Hope's Cafe

Take Back The Land by Rick Boyer-A Must-Read!

2012-01-31T08:51:00.000-06:00

Every so often a book comes a long that really speaks to you. Although I don't often whole-heartedly endorse any book, this is one such book. Rick Boyer has written a book that will inspire young people across America to stand up and start changing America. Right from the start he speaks to young people as those who can make a difference-not the normal "wait till you're older" or "you're just a kid, what can you do?" mentality. I was super-impressed with the entire book, because he instructs, yet encourages throughout.

First off, he encourages young people to start living as mature adults, and taking responsibility. Many young people today want nothing more than to sit around the house on their Playstation or other video game, or hang out with their friends and really end up accomplishing very little, if anything. Boyer encourages teenagers to do just the opposite. "Reject the labels society tries to paste on the young and get on about the business of serving God..."
Then, after his invigorating opening, Rick deals with various issues in America and the Church today. Education-public, Christian or home school? The media, and how Satan is using the movies, music, etc. to blind and brainwash multitudes of young people. The family-even many of our "Christian" families are falling apart as attacks against marriage and the family get more and more blatant. The Church-can young people be actively involved in their Church in a grown-up role, rather than just hanging in the gym for youth group during Church services? The Courts-how even a teenager can be involved in the political realm, and help get the right people into office.
I was impressed with Rick's ability to speak clearly and concisely on these matters from a Biblical viewpoint in a way that will be appealing to young and old alike. Not only does he tell what is wrong with our society today, he gives us ideas and inspiration for how to change it for the better.
Whether you have a child or teenager of your own, you are a teenager, or just a concerned onlooker, this is a book that you will not want to miss. If you only read one book in your entire life (other than the Bible of course :) then READ THIS BOOK!
For more information or to order Take Back the Land, visit New Leaf Publishing Group.

Disclaimer: I received a free book from New Leaf Publishing Group for review. I was not monetarily compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Cooking Healthy With Children!

2012-01-30T15:47:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but cooking is a big deal in our family. Yes, there are the days when just putting dinner on the table seems like a chore, but more often than not, the children are excited about helping in the kitchen, and waiting to reach the point when they can prepare a meal all by themselves. Of course, there is always the trouble of getting them to cook healthy meals, not just sweets or fried foods. I have found, though, that when a child cooks (or at least helps cook) the meal, they are more apt to eat even the dreaded "greens" or other healthy foods. They seem to take a personal interest in foods that they prepare!

One way I have found to incorporate some good-for-you foods is by making it colorful. Cook up some various vegetables and present it as a colorful side dish. Stir-fry is a wonderful way to do this, and most children enjoy eating the veggies when they're cooked in a tasty sauce.

Our family also likes to add rice with various meals. One of my favorites (and even the kids like it surprisingly) is a casserole-style dish made of rice (I personally enjoy wild rice, but the kids prefer white rice) topped with broccoli and cauliflower, and cheddar cheese melted on top. This is such a simple (and low-cost) meal, yet everyone who has tasted it thinks it is delicious! Obviously rice can be added to many casseroles for some added nutrition. It is also a wonderful base for various meats; there's a reason why Red Lobster and most steakhouses offer chicken, fish and steaks on a bed of wild rice!

Another way to encourage your children to eat healthy is by thinking outside the box. Everyone knows a garden salad is nutritious, but many children I know won't touch the leafy green lettuce! However, when you make a fruit salad or maybe add some different ingredients to your salad, children will be encouraged to at least try it out. Instead of serving french fries with dinner, offer your family some carrot, celery or broccoli with a dipping sauce. And if you design your veggies in a fun shape, eating vegetables becomes a happy time.

If you're looking for another way to encourage your children in healthy cooking habits, why not let them enter the Ben's Beginner's Cooking Contest? This contest is for children ages 5-12, and would be a fun way to get any kid excited about cooking healthy! For more information about Uncle Ben's and the cooking contest, visit the Uncle Ben's Facebook page.

And please share any tips you have for cooking healthy with your children! I am always looking for new ways to encourage healthy eating and cooking habits!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Uncle Ben’s blogging program, for 6,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

ENJOY Hair Styling Products-Review and Giveaway!!

2012-01-30T14:12:00.000-06:00

Not too long ago I was offered another opportunity to review some products from ENJOY Hair Care. The set I received was especially helpful for me, as it is the Curl Composure set; products for taming and styling curly hair! While I love my hair and wouldn't trade it for straight hair, I do find it frustrating at times trying to keep it frizz free and neat! I must admit, sometimes I receive a compliment about my hair, and I look at it and think "What a mess!". So, I was excited to try these new products; the Curl Shaping Lotion and Shine and Smooth.

After my morning shower I let my hair air dry for a few minutes, then applied a mixture of the Shaping Lotion and Shine and Smooth serum. I was impressed with how defined my curls looked, but knew the real test would be a few hours later, after my hair dried. I didn't use any holding spray, because I wanted to get the real effect of these styling aids without any extra products. To my surprise (and great joy) my hair looked just as good at 8:00 that evening as it did right after applying the product!

Right after applying the products...

Later in the day

These 2 styling products make it possible for me (and you!) to have curly hair that isn't frizzy and unruly! My curls are soft, shiny and defined, without a stiff, unnatural look.

One of my readers will win a Curl Composure set from ENJOY Hair Care!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Costs Are Adding Up

2012-01-28T09:42:00.000-06:00

Guest post of the week by Moises Henderson

Costs are really adding up with this new house but I guess I should have known that going in. I think it’s crazy how much property taxes are and that things get so out of hand so quickly but it’s been a long road getting here and I’m just happy to own a house. I recently looked into clear internet deals online and got some good ones and I’ve actually subscribed to the Sunday paper so I can use the coupons that come in it. I want everyone to know that I own a home, though, so I’m throwing a cheap but festive housewarming party the first nice weekend of spring and I’m going to try out the new barbeque, too! I love this house and I can’t wait to make it my own – right now it’s more like a blank slate than anything else and I’m going to give it my own stamp so I can feel good about showing it off. I worked hard to buy this house and I’m going to make it perfect!

Brought to you by your friends at www.internet.clear.com

Prepping Your House For Pets

2012-01-27T22:12:00.000-06:00

Prepping your House for Pets

If you are thinking about getting a cat you need to start planning your home out to prepare for them. Whether you are filling a room with cat trees or just installing cat doors, there are a lot of different things to think about and consider. This article will help you prepare for the adorable little balls of fluff and destruction that you are going to bring home with you.

The first piece of advice you should keep in mind is that cats love to get up to high places. The tops of bureaus, the upper edges of doors and the top shelf you never clean. If you have shelving, assume that your cat is going to knock everything off of them. You need to teach your cat to climb on their cat trees and not on your shelves. It will all end up on the floor and the cat will earn a special place in your heart that is now filled with hatred for cats. Make sure that they have safe places, like cat trees, to climb and that you discourage them from climbing anything else.

From cat scratching posts to real trees, we need to talk about house plants. You need to research every plant you are considering bringing into your house or that you may always have in your home. A surprising number of plants are toxic to animals of all kinds. Even things that are fully edible to humans may be very toxic to your new, furry friends. Do a little research and prevent the worst case scenario.
In the same vein, don't feed your pets people food. I know itís not a design suggestion. Itís just a good piece of advice. Look up what garlic does to a cat and you'll agree.

Celestial Seasonings Tea Review and Giveaway!!

2012-01-26T13:21:00.000-06:00

While I am definitely a coffee drinker, I have started cutting back on the "gourmet drinks" I make at home, and trying to have something a little healthier. Additionally, the caffeine in my lattes and cappuccinos makes for a late night-whether I want one or not! I was recently given the opportunity to try a couple boxes of Celestial Seasonings teas, and I think I have found the perfect replacement for my coffee! (Don't worry; I'm not cutting it out completely, just cutting back a lot :)

I received the Tension Tamer Herbal Tea and Peach Blossom White and Green Tea for my review. I tried the Tension Tamer one evening before bed, and really enjoyed it! I added just a teaspoon of sugar for a little sweetness, and had a nice, hot drink without all the sugar, cream and calories of my usual hot beverage of choice.

The Peach Blossom is definitely my favorite, however. Not only does this tea have a wonderful peach flavor, but the aroma as it steeps is lovely too! The perfect blend of green tea, white tea and fresh peach flavor creates a wonderful drink for warming up during the winter. It's also perfect for a breakfast tea or bedtime drink.

The Peach Blossom tea also tastes great cold! It's nice to be able to make my own green tea, instead of purchasing it at the store, with other ingredients and sweeteners. This way I know exactly what is in my drink!

One of my readers will receive a box of Celestial Seasonings Blood Orange Star Fruit Green Tea Tea Bags!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Driving Tips for Your Family! #Esurance

2012-01-25T12:31:00.002-06:00

As the children are getting older, they are looking forward to getting their Drivers Permit. Of course, this is both an exciting and a sober time, as driving is something we look at seriously. A few days ago we brought a couple of them "test driving", and gave them some pointers and guidelines for driving. For any of you in the same circumstances, here are just a few tips I have collected.

1. First of all, stay alert. As my Dad always told me, being aware of what and who are around you -at all times- is the most important part of staying safe on the road! Don't just concentrate on your vehicle, pay attention to the location of other vehicles, signs, merging lanes, etc. This way you are prepared if the car in front of you suddenly stops or swerves, and you aren't caught off guard.

2. Don't ever text while driving! This should be a given, but it is amazing how many people I see texting on their phones while driving, or stopped at a light. It is not safe! I don't even like talking on the cellphone while driving (and it's illegal in many states). If you have to talk, get a Bluetooth device so your hands are free to drive, rather than trying to answer a call.

3. Obey the speed limit and other road signs. These signs are here for a reason-to keep you and other drivers safe! Many drivers act like the speed limit is just a suggestion, and they can drive however fast they want. Then there's the numerous people I see who just slow down when coming to a stop sign. It's not a slow down sign, it's a STOP sign! An important part of teaching the children to drive is teaching them what the road signs mean. (We actually just discussed this today on the way back from Wal-Mart).

4. Don't drive when you're tired. If you're driving and start to feel drowsy, pull off and take a nap or trade drivers. Having a cold water or even a small snack to munch on can also help you stay awake if there's no one else to take over driving.

5. Keep your vehicle in good condition. No matter how good a driver you are, if your car is in need of an oil change, new brake pads, or a tail-light replacement, you aren't driving safely!

What about your family? Please feel free to share any driving tips in the comments below! For more driving hints and information about Esurance, visit the Esurance Facebook page!

"About Esurance
With a wealth of easy-to-use online tools as well as 24/7 expert service, Esurance is making car insurance smarter from quote to claim. Everything we do is done with the goal of saving you time, hassle, hair-tearing-out, and oh yes, money too. Use the Esurance Coverage Counselor® to help you figure out the exact coverage limits you need. File a claim (and send pics of the accident) from your mobile phone. Call anytime — and by that we mean anytime — to talk to a friendly expert about discounts. Do what you need to do, when you need to do it. And do it with ease. That's what Esurance is all about."

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Esurance blogging program for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Gerber Fit Pocket Tool Review and Giveaway!!

2012-01-24T10:48:00.001-06:00

I'm sure you are all familiar with Gerber Gear. They make all sorts of neat tools, knives and survival gear. I have owned a small Gerber knife for a couple years now, and I clip it onto my waist just about every morning-I never go anywhere without this knife! After experiencing the Gerber quality, I was excited when they sent me a Fit Pocket Tool for review. This is a handy little tool the size of a pocket knife that will be a permanent addition to my purse or bag from now on! This compact multi-tool includes a blade (half fine, half serrated for multiple uses), scissors, tweezers, bottle opener, eye glass screwdriver, large flathead screwdriver, large crosspoint screwdriver, small crosspoint screwdriver, and a light. This is what the tool looks like opened:

And the large screwdriver has a bit with flat on one end, crosspoint on the other:

The light is powered by 1 AAA battery (included when you purchase the Fit Pocket Tool) and is very powerful! Here's an example:

Not bad for a little tool, huh?! As I have come to expect from Gerber, the tool is very well made, and looks like it will last for a long time. There are so many everyday uses for this tool from adjusting somebody's eyeglasses to removing a splinter, or opening a package with the knife blade. And, we are planning some camping and hiking trips this year, and this will come in handy on those!

"Encased in smooth anodized aluminum, the Fit is a handheld 20 Lumen L.E.D. flashlight with folding multitool attachments. Outfitted with long drivers to reach into small spaces that other multitools can't, it includes a locking fine edge and serrated blade, bottle opener, scissors, tweezers and multiple drivers. It’s a compact, standalone flashlight with dozens of other daily uses."

One of my readers will receive the Orange Gerber Fit Pocket Tool!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.F. Chang's Celebrates Chinese New Year-And You Can Too!

2012-01-23T15:07:00.000-06:00

You may remember a few weeks ago when I blogged about the chance to try some P.F. Chang's Home Menu meals. I recently learned that P.F. Chang's is celebrating the Chinese New Year (starting today) in some really great ways! First of all, they have a giveaway running on the P.F. Chang's Facebook page. Every day (through February 12) you can enter to win! 10 people per day will win a Daily Dragon prize, including a $25.00 gift card to P.F. Chang's or a gift certificate for a P.F. Chang's Home Menu Frozen Meal!! I already entered today, and I'll be checking back each day :)
You can also celebrate the Chinese New Year at your local P.F. Chang's, where they are giving out Red Envelopes to dine-in customers. These envelopes will contain 10%-50% off coupon, or a free appetizer or dessert!

P.F. Chang's sent me a couple coupons and a neat "Red Envelope" package so we could celebrate the Chinese New Year at home. The package included a T-Shirt and some Chinese Lanterns, as well as the coupons and a gift card. I tried the Garlic Chicken with Dan Dan Noodles, and Orange Chicken. I was impressed with the super easy 10-12 minute cooking time; these made for a super-fast dinner! The orange chicken was very good; it has chicken, water chestnuts, carrots and edamame in a spicy orange sauce. It's very simple to make, you just pour the bag into a non-stick skillet, and heat for 10-12 minutes. Everyone who tasted the Orange Chicken agreed it was very tasty, and a great meal.

My personal favorite though (and my favorite out of all the P.F. Chang's Home Menu meals I have tried so far) is the Garlic Chicken with Dan Dan Noodles. Again, simply heat on the stove for about 12 minutes, and you have a hot, fresh-tasting Asian meal ready to eat! The Garlic Chicken has white meat chicken, dan dan noodles, bell peppers and bok choy in a delicious garlic sauce. It is amazing!! I will be buying some Garlic Chicken with Noodles pretty regularly from now on!

This is awesome!

Check out the P.F. Chang's Home Menu meals at a grocery store near you, and be sure to celebrate the Chinese New Year with P.F. Chang's!!

Disclaimer: I received a Red Envelope package from P.F. Chang's (containing goodies, coupons and a gift card) for the purpose of review. All thoughts and opinion are mine.

Oster Flip Belgian Waffle Maker Review and Giveaway!!

2012-01-20T13:33:00.000-06:00

How many of you like something different for breakfast? Don't get me wrong, I am a cereal "addict", but sometimes I just want something hot for breakfast, or a little change of pace. Of course there are the other fast options-frozen waffles, pancakes and toaster strudels-but they just don't have that homemade flavor. I was excited when given the opportunity to review a Flip Belgian Waffle Maker from Oster, but even I didn't realize just how handy this little tool would be!

When the Waffle Maker arrived I immediately went online and started looking for that perfect Belgian Waffle recipe (I didn't realize there were recipes in the instruction manual :). See, after visiting a restaurant called The Belgian Waffle in SLC Utah several years ago, I have been craving a special treat I discovered there-Belgian Waffle Sundaes. I could hardly wait to try my re-creation, and went shopping as soon as possible to pick up the necessary ingredients. The pictures can describe the process best, so here goes:

The red light means power is on; when the green side lights up, it means your wafflemaker is ready to cook!

A removable drip tray to catch any batter

Thankful for that drip tray! My first time I overfilled the holes :)

Made-from-sratch Belgian Waffle, ready to eat!

Now, the next part is simply my serving suggestion:

Belgian waffle, banana slices, vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup

The strawberry version...YUM!

I actually made these for the family for dinner that evening, and it was a huge hit! Even a certain person who said he "wasn't in the mood for waffles" ended up eating 2 whole servings!
Now, if you're thinking you don't have time to make waffles in the morning, don't worry. You can make them with pancake/waffle mix from the store. Or, you can do what I did. Make a double batch of waffles when you have some free time, and make them all up (about 16 waffles from my recipe). Freeze the cooled waffles, and then whenever you're in the mood, simply pull out a waffle and heat it in your toaster or toaster oven! A tasty, homemade breakfast - fast!

"Product Features:

Simple “flip” operation for evenly cooked waffles
Durable Chrome housing with Black accents
Adjustable temperature control for light and fluffy or crispy waffles
Non-stick Belgian surface
Cool touch handle with release button for compact storage
Power On and Ready indicator lights
Removable drip tray included for easy clean-up
Space-saving, vertical compact storage design"

One of my readers will receive an Oster Flip Belgian Waffle Maker!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crowd Control

2012-01-19T17:29:00.001-06:00

Normally when you think of crowd control, you think of events and special uses. Lines for amusement park rides, entrance to a special event or concert, or other like places. Although I don't personally attend them, I have seen barricades in place when a big event was coming to a local city. For example, I have been on Beale Street and seen the entire road blocked off with barricades.

However, although these are the type of event I think of when I hear the term crowd control, many of our normal, day-to-day shopping centers and other places of business use some form of control. Take your local bank for instance. Most banks use stanchions to keep people in an orderly line.

Another common place you'll see crowd control being implemented is with political events. Of course, here you normally see the fancy posts and velvet ropes, but it is still just a form of keeping the crowd in line!

This post brought to you by your friends at www.camelbackdisplays.com

Capture Holiday Memories On Canvas!! (75% off!)

2012-01-19T14:25:00.000-06:00

I'm sure all of you have some special pictures from the holidays. (I can't believe it's already the middle of January, and Christmas was almost a month ago!). If you're looking for a way to keep these memories fresh, why not hang them on your wall? I'm sure by now you're familiar with Gallery Direct, and know how much I love every piece of art I have ordered from them. But you're probably not aware of the amazing sale they have running through the end of this month.

Right now you can receive 75% off your Canvas Photo Print at Gallery Direct!! This applies to any custom "upload-your-own-photo" that you have printed on canvas, whether gallery wrap, framed or floating frame! That makes a small framed canvas print with your very own photo only about $50.00!! You can not beat this deal, and on top of that, Gallery Direct is super-fast about getting your print delivered to your door! To get the discount, simply use "photo75" in the coupon code box during checkout.
In case you're wondering how a photo canvas from Gallery Direct turns out, here's an example. I took a picture on my cellphone several weeks ago of my brother and I with our friend's little girl. We only get to see them 1 or 2 times a year, so it was something I wanted to print and frame. Then I decided to use Gallery Direct's canvas print service instead. I was a little unsure of how the photo would look, since it was taken on my phone, but went ahead with the order anyways. When the package arrived a week later, I could not wait to see how it looked.

It. Is. Gorgeous.

The color is so clear and crisp, no blurring at all, and the frame really sets off the photo. If you don't believe me, take a look for yourself.
Needless to say, the whole family loves the picture (especially E, my brother), and we now have a memory of fun with our friends!

Remember, photo75 is your key to a beautiful canvas print of your favorite holiday photos!! Only at Gallery Direct! (Coupon code expires 2/1/12).

Disclaimer: I was not monetarily compensated in any way for this review; I did receive product for the purpose of review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Internet Marketing Reaches Your Audience!

2012-01-18T19:23:00.000-06:00

It seems that the days of tv commercials, newspaper ads and roadside signs being the best way to reach your target audience with information about your business, a special sale, or other marketing tool. While these methods do still reach a great amount of people, and are obviously still effective, I honestly believe internet marketing is the best way to go. Many people choose to read the morning paper online, and video streaming via the internet is becoming more and more popular, thus lessening the effect of print and tv advertising. But literally everyone I know surfs the internet, and between internet-capable smart-phones, and wi-fi hotspots springing up all over, it's easier than ever to browse the web no matter where you're at.

I know from my own experience that seeing ads while working or shopping online can and has influence my purchases, whether it's a product or service. For example, after seeing an ad for a tax company offering free e-filing tax refund services, I signed up and started filling out the paperwork (it's taking longer than I thought to get all the information in!). Or, while looking for a new camcorder not too long ago, a banner ad showed up for a Sony camcorder, and following that link ended up leading me to the model I eventually purchased.

So am I a believer in online marketing? Absolutely! It has the potential to reach more people than just about any other marketing medium I can think of.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog for an internet marketing company and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Q-Tips Precision Tips - Great For Small Area Cleaning!

2012-01-17T21:56:00.001-06:00

I'm sure all of you have a package of Q-Tips in your bathroom cupboard. I mean, who doesn't use Q-Tips for basic health and beauty needs? Whether cleaning your little one's ears, swabbing peroxide on a scrape, or for applying make up, Q-Tips are an absolute necessity.
Recently, however, Q-Tips improved on their already invaluable product by releasing Precision Tips Q-Tips. These are an ingenious little tool in themselves, and I am already planning to stock the cupboard with precision tips as well as regular Q-Tips from now on!

Precision Tips are pointed at both ends, and add a little more "reach" to the Q-Tips cleaning capabilities. I have started using these for cleaning my camcorder. I'm a little bit of a clean freak, and when it comes to my beloved electronics (MacBook, iPod and camcorder being at the top of the list) I am especially careful to clean on a regular basis. The Precision Tips work great to clean around the lens of my camcorder in those minutely small grooves!

A great way to "get in the grooves"!

Another use I have found for Precision Tips is for removing nail polish that inevitably splashes onto my toes or fingers. I just can't seem to get an entire hand or foot done without dripping some nail polish onto the skin! First I tried using a cotton ball with nail polish remover, but that usually ended up in taking some of the polish off my nail as well. Precision Tips solved the problem though! They're small enough to rub a little remover over the skin without disturbing the nail polish that is where it belongs!

For more great uses for Q-Tips and Precision Tips, check out the Q-Tips Facebook page!

Disclaimer: I received compensation and Q-Tips for review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

American Standard Monoglide Shower Head Review and Giveaway!!

2012-01-17T21:31:00.000-06:00

Our shower head can be a little irritating at times. It's the kind with a pull-chain so if the water is left running too long, it automatically cuts off. I understand the reasoning behind it, since it prevents wasting water, but when you're taking a shower and the water suddenly stops running, it doesn't put me in the best frame of mind :) So, when I received a Monoglide Hand Shower for review from American Standard, I was excited about being able to replace the old one. Until I saw that the Monoglide arrived in 3 small boxes (very small boxes). I am not a plumber, and have almost no experience with anything pertaining to plumbing! However, I decided to at least open the boxes and asses the difficulty level before calling for help. When I saw that all 3 boxes only contained 1 piece each, I thought, "Okay. Surely I can do this." And sure enough, I could and did - in less than 5 minutes! Yep, in about 4 minutes, I had the old shower head removed and the sparkly new shower head involved. Score one for me!

Step 1: Removed the old shower head.

Step 2: Screw on the socket/holder piece. (Told you I wasn't a plumber!)

Step 3: Attach the cord

Step 4: Screw on the Monoglide Hand Shower

All done!

Now, what I love best about the Monoglide is probably the fact that it is a hand shower. So when we're bathing the dogs or our friends need to bathe their young children, it's super-easy with the option of pulling the shower head down!
Another great feature is the 4-function button. Full spray (the most-used in our family), aerated spray, massage spray and power mist are all easily turned on with the switch of a button! Watch the video below for demonstration.

"It all begins with our unmatched legacy of quality and innovation that has lasted for more than 130 years. It is this tradition of quality and innovation that puts us in three out of five homes in America, as well as, countless hotels, airports, and stadiums. We provide the style and performance that fit perfectly into life, wherever that may be."

One of my readers will receive an American Standard Monoglide Hand Shower!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Fight Of Our Lives Book Review

2012-01-16T17:32:00.000-06:00

If you're looking for a book that lays out the truth about America's war on terrorism, then this is the book for you. I recently read The Fight of Our Lives, by William Bennett and Seth Leibsohn and published by Thomas Nelson. The book is smallish as books go, only a couple hundred pages, but what a wealth of information for Americans who truly care!

I of course knew that politicians and the media were downplaying much of the religious element of terrorism, but was unaware of the great lengths they go to to make Islam seem like a peaceful religion, with just a few fanatics. For example, when the Islamic terrorist went on a shooting spree at Fort Hood not so very long ago, the official Pentagon report failed to mention any hint of Islamic influence. Even though Major Nidal Hasan, the terrorist, shouted Allahu Akbar (Allah is great) while shooting and killing American military men and women.
After reading this book, I had to go back and re-read some parts. It is an amazing wake up call to all who care about America, and the great Nation she once was. More, it is a call-to-arms for all Americans who believe that the war on terror is not only fought in foreign battlefields. Although the authors are Christian, I believe that any honest citizen (not just Christians) who is concerned for the country their children will inherit would be benefitted by reading The Fight of Our Lives.

"Want to know the dirty little secret in the war on terror? Some of us have already surrendered.

Since the dreadful events of 9/11, America has waged an international war on terrorism. But are we prepared to win, or are we practicing surrender? We have foiled dozens of terrorist attacks since then. But while the Fort Dix terrorists were stopped, an Islamist terrorist at Fort Hood unleashed hell on American servicemen. Despite Maj. Nidal Hasan’s shouting “Allahu Akbar” as he pulled the trigger, the official Pentagon report refused to mention Islam or use the word Muslim. And said the army chief of staff, “As horrific as this tragedy was, if our diversity becomes a casualty, I think that's worse.” As William J. Bennett and Seth Leibsohn show, for lack of clarity, conviction, and determination, America is on the verge of declaring preemptive cultural surrender in the war on terror. The Fight of Our Lives will reinvigorate the discussion and embolden those who wish to win the war on terror."

To purchase The Fight of Our Lives, visit your local bookseller, or purchase online through Amazon.

Disclaimer: I was not monetarily compensated in any way for this review; I did receive a copy of the book for review. All thoughts and opinions are mine. All quotes taken from the Thomas Nelson/BookSneeze website.

Fantasy Jewelry Box Review and Giveaway!!

2012-01-16T11:00:00.000-06:00

What woman doesn't love jewelry? Even though I'm more of the "tomboy" type (I'd rather be outside than inside usually), I still love adding a bracelet or necklace for a pretty, feminine look. I was given the opportunity to choose a piece from Fantasy Jewelry Box for review, and it was a hard decision! After going through my jewelry box and realizing I have double or triple the necklaces than bracelets, that narrowed down my search a little bit. And when I saw Kimber's Two-Tone Heart Link Bracelet, I knew my hunt was over-I had found the perfect piece!
As always with FJB, I was impressed with the fast shipping time, and the lovely presentation of the jewelry. It came in a small black box, tied with a silver bow.

This is an absolutely beautiful stainless steel link bracelet with gold hearts alternating between larger cut-out steel hearts. What I love about this bracelet is that I can wear it to a dressy event, or just use it to give a little special touch to my casual, everyday outfits.

No matter what you're taste in jewelry, you can find the perfect piece at Fantasy Jewelry Box!

"FantasyJewelryBox.com is one of the leading online retailers of celebrity and designer inspired jewelry. Although celebrity inspired jewelry is our specialty, we are also a leading online retailer for replica celebrity rings, fake engagement rings and faux wedding sets.

Our sterling silver jewelry collections primarily consists of high end genuine .925 Sterling Silver with high-quality cubic zirconia stones. We also proudly carry gold jewelry collections as well as fashion jewelry and costume jewelry for our more budget-friendly shoppers. Our cubic zirconia jewelry prices generally range from $10.00 to $500.00 so it is easy to see why our affordable diamond replica jewelry collections are so popular! Whether you are a financially struggling college student or a successful, wealthy woman who enjoys a good deal, our collections are perfect for you!

Although we specialize in women's cubic zirconia jewelry, our growing men's stainless steel and titanium collection is quite popular! We believe this is due to our competitive, substantially lower prices that is rare in today's jewelry market for men. Of course, that statement can be said for all the sterling silver jewelry within our collections! Our famous slogan says it all: "FantasyJewelryBox.com is Affordable Jewelry for Expensive Tastes!""

One of my readers will win a $25.00 Gift Certificate to Fantasy Jewelry Box!!

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Silikids Siliskin Glass Cups for Children Review and Giveaway!!

2012-01-14T22:11:00.000-06:00

For anyone not familiar with Silikids, they are a company that is dedicated to making safe products for children from...you guessed it...silicone! I'm sure many of you mothers out there have also been concerned for your children's safety when it comes to the every-day accessories they use. Well, fret no more, because with Silikids products, you can rest assured that their cups and bottles are safe.

I received a Siliskin glass for review, and I am so impressed! This is the perfect way to not only avoid the typical plastic sippy cups, but also make your child feel grown-up, using his/her own glass cup! Basically these are glasses with a silicone cover. The silicone helps prevent your child from dropping their cup, as it gives a better grip. And, it protects the glass inside from breaking! The silicone covers come in several different colors, so your child can have a colorful variety of drinking glasses.

"Silikids began in 2006 as a labor of love for two friends and mothers, Giuliana Schwab and Stacey Feeley. With growing concerns about toxic materials in children’s products, Silikids was born; a children’s accessory company dedicated to making safe, clean and hygienic products out of SILICONE. As mothers, they noticed that many products for babies were already made of silicone; bottle nipples, pacifiers, etc. Research confirmed that silicone was indeed a magnificent material for children due to its non-porous nature, where no bacteria could hide; its high resistance to temperatures making it easy to boil and sterilize, and its soft, pliable quality lends itself to multiple uses.

Through the years as the Silikids kids grew up and new members were added to the family, the Silikids line gradually grew too. Silikids was the first company to introduce silicone sleeves for glass baby bottles, know as Siliskins. This concept quickly took off and Silikids eventually launched the Siliskin Glass Line; drinking glasses encased in silicone sleeves (a process those at Silikids call "skinning glass"). The company makes a variety of products ranging from kneepads for crawling babies, silicone sleeves for glass baby bottles, jars and containers as well as glass cups for kids and adults protected by their patent pending Siliskin. Through trial and error, blood, sweat and tears the Silikids Founders continue to innovate and launch new products."

One of my readers will receive a 6 oz. Siliskin Glass!!

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Support Walgreens

2012-01-13T19:00:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

You may have heard of the dispute going on between Walgreens and Express Scripts for the past year. I must confess I had not heard anything about it until just recently. It seems that the Express Scripts program has refused to extend their contract with Walgreens, so any members of the program are having to go farther afield, as it were, and find a new pharmacist to fill their prescriptions. Not only that, but with Walgreens being the largest 24-hour pharmacies in the country, for those who work long hours or have hectic schedules (and who doesn't?), finding the time to visit the new pharmacy may be more difficult than in the past. And, with all these negative aspects, Express Scripts has also stated that members will not see any significant savings from their excluding Walgreens! You can read the press release about Walgreens and Express Scripts here.

As if that were not enough, our military is also caught in the middle of this debate. Tricare (health and prescription drug program for our military) is one of Express Scripts clients. Walgreens went so far as to guarantee the lowest prices of any pharmacy in the Tricare program, and to contract separately for the Tricare program, but Express Scripts refused both of these negotiations.

After being excluded from the Express Scripts program, Walgreens came up with their own way to help their customers. Joining the Prescription Savings Club will give you a special discount on annual membership. Check out the Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens for more details.

Help support Walgreens by following Walgreens on Twitter or liking Walgreens on Facebook. This way you will also stay up to date on any developments, or new savings at Walgreens!

Healthy Snacking Options!!

2012-01-13T14:24:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone, it’s a beautiful cold, crisp day outside...snow covering the ground, ice on the roads. Perfect weather for curling up with a good book and a snack, right? But wait! All those New Years Resolutions you made about eating better...what is safe for me to snack on?! In case you’re in a situation like this, I want to share some healthy snacking tips for you.

First of all, don’t be caught off guard. Be sure to keep fruits, veggies and other good-for-you snacks on hand. If the urge to munch hits you, you’re more likely to grab whatever is on hand. I personally like to cut up some carrots or apples, and store them in Ziploc baggies. Then when you’re ready-so is your snack!

Another good way to keep your snacking healthy is by portion control. Yes, those dreaded two words! It really is much easier than it sounds (or looks) though. I have learned that by taking just a tiny amount of a special dessert or snack (such as cheesecake :) and telling myself that I will NOT eat any more, it is easier to say no. Instead of going back for seconds, I take the time to really savor the snack, and usually end up enjoying it more. I also incorporate this into eating meals, baking and cooking! By making cupcakes instead of cake, I automatically provide instant portion control!

Second, I recommend to think “outside the box” so to speak. Everyone knows fruits and vegetables are good snack foods. But what about other low-fat (or low-carb, or whatever your diet requirements) foods for snacking? One of my favorites is finding some low-fat crackers and slices of cheddar cheese. Microwave popcorn that is very lightly buttered is another good option.

Another one of my all-time favorite snacks is pretzels. Pretzel sticks, pretzel rounds, mini pretzels, flavored pretzels...however they come, I love ‘em! For any fellow pretzel-lovers out there, I’d like to share a recipe to change up your pretzel munching from time to time. This recipe for Cayenne Pretzels is super-easy, and requires very little time.

Ingredients:

1 cup Canola Oil

1 envelope Ranch Salad Dressing Mix

1 teaspoon Garlic Salt

1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust for your taste buds)

2 packages (10 oz. each) Snyder's Pretzel Sticks

In a small bowl, combine all your ingredients except for the pretzels. Divide pretzels onto 2 un-greased baking sheets. Pour oil mixture over pretzels; stir to coat thoroughly. Bake at 200 degrees for 1-1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Cool, and store in an airtight container. Careful, the pretzels get spicier the longer they sit!

Oh, and one more hint...don’t snack while watching tv or participating in an activity that takes the focus away from what you’re eating. Even reading can do this sometimes! You’re much more apt to munch away mindlessly, and then suddenly realize you’ve eaten half that bag of pretzels! So keep your snacking about the snacking!

About Snyder’s of Hanover
Our tradition of good taste dates back to 1909 when Harry V. Warehime, founder of Hanover Canning Company, our parent company until 1980, began producing Olde Tyme Pretzels for the Hanover Pretzel Company. In 1963, the Bechtel Pretzel Company, founded by Bill and Helen Bechtel in 1947, was purchased and incorporated into Snyder’s Bakery. Bill developed the original recipe for the Sourdough Hard Pretzel that is still enjoyed by consumers today. More info on Snyder’s of Hanover

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Snyder’s of Hanover blogging program, for 6,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Energizer Battery Charger Review!!

2012-01-13T09:05:00.000-06:00

If your family is anything like ours, then you go through a ton of batteries. We use more AA than anything else...remote controls for our stereo system, tv, Wii remotes, MP3 players, cameras, and various other electronics. That's why I was so excited when Energizer offered to send me their Recharge Smart Charger for review! This charger comes with 4 AA batteries. The unique aspect is that it has a digital countdown timer, so you know exactly how long is left before your batteries are fully charged. This is so perfect for our family and our multitude of battery-powered devices! While the charger is designed to charge 4 batteries, you can also charge just 2 if needed.

We also tried this with AAA batteries; one of our point-and-shoot digital cameras is powered by AAA batteries. So, we picked up a set at Wal-Mart, and they charged just great! I am also impressed with how long the batteries last, compared to disposable batteries. This camera was going through a set of batteries a day almost, but one charge with the Energizer charger/batteries lasts several days at a time!

If you have any battery or charger needs, check out Energizer; they have a variety to suit every need!

Disclaimer: I was not monetarily compensated in any way for this review; I did receive product for the purpose of review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Riding Horses

2012-01-13T09:03:00.000-06:00

I love horses. From the time I took riding lessons as a child, I was hooked on riding! As a teenager I was able to help out at a local stable, and the owner graciously allowed my sister and me to ride whenever we wanted. That was a lot of fun; she had 2 Morgans that were very sweet, and would do just about anything (I even tried jumping a few times). Fortunately we were allowed to use the horseback riding gear at the stable, rather than purchasing our own.

However, we eventually moved away, and there were no stables around. But, our new home did have a rather beat-up barn on it's own, so of course we got the brilliant idea of buying our own horse. We fixed up the barn, and kept an eye out in local papers. Soon we ended up with a retired Standardbred, and a few months later, a Paso Fino-Arabian cross. Can you say Dream-Come-True?! Of course, then we needed to purchase our own saddles, bridles and even horse riding clothing.
We never competed in any shows or anything where we would need tweed coats or jodhpurs, but we did have a lot of fun riding those horses around in the woods in back of our house.

Alexia Frozen Foods Review and Giveaway!!

2012-01-12T14:25:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone, I apologize for the delay in posting this week. Our schedule (if you can call it that) has been total chaos since the New Year, it seems! We were in Chicago over New-Year weekend, and then unexpectedly bounced back up there this past week! So, in the midst of this muddle, it was nice to have some Alexia Frozen Foods to pull out for dinner. And no, I don't just mean Banquet frozen dinners or potpies. I mean real, natural foods! I received some of Alexia's Whole Grain Rolls, Saute Harvest Vegetables, and Sweet Potato Julienne Fries.
I have to be honest; I didn't think I would really like the Sweet Potato Fries. I'm not really a big fan of sweet potatoes, but I was pleasantly surprised! I made up a batch of these the afternoon the package came in, and they were very yummy! I sprinkled a little salt on, just like regular fries, and had a nice mid-afternoon snack!

The Whole Grain Rolls were a great addition to our spaghetti dinner one evening. These take only about 8 minutes to heat up in the oven, and you have hot, fresh, whole grain rolls ready to eat! I was very impressed with the soft rolls, and polished off 3 in one sitting!

My favorite item, though, is the Harvest Saute Vegetables. These. Are. Delicious.
A mixture of red potatoes, carrots, green beans and onions, sauteed in a sage-infused oil blend, they are the prefect side dish for any meal. Or, make a meal out of the veggies for a light dinner sometime! I made up one bag of these, which is about 2 servings, and everyone was asking "What are you cooking? That smells delicious?" And, while eating, I had to give a taste to everyone else at the table!

Melting the oil

Add caption

The final results-delicious!

While I liked the other Alexia products, these were definitely my favorites! I checked my local Wal-Mart yesterday, and I can buy them for just $3.00 a bag, so I will be making these a regular side dish from now on!

"We love food as much as you. That's why we make it exactly how you would: all-natural, gourmet-inspired, and absolutely delicious.

OUR BEGINNINGS: At Alexia, our creativity and passion for the highest quality side dishes runs deep in our roots. As a Manhattan chef, Alex always wondered why there weren't quality side dishes that achieved the same discerning standard as the main entrée. He knew others would agree, and believed he could create distinctive and inspired convenient everyday side dishes that lived up to what he might create in his own Greenpoint kitchen. Alex started by hand selecting the finest all-natural ingredients and producing only small batches making Alexia a hard to find favorite. Whether seasoning his Beauregard Sweets and Yukon Gold Potatoes or baking the perfect artisan Ciabatta and Focaccia breads, Alex always used real ingredients and put quality and taste first."

2 of my readers will win 2 coupons for Free Alexia Foods products!!

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Find Great Deals at nomorerack.com!

2012-01-10T08:29:00.000-06:00

Have any of you heard of nomorerack? I have seen a few bloggers mention a deal they found there, and heard some friends talk about it, but honestly I never really took the time to check it out. Call me lazy or maybe just wary of online deal sites, but until recently, I didn't even visit the website.
However, I finally decided to look into nomorerack.com for myself, and see what it was all about. I knew it was some kind of "deal site", but many of those that I have seen never really had any items or deals I was interested in purchasing.

Once I got to nomorerack and signed up, I was impressed to see 8 deals and 1 charity deal offered daily. Many of these places only offer 1 deal a day, so it is nice to see some variety and choices available. Additionally, the deals are products and items I would actually use. Clothing for adults and children, jewelry, purses, and electronics. (I am always interested in new electronics at deal prices!).

I was honestly surprised at some of the prices on the deals too. For example, one of today's deals is a Sassy Shoulder Purse that retails at $50.00, but members of nomorerack can buy it for only $18.00. This is a great deal!

nomorerack also offers "Insanity Deals", which are products that are discounted 80%-95% off the regular retail price. The new Insanity Deals are listed at odd times throughout the day, so I checked out some of the previous insanity deals to see what they were like. Again, I was shocked! An Apple iPad2 for only $43.20?! A Sony 52" HDTV for less than $60.00?! How have I not signed up for nomorerack long before this!

Earlier I mentioned the Charity Deals offered daily, and these are greatly-reduced products as well. The Charity Deal available right now is 3 packs of Blendy Pens for $11.00. And, with each charity deal purchased, $1.00 is donated to The Pet Rescue Center to save dogs and cats!

I will certainly be checking nomorerack on a regular basis now. It looks like a great site to not only get superb deals, but also a nice way to save some money while shopping for gifts. (Why did I not think to check nomorerack for my holiday shopping?). I recommend you check it out for yourself-it's free to join!

Insulation For Winter

2012-01-07T15:02:00.001-06:00

Hey friends, we've been experiencing a beautiful winter so far (I'm told it's actually colder in FL right now than up here in the midwest!). However, the temperature has still dipped below freezing several times in the past month or so. I guess one of the most important things to consider when approaching the winter months, is how to winterize your home. Having lived in the south for many years, it's honestly not something I was accustomed to doing much.

But, even though I wasn't used to winterizing our home, it was something we did regularly with our RV. Even in Florida, the temperature gets cold enough to freeze RV pipes. So it was imperative for us to drain every last drip of water from the camper pipes, and use some anti-freeze-type-liquid in the system.

One year, we had a free winterizing service at a local RV dealer/service center. Of course, we thought this was great, as it would save us some time and effort. What we didn't know though, was the mechanic was rather...shall we say...lazy. He did a minimum effort job, which meant that not only was there still water in the lines, but he never used the anti-freeze either! Needless to say, come spring, we realized that we were better off doing the job ourselves, or finding a more reputable dealer!

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog for Rigid Foam Insulation and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.