Book Review: The Wishing Tree

Book Review: The Wishing Tree by Marybeth Whalen

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

Book Review: It's Not the Life She Planned...Hopefully it's much better...

 

Savvy, determined Ivy Marshall discovers that her husband has cheated on her on the very same day her sister's perfect boyfriend proposes on national television. When Ivy's mother asks her to return to her family's beach home to plan her sister's upcoming wedding, she decides to use the excuse to escape from the pain of her broken heart.

 

When her return to Sunset Beach, North Caroline, brings Ivy face to face with her former fiance', old feelings are rekindled and she wonders if there is a future for them. However, when Ivy refuses to talk to her husband, he resorts to tweeting to her, expressing his remorse and making it clear that he doesn't want to give up on their marriage. As she helps prepare the wishing tree for her sister's wedding, she must examine her dreams for her own future and what true love should be.
  

 My Review: I fell in love with this book from the second I saw the cover! The beach out of focus in the background along with the wishing tree just in focus in the front, heaven!!! I felt so bad for Ivy in this story who, from the beginning, believed that her husband was cheating on her and then somewhat caught him. I give her thumbs up for her standing her ground and choosing not have any contact with him while she sorted out her feelings.

 

When Ivy went to home to Sunset Beach, you felt just like you were there along with her. Picturing the bakery her aunt ran, the wishing tree, the beach...what a view just in one's own mind! It was also very interesting to see how different the southern life was from her city life. How time stands still, yet moves on. The chance for Ivy to go back and revisit what she had abruptly left behind; the memories, the family....it really gave her the opportunity to take a glance back and see that her perfect sister even had some imperfection, the anger that she carried for her parents divorce would soften over time as would her parents feelings, her husband realizing that he absolutely could not lose her, the ability to form a friendship with her former fiance' after having no reason to lose it.

 

A refreshing story of second chances in all aspects of her life....all with a very surprising outcome! A must read!!!

Book Review: Grieving God's Way...The Path to Lasting Hope and Healing by Margaret Brownley

 

Book Review: Grieving God's Way...The Path to Lasting Hope and Healing by Margaret Brownley

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

Book Review: The loss of a loved one is devastating, and the grief that follows is often crippling. while modern Western culture has adopted an aren't-you-over-it-yet? attitude toward death and the grief it brings, the grieving process can take years.

 

Weeks and months go by with no visible improvement. We might even wonder if God has forsaken us. Then one day it happens: We laugh. We feel connected, restless, maybe even hopeful. We're no longer consumed by our loss, and our thoughts turn outward. These are the first signs of healing.

 

Though the tendency in our fast-paced society is to suppress our grief or ignore it all together, Grieving God's Way inspires a different course of action. In this 90-day devotional Margaret Brownley provides the framework for a methodical grieving process that follows God's plan.

 

Grieving god's way requires us to trust that He will lead us through the darkness, heal our pain, take away our weariness, and fill our hearts with hope, peace, and new purpose. From defining what grief is to validating its importance, Brownley gives us the components necessary to find God within our sorrow and grieve with Him.

 

Divided into four sections, Grieving God's Way offers insight into hearing our grieving body, soul, heart, and spirit. Infused with scriptures and inspirational haiku by Diantha Ain, this book motivates us to shift our grieving from man's way to God's way...slow and often invisible but with truly amazing results.

 

So how long does it take grieve? As long as it takes God to heal.

 

 My Review: I was really in need of a book like this one. Having lost my older brother in a car accident 8 years ago, I have been having a very hard time with my grief. I did start to feel worthless considering that so much time had passed and I was still having such a hard time. This book assured me that there is no time limit on the grieving process. Each day in this 90 day devotional provides a nice passage that gives you positivity for your day. A verse follows each day in case you need further assistance in this. The first few days were not very interesting and I almost gave up on it. But then I decided that it was probably part of my grief taking over and that I need to learn to be more patient in this process. I am glad I decided to listen to myself. I made my way through the book and have a whole different outlook. Will it still take time? Yes, but anything that pulls me forward even one step is success!

Book Review: Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert

Book Review: Wishing on Willows...A Novel by Katie Ganshert

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

Book Review: Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender?

A three-year-old son, a struggling cafe', and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband. As the proud owner of Willow Tree Cafe in small town Peaks, Iowa, she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.

 

So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her cafe' and a vital town ministry are located, she isn't about to let go without a fight.

 

As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won't give up easily. His family's business depends on his success in Peaks. But as Ian pushes to seal the deal, he wonders if he has met his match. Robin's gracious spirit threatens to undo his resolve, especially when he discovers the beautiful widow harbors a grief that resonates with his own.

 

With polarized opinions forming all over town, business becomes unavoidably personal, and Robin and Ian must decide whether to cling to the familiar or surrender their plans to the God of second chances.

My Review: Wishing on Willows....Wishing for More!!! Although this book got off on a very slow start with me, after I really got into a few chapters, I could not put it down! Not only did this book make me angry at Ian and feel for Robin, it also made me absolutely love Ian and feel for his situation which he was also hiding. Being forced into a family business, Ian does what he can to make the best of his occupation. However, in the process, he learns that what is best for his family, may not, or may never have been what is best for him. Simply meeting Robin has taught him what he wants and what he is willing to do to go after it. An awesome story...romance in hidden form from cover to cover. This book will make you melt with anticipation and excitement. A must have!!!

Soft Scrub All Purpose Cleaners Review and Giveway!!

As a Purex Insider, I was sent 2 full sized bottles of Soft Scrub All Purpose Cleaners to try and write a review on. Soft Scrub All Purpose Cleaner and Soft Scrub Total Bath & Bowl were the tested products.

I used the Bath & Bowl on some stubborn toilet and shower stains in 1 of 4 bathrooms. I used the foam method and let it sit to soak into the areas. Happy to say that the stains came right out! Very pleased with this product :)

The All Purpose Cleaner was used on my kitchen counters and stove. It proved to do the job nicely. Anxious to try these products in other areas of my house!

Will buy and suggest to friends!

Want to try one for free? I am having a giveaway for 3 "Get One FREE" coupons. It expires on 7/31/13. Get any Soft Scrub Total, Soft Scrub Bleach Clean or Soft Scrub abrasive product up to a $4.69 value!!

The rules are simple!

1. Comment on this blog about wanting to try Soft Scrub All Purpose Cleaners.

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

 

Drawing will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2013 and picked at random from all entries.

 

Good Luck!!

 

 

Wordless Wednesday...

 

 

Promise me!!

Make me a promise that you will get on me the next time I go this long without writing a blog besides book reviews! Blogging is one of my many guilty pleasures in life and I would really hate to take that away from myself let alone my readers who want to continue to watch my family in action :)

So, for the first of the year, it seems only appropriate that I write out the famous "New Year's Resolutions." I, myself, do try very hard to stick to these and plan to very much this year. Here they are in no particular order:

1. Find a Church. Why is this so unbelievably hard? Almost 13 years in PA and none! It is so strange that you actually start to think that your religion can be a problem in some instances until you come across someone from another religion who puts it right into your face that they are so much more "holier than thou" and they judge you and your ways. I would rather be a clean, true Catholic than a wolf in sheep's clothing other religion any day and trust me, there are quite a few that showed themselves to me in the past year. I am not saying anything against any other religion...those specific people that I have dealt with will have God to answer to. Maybe some should re-evaluate themselves a little and remember that only God has the right to judge. God, please point me down the correct path to your home, but until then, I will remain your faithful servant teaching myself and my family your ways.

2. Greet my Facebook friends. I have over 1,000 FB friends. These are all people I have encountered at one point in my life whether they be friends I see everyday, high school friends, acquaintances, etc... I do notice, however, that there are many that I do not interact with very often...so why are they even on my list entitled "friends?" I want to make it a point to contact each every so often to let them know they are in my thoughts...you never know what positivity could come out of a few kind words :)

3. Lose 10 more lb. I made one of my resolutions last year to lose 50 lb...and I did it!!!! I would love to lose 10 more and be at my pre-pregnancy weight. it will be hard, but I have the same willpower to continue and hope to pull the hubby along as well. I also want to set a goal to do some sort of exercise 5 days a week. My 9 year old daughter is a great partner in this!

4. Family Time. We currently have story nights every Wednesday which I would like to continue, but cut back to only twice a month. It was a little overwhelming to try to get it in every week. Along with this, we need to get back on board with our "Family Fun Box" and "Parent/Child Day Out." These are memories in the making a thrifty way to spend some quality time together :)

5. Me Time. I need it! I would love to have 1 day a month of time to myself...shopping, reading, etc...Even I need that little breather every now and then.

6. Dede and Greg. We are currently doing date night twice a month and are loving every second. Would like to stick to this and maybe even plan a few mini trips a year with just us. Even overnight at a B&B would mean the world! Prayers that we can get someone to volunteer with the kids on these days.

7. Extended Family. I would like to make a once a month trip to WV and stick to it! I am so out of the loop with family. I know that my family can just as easily come here, but for some reason, I am the only person with that realization. I would like to start a once a month dinner for the family at each house. Maybe this idea will get some play :)

8. Crafting/Upcycling/Hobbies. Where does my time go? I sued to be the biggest crafter. Now, it takes a year of planning to get one idea done. I have so many ideas and just not enough hours in the day. Scrap booking is a must! Let me get passed the year 2,000 please!!!

9. Saving $$$. We need a new idea on a savings account. We have so many going in different directions that they can sometimes be very confusing :/ I want one place and a designated amount from all aspects. I also would like money deposited into the kids' accounts every quarter. Just having those nests gives me peace of mind. Speaking of saving, back on the coupon train!! It is easy to fall off when you don't have the time. I need to get a day scheduled back in along with a computer time schedule and do not veer from it. While I'm on schedules, a new chore chart for all would be next on the list. Giving the kids some lessons once a month could prepare them for that hard road ahead called "life." Menu plans have been re-added as well :)

10. Helping Others. I am always coming up with ways to help others that I actually think I do that more than anything else in my life. Not a problem really, but would love to be more scheduled and once every quarter, do something larger, maybe even with the kids. After all, isn't helping others what makes everyone happy :) I know it does me. I will continue by recycling, doing projects that help others and add where I can. After I recruit others to do some projects as well, maybe we could do a girl's day/night out to discuss new possibilities. We will see...

This is my 2013 Resolutions list. I may need to refer back as I tend to get sidetracked, what, with 6 kids and everything, but I hope to stay focused. Wish me luck ;)

Book Review: Cleaning House

 

 

Book Review: Cleaning House...A Mom's 12 Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement by Kay Wills Wyma

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

Book Review: Is Your Home Out of Order?

 

Do your kids expect clean folded clothes to magically appears in their drawers? Do they roll their eyes when you suggest they clean the bathroom? By racing in to make their lives easy, have you unintentionally reinforced your children's belief that the world revolves around them?

 

Dismayed at the attitude of entitlement that had credpt into her home. Kay Wyma got some attitude of her own. Cleaning House is her account of a year-long campaign to introduce her five kids to basic life skills and the ways meaningful work can increase earned self-confidence and concern for others.

With irresistible humor and refreshing insights, Kay candidly details the ups and downs of equipping her kids for such tasks as making beds, refinishing a deck chair, and working together. The changes that take place in her household will inspire you to launch your own campaign to dislodge your kids from the center of the universe.

My Review: Why did I not know about this book before??? 6 kids later and here it is. I can't believe how much I enable my kids. I love the ideas the author gives to get her children to realize that they will never survive life without these skills. Cleaning the bathroom, doing laundry, making dinner are just some of the few skills she teaches to her own brood. I am extremely excited about getting started on my kids new life in the year 2013! They will be learning how to clean every crevice of this house (and we have 14 rooms) At this point, they would throw all of the red socks in with the white underwear, just to get it done. Though I will be slightly freaked out at what dinners my kids will provide, I vow to eat every bite just because they did it themselves. Wow! Are we in for one heck of a year!!!!!