Real by Shelley Malcolm Book Blog Tour and Review!

 I had the privilege of reviewing Shelley Malcom's new and A-M-A-Z-I-N-G book recently. The book is a compilation of  60 touching and inspiring stories of people and their lives. The stories are moving and deep, while the photos of the subjects hands are just as moving and detailed, there remains an anonymity to them as you never see the subjects faces. I am in LOVE with this book and have shared it with everyone who comes to my house! It combines so much: beauty, art, substance, simplicity, that it draws you in with the first profile. Which happens to be my favorite one in the book.

 Just look at those beautiful hands! And those rings! I am utterly and completely smitten with her. Her profile is touching and just as lovely as the photo. This book is such a gem, I'm encouraging you to pick up a copy for a friend or relative! They will not be disappointed - not one bit. It's also a great coffee table book and conversation starter too!

Real - The Book from David Malcolm on Vimeo.

For more information visit -  http://realthebook.blogspot.com/

About Real and Shelley Malcolm: (please see attached press release)

“REAL” is a collection of 60 inspirational stories by Shelley Malcolm, with photos by Terilee Dawn Ouimette. The stories are deeply revealing, while the photos are anonymous, focusing only on each subject’s hands. Subjects range from adolescent to elderly, from former gangster to humble homeless, international refugee to hero-housewife, from pro athlete to Hollywood celebrity. While “Real” is her first published book, Malcolm is no stranger to creative projects, as co-owner and restorer of an historic chapel, La Perla del Mar in Shell Beach, CA, and a set designer for theater and film. Shelley Malcolm was named Pismo Beach’s Citizen of the Year in 2011 for her extensive contributions and involvement in the community. Proceeds from the book will benefit the Alzheimer’s Foundation and other charities. Shelley Malcolm graduated from University of Southern California with a degree in dental hygiene. For more information, please visit http://marthamartha.net or http://shelleymalcolmblog.wordpress.com/ Shelley Malcolm resides in Shell Beach, California with her husband, Doug. 

Shelley has four adult children. Her interests include painting , drawing, sculpting, building, playing piano and other musical instruments, outdoor activities including hiking, ocean kayaking, running, water and snow-skiing, international travel, sewing, reading, writing and others. Visit www.marthamartha.net for more information.

Proceeds from Real go to various charities! Woo hoo! And there are also note cards for sale too here:  http://marthamartha.net/shop/shopnotecards.html 






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FFH - 'One Silent Night' Chirstmas Album Review & Giveaway!

If you love Christmas music like I do, then you will love this new album by FFH(Far From Home)! Their new Christmas album was just released and is available now iTunes, and Amazon. But since it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas I will be giving on lucky reader a chance to WIN an download of the whole album! Hooray!


If you have never heard of FFH here's a little background about them courtesy of iTunes -

"Alternative CCM vocal group FFH (Far from Home) comprised husband and wife Jeromy and Jennifer Deibler, Michael Boggs, and Brian Smith. Signing to Nashville's Essential Records, the group debuted in 1998 with Take Me As I Am. This album quickly pushed FFH into the limelight, earning the band two No. 1 hits, four Dove Award nominations, and Christian Research Report's Best New Artist of 1999. Found a Place, a stunning follow-up, was issued in spring 2000. I Want to be Like You, a piano driven album that incorporated string arrangements to liven up FFH's acoustic style, appeared a year later."

This album includes 10 songs, mostly Christmas classics, but a few of their own as well - like"The Birthday of a King” and “Glorious Impossible”. 

Here's a list of the songs included on the album!

• Baby It’s Cold Outside
• Jingle Bell Rock
• One Silent Night
• I’ll Be Home For Christmas
• The Birthday Of The King
• O Come O Come Emmanuel
  
• Winter Wonderland
• Glorious Impossible
• O Little Town Of Bethlehem
• Heaven And Nature Sing

I absolutely LOVED the album and have been listening to it for a good almost 3 weeks!

Connect with FFH! 

Website: http://ffh.net/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FFHmusic 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/FFHMusic 

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/one-silent-night/id474548207

WIN IT!

Thanks to Propeller I have one (1) Digital Download of FFH's "One Silent Night" album to giveaway to one blessed reader!
 

On Loan

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The Winner of the Christmas Lodge Movie is...

Thanks to everyone who entered the Christmas Lodge Movie/DVD giveaway!

The blessed winner is....

Kimmie!

Congratulations Kimmie!

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This Morning

Good morning good morning! Or afternoon for some :) This morning has been slow and relaxing, on purpose of course, it just felt like one of those move-at-a-snails-pace-and-feel-at-peace-with-it mornings. Ahhhh....deep breath. To be perfectly honest, I am still in my pajamas. Yes, I wear pajamas. They are two-toned pink and very comfortable in fact. Every girl should own and wear pajamas. Daily. Lingerie is all fine and dandy and purposeful in certain instances, but it can never, and should never replace a lovely comfy pair of pajamas. Sigh.

Well, now that I've solved all the problems in the world this morning, I am going to get ready to greet my sweet little girl at the door in a few minutes and bake brownies with her. Speaking of brownies, she is one. We signed her up last week for Girl Scouts, and boy is she excited about it! More on that later.

SIDE NOTE - I am totally smitten with DownEast's new November catalog and everything in it! The holiday styling is perfection - think holiday decorated living room smack dab in the middle of a Christmas tree farm, um yes, perfection, and the clothes and accessories are just as noteworthy. If you have never heard of DownEast I am happy to be introducing you to such a lovely company, and encourage you to visit their website and request a catalog of your very own. You won't be disappointed. Promise.

I hope your morning/afternoon is a lovely one, just like you....

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The [expanded] Bible Book Review

Bibles are treasures to me. Bibles that are the TRUE word of God that is. Not bibles where things have been added, subtracted, or belong to particular groups of people that have their own "interpretations" of the bible, I'm talking the honest-to-goodness, raw, real deal, TRUE word of God. With that said, I was cautious and really curious to receive and pour over the new The Expanded Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers. It claims to help the reader understand and comprehend the bible in a deeper more meaningful way, by providing a more modern language translation to the scriptures. To my delight it has passed the test! I am always wanting to dig deeper and learn more from God's word and this helps that! I read it slower than I do my Max Lucado NIV bible, since there are multiple expanded translations next to the traditional(original wording) text and I want to make sure I'm understanding what I'm reading. Something else I really enjoyed were the comments next to some of the words explaining what they were, and the wide margins for note taking. This would be a great bible for a new born-again believer, or someone who wants to learn more about God's word on a deeper level!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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Living Beyond Your Feelings By Joyce Meyer Book Review

Joyce Meyer. Where do I even begin? I am a huge fan and sister in Christ to sister Joyce! I watch her show every morning while drinking my cup of jo and thoroughly enjoy every minute of it. I would LOVE to attend one of her conferences someday! She's always so encouraging and real, so it's easy to relate to her and what she's teaching. She also doesn't mince words, which I love - because really, we all need truth, so why skirt the issue, candy coat it, or dilute it? Why not just deliver the truth in a loving direct way? Enter Joyce Meyer! I own many of her books, some which I have read multiple times, and really love them all. Her new book Living Beyond Your Feelings is no exception. I didn't want put it down, but when I had to, I found my mind wandering and thinking of what I was going to read next! To me, that's confirmation of a good book - when you catch yourself wanting to pick it up when you have a free moment. So much of this book spoke to me. I think we all could learn, benefit from, and work on, managing our emotions. Her voice in this book is uplifting, and encouraging, and she gives lots of insight into self examination, which I think is something else I know I'm guilty of not doing or giving too much thought too. Slowing down, and reflecting on where we're at in our season of life we're in, and how we're doing in our daily walk is such a healthy thing to do! This is a book I will most definitely read a few times, and would encourage you to buy or borrow it and experience the positive message it brings!

I would like to kindly thank Faithwords for my copy of this book! 

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Collage Cluster: [Shine]

I've always always always loved pretty sparkly things. It doesn't matter whether it's something to wear, use or eat? Okay maybe not so much eat, but you get the idea, I la la LOVE me some sparkle, so I thought I would share a few that caught my attention. Eye candy - a good way to start the week I think.

1 Three-By-Three Clutch (BHLDN) // 2 Jumbo Party Bobbi (ban.do) // 3 Sleek Sequin Skirt (DownEast Basics) // 4 Sequin Circles Cardigan (Banana Republic) // 5 Sequin Stripe Sweater (unknown source)

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The Winner of the Brittany Hargest's Love All the Way CD is...

Thanks to everyone who entered the Brittany Hargest CD giveaway!  

The blessed winner is.... 

Tifaine @Through My Lense!

Congratulations Tifaine!

Didn't win? Shucks! Don't be too bummed if you didn't win this time, because I'm announcing a NEW giveaway later today! Just make sure you follow the blog via GFC to be eligible to win!

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Plan B - This is why....

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The Lucado Inspirational Reader by Max Lucado Book Review

      I've said it before many times and I'll continue to say it, Max Lucado is my absolute favorite author hands down.  He's anointed by the almighty that's for sure.  He has a way of capturing the reader instantly with his approachable voice through his words, and keeping their full attention with his unassuming, but dead-on one liners.  That's one of my favorite things about Max's writing.  He is one of the few authors who can write one-liners that are packed with such truth, such relatability, that if you didn't know better, you'd think he wrote it just for you!  You may be going through something difficult, then you read something in his book, and BAM!  It's like it was meant just for you.  It was just what you needed to hear, in the way you needed to hear it.  That is this book.  It's chock full of uplifting and encouraging excerpts from many of his books, all compiled into one beautiful, and most definitely gift-worthy book.  It is quite a substantial book - being hardcover, and almost 500 pages.  No skimping here.  It is also very well organized, and indexed to find exact passages on specific topics.  I will be buying a few copies of this book as gifts for women in my family, as well as girlfriends for Christmas!  YES, it's that GOOD!

Visit Amazon to purchase yours!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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Christmas Holiday Gift Guide Sneak Peak! Lots of Giveaways!

      Eeek!  Christmas is my favorite!  And not just because of the obvious good tidings and cheer and warm feelings it gives you (even though those are the best!), but because it's a time to share and spend time with each other, but most of all, to celebrate Jesus's birth!  Whoo hoo!  That's something I will always always always be thankful for.

      In the spirit of togetherness and sharing, I wanted to give you a little sneak peak of the goodies this season that are some of my FAVORITE things that I'm going to be giving away to my readers and followers!  Yay!  I have partnered with some amazing and generous sponsors to bring these fabulous products to you!  Below is a list of these lovely people!  THANK YOU KINDLY!

 

 

      Excited yet?  I am!  These are just some of the goodies that will be given away beginning this week, so make sure you follow via Google Friend Connect (publicly) for your chance to share in the holiday fun!

A big 'thank-you-ever-so-kindly' thanks go out to the following sponsors:
Sara Gillingham
Toni Buzzeo
Liz Curtis Higgs
and
Plaid

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The Pumkin Patch

We made our annual trip to the local pumpkin patch, to experience all that is Autumn, including gorgeous colorful leaves, a corn maze, farm animals, pumpkin sling-shotting, kettle corn, and time spent with family - oh and of course PUMPKINS!  Hope your Autumn is lovely and colorful!

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Christmas Holiday 2011 Giveaway

 

I'm looking for sponsors! Please contact me if you would like to support a giveaway on Scoomer!

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Come At Me Bro

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Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn Book Review

     
      I'm currently going through a difficult and hurtful time in my life and have been searching for books, specifically Christian based books to help guide me and help me through what I'm currently walking through.  Even as Christians, we have bumps in our path sometimes.  Jesus never said we'd have a problem free life.  Quite the contrary actually, but we can take heart knowing He's with us every step of the way during that hard time, and that nothing can separate us from Him or His love and care!  AMEN!

      I had high expectations of "Healing is a Choice" by Stephen Arterburn, and I can say that I wasn't let down.  Although what I'm experiencing is emotional pain, this book covers it all from physical, to mental, emotional, and spiritually pain and hurt.  This book is also really substantial - it's super thick and includes lots of places in the chapters for the reader to answer questions and work through lots of workbook sections which I found to be really helpful!  

      This book particularly spoke to me because of the authors beginning paragraph in the preface, "This book was originally published in 2005, and there have been many changes, developments, and new insights since its publication.  Before I wrote Healing Is a Choice I was a strong advocate for marriage, and I believed that no matter what, the first response to marital problems and even betrayal needs to be steps toward reconciliation and saving the marriage.  I am more convinced than ever that even in the case of betrayal, reconciliation needs to be the first focus when a marriage is broken apart."  I burst into tears after reading that.  This is what I'm currently facing(not my choice), and it's traumatically painful when the other person chooses to not go the reconciliation route. It's the most painful experience of my life.  

      If any of my readers are also facing divorce, I feel for you.  I more than feel for you, and I would highly recommend buying, reading and doing the workbook in this book, or if you know someone who would benefit from this book, give it as a gift.

      Visit Amazon to purchase and/or read more reviews and more about the book.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

     

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Christmas Lodge DVD Review & Giveaway!

      I la la LOVE Christmas time!  And I love films that get me in the mood for Christmas!  I know I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I'm known to watch the movie Elf in March, that's how much I love Christmas!  Silly I know.  That's how I roll.

      My family and I recently watched the sweetest new family holiday film by Thomas Kindkade called Christmas Lodge.  Along with me, both kiddos (7 & 10) absolutely loved it and were glued to the end.  The main character Mary, accidentally stumbles upon the Christmas lodge she visited as a child and decides to do everything she can to help restore it.  It's a story about family, friendship, a little romance and what it means to lean on the Lord for everything in life!  It's a great film for the whole family!

Synopsis
Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now- dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge. 

View the official trailer for the movie at IMDb, and purchase it on Amazon just in time for Christmas!

WIN IT!

Thanks to Propeller I have one (1) copy of Christmas Lodge to giveaway to one blessed reader!

Relentless by John Revere Book Review - Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing

 

      Earlier this month I received Relentless by John Bevere to review for Waterbrook Press.  From reading the excerpts before I got the book I was really looking forward to reading it.  Although once I started reading it I was quickly let down.  Although John makes some good points throughout the book I feel he used lots of scripture out of context and used a lot of the "name it, and claim it" cult-type philosophies which is scary ground to be walking on.  His idea for the book of being relentless and pressing on in our Christian walk I think is fabulous, and very much a needed topic of discussion, but I feel that most of what he's written is self-help, you're in charge of your destiny sort of business.  

      One quote in particular that really concerned me was, ""GOD IS NOT IN CONTROL" because "he put us in charge of the earth" (Gen 1:27-28).  "Who is in charge of the earth?  We are!  If God were in control of the earth as many of us believe, then"... "God would have intervened and slapped [the forbidden fruit] from Adam's hand" to prevent The Fall of mankind.  Yikes!  This was also very concerning to me, "You and I, NOT GOD, are in control of how life is run on this planet."  Another yikes!  It's true that we are Christ's body here on earth until here returns to do his will and love others to Christ's, we are certainly NOT in control of how things are run down here, not one bit!  There are lots of other instances in the book where quotes would jump out at me and the Holy Spirit would put a check in my spirit.

      This was a difficult book to get through, especially since I was not in agreement with lots of what was written, and I would not recommend it to any born-again Christian.  Or anyone for that matter, I feel it is misleading and false, and who wants to be mislead?  Exactly.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

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VeggieTales Princess Castle Playset Toy Review!

    My daughter was recently gifted with this awesome VeggieTales Princess Castle Playset! She spotted it last month in the Family Christian Stores catalog and instantly fell in love with it!  I told her to write it on her Christmas list, but her sweet Granny surprised her with it early!  The castle is good size and comes with royal furniture (two chairs and a table), and five hard rubber Veggie Tales characters (Prince Larry, Princess Petunia, Bob, Junior, and Laura) from their Sweetpea Beauty story.  There are doors that open both in the front and back and room on the top and inside for the characters to stand up.  I love that it closes and has a handle on top for easy carrying around the house or in the car, and the people fit inside when closed too.  She has played with this everyday since she received it and has even added her Littlest Pet Shop characters to the mix too - it's perfect for any little animals or play figures!

I would totally recommend this for any young girl ages 3+!  It's a great way to introduce Veggie Tales to a young lady!

Visit VeggieTales.com for more information or to purchase the VeggieTales Princess Castle Playset ($24.95)!

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Review & Giveaway: Brittany Hargest's "Love All the Way" CD Album!

 

Sometimes I love me some bubblegum feel-good pop music!  Especially when it's Christ/Christian based music!  Brittany Hargest's new album "Love All the Way" delivers just that!  There are 10 songs on the album, and they are all fun and upbeat!  I played this album and my 7-year-old daughter absolutely loved it too!  She danced and tried to sing along, it was really super cute!  And it made me feel good knowing there we no bad words or lyrics about inappropriate lifestyle choices or circumstances.  It's very fun dance music to lift your mood!

This is fun for us ladies, but I would also recommend it for teen girls as well!  It would make a great gift for that teenage girl in your life(daughter, niece, granddaughter, friends daughter, etc...)!  

Here are some links to check out Brittany Hargest's new album, and to follow her!  

Website: http://www.brittanyhargest.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brittanyhargestmusic

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/brittanyhargest

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/brittany-hargest/id448125384

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4r4MLof_g3k

Click on the image below to watch a behind the scenes video of the making of her album!

I had the privilege of reviewing Brittany's new album courtesy of Propeller, and also have an extra CD to giveaway to a lucky reader!

WIN IT!

 One lucky reader will win a copy (1) of  Brittany Hargest's NEW album "Love All the Way"!

The Mighty Macs Film Review Screening - RELEASES TODAY!

 

The Mighty Macs movie releases today in theaters and it's the perfect film to take a girlfriend, sister, or mom to.  I had privilege of watching and reviewing the film before it's release thanks to Propeller.  Although the film has a slow start, it gradually picks up and the characters begin to grow on you.  

A little about the film:

It's 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time ... and she's about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women's basketball.

In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women's Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.

Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she's willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she's just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them.

From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school's Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!
While it appears the Macs don't have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.

Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One thing's for certain: there's never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!

Visit the sites below to learn more!

Website: http://www.themightymacs.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/themightymacs

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MightyMacsMovie

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/MightyMacs1

Thanks to Propeller for the opportunity to review the film!

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