Marked In Ink

::Product Description::

Megan Massacre, one of the most popular tattoo artists and reality TV stars with starring roles in TLC's NY Ink and America's Worst Tattoos, brings her wildly popular art style to a coloring book.

Tattoo artist Megan Massacre invites adult coloring book fans into her whimsical world of sugar skulls, sailing ships, mermaids, owls, and more. Now you can add your own bold, vibrant colors to her signature edgy and artistic tattoo designs--and tear each perforated page out for display!

::My Thoughts::
This is a fantastic adult coloring book. The images are very well drawn, very interesting, and definitely creative.
The pages are also perforated so you can easily tear them out of the book. This comes in handy especially when you want to color with marker. The pages are one sided so I highly suggest when using marker that you rip the page out first. Some of the markers I tried bled through despite the fact that the paper seems to be of very good quality. Each page is nice and thick.
Just be careful because you want to make sure you have the opportunity to color every page without having to worry about colors bleeding through. This will vary depending on if you are heavy handed or not so just make a note.
I absolutely love this coloring book! I of course love adult coloring books in general because they help relax me. It is a great way to de-stress at the end of a hard day or week. It's also another great way to get creative with your imagination.
I am so enthralled with this particular book because of the different art that is throughout. It has a variety of pictures to choose from. I also find it so fascinating that these are actual tattoos and you can color them however you wish. Megan Massacre the artist was actually on the TV show NY Ink. This is her first adult coloring book, and I definitely hope to see more from her!
Some of the pictures are an easy color in while some are more intricate and take more attention to detail. You can use a variety of tools to create the colors and effects you want. Gel pens, crayons, markers, ink joy pens, colored pencils (my go to choice), or a combination of a few different tools which gives a really cool effect.
I definitely recommend this coloring book if you love to color. You won't be disappointed.

I rate this book 5 stars.
Check out this book on Amazon


::Product Details::

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; Clr Csm edition (August 2, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399578773
• ISBN-13: 978-0399578779
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 0.4 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews 

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

Happy Homemaker Monday 11/21/2016

Hello all! How is everyone? I apologize for my very long absence. As you all probably know I have been active on some of my social media just not all. We have had a lot of changes in the previous months, and a lot has kept me very busy. We moved, the kids have been more active in school, school has been more demanding than usual, and the hubby's work schedule has been quite a mix. So I finally feel like I have the chance to breathe again! Sometimes we just have to unplug for awhile to get our bearings, get back in touch with ourselves and family, and just refresh.

I do want to start my first blog post back with a Happy Homemaker Monday. This is Thanksgiving week and while I will be trying to play catch up I will also be very busy this week. As I'm sure you all will. I hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving! If you would like to join in Happy Homemaker Monday go on over to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom and link up your post on Sandra's linky.

Photo Credit: Sandra @ familycorner.blogspot.com

::As I look outside my window::

It is sunny but cold. There are leaves on the ground, one of the kids chair's looks like it has blown off the patio so I will have to get that right after this post.

::Right now I am::

Sitting on the couch typing up this post real quick before I get started on my evening duties.

::Thinking and pondering::

About how life can be so very hectic and demanding. We get so caught up in all the demands plus the day to day that before we know it the days have passed, our children are getting older, we are getting older, and we are stuck wondering where in the world the time went. I have felt there a little lately. As I said the last few months have been a tad crazy. I'm determined to slow down no matter what and just enjoy more than I have been.

::On my bedside table::

Nothing at the moment but some adult coloring books. All of my books are still packed up waiting to be unpacked.

::On my TV::

Gotham

Jane the Virgin

Gilmore Girls

Vlogs

::Playing on the radio::

Not playing the radio at the moment.

::On the menu for this week::

Monday- Grilled Cheese, Broccoli, and Fried Apples

Tuesday- Spaghetti & Cheesy Toast

Wednesday- Oven Baked Chicken, Salad, and Apple Slices

Thursday- Thanksgiving Dinner (I will not be making the entire meal this year for Thanksgiving. We are only making a few things and we will be going to my mom's to enjoy this year's Thanksgiving with family. I will list the things I will be making first, followed by the other things we will have on the menu. We have a lot of people coming this year so it will be a big dinner and others are bringing some stuff as well.

What I'm making: Ham, green bean casserole, oreo truffles, deviled eggs, BBQ Smokies, stuffing.

What else we will be having which others are bringing and my mom is making most of it: Oven Roasted Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, veggie, cheese and cracker tray, fruit salad, Pecan Pie, and Pumpkin Pie. 

There will also be an assortment of homemade candies. My mom makes candy and cookies every holiday and packs up little goody bags for everyone to take with them when they leave. It's something that I'm going to start doing when we host and let the kids help. We usually always have made cookies to give others, but I haven't done the candy except maybe once or twice.

Friday- Leftovers

Saturday- Family movie night we will be having a Goonie Themed Movie Night and ordering pizza, having Lay's Potato Chips, Pepsi, Baby Ruth's, etc. Definitely not the healthiest meal, but a lot of fun for the kids.

Sunday- Homemade Cheeseburgers and Fries

::On my to do list::

At this point in the day I have mostly done everything. I am joining in with this post very late in the day. I am about to help the kids with their homework, and do the lunch dishes left in the sink (our dishwasher is on the fritz and so I have had to hand-wash everything and we can't get it fixed until the week after thanksgiving. Speaking of hand-washing dishes does anyone out there still hand wash their dishes? If so do you prefer sponges or dish cloths? I'm just curious I have used both before, but so many say that dish cloths are a lot better and more sanitary.  I need to start dinner, and re-organize a few things in the living room to get ready for the Christmas Tree. I'm hoping to get that up the day after Thanksgiving.

::What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting, or creating::

I have been coloring with colored pencils in my adult coloring books. I find it VERY relaxing and therapeutic. I also need to sew my son a cape for his Grover Stuffed Animal. 

::My simple pleasure::

Playing board games with my family.

::Lesson learned this past week::

Age doesn't measure maturity.


::Looking around the house::
The kids have strewn their backpacks wherever so I need to have them put them in their place. They are revved up this week in anticipation of the holiday. :)


::Prayer list::
Some family and friends that are going through a tough time right now. Especially this time of year. As much as we all look forward to the holidays remember there are a lot of people out there that find this time of year a real struggle. Especially when it comes to finances. I know we have been there ourselves and could very well be there again at any given time. Regardless of the reason just think of all those out there that could be having a tough time and pray for them.


::Bible Verse / Devotional::

A Heart Most Certain

::From the back of the book::
While Lydia King's reasons for joining the Teaville Moral Society might be suspect to some members, her heart is in the right place. Because of her father's debts and her mother's persistent illness, her best chance at a secure future and curing her mother is to impress the politician courting her. Her first task--to ask the town's wealthiest man to donate--seems simple enough . . . until he refuses.

Despite appearances, Nicholas Lowe wants to help others, but prefers to keep his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, but Nicholas still intends to do things his own way. Neither predicts what they'll learn about true charity or foresee the complications their actions will bring to the town, forcing Lydia to decide where her beliefs and heart truly align.

::My Thoughts::
Typically it takes me a few chapters into a book to become really immersed, but this book had me from start to finish! I was captivated! It is very well written, the characters are very well put together, and the writing style will sweep you away.
This isn't your typical written historical romance fiction book. It holds so much information, and really a great look at how some people are, good and bad. Thought provoking doesn't even begin to describe this book.
At first I was so annoyed by Lydia. I know her background isn't great, but her way of thinking and going about things got on my nerves. It didn't last throughout the whole story thankfully, and without giving too much away I will leave it at that.
It isn't just a great read, but rather a book that will make you think. Particularly about judging others without knowing them, about love, compassion, charity, beliefs, etc.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book. It's like a roller coaster ride if I must be honest. Definitely not in a bad way because I can't sing enough praises for this book. I definitely recommend this if you like historical fiction novels, especially Christian ones. I do have to say it has some sensitive topics, and some characters that young readers shouldn't be introduced to. There are prostitutes in this book, but it does talk about how sometimes women back then had little option.
Despite prostitutes being in this book it is a clean romance novel so no worries there if you don't like to read more in depth on that topic.
This is book one in this series, and I cannot wait to read book two. There are some secondary characters that I would love to learn more about as well.
If you would like to check it out, just click here.


::Product Description::

• Series: Teaville Moral Society
• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (August 2, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764217518
• ISBN-13: 978-0764217517

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.

My Little Prayers

::From the back of this book::

The bestselling My Little^® series, with more than 2 million copies sold, is a compact collection of books that will have a big impact on the hearts of your children. My Little Prayers will help you introduce your children to prayer.

My Little Prayers teaches children both classic and modern prayers surrounding subjects such as mealtimes, bedtime, playtime, time with God, and others as well as prayer for times when children are fearful, happy, or sad. New illustrations in the same perfect format for the small hands of your toddlers and preschoolers make My Little Prayers a wonderful gift for a variety of occasions, and it is just the right size to tuck into a birthday gift bag or Easter basket.

Children will learn a big lesson from this little book: that we can talk to God any time we want and that He always listens.

::My Thoughts::

This is such an adorable children's book. This has great prayers for everything, and they are easy to remember and repeat. The book is small enough for your child's hands to hold easily, and it makes it the perfect little gift as well. This can be great wrapped, in a gift bag, in a stocking, an Easter basket, etc. I love the illustrations in this book! The pictures are so well done, and colorful. This is sure to capture your children's attention, and a great guide for them to learn many prayers. There are so many great prayers packed into this little book. There are prayers for feelings whether your little one is feeling scared, happy, sad, etc. There are also prayers for mealtimes, bedtime, playtime, God time, etc. It just goes to show you can pray and talk to God whenever you want. I definitely recommend this book for your little ones. All three of my children love it. Prayer is big in our house, and even my oldest son who is almost nine likes to read the prayers, and has learned quite a few of them. My five year old is often reading through the prayers, and my one year old loves it to be read to her as well. I can't rave about this book enough. It is fantastic!

Find it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

::Product Details::

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Reissue edition (May 3, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718040198
• ISBN-13: 978-0718040192

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

How Do I Love Thee? A devotional journal for wives

::Book Description::
Happiness in marriage is not so much a matter of chance as it is a matter of choice. Choosing to be happy means choosing to think on things that are good and noble and right and lovely and pure—including your spouse’s most positive, admirable, and endearing qualities. Our marriages can’t help but benefit when we discipline ourselves to do this. That’s the purpose of this journal in a nutshell. Whether you’re writing, drawing, pasting, or coloring in it, each page, prompt, and verse is designed to help you recall and record the things you love most about your husband, to reflect on your most cherished memories, and to recognize God’s hand at work in your relationship. I pray you will be richly blessed as you meditate on God’s Word and allow it to shape your life and marriage.

::My Thoughts::
This is a really beautiful journal, and I haven't seen anything quite like it before. I have seen them to write memories for your children, but never for wives which is very important. This book is especially for wives to write down things about their marriage, and husband. There are helpful prompts, passages, and it's a great way to get you to take a look at the important parts of your marriage. There are places to tape/glue pictures, or draw them, and you can just make the pages how you want. The clip art is adorable and classy with plenty of pages you can color yourself. I find writing in this journal to be very therapeutic. There are a lot of meaningful bible verses and passages contained within as well.
This would be the perfect gift for a new bride, or even any married woman. It is literally for the whole journey of marriage start to finish. It starts out at the beginnings, talks about God's plan, goes through romance, children, and it's just something to keep throughout all your years.
What a great keepsake to have when your older to be able to reflect on your marriage. And how awesome for your children to look at this one day, and pass it on through generations. I don't know about everyone else, but I would have loved to have a book like this from my grandma or even great-grandma or before her!
This is a Christian book, and really shows how to love your spouse deeper in all way. It's a great way to keep you on track with scriptures, and faith as well. Sometimes life can get so busy and we are human we get swept right up in it not realizing what we are neglecting. It's the little things we don't always catch.
All in all this is a fantastic journal and I can't recommend it enough. It really got me thinking, looking back on me and hubby's journey from start to now, and thinking of the future. 
If you would like to check it out for yourself and add this amazing journal to your home just click HERE.


::Product Description::

• Diary: 218 pages
• Publisher: Prescott Publishing (August 24, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1938945158
• ISBN-13: 978-1938945151

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

A Review on Wonderland: A Coloring Book Inspired by Alice's Adventures

::About the book::
Follow the White Rabbit into this imaginative adult coloring book inspired by Lewis Carroll'sAlice's Adventures in Wonderland, featuring intricate pen-and-ink drawings by acclaimed artist Amily Shen. 

Meet the Cheshire Cat, attend the Mad Hatter's tea party, and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts in this evocative tale that invites you into a strange and beautiful new world of coloring.


::My Thoughts::
I am a huge fan of adult coloring books. I have been since they came out. Coloring has always been a passion of mine, and as soon as "adult" coloring books came out I was smitten. They are more intricate and challenging, and a great way to just decompress while expressing yourself artistically. Coloring is a great stress reliever, and a great way to unwind.
I was even more excited when I seen there was a coloring book inspired by Alice's adventures in wonderland! It has everything that a fan of Alice in Wonderland could want! You get the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and tea party, the Queen of Hearts, Alice, etc. The artist of the book has taken a much more updated look than other Alice in Wonderland coloring books I have seen. She is definitely dressed more stylishly than I have seen her. There is even passages from the original book scattered throughout. They are not big so they do not take up too much of the page which I really appreciate. The pages are thick and durable. While coloring I had no trouble with bleeding through of any kind. I mostly use colored pencils to color in my coloring books, but in this one I also used pens, markers, and colored pencils. The book is broken up into chapters so you can work on a page at a time, a chapter at a time, however you want to do it. It's almost like reading the book through your coloring which is something I haven't come across so far.
This book also has a dust cover which is durable and nice. This is definitely a good buy if you are a lover of adult coloring books. Some of the pages are more challenging while some are more novice, but either way you look at it nothing is taken away from the beauty of the pictures. Each page is beautifully designed, and this has become one of my favorite coloring books so far. I will definitely be on the lookout for more coloring books by this artist, and I recommend this artist and book highly. You will have hours of coloring fun with this lovely book.


::Find this book on::
Amazon    Barnes & Noble


::Product Details::

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; Clr Csm edition (April 5, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399578463
• ISBN-13: 978-0399578465

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

Guys Slimline Holy Bible NLT

::Product Description::
The Guys Slimline Bible blue chevron edition is the perfect gift for all occasions and features the easy to understand New Living Translation text. The 53-page dictionary/concordance helps kids locate passages on various topics. Includes 8 pages of full-color maps, a blue ribbon marker, and a special presentation page. 

The New Living Translation text is excellent for young readers because it is so clear and they can understand what they are reading! When they can read and understand God’s Word, God can work in their hearts!



::My Thoughts::
I have really loved this bible for my oldest son. He is constantly reading it, and he understands what he is reading. The language is very understandable which means younger kids can really think about what they are reading. It is an imitation leather cover with a blue chevron print. Absolutely wonderful design for any young man to have. 
There is a very helpful dictionary in the back so you can search by topics, etc. There are full color maps, and even an attatched blue ribbon so you can hold your place. It is slim enough to easily carry along with you to church, school, etc. My son was so excited when I presented this bible to him. He had been wanting a more "adult" bible for some time, and this was just the one. It is a very durable bible, and would make a fantastic gift for any occasion or even just because. 


::Product Details::

Reading level	9 and up
Publisher	Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Publication date	June 1, 2015
Language	English
Product Dimensions	5.5 x 1 x 8.1 inches
Shipping Weight	12 ounces
Book length	1104
ISBN-10	1414397666
ISBN-13	978-1414397665

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.