tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51780487565596528672024-03-12T23:41:04.333-04:00~ Acorns ~ Nuggets of Gold ~Finding the treasures in everyday life. "Small Change" that will add up in many ways, in all aspects of life.purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.comBlogger850125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-39520166847665548062023-11-02T14:14:00.001-04:002023-11-03T14:32:10.888-04:00Roasted Acorn Squash with Sausage Apple Stuffing
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmC3Gu5JAwMEDTZGQrg4AZ3PWsKv8xUJksresHuMT65mbjenlYnlQDszpqxhMqmhC4GRhVqz_rdIJwQkEp4d77gev36L11yFHJmJnmd4KCi2y5L6smd7Dfi5AhH5TLEuts1PKS-FPT0ZbJsYPEl2Oz00Jj0pxS0kebNJhPvMbU_ufr87yWVRLgDAQHJFE/s2397/IMG_9103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1798" data-original-width="2397" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmC3Gu5JAwMEDTZGQrg4AZ3PWsKv8xUJksresHuMT65mbjenlYnlQDszpqxhMqmhC4GRhVqz_rdIJwQkEp4d77gev36L11yFHJmJnmd4KCi2y5L6smd7Dfi5AhH5TLEuts1PKS-FPT0ZbJsYPEl2Oz00Jj0pxS0kebNJhPvMbU_ufr87yWVRLgDAQHJFE/s320/IMG_9103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When you are gifted 5 lovely acorn squash, you wait till everyone is home for dinner, and make something fun with them. When it coincides with the first day of November, it's just that much better. <br /><br />I knew I wanted to make a stuffed squash with sausage and apples, so I looked around on the internet, but didn't find anything that suited exactly what I had in mind. So, I chose the cooking method for the squash that seemed the most reasonable (read:quick!), and did my own thing. <br /><br />Note, for my purposes, the stuffing worked perfectly for 5 acorn squash, so if you aren't cooking that many, you will have leftover stuffing (yay!) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVJURhAd_j48syVPQTYYisJdYsEspWmnnCFrILKA_KNfYzwAawqvu6Bigiu3xWmwjq3sUARzPFAsLaeMElmz9WpIjaaitjHOF53CoSKTl_ql07BxG_R89RvjO0Gb9EEnnUZTGJhzX4Y17KgENqXqQXPmQAj0gwquVIBfc4FsCes2SlKp6Dlz3u0phDyM/s2398/IMG_9105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2398" data-original-width="1798" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVJURhAd_j48syVPQTYYisJdYsEspWmnnCFrILKA_KNfYzwAawqvu6Bigiu3xWmwjq3sUARzPFAsLaeMElmz9WpIjaaitjHOF53CoSKTl_ql07BxG_R89RvjO0Gb9EEnnUZTGJhzX4Y17KgENqXqQXPmQAj0gwquVIBfc4FsCes2SlKp6Dlz3u0phDyM/w131-h174/IMG_9105.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ingredients</h3>5 Acorn Squash, halved and seeded</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 lb roll of Sausage (I used Aldi's)<br />Garam Masala Spice blend (I have a grinder bottle with black peppercorn, coriander, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, ginger, I think any combination of these would do nicely)<br />1/2 tsp Savory or Sage</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 Apples, cored and diced (1/4-1/2 inch? Not large chunks)</div><div style="text-align: left;">(2 TBS?) Honey</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2-1 tsp Cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 box Hawaiian Stuffing (Aldi~ or some other box of stuffing, but this is one of my favorites)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Butter</div><div style="text-align: left;">Black Pepper</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hard Cheese, Grated. I used Gouda, Parmesan or Asiago would also be good. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3>Directions</h3></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F while preparing squash</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />2. Place squash halves cut side down on parchment paper on baking sheet (I had to use two sheets, because I couldn't quite fit 10 halves one one sheet) and bake for 40 minutes (Some larger squash may require 10-15 minutes longer)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Brown (and chunk up) sausage over medium heat. I also added the spices and savory or sage at this point. Because I ground directly onto the meat, I don't have an exact measurement, but I will guess about 1 tsp or so of Garam Masala Spice mix) <br /><br />4. Remove cooked sausage to a medium sized bowl.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Melt 1 Tbs butter in same pan, add apples, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with cinnamon and saute' until soft. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">6. Use slotted spoon to remove apples from pan (So any liquid remains for next step), and add to sausage</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">7. Add 1/2 the recommended amount of water for your box of stuffing to the pan, add the stuffing and mix till moistened (I didn't bring to a boil or add butter, just 1/2 of the water, and mix)<br /><br />8. Add stuffing to the bowl of sausage and apples, and mix, tossing with a fork so that it doesn't compress. <br /><br />9. Remove cooked squash from the oven, and flip over carefully (With spatula and fork to steady)<br /><br />10. Add two or three thin slices of butter to the squash cavities, and pepper the whole thing (to taste)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0q1gS-K9v1LRW2o00qWJKHPhp4oTJO9yaya5z6-ZBcFESZvNBFQls66TZDPDMIMhAuXphosxKpY-DSxn0zM6eF0eMTymFYibNgHeuDaLlHA0dQQVEZ4TTF2hnw3d2H8oHoeq75FyFhIDQvNiljcIrCoLSe2zVVGhHn_nxrRY9KiQ2EkYNyAzgqY7H5U/s2398/IMG_9104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2398" data-original-width="1798" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0q1gS-K9v1LRW2o00qWJKHPhp4oTJO9yaya5z6-ZBcFESZvNBFQls66TZDPDMIMhAuXphosxKpY-DSxn0zM6eF0eMTymFYibNgHeuDaLlHA0dQQVEZ4TTF2hnw3d2H8oHoeq75FyFhIDQvNiljcIrCoLSe2zVVGhHn_nxrRY9KiQ2EkYNyAzgqY7H5U/s320/IMG_9104.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>11. Fill with the stuffing mix. I used about 2 scoops of a Table Serving Spoon to fill each cavity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">12. Grate the cheese over top and sprinkle with a smattering of pumpkin seeds, and return to the oven for another 20 minutes. You can choose to add the cheese 5 minutes before cooking time ends if you don't mind one more step. I was streamlining because I don't mind more "cooked" cheese. I would also consider grating the cheese over top right after removing from the oven~ that would work as well, I think.<br /><br />13. Remove from oven, plate carefully (I tried tongs~ stick with the spatula and fork combo~ it works better, in my experience ;), and enjoy! <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
Blessings~</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s1600/mylivesignature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s320/mylivesignature.png" width="320" /></a></div> </div>
purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-29072604481658486392022-05-02T03:57:00.001-04:002022-05-02T03:57:26.454-04:00Anne (with an 'e") Wilson~ Debut Album Review and Giveaway! (ends Thursday evening, 5/5)
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__RbAwz0bpmBQeFYEGoy02rHUajxebe22XiDCIKcpkkSJgpGo8NgU17XTXWusidDqlD6iU_3C83TweEbNQSENewOoKwi4VePT3pScv2ma9Wi4RtMA7tAK-cUqz8tL7ssPKLhBgfCUpCYS7gvp_SmiDDbbR-qU54pniXEIuwoYnHY1enhipvgTiiHQ/s1600/IMG_7200_websize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__RbAwz0bpmBQeFYEGoy02rHUajxebe22XiDCIKcpkkSJgpGo8NgU17XTXWusidDqlD6iU_3C83TweEbNQSENewOoKwi4VePT3pScv2ma9Wi4RtMA7tAK-cUqz8tL7ssPKLhBgfCUpCYS7gvp_SmiDDbbR-qU54pniXEIuwoYnHY1enhipvgTiiHQ/w640-h426/IMG_7200_websize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hi all! <br /><br />I am so pleased to be able to write this next review, as it is always easier to write a good review about something you are excited about, or just really like, in general. I think I can honestly say both apply here. <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>~>Many thanks to Universal Music Group for providing a sample of the product for this review. </span><span>Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation<~</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZT__d3ShU33slud31iePDMaQKNZgzKMYzO7F0f-FqsFaVxiluU4Akhvr00hdgQ2Yx4it03SV0XUv8yt3hhDz367sCNs_L4-j72Oz_Tg25_62MZwGSwK9F3hqZEysVdWkXFd0U4YIAMLfjDN2bSGxepTwF-me_kjUD3Ybc9Ob8mf1MLpYNNygQBQ_K/s3000/AnneWilson_MyJesus_Album_Cover_FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZT__d3ShU33slud31iePDMaQKNZgzKMYzO7F0f-FqsFaVxiluU4Akhvr00hdgQ2Yx4it03SV0XUv8yt3hhDz367sCNs_L4-j72Oz_Tg25_62MZwGSwK9F3hqZEysVdWkXFd0U4YIAMLfjDN2bSGxepTwF-me_kjUD3Ybc9Ob8mf1MLpYNNygQBQ_K/w200-h200/AnneWilson_MyJesus_Album_Cover_FINAL.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Anne Wilson is a new Christian Singer/Songwriter (definitely not to be confused with Ann Wilson of "Heart" fame), who just released her Debut Album, <a href="https://annewil- son.lnk.to/MyJesus0F!MN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"My Jesus,"</a> on April 22nd. <br />You may have heard her title track this past year on Christian Radio or on your favorite streaming platform, or if you were fortunate enough to attend the Zach Williams Christmas or Spring Concert tours, where she was a special guest artist. She showed up >>for me<< as a recommended artist in my "discover weekly" list on Spotify a couple of weeks ago, so again, I was delighted to be asked to join this review/giveaway campaign and share her music with you all. </div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to hearing the music, I was given the opportunity to join Anne's Album Launch Livestream Event this past Wednesday, and I enjoyed getting a glimpse of this talented young lady. She only *just turned 20 this February, and she writes and sings with a wisdom beyond her years. Fun little fact from the livestream~ She spent a year and half pounding out 130 or so songs, the cream of which made it on to her debut album. I can attest to the determination and work ethic that feat requires~ pretty great in one so young. Some other fun facts learned at the livestream: <br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Anne Wilson is the first female solo artist debut single to reach #1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart</li><li>Anne Wilson’s debut single “My Jesus” was the longest #1 single on Billboard’s Christian Air-play chart of 2021 at 7 weeks total</li><li>“My Jesus” was nominated for a 2022 Billboard Music Award for “Top Christian Song” against Kanye West(For those interested, the awards will broadcast live coast-to-coast on May 15 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on NBC. It will also stream live on Peacock).</li><li>“My Jesus” Hit #1 on Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 and #19 on the Rolling Stone Top 25 Trending charts</li><li>Anne Wilson was featured as Billboard’s October 2021 Chartbreaker Artist in their 21 Under 21 issue</li></ul></div>On a more serious note, one of the main threads throughout much of her album is a recurring theme of hard times and despair defeated by the power, glory, grace and love of God. One might wonder at the veracity of a barely 20-something effectively handling the deep and dark right next to the deep and redeeming light, but Anne has walked a tough road herself, and many teens and young twenties experience more discouragement, hopelessness, and distress than some of us want to acknowledge. <br /><br />In Anne's case, during one of the most vulnerable and difficult time in anyone's life (15 years old) she suffered the tragic loss of her 23-year-old brother in a car accident. This loss clearly impacted her, but she turned to God for comfort and peace, which is evident in many of the songs throughout the album. What a gift to be able to empathize with others based on shared experience and then turn that into music to minister to the soul. For more on Anne, you can <a href="https://acornsnuggetsofgold.blogspot.com/p/anne-wilson-biography.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">read her Biography here</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c11bw9Hb5CA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listen to her talk about that time and her story here</a>. <br /><br /><br /></div><div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/FW5o2uBeMWQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div> Album Impressions ~ One thing I found interesting (and appreciated) was the way Anne incorporated a couple of lines {or stanzas} of old hymns in many of her songs, giving a definite nod to gospel hymn roots, without feeling like she was borrowing too much or reworking them. I actually noticed a couple, and then listened for some of the more subtle uses throughout. {see the brackets in my little snippet summations)<br /> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Prelude (Scatter) ~ short instrumental</li><li>Scatter ~ An anthem declaring that the battle is the Lord's, and we can stand firm in the knowledge that He *will* scatter our enemies. {Glory, Hallelujah, My God is marchin' on}</li><li>My Jesus ~ The title track~ another anthem~ so much has been said about this one already, I don't feel the need. </li><li>Devil ~ This is a "fightin' " resurrection song (!😁!) with a refrain of "You brought life to me and death to the Devil. {I was blind but now I can see} </li><li>Sunday Sermons~ Fun, foot-stomping track that honors the impact of being brought up "in church."{Jesus loves me, this I know}</li><li>Hey Girl ~ A tune that joins a few others that walk a line on the side of "Daughter of the King," combating the very real feeling of "not being enough," when in fact, we are each worth so much that Jesus gave His life for us... </li><li>This House ~ This is fantastic~ a rockin' take on the concept of a the parable of the wise man and the foolish man~ without a firm foundation (the word of the Lord), "this house gonna fall" {My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood, my righteousness...} I found it interesting that she changed the wording to "my righteousness," which emphasizes that His righteousness does, indeed, become our righteousness, since we have none of our own. </li><li>Mansions~ A lively little hopeful tune addressing {When we all get to heaven}</li><li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_k00UBiache4FoYSL3Mqr7bE85TjFU-xHepA2e0P5KHSGp6FWBIziNbBh956qScoW_l_6-g-I_jcPBhA1A5CWkSM4lYRCkqHuJ5vv3_C48H8eO1rwyAFcq4zYt0dsFVBfX7yfGLNDyWLcWjtIYmQz4h_hiBQFlz-DfmV3FSkNOLh_D9uRZ7nsvgWk/s1600/IMG_7133_websize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_k00UBiache4FoYSL3Mqr7bE85TjFU-xHepA2e0P5KHSGp6FWBIziNbBh956qScoW_l_6-g-I_jcPBhA1A5CWkSM4lYRCkqHuJ5vv3_C48H8eO1rwyAFcq4zYt0dsFVBfX7yfGLNDyWLcWjtIYmQz4h_hiBQFlz-DfmV3FSkNOLh_D9uRZ7nsvgWk/w133-h200/IMG_7133_websize.jpg" width="133" /></a>Mamas~ (with Hillary Scott) ~ Sweet tune for all the Mamas (and/or mama figures) in our lives. <br />Featuring Hillary Scott (from Lady A[ntebellum]) “Mamas (Official Music Video)” will release 5/4 for Mother’s Day and includes footage of Anne surprising her mother with the song, as well as footage of Hillary Scott and her daughters.<br /></li><li>No Place Like Home ~ A loving tribute to her brother Jacob, and the reality that while we say there is no place like home (here on Earth), there truly is no place like our real home (in Heaven). </li><li>God Thing ~ I use "It's a God thing" as a phrase fairly frequently, and I appreciate that there is now a song pointing out that the big and the small things point to Him and His work! Miracles still happen. </li><li>That’s What We Need~ Hard hitting, truth spitting reminder that there is One Way, One Truth, One Life, and that Love should be our standard. </li><li>Something About That Name~ A fresh take on the name above all names, and the dichotomy of its use by saints and sinners, in joy and sorrow, tender but loud... nicely done! </li><li>Closer To God~ Explores how God can be close, even when we don't understand what we are going through.</li><li>My Jesus (feat. Crowder) ~ fun remix. </li></ol><div>I love the fact that so many established musicians like Matthew West, among others, have taken Anne under their wings~ encouraged her, written lyrics and music with her~ mentored her, really, while letting her Country, Gospel Rock roots shine through. I also value the hope that Anne represents as a shining example to those who are distressed by this old world, and those who fear for future generations. There *are those young people who know and love God, and will continue to be beacons, reflecting His light, and drawing the lost safely to the shore of God's amazing grace, mercy, and love. <br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>There truly isn't a track on this album that I don't enjoy! See for yourself! <br /><a href="https://annewil- son.lnk.to/MyJesus0F!MN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stream or purchase </a>Anne’s new album now!</div><div><br /></div><div>You also have a chance to win an autographed copy of Anne's Debut CD in my quick giveaway that ends this THURSDAY, May 5th. </div><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="00fcd5bc54" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00fcd5bc54/" id="rcwidget_hb385w6f" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div>.</div><div>Blessings~</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s1600/mylivesignature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s320/mylivesignature.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">#AnneWilson #AnneWilsonMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork <br /><br /></div> </div>
<br />purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-67223461776852960042022-01-26T12:30:00.102-05:002022-02-22T23:19:51.212-05:00"A Show About Anthem Lights" review & Pure Flix 3-month giveaway
<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIA2GN8_NjftU40bvUeNV1v3QBPeCOvhDpAs5kTS1rCvxldM1PYKhJfeTAcQtjwFasOt64xu4oDrXzPu6UZd6yI7v3XcDMYYDsjI9LnKG5sZJ9pMaPIF2dOdY8ZTy8IRqXS3y5htvda1JrFCqIeVCPEhZLwrHFXL7bcdGDZRCPnkwu_VhES6CsVsmt=s543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="543" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIA2GN8_NjftU40bvUeNV1v3QBPeCOvhDpAs5kTS1rCvxldM1PYKhJfeTAcQtjwFasOt64xu4oDrXzPu6UZd6yI7v3XcDMYYDsjI9LnKG5sZJ9pMaPIF2dOdY8ZTy8IRqXS3y5htvda1JrFCqIeVCPEhZLwrHFXL7bcdGDZRCPnkwu_VhES6CsVsmt=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm back with a quick review on "A Show About Anthem Lights" and a giveaway for a free 3-month subscription from Pure Flix.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I mentioned in my last post, Anthem Lights (a really fantastic male vocal group, and a favorite in our household) has entered into the “semi-reality” cartoon genre. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The premise of the show (so far) is to give a fun bit of a behind-the-scenes look at the band and their creative process, as well as some run-ins with a fictional nemesis band. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Each episode is between 11-15 minutes long, and the episodes are released every other week, 4 episodes at a time. That means that there is a new set of episodes available (today!), which brings the current count to 8. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Click on this <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://app.pureflix.com/videos/473856038715/play?autoplay%3Dtrue%26recommended%3Dr%253Ahome%252Ffeatures-slider&source=gmail&ust=1642787975083000&usg=AOvVaw0qjuzALjbvAunk9Sr8wZuK" href="https://app.pureflix.com/videos/473856038715/play?autoplay=true&recommended=r%3Ahome%2Ffeatures-slider" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">LINK</a> to view a trailer of the series. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw4cnevAagEyPbBTvH8sh_WbSPVV96yB3USIbF70xDQWPuNvc5HTDdJvYrk1lz-K_y5rRT37nJFSOu6ryb6FV_EaIUX1v6qv32y7wHAHyORM3MAFKGfipeDNkVohN8TwpoPWo2SudGB_SBjOVdKqt7pC6DPcKDfN4EGbqaWftpcN3S3WrHEJep0JBB=s1610" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1610" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw4cnevAagEyPbBTvH8sh_WbSPVV96yB3USIbF70xDQWPuNvc5HTDdJvYrk1lz-K_y5rRT37nJFSOu6ryb6FV_EaIUX1v6qv32y7wHAHyORM3MAFKGfipeDNkVohN8TwpoPWo2SudGB_SBjOVdKqt7pC6DPcKDfN4EGbqaWftpcN3S3WrHEJep0JBB=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Episode 4, the guys work to find their niche <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was asked to review episode 4 “Famous” where the guys from Anthem Lights decide to try out for a reality singing show, and have to agree on the style and content of their song. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I mentioned in my last post, the show has a bit of a “Get Smart” vibe, including a fair amount of silliness (that I suspect is somewhat realistic, 😅), much of which will go over the youngest viewers heads. Speaking of which, I also watched the pilot episode, in order to get more of a feel, and some of the dialogue is likely waaayyy over younger viewers, but will amuse teen, and possibly older fans. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwU55qBr5FQjHoJu_CvPW2DuxMMKjzL4bfu5wZsv39W1InTc6nKJrgSYYGxDBmTMs8nrAP2TZfBDtKXu69l59zaG51o3WVs8DdQZ7adYMyyMZzmeZHybbRnLEdCfLYZRmaCZGt9Zy3l-bL8mcmgTVaXfk0np5382CiU1SaggJlPgQicCWslrx_y6T0=s900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwU55qBr5FQjHoJu_CvPW2DuxMMKjzL4bfu5wZsv39W1InTc6nKJrgSYYGxDBmTMs8nrAP2TZfBDtKXu69l59zaG51o3WVs8DdQZ7adYMyyMZzmeZHybbRnLEdCfLYZRmaCZGt9Zy3l-bL8mcmgTVaXfk0np5382CiU1SaggJlPgQicCWslrx_y6T0=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Check it out, and if you are intrigued, sign up for Pure Flix to <b><a href="https://hubs.ly/Q012vb8H0 " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">watch this series</a></b> (and see what other family friendly fare is offered as well!) </div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
Blessings~</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s1600/mylivesignature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s320/mylivesignature.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>D</b><b>isclosure: </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a temporary subscription for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. </span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: times;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: x-small;">#AnthemLightsMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #PureFlix</span></div></div> </div>
purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-51260602821260866702022-01-11T19:35:00.000-05:002022-01-11T19:35:00.591-05:00Anthem Lights "Gets Smart"
<div style="text-align: left;">Hey, friends! <br /><br />Are you familiar with Anthem Lights? They are a male vocal band with outstanding talent whose originals, covers, medleys and "mashups" have been enjoyed in our home for years now. <br /><br />Here are a few examples to give you a taste: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />One of my favorite Hymn Mash-ups <br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oUHcofV1tLo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br /> A Beatles Medley<br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6YKTU_-4c4Y" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />A "Best of" mashup of Billboard songs of the year<br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WV0QTEs0LEw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />A Disney Mashup from The Little Mermaid (Yep~ They can get a little goofy) <br /> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OJybKvlH7XA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />And an original</div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UVb8OJEQGIQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Well, the boys haven't just grown up, they've gotten married, some of them have kids, and now they have a fun new venture they are taking on~ cartoons! I already knew this, but they really don't take themselves TOO seriously. 😂<br /><br />Yep~ you read that right! Joey, Spencer, Caleb and Chad are voicing a new cartoon literally named "A Show About Anthem Lights" airing starting tomorrow, January 12 on Pureflix. You can check out a <a href="https://www.pureflix.com/anthemlights?_ga=2.105757891.1392326900.1641419169-668515004.1620660537" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">preview episode</a> and see if you have the same "Get Smart" or "Wild Kratts" vibe that I was getting. <br /><br />And here is the <a href="https://media.pureflix.com/a-show-about-anthem-lights" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">press release</a> so you can read all about it yourself! <br /><br />Blessings~</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s1600/mylivesignature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s320/mylivesignature.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">#AnthemLightsMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #PureFlix</span></div> </div>
purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-54441132320509317542021-11-23T07:30:00.011-05:002021-11-23T07:30:00.175-05:00Naturally Antibac Cutting Boards?
<div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aB-Q2A4uGe8/YZvowszX_PI/AAAAAAABjvI/TqGeNvc5d6wDkahyLIRJLcGlXduSugcrgCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="720" data-original-width="716" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aB-Q2A4uGe8/YZvowszX_PI/AAAAAAABjvI/TqGeNvc5d6wDkahyLIRJLcGlXduSugcrgCNcBGAsYHQ/w239-h240/image.png" title="Cutting Rounds" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Local craft fairs are one of my favorite places to get unique gift ideas (for giving to others as well as my own wishlist when appropriate 😁), and <a href="https://foreverboards.ecwid.com/" target="_blank">Forever Boards</a> is one of those small businesses. <br /><br />Forever Boards craft cutting boards (and more) out of reclaimed Corian scrap destined for landfills, which fits into my personal version of reduce, reuse, recycle, upcycle. Not rabid about RRRU, but definitely believe it falls under being a good steward of God's creation. <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeverBoards" target="_blank"><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k7O7KBLqld8/YZvpi6o9opI/AAAAAAABjvY/KVMGVCcyap0vVr_I_fWm3vAfr4OMnjAgwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1500" height="220" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k7O7KBLqld8/YZvpi6o9opI/AAAAAAABjvY/KVMGVCcyap0vVr_I_fWm3vAfr4OMnjAgwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese Tray (Very useful size)</td></tr></tbody></table></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They also have some very interesting, fun and unique "shaped" cutting boards~ this is an obvious favorite in my house, but there are others that are equally interesting and fun. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w2kVMAHnGMs/YZvrYQzLduI/AAAAAAABjvg/EGZdKy20uGsxtsf7o4h-UPOXxz0GaJBZQCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1165" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w2kVMAHnGMs/YZvrYQzLduI/AAAAAAABjvg/EGZdKy20uGsxtsf7o4h-UPOXxz0GaJBZQCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="186" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Visit Forever Boards on their <a href="https://foreverboards.ecwid.com/" target="_blank">Website</a>, <a href="https://facebook.com/173354729814067" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeverBoards" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://instagram.com/forever_boards" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I notice that unless you are purchasing in person at a craft fair, all boards are custom cut to order, and may take up to 2 weeks to ship, so something to keep in mind, :) <br /><br /> Blessings~</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s1600/mylivesignature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s320/mylivesignature.png" width="320" /></a><br /><br />This was a totally unsolicited post. I just think this is a quality item worth sharing about</div> </div>
purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-21721339760562155382021-11-22T22:18:00.003-05:002021-11-22T22:18:33.085-05:00Pesto Tortellini Chicken Soup
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXNO_D0SGD8/YZxbrQp7-eI/AAAAAAABjvo/gh23rrW-ZtMvCPE5d10xqQvn6OAXHYeBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s750/8A765C99-D23B-4F25-8F1B-B5A327833408.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXNO_D0SGD8/YZxbrQp7-eI/AAAAAAABjvo/gh23rrW-ZtMvCPE5d10xqQvn6OAXHYeBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/8A765C99-D23B-4F25-8F1B-B5A327833408.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Pesto Tortellini Chicken Soup</u></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 head of garlic + 4 large cloves, peeled and "bruised" with the flat of knife</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 sweet orange or red or yellow pepper</div><div style="text-align: left;">1.5 lb of raw chicken (I used thighs)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3 qts chicken broth </div><div style="text-align: left;">4 medium to large carrots, diced (with one set aside) </div><div style="text-align: left;">3 stalks of celery sliced lengthwise and chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 lb dried tortellini (I used Trader Joe's pesto tortellini)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1-2 handfuls of fresh spinach, rinsed, stacked, and sliced into thin ribbons (You can slice it however you want, I just found stacking and slicing all at once worked quite nicely for me). </div><div style="text-align: left;">1-3 tsp onion powder (to taste)</div><div style="text-align: left;">3 Tbs pesto sauce, or to taste (I used Aldi's Pesto sauce)<br />2 or 3 pinches of salt (if using low sodium chicken broth, otherwise, to taste, after it is all cooked)<br />Fresh Ground Pepper to taste</div><div style="text-align: left;">After eating, I decided that some shredded Asiago cheese to "finish" it would have also been nice. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Roasting: <br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Preheat oven to 400 for roasting garlic and pepper purposes</li><li>Lay out two sheets of tin foil</li><li>Slice the tips of the cloves on the head of garlic, place in the middle of one square of tinfoil and drizzle with olive oil. </li><li>Slice the pepper in half and remove the seeds. Brush with oil inside and out and lay face down on the 2nd square of tinfoil.</li><li>Close the foil for both tightly to contain mess and allow the garlic/pepper to steam/roast for 35-40 minutes. </li></ol><div>Soup: </div><div>I cooked my chicken in the instant pot and finished the soup there as well, but if you have a big soup kettle, that works fine also. <br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Pour 2 qts of chicken broth into pot (It can start heating up, either with IP Saute' function or medium heat on the stove)</li><li>Add the chicken, the bruised garlic, the one set aside chopped carrot, the chopped celery, and the onion powder. </li><li>IP ~ close lid and cook on HP for 12 minutes, quick release, stove~ bring to boil and then simmer for 25-30 minutes. </li><li>Remove chicken from pot to shred (I like to get rid of the little fatty bits and skin that don't dissolve at this point, before shredding).</li><li>If you have an immersion blender, you can incorporate the cooked garlic, celery and carrot pieces into the broth now (I did). If not, I might fish out the garlic cloves ~ or not. <br /></li><li>Bring the broth to a boil and add the rest of the diced carrot and the tortellini and cook for 14-16 minutes (Or according to the instructions on your tortellini package. If it is fresh tortellini, dump the carrots in a little earlier)</li><li>By now the roasted garlic and pepper are probably done, so take the foil carefully out of the oven and let it cool a minute while you shred the chicken and add it back to the pot.</li><li>By now you can probably add the ribboned spinach and swirl it in to wilt</li><li>Squeeze the garlic out of 4 of the cloves, peel the skin from the pepper halves and smush it all into a paste and swirl that, the Pesto sauce, and the pinch(es) of salt into the broth as well. </li><li>Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then dish up into bowls, add fresh ground pepper and shredded asiago cheese to taste. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkVXSB7OwcA/YZxdAC5eErI/AAAAAAABjv4/CCfIZPI7ciwtWU1c7Lh9s5_XqWxdhzxQwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/70D5659A-1719-4704-AC19-F40C612C4C03.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkVXSB7OwcA/YZxdAC5eErI/AAAAAAABjv4/CCfIZPI7ciwtWU1c7Lh9s5_XqWxdhzxQwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/70D5659A-1719-4704-AC19-F40C612C4C03.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></li></ol><div>Garnish with yummy toasted bread~ I crushed the rest of the roasted garlic cloves and mixed it with a little butter and olive oil to put on our toast. YUM! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Blessings~</div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-13370782163672672072021-11-22T13:26:00.001-05:002021-11-22T13:26:41.418-05:00Isaiah 40:8
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Monday Musings</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1OzZT_eqHY/YZvfd5_D1-I/AAAAAAABjvA/StVUZi_iYZsgyMQkjL5OtDDCid6xvd3PwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/A2EBA198-A5F9-4AD9-B946-2C75EB053482.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1OzZT_eqHY/YZvfd5_D1-I/AAAAAAABjvA/StVUZi_iYZsgyMQkjL5OtDDCid6xvd3PwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/A2EBA198-A5F9-4AD9-B946-2C75EB053482.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The benefit of taking the same walk with time between, and re-reading Scripture~ sometimes the illustrations become more clear. :) <br /><br />Blessings~</div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-70065910820573617002021-11-20T17:14:00.001-05:002021-11-20T17:14:49.789-05:00God With Us ~ A Journey Home (Review and Giveaway)
<div style="text-align: left;">Hello all~ <br /><br />I have another Children's Bible Storybook review and giveaway for you. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQY_EBamsSE/YZloRSLVHBI/AAAAAAABjuA/fXWXaLMKaYkajHsGNH4qwwuw75tIWlRFACNcBGAsYHQ/s1080/God%2BWith%2BUs%2BCover.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQY_EBamsSE/YZloRSLVHBI/AAAAAAABjuA/fXWXaLMKaYkajHsGNH4qwwuw75tIWlRFACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/God%2BWith%2BUs%2BCover.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>From the publisher: <i>Author Jeremy Pierre and illustrator Cassandra Clark want to awaken children to a brave journey — a journey home. This world is not our home. We live east of Eden and short of Heaven. The earlier children understand this, the more sense they can make out of this sad, wonderful place. This storybook aims to share their vision of the world as a place in-between, to awaken them to the brave journey they must take toward their true home — their home with God.</i></div><br />This book is written with a narrative perspective from the point of view of two angels.</div><div style="text-align: left;">My quick take on it is that it may be a good addition to a selection of Bible Story Books, but with a few caveats. I will give you my impressions, both the Beautiful and the Caveat. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-family: DM Serif Display;">The Good and the Beautiful: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Scripture references are given before each story-chapter, as well as a verse that may not come from the passage, but is related. </li><li>There are many solid nuggets that offer a new perspective, or tie together thoughts that are less common but very true: <span style="font-family: Bad Script;">"Then it dawned on us watching angels- Ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed, all of their children disobeyed too. But God didn't wait for them to obey to invite them back home. First He invited them to believe His promise that home with Him is better than any home down here." </span></li><li>The illustrations are interesting and colorful. </li><li>I always appreciate a fresh "voice" retelling the Old, Old Story. </li><li>The entire East of Eden, short of Heaven emphasis will resonate with those who enjoy the Pilgrim's Progress type of allegory. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08B914mDLWo/YZlpiZ16UUI/AAAAAAABjuM/y5sxFGJ2yk0SM1ZczQSKkPXJNqyP1NYLwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Adam%2Band%2BEve.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08B914mDLWo/YZlpiZ16UUI/AAAAAAABjuM/y5sxFGJ2yk0SM1ZczQSKkPXJNqyP1NYLwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Adam%2Band%2BEve.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0T0JKuDI-0/YZlphDsQ95I/AAAAAAABjuI/Ohc9fAmM3_8oKMXiK4HeS_s8oPMu-ZQ3QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Creation.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0T0JKuDI-0/YZlphDsQ95I/AAAAAAABjuI/Ohc9fAmM3_8oKMXiK4HeS_s8oPMu-ZQ3QCNcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/Creation.jpeg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08B914mDLWo/YZlpiZ16UUI/AAAAAAABjuM/y5sxFGJ2yk0SM1ZczQSKkPXJNqyP1NYLwCNcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/Adam%2Band%2BEve.jpeg" width="200" /></div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: "DM Serif Display";">The Caveats, bits for pause and consideration: </span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A few of the details don't quite fall into line with Scripture if read literally~ <span style="font-family: Bad Script;">"The misery only got worse. Adam and Eve ate some fruit, then their children killed each other. Their grandchildren did too. Soon the world was full of hatred. Those evening walks with God were long forgotten." </span> This gave me pause, because the only child of Adam and Eve's that we know committed murder was Cain, so "their children" definitely hit me wrong. I understand the intent was to show that mankind slipped from walking with God to even the depths of murder and hatred in a single generation, but I tend to be a purist, even in a narrative retelling, and want these details to be correct. There were a couple of others that jumped out at me, all together illuminating an unintended point~ that there will be no "perfect" retelling of the Scripture story, because we are all human and imperfect ourselves~ which can be something useful to address with your littles as you read this. <br /></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDrGj0Nqeh8/YZlpz8pDWqI/AAAAAAABjuY/FjNxJM04SsgzNp1_Xf4WTyvhJoLdWEpTACNcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Angels.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDrGj0Nqeh8/YZlpz8pDWqI/AAAAAAABjuY/FjNxJM04SsgzNp1_Xf4WTyvhJoLdWEpTACNcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/Angels.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br />A little nit-picky illustration point~ the "angels" narrating the story are depicted as a boy and a girl angel... again, I understand the intent (to give boys and girls both a "connection," but honestly~ angels are not gendered as we know it, and all that are named are given masculine names. Again~ nit-picky, not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing. </li><li>Another nit-picky "grammar/editor" type of note: it seems that in some sections the author got a little careless in the crafting of the text. The stories of Moses' birth and encounter with the burning bush are filled with a number of "this happened. So..." and "that happened. So..." (In fact, out of 24 consecutive sentences, "so" is used in 6 of them. This is surprising, because much of the text is given to imagery, which incidentally lead to </li><li>My last nit-picky comment... For a retelling intended for children, there are sometimes phrases that hit as abstract imagery, which isn't what I would consider age appropriate/useful for the target audience. Those who love Ann Voskamp will identify with some of the prose of this book, but In my experience/understanding it doesn't often translate as well to those with younger ears. Beautiful, thought-provoking, but impacting the older reader more than the younger audience(?). </li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Please note that while my Caveat list is longer, it *is* somewhat nit-picky in places, but information I would want to know before making a purchasing decision. Some may even be a factor in someone deciding it is a book they are very interested in, like the Ann Voskamp comparison... ;)</i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The Good and the Beautiful is a lovely hardcover (268 pages) with full-color illustrations, suitable for gift-giving, and available for purchase from <a href="https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/god-with-us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shepherd Press</a> ($29.99). <br />If you want to hear a little more about the intent and concept behind "God With Us" you can listen to author Jeremy Pierre talk about it in five <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ShepherdPress/videos" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">3-5 minute videos on the Shepherd Press YouTube Channel.</a> <br /><br />And if you would like to enter to win a free hardcover copy, no strings attached (You don't even have to pay shipping! ;) ), check out my rafflecopter below: </div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="00fcd5bc51" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00fcd5bc51/" id="rcwidget_cncdpyxv" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> Blessings~</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s1600/mylivesignature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s320/mylivesignature.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cormorant Garamond; font-size: x-small;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Disclosure:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> Many thanks to</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> Shepherd Press </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Cormorant; font-size: xx-small;"> #GodWithUsMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork</span></span></div> </div>
purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-5520112348477683882021-09-24T14:23:00.003-04:002021-09-24T14:23:29.761-04:00Roar Like a Lion (New Devotional for kids~ Review + Giveaway)
<div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times;">Hello, friends! <br /><br />Goodness, but it has been quite some time since I have had a book to review here~ with the world so crazy and all for the past couple of years. I don't know about you, but oftentimes these days I find myself simply shaking my head, and wondering what on earth can be done to help tame some of the crazy. Levi Lusho understands that if the adults are feeling this sense of overwhelm, then the young ones in our lives probably are as well. He has written a </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">new devotional, </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">Roar Like a Lion</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">, filled with many little nuggets to help your kids navigate some of the unsteady, scary, and uncomfortable situations they are sure to encounter as they grow up, as well as learn to be bold in their faith. </span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">Although my kids are no longer the target age of this new devotional, having experienced the concerns of the younger ages, I do feel qualified to offer my opinion on this book. 😄</span></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJLzZUyY8cE/YU4DfjWnzmI/AAAAAAABjko/uiws-kXHtgQMOLue8p3HRMJcQgmo7NxNgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Roar%2BLike%2Ba%2BLion%2BCover%2BImage.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1521" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJLzZUyY8cE/YU4DfjWnzmI/AAAAAAABjko/uiws-kXHtgQMOLue8p3HRMJcQgmo7NxNgCNcBGAsYHQ/w297-h400/Roar%2BLike%2Ba%2BLion%2BCover%2BImage.png" width="297" /></a></div>First, the less essential, but important details of the cover and graphics. This hardback book has a very eye-catching, colorful illustration of a roaring lion, and has a very smooth touch to the hand. It is an easy size to hold~ not too big and not too small. </span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">Each page has child friendly illustrations and colorful borders that give me a bit of a vintage </span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", serif; font-size: 16px;">Ruth Chrisman Gannett (Illustrator of My Father's Dragon, Miss Hickory, and other classics) vibe. Sorry for going a little geeky on the art, but that is a big part of a children's book's attraction for me. ;) </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">For the more Nitty-Gritty, each devotional includes pleasing illustrations, fascinating facts, Bible </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">verses and prayers, along with some simple action steps. This 90-day </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">devotional will help your kids approach both fun moments </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">and tough times with their hearts set on God's faithfulness.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">Roar Like A Lion covers topics like:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"> </span><img alt="🦁" height="21" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t63/2/32/1f981.png" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: times;" width="21" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">Facing fears about school and friendships</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"> </span><img alt="🦁" height="21" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t63/2/32/1f981.png" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: times;" width="21" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">Dealing with peer pressure and bullying</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"> </span><img alt="🦁" height="21" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t63/2/32/1f981.png" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: times;" width="21" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">Handling new challenges, disappointments, and grief</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"> </span><img alt="🦁" height="21" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t63/2/32/1f981.png" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: times;" width="21" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">Having courage to try something new</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"> </span><img alt="🦁" height="21" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t63/2/32/1f981.png" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: times;" width="21" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">Understanding how we each fit into God's great story</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">The devotionals are short and sweet (double-page spread), but pack a quick little punch of Biblical truth or wisdom that a child can understand and hold on to. I feel like even if you have older kids listening in, they might pick up on some of the truths, which are, after all, universal to all ages. ;) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGRhmYD_N9Q/YU4MFdTp_8I/AAAAAAABjk4/vaFVzBHyMwQ1v8f2Nrtas2fZeWJr11OrwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGRhmYD_N9Q/YU4MFdTp_8I/AAAAAAABjk4/vaFVzBHyMwQ1v8f2Nrtas2fZeWJr11OrwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5817.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Whether using this as a start to your child's day, a before bed devotional, or a "tea-time" read (I think it would work well in an after school program for a snack-time devotional also~ just the right length!), these devotions offer simple encouragement to grow faith, and learn to share the Good News! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times;">Here's a look at the table of Contents: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2i_wtumtfo/YU4MmPKaJGI/AAAAAAABjlA/FWktn0EFLWAL16jcI7kqUVXdM6gdfp8kwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5816.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2i_wtumtfo/YU4MmPKaJGI/AAAAAAABjlA/FWktn0EFLWAL16jcI7kqUVXdM6gdfp8kwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_5816.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUr8WdoHIHk/YU4MmAj5MmI/AAAAAAABjlE/1j3Fvni3KfY3Gi8jGreFl2giS7vSiO4UACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUr8WdoHIHk/YU4MmAj5MmI/AAAAAAABjlE/1j3Fvni3KfY3Gi8jGreFl2giS7vSiO4UACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_5814.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></div></div><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkBr8pg7aG0/YU4I8OSEP-I/AAAAAAABjkw/RpWtn5FNIawxkLUz647VMlS3blW-IwcAgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FLC00741.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkBr8pg7aG0/YU4I8OSEP-I/AAAAAAABjkw/RpWtn5FNIawxkLUz647VMlS3blW-IwcAgCNcBGAsYHQ/w133-h200/FLC00741.jpeg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-small;">#RoarLikeALionMIN <br />#roarlikealion <br />#tommynelsonbooks</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Order <i><a href="https://www.roarlikealionbook.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Roar Like A Lion</a></i> today and help the child in your life follow Christ more closely this Fall (or put it away and pull it out for a "New Year" new devotional option, Birthday present, Christmas present...). </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">Tommy Nelson is also allowing me to give away one physical copy of this devotional to one of my US readers. It is a short turnaround for this giveaway, as I have to have your shipping information in to them by the 29th, so enter now! :) <br /> <br /><br /><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="00fcd5bc50" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00fcd5bc50/" id="rcwidget_53moh6vl" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></span></span><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Blessings~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s1600/mylivesignature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-016xTCJG0vA/V2tZReQ8WqI/AAAAAAAAKXM/olFbHGjGkHobmY7q-n_jMTDFwRkDzScMgCPcB/s320/mylivesignature.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: times;">Disclosure:</span></b><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span>Many thanks to</span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;"> Thomas Nelson </span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.</span></div> </div>
purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-8165031452916641532020-05-04T23:30:00.001-04:002020-05-04T23:30:59.705-04:00Kitchen McGyver's Crustless Chicken Pot Pie in the Instant Pot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, this was a fun experiment that turned out well!<br /><br /><br />Needed to cook something fast, filling, and friendly for sore mouths.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />7 chicken thighs<br />
1 can of squash (or pumpkin~ I was using up an accidental squash purchase)<br />
10-12 medium red potatoes, washed and cut into 1-ish inch chunks<br />
6-8 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-ish inch chunks<br />
East Bay Seasoning<br />
Garlic Powder<br />
Onion Powder<br />
2 c chicken broth<br />
1-2 c frozen green peas<br />
1/4 cup butter, cubed<br />
<br />
Put chicken thighs in instant pot upside down, sprinkle with seasonings, then turn over and sprinkle with more seasoning.<br />Pour in chicken broth<br />
Spoon contents of squash can on top, spreading it evenly over the chicken<br />
Add potatoes and then the carrots<br />
Sprinkle with more seasonings (to taste)<br />
<br />
Close the lid and set on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow to natural release.<br /><br />When you open the lid, add the frozen green peas and the butter and use a serving fork to dig down to the bottom and shred the chicken on its way up. This will also serve to mix in the peas and butter, hopefully without totally mashing up the potatoes and carrots.<br /><br />Serve with ground pepper to taste.<br />
<br />
Had no idea what it would turn out like, but it is totally a chicken pot pie minus the crust. Highly recommended, 5 out of 5 thumbs up!<br />
*Side note~ I used the 8qt instant pot for this meal, but I think it could also fit in a 6 qt.<br /><br /><br />
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Blessings~</div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-50128219615074906422020-03-06T14:31:00.001-05:002020-03-06T14:31:07.788-05:00Marie Curie (Magnets and a rabbit trail to the Theramin) In our study on Marie Curie (who was studying magnets and steel when she met her future husband Pierre, who was exploring crystal structures at the time), we did a little exploring with magnets of our own, including learning about how disrupting a magnetic field with your body can create music (if you have a theremin... )<br />
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Very speedy discussion of how the theremin works<br />
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And an example of how amazing music out of thin air can be...<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ht_juPo0ohs" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<br />Hope you have as much fun listening to these as we did. Let me know your thoughts in the comments if you like. :)<br /><br />Blessings~</div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-53305606193273310642019-12-10T22:12:00.000-05:002019-12-10T22:12:05.626-05:00Pork Loin Dinner in the Instant PotWhen Pork Loin is on sale at Aldi, you just have to purchase it! But then you have to cook it, and because it is a leaner cut, it often ends up dry and tough. So I searched a couple of my favorite facebook Instant Pot pages, and ended up doing this:<br /><br />Pork Loin with Veggies and Gravy in the Instant Pot<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 pork loin (I had a 4.75 lb cut)<br />
2-3 TBS grapeseed oil (Higher burning point, so that's what I cook with instead of olive oil)<br />Old Bay seasoning<br />
Pepper<br />
Garlic Powder<br />
Onion Powder<br />
1 bag of radishes<br />
6 large Carrots peeled and cut into 1-2 inch chunks (depending on diameter :) )<br />
As many potatoes peeled and chunked into 1-2 inch pieces that will fit in the pot (I used maybe 8 smaller potatoes?)<br />1 1/2 -2 cups chicken broth<br />
6 TBS flour<br />
<br />
1. Turn IP onto saute' function normal temp.<br />
2. Cut the Pork Loin into three somewhat equal chunks and season with Old Bay Seasoning and Pepper while you are waiting for the IP to heat up.<br />3. When the readout says HOT add the oil and then brown the pork loin chunks about 2 minutes on each side. As each chunk is finished, remove from the pot to a plate.<br />
4. When they are all browned add the chicken broth to the pot and deglaze.<br />
5. Return the meat to the pot, and dump in the veggies. Sprinkle in onion and garlic powder.<br />
6. Close the lid, turn the pot off saute', turn the vent to closed, and then push the manual button (making sure it is adjusted to high pressure) and set for 20 minutes.<br />
<br />
I knew this wouldn't be enough food for my hungry men, so I peeled a couple of pounds of potatoes and chopped them, and then boiled for 20 minutes to make mashed potatoes.<br />
<br />
7. Let the pot NP for 14 minutes and then release the rest of the steam.<br />8. Remove the veggies with a slotted spoon to a covered dish for serving, and take the meat out to rest for a few minutes.<br /><br />Making the gravy<br />
9. Use the slotted spoon to remove any fatty chunks that might have come loose (not many in my pot)<br />
10. Put the flour in a small heat resistant bowl (metal?) and add a few ladles of the hot broth from the instant pot and whisk (carefully) to combine, and then perhaps a couple more ladles of broth to thin the slurry down a little more before adding it back to the pot, whisking constantly. Whisk until it thickens, and then turn the pot off and then to warm if it will be a little while before eating.<br />11. Now is the perfect time to slice the meat and serve! (Note: the fat melted entirely off one piece of meat, the other two had a small amount still across the top, so I removed that from the meat before slicing~ but that is up to you. :) )<br />
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Sorry this isn't a post with "pretty" pictures of my food, but I was hungry! Maybe next time, because there definitely WILL be a next time! :D<br />
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Blessings~</div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-19652470364366906292019-10-30T13:00:00.000-04:002019-10-30T20:31:07.878-04:00Rice and Brats (day 1) turned into Soup (day 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Instant Pot Rice and Brats</u></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">4 cups rice (I used brown rice, so made some adjustments, mentioned below)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 qt chicken broth</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 bratwurst (We used the blue diamond packaged bratwurst from Aldi) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Close pot, close vent, and turn to rice setting</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While rice is cooking,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Slice bratwursts into quarters lengthwise and then into slices, and saute'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When rice is done, stir in 1/2 stick of butter, the bratwurst pieces and an equal amount of frozen corn.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy as is first night (we did add a little dressing to moisten the rice a bit~ some had Lighthouse Caesar and some had Trader Joe's Chipotle Ranch~ either way it was a winner).</span><br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>2nd Night Rice and Brats Soup</u></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">1 onion - diced 1/2 container pureed tomato</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 large carrots - diced 2 containers chicken broth</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 stalks celery - sliced and diced Tuscan Spices*</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Siracha Oil (Grapeseed or other oil)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Saute' one onion in instant pot on saute' medium heat for 5-10 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Add carrots and celery and saute' for another 10 minutes until all vegetables are soft.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sprinkle with Tuscan Spices, and add pureed tomato and one container of chicken broth.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let boil for 20 minutes then lower the saute' heat to low, add the 2nd container of chicken broth, and allow to simmer for another 20 minutes. Add Siracha to taste.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings~</span></div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-73371397067081033972019-10-29T22:38:00.002-04:002019-10-29T22:38:18.777-04:00The Newest "Mom's Chicken Soup" (Instant Pot recipe) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Newest "Mom's Chicken Soup"</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1 onion chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3 ribs of celery sliced lengthwise and chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 large carrots chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 large cloves of garlic chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6-8 white potatoes chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3 qts chicken broth</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 bag of Aldi's Ancient Grains</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Old Bay Seasoning</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">ground savory</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Aldi Poultry Seasoning</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 roasted chicken skinned, deboned and chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 bag frozen peas</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Turn IP on to Saute' adjust heat to low, and saute' onions till almost caramelized (10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Add the garlic and saute' for a 3-5 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Add the carrots and celery and saute' for another 5-10 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Put the potatoes and Ancient Grains in and sprinkle with seasonings (guessing amounts~ 1/4 tsp Old Bay, 1/3 teaspoon ground savory, and 1/2 to 2/3 tsp Poultry Seasoning? Not sure, I just added to the pot, but they definitely are part of what made this so good!) and stir.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. Add 1.5 quarts of chicken broth and close the lid to the IP</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Lock the venting knob (Turned all the way it will go clockwise), press Manual, high heat, for 10 minutes. Natural Release when it is over.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8. Add the chicken pieces and the peas. Turn on to Saute' to make sure that they heat through (I let it come to a boil again~ I was busy doing other things :), and then</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. Stir and serve, adding ground pepper to taste.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings~</span></div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-451124114841921602019-10-29T22:34:00.001-04:002019-10-29T22:37:36.465-04:00Cauliflower, Cabbage, and Sausage Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cauliflower, Cabbage, and Sausage Soup</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2 quarts Chicken Broth (One for now, one later)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 head of Cauliflower chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 head of Cabbage chopped into large chunks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 onion chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4-6 cloves garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1 box Cream Cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1-2 cups frozen peas</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1-2 cups frozen corn</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 sausages, sliced lengthwise twice, and then sliced in pieces (quarter rounds)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Pour one qt of chicken broth in the instant pot with all of the vegetables</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Close lid and vent</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Push the "Manual" button and adjust time to 12 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. While soup is cooking, saute' sausage pieces until lightly browned on at least one side</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. NP release after 10 minutes, and use immersion blender until smooth (Or blend in small batches *carefully in a regular blender)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Add cream cheese in "chunks" and blend until smooth.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. Add the peas and corn while stirring (to avoid clumping of frozen veggies) and the sausage pieces</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Keep the soup on "Warm" for at least 10 minutes to allow the vegetables to warm up before serving.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Add salt and pepper and serve with bread or crackers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings~</span></div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-28265584924729221522019-10-11T12:30:00.004-04:002022-11-19T17:02:50.249-05:00Instant Pot Curried Carrot Soup<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curried Carrot Soup</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This soup harkens back to a few decades ago, when we were introduced to it by good friends who always made it for their Christmas </span><span style="font-size: large;">Caroling parties in Cambridge (MA), so it holds a special place in my heart.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What follows is loosely based on a recipe by Wilson Farms in Lexington, MA.</span><br />
<h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjVFwpq1mZgNNLIcdtmDXJBjz-J-lCxWk3Rw0TlxERhjJ85glnejth5S1Ct8syOuwr3tmp4iTLFFjuZEX40sGLp2Hw__D_a5fO3u9qz-1tpnN4LLts71qlfJ8NYcIVgWVSFfKlhx4H8K6YVrhNg0fpTvsLgcHCBoAqa9rG1FHKjjfSUptox7Fz_Of/s4124/F350D21D-9AA8-4FB9-BE5D-250D05862FA0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="4124" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjVFwpq1mZgNNLIcdtmDXJBjz-J-lCxWk3Rw0TlxERhjJ85glnejth5S1Ct8syOuwr3tmp4iTLFFjuZEX40sGLp2Hw__D_a5fO3u9qz-1tpnN4LLts71qlfJ8NYcIVgWVSFfKlhx4H8K6YVrhNg0fpTvsLgcHCBoAqa9rG1FHKjjfSUptox7Fz_Of/w640-h150/F350D21D-9AA8-4FB9-BE5D-250D05862FA0.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Curried Carrot Soup in the <a href="https://amzn.to/2pg42dN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instant Pot</a></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">1-2 TBS Grapeseed Oil (I've started using this for sautéing, as it has a higher burn point than Olive Oil.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 Tbs Butter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 onion (chopped)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8 large carrots (cut into large chunks)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 medium-large white potatoes (cut into large chunks)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 stalks celery (chopped)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 quarts chicken broth</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Salt and Pepper (to taste)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Curry Powder (to taste)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Large curd cottage cheese (optional)</span><div><span style="font-size: large;">*Asiago Cheese grated over top to taste (Optional)<br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Frozen Corn (optional)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sausage/meatballs (Optional)</span><div><span style="font-size: large;">*Sprinkle of Lemon Pepper Seasoning to "finish" each bowl (Optional)<br />*</span><span>New Additions/Updates</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Set your <a href="https://amzn.to/2pg42dN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instant Pot </a>on sauté, adjusting to the "low" setting if your pot has one. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. While it is heating up, chop your onion (I prefer to use sweet).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. When the display shows hot add your oil and butter, and when the butter has melted add the onions.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Sautéd onions and veggies waiting to be added</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. While the onion is sautéing, chop your celery, peel and chop your carrots and potatoes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. When the onion is golden, add the rest of the veggies to the pot, the salt and pepper and curry powder, and one quart of chicken broth. Turn the pot off.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Close the lid, and set the venting knob to seal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. Push the "pressure" button, "manual" button, and "adjust" to make sure it is now on "high" and set for 8 minutes.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br />8. When the timer beeps let the pot sit for 15 minutes natural pressure release. You can let it finish that way (till the pin drops), or if you are in a rush, you can turn the knob to vent to release the rest of the steam, being careful to watch out for splatters..</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">9. After the pin drops, open the lid and turn the pot off. Let it cool for a couple of minutes and then use an immersion blender (<- One of my favorite "newer" kitchen tool!) to puree what's in the pot. Alternatively, scoop carefully into a blender and puree in small batches. Too much hot stuff will cause your contents to explode all over the place (Ask me how I know? Broccoli soup is a mess to clean up! ), so be careful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">10. Add the rest of the chicken broth, and adjust the seasonings to taste.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like to add a big spoonful of (large curd) cottage cheese to this soup (As pictured at the top of this post), which gives it a very nice texture, but it isn't always in house (oops... forgot that on the grocery list today!) So instead we went with adding frozen corn and some tortilla chips for crunch, which was also good! Other optional ingredients I listed are sliced/diced sausages and/or meatballs, either of which would be a great addition as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Really a very versatile soup, and if you try it, let me know what you think!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings~</span></div>
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<i>TRANSPARENCY</i></h2>
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No more words, just a lot of thoughts...<br />
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Blessings~</div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-37489219094685657952019-09-16T18:09:00.000-04:002019-09-17T01:05:31.553-04:00How to be the sharpest knife in the drawer<br />
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The past couple of weeks I had a number of "Iron Sharpens Iron" messages in my inbox, so I thought it behooved me to share them with you. Great post to restart my blog with, after a more than 1/2 year hiatus!<br />
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<a href="https://sallyclarkson.com/blog/2019/9/5/choose-your-friends-carefully-for-you-will-be-like-them" target="_blank">Sally Clarkson shared a post</a> that resonated, and although it feels like she was talking more about "girl" friends ("Girls Club"), the message holds true for all friends...<br />
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One of the devotionals I look at (Student Devos ~ Because all my kids are still students) also posted about choosing GOOD friends who will help sharpen character and integrity, not mediocre or "bad" friends who won't help growth at all and possibly even cause some damage (which isn't to say don't hang out with those who don't align with your faith/ideals/character, but don't spend the better part of your time with them).<br />
Watch what you're "sharpening" with... so that you don't become blunt, or even slightly dull from lack of use.<br />
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Then I read an interesting article on <a href="https://theartofcharm.com/entrepreneurship/company-keep-determines/" target="_blank">theartofcharm.com</a> (not a "Christian" site per se, but most of the points were solid, somewhat ironic given that "Charm is Deceitful" ... ☺) starting with the quote<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 30.6px;">“<i>You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.</i>” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">and ending with the advice to </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"C<span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; line-height: 30.6px;"><i>hoose your friends wisely and surround yourself with excellence. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; line-height: 30.6px;"><i>Find the people who elevate you. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; line-height: 30.6px;"><i>Choose the events that inspire you. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; line-height: 30.6px;"><i>Embrace the habits that improve you.</i>" </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; line-height: 30.6px;">These are all themes that are Biblically sound! </span></span><br />
In between, the article discusses a number of studies that corroborate those two points, and some of the psychological hows and whys, for those have a more secular bent.<br />
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I am reminded of a time in my life a number of years ago when I had a friend who was frequently negative, talking about things that weren't uplifting,<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> criticizing and complaining much of the time and I noticed how weary I was and I didn't like the way I was beginning to view and relate to the world. I then had the opportunity to visit a new friend for an afternoon, and the contrast was eye-opening. When I left her home I felt refreshed, renewed, and revitalized, simply because the conversations we had were positive and encouraging. We didn't necessarily have any deep discussions that day, but just the general tenor of our visit was uplifting. </span></span><br />
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When spending the <i>majority</i> of time with those who are engaged in behaviors that are not beneficial, and do not help to build good character and integrity (rude conversation, constant sarcasm, tearing down of others, foul language*), some of which can be harmful to health (vaping/pot-smoking/drinking all come to mind, there are others as well), it is very likely that the behaviors will begin to be accepted as <i>normal</i>, and possibly become behaviors that are engaged in, not just observed.<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>When the majority of *quality time is spent with those who concentrate on <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable (Philippians 4:8), *those are the characteristics that will be reflecting God's love and drawing people to Him. </span></span><br />
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So as a new school year starts, as new activities begin, and even as some acquaintances/friendships are renewed, be wise. <- and="" as="" dads="" for="" just="" kids="" moms="" need="" not="" p="" reminders="" the="" these="" we="" well=""><br />
Choose to spend time with those who will lift you up and bring you (and subsequently those around you) life.<br />
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Blessings~</-></div>
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*side note~ Christians are often singled out as being hypocritical, but that is not a trait that is limited to Christianity. The phrase *be kind* has become a recent slogan in popular society. That is a good thing! However, I find it very difficult to take people using/espousing it seriously when their speech is filled with 4 and 5 letter foul language, particularly when two of the most common relate to violent and derogatory speech towards women~ not exactly *kind. </div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-59845521394437825112018-12-04T15:53:00.002-05:002018-12-04T16:25:21.206-05:00Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women (What we can learn from the women of the Bible) Some of you may remember that I reviewed a devotional book for young women last year,<br />
<a href="https://acornsnuggetsofgold.blogspot.com/2017/12/adored-365-day-devotional-review-and.html" target="_blank">Adored 365-day Devotional</a>. My daughter has enjoyed using it throughout this past year, and I was delighted to receive another devotional from Zondervan, <a href="https://www.zondervan.com/9780310762775/beloved/" target="_blank">Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women</a>.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">This devotional is set up similarly to Adored, with a verse, a devotional thought, and space for the reader to record their thoughts/responses to the devotional, w</span>ith a coordinating maroon ribbon to help them keep their place. </div>
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Instead of the more general topics addressed in Adored, Beloved addresses the women and girls of the Bible, offering insights into their lives that will help to build up a young woman's faith through their examples, while still exploring topics relevant to today's older teens and twenty-somethings. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span> <span style="text-align: center;">It starts out with a few devotionals drawn from Proverbs, and then moves through the Bible, starting in Genesis, and touching on the lives of Biblical women (some well known, and others more obscure) up through the book of Esther (which brings us all the way to Day 312 of the year). From here it moves into the New Testament, starting in Luke and ending in Galatians and Timothy, with a focus on Timothy's mother and grandmother. The devotionals aren't *always in Biblical book order, but pretty close. </span><br />
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Although I personally prefer the blue color theme of Adored, Beloved has a lovely floral pink/maroon color scheme, with happy little flower silhouettes at the top of each page, and again, that nice satin marker ribbon.<br />
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This is a fantastic gift for the Young Lady in your life, as you encourage them <span style="text-align: center;">to get into the Word 365.<br /><br />I hope this review is useful to you as you seek out gifts that make a difference this year. </span><br />
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Blessings~</div>
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<br />purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-42240922385663703302018-11-07T14:57:00.002-05:002018-11-07T16:32:35.456-05:00Kidzaw.com Master Kitz The Starry Night <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/kidzaw_logo_maximum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/kidzaw_logo_maximum.jpg" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="792" height="130" width="320" /></a></div>
This (last?) review of the TOS Review Crew 2018 year is a fun one! <a href="http://kidzaw.com/">Kidzaw.com</a> has put together some fabulous art kits for your young (or older) artist, inspired by the Masters. We were sent the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LVZ8QV5">Master Kitz The Starry Night</a>, which, if you know your art titles, is obviously from Van Gogh. This made me very happy, as well as his older sister, who is an Art Ed major, and a fan of van Gogh. As a matter of fact, one of her major projects last year was a collage of the precursor to The Starry Night, and right now she is painting in oils a pair of old boots. So it's a lot of fun to have them both doing Van Gogh inspired projects at the same time, albeit 7+ hours apart. ;)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfWa_YelFJo/W-NMvEpI6YI/AAAAAAAAN48/ua1dPVeBDrQZ-IE-or9pAluyGv8KhU4YACLcBGAs/s1600/RebeccaVanGogh.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="160" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfWa_YelFJo/W-NMvEpI6YI/AAAAAAAAN48/ua1dPVeBDrQZ-IE-or9pAluyGv8KhU4YACLcBGAs/s320/RebeccaVanGogh.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van Gogh on the Left, Eldest on the Right for both pieces</td></tr>
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If you visit the <a href="http://www.kidzaw.com/the-starry-night/">Kidzaw Website</a> you will find more kits inspired by Klee, Kadinsky, Klimt, Monet, Rouge, and Hokusai. Each kit comes in a very nice, self-contained, magnet closure box, as you see here:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbn4LwzaEIU/W-M86YNR7GI/AAAAAAAAN3s/v9z_codR1REdvO31thIB96Ni65jGq42FQCLcBGAs/s1600/BoxKit.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbn4LwzaEIU/W-M86YNR7GI/AAAAAAAAN3s/v9z_codR1REdvO31thIB96Ni65jGq42FQCLcBGAs/s320/BoxKit.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVvhV3Q0UKI/W-M85zJXXkI/AAAAAAAAN3o/_HjqvxMnXUAfl3y0JHzVUbsSLhIuEEzxQCLcBGAs/s1600/contents.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVvhV3Q0UKI/W-M85zJXXkI/AAAAAAAAN3o/_HjqvxMnXUAfl3y0JHzVUbsSLhIuEEzxQCLcBGAs/s320/contents.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Inside this particular box, we found two pieces of deluxe art paper and a large Starry Night Cyprus Tree (Both rolled up, the stencil is green...) Washable (Yes! It comes off hands very well!) Blue, Black, and White Acrylic paint, 4 oil pastels (white, yellow, orange, and dark blue~ apparently the kit has been updated with a 5th, light blue pastel as well), low tack star sticker mask sheet, a Van Gogh texture roller, a sponge roller, instructions and a colorful information sheet. The Van Gogh roller has a protective covering on it when it arrives (as you see in my unboxing photo), but it has a nice texture to give the feel of Van Gogh's strokes. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfejpS7aems/W-NClLCOayI/AAAAAAAAN4I/1bSO_szuQaEdnAS4yiJ0IMASEhoRpoOnACLcBGAs/s1600/Roller.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfejpS7aems/W-NClLCOayI/AAAAAAAAN4I/1bSO_szuQaEdnAS4yiJ0IMASEhoRpoOnACLcBGAs/s200/Roller.jpeg" width="200" /></a>So, we are * almost done with this project~ There are a few steps involved, not the least of which is getting the paper and the stencil to lie flat (Paper is easy~ tape it down. The Stencil was a little more tricky, and after having it flat on the table overnight with the box and a few things stacked on top of it, we still needed to use tiny rolls of masking tape in strategic areas to get it to lie flat on the paper). I'll go over the process as we followed the included instructions. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivCRwW-pChU/W-NH8wPELsI/AAAAAAAAN4k/Yo3Cy_xxKqA3S-DFdFUHCLF6p-8dTmmtgCLcBGAs/s1600/Stitch.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="272" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivCRwW-pChU/W-NH8wPELsI/AAAAAAAAN4k/Yo3Cy_xxKqA3S-DFdFUHCLF6p-8dTmmtgCLcBGAs/s400/Stitch.jpeg" width="67" /></a></div>
First, the star masks are placed on the upper half of the paper, then the entire paper is covered with Van Gogh strokes with the roller using blue paint, followed by a "cloudy" layer with white paint.<br />
The star masks are removed, and when the paint is dry the stencil is laid down and the sponge roller is used to apply black paint.</div>
After waiting for it to dry (It really is very fast-drying paint), the stencil is removed, and it is time to apply the oil pastels.<br />
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This is one of the places where we have figured out how we want to do things differently on the second piece of paper.<br />
Probably do a blue sponge layer of paint first.<br />
A darker layer with the Van Gogh roller of blue and black paint mixed across the top, but stopping more halfway, because we found the oil pastels didn't cover quite as well as we'd hoped.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrMXWOC_izA/W-NI3DN7D2I/AAAAAAAAN4w/lyzKHtMdYVw_f3FeWqGNM1hSTKdEqvJywCLcBGAs/s1600/Closer%2Bto%2Bbeing%2Bdone.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrMXWOC_izA/W-NI3DN7D2I/AAAAAAAAN4w/lyzKHtMdYVw_f3FeWqGNM1hSTKdEqvJywCLcBGAs/s320/Closer%2Bto%2Bbeing%2Bdone.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
And this is as far as we've gotten at this point. The pastels definitely take a little more concentration and time. I will say, that looking at this as a photo, from a distance, it looks much better than looking at it up close in person, which is often the way of impressionist art. :)<br />
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I am always a fan of well-done art kits that engage kids in the process and create an interest in the specific artist. Because of my Eldest's major, we do have a lot of discussion and exposure to art and artists, and Youngest was pleased to be doing something that coordinated with his big sister. I think this would be a fabulous gift to give to any aspiring young artist.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxhRs0DBGjU/W-M86WVo50I/AAAAAAAAN3w/3wPz4g_lRWs-tAzdvSEV8Rfpt0rHEyChACLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2Bsquare.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxhRs0DBGjU/W-M86WVo50I/AAAAAAAAN3w/3wPz4g_lRWs-tAzdvSEV8Rfpt0rHEyChACLcBGAs/s320/Collage%2Bsquare.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Not So Nutty Nitty Gritty </b></u></span>
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<ul>
<li>Company: <a href="http://kidzaw.com/">Kidzaw.com</a></li>
<li>Product: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LVZ8QV5">Master Kitz The Starry Night</a></li>
<li>Ages: ? with help, as young as 5, but even at 11, I was assisting some.</li>
<li>Price: $29.99</li>
</ul>
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You can visit Kidzaw on their social media pages: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kidzaw-160167827376266/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/kidzaw" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/kidzaw123?blend=1&ob=5" target="_blank">YouTube</a></div>
Please click the banner below to visit the TOS Homeschool Review Crew and see what others had to say. As always, I hope that this review was useful to you as you choose where best to spend your homeschool budget.<br />
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Blessings~</div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-73783915518403229362018-11-02T14:55:00.002-04:002018-11-02T15:05:23.766-04:00Balancing Diapers and Deadlines (A course in Working while Schooling from Home, with Kids of All Ages)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This next review comes from <a href="https://lisatannerwriting.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Tanner Writing</a>. Lisa is a fellow TOS Homeschool Review Crew member, and she has written an online course, <a href="https://lisatannerwriting.com/balancing-diapers-and-deadlines/" target="_blank">Balancing Diapers and Deadlines</a>, to help busy moms be more productive. It is geared towards "mompreneurs" who are running a business from home but can apply to anyone involved in more than one thing (including writing a blog) on a more or less daily basis. </div>
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Lisa has broken down her course into an introduction and seven units. </div>
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<ul><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/1-Balancing-Diapers-Deadlines-course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/1-Balancing-Diapers-Deadlines-course.jpg" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="528" height="200" width="135" /></a>
<li>Building Your Foundation With the Basics</li>
<li>Minimize Your Decisions</li>
<li>Minimize Your Decisions: The Annual Meal Plan</li>
<li>Sustainable Growth</li>
<li>Growing a Business With Your Kids Around</li>
<li>Boost Your Productivity</li>
<li>Closing Thoughts</li>
</ul>
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Now, we didn't have time to go through and implement the whole course (at a two or three lesson/week pace), but I did go through the first couple of units and skimmed through the rest of the lessons, to get an idea of what it contains. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1iRH3n5gkg/W9yfJaNo5eI/AAAAAAAAN2w/ZEEM95CixwMcLcKHwTXGFQHPzIi0wEJdwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2018-11-02%2Bat%2B3.00.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="726" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1iRH3n5gkg/W9yfJaNo5eI/AAAAAAAAN2w/ZEEM95CixwMcLcKHwTXGFQHPzIi0wEJdwCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2018-11-02%2Bat%2B3.00.57%2BPM.png" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot of a portion of two units</td></tr>
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<b>Building Your Foundation With the Basics</b> covers getting your family on board with your business, creating routines and basic structure. There were new ideas, like having a daily action plan that is created each morning, and basic reminders for when the plan gets off track. We were just talking about schedules at our homeschool meeting last night, and this concept totally relates to the back-to-the-basic idea of SIMPLE planning. It's a lot easier to adjust when one thing makes waves in one day, instead of having to adjust the whole week from one small blip.<br />
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<b>Minimize Your Decisions</b> is a huge Unit that tackles one of the major roadblocks to doing anything inside the home... the HOME, and keeping it organized. There are eight lessons in this unit that include tips on getting/keeping the house in shape, set chores/chore times, and an interesting reward/consequence system. There is a lesson on giving each child a day of the week to take some of the decision-making out of your hands and put it in theirs. We're still working on implementing some of the ideas in this unit, some of which we've used in the past and let slip by over the years, and others which are brand new but make sense~ Use Your Broom!<br />
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<b>Minimize Your Decisions: The Annual Meal Plan</b> is where I am at in the course at the moment, so haven't had an opportunity to actually implement it yet. The idea of meal planning is still something that scares me. :) I'm a what's in the fridge/what's on sale kind of person, but from my first peek at this unit, I'm thinking that it might actually work with my Fly-By-The-Seat-Of-Your-Pants style. It also includes lessons on planning for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, and creating a master shopping list.<br />
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<b>Sustainable Growth</b> appears to cover how to actually grow a business without burning out, including how to handle time and technology.<br />
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<b>Growing a Business With Your Kids Around</b> gives tips and suggestions for being able to work around or with each age group and even special needs kids, if that applies to your family situation. Lisa includes integrating homeschooling and a business, so if you ARE a Mompreneur, this will be a particularly interesting unit!<br />
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<b>Boost Your Productivity </b>has five lessons that appear to continue the "Make a Plan" idea as well as provides suggestions for things that help you to use our time wisely.<br />
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<b>Closing Thoughts</b> offers encouragement as you are planning your work, and working your plan (and sometimes getting tripped up when the plans fall apart).<br />
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There are things in this course that will apply to almost everyone and others that may not. For instance, "Let's Talk About Laundry" in the Minimize Your Decisions Unit relates much more to large family logistics (I can't imagine having to do three loads of laundry each day, but when you have 10 kids... that's the reality). However, everyone needs to do laundry, and it's good to have a plan to get it done so you don't have to think about it.<br />
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Not everyone has kids in all stages, so Growing Your Business With Your Kids Around may have a lesson or two that don't relate to your current situation. However, for the most part, there are things that will apply to most family situations in every single Unit.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Not So Nutty Nitty Gritty </b></u></span> <br />
<ul>
<li>Company: <a href="https://lisatannerwriting.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Tanner Writing</a></li>
<li>Product: <a href="https://lisatannerwriting.com/balancing-diapers-and-deadlines/" target="_blank">Balancing Diapers and Deadlines</a></li>
<li>Ages: Moms</li>
<li>Price: $50</li>
</ul>
Visit Lisa Tanner Writing on her Social Media pages...<br />
<a href="https://facebook.com/lisatannerwriting" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/lisatannerwrites" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/lisatannerwrite" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://pinterest.com/lisatannerwrite" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><br />
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Please click the banner below to visit the TOS Homeschool Review Crew and see what others had to say, and find out how they implemented this course. As always, I hope that this review was useful to you as you choose where best to spend your homeschool budget.<br />
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Blessings~</div>
<div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-19895707464112252802018-10-17T02:54:00.004-04:002018-10-17T02:55:32.594-04:00Heirloom Audio' latest production~ St. Bartholomew's Eve (A Review) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/St.-Bartholomews-Eve-Audio-Drama-by-Heirloom-Audio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/St.-Bartholomews-Eve-Audio-Drama-by-Heirloom-Audio.jpg" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="500" height="299" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>My Middlest son has enjoyed many of <a href="http://www.heirloomaudio.com/" target="_blank">Heirloom Audio</a>'s Henty productions, and I was hoping that perhaps my Youngest would finally be ready to appreciate one of these historical fiction audio dramas, so I was looking forward to the arrival of <a href="http://www.stbartholomewseve.com/" target="_blank">St. Bartholomew's Eve</a><br />
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In the past I have held off listening to previous Heirloom Audio producitons with my youngest to due to some sensitivities and the fact that typical battle descriptions (and audio) would have bothered him, but I figured that he could handle most of what I'd heard in past reviews. I decided to use this as some "audio/history" schooling overseen by Middlest (who is now 18) while I drove to pick up Eldest from college for fall break, so I put it on the iPad for them to listen to, and I popped the CD's in the car so that I could pre-listen in my early-morning driving (You might recall that I listened to Heirloom Audio's <a href="https://acornsnuggetsofgold.blogspot.com/2018/02/heirloom-audio-productions-wulf-saxon.html" target="_blank">Wulf The Saxon</a> on my way to PA last February, these long, solitary car trips being a good time for *me* to listen).<br />
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Well, my friends, I'm afraid that I have a very different review to write this time. While the cast is still amazing, and the production is incredibly professional, this time I felt it really was too much. For family-friendly listening, I expect some of the violence to be tuned down, but in this instance, it appears that Heirloom Audio actually dialed it up.<br />
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After listening through a fair number of tracks I sent a panicked message to my son, telling him to remove the audio drama from the iPad, and to NOT listen to it with my Youngest. Why would I do such a thing? I freely admit, I avoid horror, and I tend not to watch heavy drama and shows with major battle scenes myself, but I can generally stomach most things termed "family-friendly." I understand and appreciate the value of the themes of honor and bravery, etc... However, by the end of this story, I was feeling bothered and queasy due to a number of scenes and themes, for quite some time after as well.<br />
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I was bothered enough that I later downloaded a free version of Henty's St. Bartholomew's Eve and skimmed through it, doing some word searches from particular scenes. While there is still some violence (This *was a terribly bloody uprising against the Hugenots), the actual Henty version is not nearly as graphic as the audio drama in my opinion. In fact, one of the storylines in the audio drama that bothered me centers around a young lad (11 or 12 years old, so right at my Youngest's age), but when I skimmed/searched the Henty novel, there was no mention of this boy. It would appear that his character was thrown into the plot mostly as a gratuitous emotional string to pull, which I really do not appreciate at all. Additionally, the use of Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" is another instance of adding to Henty's work something that was not in the original and adds to the gratuitous flavor of trying to push a point that wasn't original to the story (It is integral to the non-Henty storyline of the aforementioned boy).<br />
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I don't believe that the age range is appropriate for this particular recording. I do think it could be a good supplement to a high school, or even college course covering this part of history. It could open up the opportunity for discussion about the dangers of Mob Rule, which is history we appear to be close to repeating, as well as the excellent character traits of the two main characters, who behave very bravely, with humility, and wisdom. But in my opinion, this is NOT suitable for young children.<br />
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That being said, it might be time for me to pull out some of my older Henty Audios for my Youngest to listen to. I think he would be fine with most of them now (although I will double-check with Middlest on the ones that he mainly listened and I only skimmed through, to get his opinion).<br />
Here are those titles, and my reviews for you to consider:<br />
<a href="https://acornsnuggetsofgold.blogspot.com/2018/02/heirloom-audio-productions-wulf-saxon.html" target="_blank">Wulf the Saxon</a><br />
<a href="https://acornsnuggetsofgold.blogspot.com/2017/09/captain-bayleys-heir-another-fantastic.html" target="_blank">Captain Bayley's Heir</a><br />
<a href="https://acornsnuggetsofgold.blogspot.com/2017/08/in-reign-of-terror-heirloom-audio.html" target="_blank">In the Reign of Terror</a> (might wait a bit on this one as well)<br />
<a href="https://acornsnuggetsofgold.blogspot.com/2016/09/another-g-henty-hit-cat-of-bubastes.html" target="_blank">The Cat of the Bubastes</a><br />
<a href="https://acornsnuggetsofgold.blogspot.com/2016/07/beric-briton-review-heirloom-audio.html" target="_blank">Beric the Briton</a><br />
<a href="https://acornsnuggetsofgold.blogspot.com/2016/03/ga-hentys-dragon-and-raven-audio-drama.html" target="_blank">The Dragon and the Raven</a><br />
<a href="https://acornsnuggetsofgold.blogspot.com/2015/02/heirloom-audio-productions-in-freedoms.html" target="_blank">In Freedom's Cause</a><br />
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I hope in future that Heirloom Audio will return to sticking fairly close to the Henty stories when they write the screenplays and consider toning down some of the audio violence if they really want to reach families. Not all of us have our media tuned in to the graphic blood, guts, and horror that are so prevalent today (some things are better left to the imagination...).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Not So Nutty Nitty Gritty </b></u></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Company: <a href="http://www.heirloomaudio.com/" target="_blank">Heirloom Audio</a></li>
<li>Product: <a href="http://www.stbartholomewseve.com/" target="_blank">St. Bartholomew's Eve</a></li>
<li>Ages: Heirloom Audio suggests 6-16, I would NOT go by that, and instead would put it strictly at a high school and up.</li>
<li>Price: Multiple options: </li>
<ul>
<li>2-CD Set $29.97 + $4.97 shipping</li>
<li>MP3 Download $19.97</li>
<li>Live the Adventure Club $7.95/month (1st month free, and St. Bartholemew's Eve CD's free, just pay shipping fee of $4.97) </li>
</ul>
</ul>
You can visit Heirloom Audio on their Social Media pages:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeirloomAudio" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/HeirloomStories" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://goo.gl/d8btpX" target="_blank">Google+</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heirloomaudioofficial/" target="_blank">Instagram</a><br />
<br />
Please click the banner below to visit the TOS Homeschool Review Crew and see what others had to say. Their opinions may be far different from mine since we all view things through our own lens, and mine is admittedly a little more old-fashioned. As always, I hope that this review was useful to you as you choose where best to spend your homeschool budget.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Blessings~</div>
<div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-36615936838162670222018-10-12T14:46:00.000-04:002018-10-12T14:52:12.261-04:00Brinkman Adventures~ Old-Time Radio dramas with current story lines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Brinkman-Logo-Lone-for-black.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Brinkman-Logo-Lone-for-black.png" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="504" height="104" width="320" /></a></div>
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My youngest is a history buff (I think I've mentioned that a time or two), and is very interested in World War II particularly, so when we were given the opportunity to review <a href="https://brinkmanadventures.com/product/brinkman-adventures-season-6" target="_blank">Season 6: Underground Rising</a> from <a href="https://brinkmanadventures.com/" target="_blank">Brinkman Adventures</a> I jumped at the chance.<br />
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<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Season-6-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Season-6-Cover.jpg" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="500" height="281" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Homeschool Review Crew has reviewed earlier Seasons in the series, but this is my first experience with them, so I'll give you a little basic information. In the past each season included 5+ hours of stories told in old time radio drama style, but they are moving to a 2+ hour, six-episode season at this point. Each episode is close to 1/2 hour, so great for short car rides, or for a regular faith-building family-listening time (This would work well for lunch-time listen, or evening family time, if schedules allow). <br />
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The Brinkmans are a fictional family, but the stories that take place are based on real, present-day missionary experiences around the world. This season is a little different because they do take a step back into the Dutch Resistance/Underground of World War II in the first two episodes (which was a great introduction to the series for my aforementioned history-loving boy). The other 4 episodes in Season 6 take place in the US, India, and Thailand/Mynmar/Burma. I'm not going to give you a rundown of each episode, as you can listen to samples on the website. However, here is a quick synopsis of the themes for each episode:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fupexWRjSK8/W8DtPD_ucRI/AAAAAAAAN0o/CIa-1iKCxHocEDq_tU4_mYEOr542Gn9ZACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2018-10-12%2Bat%2B2.50.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="808" height="288" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fupexWRjSK8/W8DtPD_ucRI/AAAAAAAAN0o/CIa-1iKCxHocEDq_tU4_mYEOr542Gn9ZACLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2Bshot%2B2018-10-12%2Bat%2B2.50.17%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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In addition to offering interesting stories, these radio dramas offer the opportunity to discuss key faith/character-related concepts, including themes of salvation, helping when it's risky, trusting God's plan, resisting evil, and more.<br />
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One of my favorite features is a "<a href="https://brinkmanadventures.com/real-stories" target="_blank">Real Story</a>" page for each series (it is suggested that you visit the pages AFTER listening to the dramas). These pages offer background information about the real people upon which each episode is based, with photos, interviews, podcasts, videos and more. They give insight into specific story inspirations, as well as why certain scenes were included, and how the recordings were made. For instance, I thought the Dutch accents of the actors were quite good (my husband's aunt is Dutch, so I'm familiar with the sound), and the <a href="https://brinkmanadventures.com/real-stories/real-stories-season-6" target="_blank">Real Story page for Season 6</a> introduces us to the people behind the voices... who aren't using a learned accent~ Beachglass Ministries traveled to the Netherlands to record!<br />
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I can see how some of the information included could spark a full-blown unit study for each episode, moving this more into a weekly drama-listening idea. In addition to the history related information, I saw science-related videos and graphics, recipes, supplementary reading suggestions, geography, social studies, etc... Great idea for summer learning that is just fun! Oh... what a neat idea for a summer camp, with a geography/missions-oriented focus! Hmmmm... I might have to think about this some more!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zki_g5F2Zs4/W8Dms8UI6jI/AAAAAAAAN0c/jc1KzRA873MadMLMieoFsjB7DIxWq8MygCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2018-10-12%2Bat%2B2.23.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="704" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zki_g5F2Zs4/W8Dms8UI6jI/AAAAAAAAN0c/jc1KzRA873MadMLMieoFsjB7DIxWq8MygCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2Bshot%2B2018-10-12%2Bat%2B2.23.00%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map where Brinkman Adventures take place (looks like Seasons 1-5 included, 6 may not be up there yet)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I know that these are recommended as family listening. Personally, for our family, aged 10 or 11 is about right for handling the intensity of some of the scenes. I also realize that my family may not be the norm (We tend to err on the side of listening later rather than earlier), so I do hope you follow the link at the end of my review to hear what others had to say. I suspect there may be some variation in the age suggestions.<br />
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Youngest really enjoyed listening to these stories. His favorite episodes were the last two, Free Burma Rangers Parts 1 and 2. He found the military background coupled with the mission to tell others about Jesus very exciting to listen to. He has expressed a desire to hear more of them, which brings me to the graphic you see below. Brinkman Adventures is offering my readers a 10% discount through the end of the month. This is a great option to pick up for Christmas or Birthday presents.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Brinkman-Adventures-Season-Six-Discount-Coupon-Code-October-2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Brinkman-Adventures-Season-Six-Discount-Coupon-Code-October-2018.jpg" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="628" height="268" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10% Coupon Code expires 31, Oct, 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Not So Nutty Nitty Gritty </b></u></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Company: <a href="https://brinkmanadventures.com/" target="_blank">Brinkman Adventures</a></li>
<li>Product: <a href="https://brinkmanadventures.com/product/brinkman-adventures-season-6" target="_blank">Season 6: Underground Rising</a>, Digital version</li>
<li>Ages: Family</li>
<li>Price: </li>
<ul>
<li>$19.99 Digital Download</li>
<li>$23.99 Physical CD</li>
</ul>
</ul>
You can interact with the folks from Brinkman Adventures on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Brinkman-Adventures-152895116079/" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br />
<br />
Please click the banner below to visit the TOS Homeschool Review Crew and see what others had to say. As always, I hope that this review was useful to you as you choose where best to spend your homeschool budget.<br />
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Blessings~</div>
<div>
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#hsreviews #AudioDrama #MissionaryStories #AudioMissionaryDrama #BrinkmanAdventures</div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-69593266446683386732018-10-10T02:52:00.000-04:002018-10-10T02:52:53.040-04:00CashCrunch Careers Survey (What do I want to be when I grow up?) <br />
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<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/careers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/careers.png" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="510" height="180" width="200" /></a></div>
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With an eighteen-year-old in the house, my next review was definitely one of interest, especially as he isn't certain what direction he wants to go in the future. <a href="https://cashcrunchgames.com/" target="_blank">CashCrunch Games</a> has put together an online tool, <a href="https://cashcrunchcareers.us/" target="_blank">CashCrunch Careers</a>, using information from the US Department of Labor and corporate recruiting to help answer the questions people might have as they are weighing the pros and cons of higher education and future employment. </div>
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<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/CashCrunchCareers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/CashCrunchCareers.png" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="504" height="320" width="320" /></a>The basic concept is that there are many career options that are suitable for each individual's strengths, but sometimes some of those career options might be overlooked because they don't jump right out at a person. For example, a career in law enforcement doesn't necessarily point only to regular police officer work. Dispatchers, clerical workers, detectives, scientists, and positions like parole officers, which might be considered more social, all fall under that umbrella. </div>
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Because I haven't been in the greater workforce for almost 2 decades, I decided that I would take this CashCrunch Career survey also (high school was a LONG time ago for me... and things (and I) have changed. I figured it would be interesting to see how our results compared as well.<br />
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So, the first thing to do once you have an account and are logged in is to take the survey, which is 75 questions long. It's one of those "Choose which of these words best describes you." I honestly don't know anyone who actually enjoys taking these sorts of surveys because they are very difficult to answer, particularly when some of the words seem so closely related.<br />
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Here are some examples of the questions in the survey:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyI7MGwRnsU/W72KxJ1TfmI/AAAAAAAANzk/kM8QyO5ESH875o7GdB0AjuZ5Eyck7QhewCLcBGAs/s1600/survey1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1168" height="440" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyI7MGwRnsU/W72KxJ1TfmI/AAAAAAAANzk/kM8QyO5ESH875o7GdB0AjuZ5Eyck7QhewCLcBGAs/s640/survey1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mYMei90tE7E/W72Kxo96fKI/AAAAAAAANzo/9ev142a8WeALJ-VaGRzrnifeCW-DMtbFgCLcBGAs/s1600/survey2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1167" height="444" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mYMei90tE7E/W72Kxo96fKI/AAAAAAAANzo/9ev142a8WeALJ-VaGRzrnifeCW-DMtbFgCLcBGAs/s640/survey2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Once you've filled out the survey, your report is accessible (for as long as you might need it) to return to and revisit/investigate various employment sectors that might be good fits for you. </span></div>
<br />It was rather interesting to see the overlap (but not complete overlap) of both my and my son's results...<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OITAHkBnA_w/W72LD5O_eyI/AAAAAAAANz0/piV6egPwytYLhQfbORxIYd26rw-N_9TVQCLcBGAs/s1600/Jresults.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1072" height="466" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OITAHkBnA_w/W72LD5O_eyI/AAAAAAAANz0/piV6egPwytYLhQfbORxIYd26rw-N_9TVQCLcBGAs/s640/Jresults.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Son's Matches</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xzSZKwJj3ZE/W72KCt__oHI/AAAAAAAANzc/QJnjXN-S4BQHkAJus_YqrNCVB2wobWnowCEwYBhgL/s1600/MResults.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="686" height="472" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xzSZKwJj3ZE/W72KCt__oHI/AAAAAAAANzc/QJnjXN-S4BQHkAJus_YqrNCVB2wobWnowCEwYBhgL/s640/MResults.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Matches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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From here you can click on each career area for more definition... This is an example of my #15 match, Food Service Manager. You can see that while there is a much slower than average projected growth in this "Hospitality and Tourism" sector, there is a high projected need of 83,7000 (this is somewhat confusing to me in that there are other career options that are listed as having a faster than average growth, but the projected need is less than 10,000). </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CChC_SWozf8/W72PLkvI3XI/AAAAAAAAN0I/PFIxkc38hiYXgaAU0Rk3AwlyMwwQMaWgwCLcBGAs/s1600/CareerInfo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1163" height="406" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CChC_SWozf8/W72PLkvI3XI/AAAAAAAAN0I/PFIxkc38hiYXgaAU0Rk3AwlyMwwQMaWgwCLcBGAs/s640/CareerInfo.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
When I clicked on the Hospitality and Tourism link on the left there Food Service Manager was one of thirty-nine possible job descriptions (as were Lodging Manager and Gaming Manager, which also showed up on my list). I also found it rather interesting that 16 of 20 job matches were "managerial positions. I'm not quite sure how I feel about that, but to some degree, it does make sense based on my life experience for the past 20 years. :)<br /><br />One of the things I would like to see would be the option to take the survey more than one time. I find that sometimes I might want to change some of my answers and see what sort of difference that would make. My son was wondering the same thing. We were also thinking that sometimes it would be nice to have a "neither" or "both equal" option for most of the words, as sometimes it was just very difficult to choose.<br /><br />CashCrunch Careers is only one of the offerings of CashCrunch Games.<br />CashCrunch Jr. ($32.50) for ages 5-12 is a physical board game that helps kids think about the value of money.<br />
CashCrunch 101 for ages 13-21 is currently a free online one-player personal finance game.<br />Personal Finance Bite-Size ($40) is a lesson resource for teaching high school and college finance classes. If you are a <a href="https://schoolhouseteachers.com/dap/a/?a=1718&p=www.schoolhouseteachers.com/school-subjects/electives/personal-finance-in-bite-size-chunks/" target="_blank">SchoolhouseTeachers.com member</a> you can access this course for free from your member dashboard.<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Not So Nutty Nitty Gritty </b></u></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Company: <a href="https://cashcrunchgames.com/" target="_blank">CashCrunch Games</a><a href="https://cashcrunchgames.com/" target="_blank"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<br /></div>
</a></li>
<li>Product: <a href="https://cashcrunchcareers.us/" target="_blank">CashCrunch Careers</a></li>
<li>Ages: I would recommend High School - Adult</li>
<li>Price: $99</li>
</ul>
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You can visit CashCrunch Games on their social media pages on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/721791248014409/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CashCrunchGames" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/cashcrunchgames/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cashcrunchgames/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/FortuneAndVenture" target="_blank">YouTube</a></div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178048756559652867.post-31260378729481176302018-10-03T14:47:00.000-04:002018-10-23T14:40:50.228-04:00Forensic Faith for Kids (More Apologetics for kids)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A couple of years ago <a href="https://davidccook.org/" target="_blank">David C Cook</a> introduced us to J. Warner Wallace when <a href="http://acornsnuggetsofgold.blogspot.com/2016/11/j-warner-wallace-and-susie-wallaces.html" target="_blank">we reviewed</a> the book <a href="https://amzn.to/2O4G8ha" target="_blank">Cold-Case Christianity for Kids</a>, and the accompanying <a href="http://www.casemakersacademy.com/" target="_blank">Case Makers Academy</a> website. J. Warner Wallace is a real-life cold-case crime detective who was an atheist until he was in his 30's, when he applied his investigative skills to determine the evidence for Christ. <a href="https://amzn.to/2DTvrtd" target="_blank">Forensic Faith for Kids</a> is the third in his series of books for children who may begin wondering about the apologetics of their faith as well as corresponding books for adults.<br />
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The timing of this particular review was especially fortuitous because my youngest had recently been interacting with a cyberfriend, where he and other online friends were discussing Christianity and it's validity with a young person who had "all the questions." He was very concerned about her questioning the reality of God, Heaven, and what happens when we die because he felt he couldn't give her answers to make her see the truth. I told him that we can't *make anyone believe, all we can do is gain the knowledge we need to be able to plant the seeds and let God do the growing (I Peter 3:15).<br />
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Just a note* In case you might think that a book about apologetics for kids might be dull and dry~ I asked Youngest to read the intro, the preface, and the first couple of chapters... but he didn't... he read the whole thing in one sitting!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">About the book:</span><br />
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Forensic Faith for Kids combines a story-line about a group of kids in a Junior Detective Academy, working with their local police detective to find a lost puppy's owner along with discovering how to use their forensic skills to help answer a friend's questions about Christianity.<br />
-> See what I mean about fortuitous timing? ;) <- br="" nbsp=""><br />One of the key things learned is that there will always be questions, but even great court cases that are built on good evidence have unanswered questions. If they didn't they wouldn't need a jury and/or judge to determine the outcome. In the same way, we need to understand that we will never have ALL the answers (I Corinthians 13:12), but we need to make good use of the ones that we do have. </-><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">About the Academy: </span><br />
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Along with the book, the <a href="http://www.casemakersacademy.com/" target="_blank">Case Makers Academy</a> website offers many resources to help your reader engage with the story and the process of investigation.<br />
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Each chapter includes a video, a training activity sheet, an academy notebook sheet, and an adult leader guide. I will mention here that while this is perfectly wonderful to use on your own, it is set up very well to be used in a Sunday School class or as an after-school Bible club, or if you prefer, your own Junior Detective Academy.<br />
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The videos are J. Warner Wallace speaking directly to your young investigator(s) before they read the chapter. He lets them know a little bit about what they are going to be reading and gives a little background information. He really ties everything all together in the video. As a small example, in the video for chapter 4 he talks about "connecting the dots" and the activity sheet is a connect the dots activity. ;) He also encourages the kids to pay close attention to the sidebars in the book~ they are filled with Detective Definitions, CSI Activities, reminders to Dig Deep (By completing the activity sheets and notebook sheets), "tools for the Detective Toolbox."<br />
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Here's the first video from the introduction to the book:<br />
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The Activity Sheets have fun puzzles or activities to complete (like dot-to-dot, spot-the-differences, etc...), the Notebook sheets are Fill-in-the-blank type worksheets that help to make sure your readers understand what they just read. The Adult leader guide talks about important concepts in the chapter and offers discussion question suggestions.<br />
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All around, I give David C Cook and J. Warner Wallace 5 Acorns out of 5 for an excellent resource to help train some of the youngest defenders of the faith.<br />
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<u style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Not So Nutty Nitty Gritty </b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Company: <a href="https://davidccook.org/" target="_blank">David C Cook</a> and <a href="http://www.casemakersacademy.com/" target="_blank">Case Makers Academy</a></li>
<li>Product: <a href="https://amzn.to/2DTvrtd" target="_blank">Forensic Faith for Kids</a></li>
<li>Ages: 8-12</li>
<li>Price: $9.99 list price</li>
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You can visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/261557934340414/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for more interaction with the Case Makers Academy.</div>
Please click the banner below to visit the TOS Homeschool Review Crew and see what others had to say. As always, I hope that this review was useful to you as you choose where best to spend your homeschool budget.<br />
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Blessings~</div>
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purple squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553868459135788750noreply@blogger.com0