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Monday, October 13, 2008 - Monday Happenings

Posted in Monday Day Book


Please visit Miss Peggy at the simple woman

Outside my Window...The night is falling around me.

I am thinking...that I need to go practice my piano.

I am thankful for...wonderful people that bring us food from their garden.

From the kitchen...nothing is going on much.  Supper is finished, dishes are done and lights are out.


 I am creating...a cross-stitch and a quilt at the present time.


I am going...to play a game with the family shortly.


I am wearing...GUESS!  Yep, gray sweats again. 

I am reading...several books.  One Perfect Day by Lauraine Snelling
For more books I'm reading check out my Books I'm presently reading bookshelf  (scroll down on left hand side)  @ 4 LOVE of BOOKS


I am hoping...get a some baking done in the morning.


I am hearing...dd practicing her violin.

Around the house..things are slowing down for the day. 

From the learning rooms... I hear the screeching of a violin.

One of my favorite things...pecan pie

A few plans this week...more accomplished on my sewing projects.

Here is a picture I am sharing with you..


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Monday, October 13, 2008 - Home Another Way by Christa Parrish


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Home Another Way

Bethany House (October 1, 2008)

by

Christa Parrish



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christa Parrish graduated high school at 16, with every intention of becoming a surgeon. After college, however, her love of all things creative led her in another direction, and she worked in both theatre and journalism.

A winner of Associated Press awards for her reporting, Christa gave up her career after the birth of her son, Jacob. She continued to write from home, doing pro bono work for the New York Family Policy Council, where her articles appeared in Focus on the Family’s Citizen magazine. She was also a finalist in World magazine’s WORLDview short story contest, sponsored by WestBow press. She now teaches literature and writing to high school students, is a homeschool mom, and lives with her family in upstate New York, where she is at work on her second novel.



ABOUT THE BOOK

After her mother’s death and her father’s abandonment, tiny infant Sarah Graham was left to be raised by her emotionally distant grandmother. As a child she turned to music for solace and even gained entrance to Juilliard. But her potentially brilliant music career ended with an unplanned pregnancy and the stillborn birth of her child.

In an attempt to escape the past, Sarah, now twenty-seven, is living life hard and fast–and she is flat broke. When her estranged father dies, she travels to the tiny mountain hamlet of Jonah, New York to claim her inheritance. Once there, she learns her father’s will stipulates a six-month stay before she can receive the money. Fueled by hate and desperation, Sarah settles in for the bitter mountain winter, and as the weeks pass, she finds her life intertwining with the lives of the simple, gracious townsfolk. Can these strangers teach Sarah how to forgive and find peace?

A story of grace, of God’s never-ceasing love and the sometimes flawed, faithful people He uses to bring His purpose to pass.

If you would like to see a video book trailer of Home Another Way, go HERE.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Home Another Way, go HERE


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Friday, October 10, 2008 - Attention Seniors ~ Class of '09

Posted in Contests



Hey, Look at this give away that Jocelyn over at A Pondering Heart is giving away. 


Now how cool is that.  This is a give away for a Senior Home Schooler.  So if you are a homeschool Senior, a parent of a Homeschool senior or know of a Home School senior.  Head over to her site and check it out. 


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Thursday, October 9, 2008 - "You're the Queen...."

Posted in this & that



 

"You're the Queen Sissy."  My youngest daughter tells the oldest today.  And here I thought all along I was the Queen..... Hum, I think something is wrong with this picture.  We are in plan mode for May 2009 as my oldest is....
 
Oh, boy ... My baby  how can it be?????!!!!    So the plans are beginning.  The oldest has asked the youngest to play Pomp and Circumstances on her violin for graduation.  This is what brought on the comment.  Because she said....."Anything for you because you're the Queen."  With that I did a belly laugh and she went on to explain her logic,  " Don't all schools have a Queen?  Well, you're the only one in HS in our school so you are the 'School Queen'."  Then the oldest said, "Well, then in 4 years you get to be the Queen."  So now with her graduation gown I wonder if she'll want a crown instead of a cap.....hum?  Guess anythings possible when you Home School.






 
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Tuesday, October 7, 2008 - 4 Growning in Grace Magazine giveaways

Posted in Contests
Oh, check out all of these wonderful give-aways that Growing in Grace Magazine is featuring this month. 

1.))  Earrings

Growing in Grace Magazine

2.)) Book

http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/ggmstaff/Article%20Graphics/bundlegiveaway.png

3.))  Scarf

http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/ggmstaff/Article%20Graphics/bundlegiveaway.png

4.))  Pretzel

 


 

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Monday, October 6, 2008 - Monday Oct. 6th daybook

Posted in Monday Day Book


Please visit Miss Peggy at the simple woman

Outside my Window...It is cloudy and rainy and just dreary morning.  Not a good way to start a Monday or the beginning of the week to say the least.  But I know that God is Good and Jesus Loves Me.

I am thinking...that I need to go and get on my exerciser. 

I am thankful for...my house to keep me out of the rain.

From the kitchen...It is dark and quiet, but I can't say clean.  I think it is calling my name as many other things are. 


 I am creating...a cross-stitch and a quilt at the present time.


I am going...to exercise as soon as I get off this computer posting my day book. 


I am wearing...gray sweats again. 

I am reading...several books.  One Perfect Day by Lauraine Snelling
For more books I'm reading check out my Books I'm presently reading bookshelf  (scroll down on left hand side)  @ 4 LOVE of BOOKS


I am hoping...to get a Green Tomato Pie made today.  You can find the recipe on my site. 

Green Tomato Pie Recipe

I am hearing...my daughters CD player playing Adventures in Odyssey

Around the house..Every one is getting ready for the day.  

From the learning rooms... School hasn't officially started for the day.  though oldest daughter is getting ready to start her music and youngest is finished with her piano practice for the day.  So we are getting something accomplished as far as learning goes. 

One of my favorite things...  warm pie and ice cream

A few plans this week...to get more done on my sewing projects. 

Here is a picture I am sharing with you..






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Saturday, October 4, 2008 - busy week

Posted in this & that
Just wanted to check in with my blog today.  I've had a really busy week this week.  Just wanted to let you know I am still alive and kicking almost too alive  heeheeheehee

I've been in here as you can see I've added the Breast Cancer awareness stuff; I just haven't posted too much. 

I did more on my quilt and came upon a problem.  Now I have to re-do some things  argh!!!  My appliqué musical notes were too big for my squares.  So now I have to back up again and redraw the musical notes or think of a different plan.    I have 12 nice appliqué musical notes.  dd suggested just cutting them down. I don't think that would work.  I'm still debating and I hope to get some work done on it as soon as I get off this computer.  I thinking! (Out loud, or maybe quietly, on paper no computer.)  As Pooh would say.... THINK, THINK, THINK! 



I love Pooh he's such a loveable character. 
Now I better get off of here and THINK, THINK, THINK  what my next attack plan is going to be... How am I going to fix this problem? 

Happy Weekend to you all. 


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Saturday, October 4, 2008 - Green-Tomato Chutney

Posted in In the Kitchen
Green-Tomato Chutney

4 pounds green tomatoes,  cored and cut (10-14 tomatoes)
2 medium sweet red or green peppers,seeded and cut up
2 medium pears, peeled, cored, and cut up
1 medium onion, cut up
1 & 1/2 cups vinegar
1 & 1/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins or dried currants

•Using a food processor or the coarse blade of a food grinder, chop or grind tomatoes, red or green peppers, pears, and onion (should measure 10 cups).
•In a large saucepan combine the chopped mixture, vinegar, sugar, dry mustard and salt.  On the range top, bring to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar; reduce heat.  Cover; boil gently for 10 minutes.  Uncover, stir in raisins or dried currants.  Cook, uncovered, for 35 minutes. 
•Ladle hot relish into hot, clean pint jars,  leaving 1/2-inch headspace.  Wipe jar rims; adjust lids.  Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes (start timing when water boils).  Makes about 6 pints. 


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Monday, September 29, 2008 - Simple day book

Posted in Monday Day Book


Please visit Miss Peggy at the simple woman

Outside my Window...It is dark and the stars are shining high above.

I am thinking...It is getting about time to climb into a cozy warm bed to rest my body.

I am thankful for...my warm blankets that I can snuggle into. 

From the kitchen...It is dark and there is quietness and clean and waiting a new day come morning.  Nothing is happening in there at the moment. 


 I am creating...a cross-stitch and a quilt at the present time.


I am going...to head off to bed just shortly. 


I am wearing...gray sweats wrapped in a blanket. 

I am reading...several books.  John 3:16 by Nancy Moser
For more books I'm reading check out my Books I'm presently reading bookshelf  (scroll down on left hand side)  @ 4 LOVE of BOOKS


I am hoping...to get to bed sometime tonight. 

I am hearing...nothing much just the working of the computers


Around the house..It is rather quiet.  The girls are working on Christmas projects and hubby is reading his news and emails and I'm posting this post. 

From the learning rooms... Not much is happening as it is late.  Can't say the lights are out because then I'd be in the dark.  However, two desks set empty and ready for tomorrow. 

One of my favorite things...is a warm bowl of chili on a chilly fall night as tonight. 

A few plans this week...to get some more of my quilt done as I have all the material ironed and ready to be cut. 

Here is a picture I am sharing with you..






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Monday, September 29, 2008 - John 3:16 by Nancy Moser


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

John 3:16

Tyndale House Publishers (September 9, 2008)

by

Nancy Moser



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and eighteen novels, including Solemnly Swear, Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner, and her latest historical, Washington's Lady.

Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters,
symphonies, and choirs. She gives Said So Sister Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included.

Find out more at Nancy Moser.com and Sister Circles.com


ABOUT THE BOOK

Five people looking for a reason to keep living are about to find it in the last place they expect... In my usual "big cast" style comes a story of what happens when one man puts his faith on the line and holds up a John 3:16 sign at a sporting event. Roman Paulson's life revolves around his son, Billy, a University of Nebraska football hero with a promising life ahead of him. But when Billy's coach encroaches on Roman's relationship with his son, Roman fears he'll lose Billy forever. Roman isn't the only one whose world turns upside down. He's one of five unsuspecting people whose lives intersect on a bright fall day.

If you would like to read the first chapter of John 3:16, go HERE





I'm reading this book my review will come when I'm finished. 



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Thursday, September 25, 2008 - Green Tomato Pie

Posted in In the Kitchen
Most of us have heard of fried green tomatoes, but green tomato pie?  Try this recipe on anyone who loves fruit pies, and don't tell them what's in it until they've tasted it.  They'll love the pie.  and be surprised to learn what the primary ingredient is!  My note:  From my growing up days and remembering mincemeat pie this reminds me of mincemeat pie in many ways.  If memory serves me right.  My hubby loves it and I had to acquire a taste but it is ok now.  My daughters don't care much for it, but when I was little I didn't like mincemeat pie either.  Very strong taste.  But good.  And you use up those green tomatoes.  Saturday we are making Green tomato relish.  I'll try to post that recipe next week. 



Unbaked pastry for 9-inch 2-crust pie
1 & 1/4 pounds green tomatoes (about 5 average) (my note:  I generally use the real small ones about 14 or 15 of them.  The ones that are still yet have to ripen but the frost has taken the plant-those are what I use)
3/4 cup of raisins
1 & 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon rind (my note:  I generally don't have the lemon rind so I looked up substitute and that is what I use-- substitute for lemon rind is:  3/4 teaspoon lemon extract)
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 Tablespoon cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 Tablespoon fine bread crumbs (my note:  I generally use one slice of bread just very finely torn--crumbled )
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Wash tomatoes; cut in quarters and slice very thin.  Put into a 3-quart bowl; stir in raisins, lemon rind, lemon juice, vinegar, and salt.  (set aside)

In another bowl blend sugar with flour and spices.

Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over an unbaked pie shell.  Then sprinkle 2 Tablespoons of the sugar mixture over bread crumbs. 

Stir the remaining sugar mixture into the tomato mixture.

Turn tomato mixture onto the bread crumbs in the pie shell, spreading evenly. 

Dot evenly with the butter. 

Moisten rim of pie shell and lay on the top crust.  Press gently all around to seal.  Trim and crimp the edges.  Make a few slits in the top crust to release the steam as it bakes.  (my note:  I generally will brush melted margarine over top crust and sprinkle a little sugar/cinnamon over it.  Just for looks I guess.  Just because that's me.)

Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 325°F and bake 50 minutes longer.  Cool on wire rack 2 to 3 hours before serving.  (my note:  I eat warm with ice cream yummy! Make sure you add the ice cream - otherwise I like it best good and cold out of refridge--well chilled)  


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Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - Full of Information today

Posted in Cool Fun
Hey everyone,  I'm full of information for you all today.  I get a Freebie of the Day newsletter actually the newsletter is posted on Monday for the week but each day of the week they have something free for Homeschoolers mainly to download.  Anyone can download it if you just sign up to get their newsletter.  Go check it out @  http://www.homeschoolfreebie.com/ 


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Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

When The Soul Mends

WaterBrook Press (September 16, 2008)

by

Cindy Woodsmall



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cindy Woodsmall is a veteran homeschool mom. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

Her first novel, When The Heart Cries, released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a Christian Book Association best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin.

Her last book, When the Morning Comes, hit the New York Times best-sellers extended list and the Christian Book Association best-sellers list.

Cindy’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity.

Cindy, her husband, their three sons and daughter-in-law reside in Georgia. Her husband is a registered land surveyor and a vice president at an engineering firm. Their oldest son has a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine and works at a local hospital. Their second son and his wife are both students at the University of Georgia. Their teen-aged son keeps the household energized with his love of music, books, and writing.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Returning to the home she fled in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for the wounds of the past?

After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.

Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.

As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life–and perhaps to her first love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of When The Soul Mends, go HERE

“A skillfully written story of forgiveness and redemption. Woodsmall’s authentic characters illustrate beautifully how wounded souls can indeed be mended.”
Susan Meissner, author of The Shape of Mercy

“Like the stitches on a well-loved quilt, love and faith hold together Cindy Woodsmall's When the Soul Mends, the brilliantly written third story in the Sisters of the Quilt series. With deft plotting and characters that seem to jump off the page, this novel offers the timeless truth that forgiveness is the balm which heals all wounds and a blanket for the soul.”
Kathleen Y’Barbo, author of Beloved Castaway

“What a vibrant, strong, emotional story! When the Heart Cries will grip you and not let go, I promise. Highly recommended!”
Gayle Roper, author of Allah’s Fire and the Seaside Seasons series

“Reaching deep into the heart of the reader, Cindy Woodsmall pens a beautifully lyrical story in her debut novel When the Heart Cries.”
Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of Rekindled


My review will come later because since I requested this book to read I have acquired the first two books in this series so I'd like to read them in order.  I will make it through them all some day and post my review. 



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Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - Cool girl Fun!

Posted in Cool Fun
Look what Jamin has posted today any one with younger girls will love this.  This is just way too cool.  Wish my girls were still young enough to do this. 




Since my daughter LOVES all things American Girl next week we are starting an American Girl Club.  Our club will be meeting one night a week to learn together about the different time periods the girls are from. 

We will start with Samantha (1904) and meet 12 times to go through the 6 Samantha books. (So the girls will read 1/2 a book each week before they come to the club.)

The activites for the club will be based on these books:
The craft and cook book are out of print, but are readily available on E-Bay.  (I got all 3 of these at a used bookstore for a total of $12.00!) 

Each week we will do a craft from the craft book, have a snack from the cook book and read a bit about the period from Welcome To Samantha's World. This book is like a museum in a book!  It is loaded with pictures and drawings of things from the time period.  I just LOVE it!  We have 4 of the different girls "World" books and I find myself leaving them on my nightstand so I can look through them on my own time. :^)

This is the craft we will be doing the first week:
This is called a Calling Card Box.  Back in the day before telephones people would just drop in for a visit!  If no one was home they would leave a calling card.  (Like a business card with just a name and a decoration on it.)  Boxes like this were kept in the parlor to collect the cards of friends and family in.  The second week we will be making enough calling cards for all the girls to trade and have one from each girl in the club!

We will also do a few booklets of a Samantha Lapbook each week and when we finish up each girl will have a lapbook they have created all about Samantha and the early 1900's.

Here is the link to the free American Girl Lapbook we will be making:
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/American_Girl_Lapbook.php

My daughter and I are very excited about getting this club going!  We have 16 girls and their mom's signed up to join us!  It should be a lot of fun!

Here's a link to Jamin's Felicity lapbook that was made.  I never got the link posted up as I wanted to so I'll just add it here .  Abi

Happy Homeschooling,

Jamin




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Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - Where's the time go??

Posted in this & that

Well, I'm finally getting in here this week.  I can't believe where the time goes.  Again this week I missed Monday Daybook.  Just too busy busy right now I guess with school and all. 

I got a little more done with the quilt today.  This time all material is ironed except for the backing.  I even have the webbing stuff on the back of the musical notes.  yipeeee!  every little bit helps.  Maybe I'll get more cut out on it this weekend now that it is mostly ironed. 

Well, all it is getting on to bedtime so I can't be on long.  Just had to stop in and let you know I'm still living.  Just in busy state. 


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Thursday, September 18, 2008 - Fall Swap

Posted in Cool Fun



Just had to tell you about the Fall Swap that Susan is hosting over @  Simply Susan.  Head over there and check it out.  It looks like a whole lot of fun. 






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Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - computer time

Posted in this & that

This week has been a crazy one and I've not found myself much computer time.  Just when I think I'm caught up on my work so I can set down and do the computer someone else needs it worse than me.  Argh!!  Guess that's the life of Home schooling.  You get kicked off the computer because the kids need it for school.  Oh, well better days lie ahead.  The girls took a bike ride and I have the grading caught up.  So I thought I'd set down here and write real quick. 

I wasn't able to post my Monday Daybook because I just didn't have time on Monday to do the computer.  It was truly a crazy Monday. 

I actually got an hour in on the exerciser this morning.  That has been a rare thing for some time now since school has started and hubby's schedule is always changing from week to week.  We have to change with it and lot of times the exercising is what goes, which isn't a good thing for me.  This morning,  I took my book and just walked while I read and the hour flew by.  I should have walked outside as there aren't too many more nice days left before the weather starts to get too cold to want to walk outside.  But I was too lazy that would have meant me changing into something besides my sweats, which I only wear in morning and evening around the house.  So I opted to do the exerciser so I wouldn't have to change.  naughty me!!  Hey, at least I did exercise.  You have to give me some credit. 

Last night I got started cutting out some of the quilt I'm making.  I got 7 strips and 12 musical notes cut out.  Big step was just getting started.  Well, I had to get motivated to do some thing.  I was unsure if I wanted to wash the material.  So had to ask some advise from some that I knew did lots of quilting, the pros.  Then I think I was just afraid to make that first cut in the material.  This is a scary thing as I've not attempted such a big quilt project as this.  I used the cutting wheel, Oh, I love it.  I did make one boo-boo but I corrected it and didn't lose too much material in the process.  Have to get use to using that wheel cutter.  next step is appliqué the musical notes onto the center of the square.  For those that didn't read my quilt-to-be post you may do so here

Well, the girls are back from bike ride and we have a missionary coming in for services this evening so I must get off of here and get supper going.  Just thought I'd let you all know I am among the living even if I don't get on this computer. 



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Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - The Bride Bargain by Kelly Eileen Hake


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Bride Bargain

Barbour Publishing, Inc (September 1, 2008)

by

Kelly Eileen Hake



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Life doesn't wait, and neither does Kelly Eileen Hake. In her short twenty-three years of life, she's achieved much. Her secret? Embracing opportunities and multitasking. Kelly received her first writing contract at the tender age of seventeen and arranged to wait three months until she was able to legally sign it. Since that first contract five years ago, she's reached several life goals. Aside from fulfilling fourteen contracts ranging from short stories to novels, she's also attained her BA in English Literature and Composition and earned her credential to teach English in secondary schools. If that weren't enough, she's taken positions as a college preparation tutor, bookstore clerk, and in-classroom learning assistant to pay for the education she values so highly. Currently, she is working toward her MA in Writing Popular Fiction. No matter what goal she pursues, Kelly knows what it means to work for it!

Kelly's dual careers as English teacher and author give her the opportunity explore and share her love of the written word. A CBA bestselling author and dedicated member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kelly is a reader favorite of Barbour's Heartsong Presents program, where she's been privileged to earn numerous Heartsong Presents Reader's Choice Awards; including Favorite New Author 2005, Top 5 Favorite Historical Novel 2005, and Top Five Favorite Author Overall 2006 in addition to winning the Second Favorite Historical Novel 2006!

Her Prairie Promises trilogy, set in the 1850s Nebraska Territory, features her special style of witty, heartwarming historical romance.
ABOUT THE BOOK

Set down upon the wild American plains during the 1850. Clara is desperate for a home and a future for herself and her aunt. When Clara Fields and her aunt are kicked off their wagon train, a store owner in Buttonwood offers a chance at redemption. If Clara is able to wed his grandson off to any of the local girls within a month, he'll sign over his two-story house.

Desperate to provide for the woman who raised her, Clara agrees to find a bride for the man's son--a stalwart bachelor. How hard can it be to find a bride for one handsome Doctor? Apparently more difficult than she imagined when Saul Reed seems determined to ramain single.

Will Clara's faith and wits help her wrangle a resolution to The Bride Bargain. Striking a bargain with a lonely trader to fool a head-strong doctor could lead Clara to an unexpected avenue of romance.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Bride Bargain, go HERE


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Tuesday, September 9, 2008 - In the Christmas spirit

Posted in Cool Fun
Ok here's a cute little ditty to do just for fun. I guess since it was a bit chilly here today it got me in a little bit a Christmas mood. Then I was looking at some crafts from Merry Makers that I subscribe too. So it all just got me in the mood I guess. Any way have fun finding out your true Christmas color. Blog Things - What color Christmas tree should you have?






You Should Have a Purple Christmas Tree
For you, the holidays represent a time of creativity and expression.
There's no way you'd do something bland simply for tradition's sake.

You are an independent person, and you definitely do the holidays your own way.
And you're decadent enough to go way over the top with any unusual holiday ideas you have.

Your purple tree would look great with: Purple lights and ornaments

You should spend Christmas Eve watching: A Christmas Story

What you should bake for Santa: "Kitchen sink" cookies - with a ton of things in them


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Tuesday, September 9, 2008 - How to Look 10 Pounds Thinner–Instantly

Posted in guest articles

I get an e-newsletter from Health.com and they posted this article that I thought I'd share here to help anyone that may want some clues on how to dress to look thinner.  Take it for whatever you wish.  I thought it was interesting. 

How to Look 10 Pounds Thinner–Instantly

 

Can you lose 10 pounds in an instant? You bet you can. All it takes is the right clothes that play up your strengths and diminish your trouble spots. Five Health readers show how it’s done.



Manage your middle
Tanya Kim-Johnson
Age: 37
Size: 12
Height: 5′ 6″
Job: Financial trader

Fashion challenge: “My stomach isn’t as flat as I’d like, and I’m thicker than I used to be. I don’t like trying to conceal my stomach under loose, baggy tops, but it’s difficult to find beautiful clothing that fits well.”

Expert answers: Wear an attention-grabbing necklace to draw the eye to your face. Find curve-hugging clothing in heavier fabrics like chunky knits and suede. This suede dress follows curves while also camouflaging flaws. Slip on a pair of pointy-toed pumps to lengthen the look of your legs.

DON’T: wear heels with an ankle strap; they cut off your legs at the ankle, making them appear even shorter.



Downsize your derriere
Toni Collado
Age: 33
Size: 8
Height: 5′ 5″
Job: Account manager

Fashion challenge: “I have a fairly wide butt and curvy hips, so finding pants that are flattering can be difficult.”

Expert answers: Choose tops with ruffles and other detailing that draw attention away from your lower half. Look for jeans with back pockets that are parallel to the center seam. They take inches from your rear. Stick with boot-cut jeans like Toni’s. The slight flare at the bottom balances out your rear.

DON’T: wear light denim, which (like any other light-colored clothing) tends to make everything look bigger; choose a darker wash.



Tame your tummy
Geremie Callaghan
Age: 38
Size: 10
Height: 5′ 6″
Job: Marketing director

Fashion challenge: “I’ve gained a little weight in my belly, so I don’t like wearing formfitting outfits. It’s tough to find something that’s comfortable but still looks good.”

Expert answers: Try dresses and tops with an empire waist, especially if the material is thin. The below-the-bust cut on this flowing floral dress allows the fabric to drape over the stomach without revealing bulges. Stick with smaller prints. Large geometric patterns can make you look bigger. Wear peep-toe shoes to make your legs look longer.

DON’T: wear a belt cinched tight right at your middle—it will make you appear thicker and short-waisted.



Minimize your bust
Bernadette Carasso
Age: 35
Size: 14
Height: 5′ 3″
Job: Newspaper art director

Fashion challenge: “I tend to wear layers to minimize my size 38DD chest—but that doesn’t really seem to help.”

Expert answers: Choose tops that cling to your curves but are made of thicker fabrics (like cotton knits). Clothing that hangs can make you appear shapeless and square. Fight the short-waisted look (a danger for large-chested women) with longer tops and jackets that fall low on the hips and elongate the torso. Try wide-leg pants, which keep your legs in proportion with your upper half.

DON’T: think an outfit has to be all black to be flattering. A combination of rich hues and vertical lines does the trick here.



Disguise your thighs
Carolyn McClain
Age: 36
Size: 12
Height: 5′ 7″
Job: Art director

Fashion challenge: “I have thick thighs, but a rather small waist. When something fits my waist, it’s too tight in the thighs and draws attention to that area.”

Expert answers: Put lighter, brighter colors on the top and save darker shades for the bottom half of your body to draw the eye up and away from problem areas. Minimize thighs with an A-line skirt like this one, which flares from the waist. Skirts that fall at the narrowest part of the lower body, usually at or above the knee, are the most flattering. Get a long, lean look with tall black boots. A good heel—2 to 3 inches—can also help elongate the body. Choose chunky heels for stability and comfort.

DON’T: wear ankle-length skirts. They only look good in drapey, loose fabrics, but those reveal every bulge.


By Megan O’Connell


 















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We all must have a lighter side to us and I'm hoping that in my blogs to share crafts, game ideas, recipes, funny happenings etc. I have another blog with my quiet spiritaul thoughts as well.



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