When Calls the Heart: Follow Your Heart

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the dvd via Edify Media in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.


About When Calls the Heart-

From celebrated author Janette Oke (The Love Comes Softly series) comes a rigorous and romantic adventure as epic as the wide frontier. Erin Krakow (Army Wives), Daniel Lissing (Eye Candy), Jack Wagner (Melrose Place) and Lori Laughlin (Full House, 90210) star in When Calls the Heart, "a beautiful story with roots in relationships, self-empowerment, and the enduring power of love" (Common Sense Media).

While Jack and Elizabeth's relationship has cooled following their arguments in Hamilton, Jack is hot on the trail of a counterfeiter right in Hope Valley! When he finds the culprit, a two-fisted brawl ensues as Jack apprehends the man. Seeing Jack in danger prompts Elizabeth to confront her feelings and seek him out...but she inadvertently sets Rip, Jack's dog, loose at the same time. As a violent storm bears down on Hope Valley, Jack and Elizabeth search for Rip and take shelter in an old mineshaft together. But the storm won't be escaped so easily, and the unstable shaft begins to collapse...

My thoughts-

These last two episodes were so full of drama and intense story lines. Of course, the main focus is on Jack and Elizabeth. They have definitely had their ups and downs this season and I was unsure of how the season was going to end...without giving anything away, I will definitely say there are some things hanging up in the air! I couldn't believe the shock of the last scene and I will be looking forward to season 3 to see what happens! I think my favorite story from these last couple of episodes of season two is the budding romance between Rosemary and Lee. I loved watching the scenes play out. It was super cute! Sorry to be vague, but I don't want to ruin the fun! If you haven't watched When Calls the Heart yet and you are a fan of historical fiction, you are missing out. Tune in to Hallmark Channel or purchase these dvds and settle in for a bing watching session. This is the perfect show for it!

When Calls the Heart is inspired by a series of novels by Janette Oke. You can find these novels on Amazon.com.

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Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook by Pearl Barrett & Serene Allison (Cookbook Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

In their debut cookbook, the Trim Healthy Mama’s share hundreds of delicious, healthy recipes to help readers successfully slim down while eating well.  This companion cookbook to the bestselling Trim Healthy Mama Plan is just what readers have been waiting for. It features simple, mouthwatering, recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner—including slow cooker and one-pot meals, hearty soups and salads, omelets and waffles, pizzas, breads and more.  No Trim Healthy Mama should be deprived, so there are also favorite snacks, delectable desserts, and the smoothies, sippers and teas fans love. With  pantry-stocking advice, time-saving tips, and information on how to cook for the entire family, the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook offers a delicious and nutritious way to make trim and healthy meals with less stress—so you have more time with your loved ones.

My thoughts-

The Trim Healthy Mama way of eating is quite popular among my circle of friends. I always see Facebook posts mentioning it and while I got the general gist of things ( sugar free, refined grain free, lots of clean eating) I never read the original book. I was happy to find an overview at the beginning of the book written for someone like me who hadn't read the original book or for someone who needed a refresher course. The Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook offers a wide variety of healthy yet tasty recipes ready to satisfy the palette while also feeling up your belly. I love that there are a wide variety of offerings to make sure there is truly something for everyone. I don't think I really noticed a recipe in the book that I wouldn't try at least once. I also love that although this book is about keeping healthy and trim, there is a section on indulgences at the end. The desserts are modified using sweeteners like stevia and they all sound delicious. I can't wait to test some of them out. I recommend this book to any woman trying to eat right and feel great about her choices. It's called Trim Healthy Mama, but this book is for everyone from all walks of life. I am definitely glad I picked this one up. I know it will get a great deal of use in my kitchen!

When Calls the Heart: Heart & Home

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the dvd via Edify Media in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the show-

When Calls the Heart is a television show on the Hallmark Channel based on the writings of Janette Oke that debuted on the Hallmark Channel to more than 3 million viewers, making it the #2 show for the night on all of cable for the primary telecast at 9 p.m and #3 overall in households. The show is about Elizabeth Thatcher, a young high society woman who is now working as a teacher on the western frontier.

About the episode-

Jack and Elizabeth leave Hope Valley and rush back to the city of Hamilton when they learn that Jack's brother, Tom, was involved in an automobile accident...with Elizabeth's sister, Julie But Tom and Julie are hiding something about the incident, a deceit that puts Jack and Elizabeth at odds with their families...and with each other. Their trip is further complicated when Tom and Julie endeavor to run off together- via train this time- and Elizabeth's father offers Jack a job- an offer that puts Jack and Elizabeth's fledgling romance in peril yet again.

My thoughts-

This season has been full of so much drama! I am loving the addition of Tom and Julie to the story lines. They definitely add a new flare to the show. What I don't love are the things getting in the way for Jack and Elizabeth. There have been some intense moments and misunderstandings in Heart & Home and it makes me want to yell at my tv. I really feel bad for Jack, I feel like I relate more to his side of things, but  feel bad for Elizabeth too because she doesn't mean any harm and doesn't realize how her reactions to certain things make Jack feel. I love the sweet and very romantic relationship of Jack and Elizabeth and I absolutely hate seeing it strained. I have loved seeing Elizabeth interact with her family and in the complete opposite environment of what we are used to seeing of her usually being in Hope Valley. There are no shortage of interesting characters this season. I can't wait to see what happens with all of the residents of Hope Valley next!

When Calls the Heart is inspired by a series of novels by Janette Oke. You can find these novels on Amazon.com.

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Adrenaline (Movie Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the dvd from Edify Media in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the movie-

After a crash leaves him paralyzed, drag racer Joseph Jenkins thinks his life is over. But his hospital roommate Elijah slowly gives him new perspective. When he returns home, his Uncle Paul gets him competing again---and winning. But can he face his nemesis Jason Skynard, the man he was challenging when the accident happened?




My thoughts-

I am usually not a fan of  drag racing movies, but I thought the story line to this one sounded interesting. I was right. My favorite parts of Adrenaline were the parts where Joe interacts with Elijah. Elijah is the best part of the movie and brings out the best in Joe. It was great to watch his attitude and thoughts about himself change throughout the movie.  I actually found myself enjoying the parts in the movie about racing as well. Adrenaline would make a great pick for a family movie night- intense and dramatic enough to hold an adults attention, but cool enough for a younger person to want to watch.

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Watch the trailer for Adrenaline below-

Keep Moving by Dick Van Dyke with Todd Gold (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Beloved Hollywood icon Dick Van Dyke will celebrate his 90th birthday in December 2015. He’s an established legend, having starred in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. And yet he’s still keeping himself busy, entertaining America on television, movies, the stage, and social media. Everyone wonders, “How does he do it?” For the first time, Van Dyke will share his secrets and tips on old age: Just keep moving.

In a fun and folksy way of addressing readers, Keep Moving will serve as an instruction book on how to embrace old age with a positive attitude. The chapters are filled with exclusive personal anecdotes that explore various themes on aging: how to adapt to the physical and social changes, deal with loss of friends and loved ones, stay current, fall in love again, and “keep moving” every day like there’s no tomorrow.

My thoughts-

I will admit that I am probably not the target audience for this book about aging (although I am sure I will be there in the blink of an eye) but Dick Van Dyke could literally write a dictionary and I would be the first in line to read it. I just think he is the funniest man on the planet and I am always interested in what he has to say. While the book would definitely be easier to relate for senior citizens, I got a kick reading Mr. Van Dyke's musings about old age and the "ageism" he often experiences. The book was, of course, quite funny but with  reaching a certain age also comes a certain amount of sadness because it is inevitable you will lose people along the way. I learned things I didn't know about Dick Van Dyke prior to reading this book and it put me in the mood to watch old reruns of my favorite comedy of all time The Dick Van Dyke Show. I think everyone should listen to what he has to say, so I would recommend Keep Moving to anyone who might one day be old and especially to anyone who enjoys a positive and funny outlook on life.

God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies by Just Holcomb & Lindsey Holcomb

Disclosure of material connection: I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Litfuse Group in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.


About the book:

God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies
"God made every part of you!"

It's easy to convey the message to children that their bodies---or particular parts of their bodies---are shameful. This misconception fuels confusion, embarrassment, and secrecy, and often prevents children from recognizing or reporting sexual abuse.
God Made All of Me is a simply-told, beautifully-illustrated story to help families talk about these sensitive issues with two- to eight-year-old children. Because the private parts of our bodies are private, the home is the ideal environment where a child should learn about his or her body and how it should be treated by others.

God Made All of Me starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth---the doctrine of creation---to kids and their bodies. It equips parents to talk with both boys and girls about their bodies and to help them understand the difference between the appropriate and inappropriate touch of others. God Made All of Me allows families to build a first line of defense against sexual abuse in the safety of their own homes.

God Made All of Me is the first children's book written by Rid of My Disgrace authors Justin and Lindsey Holcomb. Parents of young children themselves, the Holcombs regularly counsel victims of sexual abuse and are profoundly aware of the dangers kids face. Their simple and relatable story, designed to help children protect their bodies, will be an important resource for every family with young children.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1j72kTN

 

My thoughts-

 

It seems like every time you  turn on  the news these days your hear  about  someone being sexually assaulted and those are  only the ones that are reported. I can  not even imagine how many people have been through  something  like that and feel too ashamed to come forward. It would be especially confusing to a child. I have 3 kids, all school aged, and I have tried to keep an open line of communication with them about their bodies, but telling them how to avoid sexual assault is a conversation  that is difficult to even  know where to start. God Made All of Me is a book that every single parent should have in their children's book collection. This book is presented in a way that is understandable to young children, but doesn't over elaborate on sexual assault. The focus is on teaching children that they are in control of who touches them (whether that be an unwanted hug, kiss, embrace, or inappropriate touching) and that they can say no. It gives them the words to stay in control of the situation and the power to know that if something ever happens that makes them uncomfortable that they 100% CAN tell a trusted adult (like mom, dad, or a teacher). I read this book with my three children, ages 6, 6, and 8, and they had questions or things to add on nearly every page. It definitely started a dialogue for my family and I am certain it would for yours as well. I absolutely think every parent should own a copy of God Made All of Me. It will help you start a conversation that may be tough to tackle on your own.

 

About the authors- 

 

Justin Holcomb, PhD, is an Episcopal priest and professor of theology and Christian thought at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. He is the author of "On the Grace of God," "Know the Heretics," and "Know the Creeds and Councils," as well as the coauthor of "Is It My Fault?" and "Rid of My Disgrace." He also serves on the boards for REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade) and GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments). |*|*| Lindsey Holcomb, MPH, counsels victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and is the cofounder of REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade). Lindsey has provided crisis intervention to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and conducted a variety of training seminars to service providers. She is also the coauthor of "Is It My Fault?" and "Rid of My Disgrace."

The Magic of JELL-O

Disclosure of material connection-  I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book

Over 100 years and it's still jiggling and wiggling and creating fun for all ages!The 100 recipes in this unique cookbook celebrate all thing JELL-O®. All tested in the offical JELL-O® kitchens and accompanied with tempting photos. Because everyone loves JELL-O, there's something here for every taste. A special section for kids has cool things like Slushies, Chocolate Pudding Cats, Dirt Cups, and Lollipop Jiggles. Light Delights cater to today's health-conscious eater who appreciates the chance to indulge in a yummy dessert that's also fat-free and low-calorie. In a rush? Quick and Easy Razzle Dazzle Berry Mousse and Citrus Meringue take very little time and work--but provide plenty of pleasure. And of course there are special recipes for holidays and other occasions, like a Halloween Worm Cake and a Traditional Fruit Trifle.

My thoughts-

I think if you asked anybody to look back on their childhood and name a cherished dessert, JELL-O will have been involved 9 times out of 10. I remember at our house that my mom was a busy working woman so when we would have JELL-O it was usually just plain and cut up into squares but we loved it that way. It was a real treat the times that she thought to cut up bananas and place them inside of the JELL-O mold! That was definitely one of my favorite treats as a kid. The Magic of JELL-O has a wide array of recipes. There are easy recipes for the novice cook or too busy to cook person and intricate recipes that look fabulous for the person who loves to be in the kitchen and show off their beautiful work. There are healthier recipes and more indulgent recipes. There is truly something for everyone. I can't wait to try to make some of these things to put in my kids' lunchboxes or surprise them with after school as an indulgent treat. I think they would especially enjoy the chocolate pudding cats and lollipop jiggles. I recommend this book to anyone with a sense of nostalgia or who just enjoys JELL-O recipes!