Book Review~The Fiddler

One of my favorite authors of Amish fiction is Beverly Lewis, who is given much of the credit for beginning this genre in 1997.  I've read many of her books, and am always excited when she writes something new!  The Fiddler is the first in a brand new series, Home to Hickory Hollow.  I couldn't wait for it to arrive in the mail, and read it quickly within a few days.  Beverly Lewis did it again-an excellent story!

Englisher Amelia Devries has trained her entire life to be a concert violinist, her father's dream.  She also loves to play the fiddle for crowds, which is a fact she is keeping from her father.  She feels she is at a crossroads-does she continue with her promising career touring as a classical violinist? She also dreams of having her own family and settling down. 

Michael Hostetler is part of an Old Order Amish community, but is defying his communities rules and getting a higher education.  He has not yet become a member of the church, and is torn between the Amish and English worlds.  Then he meets Amelia, and brings her to his community, where she falls in love with his Amish friends and family.  They also both realize they have feelings for each other, and must decide which direction their lives should take. 

*Disclaimer: I was given this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Winner~ Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil!!

The winner of the Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil is......

Beth Elderton!! 

Congratulations Beth, I have sent you an email!
Thanks everyone for entering!!

Homemade Deodorant Recipe

So on Monday, when I posted my Coconut Oil giveaway I mentioned that I make my own deodorant with coconut oil, and promised the recipe the next day-whoops!  The week has flown by and here we are on Friday. A little late, but here it is.  Thanks to Amy at Life's Little Crazies for sharing with me!!  This recipe comes from Crunchy Betty-click to go to her original post that I got the recipe from, for even more info.

1/4 c. baking soda
1/4 c. cornstarch or arrowroot powder
5Tbsp coconut oil
Optional-essential oils for scent

Mix everything together very well in a small container. 

We love this deodorant.  I've been using a clinical strength deodorant, and this works even better.  I personally didn't use the essential oils, as I love the smell of the coconut oil.  The interesting thing is that depending on how warm it is, your deodorant may have a different consistency one day to the next.  When it was colder, mine was very solid; now that it is warm it is more liquid. 

Want to win some coconut oil?  Click here for my giveaway going on through June 12th!

Review and GIVEAWAY~ Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil!!

I first discovered Coconut Oil about three years ago.  I saw a small jar in a health food store on clearance and loved the way it smelled!  I mostly used it on my skin.  I've since learned that there are SO MANY more uses for Coconut Oil!

I've been continuing buying my coconut oil, usually purchasing whatever was on sale at the health food store.  Then I got this opportunity to review Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.  I figured there couldn't be that much difference-coconut oil is coconut oil, right? I was wrong.  The quality of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil far surpasses what I was purchasing. The texture, scent, and taste are all exceptional!

The story of how Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil began is is great-check out the YouTube video below!  I was really impressed to watch how the oil is made-their premiere brand is still made completely by hand!  Also, Tropical Traditions is the #1 seller of Coconut Oil in America!  I must admit, I have not used Coconut oil in my cooking very much-I use it for lots of personal care. My favorite thing to make with Coconut Oil is deodorant-its amazing!  I will post the recipe on the blog tomorrow. 

If you haven't already figured it out, I'm sold on this Coconut Oil-it's my new brand!  Would you like to try it for yourself??  Well, Tropical Traditions has been generous-one The Loose Screw reader will win their own 32oz. Coconut Oil, shipped to their home!!

The Giveaway!!

Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil? coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality

You have lots of chances to enter-please just leave a comment for each entry:

1.  For TEN entries: Subscribe to Tropical Tradition's email sales newsletter, then come back and leave me a comment letting me know you did.

The following are for one entry each:
 2.  Leave a comment-what is your favorite way to use Coconut Oil?
 3. Follow me on GFC, Linky Followers, and/or Google Plus (one entry each, all over in the right sidebar)
4.  Follow me on Twitter @athenalang
5.  'Like' my new Facebook page!
6.  Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter @troptraditions or @ttsspecialdeals
7.  'Like' Tropical Traditions on Facebook.
8.  Follow Tropical Traditions on Pinterest and/or Google Plus.
9.  Blog about this giveaway, leave me the link.
10.  Tweet about this giveaway, leave me the link.
11.  Post on Facebook about this giveaway, leave me the link.

This contest will end on June 12th, 2012 at midnight MST.  The winner will be notified the next day by email.  Good luck!!

*Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

You can win a subscription to Ladies Home Journal!

Purex is giving away free subscriptions to Ladies Home Journal!  Click here to enter-the giveaway ends June 22nd.

Winners! Honey Bunches of Oats Giveaway!

The winners of a coupon for a free box of Honey Bunches of Oats are:
Renee G
Janetfaye
Jessica Anderson

I have emailed the three of you with instructions-Congratulations and thanks to everyone who entered!