11 Ways To Tie A Scarf ~ For Men And Women

Just like most of the country right now, we are freezing! Going outside even for a short period means putting on your full winter armor. Hats, gloves, coats and of course the scarf! The problem is that I just tend to sling the thing around my neck and call it good.

Earlier today I was popping around the internet and I came across this wonderful infographic from pslifestyle. I realize that the illustrations depict a man's attire but when I tried them out most of these styles worked for me.

11 Simple Ways to Tie a Scarf








Now it's your turn. Have you tried any of these styles? 
What is your favorite?


Hidden Falls: Losing Quinn - Episode Two by Olivia Newport ~ A Review and Free Download


Olivia Newport
Suspense

About the book:

Hidden Falls – An Exciting New 13-Part Serial Novel from Shiloh Run Studios

Quinn’s gone. If his disappearance isn’t a prank, then what is it? Why? And where did he go? Sylvia is certain Quinn will reappear soon. There’s a good explanation, and the event can be saved. Quinn would never ruin this night. At least not willingly. So, did he leave against his will? As more time passes without Quinn, anxiety spreads and suspicions rise. Nicole’s reporter nose smells something amiss, and her heart aches that Quinn might be in trouble. Somehow she must help the man who anchored her through her own troubles. Ethan knows he ought to stay and help, too—and find out what the cryptic note from Quinn was about. But he can’t let the shadows of his past cost him his promising future. Long ago, Ethan and Nicole both quit dreaming they could ever reconcile, but as they cross tentative paths once more, will they allow themselves a chance to at least reminisce?

A new must-read episode releases every Week!

Want to Get Hooked on the Mystery Behind the Falls
for ABSOLUTELY FREE?

Download Episode 1 (Ordinary Secrets) for free today! Just CLICK HERE or Click on the Hidden Falls cover image to download the book on Amazon.
My thoughts:

After devouring the first episode in this series, I was eagerly awaiting the release of the second. The day finally came and at the click of my mouse I downloaded it to my Kindle. Much to my dismay I finished it very quickly and here I am again waiting for the next episode. (Still excited I must say!)

I am continuing to enjoy getting to know the characters and Olivia Newport is doing a marvelous job of slowly peeling back the layers to keep the mystery going. This episode only moves the story along by a few hours. It picks up with the disappearance of Quinn and allows us to tag along as more and more people begin to realize that he is gone. It is interesting to see the different reactions from each of the people. Some think that Quinn just decided he didn't want to be there and others think something far more sinister is going on.

As expected, right when it felt like a breakthrough was coming, the book ended with a startling cliffhanger. In fact as I sit here I'm not even sure if I know all the details about it yet. So the wait of a week for the next episode is killing me!

At this point I'm not really crazy about this being released as episodes. If I were to do it all over again I'd probably wait until it was completely released and then I could read it at my own preferred pace. Please don't let my negativity about the release cloud my thoughts on the story line. It is very well written an truly does make me want to just devour it! 

Now for some of the details!

You can download the first episode for free for your ereader. The episodes are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christianbook.com for your favorite ereader or as an audio book. You can also keep up with all that is happening in Hidden Falls by visiting their Facebook Page.

Future Episodes:

Episode 1 – Ordinary Secrets

Episode 2 – Losing Quinn

Episode 3 – A Town in Trouble releases 1/31/2014

Episode 4 – Unexpected Hero releases 2/7/2104

Episode 5 – The Mayor’s Quandary releases 2/14/2014

Episode 6 – No Time for Answers releases 2/21/2014

Episode 7 – Yesterday’s Promise releases 2/28/2014

Episode 8 – All You Need to Know releases 3/7/2014

Episode 9 – A Fair Refuge releases 3/14/2014

Episode 10 – One Familiar Tune releases 3/21/2014

Episode 11 -- When Memory Came releases 3/28/2014

Episode 12 – The Groundskeeper Remembered releases 4/4/2014

Episode 13 – Distinguishing Marks releases 4/11/2014

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Tasty Tuesday ~ 5-Minute Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad

roastedcorn

Let's talk about side dishes this week on Tasty Tuesdays! You might have noticed that I don't share a lot of side dish recipes here. That is because side dishes are the hardest thing for me to plan for and come up with for meals.

I can make a main dish no problem, but when it comes time to do the sides, I hate having to get out and follow another recipe. With my recent menu planning, I have found that planning and executing sides is really hard. All too often, my side dishes involve chopping vegetables, tossing them with coconut oil and some seasoning and roasting them. Although I love eating vegetables this way, it gets old day after day. I tossed together this roasted corn and black bean salad with items I already had on hand, and it only took 5 minutes.

Head on over to Food Snob St. Louis today for the recipe!

Tell me - what are your favorite side dishes to throw together?

Happy Wives Club: One Woman's Worldwide Search For The Secrets Of A Great Marriage by Fawn Weaver ~ A Marriage Book Review



Fawn Weaver
Nonfiction/Marriage

About the book:

DISCOVER THE BEST MARRIAGE SECRETS
FROM THE WORLD'S HAPPIEST WIVES

One woman undertakes a worldwide search to learn the secrets of a great marriage—and finds one foundational truth that could change everything.

Fawn Weaver was a happily married woman running a successful business—and then something happened. Maybe it was divorce rate reports on the evening news, The Real Housewives of Orange County, or any daytime talk show where husbands and wives dramatically reveal their betrayals. Everywhere she looked, Fawn saw negative portrayals of marriage dominating the airwaves and dooming everyone to failure.

Looking at Keith, the love of her life, she knew that wasn’t true. She was determined to find and connect with women just like her—happy and optimistic about marriage, deeply in love with her spouse, and committed to building a strong marriage that stands the test of time.

On a whim, she started the blog HappyWivesClub.com and sent the link to a few of new friends. What started as a casual invitation to five women exploded into an international online club with 150,000 members in more than 100 countries.

Happy Wives Club is Fawn’s journey across the world to meet her friends and discover what makes their marriages great. Join her on this exciting, exotic trip across six continents and through more than eighteen cities. Walk the streets of Mauritius, the historic ruins in Italy, and the vistas of New Zealand and Australia. Go from Cape Town to London, Manila to Buenos Aires, Winnipeg to Zagreb.

Along the way, you will meet everyday women whose marriage secrets span cultures. You will hear their stories, witness their love, and be inspired by the proof that happy, healthy marriages do exist—and yours can be one of them!

It turns out great marriages are all around us—when we look for them. Go on a trip with Fawn and learn the best marriage secrets the world has to offer.





My thoughts:

In an age of seemingly constant attacks on marriage today, this book was a wonderful breath of fresh air. It was interesting to read through each individual woman's story and see her marriage through her words. The stories weren't all happy, happy, happy. In fact most of them had struggles, but the difference was the way they allowed those struggles to make them better and stronger.

It was fascinating to read about women across the world that loved being married. There were stories from places that you kind of get the impression that they just exist and stay married because that's just what you do. But that wasn't the case. They intentionally worked at being happily married.

The main thing that I took away from this book was that we shouldn't believe the lie that being married and being happy could not go together. It can and it does. If you are happily married you are going to enjoy reading about others that share your joy. If you are unhappily married I think this book will be encouraging to you that with a little work and a change in attitude can make all the difference.





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My Learn to Read Bible by Tracy Harrast ~ A Children's Bible Review



written by Tracy Harrast
illustrated by Christine M. Schneider
Juvenile Nonfiction/Bible Stories

Recommended Ages: 4-7

Back of the book:

The Bible Perfect For Beginning Readers

Designed especially for children ages 4-7 who are just learning to read, the My Learn to Read Bible shows little ones that God's Word Speaks to them too! Incorporating the rebus method, this storybook Bible uses special icons to help children discover new words and gain reading confidence. Based on the easy to read New International Reader's Version, the simple text is paired with charming illustrations that bring over 100 Bible stories to life. Each story ends with a special lesson to help little hearts draw closer to God. It's the perfect resource to help young ones grow in both heart and mind.

Take A Look Inside The Book:




My thoughts:

I recently had the opportunity to enjoy this book with a couple of my preschool aged grand kids. We had so much fun reading this together! It is a simple concept that they caught onto very quickly. I just used my finger to track where we were at in the book and within minutes they were chiming in with the correct word as we came to each icon.

The pride and joy on their faces as they participated in the storytelling was absolutely priceless! If you have a little one that is either a pre-reader or a beginning reader I think you will find this resource to be a delight in your daily Bible reading. In my opinion as a retired homeschooling mom this would be wonderful to use with family devotions so that the older children and the younger children could all participate together.





Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman ~ A Historical Fiction Book Review


The Heart of San Francisco, Book 2
Historical Fiction

Back of the book:

She's a sassy socialite burned by love. He's a jaded cop burned by the upper class. When sparks fly . . . will love catch fire again?

Spunky Allison McClare is determined to be a fearless, independent woman. But when she takes a notion to explore the wild Barbary Coast, she quickly discovers she's no match for the unsavory characters that haunt the dark streets.

Detective Nick Barone would rather do almost anything that teach this petite socialite self-defense, but it seems he has little choice. Sparks fly every time the two meet until a grudging friendship develops into something deeper. But is he just a fraud like all the rest of the men Allison's cared for? Or is he the one who will let her dare to love again?

Award-winning author Julie Lessman brings the glamour of Gilded Age San Francisco to vibrant life in this journey to find a love that never fails.

My thoughts:

With Dare to Love Again we continue on in the saga of the McClare family of San Francisco. Not only do we get to see what's happening with Cassidy and Jamie we also get to shift our main focus to Allison. 

The Hand of Hope School is finally up and running but it is located on the edge of the unsavory Barbary Coast neighborhood. It is a great place to reach the girls that the school is intended to help but it is an unknown territory for the McClare's of Nob Hill. Allison is an adventurous girl and wants to explore the city that she loves.

In order to keep his beloved niece safe from the unsavory elements of the city, Logan McClare grudgingly hires Detective Nick Barone to teach Allison self-defense and to also secretly guard her. Nick has a great disdain for the elite so the sparks begin to fly between the two of them right from the beginning. 

This is a fun story but an even greater tour through historic San Francisco. Julie Lessman does a fabulous job of drawing out the distinctions between the Barbary Coast and Nob Hill. She has brought a very multi-cultural city to life by taking us into the very heart of Chinatown and allowing us to get to know some of the residents and experience through their eyes the struggle between the haves and the have nots.

I think you are really going to enjoy this story of love and struggle. The characters are multi-dimentional and the sights and sounds of the city are brought to life on the pages of this novel. Pick up a copy for yourself and be transported back in time.




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Visit To Be Sociable or Inflict Pain: The Choice Is Yours ~ Five Minute Friday #fmf





One Word Prompt ~ Five Minutes of Writing ~ No Editing

Today's Prompt: VISIT



GO!

When I think of the word visit it brings up wonderful memories of gatherings of family or friends or a mixture of both. I can hear the laughter shared about some inside joke that only makes sense to those present. I can smell the aromas of a savory meal because there is always great food during a visit.

But as I pondered the word visit I also realized that it could also have a different meaning. As in something bad or ominous. In the Bible we find reference to some really great visits, from the incarnate Christ, the Holy Spirit, ministering angels, etc. We also see some pretty awful visits as well such as the death angel visiting each of the  unprotected homes and killing the first born in each of them.

I then began to think about what type of guest do I want to be when I visit someone, because after all the choice is mine. I can choose to be refreshing and bring with me faith, hope and love. Or I can be the worst of guests and bring condemnation and scorn. 

I pray that I will remember Who I represent and become a visitor that is welcomed with open arms.

STOP!

Feel inspired to write? Link up with us here at Lisa Jo Baker's Five Minute Friday!




Makeup Must Haves: Under Eye Concealer ~ A Rambling Vlog


Hello all you fellow sleep-deprived, dark-circle eyed moms out there! I woke up this morning and decided that I would share with you one of my secrets . . . I am a closet dark-circle eye mom. Yes, I said it! I'm so tired (pun intended) of looking that way that I took myself to the Estee Lauder beauty counter and begged them for a miracle. Here's my find:








So now I want to know what you do to conceal those weary looking eyes??? Just leave a comment below and we'll discuss it!

Redeemed: A Devotional Based on the #1 Song by Big Daddy Weave ~ A Review



Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave
Nonfiction/Devotional

About the book:

GOD CAN WIPE AWAY EVERY STAIN . . . IF YOU LET HIM

The song Redeemed by the popular Christian group Big Daddy Weave has inspired millions. This collection of 30 devotions by songwriter Mike Weaver focuses on redemption, grace, and the healing power of Christ's love. For fans of Big Daddy Weave who have been touched by Redeemed, this book is more than an impulse purchase; it's a must-read.

"I am redeemed, You set me free,
So I'll shake off these heavy chains, 
Wipe away every stain,
Now I'm not who I used to be,
I am redeemed." 

In case you haven't heard the song or you just want to hear it again, take a listen!



My thoughts:

I love how the lyrics of Big Daddy Weave's music just takes me to the feet of Jesus. So I was very excited to see Mike Weaver's new devotional based on one of their top hits. Mike has taken the lyrics and premise of the song Redeemed and written thirty short and to the point devotions that will remind us why we have been redeemed.

I spent several days with the book tucked into my purse. When I had a moment or two I'd pull it out and devour a chapter. I enjoyed not only the devotional thoughts but also the suggested scriptures and quotes from leading Christian voices. Another little thing that I liked was at the end of each chapter there is a page designated for your personal thoughts. 

The beautiful artwork in the book centers around a heart theme. I'm thinking that this would make a lovely little Valentine's Day gift (along with some chocolate, of course!) for that special someone in your life. The bonus is that it doesn't even have to be a gift to a romantic interest . . . just choose someone you love! We could all use a reminder that we have been REDEEMED!


Connect with Big Daddy Weave:








Tasty Tuesday ~ Cilantro Lime Chicken

cilantrolimechicken2

Did anyone else wake up to a blanket of snow, yet again?! I love the first snow of winter, and maybe even the 2nd or 3rd, but at this point in the year I'm over it. I was ready for spring weeks ago. On these cold, snowy days, the last thing I want to do is go to the grocery store to get something for dinner.

That's why I'm so grateful we've been progressively stocking our freezer with meals that can be cooked in the crock pot or popped in the oven just before dinner time. This Cilantro Lime Chicken can be prepped, frozen and cooked in a slow cooker for a great dinner.

The meat makes a great base for tacos or you can toss it with some rice, avocado and cheese - so simple! Head on over to Food Snob St. Louis today for the whole recipe.

It's a Joovy Giveaway! ~ #Joovy2014ResolutionsX2




Have you all seen the new products Joovy has been coming up with? It is quite possibly the most innovative baby gear on the market. Ane there are so many colors to choose from. I have an endless wish list of products and I may just have to have several more kids to try all of this amazing baby gear out on! Spring is not too far off and for me that is the best time to get a new stroller or perhaps a ride-on!

The best part is that Joovy is hosting a giveaway and it’s super easy to enter. You can read their full blog post or simply fill out the rafflecopter form below. Whatever you’re looking to get, $600 is going to be quite the shopping trip. Good luck and I cannot wait to see who wins!

Giveaway: One reader 18+ will win a $600 Gift Card to JOOVY! Giveaway ends on Monday January 27th 2014 at 11:59 CST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eyes Wide Open by Ted Dekker ~ A Suspense Book Review



The Outlaw Chronicles Series, Book 1
Ted Dekker
Suspense

Back of the book:

WHO AM I?
MY NAME IS CHRISTY SNOW.
I'M SEVENTEEN AND I'M ABOUT TO DIE.

I'm buried in a coffin under tons of concrete. No one knows where I am. My heart sounds like a monster with clobber feet, running straight toward me. I'm lying on my back, soaked with sweat from the hair on my head to the soles of my feet. My hands and feet won't stop shaking.

Some will say that I'm not really here. Some will say I'm delusional. Some will say that I don't even exist. But who are they? I'm the one buried in a grave. My name is Christy Snow. I'm seventeen. I'm about to die.

SO WHO ARE YOU?



My thoughts:

I enjoy reading Ted Dekker's work so much. It is both complex and thought provoking and at the same time simple and entertaining. In his newest work Eyes Wide Open he has returned to his classic style that we all enjoyed in THR3E and House

Eyes Wide Open is the complete book that was also released as a four ebook episodic serial series. The story begins with book one which is entitled Identity. In this episode Mr. Dekker takes one of our worst fears, being trapped with no way out, and brings it to life with Christy Snow. 

Just like Alice in  Alice in Wonderland, Christy falls into a hole and winds up in a world that doesn't make sense to her. Before long her friend Austin arrives to save her only to find himself trapped in the same situation. During their confinement they are forced to look within themselves and confront some of their deepest held beliefs.

By the time the story gets to book four Christy and Austin begin to lose hope that their situation will ever change. But just when all seems lost the story turns and takes on a whole new dimension. A new character named Outlaw comes upon the scene and presents Christy and Austin a way out. The question then becomes will they have the ability to take that path? Will they be able to "see" what is in front of them and decide what is real and what is perceived? 

Eyes Wide Open is told in an allegorical style that you can enjoy on multiple levels. You can choose to just be terrified and entertained with the story that is presented on the page. Or you can also choose to look deeper and see the spiritual aspects that are presented. I preferred the later. I enjoyed delving into the way we look at and perceive our surroundings. When I closed the book I found myself praying that the Lord would continually remind me to keep my EYES WIDE OPEN and use the lamps that He gave me to truly see what is there.

Eyes Wide Open can be experienced THREE different ways. 

1. As an episodic story. Read Eyes Wide Open as four shorter sequential episodes. Start with IDENTITY which is FREE in ebooks. Think of it as the pilot, offered free. If you like the story, continue with MIRRORS, UNSEEN and finally, SEER.

2. As a single, novel length eBook or paperback.

3. As an audiobook.


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Hidden Falls: Ordinary Secrets - Episode 1 by Olivia Newport ~ A Book Review and Free Download


Olivia Newport
Suspense

About the book:

Thirty years of small-town secrets—now the key to the mystery is gone. 

The small town of Hidden Falls is abuzz. Former students, friends, and loved ones are prepping for tonight's big event to honor Ted Quinn's many years of compassionate service. Quinn is reluctant about a night in the spotlight--but is tenderly prodded by Sylvia, mayor of Hidden Falls and Quinn's dearest friend and confidante.

Ethan and Nicole won't let the shadows of their pasts stop them from returning to Hidden Falls--but only for Quinn--no matter how much it hurts. Liam, a former student, and Jack, a town newcomer, are both hoping the night works toward their own gain--or, if they'll admit it, their chance for redemption. Like Quinn, Dani and Lauren are mainstays in Hidden Falls. They keep close to home--and have secrets to keep close, too.

Now it's time. The guests are seated, introductions are made, the spotlight shines on center stage...and the unthinkable leaves the entire town scrambling for the truth.

Want to Get Hooked on the Mystery Behind the Falls
for ABSOLUTELY FREE?

Download Episode 1 (Ordinary Secrets) for free today! Just CLICK HERE or Click on the Hidden Falls cover image to download the book on Amazon.
My thoughts:

If you are a fan of weekly TV dramas that have an ongoing story line that continues to build into a suspenseful climax, I think you will enjoy this new release from Olivia Newport. The tale begins with episode one and will continue for thirteen weeks with a new episode releasing each week. 

This first episode or pilot if you will, starts by laying the ground work of individuals and settings. Quinn seems to be the central character and he is introduced to us not only through the lens of himself but also those around him. He is loved by the town and is about to be honored at a big banquet.

While the town is preparing for this celebration we get a sneak peek into many of their lives. Some appear ordinary but have hidden secrets and desires that lie below the surface. This party has drawn people from the past to come back just to honor their beloved Quinn. 

When we arrive at the banquet it is easy to feel the tensions beginning to rise. Just when it looks like the festivities are going to go off without a hitch a shocking twist appears and then of course the episode is over! Just like with your favorite TV drama you are left anxiously anticipating the next installment.

Now for some of the details!

You can download the first episode for free for your ereader. The episodes are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christianbook.com for your favorite ereader or as an audio book. You can also keep up with all that is happening in Hidden Falls by visiting their Facebook Page.

Future Episodes:

Episode 1 – Ordinary Secrets releases 12/28/13

Episode 2 – Losing Quinn releases 1/24/14

Episode 3 – A Town in Trouble releases 1/31/2014

Episode 4 – Unexpected Hero releases 2/7/2104

Episode 5 – The Mayor’s Quandary releases 2/14/2014

Episode 6 – No Time for Answers releases 2/21/2014

Episode 7 – Yesterday’s Promise releases 2/28/2014

Episode 8 – All You Need to Know releases 3/7/2014

Episode 9 – A Fair Refuge releases 3/14/2014

Episode 10 – One Familiar Tune releases 3/21/2014

Episode 11 -- When Memory Came releases 3/28/2014

Episode 12 – The Groundskeeper Remembered releases 4/4/2014

Episode 13 – Distinguishing Marks releases 4/11/2014

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Encouragement It Gets The Job Done ~ Five Minute Friday




One Word Prompt ~ Five Minutes of Writing ~ No Editing

Today's Prompt: Encouragement 

What is the key to finding motivation? For me, it is through the encouragement of others. I do believe this to be true for most people. Just thinking back on my most successful times in my life and it was usually when I felt encouragement from others.

In the beginning God gave Adam Eve so he would not be alone. By design we are created to need others. Without encouragement it can be hard to do our jobs or even get out of bed in the mornings.

People pay a lot of money to be encouraged. Just think of conferences they are not cheap but the productivity that comes from workers being encouraged is worth every company’s dime.

I read on Yahoo that a motivational speaker can make anywhere between $500 to $50,000 per speech. Wow! Now that is a lot of money for someone just speaking! But we all know why this pays so well, and that is because motivational speakers encourage us. I cannot tell you how many times I have said “you know with a little encouragement I bet they will do well.”

This has really been something I have been thinking of with the homeschool setting. I was homeschooled and there is something so encouraging about homeschoolers. I just love homeschooling groups; they love to help each other and listen in a way that I have never known another group of people to do so.

You know what is also incredible about encouraging someone else? It encourages you and gives you a deep sense of accomplishment. What a gift we give to others and ourselves when we do so!

Here is your challenge before the weekend is over. Find someone to encourage. You could make a difference in their life as well as yours. There is only one you and the world needs your encouragement. Go, do, be, encourage!


“Encouragement from any source is like a drop of rain upon a parched desert. Thanks to all the many others who rained on me when I needed it, and even when I foolishly thought I didn't.
~ Claire Gillian
(acknowledgements in The P.U.R.E.)”


Tasty Tuesday ~ Slow Oven Roasted Brisket and Purple Birthday Cake

mealplanningguide

Hi Rambles of a SAHM readers! It's Laura from Food Snob St. Louis with another edition of Tasty Tuesdays. Last week, I shared my meal planning and prep guide. I got a lot of response from readers, so I decided to share my meal plan every week.


 brisket

You can check out this week's plan here. It included a slow oven roasted brisket, which is the top recipe at Food Snob St. Louis.  By slowly roasting the brisket, the meat just melts in your mouth when it's time to eat. You should check it out for your next Sunday dinner!

  OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I also made a purple birthday cake for our daughter's 2nd birthday. As with most ideas from Pinterest, it didn't turn out quite as I had hoped, but it still looked and tasted good.

 Tell me, what are you cooking this week?

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