Thursday, January 31, 2013

room organizer & space saver ideas

I have seen these pictures of room organizers/ space savers that are cool.  I take no credit in the ideas and I can't say where for sure they have come from just saved the pictures and thought they were neat ideas.  the first one is the only one I documented where it came from before me.


I saw this cleaver idea for storing scarves on Modest Mom blog and had to share it. You just hang a towel bar on back of door and loop scarves over it. how easy and cleaver is that.

The others I have no idea where they came from just cool ideas.....


got a narrow empty hidden space string up two lines of wire and presto now you have a place to store the rolls of gift wrap. 

Put your laundry space in hiding

hidden in the wall cabinet shelving

make use of the wide doorway space

hidden pantry



Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Piecein' together



WIPs on Wednesdays

Was able last week to get two nights of sewing in while everyone was at work.  Hard to find that alone time.  Sharing with ya today a few more pictures of the quilt progress of daughter's HS graduation quilt













If you missed the post with showing the material, pattern and the beginning then you may visit them below:
Sew Excited
Butterflies emerging


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Ashton Park by Murray Pura

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Ashton Park
Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2013)
by
Murray Pura

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




Murray Pura was born and raised in Manitoba, just north of Minnesota and the Dakotas. He has published several novels and short story collections in Canada, and has been short-listed for a number of awards. His first books to be published in the United States are the inspirational works Rooted and Streams (both by Zondervan in 2010). His first novel to debut in the USA is A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana (Barbour), which was released January 2012. The second, The Wings of Morning, will be published by Harvest House on February 1. Both of these novels center around the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

ABOUT THE BOOK

For fans of the hugely popular Downton Abbey series, comes this equally enthralling story of the Danforth family of Ashton Park. Among the green hills and trees of Lancashire, only a few miles from the sea, lies the beautiful and ancient estate of Ashton Park. The year is 1916. The First World War has engulfed Europe and Sir William's and Lady Elizabeth's three sons are all in uniform--and their four daughters are involved in various pursuits of the heart and soul.

As the head of a strong Church of England family for generations, Sir William insists the Danforth estate hold morning devotions that include both family and staff. However, he is also an MP and away at Westminster in London whenever Parliament is sitting. During his long absences, Lady Elizabeth discreetly spends time in the company of the head cook of the manor, Mrs. Longstaff, who is her best friend and confidante. This friendship includes visits to a small Baptist church in Liverpool that exposes Lady Elizabeth to a less formal approach to Christian worship and preaching than she is used to and which she comes to enjoy.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Ashton Park, go HERE.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Rounding Up Favorite Meatless Meals

RecipeRoundUpBanner
Lots of families these days are looking to spend less at the grocery store and add more veggies to family dinners...weekly meatless meals have become a popular way to do both! Whether packed with veggies or a family favorite minus the meat, today's Recipe Round-Up is where you can share your meatless favorites, for Monday or anytime!
So, tell us...
What are your favorite MEATLESS recipes? Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

Oh, and if your mealtimes are anything BUT meatless, hop on over to Leah's latest Hunk of Meat Monday, hosted weekly on her blog Beyer Beware!


This recipe is part of our newest title in the Our Favorites series...Our Favorite Meatless Recipes!
Colby-Swiss Broccoli Soup
Meatless 1/2 c. water
1-1/2 t. chicken bouillon granules
4 c. broccoli flowerets
1 c. carrots, peeled and sliced
3 T. butter
1/4 c. green onions, sliced
3 T. all-purpose flour
1/4 to 1/2 t. nutmeg
1/4 t. pepper
3 c. milk
2 c. shredded Colby cheese
1 c. shredded Swiss cheese
Combine water and bouillon in a 3-quart saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Add broccoli and carrots; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for about 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Drain, reserving liquid. Set aside. Melt butter; add onion and cook until tender. Stir in flour, nutmeg and pepper. Cook for one minute; gradually add milk and reserved liquid. Cook until thickened; stir in broccoli mixture. Sprinkle in cheeses. Stir until cheeses are melted. Serves 6.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe.


Link up your MEATLESS recipes below
and, if you're joining this hop, link back
here by using the handy button below.

GBPRecipeRoundUp
Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?
Be our guest...just click here to get the code.

Be sure to visit some new friends this week and VOTE for your favorites by clicking Like under their entries...we'll feature the recipes with the most likes on Sunday!

* * *

 Even if you don't have a blog to link below, tell us about YOUR recipe in the comments or, if you have a moment, share it with us on our website!





Thursday, January 24, 2013

Grace Given by Beth Shriver

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Grace Given
Realms (January 8, 2013)
by
Beth Shriver

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Childhood memories of her grandfather's ranch came alive as Beth wrote her first Amish story. Her parents grew up in the country, so she appreciates pastoral life and respects those who make a living off the land. She visits a nearby Amish community just south of Fort-Worth for an occasional church service or brunch with the bishop and his wife. And on the way home she stops at the community store to get some plum jam!

Beth received a degree in social work and psychology from the University of Nebraska. She worked as a caseworker for Boulder County Department of Social Services before starting a family. Beth and her husband, two children, along with two cats and a beagle live in Texas after moving from their first home in Colorado. She freelances for the local papers in her area and writes columns, devotionals for magazines, and novels in a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction. Beth is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Literary Agency.

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Never doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light.” —Amish Proverb

Elsie Kline can’t forgive her sister for leaving the community. Gideon Lapp helps Elsie through her bitterness by studying the Martyr’s Mirror book that is centuries old, describing their ancestors’ sacrifice for their faith. But he feels there is something more. When the community moved to Texas, they were not welcomed by some of the locals. They have told Katie and Elsie that harm will come to their community if don’t go back up north where they came from. Gideon stays by Elsie’s side as she learns to give grace and to humble herself to accept grace as well. “Beth has a heart for helping others, whether through her nonfiction and fiction writing or in other capacities. It has been my pleasure to read and respond to her work during the past few years of knowing her.” —Leanna Ellis, Author of Facelift and Forsaken and winner of the National Readers Choice Award.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Grace Given, go HERE.


seasoning cast iron skillet





Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Mystery of the Heart by Jillian Kent

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Mystery of the Heart
Realms (January 8, 2013)
by
Jillian Kent

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jillian Kent is a busy writer and the alter ego of Jill Nutter, a full-time counselor.

Jill spent the first semester of her senior year of college at Oxford studying British Literature, where she fell in love with England. During this season, she came to appreciate the written word, the rich imagery of romantic poetry like The Highwayman, and historical novels of many types, including Jane Austen and all things Regency.

Jill received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Bethany College in West Virginia, and her Masters Degree in Social Work from WVU, and she brings her fascination with different cultures and societies into her writing.

Jill has always been a romantic at heart, so readers will find a good dose of romance woven through each of her novels. Jill, her husband Randy, and children Katie and Meghan are animal lovers. They currently own two dogs, Boo-Boo and Bandit and a menagerie of cats, Lucky, Yuma, Snow, and Holden. Critters of all assortments make their appearance in her stories.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lord Eden is intrigued when he discovers Lady Mercy Grayson’s secret, but how can he hope to gain her heart when he is forced to betray her?

Lady Mercy Grayson longs be a physician like her big brother, Devlin, Lord Ravensmoore. However, society would never tolerate a female physician, let alone one who is a noblewoman. So Mercy takes matters into her own hands, disguising herself as a man to get through medical school. But then a male colleague discovers her secret, which is only the beginning of Mercy’s problems that could destroy her dreams forever.

The Prince Regent is awaiting the return of Vincent St. Lyons, Lord Eden, whom he sent on a secret voyage to locate and bring back a relic that some believe possesses the power to heal. St. Lyons discovers Mercy washed up on England’s shore upon his return and agrees to give her safe passage to London aboard a ship of men practicing African Vodun. Both must face treacherous circumstances, difficult decisions, and a growing attraction to one another that could forever change the course of their lives.

As the final installment in the series, the theme of this book is God’s plans for our lives. “Whatever the hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might” (Eccles. 9:10).

If you would like to read the first chapter of Mystery of the Heart, go HERE.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

In Stores Today! Abel's Field movie

This movie review has a giveaway along with it read to the bottom and find out how you can win a copy 
*GIVEAWAY OPEN INTERNATIONALLY*

About Abel's Field
Left motherless by tragedy and abandoned by his father, high school senior Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis) faces enormous pressure as he strives to support his little sisters. At school, he endures the daily bullying of the football team. But fighting back only finds him singled out for punishment and assigned to an after-school work detail under the supervision of the reserved groundskeeper, Abel (SOUL SURFER’S Kevin Sorbo). Much to his surprise, Seth discovers that Abel may be the only one who truly understands his struggles. As dark times lure Seth toward desperate measures, the reluctant Abel may be the one person who can point him back toward the light.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Rated PG
Release date 1/22/13
I was able to review this movie this weekend and it was a wonderful family movie.  You feel for Seth as he tries his hardest in the situation he is given.  He must make the choice of doing what it right in every situation no matter how hard the peer pressure is put on him.  A lesson that all must learn.  This movie isn't all about sports though there are some sport scenes, it isn't about romance though Seth does take a girl on a date.  It is about doing what is right.  Though it is posted as PG it was for brief smoking/drinking scene, violence little scuffle in the school hallway/locker room etc, a school break in those kind of things.  No bad language or sex scene though. 




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other Blogs with this giveaway more chances to win....
Joy in our Journey (1/27)
The Knowlton Nest (1/30)
Sweeps4bloggers (2/2)
Inspired by Savannah (2/4) 
Day by Day in Our World (2/8) 
Giveaway Lady (2/8) 
Trinity Rose's Garden (2/9)
Legacy of a Writer (2/11)


"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."


a copy of this DVD was provided for this review and giveaway by....


Friday, January 18, 2013

What's Cooking in YOUR Kitchen?

RecipeRoundUpBanner
Whether this week has been hectic & busy or you've been able to relax and enjoy yourself, we'd love to hear what you've cooked up in the last week or so. Let's share our latest kitchen creations today...we know you've got something yummy bubbling away in the oven or simming on the stove!
So, tell us...
What recipes have you MADE THIS WEEK? Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!


We're filming a video for this recipe this week...it originally appeared in
our cookbook, 101 Cozy Casseroles, and is an office favorite!
 
Meatball Sub Casserole
Christi Miller of New Paris, Pennsylvania, shared this recipe with us. Her family loves it with a big green salad and garlic bread...delicious!

MeatballSubCassCR1 loaf Italian bread, cut into
    1-inch thick slices

8-oz. pkg. cream cheese,
    softened

1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 t. Italian seasoning
1/4 t. pepper
2 c. shredded mozzarella
    cheese, divided

1-lb. pkg. frozen meatballs,
    thawed

28-oz. jar pasta sauce
1 c. water
Arrange bread slices in a single layer in an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan; set aside. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise and seasonings; spread over bread slices. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese; set aside. Gently mix together meatballs, spaghetti sauce and water; spoon over cheese. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serves 4.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe.


Link up your recipes MADE THIS WEEK below
and, if you're joining this hop, link back
here by using the handy button below.

GBPRecipeRoundUp
Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?
Be our guest...just click here to get the code.

Be sure to visit some new friends this week and VOTE for your favorites by clicking Like under their entries...we'll feature the recipes with the most likes on Sunday!

* * *

 Even if you don't have a blog to link below, tell us about YOUR recipe in the comments or, if you have a moment, share it with us on our website!


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Path of Freedom by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Path of Freedom
Abingdon Press (January 2013)
by
Jennifer Hudson Taylor

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an award winning author of historical Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas and a speaker on topics of faith, writing and publishing. Her debut novel, Highland Blessings, won the 2011 Holt Medallion award for Best First Book. Jennifer's work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Romantic Times Book Reviews, and The Military Trader. She serves as the in-house Publicist at Hartline Literary Agency and co-owns Upon the Rock Publicist. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Communications. When she isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with family, long walks, traveling, touring historical sites, hanging out at bookstores with coffee shops, genealogy, and reading.

ABOUT THE BOOK

2nd in the Quilts of Love series

When Quakers Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan embark on the Underground Railroad, they agree to put their differences aside to save the lives of a pregnant slave couple. With only her mother’s quilt as a secret guide, the foursome follows the stitches through unknown treachery.

As they embark on their perilous journey, they hope and pray that their path is one of promise where love sustains them, courage builds faith, and forgiveness leads to freedom.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Path of Freedom, go HERE.


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Coming in March....


If you never got off the ground with a 2013 Bible reading plan or are so far behind you’ve already thrown in the towel, join us every Monday in March at the Crossway blog as we read Romans 1-8 together. Each Monday in March, Elyse Fitzpatrick will share devotional thoughts from Romans, helping us delight in God’s word and rejoice in the gospel in 2013.

We invite you to bring questions, insights, and interact in the comments section at the blog. For more devotional material to accompany Reboot with Romans, check out Elyse’s newest book­—Comforts from Romans: Celebrating the Gospel One Day at a Time.





Monday, January 14, 2013

Make me Laugh Monday - Papas IPad

This is so funny. Though spoken in German you can still get the jest of it. All you need to know is the daughter is asking her papa how he likes the IPad she gave him for Christmas. It will send ya rolling.  Laughter is good medicine. 





Saturday, January 12, 2013

Rich Young Man



O teach me Lord to walk this road, The road of simple living; To be content with what I own And generous in giving. And when I cling to what I have, Please wrest it quickly from my grasp; I’d rather lose all the things on earth To gain the things of heaven.







Friday, January 11, 2013

AF on a blustery day


Time for another Aloha Friday.  and the question is?

What is currently on your reading list? 

Oh, my not a good question to ask we wold be here far into the weekend if I listed every book on my to be read pile.  However, today is a nice wintery day to stay curled up with a good book.  

I'm currently reading....American Patriots by Rick Santorum


"Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it come only once to a people. Those who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again." ~ Ronald Reagan

~taken from American Patriots: Answering the Call to Freedom by Rick Santorum

Oh what a book.  Americans need to WAKE-UP is all I have to say.  Time to get a backbone.