Thoughtful Thursday--Purex Complete Crystals Giveaway (ends 3/20)

I recently became a Purex Insider.  With this comes special things such as free samples and coupons.  And that is exactly what I am giving away!

I had the pleasure of trying a free sample of Purex Complete Crystals.  I h

Tave to admit that I was pretty skeptical at first.  And the first time I tried it, I didn't use enough.  When I did use it, I was glad to realize that it had a lasting smell that was still quite evident even in the dryer.  My only complaint was that it did not prevent static cling in the dryer.  I still prefer dryer sheets when clothes have to be put in the dryer, but I would say this product would be fantastic for clothes that are washed and not put through the dryer.

Today, I am pleased to offer 3 coupons for a free 28-ounce bottle of Purex Complete Crystals.  It says "Maximum Value $5.50", and they expire the last day of December of this year.  I am sure you will still have to pay sales tax, but I know everyone appreciates getting free products at the store.  The neat thing is that three coupons will be given away.  Just so you know, it could be possible for you to win more than one, but those chances are pretty slim.

Entry methods (please leave a separate comment for each entry):


1. Follow me via google friend connect (or tell me you already do).
2.  Become my facebook friend and/or like my page on facebook.  Leave your facebook user name. (1 entry for each)
3.  Like/follow  Purex on facebook and/or twitter.  (1 entry for each)  Please leave your user name.
4.  Share this giveaway any way you would like.  Leave any applicable url's.  You may do this once a day per method.
5.  Place my button on your blog.  Please leave the link so I can verify it.  (5 entries!  Please leave  5 separate comments.)
6.  Follow me via RSS or e-mail.  (1 entry per each method.)

And the unlimited option.  What is your best tip  and/or product when it comes to doing laundry?  Share as many things about this as you would like.  I am always looking for more ideas.

This giveaway will end March 20 at 9 P.M. Pacific Time.  I am not certain if this coupon is valid outside the U.S.  I don't see anything that says where it is valid, but if you are outside the U.S., you enter at your own risk!  Please leave a way to contact your or make sure your e-mail address is available in your profile.  Purex provided me three coupons with no strings attached.  They did not influence this review in any way.

Well-Spoken Wednesday--(on Tuesday) Love at Last Sight Book Review

Summary from goodreads:

Everything you’ve been taught about relationships is wrong.

The movies and TV make it look easy. Matchmaking Web sites have it down to a science. Two people connect—love at first sight—and the relationship is magical from then on. But the truth is, strong, deep relationships that last a lifetime aren’t based on the mysterious chemistry of two personalities. Real love in relationships—friends, married couples, siblings, parents—isn’t a magic act. It’s a journey. A great relationship grows from an investment of time and effort.

Kerry and Chris Shook know that deep relationships aren’t built on initial attractions, but on last things—the experience you shared the last time you were with someone . . . the words you spoke with her last week . . . the effort you made for him the last time you were together. And Love at Last Sight offers a one-month relationship plan that will improve your most important bonds, including a weekly focus and daily readings that guide you through the process. By learning to be  present in the moment, acting intentionally, risking awkwardness, and learning to let go, you’ll discover wisdom from the Bible that contradicts what popular culture would have you believe.

Meaningful relationships depend on seeing other people as they are, so that the last time your eyes meet on this earth, your relationship will be closer and deeper than ever before. Love at Last Sight is the last book you’ll need to get your dearest relationships right.

Another life-changing book from Kerry and Chris Shook Authors of the best-selling One Month to Live
 

Your closest relationships will naturally drift apart over time.   And chances are, right now, one or more of your most important relationships is less than what you wish it could be.

Now you can change everything and take steps to reconnect with the people who really matter—and we don’t mean by connecting on Facebook! This thirty-day program guides you step-by-step to deeper, more satisfying relationships by developing four forgotten but powerful relational arts for  changing, improving, and repairing the relationships you care about most:

            Week 1 – The Art of Being All There
            Week 2 – The Art of Acting Intentionally
            Week 3 – The Art of Risking Awkwardness
            Week 4 – The Art of Letting Go

Learn the secrets that will lead you to healthy relationships with the most important people in your life—starting today!

Love at Last Sight by Kerry Shook
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure I would like this book when I began.  After all, I'm not married (but I hope to be within a few years!). Right away, I realized that the authors had done a fantastic job of including more than the marriage relationship.  What they teach you applies to all relationships. They base all their advice on sound Biblical and relational principles.

I will tell you that I did not actually do their suggested daily assignments in the book.  I think that this book would be great for a small group Bible study where you could share those things in a journal form and weekly with the others in the group.

The things that really stood out to me in this book were being yourself with the special people in your life  and not leaving when things don't go right.  This is about love at last sight, not first sight.  Hollywood has inundated out culture with romantic ideas that are absolutely unrealistic, and they are basically self-centered.  When we realize that true love is action and not a feeling, it will definitely make a difference in our relationships.


View all my reviews


Water Brooks Multnomah sent me a review copy of this book in exchange for my review.  I was not financially compensated in any way for this post, and the publisher did not influence my review in any way.

Music Monday--Challenge Week #9

Goodness, I thought I wouldn't get to this tonight.  My computer has been so slow!  And with our snow days last week, I thought I may not have an entire CD listened to!

I got this CD from the library, and I am very happy to report that this is my favorite Brad Paisley CD!  I may just have to buy it.  I think I liked every song to a some degree.

It starts out with Two Feet of Topsoil, a cute little song that is typical Brad Paisley about breaking up and missing the girl, but it is not too silly--it's clever.  He then goes onto the song that featured several stars in the video--including his future wife:  I'm Gonna Miss Her."    I think mot  men could relate to this song!  No woman should do what the woman does in this song!

Brad Paisley - I'm Gonna Miss Her (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: Brad Paisley

Part II deals with meeting his wife and getting married, etc.  And then you get to Wrapped Around (really cute) and Two People Fell in  Love.  Moving on to Come On Over  Tonight and  You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive (a really good country song!).

I Wish You'd Stay is poignant and All You Really Need  is Love is very funny.  He then goes to a straight instrumental song that is pretty neat  Munster Rag.  You Have That Effect on Me is very sweet.  (I think his  wife influenced him A LOT on this album).

He ends with  Too Country which is reminiscent of his current single.  If you like country, you'll like it.  And the final song is The Old Rugged Cross.  It is live from the Opry, and I wish he  would release a  gospel album!  I love the way he sings the old hymns.

So this is really a good CD, and I hope that  one day Brad will go back to his roots and sing more songs like this rather than his current album style!

Sponsored Post--The Mile High Cry Tips on Traveling Stress-Free With Your Toddler

The Mile High Cry: Tips on Traveling Stress-Free With Your Toddler

This guest post was written by H. Denbert who has a degree in social work and hopes to satisfy her interest in science by getting a forensic science education in her spare time


We’ve all been there: trapped on an airplane, with that annoying baby crying in the next aisle throughout the flight. I was even on a plane once where another “helpful” woman angrily screamed, “Have you heard of a pacifier?!” Maybe like me, now you’re on the other side of the equation, with a toddler in tow, trying to fend off pissed-off passengers with apologetic half smiles. From navigating the maze of airport security to the endless hours in the sky, here are ways to cut down on the inevitable stress of flying with your child. Just look at it this way: at least we don’t have to travel by wagon train anymore.


Before You Get to The Airport

• Make sure you have the right size containers. You’re allowed to fly with juice, formula, or breast milk for baby, but it has to be in the right size container. Only 3.4 ounce (100 ml) or smaller containers are allowed. Check the TSA website for the most recent information on airport security and what it means for your toddler.
• Keep your stroller organized: You’ll have to take everything out of your stroller, in order for it to be x-rayed. Keeping things organized will cut down on annoying time in the security line. Pack things together, and minimize the amount of clutter floating in your stroller’s compartments.
• Bring a baby seat and reserve that extra plane seat: While it might be possible to carry your child on your lap while flying, it sure isn’t comfortable. The money you can save by doing it might be appealing, but reserving an extra seat is more courteous to the fellow fliers and more likely to result in a calmer flight for your kid. And, if your child weighs more than forty pounds, you’re required by the FAA to restrain them with an airplane seatbelt.
• Bring the right entertainment: If it’s the portable DVD player your kid loves, make sure it’s in the bag. Don’t overpack, however, or you’ll be lugging a heavy bag through the airport.

In Flight

• Pack a diaper change kit: Put all the things you need to change a few diapers in one easily accessible bag. You’ll be glad you had that diaper, some wipes, and a good smelling lotion around when you need to change a diaper in flight. If you’ve got a larger kid, ask a crew member if there is a bathroom on the aircraft with a change table, as this is often the case.
• Dealing with ear popping: That uncomfortable feeling of pressure buildup in the ears can be one of the most trying things about flying with children. A pacifier is helpful, and should be put in during take-off and before your descent. Unfortunately, for kids too young to understand the instructions to swallow, crying can be the only effective way to relieve ear pressure. Let them cry it out---it’s actually helpful.
• Bring more food than you think you'll need: Pack food and snacks as if you won’t be getting any on the plane. This is often the case these days, and even if there is food that doesn’t mean your toddler will actually eat it. When it’s time to eat, feed your kid first, then yourself. Manipulating trays of food in flight can be difficult, and you’ll be more relaxed while eating if your child has already.
• Be prepared for motion sickness: If it’s your child’s first flight or you know they are prone to motion sickness, be prepared. Put a Ziploc bag in your purse or in front of your seat, if you fear they might puke. And of course, keep lots of wet wipes around for clean up. Don’t let them eat too much before the flight, and consider putting a disposable bib on any child that may get sick. Even a little puke smells really bad, when stuck in a tiny airplane.

Solution Sunday (on Monday!) Update on my Challenges

Well, due to family issues, this is one day late.  I am planning to update my challenges tonight, and so even though it's late, here goes.

Well, I am finally getting caught up!!  I read chapters 5 and 6.  While the Valentine's Day chapter was not really applicable to me (Valentine's Day is past), I think there were some ideas to save for next year.  I really liked the chapter about being creative.  Since I have had Martha, my creativity around the house has suffered.  I used to make the Christmas presents.  I used to decorate.  I used to always cross stitch.  And now?  I'm lucky if I get to bed on before 11!  I love that she said that this is a season of life that will pass.  I will have more time to be creative when my daughter grows up.  And one day I may even have my own home again.  I appreciate the fact that the author is so easy to relate to!  She is a real person, and she gives some very practical idea.  I plan on getting the book she recommended:

Beating the Winter Blues: The Complete Survival Handbook for Moms

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Okay, I did not finish the challenge for the week.  It was too long.  I will show you next week.  I am working on the same magazine area.  When you have 50 magazines to organize (and possibly more), it does take time.  I don't want to throw them all out.  So for this week, I am continuing with the organizing challenge of the magazine and organizing the area around it as well.  I know I am keeping this short.  I am going to be glad when I am fully functional again!

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Nothing new here.

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Okay, I just finished this book today, but I am putting it off till next Sunday to count towards the challenge.

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All right!  I finally did something for this challenge!  Here's my review of this book!

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Nothing new here.

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I plan to start this book  this week!

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Nothing new here.

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Check out my current recipe post here!  It is very pantry-friendly.

No Solution Sunday Tonight

I want to apologize for not posting tonight--things really escalated at our house tonight.  I will catch up tomorrow.

Have a great evening.  I'll try to let you know more tomorrow.

Satisfied Saturday--Family Feast Recipes This Week

I get bored easily when planning out meals, so I went a little different direction.  I decided to use this book.  It is still pantry cooking, and I love the fact that these recipes are easy to prepare, taste good, and the recipes are fairly inexpensive.

So these are the meal plans for the week:

Meal 1:  Curried Chicken and Recipe p. 105, veggies

Meal 2:  Toasty Tuna Melt Casserole p. 119, veggies

Meal 3:  Italian Sausage Soup p. 191, Italian bread of some kind

Meal 4:  Split Pea Soup With Ham p. 190, Big Biscuits p. 224

I still have a molasses cookie recipe to make from a couple weeks ago.  I will do my best to review these recipes next week.