We Have A Winner!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my snack cup giveaway!

We have a winner!

And the winner is....

Jenn T!

Congratulations Jenn! Shoot me an email at katieb38@hotmail.com so I can connect you with Jill to place your order.

Thanks everyone!

A Giveaway!

I love doing giveaways and it's been SUCH a long time since I've had the pleasure to host one.

Today's giveaway is generously offered by Jill from Baby and the Beanstalk. I met Jill through my blog forever ago and she is just such a sweet, honest, encouraging person. I am in love with EVERYTHING on her site.

So... imagine my excitement when Jill asked me to review one of her snack cups and then give one away to one of you!

First she sent me a snack cup with Matthew's name on it. She let me pick out the fabric and the font to go with it.

How cute is that??

A perfect size for Cheerios and cookies, or little bits of fruit. This cup has a very firm snap lid, ensuring that anything you put inside will be kept fresh.

It's so easy to clean, too. The cup comes out of the holder for easy washing. And the embroidered piece of fabric slips right out so that you can wash the holder part as well.

I knew in the first three minutes of opening the box that I was going to love this snack cup and I was right. It's practical and oh-so-cute.

I love nonchalantly pulling it out of Matthew's diaper bag and having people comment on it.

And no one can steal it from me because it has Mattie's name on it!

How would you like to win one of your very own?

I thought you would ;-)

Here's all you need to do to enter to win one:

1) Leave me a comment telling me you'd like to win! That one's easy enough!

For additional entries you can:

2) Tweet about this giveaway, linking back to my blog 

3) "Like" Jill's Baby and the Beanstalk Facebook page

4) Follow Jill on Twitter at @BabyBeanstalk

Winner gets to select their choice of available fabrics and fonts!

Giveaway to close on Friday June 1st at 9pm. I will select the winner using Random.org.

Once you've entered, go to Jill's website Baby and the Beanstalk and look around at her beautiful creations!

Good luck everyone, and thank you again, Jill!

 

Amish Proverbs Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to all of you who entered to win this lovely book!

I have chosen a winner using Random.org. Once again, I am unable to do a screen shot to show you, even though I've had many people tell me how to do it. It just won't work.

So, you'll have to trust me on this. OK?

Thanks!

And the winner of Amish Proverbs is....

Jill from Hagler Happenings!

Congratulations Jill!!

Please email me at Katieb38@hotmail.com with your mailing address and I'll get that sent out to you next week.

Happy Saturday everyone!

A Great Reminder

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you can.
~ John Wesley ~


Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win a copy of Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher!

Book Review: Amish Proverbs {And A Giveaway!!}

Simplify your life with Amish wisdom.

Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living--but they're not just for the Amish. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with you through life's joys and sorrows. With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Ever since I read The Choice I have been a fan of Suzanne Woods Fisher. So, when the opportunity came up to review her book Amish Proverbs - and give away a copy! - I jumped at the chance.

This book is full of wonderful Amish wisdom separated into topics such as Time, Money, Faith, Children & Family, Handling Adversity and Character. Throughout the book are beautiful photos of the simplicity of Amish living.

I put a sticky note next to all my favourite proverbs so I could share them with you but there are so many!

So, I'll narrow it down to a few that really spoke to where I am today.

Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see

When you speak, always remember that God is one of your listeners

If you sense your faith is unraveling, go back to where you dropped the thread of obedience

A wife will make or break a household

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly

Be kind to unkind people. They probably need kindness the most

You can tell a man's character by what he turns up when offered a job - his nose or his sleeves

So many good ones!

When I think back to my childhood and the sayings we would say, two come to mind: 1) keep your hands to yourself! and 2) treat others as you'd like to be treated.

I'm so excited to be able to give away a copy of this book! Would you like a chance to win it?

All you have to do is leave a comment tell me if you had a special proverb or saying that you grew up with in your home. That's it!

I'll choose a winner using Random.org on Saturday.

Good luck!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

The Last Christian - Giveaway Winner

Thank you to those that entered to win a copy of The Last Christian.

The winner was chosen by Random.org and that winner is:

Amanda!

Congratulations!

Please contact me at Katieb38@hotmail.com within 24 hours to let me know where to send this book.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Book Review & Giveaway ~ The Last Christian

In the future, it’s possible to live forever—but at what cost?

A.D. 2088.

Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.

But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether—but at what expense?

As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity.

In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding "what-if?" novel.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I am torn on how I feel after reading this book.

On one hand, I really enjoyed it. I thought it was fast paced and gripping, and the idea of a world without Christianity was interesting. There was certainly a lot going on in the book and I had to be sure to concentrate so I wouldn't miss any important hints or reveals.

With the exception of the two main characters, Abby and Creighton, the characters weren't really well developed, and I was left wishing I knew more or heard more from certain ones. I enjoyed the gentle and modest romance that grew between Abby and Creighton.

On the other hand, I was disappointed that the author didn't spend more time having Abby trying to spread the word of God. She had a few chances, but I was hoping there would be more of an emphasis on it since that was pretty much the premise of the novel.

The technology aspect of it was almost overwhelming to me. Imagining a world where everyone is connected by a chip in their brain and can meet up with anyone, anywhere in Virtual Reality is just too much for me.

Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read. I'm excited that along with my review copy, WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group sent me a copy to give away.

If you'd like to win a copy of The Last Christian, just leave me a comment letting me know what your favourite piece of technology is.

I'll select a winner on Tuesday June 1st using Random.org. The winner will then have 24 hours to contact me before I choose a new winner.

Good luck!

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Life, In Spite Of Me ~ Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered to win a copy of Life, In Spite Of Me.

I selected a winner using Random.org and that person is...

Kaleena at McNabb Land!

Congratulations Kaleena!

Send me an email at Katieb38@hotmail.com and I will send out your book shortly.

Please make sure to contact me within 24 hours or I will have to choose another winner.

Thanks again!

Book Review And Giveaway ~ Life, In Spite of Me

She wanted to die. God had other plans.

Why does my life have to be so painful?
What’s wrong with me?
It’s not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won’t hurt anymore.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.

But Kristen's story doesn’t end there.

In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.

Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Oh my heart.

I started to read this book the day it arrived and finished it by mid-morning the next day. I just couldn't put it down.

The story begins on the night Kristen decides to take her own life, then flashes back to what brought her to that point, and then catches us up to the days following and her rehabilitation.

This book is a gentle and beautiful account of Kristen's path to Jesus, and how He restored her to wholeness and revealed her life's purpose. It is breathtaking.

Kristen is open and honest in her account of her actions and healing. She is engaging and sweet and just so real. I loved her letters to the reader that were written throughout. No one knows brokenness more than the broken, and she offers them hope.

As much as I loved this book, I would have liked to have read more about the struggles her parents and siblings would have faced in the wake of her decision. This book glosses over many facets of the aftermath, and I would have enjoyed reading about how they dealt with it.

Kristen's story is messy and heartbreaking and dark, yet so full of hope and beauty.

I am so excited to be able to give away a copy of this book to one of you. If you'd like a chance to win this book, leave me a comment letting me know about a cause or charity that is near and dear to your heart.

If you'd like a second entry, tweet about this giveaway using my twitter name (@Katieb38) and then come back and leave a separate comment.

I'll leave this giveaway open until Thursday May 20th at midnight. I'll choose a winner using Random.org and post the winner's name right here on Friday morning.

Good luck!

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Iams ProHealth Dog Food Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered to win a 17.5 lb bag of Iams ProHealth dog food!

I used Random.org to select a winner and that person is...

My Three Sons!

Congratulations!!!

Send me an email at Katieb38@hotmail.com and I will forward your info. Your voucher will be sent to you in about a week.

Make sure to contact me within 24 hours or I will have to choose another winner.

Thanks again!

Product Review & Giveaway ~ Iams ProActive Health

Designed for dogs ages 1-24 months and up to 90 lbs at maturity, Iams concentrated nutrition proactively nourishes your large-breed puppy to help keep him at his best. Natural fish oils with DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), a nutrient vital for optimal brain development, promote smarter, more trainable puppies. Protein sourced from chicken and egg helps build strong, firm muscles. Seven essential nutrients nourish the heart while essential minerals promote strong teeth and bones, and antioxidants help maintain a strong immune system. A high-quality protein with no fillers or artificial preservatives, Iams is gentle on the digestive system. Fuel your puppy's healthy development with 100% complete and balanced nutrition that's vet recommended and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed..

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Recently I was given the opportunity to review Iams ProActive Health dog food.

Well, not me personally, but rather my Golden Retriever, Willow.

I chose the Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy for large breeds, as Willow is only seven months old and still has a while to go on puppy food.

We weren't sure how he would like it as he was beginning to reject his regular puppy food, but we needn't have worried. He took to it immediately.

His energy level is even better since switching to this brand and he seems so much happier, and his coat is gorgeous, shiny & soft.

I like that this particular product takes a large breed dog right up to 24 months, ensuring that he gets all the nutrients required for healthy bones and teeth.

I am VERY excited to offer you a chance to win a 17.5 lb bag of Iams ProActive Health dog food!

All you have to do is leave me a comment letting me know what breed of dog you have.

Easy!

No blog? No problem! Just leave me a comment under anonymous with your name and an email address where I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway will run until midnight on Thursday May 13th and I will announce the winner on Friday May 14th.

**This giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Good luck!!

I wrote this review while participating in the Iams Blog Tour by Mom Central on behalf of Iams. I received a voucher for a bag of Iams ProActive Health to facilitate this review and a $20 gift card as a thank you for my participation.

360 Life - Giveaway Winner!

Many thanks to all of you that participated in this giveaway.

The winner was chosen using Random.org....


.... and that person is...

Alison at The Levy Family!

Congratulations!!

Shoot me an email at Katieb38@hotmail.com letting me know your mailing address and I'll get this book sent out to you in the next week.

Have a great day everyone!

Book Review And Giveaway: 360 Life

WHAT IF YOU HAD A SECOND CHANCE TO CHART YOUR LIFE?

What if you only had a few days to live?
Would you love?
Would you laugh?
Would you give?
Would you live differently than you do right now?

--Billy Joe Daugherty

If possible, would you do a makeover on parts of your life? Most of us would gladly say “Yes!” to a fresh start, and that’s exactly what God offers.

So many people live empty and frustrating lives, which is tragic because God desires a full, productive, and satisfying life for His children. 360° Life explores how ordinary people, regardless of their challenges, can experience life-altering change through simple faith. Billy Joe Daugherty weaves material from the Bible, his own experiences, and riveting interviews with contemporary Christians to reveal how not just to survive struggles, but to rise above them.

That’s the fulfilling result of a 360-degree life.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started to read this book. I've read my share of Christian "self help" books and didn't think this book would teach me anything new.

I was so wrong.

Filled with encouraging words, stories and Scripture verses, this book opened my heart and mind to new ways of thinking and caused the word of God to fall fresh right into my heart.

Whether you are a life long Christian, new in the faith or simply looking for answers, Pastor Daugherty speaks to us all.

There was something in every single chapter that touched me, spoke to me, or brought me to tears with the realization of Truth in a new way.

Pastor Daugherty talks about overcoming fear and anxiety, the power of our words, hearing God's voice and rising above our circumstances. And he does it without speaking over the reader's head. He just reveals the Truth in a way that is so easy to understand, accept and believe.

I am so excited to be able to give away a copy of this incredible book. All you have to do is leave me a comment about anything at all and you'll be entered to win.

Easy, yes?

Want a second chance to win?

Tweet about this giveaway, then come on back and leave a separate comment letting me know you did it.

That's it?

Yep! That's it!

This giveaway will run until midnight on Wednesday May 5th. I'll choose a winner using Random.org to be announced on Thursday.

I have been so blessed by reading this book, and I just know that you will be too.

Read chapter one here!

Good luck!

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

~ Forget Me Not - Book Giveaway Winner ~

Thank you to those who participated in my Forget Me Not book giveaway!

I used Random.org to select a winner and as usual I don't know how to copy the image over here as proof of the winning number.

Just love me anyway...

Without further ado...

The winner is....

Mama23Bears!!

Congratulations!!

Shoot me an email at Katieb38@hotmail.com letting me know where I can send you the book :-)

I will have another book giveaway coming soon and you are NOT going to want to miss it.

Have a great Thursday :-)

Book Review And Giveaway ~ Forget Me Not

Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help — a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and full of suspense and drama with a little bit of romance on the side. The guessing game begins right from Chapter One and continues right to the very last chapter.

I did figure out what was going on pretty early on in the book, however the writer kept my interest throughout with her likeable and realistic characters.

I loved the teachable moments and loving reminders that our God is the one true Healer of our hearts and His mercies are fresh each day. The main character's unwavering faith in the Lord is portrayed in a very gentle and natural way, and not "in your face".

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Guess what?

I have an extra copy that I get to give away! Would you like to win it? If so, all you have to do is leave me a comment telling me what type of books you generally like to read.

Easy peasy!

I'll pick a winner using Random.org on Wednesday April 21st.

Good luck!

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

~ An Absence So Great ~ Giveaway Winner

Thank you to those who participated in my very first book giveaway.

I used Random.org to generate the winning number. I still can't figure out how to show the results so you'll just have to take my word for it, buddies.

Would you like to know who the winner is...?

Drum roll please...

Heather!

Congratulations!!

Shoot me an email at Katieb38@hotmail.com letting me know where I can send you the book :-)

Have a great Thursday :-)

Book Review And Giveaway ~ An Absence So Great

While growing in confidence as a photographer, eighteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele’s personal life is at a crossroads. Hoping she’s put an unfortunate romantic longing behind her as “water under the bridge,” she exiles herself to Milwaukee to operate photographic studios for those owners who have fallen ill with mercury poisoning.

Jessie gains footing in her dream to one day operate her own studio and soon finds herself in other Midwest towns, pursuing her profession. But even a job she loves can’t keep painful memories from seeping into her heart when the shadows of a forbidden love threaten to darken the portrait of her life.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

While this novel is labeled as Christian fiction, there is very little mention of the Bible within its pages, and the main theme of the result of adultery was disappointing.

Based on a true story, this story gives the reader an good idea of what photography was like in this era, and the difficulties of a young, single woman trying to launch her own business.

For the most part, this book was an easy read, however I often had to refocus my thoughts in order to concentrate on it until the end.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

If you would like to win a copy of this book, leave me a comment telling me who your favourite author is and I will choose the winner on Wednesday April 7th.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

To learn more about or purchase this book visit RandomHouse.com.

Giveaway Winner!!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my child's apron giveaway!

I used Random.org to generate the winning number. I still can't figure out how to show the results so you'll just have to take my word for it, buddies.

Would you like to know who the winner is...?

Drum roll please...

Mama23Bears

Congratulations!!

Shoot me an email at Katieb38@hotmail.com letting me know which apron and size you would like, and where Missy can send it to.

Thank you to all who participated!

Have a great Thursday :-)

It's Giveaway Time!

What better way to kick off the month of February than to have a super cute giveaway?

This month's giveaway is an adorable child-sized apron lovingly created by Missy at What I Call Pretty.

Missy was kind enough to share a little bit about herself with us:

"I'm a stay at home mom of two little girls- a 3 1/2yr old mile-a-minute chatter and an almost 2yr old fearless free-climber. I love being a mom, a wife and keeper of our home. I left off grad school when I was seven months pregnant with our first and have not looked back. I find raising our daughters to be the most fulfilling job I could hope for, though not entirely financially lucrid. Thus began What I Call Pretty- an excellent way to keep pretty fabric on hand at all times and a helpful source to ping away at student loans. Four months in, I'm thankful for the support I've received and look forward to seeing what's next!"

Doesn't she sound just lovely?

I know! I thought so too!

Take a look at this piece of sweetness...



Or how about this one?



Adorable, aren't they?

Oh my. I can't decide which one I like the best. No matter, I'm not allowed to enter this giveaway anyway. Boo! ;-)

But you can!

All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment telling me which apron you like the best and who you'd like to win it for.

Pretty easy, huh?

Hey, how about a second chance to win?

Sure!

Blog about this giveaway, with a link to Missy's shop What I Call Pretty, and leave me a comment with your blog link.

What's that? You'd like a third chance to win?

You betcha! Tweet this giveaway and come back to leave a comment letting me know you did it.

Please be sure to take a look around Missy's shop to support her in her business venture. She is so talented and her creations are so beautiful.

This giveaway will close at midnight this Wednesday, and I'll announce the winner on Thursday morning.

Good luck everyone!

** Aprons come in sizes 2/3 and 4/6. Shipping within the US only **

~ Giveaway Winner ~

I am so excited to announce the winner of my very first giveaway!

I tried to take a copy or screen shot of the winning number but I couldn't figure out how to do it, so you'll have to take my word for it :-)

And the winner is....

Drum roll please!

#14 ~ Megan from All A Bunch Of Momsense!

Congratulations Megan! Please shoot me an email at katieb38@hotmail.com letting me know which hair clippie you'd like and your mailing address.

Thank you to everyone who participated! I had so much fun doing this!