Disclosure: I received this book through a Cross Focused Reviews tour. Opinions shared are mine.

A few times in my life, I’ve wondered if I make a difference in the world.   Haven’t we all been there at some point?  When you’re a Christian, it’s even more important to feel like you’ve made an impact for Christ.  After all, keeping Him to yourself is like winning the lottery and keeping it a secret from your best friends!  The Jesus Club chronicles the impact that Brian Barcelona made when he entered the doors of local high schools.  By sharing the gospel, he changed the lives of hundreds of teens.  [Read more…]

Disclosure: Canvas Factory provided me with a complimentary print. Opinions shared are mine.

How long has it been since you’ve done something with those photos on your phone or digital camera?  For me, it’s been ages!   It’s time to change that.  I’m making an effort to decorate our home with updated family photos, and Canvas Factory makes that project so easy.     [Read more…]

Disclosure: I participated in the book tour and received a copy of the book. Opinions shared are mine.

It’s starting to feel like spring around the Savings in Seconds homestead.  This week, the temperatures have been in the high 60’s and low 70’s. Unbelievable that it’s comfortable enough to wear short sleeves and sandals!  A few times, I’ve enjoyed reading outside while the kids play.  It’s glorious!

One book I recently read was Home to Paradise by Barbara Cameron.  This is perfect for fans of traditional Amish fiction, where the biggest concern is getting to sit alone with your sweetheart.  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I requested this book from Blogging for Books. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Normally when I settle down with a book, it requires me to carve out time that I’d otherwise spend doing something productive like laundry or cleaning.  In other words, it’s gotta be worth it!  That’s why most of my book picks are “mind candy” — they help me escape from the reality of the daily grind.  As refreshing as it is to always have a happy ending, sometimes it’s just as rewarding to hear a story that mimics real life. If realistic fiction is your genre, check out Life After by Katie Ganshert (available 4/18/17).

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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.  Good, now that we got that disclosure out of the way, let’s get on with things!

This morning was supposed to be relaxing. My sister invited my son to come over and play for the morning while my husband and daughter went to a school activity.  Sadly, my cat was injured last night (we’re still not sure how….dog attack, maybe?) and he wasn’t doing so well this morning.  I gathered my courage to take him to the vet, worried about the outcome and hoping for the best.  He ended up being just fine, thanks to a powerful antibiotic shot and some rest.  After bringing him home, I breathed a sigh of relief and a prayer of thanks. Isn’t that what we do for those we love?  We soldier on, doing what needs to be done, and feel so gracious when things turn out okay.   In the book When Last We Spoke, we’re reminded of the power of family connections.  [Read more…]

Recently, one of my friends surprised me by saying she has never shopped at a thrift store.  The statement was offered when she complimented my dress and asked where I bought it.  I told her that I purchased it at a consignment shop, which is similar to a thrift shop in terms of inventory.  She said she’s never shopped in one because she “didn’t know how.”  I can understand how a thrift shop experience could be intimidating, but it’s so rewarding for a frugal shopper!  My best thrift store bargains have included a Lilly Pulitzer dress for $1.  A cute dress I recently found has garnered many compliments (people keep asking me if it’s a LuLaRoe).  Many of my purchases still have the original store tag on them; they’ve never even been worn!  Thrift stores are really fun; it’s kind of like a treasure hunt.  Here’s what I do….. [Read more…]

Why have another giveaway hop?  Because….flamingos.  It’s as good a reason as any!

This is an open themed hop with NO minimum prize value.  Increase your pageviews and gain new readers. Details below! [Read more…]

As mentioned before, I’m a little bit of a chicken when it comes to scary stories.  Ghost stories, I can handle.  Books like The Cellar freak me out, though. [Read more…]

Last weekend, my daughter and I enjoyed a rare afternoon to ourselves.  She was performing in a band concert late in the day, so we had a few hours to burn. After a great lunch, I suggested that we head to the bookstore.  She was eager to check out a couple of titles she’d heard about.  We found a B2G1 shelf and each chose a couple of books. One of the books I selected was Diary of a Haunting by M. Verano.  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I’m a Tommy Mommy blogger and received this book through the program. Opinions shared are mine.

Duck Commander stories usually remind me of my quirky but loving family.  The newest title, Happy, Happy, Happy Stories for Kids by Korie Robertson and Chrys Howard, is perfect for kids ages 4-8. The book contains an abundance of family-friendly, funny, and mostly true Duck Dynasty stories that kids (and parents) can relate to.

[Read more…]