It Happens All the Time - Book Review

It Happens All the Time by Amy Hatvany tells the story of two best friends, Amber and Tyler, and a night that changes their lives. It alternates back and forth between the two so we get two completely different views of what happens. I think this is important because it shows how tough and uncomfortable a topic it is when one side doesn't feel like they did anything wrong.

I had mixed feelings about the book. A few times I did get a bit lost when it was jumping back and forth in time. Even though Amber was the victim I had a really hard time liking her character in general. It didn't have anything to do with the actual crime that happened but just other parts of the book and things she was dealing with. Tyler also had a lot of issues and I think his character showed how hard it is to believe that such a nice guy could hurt his best friend. The book had a lot going on but it does have a very important message.

Consent is a very important subject that needs to be talked about. So many do not understand when they cross the line. I think the title of the book is perfect because unfortunately it does happen all the time.

This book was included in my #wintervention box from BookSparks as part of their Winter Reading Challenge.



* I received this book for free from Booksparks for review as part of their Winter Reading Challenge. No other compensation was received. Opinions are my own.

Dinner: Changing the Game - Book Review

Dinner by Melissa Clark has over 200 new recipes. It's full of one dish dinners for the beginner or experienced cook. Most recipes are filling enough to be all you need while others might need a nice salad or some bread to go along.

This cookbook has beautiful pictures. I'd say there is about one photo for every third recipe. The book is organized by main ingredient and includes chicken, meat, fish and seafood, eggs, pasta and noodles, tofu, vegetable dinners, grains, pizza, soups, and salads, There really is something for everyone. She has included such a wide range of recipes. A few dishes that quickly caught my eye - Harissa Chicken with Leeks, Potatoes, and Yogurt, Shrimp Pad Thai with Sugar Snap Peas and Basil, and Roasted Sausage and Cauliflower with Cumin and Turkish Pepper.

The book is very well constructed with a beautiful cover and good quality pages. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. I am also happy that the pictures included are just of the food. So many cookbook authors these days include so many unnecessary photos of themselves or random things.  I do prefer when there is a picture of each recipe but this one does still have plenty enough to satisfy me.

* I received this book from Blogging For Books for this review. Opinions are my own.

Drop In: Lead with Deeper Presence and Courage - Book Review

Drop In: Lead with Deeper Presence and Courage by Sara Harvey Yao was exactly the book I needed to read over the last couple weeks. This book is not a quick read. In fact, I think you will get more out of it if you read it slowly and let it soak in. I have several spots marked that I want to go back and revisit because they really spoke to me.

The book is really for anyone who wants to feel more present in their lives. The author reminds us how so many of us are on autopilot and we need to slow down and be more aware of what is going on. I learned so much from this book. I liked that she shared stories of her clients so we can relate and understand better. She gives suggestions like meditation and doing a body scan which will help us connect more with our bodies and everything around us. It's even in the simple things like noticing the texture of your food, noticing the smell and temperature when you are outside, or knowing when it's OK to say no.  I also liked that the author reminds us that everyone will feel things differently when working through the process.

This book was included in my #Wintervention box from BookSparks as part of their Winter Reading Challenge.



* I received this book for free from Booksparks for review as part of their Winter Reading Challenge. No other compensation was received. Opinions are my own.

Sweet Southern Hearts - Book Review

One of my favorite things to do is read. I am a bit obsessed with it. I stay up way too late reading but I enjoy it so much! I was so thrilled to get a #Wintervention box of books from BookSparks to review as part of their Winter Reading Challenge. 

I decided to read Sweet Southern Hearts by Susan Schild first. It is the third book in the Willow Hill Series which follows the story of Linny Avery. I had not read the first two books so I wasn't sure what to expect or if I'd be able to follow along. I had no issues at all and easily fell into the story.

This book begins with Linny on her honeymoon with her 3rd husband Jack. Her happily ever after quickly brings all sorts of unexpected events. Jack's ex-wife can't seem to get her life sorted out and their son Neal comes to live with Linny and Jack. Linny also goes on an RV adventure with her mom and friends and they get into all sorts of shenanigans. I think that was my favorite part in the book. The ladies were such characters. I don't want to spoil any more of the book so I'll just say it was an enjoyable read. I liked that it showed the different relationships between siblings, spouses, children, and friends. 

My box also had two other books so I will be reviewing those on here in the next couple weeks. Happy Reading! 

My #Wintervention box!

* I received this book for free from BookSparks to review as part of their Winter Reading Challenge. No other compensation was received. Opinions are my own. 

Emerald Brand Bath & Facial Tissue via Shoplet

Emerald Brand offers environmentally friendly disposable products for your home and office. Some of their products include bath & facial tissue, cups & lids, cutlery, plates, and garbage bags. 

Emerald Tree-Free Facial Tissue is BPA free, chlorine free, USDA biopreferred, compostable, and biodegradable. The tissues are made from bagasse, bamboo, and eucalyptus. 

I found the facial tissue to be strong but a lot rougher compared to what I normally use. It held up well to a good nose blowing but after a few uses my skin could definitely feel the difference. I think I'd have a raw nose after a day or so of constant use during a cold. 

The Emerald Tree-Free Bath Tissue is chlorine free, BPA free, USDA certified biopreferred, and renewable. It is also made from bagasse, bamoboo, and eucalyptus. 

The bath tissue is safe for septic systems.

I actually found the bath tissue to be a bit softer than the facial tissue. It is thinner though. I am used to a much thicker bath tissue. It is a large roll but I feel like I need almost double my normal amount. 

I do like the idea that these two products are environmentally friendly but I'm not sure I'd trade in my regular products for them for our home. I could see these being at places where people are coming and going frequently. 

Shoplet is the #1 e-tailer of business and office supplies. They also carry cleaning supplies, medical supplies, and office furniture. 

You can find Shoplet by visiting them on their social media sites I've listed below. Be sure to check them out!


Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Shoplet

Twitter @Shoplet  https://twitter.com/shoplet

Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/shoplet/

Blog  http://blog.shoplet.com/

Youtube  https://www.youtube.com/user/Shoplet

Instagram  https://instagram.com/shoplet/

* I received a sample of the bath and facial tissue for review purposes. No other compensation was received. Opinions are my own. 

At-a-Glance Vienna Weekly/Monthly Appointment Book

I love the colors in this At-a-Glance Vienna Weekly/Monthly Appointment Book from Shoplet! Purple is one of my favorites. I can't believe 2017 will be here within a month! I've already started filling in our appointments, field trip outings, and other stuff in this planner.

It is 8 1/2" x 11" and has plenty of room to write down everything you need all in one book and stay organized. It's printed on high-quality, recycled paper containing post-consumer recycled material.

I really like that it lists so many holidays in it. Many calendars and planners these days omit a lot of them. This book also includes day light savings time, full moons, many Canadian and Mexican holidays, and also several religious holidays of all faiths.

At-a-Glance offers several types of calendars, planners, and appointment books. Be sure to take a look to find the right style for your home or office.

Shoplet is the #1 e-tailer of business and office supplies. They also carry cleaning supplies, medical supplies, and office furniture.

You can find Shoplet by visiting them on their social media sites I've listed below. Be sure to check them out!


Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Shoplet

Twitter @Shoplet  https://twitter.com/shoplet

Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/shoplet/

Blog  http://blog.shoplet.com/

Youtube  https://www.youtube.com/user/Shoplet

Instagram  https://instagram.com/shoplet/


* I received this planner for free to review. No other compensation was received. Opinions are my own.

Thinkfun Brick By Brick

We are huge fans of Thinkfun games. They are fun, educational, and great for the whole family. Brick By Brick is a creative building game. It comes with 5 puzzle pieces and 60 challenge cards. 

Challenge 7 

I figured it out! 

The solution is on the back in case you need help.

Brick By Brick is a single player game. The suggested age range is 8 to adult. It also comes with a Game-Go Bag so you can take it anywhere. 

Game-Go Bag

We're having fun working our way through the challenges. Games like this are great because you can just sit them out and when you have a moment just try a challenge or two. 

Thinkfun has lots of games so be sure to visit their site to learn more about them. You can find Brick By Brick on Amazon.

* I received this game for free for this review. No other compensation was received. Opinions are my own.