My Football Fanatic

Tristen loves all things football. Now, I love the game myself, but am more of a high school football kind of girl. It drives him crazy that we don't have tv for him to watch games on! So, he makes up for it by playing fantasy football. I have no idea what exactly goes on when one plays fantasy football, but he sure enjoys it.

There is a new fantasy football website called WaiverWire that looks like something Tristen would really like. It features all sorts of bells and whistles like fantasy football draft software, fantasy football news, fantasy football rankings, and access to over 100 NFL team news feeds. These features and more make the site seem extremely appealing for the fantasy football fanatic in your life.

The prices on the site range from free up to $29.99. Howe much you spend depends on what features you want to use. A $9.99 membership fee gains you the perk of having "real time" players. I am thinking a membership to the site would make an excellent gift. I know that so many men can be hard to buy gifts for, at least in my family, and this seems like a really great solution for those guys. I know Tristen would love it and I bet some of his uncles would too.

What about your guy? Is a fantasy football player?

Tea Time

One of my favorite things is having morning tea with my neighbors, Marge and Lynette. We sit on the porch and enjoy a steaming cup, good conversation, and watch the beautiful Texas morning unfold. It i

Image by Bridgman Pottery via Flickr

s a soothing time for me, and something I really look forward to. I think my love of tea came from my Nanny, we had so many afternoon teas when I was a little girl and I treasure those memories. Anyway, tea time seems to do my soul good.

I was very excited when I was asked to review some samples of Dilmah Tea. I had never heard of it before and was very intrigued by it. So, I went over to read The Dilmah Story and explore their website. I was impressed!

What really stood out to me was the fact that it's ethical tea, all grown, picked, and packaged in the same place. This is a rare thing, something I wish more companies did. Knowing that the growers are a

Image via Wikipedia

ctually making a living with their tea made a big impression on me.

How was the tea? I am glad you asked. It is very good. The flavor is smooth and fresh. Their was no bitterness or harsh aftertaste like you find with some hot teas. We tried the Ceylon Supreme and the Green Tea with Ginger. Lynette liked that the green tea helped soothe her nauseated tummy. We did have to play with steeping times and the amount of bags needed per teapot, but you have to do that with ever new tea you try. One cup, one bag and this makes a great spot of tea. I highly recommend this tasty tea.

The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Frontiersman’s Daughter
Revell (September 1, 2009)
by
Laura Frantz


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I was born and raised in Kentucky and my love of history goes deep - way back to the 18th-century when my family first came into the Bluegrass State. It will always be home to me, even though I now live with my husband, Randy, and my sons, Wyatt and Paul, in the misty woods of northwest Washington. I go back as often as I can to visit family and all the old haunts that I love.

I grew up playing on the original site of Fort Boonesborough and swimming in the Kentucky River and climbing the Pinnacle near Berea and watching the great outdoor dramas of the early settlers. Often my cousins and brother and I would play in my Granny's attic and dress up in the pioneer costumes she made us and pretend to be Daniel Boone, Rebecca, Jemima, or the Shawnee.

As I grew up I began to write stories and they were always historical, filled with the lore I had heard or read about. It's no accident that my first book (which is actually my fifth book - the others were practice!) is about those first Kentucky pioneers.

I feel blessed beyond measure to write books. My prayer is that you are doubly blessed reading them.

Note: Laura Frantz credits her 100-year-old grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz's family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in 1792 and settled in Madison County where her family still resides. Frantz is a former schoolteacher and social worker who currently lives in the misty woods of Washington state with her husband and two sons, whom she homeschools.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Lovely but tough as nails, Lael Click is the daughter of a celebrated frontiersman. Haunted by her father's former captivity with the Shawnee Indians, as well as the secret sins of her family's past, Lael comes of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement her father founded.

Though she faces the loss of a childhood love, a dangerous family feud, and the affection of a Shawnee warrior, Lael draws strength from the rugged land she calls home, and from Ma Horn, a distant relative who shows her the healing ways of herbs and roots found in the hills.

But the arrival of an outlander doctor threatens her view of the world, God, and herself--and the power of grace and redemption. This epic novel gives readers a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman.

Laura Frantz's debut novel offers a feast for readers of historical fiction and romance lovers alike.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Frontiersman’s Daughter, go HERE

Not So Fast

The past few days have been insane around here! The first week of school always brings on a frenzy of paperwork, working out new routines, and getting back into the swing of things so to speak. But, it's been more than that. Seems we are always having to run errands, go to buy groceries, pick up last minute supplies, run, rush, do, and go! I tell ya, I am one tired mama! So, the reason I've been not posting regularly this week is, well, I haven't been home much!

If this lifestyle of run, do, go is tiring for us moms, can you imagine how it is for kids? Think about that for a minute. How many activities are on their plates? The book Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families really helped me understand what is important and what is not. I highly recommend it for families who, like mine, tend to get a bit frenzied.

Life’s Too Short to Live in Fast Forward

Ann Kroeker’s new book offers readers simple solutions for a slower, saner lifestyle

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—Today’s frenzied families find themselves fragmented in this high-speed, fast-paced, goal-oriented society. Even while racing to second jobs, appointments, lessons, practices, games, and clubs, we crave an antidote. How do we counteract the effects of our overcommitted culture? Replenish our depleted selves? Restore our rushed relationships?

For those readers whose every hour is rush hour, author Ann Kroeker explores the jarring effects of our overbusy culture and offers refreshing alternatives. Bypassing the fast lane, Kroeker’s new book, Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families (David C Cook, August 2009), urges families to discover how simplifying and slowing down can help restore strained relationships…and souls.

“We’re raising our kids in a high-speed, high-pressured, 24/7 world,” says Kroeker. “Pushing children to get ahead, we cram everything possible into our days to maximize their chance at success. We’re overloaded, overextended, overcommitted, and over-caffeinated. And we’re paying a price: Our relationships are anemic; our health, in jeopardy. Half-awake and half-hearted, we can’t sustain this pace.”

In Not So Fast, Kroeker relates her own story of how embracing a slower everyday pace has resulted in a richer, fuller, and more meaningful family and spiritual life. With practical ideas and insight that will spark creativity and personal reflection, Kroeker offers hope that families struggling with hurried hearts and frantic souls can discover the rejuvenating power of an unrushed life.

Not So Fast includes two practical features for those moving toward a more reflective and peaceful life—a life that makes room for knowing and loving God and people. At the close of each chapter, the “Slow Notes” section offers slow-down solutions to apply immediately. In “Live from the Slow Zone,” readers will hear inspirational stories from those who have learned to reap the rewards of life in the slow lane.

“For everyone who yearns for the benefits of a slower life, I want to point to Jesus and say, ‘Start here. Start with the One who offers true and lasting peace. Look to His Word. Meditate on that. Learn from Him, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light,’” writes Kroeker. “I wish we could see that the root of meaning and peace that we’re seeking is found not in a yoga pose or a mind-emptying meditation session, but in a rich relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Author Bio

Author of The Contemplative Mom, Ann Kroeker is an acclaimed writer and speaker committed to encouraging and inspiring families as they face the demands of daily living. A contributor to the award-winning Experiencing the Passion of Jesus, she has written for numerous corporations and her articles have appeared in a variety of publications including Decision, The Student, Christian Home and School, and Indianapolis Woman. Ann and her husband, Philippe, have been married 18 years and have four children.

Not So Fast by Ann Kroeker

David C Cook/August 2009/ISBN: 978-1-434768-88-9/240 pages/softcover/$14.99

www.davidccook.com www.annkroeker.com

GoPicnic Giveaway Winners!

Here are the three winners of the GoPicnic Review & Giveaway. Each winner will get their choice of 6 GoPicnic Meals. Thanks to all who entered and to GoPicnic for sponsoring this great giveaway!

Here are your random numbers:

200 189 174

Congratulations to Denea, Egare1, and Pam!

I have not heard from one of these winners in over a week, so an alternate has been selected.

Slacker Radio Plus Giveaway Winners!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

33 16 29

Congratulations to lilyk, Marianna, and 07violet.

Come back often to see what great giveaways I have posted! Thanks to all who entered!

Middle School Here We Go!

Image by Robert the Noid via Flickr

Both the kids are in middle school this year. Watching Ashley march off with all the big kids, her bottom lip quivering, nearly made this mama cry like a baby. A teacher grabbed her and showed her to her classroom in just the nick of time, I think we were both about to lose it. My baby is growing up so fast!

Tristen was thrilled to be back with his pals. He is a sixth grader this year, so basically the senior class of middle school. He and his buds have plans to rule the school! I am hoping for a better school year this year. His doctor has put him on Concerta for his ADD, which I hope will help him. It's a really low dosage, supposedly just enough to help him concentrate. He's been on several different medications since his add diagnosis, some have been truly awful. I am very optimistic that this will help and not produce nasty side effects.

So, a new school year has begun. We go back to routines and schedules, busy mornings, after school snacks, and homework. I love this time of year, seeing the kids make new friends, face new challenges, grow and develop as they rapidly lose their childishness and are turning into tweens and one almost a teen. Time sure flies! I am trying to embrace every minute I have with them as children.

How was your day?

The Knight by Steven James

When I agreed to review The Knight I did not realize that it was actually the third book in a series by Stephen James. I usually will not read a series out of order, but was thrilled to find that The Knight was great standing alone. I had no trouble following the plot or understanding the characters. I do plan on getting the other two books, as now I am intrigued as to what transpired in them to help shape the characters in this one.

Special Agent Patrick Bowers is our hero. He is a thirty-something widower, raising a very intelligent and head strong teenage stepdaughter. Special Agent Bowers trackers serial killers using a method some critics find quite unorthodox. He tracks the geospatial intersection of killer and victims, believing that when you figure out the area a killer hunts in you will find the killer. He is very determined and good at what he does. His life is somewhat complicated, but he tries to keep home at home and work at work. I really liked that about his character.

The Knight finds Bowers testifying at the trial of a serial killer he apprehended and being questioned about that arrest. I warn you, the description of what this killer did to his victims is quite graphic and very unsettling. There are twist and turns here I cannot divulge, but something as mundane as going to court can turn into a big event.

He is also being stalked by a man who calls himself Shade. The authorities know who he is, know where he is mailing his threatening letters from, but just cannot find him. As a threat to his life and that of his stepdaughter Tessa's, Shade weighs heavy on Bowers mind.

As if all that wasn't enough, there is a new killer for Bowers to track down. Giovanni is reenacting an ancient manuscript, carrying out a series of grisly, tortuous murders. At each scene he leaves little things to taunt Bowers, trying to pull him into the sick game. The hunt for Giovanni takes Bowers and the reader on a wild ride, through unbelievable, unexpected twists and turns leading to the big finale.

I really enjoyed this book. It can be quite graphic; at some points I had to stop reading because the descriptions of the torture some of the victims went through was just so vivid. That said, I love an author who can pull you into his story. The kind who writes so you can see it all in your head like a movie. Stephen James does this beautifully. I really enjoyed going along for the ride with Bowers and company while he tracked Giovanni. The characters are well written, the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and you end up wanting to read more from the author and these characters. There is so much I haven't written that adds to the story, but I do not want to spoil it for anyone. I just highly recommend you go get a copy of The Knight and read it for yourself. If you like mystery, action, or thrillers then this will be a hit!

Available August 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Surrender The Wind by Rita Gerlach

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Surrender The Wind
Abingdon Press (August 2009)
by
Rita Gerlach


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rita Gerlach has published three historical novels plus articles in Writers Gazette, Write to Inspire, Will Write 4 Food, and The Christian Communicator.

She also is the editor of Stepping Stones Magazine, an online website focused on writing, marketing, and promotion for writers. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and The Western Maryland Writers Guild.

She currently lives in Frederick, Maryland. You can also visit her at her Blog





ABOUT THE BOOK

Seth Braxton, a patriot of the American Revolution, unexpectedly inherits his loyalist grandfather's estate in England. Seth is torn between the land he fought for and the prospect of reuniting with his sister Caroline, who was a motherless child taken to England at the onset of the war.
With no intention of staying permanently, Seth arrives to find his sister grieving over the death of her young son. In the midst of such tragedy, Seth meets Juleah, the daughter of an eccentric landed gentleman. Her independent spirit and gentle soul steal Seth's heart. After a brief courtship, they marry and she takes her place as the lady of Ten Width Manor, enraging the man who once sought her hand and schemed to make Ten Width his own. From the Virginia wilderness to the dark halls of an isolated English estate, Seth and his beloved Juleah inherit more than an ancestral home. They uncover a sinister plot that leads to murder, abduction, and betrayal--an ominous threat to their new life, love, and faith.

If you would like to reas the Prologue of Surrender The Wind, go HERE

Watch the trailer:

Six Tools to Relieve Your Child's "Back-to-School-itis"

Six Tools to Relieve Your Child's "Back-to-School-itis"

By Charlotte Reznick PhD

For some kids, going back to school at the end of summer can be traumatic. Anticipating a new teacher, classmates, grade, or school can trigger fear, anxiety, and depression--not to mention very real physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, and insomnia.

Fortunately, your child has a whole toolbox to draw from--in her own imagination. Here are six imagination tools parents can use with young children to relieve "back-to-school-itis."

Teach her to balloon breathe. With her hands around her navel, have her breathe slowly and deeply into her lower belly so it presses into her hands like an inflating balloon. The Balloon Breath has dramatic calming effects and facilitates a waking state of focused concentration and receptivity to positive suggestions. This one tool makes all the other ones easier.

Visit his special place. This is a safe private place within your child's inner world where he can work out problems or take a mini-vacation from stress and worry. He can invite a wise Animal Friend into his special place to talk to and help him, or he can even dig for a treasure box there that contains the antidote to his fear.

Draw the fear. Putting an image on paper: (1) makes her fear of separation realer and less frightening than keeping it inside, and (2) makes her fear less likely to grow because there is a concrete picture to work with. Once she has a picture, she can talk to it, find out why it's trying to scare her, strike a bargain with it, surround it with a soothing color bubble, and so on.

Talk to his symptom. When a child suffers from a worry headache or stomachache, these three questions can help eliminate the pain. Have him do deep balloon breathing (diaphragmatic breathing), then ask: (1) What color is it? (2) What shape is it? (3) How heavy is it? After more breaths, ask him again. Continue to breathe and question in rounds. His pain will likely change or disappear. If it doesn't completely go away, ask the ache what it wants him to know, do, or understand to release any more bits of pain.

Picture the future. Artwork is also an effective starting point when you're working with clear end-goals, like getting a good night's sleep or reducing a fear. Have your child draw two drawings--how things are now and how she'd like them to be. Hang the picture in her bedroom; this is a great reminder of her desired goal and the first step toward getting there.

Encourage drama. For kids whose nature tends toward drama, acting out their worries and troubles is a wonderful way to release them. Let them play it out--with puppets, with their bodies, with anything their imagination suggests. It's amazing what creative solutions come up when given free reign.

* * * * *
Charlotte Reznick is a child educational psychologist, an associate clinical professor of psychology at UCLA, and author of a new book, The Power of Your Child's Imagination: How to Transform Stress and Anxiety into Joy and Success (Perigee, 2009, $14.95).

www.ImageryForKids.com

The Buzzards Are Circling,But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet and God Has Never Failed Me, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times by Stan Toler

Rediscover Stan Toler’s Endearing Collections of Encouragement

David C Cook introduces new generation of readers to Toler’s gift for

finding faith and joy in life’s tough times

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—Celebrated author of over 70 books, Stan Toler has touched countless hurting people with his timeless stories of hope and encouragement. This summer, a whole new audience of readers will have the opportunity to discover Toler’s best-selling books as David C Cook introduces the updated editions of two of Toler’s most beloved collections—The Buzzards Are Circling, But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet and God Has Never Failed Me, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times (David C Cook, August 2009).

On the landscape of life, buzzards are inevitable—those challenging events and situations that encircle us, eyeing us as prey and swooping down to cause hurt and heartache. A late-night phone call delivering bad news. Losing a job. Struggling with bankruptcy. No matter what form these buzzards take, the pain is universal.

In The Buzzards Are Circling, But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet, Stan Toler takes a lighthearted look at some of life’s more serious subjects. Drawing from his own personal struggles, Toler offers a generous dose of encouragement for the troubled heart, helping readers find hope, joy, and peace, even in the most trying of circumstances. In chapters such as “When the Fountain of Youth Has Rusted” and “I Know I’m Lost, but the Scenery Is Spectacular,” readers will find the strength they need to shoo away any buzzards and face life’s difficulties with the security of knowing that God is in control.

In God Has Never Failed Me, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times, Toler gives a humorous twist to the challenges that place us in faith’s waiting room. Though we know that God’s provision is always on time, we’ve all had close calls waiting for His help. For anyone who has ever felt frazzled, stressed, confused, hurt, angry, undone, or any other emotional response to the difficulties and uncertainties of life, Toler serves up a delightful combination of poignant and hilarious reminders that God is still at work in the world.

Filled with heartwarming stories and humorous anecdotes, this charming collection offers hope and peace for the weary, waiting heart. Toler combines a rich blend of spiritual truths with humorous insights as he reminds God’s children of His unfailing love. Through it all, readers will discover a God who is always faithful, worthy of our trust, and never late with His help.

Repackaged with a fresh look and design, both books will be available for purchase in August.

Author Bio

Stan Toler is senior pastor of Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and was recently elected as the 39th general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene. For several years he taught seminars for Dr. John Maxwell’s INJOY Group, a leadership development institute. He also serves as the executive director of the Toler Leadership Center, located on the campus of Mid-America Christian University, and is the co-founder of BGW Forward in Faith. Toler has written over 70 books, including his bestsellers, God Has Never Failed Me, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times; The Buzzards Are Circling, But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet; God’s Never Late, He’s Seldom Early, He’s Always Right on Time; The Secret Blend; Practical Guide to Pastoral Ministry; Total Quality Life; and his popular Minute Motivator series.

Shut Out The Sun

It's nearly 2:00AM, I cannot sleep, and am dreading morning. I will be wanting to hit the sack as the sun is rising and everyone else is starting their day. On days like that, I wish we had vinyl shutters so that I could close the shutters, draw the curtains, block out the light, and go back to bed. This is part of why I keep telling Dan we need shutters; they add great personality to the exterior of the house and as a bonus would help me out on the nights that insomnia rages. I love cute and functional!

I am going to go try to catch some shut eye now. After all we don't have the shutters right now, or even blinds or thick curtains, so the sun will wake me up before I am ready in the morning. I must try to make myself sleep!

Wishing you all a wonderful, restful weekend!

Make Love, Make War: Now Is the Time to Worship by Brian Doerksen

Living a Life of Radical Worship

Award-winning songwriter Brian Doerksen shares insights behind

some of the most beloved songs of our time as he provokes readers to love and war

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—What is true worship? It can elevate us into the presence of God, renew and refresh our spirits, and offer the deepest expression of love for our Savior. Yet worship can also be a call to arms, a battle cry, a salvo in an ancient spiritual war that continues today. In his first book, Make Love, Make War: Now Is the Time to Worship (David C Cook, August 2009), award-winning songwriter Brian Doerksen challenges Christians to make their lives an offering of radical worship.

An acclaimed songwriter, recording artist, author, conference speaker, and pastor, Doerksen believes God is calling us to love and to battle—to spread peace and wage spiritual warfare. “Each is essential to our daily spiritual walk,” writes Doerksen. “We do this through how we live, how we serve Him, and how we protect and fight for what matters most. One of the ways I make love and war is through music.”

In Make Love, Make War, Doerksen shares the stories and inspirations behind some of today’s most influential songs of worship, including “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship,” “Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing),” and “Refiner’s Fire.” While offering special tips for aspiring songwriters, Doerksen also reveals rich truths and insights about the nature of God, His calling for us, and how we can wage spiritual war and share His love through a life of radical worship.

“I believe that we know love and war are at the heart of everything inside us, and everything going on all around us,” says Doerksen. “We sense that there is nothing that Satan hates more than the worship of Yahweh by those who are faithful to the Lamb. He spends more than a little energy convincing us that there really is no war going on, and that the sum total of our lives’ calling is to be nice. But God is provoking us to rise up and fight. The war He calls us to make is always for the sake of love!”

Beginning August through September, the “Hear It First, Read It First” contest and promotion for Make Love, Make War will be sponsored by David C Cook, Integrity Music, HearItFirst.com, and Gibson/Epiphone Guitars. By visiting HearItFirst.com, fans and readers will be able to enter to win prizes, as well as download free music video performances of Brian Doerksen (i.e., “It’s Time” and “Holy God”) and free sample chapters from Make Love, Make War.

Author Bio

Brian Doerksen has always had a passion for expressing worship through music. He is an award-winning songwriter of some of today’s most popular songs of worship. He is currently developing a musical of hope based on Luke 15 called “Return.” Brian, his wife, Joyce, and their six children reside in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.

Make Love, Make War: Now Is the Time to Worship by Brian Doerksen

David C Cook/August 2009/ISBN 978-1-434766-82-3/224 pages/softcover/$14.99

www.davidccook.com www.briandoerksen.com

Charter is Giving Away Laptops!

The good folks at Charter, who brought you the HDTV-A-Day Sweepstakes, are back with the Laptop-a-Day Sweepstakes! The promotion runs from July 15 to September 15, so there is still plenty of time to enter. I would so love to have a laptop as it seems there is always someone needing on the pc while someone else is working on it. I love the idea of no arguing over internet access. This would also be great for college students or business folks who need the portability a laptop provides. They are also giving away gift cards for various online retailers in values ranging from $25 to $100 deals along with special online deals. Those gift cards would sure come in handy for all your back to school shopping!

All you have to do is click on over to Charter and register to win. You will find the complete rules, list of winners, details on the prizes, and all the other important information over there as well. Remember, the contest runs until September 15.

Charter has had some awesome contests in the past and they show no sign of stopping! They have given away laptops, Xbox 360 game consoles, and even a 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid. Who knows what they'll give away next? To keep up with all the latest news from Charter follow Charter on Facebook and/or Charter on Twitter. That way you won't miss out on any news, deals, and contests!

You Don't Hear That Everyday

The other day, my pal Lynette and I were coming out of our local coffee shop when a woman jumped out of her car and ran over to us. Turns out this lady was a friend of Lynette's and they'd known each other for years. The woman asked Lynette "How do you like them?" to which Lynette replied "You definitely have some now1". I stood there trying to figure out what in the world they were talking about! They chatted for a few more minutes and it suddenly occurred to me what they were talking about.

It seems that this woman had Breast Enlargement surgery. Lynette late told me that she had been flat as a little boy, so her new breasts made quite a difference in her appearance. All I know is she was very proud of her chest, exuded self confidence, and was just thrilled with her appearance. She seemed so happy!

Image via Wikipedia

The whole thing got us to talking about how we don't necessarily need enlargement surgery, but a lift sure wouldn't hurt anything. I would love to have this done, if I could afford it. I feel like I am too young to have saggy boobies. I would find the best doctor I could, no matter the distance, and have it done in a heartbeat. I've read great things about Mya Cosmetic Surgery, so that would definitely be an option if I could go wherever I wanted. I will admit that it sounds extremely painful, so that kinda makes me hesitant. I probably will n ever be able to have this procedure done, but a girl can dream can't she?

Fix Quix for Dinner

As back to school time quickly approaches, our schedules tend to get much more hectic. Busy week nights are often filled with leaving work, rushing to sports practices, and all sorts of other activities. On nights like these fast food burgers, pizza, fried chicken, and the like are all too often what we put on the dinner table. These things are time savers, but are costly and not the healthiest dinner options.

Budding Fix Quix seem to be a great solutions to the what's for dinner conundrum. Located in the refrigerated meat section at your local grocery, these handy packs of precooked cubed meat can be thrown into salads, pasta dishes, casseroles, eggs, and more. Having precooked, cubed meat on hand drastically cuts down on prep time, allowing you to get dinner served quickly. They come in turkey, chicken, and ham varieties, so you can use whatever suits your dish best. We love the chicken or turkey tossed into a boxed pasta salad kit and the ham in dinner time omelets. They are a very versatile ingredient, so the dishes you can dream up to use them in are limitless.

Dinner is mot the only meal Fix Quix is good for. Pair them with other finger foods for a great addition to the lunch box or an afternoon snack. They are high in protein and low in fat, so they are good for the whole family. My kids love them!

Click the following link to print out a $1.00 online coupon for Fix Quix. This coupon is good only in Texas, Arizona, and St. Louis. I love coupons and I know you guys do to. I think you will enjoy this product as much as we do!

The Jesus Book By Stephen Elkins Illustrated by Claudine Gevry

The Jesus Book is a delightful book for children. The book is the Who, What, Where, When, and Why of the life of Jesus. It tells the story of Jesus in simple stories and beautiful, bright illustrations. This is a must have for the 4 to 8 year old crowd. It also comes with an hour long CD filled with wonderful kid's bible songs, which I really loved. The book and CD would make a wonderful gift for the little ones in your life.

All children have questions about Jesus, especially younger kids who are exploring the world around them and are full of curiosity. Jesus is such a huge person to understand and I love that this book brings His story to a level easy for children to comprehend. The stories within the book are well told, teach about His life and what he did for us, as well as teaching valuable life lessons. The illustrations are bright, cheerful, and children are instantly drawn to them. I've spent many an hour looking for the "perfect" children's book about Jesus, and so wish I had found this early. I highly recommend this book to those want to share the story of Jesus with their little ones. The adults will be thrilled with the quality of writing and illustrations, and the kids will love it!

You can flip through the book online by clicking here.

"Old Lady" Clothes

That is exactly what most plus size fashions looked like when I was growing up! I've pretty much always been a larger girl and shopping for clothes that fit during my teen years was a nightmare! Everything had big, bold flowers or blocks of color. I used to joke that a lot of blouses were covered in wallpaper patterns. It was really tough trying to find stuff that was cute and fitting for a younger age group.

Simply Be Women’s Clothing Catalogues would have saved me back in the day. Well, if I lived in the UK they would have. Their website is full of absolutely adorable plus size fashions. There are no "old lady" dresses to be found there! They offer everything from jeans to the perfect outfit for going out on the town. Some of my favorite items on the site are the paisley dress, the Joe Brown Essential skirt, Joe Brown's Funky Coat, Joe Browns Check Shirt, and honestly way more stuff than I should list here. I would love to be able to order from these folks! You can find all sorts of truly cute clothes for plus size ladies.

So, am I the only one who has trouble finding cute, younger looking plus size clothing? Do any of you know where I should be shopping? For now I have to content myself with the fact that this stuff actually exists, I just need to find a way to buy it here.

My New Look

A couple of days ago I received the sweetest email from a reader. It read in part:

"I love your site. I especially love your template. I like the way your blog is laid out. It is so homey and inviting. Is your it custom designed?"

Thanks for the kind words, Lois! Yes, my blog just had a custom makeover by Olivina Design House. I am absolutely thrilled with the results! She made my blog look the way I've always envisioned it. Thais was an absolute joy to work with, putting up with my millions of questions, and going above and beyond to make sure I loved my new design. If you need blog design services, I highly recommend Thais and her wonderful work. Just check out her portfolio and you'll see what I mean!

She is offering my readers a complete standard makeover for $40 till the end of August. This is a savings of $30! Just let her know that Nessa sent you!

What do y'all think of the my new look? I am really hoping you all love it as much as I do!