The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Ace Collins

Celebrate 31 days of a Christ-filled Christmas season.

For Christians worldwide, the month of December is filled with joy and wonder as we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. There is no other time of the year that can compare to the Christmas season for both the young and young at heart.

From December to New Year’s Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas.

With this soon-to-be-cherished holiday devotional, best-selling author Ace Collins will capture your imagination and help to make each day of December more memorable and meaningful to you, and those you love, by shining a light on the real spirit of the season.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is a book that once you read it you'll want to refer back to it year after year.  The devotionals are not the only items worth grabbing to read, but you'll love the daily recipes, gift ideas or fun activity that is shared on each day in this devotional.  You'll probably grab for the book all through out the year not just during the Christmas season.  I loved reading each daily devotional as well as the daily carol the the story behind the song and lots of recipes right at your fingertips.  I can't wait to get trying the recipes.  I haven't found one in the book yet that I didn't want to try they all sound wonderful.  This book is a very festive and practical book to keep within arms reach at all times.  

Ace Collins is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than 60 titles, including "The Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas," "Darkness Before Dawn," and "Lassie: A Dog's Life." Ace frequently speaks across the country and on radio and has appeared on national television shows, including "Good Morning America," "The Today Show," "CNN," "Fox and Friends," "Entertainment Tonight," "The Early Show" and more. When not writing, he works as a magazine editor and graphic designer, as well as host for a charity organization radio and television broadcast. Ace and his wife, Kathy, are based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Last minute fudge recipe: quick and easy

PAULA DEEN'S 5 MINUTE FUDGE:
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 20-30

About This Recipe
"Paula Deen is a wonderful cook. She makes down home comfort food. Everything she makes is mouth watering. This fudge is very good and easy to make!"

Ingredients
1 2/3 cups white sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (6 ounce) packages milk chocolate chips
16 large marshmallows
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts 

 Direction
1.Combine sugar, milk, butter and salt in a medium sized saucepan. Bring to a boil, cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
2.Add in chocolate chips; cook until melted.
3.Remove from heat; stir in marshmallows, vanilla and nuts. Mix well.
4.Pour into a 8-inch pan.
Cool cut into squares.

A Year in the Secret Garden Book Blast & Blog Tour

 

About the Book

Title: A Year in the Life of the Secret Garden
Author: Valarie Budayr
Illustrator: Marilyn Scott-Waters
Publication Date: November, 2014
Publisher: Audrey Press
Pages: 144 
Recommended Ages: 5 to 99  

Book Description: Award-winning authors Valarie Budayr and Marilyn Scott-Waters have co-created A Year in the Secret Garden to introduce the beloved children’s classic, The Secret Garden to a new generation of families. This guide uses over two hundred full color illustrations and photos to bring the magical story to life, with fascinating historical information, monthly gardening activities, easy-to-make recipes, and step-by-step crafts, designed to enchant readers of all ages. Each month your family will unlock the mysteries of a Secret Garden character, as well as have fun together creating the original crafts and activities based on the book.Over 140 pages, with 200 original color illustrations and 48 activities for your family and friends to enjoy, learn, discover and play with together. A Year In the Secret Garden is our opportunity to introduce new generations of families to the magic of this classic tale in a modern and innovative way that creates special learning and play times outside in nature. This book encourages families to step away from technology and into the kitchen, garden, reading nook and craft room.

Amazon * Audrey Press * Goodreads

 

Oh, I can't say enough about A Year in the Secret Garden.  This is an excellent resource and a beautiful book to compliant the actuall reading edition book.  Each month there are many activities to do and things to explore: paper dolls to build, games to play, recipes to try out and character's from the book to investigate.  I was given the month of MAY  to  EXPLORE for my review. 

Here is a run down of what you'll find for the May activities: 

May

• Freezer Strawberry Jam
• Planting a Rose Bush
• Wheelbarrow Race
• Wheelbarrow
• Spot-Sitting
• Character Study: Lilias Craven

As a child I remember playing the Wheelbarrow Race.  There is a paper wheelbarrow to make and us as a decoration for this month.  I loved the Spot-Sitting activity.  It brings nature and writing together.  However, in North Dakota it might be hard for me to try this activity outside in the winter time.  ;P  It sounds like a most lovely summer garden activity though.  Just find a favorite beautifully covered journal, writing pen and a spot to sit and observe nature. 

This would make such a nice Christmas gift for a young one to grow up with.  Why not add a copy of the reading book and maybe even the DVD and some supplies to do an activity or two. 

Below you will find a sample of a May page in this lovely book.

About the Author: Valarie Budayr

Valarie Budayr loves reading and bringing books alive. Her popular website, www.jumpintoabook.com, inspires children and adults alike to experience their books through play, discovery, and adventure. She is founder of Audrey Press, an independent publishing house, as well as an Amazon and iTunes best-selling author. She has written The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden and The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Valarie is passionate about making kid’s books come alive and encouraging families and schools to pull books off the shelves and stories off the pages.  

Book Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Pinterest | Google+ | Goodreads

 

About the Illustrator: Marilyn Scott-Waters

Marilyn Scott-Waters loves making things out of paper. Her popular website, www.thetoymaker.com, receives 2,000 to 7,000 visitors each day, who have downloaded more than six million of her easy-to-make paper toys. Her goal is to help parents and children spend time together making things. She is the creator of a paper toy craft book series The Toymaker’s Christmas: Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself (Sterling), and The Toymaker’s Workshop: Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself (Sterling). She is also the co-creator with J. H. Everett of the middle grade nonfiction series, Haunted Histories, (Christy Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt Books for Young Readers). Ms. Scott-Waters illustrated The Search For Vile Things (Scholastic), and created paper engineering for Pop & Sniff Fruit (Piggy Toes Press).

Website | Facebook | Google+

A Year in the Secret Garden Blog Tour Schedule (2014)

EXPLORING SEPTEMBER

November 1

Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch)

Coffee Books & Art (Guest Post)

WS Momma Readers Nook (Book Review)

November 2

Cherry Mischievous (Excerpt)

Hope to Read (Excerpt)

November 3

Eloquent Articulation (Book Review)

Enter Here Canada (Excerpt)

EXPLORING OCTOBER

November 4

BeachBoundBooks (Excerpt)

Books, Babies and Bows (Book Review)

November 5

Monique's Musings (Book Review)

November 6

SOS-Supply (Book Review)

EXPLORING NOVEMBER

November 7

Randomly Reading (Book Review)

November 8

Adalinc to Life (Book Review)

EXPLORING DECEMBER

November 9

100 Pages a Day (Book Review)

November 10

Edventures With Kids (Book Review)

EXPLORING JANUARY

November 11

Icefairy's Treasure Chest (Book Review)

November 12

Girl of 1000 Wonders (Book Review)

EXPLORING FEBRUARY

November 13

Seraphina Reads (Guest Post)

November 14

Juggling Act Mama (Book Review)

EXPLORING MARCH

November 15

Pragmatic Mom (Author/Illustrator Interview)

Purple Monster Coupons (Excerpt)

November 16

Stacking Books (Book Review)

EXPLORING APRIL

November 17

Oh My Bookness (Book Review)

November 18

Crystal's Tiny Treasures (Book Review)

EXPLORING MAY

November 19

The Blended Blog (Book Review)

November 20

All Done Monkey (Book Review)

November 21

Geo Librarian (Book Review)

Grandbooking (Author/Illustrator Interview)

EXPLORING JUNE

November 22

My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews (Book Review)

November 23

Christy's Cozy Corners (Book Review)

My Life, Loves and Passions (Book Review)

November 24

Bookaholic Chick (Excerpt)

Hide-N-(Sensory)-Seeking (Book Review)

EXPLORING JULY

November 25

Ninja Librarian (Guest Post)

November 26

Jane Ritz (Book Review)

Rockin' Book Reviews (Book Review)

November 27

I'd Rather Be Reading At The Beach (Book Review)

EXPLORING AUGUST

November 28

Deal Sharing Aunt (Book Review)

November 29

Mommynificent (Book Review)

November 30

This Kid Reviews Books (Book Review)

Java John Z's (Author/Illustrator Interview)

 

* $100 Blog Tour Giveaway *

 

 Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
 Contest ends: December 7, 11:59 pm, 2014  
Open: Internationally
 How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the authors Valarie Budayr and Marilyn Scott-Waters and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway


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

Candy Aisle Crafts by Jodi Levine

The ultimate materials for fun, whimsical crafting are right in your grocery store!

From party decorations to children’s toys, from wearable art to cute gifts, you need look no further than your supermarket shelves for the materials to make these unique (and kid-friendly) food crafts. For special celebrations, rainy-day activities, and much more, treat yourself to the sweetest projects.

Colorful candy canes are fashioned into heart-shaped necklaces, melted peppermints are molded into a festive bowl, cookies and ice cream cones are transformed into a fanciful castle, marshmallows are snipped into a polar bear, and gumdrops become everything from adorable frogs to bumblebees and ducks. Candy Aisle Crafts is packed with simple ideas for charming crafts that both  kids and parents will love.

It's cute. It's adorable. It's easy. It's fun!  It's CANDY!  Yep, a book is packed full of fun, easy, adorable crafts made from candy.  Every bit of it is edible. There is a wide range of candies used hard, gummy, marshmallow, cookies and cereal.  Many of the hard candies need to be heated so adult supervision is required for those recipes.  Kids will and tons of fun and love every minute of creating.  Many themes..animals of all kinds, prince and princess, flowers, holiday and more.  You are sure to find something to please your young ones and older ones. 

For more information about this book visit here.

A copy of this book was provided free in exchange for my honest review by....

Lightened Up!

It's resolution season! That means setting aside the cookies and cake and pulling up a big plate of tasty vegetables and whole grains... Well, let's not get too carried away. There's always room for cookies! Whether you're trying to stick to your eating-healthier plan or just want to mix up your weeknight dinners, nothing beats a hearty, wholesome, lightened-up classic for today's tastes.

So tell us...

What are your favorite LIGHTENED-UP recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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These Apricot-Cashew Salad Sandwiches from our cookbook Everyday Simple Suppers are a light & easy dinner winner. With tart apples, crunchy cashews and sweet dried apricot, these sure don't lack any flavor. Make them even more good-for-you by replacing the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt!

Apricot-Cashew Salad Sandwiches
This recipe was shared with us by our friend Rhonda Reeder from Ellicott City, Maryland. Rhonda says, "This sandwich is so versatile and a great way to use up leftover turkey. the kids enjoy them for lunch as a wrap or sandwich, and I've even served it over red leaf lettuce for a luncheon."
2 c. cooked turkey, diced
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and diced
1 c. celery, chopped
1/4 c. cashews, chopped
1/4 c. dried apricots, finely chopped
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. sour cream
2 T. apricot preserves
1/4 t. ground ginger
1/8 t. nutmeg
1/8. pepper
8 slices sandwich bread
4 lettuce leaves

Toss together turkey, apple, celery, apricots and cashews in a large bowl set aside. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, preserves, ginger, nutmeg and pepper in a separate bowl; spoon over turkey mixture and fold in until well blended. Spoon evenly onto 4 slices of bread. Top with lettuce leaf and remaining bread slices. Makes 4 sandwiches.
Click here to see a printable version of this recipe.

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Perfectly pinnable!

Rounding Up Family Favorites

Whether you still have kids at home or just remember those never-fail, family-favorite dishes, we want to hear about them today! We're looking for quick breakfasts, lunchbox faves and dinners that will make everyone want seconds. These are Mom's best-kept secrets...those family-friendly meals that always bring smiles around the table.

So tell us...

What are MOM'S FAVORITE recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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This Tomato & Chicken Penne from our cookbook 101 Stovetop Suppers is a tasty classic. Cheesy, hearty and oh-so-easy to cook up, it's a dish they'll love any day of the week.

Tomato & Chicken Penne
This recipe was shared with us by our friend Stefani St. Pierre from South Dennis, Massachusetts. Stefani says, "This is a wonderfully hearty dish that's easy to prepare...just stir everything together in one pot and you've got a bright, flavorful dinner in no time!"
1/4 c. olive oil
1 t. garlic, chopped
28-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 c. fresh basil, chopped
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
16-oz. pkg. penne pasta, cooked
8-oz. pkg. shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; sauté for one minute. Stir in tomatoes and basil; continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add chicken to skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until heated through. Transfer chicken mixture to a large serving bowl; toss with pasta and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Click here to see a printable version of this recipe.

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Christmas Cookie & Candy Recipes

Whether you're making cookies & candy to give, swap or just enjoy all season long, we know you'll be making your favorites. What better time to whip up batch after batch than at Christmastime? You might want to consider doubling your recipes, especially if you want some leftover for Santa...all those treats go fast this time of year!

So tell us...

What are your favorite CHRISTMAS COOKIE & CANDY Recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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 This recipe for sweet Sugar Cookie Mittens from our 14th Christmas book is a tradition we bake up Christmas season. So pretty sitting on our buffet, they're almost too cute to eat. Add a glass of milk and you're off to cookie heaven.

Sugar Cookie Mittens
This recipe was shared with us by our friend Tina Knots of Cable, Ohio. Tina says, "Everybody needs a dependable cut-out cooke recipe for Christmas...this is mine! I collect cookie cutters, and this recipe works so well with them."

2 c. plus 6 T. butter, softened
1-1/3 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 T. plus 2 t. vanilla extract
5 c. all-purpose flour
4-1/2 c. powdered sugar
6 T. butter, melted
6 T. milk
2 T. vanilla extract
1 T. lemon juice
Optional: few drops food coloring
Blend 2 cups butter and sugar together; stir in eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Add flour; mix until well blended. Shape into a ball; cover and chill for 4 hours to overnight. Roll out dough 1⁄4-inch thick on a lightly floured surface; cut out with cookie cutters as desired. Arrange cookies on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden; cool. To make Frosting: Combine powdered sugar, milk, remaining butter (melted), remaining vanilla, lemon juice and food coloring, if using, in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Frost cookies when cool. Makes 4 dozen.
Click here to see a printable version of this recipe.

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Link up your favorite CHRISTMAS COOKIE & CANDY recipes below and, if you're joining this hop, link back here by using this handy button!

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Hometown Christmas Gooseberry Patch Cookbook giveaway

Be sure to read to the end of this post for the giveaway

Like all Gooseberry Patch cookbooks there just isn't enough time to try all the recipes that you want to before the posted date.  The holiday season doesn't help matters much as everyone is coming and going and there is so much going on.  However, you won't be disappointed and lack a recipe if you have the new Gooseberry Patch Hometown Christmas Cookbook.  You'll have all kinds of recipes right at your fingertips to make for those get together times with family and friends.  This cookbook even has a section of heartwarming memories that folks have shared along with the normal tip or idea at the bottom of each page.

Italian Chicken Spread found under OPEN HOUSE...You're Invited.
 (p. 117; submitted by Patrice L. Lockport, IL)

This yummy recipe was a delightful change from your normal chicken salad spread.  You add 1/3 cup Italian salad dressing and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning along with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese to 1 - 13 oz. can chicken, drained or 1 & 1/2 cups cooked chicken diced/shredded and 1/3 cup mayonnaise.  Serve with crackers or lightly toasted Italian bread slices.  Cover and chill 2-3 hrs. to allow flavors to blend.  Serve as is or bake 350 degrees until hot and bubbly.  Makes 2 & 1/2 cups. 

Mint Chocolate Chip Mousse found under the TREE-TRIMMING Treats.
 (p. 159; submitted by Krista M. Fort Wayne, IN)

My family loved this yummy treat.  My daughter said, "It's like eating a smooth milk shake with a spoon."  It is smooth and creamy.  lovely texture.  Mine did separate some after setting a day, but that didn't stop my family from eating it. It is pretty easy..mix 1- 3.9 oz. package instant chocolate pudding mix and 1 & 1/2 cups milk for 2 minutes.  Chill in refrigerator for 5 minutes making soft-set.  Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract to 1 - 16 oz. container frozen whipped topping that is thawed.  stir well fold in the pudding and 1 cup. semi-sweet chocolate chips.
(Note:  I used a whole bag of chips-  my family didn't object.  I also used the chocolate/mint chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate) 

Blue-Ribbon Pecan Pie found under the TREE-TRIMMING Treats.
(p. 155; submitted by Gail K. Phoenix, AZ)

I made this pie for our Thanksgiving table.  When I announced to my family I had used a new recipe for the Pecan Pie they were very much disappointed...UNTIL it was served up.  Mine however did turn out to be on the runny side when served up.  I should have cooked it longer than the recipe mentioned, but if I had done that I would have risked really burning the crust.  Not exactly sure what went wrong.  My family did gobble it down though so I can't say it was a total lose. 

1- 9 in. pie crust
1/2 cup pecan halves
3 eggs
1 cup dark corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

• Place unbaked crust in pie plate.  Arrange pecans in crust; set aside.  
• In bowl, beat eggs well.  Add remaining ingredients; mixing well.
• Pour mixture over pecans in crust
• Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes; reduce oven to 325 degrees baking an additional 30 minutes or until center of pie is set.
• Cool completely.  Serves 8

Now how would you like a chance to win a copy of this cookbook for your own kitchen?  I'm going to make it pretty simple and easy since we are all in Holiday mode and things are pretty hectic.  Tell me one of your favorite Holiday items that find their way onto your table at this time of the year.  Treats, main dish, beverage.  I don't care.  Please I must keep this to US residents only as I will be mailing this book out myself.  Be sure to leave your email address.  I'll keep this giveaway open till Sat. Dec. 21. 

I'd like to thank Gooseberry patch for giving me the opportunity to review this book.  They provided me with a copy of this cookbook plus one for the giveaway.  I was not compensated in any other way. This is my honest review.

Lots of Leftovers Recipe Round-Up

All the crispy and moist stuffing, the tart cranberry sauce...and let's not forget the tender, flavorful turkey! As much as we're looking forward to tomorrow's feast, we can't help but think ahead to the leftovers! We're already getting excited thinking about what we'll make with them...how about you?

So tell us...

What are your favorite THANKSGIVING LEFTOVER Recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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Day-After-Thanksgiving Soup from Hometown Harvest is one of our favorite things to cook up after the big day. All the wonderful flavors of that magical meal in a soup...how tasty is that?

Day-After-Thanksgiving Soup
This is one of Jo Ann's personal favorites. A warm, steamy soup with all the amazing flavors of Thanksgiving dinner, one bite and you'll be hooked.

1 T. olive oil
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
8 c. turkey or chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1-1/2 c. roast turkey, diced
1 c. frozen peas
2 T. fresh parsley, chopped
4 to 6 c. leftover dressing, warmed
Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, salt and pepper. Sauté until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add broth and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Stir in turkey; reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Stir in peas and parsley; warm through. Discard bay leaf. To serve, place a scoop of dressing into individual deep soup bowls. Ladle soup over dressing. Serves 4 to 6.
Click here to see a printable version of this recipe.

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Link up your favorite THANKSGIVING LEFTOVER recipes below and, if you're joining this hop, link back here by using this handy button!

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