A Giveaway! {A Handmade Quiet Time Set}

It is giveaway day at "Sew, Mama, Sew"! "Sew, Mama, Sew!" is a neat site that has lots of fun ideas. They are also great at spotlighting blogs that have the neatest sewing projects. It is a very fun place to visit. Anyway.... I thought it would be fun to join in on the giveaway fun and offer a giveaway here at my blog. If you are visiting for the first time thanks to "Sew, Mama, Sew!" Welcome! If you are here because you visit my blog regularly than I hope you know you are always very welcome too!

I have been loving all the flowers that are now blooming around here! (Like the apple blossoms that I took a picture of today at the church building.) Spring is really here! Because I am enjoying the flowers so much they are showing up in my crafting as well. I have made a couple of floral inspired sets lately and I am going to give one away here today. I hope you like it!

My Giveaway is a Quiet Time Set. I love having my quiet time alone with God every morning and I want to encourage all of you to grow in your relationship with God as well. So I made this set with that in mind.

The set includes:

• A notebook- it is simply a regular notebook that I decorated the front cover of. I like to use a notebook to journal my prayers in. It helps me to stay focused and it is fun to look back and see how God answers prayer.
• 12 floral cards to write your memory verses on. Memorizing is such a wonderful way to keep God's word with you and helping you throughout the day!
• A bookmark. Made with beads and ribbon and it will look so pretty marking your place in your Bible.
• A Bag to keep everything in.
  
  The Bible is not included - I hope you have one of your own- If you don't I really recommend getting one!

Obviously you could use all these items for things other than a quiet time but that is what I had in mind when I made them. I hope they are a blessing to whomever wins them!

 

To Enter the Giveaway
Leave a comment telling me your favorite (or one you really like) flower of Spring.

Make sure to leave a way for me to contact you -either an e-mail address or make sure there is an e-mail address in your profile. If you prefer not to have your e-mail available for others to see you can leave a comment here and then e-mail me your e-mail address separately.

This giveaway is open to those living in the U.S.A.  The giveaway will close on May 25th.
I am looking forward to hearing from you!

A Giveaway! {A Handmade Quiet Time Set}

It is giveaway day at "Sew, Mama, Sew"! "Sew, Mama, Sew!" is a neat site that has lots of fun ideas. They are also great at spotlighting blogs that have the neatest sewing projects. It is a very fun place to visit. Anyway.... I thought it would be fun to join in on the giveaway fun and offer a giveaway here at my blog. If you are visiting for the first time thanks to "Sew, Mama, Sew!" Welcome! If you are here because you visit my blog regularly than I hope you know you are always very welcome too!

I have been loving all the flowers that are now blooming around here! (Like the apple blossoms that I took a picture of today at the church building.) Spring is really here! Because I am enjoying the flowers so much they are showing up in my crafting as well. I have made a couple of floral inspired sets lately and I am going to give one away here today. I hope you like it!

My Giveaway is a Quiet Time Set. I love having my quiet time alone with God every morning and I want to encourage all of you to grow in your relationship with God as well. So I made this set with that in mind.

The set includes:

• A notebook- it is simply a regular notebook that I decorated the front cover of. I like to use a notebook to journal my prayers in. It helps me to stay focused and it is fun to look back and see how God answers prayer.
• 12 floral cards to write your memory verses on. Memorizing is such a wonderful way to keep God's word with you and helping you throughout the day!
• A bookmark. Made with beads and ribbon and it will look so pretty marking your place in your Bible.
• A Bag to keep everything in.
  
  The Bible is not included - I hope you have one of your own- If you don't I really recommend getting one!

Obviously you could use all these items for things other than a quiet time but that is what I had in mind when I made them. I hope they are a blessing to whomever wins them!

 

To Enter the Giveaway
Leave a comment telling me your favorite (or one you really like) flower of Spring.

Make sure to leave a way for me to contact you -either an e-mail address or make sure there is an e-mail address in your profile. If you prefer not to have your e-mail available for others to see you can leave a comment here and then e-mail me your e-mail address separately.

This giveaway is open to those living in the U.S.A.  The giveaway will close on May 25th.
I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Tropical Traditions Golden Flax Seed {Review and Giveaway}

This past week I had the pleasure of receiving a box in the mail (don't you just love boxes in the mail!?) containing Whole Golden Flax Seed from Tropical Traditions. This, like everything I have ever received from Tropical Traditions, is a high quality product. It is packaged in a nice reclosable bag and the flax seeds are of great quality. 

 I have used flax seeds for quite a number of years for several reasons:

• Flaxseed oil is one of the richest sources of OMEGA-3 fatty acid, Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) an ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID (EFA). This fatty acid is considered essential, meaning that your body cannot make it but requires it and so must derive all of it from the diet. The average American diet is lacking in this fat. Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. One serving of Organic Whole Flaxseed provides 9 grams of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.
• Golden Flaxseed is unique in that 48% of its total fat content is omega-3 fatty acids.
• Flaxseed contains very high amounts of DIETARY FIBER, both SOLUBLE and INSOLUBLE. Golden Flaxseed is 28%-35% fiber, 1/3 of which is soluble, and the other 2/3 insoluble. Soluble fiber also plays an important role in maintaining the “good bacteria” in our bowel, like Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria. Insoluble fiber increases the bulk of stools.
• Flaxseed is an outstanding source of many essential nutrients, including: proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, folate, vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, iron, thiamine, copper, zinc, calcium and phosphorus.

The way that I have found to be the easiest in using flaxseed is simply to add it to all of my baked goods. We I grind my grains I simply grind my flaxseed as well. It is also commonly added to smoothies or to top your  morning cereal. It is recommended that you have around 2 tablespoons a day. We don't always get that much but at least we do have it on a regular basis. 
 
   Here is a recipe that I made last week using Tropical Traditions Golden Flaxseed:

Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars

 

Crust:

1/3 cup butter

1 1/4 cup flour

4 tablespoons ground flaxseed

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup oatmeal

 

Filling:

8 oz. cream cheese OR homemade ricotta cheese (I used the homemade ricotta as we have lots of extra milk just now and to use it I added just a bit of milk and then blended it until smooth)

1/2 cup sugar (you might prefer 3/4 cup but we try to use as little as possible.)

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 cup rhubarb, cut into small pieces

CRUST: Combine all ingredients and mix until crumbly. Pat half of the mixture into ungreased 9x9 inch cake pan.

FILLING: Combine cheese, sugar, egg and cinnamon, beat until smooth . Add rhubarb and stir to blend .

Pour over crust, top with remaining crust crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Eat warm or cool. Store in the refrigerator.

 

Would you like to buy Golden Flaxseed? You can find it here. It is currently priced at $10.30 for the 1 lb. package.

 

One person also has the opportunity to win a package!

 

If you would like to try to win please leave a comment on this post. Leave a relevant comment and please don't just say "I would love to win". :-) I would love to hear how you like to use flaxseed or how you have made your diet healthier or something like that.

 

Make sure to leave a way for me to contact you should you win! (If there is not contact information then you cannot win.)

 

~If you would like an additional chance to win please "Like" Tropical Traditions on facebook. Leave another comment letting me know that you did that. Thanks!

~For another chance to win you can subscribe to Tropical Traditions e-mail newsletter. Again leave me another comment letting me know that you did that.

This giveaway will end on June 2nd. so be sure to comment before then.

 

 

 

Tropical Traditions Golden Flax Seed {Review and Giveaway}

This past week I had the pleasure of receiving a box in the mail (don't you just love boxes in the mail!?) containing Whole Golden Flax Seed from Tropical Traditions. This, like everything I have ever received from Tropical Traditions, is a high quality product. It is packaged in a nice reclosable bag and the flax seeds are of great quality. 

 I have used flax seeds for quite a number of years for several reasons:

• Flaxseed oil is one of the richest sources of OMEGA-3 fatty acid, Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) an ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID (EFA). This fatty acid is considered essential, meaning that your body cannot make it but requires it and so must derive all of it from the diet. The average American diet is lacking in this fat. Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. One serving of Organic Whole Flaxseed provides 9 grams of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.
• Golden Flaxseed is unique in that 48% of its total fat content is omega-3 fatty acids.
• Flaxseed contains very high amounts of DIETARY FIBER, both SOLUBLE and INSOLUBLE. Golden Flaxseed is 28%-35% fiber, 1/3 of which is soluble, and the other 2/3 insoluble. Soluble fiber also plays an important role in maintaining the “good bacteria” in our bowel, like Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria. Insoluble fiber increases the bulk of stools.
• Flaxseed is an outstanding source of many essential nutrients, including: proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, folate, vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, iron, thiamine, copper, zinc, calcium and phosphorus.

The way that I have found to be the easiest in using flaxseed is simply to add it to all of my baked goods. We I grind my grains I simply grind my flaxseed as well. It is also commonly added to smoothies or to top your  morning cereal. It is recommended that you have around 2 tablespoons a day. We don't always get that much but at least we do have it on a regular basis. 
 
   Here is a recipe that I made last week using Tropical Traditions Golden Flaxseed:

Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars

 

Crust:

1/3 cup butter

1 1/4 cup flour

4 tablespoons ground flaxseed

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup oatmeal

 

Filling:

8 oz. cream cheese OR homemade ricotta cheese (I used the homemade ricotta as we have lots of extra milk just now and to use it I added just a bit of milk and then blended it until smooth)

1/2 cup sugar (you might prefer 3/4 cup but we try to use as little as possible.)

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 cup rhubarb, cut into small pieces

CRUST: Combine all ingredients and mix until crumbly. Pat half of the mixture into ungreased 9x9 inch cake pan.

FILLING: Combine cheese, sugar, egg and cinnamon, beat until smooth . Add rhubarb and stir to blend .

Pour over crust, top with remaining crust crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Eat warm or cool. Store in the refrigerator.

 

Would you like to buy Golden Flaxseed? You can find it here. It is currently priced at $10.30 for the 1 lb. package.

 

One person also has the opportunity to win a package!

 

If you would like to try to win please leave a comment on this post. Leave a relevant comment and please don't just say "I would love to win". :-) I would love to hear how you like to use flaxseed or how you have made your diet healthier or something like that.

 

Make sure to leave a way for me to contact you should you win! (If there is not contact information then you cannot win.)

 

~If you would like an additional chance to win please "Like" Tropical Traditions on facebook. Leave another comment letting me know that you did that. Thanks!

~For another chance to win you can subscribe to Tropical Traditions e-mail newsletter. Again leave me another comment letting me know that you did that.

This giveaway will end on June 2nd. so be sure to comment before then.

 

 

 

Book Review and a Giveaway

Disclaimer: I recieved this book free of charge from KCWC for purposes of reviewing. I was not required to write a positive review.


This is one of the posts that I would prefer not to write....
 Every so often I am asked or see the opportunity to review a book or some other item. I enjoy doing that as it allows me to enjoy a free product and I often get to host a giveaway as well so one of you can try something new too. I try to only review items that I think my family and I and you my readers will like. I thought that this book would fit that category. It was billed as a book especially for young male readers and they said it was a good read for Christians. I am always on the lookout for good books for my book worms (Mara and Jonathan) and so was excited about adding this book to the shelves for their enjoyment. Well this book won't make it on to our shelves. I don't like the idea of doing a negative review but since I said I would review it- I will.

I will let you read what the publishers say about the book and then I will give you my take.

Book Summary

RICKY BRADSHAW has never sailed the Caribbean Sea, searched for buried treasure or battled pirates on the deck of a Spanish Galleon. He’s never fallen through the floor of Davy Jones’ locker or watched an old fisherman morph into a porpoise. All Ricky knows is his lonely life with his widowed mom in a tiny apartment overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. But all that changes on a snowy Christmas Eve when Ricky’s apartment building burns down and he suffers a seizure, falling into the chilly waters. Suddenly Ricky finds himself thrust into a world where there is surprising beauty on every island, danger around every corner and great honor and glory ahead of him—if only Ricky can summon the courage to survive the curse of Captain LaFoote.

Author Bio
Eddie Jones

EDDIE JONES has authored four non-fiction books, one young adult novel, and written over a hundred articles that have appeared in over 20 different publications. He is co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and a contributing writer for, CBN.com, Common Ground Christian News, The Ocracoke Observer, and Living Aboard Magazine. He’s a three-time winner of the Delaware Christian Writers Conference and a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Boating Writers International. Eddie sails, surfs and writes in North Carolina. For more information see: http://www.captainlafoote.com/.

It's me, Abbi, again...

I will agree that Eddie Jones is an entertaining writer. I do think it would capture the attention of many boys. However the book doesn't fit the standards for what I want my children to be reading. Perhaps I shelter them but I think that is the purpose of a parent- to do some sheltering. In the book the main character is a teenage boy. There is quite a bit of talk of a crush he has on a fellow schoolmate as well as some of the yucky pranks teenage boys pull in school (One of the reasons I am glad we homeschool!). I expect that sort of stuff in Young adult fiction written by secular writers but I had hoped to not have to deal with that from a christian writer. Also as it speaks of the boys widowed mother he throws in the information that sometimes her boyfriend spends the night. I have no idea why that was added to the book but again I would hope not to find that in "christian" books. There were quite a few other things that bothered me as well but I guess I have told enough for this post.

 This books was supposed to teach various lessons but I had a hard time seeing them in the book. There was pretty much nothing in it to make me think that it was written by a christian author. Anyway I was pretty disappointed in this book and would not recommend it.

If you would like you can leave a comment and that will enter you in for the Grand Prize Giveaway that is listed below. I will draw one name from the commenters and then that will be entered in to win the grand prize drawing (25 bloggers will each get to put one name in for the prize). I will draw the name on May 29th.

Grand Prize Giveaway


All you need for a PIRATE PARY!

• 8 invitations

• 8 - 9" party plates

• 8 - 9-oz. cups

• 16 luncheon napkins

• 16 pc. blue cutlery set

• 1 red plastic table cover

• 2 rolls of streamers, 1 blue and 1 red

• 12 each of blue and red balloons

• 2 pkgs. of confetti, 1 blue and 1 orange

• 4 yds. deluxe creepy cloth

• 12 pirate swords with eye patch

• 72 pirate tattoos

• 8 dessert plates

• 16 beverage napkins

• 8 treasure chest-shaped filled treat boxes

• 1 10 ft. pennant

• 12 child-size pirate hats

• 1 photo door banner

• 1 piñata and toy & candy asst.

Book Review and a Giveaway

Disclaimer: I recieved this book free of charge from KCWC for purposes of reviewing. I was not required to write a positive review.


This is one of the posts that I would prefer not to write....
 Every so often I am asked or see the opportunity to review a book or some other item. I enjoy doing that as it allows me to enjoy a free product and I often get to host a giveaway as well so one of you can try something new too. I try to only review items that I think my family and I and you my readers will like. I thought that this book would fit that category. It was billed as a book especially for young male readers and they said it was a good read for Christians. I am always on the lookout for good books for my book worms (Mara and Jonathan) and so was excited about adding this book to the shelves for their enjoyment. Well this book won't make it on to our shelves. I don't like the idea of doing a negative review but since I said I would review it- I will.

I will let you read what the publishers say about the book and then I will give you my take.

Book Summary

RICKY BRADSHAW has never sailed the Caribbean Sea, searched for buried treasure or battled pirates on the deck of a Spanish Galleon. He’s never fallen through the floor of Davy Jones’ locker or watched an old fisherman morph into a porpoise. All Ricky knows is his lonely life with his widowed mom in a tiny apartment overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. But all that changes on a snowy Christmas Eve when Ricky’s apartment building burns down and he suffers a seizure, falling into the chilly waters. Suddenly Ricky finds himself thrust into a world where there is surprising beauty on every island, danger around every corner and great honor and glory ahead of him—if only Ricky can summon the courage to survive the curse of Captain LaFoote.

Author Bio
Eddie Jones

EDDIE JONES has authored four non-fiction books, one young adult novel, and written over a hundred articles that have appeared in over 20 different publications. He is co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and a contributing writer for, CBN.com, Common Ground Christian News, The Ocracoke Observer, and Living Aboard Magazine. He’s a three-time winner of the Delaware Christian Writers Conference and a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Boating Writers International. Eddie sails, surfs and writes in North Carolina. For more information see: http://www.captainlafoote.com/.

It's me, Abbi, again...

I will agree that Eddie Jones is an entertaining writer. I do think it would capture the attention of many boys. However the book doesn't fit the standards for what I want my children to be reading. Perhaps I shelter them but I think that is the purpose of a parent- to do some sheltering. In the book the main character is a teenage boy. There is quite a bit of talk of a crush he has on a fellow schoolmate as well as some of the yucky pranks teenage boys pull in school (One of the reasons I am glad we homeschool!). I expect that sort of stuff in Young adult fiction written by secular writers but I had hoped to not have to deal with that from a christian writer. Also as it speaks of the boys widowed mother he throws in the information that sometimes her boyfriend spends the night. I have no idea why that was added to the book but again I would hope not to find that in "christian" books. There were quite a few other things that bothered me as well but I guess I have told enough for this post.

 This books was supposed to teach various lessons but I had a hard time seeing them in the book. There was pretty much nothing in it to make me think that it was written by a christian author. Anyway I was pretty disappointed in this book and would not recommend it.

If you would like you can leave a comment and that will enter you in for the Grand Prize Giveaway that is listed below. I will draw one name from the commenters and then that will be entered in to win the grand prize drawing (25 bloggers will each get to put one name in for the prize). I will draw the name on May 29th.

Grand Prize Giveaway


All you need for a PIRATE PARY!

• 8 invitations

• 8 - 9" party plates

• 8 - 9-oz. cups

• 16 luncheon napkins

• 16 pc. blue cutlery set

• 1 red plastic table cover

• 2 rolls of streamers, 1 blue and 1 red

• 12 each of blue and red balloons

• 2 pkgs. of confetti, 1 blue and 1 orange

• 4 yds. deluxe creepy cloth

• 12 pirate swords with eye patch

• 72 pirate tattoos

• 8 dessert plates

• 16 beverage napkins

• 8 treasure chest-shaped filled treat boxes

• 1 10 ft. pennant

• 12 child-size pirate hats

• 1 photo door banner

• 1 piñata and toy & candy asst.

Coconut oil for your hair and skin {Review and Giveaway}

A while back Tropical Traditions sent me some coconut oil that is special for using on your hair. It has a higher protein level than their normal Virgin Coconut Oil. I tried it out pretty soon, I rubbed it all over through my hair, let it sit for 30 minutes or so and then washed my hair (following the directions on the back of my bottle). Then I proceeded to have some very greasy looking hair for several days! My hair was probably feeling very renewed but I was feeling greasy!

  I decided I had better do some more research! I think part of the problem the first time was that I used to much. People of some races might need more but my hair already leans toward being greasy. Since then I have rubbed it on my hands and then lightly rubbed it on the ends of my hair and through it a little bit and that has been much more successful.

  I sometimes have problems with little hairs sticking up and looking frizzy along my part line, I used to use gel to make them behave. I have been using coconut oil lately and it works just as well and it is much more natural and smells good.

  That is what I has been working for me as far as using it in my hair is concerned but I have enjoyed using it in some others ways as well.

  Last week I tried making deodorant and I used a little bit in it. Coconut oil is a great addition as it is good for you skin. So far that is working very well and I am excited to have been able to make it myself with natural ingredients.

  I have also really been liking to use the coconut oil on my skin. If my skin feels dry, I just rub some on. If I want to rub on some essential oil (like to help a sore neck) then I put the coconut oil on first and put the essential oil on top (otherwise the essential oil can be a little hard on the skin). Using it on your skin works great!

  I am very thankful to have been able to try out this product. I might not use it completely as directed but I certainly will put it to use!! It would of course be great to use when making soap which I hope to do someday!

 Do you think you would like to try this multi-purpose oil too?
 If you would like to buy it you can find it at Tropical Traditions where it is selling for $19.95.
 Someone will get to win a jar of it as well!

If you would like to sign up to win.....

• Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win this. Be sure and also leave contact information in case you should win (I cannot choose a winner that I can't get in touch with).
• If you would like an additional entry: Subscribe to Tropical Traditions E-mail Newsletter.

This giveaway will go through May 5th.

Disclaimer: I received this product at no charge from Tropical Traditions so that I could review it, I was not required to write a positive review.

Coconut oil for your hair and skin {Review and Giveaway}

A while back Tropical Traditions sent me some coconut oil that is special for using on your hair. It has a higher protein level than their normal Virgin Coconut Oil. I tried it out pretty soon, I rubbed it all over through my hair, let it sit for 30 minutes or so and then washed my hair (following the directions on the back of my bottle). Then I proceeded to have some very greasy looking hair for several days! My hair was probably feeling very renewed but I was feeling greasy!

  I decided I had better do some more research! I think part of the problem the first time was that I used to much. People of some races might need more but my hair already leans toward being greasy. Since then I have rubbed it on my hands and then lightly rubbed it on the ends of my hair and through it a little bit and that has been much more successful.

  I sometimes have problems with little hairs sticking up and looking frizzy along my part line, I used to use gel to make them behave. I have been using coconut oil lately and it works just as well and it is much more natural and smells good.

  That is what I has been working for me as far as using it in my hair is concerned but I have enjoyed using it in some others ways as well.

  Last week I tried making deodorant and I used a little bit in it. Coconut oil is a great addition as it is good for you skin. So far that is working very well and I am excited to have been able to make it myself with natural ingredients.

  I have also really been liking to use the coconut oil on my skin. If my skin feels dry, I just rub some on. If I want to rub on some essential oil (like to help a sore neck) then I put the coconut oil on first and put the essential oil on top (otherwise the essential oil can be a little hard on the skin). Using it on your skin works great!

  I am very thankful to have been able to try out this product. I might not use it completely as directed but I certainly will put it to use!! It would of course be great to use when making soap which I hope to do someday!

 Do you think you would like to try this multi-purpose oil too?
 If you would like to buy it you can find it at Tropical Traditions where it is selling for $19.95.
 Someone will get to win a jar of it as well!

If you would like to sign up to win.....

• Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win this. Be sure and also leave contact information in case you should win (I cannot choose a winner that I can't get in touch with).
• If you would like an additional entry: Subscribe to Tropical Traditions E-mail Newsletter.

This giveaway will go through May 5th.

Disclaimer: I received this product at no charge from Tropical Traditions so that I could review it, I was not required to write a positive review.

paging for 100th follower...

tgk number tu?

budak kecik pun tahu..

100

saya menanti follower yg ke 100!!!!

motif??

ahkak nk kasik hadiah!!!

 sesapa nak hadiah dr Little Diva angkat tangan?

 pastu sila ler jadik follower Little Diva..

sesapa yg bernasib baik jadik follower yg ke100 tu akn dpt hadiah dr Little Diva..

 jadik..

saya sedang menanti 100th follower..

sesiapa yg bernasib baik dpt angka 100 tu...sila email sy yer..

cepat!!!

 sementara ahkak tgh bermurah hati nih...