Save Big on Purex at Target!!

It's the season of giving, and Purex is giving us a great deal at Target!  Through December 27th, get 25% off any Purex detergent with a #Cartwheel coupon. 

If you haven't used Cartwheel before, its super easy to get started.  Just go to http://cartwheel.target.com/ and follow the instructions. 

To get your 25% off on Purex, just click here.  Happy Savings!

Book Review~When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer

About the Book: If you are looking for a book that grabs your attention from the beginning, keeps your attention until the very end, and sends you on an emotional roller coaster in between, When Mercy Rains is for you! It is the first book in The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy.  This is the story of Suzanne Zimmerman, who was Old Order Mennonite.  When she discovers she is pregnant at age 17, her mother sent her away from their community in Kansas.  Ashamed, and with a broken heart, Suzanne moves to Indiana, became a nurse, and raised her daughter all on her own. 

Twenty years later she is contacted by her estranged family back in Kansas, with a request for her to return home and care for her ailing mother.  Can Suzanne face her family and community?  Can they let go of the past and offer forgiveness, and can she forgive her mother?

What I Thought: If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know I'm an Amish fiction addict!  So when the chance came to read a story centered around the Mennonite, I was excited for a change.  I'm so glad I did, because When Mercy Rains was incredible!  I could not put it down and read it in record time.  It was full of twists and turns and so much emotion!  I loved the characters of Suzanne and her daughter Alexa.  They were so real and deep.  The only negative is it left me wanting to read the next installment of the story-When Grace Sings-due out in Spring 2015.  I'm counting the days until I get my hands on it!

About the Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print and have garnered awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas, with husband Don and their four feline companions. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and ten grandchildren.

You can get more information and purchase your own copy of When Mercy Rains at Waterbrook Multnomah. 

I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Product Review~ Dr. Song's Teeth Whitening

A nice, white smile is something everyone wants. There are so many products out on the market now to help us achieve that.  But most of the over the counter products aren't strong enough to do much to make our teeth whiter.  Dr. Song Medical has a Professional Teeth Whitening Kit that contains 44% Carbamide Peroxide, the same strength used by dentists!

After I ordered my Dr. Song Professional Teeth Whitening Kit from Amazon, I received it very quickly and it was packaged securely.  It contained 8 pre-filled syringes (enough for 50 applications), moldable teeth trays, an LED blue light accelerator, and a gel applicator brush.  The teeth trays were very easy to mold per their instructions, and the entire process was very easy.  The LED light works great, and the applicator brush was very helpful to get the gel everywhere. 

Dr. Song Medical is a medical cosmetic laboratory that originally manufactured products for professionals, doctors, and medical facilities. Their products are made in the USA and  FDA compliant. 

I've definitely noticed a difference in how white my teeth are since I started using Dr. Song's Professional Teeth Whitening Kit.  I used to use the strips, but this is a much stronger product.  I do want to point out that because this is the maximum strength, you should be careful if you have very sensitive teeth.  I'm looking forward to seeing how much whiter my smile is after I use all of my Dr. Song Teeth Whitening Kit!

You can purchase your own Dr. Song Professional Teeth Whitening Kit at Amazon.

Book Review~The Bachelor

The Bachelor, by Stephanie Reed, is the second book in the Plain City Peace series.  I read the first book in the series, The Bargain, and really enjoyed it.  In this story, Betsie Troyer is back at home, away from the Englisch world she was working in.  She continues to be distraught over her parents leaving the Amish church.  Now its just Betsie and her sister living in the house, barely making ends meet. 

Betsie's boyfriend Charley has told her he wants to spend his life with her, and she is counting on that promise.  But when the Englisch family she worked for comes to her door needing her help, she can't turn them down.  Because she helps them, most importantly a little girl who needs love, she is in trouble with the Amish community.  She also has a deep friendship with Michael, the English family's son, which is threatening her relationship with Charley.  Betsie doesn't know which direction to go with her life. 

What I Thought: Another great story in the Plain City Peace series!  The Bachelor was easy to get caught up in and quick to read.  I really like the character Betsie-she seems real and down to earth.  I felt for her-she feels abandoned by her parents.  She also can't turn down someone who needs help, even if her Amish community does not agree.  Betsie is torn in many different directions-between two men and two communities. 

Right now The Bachelor Kindle edition is only $1.99 on Amazon.

*Disclosure: I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own. 

Book Review and Giveaway~An Amish Second Christmas

I love curling up with a good book any time of year, but especially in the cold weather.  An Amish Second Christmas is perfect for lovers of Amish fiction and those who love Christmas!  It contains four separate novellas, each around 100 pages.  The four authors are some of the best authors in Amish fiction, in my opinion. 

A little about each novella:
*When Christmas Comes Again, by Beth Wiseman: Katherine and her family have recently lost their husband and father, so this Christmas will be difficult.  When a stranger gives her pictures of her late husband, she wonders what this Christmas will have in store. 

*Her Christmas Pen Pal, by Ruth Reid: Joy has had her heart broken by her beau Henry.  When she sends a letter to her cousin about her heartache, it accidentally ends up in the hands of a young, single Amish cabinetmaker.  They begin corresponding, and sparks fly!

*A Gift for Anne Marie by Kathleen Fuller: Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were young.  There has been no romance between them.  When Anne Marie learns she must move to another state, she realizes she has feelings for Nathaniel.  Does he feel the same?

*The Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer: Esther is new to the Amish community in Montana.  When she gets her mother's prized recipe for Vanilla Crumb Pie, she quickly learns that it is 'bachelor bait.'  She doesn't want to stay in Montana, but what if she finds true love?

I loved each of these novellas-they were wonderful, and very quick reads.  What was unique about this collection was the stories centered on the Amish tradition of second Christmas-the day after Christmas for visiting with friends and loved ones.  Along with the wonderful stories, also included in An Amish Second Christmas is yummy recipes from the stories and a Reading Group Guide.  You can purchase An Amish Second Christmas at Amazon.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Author Tricia Goyer has graciously offered a copy of An Amish Second Christmas to one of my readers!!  To enter, leave a comment below letting me know your favorite Christmas tradition.  I will accept entries through 12/14-this is a quick one!  I will draw the winner on 12/15 and notify via email.  So-you MUST leave your email address in your comment!!  Good Luck!

Product Review~Ozeri 3x Tower Fan with Passive Noise Reduction Technology

Here in Utah, many older homes don't have air conditioning, and we are in one of those older homes.  We do have a swamp cooler in one window, which works wonders for that room, but not so much for the rest of the house. We also don't run the swamp cooler when its humid. So, when the hot weather hits, we get out the fans.  We have a few box fans that we've had for years, but they are big and cumbersome, and last year we got a small Ozeri fan that we love-here's the post on that fan.  Well, we now have a new fan from Ozeri-Ozeri 3x Tower Fan with Passive Noise Reduction Technology.

We love this fan too!  The picture at the very top is the front view.  Its tall (44") and narrow, making it look more like an electronic piece or stereo speaker than a fan.  The next picture just above is the side view-it's amazing how thin it is!   Here is some of the basic information on the Ozeri 3x Tower Fan, from the manufacturer:


*Boasting unrivalled technology, the 3x Tower fan is engineered with 3 independently controllable fans and 3 fan speeds, offering up to 9 levels of cooling and customized airflow.
*Defining the latest in stylistic innovation and digital decor, the 3x Tower fan is among the world's thinnest fans at less than 3 inches thick and boasts a visually arresting design with an elegant reinforced glass base stand.
*Features 3 preprogrammed airflow patterns designed to foster sleep, relaxation and comfort with 90 degree whisper-quiet oscillation for optimal air circulation.
*Extended range remote control and the touch sensitive LED control panel provide easy access to all features, including a 7.5 hour timer that can be programmed in 30 minute increments.
*Upgraded with canted fan blades that utilize the physics of blade curvature to generate opposing sound waves to reduce blade noise and isolate the soothing sounds of the airflow itself.                    

There are tons of features on the Ozeri Tower Fan that I've never even heard of before-like cool airflow patterns to mimic nature.  The remote control is small and tucks into a space on the back of the fan perfectly.  The Ozeri 3x Tower Fan is stylish and works well with very minimal sound.  This is definitely the fan to get if you are in the market for one!  You can buy your own Ozeri 3x Tower Fan at Amazon. 

*Disclosure: I received this product free in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own. 
                                                                                                                                                

DVD Review and Giveaway~Susie's Hope

I have a wonderful movie to tell you about, and you have an opportunity to win your own copy of the DVD! 

About the Movie: Based on the true story that successfully passed Susie’s Law in North Carolina, which seeks stricter punishment for animal abusers, Susie’s Hope brings to life the inspirational relationship between pit bull attack survivor Donna Lawrence and Susie, a pit bull-mix puppy found beaten, burned and left for dead. Recognizing reflect and abuse were to blame for the tragic attack that nearly claimed her life 10 months earlier, Donna resumes the battered animal and accepts her as family. Together, they learn to heal, love and forgive as they lead a historic effort to seek justice and protection, not only for Susie, but all animals. Starring Emmanuelle Vaguer (40 Days and 40 Nights), Burgess Jenkins (Remember The Titans) and Andrea Powell (Ender’s Game, The Twilight: Breaking Dawn Saga: Part 2), Susie’s Hope is an incredible story of love, loss and redemption.



This is a heartwrenching movie that is wonderful, but also hard to watch at times.  Get your tissues ready!  You can visit the Susie's Hope website to learn more about this incredible story. 

GIVEAWAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product Review~Deluxe Shaving Cream Bowl with Lid

SimplyBeautiful's Deluxe Chrome Shaving Bowl with Lid is an attractive addition to any bathroom.  It is perfect for keeping and mixing your shaving soap, with a nice goblet shape that makes it easy to grasp.  It has a nice chrome metal finish, and has just enough weight without being too heavy. 

Using this shaving bowl helps cut down on mess by being able to store shaving soap or crème between shavings.  The lid stays on securely.  I think this bowl would make a nice gift, and even better with a brush and some soap wrapped up with it.  I think it is so pretty I can also see storing cotton balls or anything else in it! 

You can purchase your own Deluxe Chrome Shaving Bowl with Lid at Amazon.



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.

Wordless Wednesday~Some Puppy Cuteness!

Product Reviews~InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Mask and Argan Oil Hair Mask

 

 

I recently had the opportunity to try a few products from InstaNatural.  This company has natural products for the face, hair, and body.  The first product I tried was the Dead Sea Mud Mask.  This mask can be used on the face and body for healthier, radiant skin.  It is an all natural detoxifier and purifier from the Dead Sea.  The Dead Sea is full of beneficial minerals like magnesium, sodium, bromine, potassium and calcium.  As an at-home spa treatment, the mask will absorb excess oils, toxins, and dirt from the skin.  It will leave you with a smoother complexion and more even skin tone.  You can also use the mask as a body treatment to relieve aches and pains. 

My experience with the Dead Sea Mud Mask was great!  It is easy to apply, and does not have a scent.  It dried fairly quickly (about 10 minutes), and washed off easily.  Immediately afterward, my skin felt clean and tight.  More importantly, it didn't feel dry!  I've had lots of masks really clean my face but also dry it out.  I've been using the mask once a week and definitely notice a difference in my complexion. 

To find out more information and purchase your own Dead Sea Mud Mask, visit the InstaNatural website.

I was also able to try InstaNatural's Argan Oil Hair Mask.  It contains Argan Oil, Japanese Green Tea, Amino Acid Complex, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, and Vitamin B5 so this mask is packed with natural goodness for your hair.  It works to penetrate your hair deep down at the roots to deep condition, nourish, and strengthen your hair.  It hydrates and improves texture and shine, as well as protects against heat damage. 

I love this hair mask!  It smells great, and even after my hair was dry I could  still faintly smell the scent.  After using, my hair is very easy to comb out, and looks great when dry.  It is SO soft and manageable.  Using this hair mask is like giving your hair a big drink when it is thirsty.  It is gentle enough to use every day if you wish. 

To purchase your own Argan Oil Hair Mask, visit InstaNatural's website. 

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.