Why We Are NOT having Dancing at Our Wedding Reception

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I have never dreamed of having dancing at my wedding reception.  I grew up in the Church of the Nazarene and in that era, they frowned on dancing.  Square dance was not even allowed as a phys ed class.  I never learned to dance, and although I don't see it as a sin (at least depending on the type of dancing), I just had no desire for it at my wedding reception.  Growing up, I always thought I'd probably have the type of reception where everyone went downstairs in the church basement and drank punch, ate mints (and if was really fancy, wedding cake), and as entertainment watch the bride and groom open their gifts.  I have no desire to dance at my wedding reception.

Then I met and fell in love with someone from the city.  Country and city people are radically different.  The first time I mentioned no dancing to my fiance, he was surprised, but we both decided that given the situation, we wanted to come up with a fun alternative.

Pants? No Chance! Book review and Giveaway! Ends 4/21

FTC disclaimer:  Many of my posts contain affiliate links where I receive a small commission of your purchase price for you starting your shopping here at no extra charge to you.  I won a copy of this book in a giveaway, and received no compensation for running this giveaway.





I love books!   I especially love children's books.   In fact, I love children's books so much that when I was a senior in college, I needed an elective.  I decided to take children's literature so I could get college credit for reading children's books.   We did have to study about what made a children's book quality literature, but I loved spending so much time in the children's section of the local library.  A few of the books we were required to read were ones I already owned even though they were published after I was a child.

I also love entering giveaways online.  I recently saw a giveaway for the book Lulupop Pants! No Chance! and entered.  I won, and when the book arrived, I settled in to read it.  I was instantly charmed by the delightful illustrations.

As I started reading, I realized this book had absolutely every trait of a good children's book according to my children's literature professor.  Plus it is one of the most fun books I have come across in a long time.

Lulupop never wants to wear pants -- she always wants to wear dresses.  This is a great book with repetition with difference which we learned was very important as children love to anticipate what is coming next.  The same thing happens every day for a week.  Lulupop's mother brings her some type of pants.  I loved how each day it was different -- leggings, jeans, overalls, etc.  The days of the week are mentioned in order as well, starting with Monday.  Each day Lulupop says "Pants!  No chance!"   (I love how she created a sing song way of saying no.  I love rhyme.)  Then Lulupop says something so silly and crazy that she would love to do instead of wearing pants.   While I don't have children, I know this is something I would have giggled at to no end when I was a child.  

This is a book that teaches consequences of our actions.  Sometimes it's best to wear pants, sometimes it's best to wear a dress.  Lulupop has a week of things that aren't as fun as they could have been if she had worn pants.  

The end of the book Lulupop comes up with a solution and even creates her own word.  I loved that because I was always creating my own words when I was little.

I have to say Susan Layni hit the bullseye with with book.   Often when I win a giveaway for a book, I will then pass it on to my library.  This book, however, has been added to my personal collection and I hope to share it with many little girls over the years.  My only complaint?  Where was Susan Lanyi when I was a preschooler?  I can tell you now that this would have been my favorite book!

I loved this book so much I contacted the author and offered to do a giveaway for one copy of Pants! No chance!  This giveaway ends April 21, 2015.  It is open to the USA and Canada.  One entry per person per day.

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Orphan Song CD is only $5 at Family Christian

Most of my posts contain affiliate links where I get a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you when you purchase something through a link.  Thank you for starting your shopping here at Books, Bargains, Blessings.  I received a free Orphan Song CD from Family Christian to help facilitate this blog post.

Recently, I received the CD Orphan Song from Family Christian.  Would you believe this is a great CD that is only $5.

What is so great about it?  Well, I'm glad you asked!  It has fifteen songs on it from artists like Newsboys, Jars of Clay, and Nicole Mullen.  (My Shepherd by Nicole Mullen is my favorite on this album!  This is a great song with a very applicable message with a very catchy tune)  This compilation album was produced by David Mullin.

This is a StorySong CD.  That means you can listen to the music, share the music, and your purchase empowers those who are less fortunate.  The purchase of this CD helps orphans in Africa go to school -- sometimes they even need housing.  It says on the back of this CD "Help us build a better story for the world".   

One thing that struck me about this album was the photo inside the cover.  There is a teenage girl smiling and the biology book in front of her is in such bad shape schools in the United States would replace the book.  Yet to her it is a blessing.

You can buy  Orphan Song at FamilyChristian.com or in store.   I also have a giveaway for a $10 Family Christian Appreciation Certificate going on currently.  Be sure and enter, and this is one of the items you might decide to buy if you are a winner.

When I met Darryl Talley

As part of my "voice and story" posts, I'm going to be posting some memories from life.  Not one person experiences life the same way, we all have unique experiences, and some are worth sharing.  This is one I truly believe is worth remembering.

In 1983, I was in 4th grade.  I was, as of then, undiagnosed with a learning disability in math.  I could get the answer, but not show my work.  We took a test that required us only to come up with the correct answer, and I did so well on it that I was a math field day alternate.  Me!  The one who barely could keep up in math class!  To celebrate, my grandmother told me to pick anyone in Morgantown, WV and she'd try to arrange dinner with them for me.  She expected me to pick a photographer from the paper, but I chose Darryl Talley, who was a senior at WVU.  I'm not quite sure why I picked him, I wasn't a huge football fan, but did watch it when I was in the room and Dad had football on TV.  I surprised everyone then with my pick, and it still surprises me.

Gorton's Smart and Crunchy Fish Review and a Giveaway (Ends 4/12)

FTC disclaimer:  I received a Gorton's Smart and Crunch review kit in exchange for a fair and honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Comfort foods are often foods that many times aren't too healthy for you.   I am thankful to say one of my comfort foods is Gorton's fish!   When I was growing up, it was a staple in our freezer, and one glance in my freezer now shows with all the yellow bags and boxes that it's a staple in my life now.  I've been very busy lately with house renovations, wedding planning, growing my blog, work, plus everyday life, and I don't often have time to do more than wander to the kitchen, stick something in the oven, and wander back to my computer while it bakes.  Right now I'm wanting my prep time for meals to be as quick as possible.  Another bonus is I can buy several packages of Gorton's products and don't have to shop for groceries as often.  

I've been trying to watch what I eat a little more with my wedding in less than two months.  The new Gorton's Smart and Crunchy fish has 50% less fat than Gorton's regular fish and are only 180 calories per serving.  That means I can throw a few frozen potatoes in and have a quick and easy meal staying within a normal calorie range, or even better, I can microwave some single serve veggies, and have an even healthier meal!  (But let's be honest, it's often potatoes.)

Tonight's Dinner -- Gorton's Smart and Crunchy with potatoes.  Quick, Easy, and good for me!

The new Gorton's Smart and Crunchy fish sticks and fillets are made with 100% wild-caught Alaska Pollock.  They are also breaded in a tasty panko breadcrumb that gives them a great crunchy taste.  While I love some of the other Gorton's fish, I am glad that these are low in calories, easy, and tasty.  Fish and seafood are natural sources of lean protein and critical nutrients like vitamins and minerals including iron, zinc, and vitamins A, B, and D.  My doctor has encouraged me to eat more fish and Gorton's is always what I reach for in the frozen foods section!  

But Smart and Crunchy sounds healthy, does it actually taste good?   YES!  The night I first tried it, I was swamped with trying to get my wedding invitations addressed, and I took the bag out of the freezer and just tossed dinner in the oven.  When the timer went off, I had even forgot I had thrown dinner in, I was so concentrated on wedding details.  I made my way to the kitchen, and on my way there thought, "This smells really good."  It looked tasty when I opened the oven, and then when I allowed it to cool slightly and took a bite, I was thinking that I would have to make Smart and Crunchy my go-to meal when I'm cooking for myself between now and the wedding.  I'm normally a picky eater, and so finding a style of fish that is even healthier for me AND that I like is a win-win in my book.  

It's also been great to have during Lent as when I do cook for my boyfriend on Fridays, I can fix the exact same easy meal for the two of us as I have been fixing for myself when I am busy.

As you all know, I love coupons.   So I was happy to find a $1 off coupon at SmartAndCrunchy.com  There is also information about their national tour where they are visiting spots across the country to give out samples, coupons, and even chances to win!  Not only that but while on their site, you can sign up for a great sweepstakes to try and win a vacation for four.  Of course, while there, you want to sign up for their newsletter and find a store near you that sells Gorton's Smart and Crunchy fish.

 And now for the giveaway:   Open only to the USA, 18 and older.  Winner will receive a Gorton's Smart and Crunchy Prize pack which includes:

TWO full-value product coupons

TWO Gorton's Aprons (one adult size and one child size)

One Smarty Crunchman Plush Stuffy

Winner has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or another winner may be chosen.

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It's POSSIBLE to change the world Review and giveaway

FTC disclosure:  I received a copy of the book Possible in exchange for a fair and honest review.  I also received an appreciation certificate from Family Christian for hosting this giveaway.  This post contains an affiliate link to Family Christian.  This post is merely telling some of my experiences in helping with Nuru International.  Family Christian, Stephan Bauman, are in no way connected to Nuru International, although it's a great organization and I thought it appropriate to share about this organization.

When I was in college, we used to sit around and dream of changing the world.  I think a lot of college students do, but some friends of mine started a non-profit that has been amazing with results and as a result I feel I have a part in changing the world.   Because of this when Family Christian offered the opportunity to review Possible  by Stephan Bauman who is president and CEO of World Relief, I was excited because I know changing the world is possible.   I do it every time I list an item for sale online.  No, not impossible but Possible.

When I first received this book I couldn't wait to start reading it.  I knew that my friends had a new and innovative way to help include people in their fight against extreme poverty.  I wanted to read more of what they knew that I didn't.  This is a great book for anyone who wants to change the world, if you are on the front lines or if you work behind the scenes.  Just be warned, you will come away from this book knowing it can be done, and the "It will never work" excuse will no longer fly!  I also received a copy of Imagine What is Possible which is sold both as single copies or as 10 packs.  This booklet sums up the book in one short reading.  This is great for church groups to start finding their vision!

One of the things I liked about this book was the author mentioned different times that bloggers have a huge influence in our world.  We can help spread the word about causes and rally support.  I love how he emphasizes we find our talent and use it!  If we aren't talented in public speaking, that's not how we will likely change the world.  I'm good at social media, getting people involved in ideas, and spreading the word about causes.  I have a friend who uses her talents of crafts to raise money for missions and donate blankets and sweaters to newborns in need. She also crochets sleeping mats for the homeless. I have a talent of finding bargains, so it's not uncommon for me to walk away from a garage sale with a bag of yarn I got for almost nothing to give her to use in her projects.  Unusual ways of changing the world but it is giving to others.  Another lady I know loves using coupons and donates items she purchased almost free to her local food bank.  

In Possible, Bauman talked about finding our passion and sticking with it.  In another book I read recently, it said how we are all the church and if we have a passion, we shouldn't just say to our local church, "We need to do this thing that is my passion."  We are all the church, so we should follow our passion and ask the Church for help if needed.

I have two dear friends from college who have found their passion in adopting special needs children from Asia.  Sometimes special needs can be something as small as a cosmetic surgery. My friends have taken six children into their hearts and home.  My heart has been breaking for them because they were told their daughter Ami had epilepsy, but that's not what is wrong with her.  She actually has a very rare disease and is needing a major surgery that will leave her physically handicapped just so she can have quality of life.  She doesn't weigh enough at the moment for surgery.  Please pray for Ami.  She is so loved, and she is so seriously ill, even though she doesn't look it in this photo.

Ami and her mother.  Photo courtesy of Marjorie S.

Finding your passion makes world changing POSSIBLE.  You might not be able to change the entire world but you can change a corner of it.  Ami's life has been changed because of a couple who see the need for finding orphans a family.  Marjorie also helps others navigate through the adoption process.  

 Another passion of mine is a local public school.  I truly believe in education even though I don't currently have children.  After a big project I did to help out the school, I was quoted in the paper about helping others, "Everyone can do something."  A lot of those "somethings" add up.  Just find what you can do and anything is POSSIBLE!

A chemist, a magician, and a developer all walk into a meeting bringing different skills, but but wearing one common t-shirt.  If you can't read it, it says, "This t-shirt will not end extreme poverty, but you can with Nuru".   Each time I list something for sale online, I usually donate 10% of the amount to a charity, often times Nuru.  I have mentioned Nuru in an interview I have done about how I donate from auction sales.  I give, and I spread the word.  I might not be able to be on the ground in Africa making a difference, but this is how I make a difference from West Virginia.

Photo courtesy Billy Williams of Nuru International

What do my donations and spreading awareness make POSSIBLE?  A farmer has more maize than his family needs and he can sell some for a profit.   The lady in the photo is making her first deposit in a banking system and was so excited she was able to save some money that she asked for her photo to be taken.

Photos courtesy Billy Williams of Nuru International

Just like Stephan Bauman says in his book, let's find our cause, raise awareness, and change the world because it truly is possible.  If I can help change the world, you can too!  Find your passion.  Hone your skills, and let's see lasting change!

Needless to say, I highly recommend the book Possible.  This is great for every college student who is dreaming great dreams.  I recommend it to pastors, mission boards, those interested in the poor. Basically, if you care about people, I would say you should probably read this book.

Believe it or not, this was a book review sponsored by Family Christian.  They are a fantastic go to place for all your needs, it doesn't matter if you are having a VBS at your church or the jungle on a mission trip, they have the supplies you would need to make changing your world POSSIBLE.    They want to give one reader of this post a $10 Appreciation certificate to Family Christian.  This giveaway is open to the USA only and ends April 9.  Winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning e-mail or another winner will be chosen.

Enter in the widget below!  :)

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Review Purex Crystals ScentSplash (And Giveaway Ends 4/5)

FTC disclaimer:  Most of my posts contain affiliate links where I get a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you when you purchase something through a link.  Thank you for starting your shopping here at Books, Bargains, Blessings.  I received a free bottle of Purex Crystals ScentSplash to help facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own

There is a new product by Purex called Purex Crystals Scent Splash.  This is an in-wash fragrance booster that gives your laundry a fresh smell for months!  How cool is that?  I just used it for the first time today, and I know my fiance is going to love the smell.  He prefers laundry to have a fresh scent, and my allergies prefer it not, so this is perfect for us because I only have to buy one laundry detergent, and as long as I keep this on hand, we both can be happy!  Plus I love smelling fresh laundry, just not to wear things laundered with a scented product because of allergies, so this is great!  I can enjoy the smell of his clothes as they come out of the wash, and as I fold them!  Plus it helps eliminate laundry odors -- even on nasty smelling socks!  I've tried the Purex Crystals before, but this one is in LIQUID form.  I liked the Crystals, but this seems to allow you a stronger scent, so this is my personal pick over the Crystals.

It comes in three scents:
Fresh Spring Waters, Fresh Lavender Blossom, and Fresh Mountain Breeze.  

This is a great product, and one I know we'll buy again and again.  

And now for the giveaway:  USA only, one entry per day per person.  Winner has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or another winner will be chosen.  Giveaway ends April 5, 2015.  Winner will receive TWO coupons for totally free Purex ScentSplash.


  

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7QT: Wedding planning, Pepperoni Rolls, and Guinea pig Cake Toppers

Most of my posts contain affiliate links where I get a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you when you purchase something through a link.  Thank you for starting your shopping here at Books, Bargains, Blessings.

It's been a while since I did a Quick Take Friday.  But I decided today it was time to take a break from my currently busy life and write a blog post about wedding prep.

1.  I have the cake toppers but have no idea what we are doing about cake.

I wanted something different, something that screamed with my personality, and I found it thanks to My Custom Cake Topper on Etsy.  These have arrived, and I love them.  They are my guinea pigs Lucky and Archie. She created these from photos I provided. Aren't they adorable?  (No, I didn't receive anything by mentioning this Etsy store, I am just pleased with them and wanted to share.)  I do want a simple three tier cake to have a photo taken of us to look like my parents' wedding photo, but beyond that we aren't sure what we are doing about cake.  We are thinking of doing cakes that recently won in a contest for my fiance and that way we can do them ourselves.  We just aren't sure yet what we are going to do -- budget wedding but we also want things to be unique.  But I have the cake toppers.  

2. Candy Buffet

I thought a candy buffet would be a good idea.  Someone please tell me it will be.  Right now, I'm a bit frustrated at all the blue candy being blueberry or raspberry flavored.  We are currently planning on making some "hard tack" also known as "glass candy" and coloring it blue but flavoring it tangerine or some other yummy flavor.  I'm nearly ready to give up and make the candy buffet a rainbow.

3. Entertainment

I'm finally able to announce that master illusionist Scott Humston will be doing the entertainment for our reception.  He has even taken his show to the White House.  As both an entertainer and illusionist, it's going to be one wedding reception that no one in attendance will ever forget.

4. Pepperoni Rolls.

One of our food offerings at the reception will be pepperoni rolls.  If you aren't from West Virginia, you may never have heard of this delicacy.   They vary depending on what area of the state you are in, but we will be buying ones that are rolls with pepperoni and cheese baked inside them.  The grease soaks into the bread and they are one of the best treats you'll ever have.  Kind of like pizza rolls, but better.  They are a bit of heaven from the state of Almost Heaven.  Not even traditional, but nothing about this wedding is. 

5.  Flowerless Wedding.

I'm allergic to flowers.  I've had suggestions that I should go with silk flowers.  But the church we are getting married in is gorgeous.  It's an old time log cabin church with exposed beams.  I think flowers would take away from the beauty of the church.  And. . . . 

6.  A Bible instead of a Bouquet

I found my mother's bridal Bible -- the one she carried down the aisle when she married my dad.  The one my grandmother gave her.  Since my mother passed away last year and my father passed away 9 years ago, it seems appropriate I would carry her Bible.  Instead of a pillow, the ring bearer with be carrying Dad's Bible with ribbon around it.  What a wonderful way to make my parents part of the ceremony.

7.  I'm too busy.

I was telling my fiance last night I bit off more than I can chew at the moment.  I'm upgrading and renovating my blog.  I'm planning a budget wedding.  I am doing major renovations to the house.  And I'm tired.  I feel like I have too much on my plate right now, but there's no way I can back out of any of it.  Hopefully the major work with my blog will be done by next week and then I can just concentrate on content.  But the house renovations have revealed surprises in nearly every room so far and not good surprises.

For more 7 Quick Takes Friday posts, you can visit This Aint the Lyceum.

Dial Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Review and Giveaway Ends 4/1/15

FTC  disclaimer:  The Dial brand provided me with a sample of Dial Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand soap in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own. Most of my posts contain affiliate links where I get a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you when you purchase something through a link.  Thank you for starting your shopping here at Books, Bargains, Blessings.


I love moisturing hand soap.   A few years ago I found some from a specialty store at a really good price, but I used them up.  What's a girl to do when she doesn't want to specialty prices for soap?  I don't like using lotion after I wash my hands because they feel all greasy and between doing crafts and listing items for sale online, I don't want to risk staining something I'm working with.

When I had the opportunity to try this new conditioning soap from Dial, I was excited.  Could it be that I have found the economical answer to my soap problem?  Would it be a deep cleansing hand soap as well as keeping my hands from drying out?  A girl could only hope.

When I received the bottle, I put it in the bathroom.  As you can tell, it's a great family soap because that's everyone's soap of choice right now!  It has a micro scrubber and it gives refreshing moisture.  

I'm quite happy with this soap.  Low cost, high on cleaning, good moisture.  Dial gets an "A+" in my book for this one.

For the giveaway:  One winner in the USA will receive three totally free coupons for Dial soaps:

Complete Omega Moisture Foaming Hand Wash 7.5 ounces
Dial Liquid Hand Soap 7.5 ounces or larger
Dial Boutique Collection Sugar Cane Hand Soap 8 ounces
Limit one coupon per store visit.

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From Good to Grace and Giveaway (ends 3/29)

Most of my posts contain affiliate links where I get a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you when you purchase something through a link.  Thank you for starting your shopping here at Books, Bargains, Blessings.  I received a free copy of this book from Family Christian in order to do a fair and honest review.  I also received an appreciation certificate for hosting the giveaway.


From Good to Grace: Letting Go of the Goodness Gospel appealed to me.  I was the classic good girl in high school and college.  In fact, I once made a checklist of all the "Good Christian Things" I could think of and would see how good of a Christian I was each week.  Going to Sunday School?  That got a point.  Memorizing a Book of the Bible?  Another point.  Choir Practice?  It was on there, too, even though I can't sing at all.  I lost points if I didn't write a missionary, pray through my entire prayer list, and another 27 other things that would tell me at the end of the week if I passed or failed at being a Christian.   Needless to say I never was able to live up to my expectations, and I failed.

I was hoping to love this book.  I wanted to rave about how wonderful it was.  Yet, I can only say it was good.  There were two chapters that stood out as  excellent (Receiving His Freedom and Love Shows).  This book is good, but I think I have been a bit too well read on grace over the years for this to be something outstanding to me.  Still, I would highly recommend it for a women's Sunday School class, Bible study or book club.  My boyfriend tells me I am intense about my faith, and because of that and being the voracious reader I am, I have read countless books on this topic.  Yet, it was still a good reminder that being good doesn't equal grace.

It is rare that I agree with everything in a book, and the one problem I had with this one was where she told someone, "I know exactly how you feel."   Because each person is different, they will view each situation uniquely.  I've always felt that a more loving way to say basically the same thing is say, "I have felt. . ." and then say how you interpret the person is feeling.

I did like that this is nearly a Bible study book but the author uses many personal examples of how she has given or received grace.  She's married to a pastor, a church planter, no less, and has an autistic son.  I would say she has a lot of experience giving and receiving grace.  She also dispels the myth that if we are good enough, we will be blessed by God.  That was a very popular teaching among my friends for a long time. I no longer buy into it.  Life happens.  Accidents happen.  If being good meant a perfect and prosperous life, then the Pharisees  (either ancient or modern day) wouldn't have a care in the world.  This book helps remind us of the truth of what good doesn't accomplish and what grace does.

From now until March 31  Family Christian is having a special sale, 25% off your entire online purchase of regularly priced items.  Just use coupon code MARCH25.  This is the perfect time to purchase this book or another item that Family Christian sells.

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