tweet of the week

"Never forget or doubt the love God has for you. It is not conditional but a constant love that never fades or ends. Jn 17:23" - John Bevere (via Jon Marshall)

book review: "sunrise on the battery" by beth webb hart

About the book: "An emptiness dogs Mary Lynn Scoville. But it shouldn’t. After all, she’s achieved what few believed possible. Born in the rural south, she has reached the pinnacle of worldly success in Charleston, South Carolina. Married to a handsome real estate developer and mother to three accomplished daughters, Mary Lynn is one Debutante Society invitation away from truly having it all. And yet, it remains—an emptiness that no shopping trip, European vacation, or social calendar can fill.

While her husband commits social suicide and the life they worked so hard for crumbles around them, Mary Lynn wonders if their marriage can survive. Or if perhaps there really is a more abundant life that Jackson has discovered, richer than any she’s ever dreamed of."

The main reason I wanted to read this book is the reason why Beth wrote it. I was reading the info for this book tour and after Beth read David Platt's book Radical, she was inspired to write about it. I've also read Radical and was excited at the idea of characters tackling the challenge David gives in his book. I enjoyed the story of Mary Lynn and Jackson. They had reached a place that they'd spent the last ten years trying to attain but then they realized, it wasn't really where they wanted to be after all. They found something better - though Mary Lynn had a hard time making the choice to follow her husband. Though their life looked perfect and as if they had it all together, by reading from Mary Lynn, Jackson and their oldest daughter's point of view, I learned that wasn't the case. This was a refreshing book and a great read!

I received a review copy of this book from The B&B Media Group for my honest review.

You can learn more about the book and read an excerpt.

book review: "God makes lemonade" by don jacobson

About the book: "In God Makes Lemonade you'll read stories from everyday folks - people like you and me who discover unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour circumstances."

This is a great book when you need encouragement. Reading of how God came through for other people is a great boost to my own faith. One of my favorite stories was "Little Norma's Dress" - story about God's perfect timing. I highlighted a line in the story "Waiting to Ripen": Since we don't know where life will take us, let's push on and chase our dreams, even if we can't yet see how they will turn out."

You can learn more about the book and the author as well as purchase the book.

I received a copy of this book from Glass Road Public Relations for my honest review.

book review: "love on the line" by deeanne gist

About the book: "Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world . . . which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line."

My review: I enjoyed this book! I've read several of Deeanne's other books and have liked them all! I really liked the contrast of Luke and Georgie. Reading the conversations of them bantering back and forth was highly entertaining, especially when Georgie thought she would be able to have her way and Luke thought he would get his way. Deeanne also caught me off guard with a one or two unexpected twists (but I'll keep those to myself) - it all came together wonderfully. I read the last line of the last page with a smile on my face - it's a great way for me to end a book.

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for my honest review.

You can visit other blogs on this blog tour, buy the book and learn more about Deeanne on her site.

Deeanne is thrilled to introduce Georgie and Luke to the word in her latest novel. To celebrate Deeanne's publisher, Bethany House, is hosting the Love on the Line iPad2 giveaway an Author Chat on Facebook! Enter today and follow the link to RSVP for Deeanne's rip-roarin' Facebook Party!

One fortunate winner will receive:
- a brand new iPad2
- an autographed hardback copy of Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at Deeanne’s Author Chat Facebook Party. Deeanne will be wrapping up the Love on the Line celebration by chatting with friends new and old! So grab your copy of Love on the Line (it’s okay if you don’t have one yet- you might could win one!) and join Deeanne on the evening of November 8th for a rip roaring book chat, a little trivia and lots of giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates)!

saturday spotlight: kim with "today's creative blog"

Today's Creative Blog is one of my favorite blogs to visit when I need creative inspiration. Kim has so many great ideas and it's not just for crafts! She has decorating ideas, kitchen ideas, plus she normally has a Fabulous Friday Giveaway each week. Kim also will post about other blogs she likes which I like because it allows me to connect with awesomely creative people I wouldn't otherwise happen across. Head over to Kim's site and find something to inspire you!

free stuff

I wanted to share some free things I've recently discovered and since I love free things, I'm thinking you will too. There are several places who will be super cool and give you something free - the only requirement is that it be your birthday. My birthday was this past Sunday (a topic I will address in a later post this month) and it was very exciting to receive post cards in the mail for me to redeem my free items. I'm sure there are more that could be added to this list but here's what I have:

- Starbucks - free drink (ANY size)

- Aveda - free Personal Blends Pure-Fume Spirit product

Also, if you're a Bath & Body Works fan and haven't gotten on their mailing list, don't wait another second! They frequently send out coupons for either a free product or a percentage off your whole purchase. You can also get coupons via email as well. If I'm unaware of more free things, please share your wisdom!

tweet of the week

"That awkard moment when you find out that all these years your toys have secretly made three movies behind your back." - Will Ferrell (via Braden French)

recipe: homemade glazed doughnuts

I've been talking about wanting to learn how to make doughnuts and discovered that Pioneer Woman is one step ahead of me and has the perfect step-by-step instructions for me to follow. I haven't tried this out yet but I will consider it a personal accomplishment once I can brag that the doughnuts I take to whatever event are not bought but yes, that's right, I made them :)

Ingredients
Doughnuts
■1-1/8 cup Whole Milk, Warm
■1/4 cup Sugar
■2-1/4 teaspoons (one Package) Instant Or Active Dry Yeast
■2 whole Large Eggs, Beaten
■1-1/4 stick Unsalted Butter, melted
■4 cups All-purpose Flour
■1/4 teaspoon Salt
■Canola Oil

Glaze
■3 cups Powdered Sugar
■1/2 teaspoon Salt
■1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
■1/2 cup Cold Water Or Milk

To Make the Dough:
1. Make sure milk is nice and warm, but not overly hot.
2. Add sugar to milk. Stir to dissolve.
3. Add yeast into a small bowl.
4. Pour milk/sugar mixture over yeast. Stir gently, then let sit for 10 minutes.
5. Melt butter in separate bowl until butter is almost melted. Stir to finish melting so butter won't be overly hot.
6. Add beaten eggs to melted butter, stirring constantly to make sure the butter's not too hot for the eggs.
7. Add the egg/butter mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook.
8. With the mixer on 3 or medium-low speed, pour in the yeast mixture.
9. Allow the dough hook to stir this mixture for a couple of minutes, making sure it's thoroughly combined.
10. With the mixer still going, add helpings of the flour mixture in 1/4 to 1/2 cup increments until all the flour is gone.
11. Stop the mixer, scrape the bowl, then turn the mixer on the same speed for five whole minutes.
12. After five minutes, stop the mixer and scrape the bottom of the bowl.
13. Turn on the mixer for 30 seconds.
14. Turn off the mixer and allow the dough to sit in the bowl undisturbed for 10 minutes.
15. After 10 minutes, transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Toss the dough to coat, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place straight in the fridge.
16. Refrigerate dough for at least 8 hours, or overnight.

To Make the Doughnuts:
1. Remove bowl from fridge and turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Roll out to 1/4 to 1/3-inch thickness.
3. Using a 3-inch cutter, cut as many rounds as you can, then roll out remaining dough and cut as much as you can, etc.
4. Cut holes out of each round using a 1 1/2-inch cutter.
5. Place both doughnuts and holes on a floured baking sheet.
6. Cover with large tea towel and place in a warm place in your kitchen; my kitchen is very drafty, so I have to briefly warm the griddle, then turn it off and set the sheets on top to keep warm.
7. Allow doughnuts to rise undisturbed for at least 1 hour; 1 hour 15 minutes if necessary. Doughuts should be visibly puffier and appear to be airy.

To Fry the Dougnuts
1. Heat plenty of canola oil in a large pot until the temperature reaches 375 to 380 degrees---do not let it get hotter than 380 degrees! 375 is ideal; keep the thermometer in the pan to continually monitor.
2. One to two at a time, gently grab doughnuts and ease them into the hot oil. Allow them to cook 1 minute on each side; they will brown very quickly.
3. Remove doughnuts from the oil with a slotted spoon, allowing all oil to drip off.
4. Place doughnut immediately on several layers of paper towels. Count to five, then flip it over onto a clean part of the paper towels. Count to five, then flip it over again; the purpose, obviously, is to drain as much grease as possible before it soaks into the doughnut.
5. Repeat with remaining doughnuts and holes. The holes will cook more quickly than the doughnuts; about 30 seconds per side.
6. Allow doughnuts to slightly cool.

To Glaze
1. Mix all glaze ingredients in a bowl until completely smooth.
2. One by one, dip doughnuts into the glaze until halfway submerged. (Note: completely submerge doughnut holes, then remove with slotted spoon.)
4. Remove from glaze, then turn right side up on a cooling rack over a cookie sheet (to catch dripping glaze.)
5. Serve warm if possible, or room temperature.

saturday spotlight: "(in)courage"

(in)courage is a really great site. I can't remember how I found it but it's a place where women can go to find...encouragement. You can sign up to receive the daily emails with posts by women who have either been through what you might be going through or could possibly be going through it right now. I was super excited to be able to write for them back in January. They have daily guest posts and while I was a little nervous about sharing from my life, reading the comments from other women totally made it worth it. They have an online book club you can participate in and so many other great things. I encourage (yes, I actually made that joke) you to go and look at the site. I pray you find something to strengthen you and brighten your day.

tweet of the week

"What if everything that has happened in your life to this point was merely a preparation for what is next?" - Michael Hyatt, via Jon Marshall

book review: "the art of romance" by kaye dacus

"Sassy Evans and Perty Bradley are determined to get their older grandchildren married off, but when twenty-eight-year-old Dylan comes home after being fired from his teaching position because of the betrayal of his ex-girlfriend, Perty knows her grandson has more important issues to deal with first. Sassy understands her friend's reservations about timing, but she also sees so many ways in which Dylan would be the perfect match for her thirty-four-year-old granddaughter Caylor. With his record of acclaimed paintings and Caylor's bestselling novels, they could complement each other's talents and provide each other support and encouragement. And there's no denying the spark of attraction between the English professor with the untamed red hair and the painter with the unusual tattoos. But neither grandmother realizes the secrets both Dylan and Caylor are keeping from each other. Will pain and embarrassment from the past keep Caylor and Dylan apart, or will they develop the courage to be truthful with each other and discover the true art of romance?"

This is the second book in the Matchmakers series and I really enjoyed it! I absolutely love the cover and the fact that the story is set in Nashville - being a Southerner, I have a soft spot for stories set in my corner of the country. I enjoyed Dylan and Caylor. I felt Kaye did a good job of developing them and then showing their growth through the story. I was able to feel Caylor's frustration with her sister and Dylan's resignation of never being good enough to please his mother. I especially liked the ending when Dylan quoted from one of Caylor's books - I'm a sucker for stuff like that. At times I thought she gave a little too much detail - especially when describing specific parts of Nashville or the campus where Caylor worked but I thought it cool since it means something to me. When I finished the book I had a smile on my face - an overall good read.

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review. To learn more about the book and download the first chapter, click here.

hustle

I'm having to work on slowing down and simply being right now. Life is crazy busy for me and I'm having to make the conscious decision to not constantly be going that I fail to enjoy what's happening right now. I've gotten in the habit of scheduling blog posts in advance so I'm not rushing but the only down side is that I'm not able to share from my heart as much. I'm scheduling tweets of the week, recipes and book reviews but taking me out of my blog. I don't want that. I thoroughly enjoy blogging and this journey I've been on since I began Snidbits. So I'm working on not feeling that I have to always have something going on. I don't always have to have a book in hand or scribbling out a "to do" list or be on my laptop. Life is a one shot thing and I don't want to always be looking so far ahead that I miss out on living my life. I believe that this current season in my life is going to be full of so many great things and I want to savor every one of them. I'm going to take the time to smell the proverbial roses and enjoy right now.

saturday spotlight: traci with "beneath my heart"

Traci is full of great ideas. I enjoy getting her updates in my inbox, seeing what DIY project she's currently in the middle of. I was looking at her website and noticed she's going to be adding recipes soon - making me very excited! I think my favorite posts include her adorable son, Eli - he just adds something special with his singing to Layla :)

Head over to Beneath My Heart and find some inspiration!

book review: "grandma's attic" by arleta richardson

"Grandma did what? You might be surprised. When Grandma Mabel was a young girl, trouble seemed to follow her everywhere. And somehow her best friend, Sarah Jane, always found herself in the middle of it too. Whether sneaking out to a birthday party, cutting corners when sewing a dress, or teaching her brother a lesson, Mabel's brilliant ideas only seem to show how much she has to learn. One can find an awful lot of adventure on a farm, even back in the 1800s."

I enjoyed these books! I read Grandma's Attic when I was in middle school and loved it! I was excited at the opportunity to be able to read the stories again. I laughed at Mabel's experiences, wondering how one girl could find herself in so many "scrapes." I think the story about the face cream might be one of my favorites. I liked how the stories weren't super long, making them good for quick reads. I like everything about the books - really great reads!

tweet of the week

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given and then sink yourself into that." Gal 6:4 (Msg) - I tweeted this after I came across the verse and it was one of those verses that jumped out at me in that moment and I still really like it.

giveaway: "running blind" by shirlee mccoy

Congratulations to Rebecca for winning Covert Pursuit by Terri Reed!

This month I'm giving away a copy of Running Blind by Shirlee McCoy! To enter, just leave me a comment along with an email address for me to contact you. Contest ends Monday, October 31 at midnight.

For extra entries:
- tell me how you heard about this giveaway
- become a follower of my blog

saturday spotlight: melissa with "the inspired room"

Cute DIY projects make me want smile. I love seeing creative ways to either recycle materials or just great ideas in general. I subscribed to The Inspired Room a few months ago and absolutely love the amazing ideas Melissa shares. This book wreath isn't her idea but just by her sharing it, it makes me even more a fan of her. I want to try this on my own some day but for now I'll have to just order one if I don't want to wait :) You can also follow a step-by-step tutorial at Living with Lindsay.

Melissa is just very cool. Here's a blurb from her "About Me" page: "I like to open my eyes to new things to inspire me in living an authentic life — hopefully things that will inspire you too! I love to dream, find inspiration in all sorts of places, and then take what I find and apply it (on a budget and usually using what I already have!) to my own home and life."