Menu Monday

Menu Monday has become a regular thing for me now. I really like having a menu plan in motion each week. It helps me stay organized and not stressed about meal time, as well as keeping within my budget.

Last week a friend of mine sent me a text message on Sunday that read:

GROCERY CHALLENGE: Wholesome meals for 5 days. No coupons. Just grocery store sales. Less than $35 bucks spent using pantry staples.

You know as easy as it sounds, it really isn't. She specified her local grocery store, and since it is different from any in my area, I really had no idea where to direct her. I know my response was pretty lame at best because I couldn't think of cheap, easy and good for you stuff without an ad or coupon reserve to help. So, this week, I am aiming to follow her guidelines by using what I have in my house now with the exception of a few produce items.

MENU:

Monday:

We live in a gated community and our children's committee hosts a great Halloween Trunk or Treat each year. Aside from the candy and games available, hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy will be served. Not really in the “wholesome” category listed, but it is free to everyone.

Grilled Mesquite Chicken, Rice, Broccoli and Cheese: Chicken purchased 2 weeks ago on sale at Kroger. Mesquite marinade pantry item that was free after coupons earlier this year. Rice is a pantry staple and Green Giant Broccoli with Cheese Sauce on sale last grocery visit (Valley Fresh Steamers under $1 a bag after coupons!)

Beef Pot Roast, Carrots and Potatoes: Roast was purchased on sale 2 weeks ago at Kroger. Carrots and Potatoes are already in pantry. Using simple pantry seasonings (garlic, season salt, black pepper) slow cook pot roast in Crock Pot all day, adding carrots and potatoes for last hour of cook time. Serve potatoes mashed or as is with gravy made from juices in Crock Pot left by roast beef.

Tacos: Using leftover beef roast shredded and seasoned with cumin/garlic or taco seasoning. Serve on corn tortillas with lettuce, tomato and cheese. Purchase lettuce and tomato if needed.

Chicken Fried Rice: Chicken purchased 2 weeks ago on sale at Kroger. 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables from freezer stock. Soy sauce, garlic, ginger and other seasonings from pantry. Rice leftover from earlier in week.

By using staple items I keep on hand in pantry as well as sale meats that I pick up when they are dirt cheap, I can easily throw together 4-5 meals a week with only minimal purchases made. Produce such as fresh fruits and vegetables and the occasional bottle of juice, loaf of bread and gallon of milk are normally the only items we have to stop for throughout the week. My one big grocery trip at the first of the month that uses coupons and ad matching keeps me fully stocked on both meats and staple items so that only minimal purchases are necessary throughout the week.

What's on your menu? Could you create 5 wholesome meals for your family for under $35 using what you already have in your pantry?

Creatures of the Night That We Loved So Well Book Review

Just in time for Halloween, I received my copy of the great book Creatures of the Night That We Loves So Well: TV Horror Hosts of Southern California by James M. Fetters.  This book is just what it sounds like, a great read dedicated to classic Horror shows of Jeepers Creepers and their hosts from years gone by.  

As a child, James Fetters not only watched horror shows on TV, but also recorded them on an old school reel to reel recorder.  Later in adulthood, he stumbled upon those tapes and began his journey back in to finding information and history about the horror shows of his childhood that brought such fond memories.  This book and other articles on the Internet and publications are the culmination of years of research and enjoyment in bringing back to life what could be long lost memories for him and other children who watched classic shows such as: Jeepers Creepers' Theatre, Vampira: Lady of Horrors,  Mona Lisa: Science Fiction Theatre, and many more.

Although not a typical book for me to review, I really enjoyed going through the various documents and statistics James sought out and included in his book.  Not only does it have basic information about various shows featured in the 60's, 70's and on in to the early 80's, but it also has many biographical items, copies of scripts and little known facts about the stars, producers and teams involved in getting your favorite childhood horror shows on the air.  Not to mention the dozens of photos, show posters and bio pics of the stars.  An excellent source of information on early classic Horror television shows, I was really amazed at how much information he packed into a relatively small book.

Although I wouldn't say I am a huge horror fan, I really love the history in this book and the well laid out format Mr. Fetters used in his work.  I love historical works (both fiction and non fiction) and this touched on the history of not only a genre of film and television, but television itself.  The horror genre of the early 1960's was thought to be too risque and sexy for every day television, but looking back on the mildness of those shows, I am shocked to see those terms used in description.  It shows how far advanced our cinematography has come as well as how thoroughly society standards of the word "risque" have changed. 

I give this book 5 stars and would recommend it to any classic TV buff or horror fan.  I personally think it would be an excellent gift book for Christmas, birthdays and other holidays for your favorite TV fan.  

Thanks to MediaGuests for including me in the review of this book.  I am now interested once again in classic Horror Television!

**I was not monetarily compensated for the review of this book.  I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions and reviews written herein are my own**

Weider Than Marshmallows Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

I recently received the eBook Weirder Than Marshmallows by Dan Fogg from NightFire Publications to read and review.  I really had no idea what to expect going in, but was pleasantly surprised at the well written and humorous take on things that Dan had.  

The book itself is a compilation of essays and observations written by Dan Fogg that were compiled and edited by Deborah Carney.  Dan's life was tragically cut short in 2002, but his legacy lives on among his friends and family, and hopefully through the publishing of this book, society will also hear and read the words of a man who spent most of his life confined to a wheel chair, but observed the world around him with the eyes of a cynic and comedian. 

The book itself is broken down into 5 parts: 

Do Not Stop on Tracks showcases warnings that should never have to be warned.

En Masse contains stories of mass ignorance.

Technology Sucks explores the hazards of the technological age.

That’s Just Freaky features Twilight Zone like tales of paranormality.

Weird Stuff is stuff that is… well, weird

Dan shows an obvious sense of humor and heart of a comedian in his take on life and random things around us.  From his thoughts regarding the unusual warning signs on products and places in our lives, to the stupid actions of society in general at times, he looks at things with a cynics heart and what I consider to be a much more honest view than most of what we read and hear.  His take on peoples disabilities and how there is a tendency for "groups" to stick together and make themselves stand out more rather than being diverse and incorporating into society really hit home.  It was refreshing to see someone who himself suffered a disability be honest about how it is taken advantage of and exaggerated.  Yet, on the same token, not discounting or overlooking the disability itself.  

Overall, I was very impressed with this eBook.  The quality of writing is excellent.  Both Dan in his creativity and honesty and Deborah in her editing skills managed to pull together a great book of humor and well, weirdness that I truly appreciated.  This book is long enough to read a few pages a day, or short enough to read in one sitting.  My only complaint or drawback has to do with the use of foul language in a few places.  Although I understood the placement and get the reasons behind it, I still felt it was unnecessary to get the point across in the book.  This brought the book down to a 4 star for me.  

Weirder than Marshmallows is definitely a great eBook to grab as a gift for the comedian in your family or just what I would call a "coffee table" book for yourself.  Something light and fun to read when you want to unwind or could use a few laughs.  

We are very lucky that NightFire Publications has been so generous in their offerings to You Brew My Tea's readers.

As a special limited offer, if You Brew My Tea readers purchase Weirder than Marshmallows for the Kindle and they forward me their receipt at dc@nightfirepublications.com we will send them a special Scentsy Pumpkin Marshmallow Scent Circle. 

Nightfire Publications has also generously offered to give one of You Brew My Tea's readers a chance to win a FREE copy of Weider Than Marshmallows!

GIVEAWAY ENDS: 

NOVEMBER 5th, 2011 at MIDNIGHT

Open to USA Only

For each entry, please leave one comment stating what entry you qualify for and including a valid email address for winner notification.  If the item is worth 5 entries it requires 5 separate comments.  Thanks!

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GOOD LUCK!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Church Search Begins Again

I know that we are not the only one with this struggle. I know that we aren't alone in the disgust with the church today. Thus, I feel like it's acceptable to vent on this forum about this.

As a preachers daughter, I had always had a church home as a child. As a teenager and young adult, my family (parents and I) tried several churches in our area and ended up at what is not a huge church by most standards but definitely one of the largest in our area. We attended there for several years, but shortly after I gave birth (out of wedlock) to my oldest son, the discomfort and judgment there led us to a different church. I attended this smaller church until I married my now ex husband. At that point, he and I went to the larger church some but mostly not at all. I wanted to, he didn't. It was a struggle. Toward the end of my marriage, I started going regularly to another Baptist church in our area. This one a bit more conservative and definitely fundamentalist. I didn't agree with all the things said/taught there but the people were welcoming and I needed a place to go.

Last year, after my divorce and subsequent issues in my life, I felt very much out of place at that church as well. In fact, one of the leaders wives made a comment regarding me that basically said I wasn't really welcome anymore. In the midst of the darkest and loneliest days of my life, I had no real church home. I have a few great Christian friends that have supported me from afar and have listened for countless hours as I cried and struggled, but I had no pastor nor a place to worship.

Then, around Christmas time, we started attending the same church my parents and I had moved to after my oldest was born. My Dad had been placed in a position there temporarily as somewhat of an Interim pastor. As the church looked for a permanent full time pastor, my Dad filled the pulpit on Sundays and Wednesdays and struggled to help lead them in the right direction for the church. For 7 months we attended there as a family and enjoyed the fellowship as well as being taught by my father. There were things I felt are important for my son to have at church that this place was lacking due to it's small size, but hearing my Daddy preach was the priority at the time.

A couple of months ago, the church found and called a full time pastor and my Dad no longer preachers. Considering the 45 minute drive we had been making each Sunday to hear him, it was a relief in some ways. It was time for me to start researching and looking for a place of worship closer to home. Within 3 miles of our house are 3 churches. Two of these are Baptist, similar to what I grew up attending. One is a Community church that has ties to the United Methodist. Of the 3 churches, I much prefer the Community/Methodist church. But still, that's not saying much. It just doesn't fit me or my family.

One of the biggest problems is that the churches I have tried, just fall so far short of what I need/want from my church. The judgmental and hypocritical attendees and leaders of the churches in my area and where I have attended in the past leave too much to be desired. Frankly, I learn more and grow more at home watching Davey and Goliath with my 4 year old than I do in an hour long sermon at a church these days, and that's pitiful.

The churches are lacking Jesus. The whole concept of Christianity is to be like Christ. To follow him. To love others and reach out to others like he would. Too many churches are numbers oriented, but once they get you in the door, it's up to you. Yes, we have our own responsibility to grow and stay in God's Word, but I believe that the church should be leading and teaching. I want my pastor to love and have compassion, not judge and be bitter. I want to stay awake during the service because it gets my attention and has me excited and wanting to hear more. I want to be convicted and grow and learn. Not just fill a seat in the pew and toss a few dollars in the collection plate.

The modern day church is a social gathering, not a place of love and accountability. I have no problem with Contemporary services or traditional services. I think everyone should be welcome. But if they are welcomed into the church, they shouldn't be talked about or judged after services by those who invited them or those in leadership positions. I believe that we should be taught how to love like Christ, not how to tithe the most money to get the best amount off our tax returns at the end of the year.

I love Jesus. I love God. I love the concept of church. I hate the church these days.

SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student - Book Review

SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student by James P. Stobaugh.

One of the greatest stress's for high school students in their Junior and Senior year is the prospect of taking their SAT tests and not scoring well or “failing”. Even the most knowledgeable and scholarly students fear theses tests and anxiously await the results to be delivered in the mail. The tests themselves are relatively inexpensive to take and can be offered/taken multiple times, but every student strives to do well the first time not the 5^th or 6^th time.

In James P. Stobaugh's book regarding SAT and College Preparation, he guides a Christian student in sample quizzes and assignments he/she may find on the actual exam while implementing a daily devotional and insight to help them grow not only mentally but spiritually during this process. Each section has a devotional guide with scripture, thoughts and encouragement for the student while simultaneously teaching the student how to be prepared and able to ace the test. Mr. Stobaugh has incorporated many common test processes such as reading comprehension into a Bible lesson. By using scripture and corresponding devotional thoughts coupled with a question and answer section, the author has taught the student not only how to perform the task but also encouraged and taught them spiritually.

I am in my first semester of college at age 29. Waiting several years to go back to school left me behind in many areas when I took my college entrance exam. Because of my lower scores on the exam, I am forced to take several remedial courses that could delay my degree by an additional year. Books like this one that show basic examples of standardized testing and also encourage the reader to prepare for those exams would definitely have come in handy for me.

There are many SAT and college exam prep books available but from a Christian perspective, I have to give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is laid out nicely with many great examples to establish what is common on an SAT as well as an index of answers so the student can test themselves and check their own work later on. I would say that this would be a great gift to give a Junior or Senior in high school. It's dual purpose devotional guide along with it's educational insights are top notch. Although it has many essays and critical reading concepts to look over, there are many other types of testing included in a traditional SAT or entrance exam that this book does not cover. It would gain an additional star from me if it had more to offer in the mathematics preparation department.

**I was not monetarily compensated for the review of this book. I received the book via Master Books publishing via New Leaf Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions within are mine alone.**

Boys Attract Accidents like Magnets!

Although I have 2 sons, in the 8 years I have been a mother, I have only had one ER trip with either of them. My oldest was about 18 months old when he got into a bottle of blood pressure medication and was taken in for observation for 24 hours. Although it wasn't serious, it was frightening in itself. I'll never forget them loading him up in the helicopter to fly to the Children's Hospital an hour away. A Mommy's heart breaks at things like that.

Well, last week was another first. My youngest at 4 years old is clumsy just like his mama. He has a tendency to run and fall skinning his knees and getting scrapes on his hands all the time. We've had a few incidents in the past that left him bleeding and me worrying. Falls that resulted in bites on his tongue or bumps on his noggin that bled a lot, but were really nothing more than superficial wounds. There have been a few illnesses that had me worried for a few hours, but in the end he held his own and came through without an emergency room visit. This time it was different.

Last Wednesday evening I was in my kitchen washing dishes and talking to my mom on the phone while he was playing in the other room. I heard my Love pull up the drive and a few seconds later the front door opened. I didn't turn around but knew he had come in and said hello the my boy. Within seconds of his entering the house, I heard the wailing sounds of my son crying. My first instinct was he had gotten in trouble for something, but as the cries got louder, I turned to see my love kneeling in front of him and red blood squirting EVERYWHERE.

It seems that he was so excited his Daddy was home that he was dancing around our living room. Somehow he tripped and fell, and his face (lip/cheek) found the brick hearth in front of our fireplace. A chunk of flesh the size of my pinky nail came out of his cute little face right above his lip. From such a small wound, I swear a few pints of blood came squirting and dripping out in the next half hour. Immediately we determined this was an ER visit for sure. I held the towel on his mouth while my Love got the car seat loaded in his truck and we were soon on our way.

A couple of hours and one stitch later, my baby boy had survived his first real big boo boo. I am very proud of how well he did throughout the process. There were some tears for sure, but he was really good and let the doctor and nurses look at his mouth without too much fuss. When it came time to suture his mouth, he was ready. The initial shot to numb the area set him off crying, but the stitch was in place in seconds and he was ready to roll.

Although it was a minor injury, it sure stopped my Mommy heart. I managed just fine until we got out of the hospital and headed home. I realized how shaky I was then. I'm just glad it wasn't anything too bad and was easily repaired. I have no problem with blood or wounds, but seeing it on my own child, well that's a whole different story.

Already Compromised Book Review

Already Compromised: Christian Colleges Took a Test on the State of Their Faith and The Final Exam is in, by Ken Ham & Greg Hall with Britt Beemer of America's Research Group.

I don't have any teenage children to prepare for college, but the years pass by quickly and soon I will be struggling with the financial and emotional burden of helping my sons choose their future college and career. Ken Ham and Greg Hall take an in depth look at the state of well known colleges (both secular and Christian) in this book. With help from Britt Beemer of America's Research Group, they show statistically how even the “Christian” colleges and universities out there today are far from the standards we expect of a faith based campus.

As a Christian parent or student, you expect to find a strong faith based curricula and staff on a Christian campus. Statistically that has been true in the past, but the onslaught of more liberal views in society has had a large affect on even our most traditionally stoic schools. The commonality of being more and more “politically correct” has had an alarming affect on the perseverance of our Christian educational facilities to “stick with their guns” and maintain a strong standard of morality and faith. In order to compete with secular schools, too many of our colleges are taking on the view toward theology and faith of tolerance and adaptation. Rather than enforcing and standing by the faith based standards against many moral dilemmas, the boards of our Christian schools are becoming more and more lenient and tolerant of viewpoints and actions that in years past would have never made the cut.

It is an unfortunate but alarmingly true fact that greed and competition is now the main reason behind changes in beliefs in our Christian colleges rather than true spiritual and Biblical convictions.

This book not only outlines the changes in schools that are not savory, but also gives you a great guide on how and what to ask about prospective schools. As a parent, although your college student may be an adult, you still feel responsible for guiding them in the right direction. By utilizing the tips presented within this book, you can rest assured that you are stepping out and making good strong decisions to help lead your child down a better path.

My personal opinion regarding education is that if given the opportunity, every person should pursue formal training. I of all people understand the financial burdens that come along with being a student. Tuition, room and board, lab fees and books can add up at alarming rates. Unfortunately, many of us do not have the privilege of “choosing” a school to go to. With jobs becoming more and more scarce and our family incomes being stretched further and further it is a fact that most of our children are going from high school to attending local community colleges rather than traditional 4 year schools of years past. Although the authors do stress the importance of having a Godly base to your education, I personally feel that secular educational facilities are great options for anyone. Yes, there are many things at state colleges that are unsavory or immoral, but as this book prove you will never find a college that is “perfect”.

If you are a parent of a high school student or are a student yourself and are concerned about what options are available for you to maintain a Christian atmosphere in college, this is a good book to read. It has great statistics and suggestions on how to find the right school for you. Overall I give this book 3 stars. It is very informative and well written but it does tend to go to the extreme conservative viewpoint that is at best unrealistic for many good Christian families/students today.

**I was not monetarily compensated for the review of this book. I received Already Compromised free from it's publisher Master Books via New Leaf Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion and review.**

Menu Monday

Fall and cooler temperatures have officially set in!  This makes me a much happier woman!  I love the soothing warmth of hot cocoa or spiced cider.  I adore a good pot of chili, chowder or soup.  Warm breads, cookies and pies fresh from the oven are manna from Heaven.  My menu is much richer in the cooler months than the warmer summer months and I hope that the recipes and thoughts shared here will reflect new and old favorites. 

This week I hope to stay on schedule better and get in a few more walks in the evenings.  We are trying to be healthier as a family, and our evening walks are a wonderful way to make that happen.  The cooler weather and crisp clear skies make it really nice to get out and enjoy our neighborhood.  Having dinner ready when we get home each day also helps give me a few extra hours to enjoy with my "men". 

I know the Crock Pot is utilized a lot in my menu plans as well as in most working moms menus.  I love mine, but I also love a good meal that is quick/easy/delicious and that makes enough to have leftovers on the second night.  Being a caregiver for my grandparents has definitely meant a lot of country style and old fashioned food has been cooked by me lately.  It has also given me the chance to cook larger meals to be shared with my parents as well.  I love being able to help not only my grandparents to stay in their own home for the remainder of their life, but easing a burden on my mom by helping cook evening meals for them as well.  So, a lot of my recipes listed and menu plans lately will be full of "big meal" ideas that work into our menu plan and theirs.  

MENU: 

Turkey Pot Pie: Leftover turkey breast from roasted turkey of weekend.  1 large bag of frozen mixed vegetables (preferably with onion/potato), 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 can cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup (cooks preference or what is available), pie crusts.  My family prefers a pot pie with potato chunks in it as well as with cream of mushroom rather than cream of celery.  We also like double crusts on our pot pie.  I often get Pillsbury Pie Crusts on sale and with coupons for dirt cheap, so I fudge and use them rather than making homemade.  Quick, easy, yummy and goes a long way! 

Spaghetti & Meatballs:  Using whole wheat pasta and canned pasta sauce that was "purchased" for FREE by using coupons (another reason I love stocking up on these items when available!) I can build a yummy pot of spaghetti for the whole family.  I usually dice up a small onion and bell pepper and saute with a bit of olive oil and chopped garlic to add with the jar of pasta sauce and an additional can of diced stewed tomatoes.  It extends the free jar of sauce and adds a more "homemade" flavor.  I can often find pre-made meatballs on sale with coupons that make them super inexpensive and worth tossing in the freezer.  If not, a pound of ground turkey browned goes a long way in spaghetti sauce.  

Swiss Steak and Rice:  By using top sirloin that was purchased on sale for a little over $1 a pound, I can make tons of various beef meals in the Crock Pot.  One of our family favorites is Swiss Steak.  Toss the meat in the slow cooker with 2 cans of diced stewed tomatoes, 2 cups water, 1 packet onion soup mix and slow cook on low all day.  Serve over white or brown rice with a side of favorite veggie.  I prefer salad or green beans with this dish. 

All of these meals make a large quantity that will be easy to divide and share with my parents, grandparents and my own family.  Or, if only meant to serve my little family of 3 they will work for either one evening meal and the next days lunches or 2 evening meals.  As a family who likes leftovers, this is a perfect weeks worth of yummy warm and rich meals that are easy, cheap and fairly healthy!

What's on your menu this week?  Please share new or tried and true recipes!

Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin Review

As a BzzAgent I am fortunate to have the opportunity to occasionally receive for free products and supplies to test and review.  I recently received a box full of awesome Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin products.  In my box was a full sized package of Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer plus several $1.00 off coupons and small samples of moisturizer on a cool cardboard card to give away.  Each of those little cardboard cards held not only a moisturizer sample good for at least 2 uses, but also a $1.00 off coupon also!  

I love when I get to try new or up and coming products and offer an honest review.  I like it even more when I get the chance to share those products and samples with my friends and family.  BzzAgent totally rocks in that they always send not only enough for me to personally test out, but always send coupons or additional smaller size samples for me to share with my friends and family!  AWESOME!

On to the products themselves:  Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin is much like many other sensitive skin formulas.  They are hypoallergenic and meant to be good for men and women who have allergies to scents or colors.  For myself, the change in temperatures and humidity in the air tends to dry out my skin a LOT.  Typical facial cleansers with irritate my now dry skin and most moisturizers will even sting or burn when applying.  Burt's Bees is and has been one of my favorite brands for many years.  I have loved the formulations, scents and sheer quality of their products since my first introduction to their lotions about 10 years ago.  The lip balms, lotions, bath salts and various products available have all been items I continually kept on my "wishlist" for birthdays, Christmas and gifts for myself as well as for many around me.  You just can't go wrong with Burt's Bees.  

Once again, Burt's Bees is superb and definitely a product to Bzz about.  Although all Burt's Bees products are in the higher end price wise for health and beauty items, they are always worth the money spent.  They last longer, work better and are an excellent value for the money.  The Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin offers a gentle yet effective Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer.  The Facial Cleanser works well on makeup removal or simple grime and dirt from the day.  The moisturizer is long lasting, yet light and goes a long way.  A small amount will moisturize your face all day with little to no need for reapplication.  I was very impressed with how well it lasted for the very (dime sized) amount I used each day. 

Yes, overall, I am very happy with these products and will definitely be recommending to my friends and family.  Once again, Bzz Agent has provided me with a fabulous new product for free in exchange for my honest review!  I love being able to test things that are truly AWESOME so my review can be upbeat and positive!

Final Exam: 100%

I am lucky to be in  place where I can take most of my college classes online.  One of the exceptions is the math classes that are required for my degree.  So, I load myself up every Tuesday and Thursday night and hit the road to go to Math Lab.  

The Math program at the local community college I am taking some basics through is set up as a computerized learning system.  It's actually pretty cool.  Everyone sits at a workstation with their own individual lessons to work on.  All instruction videos are on the computer and all tests and quizzes are online as well. There is an instructor and a tutor in the classroom to help with any questions but for the most part, you are on your own and self paced.  For some, this could be bad as they may not complete the course in one semester if they don't have a lot of discipline.  For myself, it meant that at the exact halfway point, I had completed my entire Math book/class for this semester.  

One of the bonuses of this program is that if you finish one class before semester ends, you have the option of starting the next class immediately.  If you complete 2 courses in one semester, you only have to pay tuition for one.  Now that's what I call a bargain if I've ever heard of one.  

So, last week I sat down at my workstation in the Math Lab and took the final in my Math class.  I had maintained a 100% throughout the semester but wasn't sure about the Final.  Well, indeed, I kept my average and ended that class with a 100%!  

For so many years I had been ripped apart and torn down by my ex.  I felt my life was not valuable and I felt even more strongly that I would never be able to make it in the world.  I felt stupid and not capable.  

I have validation now in so many ways that proves otherwise.  Not only do I have a wonderful life and family, but I am more and more successful in each of my pursuits.  My blog, my writing, my desires in life are coming together.  But mostly, my education.  I have not only managed to keep up with several classes this semester while caring for my family and sitting with my elderly grandparents every day, but I have also managed to keep an overall 3.9 GPA.  Math use to be my weakest subject.  No longer.  I have proven to myself and those around me that I am more than capable!

I know my blog has been neglected and not updated as regularly as it use to or as often as I would like, but the reasons are worth it.  My family is happy, healthy and being cared for, but most important is my education.  I have spent a lot of time taking care of my education and it has rewarded me greatly. 

Teens and Their Supernatural Pursuits - Guest Post by author Melody Carlson

I'm super excited to introduce Melody Carlson, a wonderful Christian author I recently came across and reviewed.  You can check out my review of one of her books from last week.  She has agreed to guest post here today.  Enjoy an introduction to her latest book Moon White. 

Teens and Their Supernatural Pursuits:

Have you even wondered why some teens are drawn toward things like Ouija boards or psychics? Or why séances are still popular at sleepovers? Does it just have to do with Halloween and that spine-chilling need for a good scare? Or could it be something more? And, as a Christian, should you be concerned?

            Those questions, as well as some confused reader letters, prompted me to tackle the “supernatural” in one of my teen novels (Moon White, TrueColors, Nav Press). And whenever I write an issues-based novel, I’m forced to research—and often in some dark places. So I began scouring websites, learning more about Wicca and the occult, trying to grasp what was really going on with today’s teens—and how I could write about it in a helpful and relevant way.

But, as usual, when I write a teen book, I go back to my own adolescence...trying to connect with my inner teen...and I suddenly remembered a short era when a friend and I got very interested in witchcraft. I had honestly forgotten about this time and was fascinated to recall how we scoured some witchcraft stores on a local campus—I think we even purchased a few things. Fortunately, this interest was short-lived and I became a Christian not long afterward.

            However, as I reconnected with my inner teen, I had to ask myself—why had I looked into witchcraft back then? Why do teens dabble with it now? Suddenly the answer became crystal clear. I was searching. I’d been calling myself an atheist for several years by then, but I was spiritually hungry—starving in fact. Consequently I was looking for spiritual answers—something that would fill that empty void within me. I wanted a supernatural force in my life and I didn’t even care where it came from. I needed something bigger than me, more powerful than me, something to hold onto. I had no idea at the time that I was really searching for God.

            This realization changed the way I viewed my research. Instead of feeling disgusted and dismayed by the witchcraft/Wicca sites (which are not particularly enjoyable) I began to recognize that these people (mostly girls) were simply searching too. They wanted a power source in their lives just like I wanted one in mine. They just hadn’t found God yet.

            This led to another discovery. A girl who’s attracted to a religion like Wicca is usually seeking to gain some control over her life. Something is wrong and she wants to change it. To do so, she’s often enticed to purchase something—like “magical herbs”—to create a potion that will give her some control over her situation. Unfortunately, she doesn’t even realize she’s being tricked.

            But think about it, wouldn’t you love to have control over a bad situation sometimes? Wouldn’t you love to be able to change the circumstances that make your life unpleasant? So what if someone offered you the “power” to do just that? Perhaps if you’re fifteen, you wouldn’t see that person as a charlatan and you would fall for it.

            Which brings me to another important factor in understanding this generation’s attraction to the supernatural. Follow the money. The more I researched, the more it became painfully obvious that Wicca and witchcraft and the occult are money-making enterprises. Thanks to the Internet, these savvy distributors sell anything imaginable—and many things you can’t. That leads to some serious motivation—these marketers want to hook their unsuspecting young customers and reel them in. Of course, these potions and trinkets and how-to books don’t come with a money back guaranty. Nor are they approved by the FDA. Yet they are a multi-million dollar industry.

            So, in a way, it’s a perfect storm. Teens that are insecure, lost, unhappy, and searching...meet up with an unregulated industry that offers supernatural answers and power and control...for a price. And, oh yeah, I never even mentioned how this opens a door for Satan to slip in and wreak havoc. For that...you’ll have to read the book.

Menu Monday - Country Style

This week I will be taking it country!  Going back to my roots and enjoying a few belly filling and heart warming meals from my past: 

Easy One Pot Goulash: 

Ingredients: Ground turkey, carrots, onion, tomato soup and macaroni. 

In large pot, toss carrots, onion and macaroni in boiling water.  Cook until pasta is tender.  Drain and set aside.  Using same pot, brown ground turkey, toss macaroni and veggies back in and toss with 1 can condensed tomato soup and 1 can water.  Stir until thoroughly coated and heated through.  

Beans & Cornbread: 

I'll be putting pinto beans in my Crock Pot with some ham, seasonings and onion and let cook all day.  Whip up some easy cornbread (I prefer homemade but mix is easy and cheap).  

Turkey Chili

Use leftover pinto beans as a base and cornbread on the side. 

Easy Vegetable Soup

Toss potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, onion and a little cabbage in Crock Pot with 2 cans of diced stewed tomatoes, water and a can of tomato soup.  Let simmer all day!

What's on your menu for the week?  Do you ever go back to traditional foods you grew up with?  Or are new recipes on the menu all the time?  Share with me!

Mixbook Holiday Cards Review

It's almost that time of year again.  You know what I mean.  The time when every store you walk into is crowded with holly and cinnamon scented pine cones and decorations glittering and sparkling from every nook and cranny.  We haven't even reached Halloween yet, but it's time to start thinking about CHRISTMAS!

Along with the decorations and the lists of presents a mile long is that other all important holiday tradition:  Christmas Cards!  Yes, it's where we all dress up in our best colorful Christmas themed ensembles and get some happy camper to snap a picture of our family to put on a card and mail out to long lost friends and relatives. 

Okay, so I am being a bit snarky about it, but really, I LOVE Christmas and I especially love sending and receiving beautiful cards.  Last year was very special for our little family as it was the first year we were together.  We donned our matching shirts and snapped the picture below to grace our annual Christmas card.  It was, in some ways, an introduction to my friends and family the new man in our lives, and a surprise to his friends and family that he had settled down and was a family man now.  It has been and will always be one of my favorite pictures of us as a family.

This year, I had already began to dread the thought of taking a picture and finding some company to print up cards for us.  Then, Mixbook stepped in with an offer I couldn't refuse and well, here I am the middle of October and I already have all my Christmas cards purchased and waiting to be addressed and mailed near Thanksgiving!

Mixbook is an awesome company to use for all sorts of cards and projects you wish to make using your personal photographs.  Their Holiday Card selection is vast and very easy to manipulate and make adjustments to suit your families desires.  They also offer photo books, calendars and just about anything you can imagine having a picture printed on, well, Mixbook has you covered! 

The Mixbook Custom 5x7 Flat Holiday Cards that I received are printed on top quality paper with excellent quality that helped bring out the desired image in the pictures we chose.  They have options that consist of only one picture per card or multiple pictures per card.  The Flat Holiday cards are simply a one sheet card with images on both sides.  Easy to sign the back and slide inside and envelope.  They also offer traditional folded cards and pages that are a great option if you prefer something to slip a special note into or even for kids and grand kids, a few dollar bills as an added bonus. 

You want to see the card we chose?  Well, that's going to remain a surprise, because, as you know it IS going to be our Christmas Card this season.  Let me just say, we chose a very cute Merry Christmas theme that features 3 photos on the front that include the home we are so proud to have been in for over a year now, our son we adore and a shot of the two of us together that we both loved.  Can't wait to get this out to my friends and family this season!

Mixbook also has various promotions going all the time that include discounted rates, special freebie items and free shipping.  To get "in the know" about when these things are happening, head on over and follow them on Twitter or like their Facebook page today!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

When the Bottom Drops Out by Robert Bugh - Book Review about Grief

When I saw this book on the list for Tyndale Bloggers, I was really unsure about getting it.  I debated on my choice because neither of the books available had struck me as something I needed or wanted to read.  Yet, instead of waiting for another book to be released, I clicked and requested this book to be sent my way.  

Why should I ever doubt God knowing just what we need?  When the Bottom Drops Out:Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment by Robert Bugh was definitely a book that came unexpectedly to me at just the right time. 

This somewhat autobiographical book by Pastor Robert Bugh was written as a result of his own personal loss and grief.  Reading other reviews of this book, I imagined I wouldn't be touched much by it's content but that it might be a good book to have on hand to give to someone else who has suffered the loss of a spouse.  Well, God had things in mind with this book that I didn't expect. 

Yes the book is written mostly about grief and Robert uses a lot of stories/examples about his own loss of his wife Carol and his best friend Tom to cancer over the course of a couple of years.  But one thing I didn't expect, was how he also touched on so many other areas of loss and grief. 

Robert Bugh is the pastor of a large church in Chicago.  As a pastor, he had counseled others and had been there to witness loss in many peoples lives, but until he suffered so close to home in first the loss of his long time best friend to thyroid cancer and then his own wife to a rare form of melanoma, he didn't truly understand how hard it can be to recover and deal, despite of faith.  As a Christian and a pastor, he knew to cling to Christ and to seek God's guidance and help, but it wasn't always easy.  He questioned the wisdom of God's plan.  He questioned his ability as a man, a friend, a father and a pastor to make it through the tough days and not destroy the ministry he had worked so hard for.  He was in his laundry room and overwhelmed with stacks of laundry and the fact that it wasn't his normal job to do this when he realized a few key things about life and loss.  

Robert went into great detail throughout the book with use of his own and closely related current real life examples as well as Biblical examples of devastating loss.  He spoke of Job and Jeremiah, but he also spoke of Joseph and Abraham.  Men of God who you don't normally imagine being connected with grief, but he bound their own struggles and losses (not of spouse or people but status and things) and showed us how every loss can cause grief in varying levels and no grief is too small or something to be scoffed at.  

I was especially touched by some of his words regarding people who have struggled to get past and over divorce, financial losses and abuse.  Since I have been a victim of abuse from my ex husband and subsequently divorced, I understood the unusual loss felt in those situations.  Loss and grief that a lot of people don't acknowledge because they think you should be so glad to get out of the situation.  One of the best things Robert stated in this book was that you don't ever get over something bad (grief/loss) but you CAN get through it.  

This book came at a time when I was struggling with continued feelings of loss and grief over things I have lost in my life over the last few years.  I am very happy where I am and with who I am spending my life and wouldn't change that for anything, but I am also at times still saddened by the things that were lost to me.  This book confirmed and comforted me in ways I didn't expect.  I am so glad I chose this book and that God led me the direction he did.  

I give this book 5 stars.  Not only is it an easy read and very personable and open, but it is very Biblically correct and solid in how to deal with loss on many levels.  Robert Bugh is an excellent example of how you can find grace during disappointment, yet not act like it's all roses and butterflies.  I loved the true honesty and the depth of his commitment to being true no matter the cost or flack he might receive.  

**I was not monetarily compensated for this review.  I received this book from Tyndale publishing in exchange for my honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.**