Dry Idea Coupon Giveway Winners!!!

 

 

Congrats to the following people on entering the Dry Idea drawing!!

Tpohill17 and Julie

You will both be receiving a coupon for a FREE 3.25 oz or smaller Dry Idea AdvancedDry! (Expires 12/31/12)

Be sure to watch for my email :)

Thanks again for entering!

Let's Celebrate with Chocolate!!!!

It is "National Chocolate Milkshake Day" and oh my goodness...the person that invented this day was just brilliant!!!

 I came across this lovely recipe on allrecipes.com and thought I would share to any of those out there who "need" to celebrate this holiday. We all need to...let's do it ;)

Ingredients

• 2 cups premium quality chocolate ice cream
• 2 (1.65 ounce) bars dark chocolate candy bars, diced
• 1/2 cup whipped cream
• 1 tablespoon chocolate shavings, for garnish
• 1/4 cup whipped cream

Directions

1. Combine the ice cream, diced chocolate, and 1/2 cup whipped cream in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses, and garnish with 1/4 cup whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

              

* For even more chocolaty flavor...add some chocolate syrup to the top after pouring into glasses!

Numb....

Well, it has been 8 years since that horrible day that my brother passed away in a car accident. Every year, somehow I think it will get better, but it never does. Really, it even seems to be getting harder and harder to bear sometimes. I usually pull a poem from out of no where that shows my feelings for this day, but at this point, I can honestly say that I have not one, nil, notta, blocked....just, numb.

Book Review: By Faith, Not by Sight

Book Review: By Faith, Not by Sight by Scott MacIntyre

"I received this book for free from BookSneeze for this review”.

Book Review: Is it possible to be high on a mountain and deep in a valley at the same time?

This isn't a riddle, it's Scott MacIntyre's life. Each time his dreams came true, Scott found his nightmares not far behind. Some call it Murphy's Law. Others call it bad luck. Scott has learned to call it a blessing, even when circumstances have threatened to take everything away.

Graduate. Marshall scholar. Recording artist. American Idol. Blind from birth, Scott has had to work harder and longer to achieve his goals. But when a silent killer begins to undermine his success, Scott cannot work it out alone. Once again, he must lean on his faith, his close-knit family, and the life-giving aid of friends to survive.

Follow Scott's roller coaster ride to see how God used the mountains and valleys to give him perspective, hope and ultimately triumph.

 

My Review:  I was not sure how much I was going to enjoy this book. It did begin very slowly and took some time to catch onto, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. To read who Scott is and to understand how much he has been through and still accomplished so much in his life is truly amazing. You could feel his pain through everything he had to endure as written in this book, but more than anything, you could feel his passion to survive, to become something, someone. To say that Scott is someone with a handicap would be an error in words...to say that he is he is an inspiration would be dead on :)

May I Have S'more?!

August 10 was National S'more's Day and we celebrated, like you are supposed to ;) With a few different S'mores treats!!

 

 

 

Kaplyn wanted to make her own (with a tad bit of help from me) She decided on S'mores pops. Here she is putting the marshmallows on skewers to dip in the chocolate. After that, they are rolled in graham cracker crumbs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

All finished! Yummy!!

 

 

 

 

For my dessert, I found a S'mores bars recipe. This was so unbelievably easy to make. This is the dessert all put together. Has some richness to it so be sure to drink with a glass of cold milk!

 

All cut into bars and ready to eat!!

 



A yummy, ooey, gooey, chocolatey day!! 

A Pirate's Life for Me....

We began our own "Story Time" back up this past week. We started off with the story...Alvin and the Pirate :)

The story talks of a little boy who becomes the captain aboard a pirate ship. While aboard, they come upon the enemy ship and decide to fire! However, they have run out of cannonballs and bullets. So they use fruit!!

We made a fruit salad to go along with the theme of the story :)

  For our craft, we decided to make our own "Fool's Gold". A few rocks, gold paint and gold glitter. For the pouches, we used black felt and gold thin ribbon.

The kids had a ball painting, glittering, crafting :)

                                              

They were very happy with their treasures!

The completed project! A great night :)

Book Review: God Gave Us You

Book Review: God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Book Review:

When a young polar bear cub climbs into bed one night, she asks her mama a very important question:

 

"Where did I come from?"

 

As Mama Bear tucks her little one under the quilts, she lovingly explains, "We wanted you very, very much, and we are so very glad because....

 

"God gave us you"

 

In a sturdy, format, ideal for the littlest hands at story time, bedtime or anytime, God Gave Us You assures each child that he or she truly is a treasured gift from the Lord.

 

 

My Review:

This book was unbelievably adorable and gave a wonderful representation of where the young cub came from. The photos are beautiful showing polar bear angels, other animals, expecting photos and prayer photos. A loving mother explaining to her cub how much she wanted her and how she came to be. A colorful, board book made just right for those young hands beginning to ask question. This book is a must!

Dry Idea Giveaway!!!

As a Purex Insider, I was recently sent a sample of Dry Idea Advanced Dry. It has 24 hour protection, fast drying MicroCotton Formula, Hypo-allergenic and contains Vitamin E. Available in 3.25 oz, it is powder fresh, yet unscented.

After using the product, I found that it rolls on, but dries very quickly. It kept me smelling fresh with no worries for the day and overnight. A definite plus for any woman :)

I am holding a giveaway for Dry Idea Advanced Dry. I am giving away 3 coupons that you can redeem for a FREE bottle of Dry Idea Advanced Dry. Tried this before? What better way to try out your first bottle for FREE!!! Worth $5.50!

The rules are simple!

1. Comment on this blog about wanting to try Dry Idea Advanced Dry.

2. Pass the giveaway word on via facebook and/or twitter.

A winner will be chosen this Sunday, July 29.

Good Luck!!

Book Review: Simple Secrets to a Happy Life

Book Review: Simple Secrets to a Happy Life by Luci Swindoll

"I received this book for free from BookSneeze for this review”.

Book Review: Is it possible to stay full of life, laughter, love, and the Lord through eight decades in this crazy world? Is that even realistic? Yes! There is hope, and Luci Swindoll is living proof. when heart and humor, this best-selling author and belived speaker lays out the truths that can help us all become and little more creative, organized, healthy, and happy. This is not a complex prescription for how to become superwoman. These are simple secrets, the wisdom produced by years of walking with God and living well.

We don't need more tips for "having it all," but we could all use insight on "having whtat matters," and there is no better guide than Luci Swindoll. Slip into this collection of proverbs, stories, and friendly advice and come away inspired, equipped, and encouraged.

My Review:  Before this book, I had never read a Luci Swindoll book. She is now one of my absolute favorite authors :) It begins with a very simplistic, but beautiful cover. Each chapter is labeled and tells a story of events in Luci Swindoll's life that has to do with the chapter's title. The stories not only give you the secrets to a happy life, but they also relax you. Each chapter is short and right to the point. It gives you a refreshing feeling when you end each section. From the very basics to achieving balance, to staying connected...everything you need to lead that happy life is included in this book. Thumbs up!

Book Review: Everything Romance

Book Review: Everything Romance

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Book Review:

Romance is always in season when you're in love.

Ready to create romantic memories? If you're looking for new and unique ways to celebrate love, captivate the heart of your true love, or simply enjoy each other's company, Everything Romance offers all of this and much more.

Inside you'll find...

Ways to engage your loved one with conversation starters for couples. Fun and creative date and gift ideas for any budget. Heartwarming love stories and poems. Love busters and love boosters to add fun, zing, and zest. Trivia about the history of love and romance. Recipes to fan the heart flames.

Why wait for a special occasion to share the joy of being in love? Opening Everything Romance is like opening a door to romantic adventure...any day, any time!

My Review:

Like true romance, this book was very inviting. Deep red on the cover showed you just how deep the book goes. Inside I found everything that could cover the subject of romance. Songs, quotes, recipes and more!!! You could have this book for years and never run out of ideas. Take ideas given or even create ideas just off of a simple quote! There are a lot romance facts that I never knew...and now I do :) Letters from famous authors to their lovers along with quotes from historical figures really took you deeper into the life of these individuals that you would have known otherwise! Once I began reading this book, I could not put it down! It made me want to do something special for my own husband; a new romantic dinner dish or a beautiful rose, "just because" Feel more in love with your other half just by owning this book!

Weekend Fun with the Luck O the Irish

This past weekend, our family had some major "Leprachaun" time to celebrate our part Irish heritage :) The whole weekend was themed around St. Patty's Day!!

The weekend started on Friday when the kids were out of school for an Act 80 day. First stop...Chuck E. Cheese. How does this relate? Gold coins (tokens)

We stopped off at Giant Eagle to buy our Sunday Irish dinner foods and let the younger kids hang out at the Iggle's Nest to do some "green" crafts :) While they had their fun, we had some with the older kids watching them as they did a St. Patrick's Day scavenger hunt through the store. Clues and food samples made a nice hunt!

Saturday, we made some yummies for our trip to WV for my sister's 18th birthday party.

Marshmallow Pops!

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies!          

Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow Treats~

After a nice Saturday with the family, we made our way home for our Sunday Irish Dinner!

Sweet-and-Spicy Glazed Corn Beef. Recipe found in Woman's World magazine.

 Beer Braised Cabbage. Found the recipe in Woman's World magazine.

Apple and Smoked Salmon Salad. Found the recipe in Woman's World magazine.


We had little mugs of ale (ok, it was just sparkling apple cider), the kids loved it!

After dinner, we had a game of Leprachaun Trail where the kids had to find all of the hidden coins.

The night ended with what else? Homemade Shamrock Shakes!!

What a wonderful weekend!!

I posted all of the recipes on my food blog. http://dede-kneadarecipe.blogspot.com/

Book Review: From Blah to Awe...shaking up a boring faith by Jenna Lucado Bishop

Book Review: From Blah to Awe...shaking up a boring faith by Jenna Lucado Bishop


"I received this book for free from BookSneeze for this review”.

Book Review: Do you ever feel like faith just isn't as exciting as you thought it would be? You know God loves you, but you don't feel very loved. From time to time, going to church and reading the Bible seem...well, a little blah.

Jenna Lucado Bishop shares her testimony and others' stories to explore what a radical, living relationship with God looks like and how the Bible can help you hunger and thirst for more of God. You'll discover how to keep your faith fresh and vibrant and alive.

My Review:  When I opened the package, I was immediately perked up by the cover that came on this book. Polk-a-dots, flowers, inspiring colors :) This was a great book! The author, Jenna, does a fantastic job in writing about ways to really get into your faith without putting you to sleep. Her quirky words and testimonies are what everyone needs in today's society where people would attend church more or even listen if it was in words they could understand. The author is a very fun person with a nice idea on how to get everyone back into their faith and stay there...enjoying every step of their way. The first chapter consisted of individual stories of people realizing their faith. I loved reading these little stories and actually wished there were more of them throughout the book. Sometimes it is easier to relate yourself with someone in a story than to just read what the author wrote. Jenna Lucado Bishop is fun, vibrant and above all...into her faith. This book has made me feel so good about mine...way to go Jenna!!!

Wordless Wednesday! Feel the Heat

Always a Great Show!!!

We made our annual trip to Hibachis in Morgantown this past Christmas Eve (I know, I am way behind). We continue to be more and more pleased with this dinner everytime we go. Each of our children have a different reaction to different parts of the show and that provides entertainment in itself:

The initial "hot" of the flame....

The irritation on Brandis' face after the chef tossed seeds onto his plate to be funny...Brandis was not amused...notice the chef's hand grabbing his plate to dump them off.

The Ooh.....flaming volcano.....

The Aaah.....The lava runneth over....

Through all of the fun and and not-so-fun (again, the chef is sorry about those seeds Brandis), we leave with a tummy full of yummy food and the memories that will last a lifetime :)

Book Review: The Crossing by Serita Jakes

Book Review: The Crossing, A Novel by Serita Jakes

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Book Review:

Imprisoned by memories, Claudia Campbell lives each day in the shadow of a ten-year-old murder. Who can set her free?

On the way home from a football game, a decade earlier, a masked gunman opened fire on a Texas school bus. Cheerleading coach BJ Remington was killed, but her murderer was never found. Claudia, who had a close friendship with the young, spirited teacher, constantly relives the anguish of that day, caught in one moment in time. When her husband, the assistant district attorney, becomes determined to uncover the mystery of that tragedy, the secrets buried over the years threaten to tear their family apart.

Officer Casio Hightower will never forget the day his dreams were destroyed. A star quarterback with a promising future, Casio was on top of the world--until one bullet changed everything. He is eager to help Victor Campbell find BJ's killer, the man who shot him. Maybe solving the case will help silence the demons driving Casio to hurt the woman he loves.

As the Campbells and Casio teeter on the brink of losing everything, will they be able to discover that what begins at the crossing ends at the cross?

My Review:

This book came with an enticing cover of a speeding train and the mysteries you know are coming :) Each section of the book is sectioned off by the character's name that you will currently be reading about.Very easy to follow :) Claudia Campbell is stuck back..way back...ten years back in the train that killed her friend and cheerleading coach BJ Remington. The murderer, still on the run, has Claudia's husband Victor intrigued in finding who caused this horrific crime and has kept his wife from living a normal life. However, while wading his way back in time, Victor chances losing the love of his life who does not want to purposely relive any of the past. While Claudia finds out secrets from her parents past, it slowly puts each puzzle piece together of the crime committed so long ago.

Casio Hightower, Claudia's high school boyfriend, also finds himself back in time quite often due to the vision and bullet that punctured him and ended his football career. Now a police officer following in his father's footsteps, he teams up with Victor to finally put an end to the terror that haunts himself and Claudia every day of their lives. But...can this man relive his past without destroying his future?

Product Review: Triple Action Purex UltraPacks

As a Purex Insider, I recently recived a free sample of Triple Action Purex UltraPacks.

These packs were super convenient, avoiding the mess of laundry soap everywhere :)

Just turn on your water, pop one in and watch it go to work. The scent was not very strong so I did have to use my Purex Crystals with the UltraPacks.

Easy enough the kids could even do it!!!

Product Review: Purex Crystals and Jockey

As a Purex Insider, I was recently sent a nice little package consisting of a 2012 Jockey Tech Terry Performance Sports Bra and a bottle of 2012 Tropical Splash Purex Crystals.

Although the Jockey Tech Terry Performance Bra was a little snug, I did manage to get it on and use it so I could test it and the Crystals to wash it with.

The bra is an extremely comfortable item. It is breatheable, soft, flush with the stomach area, etc...The Jockey sports bra features moisture wicking technology to keep you dry and your body cool while you work out.  Since Purex Crystals contain no oil, it will keep this bra in tact through many washes :) You can currently get a 20% coupon for Jockey to use on the sportsbra :)

The new Tropical Splash scent is very suttle, but nice and what I absolutely love about this fabric softener is that  it can be used on all types of laundry since oil isn't used in it . I am a huge fan of Purex Crystals after receiving a sample a while back of the blue ones. Personally, I still go with my favorite (blue) They are definitely a great product in that they do leave your clothing smelling very fresh and keep your clothes in wonderful condition!!

Buy these or any of the others in the Purex Crystals line...they are an awesome product!!!

Book Review: Cliques, Hicks and Ugly Sticks, Confessions of April Grace

Book Review: Cliques, Hicks and Ugly Sticks, Confessions of April Grace by KD McCrite



"I received this book for free from BookSneeze for this review”.


Book Review: A clique of mean girls, a grandma--yes, you heard it--a grandma stuck in a love triangle, a church pageant run by a dictator, and a mom who's acting very mysterious--it all sounds like a disaster, but it's just another day in the super funny life of April Grace Reilly.

Here are just a couple of April's confessions--

On the Clique at her school: "There are four other girls in her little group and they call themselves 'the Lotties'. Melissa and I call them 'the Snotties"

On Doing Algebra Homework: "I have to say, my friend and I would probably have had more fun if we'd had out teeth extracted by the dog dentist."

Junior High can be rough, but April Grace will help you laugh your way through!!

My Review:  What a gorgeous book cover that really drew me in...April Grace, with her fiery red hair, in her farm boots sitting in a wheelbarrow of leaves in front of a barn. You know already by the cover what April Grace's personality consists of :) She is living in a home with her mother (who has been acting strangely lately), a father (who is running their farm) a sister (who has to be everyone's boss) a couple; Isabel and Ian St. James (Ian works on the farm and they are waiting to finish their own home) and a Grandmother who lives just across the field, but is in and out. When Grace's mother starts to look and feel ill, everyone does what they can to make her feel more comfortable. People moving out, people moving in etc...While Grace is dealing with life at home, she is also dealing with the pressures of school; grades, friends and bullies. Will Grace be able to keep everything together in her life and keep her sense of humor while doing it all?!!!! A great book that I couldn't put down :)