keen observer of human behavior. After battling a chronic childhood illness that kept her homebound for years, she journeys to London determined to have the adventure of a lifetime.



Jaded by his wartime profession as a spy, Lord Witt understands, more than most, that everyone is not always who they pretend to be. He meets Victoria after the Regent requests an investigation into the activities of her physician brother, Lord Ravensmoore.



Witt and Victoria become increasingly entangled in a plot targeting the lords of Parliament. Victoria is forced to question how well she knows those close to her while challenging Witt’s cynical nature and doubts about God. Together they must confront their pasts in order to solve a mystery that could devastate their future.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Chameleon, go HERE.

MY REVIEW-This book was late in arriving so I have literally just finished it earlier today. Needless to say, it was a great read!! I have always liked regency style books and this is one writer that I will be keeping an eye on in the future. Jillian writes this book in a way that makes you feel like you are there. There is a good portion of romance with tingle but also mystery that makes you jump! Loved both of the main characters and they were very likeable. If you love a good historical novel that makes you think, pick up this book from your local store!

Shopping Online and Promotional Codes

As a blogger and as a coupon user, one thing I am always looking for is deals. Whether it is shopping for gifts, traveling and vacation or just everday grocery store shopping, I have to have my coupons and plans in place ahead of time. And by this, I mean that I have searched the ads, seen which place has the better buy, organized my coupons and checked for the better deal. Now, online is a little bit different but not much. This is where promo codes come in handy!

Promo codes are the the way to do deals online. I just love going shopping online as it is an easier way to shop and you can even do it in your pajamas:) Often the deals are just as good or better and if you can get a code on top of that? WAY TO GO! This totally makes me happy and excited:)

Now, one place I just recently found and have had fun browsing, is called promotioncode.org. This website is so neat! They have a ton of different categories you can look through and lots of codes. My absolute favorite aspect of this site is one I have dealt with a lot at other places. How many times have you found a code, gone shopping and went to place your order, only to have to code expired or not work at all? I know I sure have! This has happened to me over and over. And talk about frustrating! Nothing worse than spending all your time shopping and designing and then the code doesn't work. Well, this website lets you actually flag a code or give it a thumbs up to let others know it is working! You can see if it is a bad code, good code or what people said about it. So you don't have to bother with a code you know doesn't work. I LOVE IT!

So, whether you are shopping for gifts, daily shopping, or maybe even planning a vacation, this is one plae you need to stop by. They have a whole section on 2012 Summer Travel Deals:) Your flight, hotel or cruise destination? Check it out as it can't hurt to save money.

Party Announcements and InvitationBox

Hi all! Sorry I have been somewhat absent. Just a lot going on this week and the next so things have been including a birthday party! One of my little sisters is turning 15 and we are having a party:) You only turn 15 once you know! Well, one of the things I have been looking at is birthday party invitations. I am trying to get just the right ones and it is hard to find exactly what you are looking for. I have set in my mind what I want and most companies just don't have the exact thing. So I have taken my search online to see what I can find.

One of my stops was at a place called InvitationBox. This company features a lot of different announcements, including anything from graduation to party or baby shower, etc. And they have a ton of different designs so I enjoy shopping their site. I am just warning you ahead of time, if you go browse this site, you just might end up buying something:D

One thing I was wanting was a card that was young enough but not childish. Do you know how many of the birthday cards out now a days go from either a little child to an adult? She is a teenager and is having that time of being almost grown up but not quite. I also wanted something that was girly and feminine. Not easy to find out there.

One absolute was it had to be able to have a picture in it. I love photo items and this is one of my big pet peeves. You can't buy these in stores the way I want to so online was the only way to go for me. And thankfully, InvitationBox has a lot to choose from. My favorite was the one below. It is the Heart Pattern in Brown and Pink. This is adorable! I absolutely love the pink and brown colors on it! And with being able to put my own pic on it, I can change it up to an older design.


And if I didn't want one that had a picture, my choice would have been the Tea Party Time. Maybe next time:)

So, if you are in the buying mood, check out InvitationBox. They have some great options and the prices are reasonable. If you aren't in the buying mood, I wouldn't go over, or you might end up spending some anyways!

I have not purchased from this site. All thoughts are 100% mine.

The Genesis Code DVD Review + Giveaway

It is not often that you run across a good family film. But that is just what I was expecting from this new film, The Genesis Code. Learn more about it below and then find out my thoughts about the film. Then make sure you enter the giveaway at the bottom!

ABOUT THE GENESIS CODE:

Kerry Wells (Kelsey Sanders), a college journalist and committed Christian with an effervescent personality, has been assigned to do a story on Blake Truman (Logan Bartholomew) the college’s newest and very popular hockey superstar. As a relationship between them begins to develop Kerry finds that Blake, who hides behind a tough and independent façade, is actually struggling through a difficult personal crisis and that he bears the cross of a secret he has kept hidden for years. Blake rebuffs Kerry's suggestion that prayer might help ease his burden; he is convinced that modern science completely disproves the Bible, especially the opening verses of Genesis. Kerry — who is herself suddenly confronted with a challenge to her faith on another front — sets out to prove that science and Genesis are not in conflict and her quest leads to a startling revelation. Could it be that what science teaches us about creation and the Story as told in Genesis are both true!

MY REVIEW-This is supposed to be a Christian film about both the Bible and science being true. I was somewhat impressed with certain parts but then there were a couple things I felt were out of place or kind of confused me. But please read through this review so you know what I am talking about and if you think it would be appropriate for your family to view.

The whole plot of the film sounds great. I was very excited because our family is big into the whole science going along with the Bible and how science backs up what the Bible says. So I was pretty happy when I heard about the plot. Our family goes from an 11 year old up to 27. So we all sat down to watch this family film. It is rated PG for thematic elements(pretty much expect that with anything Christian nowadays) and for innuendo(which I hadn't realized until afterwards). At the beginning of the film I was very impressed with how tactfully it is talked about Kerry being chaste and pure. You don't often see that in movies, even Christian ones. I thought it was very well done. Overall the film was good but the following things are what I had a problem with.

Kerry and two of her friends go to a sports bar with Blake and his friends. During this time some of the college guys are getting drunk and one of them bites into a glass, shattering it all over. This to me was a little overdone and might scare little kids. Then some things are said here that to me were inappropriate. Just having to do with a mens room. But I muted the sound and we went on with the film. The science part was very interesting and I thought it was well done. I think you have to be careful and explain this with your kids though. They make it sound like the Big Bang and evolution are all explained with the Bible. Basically God saw things in 6 literal days and we see it as thousands of years. Not quite the literal 6 days of creation. But we talked over this as a family and dealt with the issue. Some of the graphics in this part are pretty good! Then near the end is another issue. The pastor, Kerry's father, is dealing with a woman who is not saved. He points out that there are absolute truths and this is done very well. But then he brings up something that I think had no place being brought up. Or if he did, it could have been discreet. It just kind of shocked me when he said it and I immediately muted the volume. With children ages 11 and 14, they didn't need to hear this, or the term he used. I didn't need to hear it.

The acting was pretty good and if you have seen the Love Comes Softly series, you will recognise Blake as Willie Lahaye. Kerry is pretty decent in her acting job and I liked the film overall. She is bold in her beliefs and the pastor is shown as a man, not a sissy or weak preacher. He actually shoots and works out:) So, if you have a guardian that will take out the language that is not needed, you might be in for a treat. Or you can watch it beforehand and catch where these parts are. I also think little children are not going to be interested in the scientific parts as much. I thought it was neat but even the 14 year old was not real interested in it. Otherwise, a pretty good film.

Readers, one of you will win your very own copy of The Genesis Code. Get your entries in below!

US ONLY

Giveaway will end 5/25. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

CFBA Blog Tour for My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing My Stubborn Heart • Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012)

by Becky Wade



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas.





ABOUT THE BOOK

A Sensational CBA Debut in Contemporary Romance!



This summer author Becky Wade makes her CBA debut with a fun -- and funny -- contemporary romance. Amidst the light-hearted banter and laugh-out-loud moments is a compelling spiritual journey of one woman's choice to listen to God and wait on him. Filled with humor and authentic romance, My Stubborn Heart is shaping up to be the hit of the summer.



Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When Kate's grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.



Yet, she discovers a different kind of project upon meeting the man hired to renovate the house. ;Matt Jarreau is attractive and clearly wounded -- hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Kate can't help but set her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.



If you would like to read the first chapter of My Stubborn Heart, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS-I was excited to read this debut novel from author Becky Wade. It sounded like an interesting plot and I couldn't help but smile over the back cover. I was somewhat disappointed in this novel and please stick with me as I tell you about it. I don't want to tear a book apart, and I hate doing this to an authors baby, but I feel like this is something I have to post about in my honest review.

The prologue made me tear up. I have never read a beginning to a story like this and it was very beautiful. I just wish the rest of the book had been like that. The story is about a young lady in her early 30's. She has had her share of the dating game and is now with her grandmother restoring an old house. The contracter is a handsome but brooding man who has turned his back on God after losing his wife to brain cancer and then leaving the hockey career. I was about 20 pages or so in when I ran across my first problem. There were a couple words that I normally don't use but they weren't swear words. I figured I could bypass them. Some people use terms that I don't care for and I could live with it. This happened several times and I was starting to get irritated with it. There were also a couple times of referring to a ladies chest that I thought was a little crude. But again, I figured, this is a book for women, I am sure we can handle it.

Then came something that shocked me. The hero uses a term that means he is upset with the heroine but not a term I use at all. And it is considered to be a swear word. Now I have had a couple swear words before in books, but never this term. I figured I would try a little bit more. And then another word was used and I just said forget it. This term is very crude and I don't believe it was allowed in a Christian book, much less penned by the author. It is often used in the outside world but I believe it should never have been allowed in a Christian book. I understand going through things and making the characters lifelike, but he is supposed to be already turning back to the Lord at this point. It just amazed me that it was in here.

I wouldn't feel comfortable even posting some of the term on here but definitely not a book I would recommend to anyone. Don't pick up this book unless you don't mind crudity and swearing. I hate ever having to post a review like this, but I felt to be honest I had to post about this. The book was entertaining, well written but yet, this was too much. I didn't finish the rest of the book after that term was used.

I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation.

Skip Bins

This is seriously something I had never heard of before. I mean, I guess you know this has to be done, but you don't really think about it. I am sure by now you are asking what I am talking about? Well, I am talking about skip bins. Skip Bins Perth in reality. And that gave you no information whatsoever:) So, here goes.

In all actuality, this is about dry waste recycling bins. Those articles that you can't take to a regular dump or just throw in the garbage but need extra care and handling. That is where these bins come in handy. This is for household or commercial use or you can hire them. Check it out if you are in need of a recycling waste bin!

I have not used this site. All thoughts are 100% mine.

Some Flower Pictures!

I just took some pictures of the flowers in my front yard and wanted to post some of them on here. Hopefully you enjoy them:)

Pretty multi-colored pansies.

One of the light pink roses.

And this one is my favorite. What a beautiful color!

These were all taken by me and from my own flowers. Leave a comment if you like them:)

Vacation Time and Virginia Beach!

Well,that time of year is coming up where we all are planning our vacations. Where we want to go, what we want to do and who will go. I often like to plan where we go and what we will do while we are there. And while looking for a nice area, I ran across Virginia Beach. This area is a beautiful place and I kept coming back to it every time I really thought about it. Check out some of the neat features I found and places I would go below!

One of the first things I check when I want to go somewhere is the food. I mean, who wants to go on vacation and only eat fast food? Not me, that's for sure! With the beach area the seafood is abundant and this is something I would definitely try out. There are only three people in our family that like fish and I am one of them.

There are several local restaurants that just have that dining flair and there are also your regular diners that you can find pretty much anywhere. So whether you go out on a date with your spouse at Aldo's Ristorante for some fine dining or you have a fun time with the kids at Dough Boys California Pizza, you can have all your bases covered while in Virginia Beach!

My other must have at a vacation place is fun and interesting sight seeing places or tours. And believe me, by the time I was done checking out what is available to do while in Virginia Beach just made me want to go even more. There are things to do with the whole family or maybe that romantic evening with just your spouse;) So you can head to Grommet Island Park and Playground with the children and they could be busy there all day! This place is huge and even as an adult I was tempted. And you know how you plan for everything and then the rain comes and you can't go to the park? Well, VB has plenty of fun spots for those rainy days as well. From the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center to Laser Quest, there is still plenty to do. And one place we would definitely have to hit up is the Young Chefs Academy.

One other place I would have to visit before we left is the Cape Henry Lighthouse.

I have long been a fan of lighthouses and love taking pictures of them! My visit would not be complete without a stop here.

So, if you are looking for a place to vacation, check out Virginia Beach. You can plan your stay at Visit Virginia Beach and make all your stops ahead of time. Wonderful place to vacation!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Virginia Beach blogging program. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

New Cheesy Bites Pizza at Pizza Hut Review + Giveaway!!

I am a fan of a good pizza. I think anyone out there loves a pizza with a lot of cheese on it, right? It just isn't good pizza if the cheese is not oozing out of it and dripping down the sides! Well, when I heard about the new Cheesy Bites coming from Pizza Hut, I jumped at the chance to review this baby. And readers, one of you will win $20 in gift cards to Pizza Hut so you can try this pizza as well! Don't miss your chance.

“From our signature Stuffed Crust to recent creations like P’Zone® and the Big Dinner Box, Pizza Hut is known for pushing the envelope on innovation and building menu items that keep consumers talking,” said Kurt Kane, Pizza Hut CMO. “But nothing captures the attention of our customers quite like the fan favorite Cheesy Bites Pizza. With Cheesy Bites, you’re getting our mouth-watering pizza surrounded by cheese-filled miracles that can take pizza night from good to great.”

From start to finish, each bite of the Cheesy Bites Pizza is stuffed with cheese, giving pizza fans the ultimate cheesy flavor they crave. To make Cheesy Bites Pizza, Pizza Hut takes a large pizza and surrounds the perimeter with 28 cheese-filled bites that take the place of a traditional crust edge. The pizza is accompanied by marinara sauce, perfect for dipping the bites. A large 1-topping Cheesy Bites Pizza is $11.99 and is a limited time offer.

The first thing that drew me to this pizza was the cheese. My little sister LOVES cheese and she was smiling when she saw this one. I was able to order this to take-out as we were in town for the afternoon. The closest Pizza Hut is about 20 minutes away so we have to plan ahead. But it was well worth it, believe me. So I ordered ahead and I was very impressed as the food was ready right on time. I also ordered their $10 box as I had some extra on the gift card and one pizza just won't feed 8 of us. After we picked it up, it was sheer torture!! We opened the box once to get a picture and it was so tempting to just take a bite right there! Well, we headed home and guess what? We got stuck on the way back! There was an accident on the road and we couldn't get past. Needless to say, we all had a piece of pizza in the car. We were stuck for almost an hour so there was no way I was going to let it sit there.

The cheesy bites pizza is a pepperoni pizza with little cheese bites around the edges. This really makes it delicious! There was supposed to be a marinara sauce with it but we didn't get one. If you do get one though, you can dip the cheesy bites for a wonderful flavor. This pizza is delicious and I can't tell you how well the bites make the pizza! It is totally awesome! If you are needing a pizza for a game, a family night, or just one of those nights you don't feel like cooking, this will definitely be a big hit. Order it next time you go!

Readers, one of you will be the winner of $20's in gift cards. For mine they sent me 2 $10 gift cards and I was able to use both of them at the same time. This will let you get one of these and something else. Get your entries in below!

This giveaway will end 5/21. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

CFBA Blog Tour for Submerged by Dani Pettrey

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Submerged • Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012) by Dani Pettrey



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.



Just in case you’re curious…The real Dani does love traveling. She’s been to some amazing places (Greece, Hawaii, the Keys) and there are many more she hopes to visit in the future.



And while she’s not quite up to sky-diving, cave diving or heli-skiing (too high, too enclosed, too cold!) she and her family love hiking, canoeing, wave jumping and a ton of other outdoor adventures a little further down on the risk scale.



ABOUT THE BOOK

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.



Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town . . . until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear.



Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a small town. She's returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.



Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer

has settled in his town and doesn't appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge.



She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he's not the same guy she left behind. Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together?



If you would like to read the first chapter of Submerged, go HERE.

MY REVIEW-This is a debut novel you don't want to miss! Author Dani Pettrey grasps the readers attention from the first chapter to the very end of the book. This is a suspense book that you won't want to put down! You have your mixture of intrigue, romance and Christianity that was very well put together. I am telling you, this is an author you will want to be watching for in the future. She pays a great attention to detail and the characters are funny without being stupid. The dialogue is great! The story focuses on Bailey and Cole, who had a past but then they split up. But now Bailey is back to bury a loved one who died in a plane crash. Only, was it a crash? Or murder?

The romance between the Bailey and Cole was believable and I enjoyed them. There is a lot of history and hurt in their past and Bailey made me want to cry a couple times. This is a touchy subject but once a person becomes a Christian, their past is forgiven and it is amazing how hard it is for other believers to give them that same forgiveness. One thing I really liked was the cameraderie between Cole and his siblings. Of course, Landon is a whole different story and I can't wait to see if his future is the next book in the series. Excellent debut novel, Dani!! Love that this is a homeschooling mom who takes the time to write!

How To Avoid Bankruptcy

I am writing a post in conjunction with California bankruptcy.

One thing I have always been good at is keeping track of my finances and a strict budget. It is something I am proud of being able to do. I have seen what not keeping a tight hold on your budget can do so I am determined to not go that route. But there comes a time in everyone's life where you may just have to go the route you never planned on. You may get into debt, not have the finances, lose a job, etc. Below are a couple tips I have for avoiding bankruptcy. Again, this is not something I have ever been through, but these might help someone:)

1.Keep a Budget.
This is something I do daily. Whether it is grocery shopping, looking for gifts, etc. I make sure I stick by a budget that shows how much I can spend and how much extra I have. No matter where you are shopping or what comes up, this will really help in the long run. And stick by it! I know I tend to do good on the big things but then a frappe at McDonalds calls me and I want to purchase one. Sure it is only $3. But it all adds up eventually.

2.Write Down Everything.
This somewhat ties in with the first tip but not neccesarily. With a bank account it really isn't overly hard but when you pay for things with cash and such, it might be a little bit harder. Write down everything you spend for a week. Don't change anything like that early morning coffee and donut or bagel:) Then look back over it and see how much you are spending in reality. I know it is hard. But look at the things you can nix or maybe only do twice a week instead of every morning.

3.Save Up.
I personally like to have a savings account where I save up a little bit every week. Even if it is only $5 a week, it adds up for those emergencies. And believe me, I have been able to purchase things I never thought I would be able to by saving money. Just do what you can and it will help in the long run.

In this manner I have managed to avoid bankruptcy and everything that goes with it. If you have any tips for me, please leave them below.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was
compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Debt Help

I know every once in a while someone needs help with debt. I have personally never needed it but I know we get in binds and the unexpected happens where we need fast cash or credit. In times like this, we all look for the best deal or company that can help us. Well, today I bring to you, Premier Debt Help.

For a debt relief you can rely on, this is a company you can trust. They have a 10 minute consultation that is totally free and will show you how they can help and what can be done. Not many places do this any more and I was very happy to see this offered. I mean, you want to know if a company can deliver and this is a totally free way to check it out.

The other thing I like with this company is the information they have readily available. The blog is loaded with great tips including how to shop with your credit card wisely. This is great info that we all could use some help with!

So, either way you look at it, whether you need the debt help now or maybe in the near future, this is a company I would keep on file. You never know when it might come in handy.

I have not personally used this website. All thoughts are 100% mine.

Affiliate Networks!

As a blogger, one thing I worry about is making money off my blog. I often get a little bit here and there, but a steady amount would be great. For those of you who blog, you know what I mean. It often goes from getting nothing a week to getting $100 once. Then back down to nothing. Anyways, I bring this up because one of my favorite ways to make money is through affiliate programs. And Blue Global Media is the place to go for this!

Blue Global Media happens to be one of the top affiliate networks out there. If you have never heard of an affiliate program, basically you get paid when someone purchased something through your link. You have a referral link and can put it on your blog, etc. I have made a little bit of money through these type of programs and they are pretty good. Getting the people interested is what is the hard thing. But a Payday Affiliate program like this is pretty easy.

So if you are looking for a good program, check out Blue Global Media. Easy to sign up and they explain everything right there on the website.

I have not used this website. All thoughts are 100% mine.

PB Crave Peanut Butter Review & Giveaway!

Well, I am a fan of peanut butter. Always have been. And I thought I had tried out all the different ways of eating peanut butter. Creamy or crunchy(crunchy is way better in my opinion), sandwich or on banana, etc. So imagine my surprise when I found a totally new product that made me fall in love with peanut butter all over again! I am sure you are going to ask what this product is so let me tell you, PB Crave!!

Made with only the finest, all-natural peanut butter, pure honey and mouth-watering flavor favorites, PB Crave spreads excitement with every bite.

We use high-quality ingredients, proven processes and cutting-edge innovation to craft dizzying blends of unique flavors that transform everyday taste into a tantalizing, healthy treat.

From the website I figured this would be something different I would like, but I never expected to fall in love with it the way I have! Basically this is all natural peanut butter mixed with wild honey, chocolate chips and some type of flavoring. It is different for each one but let me tell you, this is delicious! I wish I could put a scratch and sniff on here for ya'll:)

When I received my box I opened it to find the whole 4 jar assortment. This included the Cookie Nookie, Razzle Dazzle, Choco Choco, and Coco Bananas. Now, remember these are all natural so when I first opened the Choco Choco jar, it looked really oily. But, I have used natural peanut butter before so I knew you had to mix them well as the oil separates. So, I grabbed a knife and mixed it all the way to the bottom, and then I grabbed 4 different spoons to try these babies out.

The first one I tried was the Coco Bananas. This one is peanut butter with wild honey, chocolate and natural banana flavor. Now, I opened it up, mixed it well and stuck in my spoon. My mouth wa s already watering from the smell of banana and peanut butter but I have to say, there are foods I have tried before that look delicious, smell great and taste horrible. That was definitely not the case for this food!! It was yummy!! The blend of peanut butter and banana tasted like a sandwich without the bread! I actually remarked that you could eat this out of the jar and forget the bread:)

The next one I tried was the Choco Choco. This was actually my least favorite but it still tasted very good. It is a blend of sweet and dark chocolate, wild honey and peanut butter. I think I expected more of a peanut butter cup flavor but that is not what it tasted like. I think my Dad will like this one though as he thinks peanut butter and chocolate are the best pairing you can get!

My absolute favorite was the next one I tried. This is the Cookie Nookie. Oh my word! This is delicious!! I wasn't sure how the peanut butter would taste with cookie dough flavor but it was super yummy! I have been eating a spoonful of this in the afternoon as a snack. This one has peanut butter, wild honey, chocoloate chips and cookie dough flavor. And when I say chocolate chips, I mean real chocolate chips. They are mini but real:)

The last one to be tried was the Razzle Dazzle. I kept this one for last as I didn't think I would care for it at all. But guess what? This is my second favorite! It is almost like having peanut butter and jelly all put in one jar. This one is a blend of peanut butter, wild honey, white and dark chocolate and natural raspberry flavor. I just love the sweet raspberry with the peanut butter. This is another one I have been eating by the spoonful.

So, this is totally a product I will be purchasing in the future. It makes for a great sandwich, perfect on toast, or maybe that fruit you like to dip in peanut butter? This is the peanut butter to get. Now, not only does it taste good, but it is good for you! This is all natural, no hydrogenated oil, no trans fat, cholesterol free and gluten free!! Yummy and good for you! You can't beat that:)

Well, who wants to win their very own Choco Choco Variety Pack? I am sure whoever wins this will absolutely love it and for those of you who don't win it, or you want to try it out before the giveaway ends, this can be purchased from the PB Crave website.

Readers, one person will win the Choco Choco Variety Pack. Entries must be recieved through the Rafflecopter form below.

US ONLY!!!

Giveaway will end 5/10. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and they will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

I received product from PB Crave for my review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.

Planning a Trip and Google Maps

I have to tell you, as someone who travels a lot, there is nothing better in my opinion, than Google Maps. Google maps marketing has gone way above and beyond and I always get my use out of them. It doesn't matter where you are going, but you can count on Google Maps!

I am the type of person that plans out everything ahead of time when I travel. From the obvious things like restaurants and hotels down to whether the road I am taking is a toll road and what towns we will be passing through. Check out some tips below on traveling and using Google Maps!

1.Route Your Trip
With Google Maps it is nice because you can route your whole trip and add destinations, mix them around, etc. Whether you are taking a long trip or just going a couple hours away, you can plan each spot of your trip.

2.Plan In Detail.
This is my favorite aspect of Google Maps. Say you are staying near the Louisville Airport and you want to know what restaurants are in the area? You can check all this through Google Maps! Put in your destination and then click the search nearby button. From that screen you can put in restaurants, hotels, attractions, etc. This is my favorite aspect!!

3.Check it Out.
This is something that is somewhat odd but you can actually see what the area looks like. When you are on the map, there is a little man you can move and actually get a picture of the area. This was very helpful recently on a trip where it said there was a grocery store but guess what? It was no longer there! The info is not all up to date but pretty accurate still.

So, if you are planning a vacation or a trip, check out Google Maps. You can't go wrong planning ahead!

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was
compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

CFBA Blog Tour of The Sound of Red Returning by Sue Duffy

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Sound of Red Returning Kregel Publications (December 9, 2011) by Sue Duffy



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sue Duffy is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in Moody magazine, The Presbyterian Journal, Sunday Digest, and The Christian Reader. She is the author of Mortal Wounds (Barbour, 2001), Fatal Loyalty (Kregel, 2010), and The Sound of Red Returning (Kregel, 2011). Sue has also contributed to Stories for a Woman’s Heart (Multnomah). She and her husband, Mike, have three grown children.





ABOUT THE BOOK

After losing everyone she loves, concert pianist Liesl Bower has nowhere to go but to escape into her music. Searching for the peace she usually finds in her concertos and sonatas, Liesl can't shake the feeling that she is being haunted by her past . . . and by someone following her. When she spots a familiar and eerie face in the audience of a concert she's giving for the president in Washington, DC, the scariest day of her life comes back to her with a flash.



It has been fifteen years since Liesl watched her beloved Harvard music mentor assaulted on a dark night in Moscow and just as long since the CIA disclosed to her that he'd been spying for Russia. She had seen that man-that eerie face-the night Professor Devoe was attacked. And now he's back-and coming for her.



ENDORSEMENTS:

“Sue Duffy has mixed the mayhem of political intrigue with the melody of romance.” —Dick Bohrer, author, editor, and former journalism professor

“Intrigue and suspense come together in an incredible story of love and betrayal, commitment and courage, power and danger . . . and a God who controls it all. Sue Duffy is a wonderfully gifted writer and this book is a must-read.” —Steve Brown, founder and president of Key Life and host of Steve Brown Etc.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Sound of Red Returning, go HERE.

MY REVIEW-Sue Duffy is an author I have admired for a while. Her books are usually written very well and I enjoyed the mystery and suspense. I have to admit though, there is always that fear of an author not living up to your expectations. Well, my fears were laid to rest with this book! The Sound of Red Returning is Sue Duffy's latest novel and in this she weaves a tale of greed, suspense, murder, and intrigue. Where a best friend will sell out somebody because of money, you never know who is really on your side, and love comes from someone you barely know. I was pulled into this from the beginning pages and didn't stop reading until I was done with it. This is a smaller book but I read it in half a day. If you love a good mystery, you will have to pick this one up. Check it out!!

I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not recieve any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.

Tips for Keeping the Car Clean

Hi everyone! Today I have a topic that should interest us all. Keeping a car clean:) I for one strive to keep a clean car. You never know when you might have to give somebody a ride, or maybe even go on a date with your spouse:) And let me tell you, you don't want your car floor mats looking like the kids spent all day playing with popcorn or anything worse! Below are some of the tips I use daily to keep my car looking nice and ready at a moment's notice.

1.Keep a Garbage Bag Handy.
I personally like to use a grocery bag or the small kitchen bags to throw garbage away. We also recycle here so it is good to keep one handy for soda cans in the vehicle. This is so nice for those times somebody goes to throw a candy bar wrapper on the floor and you don't have anywhere to put it.

2.Clean Out Every Time.
I don't know how many times I have meant to clean out the vehicle and just never got to it. Make it a requirement to clean out the vehicle every time so you don't have to go back the next day. A deep clean once a week is great but do the major part as you leave the car.

These are two things that have really helped me keep a clean car. That little bit every day will keep your car smelling good, ready for a date, and like new:) And believe me, you don't want to have to buy new floor mats for cars, they can run pretty expensive! So the upkeep is better in the long run.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was
compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Showroom Logic and SEO

Wow! It has been one of those weekends. Busy and ever busier:) Feel like I barely have any down time. But in the spare time I do get, I often go searching for ways to improve my blog. And one way I have found to do that is Dealer SEO. Showroom Logic has a really unique idea behind their company and I think if you run a blog, you just might want to stop over there! This is for car dealers, but believe me, I got some ideas myself:)

They have a really neat Facebook app for car dealers and even I enjoyed playing with it:) They have some interesting ideas that I found quite eye opening for use on my blog. So, if you are looking for a Dealer SEO, check out Showroom Logic! Great company with good feedback from previous clients.

I have not used this site. All thoughts are 100% mine.