Book Review: If I Could Ask God Anything

If I Could Ask God Anything
By Kathryn Slattery

Book Info: Paperback, 207 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson, 2006

Description: “Clear, easy to understand answers to kids’ questions about God.” It “teaches eternal truths and reassures children that God cares for them and loves them” and “encourages them to embrace a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus”.

Analysis: I like that the book is separated into sections, such as God, Jesus, The Church, The Bible, Prayer and Big Questions. It’s easy to find what you need if you’re asked a question to which you do not have the answer.

I sat down with my son, to whom we are trying to explain the concept of God. I asked him if he had any questions that he’d want to ask God. Being 3, he responded “Can I have another airplane?” Yep, not ready yet. But, I’m glad to have this resource for when he does start to ask questions.

I felt like a few of the answers were a bit over detailed, but that’s why it’s important to read through it before you need the answers for your kiddo.

I am a member of Book Sneeze’s Blogger program. I received no monetary compensation for my opinions. A copy of the book was provided for me to read, in exchange for my honest opinions of the book. Go here to learn more about the program: http://booksneeze.com

Just Sayin...

Do you ever find yourself looking at storage/organization stuff and trying to make a use for it? Wish I'd not opened that email from The Container Store...Just sayin...

I finally did it!

I've been trying for a few weeks to learn to cook rice. I know, it's second hand for most people, but I've never been able to do it without using the boil-in-bag style. That was the main reason I signed on for the BzzAgent Mahatma Rice campaign.

I'm proud to report that I did it! I made an edible batch of rice!

I royally messed up my first attempt at the Jasmine Rice. I knew it was supposed to be a bit stickier than I was used to, but oh boy, this was a mess. I did quite enjoy the scent as it was over-cooking though. I can't make myself re-attempt this one for some reason.

My first attempt at the Basmati rice was also inedible. I totally under cooked that batch. It was not a pleasant eating experience. I believe we ended up with take-out that night. I plugged on though. And I have made a wonderful batch of Basmati! I was not going to let that rice beat me down! Again, the aroma while cooking was intoxicating. I could not wait to taste it! The nutty flavor was definitely enhanced with salt and butter. It was almost like a popcorn flavor.

Now, I don't cook a lot (or really, any) Thai or Indian foods due to a cinnamon allergy in my household so I wasn't sure where to use my newly edible, yummy rice. I figured it out though! Jambalaya! It added such a different flavor that I'm totally hooked on it now!

You have to check out Mahatma's Thai Jasmine and Indian Basmati rices! You can get them in your supermarket or order them from Amazon. There is a section on Mahatmarice.com where you can search for recipes. I also found a lot of recipes on the Food Network website using both styles of rice.

I was supplied with a 2 lb. bag of both styles of rice, as well as coupons, from Mahatma through BzzAgent. All experiences and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the free product. 

Get entered!

The Yoplait Greek Spa Giveaway and the I Has a Hotdog Giveaway both end tomorrow! Don't forget to enter!

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Just noticed this was my 700th post! Dang, wish I'd made it something special!

Fathead Review

Smile.y sent me a pack of Fathead Tradeables MLB wall stickers to test out. I was more than thrilled to see that there were two Houston Astros, my favorite team! My son quickly claimed them for his room, even though  he has nothing baseball oriented at all in there! He liked that he could move them around and I like how easy they were to stick and unstick. Even for his little fingers. Oh, it was a little difficult to get the players off the backing. I was scared I was going to rip a leg or bat off, but with patience they came off just fine.

I'll be purchasing decorations for both boys rooms soon and I'm pretty sure that I'll use Fathead for them. They have just about anything you would want for the walls! They have Star Wars, Disney Princesses, Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium (University of Texas), and even Seasonal Decor!

Right now you can order using code SML15A for a 15% discount and you can also enter HERE for a chance to win an MLB Fathead Jr. and a Grand Prize. 

I was sent a pack of 5 Fathead Tradeables by the fine folks at Smile.y. The opinions are my own and were not influenced by the gift of the product.

Book Review: Dwelling in His Presence, 30 Days of Intimacy with God

Dwelling in His Presence, 30 Days of Intimacy with God
Cynthia Heald

I’ll just start off by saying, I love devotional books. I love that they are typically focused on a subject to study. This one is focused on getting closer to God in an intimate way. The first couple of days are focused on accepting God’s pursuit of us and letting Him “catch us”. Once we’ve been “caught” the first thing we need to do is learn to trust. There are several days on that as well. It goes through reliance on God, rewards of a relationship with God, spending time alone with God. Basically, everthing you would do if you wanted to get to know someone better.

I found this book uplifting and refreshing. I admit I read the 30 days worth of material in a somewhat shorter period of time, but I still feel like I learned and grew with the book. This is one that I will come back to probably several times throughout the year. I highly recommend it as a personal quiet time guide.

You can buy this from Amazon HERE for $8.61.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Giveaways end soon!

Don't forget to enter the Yoplait Greek and I Has a Hotdog giveaways! They both end this Wednesday! Scroll down to the posts.

Monday Mailbox Round Up

Here's what came in the mail last week:

Magazines:
Food Network
Website
Business Week
Women's Health
Forbes
Sherman's Travel
Travel & Leisure
Muscle & Fitness
SVC
US News and World Report
Redbook


Books:
If I Could Ask God Anything (to review for BookSneeze)
Bo's Cafe (to review for Windblown Media)


Fathead Tradeables to test and promote for Smile.

Other Stuff:
The View tote and mug (for promoting the show through Mom Central)
Walgreens coupon book
Disney Cruise Line promo material
Mr. Bubble hand soaps (Giveaway win from A Mom's Balancing Act)
Ritz Pretzel Crisps (with $1 coupon)
Puffs Sample pack with coupons (from Vocalpoint)
U by Kotex sample pack (another one???)
Stride Gum
Ideal Sweetener (with $1 coupon)
$3 check from Pinecone Surveys
Emergen-C three pack of samples (with $1 coupon)
FREE BeechNut Let's Grow coupon
Coupons for FREE Happy Baby Products (for a review and giveaway!)


Not Shown:
Coupon for FREE Sunchips (already bought it)
$20 Amazon credit for a Playskool survey I completed


Proud to be part of Mailbox Mondays on A Frugal Friend. Go check out what everyone is getting in their mailboxes!

One Step Ahead Deal of the Day

I absolutely love One Step Ahead. I have bought almost all of my safety proofing materials from them since they have things I haven't seen in stores. The cool thing is that they have a daily deal on their website! Today's deal is the summer weight blanket and pillowcase for $14.95 (reg. $19.95).

Here's the product description from their site: The perfect warm-weather blanket and pillowcase: not too hot and heavy, not too light and skimpy! Our super-soft kids? travel set is made of smooth, 100% cotton interlock that feels great against young skin. Machine wash. Imported. A One Step Ahead Exclusive!

This is great for my son because his room is always cold. No matter what! If he sleeps just under the sheet, he freezes. If he sleeps under the comforter, he sweats! You can also have it personalized for just $5 more!

While you're on the website, check out the sale and seasonal sections! There are a lot of cold weather clothes in the clearance section. Not a bad idea to buy it when it's cheaper! The sale section has swim diapers, just in time for summer to start!

Sunday Coupon Preview

You can check out which coupons are in the paper this weekend HERE! Personally, I'm excited about the Bird's Eye (free veggies at Kroger!) and the Yoplait coupons!