Goodnight 2018

  I'm not going to say goodbye or good riddance to 2018.  I'm just going to say goodnight.  I have learned a lot this year and although a majority of it was not positive I appreciate the good experiences I had.

  I will say goodnight as I put the memories to rest.  I will say goodnight because I will not forget but will move on towards the future.  I will say goodnight because when I woke up I made some really good friends along the way.

  2018 you didn't have to be so rough but I guess I needed some lessons taught, learn to be humble, learn to trust friends and learn that I am stronger then I think.

 2019 I ask that you be gentle.  I will follow your lead but I also know I need to eventually take my own path.  I look forward to be a stronger individual both mentally, physically and emotionally!  I know I will be a better person at the end.

 For 2019 I want to continue on my path of health and fitness.  I want to continue to volunteer when I can. I want to be a positive role model for my kids. As well as continue to grow in my faith.  I want to be happier and I am in charge of that!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you follow me into the new year and enjoy my journey. I look forward to hearing your adventures too and we can motivate each other.

Motivation Decorations

  Its time to talk about decorations!  We all have different styles and a personal preference to textures, patterns and shapes but what we all like or could use is a little more motivation, inspiration or encouragement in our lives.  It might not even be for ourselves but for other family members or it's just a great saying in general that needs to be posted.

   I found several choices at artsyolive.com!  This site was easy to navigate and whether your looking for a biblical message or a motivating quote they both are available.  There are even some personalized prints available.

  I like that your not only able to personalize a print but, that your also able to select a frame.

I had the choice of a couple frames and I chose the basic black frame.  It was a thick durable frame

It even came with it's own hardware which is nice for hanging it up in a timely manner instead hunting for the pieces.

The packaging was thorough to include packing peanuts as well to keep my print safe. 

I am completely satisfied with this product and service.  The whole experience was easier then i thought.  I think the hardest decision was which print to select and the frame.  I chose this print because I liked the phrase as well as the colors on it.  

Delivery was fast and I actually even had a follow up email to ensure I did want the passage on the bottom.  There is still time to order yours in time for a gift for this holiday season as well.  Feel free to use code Blog15 for a 15% discount!  This code is available through the 30th of this month.  While your waiting for your print you can also try your luck with this giveaway! Click here for that! 

I was provided a complimentary item for review purposes.  However all opinions stated were solely my own.

Love Does for Kids (book review)

  I forgot all about sharing this great book my daughter and I read together with you!  We recently finished reading Love Does for kids by Bob Goff and Lindsey Goff Viducich.

  This book was the perfect spring board into conversations about everything and anything.  We talked about how people would have felt based on the authors experience as well as discussed the lesson learned.

  The questions at the end and scenes from the bible all tied the chapters together.  Each chapter though however still led to another discussion which made this book a great read.

  My daughter is in elementary school and could easily read the chapters.  She really enjoyed the different chapters and it made her think. She liked the challenges of figuring out how she could relate the chapters read into her present life.

  "If you've been cut or bruised or if your feelings have been hurt, Jesus is like a doctor who lives on your block. He's nearby if you need Him. Just call His name and He'll come to you, sit at your table, and heal you in ways only He can."

  This was an excellent book and my daughter and I recommend you add this to your bookshelf.  I could see even visiting this book years later because she will have had different experiences and have a different perspective.  I received this book complimentary for review purposes and all opinions provided are solely mine.

How Do You Say Goodnight? (book review and giveaway)

  I'm back with another kids book review.  This book is perfect for the younger kids.  Tonight's book is How do you Say Goodnight?  This book is a fun journey following a young zebra named Zoey as she checks out how her other animal friends say goodnight.

  She stops and observes the nighttime routine of various animals.  How do elephants say goodnight, lions or even monkeys?

  Do they pray, give thanks or brush their teeth?  This book is great because just like us we all have a different routine.  Baths, stories, and prayer time are only part of a goodnight ritual as Zoey learns.  She also accepts that all of them are equally nice and hers is just fine too.

  How do you say goodnight? How do you praise or pray before bed?

  This board book offers little hands a great grip and the illustration is so fun.  I enjoy animals and to incorporate them into a book about bedtime routines is something anyone can relate to.

  Here's a chance to add this book to your home library.  Checkout the giveaway here!

  This was another great book.  My kids enjoyed the book and it's easy to follow along.  A great book to start a conversation leading into dedicating a  few minutes to God every night.

  I received this product complimentary for review purposes and all opinions are my own.

A Good Read with a Sequin Sparkle and Change Bible (review)

  Sometimes when you find a good thing, it's hard to improve.  Take for example the bible.  The story never changes and it doesn't need to but,  now the cover is fair game.

  

This cover is the perfect invitation.  You want to flip the sequins but, you want to dig into the various stories too.  

Check out this link because there are two different covers to choose from! https://youtu.be/kC4VFPhZqvU

This bible is easy to read and follow as the font is large!  Easy fun pages to engage the child as they read.

This bible is great quality.  The hard cover will keep those pages safe. My daughter enjoys it because she is spending more time with her bible and likes the modern trend of sequins on it.

Its definitely a show stopper.  No one in her class at church has this bible which makes it extra fun. However you can try your luck with the giveaway and bring a little sparkle and change to your child's bible study time.

https://www.blessedfreebies.com/sparkleandchangebible.html

I received this product complimentary for review purposes and all opinions are my own.

The Cow Said Neigh! A Farm Story (book review)

  I know your looking for a fun new book to share with your kids!  I have just read and shared with a few of my little friends The Cow Said Neigh!  A Farm Story by Rory Feek!  This is the book you have been looking for to add to your childrens collection.

  The animals on the farm all seem to envy other animals and to take on the appreciation and admiration they speak the appropriate voice of said animal!

  This book became a quick favorite here!  The storyline is so fun and easy to follow it's a great book for younger kids to enjoy as well as early elementary.

  After a few animals have said the wrong noise you will have the attention of everyone.  The illustration was bold and fun.  The colored pages keep the story engaging.

My kids enjoyed this book and are so excited to share the giveaway link with you here!

Of course everyone can't be a winner so after you purchase your own copy print some of these color pages!

As always thank you for reading my review.  This copy was provided to me complimentary but all opinions and comments are solely my own.

Devotions book with a Flip (review)

  I read a variety of books and love to add some motivating books into the mix to keep me going.  God plus motivation makes for a good read.

  I just recently finished my complimentary copy of Always Enough Never Too Much by Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan.  This book is full of devotions to encourage you to quit comparing and be comfortable with where you are and even who you are.

  This book offers a fun spin in reading it's contents by offering 50 devotions then requiring you to flip the book and reading the other 50.

 The Always Enough side will help you when your feeling insecure. It provides a reminder from Jesus and everything starts with even if or even when.  For example even when you feel behind or even when you feel stuck.

 The Never Too Much devotions work on soothing you if your too emotional. Take this inspiration to use how you were created by God.  Even when you're busy or even if you have a ton of kids.

 Each author takes turns providing a peek into their life and then justify the path that was followed, accepting what was done and accepting the faults or the individual experience.  I like that it's pointed out that God has made us unique and each of our lives is not a carbon copy.  It's comforting to know God uses us to change us.

  This was a great book.  I don't highlight my books because I hate to write in them but, if I did there would be a lot of highlights in this book.

Enter here for your chance to win a copy of this book!


  This review is my personal opinion. All comments are my own and honest.

Born to Wander (review)

  Where are you going? Where have you been?  Born to Wander by Michelle Van Loon will take you on a path reflecting on your own journey.  I was provided this book complimentary for review purposes and all opinions are my own.

  I found this book easy to read and enjoy.

This book wandered with me everywhere including the pool until I was done with it!

This book contains 11 chapters including questions after each chapter encouraging you to consider what you read, your current life situation and ending with a prayer.  

Some chapters may mean more to you then others.  I had a few similarities with the author.  Each chapter titled gives you an appropriate taste of what you will read.  

Chapter 1: Uprooted

Chapter 2: Sent

Chapter 3: Waylaid

Chapter 4: Displaced

Etc........

We wander all the time.  Not just moving from one home to another but, in our jobs, with our friends and sometimes from one church to another.

Some moves may have been on purpose others on accident or coincidentally but, it's natural to wander.  We are in charge of our own happiness and in searching for the best fit, the happy life, satisfaction we wander.

The author adds an appropriate passage from the Bible or a story not just her own of a particular scenario to bring relevance to the chapter.

A copy of Born to Wander could be yours! Enter the giveaway

here.

This would be a perfect book for your small group book club.  Use the questions provided in the back for group discussion.  Wandering is so natural and common that this is a book anyone can read and walk away from with a different perspective.

  I felt this was a great book and as stated earlier all opinions and comments are my own.

The Study Bible For Women (book review)

  We ladies do like our pretty things.  I also like to read.  This year making time for myself has been easier some days then others but, without being to hard on myself I just make up for it on different days.  My newest book .... a study bible for women.... was provided to me complimentary for review purposes.

  Being a mom, taking care of a house, preparing meals and squeezing some me time is just another challenge I refuse to be defeated in.  I enjoy trying new recipes, working out and reading.  This year I have devoted more time to reading the bible.  I am in my 40's and have never read the complete bible and although I know there are many different apps and  strategies to complete this task in a year those are not quite for me.

  Reading a portion daily is reasonable but I want to know what I read and remember what I read versus getting it done to be done.  When presented with the opportunity to review The Study Bible For Women I was excited as it would provide me with the depth I was seeking.  So for the last few months I have enjoyed reading the bible as well as studying the content.

   This study bible is just that.  It presents the story and food for thought.

Vocabulary lessons.

Learn new words or the meaning of words in a particular context. 

Questions to ponder.

Questions placed sporadically in this book challenge you to think of an appropriate answer based on what you have already read.

Maps.

It's always nice to follow the path and to get an idea of where the places are.

 To learn more about this bible or to make a purchase follow this link.

This is a great book!  One of the most thorough study bibles I have come across.  I enjoyed all the added areas provided for available study.  

This book would make a great gift and of course a great asset to a bible group. Enter here for your chance to win one yourself! 

This study bible is great quality inside and out. All opinions stated are my own and  honest.

Gun Love (book review)

  A book is never just a book.  What makes you select a book? The cover? The summary? The author?  Every once and awhile I step outside of my comfort zone and choose an unknown book. A surprise book.

  My surprise book was Gun Love by Jennifer Clement.  Read more about the author here.

  The story centers around a single mom (Margot) raising her daughter (Pearl) out of a car parked at a trailer park in Florida.  The community of neighbors are definitely some characters to say the least.   In the story you follow the mom and daughters daily routine their interaction with the neighbors and you get an idea of their environment they live in to include the trailer park and their car.

    She left home young with good intentions to raise her daughter better then she had been raised but also knew living in the car was not much better.  Life in a car went years unnoticed or rectified.  It made me think of how many things do I just walk by because it's been the same for so long.

  I enjoyed all the descriptive details.  There was a two headed alligator, a blue opals ring, and even barbie dolls buried up to their heads! I think the author did a amazing job creating a picture for the whole book.


  I enjoyed the book, the ending was not my favorite but, you win some and you lose some.  This book without being labeled as a true story could so easily be the life of anyone.

   It's a book that will make you think. Not about what you can do necessarily but a book to make you appreciate your present situation.  Or maybe it is a book that encourages you to open your eyes and see where you can help.  To learn more about this book or for purchase information check here.

   I received this book complimentary for review purposes from Blogging for Books and the review and opinions stated are my own.
 

Decorating with Encouragement and Giveaway

  Who doesn't need inspiration or encouragement along the way in this journey of life.  I love to see biblical quotes, psalms and encouraging words on items we can use.

  Gone are the days of posters and bumper stickers being the only object to hold words.  Now we can sport our favorite saying on a t-shirts, phone cases and pillows! Pronetowanderla has endless products to help you grow with God and be encouraged. They provided me complimentary items but my review is honest and all statements are my own.

  I love that I can see beautiful words on the back of my phone as it sits beside me.

  Words hung next to my desk to put me at ease or help me get through the day.

  A beautiful statement pillow tossed on a bed be it mine or a guest room.

  I selected the canvas banner and pillowcase above.  Both of my items were grey in color and will compliment any room or color pattern!  I love the font and size of the letters because it had a fun modern feel to it. The canvas was thick and durable and quality made.  It looks like it will last a while!

  Prone to Wander is having a giveaway enter here for your chance to win a set of 3 phone cases.  Don't stop there though take a look at all their items and add to your home or shop for a gift!

  Thank you Prone to Wander for some beautiful items and for the future encouragement it will provide me daily as I pass by the items.

  What are some of your favorite inspirational quotes or bible quotes?

Family Fun (Plants)

  I don't know if spring is only here because the calendar said so or not.  By the way the weather is acting it's definitely not a confirmation.  I heard today on the new Punxsutawney is wanted.

  Apparently people are fed up with the lies!   With a few more days of a threat of snow this weekend I have decided to start pretending spring was here with a little bit of planting.

  If spring won't come to us we will do it our ourselves.

Some of my perennials are coming up so I know winter is almost over.  This pot has some Hostas.

 I will clean it out after the snow is gone.  Until then I will keep the debris for extra warmth.

  We planted a variety of flowers.

So now we will sit and watch them grow! 

Next we will maybe plant some veggies!  I did plant some parsley for the butterflies and found some milkweed I'll need to plant as well.

  Have you started planting flowers?  Do you plant flowers or buy them. I will buy a few plants as I can't grow everything and I like all the colors.

Dinner is Served

  This week my meal plans were not complicated. I try to leave the complicated meals to the professionals or a holiday. 

  This week I pulled out the slow cooker, used leftovers and followed the meal plan for the week.

  I find my recipes in a variety of places but this week everything came from the internet.  My biggest goal was to use leftovers items I bought last week.  I succeed. So yeah no waste for me!

Chicken and spinach enchiladas!

Potato soup!

Zucchini Italiano casserole!

Each week I try to make new recipes and not just stick with old tried and true ones.  I have made this soup before but the other two recipes were new.  Two days of leftovers from last week was nice too.  

All of the recipes were easy and everyone liked all the meals.  No complaints means these recipes can go in the rotation to be made again.

  Now the weekend is here and the kitchen is closed.  It's everyone for themselves! Have a great weekend everyone.