Monday, December 30, 2013

OxiClean(TM) 2in1 Stain Fighter Liquid

As a Smiley360 member I got to try OxiClean(TM) 2in1 Stain Fighter Liquid for free, and absolutely loved it. It has replaced three other liquids for me. It has so much to offer all in one bottle which has fully impressed me. Not only does it fight stains, but it brightens whites and colors. No more color safe bleach, no more regular bleach, and no more seperate stain fighting liquid. As far as stain fighting liquids this one has all the rest beat. It sure has surpassed my expectations by far and shown me that there is a stain fighting liquid that does what it says it's going to do.
Here's a couple videos I'd like to share with you all:








Disclaimer: As a Smiley360 member I was given a sample of the above mentioned product. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

FRANK's® RedHot®

Check out FRANK's® RedHot® sauces. I have used the Buffalo sauce and Sweet Chili sauce in a variety of dishes including:

FRANK’s® RedHot® Buffalo Chicken Dip  & FRANK's RedHot Sweet Chili® Cream Cheese Dip

Frank's has a wide variety of sauces the two above mentioned sauces are just two included in the variety. I love the versatile taste. A little bit packs a big punch and your mouth tingles with all the flavor sensations being taken in at once. It's truly a tastefully exploding sensation for your mouth and something to spice up any meal or dish.


Disclaimer: I received the above mentioned products for free as a Smiley360 member, however, all opinions expressed are solely my own.

Monday, December 23, 2013

CAREFREE® ACTI-FRESH® Liners

CAREFREE® ACTI-FRESH® Liners

This is a product for women that I can't stop raving about. Whether you have a weak bladder or need something for those in-between days this is a product that does everything the box says. Super absorbent, fresh feeling, and discreet. You barely know they are there, and are all around wonderful.


Disclaimer: I received a free sample of the product mentioned above as a Smiley360 member in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Beyond Resolution

ISBN: 978-1-921633-74-4

::Description::
Samara lives a life filled with fear. After being discarded and beaten by her trouble making boyfriend, she takes one easy out after another. Her choices lead her down the road of self-destruction, into the degrading world of stripping and a life spent looking over her shoulder. Until an encounter with a stranger on a Kings Cross Street provides the catalyst for a life changing event that leads her back home.
Resolution is the last place in the world Jed wants to be. One drastic decision has led him to the Island resort and back into strained contact with his brother, Flynn.
From the bright lights of Sydney to the blue waters of Resolution Island, Beyond Resolution is a story that provides a window into the joy of forgiveness, trust and peace.



::My Thoughts::
This is book two in the series, but I didn't feel lost at all. I do however want to go back and read book one because I feel like there are a lot of little things that will fall into place easier after reading it.
Samara takes a downward spiral in life, making bad choices that she is utterly ashamed of. But when life presents a stranger that can lead her down the path of forgiveness she can't help but to be lead.
I got swept up in this book after reading just a few chapters. I found it hard to put down because I could not wait to see what would happen next. This book definitely has the suspense factor going for it.
Samara finally follows the path to God and tries to right all the mistakes in her past. On her road to personal forgiveness she is able to cross many obstacles that had been holding her back mainly within herself. This book is a perfect example about how not only do we need to forgive others but forgive ourselves. We all make mistakes, and we all have a past no matter good or bad. It's also an excellent example on how we need to just trust God. The path to getting there won't be easy, but it isn't impossible once we take His hand.
All in all a very good read. I would love to read the other book in the series and see how the characters start, and end up.


::Book Trailer::




If your interested in this book you can find it for purchase HERE




Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookCrash in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Happy Homemaker Monday 12/09/2013

Oh so glad to be back with Happy Homemaker Monday! Sorry for the delay in getting this up. It's been a crazy day! We had a two hour delay this morning and me and the kiddos took the opportunity to sleep in an extra couple hours. Even though it set some of my to-do list behind I can't even begin to tell you how much needed it was. Nobody really got to sleep in over the weekend! LOL

Credit: Sandra @ Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Photo used for purpose of Happy Homemaker Monday only :)

::As I Look Outside My Window::
It's getting dark already at 4:16pm and snow covers everything. Still it's peaceful even though very cold. I knew it was coming as I do every year. Funny thing is me and hubby were talking just a couple weeks ago how it was nothing like winter and now here we are. :)


::Right now I am::
Typing up this post while the kids enjoy their after school snack. I've been busy today so this is my first chance to sit down and get this post typed up.


::Thinking and pondering::
About how sometimes things don't always work out how we plan them or expect them. But just because they don't work out our way doesn't mean they aren't working out the way God means for them to be. Been trusting him more. I've realized that He knows what is best for us and He will get us through it. His hand is always outstretched. I just need to quit forgetting that and reach out and grab it rather than trying to carry the weight on my own shoulders.


::On my bedside table::


::On my TV tonight::
How the Grinch Stole Christmas with the kiddos


::Playing on the radio::
Nothing at the moment


::On the menu for this week::
Monday- cheesey pigs in a blanket, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese
Tuesday- Beef stew & grilled cheese
Wednesday- Homemade chicken and noodle soup & turkey wraps
Thursday- busy day and going to see a Christmas movie at the old theater in town so probably out to eat
Friday- not sure yet, need to plan the new menu and write out the grocery list
Saturday-
Sunday-


::On my to-do list::
I've mostly gotten everything done earlier which was why I was so busy. I had:
  • laundry (wash, dry, iron, fold, and put away) still have some more of this to do though as it's never-ending. LOL
  • dishes
  • sweeping
  • vacuuming


::What I am sewing, creating, knitting, or crocheting::
Nothing at the moment although me and the kids will be working on felt ornaments in a few as one of our Advent Activities


::My simple pleasure::
Cuddling up with my boys and just snuggling. I'm enjoying these days while I can because they are growing so fast on me. I'm not ready for it at all. LOL


::Lesson learned this past week::
It's a lesson I learn almost constantly. Let go and let God. He is there with a hand held out just waiting for me to grab on. I'm constantly getting stuck up in life's troubles and I feel the need to try and control situations. I need to remember though that I don't have to do it alone. He's there waiting to help me. Once I let go and let God things feel so much better, and I can't tell you the weight that is lifted off my shoulders.


::Looking around the house::
Kids are finishing up their after school snacks and watching their after school cartoon. We are about to start on homework, crafts, then dinner, baths, a quick movie, and bed.


::From the camera::
Nothing at the moment. It's been such a crazy time I haven't even snapped one picture. I can't believe it myself. Just goes to show how we can get so carried away. It's one of the things I'm trying to work on.


::Prayer list::
Our family
My parents
My husband's job that things stay steady right now. We are really depending on it.
Friends going through a difficult time.


::Bible verse/devotional::
But in every case, what “Let go and let God” comes down to is this: We need to let go of our own will. We must claim as our own the incredibly hard prayer that Jesus prayed: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). We need to let go and let God do what God wills. This submission will lead to peace and joy, even when the way is difficult. “Father, I place my life in Your hands!” (Luke 23:46).
http://www.guideposts.org/bible-resources/learn-to-let-go-and-let-god


So with that I'll leave you all to the rest of your evenings. If you would like to join in with Sandra's Happy Homemaker Monday head on over to her blog and link up. It's so much fun and nice to connect with others.
But I better head off for now there's much to be done still at my house. I hope to catch up with all of your posts later tonight once everyone is settled and I have some quiet time as I do so enjoy visiting each of you. :)

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Home Warranty Tips

So as you all know me and hubby have been doing research into buying our own home. While we aren't ready just yet it doesn't hurt to look around and go ahead to see what's out there for the price. We don't care to have a bit of work ahead of us when buying a house. It's to be expected as you will pay quite the price to have everything your looking for and for it to be move in ready. So while we save we research, and we look. It's exciting to see houses, what they are selling for, what they have sold for, how they are renovated, etc.



One thing that is kind of scary though is it would be so hard to purchase a home and then have something suddenly go wrong with it. So we are definitely going to be getting a home warranty when we purchase. That way if something major or even minor goes wrong we aren't looking at a huge financial setback. It's always a good idea for a homeowner to protect themselves as much as possible. Because once you take that buying plunge it's yours good and bad.



Years ago we started out buying a starter home. Being young and excited for the venture we entered into a contract sale where we would rent for the first two years and if we decided upon buying after that all the money paid would be deducted from total cost of the house. It was a pretty sweet deal but as our family grew and the house did not we started having issues. Our AC unit went out, our refrigerator started having issues, and our stove was also having issues. Thankfully it was covered under the seller's home warranty and it was all fixed. Appliances are a major financial setback when you aren't expecting to replace them. Nothing lasts forever after all.



We decided against buying the house anyway even though we loved it, it was just too small with no room for adding on.
But it was an eye opener for sure. So this time when we take the deep plunge to purchase a home we are going to do it right and have our own home warranty. There are so many companies out there that offer great contracts. One of them is Choice Home Warranty and they have a really helpful Facebook page too.

As I know a lot of you out there are also about to take the homeowners plunge here's a few facts about having a home warranty you may find very valuable:

  • Home warranties insure against repair and replacement costs for appliances and other components of a home that quit working. They can be purchased for any home, no matter what its age.

  • A warranty helps assure the buyer that he won't have to buy new appliances or other covered items if they fail a month after closing. Warranties are often purchased at closing, but can be acquired any time.

  • The cost of a home-warranty policy varies. A basic policy is similar among the major providers, even though the items covered sometimes differ. Evaluate coverage by jotting down covered items in a column on the left side of a blank sheet of paper. To the right, make a separate column for each policy, and check off the items that are covered by each provider's basic policy. If you must purchase coverage for some systems separately, jot down the price.

Here's some articles you may also find helpful:

Home Warranty: Why get one now?
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/homestyle/12/30/toh.home.warranty/

How to Determine if You Need a Home Warranty
http://www.wikihow.com/Determine-if-You-Need-to-Buy-a-Home-Warranty




Disclaimer: I was compensated to write this article, however, all opinions expressed are solely my own.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

365 Pocket Devotionals Inspiration and Renewal for Each New Day

  • Imitation Leather: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Tyndale Momentum (September 20, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 141438789X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1414387895


  • ::Description::
    Learn to walk more closely with God each passing day! 365 Pocket Devotions is a convenient, easy-to-carry, quick-access book containing daily reflections on topics like trusting God, making wise choices, and loving others. Each day begins with an inspirational, thought-provoking reading and ends with a promise from Scripture. A new edition in the popular 365 Pocket series that has touched so many lives, 365 Pocket Devotions is created specifically for those who want daily devotional time with God. (Adapted from the perennial favorites The One Year At His Feet Devotional and The One Year Walk with God Devotional.)


    ::My Thoughts::
    I really love this little book. For such a tiny book it holds so much inspiration and hope. Most devotionals are split up by day or month, but not this one. This handy devotional is just numbered by day: Day 1,2,3,4, etc. It is so easy to read a devotional per day. It doesn't even take five minutes, and after reading my devotionals it lifts my whole day up. There are personal questions that have you thinking throughout the day which I also like about this book.
    It's also very soft to touch and light-weight. It also happens to fit easily into a purse, glove compartment, etc., making it impossible not to take with you.
    And handily it has a built in bookmark ribbon so you don't have to worry about losing your place.
    When you lead a busy hectic life and you find yourself needing God's word this is the book for you. It has been for me at least, and I've been raving about it to everyone who will hear. It gives me the faith and inspiration I need for my day. Each devotional is only about three paragraphs at most yet hold so much meaning in so short of a read. As someone with a busy life who is always on the go I need something I can take with me that is small but easy to read.
    There is a topic index in the back if your needing some of God's loving word regarding a particular circumstance in your life. That is one of my favorite features about this devotional. This book in my opinion has it all. Easy to carry, quick to read, and finally for those of us with busy lives there's a book that will still nourish us with God's word daily. And last but not least this book leaves us with a promise that will have our heart filled all day long.


    Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

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