Coppertone Clearly Sheer

I was really impressed with the Coppertone ClearlySheer Sunscreen line. I mostly enjoyed the:

Coppertone ClearlySheer for Beach & Pool with SPF 50. It was by far my favorite out of the whole line. While I did like them all I much prefer a higher SPF, and the spray is so easy to apply. My kids also thought it was a lot of fun when applying. It simply sprays on and with a quick rub absorbs into the skin in seconds. It is water resistant for 80 minutes. It's easy to transport and the bottle I had the cap closed so it wouldn't randomly spray in our beach bag. It has a very light scent to it, and nothing overpowering. It's clinically proven not to cause breakouts which is just perfect for my family as we all have very sensitive skin. It's nice to find a product that won't break the bank but gives you all the perks! I also love that it has moisturizer's in it and that leaves your skin feeling smooth and fresh while still giving you the protection you need.

I also loved the Sunny Days sunscreens:

While my favorite is definitely the Beach and Pool spray I also liked this one. The only thing I didn't like about it is that the SPF only goes as high as 30 and a higher SPF is always a factor for us since we spend a lot of time outside in the sun. Still it has a light clean feel on your skin, won't cause breakouts, and is hypoallergenic which is a huge plus. You can wear this on those barely sunny days, and it is also fast absorbing.

I definitely recommend you at least trying these products out to form your own opinion. I think you will probably end up liking them as much as we did.

I am so thankful that I got the chance to try these products out as a BzzAgent. :)

Disclaimer: I received samples of the products I tried above for free to try as a BzzAgent. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

50 Things You Need To Know About Heaven

I was drawn to this book by the title. We are all curious about heaven. What it will be like, who will be there, what we will do there, how we get there, what it will look like, etc. The questions are endless. What we sometimes do not realize is that the Bible is filled with many answers to our questions. This book takes those passages and deciphers them into easy to understand explanations.

This book is very easy to read, and very thorough. The author references more than one translation of the Bible, and even gives additional references at the end of each chapter that you can study more in depth on your own if you so choose.
This is a book that you can read cover to cover, or just simply find the question you want answered in the table of contents and read the answer. Of course while this book does not answer all the questions you may have about the Bible it does have fifty which is quite a bit. It also goes to show that the answer to all of our questions are in the Bible waiting for us to find them and decipher them. In the meantime this book is a great starting point for any curious person to gain some answers.
There are a few personal assumptions in this book from the author but for the most part this book stays on track with Scripture. We are all going to make our own assumptions from time to time anyway, and it is always refreshing to hear another person's opinion here and there.
This book is wonderful for many curious individuals which is also a must for a great book. It can apply to Christians, those curious about Christianity, etc.
I loved that I was able to study topics I hadn't even given thought to. Some of the fifty questions I was already curious about while some I hadn't even thought about, and was relieved to see.
The author does not lecture or try to persuade you in anything in this book but rather sticks to what is gained from the Bible. I felt that this is a very well researched, very wonderfully written book good for anyone to read. I recommend it to everyone, and especially the fellow Christians out there such as myself always hungry for more information.


::Book Details::

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (June 3, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764211668
• ISBN-13: 978-0764211669

::About the Author::
Dr. John Hart (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary; ThD, Grace Theological Seminary) is Professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute, and he is the author of Demonology and the Mission Field. Dr. Hart lives in Valparaiso, Indiana.


::This book is also available in::    Paperback    Kindle    Nook 



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Face to Face with Jesus by Samaa Habib and Bodie Thoene

This book left me in awe and opened my eyes in more than one way. About a young Muslim girl who finds herself in the middle of her countries Civil War life is not easy. Sunni and Shia Muslims are at war with each other and many suffer. Prominent families lose their status and wealth. They have to burn their furniture to keep warm, and many die from the cold. Food is scarce and many kill wild dogs or worse just to eat. There are bread lines but they are often fruitless and citizens are told there is no more bread to give despite standing outside for hours.
During one of these times in the bread line a commotion begins and an angry mob begins fighting. Gunshots are fired, people are trampled and Samaa finds herself praying to God. By some miracle she is spared when she could have been dead. More so they were lucky enough to get bread. Realizing that none of her prayers were ever answered by Allah Samaa starts realizing there is more to this God than she knows, and she yearns to know more.
Craving Jesus she begins finding out more and more on Christianity. She finds herself at some of their services, she begins Tae Kwon Do classes taught by Christians, and she begins to absorb all the knowledge she can. With that knowledge comes an unshakable faith that Samaa did not quite expect, and the hold she has always carried within her closes up.
Loving her new relationship with God she yearns to share His love with others, especially her family. Tentatively she starts spreading the news to others. Despite persecution, despite others throwing rocks at her, and her own family beating her Samaa does not give up. Slowly her loved ones begin transforming and Samaa realizes this is only the beginning of her journey.
An explosion at her church where she was a victim goes further to prove her theory that there is much more for her to do for Jesus in the world.

This book is not for the faint of heart. This is a real story of one young woman's harrowing experience in a land where freedom of religion is not accepted, and where all Christians are considered traitors. It is heart-breaking, heart-warming, and will send you on a roller coaster. It will leave you breathless and you cannot help but to sit at the edge of your seat. The difference between this book and many others is this is one young girl's TRUE accounting of what happened to her, her family, and her land.
I was left awed by this book. I was encouraged by Samaa's unflinching faith and I believe every encounter she detailed in this book. It is sometimes hard for us to accept such strong emotions and miracles. Sometimes it is easy for our minds to shed doubt on such things because certain circumstances are incomprehensible to us.  For me I loved this story and am grateful it was shared. I just know this book will go on to change lives, and I am thankful to have had the chance to read it. I have been recommending this book left and right, and will continue to do so. It woke me up even further to a lot of the issues pressing on Christians in other countries. Samaa's story is one of courage, faith, love, hope, determination, and the strength of Jesus. It just goes to show when we have Jesus on our side anything is possible.


::Book Details::

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Chosen Books (June 3, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800795792
• ISBN-13: 978-0800795795

::Purchase this book::    Paperback    Kindle    Nook

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Chosen Books in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Silenced by Dani Pettrey

I LOVE this book. It was filled with so much suspense that I just didn't want to put it down. From the beginning to the end I was at the edge of my seat!
Before I go any further I will give you some details about the book.

::Taken from the back of the book::
Jake Knew Something Was Wrong.
But He Never Guessed How Wrong. 

A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna's route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something darker? When the case is handed to overburdened sheriff Landon Grainger, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his talent for investigation again--but he could never prepare for where the mystery will take him.Kayden's climbing expertise soon leads her and Jake to the realization that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is onto them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine. 


::My Thoughts::
As I said I was captured by this book. There is definitely suspense from beginning to end.
The author draws you into her novel and the words easily flow and hold you. Everything is so very well explained, and all scenes are created in just a way as if you feel as if you are right there alongside the characters!
What I loved most about this book was the twist and turns in suspense! I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that this book doesn't leave you wanting for more mystery and suspense. I literally found myself on the edge of my seat, sitting straight up in bed, holding my breath, and chewing on my lip at times I was so nervous and captured!
I also found myself frustrated while reading this book mainly because Kayden and Jake each in their own way was just so stubborn! I wanted to shake them and give them a good talking to. They are each attracted to each other, but neither will act on their feelings. It is so frustrating to see romance and sparks between two characters only for them not to act on it because of their own ridiculous reasons. Jake knows that Kayden is emotionally unavailable and believes she has no interest in him. Because of this and his past he fears telling her how he really feels will push her away so he keeps it to himself.
Kayden will simply not allow herself to feel. Terrified because of the loss of her parents due to health reasons she doesn't want to feel that type of pain again nor does she want to inflict that kind of pain on anyone. Despite the fact she is giving up love and personal happiness she is determined to go it alone and live the healthiest lifestyle she can.
Another wonderful aspect of this book is the closeness of the McKenna siblings and friends. They all hold faith in God and stick together in unimaginable ways. I fell in love with all of them in my own way. And to see God so strong in not just a few but many of the characters lives was so refreshing. Not to mention all the characters have such a strong personality each their own! No character melts into the next, and each is interestingly unique. I can't wait to go back and read the other books in this series to find out about more of the characters, and I especially can't wait to read the next book after this one. I'm hoping it tells more on Reef and Kayden and Jake. I was definitely left wanting more.
I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more information on Conrad Humphries death. I was really wanting more information on that. I can't go into specific details on that because I don't want to spoil anything.
Even though this is Book 4 in the Alaskan Courage series it does well as a stand alone book. All the characters are present, but this is more of Kayden and Jake's story. You get snippets of the other characters which makes you want to go back and read the other books dealing with their individual stories. Each of the novels are centered around suspense so you know they are all going to be page turners.
I urge you to give this book a read. Go out and get it and read it as fast as you can! :)



::Book Details::

• Series: Alaskan Courage (Book 4)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (May 6, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764211951
• ISBN-13: 978-0764211959

::Purchase this book as::   Paperback   Kindle   Nook   Audible



Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke

I do admit that I was hooked upon reading this story. From the first few pages you will find yourself wondering what is going on, what is going to happen, and where is this going?
Reading about World War II anytime can be difficult. Even the fiction novels take some truth from the reality of what happened there. Jews being nothing more than objects for experimentation, torture, etc. It is heart-breaking. So any book dealing with World War II fiction or non is not for the faint of heart.
This particular book gives a lot of details on eugenics research. While it is informative I feel at times this bogs the book down some with too many details and unintentionally strays from the actual plot. However, it doesn't affect the read too badly, and you will find it a hard book to put down. At some points I found myself grateful for the additional details as it gives the reader a better understanding of what is taking place.

In a time when Hitler is planning the "perfect Aryan race" anyone less than perfect can be subject to this tyrant's wrath.
Amelie is unable to hear and is the daughter of an SS Officer. She is unable to understand the cruel world in which she lives. Her mother, Kristine begins to fear for Amelie's life as her father begins to plot of her disposal. Not knowing what to do, Amelie's mother contacts Rachel begging her to take Amelie to America and raise her as her own daughter.
Rachel's father has done extensive research into genetics. However, Rachel begins to wonder exactly what that research entails. After being contacted by her friend Kristine she soon finds herself going through his classified files and uncovers secrets she couldn't have predicted. Not only about other subjects, but about herself and her past. Finding out that Hitler's plans hold far worse than what she had thought, and finding her father involved she soon seeks help from American journalist, Jason Young.
Sparks soon fly between the two, but there is too much going on for them to act on anything. Rachel finds she not only needs help saving Amelie but saving herself as well. She is forced into hiding, and the details to follow will have you captured.

I do recommend this book to any reader interested in historical fiction or World War II. It is definitely not a weekend read as it is a very lengthy book. However, it's a book you will be glad that you read. I think more information should have been given on certain characters, especially Rachel's father. There was little left to be said about his motives in research and his actual involvement. I wanted more answers about him.
This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. There are many grotesque scenes through this book. I really did not like Rachel. By the end of the book she was okay, but most of the time she just came off as very self-centered. Even though she was focused on Amelie she was still mostly focused on herself as well. But still this is a hard to put down read, and I urge you to give it a try. I found myself waiting with bated breath during many points.


::Book details::

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (May 16, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414383223
• ISBN-13: 978-1414383224

::This book is also available in::   Paperback   Kindle   Nook




Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Under the Heavens Book 1

Lenny is a lost teen who has lost himself. As he looks at himself in the mirror he finds he cannot even place many of his own features. Not knowing who his biological father is, and unable to form a past for himself he starts to become bitter and angry.
When Lenny's step-father's Amish Grandpa says it may be a good idea for Lenny to come spend a summer on their Amish Farm they agree. However, Lenny is reluctant to leave his modern city life he is accustomed to.
After a few hiccups on the farm Lenny soon finds that he doesn't mind a more simple life. Especially when Grandpa issues him the duty of being "horse boy" for the summer. Lenny finds himself excited and proud to be able to work with the big draft horses on the farm, and starts to connect with other members of his Amish family. He soon starts to leave some of his bitterness and anger behind.
A neighbor girl pops up at the edge of a field one day and Lenny finds himself instantly attracted to her. As their mini romance starts to form Lenny finds that the Amish life isn't the burden he expected. From moonlit buggy rides, to volleyball matches with friends, lanterns hanging from tree limbs, adventures with horses, and an unexpected non-Amish neighbor who causes a few hiccups in Lenny's summer adventure this book has a bit of everything.

I have to say that I enjoyed this book much more than expected. The author does a fantastic job of pulling you right in with the words to where it becomes hard to even put this book down. The main thing I loved about this book is that the author weaves the words in such a way to where you can picture almost everything you are reading. Everything is so descriptive it would be hard not to find yourself sucked right into this story. I felt so bad for Lenny throughout this whole novel. I could not imagine the feelings or emotions he was struggling with, but seeing the change in him after going to the Amish farm and finding God also was heart warming.
I do think that younger readers could benefit a lot from reading this book, but honestly I think all book lovers would enjoy this. I can't wait to read the other books in the series personally. I felt like this book has a little something of everything: humor, heart break, adventure, drama, romance, etc. And there is an incredible ending that honestly had me on the brink of tears. I just couldn't put it down if I wanted to. For a 400 page book I found this to be a rather quick read just because I couldn't put it down. The end of every chapter had me wanting more, and each page turn had me anticipating the adventures I would find on the next page.
I learned a lot from this book not only about the Amish but about buggy and draft horses as well. I really enjoyed the whole experience of reading this book, and highly recommend it to any reader out there interested in Amish or those of you with a love for horses.


::More info about the book::

• Paperback: 412 pages
• Publisher: CrossLink Publishing (December 3, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1936746794
• ISBN-13: 978-1936746798

::Purchase this book::

Paperback     Kindle     Nook

And guess what else? If your big on your e-reader the book is only $2.99 for both Kindle and Nook right now. That is a FANTASTIC deal for this book and I urge you to take advantage of it while it lasts so you can take part in this exciting adventure. If you do decide to take the plunge and read this come back or send me an email and let me know what you thought of this book. Particularly your feelings on the ending. :)

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a BookCrash reviewer in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

NEW ARM & HAMMER (TM) Truly Radiant (TM)

NEW ARM & HAMMER (TM) Truly Radiant (TM) is such an amazing product! I really can honestly gush about this with joy and happiness!
I am always trying to find toothpaste and toothbrush products that actually work. But I often find they are lacking in one thing or another. But this is one product that does what it promises! I got results that I not only could see, but that I could FEEL! I am actually so in love with my Arm & Hammer Toothbrush and Toothpaste that I don't see myself trading them in anytime soon.

The toothpaste makes my mouth feel so fresh, and clean. The taste is pleasant and doesn't leave an unpleasant aftertaste at all. I feel like my teeth are stronger, and they definitely look better not to mention cleaner. It shows a complete difference in about five days, but I noticed differences after my first brush! My teeth just looked and felt a lot cleaner.

And the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush. It does some good deep cleaning, and my mouth actually feels FULLY clean! It's a dual action brush head, and one that you can replace so you aren't constantly having to replace the whole toothbrush and re-spending the cost of it! It also feels really good while it's cleaning, and there is a total difference.




Disclaimer: I got to try this product/s for free as a Smiley360 member in exchange for my unbiased thoughts. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Happy Homemaker Monday 06/02/2014

Hello everyone! :) I hope you have had a fantastic weekend. Around here we just finished the end of the school year and now are settling down for summer break. I think I'm more excited about it than my kids are! LOL. BUT everything is always so rushed and I do so miss my loves when they are away. This year my youngest starts preschool, and I can't quite believe it. I honestly don't know what I will do with my spare time! I'm a little scared about it to be honest. It's been a very long time since I have had a house all to myself even if for a little while.

Image Credit: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
If you would like to join in Happy Homemaker Monday
please head on over to Sandra's blog and link up your
Happy Homemaker Post! :)

::As I look outside my window::

It's gloomy outside and humid. There is a slight breeze now and again, but we are in for some storms today. 

::Right now I am::

Sitting on the couch typing up this post. Hubby is sitting beside me, and the kids are playing games on their kindles right now.

::Thinking and pondering::

I have a lot on my mind actually. About our summer plans, about this new school year ahead, weight loss goals, etc. 

::On my bedside table::

My Bible, a candle, bedside lamp, body lotion.

::On my TV this week::

Monday- Lizard Lick

Tuesday- catching up on True Tori

Wednesday- catching up on The Carbonero Effect

Thursday- catching up on Bones

Friday- family movie night (we aren't sure what movie yet)

Saturday- nothing planned yet

Sunday- Long Island Medium

::Listening to::

Dr. Phil playing in the background, sounds coming from the kids Kindle games, and the sound of the laptop keys as I type.

::On the menu for this week::

Monday- Fried Chicken, mac & cheese, broccoli

Tuesday- Spaghetti & Garlic Cheese Bread

Wednesday- Turkey Manhattan's w/corn & mashed potatoes of course

Thursday- Chicken Wraps & Shoestring Fries

Friday- Steak Fajitas & Rice

Saturday- Salisbury Steaks, rolls, green beans, baked potatoes

Sunday- grocery shopping day

::On my to do list::

• Phone calls to insurance company
• Laundry
• Library
• Errands

::Happening this week::

Monday- need to run to the library, run a few more errands, 

Tuesday- take car to transmission shop as it's been not wanting to shift into 4th gear for awhile now, cleaning out storage (we have been dragging on that doing a little at a time lol) & Karate

Wednesday- Bookstore & Playgroup

Thursday- Playgroup & Karate

Friday- Errands

::What I am creating::

I've not really been creating per say right now. I've been re-organizing our entire apartment. Now that both boys will be going to school I'm thinking of making them some cubby spaces in the entry hall so they will have a spot to place their coats, backpacks, and shoes, etc. Something personalized and fun for them. 

::My simple pleasure::

HGTV, particularly House Hunters (all of them). I just love seeing all the homes out there and I love trying to guess what home the people will choose. 

::Homemaking tips::

Give yourself a rest day. I know this can be hard for some but trust me you need it. Of course around my house I can't let every single thing go for a day of course there's dishes and picking up. But when you are making your plan for your heavier chores give yourself an off day to enjoy with family, and to schedule time in for yourself. This is very important so you don't find yourself feeling overwhelmed and totally stressed out.

::Looking around the house::
Living room needs some picking up. Hubs is sitting on the couch watching Dr. Phil, kids are playing kindles talking about their games.

::From the camera::

Nothing this week

::Prayer List::

Family and Friends needing prayer.

::Bible verse/devotional::

Consistency! How much we need
To walk a measured pace,
To live the life of which we speak,
Until we see Christ’s face. —Anon