tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6249276833226112642024-02-19T01:18:47.421-06:00Desires of my HeartSharing ups, downs, and everything in between of my journey in life -- motherhood, marriage, faith, frugal living, and more.Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comBlogger642125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-24686806524838367612017-05-14T05:00:00.000-05:002017-05-14T05:00:21.666-05:00Today and always...THANK YOU, Mom!! | Mother's Day 2017<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Mother's Day, Mom!</div>
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I love you.</div>
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-Marsha</div>
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Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-76020521390858107352017-05-07T16:30:00.004-05:002017-05-07T16:30:44.027-05:00The Mom Balancing Act: How do YOU do it?Am I the only one that struggles daily with balance in life? I'm pretty sure this started with kids...Katie, to be exact...almost 11 years ago now. How do I keep the house clean, but still make meals for the family? How do I "cherish" my time home with her, but still manage the laundry/homeschooling/cooking, etc.? Pretty sure I've tried every book out there...every planner...every "routine" (for cooking, for cleaning, for sleeping...for, well, you name it!) And, when I've asked those veteran moms that I look up to, I'm pretty sure the answer has always been something to the effect of "remember what's most important <i>now</i>...it's a <i>season</i>...we've all been there, but it'll get better..."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqo22q8yyeGej0qshofClx0-MRe1kpyDhrwEYWGyk6KKFIE9kzPhbx2SyBTQxoNSQXX7fyoFJ9EuUecmgL-4vr9tap6JJX_cfPRrtUgqdIFvUeyrAmA_pVQnryODwuKZZbtjPlwWGC9Tv/s1600/elephant-on-ball-700x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqo22q8yyeGej0qshofClx0-MRe1kpyDhrwEYWGyk6KKFIE9kzPhbx2SyBTQxoNSQXX7fyoFJ9EuUecmgL-4vr9tap6JJX_cfPRrtUgqdIFvUeyrAmA_pVQnryODwuKZZbtjPlwWGC9Tv/s400/elephant-on-ball-700x400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, I have almost 11 years under my belt (that's crazy, scary, and even a little depressing!)...<i>three kids</i> instead of one...and, somehow, here I am asking myself basically those <i>same</i> questions! Why can't I keep my house <strike>organized & clean</strike> from being the health department's worst nightmare?! How can I enjoy my much too quickly fleeting time with my kids, when I also need to keep all of the clothes washed, groceries bought (and prepared), school work/activities taken care of, etc.? And how in<i> this world</i> do moms find the time or energy to spend time doing something for themselves?? Sadly, I feel so overwhelmed many days that I would rather just go to sleep and pretend to ignore the ever growing to-do list than to attempt it. It's literally the 1 step forward 10 steps back feeling. <br />
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Now, don't get me wrong...I've figured out how to survive over the years...and some days are way better than others. I've learned to let <i>a lot</i> (if not <i>all</i>) of my perfectionism go out the window...my expectations are <i>for sure</i> lower than they were when I first became a mom...I've learned that it's okay to do the simple short-cuts (sometimes sandwiches or cereal nights are ok!)...I've learned that if I rotate well enough (one day to focus on groceries....one day to tackle all of the laundry...one day to quickly "hit" all of the house with a basic cleaning...one day to just be out, playing with the kids), then I can at least keep up appearances of having it together. And that's <i>with</i> the consistent help/understanding of my husband! (I cannot <i>imagine</i> how single moms feel...) But inside, it still feels as if I am juggling a thousand balls and waiting for not one, but all of them, to come crashing down all around me. No matter the small "survivor" victories I obtain, I find myself still longing for the balance that I just can't seem to completely find. <br />
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So, I'm asking again...what am I missing?! How do you "veteran moms" do it? And how to you do it an maintain the joy of being a keeper of the home while trying to balance all of the "balls" life so often throws your way? <br />
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<br />Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-10899971723287856812017-03-21T13:45:00.000-05:002017-03-21T13:45:21.627-05:00Talking with God | Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAQpc9ZY89b_U6RKsVpQjCBzsvTJuyRp6w_6GwqpAdPGPCXFjBh9nNQx3_6cJWZ_kIV5eSHDj0BJy4Lc9w8VYkemZTC8MkGOFlisSL4IQ_l6ne9ODIrduluuTVLthVsiEl5hj-HsJ5Yjy/s1600/9781601429445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAQpc9ZY89b_U6RKsVpQjCBzsvTJuyRp6w_6GwqpAdPGPCXFjBh9nNQx3_6cJWZ_kIV5eSHDj0BJy4Lc9w8VYkemZTC8MkGOFlisSL4IQ_l6ne9ODIrduluuTVLthVsiEl5hj-HsJ5Yjy/s320/9781601429445.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you, but even at my "age" of being a Christian, I still sometimes struggle with prayer. I know what it is, but somehow I always seem to try to complicate it. In the book "Talking with God" by Adam Weber, he openly and honestly hits on prayer and all of the questions we think or wonder but don't often voice aloud. <br />
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I won't say that everything in this book was "new" to me. It wasn't. Some of it was stuff I have heard and known throughout my entire Christian life, but this book was so down to earth. It was a great reminder of what God meant for prayer to be...just talking WITH Him...consistently. <br />
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We sometimes get wrapped up in how we may sound when we pray...how we look...what words we use. And, if you're like me, you've been a Christian so long that even if you <i>did</i> have a question about prayer, you probably wouldn't ask it for fear of getting that <i>look</i> (you know, the one you get when you <i>should </i>know something, but don't?). No one wants that embarrassment, so why even ask. <br />
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Maybe I'm the only one, but this book was a perfect book for me! It hit on so many facets of prayer without me feeling embarrassed to ask...or not even knowing how or what to ask. It was easy to read, Biblically-based, and encouraging! I've taken my time on this book...let it soak in. And some parts, I've even re-read. But it's a book for my collection. It's a great read for anyone looking for a great resource on prayer that is good for all levels of spiritual growth.<br />
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<i style="color: #666666; font-family: cardo; text-align: justify;">I received this book for free from Blogging for Books Program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</i>Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-40894138285525566442017-01-23T11:09:00.001-06:002017-01-23T11:09:51.876-06:00Prayers & Answered Prayers | Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vR_5tr4xPee2bA8cRndrsRYweYwKJaTlTsz4KtxLdkKcy3a8fMBcIqiXnhyY8-zurcWvsR5fuAcEhBP2GTgUaT5SEfMhgHFIUx_ggxo2bzJ4IuR16fPpEizeq2HPffxnUdnWZZlYqyxp/s1600/_225_350_Book.2076.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vR_5tr4xPee2bA8cRndrsRYweYwKJaTlTsz4KtxLdkKcy3a8fMBcIqiXnhyY8-zurcWvsR5fuAcEhBP2GTgUaT5SEfMhgHFIUx_ggxo2bzJ4IuR16fPpEizeq2HPffxnUdnWZZlYqyxp/s1600/_225_350_Book.2076.cover.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have always been a fan of journaling and writing, although it has become a little harder with parenting...I don't always take the time to do it, as I once did. But, as a pre-teen and teenager, and even young adult, journaling was such a huge part of my growth in Christ! I want to show my children the importance of journaling, so I was thrilled when I was able to review this "journal" for prayers and answered prayers! </div>
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This book is actually two small prayer journals in one. They come packaged together, but they can be taken apart if you'd like. One part of the journal is designed to help young girls learn how to talk to God. Each page has a new question along with fun doodling or quiz prompts throughout the book. Basically, it is geared to teach them about themselves and how they can apply what they can learn to their prayer life. The second part of the journal is about prayers that God has answered in/around your life. It helps girls to see what God teaches about prayer and look for all of the ways God answers them. </div>
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This book is very cute for the tween/teen girl age. My daughter immediately asked me if she could see it when she got a glimpse of the cover. Since the book is filled more with the question/answer type prompts, it isn't necessarily best for someone that is already good at writing/journaling on their own. This would be a perfect "start" for teaching the art of journaling. </div>
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<i style="color: #666666; font-family: cardo; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">I received this book for free from Booklook Bloggers Program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</i></div>
Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-49758151292035744512016-11-21T12:25:00.001-06:002016-11-21T12:25:22.220-06:00Leadership Promises for Every Day | Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMLTETg80uMGii9SbT6csCzabnPOsBJQunS44-HSMq_cNkAXiP-l12p405pP8P9-SAkPVIRtdHHp4Oq1DHYQ34dN5UVVV-0m4ZcAIFssYMSjQXbq10Y0pR4FwXRezsfeF7GV8a904xlk3/s1600/_225_350_Book.2077.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMLTETg80uMGii9SbT6csCzabnPOsBJQunS44-HSMq_cNkAXiP-l12p405pP8P9-SAkPVIRtdHHp4Oq1DHYQ34dN5UVVV-0m4ZcAIFssYMSjQXbq10Y0pR4FwXRezsfeF7GV8a904xlk3/s320/_225_350_Book.2077.cover.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the publisher: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"God has entrusted you as a leader. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether you are new to leadership in your work, family, community or church, or you’ve been leading for years, you’ll discover fresh wisdom in Leadership Promises for Every Day. Find day-to-day guidance and encouragement to grow to be a godly leader. Written in John C. Maxwell’s hallmark tone of confidence, clarity, and directness, this devotional will inspire you as it covers many topics that you run into every day, including success, stewardship, teamwork, and mentoring. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Daily Scripture, along with John C. Maxwell’s seasoned advice and simple takeaway messages, provides much-trusted guidance and encouragement. God has entrusted you to lead. Make sure you honor him by leading well."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />This book was exactly what I was hoping for! My husband especially loves reading books on leadership from great authors like John Maxwell, Andy Stanley, and Patrick Lencioni, so when I saw a devotional book from Maxwell, I had to get it for him! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This book is full of a year's worth of short daily devotionals that connect common leadership problems/challenges with God's word. These are each short enough to read even at work to start the day with a new "perspective" on leadership, based on Biblical principles found within God's word. Though they are short, they are powerful, and completely applicable to those that work for someone, are a boss over others, or even a self-employed person. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The book itself is very attractive and perfect for a gift! Very high quality cover, with a built in bookmark, and not at all tacky. Very professional looking, which would make it very easy to keep in sight on a desk or table for any to see. I give this book 4 stars and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an extra "challenge" in the leadership area with a strong foundation in the Bible. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo; text-align: justify;"><i>I received this book for free from Booklook Bloggers Program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</i></span>Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-68209852399443885592016-11-01T09:56:00.000-05:002016-11-01T09:56:23.747-05:00Dining Room DIY | Plate Wall Display<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vRzbL9b3wZbjbOvaCcA2Y4eh-XqcbZtKxp3XWa6QT7WrKWYOyBthqAIACMP3v3umSzR5Au5FfZ-RNUzDP8uEAJvxII2Vs76rKLLnDKV3MsZDR21IuCZoUCfp-DZo0GjObeuATctg4_6z/s1600/platewallinspiration.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vRzbL9b3wZbjbOvaCcA2Y4eh-XqcbZtKxp3XWa6QT7WrKWYOyBthqAIACMP3v3umSzR5Au5FfZ-RNUzDP8uEAJvxII2Vs76rKLLnDKV3MsZDR21IuCZoUCfp-DZo0GjObeuATctg4_6z/s1600/platewallinspiration.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKMKLqElDZ0LWF0D1_6qzhBgjqmfv9MQYOozVJukQ6ETZOs9CchtCzLl4dBAxF9B4pJiGLvwNkTdKg8ovQpr_v4-L6JMgY-QAxhkmBkIQ8r-dGqQdrOHkHNunb4NsHt80WRqlWXLp7KDR/s640/blogger-image-1696239393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKMKLqElDZ0LWF0D1_6qzhBgjqmfv9MQYOozVJukQ6ETZOs9CchtCzLl4dBAxF9B4pJiGLvwNkTdKg8ovQpr_v4-L6JMgY-QAxhkmBkIQ8r-dGqQdrOHkHNunb4NsHt80WRqlWXLp7KDR/s400/blogger-image-1696239393.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since seeing (and falling in love with) this image (below) on Pinterest last year (or maybe even longer!), I decided I wanted to use my "dining room" wall (since we don't actually have a dining <i>room</i>, per se') to display my own collection of eclectic plates. It took me a while...shopping at thrift stores, antique shops, yard sales, and even current store inventories to finally collect enough to begin my wall. But it's finally up (though I'm sure I'll add more as I find others I like), and I am <i>thrilled!!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vRzbL9b3wZbjbOvaCcA2Y4eh-XqcbZtKxp3XWa6QT7WrKWYOyBthqAIACMP3v3umSzR5Au5FfZ-RNUzDP8uEAJvxII2Vs76rKLLnDKV3MsZDR21IuCZoUCfp-DZo0GjObeuATctg4_6z/s1600/platewallinspiration.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vRzbL9b3wZbjbOvaCcA2Y4eh-XqcbZtKxp3XWa6QT7WrKWYOyBthqAIACMP3v3umSzR5Au5FfZ-RNUzDP8uEAJvxII2Vs76rKLLnDKV3MsZDR21IuCZoUCfp-DZo0GjObeuATctg4_6z/s400/platewallinspiration.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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Here's a closer view of my very <i>not perfect </i>(intentionally, but equally challenging for a perfectionist) plate wall so far. I was so excited to find the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flatirons-Disc-Adhesive-Large-Hanger/dp/B003M7HHF4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1478011604&sr=8-2&keywords=plate+hangers">Flatiron Disc Adhesives on Amazon</a> to hang my plates without having to use they old-style wire (and visible) hangers. These are super easy to apply (I followed the directions to a "t" and had NO problems!), but they also say they can be removed without damaging the plates, should you ever want to. And, as far as the wall is concerned, you hang it just as you would a small picture! Easy peasy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEtfL6tdEg4EGIMf09U8CIdRBeIMwEhUl7vaR6W34kUNbB3P9AzeZnpz_WouhjZ03I9iVN_-rAobj8FRjLaSHLHmfqcHuUV3-ax8YIRzKJJlz3AIEheqZJ2dWbkSi_LoMh2EN7Nat42aB/s640/blogger-image-203501663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEtfL6tdEg4EGIMf09U8CIdRBeIMwEhUl7vaR6W34kUNbB3P9AzeZnpz_WouhjZ03I9iVN_-rAobj8FRjLaSHLHmfqcHuUV3-ax8YIRzKJJlz3AIEheqZJ2dWbkSi_LoMh2EN7Nat42aB/s400/blogger-image-203501663.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I couldn't be more excited with my end results! Now, I have the perfect place to display my Granny's vintage wash stand pieces. Just gotta find the tea towels I want to hang from them and candles for the candle holders! (You know there's <i>always</i> something to be done!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NQMb4vISVnQORqcw-Bi5iwEdYAo3v31cmigqvMC-zMPSH45QhxP0Cqw3QqNsMNEdm1QJM2c5F0q3Ahg2lRMooK1c33pX8OtlLf4Uuq4vxBWl0DZGK-tOhi_x7O48qgVwk1NYSMG7D_0M/s640/blogger-image-1569912127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NQMb4vISVnQORqcw-Bi5iwEdYAo3v31cmigqvMC-zMPSH45QhxP0Cqw3QqNsMNEdm1QJM2c5F0q3Ahg2lRMooK1c33pX8OtlLf4Uuq4vxBWl0DZGK-tOhi_x7O48qgVwk1NYSMG7D_0M/s400/blogger-image-1569912127.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-3232441207638067842016-11-01T09:12:00.003-05:002016-11-01T09:12:47.484-05:00The Illustrated Book of Sayings | Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrGYq3fpigV3tpkoPmsuQwZR2ZlEeJZSjEIh6UXwLRgN6Fw6AZ6ggq5qgrgrCQPdKlFxFpRtuBTWpoceJigCD4I_zyUwN45OU68IQPjpyjcwiheqxe04o7f6XK8G2fU3sqb1DzJGDv2jn/s1600/9781607749332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrGYq3fpigV3tpkoPmsuQwZR2ZlEeJZSjEIh6UXwLRgN6Fw6AZ6ggq5qgrgrCQPdKlFxFpRtuBTWpoceJigCD4I_zyUwN45OU68IQPjpyjcwiheqxe04o7f6XK8G2fU3sqb1DzJGDv2jn/s400/9781607749332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My kids are always asking me what expressions mean...or where they come from. So, when I saw this book, I knew I wanted to read it and see what others around the world say (and why)! <br />
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This book had <i>many</i> expressions I had never heard of, but they were each unique and equally funny to read. I loved that the explanation was included! Many, I would never have guessed the reason without the explanation. <br />
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It's a small book...but it's beautifully illustrated and designed in a modern art way. It would be a great, interesting addition to a coffee table, etc. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;">I received this book for free from Blogging for Books program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span>Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-1337875434880111872016-11-01T08:51:00.001-05:002016-11-01T08:51:23.685-05:00The Domino Effect | Christian Fiction Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rRRKtbGJbFHJiZhGGqOBaTAxycnYViuvbsSOAXyz2qTjUSyYpYr45pqYbr55HlqNTqdUUiCRHC8fmoJAFGN-CBnifsVMa5GiN45MwgL3OQ06lrZKG3cAwRBiow3suIevD9S1cU7uBE1A/s1600/51MJAbvUVUL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rRRKtbGJbFHJiZhGGqOBaTAxycnYViuvbsSOAXyz2qTjUSyYpYr45pqYbr55HlqNTqdUUiCRHC8fmoJAFGN-CBnifsVMa5GiN45MwgL3OQ06lrZKG3cAwRBiow3suIevD9S1cU7uBE1A/s400/51MJAbvUVUL.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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I was recently given the opportunity to read and review Davis Bunn's newest book, <i>The Domino Effect</i>. I was so excited to read this book for three big reasons...it's Christian fiction, it involves conspiracy theories, and it's a suspense novel! With all that we see in today's time, one can't help but at least <i>consider</i> the possibility of more underlying plans (conspiracies) in our nation. This book led you down that thinking, but through the banks/financial systems of our nation.<br />
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The main character in this book, Esther, is a very well-known top risk analyst for one of the largest banking institutions. As she does her job, she begins to see evidence that makes her see and question underlying financial system "strategies". Now, the even bigger question is what will she do with that information? <br />
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It's often easier to "turn a blind eye", especially when much is on the line...but God doesn't call us to be comfortable...He wants us to be faithful. As referenced within the story, the biblical story of Esther says that God sent her to the place she was "for such a time as this". This modern day story parallels that in many ways. <br />
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One caveat -- I do not consider myself "savvy" in the lingo or dealings of modern markets/investments/banking systems, etc. And because of that, there were several parts of the book that I read but may not have fully grasped. I understood enough to keep reading the story and finishing it out, but it didn't give me the same "eye-opener" that it would likely give someone better familiar with financial terms. <br />
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This book was good. It wasn't the "easiest" of reads for me (see above caveat), and I felt that it spent way too much time giving details to end the book as abruptly and vaguely as it did, but it was a decent Christian fiction novel that will easily keep you in suspense and wondering how much of these "strategies" may actually be based on truth from our own nation.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;">I received this book for free from Bethany House Blogger Program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span>Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-7881763595119892262016-10-18T10:27:00.002-05:002016-10-18T10:27:47.237-05:00With All Due Respect | Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrwrEdm1ydmEWPfjsZb579vYwGf0p0OBh9tbQEIqzF6s9HTlnAW_ylveofEvuopcku6_14jeEmMK0jSIwoIRR6hUt_qvNhb3DTTZ2zPyCn3G3kajzsnCpouKihhk0JUH5A87UJ3KbJaFg/s1600/_225_350_Book.1997.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrwrEdm1ydmEWPfjsZb579vYwGf0p0OBh9tbQEIqzF6s9HTlnAW_ylveofEvuopcku6_14jeEmMK0jSIwoIRR6hUt_qvNhb3DTTZ2zPyCn3G3kajzsnCpouKihhk0JUH5A87UJ3KbJaFg/s320/_225_350_Book.1997.cover.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Having an almost 10 year old daughter, who is already very much in the "tween" stage in so many ways, I was excited to find and read "With All Due Respect: 40 Days to a More Fulfilling Relationship with Your Teens & Tweens". </span> This book is set up more like a daily devotional for moms with a daily "challenge" to help relook/change your perspective toward your tween/teen, which in turn helps to build/rebuild that relationship between mother/child. </div>
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Each "day" starts with Bible verses and an easy-to-relate-to scenario from other families. After the story sets the tone for the day's "focus", the topic is explained/explored thoroughly but is offered in a short, manageable form, even for the busiest of moms. Each day ends with thought-provoking questions/challenges to help you to apply and a prayer for the day, specific to the topic discussed. </div>
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Not every day will be relevant to everyone, but I would venture to guess that everyone could find something worthwhile within the pages of this book to help you to better understand your tween/teen. This is a book I will keep and go through over and over again to keep me in check on ways I can better relate to my children as they reach the tween/teen ages and stages. </div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Cardo; text-align: justify;">I received this book for free from Booklook Blogger Program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></div>
Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-4394320797449358342016-10-18T10:07:00.002-05:002016-10-18T10:07:32.317-05:00Think Happy | Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpWn4fqB0o8fY3tLOziNIr6MJ8pH_85vLDCYIfceADQKE9wlpjKEcF_Zitp90IT5BwApEboxvNtZdk7rKMpnU8gtoQp6MaljzAnkvnmamDjyGhMSAxOTF6BI6Rkn64tniBR8C-YqT7pxE/s1600/9781607749622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpWn4fqB0o8fY3tLOziNIr6MJ8pH_85vLDCYIfceADQKE9wlpjKEcF_Zitp90IT5BwApEboxvNtZdk7rKMpnU8gtoQp6MaljzAnkvnmamDjyGhMSAxOTF6BI6Rkn64tniBR8C-YqT7pxE/s320/9781607749622.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">This book caught my eye initially with it's beautiful colorful cover and title. I mean, who doesn't need to "Think Happy"?! It seems that life is always throwing me curveballs, so I was sold when I read the sub-title "instant peptalks to boost positivity". The inside of this book did not disappoint! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This small hardback book is full color from cover to cover! It's full of eye-catching graphics and thought-provoking quotes along with a quick explanation/challenge for each section. I often found myself laughing out-loud with the quote, all the while also realizing the truth that it held within it's funny words. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my favorites was "Everything in life come with a pooper scooper factor. ...Because you love your puppy, you accept that some pooper scoopering is involved...Instead of sweating, resisting, and whining about the small stuff, just think of it as the pooper scooper factor of life."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This book would be a wonderful gift for someone who could use a little "pick-me-up" or for yourself to read when you need a little refocusing. I love this book! </span><br />
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 18.48px; text-align: justify;">I received this book for free from Blogging for Books program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></div>
Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-31281095543232458322016-09-01T07:49:00.000-05:002016-09-01T07:49:00.777-05:00Throwback Thursday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Could any more perfect picture of personalities be captured? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think not...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXlaWZcrFRT7IGxR2CyAHD1Ula5VB-LvjRoQjwMfoXz29Eq6bEKhd8HWN5rj1Sy9_rnXDg78vdXb3Ul24lIvka-7tnJxBgk7kMVJYKdzagRcMhWQMvhNYgxODhuNnDmf_uROSdYHy2Hvy/s1600/IMG_2242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXlaWZcrFRT7IGxR2CyAHD1Ula5VB-LvjRoQjwMfoXz29Eq6bEKhd8HWN5rj1Sy9_rnXDg78vdXb3Ul24lIvka-7tnJxBgk7kMVJYKdzagRcMhWQMvhNYgxODhuNnDmf_uROSdYHy2Hvy/s640/IMG_2242.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie (age 3) & Austin (age 1) | Fall 2009</td></tr>
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<br />Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-64820908748969955212016-08-30T17:53:00.002-05:002016-08-30T17:53:19.939-05:00Interpreter Needed | Life with a 2-Year-Old<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, over the past couple of months, I've noticed Addison's 2-year-old vocabulary has sky-rocketed! <i>And</i> I've noticed, at least to a small degree, that I'm not always the best at understanding. But until this last week, I never considered that what I really needed was an interpreter...<i>now</i>, I'm certain of it...</div>
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We've had our share of "misunderstandings"... <i>PrissyPop</i> is really <i>Princess Cup...Moomoooo </i>isn't a cow but a <i>Movie</i>...<i>JuuuBockes</i> is OBVIOUSLY <i>Juice Boxes...</i></div>
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But each time we have ran across a word that I am just not understanding, either Katie or Austin will come to her rescue and figure it out, or I'll eventually get a "light-bulb" moment and figure it out, never to forget it again. </div>
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But this week...<i>this week</i>...was different. On at least 3 separate occasions, Addison told me she has seen a mouse {or, at least that's what I <i>thought</i> she'd seen}...and each time, the subject moved on to something else quickly, and no questions arose. But not <i>this</i> time. </div>
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So here we were, waiting patiently to turn left out of the school after morning drop off...and when I say waiting, it was one of those days where you felt like you had waited <i>forever</i> because of all of the traffic in either direction. But, I digress... from the backseat, this is what I hear:</div>
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<i>Mom. Oooooo. Mowwshhh.</i></div>
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Mmm.Hmmmm. That's great, Sweetie! {Don't tell me you don't do this sometimes!}</div>
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<i>Mom! Mowwwssshhhhhhhh!!</i></div>
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Okay, baby. I hear you. Mouth? Your mouth hurts?? {In my defense, she does have 2 molars breaking through...and I had definitely seen <i>no</i> mouse!}</div>
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<i>No, Mom! A Mowwwwwshhhh!! </i></div>
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{She's very frustrated with me at this point, and I'm no closer to figuring out what she's saying than when she started...} House?? You see that house?! {Yeah, totally crasping at straws now....}</div>
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<i>WOOKKKK! MOMMMM...see...a MOWWWSSSHHHH!</i></div>
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And there it was...sitting as still as a statue...</div>
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a SQUIRREL!!</div>
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And, if that wasn't enough...we took a short trip to the local wildlife refuge last weekend. The first thing she sees in the museum is a fox squirrel, where she immediately yells...</div>
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<i>Mom! WOOKKK! A FOX!!!</i></div>
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Yeah...pretty certain now I need an interpreter...and maybe a few books to teach her a few animals... {grins} 2-year-olds are trying at times, but I wouldn't take this fun stage for <i>anything</i>!! I'm afraid that much too soon, we'll no longer be looking for those <i>PrissyPops, mowwwsshhh, mooomooooo's, </i>and <i>juuubockes, </i>and what fun would <i>that</i> be?!</div>
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Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-19954184683433137662016-08-12T13:07:00.003-05:002016-08-12T13:07:37.081-05:00Spiritual Warfare Answers Book | Book Review<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;">I really enjoyed reading this Spiritual Warfare Answers book from Dr. David Jeremiah. It's a compact book with short, easy to read question/answer sections specific to spiritual warfare. I think it's a great book for any Christian to read...we are in a spiritual war right now, for sure! Even my near 10 year old picked it up one day, and explained how much she enjoyed having a "question" and then being able to read a Bible based answer with verses to look up for the question. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;">The Spiritual Warfare Answer Book is divided nicely in to four main sections: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;">Terms of Engagement, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;">Behind Enemy Lines, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;">God's Armory, and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;">The Warfare of Prayer. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;" /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19px;">A few "questions" within the book that caught my eye to read first were questions like:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19px;">"How can I be a courageous warrior for God when I feel powerless?"</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19px;">"How could a perfect, holy being fall?" (speaking of Satan)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19px;">"How can I discern Satan's lies from God's truth?"</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19px;">"What does it mean to be 'watchful' in prayer?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">"How can I persevere in the battle when I'm afraid?"</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">There are almost 200 pages of beautifully formatted, easy to read challenges for Christians in today's world. These have been quick to read alongside a Bible study, or just for a quick "5 minute" read during a break, but have great words of wisdom straight from God's word that can be applied to all Christians. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">I would recommend this book, especially for someone who doesn't know much about spiritual warfare, is a young Christian, or just needs a better "foundation" to be able to move on and study the meatier parts to these topics. It's simple, but challenging/encouraging...deep, but easy enough to read and understand for young adults and older. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 18.48px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I received this book for free from Booklook Bloggers Program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></span></h2>
Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-26472643832568922272016-08-12T12:48:00.002-05:002016-08-12T13:07:55.660-05:00Reset | Book ReviewI recently chose to read the book "Reset: Jesus Changes Everything" by Nick Hall. It's front cover (and even the back cover, after reading it) caught my attention and had me interested in reading it. Unfortunately, for me, this book was not what I had expected, and it's made it hard to give my review as I typically do. I came into this book expecting almost more of a challenging devotional style book...encouraging you that no matter where you are, where you've been, or where you think you're going, you can "reset" your life with Christ. But, for me, this was more of a choppy auto-biography of Nick Hall. I had a hard time reading it in the style that it was written in. The "encouragement" to let Christ be your change...your "reset" in your life is within the pages of the book, but it is mixed within stories of how he became the leader of the Together movement (which I had never heard of until now).<br />
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I'm not going to say this was an awful book...but for me, it was just not an easy read. I had to make myself read it just to do the review. It just didn't flow/click like others have for me. But, perhaps it would to others. I suppose if I had a better grasp as to the type of writing it was, and that it was mostly a book compiled of many encounters/stories, perhaps my expectations would have been different. I don't know. I'm giving this book 3 of 5 stars, as I feel it has potential for some, but just didn't do it for me. <br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 18.48px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">I received this book for free from Blogging for Books Program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></span></h2>
Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-47468137679220522312016-08-09T12:29:00.001-05:002016-08-09T12:29:34.407-05:00Recipe Faves | Easy "School" Breakfast Muffins & Casserole<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Tomorrow starts our "school year" routine, whether I'm ready or not! So, I decided that today was the perfect day to cook up two of our favorite easy school morning breakfast recipes -- though, now I'm thinking I probably set the bar a little <i>too</i> high for myself for the rest of the school year! {<i>Surely</i> they won't think they will have these <i>every </i>day, <i>right??</i>} Either way, there are few things that I've tried that are any easier to prepare that will actually keep the kids full until their lunch time! So, I'm going to share these two favorite recipes with you! {Keep scrolling for recipes}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAQyfGP9gztJ1QVBTjbD_Lpg2ZDUD04vPnxqU9C0KS_jmG3YKykG5Pj6lu9yhqR5PrDhoeAtpC1DWccVCGOa1h6l9uGEsbQas3TJUBA5AV18_LJMMwsBmO3wyB9OQq79UGZ6lAca3DreT/s1600/blogger-image-109338926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAQyfGP9gztJ1QVBTjbD_Lpg2ZDUD04vPnxqU9C0KS_jmG3YKykG5Pj6lu9yhqR5PrDhoeAtpC1DWccVCGOa1h6l9uGEsbQas3TJUBA5AV18_LJMMwsBmO3wyB9OQq79UGZ6lAca3DreT/s1600/blogger-image-109338926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAQyfGP9gztJ1QVBTjbD_Lpg2ZDUD04vPnxqU9C0KS_jmG3YKykG5Pj6lu9yhqR5PrDhoeAtpC1DWccVCGOa1h6l9uGEsbQas3TJUBA5AV18_LJMMwsBmO3wyB9OQq79UGZ6lAca3DreT/s400/blogger-image-109338926.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Sausage Muffins</b></div>
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<u>Ingredients</u>: 1lb sausage (cooked), 1c bisquick, 1c shredded cheddar cheese, 4 eggs (beaten)</div>
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<u>Directions</u>: Mix all 4 ingredients...place them in a muffin pan (I <i>love</i> to use my washable cupcake liners, because these don't stick at all, and it keeps my pan from needing all of that scrubbing later!). Bake at 350* for approx. 25-30 minutes, until fluffy and golden brown. These are like little "sausage balls" without having to get your hands all messy!! We <i>love</i> these! I let them cool and then throw them in a ziplock bag or container, and store in the fridge until we are ready to reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds at breakfast. (Even the kids can do that!)</div>
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<b>Breakfast Casserole</b></div>
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<u>Ingredients</u>: 1lb sausage (cooked), 1-2c shredded cheddar cheese, 6 eggs (beaten), 1 pkg canned biscuits, 1/4c milk</div>
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<u>Directions</u>: Spray bottom of casserole dish with non-stick spray. Cut canned biscuit dough into 1/4 pieces and place in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle cooked sausage over biscuit layer. Cover sausage/biscuit layer with shredded cheese. In a separate bowl mix milk, eggs, and salt/pepper (if desired), then pour egg mixture over the other layers. Bake at 350* for approx. 25-30 minutes, until fluffy and golden brown. If you don't get the eggs mixed well enough, you may see the "white" of the egg in your casserole (as mine shows above), but don't worry...it's still SUPER delicious! Even the kids love this! Store in fridge and heat individual pieces as wanted for breakfast (or whenever). **I sometimes add green chilis to the egg mixture sometimes for a little extra flavor...the kids don't care for that, so I usually save half "plain" for them.**</div>
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Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-17946923228563373522016-07-27T08:26:00.000-05:002016-07-27T08:26:01.121-05:0010 years ago...10 years ago, I was...<br />
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24 years <strike>old</strike> young...<br />
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6 years out of high school...<br />
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over halfway through my first pregnancy with my sweet Katiebug...<br />
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decorating our first "nursery" in Malawi Jungle Animals...<br />
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anxiously awaiting Katie's November due date...<br />
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2 years out of college...<br />
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working at McNeil, Jackson, Ahrens Financial Group...<br />
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living in our first home in Mobile, Alabama...<br />
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purchasing our first SUV, our Torrent, <i>which we still drive and love</i>...<br />
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2 years into our marriage with the love of my life...<br />
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sporting <i>almost the exact</i> haircut I'm still wearing today {not sure if that's good or not!}...<br />
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Wow! At how things change in 10 years!! </div>
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I'm celebrating my 34th birthday today... </div>
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as a stay-at-home mom...</div>
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with 3 beautiful kids...</div>
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16 years out of high school {a distant memory}...</div>
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less than 3 weeks away from celebrating our 12 year anniversary of marriage...</div>
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living in a beautiful home in Priceville, Alabama...</div>
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blessed beyond belief! <3 p=""><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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Thankful for the last 10 years, & praying for how God is going to use me in the next 10 years!</div>
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Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-75377262775517378972016-07-26T17:01:00.000-05:002016-07-26T17:01:01.747-05:00Walmart Grocery Review | It's a GAME-CHANGER, Folks!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Today I had my first Walmart Grocery (online ordering/pick-up) experience, and let me just say...this could be the biggest <i>game-changer</i> for our family, <i>ever</i>! </div>
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A couple of weeks ago, I received a mailer "introducing" me to the Walmart Grocery experience and offered a $10 credit on my first order. I looked at it, and tucked it away in my coupon holder, and hadn't really thought much about it. Until today...</div>
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You see, I have put off buying groceries for days... dreading the task of taking <i>all three kids</i> grocery shopping -- with all of the kid drama, long lines, scorching heat, and the inevitable frustration when I get home to realize I missed <i>half </i> of my list of items needed due to trying to focus on the kids and their antics. I had already decided that I would just go get groceries this evening, even though that's when it's craziest, <i>just</i> so I could go without the kids and <i>hopefully</i> have a little less crazy in my grocery shopping. <i>But then</i>, I remembered that Walmart Grocery coupon, and it expired in just a few days, so I decided now is truly the <i>perfect</i> time to "give them a try."</div>
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Guys, I didn't have big expectations, <i>at all</i>. It's <i>Walmart</i>, after all...<i>not Publix</i>. But, small or large expectations, they blew me away today!! So, I'm here to share my personal experience (good and bad) with you, so you can decide for yourself if this may be that <i>game-changer</i> for your family, as well. </div>
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So, let's start with the website...<a href="http://r.wmt.co/d8W4C">Walmart Grocery Website + $10 off coupon</a></div>
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<li>It was much like any online shopping website (Walmart/Target/etc)...you can shop by category, you can search by general name (ie. milk), or you can search for a specific name (ie. Almondmilk Original Unsweetened). And, once you find your item, you easily add it to your cart. </li>
<li>It gives you the option to choose the Walmart Grocery location you'd like to use, as well as "reserving" you pick-up time slot (you have an hour for your pick-up window).</li>
<li>In my experience, I had approximately 30 minutes to complete my order before it made me reselect my reservation time. {Most people could probably have been done in half that time, but since I was home, I would think of something and I'd go "check" to make sure I needed it...not to mention the occasional kid interruption...but I digress...}</li>
<li>Once you finish, you will check out. {This is also where you will put your $10 off coupon code if it didn't already apply it for you}.</li>
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Once you've checked out, you'll receive a confirmation email that gives you a run down of your order, as well as details on pick-up...</div>
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<li>Here's a "snippet" from my email: {note: I did not receive a call to alert me that my order was ready for pick-up, but I arrived 2 minutes prior to the beginning of my pick-up time window, and they brought it out within just a few minutes!}</li>
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<li><span style="text-align: center;">Your confirmation email tells you about the "edit" option, where you have a small window of time that you can add/remove/change your order. For me, I ordered at 10am, and my email said my "cutoff time for changes" was 1pm. I did try to add a forgotten item at 11am, and it would not allow it, as it was already "processing". Honestly, I thought I just wasn't finding the right "area" online to make the changes, so I contacted customer service, but they said they couldn't "add" anything once the edit button disappears, whether it is before the editable time indicated or not. </span></li>
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<li>I will say, however, on a side note that customer service was super quick to respond (via phone AND email) to my question and offered an account credit for my trouble. They also said they were escalating the call so that they could fix the problem for future, as they want their cutoff times to be accurate for the customer.</li>
<li>Hindsight (and suggestion for you), it is probably best to order the day before you want to pick up, so you can easily add/change/edit before cutoff time when you remember things you forgot. I just needed groceries <i>today</i>, so I didn't have that option this time.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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Now, for the pick-up process...all I can say is <i>Wow! Kudos to Walmart for getting the job done and doing it RIGHT!! </i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Upon arrival at Walmart, it was <i>very</i> easy to see where to go for "pick-up"...there was a huge awning with Grocery Pick-Up written on it. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0bQ-RtI9Q1ppCaTX8A6sUkFB0r4nwv4HnN6_Z0Vwa5Jfdf8Zr2JJiVseOP04HzZzoNMp0TDnlj9WiOJEXjxjIaDE3cBdr0F4JcHll2jBg-ca-yiTyhl-lsWSXnKwU6VGSrzHaIwi04E1/s640/blogger-image--1884805946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0bQ-RtI9Q1ppCaTX8A6sUkFB0r4nwv4HnN6_Z0Vwa5Jfdf8Zr2JJiVseOP04HzZzoNMp0TDnlj9WiOJEXjxjIaDE3cBdr0F4JcHll2jBg-ca-yiTyhl-lsWSXnKwU6VGSrzHaIwi04E1/s400/blogger-image--1884805946.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Once you get into a pick-up parking spot, you have a speaker system on the driver's side and also a sign in front of you that tells you a number you can call to pick-up. I chose to call, and I immediately got a courteous employee ready to help. I gave her my name and told her I was picking up, and that was it! I sat back and waited. {I arrived about 2 minutes prior to my 1-hour pick up window, and I did <i>not</i> call and give them any advance notice of my arrival...I wanted to see how well they'd be prepared without any notice. I kid you not, she was at my car within 5 minutes, <i>if that</i>, ready to confirm my order and load my groceries!}</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5Y9j0kvNVrQSjwLR238uIj7I1bj4XpIbAfWTBXBEnXkRP4_RPrl1M7mUcgDiEcYT6bECj4hg_RHgITW2-0zEbOS0VMczVehkeH5K1A4ibcxNzEoTAaH86E4UnUd87cgEB9NH2gEsxnYK/s640/blogger-image--2081888012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5Y9j0kvNVrQSjwLR238uIj7I1bj4XpIbAfWTBXBEnXkRP4_RPrl1M7mUcgDiEcYT6bECj4hg_RHgITW2-0zEbOS0VMczVehkeH5K1A4ibcxNzEoTAaH86E4UnUd87cgEB9NH2gEsxnYK/s320/blogger-image--2081888012.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppKfJTihFqzo2xXoYBfpGf4YLvoQWN8Wlz1v17w5kTF3lnLJZl1wA0ztpngkXchbVvTSarkmM706jf_OniSPSg3xL8B3bH5lALOpsJF5m06SHUskgZhthT8UjkNKWwPMc9pATyi_NBsbf/s640/blogger-image-1147450610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppKfJTihFqzo2xXoYBfpGf4YLvoQWN8Wlz1v17w5kTF3lnLJZl1wA0ztpngkXchbVvTSarkmM706jf_OniSPSg3xL8B3bH5lALOpsJF5m06SHUskgZhthT8UjkNKWwPMc9pATyi_NBsbf/s320/blogger-image-1147450610.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /><ul>
<li>The employee greeted me cheerfully, handed me a complimentary ice-cold bottle of water, and began the "order confirmation" and loading process.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ09OpsTJMwiK2c-6d6VemQ50fIeNEFipJbD3jc_4qdPgwLK0_J4_H4phHJfZfWArZOTxzppvrGVUcjhOe8qkgIRNnU_AojcN3AkIJQPa7ssbvb7dWKgZAhhYN9L8X6dsynu1-jwUgsZ7/s1600/blogger-image-1066026134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ09OpsTJMwiK2c-6d6VemQ50fIeNEFipJbD3jc_4qdPgwLK0_J4_H4phHJfZfWArZOTxzppvrGVUcjhOe8qkgIRNnU_AojcN3AkIJQPa7ssbvb7dWKgZAhhYN9L8X6dsynu1-jwUgsZ7/s400/blogger-image-1066026134.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Part of the "order confirmation" was to confirm that a couple of substitutions were made in my order, and whether or not I was ok with those substitutions. In my case, it was a small "size" difference, which did not matter at all to me! So, I signed and we were on our way to her loading the groceries. {Once I got home, I realized that they conveniently added a "substitution" sticker to the bag which held those items, if by chance, I was <i>not</i> ok with those items and they were taken off my order.}</li>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1D0q1Gus0og0E2x8AT-JaZMLhgtDBt_HQy_QbONS6Fr7NVTlhWzZczv2pGwc1C8mKqEKp4UAUe2dBk0GCPqmpGDEaFWDS-NyHGNxGScVmlKjW1JaQ-6g6wr3OPVSJiltnGr5pWmO4zTPW/s400/blogger-image-416249194.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">I had one kid napping through the entire grocery experience {it was so nice to be able to get groceries <i>and</i> do nap time at the same time!} The other two, sat playing their ipods as our groceries were quickly loaded.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-Ei9pckJwvaw6UGE7P_PqW24RZaxrs1bNnqtDmeON68NvUFdmybNkUFoUOb1gyfdE34wf-P_5kWhBbqKH0tZhYnIcYRVxZLhW3peahcCjR-fGiOo5V3dfW9Bgk8ws8YSWJyWq8_zTjMY/s640/blogger-image-1230129161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-Ei9pckJwvaw6UGE7P_PqW24RZaxrs1bNnqtDmeON68NvUFdmybNkUFoUOb1gyfdE34wf-P_5kWhBbqKH0tZhYnIcYRVxZLhW3peahcCjR-fGiOo5V3dfW9Bgk8ws8YSWJyWq8_zTjMY/s400/blogger-image-1230129161.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">They also labeled the "fragile" items (like my eggs) with stickers...probably more for their benefit, but it helped me, as well, so I knew which bags <i>not</i> to give the kids to unload.</li>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RoEzIJNg_ODFj_y9mbanyq4KnUWU2qSYlKdc38TZqAyZKT_U2iPrVY7pp5xxv2i3_WXDM1aUXRc-l62bBELw7_td44-CsQGyDc3NU2Da8y319zR2kMzv3U9PeGxKAokvF__TQ2y_5Jj1/s400/blogger-image-600835062.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a bit of a drive for the closest Walmart Grocery (about 25 minutes from my house to Madison Blvd), and it took less than 10 minutes for the entire pick-up process...So in <i>way</i> less than an hour, my three kids and I purchased and had our car loaded with groceries, never having to set foot out of our air-conditioned car! It was the <i>easiest</i> shopping I've <i>ever</i> done for groceries, and it didn't cost anything extra!! For me, it's a game-changer, folks. I'm sure, at some point, there will likely be a "fee" associated with the service, but until then, I'm sold. And when that time <i>does come</i>, I'd likely <i>still</i> be sold. </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawN2Ok4k8yeUDPGgxabqxKY5urBCdETW4yJmP1w1uAJGu4zwe6K-K-yg3-qG2J9cZvVfVjyno-1qsbIBwX1KE8xRb_H27YBiok6zbFSzMiRRJeKuDdu9RWF7bOcHBbVr-1gUpVOh-A989/s400/blogger-image-1988073163.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<div>
Now, one final thing...Walmart Grocery currently has it to where you can earn a $10 referral credit for each friend that signs up and places their first order (each friend gets a $10 credit, too)! Talk about a way to "earn" free groceries/save money. So, go ahead and sign up <a href="http://r.wmt.co/d8W4C">HERE </a>to get started on your Walmart Grocery addition ;-) </div>
Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-23328007143699216352016-07-24T14:10:00.001-05:002016-07-25T17:06:59.123-05:00Every Day Moments | July 24, 2016<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Outside my window...</strong><i>is rain, rain, and more rain.</i></div>
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<strong>I am thinking...</strong><i>of my to-do list for the day, and which to prioritize during nap time :-)</i></div>
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<strong>I am thankful for...</strong><i>my garage and my umbrella.</i><br />
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<strong>From the kids' rooms...</strong><i>it's eerily quiet...being only the second week of school outside of our home, I'm not quite used to it. </i></div>
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<strong>From the kitchen...</strong><i>I see a clean {and EMPTY} sink, thanks to my sweet husband's work after lunch.</i></div>
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<strong>I am going...</strong><i>to enjoy Addison's nap time by blogging before church this evening.</i></div>
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<strong>I am reading...</strong><i>"Say Goodbye to Survival Mode" by Crystal Paine</i></div>
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<strong>I am hoping...</strong><i>to "reclaim" the garage for our car by completing my major purge project this week.</i></div>
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<strong>I am hearing...</strong><i>Austin being loud and waking Addison early from her nap...{sigh}</i></div>
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<strong>Around the house...</strong><i>it is looking organized {at least more than normal} for once! My purging may actually be making a difference!!</i></div>
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<strong>One of my favorite things...</strong><i>is when I get my 45 minutes of Les Mills Body Flow in my day! Tai Chi, Yoga, and Pilates.</i></div>
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<strong>A few plans for the week...</strong><i>is to get school supplies purchased and organized...start getting the kids up a bit earlier to prepare for school days that are soon approaching...and finding time to go out with my mom {and no kids} for my birthday this week! </i></div>
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<strong>Here is a picture I'm sharing...</strong><i>This is Katie wearing a necklace from Africa that she found at Unclaimed Baggage yesterday -- she immediately picked it up and said she had to buy it as a reminder daily to pray for her sweet friend Zoie and her family, who are missionaries to Zambia, Africa.</i><br />
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Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-797326204114453282016-07-24T06:44:00.000-05:002016-07-24T14:39:55.254-05:00Recipe Fave | Easy Fruit SaladI wanted to guilt-free, dessert-worthy fruit salad for our playdate yesterday. We were going to have 8 kids from age 2 to 9, and 2 moms...I needed a quick and easy, and also easy on the grocery budget, side to go with our lunch. I looked through my old faithful book of recipes that I've added to over the last 10-12 years, and I found the yummy fruit salad recipe a sweet lady from my old church had shared with me, and decided to give it a try! <br />
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It takes minimal time, inexpensive ingredients, goes far, and tastes amazing! It was totally a hit with everyone today, and I didn't mind giving out seconds, since it was a good-for-you treat. So, in case you would like to change it up a bit and try a new recipe for easy fruit salad, here it is:<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1 can (20oz) pineapple chunks<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
2 tbsp cornstarch<br />
1/3 cup orange juice<br />
1 tbsp lemon juice<br />
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges (drained)<br />
3-4 chopped, unpeeled apples<br />
2-3 sliced bananas<br />
(optional, sliced strawberries)<br />
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Directions:<br />
Drain pineapple reserving 3/4 cup of juice. In a saucepan combine sugar and cornstarch. Add pineapple juice, orange juice, and lemon juice. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large bowl, combine pineapple chunks, (drained) mandarin oranges, (chopped) apples, & (sliced) bananas. Pour warm sauce over the fruit; stir gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate.<br />
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**I added sliced strawberries as an optional, but tasty ingredient...it gave it a great flavor addition, as well as more color!**<br />
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ENJOY!!!</div>
Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-46247737086988554302016-07-20T12:47:00.002-05:002016-07-24T14:40:20.308-05:00Top 10 Budget & Family-Friendly Things To Do in South Wisconsin | 2016Family Vacation Recap<div>
Several months back, I told you about our new "Scratch Map" -- where you <i>scratch off</i> the states that you have visited, to reveal a full color map beneath. Well, that map sparked our family vacation planning this year. Our goal was to go somewhere <i>new</i> that was still within a reasonable driving distance for us and our three kids. So, after looking many different directions, we decided on our 2016 Family Vacation destination...<i>Wisconsin</i>!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofSZNufqEEn3SrOALn0kkc-jjRdj1csR2WWFj4KdQAjQJ13qrODSOIxlufCD2YllT2LLZdYZLj-W-vDiSGr4EJ2aQNc_ssz0QH_RDKYViFvMMIRtTqH6cgXQ-VLxSBjgbN4Z2FPE7K9x1/s640/blogger-image--927747107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofSZNufqEEn3SrOALn0kkc-jjRdj1csR2WWFj4KdQAjQJ13qrODSOIxlufCD2YllT2LLZdYZLj-W-vDiSGr4EJ2aQNc_ssz0QH_RDKYViFvMMIRtTqH6cgXQ-VLxSBjgbN4Z2FPE7K9x1/s400/blogger-image--927747107.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the windmill farms as we travel through Indiana</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful farmland views on our way North (from Alabama to Wisconsin)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8cSP5x76o-RmUALNpGkEiPACohGiKD8dse1DKXK6O4nt5R8KWaZJMF4We6ruu-DmVWTcym8ayxXPwk4SZJOlsRAIGXG9aJzJbPfZYXHFwoBPm37kSntCP4R5p-6PKHW8vAE53d3REyLS/s640/blogger-image-1642216509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8cSP5x76o-RmUALNpGkEiPACohGiKD8dse1DKXK6O4nt5R8KWaZJMF4We6ruu-DmVWTcym8ayxXPwk4SZJOlsRAIGXG9aJzJbPfZYXHFwoBPm37kSntCP4R5p-6PKHW8vAE53d3REyLS/s400/blogger-image-1642216509.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bison herd in Wisconsin</td></tr>
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The resort we chose talked of being "all inclusive" -- having golf (not that we would ever golf!), horseback riding, petting zoos, indoor/outdoor waterpark, rock-climbing walls, and more...So honestly, I didn't do much "planning" prior to leaving for our trip. I googled the area from time to time, but never saw any "must-do" things, so I quit planning and fully anticipated parking daily at the waterpark and just letting the kids live it up there, while I "relaxed". Well, there were many "unplanned" circumstances and several "non-disclosed" details regarding those amenities at our resort, which that led me to searching out <i>other</i> things for us to fill our days with. And, you know what?! <i>Those</i> things are what the kids enjoyed most...the small, unique experiences that I originally didn't even know existed. And <i>those </i>things are the reason I'm sharing...so that, should you ever find yourself in the Mid/South Wisconsin area, you'll have a great start of frugal, family-friendly ideas of fun things to explore!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dlSqBfu67lW1uXrUgoxsdnimSsGNNjCSZ0Bg2oKApbdnNJKlpkook3fgHUd6sLRBlQZZ4JO8x_JSzKuQVznLQ2wW_12ywPbLOcyGJkWA48OCEo3-sbPtWX3HR3GFdbJUiKS6uVhvEBwC/s640/blogger-image--2035002666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dlSqBfu67lW1uXrUgoxsdnimSsGNNjCSZ0Bg2oKApbdnNJKlpkook3fgHUd6sLRBlQZZ4JO8x_JSzKuQVznLQ2wW_12ywPbLOcyGJkWA48OCEo3-sbPtWX3HR3GFdbJUiKS6uVhvEBwC/s400/blogger-image--2035002666.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More beautiful views of the farms</td></tr>
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Here are a few of our personal favorites...<br />
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1. <a href="https://www.jellybelly.com/wisconsin-warehouse">Jelly Belly Warehouse Tour/Sampling (FREE)</a><br />
Okay, so this was the coolest place (and the <i>most</i> talked about part of our vacation from our kids)! I really didn't know what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised! It is decorated with all kinds of Jelly Belly art and history (which we all enjoyed!) You get a warehouse "worker" hat to wear through the warehouse tour, which is a little "train" that is narrated by an employee and also audio/videos at different spots. You get to see "art" made from Jelly Belly candy...and when I say art, I mean <i>impressive</i> artwork. And at the end of the tour, you are given your own sample bag of the original Jelly Belly flavors, and are then able to visit the Jelly Belly shop. The Jelly Belly shop has (my kids' favorite) the sample bar of all of the Jelly Belly flavors -- including all of the yucky ones (skunk spray, stinky socks, rotten cheese, and more). You can try any and all of them (you just have to have patience if there are many people there, as you have to ask for each one you want to try). Thankfully, they also have a "can't handle it" trash can in case you need to spit out one of those yucky ones (Katie was thankful for that area!). All of their store items are very reasonably priced, and they also have many clearance areas to shop at! We spent less than $10 for our entire Jelly Belly experience, and came home with all kinds of treats and surprises for us and some of our friends/family! I think my kids would have been perfectly content to visit here every day of our vacation, had we let them. It's definitely a "must see" if you've never been!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPl4ih5mIqlDgy6YhrIMJk0BlMXe4tbVV4Ry1Cbip2KSoKlE44T9SwyE_fn7W1g8xO3nBzUMX8g5-9O_p5Kdz2p8VZn2_wKwrbpjKUeW83mvPw71OWd4LzbRQcV40V9IsCPHDyAtpOTVCl/s640/blogger-image-1469967457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPl4ih5mIqlDgy6YhrIMJk0BlMXe4tbVV4Ry1Cbip2KSoKlE44T9SwyE_fn7W1g8xO3nBzUMX8g5-9O_p5Kdz2p8VZn2_wKwrbpjKUeW83mvPw71OWd4LzbRQcV40V9IsCPHDyAtpOTVCl/s400/blogger-image-1469967457.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jelly Belly Warehouse Tour entrance</td></tr>
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2. <a href="http://www.easttroyrr.org/">East Troy Electric Railroad Train Depot/Museum</a><br />
This small museum and train ride was a great highlight of our vacationing! The fares were reasonable for a family (and free for 2 and under), and were good for the entire day. I will say, as a visitor who knows nothing of the area, I expected the rides to be a bit different than they were. Their website describes that there are 3 locations that the train stops at. Honestly, I assumed that each of those locations were places that you'd spend some time, and then hop back on the train to get back by the last train pick-up time. However, in reality, The Elegant Farmer stop was really the only time we "got out". (I'll highlight that stop later in the post). It was totally worth the trip for the experience of a vintage electric railroad train ride...and the conductor was full of history, stories, and was especially great with the kids...but don't expect it to be a "full day" type of event. <br />
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The museum was a neat place to see, as well...you can buy your tickets there, watch miniature train sets, see historical relics, and hear stories from the volunteers that work there. It may not have been what I "expected", but it was definitely an enjoyable experience for all of us! As a side note, there are multiple electric trains...so be sure you talk to the volunteers when you are buying your ticket to know which one you want to be on (ours was an old Chicago train complete with "flipping seats" that switched your position since the train doesn't actually turn around...which we all loved experiencing), but we passed an open air train, as well...so thankful we weren't on that one on such a hot day!! It pays to ask for those details that aren't totally clear on the site! <br />
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They also do "dinners" and other special events on the trains. We weren't interested, but if that's your type of thing, be sure to look up those details, as well!<br />
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And, don't forget to stop in the old-fashioned ice cream parlor right next door to the museum for some great ice cream treats :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUm_Pw5PQYoitJIRIEE9vh8rAUOSv_BjvhsbCq183wdgcwob3HURI9H7ChimsFOGsQ9X-c2zOkwrvnxpaeSpm5Am5ZXmsgeIJV50veysRFtLag8vS6E8EPtR4t6REQmWhECAY6styx8zyj/s640/blogger-image--1736406813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUm_Pw5PQYoitJIRIEE9vh8rAUOSv_BjvhsbCq183wdgcwob3HURI9H7ChimsFOGsQ9X-c2zOkwrvnxpaeSpm5Am5ZXmsgeIJV50veysRFtLag8vS6E8EPtR4t6REQmWhECAY6styx8zyj/s400/blogger-image--1736406813.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East Troy Electric Railroad Train Depot/Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2IjS6b2Uy1i1egcW0YgZt_rSq1Pe3U3d_cfCVWNEA44RAb-YOaj_zQawoD-ZtM59gfDsUCbEC2KCELezm58MM7Ce0Zg3zf55NzmnEjjkCbByi4OFme9O2xoak3b_2uOwf7M9KsnnsAD4/s640/blogger-image--299455503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2IjS6b2Uy1i1egcW0YgZt_rSq1Pe3U3d_cfCVWNEA44RAb-YOaj_zQawoD-ZtM59gfDsUCbEC2KCELezm58MM7Ce0Zg3zf55NzmnEjjkCbByi4OFme9O2xoak3b_2uOwf7M9KsnnsAD4/s400/blogger-image--299455503.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the train, old-style Chicago</td></tr>
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3. <a href="http://www.elegantfarmer.com/">Elegant Farmer</a></div>
We stopped at the Elegant Farmer while we were riding the East Troy Electric Railroad, and we loved it so much, we went back later on during our vacation for more fresh produce! I will say, they have "daily specials" that are WAY cheap (our first day was very cheap, very GOOD blueberries)...we just assumed they were always that cheap, but two days later, the blueberries weren't so cheap, but watermelons were. SO, I say that to say, if you are wanting to have some for now and some for later (as we did), buy it THEN...don't wait! They have all kinds of fresh produce and great Wisconsin cheese, along with a little eatery, and their famous "paper bag apple pies"! I never got it, but their grilled cheese sandwiches looked amazing!! <br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1710089360"><br /></a>
4. <a href="http://choochoocharlies.com/">Choo-Choo Charlie's Restaurant</a><br />
We absolutely LOVED this little restaurant! They had model trains all around the place, which the kids (especially Addison) were amazed with. Those trains also "deliver" the food to your table area (just make sure you sit near the tracks, as some tables are too far away from the tracks to fully enjoy). The kids were given colored pencils and crayons to "color" the tablecloth while we waited for our food, which was great for keeping them in good spirits, even after a long day. <br />
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The food was very reasonably priced and totally delicious! Mark mentioned several times how "real" the chicken fingers tasted, instead of the "normal" fast food style typically tastes. We were all full and fully satisfied with our lunch at this diner-style restaurant. <br />
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The kids also enjoyed ringing the bell and seeing "Charlie" the dog while there. Great food, fabulous service, and super-sweet staff who went above and beyond to make our vacation as awesome as possible! I highly recommend this place!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgLWB1k070g792yQ6VJ_aYN6XuZ3qktc2v5JVXoTDwQMR-K92XVyLHTV1ctDfiHDgXgN_L7ttwLsrM_e3W6eoRVJsJUbyyqGlpaTnP8JTWutBFlu9O_501i8j980tJqTEgHW84yhBBOAg/s640/blogger-image-1924139366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgLWB1k070g792yQ6VJ_aYN6XuZ3qktc2v5JVXoTDwQMR-K92XVyLHTV1ctDfiHDgXgN_L7ttwLsrM_e3W6eoRVJsJUbyyqGlpaTnP8JTWutBFlu9O_501i8j980tJqTEgHW84yhBBOAg/s400/blogger-image-1924139366.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the trains go around and around at Choo-Choo Charlie's</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.visitkenosha.com/">Visit Kenosha</a><br />
So, we actually went to Kenosha specifically for Choo-Choo Charlie's Restaurant (which I had found reviews for online, and it seemed like a unique place to try). But while at the restaurant, the owner came to our table and talked with us while we waited, gave us a great little magazine about things going on in Kenosha, recommended the 3 museums (that you'll hear about shortly), and even gave us a few tokens for the trolley system that picks up right outside of their restaurant. This website (above) has great information like the magazine did, so I recommend checking it out for special events that may be going on.<br />
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5. <a href="http://www.kenosha.org/wp-museum/visitors-guide/#directions">Kenosha Fine Art & Natural History Museum (FREE)</a><br />
This is one of the 3 museums found in the Kenosha area (all very close together, and all are stops for the Kenosha trolley). We didn't even know about these places prior to the manager at Choo-Choo Charlie's telling us about them! But we had a great time at these museums!! This one was full of fossils and artifacts of all kinds on the bottom floor, and a beautiful fine art museum on the top floor. There was also a quaint souvenir shop with very reasonably-priced items. And, what was better than a FREE history and art lesson that we all enjoyed!?! And, it's opened daily...just check the times before you go. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB8jyBEoiKsgHmZEFY_gKeVC1KCF4hEV5AiSZ3EF0w93Lb2hzDDmRgeIYO73MmqjPTm74kknuBJbFpFW62hcbqHfXKFx59O4NTrj7KlowTzSrOOixorBrgfd5PLMZzwrPeRBeGCkfAKNe/s640/blogger-image-262005136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB8jyBEoiKsgHmZEFY_gKeVC1KCF4hEV5AiSZ3EF0w93Lb2hzDDmRgeIYO73MmqjPTm74kknuBJbFpFW62hcbqHfXKFx59O4NTrj7KlowTzSrOOixorBrgfd5PLMZzwrPeRBeGCkfAKNe/s400/blogger-image-262005136.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenosha Fine Art & Natural History Museum</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.kenosha.org/wp-dinosaur/"><br /></a>
6. <a href="http://www.kenosha.org/wp-dinosaur/">Kenosha Dinosaur Discovery Museum (FREE)</a><br />
Here is another of the free Kenosha museums (my kids' favorite)! It was small, but had a huge amount of dinosaur fossils and replicas within it's walls. Lots of dinosaurs that we had personally never heard of (and I have a dinosaur-loving little boy), so he was thrilled! It also had an area where you could see the fossils that their archaeologists were currently working on, as well as a little kids area. It didn't take us a long time to go through this museum, but again, it was free, and TOTALLY worth the time! **It is CLOSED on Mondays, so if you are making plans to see all 3 Kenosha museums together, don't choose Monday!**<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-FWkokEPjYx4-n7twonNGyNevyga6EStlYjGTU2GWKKChU75YD5m6g3DlrYvsL95917GqYfaMgvo58Iapuz9wexbYGW3WyYonlV0SJsh7xKOJlTI98VJJWGrGP0zB39QfiLx1KbqxFF5/s640/blogger-image-1580588251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-FWkokEPjYx4-n7twonNGyNevyga6EStlYjGTU2GWKKChU75YD5m6g3DlrYvsL95917GqYfaMgvo58Iapuz9wexbYGW3WyYonlV0SJsh7xKOJlTI98VJJWGrGP0zB39QfiLx1KbqxFF5/s400/blogger-image-1580588251.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenosha Dinosaur Discovery Museum</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.kenosha.org/wp-civilwar/"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.kenosha.org/wp-civilwar/"><br /></a>
7. <a href="http://www.kenosha.org/wp-civilwar/">Kenosha Civil War Museum (Minimal Cost for Adults/Kids FREE)</a><br />
This Civil War Museum was incredible!! Definitely a one-of-a-kind museum. I was thankful to see that they allowed all children in for free (a great way to encourage learning about our great country's history!). There is a charge for adults, but it was totally reasonable...and even cheaper if you actually live in the area. This Civil War museum focused mainly on the Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin areas and their parts in the war efforts. The museum has many personal stories and testimonies all throughout, which made it make history truly come "alive" for the kids (and for me, too). There was also a 360* movie presentation about "Seeing the Elephant" (when the soldiers actually saw battle for the first time), which was a very interesting and educational from several different perspectives. I could have spent all day here, myself, reading about and looking at all of the many historical relics this museum held! I highly recommend this museum. It was a highlight for me on our trip, for sure!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3JOH7tV24QKxXPq5rTwHW9sDoBmpDNee-8BslxsSchPpXjs7QjgdxijonL_h6km9yVC_vKFlqwIcjpwW7nxyHHavh6jcJHcJATWRMd77adH8WVv-23BpcQ7Yb-B1iIXpim79PZMppKq0/s640/blogger-image-1338648014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3JOH7tV24QKxXPq5rTwHW9sDoBmpDNee-8BslxsSchPpXjs7QjgdxijonL_h6km9yVC_vKFlqwIcjpwW7nxyHHavh6jcJHcJATWRMd77adH8WVv-23BpcQ7Yb-B1iIXpim79PZMppKq0/s400/blogger-image-1338648014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenosha Civil War Museum</td></tr>
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8. <a href="http://www.racinezoo.org/">Racine Zoo</a><br />
When I saw the zoo's cheap admission prices on the website, I figured it would <i>have</i> to be a sad excuse for a zoo...but I also knew it would fill a little time with the kids (even if I wasn't impressed). So, we decided to give it a try, and we were all delightfully surprised! Have I seen bigger and better zoos? Well, of course...the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans is still my favorite, by far (but it is also more expensive). But I have also paid much more for zoos that had much less to see/do. This zoo was very kid-friendly...had lots of "shade" places as you walked...great interaction areas (even with wallabies!). The animals were mostly all out and active, even in the heat. And there was a great little play area that my kids would have stayed at all day, had I let them! This one cost a little, but we all enjoyed our day at the zoo. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbi_VXZCCPfz4eCMf3yysbcjEovwZ_D3CkZrn_Px6emJl0iEbneqPeKpMEITJx6r_qqv4CfJkEfgKW7fuOwmaL-U4CjDJQKC9MloRb-v7qrbnE3dlUGYttG8RRVB5ZFUgge_qgkj8IEbK/s640/blogger-image--1647603437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbi_VXZCCPfz4eCMf3yysbcjEovwZ_D3CkZrn_Px6emJl0iEbneqPeKpMEITJx6r_qqv4CfJkEfgKW7fuOwmaL-U4CjDJQKC9MloRb-v7qrbnE3dlUGYttG8RRVB5ZFUgge_qgkj8IEbK/s400/blogger-image--1647603437.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Racine Zoo fun</td></tr>
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9. <a href="https://www.oshkoshzoo.org/">Menominee Park & Zoo, Oshkosh, Wisconsin (FREE)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/parks/zoo/">Menominee Park & Zoo (City of Oshkosh site)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.visitoshkosh.com/venue/menominee-park/">Visit Oshkosh Calendar Guide</a><br />
So, I had NO idea what to expect at the Menominee Park area, but we had a little time to kill one afternoon and decided to give it a try. I was hoping for a small play area for the kids. BOY! Was I surprised!! This place was HUGE, and could <i>easily</i> take an entire day for you, should you want it to. This park is surrounded by Lake Winebago (which to this small-town Alabama girl, looked like an ocean), where you could enjoy the water and sandy beach areas...and then they had nice shower/bathroom areas to clean up when needed.<br />
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But in addition to the beautiful lake scenery, there was a beautiful circular walk area that took you around and through a FREE zoo that housed both domestic and exotic animals. My kids LOVED this little "surprise" to our park adventure. There were probably 40 or so different animals there, and all were very easy to see. (And, in case you need to know, there are bathrooms at the zoo entrance, as well!)<br />
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Then we made our way around to their really cool "wooden" playground area, where my kids could have played all day long! It was a very large playground area, so I followed my kids around constantly, as you couldn't sit somewhere and see them all over the park, but it was lots of fun! It was totally made for all ages...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr33pLW7o71Ny6GlscaEZI-PAr-39EK9Get2ItHg70UmqnioDpnRMyAnkJZOAMdhByMr86-yr6MTofDIflXiZ26zlz43zvMn3G9QUtFVe9sBlpvtdDpsjbEEU2Syp_f4H7HnrwsB6I7XXW/s640/blogger-image-297619992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr33pLW7o71Ny6GlscaEZI-PAr-39EK9Get2ItHg70UmqnioDpnRMyAnkJZOAMdhByMr86-yr6MTofDIflXiZ26zlz43zvMn3G9QUtFVe9sBlpvtdDpsjbEEU2Syp_f4H7HnrwsB6I7XXW/s400/blogger-image-297619992.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Winebago</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFK335Lmu1hUkui7MBY_XqqBV5O6DUD89ofd5DyApGdrtstdIQppdEhl44fViMA3O5QiTYr3y0v214sJeDgabgFDVNiQQtx-SNkqVEJ0I1Ny0Erk1Z7gKU5bZVCqC1ink91MVXdmU4U0O/s640/blogger-image-1271255201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFK335Lmu1hUkui7MBY_XqqBV5O6DUD89ofd5DyApGdrtstdIQppdEhl44fViMA3O5QiTYr3y0v214sJeDgabgFDVNiQQtx-SNkqVEJ0I1Ny0Erk1Z7gKU5bZVCqC1ink91MVXdmU4U0O/s400/blogger-image-1271255201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Menominee Park & Zoo </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Wolf in Menominee Park </td></tr>
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10. <a href="http://www.redridgeranch.com/">Red Ridge Riding Stables</a><br />
<u><a href="http://www.redridgeranch.com/coupon1.htm">$3 off per rider PRINTABLE COUPON</a></u><br />
We gave our kids the choice of one "special" outing (something that we knew would cost a bit more than our other activities)...horseback riding or an indoor waterpark. To my surprise, they chose horseback riding, as it was something that they rarely get to experience (if ever)! So, there were two riding stables (both near the Wisconsin Dells area) that I had found online, and both were comparable in price. This one offered an additional $3 off per rider coupon (online), and mentioned many times on their site that their guided trail rides were perfect for beginners to advanced riders, so we decided to give them a try. I knew I would not be riding, since I had Addison, so we would have 3 "mostly beginner" riders. Helmets were offered, but not required (you did have to sign a waiver if you chose not to wear one), and who knows how often (if ever) they were sprayed or cleaned...but this momma is never without her Thieves Spray!<br />
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I guess my review of this place is both positive and negative, so please bare with me as I explain. Upon arrival, there was no welcome area or person waiting to direct you to where you should be. We made our way to the barn, where we met the owner, who is obviously great at what she does and loves horses (but lacks little to no customer relation skills). She came across as very harsh and rude at times...I often thought, we just need to leave now. There were also times that I <i>thought</i> she was kidding about her horses "needing" the treats (that you could purchase for an additional $5 or so), but then later came to realize that she made it <i>clear</i> (once the kids were <i>on</i> the horses) that they <i>should</i> have treats in order to ride. I digress...but just suffice to say, she lacks people skills <i>majorly</i>...or maybe was having a <i>really</i> bad day.<br />
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She sent the group out with her helper, told me that we could hang out at the barn or clean stalls or whatever while we waited for the hour tour to be complete, but that she had somewhere to go (and she left!). The mommy in me was trying to stay calm, but I was worried about my babies (but thankful my husband was with them). <br />
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Needless to say, despite the owners <i>less than par </i>customer relation skills and her seemingly rude attitude, my family <i>loved </i>their guide, their horses, and their ride! Mark and the kids were told fun stories, etc. by the trailguide, and the kids talked about this horseback riding experience for weeks! I think she really just needs a "storefront manager" to greet you with smiles and information, and then get you set on the ride while she takes care of the farm. But that's just my two cents. <br />
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It was a great experience...but it would have been nice to know what we were walking into. We may give the other stables a try, should we find ourselves there again, and just let her keep her $3 off. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to Ride at Red Ridge Riding Stables</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Addison loved the barn cats while we waited...</td></tr>
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Those would definitely be the "highlights" of our trips, but we also enjoyed shopping in the Oshkosh area. I think it's closed now, but Katie <i>loved</i> the one and only American Girl outlet store! We also found a great little Lego hobby shop called Bricks & MiniFigs, where you could buy and sell legos in bulk or as individual pieces. This place would be awesome for kids like my son, who love to collect the MiniFigures that *only* come in the $100+ sets! We also stopped in a Once Upon A Child store and scored Katie an American Girl mini doll for only a few dollars! Those are my types of {frugal} shops!!<br />
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The activities were fun and frugal...the views were breathtaking...the weather was picture perfect. I absolutely <i>loved</i> our Wisconsin trip, and look forward to adding many more trips like that to our "map" over the next years!! <br />
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Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-4862487759885583562016-06-27T07:07:00.000-05:002016-07-24T15:22:49.025-05:00Bye-Bye, Paa-Paa | Pacifier DetoxSo, it wasn't until Addison was near 10 months old before she <i>really</i> began to show attachment to her "paa-paa" (pacifier) and "di" (burp cloth...the reason for that name will have to be another story in and of itself...). But, when she attached, boy! did she attach!! Though I have always tried to keep her "paa-paa" and "di" as an option only at bedtime, there were many other times that she insisted on it (car rides, tired times, hurt feelings, sickness, pain, new places/people, etc....), and often we gave in. Though she didn't <i>always</i> have it in her mouth, it <i>was</i> always nearby if needed. <br />
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Fast-forward a few months, and she's talking wayyy more {which is hard to understand with her "papNdi" (her combination word for paa-paa and di, as of lately)}...and knowing that she was about to be 2, it was time for "paa-paa" to disappear. <br />
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For the last few months, I planned to spend this week getting rid of her pacifier, as she's an "only child" at home this week (sissy's at camp and bubba's spending a week with Nana and Pawpaw). It sounded like the best option. She could "cry it out" a bit without disrupting the older kiddos (especially since she sleeps with Katie). But I tell you, the closer I got to Monday, the more I dreaded this "pacifier detox". <br />
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So, this post is more for me than you...I thought, <i>maybe, </i>if I can use you as my "accountability" then I would be less likely to give in to temptation (returning paa-paa). But, maybe this post is for some of you, too...if you have a little one that may one day require a pacifier detox. (Unless, of course, I fail...then I guess it would be a great example of how <i>not</i> to detox...but I digress). So, this entry will be more of a "journal" of Addison (and Mommy's) Pacifier Detox program...I'll just update throughout the process. Who knew it would be so hard?! My other two really weren't that attached...I never worried about this with them. Well, here we go!...<br />
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Monday, 7:00am -- Addison wakes up ready for her milk and a little cartoon time. <i>While she is relaxing and enjoying her morning milk, I sneak her 5 extra paa-paa's to a secret location that, if I were truly honest, I probably shouldn't know (in fear that it may make it easier to give in later)...and I leave only 1 pacifier in her bed with the tip cut off.</i><br />
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Monday, 12:30pm -- Addison asked for her paa-paa throughout the morning, but I diverted her attention each time, never offering to get her pacifier. Lunch is now finished, and it's naptime. <i>I'm not sure how I thought this would go, but she got in bed, found her pacifier, and immediately said "uh-oh", and showed me her "broken" paa-paa. I agreed with her that it was broken and told her I was sorry...went through our normal nap routine, and left her to it. That lasted maybe 30 seconds before she let EVERYONE know that she was unhappy and needed her "other paa-paa". </i><br />
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Monday, 2pm -- Yeah, so naptime was a no-go today...hopefully that won't forever be the case, since with her paa-paa she was such a <i>great</i> napper!! So, we opted to take a short road-trip to the toy store to walk around and redeem her birthday coupon. <i>She did finally take a short nap in the {parked} car, but only after "sucking" on a safety sucker {I sure hope she doesn't think I'm replacing one "sucker" for another type...that'd be pointless, huh? -- instead of making crooked teeth from her paa-paa usage, I'd just aid in giving her rotten teeth from a sucker! Yeah, totally not happening... but I'll take it today, to give her at least a small 20 minute nap!! And, as she thought about it, she'd ask for paa-paa, and I'd turn it back to her as a question "what happened to paa-paa?", and she'd tell me "paa-paa broke"..."throw paa-paa away". And that, was that. (Until the next time she asked it...)</i><br />
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Monday, 8pm -- You know, she really didn't ask for paa-paa much this evening (we tried to keep her busy) until now...an hour past her normal bedtime. We went through her bedtime routine, and put her in bed. <i>She cried...and cried...sometimes screaming...sometimes horribly sad whimpers (the whimpers hurt my heart more than the angry screams). I'd give her a few minutes, then I'd go back to talk to her, calm her, and put her back down. Then we'd start again. I'd lie with her...hold her hand...offer lullaby music...but all she wanted was "paa-paa". Honestly, this was HARD! It was soooo tempting to go get one of the "hidden" ones to give to her. She would've been asleep in less than 5 minutes had I done so...but she started settling down more and more, so I delayed myself. And, soon, she was asleep. I didn't know for how long, but she was asleep...and without her paa-paa. </i><br />
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Tuesday, 7am -- We made it through the night!! And, believe it or not, she woke with a smile, and never asked me at all about her paa-paa. <i>It helped to know I had made it through the first 24 hours, but I can't say that I wasn't worried about how today would go...technically it should get easier...but that's never guaranteed. Time will tell, I suppose.</i><br />
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Tuesday, 12pm -- Until now, she has not made one <i>mention</i> of her paa-paa!! Wow!!! <i>She went through her "spill" about what happened to paa-paa, and then just asked for her milk and "di". Her tiredness is kicking in now, though...and we'll be home for naptime soon, so we will see how this goes...</i><br />
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Tuesday, 2:30pm -- Believe it or not, I put her in bed for nap, and she WENT TO SLEEP!! No paa-paa...didn't even ask for it! <i>She may have just been beyond tired...or maybe she's getting used to it. But either way, this Momma will take it as a victory! </i><br />
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Tuesday, 9:00pm -- Her bedtime is getting longer and later these days (partially because we were trying to wear her down a bit more). I think she really just doesn't know how to settle herself without her "paa-paa"....But she didn't even mention it at bedtime!! She did ask about it once while in the car, but she told "Dada" what happened to it, and that was that! <i>I'll take this as another victory...she went to sleep on her own, with minimal crying, and with no pacifier! That's day TWO in the books!!</i><br />
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Wednesday, 7am -- I'm hearing less and less of "paa-paa" now. She's finally moving on without it. Granted, she hasn't <i>seen</i> any pacifiers either (which I'm afraid may be hard when she sees her sweet cousin with hers, since they look like hers), but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. <i>We are T-3 days until our beach/family reunion trip, so I am in hopes that the additional days away will help her to fully move on to normality without her pacifier. At this point, I must agree that the first day is the hardest...and it's harder for the parents than the child. I thought this was going to be the worst week ever trying to detox her from paa-paa, but although I hate seeing her upset (like she was on day 1), I love seeing that smile and hearing those forming sentences (that were so hard to see/hear with her pacifier)! It's worth the trouble...</i><br />
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Wednesday, 9pm -- We have officially made it a full 24 hours without the mention of "paa-paa"...AND she went straight to sleep without crying or whining tonight! I'm calling it (and hoping to be right) that we are now "fully detoxed" and pacifier free! It did get progressively easier over the last couple of days. Monday was definitely the hardest...but days like today (and all following) make it worth it!! <br />
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Bye-bye, Paa-Paa!! For GOOD!Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-46255579664848107902016-06-07T18:44:00.000-05:002016-07-24T15:22:56.554-05:00Pressing Pause | Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">First off, sorry for so many book reviews, but I had a LOT of reading time over the last week with vacation (YAH!!) And even some time to catch up on my blogging. I've been reading this book for a while, as it is a 100 day devotional, but I'm over 2/3 through it now, so I felt I could take the time to write an honest review for it at this point.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">If you know me at all, you know that I've been consistently battling with "balancing" life throughout motherhood. There are always things needing to be done around the house...always <i>someone</i> calling your name...an ever-growing "to-do" list...errands, appointments, cooking, and I could go on and on...but just <i>life</i>. And, by the time you sit down after the kids go to bed, you're just plain exhausted, and you realize in the quiet exhaustion, that you've once again failed in the most important part of your day -- your time with your Lord. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">I was totally drawn to this book from the title! Because daily, that's exactly what I need to do...Press Pause. Life doesn't <i>really </i>pause when I want it to, but this book makes it as easy and convenient as possible to take a moment (100, actually) with Jesus daily to read verses and be challenged/encouraged each day with a topic that applies to life as a mom. This book is perfect for every mom...when you're tired and busy...stay at home or at work...a quick but powerful "pause" to spend with God daily. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><i style="color: #666666; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: justify;">I received this book for free from Booklook Blogger Program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</i></span><br />
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Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-386643405207648282016-06-07T18:28:00.000-05:002016-06-07T18:28:55.427-05:00Sins of the Past | Christian Fiction | Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was the <i>best</i> book!!! We just had our family vacation, and it required us driving about 12 hours total to get there...this book kept my mind off of the whines from the backseat, the numbness in my legs, and the seemingly endless drive we had ahead of us! I started this book when we left, and I was finished by the time we arrived at our vacation destination. </div>
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Dani Petrey is an all-time favorite Christian fiction author...she's the reason I chose to give this book a try! I figured, I knew I'd like at least one of the three novellas! But honestly, I loved them all!! These were very easy reads...well written fiction that just pulls you in quickly and keeps you guessing until the end of the suspense. The all had their own romantic spins, but were centered around adventure/crime/suspense. </div>
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Most of all, I love these authors and how they write God and a Christian's life/perspective throughout their stories. I didn't have to worry about any inappropriate words or scenes. I could sit back and just read, and let their stories draw me in. </div>
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I highly recommend this book of three novellas, especially if you need a shorter read (all three combined are around the size one normal novel.) </div>
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<i style="color: #666666; font-family: Cardo; line-height: 18.48px;">I received this book for free from the Bethany House Blogger Program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</i></div>
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<br />Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-38845570537211249892016-06-07T17:41:00.002-05:002016-07-24T14:40:33.555-05:00The More of Less | Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QyaPWVu4PBfNt-w_744QeXQk7XdRlbF_Db4F012Akn1FNKr3QEylYQhyphenhyphenJ7RkbELodXKmM_H_ia3EWjImnpmgtDk1kAQ_llBNOKUJu9AN8CdK-cPIfYn7qYTSwNJ59oXN5ExsvVLHdYbM/s1600/moreofless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QyaPWVu4PBfNt-w_744QeXQk7XdRlbF_Db4F012Akn1FNKr3QEylYQhyphenhyphenJ7RkbELodXKmM_H_ia3EWjImnpmgtDk1kAQ_llBNOKUJu9AN8CdK-cPIfYn7qYTSwNJ59oXN5ExsvVLHdYbM/s400/moreofless.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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Around this time last year, our Life Group went through the book "Simplify" -- encouraging you to simplify life and be able to focus more on what God could and wanted to do through you when you weren't so overwhelmed with life and all of it's <i>un</i>simplified messiness. It was a great study, but each time I <i>tried</i> to simplify, I seemed to find myself failing...mostly because I didn't really know <i>how</i> to simplify...<i>how </i>to declutter my house, my heart, my life. </div>
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Then I found this book. I was pretty skeptical of it at first, assuming it would be like many others I had read...giving you all of the many reasons why you <i>want</i> to minimalize the things you own, etc. And, though the reasons are important, reasons aren't enough. For me, I needed easy application! Examples!! Though this book (about the first half) did go through the reasons that you want to simplify/minimize the things you own, and switch to a minimalist view on stuff, it also gave me what I had been needing...<i>a plan to get it done</i>! </div>
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The book itself is simple...no fancy pictures, etc., but it gets the job done. I was ready to start, step by step, implementing minimalism in my own life even before totally finishing the book. I'm sure there are many other ideas on how-to start a minimalist lifestyle in today's "need it all" world, but I haven't found them. This book was a great read and encouragement as I had been wanting and trying to begin decluttering my own house, heart, and life. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking to consider a more minimalistic approach.</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 18.48px; text-align: justify;"><i>I received this book for free from Blogging for Books Program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</i></span></div>
Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624927683322611264.post-13341457706759365112016-05-20T09:05:00.001-05:002016-07-24T15:23:04.617-05:00Sew Krafty - Little Mommy Accessories | AG Bitty Baby | Review & DISCOUNT CODE!<div style="text-align: justify;">
{TODAY through JUNE 6th, if you mention our blog post in an email to their store site or use the code LITTLEMAMA5P, you will get 5% off of <i>everything </i>in the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KraftsbyAngandLiz?utm_source=transactional&amp%3Butm_medium=trans_email&amp%3Butm_campaign=convo_html&campaign_label=convo_notifications&utm_campaign=convo_notifications_010170_10683759063_0_0&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&email_sent=1463747298&euid=pG9PaT_n7TwdMNuz4CXpoAErYMuO&eaid=73880597&x_eaid=7a8c3112f0">store</a>!! Go check them out!!!} </div>
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I don't know about you, but I am always looking for unique gift ideas for my children (and nieces, nephews, cousins...well, you get the picture!). Recently, my sweet 5 year old niece asked for a "real" looking diaper bag and accessories for her birthday to use with her new American Girl Bitty Baby. I looked all over the "big name" stores online, only to find small, unrealistic ones made more for 2-year-olds. So, that got me to thinking...there <i>had</i> to be <i>somewhere </i>I could find cuter, more realistic accessories for all of those sweet "Little Mommies" out there! That's when I stumbled across <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KraftsbyAngandLiz?utm_source=transactional&amp%3Butm_medium=trans_email&amp%3Butm_campaign=convo_html&campaign_label=convo_notifications&utm_campaign=convo_notifications_010170_10683759063_0_0&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&email_sent=1463747298&euid=pG9PaT_n7TwdMNuz4CXpoAErYMuO&eaid=73880597&x_eaid=7a8c3112f0">Sew Krafty by Angie & Liz!</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQomp583vEh1bRX8E9-bZfrupO_FXIRu5XqGYp6CND8I8nkoCypq_g9vgesILwj2cHJHk0Ag6lhYc9xihtBfc7y1tQlrAnaFAkkQtBHA9KZmE7UXz1jZlJZwzu8ijME0AstTVQqqFp-yKa/s1600/IMG_1844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQomp583vEh1bRX8E9-bZfrupO_FXIRu5XqGYp6CND8I8nkoCypq_g9vgesILwj2cHJHk0Ag6lhYc9xihtBfc7y1tQlrAnaFAkkQtBHA9KZmE7UXz1jZlJZwzu8ijME0AstTVQqqFp-yKa/s400/IMG_1844.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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They currently have <i>at least</i> 30 reasons (and growing) why you should check their <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KraftsbyAngandLiz?utm_source=transactional&amp%3Butm_medium=trans_email&amp%3Butm_campaign=convo_html&campaign_label=convo_notifications&utm_campaign=convo_notifications_010170_10683759063_0_0&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&email_sent=1463747298&euid=pG9PaT_n7TwdMNuz4CXpoAErYMuO&eaid=73880597&x_eaid=7a8c3112f0">Etsy shop</a>! </div>
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I have two "Little Mommies" of my own...an almost 2-year-old, who is obsessed with <i>anything</i> baby, especially for her AG Bitty Baby...and a 9-year-old who still enjoys "realistic" pretend play. Yes, that is a pretty broad age-range, but I'd venture to say that Sew Krafty has successfully bridged that gap to create items that all ages would love!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIA1YcpWz-InBxLHZSt2tbvEZHAJkPzwdQVZjfd_4MkuwFUhh5NsnQQ9hv3sTjX5eV5zmf-Z6-ScQuwUT4A_bQFvem30Pwp3rMSjj81ERpzvBls-umrOp1GwlDrtI_f6QkJjvYGk-RrG9q/s1600/IMG_1849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIA1YcpWz-InBxLHZSt2tbvEZHAJkPzwdQVZjfd_4MkuwFUhh5NsnQQ9hv3sTjX5eV5zmf-Z6-ScQuwUT4A_bQFvem30Pwp3rMSjj81ERpzvBls-umrOp1GwlDrtI_f6QkJjvYGk-RrG9q/s400/IMG_1849.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KraftsbyAngandLiz?utm_source=transactional&amp%3Butm_medium=trans_email&amp%3Butm_campaign=convo_html&campaign_label=convo_notifications&utm_campaign=convo_notifications_010170_10683759063_0_0&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&email_sent=1463747298&euid=pG9PaT_n7TwdMNuz4CXpoAErYMuO&eaid=73880597&x_eaid=7a8c3112f0"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KraftsbyAngandLiz?utm_source=transactional&amp%3Butm_medium=trans_email&amp%3Butm_campaign=convo_html&campaign_label=convo_notifications&utm_campaign=convo_notifications_010170_10683759063_0_0&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&email_sent=1463747298&euid=pG9PaT_n7TwdMNuz4CXpoAErYMuO&eaid=73880597&x_eaid=7a8c3112f0">Angie & Liz</a> sent me an adorable diaper bag and accessory kit to enjoy & review (and they've also offered a great deal for you, as well, so keep reading!!) I was <i>floored</i> by the attention-to-detail and wonderful craftsmanship of their items! There was much thought, time, and love put into the making of these items. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PBHmIcKXNK7GKEZIGZ1vvWPolcK6P3KfqNxS0cCN6zHKDsDxoLafoEHuhdbr1ZLoODsVC-oq9_gma-uv8UUbFXBtHDvNmvgO8Ab3jvcCCJU9p4ZmCR0tb8x2l1WWMQo95pz-z_qWj1wR/s1600/IMG_1848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PBHmIcKXNK7GKEZIGZ1vvWPolcK6P3KfqNxS0cCN6zHKDsDxoLafoEHuhdbr1ZLoODsVC-oq9_gma-uv8UUbFXBtHDvNmvgO8Ab3jvcCCJU9p4ZmCR0tb8x2l1WWMQo95pz-z_qWj1wR/s400/IMG_1848.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sets are perfectly coordinated. The diaper bag is a beautiful replica of what I carried for my own babies...just on a smaller, more manageable scale...complete with side and inside pockets, and a velcro closure (hidden by a button). SO stinkin' cute!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLwHdt2oMCHspZu86NASBT5pN_5oA9-BMrpDOV_ybxEYZmvqExMd5ZoII0mgSspzWcEzuDR8RUuGMz64W0rxwUfJNZL3DJrl-bvlRGSJ8hSL7TnhhxPPAqKKQcTAcF9C8MNAQpushJn9G/s1600/IMG_1853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLwHdt2oMCHspZu86NASBT5pN_5oA9-BMrpDOV_ybxEYZmvqExMd5ZoII0mgSspzWcEzuDR8RUuGMz64W0rxwUfJNZL3DJrl-bvlRGSJ8hSL7TnhhxPPAqKKQcTAcF9C8MNAQpushJn9G/s400/IMG_1853.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And, what diaper bag would be complete without a doll-size minky blanket, diaper changing pad, shoulder burp cloth, diapers, bib, and {my personal favorite accessory} a wipe holder and wipes?! </div>
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<i>All matching/coordinating</i>. Everything is soft...child-friendly...and as cute as can be...all while mimicking exactly what a Mom would have/need. Truly <i>perfect</i> for all of your "Little Mommies" out there! </div>
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The diapers are completely adjustable, so they will easily fit a wide variety of baby dolls! We used them on our AG Bitty Baby dolls, as that's what is most played with here. But we also tried them on our Corolle doll, Circo doll, and even a newborn Cabbage Patch doll! Totally versatile for baby dolls! (Which is <i>perfect</i> for us, since I apparently have a 2-year-old baby doll "hoarder" {haha--but that's a whole other story...}). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYPamyY8_ONRLWXMmRb3hoGt5Jlt_YhAR2smI4BtvaQleO6PG9PtG7mVNuc5AKbNX8iYZHDpfprGJU_Uq3NIQB_9cr7bzNt0ZluPIXRCf-8q77Eec8s6wJz84fwB5tukHXBBMpcYyFCvY/s1600/IMG_1869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYPamyY8_ONRLWXMmRb3hoGt5Jlt_YhAR2smI4BtvaQleO6PG9PtG7mVNuc5AKbNX8iYZHDpfprGJU_Uq3NIQB_9cr7bzNt0ZluPIXRCf-8q77Eec8s6wJz84fwB5tukHXBBMpcYyFCvY/s400/IMG_1869.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, this set impressed me! I was super-excited about how beautifully crafted it was, and I would <i>totally</i> use this as a special gift for any "Little Mommy" I know! But, I couldn't post a review without handing it over to my 2 and 9 year old girls, to see <i>their</i> reactions...</div>
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Before handing it over to my 2-year-old, I let my 9-year-old see it. She's at a hard age to know what she would and would not play with...she still likes imagination play, but there's apparently a <i>very</i> thin line on what is "too babyish" and what is acceptable. And I am <i>no good</i> at finding that line. <i>However</i>, as soon as I brought the set out, she was in love! Being older, she immediately wanted to play "realistically" with it...she brought out the changing pad, to put on a clean (new) diaper...she used the burp cloth on her shoulder while she rocked the baby to sleep...and she adored having a diaper bag that she felt was made "just for her". Her only complaint was that she'd have to share with her little sister! {We may be purchasing a second set in our near future!}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-FWBKpmxMmxsaBcDW9He31wUCBlnk2wCjyhIZ9PjmjOD4n1kw04ei-1uGPWPDDiVb4Ad_MiGI14HOKOjN5WSgl4iungX4do3gwuBAeVw9Co1e7W5zQnLROIEMzS7WaABtSNPCBrXRNst/s1600/IMG_1870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-FWBKpmxMmxsaBcDW9He31wUCBlnk2wCjyhIZ9PjmjOD4n1kw04ei-1uGPWPDDiVb4Ad_MiGI14HOKOjN5WSgl4iungX4do3gwuBAeVw9Co1e7W5zQnLROIEMzS7WaABtSNPCBrXRNst/s400/IMG_1870.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEnQb0UZL7EWZ6CYG3JLeRa_vNvw09t8pyfdoq0uJxnSsSkIkYGZO6E5bhycQM06XyzNzH0gkCA1V09KgIDLcbLQNlAhqSQzx3spk3I0PmN72pAV49aYNincJPuSyljSTvsxxX6H5PdpH/s1600/IMG_1878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEnQb0UZL7EWZ6CYG3JLeRa_vNvw09t8pyfdoq0uJxnSsSkIkYGZO6E5bhycQM06XyzNzH0gkCA1V09KgIDLcbLQNlAhqSQzx3spk3I0PmN72pAV49aYNincJPuSyljSTvsxxX6H5PdpH/s400/IMG_1878.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This set totally passed the approval test of my 9-year-old...with <i>flying</i> colors! And this Mom loved seeing that imagination play come back in a more realistic fashion at an age that is so often more interested in electronics, etc. What better way to "teach" those basic Mommy skills than letting them mimic for themselves exactly what they see real moms doing? </div>
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Now, I <i>knew</i> my 2-year-old would love this...she has a definite <i>love</i> for bags and baby dolls...but I wasn't sure if she would be old enough to understand the pretend play portion of all the accessories she now had. I was <i>wrong</i>! She immediately but her diaper bag on her shoulder (it was a little long for her, but didn't drag the floor...and she certainly didn't care!), and told us her baby had "shoo-shooed" {which is Addison language for needing a clean diaper}. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScodnR7Uv5BFYkfGrghVxeeIwbTqDoB8qCkXOK6lPUIDulgC9lIo7Chzr4AfgPDpozPV1nhY0Zj7V9SLq6EHP1zz-QdHdoaxbIx5_h4hZw7RgC_wWdaLuDrKp9ntgmb_w3U2StzIMOEt5/s1600/IMG_1899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScodnR7Uv5BFYkfGrghVxeeIwbTqDoB8qCkXOK6lPUIDulgC9lIo7Chzr4AfgPDpozPV1nhY0Zj7V9SLq6EHP1zz-QdHdoaxbIx5_h4hZw7RgC_wWdaLuDrKp9ntgmb_w3U2StzIMOEt5/s400/IMG_1899.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Obviously, my 2-year-old doesn't do realistic pretend play the same as my 9-year-old...but she packs and repacks her diaper bag frequently throughout the day. She doesn't take her doll anywhere without her "bag" ready to go! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmkqYkF6YsOdJYLa0Cp8-qMUZYfR5dp66Cx6qv43l7wpfvK0fP50Hagl9w7oE5pJqrC2JupXSldxOGzcZt-LPG1-MHC9ZrwYDd2e2sxBHOefQOST8GdAWiLPZMOdOp1kbJcT_XjwaTVv4/s1600/IMG_1887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmkqYkF6YsOdJYLa0Cp8-qMUZYfR5dp66Cx6qv43l7wpfvK0fP50Hagl9w7oE5pJqrC2JupXSldxOGzcZt-LPG1-MHC9ZrwYDd2e2sxBHOefQOST8GdAWiLPZMOdOp1kbJcT_XjwaTVv4/s400/IMG_1887.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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This diaper bag and accessories is apparently going to be very well-loved and well-used here...but after seeing the workmanship <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KraftsbyAngandLiz?utm_source=transactional&amp%3Butm_medium=trans_email&amp%3Butm_campaign=convo_html&campaign_label=convo_notifications&utm_campaign=convo_notifications_010170_10683759063_0_0&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&email_sent=1463747298&euid=pG9PaT_n7TwdMNuz4CXpoAErYMuO&eaid=73880597&x_eaid=7a8c3112f0">Angie & Liz</a> put into it, I could see it lasting through all of their fun play stages. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7O-TuMVq-r1Zb9A6ATPFS6ylAIxdRBju12-3ATLLToQiqsQML6DWY4KrAhc8QRLWKbDDJAlv6FIJqNs32qV9F00nmzy-o_vNt2-Cha-3ByJKZcoDnGyG5ZAbvxt2oaB1a8IEdX6GBOSak/s1600/IMG_1911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7O-TuMVq-r1Zb9A6ATPFS6ylAIxdRBju12-3ATLLToQiqsQML6DWY4KrAhc8QRLWKbDDJAlv6FIJqNs32qV9F00nmzy-o_vNt2-Cha-3ByJKZcoDnGyG5ZAbvxt2oaB1a8IEdX6GBOSak/s400/IMG_1911.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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On a side note, the diaper bag fit beautifully over the handle of my daughter's baby doll stroller, which she <i>loves</i>! Now she's totally ready to see the world, baby and all of baby's "necessities" <i>in tow</i>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkMamCmBh3ySB2n9I1ZcxrQvggTX2VQle6oOIH83PTMtI_Ut_u-s809WYSwSoF0YieK3xp1rGsfo9QLdMjqHUx11E8wx930fICB2hZvkbpdQCpBAt0Fn5aQKq1pDn9Kp057nkWh_DxxTU/s1600/IMG_1944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkMamCmBh3ySB2n9I1ZcxrQvggTX2VQle6oOIH83PTMtI_Ut_u-s809WYSwSoF0YieK3xp1rGsfo9QLdMjqHUx11E8wx930fICB2hZvkbpdQCpBAt0Fn5aQKq1pDn9Kp057nkWh_DxxTU/s400/IMG_1944.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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So, what's my overall review? In case it wasn't clear above...{grins} Take a look at Sew Krafty's shop!! They have <i>so many</i> adorable items for sale for your favorite "Little Mommies" -- diaper bags and accessories (like what I just showed you), doll clothes, aprons, and even mini boppy pillows complete with nursing covers (I totally needed this a few years ago...when my oldest kept stealing my boppy to feed her own baby {haha}...)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYxbZEK5pU42A7T7LeWDRs2pIFRfk4ohvD9y0Yw_zTWn5zxBcvfi1agyk2nE0I2e5nKV1Qoy_tdvYJU6hCp9Tuv5MJd4Aotcjr2H2GGT_AugAC_QgQQQAsFrJMUQ_hCdbsyR4wYSlgmmY/s1600/1+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYxbZEK5pU42A7T7LeWDRs2pIFRfk4ohvD9y0Yw_zTWn5zxBcvfi1agyk2nE0I2e5nKV1Qoy_tdvYJU6hCp9Tuv5MJd4Aotcjr2H2GGT_AugAC_QgQQQAsFrJMUQ_hCdbsyR4wYSlgmmY/s400/1+001.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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And they already have plans for more awesome products over the next month! Check them out! It's worth your time...I promise! AND starting TODAY through JUNE 6th, if you mention our blog post in an email to their store site or use the code LITTLEMAMA5P, you will get 5% off of <i>everything </i>in the store!! </div>
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Here's how to keep up with them and their newest creations:</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KraftsbyAngandLiz?utm_source=transactional&amp%3Butm_medium=trans_email&amp%3Butm_campaign=convo_html&campaign_label=convo_notifications&utm_campaign=convo_notifications_010170_10683759063_0_0&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&email_sent=1463747298&euid=pG9PaT_n7TwdMNuz4CXpoAErYMuO&eaid=73880597&x_eaid=7a8c3112f0">Sew Krafty Etsy Shop</a> (be sure to favorite their shop for quick access!!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/CustomMadeBySewKrafty/">Facebook Page</a> (go like it and follow their newest additions!)</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 18.48px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I received this book for free from Sew Krafty for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></span></div>
Marshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00955269865738675543noreply@blogger.com