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Tree Top

June 30, 2010 By 1 Comment

My boys were all over the recent Tree Top samples that arrived at our home.  I think they were gone within the first 30 minutes. 

We received a bottle of apple juice.  Jesse actually let me get a sip out of his juice before he guzzled it down.  It was sweet but not overly sweet.  Jesse says it is refreshing and a good option if you are avoiding soda like I am.

tree top juice Tree Top

The next sample we received was Tree Top Trim.  It is a healthier option than high calorie juice.  Kyle was all over the trim not because of it being low calorie but because it was Mango-Peach.  That is his favorite flavor combination of anything.  Kyle wants me to make sure to tell you “it doesn’t taste like diet”.

tree top trim Tree Top

Finally we received a 4 oz tub of Tree Top Natural Applesauce.  Andrew is an applesauce junkie and when little tubs like this come on sale we frequently pick some up for his lunchbox.  The size is perfect for on the go trips.  We have even been known to take some on the road with us.  Andrew says the Tree Top was slightly tangy and he really liked it.

  tree top applesauce 249x300 Tree Top

Tree Top has some great promotions running on their website right now.  Make sure to check out their America’s Secret Ingredient contest and print a coupon for applesauce.  You should also be able to find a great recipe while you are browsing.

 “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Tree Top and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

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Somewhere To Belong

June 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Somewhere to belong Somewhere To Belong

Somewhere to Belong (Daughters of Amana, Book 1) Somewhere To Belong

BOOK SUMMARY:

Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages inhabited by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she’s always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in the community. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered and she is forced to make difficult choices about a new life and the man she left behind. Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, and when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, Berta’s rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?

AUTHOR BIO:

Judith is an award winning and best-selling author of historical fiction for Bethany House Publishers. With a love of history, a dash of romance and a touch of mystery, Judith transports her readers to another time and place. Her passion for history and love of God keep her inspired. Judith and her husband are empty-nesters who live in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

MY THOUGHTS:

While I am a lover of Amish books I was almost more thrilled to find a book set in Amana.  I frequently stop at the Amana Colonies on my way to Chicago and  I have fallen in love with the historic place.  Judith Miller will take you back in time to when Amana was functioning as  a cooperative living set of villages.  She writes with a talent that keeps you interested and curious about what will happen next.  Two girls from very different worlds come together when Berta moves from Chicago to Johanna’s Amana.  They learn to cope and grow from each other’s flaws and when Johanna is in Berta’s Chicago the tables turn.  The story really shows what it is like to have “the shoe on the other foot”.

A copy of Somewhere To Belong was provided for review by Bethany House.

 

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Cook On Strike

June 29, 2010 By 1 Comment

canstock3192181 Cook On Strike

Sometimes as a mom I just lose it.  Tonight is one of those days.  While I understand teen boys have the apparent need to eat non-stop they are also old enough to know how to clean up after themselves. 

There is no room left to prepare a meal in my kitchen so there is  no meal to be had until who knows how late tonight.  I will survive if nothing else I have a 90 calorie granola bar in my desk. 

The recycling is overflowing.  There was trash on the counter in the form of tuna packets and tea canisters.  Someone left the bread wide open.  There were even crumbled ramen noodles on the floor.  Hello I guess I live in the city dump.  I mean come on at 12, 13, 14 and 42 don’t you think that something could be handled.  Well dad is in there taking charge and I get to vent via my blog. 

It sounds like each of them has to wash a sink of dishes since they have all skipped their chore.  It almost amuses me to listen to it all but hey I still have to cook eventually.

What do you do when a chore gets ignored and out of control?

Filed Under: home

Gigi’s New Bow

June 28, 2010 By 2 Comments

A TopLeft 300x58 Gigis New Bow

If you have been around my blog for a considerable amount of time you know that I raise Yorkies. My mom has raised dogs since I was little and I became rather attached to my little pups over the years. On my own I couldn’t be without a couple of them. Gigi is our latest addition to the family and we had to doll her up a little. Thanks to Maiden America she has a darling new bow for her hair. 

Gigi 225x300 Gigis New Bow

As you can see Gigi is just a puppy and she has really fine fur yet.  She has been bouncing around a few days and other than the slightly short hairs the barrette has held wonderfully.  She doesn’t bother it like she did when we put in a rubberband type bow either. 

Maiden America has a large selection of handmade bows suitable for small dogs.  The style of the barette would allow for expansion for a dog with more hair than Gigi or would work for a fine haired dog.  They are high quality and well made.  The easy of putting them in is unbeatable as well.

I can’t wait for the dog show coming up in August as Gigi will be sporting a new girly bow or flower from Maiden America.  Get one for your sweet puppy today!

Maiden America supplied me with bows for review purposes.

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Menu Plan Monday 6/28

June 28, 2010 By 2 Comments

mpm33 300x151 Menu Plan Monday 6/28

The boys are back home this week which means I need a few substanial meals.  Somehow the summer heat doesn’t decrease their appetite like it does mine.  So off to the pantry and freezer I go on a quest to find the perfect meals.

What have I found.  Well a turkey (3 actually) for roasting.  I will wind up using this for several meals but we will definately eat the bird soon as I am attempting to empty a freezer.  I plan to pull out the largest bird to deal with this week.

MONDAY: Grilled Hotdogs & Cucumber Salad

TUESDAY: Tacos & Beans with Rice

WEDNESDAY: Ham & Cheese Pocket Sandwiches

THURSDAY: Beef & Bean Nachos

FRIDAY: Turkey with Taters & Gravy

SATURDAY: Grilled Chops with Veggies

SUNDAY: Club Sandwiches and Salad

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