If you vote for a farmer on Stonyfield’s “Grant A Farmer’s Wish” Campaign and you can print these coupons. They have a 10-day expiration date, so be sure to use them before they expire.
Hope you all had a safe and blessed holiday season! You may have noticed that we have been rather silent around here…that’s because our whole family right down to baby has been sick with an awful cold/sore throat/cough etc. So we had many sleepless nights and were sleeping during the day!
Our laptop is not fixed and considering the fact that the computer guy had it for a month and tried his best to find a solution, unfortunately it is unlikely to be fixed. So we are still down to one computer for school and my business stuff. Let’s just say it’s been challenging to say the least. However, we are hoping and praying for a solution and are going to continue to try and stay on top of everything. However, if we happen to become lax, we would appreciate your continued patience.
A big project for the week is researching laptops and computers…again. If any of you have any suggestions or tips, I would appreciate them. We’ve been through this before, but this last time our refurbished DELL laptop (Studio) did not even last a year! Very disappointing to say the least. We had purchased a used DELL Inspiron in the fall of 2007, I think, and it lasted well over two years so I figured a DELL would be a safe way to go.
Our HP PC has been a good choice so far, but I’d really like a laptop since it is more portable. Yet another PC would be great for school work. From what I have heard, Macs are not suppose to crash or at least as often, but they are so expensive. At the price of Apple products I could get a PC and a laptop…then we would be set for work and school! Or at least better off. Sigh.
Gotta love technology! Can’t live with it and can’t live without it.
So that’s my Monday Motivation this week – Getting us back on schedule, techie stuff and computers….besides getting us healthy again.
A great Hawaiian saying is “Imua!” which means to move forward with confidence and courage. It’s a great word for the upcoming new year as we explore new opportunities and perhaps face fears.
This week, I put into practice “imua” by facing my fear of ziplining. Yes, I stepped off a wooden platform to soar across 1800 feet of the world’s fifth largest caldera located in Kauai. Encouraged by my teenage daughters, I faced my fear of not being in control of my destiny and took a leap of faith.
The excellent guides, Mitch and Chris of Outfitters Kauai prepared us well for our ultimate “black diamond” zipline adventure. We did several practice runs on what I thought were “big ziplines” but little did I know what was really awaiting. The guides constantly reminded us that the most important lesson we all needed to learn to be safe was to “trust our gear.”
True wisdom that I needed to hear. For too long in life, I have “held on tightly” when what I should have done was to “let go and let God.” He provides “the gear” that we need to sustain us through the difficult moments of life as we soar across jungles.
So I guess my advice would be this: “Face your fear and trust God’s gear.” IMUA!!
What fear do you need to face this year? What have you been holding on too tightly? What does “imua” mean to you?
Margaret McSweeney is the founder of Pearl Girls (www.pearlgirls.info), the host of Kitchen Chat (http://margaretmcsweeney.com/kitchen-chat/), and an author. Her book, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, was published in 2009. Margaret is fast at work on a fiction manuscript (or three) and can be found blogging at From Finance to Fiction (http://fromfinancetofiction.blogspot.com).
Congratulations to Nicole! You won this giveaway! Thanks to all who entered and to Tassimo for sponsoring this review and giveaway! Comment #56 chosen by Random.org
The Tasssimo T20 is a glorified coffee maker except for it only makes one cup at a time and it makes that cup in 60 seconds!!
TASSIMO offers premium coffeehouse quality beverages and an array of coffee blends and more from Starbucks®, Gevalia, Seattle’s Best, Maxwell House, Tazo, Twinnings, NABOB, Mastro Lorenzo, Carte Norie, Jacobs, Kenco, Suchard. This holiday season, new T DISC varieties are being introduced, including Skinny Cappuccinos and new coffee flavors.
My Review:
I was sent the Tassimo T20 Brewbot in white, a brewer kit in lime green, a package of Gevalia Special Blend Coffee (16 T Discs), and a package of Starbucks Cappuccino Primo that includes espresso and milk creamer (16 T Discs).
Like I said before the Tasssimo T20 is a glorified coffee maker except for it only makes one cup at a time and it makes that cup in 60 seconds!!
To make your drink all you have to do is fill the water tank, insert the T-DISC, put your cup on the machine and press a button. The water tank doesn’t hold that much only about 6 cups, the Tassimo T20 also tends to splatter beyond the splatter guard and surrounding areas of the counter. But, that doesn’t happen as much when you use the overflow cup. Because I have a large cup so it’s harder to use the over flow cup without spilling your drink. The TDISCS also tend to be pricey, but we figured out a way around it by using the cleaning disc (which contains no cleaner or soap) so you can make a cup of hot water faster for your hot drinks.
The Tassimo T20 is a great idea for one or two people, but in order for everyone at your home to get a drink you would need to buy alot of T-DISCS the same goes for a party. However I do like the convenience of the Tassimo T20 and having it in my home office. As it saves on having to boil a whole pot of water.
On to the giveaway!
Enter to win a Tassimo T20 Home Brewing System and a Brewer Accessory Kit!
Mandatory Entry:Visit Tassimo.com and tell me what T-Disc flavors you want to try.
Extra Entries (Please be sure and leave a comment and link for extra entries):
1 Entry:Follow Faith and Family Reviews On Twitter(http://twitter.com/faithfamilyrevw)
1 Entry:Follow Tassimo on Twitter
1 Entry:Like/Friend Faith and Family Reviews on Facebook.
1 Entry: Like Tassimo on Facebook AND comment on there wall saying “Faith and Family Reviews sent me.”
2 Entries: Follow Faith and Family Reviews on Google Friend Connect (on the our right side bar).
2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway, but only one tweet per day please. Include your tweet url with your comment. You may write your own tweet or use this one:
Giveaway: Enter to win a Tassimo brewer! @faithfamilyrevw! http://faithandfamilyreviews.com/?p=6072 Please share! Thx!
5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and link back this post and Tassimo.
1 Entry: for every comment you leave anywhere else on this blog, but please leave a link with your comment!
5 Entries: Tell me what other flavor T-Discs you would like to try. (Go here)
Details:
This giveaway will run from January 1st-January 15th 2011 at midnight CST. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. Tassimo will ship one winner a Tassimo T20 Home Brewing System and a Brewer Accessory Kit. Winner will be contacted via email on or before January 16th and will be asked for their contact and other pertinent info. Winners will have 48 hours to send me their info at [ffr] [giveaways] [at] [gmail] [dot] [com] (without spaces and parenthesis). Please note: This giveaway is offered to US only. And the winner must use their home address if they win. Tassimo will not ship to P.O. boxes.
Thanks and have fun!
Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom”! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL … there’s also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS! Pearls – a tangible reminder of God’s grace to us all.
Love
by Lauraine Snelling
When asked to write a Christmas message, one of my first thoughts was Do I climb up on my soapbox regarding changing the words in Christmas songs, using only holiday, etc. I thought about it and decided no. After all, they’re only words and what difference does a word make—really make after all?
Then I kept on thinking. If they’re only words… But we as writers know the power of words, as do readers. When the wrong word is used, it jars, while the right word can be most powerful. Take one highly overused and under practiced word—Love. Four letters is all. We toss it around so glibly, saying love ya and luv and love. But think about the power in I love you. Three of the most precious words in our language when put together. Those of us who write romances or books with romance in them, understand the power when one of our characters tells another, I love you. As humans we can never hear that enough or too much.
Christmas is about love. The greatest love story ever told, that of God for us humans, and it never changes. Customs change, politics change, the years change but God’s love never, ever does. At Christmas we are invited to share that love, to give it away, to pass it around. To find wonder again and joy in simple acts of love. We make contact with people we might never see or talk with through the year. That says I love you. We buy and make gifts to give, we reach out to strangers in need, we try to make sure everyone has a special dinner and every child a present. By giving, we receive.
So, let’s use the power words, but more so, put feet on those words and pass the love around. Let’s look for and find the wonder, the joy and the peace, maybe in small bits and pieces and perhaps in an avalanche of blessings. Make your days brighter with the simple gift of a smile, a kind word, a touch, for every single one that you give away, will come back to you multiplied. As you give, so shall you receive. Merry Christmas my friends. May we all recognize our blessings—-and let an attitude of gratitude permeate this holiday and every day. With love and joy on this day, Lauraine!
About Lauraine: Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of more than sixty books, with sales of over 2 million copies. She also writes for a wide range of magazines, and helps others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the country. Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a cockatiel named Bidley, and a watchdog Basset named Chewy.
For more information please visit Lauraine’s website: www.laurainesnelling.com.
A PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS will be given away on New Year’s Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!
12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
Remembering the reason for the Christmas season:
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=2007134554829&source=jl999
Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review, thanks to Munchkin. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.
I received this item to review (use with my 2 year old) and must say that I was a bit hesitant to use the product. I have used diaper pails before and the odor is unbearable. However, the munchkin diaper pail is another story. Through the innovative use of baking soda the diaper smell seems to dissipate leaving only clean air! I do have to divulge that we only leave the diapers in the product for 3 days before disposing …so I cannot advocate the freshness lasting for more than 3 days. Some people leave diapers in their diaper pails much longer… but I digress! The bags are easy to load and the system tightly seals the bags and locks the odors away. The secret is the Arm & Hammer baking soda cartridge that absorbs the odors and dispenses natural baking soda each time the lid is closed. A full cartridge is supposed to last 90 days and each bag holds up to 25 diapers. When the bag is full you simply snap, seal, and toss! But like I stated I have never had more than 10 diapers in the bag before it has been tossed. The product comes fully assembles and comes with 3 refill bags. I though this was great because I will not have to run out to the store right away when I finish the first cartridge! All in all a great product for busy families! You can find out more about this product at http://www.munchkin.com/products/detail.html?pID=1331
Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom”! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL … there’s also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS! Pearls – a tangible reminder of God’s grace to us all.
An Unforgettable Gift
by Karen O’Connor
On Christmas morning, 1912, in Paducah, Kentucky, fourteen-year-old Charlie Flowers and his three brothers and two sisters huddled in their beds, fully dressed, trying to keep warm as the wind howled outside their small frame house.
It was a desperate time for the family. Earlier that year the children’s father had died. And their mother had not found work. The coal had run out and there was little money––none for gifts. Their scrawny tree with decorations made from scraps of colored paper had been given to them the night before by a local merchant.
“Can’t sell this one,” the man said with a nod of his head before handing it over to the eager children.
To pass the time, the siblings joked and shouted stories from their bedrooms across the hallway from one another. Then suddenly a racket from the alley at the rear of the house broke into their games.
“Charlie,” his mother called, “would you see what’s going on out there?”
Charlie pulled on his shoes, grabbed a thick overcoat from the hook by the door, and ran out back.
There stood a man in a wagon bent over a load of coal, shoveling it into the shed as fast as he could.
“Hey Mister, we didn’t order any coal,” Charlie shouted. “You’re delivering it to the wrong house.”
“Your name’s Flowers, isn’t it?” the man asked, still shoveling.
Charlie nodded yes.
“Well then, there’s no mistake. I’ve been asked to deliver this to your family on Christmas morning.” He looked the awe-struck boy square in the eye. “And I’m under strict orders not to tell who sent it,” he teased.
Charlie ran into the house, his coattail flapping in the cold morning wind. He could hardly wait to tell his mother and brothers and sisters. God had provided––just as he had on that first Christmas morning so long ago when He sent his only son to a needy world.
Charlie Flowers died in 1994 at age 96. And right up to the last year of his life, not a Christmas went by that he didn’t tell the story of that sub-zero Christmas morning of his boyhood when two men gave his family an unforgettable gift.
It wasn’t the coal that was remembered or cherished, Charlie often said––welcome as it was––but rather what two men brought to his desperate family. One, for his gift of recognizing their great need and taking the time to do something about it. And the other, for being willing to give up part of his own Christmas morning to deliver it.
That gift of so long ago has continued to warm the Flowers family from one generation to another, as Charlie’s son––my husband, Charles––calls to mind these two unknown men each Christmas morning and whispers a prayer of thanks.
About Karen: Karen O’Connor is an award-winning author and writing mentor living in Watsonville, California with her husband, Charles Flowers. Karen’s latest book is 365 Reasons Why Gettin’ Old Ain’t So Bad (Harvest House 2010).
For more information, please visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com.
A PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS will be given away on New Year’s Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!
12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info
Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.
I received these wipes to review and at first glance had no idea what they were for…upon reading the wipes I read that they “stop the stink”! These were designed for use by children and teens after gym class or sports practice, since they rarely shower after either activity. This is an interesting and well thought out concept. The wipes are a large (10×12) moistened, single use, thick disposable towel (similar to a wet nap but much larger). Overall the concept is wonderful although I did find one deterrent to the product, the scent. I wish these came in different scents because the fragrance is quite manly. I can definitely see a young man or boy using these but not a female. The scent is not feminine at all and this was a deterrent to my use. If you have a son or are a young man wanting to “stop the stink” I highly recommend Quick Shower wipes. They are relatively inexpensive and you can find out more information here http://qwikshower.com at their website!
