Black Dog

Black Dog
By Reverend John R. Dolan

A topic that remains largely un-discussed and swept under the rug, anxiety and depression are very real problems for many people today. It is seldom that one can get a glimpse into what that world is truly like unless suffering from the illness themselves.

In an attempt to expose the topic with brutal honesty and give a glimpse into that dark world, Dolan's book Black Dog opens the door into a real, life long struggle through his personal story. Readers walk with the author through his life and encounter his struggles with what he coined the "Black Dog" (anxiety and depression). Along the way, the Black Dog lurks and surfaces at times, while laying low in others, and through it all, readers are given a fresh look into this heavy topic.

Hope is offered to readers as the see how help was found and the Black Dog was leashed for Dolan. In his soul baring honesty, Dolan offers readers a chance to discover hope if they are also facing the struggles of depression and anxiety. In addition, readers see how truly real and debilitating life can be, reasons why people fighting these illnesses might act the way they do, and find ways to help and relate.

As the wife of someone who currently has his own Black Dog, I found this book an eye opener as well as an encouragement. My husband also read the book on my recommendation and was encouraged as well as felt in company with Dolan and relieved that many of his personal emotions had been put into words by another. He said he felt as if someone had written from his mind the emotions, struggles, fears and many other feelings so wrapped up into dealing with depression and anxiety.

We are both glad to have read this book and grateful to the author for having shared in such a unique and honest way so as to help, educate and encourage others.

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.combook review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

BzzAgent: Burt's Bees

I just got my BzzAgent box today, filled with all sorts of shin hydrating goodies from Burt's Bees. I am excited to put this skin care line to work on my dry skin and anxious to see what the results will be in a couple of weeks.

My review of these products will very coming in a couple of weeks, after I have had the opportunity to give them a fair trial.

Sperfans Spot On Energy

Spot On Energy

BIC Mark-It Permanent Markers

Check out the new product i get to try and keep- for free! thanks Smile.ly!
BIC Mark-It Permanent Markers
A 36 pack of Bic Mark-It permanent markers, along with a pumpkin decorating kit containing glitter, sequins and stickers.  We'll be having fun decorating tonight!  Want to know how you can get awesome products like this too?  Visit Smile.ly, http://www.smile360.com

Enter the 36 Days of Color Sweepstakes http://bit.ly/UTtHSs

Influenster

I am so excited to be a part of a new venture in the world of try and tell. Influenster, a free to join site, is filled with product reviews and opportunities to explore and possibly try new things. After a bit of work on the front end by way of unlocking badges, connecting social networks, etc., a member can quickly become immersed in the world of product reviews. With an updated site that is very user friendly, easy to navigate and explore, even the newbie can find their way around easily. Benefits are for the social, online and in real life, who enjoy sharing their knowledge and experience with products available on the market today. Occasional invites are offered to try a new product - the VoxBox. As I have just begun with this site, I have not yet had that experience, but I have spent time already reviewing and interacting. I am becoming addicted to unlocking challenges and new badges and enjoy using this site.

Sound fun?Check out what the fun is all about! http://www.influenster.com

BzzAgent Mission

Check out the new line of products from Glade.  I get to try them for free thanks to BzzAgent!  Can't wait to get my package and put them to use :). Review to follow.

Update: got my package in the mail containing two coupons for free product - one for a room spray and one for a diffuser kit. I picked up an apple room spray and a Mangosteen diffuser kit.

Overall, I like the product as a whole. The scents are light and pleasant, not perfumey. I chose to buy Pineapple & Mangosteen for the diffuser and Fuji Aple & Cardamom Spice for the room spray.  Both scents are very pleasant, not heavy or overpowering.  As I am very sensitive to smells and get headaches from many smells, I was a little worried about putting the product to use in my home.  I was happy to find I had no trouble at all with either scent. 

The diffuser kit is attractive and decorative.  The fragrance oil just snaps right into the decorative holder, no mess or chance for spilling like with reed diffusers.  The holder is a wood material carved with leaves - really attractive for having out and visible.  Unfortunately, after 3 weeks of use, the diffuser has become deformed, curling out from the top much more than it had initially upon purchase, I suspect due to drying :(  It still functions and looks fine from the front, but from the side it looks broken.

The room spray is awesome because it comes in a re-usable can cover wich makes leaving it out in a room a more attractive option.  Easy to use and re-fillable by just popping the used canister out and clicking a new one in.  No trigger, the holder squeezes to release the spray.

Pricy and not a product I would generally buy on my tight budget, but enjoyable and attractive to use in my home, especially for free!

I was provided the products to try free by BzzAgent.

Check out this Tootsie Roll

Check out this Tootsie Roll

Unstoppable

Unstoppable
Nick Vujicic

I am excited to share that, coming October 2, 2012, Nick Vujicic's new book Unstoppable will be hitting book shelves across the nation.  Having read and reviewed his first book Life Without Limits (find the review here), I am looking forward to discovering more about Nick and his ministry as well as being encouraged and challenged.  I have been given the opportunity to share a few links to share a hint of what is in store for readers in this new book.  Check them out...

You can read an excerpt of the first chapter of Unstoppable here

Check out the video here: Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action

A fan of Nick and his power to encourage and empower anyone, I am truly looking forward to getting a copy of this book to read for myself!  Join me in supporting this awesome man and his gift to uplift and challenge as well as his ministry.

Your Life Without Limits

Your Life Without Limits: Living Above Your Circumstances
Nick Vujicic

A short summary of Nick Vujicic's book "Life Without Limits", this is a very short inspirational piece designed to encourage and motivate readers to have hope, persevere, and set high goals for their lives no matter their circumstance.

Having previously read Nick's book, I expected this to be a follow up and was excited to read more from this energetic and inspiring author. I was quite disappointed to find it only an extended summary or maybe a supplement to the book "Life Without Limits" with a little added to act as a stand alone piece or a tidbit to whet the appetite of the reader and introduce them to the story while leaving them wanting more. I am not sure about the true purpose of this short piece.

That said, I have read and reviewed on this site the full book and was thrilled to have had the chance to read it. With bits of encouragement and motivation sprinkled through Nick's life story, it was truly inspirational and worth reading multiple times. You can read my review of Life Without Limits here.

I was provided a digital copy of this book through the Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for my review.  All thoughts are my own.

Find it at Barnes and Noble

Ricky the Remarkable Raccoon

Ricky the Remarkable Raccoon
By Orggy Roger- Carey. Illustrated by David Miles

Ricky is a raccoon who yearns for a place to belong and people to want him.  Through mishap, he ends up where he thought he wanted to be, but not where he was wanted.  A turn of events finds Ricky with a new unexpected life and family just waiting for him.

A book intended for elementary aged children, this book touches on feelings surrounding Adoption without ever mentioning the word, which makes it a nice book for all children. Characters are mainly animals, taking away the human coldness and making it more inviting and relatable for young children.  As children follow Ricky through the book, they find him going from alone to loved by a family very different than he would have chosen, yet perfect for him.

Our family does not at this time include adopted children, but if it did, this would be a book I would want around to help ease into the topic.  It was well presented, with easy to understand words and inviting pictures.  Readers identify with Ricky's loneliness and cheer for him as he finds a family to love.  A solid book for all families, especially those with adopted members.  After all, we are all adopted by Christ, so we can all relate in some way!

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.combook review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Get it now on Amazon.com!

Check out this Liquid Wrench Ultimate Workshop Giveaway I'm participating in...

Check out this Liquid Wrench Ultimate Workshop Giveaway I'm participating in...

The Girl's Still Got It

The Girl's Still Got It
Liz Curtis Higgs

In a refreshing look at the book of Ruth, Liz Curtis Higgs puts a fun spin on reading about Ruth and her story, creating an engagin way to learn and get deeper into the story of Ruth.  With humor and depth, this book is sure to find a spot with every reader.

Women especially will appreciate this book as it celebrates this historic woman of faith and paints her in a modern way that readers can relate to and understand much easier than from biblical texts alone.  Higgs uses her knowledge of the bible to teach, adds humor to engage, writes in a way that all readers can understand and relate, and captures the reader with her words.

I was immediately drawn into this book and loved reading about Ruth in this way.  My understanding of her walk and life and in turn a new understanding of our God grew from my reading this book.  I was enagaged in ways I seldom am with stories of biblical characters.  After reading this book, I am eager to seek out and read more of the books written by this author.

A glimpse into who this writer is and Ruth's story...


I received this book through Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program.  I was in no way compensated for my review, nor was I required to write a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Barnes and Noble Review:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-girls-still-got-it-liz-curtis-higgs/1110918393?ean=9781578564484&tabname=custreview&

smiley360.com—Be Heard. Be Happy.

smiley360.com—Be Heard. Be Happy.

One of my favorite connections to get and try new products for FREE in exchange for my opinion and sharing. Easy to do, little time needed and great rewards often! Check it out.

BzzAgent: Bic Soleil Savy

Thanks to Bzz Agent, I get to try the new Bic Soleil Savy razors in exchange for my honest review. So excited to receive this product and try it out!

Children's Advil Friends Mission

Children's Advil Friends Mission

New and Improved Vaseline® Total Moisture®

New and Improved Vaseline® Total Moisture®

When Work and Family Collide

When Work & Family Collide

by Andy Stanley

In today's fast paced world full of extra time wasters like facebook, video games and the like, families often find themselves stretched to the max trying to make it all fit in and still have a family.  Work often takes precedence in a material and want driven world where owning the biggest and best requires debt and ceaseless hours of work to make ends meet.

Stanly presents the idea that many families today are mssing out on God's desires because work often comes first and family gets the leftovers.  He challenges readers to look for areas in life that can be cut out or left alone for a time, such as leaving work an hour early on occasion, skipping a golf outing or leaving dirty dishes, in order to spend time playing with your child or focusing on your spouse.  Easier said than done in many homes, Stanley's suggestions hit home hard and force the reader to take a solid look at their own lives and consider the ultimate cost.  What really matters in the end?

An excellent book filled with life stories, this book is easy to read and challenging with God's love written all over it.  A highly recommended book for every family!

I was provided a free copy of this book for review through Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program.  I was in no way compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review.

King of Glory

King of Glory
by P.D. Bramsen

What a creative way to present the Bible!  I was immediately impressed and drawn in to this book.  In a time where graphic novels are very popular, this presentation of Bible highlights is long needed and sure to draw in a new audience in a way print Bibles might now have.

Geared toward teens and young adults, this book is appropriate for adults as well.  Taking a small sampling of the most famous and well knows stories in the Bible, this book presents the stories in a format of pictures that, in addition to short descriptions and scripture verses and references.  Set in scenes, more like snap shots of the bible, the illustrations are beautiful and full of detail that fully fit with the story on the matching page.  70 scenes and stories taking the reader from creation through Christ's coming return, all major pieces of the bible are covered.  Written as a story about a kingdom, a King with a secret plan and epic plots for rescue, this book is sure to capture any reader.

King of Glory is appropriate for readers from any culture, as it presents the story of the Bible in a non-confrontational or preachy way that is engaging and intriguing.  A book I highly recommend and fully intend to keep as a part of my library.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”I was in no way compensated for this review.

The Creation

The Creation
as retold by Janice D. Green

The Creation is a re-telling of the story of creation, as found in the book of Genesis.  This book covers the 7 days of God's creation as well as a short discussion of Adam and Eve.  A short book filled with colorful illustration in the form of quilt squares, this book is quite unique from others of this sort.  Each page offers a matching illustration and discussion questions to go along with the story for that illustration as well as a scripture reference.

Most appropriate for children ages 5-9, there is plenty to offer for children younger and older within this book.  A very easy way to present the story of creation to young children through pictures and short stories while offering opportunity for depth with older children through scripture reading and discussions.  A great way for parents to share a familiar Bible story with their children with lots of room for growth and learning.

The end of the book offers a parents section with discussion and background in regards to the story itself along with a family activity of making a creation quilt.  A really great book that is engaging, educational and scripturally sound.  A book that is sure to remain a part of our library for years to come and one I recommend.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”I was in no way compensated for this review.

God Gave Us Love

God Gave Us Love
by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

Another book in the "God gave us..." line, this book is equally as cute and cuddly, filled with a Christian message of loving one another. The story addresses the different kinds of love we might have, depending on who or what it is for, and reinforces the message that God created us to love and that we should always try to love, even when we do not feel like it.

A children's book, this version is a smaller board book. Because it is a board book, I expected it to be simpler in wording and shorter in length, as board books are generally geared toward toddlers and very youg children. This book, however, is fairly complex and wordy for little ones, with concepts more advanced than a board book would generally be. Reading it with my 2 year old became frustrating and we eventually gave up because she lost interest when pages did not turn quickly and the story was too deep for her understanding... And this is a child who usually engages in books easily. Because of this, I would say that a recommended audience is ages 4 to 7. Unfortunately, this audience may be less apt to consider reading it as it comes in "baby book" format.

Still, a great message with a familiar set of characters. Illustrations are soft and warm, inviting and matched to the story. A book I would recommend with the above precUtions as to age appropriateness.

I was provided a copy of this book through the Waterbrook Multnomah publishing company's Blogging for Books Program.  I was in no way compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

To Be Perfectly Honest

To Be Perfectly Honest

by Phil Callaway

Such an intriguing idea that should not at all be foreign to or even strange to hear of, esecially in the Christian community, To Be Perfectly Honest is a refreshing and challenging read that should be taken in by all!

In his book, Calaway humorously yet honestly walks through a year of his live through daily journal type entries, facing the challenge given him that he should go an entire year without telling any lies. His honest report of the experience is thought provoking, yet presented in a way that is easy to read, engaging and even laugh out loud funny at times. Through his journey, he shares stories, life experiences and events he faces and his way of handling them while trying to maintain his truthfulness.

Readers of all walks will find challenge, humor and sobering honesty within this book and will likely find themselves facing the challenge themselves to at least comsider how truthful they really are as well as considering the effects of their responses on others with whom they interact. A highly recommended read, light and fun yet filled with challenge and life changing ideas sure to make an impact.

I was provided a free copy of this ebook through the Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program.  I was in no way compensated for my review or required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.