Something Smells…

Published by Michelle Brown on February 16th, 2012

A couple of month’s ago, a friend of mine started selling Scentsy products. Like a good friend, I decided I’d buy something to help her in her entrepreneurial endeavors. I know these items have been around for a while, but I really was amazed at these little warmers. They fill your home with the most amazing scents, without the need for dangerous candles, messy oils or automatic sprays that seem to catch you right when you walk by.

So, when she asked me if I’d like to host an online party, I decided I’d give it a try. So if you’d like to purchase some products, click on the link below and then click on my party, Michelle Freiberger-Brown’s ONLINE party.

https://angel33.scentsy.us/Buy

Thanks for your help everyone, and I hope you enjoy these products as much as I do!

Week Two Giveaway – Lowe’s Gift Card

Published by Michelle Brown on December 8th, 2011

Congratulations to last week’s winners.  1st place $20 gift card -  Adventures of a New Stay at Home Mom, 2nd place $10 gift card, J. Dockens.

This week we are giving away a $20 gift card to Lowes.  Use it toward buying your own decorations…or for something new for your home or garden.  Want an extra entry?  Simply go to our Facebook Page and post a picture of the best Nativity scene you can find.  We found one the other night complete with a camel, sheep, wise men.  Unfortunately it was on a busy street and well back in the yard.  As you can see the picture didn’t come out the well.

What about you?  Hurry, chances to enter ends Friday at 5:00!


Week One Challenges

Published by Michelle Brown on December 8th, 2011

Our first challenge is not easily found.

Find a snowman who is square, not round!

Today’s challenge will have you spot Santa in a chair,

Kicking back and reading to at least one cute little bear!

Bundle the kids up, and head out in the snow

To find Santa pressed face-first against a window.

The next one is easy, really not that hard

Find moving light-up reindeer in someone’s yard.

THe last few challenges before we draw our prize

Is to find a camel and three men who are wise.

Find a row of stockings hanging on a porch with care.

And find a yard filled with inflatables…but they don’t have any air.


Saucy but too Sarcastic

Published by Michelle Brown on December 4th, 2011

Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks

By KD McCrite
Published by Thomas Nelson

April Grace is back, and so is the drama that surrounds her life. After enduring a horrible first day of middle school, she’s hungry, tired, and defeated.  But she no sooner steps off the bus when her mother whisks her to the hospital to visit their temporary house guest, Isabel St. James who was in an automobile accident.  Isabel is her sister’s idol, which April considers a perfect match since they are both the biggest drama queens. 

A bedridden Isabel is just the beginning of April’s problems.  Her mom is planning the Christmas play and April is going to be in it, she has an admirer at school, and then her mom announces that she is having a baby. 

I’m a little on the fence with this one.  I read the first book, and while I really enjoy April’s feisty character, she is often disrespectful and there is little discussion or action by her parents.  I don’t know if that sends the right message.  I appreciate a book with real characters so my daughter can see everyone deals with emotions similar to hers, but when there is no evolving of this character, no point in where she learns to bite her tongue and offer some grace and mercy, then it is just providing a bad example.

The other problem is that there is little in the way of an overall Christian message.  I am not saying it is lacking, but it isn’t well evolved. 

With that being said, my daughter really enjoys these books, and was thrilled when I received the second one.  I think this could be a great addition to your daughter’s bookshelf as it deals with issues that many girls face growing up, but I would suggest mom’s read it as well.  That way there can be a discussion afterward.

I have to give the second book in the April Grace series three stars because of her attitude.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Cover art image was obtained from the publisher’s website.


A New Seaside Mystery for Your Shelf

Published by Michelle Brown on December 4th, 2011

Shadows on the Sand: A Seaside Mystery

Gayle Roper

Multnomah Books

Roper delivers a romantic suspense that does more than just entertain you for a brief moment.  Through her delightful, but baggage heavy characters, she opens a world that will leave you delving into your own faith.

Carrie Carter and her sister own a café in Seaside, New Jersey.   Though you are first met with her witty and sometimes sarcastic personality, she is carrying around the weight of a tragic past.  Her and her sister ran away from their alcoholic mother and her all too friendly boyfriends.  When Carrie arrived in Seaside, then 16 year old Carrie found sanctuary at the Surfside, and in the care of Mary Prudence Hastings.  Now in her 30’s, she adores caring for her own customers, especially Greg Barnes.

Greg is a former police detective who carries his own heavy baggage.  His family was killed in a car bomb meant for him. Regret and forgiveness hang heavy around his heart.  Numb to everything but the pain in his heart, he moves through life one miserable day at a time.  Though it is obvious to all around him how much Carrie likes him, he barely says a word, or lifts his head.

However, Carrie’s dishwasher is killed, and the two find themselves wrapped up in a mystery…and unable to hide their blossoming attraction for each other.  But the closer they get to each other, emotions from their past they thought they had conquered resurface.  They both will find themselves examining their idea of faith and forgiveness.

My first reaction was skeptical.  The narrative is first person, but only sometimes.  It also travels through a spectrum of characters, including the killer’s.  Usually this creates chaos, but Roper does a wonderful job as she offers you a glimpse into the darkness that hides in hearts.  The overall effect leaves you searching your own life.

The romance isn’t a whirlwind, which I liked.  There wasn’t a huge rift and then they came to like each other despite their obvious annoyance of each other.  It was more like an awakening on their part, both for each other, and what God had in store for them.  As they explore their feelings for each other, they must examine their hearts, digging up weeds that could tangle and choke the budding flower of their love.

Overall I have to give it four stars.  It is well written and explores a myriad of topics.  And though it isn’t an edge of your seat who-done-it, it still propels the story forward.  This is a great addition to your bookshelf.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Cover art image was obtained from the author’s website.


Deck the Halls

Published by Michelle Brown on November 28th, 2011

Welcome to another Monday’s Musings!  This week’s question is, what is your favorite Christmas decoration?

You can see the cowardly lionat the top of the tree.

This weekend, our family went winding through the neighborhoods of our city, looking for festive decorations that we could include in our Annual Christmas Scavenger Hunt.  It is our favorite thing to do every year.  We pack up the kids and go looking for some insanely decorated yards, something unique and different.  Then my husband and I settle down and write the list – a jaunty little rhyme that is just as fun to write as looking for the decorations it depicts.

I realized, as much as we love looking at lights, we never decorate the outside of our house.  We have a wreath, and the Nativity window decals that my kids put up every year.  But other than that, it is inside decorations only.

My favorite inside decoration has to be the tree.  We place our nativity scene underneath, nestled in a bed of snow (well, that fluffy white stuff that is supposed to look like snow).  I think the reason I love our tree is because of the childhood memories that are tied to it.  My mom made all of our ornaments.  We had Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the three wise men, Dorothy and Wizard of Oz characters, owls (I know…not very Christmasy, but we had them), little drummer boys, snowmen, Santas…all handsewn.  We had our favorites, and each of us girls would want to put of this one or that one.  It was a family affair, putting the tree together (it was one of those match the color with the branch tip style of tree), putting the lights up, and then the ornaments.

When my parents left for China, I got the Christmas tree and we all divvied up the ornaments, chosing our favorites.  But when I had to run from my abusive ex, it got left behind…along with a lot of other homemade treasure from my mom.

The other family favorite was my mom’s homemade advent calendar. Each day you got to turn over the number, and it would reveal a nativity scene.  I have scoured the internet for this, and can’t find anything like it.  I have a Christmas tree calendar, and the kids move the stocking closer each day…but it’s not the same as revealing the beautiful picture of Christmas.

I am not as crafty as my mom, but I did make our stockings.  My husband has a cowboys stocking, my daughter a frilly, princess ballerina stocking…nothing wow, just sewn together themed fabric that suits their personalities.  But I would love to make some of the treasured decorations that I grew up with.

I am hoping our kids grow up and remember the scavenger hunt as a great family tradition, one filled with lots of laughter and fun.

So what is your favorite Christmas decoration?


Let the Hunt Begin!

Published by Michelle Brown on November 27th, 2011

All right everyone, the list is finally here!  Remember to like our Facebook page…it is mandatory for each week’s prize/giveaway!  Prizes are randomly drawn from our fan list on Facebook.  Week one is a $10 giftcard for Wal-Mart to be drawn on Friday!  Also, challenges will be posted there, so make sure you check back regularly!

Happy Hunting Everyone!

Photo by Agne Kveselyte (stock.xchng)

The Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt

It’s that time again, to hop in your car.

And look for Christmas decorations, both near and far.

Search for the items listed below

And when you find them, shout Ho, Ho, Ho

 

We’ll add daily challenges, so this won’t be a bore

And every one you find adds a point to your score

This year, the hunt has gone global…what were we thinking?

So let’s get started with a Santa…but he must be winking.

 

Numbers are good, they keep you guessing.

Find one house with four angels, now that’s a blessing!

And at least seven toy soldiers lined up in a row.

And a house with eight wreaths, with at least one red bow.

 

Now that you’re getting a feel for the game.

Find three houses in a row with lights all colored the same.

A sign that says “Let it snow” or “Santa stop here!”

Wait, find both at one house – what holiday cheer!

 

Jesus is the reason we celebrate this day

So find our precious Savior nestled in some hay.

If you can find Jesus with His mom and dad

And a camel and the wise men – another point you could add.

 

Oh my gosh, did someone just goof

No, that is Santa, and he’s hanging from a roof.

And Mickey and Minnie dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus

And a Santa garbed animal who has four paws.

 

Find a stocking as big as can be.

And a Charlie Brown style Christmas tree.

Look for a house where the only thing lit is the door.

Then find a house with only one tree lit, nothing more.

 

In a window, find an angel blowing a horn

And a sign that says “Our Savior is Born!”

You’re getting tired, and the kids are ready for bed.

And you thought your neighbor was Santa, ‘cause he’s dressed all in red.

 

So we’ll stop there before you run out of gas,

But here are some rules before your points can pass.

Items must be from different places,

This level of difficulty will make you hunting aces

 

If you didn’t find everything, please don’t pout

Sharing and laughter is what this is all about

I hope you had fun with your family and friends

And remember, Jesus gives you joy and peace that never ends!


F is For…Festive

Published by Michelle Brown on November 24th, 2011

The day after Thanksgiving is the day for shopping and putting up the Christmas decorations.  A couple of people on our street have already strung up their lights, pulled the reindeer from the garage, and inflated their Santas.  Though some of the houses can get a bit garish, I love driving around and looking at all of the Christmas lights, hot chocolate in the cup holders and Christmas music pouring from the car stereo.  Very festive!

Some people grumble about the gaudy displays, saying that they detract from the real meaning of Christmas.  But I say, use it as a way to reach out.  Those bright lights covering every inch of your neighbor’s yard should be a reminder that we need to be bright lights shining in this world of darkness.  Grab your friends, hop in the car, and go look at the lights in your world…but don’t forget to share with them the Light of the World.

A couple of years ago, my husband and I hosted a Christmas youth lock-in.  One of the games included a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt.  The kids separated into teams, and scoured the city for our lovely list of lights.  The game was so much fun to put together, we began to create one each year for our family and friends.

This year we are going global!

We have created a Facebook and Twitter page, where we will post the basic scavenger hunt list on Saturday, November 26.  Additionally, I will maintain a page here on my blog.  Each day we will be adding new challenges.  And, of course, there will be chances for you to challenge us!

What game would be complete without prizes?  This year we are going to throw in a few gift cards here and there, so make sure you stay up-to-date!  Amazon, Lowes, Walmart…just to name a few!  I’d love to get a few youth groups involved, with a gift certificate to Domino’s or Pizza Hut up for grabs for the winning Youth Ministry.

So bundle up the kids and load them into the car!  Happy hunting to all!

 


Thankful Thursday

Published by Michelle Brown on November 24th, 2011
©iStockphoto.com/marekuliasz

Instead of the usual crazy rantings of my Thought-filled Thursdays, I thought I’d just post a few things I am thankful for.

1. My kids – they fill me with such joy. Even when my youngest is galloping around the house at break-neck speeds, chasing the terrified cat because she is a “crazy horse on the rampage”, I love them and can’t imagine what I would be doing without them.
2. My husband – he makes my heart smile. I have been blessed with a loving, sweet and gentle man. And even though he teases me for all of my crazy moments, blonde moments, and the “Oh my gosh, I’m about to have a nervous breakdown!” moments, he loves me for them too.
3. My family – I have two very awesome sisters! That is enough to feel blessed, but I also have some pretty amazing parents. Double whammy! And then God tripled the blessing with a wonderful mother-in-law and father-in-law as well.
4. My friends – we are now spread out over the country, but I love that I can pick up the phone (or chat on Facebook) like miles and years are not between us!
5. My God – this is really number one! I placed this at the bottom, not because of importance, but because He fills me with joy and peace first, and everything else is just blessings on top it all!

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. (1 Peter 1:8 NLT, emphasis mine)

You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
 forever. (Psalm 23:5, 6 NLT, emphasis mine)

Happy Thanksgiving!


Congratulations

Published by Michelle Brown on November 23rd, 2011

Congratulations to Our Little Corner who retweeted the review link to Mary’s Son and is the winner of the hard copy of Mary’s Son!  Make sure you take time to check out her wonderful blog.  Lots of great posts and giveaways!

 

Thank you to all who participated.  If you didn’t win the hard copy, don’t worry.  This week (November 23-30) you can download a free e-book at Amazon.com, and only .99 cents through December!


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