It WORKS beautifully!

 Got my dad's walker bag finished.  Works well.  He loves it.  I was afraid it wouldn't work because it was my own made-up-in-my-mind pattern.  My mom told me what they wanted and I went to work.

Also posted at:

Pizza Ranch and Living Hope CD giveaway

 Adrie Groeneweg had a dream that started in Hull, IA, in 1981, when he was just 19 years old.  It was simple.  Why does everyone have to drive out of town to get a pizza?  With just six specialty and single topping pizza recipes developed by Adrie's mother, Lorraine, Pizza Ranch was born.  Pizza Ranch's vision and mission is to glorify God by positively impacting the world and to give every guest a legendary experience.  They have 190+ locations across 13 states including Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.

From Adrie Groeneweg, President & CEO of Pizza Ranch, Inc.:  "This album has a very special meaning for Pizza Ranch.  Although Pizza Ranch is not in the music business, many things have been happening, conversations have been taking place and doors have been opening for this album.  Through these events, I believe it was obvious that God has been behind this for His specific purpose and putting it on our hearts to collectively create this project.  As such, we call this our miracle album, Living Hope."

About The Living Hope CD project:

On June 2, 2015, Pizza Ranch released a CD called Living Hope containing twelve songs from many of their favorite Christian artists.  Most of the songs are brand-new and written exclusively for this CD around the theme of Hope.  Artists include Colton Dixon, Francesca Batistelli, Ellie Holcomb, Sidewalk Prophets, Kevin Max, Bart Millard, Passion Band featuring Kristian Stanfill, Michael W. Smith, and Mark Schultz.  

The CD will be available to purchase for $5 plus tax exclusively in Pizza Ranch restaurants or for download at pizzaranch.com/livinghope through August 31. 

This CD is an excellent mix of contemporary artists.  It has a variety of voices; a nice mix.  Most of the songs I have enjoyed on this CD. 

Here is a list of songs and artists on the CD: 

Leave a comment telling me which artist and song you are looking forward to hearing on this CD.  Be sure to leave a way to contact you if you are the winner.  Giveaways are only valid in US & Canada.  I will draw a winner on Aug. 1st.  

 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, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

SOCIAL • C O R N E R  

Twitter:  @PizzaRanch @PRServes

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PizzaRanchRacing

Official Website:  http://www.pizzaranch.com/livinghope/

YouTube Channel (features images and videos of the artists talking about the story behind each song):  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE9lEnxuNzMyLfRyX8_tiLA

"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.

A copy of this cd was provided for my viewing in exchange for this post

Candy’s Chocolate Kingdom (Book 1: Kingdom Fantasy Series) by Nirit Littaney

Title: Candy’s Chocolate Kingdom (Book 1: Kingdom Fantasy Series)
Author: Nirit Littaney
Publisher: Nirit Littaney
Pages: 26
Genre: Children
Format: Kindle

Meet Candy, the cute girl who loves chocolate so much she dreams about it at night. Grab some sweets and follow Candy though a Magical Chocolate Kingdom that fills her belly and teaches her an important lesson about limits, after something very unexpected happens in the delicious empire.
Though the vivid illustrations are sure to make your mouth water, Candy’s new understanding is the real treat even you can munch on!

Excellent for beginner’s readers and children ages 3-6. Book 1 in the Kingdom Fantasy series.

For More Information

• Candy’s Chocolate Kingdom is available at Amazon.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

 

Candy's magical chocolate kingdom is just my place to be if you love chocolate.  This book will be loved and enjoyed by chocolate lovers young and old alike.  This book is cute and full of chocolate color, well when Candy is dreaming that is.  Everything is chocolate in the kingdom.  Important lesson:  eat chocolate in moderation.  Candy found out the hard way. 

Nirit Littaney is a fresh, imaginative author who weaves vivid images and important life lessons into endearing stories for children. After being confined to her bed for years by an incurable illness, Nirit experienced the same triumph of spirit that many of her characters undergo in their journeys through lands near and far.
Nirit’s commitment to personal and physical healing, along with her story-like travels around the world, have inspired her to pen inventive tales for families in search of humorous, insightful bedtime stories. She writes for children in hopes of making them giggle while they also learn a lesson or two.
Today, Nirit lives in Israel with her angel of a husband, who champions each of her new books as if he were the wide-eyed child she wrote them for. When Nirit isn’t dreaming up new characters, she works as a nutritionist, medical coach, and spiritual leader. She is eager to inspire and help others with the lessons her own challenges have taught her—and what better way is there than through books?
Her latest children’s book is Candy’s Chocolate Kingdom.

For More Information

• Connect with Nirit on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Nirit’s books at Goodreads.

Praise by PUYB Reviewers

“This book will be useful in teaching children about limits and why they are important. The illustrations are beautiful, the writing flows well, and the story will keep children engaged all the way through. I would highly recommend this for parents, grandparents, teachers, etc.”
– Book Babble
“This is a book I would read to my little brother and my own children. The illustrations and beautifully crafted and go with the story.”
– Kat’s Reading Corner

an ecopy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by....

Ben's School Daze by: Robyn Sims and Joanne Larcom

Title: Ben’s School Daze
Authors: Robyn Sims and Joanne Larcom
Publisher: Peence & Rogue Designs Pty Ltd
Pages: 28
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

This is a story about Ben, a lively and active boy, who finds the sensory experiences within his day to be overwhelming.
Loud noises vibrate through his body and “shoes and sock bother him.. they never feel just right”.

This can make it hard for Ben to be a good student.  But don’t worry, his teacher and mum know what to do to help him through his day.

 

As a special education paraeducator, I think this is an awesome book.  I can see many students I work with in this book.  This book would make an excellent resource tool in most teacher's libraries.  The tips and added notes in the book are wonderful. 

For More Information

• Ben’s School Daze is available at the authors’ website.
• Watch the book trailer at YouTube.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Robyn Sims is a paediatric occupational therapist who works in private practice with many children with sensory processing challenges.  She is co-director of Magnetic Moves and co-presents workshops on SPD.
Joanne Larcom is a mother to four beautiful children, one of whom has sensory processing challenges.  She is co-director of Magnetic Moves and presents workshops on SPD with Robyn.

Their latest book is the children’s picture book, Ben’s School Daze.

For More Information

• Visit the authors’ website.
• Connect with the authors on Facebook and Twitter.
• Contact the authors.

an ecopy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by....

Dressed to Kill by Lynn Cahoon

Title: Dressed to Kill

Author: Lynn Cahoon
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: Kindle

Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books, and More in the tucked-away town of South Cove, California—is not particularly thrilled to be portraying a twenties flapper for the dinner theater murder mystery. Though it is for charity…

Of course everyone is expecting a “dead” body at the dress rehearsal…but this one isn’t acting! It turns out the main suspect is the late actor’s conniving girlfriend Sherry…who also happens to be the ex-wife of Jill’s main squeeze. Sherry is definitely a master manipulator…but is she a killer? Jill may discover the truth only when the curtain comes up on the final act…and by then, it may be far too late.

 

Loved this cozy mystery.  Just the right pace of action. I wish it would have been in hard copy.  I can't say I am a big fan of ebooks, pdf or electronic.  I like the physical book touch, curl up and get cozy in my chair book, not set at my desk and read on my computer book.  I just can't see the hard copy books will ever become extinct.  Love this story and the character; however, Cahoon did push my limit of using some words that I just don't like to read.  (see my statement about words here.)  She did sprinkle curse words though out the pages of her book which I don't see the need of.  You can get your point across without cursing. Other than that Dressed to Kill was a wonderful cozy mystery to read.   

To Purchase Dressed to Kill

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kob
Google Play 

I love happy endings. My stories are all about  life in small town America and building the family that you deserve. You know, the people who love you unconditionally – even when you’re less than perfect.

Personal stuff?  I’m a seven-year breast cancer survivor.  I’m married to my own hero who shaved his shoulder length hair when I lost mine during chemo. I’m the proud mom of a computer engineer (although I don’t know what that means.) And I have four fur babies.

I’m an active member of MORWA, my local RWA chapter.

My debut was THE BULL RIDER’S BROTHER released June 4th, 2012 from Crimson Romance. Cowboys aren’t easy to love—but they sure are easy on the eyes. I bet you’ve felt the same way my heroine Lizzie has, at least once or twice. Since that time, THE BULL RIDER’S MANAGER, came to your favorite digital store. If flying was hell, waiting to fly was purgatory. Both are available in print as well as digital. And the long awaited bull rider story is finally out and available.  Check out THE BULL RIDER’S KEEPER!

For those of you who like a little magic in your stories — The Council Series starts with A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL. A rogue hunter, a clueless witch and a mission to save an unknowing world.   The second book, RETURN OF THE FAE, continues Parris and Ty’s adventures, and is a 2014 RONE finalist.

2013 brought MARRIAGE NOT INCLUDED, a organic farmer’s daughter meets corporate seed executive. Set in Idaho, this story takes me home.

2014 sees more big news – e-Kensington released The Tourist Trap Series – with GUIDEBOOK TO MURDER kicking the fun off in April. MISSION TO MURDER arrived July 31st, and a third book, IF THE SHOE KILLS, November 10th.  Set in a small coastal California town, I love these who dun it’s with a touch of romance.

Summer of 2015 – DRESSED TO KILL and KILLER RUN will be arriving.

I’ve come a long way from the little girl on the school bus who used to cut out pictures from Teen Beat to illustrate my tales of love and loss. And yet, not so far.

So pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee, and let’s chat about writing, love, life, and the pesky things that get in the way of our goals and dreams.

I’m glad you found me.

Visit Lynn’s website.

Connect with Lynn

Facebook

Twitter

an ecopy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by....

Angels, Angels, Everywhere by Michelle Beber

Michelle Beber's book Angels, Angels, Everywhere is a beautiful children's book.  It explains in rhyming meter exactly what the job of an Angel is.  It is beautifully written and illustrated.  Children will fall in love with the friendly angels that are on every page.  The illustrations are bold and very colorful.  You couldn't ask for a better book than Beber's to share with a child about Angels.  I'm adding this to the church library.  It's an awesome addition for little hands and minds.

Visit the tour spotlight page here.
 
a copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by....

The Father's Love movie

Synopsis-  Struggling to find fulfillment in romance, blossoming filmmaker Sarah moves to New York City to pursue her passion. Then she meets Reece, the man of her dreams! As their love story unravels, Sarah experiences heartbreak and forgiveness as she ponders a lifetime of relationships. Can she find the strength to put the past behind her?

The Father's Love movie was a very nice good movie to watch.  It is different from most romance movies.  The acting was nicely done and plot easy to follow and loved seeing how it would play out.  Beautiful to watch Sarah and see how she turns to The Father's (God) Love and move toward Him as she grows in God's love.  I'd give this movie a 4.5 on 1-5 scale.  

*I was given a complimentary copy of this DVD for my review. All opinions are my own.*

Relax-a-bye Baby by: Mimi Sommers

Ever have trouble getting your little one to settle down for bed? Relax-a-bye Baby is a painless bedtime guide as well as a fun and interactive approach to body relaxation and mindfulness. Think of this book as a useful bonding tool for parents and other caregivers. Let's put an end to the bedtime frustration and embrace the wonders of bedtime - one child at a time.

This is definitely a cool book to have right at your finger tips if you have a very active child that just can't be still long enough to fall asleep.  The book goes through each part of the body in rhyming meter while helping your child focus on that part of the body and keeping it relaxed and still.

an ecopy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by....

Virtuous Movie

Synopsis:  When a young woman, Simone Burner (singer/songwriter, Brandy Allison), is accused of murdering the man who assaulted her, she seeks out the helps of attorney Jack Evans (Erik Estrada, TV’s CHiPs) to prove her innocence. A ruthless and corrupt prosecutor engages her in a trial that brings the past she’s longed to escape to the forefront of her defense. “Virtuous” will inspire and ignite you to live the principles of Proverbs 31 –faith, integrity, wisdom and honor.

Virtuous was a powerful movie.  I must admit it did seem to start out slow and confusing, but as you keep watching it the plot starts to develop.  The movie does flip back and forth between different stories and is somewhat confusing til you get into the movie.  In the end it does tie up all the loose ends and questions, but it takes some watching and piecing things together.  If you have younger children the beginning does have some blood and gore.  I'm thinking younger children might be bit bored with the story line though.  Be great for ladies group to watch. 

You'll find a great discussion guide here
You can visit the website here. 



*I was given a complimentary copy of this DVD for my review. All opinions are my own.*

When Calls the Heart: Trials of the Heart

Synopsis-  Elizabeth Thatcher (Krakow) is an independent, strong-willed teacher who has foregone the life of the big city and found a job, a home – and romance with a handsome Mountie named Jack – in the small frontier town of Coal Valley. But when she learns that her mother has taken ill, she returns to Hamilton, her hometown, with Jack as her escort. Once in the comparably opulent Hamilton, Elizabeth and Jack are confounded by Jack's ne'er-do-well brother and Elizabeth's former suitor, Charles Kensington. But it is Elizabeth's father, William, who drives a wedge between them when he suggests to Jack that Charles would be a better match for his well-bred daughter.

Elizabeth and Jack are back.  Yes!!!  I loved season one and season two has started out wonderful, exciting and some new faces added to the mix.  When Calls the Heart is a great family friendly series based on Janette Oke's book series.  This first movie has started out with some surprises and I can't wait to see how they are going to end up.  It's so hard to wait and see with this excellent series.  It definitely keeps you wanting more that is for sure.  They aren't coming out fast enough for this gal.

Visit When Calls the Heart web site here.

Michael Landon Jr. – Executive Producer:  Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend Michael Landon, has been in the film business for over 25 years.  With two of the highest rated films in the history of the Hallmark channel, and several top ten releases targeted to the Christian market, Michael has become known for creating heartfelt, inspiring films that connect to the family.  He has developed and/or produced, directed, and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime, and others.

 Brian Bird- Executive Producer : Brian Bird is co-founder with partner Michael Landon, Jr., of Believe Pictures, a film and television production company.  He was co-executive producer and writer on the successful television series, Touched by an Angel.  Adding to Brian’s success, he had also written and produced episodes of Evening Shade, Step by Step and The Family Man.  Most recently, Bird wrote and produced Gametime, a two-hour television pilot for NBC, The Shunning, inspired by the novel by best-selling author Beverly Lewis, for the Hallmark Channel, and Not Easily Broken, adapted from the novel by T.D. Jakes and released theatrically by Sony/TriStar.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this DVD for my review. All opinions are my own.*