Saturday, June 28, 2014

Weekly Recap



I'm so excited this week!  On Friday my brother and sister (with families) came to visit!  They will be here in NJ for the next week and I couldn't be more tickled! They live in FL so we don't get to see each other all that often and this is a rare occasion where all of us and all of our kids will be together.  My kids are thrilled to see their cousins!

I haven't been blogging too much this week in preparation of our visitors.  I did manage to get a few things up!

Here is what you missed this week:

Summer Reading: Tips & Suggestions for Tweens!

 - if your looking for a good list to start with for summer reading these are some of our favorites!

It's Not Greek To Me: 10 Lessons in Greek DVD #REVIEW

 - Moms of Masterbooks reviewed this title and we love it.  Adding the full dvd and written curriculum for fall.

Go Science DVD Review

- a fun set of dvds for the visual science learner!

Is It I? #abcblogging

 - Can you believe we are already on week 9 for #abcblogging! 

On AsTheyGrowUp.com


Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights - Good Egg #WIN

- we always enjoy Joanie's lyrics and beautiful voice!  Don't miss this giveaway!

Champions for Kids SIMPLE Service Projects #SUMMEROFGIVING

 - My kids and I had a blast delivering food to our local food bank!

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Is It I? #abcblogging

Recently our Pastor mentioned a part a scripture during his message that has been on my mind.  It was the passage where Jesus sits down with his disciples for their last supper together.  To me this scripture always felt like Jesus was preparing them thoroughly for what was to come.  Like any parent giving their child those last minute instructions for their next steps.  He starts to tell them about his betrayal.  The disciples start murmuring amongst themselves and asking Is it I?  (Mark 14)

See everyone in that group felt that they were on the up and up.  No one had a person come to mind as the 'bad seed'.  They all worried about it being themselves.  Maybe in the course of the ministry they had seen faithful servants fall away.  (Those people that serve whole-heartily for years then suddenly sin sneaks in and destroys a testimony.) 


Then you move ahead a few verses and Jesus shares that all will be offended because of him.  Peter's famous denial is predicted.  Peter is the only one convinced he will do no wrong.  We all know how that worked out.


Like I said earlier this thought really stuck with me - Is it I?  Oftentimes I know I think I will stand strong when faced with persecution.  Would I?  Or would I be the first to falter.  Look at this Sudanese woman Miriam.  She is standing strong when faced with real persecution.  She didn't falter even though her children were by her side in prison as well.  Could I be as steady and strong?

What if I was faced with a major disease.  Would I still praise God?  Or would I falter and betray the faith I so easily stand on when not faced with adversity.

It honestly is food for thought - for myself included. Would people look at me and say Oh, that Lisa, she'll be the first to falter!  It has to be her!  Or would they be too busy worrying about their own hearts. 

I pray that I will be able to say these words at the end of my life:

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith - 2 Timothy 4:7


This post has been part of Blogging through the Alphabet at Benandme.com.  Click on the picture below to see what others are saying about the letter I! 






Ben and Me

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Go Science DVD Review

Go Science Review

Do you have a science nut in your house?  I have one kid that loves doing experiments in his spare time. He will spend an entire Saturday reading science books and creating! I was happy to share two Go Science DVDs from Library and Educational Services with him! 

For this review we received the following DVDs:

Go Science Chemistry - Volume 6 - $8.97

and 

Go Science Engineering, Design, Flight - Volume 7 - $8.97




Let me tell you a little about Library and Educational Services.  They are a wholesale company that has been in business for 35 years.  Family operated they sell primarily to libraries, teachers, schools (homeschool and conventional),churches, resellers, specialty stores, missionaries, day care and ministry leaders. 


They have a wide variety of items including DVDs, CDs, books and more at 30-70% off!

Go Science Review

Go Science Series of DVDs:

There are seven volumes in this series.  Ben Roy is the host and he has a long list of credentials that includes: teaching science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and being the  former director of Channel 9 Science Theater.  In addition to those he also produced science lessons for the Weather Channel, About.com, and a Christian satellite broadcasting network.

Mr. Roy demonstrates experiments with the help of children in the audience.  The DVDs are broken up into segments featuring one experiment.  At the end there is always mention of how science points to our Creator!

You can purchase the entire set of 7 DVDs for $59.82

Titles In This Series:

  • Volume 1:  Sound, Gravity, Space
  • Volume 2:  Life Science, Weather
  • Volume 3:  Air 1, Air 2
  • Volume 4:  Motion, Friction, Electricity, Light
  • Volume 5:  States of Matter, Water
  • Volume 6:  Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2
  • Volume 7:  Engineering, Design, Flight

Recommended for ages 4-12

For these DVDs I had my 12 and 13 year old boys sit down and watch with me.  I picked Volume 6: Chemistry and Volume 7: Engineering, Design, Flight because I thought those would be fun to watch.  We will be doing a chemistry science curriculum in the fall and I thought that that volume would be a great companion to our studies.  With seven available volumes I think everyone could find a volume that would tie into their current studies or perhaps just interest led like Volume 7 is for us.


Volume 6:  Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2 was by far our favorite of the two.  The experiments were exciting.  They made a lava lamp, exploded bubbles and explained how diapers absorb water - to name a few experiments.

Volume 7: Engineering, Design, Flight was a little less exciting but had very interesting experiments as well.  They balanced nails on one another, worked with the center of gravity with building block and worked with several rockets.  We've tried doing rockets at home before and had little luck so this was nice to be able to see what would happen. 



A few things I really liked about these DVDs is being able to see the experiments work  In the past we've tried many things at home and never really had the results we were supposed to see.  It is frustrating as a home educator to see your kid's disappointment when their rockets don't take off.  Having a video is a easy way to see the success!

Another plus is not having to invest in the materials for every experiment.  Expenses can add up quickly when you have a kid that loves science.  The cost of the DVD is minimal compared to the supplies required.  There will also be no mess!  Yay!  A lot of experiments are messy! For example during Volume 6 they explode a 2 liter of soda!  It shoots way up in the air - more than I would have thought!  I'm glad we saw it first so we didn't explode that one inside our kitchen!

The segments are short on each DVD which means you could watch consecutively like we did or just  skim through the experiments for the ones that coincide with what you are learning.  I love how Mr. Roy gives lessons about our Creator through out the segments.  This is definitely creation science.  He often says, "Whenever we  study about science we learn more about our creator God."  I love that because we want to learn about our Creator and we want science to reflect that for our kids!

The only negative is that I wish there was a supply list in case you would like to do these experiments at home.  One of the experiments was making silly putty and a quick google search gave me the increments of ingredients I needed to do that one at home.  It would have been easier if a sheet came with or you were given a link to go online and print.  Not a huge deal because many of the experiments you wouldn't want to do at home because of mess or costly supplies.


Click to read Crew Reviews


Don't forget to visit Library and Educational Services on Facebook for additional information and products! 


Crew Disclaimer

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

It's Not Greek To Me: 10 Lessons in Greek DVD #REVIEW

We have been toying with what languages my oldest should study for high school.  I think he should probably do his minimum required two years in Spanish but I would also like him to do something more exciting.

It's Not Greek to Me ended up being on the list of Moms of Masterbooks' review list, I thought this might be something.  See my oldest has studied his bible and he knows a little about the translations from Koine Greek.  I knew he would be intrigued!

So far my oldest (13) and my middle (12) sat down and watched the first 3 sections of this DVD.  We were planning on just watching through for review purposes but the kid's decided they wanted to go back and work through the DVD. 

In the first lesson you meet your teacher Todd Friel.  He is energetic and engaging.  He had us all laughing at his antics.  He is what makes this DVD so engaging and I'm sure this is why my kid's want to learn more.  During this lesson he explains what he will be teaching.  This isn't a memorization course (although you will need to learn a few things like the Greek alphabet). 

The second lesson introduces the Greek Alphabet.  You probably know a few letters:  Alpha, Beta, omega ... We had a blast trying to sing along with Friel.  This was when we realized we would like to take the time to really learn the alphabet and decided to just scan the next lesson but return to lesson 2 for further study.

About the DVD:

A basic Greek primer to help you study your Bible more deeply and know God better in the process!
God chose the perfect time to fulfill His promise of the coming Messiah. This was a time when the Greek language was thriving, and it became the perfect vehicle to spread the gospel. Now you can explore the Biblical text in Koine Greek (or the common Greek of Jesus' time) with this easy and fun-to-do, 10-lesson study!

You will begin with memorizing the alphabet and then quickly progress to proficiency. With this simple program, Todd Friel helps individuals, families, and groups who desire to know God's Word more clearly do so by equipping you to:
  • Get more understanding from Bible footnotes and commentaries
  • Clarify points of confusion among Biblical translations
  • Go beyond the basics to comprehend the meaning of the original Biblical texts.
***

We really did have a fun time exploring this DVD.  I get excited when my boys get excited about learning and that is exactly what happened when we watched.  We happened to be driving past a local college and I was able to point out the Greek letters on the fraternity houses.  It was cool because we actually recognized several and could tell the names out loud of what they said! 

You can purchase It's Not Greek to Me at nlpg.com for $15.99.  I personally bought the Parent Lesson Planner which is for grades 7th-12th and counts as a 1/2 credit of language studies when done with the DVD.


Don't forget to join us for the Masterbooks Moms Facebook party - tonight- June 24th at 7pm CST. 
We will discuss the DVD and there will be prizes given out! 

Monday, June 23, 2014

Summer Reading: Tips & Suggestions for Tweens!


Summer reading has always been important.  We started this independent program when my kids were able to read on their own.  When they were little they were required to read one of those level 2-3 easy readers each morning.

When they reached 4th-8th we stepped it up.  The books had to be 100 pages long and have more words than pictures.  We would go to the library and they were able to pick books for the week.  Our library has a reading program that rewards them for books read.  That was a great incentive for them to do the work.

Another incentive was that they were not allowed to do anything plugged in before they did their independent reading.  We call it "un-plugged"  - this means no video games, computer or television!  (We are more lenient during Summer vacation for those devices.)

What they are required to do is this:

  • Bible Reading - this is first

  • Read 1 chapter a day in their books

Once those are complete they can move onto anything fun.  Usually they would read during breakfast.  This was a great way for them to multi-task.

Here are a few suggestions of some of our favorite books:


This book is about a boy that uses survival skills to live alone on a Mountain. I actually read this book when I was little and it has remained a favorite of mine. I was thrilled when my boys read it too!


This is still my favorite book - ever! I have read it so many times. I love the magic of the finding and restoring the garden! Great for girls and boys!
 
 We all loved this series. We did this as a read aloud last year and my kid's begged to hear more each night. just a side note: I do not recommend the newer series Heroes of Olympus - the material is very mature in my opinion with lots of dating.


You can't go wrong with Judy Blume's series! These had my kids laughing - interestingly I read these when I was little too!

This post was part of the School House Review Crew - by clicking on the image below you can see more post about Summer Reading for Middle Grades!

Summer Reading for Middle Grades

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Weekly Recap








Another week has flown by in the Rup House!  We've been busy too!  School is still going on but I see the finish line in sight!  I have family coming in to town next weekend so there has been some organizing to my craft/kids playroom to make room for our guests.  We had the opportunity to visit Sahara Sam's - a water theme park which was a BLAST!

In case you missed any posts:


Featured on New Leaf Publishing's Blog! 

 

Bluebonnet Bride: A Butterfly Palace Story

A Mother's Secret: Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel by Amy Clipston #REVIEW

 

5 Tips For Diggerland! #REVIEW

H is for Hello - Using Our Cell Phones for God! #abcblogging 

Frugal Finds

And on AsTheyGrowUp.com:

 

Happy Father's Day from BoxTrolls! Card & Craft! 

Wired by Recess Monkey #WIN

DIGGERLAND Now Open! #REVIEW 

Summer Reading: Gemina: The Crooked-Neck Giraffe #WIN

TRANSFORMERS ENERGON Volume 1 On DVD - Now Available! 

Summer Reading: I Have A Friend by Judith Inglese 

Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights - Good Egg #WIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, June 20, 2014

Frugal Finds




I did pretty well at the thrift store and Goodwill this week:


This dress was $6 but it is a beautiful drappy fabric that is high for thriftying for me but I loved it so I splurged!

The dress on the left was long to the floor but hard to take a picture of that.  Both of these were 1/2 price making them about $3 each.  Unfortunetly the one on the right didn't fit but I have someone in mind to pass that too.  That is one of the risks you take when you can't try things on.


Two shirts and a vest for my little guy.  $3 for all.  This was from a yardsale.  The shirts are Chaps and the vest is Carters and matches the top shirt beautifully!

More yardsale finds.  4 books for $1!  The puzzle was $1 too!  We also got a plastic clock toy that is electronic for telling time for $1.  (Forgot to take a picture of that one.)

Hope you enjoy my thrifty adventures!

Thursday, June 19, 2014

H is for Hello - Using Our Cell Phones for God! #abcblogging

I think just about everyone over the age of 15 has a cell phone these days.  They are so convenient!  You can call your parents while on vacation six states away.  Text a friend to tell them your running five minutes late.  Look up store hours, pull a coupon up for the craft store and even check the weather.

With all the time on the cell phone how much time are we using to serve God?  (Ah...I'm feeling the conviction!)  See that little device is a time-sucker.  I have apps on there to amuse me through-out the day.  Words with Friends lets me play a scrabble type game with my friends all over the country.

The bible says:

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31

I don't think it is a stretch to say 'whatsoever' could mean cell phone use!  I know some people read their bible on their phone!  That is great.  (I personally prefer the physical book.)  

What about going through your contact list and praying for them?  How about sending a text message to a few people each day through out the month telling them that you love them?  Checking in on them?  Asking them if they have a prayer need?  

What about texting your spouse at work and telling them how much you appreciate them working hard for your family?  What about texting your siblings just to say you love them?  Your kid's to tell them you are proud of their lifestyle? Your parents to tell them you are thankful for what a good job they did with you...your in-laws thanking them for raising your spouse?

 

God has really put it on my heart these last few days that I spend way too much time on my cell phone and it profits little.  

 

This post is part of BenandMe.com 's blogging through the alphabet.  You can visit the link-up featuring other bloggers and what they are blogging about for the letter H by clicking on the picture below!

 

 

Ben and Me

5 Tips For Diggerland! #REVIEW

I recently had the opportunity to go to the new construction theme park in Berlin, NJ - Diggerland!  The first of it's kind in USA - it was a fantastic experience!  Enjoy the tips below to help you have a successful visit!



I featured an entire review over at AsTheyGrowUp.com stop there to read it all but here are some highlights:


Overall we loved the park.  My 3 year old was able to do quite a bit but most of it he had to have help from his big brother or me.  In about 2 years he probably could do everything by himself (He is about 39 inches.)  My big kids were able to do everything!  They really had a great time.  With the rock climbing wall, rope wall and arcade I think there is something adventurous for everyone.  The Excavator Express (there version of a train ride) was a great opportunity to sit, relax and see the park.  Another plus was the gift shop.  I was super impressed at what they had to offer in store.  Many items were under $10!  Several under $5!  We ended up with two JCB baseball hats and a little mixer truck for my 3 year old and spend under $30!




Tickets - purchasing online here will save you money!  Online tickets are $29.95 full day and $24.95 half day.  Walk-up tickets are $34.95 full day and $26.95 half day.  Guest 36" inches and under are free as well as 65 and older!  

You can visit Diggerland.com for additional information as well as their Facebook page!


A Mother's Secret: Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel by Amy Clipston #REVIEW

Thank you to Litfuse for providing a copy of this book for review.  



I have another wonderful book to review for you.  A Mother's Secret by Amy Clipston.  This is part of the Hearts of The Lancaster Grand Hotel but is a perfect stand alone book as well.  (Even though I'm pretty sure I want to go ahead and read the first book  A Hopeful Heart


About The Book:

Carolyn Lapp longs to have a traditional Amish family. But she lives on her brother's farm with her parents and her 15-year old son, Benjamin. Carolyn has never revealed the identity of Benjamin's father and lives daily with the guilt and shame of her youthful indiscretion. Her brother simply will not forgive her.

After years of shame and loneliness, Carolyn suddenly has two men vying for her attention.  But which of them will give her the family and the unconditional love she's longed for?


About the author: 

Amy Clipston holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, and two sons and four spoiled rotten cats.


Amy can be found at: website, Twitter, Facebook

My Thoughts:

I loved this book.  It drew me in right away.  I live a few hours away from Lancaster, PA and I've always been intrigued by their culture.  This book was very different than others I read because it addressed being a single mother within that culture.  I found that topic fascinating.  Clipston weaves a great tale and I honestly a one point wasn't sure who Carolyn would pick.  The strong faith and family through out the book was also very sweet.  I'm looking forward to book three in the series this fall.

 

Amy Clipston A Mother's Secret

Monday, June 16, 2014

Bluebonnet Bride: A Butterfly Palace Story


I had the opportunity to review Bluebonnet Bride: A Butterfly Palace Story by Collen Coble from BookLook.

This was a fun book about a mail order bride.  I love the idea even though I'm thankful as an American we don't have to worry about that kind of thing any more!  This book was a quick read - more like a novella than a full book but I don't mind that all to much - sometimes I like to have something I can read in an hour.  While it went quick I found Colleen Coble's writing to be pleasing and I will be looking at other books from her in the future! 

about:

At the turn of the 20th century, Elli Korpela boards The Baltic with hundreds of eager women, all seeking new beginnings and brighter futures in America . . . as mail order brides.
Escaping a forced engagement, Elli seeks refuge in a faraway marriage, desperately needing her new life with a Texan named Nathan White to be safer than the one she left behind in Finland. And as she glimpses her future husband and his darling niece at the train station, she instantly knows her risk will prove the best decision she's ever made.

Until he became the guardian of four-year-old Hannah, Nathan White never took an interest in marriage, arranging a mail order wife to simply love and care for his orphaned niece. That is, he never took an interest until he laid eyes on the beautiful Elli Korpela.

After a fairytale ceremony in the gardens of the grandest estate Elli's ever seen, a place called Butterfly Palace, their peaceful beginning takes a disquieting turn as an intruder brutally attacks Elli in the middle of the night. Nathan intervenes, but the devil escapes unidentified, leaving Elli to face two chilling possibilities: either the attack was arranged by strike workers in Nathan's employ or her shadowy past followed her into the present – and across the sea.

As the danger mounts, Elli and Nathan must face their enemy together, fighting to stay alive – and fighting to stay man and wife.


You can purchase your copy Bluebonnet Bride: A Butterfly Palace Story of at Amazonand other book retailers!  
I review for BookLook Bloggers

Featured on New Leaf Publishing's Blog!

I was so excited to be able to share my heart on New Leaf Publishing's Blog!  I wrote about finishing the school year strong...even if it takes longer than expected! 

Please stop by and check the article out! 

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Weekly Recap

Summer is almost here!  We are ALMOST finished school and I see that finish line in sight!  Looking forward to my siblings coming to visit this month.  We haven't been all together in a few years!!  I was picked for some awesome reviews - which are going to be featured soon!  Can't wait to share them with you!

Here is what I blogged about this week:

Summer Reading Program Round-Up! 

- looking for a great summer reading program to have your kid's join? I did all the work and compiled an awesome list!  

We Choose Virtues Review

-We really loved this review! Awesome for teaching character to kids! 

How To Train Your Dragon 2 in IMAX 3D

Influenster #SpringVoxBox - been wondering what a VoxBox is?  I tell you all about it and share the highlights and lowlights!

Check out Beth Shriver's New book Rumspringa's Hope and Enter to win a Kindle Fire! 

G is for Grief #abcblogging

Win a Coleman Camping Kit – Match the TNZ author with their “Scary Summer” story!

SuperSwizz Spiral Slicer #REVIEW - Spiral slicers are all the rage!  Check out this review to see if you need this gadget!

Frugal Finds - A New Series on Thrifting - Take a glimpse into my thrifty side!  

Odyssey Adventure Club – join today for just $5!

 

On AsTheyGrowUp.com:

RECESS MONKEY'S WIRED TOUR ARRIVES IN PA! 

'Daddy's Always Here' by Joe Beck and Darryl Tookes

 

Disney Movies Anywhere Introduces PIXAR SUMMER MOVIES TO GO!

Disney Movies Anywhere Introduces PIXAR SUMMER MOVIES TO GO!  

Riff Rockit's New Album ~ Proceeds Going To BeTheMatch.org!!! 

 

Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine Coming to DVD 9/9

Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine Coming to DVD 9/9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, June 13, 2014

Odyssey Adventure Club – join today for just $5!

Odyssey-Adventure-Club-1
Are your kids in need of a safe and fun environment where they can explore, create and imagine, all while developing their faith and learning biblical truth? Enter the Odyssey Adventure Club (AOC)!
OAC-bloggerbutton 
For a limited time, you can join HERE for only $5 (regular monthly membership costs $15 for up to six users)!

Families will be able to stream the Adventures in Odyssey library, plus listen to exclusive new monthly episodes.  Busy families will find 24/7 access to the content through the Odyssey Adventure Club mobile iPhone app.

Children can also read daily devotions, interact with hands-on activities and view video documentaries featuring a behind-the-scenes look into the production of the Adventures in Odyssey stories. Parents can feel confident their children are safe on the Odyssey Adventure Club website — Focus on the Family staff will be monitoring all comments before they’re publicly posted.

A portion of each Odyssey Adventure Club membership will benefit Focus on the Family partner relief organizations, including Christian Veterinary Mission, Operation Christmas Child and Compassion International. This provides parents with an opportunity to teach children about the value of giving and serving others.

Coming in July, Odyssey Adventure Club members get to listen to the brand new album, "The Ties That Bind," FIRST before it's available ANYWHERE ELSE!

Click here to join for only $5!

Want more summer activities for your kids inspired by the Odyssey Adventure Club? Check out this post.

Frugal Finds - A New Series on Thrifting







I love shopping at thrift stores!  Give me a yardsale on Saturday morning any day!  I've been doing both since I was a kid and I thought why not share with my readers! 


 


The above clothing was for my 3 year old.  We dress up for church and I HATE spending $19-$30 for a outfit that will probably just get ruined.  The suit in the middle (large) picture was a 3 piece suit, the tie was missing but I have one from the size 3T so I'll just use that.  The one on the top right had no pants but matches perfect from the purple's pants so I'll use the same black pants for both!  So the grand total spent:  $5!!  I will mix and match pants/shirts... with things we already have.


Hope you enjoyed this post - I'm hoping to do one often to share my frugal finds! 

Thursday, June 12, 2014

SuperSwizz Spiral Slicer #REVIEW

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.





Spiral cutters are all the rage in dieting groups.  Mostly because many are cutting out pasta and looking for good alternatives to replace it.  I was super excited to try SuperSwizz Spiral Slicer!




About:

SuperSwizz Spiral Slicer: Stainless Steel Vegetable Spiralizer with Special Japanese Blades 2 Julienne Sizes, Perfect Spiral Cutter for Low Carb Healthy Vegetable Meals - Best Spirelli Julienne Super Cutter for various Veggies such as Zucchini, Paderno & Carrots - As seen on numerous cooking shows it's Perfect for Low Carb Heart Healthy meals - With Manual and Cleaning Brush.

  •  Top Quality Spiral Slicer - Spiralizer with Bonus Brush for Easy Cleaning

  •  Feature: Special, sturdy Japanese blades made of stainless steel Create endless Julienne strips Two Julienne sizes - 2x3 mm and 3.5x5 mm Dishwasher - safe Stainless steel / plastic

  •  Easy and quick to operate, small enough to fit into your kitchen drawer, and works better than expensive spiral cutter products

  •  Comes complete with a KITCHEN BRUSH, DETAILED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.

  •  Designed to make raw vegetable "pastas" with ease from carrots, zucchinis and the like, the SuperSwizz Spiral Slicer is the perfect gadget for raw foodists. From veggie spaghetti, easy stir fry, to fancy garnishes for the sushi plate, this spiral cutter makes it all so easy. It is ideal for making curly strands of firm vegetables, creating garlands of vegetables, making stunning salads and food preparations. Creating easy and healthly meal.

  •  Simply use this vegetable spiralizer like a pencil sharpener. There will be a little leftover (like a pencil-sized core) which you can easily slice as normal. SuperSwizz Spiral vegetable slicer can cut spirals in 2 thicknesses (2x3mm & 3.5x5mm).


My Thoughts:

This was a neat product.  There are some definite pluses and minuses with it.  Let's start with what I like.  I love that the gadget it small.  It makes it easy to store because it doesn't take up too much space.  I like that it comes with a brush for easy clean up.  It cuts well and has two different sizes depending on what end you use.  I didn't like how much is wasted by spiraling the food ( a nub size).  Also cutting this way you need to do 3 times as much to get a decent amount to cook.  It is pretty neat especially if you are looking to make an alternative pasta.



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Win a Coleman Camping Kit – Match the TNZ author with their “Scary Summer” story!

Thomas Nelson Zondervan Fiction Harper Collins


To celebrate summer, TNZ is hosting Scary Summer Nights. Eight of your favorite TNZ Fiction authors have created original scary stories perfect for telling around the campfire. From June 1–22, read each of the scary stories, match them to their correct authors, and you might win! One grand prize winner will receive a Coleman camping kit (You can use it to create your own scary summer nights!) and a set of books from the participating authors. Five runners-up will receive five books of their choice from the participating authors.
Coleman Camping Kit includes the following:
— Coleman RoadTrip LXE Propane Grill
— Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent
— Two (2) Coleman Camping Chairs
— 1 copy of each of the books featured:
  1. Critical Condition by Richard Mabry
  2. Stranger Things by Erin Healy
  3. Storming the Black Ice by Don Brown
  4. Distortion by Terri Blackstock
  5. Snapshot by Lis Wiehl
  6. Mark of Evil  by Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall
  7. A Deadly Business by Lis Wiehl
  8. Spirit Bridge by James L. Rubart
  9. Butterfly Palace by Colleen Coble

G is for Grief #abcblogging

Grief is a strange thing.  Sometimes I think I'm passed grieving and then like a cold it is suddenly there with no warning.  I think I've learned that you never really stop grieving.  You just go through different stages.  Thankfully I have Jesus to help me through!  The Bible is often the only thing that comforts me in my times of great sorrow.

Here are some of my favorite verses:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28


Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. - Psalm 55:22


Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 14:27


The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.  - Psalm 23


I've spent a lot of time in Psalms during troubled times as well.  I've lost many special people to me - My Mother to cancer, My little cousin who was more like a sister to a car accident, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and my unborn children to miscarriage.  Some days my heart is heavy but I know I will see most of them again one day... in heaven!  Thank God for that promise!  


This post is part of Blogging through the Alphabet with BenandMe.com.  Click on the picture below to see other post about the letter G! 


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