Don't Judge this book by it's cover! The Time Garden: A Magical Journey and Coloring Book {review}

A dazzlingly beautiful coloring book for all ages, The Time Garden will sweep you away into a whimsical cuckoo clock–inspired world, created in intricate pen and ink by the internationally best-selling Korean artist Daria Song. 



Journey through the doors of a mysterious cuckoo clock into its inky innerworkings to discover a magical land of clock gears, rooftops, starry skies, and giant flying owls—all ready for you to customize with whatever colors you can dream up.



Cuckoo . . . cuckoo . . . cuckoo . . . When the clock strikes midnight, you’ll wonder, was it all a dream?





The Time Garden features extra-thick craft paper, ideal for non bleed-through coloring, and the jacketed cover with flaps is removable and colorable. Special gold-foil stamping on the cover and spine and a To/From page make it perfect for gifting to adults and kids alike.



Then, explore the magical world outside the clock through the eyes of a fairy in the sequel, The Time Chamber: A Magical Story and Coloring Book!

{Review}

"The Time Garden" is an amazing coloring book created with adults in mind.  This is not your little ones' coloring book!  A beautiful story of a young girl who follows a fairy through a magical clock into a brand new world.  Follow the story from page to page through amazing sketches by artist/author Daria Song.

This book would make a wonderful gift for older kids and adults alike.  It is such a fun and fanciful book with a fun story told through detailed and amazingly artistic sketches that are right there waiting for someone to come along and fill in some color.  All it takes is a little imagination and some sharpened colored pencils to create a whole fantastic world right at your fingertips.

In addition to the fun waiting on each page, coloring can be very relaxing for adults in our stress filled world.  This "Alice in Wonderland" type story combined with all the small detailed areas to color makes for a book that will keep someone occupied for hours and hours.  Don't worry, you don't have to complete each page in one day - it took me a total of 4 days off and on to finish a single page - I even invited my 11 year old budding artist to join me deciding on colors and design ideas and helping fill in much of the page.  It was fun quality time for just the two of us!



I highly recommend this book and others like it as gifts for friends, family or just for yourself!  Check it out -  you can purchase a copy through Amazon or find some in your local stores!

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

CAPTIVE in theaters 9/18 ~ Will you be Watching? #followyourpurpose #flyby

We’ve all faced circumstances that have held us captive in some regard.

What has held you captive?

How did you find your purpose?  

Overview

CAPTIVE, based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of
the entire nation, is a thrilling drama about the spiritual collision of two
broken lives.  When Brian Nichols - on the run as the subject of a city wide
manhunt and desperate to make contact with his newborn son - takes recovering
meth addict Ashley Smith hostage in her own apartment, she turns for guidance to
Rick Warren’s best-selling inspirational book, The Purpose Driven Life.  While
reading aloud, Ashley and her

would-be killer each face crossroads where despair
and death intersect hope.  

The movie stars David Oyelowo, who played Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in
the recent film, Selma.

Click HERE for a special greeting from David Oyelowo.

 WEBSITE  *  FACEBOOK  *  TWITTER 

 **  OFFICIAL MOVIE TRAILER  **

After watching the movie trailer I am anxious to see the full movie in the theaters!  I know it came out on September 18th but I have not yet had an opportunity to go see it.  I had heard of the original release of the book and the basic story, but never really put myself in Ashley's place.



Now that I've seen the trailer, I have wondered what I would have done in that same situation?  Would I have taken the chance to read aloud to a desperate stranger holding me at gunpoint?  Would I have the courage to share God's Love in the face of my fear?



Although I have not personally went through a situation like Ashley did, I have had circumstances in my life where I felt that I was held "captive" by the circumstances.  Only with God's help was I able to overcome the problems and continue living a life of Faith and Love.



I hope you also will take the time to go see Captive in the theater - or read the book for yourself.

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! #EyePoppingOddities ~ Check out these amazing and strangely fantastic facts from all over the world!

Eye-Popping Oddities is the latest addition to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! bestselling annual series.

All-new, bizarre, amazing, uncanny facts and feats! Readers will not believe what they’re reading, but each and every story has been verified 100 percent shocking, 100 percent incredible and 100 percent true! Whether Eye-Popping Oddities is the latest addition to a Ripley’s collection or a first-time purchase, readers of all ages will not be able to put this book down.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Eye-Popping Oddities is an incredible collection of the weirdest and wackiest facts in the world. From strange traditions in far-off places to weird

collections from the town next door, this new Believe It or Not! title will amaze and astound everyone.  



Crystal clear photography and incredible facts will keep readers turning the pages, as every new fact is unbelievable, but verified to be true.  Short stories and astounding facts will keep children and adults alike entertained for hours, as there is always something new to discover!

Review:

With "Eye Popping" color photos and page after page of exciting and yes even gross stories, the Ripley's Believe It or Not: Eye Popping Oddities 2015 is a thrill to read.  I love finding books like this for my 14 yr old son.  He enjoys reading the strange facts over and over.  Getting him to read can often be a challenge but with Ripley's books it is easy and fun.  These great books make super gifts for birthdays and Christmas.



This year's issue even has my 10 year old daughter's favorite fish:  the blobfish - named world's ungliest animal.  With 10 chapters divided into categories such as World, Body, Animals, Pop Culture, Beyond Belief and other amazing stuff.  This year's annual Ripley's book is definitely a must read for those who love fun facts, amazing feats and strange oddities.


*It is easy to grab your copy of this fantastic book through Amazon (and yes it is also available for kindle - but I personally recommend the print edition!)

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Capture the Moment with inspired techniques to help make photos into amazing memories #review

This modern guide to photography pairs big, bold images with short, focused tips for translating everyday life into stunning works of art. Featuring contributions by the members of Clickin Moms, the photography industry’s largest social network of female photographers, this guide captures the beauty of family life—whether it’s a child’s

unfinished bowl of cereal or a sunlit trip to the lake. With tips progressing from elementary to advanced, this book is perfect for amateurs and professionals alike, covering equipment, composition, posing, low light, natural light, black and white, still life, and lifestyle photography. Assignments for experimenting with lighting and shooting locations round out the chapters, providing photographers with both the inspiration and skills they need to document those unforgettable, frame-worthy moments in time.

REVIEW:



With three children growing fast and changing often, it can be quite pricey to purchase school photos or take them to a "professional" photographer.  A couple years ago I purchased a nice Cannon camera (not top of the line but a nicer digital for home use) so I could start taking my own yearly and seasonal photos of my kids (and pet, outdoors, etc).  At first it was a learning experience to figure out the best lighting, positioning, background and foreground images, positioning and such . . .  and I thought I did a fairly good job for an amateur photographer.

But still, I wasn't satisfied.  I knew there was so much I needed to learn and figure out to really make a great photo.  So I kept trying, searching the internet and books and asking questions to find ways to improve my personal photography without spending a ton of money on props and gadgets.  So I started paying attention to the lighting in our yard at different times of day - what "accessories" and "props" I could find right in my own home or yard and I think I did pretty well . . .

 But again, there is still much to learn.  So finding the book Capture the Moment by Sarah Wilkerson has been a wonderful addition to my photographic education.  It is well written and full of professional photographs that help a novice like me to see step by step how to improve my photography. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn a bit more and visually see different techniques that can help improve their own photographs.





Capture the Moment can be purchased on Amazon.com

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Want to give a boost to your taste buds? Check out Straight Up Tasty by Adam Richman from Man VS Food #review

The much anticipated first cookbook from Adam Richman, the irrepressible host of Man vs Food and NBC’s Food Fighters, delivers what his fans have been waiting for: a heaping helping of over-the-top flavors with a side order of the erudite humor that is his trademark.

Having eaten his way from coast to coast and around the globe, Adam Richman has learned more than a little bit about what makes food taste good. He draws on all that knowledge and his lifelong dedication to seeking out memorable flavors and eating experiences in this high

octane collection of dishes that are, quite simply, straight up tasty.
 
The more than 100 diverse, dazzling, and downright delectable recipes reflect the flavor combinations, techniques, and ingredients Adam has encountered in his nonstop travels, all translated into easy-to-use recipes perfect for the home cook, and all given a distinctive Richman spin. But Straight Up Tasty is much more than a scrapbook of Adam’s culinary expeditions; it offers the perfect foodie flavor bomb for every occasion from a crowd-pleasing spread for game day to a turbocharged holiday feast. 
 
Along the way he holds forth on topics as diverse as where to encounter the nation’s best burgers and why the best thing on a restaurant menu isn’t always what you might think; delivers helpful advice on kitchen prep in haiku form; and recounts the history of chocolate in rhyming couplets.  And did we mention Candied Bourbon Bacon? You’ll find those delectable tidbits and oh so much more in Straight Up Tasty, a cookbook that could only have come from the passionate palate and irrepressible enthusiasm of America’s ambassador of flavor, Adam Richman.





Review:

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the recipes in Straight Up Tasty by Adam Richman are not all filled with strange ingredients and unheard of, or unlikable ingredients.  Although there are some recipes that I would not try or use all listed ingredients, there are a few that sound and look yummy enough even for my family's picky appetites.  



A few that really caught my interest are:

* Pg 28 ~ Tortilla Soup with Guacamole Wantons (not something I would have thought of making myself but sounds and looks very tasty!)

* Pg 35 ~ Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Dumplings (my girls thought this sounded and looked good!)

* Pg 87 ~ Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Honeydew Sriracha Salsa (now this one I would change up a bit - the tacos are great but not so much the salsa - so I would alter the recipe a bit)

* Pg 151 ~ Spaghetti Pie (now this is funny - I actually already make a version of this that my family loves - must have stolen MY recipe - LOL)



Now, I must say that compared to other cookbooks I have reviewed this one has a photo for at least 75% of the recipes.  That is a huge plus for me.  I like to see what the dish is meant to look like as well as have the recipe on hand.  I am personally not a fan of a cookbook or recipe without a photo, so this book does cover that qualification for me.  I also expect to have recipes that are realistic for the average American family - not include half of the ingredients that must be found in specialty food stores.  Overall I like this cookbook and will be fixing a few of the recipes within it for myself and my family.

You can check it out for yourself here on Amazon.com (affiliate link)  *another plus: it is available for Kindle!

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review through Blogging for Books. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

IT Girl 4 Life - build unshakable self-confidence and bring out your special something!

Genre: 

YA nonfiction — self-esteem/ self help/ personal growth/inspiration/motivation.



Publisher: Heart Project Publishing

Release Date: June 15, 2014

Buy: Amazon | BN

Book Description:


"YOU have IT. IT is the GREATNESS you were born with." - from the book

Writer,
artist, and speaker, Tamara Branch serves up 40 bite-sized chapters on
how to build unshakable self-confidence, honor your life, and shine
bright

in the world, in ITGIRL4LIFE: How to bring out your special something and so much more. Get ready to fall in love with your own wisdom, beauty, and strength.

---

Tamara
Branch is from New York, born and raised in the Bronx. She is thrilled
to share her first book release, ITGIRL4LIFE: How to bring out your
special something and so much more. The book kicks off the ITGIRL4LIFE
self-esteem movement to help empower girls to stand up, stand out and
shine bright in the world.
Tamara
has worked as a professional model and actor for almost two decades.
She strutted down the runway for designers Calvin Klein, Donna Karen and
Christian Dior, acted in a few independent films,
co-hosted PBS New York’s education series, “What’s up in Technology”
and appeared T.V. commercials and print ads for Levi’s, Old Navy,
Hershey’s, Colgate, Kellogg’s Special K, Revlon, Hanes, Nike and many
others. A Penn State alumnus and lifelong student of personal
development, Tamara is deeply passionate about uplifting the human
spirit.



After
graduating from Institute for Integrative Nutrition, studying under
Deepak Chopra, Dr. Andrew Weil and some of the top health and wellness
experts in the world, she was inspired to raise the bar on her own ‘self
care’ and support others in living more vibrantly. She is an abstract
artist and teaches a dynamic dance class, where she gets to fuse her
varied background, having trained in everything from jazz, ballet and
modern to Afro-Caribbean and Salsa.



Tamara
was recently asked to become a Female Visionary Author guest blogger
for The Brave Heart Women Global Community. She's a SAG/AFTRA member
since 1998, a member of Society of Children’s Book Writers and
Illustrators and is represented by Abrams Artists Agency.



Tamara currently lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband of
seven years and offers ITGIRL4LIFE workshops to assist girls on their
self empowerment journey. Her second book is due out next Spring. Stay
tuned!



Author Links -

http://www.tamarabranch.com
http://tamarabranch.com/tams-blog/ 

https://www.facebook.com/itgirl4lifemovement
https://twitter.com/itgirl4life
http://www.pinterest.com/branch0204/
http://linkd.in/1s7bSPA
https://www.goodreads.com/
http://amzn.to/1nPlKs7 

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

A Year in the Life of the Secret Garden by Valarie Budayr #tour #giveaway

Title: A Year in the Life of the Secret Garden | Author: Valarie Budayr | Illustrator: Marilyn Scott-Waters | Publication Date: November, 2014 | Publisher: Audrey Press | Pages: 144 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 99


 



Book Description: Award-winning authors Valarie Budayr and Marilyn Scott-Waters have co-created A Year in the Secret Garden to introduce the beloved children’s classic, The Secret Garden to a new generation of families. This guide uses over two

hundred full color illustrations and photos to bring the magical story to life, with fascinating historical information, monthly gardening activities, easy-to-make recipes, and step-by-step crafts, designed to enchant readers of all ages. Each month your family will unlock the mysteries of a Secret Garden character, as well as have fun together creating the original crafts and activities based on the book.Over 140 pages, with 200 original color illustrations and 48 activities for your family and friends to enjoy, learn, discover and play with together. A Year In the Secret Garden is our opportunity to introduce new generations of families to the magic of this classic tale in a modern and innovative way that creates special learning and play times outside in nature. This book encourages families to step away from technology and into the kitchen, garden, reading nook and craft room.

 

Great News!

You can purchase your very own copy of this gorgeous book for only $15 (a savings of $5) directly from Audrey Press between Dec. 1 and 7, 2014. PLUS, if you miss these dates, you can still purchase the book between December 8 and 31, 2014 for $15 using the code word "SECRETGARDEN".

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE BOOK NOW!!

Amazon * Audrey Press * Goodreads

 

Month by Month Guide

September

• Indian Style Chicken Curry


• Rangoli


• Magic Carpets


• Misselthwaite Manor


• Character Study: Mary Lennox


• Ploughman’s Lunch

 

October

• Cutouts of the Secret Garden Characters


• Planting Bulbs


• The English Garden


• Character Study: Mrs. Medlock

November

• Hot Oatcakes


• Jump Rope


• Plastic Bag Jump Rope


• Jump Rope Rhymes


• Shovel, Shovel, Spade


• Character Study: Ben Weatherstaff

December

• Bringing in the Evergreen


• Yorkshire Pudding Toad-in-a-Hole


• The Oak King vs. The Holly King


• The Story of Mistletoe


• Character Study: Martha Sowerby

January

• Parkin Cake


• Wutherin' Wind Flags


• Ice Disks


• Yorkshire Phrasebook


• Character Study: Dickon Sowerby


• Perfectly Good Porridge with Treacle

February

• Oaten Pipe


• Garden in a Jar


• Death in Victorian England


• Character Study: Archibald Craven

March

• Sticky Toffee Pudding


• Nest Building


• Seed Paper & Packets


• Grow-Me Seed Paper


• Seed Packets


• Class of Hunger


• Character Study: Colin Craven

April

• Robin Cake


• Dickon’s Felt Creatures


• The World of Mason Bees


• Making of a Mason Bee House


• British Money


• Old British Money


• Character Study: Dr. Craven

 

May

• Freezer Strawberry Jam


• Planting a Rose Bush


• Wheelbarrow Race


• Wheelbarrow


• Spot-Sitting


• Character Study: Lilias Craven

June

• A Midsummer Garden Tea Party


• Ladybug Sandwiches


• Rainbow Fruit Kabobs


• Simply Divine Lemon Cookies


• Daisy Chain Crowns


• Midsummer Dancing Ribbon Wreaths


• Flower Pressing


• Character Study: Victorian/Edwardian Family Life

July

• The Secret Meal


• Tin Foil Breakfast


• The Cooking Campfire


• Creating a Garden Journal


• Colin’s Exercises


• Blindfolded Garden Walk


• Colin’s Magic Chant and Affirmations


• Affirmation Stones


• Character Study: Susan Sowerby

August

• Scones and Ginger Tea


• A Taste of Summer


• Paper Garden Model


• Garden Games for Family and Friends


• Blind Man’s Bluff


• Red Rover


• Character Study: Frances Hodgson Burnett

 

About the Author: Valarie Budayr

Valarie Budayr loves reading and bringing books alive. Her popular website, www.jumpintoabook.com, inspires children and adults alike to experience their books through play, discovery, and adventure.

She is founder of Audrey Press, an independent publishing house, as well as an Amazon and iTunes best-selling author. She has written The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden and The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Valarie is passionate about making kid’s books come alive and encouraging families and schools to pull books off the shelves and stories off the pages.

 

Book Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Pinterest | Google+ | Goodreads

 

About the Illustrator: Marilyn Scott-Waters

Marilyn Scott-Waters loves making things out of paper. Her popular website, www.thetoymaker.com, receives 2,000 to 7,000 visitors each day, who have downloaded more than six million of her easy-to-make paper toys. Her goal is to help parents and children spend time together making things.

She is the creator of a paper toy craft book series The Toymaker’s Christmas: Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself (Sterling), and The Toymaker’s Workshop: Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself (Sterling). She is also the co-creator with J. H. Everett of the middle grade nonfiction series, Haunted Histories, (Christy Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt Books for Young Readers). Ms. Scott-Waters illustrated The Search For Vile Things (Scholastic), and created paper engineering for Pop & Sniff Fruit (Piggy Toes Press).

Website | Facebook | Google+

 

* $100 Book Blast Giveaway *

 

 Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

 

Contest ends: December 31, 11:59 pm, 2014

 

Open: Internationally

 

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

 



Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the authors Valarie Budayr and Marilyn Scott-Waters and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Before Amen by Max Lucado ~ building a stronger, faith filled prayer life ~ #review

{About Before Amen}

Before Amen || (Thomas Nelson, September 2014)





We all pray . . . some.




We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed
malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the
marriage is falling apart. We pray.




But wouldn’t we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?




Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The
calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And
what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain

words. Unmet
expectations. Unanswered requests.




We aren’t the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of
Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial
they ever requested.




And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the
doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable
prayer. Couldn’t we use the same?




In Before Amen best-selling author Max Lucado joins readers
on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for
doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the
Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer
is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is
simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the
conversation begin.




Learn more at Max’s website.



My Review:

I must completely agree with this particular part of the book description ". . .prayer
is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is
simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. . ."  This book describes exactly that - that prayer is not just a "God I need . . want . . please help . . " but should be seen as a special gift given to us.  Direct communication with the Creator!


Before Amen is a powerful and amazing book, well written for those who really desire to strengthen their prayer life and communication with God.  It has made me stop and think of the way I approach prayer.  I see it as a way to give God my requests and expectations, but I should see it for the privilege it truly is.  I need to approach God with reverence yet a child-like heart full of love and desire to spend time in his presence.  This book is Highly recommended by this blogger!

{More About Max Lucado}

More than 120 million readers have found comfort in the writings of
Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas,
where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt,
Andy.


Find out more about Max at http://teamlucado.com/beforeamen/cbd.html.

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Expectant Parents – New Resource from Focus on the Family {And, iPad Mini Giveaway!} ends 11/2

While many books for new parents focus on prenatal development and the health of a mom-to-be, Suzanne Hadley Gosselin's Expectant Parents' core purpose is to help new parents understand key issues related to the arrival of a new child in the home, offering practical assistance as they prepare themselves for long-term family success.

Learn ways to strengthen your marriage relationship, set plans and expectations for parenthood, increase communication, and prepare for the new stage of your family life. Pick up a copy for yourself or for expectant friends and enter for a chance to win an iPad Mini!



One grand prize winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini


• Expectant Parents from Suzanne Hadley Gosselin and Focus on the Family

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd on Suzanne's website here.

 

American Heart Association Go Fresh Cookbook with Tips ~ #review

The more you cook at home, with a focus on fresh ingredients, the easier it is to achieve a heart-healthy lifestyle.



Go Fresh.
The American Heart Association offers more than 250 recipes in this
cookbook, inspiring you to bring nutritious and wholesome ingredients
into your kitchen. Enjoy full-flavored favorites—all made from scratch,
made healthy, and made fresh—including:



· Cauliflower-Carrot Soup

· Blueberry-Walnut Chicken Salad

· Blackened Fish with Crisp Kale and Creamy Lemon Sauce

· Rosemary-Peach Chicken Kebabs with Orange Glaze

· Tomato-Basil Pork Tenderloin

· Butternut Squash Pasta

· Dark Cherry and Apple Crumble



In the book, you’ll also find Healthy Swaps for substituting seasonal fruits and vegetables in delicious new ways, Shop & Store tips for making the most of your trips to the market and what you buy, and Tips, Tricks & Timesavers for reducing prep time and getting meals on the table faster.

Making meals with fresh ingredients is not only healthy and flavorful but also fast and easy with





Review:



This cookbook is put out by the American Heart Association for heart healthy
cooking as well as shopping and storage tips. The cookbook was full of delicious
recipes such as: Chicken and red lentil soup or Triple citrus refreshers. My
main problem with the book is that with each recipe there was no picture to give
you an idea how the recipe was to look like. Yes there were pictures in the
book, but they were all together in the middle of the book and they were not a
complete showing of all the recipes. I also liked the idea of the nutritional
values per serving listed after each recipe as well as most of the ingredients
in the recipes were one that most people would have in their pantry/cabinets in
the kitchen or easily available at the grocery store.

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review through Blogging for Books. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Before Amen The power of a simple prayer

We all pray . . . some.

We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray.

But wouldn’t we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?

Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words. Unmet expectations. Unanswered requests.

We aren’t the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.

And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldn’t we use the same?

In Before Amen best-selling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.

Review by Sharon:

I found this book intriguing as well as spiritually helpful with my prayer life. Max Lucado takes you from how to pray, why pray, when to pray, through different reasons for prayer. When you are done with this book you will find that your prayer life if dull will be refreshed, if already at a good point will be made a lot stronger. I would recommend this book highly to anyone that wants a boost in their prayer life.

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.