Tuesday, December 30, 2014

LINK PARTY! Tuesdays with a Twist #91


Welcome to Tuesdays with a Twist!

Back to the Basics


We're your co-hosts:
Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!
 
 Y'all make choosing features so difficult!  There were GOBS of great links last week!  Thank you!  I had to choose two!  My features... 


(drum roll please) 


A crazy fun recipe for Peppermint Snow Clay Dough
DIY  peppermint play dough

from Sew Sweet Vintage


AND...


These scrumptious Oreo Cookie Balls





from Yesterfood


Maybe I could combine the two ideas and make peppermint Oreo snowmen!  ;-)

If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.
We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features. 
And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 
Follow on Bloglovin









Sunday, December 28, 2014

Book Review: In the Company of Others

by Jan Karon


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An excerpt from Good Reads:  Father Tim and Cynthia arrive in the west of Ireland, intent on researching his Kavanagh ancestry from the comfort of a charming fishing lodge. The charm, however, is broken entirely when Cynthia startles a burglar and sprains her already-injured ankle.

My Thoughts:  I just love these books by Jan Karon!  It won't be long until I have read them all.  She describes daily activities with charming dignity and sweet gratitude.  I especially enjoyed the dogs in this novel, even though Barnabas was back home in Mitford.

What are you reading?

;-)  -Marci

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Book Review: Dog, a short novel

by Michelle Herman



159215
Partial synopsis from Good Reads:  Single, childless, J.T. Rosen?a poet and college professor who has failed to live up to her early promise?has constructed a careful, orderly life around her work and the little house she has lived in alone for many years. Long ago, after a tumultuous youth filled with the ?Sturm und Drang of boys and men, ? she gave up on the possibility of love; she has begun by now, in the Middle Western town she cannot bring herself to think of as home, to give up on the possibility of friendship. When the dog enters her life, almost by accident he takes over her life, as puppies do.


My thoughts:  I so seldom say this, I feel kind of mean.  This book just wasn't really for me.  I did not relate to the main character or to her neighbors, and frankly, felt sorry for the dog.  Oh, well.  On to the next book.


What are you reading?


;-)  -Marci

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2: 1 - 20


Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all [a]the inhabited earth. [b]This was the first census taken while [c]Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a [d]manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is [e]Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a [f]manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men [g]with whom He is pleased.”

15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the [h]manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.



;-)  -Marci


Tuesday, December 23, 2014

LINK PARTY!! Tuesdays with a Twist #90


Welcome to Tuesdays with a Twist!

Back to the Basics


We're your co-hosts:
Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!
 
 Y'all make choosing features so difficult!  There were GOBS of great links last week!  Thank you!  My feature this week is...  (drum roll please) 


Pine and Wire Wreath


 





from Carole at Garden Up Green!


If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.
We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features. 
And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 
Follow on Bloglovin



Candle Set Giveaway!

Do you love candles?  I know where you can find a wonderful giveaway!  It's at Ms Moozy's Open House



Click HERE to enter the giveaway!  I hope you win!

;-)  Marci

Monday, December 22, 2014

Congratulations to the Winners!


 Great Blog Train
The 24th GREAT BLOG TRAIN was a blast! - We all safely reached our destination: Albany, GEORGIA. It was a wonderful trip with 42 boxcars!! We (the Engineers) would like to thank all of you for travelling with us and we hope that you all had a wonderful time!
The Giveaway Winners are: M.T.
& S.E.  & H.B. (I have contacted the winners by email)
Congrats!!!


W   A   N   T   E   D  :

The Great Blog Train by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo BlogTrainDestination_zps2925d251.jpg

(Being a "Destination Cohost" means that you get to pick our next destination!!  It also means that you will post The Great Blog Train on your blog on the first Wednesday of whatever month you will be cohosting (1 different cohost per month).  We (the engineers or hosts) will provide you with the html code for the blog hop & for the Giveaway - all you will have to do is add into that post some information on the destination that you picked (like population, known for, location etc - basic family friendly facts) and add a few pictures.  Also, if you cohost we ask that you promote it on your social media sites) (We are now scheduling for April 2015).

If you are interested in being a Destination Co-host for the Great Blog Train then please click HERE and fill out the form (THANK YOU!!)

We are now featuring the top 3 Boxcars!  (These are the links that received the most clicks)
The Man in Red by Four Seasons of Blessings
DSCN5592a



Christmas Tree Ornaments Made with Buttons by Let It Shine

Christmas Tree Ornament made from Buttons
"The Party's Over: Handwriting on the Wall" by Soul Survival
handwriting on the wall




Please join us for the JANUARY Great Blog Train
on January 7th, 2015!





Sunday, December 21, 2014

Book Review: Peace Like a River

by Leif Enger


Partial Synopsis from Publisher, Grove Atlantic:  Leif Enger's debut is an extraordinary novel—an epic of generosity and heart that reminds us of the restorative power of great literature. The story of a father raising his three children in 1960s Minnesota, Peace Like a River is at once a heroic quest, a tragedy, a love story, and a haunting meditation on the possibility of magic in the everyday world.

My thoughts:  I judge a book by how much I think about it when finished.  This is one that chases my thoughts throughout the day.  It is excellently written.  I was absolutely mesmerized by Jeremiah Land.  I think he is the kind of man we would all choose as our father, he is such a kind and protective patriarch.  Davy is the guy we all want to be our brother.  There are twists in the story that I never saw coming.  The ending has me completely torn.  I keep re-writing different scenarios for the main characters.  How I wish everyone could live "happily ever after".

Have you read this book?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

;-)  -Marci

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Book Review: The List

by Martin Fletcher





Source




A partial synopsis from Good ReadsMartin Fletcher has captivated television audiences for thirty-five years as a foreign correspondent for NBC News. Now, Fletcher combines his own family’s history with meticulous research in this gripping story of a young Jewish family struggling to stay afloat after World War II.


My thoughts:  Post WWII London is the setting for this book.  Amidst the horrors of all that the Third Reich unleashed upon the Jewish people, there is love.  Couples are getting married and having babies even though they are searching for their scattered family.  Frequently only sad news is found.  So many lives were lost in WWII.  I appreciate how the lines between good guys and bad guys are blurry. Each side fights for what they feel is a just cause.  I love how Martin develops the character of the terrorist, who is a loving family man by day and a trained assassin by night.  

While there are parts of the story that made me angry and others where I cried, I felt like the overall message is one of hope.  Martin Fletcher is an excellent author.  I will definitely be checking out more books from him!

What are you reading?  Any recommendations?

;-)  -Marci

Thursday, December 18, 2014

'Lost Your Marbles?



Here's a fun little idea for storing game pieces and perhaps preserving a little sanity!  ;-)




The project begins with a clean, recycled jar and lid.  This happens to be one that held artichoke hearts.  Just recycle one that is about the size you need and wash it.



All it took was a zap of black spray paint on the lid.  Next, Handsome Husband drilled a small hole and I added the fun little knob.  Easy Peasy, not to mention super cute!


What do you do when you've about lost your marbles?

;-)  -Marci

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

LINK PARTY!! Tuesdays with a Twist


Welcome to Tuesdays with a Twist!

Back to the Basics


We're your co-hosts:
Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!
 
 Y'all make choosing features so difficult!  There were GOBS of great links last week!  Thank you!  My feature this week is...  (drum roll please) 


Homemade Cappuccino Mix


 Homemade Cappuccino Mix Recipe - Little House Living


from Merissa at Little House Living!


If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.
We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features. 
And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 
Follow on Bloglovin



Sunday, December 14, 2014

I {heart} Red Sweaters

On cold winter nights, we all need to dress warmly!


Inspired by soft, cabled hearts, (remember this Inter Changeable Wreath?) the tabletop tree in our guest bedroom has a snuggly sweater theme.



Not all the ornaments are hearts.  A few wild cards include a felt snowflake and Santa.



There are also some candy canes, stockings and sweet little snowman.  I kept things pretty simple, just red and white.


How is your holiday decorating coming along?

;-)  -Marci

Friday, December 12, 2014

Another Reason to Love Books

My friend who posted One More Reason to Love Books on Facebook also posted this cute idea!



It's from a Facebook site called Tickld.  How clever!  Yet another reason to love books!

;-)  -Marci

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Book Review: Shepherds Abiding

by Jan Karon


Shepherds Abiding




A Partial Synopsis from Good Reads:  Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home, and countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like. The eighth Mitford novel provides a glimpse, offering a meditation on the best of all presents: the gift of one's heart.


My thoughts:  If you read my blog very much, you already know that I adore this charming series of books.  This one is so sweet.  Timothy wants to find a gift worthy of his love for Cynthia.  She wants to do the same for him.  Will they both succeed in delighting the love of their life? 


Well, you'll just have to read the book!  ;-) 


What gift would be worthy for the love of your life?


;-)  -Marci




Tuesday, December 9, 2014

LINK PARTY!! Tuesdays with a Twist


Welcome to Tuesdays with a Twist!

Back to the Basics


We're your co-hosts:
Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!
 
 Y'all make choosing features so difficult!  There were GOBS of great links last week!  Thank you!  My feature this week is...  (drum roll please) 


Birds of a Feather Dress


Sew Serendipity
  
from Erika at Rejoice for the Day


If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.
We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features. 
And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 
Follow on Bloglovin







Monday, December 8, 2014

Pink, Please



If you've been hopping aboard The Great Blog Train, (a monthly blog hop the first Wednesday of every month) you know that my fave giveaway is a zippered pouch along with a couple bars of handmade lye soap.  If you are not already riding along, click HERE, hop on board and get registered for the drawing!

The winner of the giveaway gets to choose the color for the zippered pouch and then I get busy sewing.


Our last winner said, "Pink, please."  My pleasure!  It's hard to see that the liner is tone on tone darling little owls!  I think that fabric is adorable!


If you were to win the giveaway, what color would you choose?

;-)  -Marci

Sunday, December 7, 2014

GIVEAWAY!

I'm thrilled to share a giveaway with you!

 An Organic Giveaway! 

  Get your 2015 Garden started right with

Organic, Heirloom, Non-GMO Seeds!

Welcome to Our Giveaway!

 

 

How does your garden grow?  Better now with this amazing offer for

 a 6 Month Seeds of The Month Club Membership and a 

Organic, Non-GMO Plant Food (vegan option available) from

 

 

Need more information about this awesome prize?!

The 6 Month Membership includes 4 seed packs the first month and 2 seed packs each month for 6 months. 
All of Mary's Heirloom seed varieties are open-pollinated, Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds. Your first 4 packs of seeds are mailed right away. Then each month Mary will ship 2 packs of her fantastic heirloom seeds!

That's 14 packets of high quality seeds with a club membership value of $49!

 

Mary's Organic Plant Nutrients 3-4-4
  • A complete plant food with all 15 essential nutrients
  • Originally developed for professional gardeners
  • Complex blend of natural organics provide complete and balanced feeding of all 15 nutrients
  • Environmentally safe
  • No sludges, hazardous or toxic ingredients
OR

Mary's Organic VEGAN Plant Nutrients 3-2-2 
Very important to mention, ingredients are derived from organic, non-gmo sources. 

  • Formulated to contain no animal products or animal by-products
  • A blend of excellent medium to long term nutrient sources
  • Add in combination with good organic compost to nourish your plants, improve the soil structure and encourage gardening
  • Ingredients include soybean meal, rock phosphate, alfalfa meal, langbeinite, humic shale ore, azomite, Acadian kelp meal and greensand
  • 3-2-2 formula 

How Do I Win?

Use the handy dandy entry form below to enter for your chance to win this great Prize Package! This giveaway is available to all US Residents.  One winner will be chosen at random on December15th, 2014. We'll contact the winner right away, so watch for our email! If we don't receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected. All Prizes will be awarded to one person and you must complete the entry for your chance to win.
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, December 5, 2014

Venting with Friends

Not everyone will understand why I am so upset.  My sweet blogging friends will though.  Please forgive me for venting.  I generally try to stay away from negativity here.

You may remember my computer has been kind of gimpy for a while and I've had a couple of posts where I warn that my blog might go quiet.  It was running slow and just being really quirky.  THEN, all of my photos went dark and there was a warning that if I did not send money to some site, I would never see my pictures again.  NEVER.  Send money or else.

Gee whiz!  That's not very nice!  I feel like something very dear to me has been vandalized.

We took the computer to a repair place where they were kind and helpful.  The virus was removed and photos recovered.  Whew!  Wonderful news!

Here's the problem, though.  Now all my photos are just slopped together in one monster folder of something like 800,000 files.  When I want to retrieve one image, I have to dig through all 800,000.  Did I mention how many there are?  800,000.  Not quite one million.  Blech!  It will take forever to organize them again.

So, I just need to speak out loud to the person who created this virus that somehow found it's way to my precious photos. 

You are not very nice and I am so mad at you!


That person will probably never visit a humble little home and garden blog, so to those of you who do, thanks for listening!

-Marci

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

BLOG HOP! The Great Blog Train {December}

WE HAVE GREAT NEWS! 
The Great Blog Train has 3 new Engineers (a.k.a. Hosts)
Please welcome:
Cathy from "A Peek Into My Paradise"

Lisa from "Feathers in the Woods"

Heidi from "Heidi's Wanderings"
(note - Heidi will be starting in January 2015)

____________________________________


All Aboard!!!
The Great Blog Train

A monthly blog hop departing from your online train station on the first Wednesday of every month!
 Great Blog Train

The Great Blog Train has 7 Engineers
plus a "Destination Co-host"!!
If you link up that means your blog will be seen on 8 different blogs!!!


Please meet our Destination Co-host:
Pat and Candy from "Mom's Morning Coffee"


This month we will be travelling to ALBANY, GEORGIA
Also, remember to visit the DINING CAR on one of the Engineer's blogs!

If you are interested in being a Co-host for the Great Blog Train then please click HERE and fill out the form (THANK YOU!!)

_________________________________

The Great Blog Train's 17th Great Giveaway!!!


1 Lucky winner will win the following:
- $10 Amazon e-gift Card from Laura
- 1 Handmade Zippered Pouch from Marci
- 1 Ad Space on A Peek Into My Paradise
- 2 Bars of "Handmade-in-the-Ozarks" Lye Soap by Marci
- a beautiful handmade "Coffee Cozy"($5 value)  by Kaitlyn from Three Sisters & Us
- 1 Sidebar Ad Space on God's Growing Garden $10 value
- "My Cookie Creation Countdown" ebook - $3 value

- "G.K.C.C. Gourdon Kringle Christmas Company" Children's Picture ebook - $4 value
SquirrelMorning002



 photo CoffeeCozyphotoWEQS6WVS_zps729d5009.jpg
Coffee Cozy by Kaitlyn from "Three Sisters & Us"


________________________________________________________________________ 


God’s Growing Garden






Remember to join the fun even if you are running a little late.  The last entry will receive the Caboose Feature! 

November's Caboose and featured blog happens to be:

"100lb Countdown" Congratulations!
April's wonderful blog will get you motivated to live healthy and stay fit!  Plus she has so many fun blog hops & giveaways!  This is the first paragraph from her "about" page but I encourage you to read the entire page - April is inspiring:

"I’m wife to a wonderful husband, J of over seven years, who has put up with all of my (and my family’s) b.s. since 2007. He’s actually been putting up with it for more years, but I only include the date that the Pastor married us."
______________________________________________________________________ 

Blog Train Rules, by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com
Linking up to the Train is as easy as
1, 2, 3!
 photo BlogTrain1_zps5b03f18a.jpg The Great blog Train by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo BlogTrain2_zpsf10a0b46.jpg The Great blog Train by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo BlogTrain3_zpsdc2185c5.jpg