Saturday, January 11, 2014

Walmart....Shop or Not?! This is not a nice post :)

NOT ME......but read on and you'll see the reason for the photo 


Last night I was laying awake, couldn't sleep and started to think about Walmart...pathetic, right?  You have to understand....we have a history with Walmart in our family.

We have traveled during the winter for the past 8 years or so.  We are self-employed and home school our kids, so we had the perfect opportunity to do so....and if you can, why not give your kids the experience of traveling, seeing new things, meeting people, etc.

Anyway, when you travel with an RV it's common knowledge that you can park overnight at most Walmarts....so begins my adventure.

When it would get to 'that time of night' we'd plug Walmart into our GPS, we'd park and I'd always go inside, buy dinner groceries and ask management if we could park for the night.  They pretty much always said 'yes' unless there where city ordinances.

Many a night were spent parked next to a rumbling semi....ahh, the memories.

All went smoothly on our many travels, until......the fateful night in Texas....

As usual, we parked, I shopped, asked management, they said "yes".....we set-up 'camp' for the night, sat down to eat only to hear a voice over a loud speaker, "come out of the camper, now"  so....I was the chosen one to poke my head out the door, only to find several cop cars and cops with speakers shouting at me.  What was I doing there, who was with me?  Really?  I'm eating, sir, with my family,sir...CHILDREN sir.  Seriously.  Once the air was cleared and I assured them management said it was ok, we were left to eat our dinner in relative peace.

Off to sleep, BAM BAM BAM loud rapping right at our heads at about 5am.....what a way to wake up.....apparently the morning shift management was NOT notified that we had approval to stay, after he yelled at us, we were more than happy to get out of  there.

That Walmart is forever on our 'do not stay' list, 'do not shop' list, and just about every other list you can think of.

Currently we are in AZ, we are not in an RV, but I still have a tendency to veer towards Walmart for my grocery needs, especially when the local Fry's gives me sticker shock.

Will I buy fruit there?  NOPE, clothing?  NOPE...ok call me a snob, but NOPE.  Meat?  Depends......boxed goods are really quite safe, unless you are at a store where there are birds trapped inside, then you may find droppings on your cans, boxes, etc.

...........speaking of droppings, yup.....this is gross

BUT.....at a particular Walmart in MN, I was in line, looked down, and apparently the elderly lady in front of me had a moment, yes....droppings on the floor....a little trail.....I told the cashier, who called over the manager who proceeded to grab a paper towel, scoop the poop, throw it in the trash under the register and walk on to the next cashier needing help.  Ummmm, really?  REALLY.  Didn't wash his hands, poop in the can by the register, didn't call somone to scrub the floor.  To give the cashier credit, she was as appalled as I was.

Then there is the funny, the lady in NM who was walking around the store with her 'sugar daddy' and her skirt tucked into her nylons....I was NOT a nice person that day, I just couldn't tell her, I was trying too hard not to laugh....ok, not nice.

And then....the people, do the people at your Walmart scare you?  Depends on where you are.  At my MN Walmart I shop among people in their pj bottoms and slippers, camo coats, butt cracks peeking at me and muffin tops.  Not overly appetizing.  At the AZ Walmart where I shop there are some very classy ladies, dressed to the nines, people wear day clothes, I have yet to see a pair of slippers, a pair of pj's, a muffin top or a butt crack....it's so very nice.

Now....I'd like to hear from you....do you have any Walmart stories?  Any great stories from any other stores?  I don't want to give just Walmart a hard time...just seems as though that's where my interesting sightings tend to happen!

FYI....after writing this I decided I needed a photo, did a google image search, when I typed in Walmart, 'people of walmart' popped up....look for yourself....

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Friday, January 10, 2014

CFBA: Songs of the Shenandoah

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Songs of the Shenandoah
B&H Books (January 1, 2014)
by
Michael Reynolds


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael K. Reynolds is a writer with more than two decades of experience in crafting fiction, non-fiction, journalism, copywriting and documentary production. He is the author of a series of Irish historical novels published by B&H Publishing Group. These highly acclaimed books are available in bookstores and libraries across the nation and beyond.

Michael is the writer and producer of an Emmy and Telly award-winning series of documentaries titled, Crystal Darkness. These thirty minute anti-meth films have been heavily promoted and broadcast in cities and states throughout the United States and Mexico. They have been viewed collectedly by more than 10 million people and the message has reached more than 30 million to date.

He also has wide experience as a speaker and on-air personality and has been interviewed on a variety of newspapers, radio stations and televisions networks throughout the nation. Michael earned his B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of California, San Diego and lives in Reno with his wife and three children. He is active in marketplace, marriage, small group and men’s ministries as a leader and speaker.

ABOUT THE BOOK

At the onset of the Civil War, Seamus heeds his wife’s wishes to return to her beloved family farm in the South, where he takes a post as chaplain for General Stonewall Jackson’s brigade. As Seamus ministers to the troops, his sister Clare ministers in a different way—by being a powerful voice in the Northern cause toward freeing the slaves. All this while their youngest brother Davin, who became wealthy during the Gold Rush, struggles to find love and identity in a fallen world. It’s a clash of loyalties and beliefs that threaten the entire family, each of them trying to hear God’s encouragement in the midst of the tragedy of war. The dramatic conclusion to the acclaimed Heirs of Ireland Series.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Songs of the Shenandoah, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
This is the third book in the Heirs of Ireland series...I have not read any of the previous books.  (hmm, wonder why?...what was I thinking?!)  For the second book of my year I'm still off to a great start!  I'm really going to have to read the previous books.

On to the book....you really don't need to read the first two books in this series, but wow...with a book this good you just SHOULD!  On a serious note, not reading the first two did not make me feel confused or wonder what was going on...definitely a stand a lone book.

I had a hard time with the beginning, I just couldn't get into the book, but I'm glad I kept going because it was well worth it.  The Civil War story line will draw you into the horror of battle between brothers, friends, slaves and the love story is simply divine.

At the end....I was so in love with the characters and the story line that I didn't want it to end....I think you'll enjoy this book, especially if you like reading about the Civil War era.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA


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Athleta Skirt Review

I've decided that this year I need to make my blog more exciting, ok...so books are exciting, yes...but I want to add more, so I'm going to begin adding my sewing projects and other DIY projects, cooking, crafting, and even reviews on random purchases I make...in a nutshell....things I love!

Maybe even some I don't.

Should I change the name of my blog, or keep it? I thought about starting an entirely new blog, but decided to just go with the flow!

So...to begin I have to tell you about the most amazing skirt...ever. Ever? Probably not, but for the moment it is! In the past year I have fallen in love with Athleta, if you haven't heard of them they carry Yoga, sporty clothing. Now, I'm not into exercise...sounds terrible I know, I'm trying to do better, but I really love active wear. Yes, Athleta is spendy, but I have a GAP visa credit card which I use everywhere and earn points which help out my purchases...and then I go through swagbucks and earn points there as well! It's all in the technique my friends!

 So..my latest find was the Wherever Skort. It was a birthday present to myself....I anxiously waited and waited for it to arrive....today it appeared, I immediately took it out of the package, ironed it, and put it on. LOVE IT. I know...my life must be a bit lame if that's the highlight of my day.
Wherever Skort
Wherever Skort...mine is Khakini, instead of this color!




I'm about to take my pooch on a walk, he's been looking at me through the door with sad puppy eyes, you know, those eyes that make you melt?  ....and yup, I'm walking in my new skort...I'll probably bike in it too, on my vintage Schwinn Breeze...that's another story!

I am not affliated with Athleta in any way, just doing this review for fun, the skirt fits true to size, very flattering, does wrinkle easily, and unlike many of their skorts there is no rubber around the legs which makes it more comfy....some do not like the extra fabric around the waist....I think it's cute and does not add any bulk.  The fabric is very lightweight, not your usual sport skirt fabric.  Pretty sure I'm going to own one in another color sooner than later!

What's your favorite store for sport fashion?
 
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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

CFBA: Tempest's Course

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Tempest's Course
Abingdon Press (December 17, 2013)
by
Lynette Sowell


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lynette Sowell is an award-winning novelist. Her most recent novel, Tempest’s Course, is part of the Quilts of Love line from Abingdon Press. When Lynette’s not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. Lynette was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland but makes her home in Coppress Cove, Texas, with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal city of New Bedford to restore a 150-year-old Mariner's Compass quilt. But there is one stipulation: she must live and work in Gray House, a former whaling captain's home, where the quilt is stored. There she meets Army veteran Tom Pereira, the caretaker of Gray House, whose heart seems as hard as the rocky Massachusetts coastline. Over the long-lit months as Kelly works to restore the quilt, she and Tom grow closer. And as she reads stories in a daily journal penned by Mary Gray, she learns the secrets of the quilt and Mary's own sad tale of regret. Then Tom learns secrets of his own family's past, and both Tom and Kelly learn they are tied to Gray House in ways they never imagined.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Tempest's Course, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
Well, if the first book that I'm reviewing this year is to be any indication of what I'm in for this year....I say I'm off to a great start!

I have been enjoying the Quilts of Love Series, they are all so different and it's amazing how many stories can be tied to a quilt!

Tom and Kelly have their ghosts...and problems that they need to work through.  Both hired by the elusive owner of the mansion...whom they've never seen, they can't help but wonder...who owns the home.

Kelly, although jumpy, finds an old journal and becomes rather swept up in it, the more she reads, the more confusing things become.  As Tom and Kelly grow closer their secrets seem to close in on them, what will their secrets reveal?  Will they ever come to terms with their past...or will their ghosts haunt them forever?

What a fun read....full of a bit of romance and mystery, enough to keep you wondering....

**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

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Monday, December 9, 2013

Book Review: A Marriage in Middlebury

A Marriage in MiddleburyOne decision changed both their lives . . . but will love win in the end? Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers. The only thing lacking is someone to share it with. At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder’s marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. They both moved on . . . or so she thought. When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens. But is it because of his presence? Or because of the presence of Sam’s new fiancée?

A second chance at love doesn’t happen often, but their past may keep them apart. Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?

Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Anita’s website.




MY THOUGHTS
It's not every day that you get a second chance...with the one you love.  When Sam and Charlotte meet up again, old feelings come alive, only this time, there's a fiance in the way!

This is a very cozy story, the book cover is just a small glimpse of the wonderfully charming town of Middlebury.  It's not every day that you read a book that leaves you wanting to crawl into it's pages.  Anita Higman is an amazing author, one who never fails to deliver.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity

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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Mod Cloth Flash Sale!

Are you like me.....do you love a good sale?  Head on over to Mod Cloth, they are having a FLASH SALE until midnight tonight!




Black Friday and Cyber Monday have passed us by in a flash! But that doesn't mean great deals aren't out there any more! ModCloth has a sweet Grab Bag worth $50 that they are giving away with any purchase of $125+ until Midnight Tonight!!! ModCloth is not just clothes either, they have adorable apartment accessories and even have a small selection of quirky gifts for that special guy in your life. Check them out using the link below and get that grab bag for yourself! ModCloth Grab Bag Sale until Midnight Tonight!
bag for yourself!


ModCloth Grab Bag Sale until Midnight Tonight!

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Monday, December 2, 2013

CFBA: Merry Humbug Christmas

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Merry Humbug Christmas
B&H Books (October 15, 2013)
by
Sandra D. Bricker


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. "I'm a Christian woman, first and foremost," she says. "So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line."

Sandie's real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient...Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor's proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.


"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects ... and still pursue my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"

And one of the author's pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy -- a red-haired collie with "killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown."

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. -- the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year.

In "Once Upon a Jingle Bell," A Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow’s answer to this year’s quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she’s rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.

In "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer," Reese’s guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian’s family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws’ family cabin ablaze, she’s pretty sure there won’t be even ONE golden ring in her future.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Merry Humbug Christmas, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
What a fun read.  Can you imagine being named Merry Christmas Snow?  I mean really, what were Joss's parents thinking?  It's no wonder she changed her name!  Joss definitely does not like Christmas and will go to great extremes to stay away from it, which is pretty funny when you think about her ending up on a Christmas cruise of all things.

This is a fun, happy read...no worries, even though Joss doesn't like Christmas, you'll feel the Christmas spirit throughout the entire book...like it or not!

A quirky read, a great book to cuddle up with after a hectic day of shopping!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA


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