Thoughtful Thursday--Teecino Review

Well, I missed last night.  I know you have gotten used to me missing one post a week.  And under the circumstances, I think you can understand.  It was exactly a week ago today that I was just finishing up my time in the emergency room after my horrible attack.  I haven't been in the mood for a lot of things lately.

But I felt it was time for another review.  On Saturday, my big recuperation day, all I wanted was liquids.  I guess because I had lost so much blood and other liquids.  I craved herbal tea.  My order from drugstore.com had arrived the day before, and my herbal coffee had arrived.  I had read good things about it.  It is called Teecino.  Maybe you have heard of it before.  I first discovered it on drugstore.com, and I was considering buying the kind you use in your coffee maker.  But it was a little pricey, and I wasn't sure I would like it.  So I opted for the following:

I was still uncertain about it.  I read the ingredients--carob, chile powder (?)--would it be any good?

I had my morning coffee, and about mid-morning, I was ready to try it.  I was somewhat uncertain.  There was no caffeine in it.  I made it, and I added some fat free milk and a splenda packet.  My first drink was fantastic!  It tasted like hot chocolate, but better.  I had at least one more that day, and after that I was hooked.  I drink at least one per day.  I can hardly wait to try the other flavors.

There is a lot of good information on the site.  I hadn't thought about it, but it is safe for pregnant women to drink.  It has natural energy.  I would love to try the kind for the coffee maker, and I just may do that next time.  But for now, I am content to use the tee bags, as they are called.

Did it replace my coffee?  Not at all!  But it is a fantastic pick-me-up after work.  It is much nicer to drink one of these rather than a strong coffee.  It is very rejuvenating, and while it does not give you the caffeine fix, it does give you a little bit of energy.  I look forward to trying the rest of the flavors!

Now, just so you know, I did not get paid for this review--teecino doesn't even know I am reviewing their product.  (They will shortly because I am going to tell them.)  All  of the opinions expressed are my own.

Sporadic Saturday--Some Recommendations

Well, I have a yeast infection--it has infected me vaginally but also in my mouth.  My poor tongue is coated with white junk and it hurts.  Thankfully, it is better today, and I am doing the normal treatment.  I have never had one that was so painful in my mouth!  I don't know why except that things have been stressful.  I had a mild one, and then right after the treatment, my period came.  Bad timing.  It went straight into a worse infection!

As I researched my problem yesterday, I realized that I needed to head over to Super Supplements.  I had always heard of this store, but I had never been to one.  As I looked at various products, I discovered quickly that if I went to this store, I would be able to get a couple things to help me.  So I went.

When I walked in, I was amazed!  This place is awesome!!  While some of the prices are a little high, when you realize that this place has natural products that are hard to find elsewhere, I really think it's worth it.

Have you heard about tea tree oil?  I had been using a couple products with this, but I had no idea that it fought yeast infections and so much more.  Both of the products I am currently using are made with tea tree oil.  I can't comment on Yeast Arrest.  I only started using it last night, but hopefully it will help my problem.  I can comment on Jason's Healthy Mouth mouthwash.  I am amazed at how wonderful  this stuff is.  I use it, and my white tongue immediately looks normal!  My mouth sores are beginning to heal.  Tea tree oil does have an unusual flavor and smell, but it works well!

So that is my post for today.  I'll get caught up on my challenges tomorrow.

Well-Spoken Wednesday--Quiet Strength Book Review

Summary from Goodreads:

He led his team to #1 in the world and showed the world a better way to live, lead, and succeed.

When Tony Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLIand made history as the first African American coach to win the big gamemillions of people, amazed by the success of his quiet, authoritative leadership style, wondered: how does he get it done?

In the pages of this fascinating memoir, Tony Dungy reveals the secrets to his successprinciples, practices, and priorities that have kept him on track despite overwhelming personal and professional obstacles, including firings, stereotypes, and the tragic loss of a child.

In the face of so much adversity, Tony has not only survived but risen to the very top of his profession in a way thats won the respect of fans, players, and even his competitors. His thoughts on leading, succeeding, and attaining true significance will inspire you to take a long, hard look at the things that really matter in your own life.

Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First off, I am not a football fan.  I watch it only because I have two people in my life who do love football.  The only time I even showed any interest in football was when I lived in the Tampa Bay area.  I remember when Tony Dungy took over as their head coach, and I remember how impressed I was and how the team changed.  I was horrified when he was fired, and then we he became the Colts coach, I was somewhat interested.  I remember how my heart broke when I heard of his son's suicide.  The constant for me with Tony Dungy was that he is a Christian, and he never yelled at the officials and the players like the other coaches did.

I was not looking forward to reading this book because I figured it would be filled with football stuff.  I was pleasantly surprised as I read the story of Dungy's life, and on almost every page, his faith showed forth in a very simple manner.  I was so inspired, and more than once he almost had me in tears.  To have the faith that he demonstrated throughout the book!  Goodness, he puts me to shame!  He gave all glory to God for everything, and he learned to trust Him in all things.

Indeed, this is the best Christian book I have read in ages.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to deepen their walk with the Lord.  It is autobiographical, but it is first and foremost a book of faith in God.


View all my reviews

Thoughtful Thursday--What a Day and More

First of all, no I did not post last night--I should have. It has been such a busy week, and if I would have been on the ball, that review I did a couple days ago could have been scheduled for last night.  I never think about scheduling posts.  Okay, I think about them, but I have to admit that I prefer to post at once rather than wait.

Secondly, I definitely had my worst day all year at my job today.  Which, considering my worst day last year, this was a picnic!  Last year on my worst day, a student left my class without permission and I was called into a parent conference.  Kind of strange for a sub.  It all worked out well.  But today was pretty tough, and I am worn out.  Part of the trouble is the regular teacher--he doesn't count homework, so no one does it.  You can imagine how difficult this is for a sub.  Part of the problem is the kids just don't care.  I'm glad I haven't forgotten my algebra!  I was able to help several students who needed the help.  It just made it hard when students were disrespectful and I didn't know their names.  And it also didn't help for there to be 31 staff members absent!  And I'm not joking!!

Finally, I told you about my phone the other day, and since I reset it, it has been like having a new phone.  I think sometimes g1 phones get a bad rap, and the android system even gets put down.  Of course, everyone wants an iphone or something like that.  Well, I was reading an article in P C World magazine just this weekend, I think, and it spoke of a different browser you can for your android phone.  I had been struggling with not being able to access some sites or not being able to see the mobile version of a site.  And there were times that certain sites just didn't work.  Enter the Dolphin HD.  This browser it amazing!  I'll leave you the link to their website (which is currently down as I write this!).  I was able to get a site to work that had not worked previously.  And I discovered the websites load much faster than the browser that came with my phone.  The fun thing about the browser is something called "gestures."  You are able to use and create simple line drawings that represent certain things on the browser (such as refresh, bookmarks, go, back, forward, etc.).  It will recognize what you have asked it to do.  It's actually kind of fun.  And the best thing about the browser--it's free!  You can also organize your bookmarks in a much better way.  Mine are being organized by work and personal right now.  So if you have an android phone, you might want to check out a new browser for your phone rather than just relying on the one that came with it.  You may be lucky enough to have the newest and greatest phone, but you know what?  I plan on keeping my g1 for a long time to come!  I would love for any of you to share android apps you like or different tricks you might know.  I always enjoy learning from other people!\

That should summarize my day.  Why do 4-day weeks always seem longer than 5-day weeks?

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado Book Review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference by Max Lucado
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that at the beginning of this book, I wasn't too excited.  I have read my share of Max Lucado books.  He often has great devotional insight, but I figured I had heard it all before.

As I read, I discovered that this book was different.  I got into the meat of the book, and I realized that the premise of his book was to live the gospel we preach in tangible ways.  You can tell a hungry child all you want that Jesus loves you, but what will that mean to him or her without giving a hearty meal to the child in need?  We tend to get so caught up in our own lives that we just don't slow down enough to put into practice what we profess to believe.

One of the messages that really touched me was when the Apostle Paul was brought up. We know that he was the chief persecutor of Christians, and then Jesus met him and changed his life forever.  Lucado pointed out that even those we think are far gone and seem like they will never turn to the Lord should not be the ones that we abandon and say they will never change.  We have to keep praying.  In fact, as Lucado points out in another chapter, we should pray first, not last.

This would be a fantastic book use in a small group Bible study or devotional time.  There is a discussion guide in the back of the book.  But if you are not willing to put action behind what you are learning, you and your group would be wasting your time.  One person can make a difference.  If everyone on earth believed that he or she could not make a difference, nothing would ever change.  He challenges us to be like Mother Theresa who, though dead, still lives on through her tremendous work with the orphans of Calcutta.


View all my reviews

I reviewed this book for booksneeze.com, and I received only this book in exchange for my review.  I was not financially compensated in any way, and I only shared my honest review of this book.

Another CSN Stores Giveaway!! (Closed)

Comment 270 won and has been contacted.  Thanks!


Well, the  wonderful team over at CSN stores has offered to give away another $35 gift code to one of my readers!  That is pretty exciting for me, and I hope it is for you as well.

If you are not familiar with CSN stores, they are an online website that offers 200+ stores with all sorts of fantastic products.  Just read my reviews here, here, and here.  I cannot say that any of the things I have ordered have disappointed me.  They have great prices and ship quickly.

In preparation for spring, I think we all would like to have a comfortable seat to watch out kids playing outside or maybe even watch wildlife in our backyard.  Be sure to check out their round chair.  I think you will find it to be just the thing you need!

Now to the giveaway.  This giveaway is only open to the U.S. and Canada.  Also, note that in Canada, there may be additional custom fees, so please be aware of that.  Also note that for each entry, you will need to post a separate comment.  And finally, please make sure to make it easy for me to contact you.  Either leave your e-mail address in the comment or make it public in your profile.  Oh, and just to let you know, I do verify every entry, so please be honest!

On to the fun stuff.  Here's how you enter:

1.  Be a follower of my blog.  Become or state that you are a follower on google friend connect.
2.  Be/become my friend on facebook.  Please leave your user name.  (see the left hand column)
3.  Post my button on your blog.  Please leave the url so I can verify it.  (I will be happy to post your button in return if you have one!)
4.  Share this giveaway any way you like--facebook, twitter, blog, etc.  Leave me the url if applicable.  You may do this one time a day.
5.  Subscribe to my blog via RSS and/or e-mail.  One entry for each.
6.  Leave a meaningful comment on any non-giveaway post.  Tell where to find the comment.  You may do this as much as you like.
7.  Sign up for my music challenge. (Read the post here.)  5 bonus entries for signing up.  If you post the button, it will be 5 more entries.  Just be sure to leave the url.
8,  Take my poll below about a possible Valentine's Day Swap. (3 entries) Just say you did it.  Honor system!

And to the unlimited entry option.  Yes it is back again (as it always will be if at all possible in my giveaways)!  Spring is just around the corner.  Tell me what product you would get from CSN stores to help you prepare and/or enjoy spring.  Please tell me the specific product so I can check it out, too!  This is truly an unlimited entry option.  You may do it as much as you would like. (Please do not post multiple entries containing the exact same item or those multiple entries will be deleted.)


Also, look for another bonus entry method coming up soon--hopefully by this evening.

This giveaway will end at 9 P.M. Pacific Time on January 23, 2011.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers Book Review

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book completely surpassed all my expectations.  I had heard good things about it, and i thought the premise of it being a retelling of the story of Hosea in the old West sounded intriguing.  As I began this book, I was so drawn into the story line that I often found I did not want to put it down.

Angel and Michael Hosea's characters were so skillfully written, and nothing about the story seemed contrived.  I found myself near tears so many times.  After all, I could relate to Michael's dilemma since I am currently in love with a non-Christian who is so embittered about the things of the Lord.  I am always pleased when a Christian author is able to master the technique of weaving Christian principles into a story.  And this author does.

As much as I loved the story, I think the author's note at the end of the story truly impressed me as well.  It was something to see a Christian author tell her testimony and explain how her salvation experience was somewhat akin to the experience of Angel.  I also appreciated the frank way the author dealt with the physical relationship between Angel and Michael.  So many Christian authors do not deal with this topic openly, but Francine Rivers is not one of them!

Finally, I think the story of Angel's childhood prostitution and ensuing young life truly broke my heart.  I am sure that there were girls just like her who did exist in the history of our race.  Sometimes it was hard to read the details, but it only added to the connection I felt with the characters.


View all my reviews

Synopsis From goodreads:
Best-selling author Francine Rivers skillfully retells the biblical love story of Gomer and Hosea in a tale set against the exciting backdrop of the California Gold Rush. The heroine, Angel, is a young woman who was sold into prostitution as a child. Michael Hosea is a godly man sent into Angel's life to draw her into the Savior's redeeming love. This remarkable novel has sold over a million copies globally and has been a fixture on the CBA bestsellers list for nearly a decade. A six-part reading guide, suitable for individual use or group discussion, is included in this best-selling novel.

Sporadic Saturday--Christmas CD Review and Giveaway (closed)

Comment 8 won and is being contacted.

Anyone else feeling like getting in the Christmas spirit?  I have to admit that I am rather feeling like it.  I know Halloween is coming up, but it just seems like Christmas will be here before you know it.  Just the other day, I was hoping for Christmas music on the radio station. 

For me, music and Christmas go hand in hand.  I suppose that is the musician in me.  I have quite a stash of Christmas music.  I thought I'd recommend some to you, and then I would offer a giveaway at the end.  By the way, I am not saying that all of these are my very favorite, but they are some that are pretty good.  Some even surprised me.

8 Days of Christmas by Destiny's Child is surprisingly not too bad an album.  Let me get this out first--I am not a Beyonce fan--honestly.  I only discovered Destiny's Child through my students.  Most of their music does not even interest me.  I think Beyonce has too big of a head, and Kelly is my favorite in the group.  And what is up with Michelle?  But oh well, this album is pretty good.  In fact, Beyonce does not hog this album!!  Go figure.  It has been a while since I listened, but I remember that I liked "The Opera of the Bells" the best, I think.  The harmony is nice.  If you want a light pop Christmas album, this is pretty good.  

Now, I do not own this specific album, but I am very familiar with this!  I have several Andy Williams Christmas albums, and this one has some of the really good old songs.  The opener "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is one of Andy's signature songs!  It's just not Christmas without this song.  "Some Children See Him" is a song that you just don't hear any more, and I think it could have a lot to say to this generation.  Prejudice still exists, and I think it shall as long as people are walking away from the Lord.  I don't think I've heard the song "Christmas Holiday."  But "A Song and a Christmas Tree" is a fun adaptation of "Twelve Days of Christmas."  I love his rendition of "Do You Hear What I Hear?"  That particular version is the same version I sang in high school choir.  It was a difficult version to sing, and I can remember practicing my parts along with Andy!  It has some omissions, but for the price, you sure can't beat it!

Now, sweet Charlotte Church is not what she once was.  When she was a sweet, teenager who sang classical music, she was awesome!  I have all her albums from that time except her compilation album--don't need that since I had all the other ones.  All the songs on this album are simple, clear renditions of the specific carol or song.  I have always loved "Ding Dong Merrily on High" and "The Coventry Carol" but who records these but her?  If you are in the mood for a lovely, crystal clear soprano singing simple Christmas songs, get this album.

Okay, I love Amy Grant's old stuff.  I can remember when she first came out, and her music was so different from what we had heard.  And when she sang Christmas music, you knew it was Christmastime!  How can you beat "Breath of Heaven" and "Emmanuel"?  And don't forget about "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."  She brings such warmth to each song she sings.  And it is nice to have a Christian singing these songs.  Okay, maybe she's not a perfect Christian, but who is?  Oh, and "Grown Up Christmas List" is a very different take on Christmas.  I think I got this album just for "Emmanuel" though.  I love that song!





Now no matter what you think of Celine Dion, this is a fun album, I think. This was when she was at the top of her game.  "The Magic of Christmas Day" is so great that it became the title song to my Christmas musical at school a few years ago. The kids loved it.  "Feliz Navidad" is a chance to hear her whole family sing together.  And you cannot beat her version of "The Prayer" with Andrea Bocelli.  I seriously think that this is the definitive version of this song.  And she has a really good mix of songs that are well-known  and that are new.







And this one--what is Christmas without Bing Crosby's rendition of "White Christmas"?  That song was at one time the top-selling song of all-time.  This is a really fun album.  While he has the old carols such as "Adeste Fideles" and "Silent Night", it also has "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" with the lovely Andrews Sisters! And you've got to have "Mele Kalikimaka."  What a Christmas song!  I know you always wanted to know how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaiian, right?  I used to have this on LP, and I was so glad it was available on CD.  And at a bargain price!






Okay, last one for now.  This was a surprise to me.  I had only heard of NSYNC (I didn't listen to pop music in the 1980's and 1990's.).  I didn't even know that Justin Timberlake had gotten his start there.  I only learned as I was researching musicians to share with my students a couple years ago.  And I fell in love with NSYNC.  At least their early stuff.  One of their first songs I heard was from this album.  It was "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays"--truly a fun song.  Most of the songs on this album are mediocre, but I will tell you that there is a real surprise on this album.  You must listen to the a capellaNSYNC would have sung more songs like "O Holy Night."



Okay, on to the  giveaway.  First of all, I am financing the giveaway, and so what you will receive will more than likely be used.  All of these albums can be purchased for bargain prices on Amazon, and so that is the main reason I chose these.  But in order to get the bargain price, I have to buy them used but in playable condition.  I can also only ship within the U.S., but I don't think that's a major problem.  If you are international (including Canada), I will send these to you if you want to pay the extra shipping cost and any fees your country may charge.

So here are the details.  One person will win their choice of CD's in this review.  If you win, you will be contacted by me for your shipping address, and you will let me know which one of the CD's you want.  If for some reason the CD you choose is no longer available, I will have you pick from the remaining ones. 


How do you win?  I will list the various ways below.  This giveaway is open now through Saturday, October 30 at 9:00 P.M. Pacific Standard Time.  Have fun, and enjoy!  

Be sure to leave a comment for each entry.  Also, make sure that your e-mail is available in your profile or it is listed in the comment.  Each entry can only be done once unless otherwise stated.


1. Become or let me know you are a Google Friend Connect follower of my blog.
2. Post my button and leave the link to where I may find it.
3. Become my facebook friend.  Leave your facebook name in the entry.
4. Share this giveaway in any way you choose (facebook, blog, twitter, etc.) and let me know where you shared it.

Unlimited entries:  Share a brief review of a Christmas album.  You may do this as much as you would like.  Be sure to leave a separate comment for each review.

Music Monday--New Country Singles Review

Okay, we got back pretty late tonight, so I am behind.  It will be quick  but hopefully still good  tonight.

I have noticed a lot of new  country singles out there.  Some, in my educated opinion, are fantastic.  Some are okay, and some are just plain bad--I won't post those.

My new favorite song is Zac Brown Band's duet with Alan Jackson called "As She's Walking Away."  When I first heard this song, I knew it was Zac Brown--it could be no one else,  but I  didn't know it was Alan Jackson until later.  I truly love this song--Zac Brown has truly come into himself in this CD.  I plan to review the entire  album at some point, but not  tonight.

Zac Brown Band - As She's Walking Away ft Alan Jackson

And there is also a new  Taylor Swift song called "Mine" from her upcoming album.  I have to admit that when I first heard  this song, I was not  too  impressed  with it.  As I have continued to listen, there are a few lines that have spoken to me--especially the bridge section--the part beginning with 2:30 A.M.  You'll see it.  It will not ever be as good as her other songs "Love Story" and "You Belong With Me,"  but  it  is good.



Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish fame is also releasing his second country album.  I liked this song from the beginning.  He is such a nice guy, and he seems so approachable.  See what you think of his "Come Back  Song."

Darius Rucker   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos

Now to the mediocre.  Okay, I love Reba McEntire--I saw her in concert earlier this year.  I loved it.  But she has released a song that is growing on me, but it is just not her normal  kind, I don't think it does her justice.  Here's her  "Turn on  the Radio."

Reba McEntire   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos

And finally, Easton Corbin of "A Little More  Country Than That" has released "Roll  With It."  I have his album, and there are much better songs on it than that.  Here's a live version  of it since there is no studio video yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a-SvJgwRvE

Sorry, it won't let me embed  it.  Share your thoughts!  And share your new music, too!