Out of This World Read!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

THE RETURN
(Navpress Publishing Group July 13, 2007)

by
Austin Boyd

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Austin Boyd writes from his experience as a decorated Navy pilot, spacecraft engineer and an astronaut candidate finalist. Austin lives with his wife Cindy and four children in America’s “Rocket City”--Huntsville, Alabama, where he directs business development for a large NASA and defense contractor. His creative talents include inspirational fiction and poetry, finely crafted reproduction colonial furniture, archery and long distance cycling. He serves his community as an advocate for a crisis pregnancy center and as a motivational speaker in the area of lifestyle evangelism.

THE RETURN is part of the Mars Hill Classified Series with The Evidence and The Proof

ABOUT THE BOOK:

IS SEEING BELIEVING?
Six years after completing a manned mission to the Red Planet, Admiral John Wells is set to make another journey to Mars. But this time his crew is not alone, as John's team encounters a secret colony comprised of individuals pursuing John Raines' strange religion, the "Father Race."

While John begins to uncover a web of lies on Mars, his wife and daughter are struggling for survival on earth. Now John must survive his dangerous mission and find a way back home, even as a shocking plan begins to unfold millions of miles away on earth.

Austin Boyd is back with his third thrilling novel in the Mars Hill Classified series, full of high-tech intrigue, memorable characters, and adventure that transports readers to another world.

From the Back Cover:

With nothing left for him on Earth, Rear Admiral John Wells didn't hesitate to lead a third NASA team to Mars, but he never dreamed that one day they'd look out their laboratory module into the lights of a slow-moving vehicle not their own. In the third installment of the Mars Hill Classified series, life on Mars becomes increasingly more unpredictable as the past collides with the future and nothing, not even the dead, is as it seems.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, the fate of hundreds, including John Wells' family--presumed dead these last six years--rests precariously in the hands of Malcolm Raines, self-proclaimed Guardian of the Mother Seed and Principal Cleric of Saint Michael's Remnant, and his insidious plans for the Father Race.

Wells will find himself in a race against time and all odds to expose the truth: about Mars, about Malcolm Raines, and, if he's very brave, about himself.

"Austin Boyd is one of the brightest new voices in Christian fiction. His long association with the space program lends authenticity as he reveals the turmoil in the minds and hearts of those who are willing to risk everything by making that journey. In The Return, we learn that both human emotions and God's presence reach far beyond the pull of Earth's gravity."
--Richard L Mabry, author of The Tender Scar

My Review: Can I just say that I've really enjoyed this book...it's not the genre I would ever reach for, but I've thoroughly enjoyed it! I guess maybe since we are studying astronomy this year I was able to give it a chance. I am sooooo glad I did and now I'm gonna have to go back and read the previous books in this series. I've put this in my husband's TBR pile because I'm sure he'd love it too. Thanks Mr. Boyd, for such a creative work!! Neat!

Dippy Eggs and a Horned Caterpillar

Jake is taking a photography class this year at our local homeschool co-op and he is doing great! I am teaching the same hour or I would be in there with him learning too. I’ve always wanted to be able to take lovely photos. It’s happened a few times but not many! Lol!!

Not only are digital cameras good for taking photos (duh!) but they are also good for creative writing projects. Here are some photos my kids have taken…these are waiting for their stories. I just know Belle has a great one about the caterpillar….

Did You Get Your Free Taco???

Did ya'll remember to go get your free taco from Taco Bell today?? After we picked Pete up from school we headed on over to the Taco Bell across from the mall. They were giving away tacos from 2 until 5. I was surprised that no one was there...just a few people. We got our tacos and then went to hunt down a pumpkin carving kit...why are there no pumpkin carving kits around??? Fortunately we found a kit and Nik is now carving his Naruto pumpkin...pictures to come later this evening!


I think Jake was the most moved by this free taco thing...doesn't it look like he's worshiping the taco god?? lol!! Nik reminded me that our God is the taco god...ah, yes, my child...I'm certain there will be the best tacos ev-uh on that feast table in Heaven!

Craving Good Beef Stew

I've been craving beef stew for weeks now. I finally tried a recipe last week and it was HORRIBLE! I mean really, really horrible...I was so disappointed. the only thing I could do with it was add a sign, take a picture and add it to the other pictures over at the Three Word Project.

So, folks, I'd love for ya'll to share your best beef stew recipes please! I will continue on until I find the one that hits the spot....so, please, do share!!

The Holy Land Experience in Orlando

OK..so ya’ll know we are studying ancient civilizations in history right now so I’m always on the lookout for neat sites, books, movies, etc that depict this early time. Well, imagine my surprise when I found out about The Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Florida! I really, really want to check this place out. I think it would be so cool to head on down to Orlando, reserve an Orlando rental home and add some visuals to our ancient history studies. Maybe we could go this spring….oh, I really, really want to go!! Completely neat!

Kanzashi Flower

Have you all visited Wrapped Emotions yet? better yet, have you joined in on all the fun?? If not, you really should head on over there and join us...we've all been enjoying our weekly art assignments. This last week we gathered flowers for our "leader" Melody...she is the gal who started Wrapped Emotions and the past couple of weeks have been doozies on her and her family. We wanted to encourage her with flowers...this was my submission:

In Need of New Faucets

I was going to take photos of all my faucets around the house, but when I started actually taking the photos, I realized how extremely sorry they all looked. I wanted to show you all why new faucets would make me really, really happy. Now, I’m just completely sad because seeing these faucets through my camera is just flat depressing. Obviously, I need some new faucets…you all will never ever know though because I would rather eat dirt than show you my horrible faucets! Lol!!

So here are some Moen faucets I’ve picked out:

For my kitchen:

I would love to have one of those neat pot filler faucets but I have no where to mount that since our sink is right ion front of a window. They are really neat though…I saw one on HGTV last week and thought it was a brilliant idea. I had no idea they were readily available. I thought they were unique creatures that had to be special ordered! Lol!! I’m so behind the times aren’t I? lol!!

For my bathrooms:

Don’t you love those frosted handles?? I wonder if they would get nicked though…hmmmm, maybe I’ll have to rethink those. Nonetheless, I love the look of them and I think they’d go great in both of my bathrooms. Of course, I’d have to have matching faucets for the the bathtubs….but I’m gonna have to save that for another time!

Now, can someone tell me how to protect these things from three children we fondly call “The Destroyers”????

Fall Ya'll Apron Giveaways

I love aprons! I've got one that I use all the time but it's the super chef kind...makes me feel like I'm a real cook! lol!! I would love to have one of these pretty aprons though...I just love all the different fabrics and color combos that people are using in these....just really neat!

Here are a few apron giveaways from the Fall Ya'll Bloggy Giveaway:

The Happy Wonderer is giving away an April Cornell Classic floral apron
The Apronista is giving away a Heavenly Hostess apron. Be sure to check out her patterns and tutorials in the sidebar...neat!
Dirkey is making a handsewn apron to giveaway also!
Kellie is giving away a teatowel apron...very cute and floraly!

I think that's all the apron giveaways but I certainly may have missed one....this Fall Ya'll Bloggy Giveaway is ginormous folks!

Los Plantanos

What have I gotten myself into??!! I've promised to make these costumes for the boys. It looked so easy and simple about a month ago...now it's not looking so easy...waaaahhhhh!!!! I've got the lime green fabric and I'm going to use batting to give it some form. I wish that I could have gotten lime green felt but there was none. I bet if I had started at the beginning of the month I would have been able to gather just the right supplies.

Why, oh why do I do this to myself?? I've got one day folks.....one day....waaahhhh!!!!

My Laptop...Ack!

Did I tell you all that I had to send my laptop back?? Well, I did and I’m not happy about it at all…but I guess that’s what can happen when you buy a used system. The laptop was fine but the battery would not hold a charge which would drive me crazy and I certainly need to be able to use the thing more than 10 minutes. I’m not sure how much memory it had, but I bet it wasn’t enough…really, folks, I have no idea about these things…is there a laptop fairy out there that can just make everything perfect for me??! I mean, I read about memory and I’m lost…my mind just kind of shuts down. Do you have to purchase memory for your specific system or can you buy IBM memory and it work in any system? Is it like the ink cartridges because some of those can be used in other brands too…con.fus.ing!

Really…I’m serious about that laptop fairy……

I've Got a Plot!!!

I've been preparing for NaNoWriMo 2007 and I've been really struggling. I've been stressed out and feeling like maybe I should not participate this year because......I have had no plot! Well, late last night that all changed...it came to me right after I laid down to go to sleep. I guess maybe I just needed to slow down and let the thing make it's way out of my brain.

So...I've got a plot and I'm almost ready to go! I need to find a word counter for my sidebar, get some Madagascar Vanilla Red tea 'cause I'm out, buy myself a NaNoWriMo t-shirt and create my Pandora channel and I believe that's all...or I hope that's all.

I'm getting excited!! This will be my second time participating...you should give it a try too!

No More Hobo Chairs

I t looks like we’ll be heading out to the furniture stores again…(sigh). It just seems like we are always needing some kind of furniture because something is getting broken.

We’ve got to get some more chairs for our dining room table. I’m completely tired of sitting in mismatched chairs….I know that sometimes that look is neat but ours is not. We have a few school type chairs which sit fairly low, one big king size chair and two metal folding chairs. I mean really, it’s getting old folks…I hate to complain but I really, really want to have chairs that look like the haven’t been stolen off the driveway at Sanford and Sons…ya know???

I Just Can't Help It!

Ya'll know that I think Phil Specter looks just absolutely hilarious! I know that's not nice at all but really....it's the crazy hair! Why, oh why does the hair have to look so idiotic??

So, you have to know that I screamed in sheer delight when I saw this post over at Neatorama! I am so going to be Phil Specter for Halloween....or should I be Ron Paul...I like Ron Paul though. Hmmm...so many decisions!

A Ginormous Giveaway

Ohhhh...How much fun this is going to be!! I've got my chores done, the kids in bed and a big ol' cup of tea and now I'm going to go visiting all the blogs that are participating in the Fall Y'all Bloggy Giveaway that's going on right now...even as I blog this! I just checked to see how many people had signed the Mr. Linky and as of now, there are 349 contests! Yowsie!! This is going to take awhile....

Football Time

Now that it’s getting cooler outside it’s really starting to feel like football season. I know teams have been playing for awhile now, but I’ve not really payed attention because it just didn’t seem like it was time for football games, ya know??

I’m not a huge fan of football, but if I had to pick a team it would be the Dallas Cowboys. Now, I have no idea if they are a good team or not…I just remember wanting to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader when I was young! Lol!! I really thought those gals were soooooo cool. As I’ve grown though, my interest in the Cowboys has changed because Jason Whitten is from right here in our little ol’ East Tennessee town! Now, how cool is that?? I’ve not met him personally, but I do know that he is generous with his time when he comes back here. He seems to be a nice guy! I would think he was really nice if he were to stop by here and drop off some Cowboys tickets !! lol!! Of course, there would be that whole issue of Pete getting out of school and off work so we could go…and then there are the kids, we’d want them to go…and then we’d need the extra money for a place to stay…(sigh)….ok, ok….I guess I’d give them to my dear friend Sonya who is such a huge sports fan that really and truly she would deserve them more than me anyway!

So…Sonya, just know that if Jason Whitten drops by here with football tickets then they are yours!

The Illuminated

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Illuminated(Thomas Nelson August 7, 2007)by

Matt Bronleewe

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Matt Bronleewe is a recognized producer, songwriter and author. The former member of the band Jars of Clay, has earned numerous awards producing and co-writing albums that have sold a combined total of over 20 million copies. His songs have recently been recorded by Disney pop sensations Aly & AJ, American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, and more. Bronleewe has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Michael W. Smith, International pop singer Natalie Imbruglia and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Bronleewe was raised on a farm in Kansas, where he lived until he left for college in 1992. At Greenville College in Illinois, Bronleewe formed the band Jars of Clay with his dorm roommate and two neighbors, and the group soon found success. Though Bronleewe opted to leave Jars of Clay early on to pursue an academic career, he soon found himself in Nashville, co-writing, producing, and playing music professionally.

To add to his list of accomplishments, Bronleewe has expanded his love of story telling beyond music into authorship. He is currently penning a 5 book series for Thomas Nelson Fiction. Illuminated, in stores now, begins the adventurous series about rare manuscripts and the mysteries within.

Bronleewe currently resides in Brentwood, Tenn., with his wife and three children. He continues to write and produce music, and he also volunteers through his church to help disadvantaged youth in the community. Bronleewe enjoys reading, taste-testing good food and watching sports, as well as indulging his interests in art, architecture, design and science.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

IT'S BEEN 500 YEARS IN THE MAKING...PREPARE TO BE ILLUMINATED...
August Adams has failed his family before. He's sacrificed relationships in pursuit of adventure, fame, and money. Now the very lives of those he loves depend on his ability to decipher a centuries-old puzzle encrypted in the colorful hand-painted illuminations that adorn three rare Gutenberg Bibles.

It's a secret that could yield unimaginable wealth, undermine two major religions, and change the course of Western civilization. Two ruthless, ancient organizations are willing to do anything to get their hands on it. And August has the span of one transatlantic flight to figure it out.

If he fails, those he holds most dear will die. If he succeeds, he'll destroy a national treasure.

The clock ticks, the suspense mounts, and the body count rises as August pits his knowledge and his love for his family against the clock, secret societies, and even Johannes Gutenberg himself.

"...this rare breed of suspense thriller combines mysterious hidden clues, secret societies, buried treasure, double agents, and the Knights Templar...if you turned National Treasure into international treasure, traded DaVinci codes for Gutenberg Bibles, married it to Indiana Jones, and added the pacing of 24 you'd be in the neighborhood of Illuminated...on a scale of one to 10, this one goes to 11."
-Aspiring Retail Magazine

My Review:

Excellent book full of unexpected twists and turns. Just as I was thinking that the story would go one way...BAM!...there would be a completely surprising event that would leave me saying "Wow...what a great book!" I've read Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code and found it entertaining, however, here's a book just as thrilling with the same kind of "edge-of-your-seat" writing without all the heresy! Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!! I give this book 4 flowers(I don't have flowers yet so you'll just have to imagine a line of four flowers! lol!!)...because nothing is perfected until it's in Heaven, ya know!

We Need Some Rockets

Jake, Belle and I have really been enjoying our astronomy study this year. Currently we’ve been studying Venus. We just finished studying about Mercury and next we’ll be moving on to study Earth. I am just fascinated and amazed at all the things I never ever learned when I was in school. I remember learning about the planets but never anything like this…it’s just so neat!

Later in our study, we’ll be reading about rockets and spacecrafts. I think I’ll purchase a model rocket for us to use. I like this one because of it’s name: Estes Bandito!

Boy, oh, boy won’t the neighbors be pleased with us then! Lol!!

Neat Book Giveaway!

Laura is giving away an autographed copy of I Can't See,...But I Can Still Imagine by Patricia Bennett Wilson. It's a book about a blind grandmother who shares adventures with her granddaughter. I love stories like this...ones that show people overcoming so-called "obstacles"!


This contest ends on the 26th so hurry on over to Laura's to enter! Neat!

A Funny From The Shining

Ok...so you know the movie The Shining...you know the one with Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall? Well, one afternoon last year when Pete and I were being horrible parents, we watched this movie with Nik. Like Pete, Nik is always good for a one-liner here and there and he didn't let us down during this movie!

Do ya'll remember when Shelley Duvall is trying to squeeze out the bathroom window?? Danny, the little boy, had already climbed through and was down on the ground but Shelley was having a terrible time getting through the window....and then we heard Nik say in loud whisper, "Danny! Get the butter!"....and that was it, we all busted a gut laughing!! Get it?? After that the movie was just not so scary! lol!!

This memory was pulled up by the Tuesday's Tickle Treatment post over at Juliedamus-Oracle of a better world. Be sure to check out the bunny version of The Shining while you are there! Funny!

My Winnings

Have I ever shared with ya’ll that used to be very lucky when it came to drawings and such? Not drawings like ink drawings but drawings like raffles and contests. I’ve won several things through the years, but my three best prizes have been a $500 gift certificate to a local grocery store, an original Xavier Robert’s doll aka Cabbage Patch kid, and a stereo in a stereo cabinet from a local clothing store. I almost won a car…but to my surprise my key didn’t unlock the door…can you believe that?! Lol!!

Anyway….I think it’s time for another big win…maybe I should enter a sweepstakes! Lol!

***This sponsored post is helping purchase a laptop for Up the Hill Academy!***

Blessed Nest's Go Pink Giveaway

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Blessed Nest is having a pink giveaway and boy are there some cool prizes! I really like the pink mini colander and spoons...but then there is the soap and that little pink rubber duck is cute too....really, I'd be tickled pink (pardon the pun) to win any of these packages!

Go check out Blessed Nest for all the giveaway details! Neat-o mosquito!

Safely Home Book Review

Are you able to read your Bible or worship freely? Do you have to hide your Bible? Can you sing praise songs without fear of losing your life? Well, Christians in China don't have the same privileges that a lot of us do and that is terrible.

Of course, those of you that know me know that I love Randy Alcorn's books. I think God has given Mr. Alcorn a great gift and I just am completely convicted when I read his books. Pete and I decided awhile back to include his book Heaven in our G.U.S. Boxes that we send out to families who are grieving the loss of a child. It's a wonderful book for anyone, not just those who have lost a loved one....but let's get back to Safely Home.

This book is about the persecution of Christian in China and really, I was stopped in my tracks several times. I have really taken for granted the fact that I can worship and read my bible freely without fear of being tortured or killed. I have taken for granted the fact that I can even get a bible....that I have several bibles in different translations on my shelf right now. That seems nuts when I think about how there are people in China who are thrilled to be able to copy a chapter or even a few verses from the bible. I am ashamed that I haven't appreciated more deeply my fortune.

Pete is reading this book right now, but when he is finished we are having Nik read it. I want Nik to realize how blessed we are to have the freedoms that we have and I want him to understand how God is completely in control even when it doesn't really look like it to us.

I borrowed this book from our church library, but I certainly want to add it to our home library. So those of you out there taking note of what I want for Christmas, this book is on my list now!

The Power of Gac

I love to see what some of the newest products are in skin care. I used to sell skin care and I learned quite a bit about the best and not so best ways to take care of your skin. Here lately, I’ve been taking that bad route due to complete laziness! Lol!! I can tell that my skin is hating me right now so I really need to get back on the ball and take care of it! Really, it’s been so good to me over the years…

One product that I ran across awhile ago is called Red Gac…funny name but it sounds like a pretty good product. Red Gac is a bright red vine fruit that grows as big as a cantaloupe and is found in sub-tropical Asia. The fruit oil acts as a nutritive that works from the inside out and along with your topical skin care. R.G. Skin Revitalizer is rich in antioxidants that help your body fight the damage caused by free radicals and also helps rejuvenate your skin on a cellular level. All this makes a lot of sense to me and maybe this is something worth checking into.

Besides, I just love the name of the fruit…Red Gac!

Huge Hanes Giveaway!

Eliza over at HomeMom3 is hosting a ginormous Hanes giveaway. All you have to do is visit the Hanes site and pick out a kids outfit that you think your kiddo would love to wear and leave a comment under the contest post, post about the contest and then sign My. Linky. Easy Peasy! But you need to hurry 'cause this contest ends on the 26th!

I love the "Hoot Parade Yellow Star" shirt...cute, cute, cute!

A View of Fire

Isn't this photo amazing?? It's a photo of the California fires....of 2003....NOT the current fire! I've seen this photo quite a few times already today and as impressive as it is, it's not the right one no matter how many people blog it and say it is! This link will take you to photos taken earlier today...still quite amazing though isn't it??

Just Give Me Snowflakes

Forget about buying Christmas presents! I want to buy things to make my home look and feel festive not toys and such. I know, I know, I’m no fun at all, but really this year I would like some nice Christmas decorations. Nothing too Christmasy just some things that have a winter feel…anything snowflake would be good I guess. You know, really, with snowflakes and snowmen you get more bang for your buck since you can use these not only at Christmas but through the winter months too.

I think I’ll check out the snow themed decorations at Target and at Overstock.com first because really, these two stores are flat out my favorites! They always have the neatest items and the prices are great too. And you know what’s even better? I can save even more money since I have coupons for these stores!

Not interested in these stores as much as I am? No problem because there are a bazillion other stores…well, maybe not that many…at CouponChief.com that have coupon codes too. You just need to make it a habit to check this site out before you complete your “checkout” at any store where you are making purchases. Chances are that CouponChief.com will have a coupon code you can use to save some money. Cool Beans!!

Oh...Just Go Sew Your Mouth Shut!

Really...this is bizarre. There is a man in Colombia who has sewn his mouth shut and donned a metal mask. Why, you ask...in protest to convince the government to take care of his families financial needs. He had to skip paying his rent in order to buy his children shoes. Also, he is asking for a small business loan to start a cottage business.

Sheesh-a-moley! Can you imagine sewing your mouth shut?? I wonder how that's working for him...

Chat Support Works

When I was searching around for a host for my “blue blog”, I took a lot of different things into consideration. Since I am a newbie when it comes to owning your own domain and such, I wanted to use a host that would be able to help me and explain things in a way I understand. I was pleased to see that the host I was interested in used a live chat format so I could ask questions and get my answer back fairly quickly. Of course, that’s what the chat feature said but was it true? Would these people be readily available when they said they were?? Well, yes! They acknowledged me almost immediately and answered my question quickly! Now, I have seen support chat before, but I really never thought it could be so quick.

Not only, is support chat great for service oriented businesses, but it could also be used in businesses where you are selling an actual product. If people can ask specifics about something then they are more likely to make the purchase.

One chatting service available is LiveHuman.com which is easy to use and quite affordable. I like that it seems easy to “install”…all you have to do is add a small bit of code to your site and then you are up and running. This code will create a picture that lets others know when you are online and when you are not. There are different ways to customize your chat support and different types of information that can be gathered about your visitors: location, page views, etc.

All in all, I think having chat support on a business site is a great idea…and in my case, it lead to a sale for the hosting company I chose! Just something to think about…..

***This sponsored post is helping purchase a laptop for Up the Hill Academy***

Embracing My Bags and Bat Wings

Sooo...I'm just doing a little bit of surfing on the net while Jake is crossing out the prepositional phrases in his grammar assignment and I come across this photo retouching site. Now, hear my heart here...the person who has done these touch-ups is very good, but what I want to focus on are the before shots. These gals have eye bags all over the place and that makes me feel sooooo good! lol!! Really, some of these people look like death warmed over on a cracker. Eye Bags and Bat Wings have been removed making these gals look sensational...which we all know the truth...they are not perfect and we need to remember that! I still like looking at the before and afters though...some are good, some are even quite artistic and some are just plain scary! lol!

Here are some more retouched photos:
Even Models Have Flaws
Glenn Feron.... warning--some photos are not for little ones eyes
Digital Retouch Readers Gallery

Quite interesting....

Ruffled Skirt Tutorial

I found this ruffled skirt tutorial over at Grand Revival and I think it is a fantastic tutorial....but it's for a size 5-6. How could I make this for a size 10 little girl?? I am horrible at making adjustment to patterns like this...any one out there have any suggestions??

And did you notice the fabric?? I absolutely love all the rosey goodness and of course the pink captures me too! What a nice tutorial and end-product! Neat!

Swedish Massages

Ya’ll know that I’m all for learning new things. However, there are certain topics and skills that I think would be better for Pete to learn. Take for example, Swedish Massage! Really, if I were to receive Swedish massages I would probably have more energy and I could get the floors mopped and probably all of the laundry done!

All Pete has to do is watch a Swedish Massage Therapy Video and he’ll learn the five basic elements of this type of massage therapy: Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Tapotement, and Vibration. By watching this and learning the techniques, he could avoid having to buy me one of those fancy massage chairs! Cool Beans!

Simone Brewster...You Rock!

Some of you may think this is mean, but to those of us who teach a child who is easily distracted this is brilliant! I was disappointed to find out that the designer, Simone Brewster, has only made one set (15 in a set) of these "Office Collars". Really...we need just one here...one with a chin strap, please!

This blinder was originally designed for an open workspace. Isn't that clever??

source: neatorama

Princess Ballerina

Look what I got in the mail the other day! I was given the opportunity to review a book from Personalized Stories and I chose the story about the Princess Ballerina. I thought that was the perfect title to pick since Belle is taking ballet this semester at co-op. I also thought she would love to see her name in print and hear a story where she is the “star”. I was completely right because she was thrilled when I read it to her! Of course, I was thrilled that she was so thrilled!

Now, all that aside, I honestly wasn’t too impressed with the book at first. I can’t quite pin point what it was about the way it felt in my hands but I didn’t like it. After we read it a few times, I started to like it more. Apparently, it just needed to be loosened up. Now, it’s completely fine! Really, it’s more than fine because the binding is really nice and secure. I loathe a book that has loosey-goosey binding.

Overall, the story is great and made my daughter smile and the book itself is well put together. I would certainly recommend this company and their personalized childrens books. In fact, I’ve bookmarked the site so I can shop for Christmas gifts and maybe a few birthday gifts! Neat!

***This sponsored post is helping me purchase a laptop for Up the Hill Academy.***

The Big Ol' Texas Turkey Leg

This video reminded me of the time I was fortunate enough to visit the Texas State Fair with my nephew and my niece and her husband. I was pregnant at the time and I'll never forget how my nephew took such good care of me. Really, he asked me if I was ok like every five minutes! lol!

Another thing I'll never forget is my niece trying to eat a turkey leg...a huge turkey leg! Every time she would buy one, her husband would tell her that she didn't need to be eating that awful thing and he would proceed to take it from her and eat it! She would buy another one and he would do the same thing...I think it started out being a joke but after awhile my niece was not laughing. I can't remember if she ever got to eat one...all I do remember is that it was HUGE!

I opted for the Twister Taters....yum!

oh..one more thing I remember...Big Tex the big ol' Texas cowboy statue!

Little Circles of Gold...or Maybe Platinum!

One of these days, like when Pete gets out of school, I’m going to get an anniversary band. I’m not sure if he knows it yet, but it’s the truth. I’m gonna get an anniversary band! I would like something simple and elegant…something that is like me! Bwahhahah…well, the simple part would fit but certainly not the elegant! Lol!!

Some of ya’ll are not at that stage where you are looking at anniversary bands because you’re busy shopping for engagement rings! I absolutely love my wedding set, but if I ever have to replace it, I would look at antique diamond engagement rings. Have you seen any of these rings?? They are so beautiful and completely romantic…very lovely.

Of course, I really need to stop biting my nails because really, there are no rings that look nice on my hands right now! Lol!

Potty Python

Really folks, this has been one of my fears for a long time. I use the potty quickly because of the fear of a snake doing just what this python did. I would have died five times if I had been this gal. And now, I'm even more mortified because I know it can really happen!

So, someone please tell me this was a hoax..it was a hoax, right?! Sheesh....

Carmina Burana

Carmina Burana, written in the early 13^th century, is a collection of more than 1000 poems and songs that make fun of the Roman Catholic Church. Between the years of 1935 and 1936, German composer Carl Orff set 24 of the poems to music. He also named his musical work Carmina Burana. You’ve probably heard this before since a bazillion bands and orchestras love to play it!

I remember playing it in high school and if I remember correctly, it kicked my butt…no, wait…actually I think it was Holst’s The Planets that kicked my butt! Yep..I’m sure of it. I think Camina Burana just made me feel powerful and that’s a pretty cool feeling for a flautist! Lol!!

This video is completely creepy...just a warning!~

You've Never Worked With My Skin Type Before...Have You?

Quite a few years ago I used to sell skincare through a well-known company. I used to do a lot of reading on the subject of skin care and make-up so I would be able to understand the different benefits of the products. I needed to know and understand anti-oxidants, what did beta-carotenes really do and what is PABA among many other things. It wasn’t required that we learn all there is to know about the ingredients but my curious mind demanded I do so!

I remember one time I was doing a makeover on an Asian friend. This was absolutely hilarious, but also an eye-opening experience for me because I had no idea what to do with Asian skin. I just remember my friend looking at me and saying “you’ve never worked with my skin type before have you?”. I fessed up, we both laughed and I learned a little about Asian skin. I didn’t sell her any skincare because I wasn’t sure it was going to be the best thing for her. I know I had foundations and eyeshadows for darker complexions, but what about the skin care? Was it the best for her??

Fast forward few years and now I’ve read that my friend has the AMO (Asian, Mediterranean, and other Olive) skin type and that there are special products that have been developed just for these skin tones. I’ve discovered that these skin types are very sensitive and that products for these people should be hypoallergenic and they should not contain hydroquinone. I do know that the product I was selling was hypoallergenic, but I have no idea about the hydroquinone!

Now, I have always had the skin type classified as “Normal” so I have never ever had to really search for special products and for that I’m fortunate. These gals with AMO skin types though have had a different story…I’m sure they’ve had to try different things with some working and some not. Now there is a company called ORIKI Cosmeceuticals which produces skincare specifically formulated for AMO skin types.

If you are an AMO skin type and you have struggled with finding the right products, then you need to check out ORIKI. You’ll find your basic cleaners, toners, masks and moisturizers on the products page. Also, you’ll be able to purchase extras, like the Rejuvenating Cream, for your skin care regimen. There’s also a ton of information at the site…very interesting. I wish I had this kind of detailed information around when I was completely wrecking my friends face! Lol!!

I tried to do her eye make up too…all she could say was “tragic!”..and really, it was!! Lol~,