The Radical Book for Kids: Exploring the Roots and Shoots of Faith Book Review

I received The Radical Book for Kids free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

The Radical Book for Kids: Exploring the Roots and Shoots of Faith is an invaluable guide to the Bible, history of the Christian church, and life for boys and girls age 8 and up. It is illustrated throughout its pages and filled with interesting facts and ideas. It unfolds deep truths and answers questions that elementary and middle-school aged kids need to know and understand. It will help edify the young readers' faith in Christianity and stimulate their natural curiosity for the truth within a gospel-centered foundation.

The Radical Book for Kids will take children on a fascinating journey to learn about: the ancient roots of the Christian faith, people who had faith in Jesus and how/why they stood for Him even in turbulent times, ancient weapons (and how to make one), jewels, pottery (and  how to create your own), secret codes, stars, telling time using the sun, tying knots, ancient recipes (and how to make them), a board game that's 3,000 years old (and how to play it), and so much more! So many great things to learn, read about, do and explore! With a wide spectrum of important topics, this book is sure to engage the child.

The author, Champ Thornton is an associate pastor at Ogletown Baptist Church in Delaware. Champ is also the author of "God's Love: A Bible Storybook," and of Bible curriculum for early and upper elementary-aged children. He has been happily married since 1996 to his wife, Robben, and they have three children.

I love that you can skip around or read straight through and the table of contents and index help you find things. This book has 67 chapters, but each chapter is only 2-5 pages so they don't take too long to read. We love exploring the pages of this book and can't wait to do some of the hand-on projects too! We love to get this out for Bible study during our homeschooling. Such a great resource for kids....and adults alike!

Follow The Author on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/champ.thornton.7
Twitter: https://twitter.com/champthornton
Blog: http://www.champthornton.com/

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

12 Days of Christmas with Six Sisters' Stuff Review and Giveaway

We received this product free from Shadow Mountain to facilitate this review, an opportunity to host a giveaway and participate in the blog tour. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

One of my favorite blogs to read is the Six Sisters' Stuff blog. This blog was created by 6 biological sisters: Camille, Kristen, Elyse, Stephanie, Lauren, and Kendra that wanted to stay in touch and share recipes, crafts, projects and neat ideas with each other while apart. Growing up with just sisters and no brothers in my family I can relate with this blog a lot...even though I only have 2 younger sisters. These sisters also share another similarity with me...they are all of the LDS/Mormon faith. Their blog is also in the "Why Are YOUR Favorite Bloggers Mormon?" list of blogs that I frequently visit.

Six Sisters' Stuff is back for the holidays with their third book, 12 Days of Christmas with Six Sisters' Stuff. This book is loaded with creative ideas for Christmas. There are 144 recipes, DIY crafts to Deck The Halls with, homemade and handcrafted gift ideas, party ideas, ways to serve, family traditions, tips, and more. This book is split up into 12 topics having 12 different fun ideas underneath each. It definitely is a great way to organize the book. It has 143 pages packed with full color easy recipes, crafts, projects and ideas similar to the ones on their blog. These were all compiled as a collection of their family favorites. You can make all kinds of things from it that are simple to create and easily affordable too. Both their blog and the book reminds me of the many creative things we made at Young Women activities and still make in Relief Society. A table of contents in the front and an index in the back keep it simple to find everything. I will definitely be keeping this book on hand as a go to book for helping me: create yummy meals and desserts quickly, decorate my home for the holidays, and create unique one of a kind gifts for friends and family.

The recipes in this book look so delicious! I can't wait to try out these desserts: Cherry Chocolate Muffins, Nutella Banana Bread, Eggnog Gingerbread Trifle, and Almond Joy Bars! Yummy! Again the Six Sisters' Stuff does not disappoint when it comes down to slow cooker meals. I love my Crock-pot and use it a lot! I will be trying out the Slow-Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup and the Slow-Cooker Ham and Pineapple Sandwiches soon.

I love that this book makes it easy to make so many neat things for the home and others. I love to throw together cookie plates for neighbors and friends and this cookbook makes it easy to do so because it has 12 to pick from! Not only that, but the 12 Days of Christmas with Six Sisters' Stuff has wonderful ideas for gifts that are inexpensive and easy to make. I love the Burlap Handprint Tree Skirt, the Wood Photo Blocks, and the Christmas Monogram Hanging.

This book is wonderful to get us in the holiday spirit, deck the halls, and get together with family and friends in "The Most Wonderful Time of Year!". Celebrate the joy of the season with the Six Sisters' Stuff.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
12 Christmas Cookies
12 Days of Christmas for Your "True Love"
12 Family Traditions
12 Christmas Brunch Recipes
12 Sanity-Saving Christmas Tips
12 Christmas Party Ideas
12 Spectacular Christmas Treats
12 Ways to Give Back
12 Gifts for Neighbors
12 Quick and Easy Family Dinners
12 Homemade Christmas Gifts
12 DIY Christmas Decorations

Buy the Six Sisters' Stuff Books:



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Prize: 4 entrants will win a signed copy of The 12 Days of Christmas with the Six Sisters.

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received products for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

A Year with Six Sisters' Stuff: 52 Menu Plans, Recipes and Ideas to Bring Families Together Book Review and Giveaway

We received this product free from Shadow Mountain to facilitate this review, an opportunity to host a giveaway and participate in the blog tour.

One of my favorite blogs to read is the Six Sisters' Stuff blog. This blog was created by 6 biological sisters: Camille, Kristen, Elyse, Stephanie, Lauren, and Kendra that wanted to stay in touch and share recipes, crafts, projects and neat ideas with each other while apart. Growing up with just sisters and no brothers in my family I can relate with this blog a lot...even though I only have 2 younger sisters. These sisters also share another similarity with me...they are all of the LDS/Mormon faith. Their blog is also in the "Why Are YOUR Favorite Bloggers Mormon?" list of blogs that I frequently visit.

Six Sisters' Stuff is back with seconds with their newest cookbook, A Year with Six Sisters' Stuff. So many mouthwatering meal and recipe choices! It is jam packed with over 150 new recipes broken into 52 menu plans to share with family and friends. It has easy to follow instructions and every recipe is accompanied by gorgeous full color photos. Each meal has a entree, side dish and dessert. You can also take those meals and mix and match other recipes from the book to make different meal offerings. The ingredients that the Six Sisters use are usually found in the home making the meals even easier to throw together at the last minute. Making three-course meals couldn't be more simple and stress-free when following the Six Sisters. Also tucked in throughout are tips, crafts, helpful checklists, traditions, ideas and activities; all easily found by table of contents and index.

My favorite meals from this cookbook have to be the slow cooker ones. I love my Crock Pot! The Honey-Lime Chicken Enchiladas sound so good too! I really would love to try the Homemade Bread Bowls because I love soup. I am also on a fruit kick so the Ambrosia Fruit Salad, Berry Cheesecake Pudding and Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad look absolutely delicious. These and so many other recipes grace the pages of the A Year with Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook.

I love that this cookbook makes it easier on the cook to make healthy and homemade three course meals for their family. Dinnertime especially is supposed to be family time. So gather around the table with your family and partake in the delicious food that Six Sisters' Stuff has in store for you.

BUY IT
You can purchase the Six Sisters' Stuff book at DeseretBook.com for $21.99 List Price $18.69 Sale Price (at posting date).

WIN IT
Prize: 10 winners will receive a copy of A Year with Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook. This giveaway is the same giveaway hosted on my blog and all the blogs that are participating in the blog tour.

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received products for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

#DisneySide List of Fun Uses for Cookie Cutters

This post has affiliate links in it. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Since I received these Mickey Mouse Cookie Cutters complementary for use with my #DisneySide @Home Celebration kit I have had a lot of people ask what are some fun and inventive ways to use the cookies cutters for. Here is what I came up with...

FOOD:

• Brownies
• Cookies
• Pancakes
• Waffles
• French toast
• French Macaroons
• Ice cream shapes on freezer paper and tray
• Ice cream sandwiches
• Finger sandwiches
• Grilled cheese
• PB&J
• Pizzas
• Shaped burgers for the grill
• Fried Eggs
• Chips out of tortillas for taco salad
• Jello Jigglers
• Watermelon
• Other melon
• Pineapple
• Popcorn or Rice Crispie or cereal treats
• Biscuits
• Beignets
• Raviolis
• Fondant to decorate a cake or cupcake
• Pie crust shapes
• Filled pastries
• Cheese and meat cutouts
• Shish kabobs
• Large cucumbers sliced and cut into shapes for a salad
• Lollipops
• Cakepops
• Fudge

#DisneySide Cookie Cutter Finger Sandwiches

CRAFTS:

• Template or stencil 
• Fabric fused or an iron on transfer onto other fabric
• Sponge Painting
• Play dough
• Modeling clay
• Halloween for hammering shapes out of jack o lanterns
• Decorations to hang on a Christmas tree, wreath, or garland
• Vinyl decals for a room or a Kitchen-aid mixer
• Party favor filled sewn pockets to put small things into for guests
• Paper Mickey bouquets on Pinterest
• Hairthings
• Decorate a Disney savings jar
• Decorate a Disney Autograph book
• Disney wine glasses
• Table centerpiece decoration
• Make a flashlight cover
• Invitation decorations
• Bunting or banner

I have also brought together other ideas from around the web on my #DisneySide Pinterest Page.


DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: This post is in conjunction with Disney Parks and MomSelect. I received a party pack complimentary to throw a #DisneySide @Home Celebration to promote Disney's new campaign "Show Your #DisneySide". My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I was not asked to do this post nor did I receive any other compensation for this post. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. This post has affiliate links in it. Thanks for supporting my blog.

DIY Upcycled Ideas for Washing Machine Parts

We've replaced our clothes washer about 4-5 times (I lost count) this past year because of different things failing on them. One didn't agitate anymore, one soaked our floor as it died, one had its spider joint crack, and the others had similar issues. They were "Craigslist Specials" because frankly we couldn't afford brand new ones. We couldn't believe that we were going through so many washing machines because the first one lasted about 6 years.

I always try to look at the bright side of things when things just don't seem like they are going right. I try to have a "When life hands you lemons, make lemon-aide" kind of attitude.  I wanted to turn a bad situation into something good. This is what I came up with...

Top loading washing machine with the stainless steel drum exposed.

My husband taking the washing machine apart.

The stainless steel drum of our old washing machine (to be used as a fire pit or planter).

Washing machine drum container gardening.

• Upcycle a drum of a washing machine and use as a fire pit/BBQ, drink cooler, planter, seat, footstool, small end/coffee table or lamp/light! If you have a washer with a stainless steel drum/tub it will last longer for these projects than the other metals and plastic ones shouldn't be used for the fire pit. The drum has natural air holes for the oxygen to circulate while the fire is going for a fire pit. You can also set it on an old over sized metal dish from a Satellite TV provider. The stainless, metal or plastic drums can also be used as the perfect planter...just set a flat rock or affix a metal plate over the large hole in the bottom. It even has natural draining holes so that the soil doesn't get too soaked when you water your plant(s). You can also attach it easily to a DIY stand. Here are some other neat ideas for a seat and lamp and too!

Front loading washer glass door window.

Front loading washer glass window upcycled for a fruit bowl.

• Upcycle the glass door window of a front loader to a stylish fruit or mixing bowl. Just take the glass bowl shaped window off the door, remove extra parts, clean it up, and voila...instant fruit bowl!

Front loading washer top upcycled to a magnetic board.

• Upcycle a side or top piece of the washing machine for a magnetic or dry erase white board. This is great for use in your office or homeschool! My kids love this and since ours was the top piece of a front loader it has brackets at the top that you can use to hang it easily on the wall!

Washing machine hose upcycled as a water bucket filler.

• Upcycle a washing machine hose to be used as a bucket filler for water. These hoses are shorter and easier to handle than a long gardening hose for this purpose...especially around the farm when buckets of water need filled daily. We also got some 2-way and 4-way faucet expanders/distributers/extenders at the hardware store to let us use the faucet water from the same spigot even while the washer is all hooked up and running.
• Upcycle a washing machine into a chicken coop! This clothes dryer was even made into a chicken coop. I am sure a front loading washer could probably be used the same way.

These are my ideas to get your creative juices flowing. You can get the plans for all of these projects by searching for them online. There are many different ways to make some of these. Choose the best suited for your own needs. You can also find tutorials on how to take your broken washing machine apart. Different makes and models come apart differently.

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." - John Wooden

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: If you do any of these projects I am not liable for any injuries that happen. Make your best judgement and try not to get hurt.

Six Sisters' Stuff Book Review - Recipes, Crafts, Etc.

One of my favorite blogs to read is the Six Sisters' Stuff blog. This blog was created by 6 biological sisters: Camille, Kristen, Elyse, Stephanie, Lauren, and Kendra that wanted to stay in touch and share recipes, crafts, projects and neat ideas with each other while apart. Growing up with just sisters and no brothers in my family I can relate with this blog a lot...even though I only have 2 younger sisters. These sisters also share another similarity with me...they are all of the LDS/Mormon faith. Their blog is also in the "Why Are YOUR Favorite Bloggers Mormon?" list of blogs that I frequently visit.

I received their awesome new and very first cookbook for free to facilitate this review. This book is a great resource for meals that can be prepared and cooked quickly so that family can be enjoyed around a table. Meal preparation is difficult for some, but it certainly doesn't have to be. More than 80 great tried and true recipes from on hand ingredients grace the pages of this book with easy to follow instructions and gorgeously represented by full color photos. This book has the recipes categorized into: main dishes, slow cooker meals, sides, salads, breads, and desserts. When I first got the book I looked through the pages and the recipes made my tummy start rumbling because they all looked and sounded so good. I am going to have to try the Baked Chicken Bacon Ranch Taquitos because I love taquitos and never have tried making them myself. I have had a similar version of the Grilled 7-Up Chicken  before at a barbeque in Utah and it is delicious! The Creamy Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes is a similar recipe I use at home, except I haven't ever put the ranch in with it...I will have to try that. I love slow cooker meals too because you can just throw the ingredients in the crock pot and let them simmer all day making the house smell just divine. The German Chocolate Cake Bars I definitely need to try because I love German Chocolate anything! There are so many other yummy sounding recipes in this book that I am going to have to try soon!

The crafts, helpful checklists, ideas and activities are scattered throughout the book in various locations easily found by table of contents and index. I will be putting the Spring Cleaning Checklist to good use soon. The Ice Cream Cone Piñata sounds like it would make a great party. I love the family theme of this book and that many of the crafts and activities ca be done as a family to create memories that will last. There are so many other fun crafts and ideas too that I now want to incorporate in my everyday endeavors from this book.

This book has 208 pages packed with full color easy recipes, crafts, projects and ideas similar to the ones on their blog. These were all compiled as a collection of their family favorites. You can make all kinds of things from it that are simple to create and easily affordable too. Both their blog and the book reminds me of the many creative things we made at Young Women activities and still make in Relief Society. A table of contents in the front and an index in the back keep it simple to find everything. I will definitely be keeping this book on hand as a go to book for helping me: create yummy meals quickly, beat boredom, and conquer clutter.

Join the Family Dinner Challenge and Enter to Win a Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook
According to Pew Research, only about half of families make dinner a daily ritual and another third eat together a few times a week. Roughly one in 5 families (20%) eat together only occasionally or never. In conjunction with the book’s release, on March 4, 2013, SixSistersStuff.com have launched a 4x4 Dinner Challenge. Families are encouraged to eat together as a family at least four times a week for four weeks. Families can register online at www.SixSistersStuff.com and receive meal tips, ideas for family activities, and helpful recipes to assist in making this challenge a reality. You can also enter to win one of 2 cookbooks while you are registering! “We grew up knowing the importance of feeding our families a home-cooked meal and sitting down to eat it together,” said Camille, the oldest sister. “Even the busiest of people can make the food and project ideas we share, which will give you even more time to spend with your family and loved ones.”

BUY IT
You can purchase the Six Sisters' Stuff book at DeseretBook.com for $21.99 List Price $19.79 Sale Price.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

National Princess Week for Teela's Birthday Party!

It is National Princess Week for Teela's Birthday Party! My little girl has turned 4 years old. Her actual birthday was on the 15th, but I made the party for Saturday the 28th because my husband was working the other weekends. I really couldn't have planned it for a more perfect day. Little did I know that my sister, Jennifer, who lives in Utah was coming to visit my folks and would also be able to attend Teela's party along with my parents. Also, I just heard that it is National Princess Week April 22-28 so that just made it even more extra special since my daughter made her party theme to be Disney Princesses and Ponies. I just hope the weather is nice so we can have some outdoor fun.

Disney, Julie Andrews (author of The Very Fairy Princess and actress in The Princess Diaries among other things) and Target have teamed up to create the very first National Princess Week April 22-28, 2012! I got some great ideas from Julie Andrews on her blog for 30 Ways to Celebrate National Princess Week and before I even knew about this I was pinning all sorts of fun ideas on Pinterest for Teela's Disney Princess and Pony Party. Parents are invited to shop Target for: the 10th anniversary release of The Princess Diaries & The Princess Diaries 2, “The Very Fairy Princess: Here Comes the Flower Girl!” (part 2 in Andrews’ series), and all sorts of Disney princess Blu-rays, books, toys & games.

I am also going to be reviewing a party dress for Teela that was handpainted and handcrafted by Whimsey Kids soon. Here is a special sneak peek of what it looks like. Isn't it adorable!! I can't wait for Teela to wear it at the party! I will be getting pictures...

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post because I thought you might be interested in knowing this information and taking part of the deals on Target. I thought I would share the savings. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post save the free dress that will be reviewed later.