CAMP STEW

Living in Texas, I had never heard of "Camp Stew".  Even when we moved to Alabama in the early 80's, I never heard of it.  Now in the last five years, I have had plenty.  Now, I am not saying that I don't want anymore, though.


Growing up, my mother would always make a roast on Sunday for our dinner and then on Monday, we knew that we would be getting "Homemade Vegetable Soup".  You never knew what would be in it, but it was guaranteed to be awesome.  My mother could make it in the  summer as well as the winter.
I don't make roast as much as she did, because, for some reason our youngest girls don't like it.  I really don't know what their problem is.


So now, I make camp stew and our 18 year old can not seem to get enough of it.  I decided that it was time that I share the recipe with you.  It is so easy to make.  All you need is a can opener and the required cans and I prefer a crock pot.


Recipe:
Large can of cubed potatoes
can of rotel tomatoes (I use the mild at times and also the original)
can of corn
can of Lima beans
can of Brunswick Stew (I use Castleberry)
can of barbecued pork ( now I always used Castleberries, but I have not been able to find it any more, so I began to use two cans of the large chicken breast, added a little barbecue sauce)
Worcestershire sauce

THIS IS AFTER MY CHILDREN TOOK HALF OF THE STEW.  

Open the cans, dump it all in to the crock pot or large pan and heat.  Serve with crackers and you have a great meal.

BSMB Kindle Giveaway Twitter Handles

BSMB Kindle Giveaway Twitter Handles

Reader Styles

Can You Find Yourself?

The Peeker: This reader isn’t hesitant about reading the ending well before actually getting there. Some start out reading the end, others peek ahead once they’re sufficiently worried or confused about where the story is taking them.
The Dedicated Reader will finish every book they start, even if they’re not particularly enjoying it. They want to see how the reader wraps up the story, even if they complain about how it’s done.
The Wall-Banger has such well-defined standards that when it isn’t met they not only don’t finish the book, they toss it across the room in disgust.
The Skimmer would like to finish every book, but isn’t sufficiently engaged to want to spend the time it will take for a thorough read. They skip narrative, try to read most of the dialogue, and pick up just enough to see where the plot and characters go.
The Picky Reader never spends time finishing a book she’s either not enjoying or learning from.
The Juggler reads more than one book at the same time.
The Voracious Reader: Reads so many books in such close succession that when they shop for new ones they often end up purchasing ones they already own. It isn’t until they’re a quarter of the way into the novel that they realize they’ve not only already read it, but it’s sitting on their very full bookshelf.
The Hasty Review Reader is in a contest with others to see how many reviews they can get up online, for perks and prestige.
The Cliff Note and Reader’s Digest Reader: student’s favorite, but also known to attract those with more curiosity than time.
The Snail Pace Reader savors each and every word, re-reads paragraphs just for the enjoyment of particularly lyrical or imaginative prose.
Bathroom Reader: No matter how good the book is, this is the only spot for reading.
Exercise and audio reader: these readers have been known to extend their exercise time just to find a place in the book where they can put it down or push pause.
Travel and Vacation Reader: Beach readers, airport/airplane readers. This also includes those who don’t get carsick and can read while a passenger in the car.
The Giving Reader: only reads a book once, then passes it on. See next reader style for the opposite style.
Re-Readers: They can read a book twenty times but still enjoy reading it again. Series books are sometimes re-read to refresh this reader’s memory. Or they’re just in the mood for “that kind of book”.
Series Readers are those who primarily read series books; this sometimes means the whole series must be published before purchasing and reading the first. Or they fall into the re-reader category and re-read the earlier books each time a new book is added to the series, so the books that went before are fresh in their mind.
Movie/Book Reader. This reader must read the book before seeing an upcoming movie, or else has already seen the movie but enjoyed it so much they now want to read the book for another, deeper perspective or to relive the movie.
Genre Readers are those readers who never venture outside their favorite genre. Loyal romance readers, sci-fi, mystery, etc.
The Matter-of-Fact Reader only reads non-fiction, biographies, autobiographies, or textbooks. If it didn’t actually happen, they’re not reading it. They have no desire to explore whether or not truth is stranger than fiction, because they only want the truth.
Chances are if you’ve been reading for very long you’ve practiced more than one of the reader styles listed above. I know I have! What about you?

NEW READING CHALLENGES FOR 2012

I have been browsing through a number of my blogs that I follow and I have noticed that so many of them have already started posting "Reading Challenges" for the new year.  So I decided that it was time for me to get on the same page and start looking for the ones that I wanted to be apart of.

Between now and the first of the year, I will begin to post the challenges that I feel that I can do.  I so love to read and with the house empty of children, my house stays cleaner than ever before.  So this new year, I want to place my energy toward a closer walk with the Lord and then on to my reading challenges.

BOOK CHALLENGES

#1

http://www.bookchickcity.com/2011/12/sign-up-mystery-suspense-reading.html

Challenging Details:

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012

• Rules: To read TWELVE (12) mystery & suspense novels in 2011 (12 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!)

• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• You can join at anytime. All books read in 2012 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.

• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews.

• Audiobooks do not count, but all other formats are accepted.

• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to add your reviews.

• You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog justFILL IN THIS FORM and I will add you to the list - just join the discussion in the comments section to let us know when you've read a book and what you thought of it! :)

• You can choose from the numerous sub-genres of mystery and suspense, from cosy mysteries such as Agatha Christie to the more hard-boiled kind like V I Warshawski by Sara Paretsky, or romantic suspense written by the likes of Linda Howard, forensic crime such as those written by Kathy Reichs and even paranormal/supernatural suspense such as Kelley Armstrong. I'm sure this challenge will have something for everyone! :)

1. Shadows at the Window by Linda Hall
2. Fugitive Family by Pamela Tracy
3. Books Can be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay
4. The Rookies Assignment by Valerie Hansen
5. Next Target by Nikki Arana
6. A Taste of Murder by Virginia Smith
7. River of Secrets by Lynette Eason
8. Keeping Her Safe by Barbara Phinney
9. The Defender's Duty by Shirlee McCoy
10. Her Only Protector by Lisa Mondell
11. No Love Lost by Lynn Bulock
12. Twin Targets by Marta Perry
13. The Guardian's Mission by Shirlee McCoy
14. Undercover Bodyguard by Shirlee McCoy
15. Private Eye Protector by Shirlee McCoy
16. The Deputy's Duty by Terri Reed
17. The Widow's Protector by Stephanie Newton
18. The Lawman's Legacy by Shirlee McCoy
19. The Detective's Secret Daughter by Rachelle McCalla
20. The Black Sheep;s Redemption by Lynette Eason

#2

http://www.babiesbooksandsigns.com/p/z-challenge-2012.html

Technical Stuff

This challenge will run from January 1st, 2012 until December 31st, 2012.

You can join anytime.

If you are blogger, leave the link to your actual post about this challenge.

If you are not a blogger, leave a link to where you will be keeping track of this challenge.

So there are two different ways you can set up your own A-Z challenge.

A - Make a list now of 26 books, picking one for each letter of the alphabet. For example: A - Atonement B- Black Beauty C - The Count of Monte Cristo D - Dances with Dragons etc.

OR
       (This is the one that I will be doing)
B - The lazy way (how I do it) : Make a list on your blog from A-Z. Throughout the year, as you go along, add the books you are reading to the list. Hope that by the end of the year you have read one book for each letter. Towards the end of the year, you can check and see which letters you are missing and find books to fit.

Each month, I will add another challenge to this main challenge. It might to read a book with both A and Z in the title or to read a book with 3 words that all start with the same letter. I might host a few random giveaways too for good measure.

So to join along....
1. Write a blog post about this challenge and whether you are going go with A or B.
2. Add the button to your blog.
3. Attach yourself to the linky.
4. Follow my blog so that you can see when I post the monthly challenge!


A.   A PLACE TO BELONG by LINDA GOODNIGHT
B.   BOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING by JENN McKINLAY
C.   (The) CHRISTMAS SINGING by CINDY WOODSMALL
D.   (The) DETECTIVE'S SECRET DAUGHTER 
                     by RACHELLE McCALLA
E.
F.   FUGITIVE FAMILY by PAMELA TRACY
G.   (The) GUARDIAN'S MISSION by SHIRLEE McCOY
H.   HER ONLY PROTECTOR by LISA MONDELLO
I.
J.
K.   KEEPING HER SAFE by BARBARA PHINNEY
L.   (The) LAST BRIDGE HOME by LINDA GOODNIGHT
M.
N.   NO LOVE LOST by LYNN BULOCK
O.
P.   PRIVATE EYE PROTECTOR by SHIRLEE McCOY
Q.
R.   RIVER OF SECRETS by LYNETTE EASON
S.    SHADOW AT THE WINDOW by LINDA HALL
T.   THE CHRISTMAS CHILD by LINDA GOODNIGHT
U.   UNERCOVER BODYGUARD by SHIRLEE McCOY
V.
W.   (The) WEDDING GARDEN by LINDA GOODNIGHT
X.
Y.
Z.

http://bffchallenge.blogspot.com/

Rules:

Challenge starts January 1, 2012 and ends December 31, 2012

1. Write a post on your blog about joining this challenge

Add links to your 5 favorite books

Don't forget to add the challenge button

2. Click on the "Sign Up" tab above and leave the link to your challenge post, not to your blog's home page.

3. Visit the other participants and choose 3-12 of their favorite books to read.

You can choose them all at once or as you go.

Add the title to your original post, making sure to link back to the person whose favorite it is.

4. As you read each book:
Post a review on your blog and leave the link in the "Reviews" tab at the top of this blog

UPDATE:

I've decided not to use the "Review" tab, it will be to confusing. Instead, each month I'll write a post with a linky to add your review links.

Giveaway - Chicken Soup For The Soul

I always like to have some inspirational books on the coffee table that I can look at when I need a pick-me-up, whether it be a photography book with beautiful landscapes or a book from the Chicken Soup For The Soul series. It is nice to be able to spend a just few minutes of my time with a book and feel like I really got something out of it. One of the latest releases from the Chicken Soup For The Soul series, Inspiration For The Young At Heart is one such book. Each story is written by a different senior and what they are experiencing during their retirement years. I think the senior years are so special. Now that my mom is semi-retired, I am trying to make sure that she gets to do all of the fun things that she never had time for before. Reading this book has really given us both some inspiration. 

101 Stories of Inspiration, Humor, and Wisdom about Life at a Certain Age

Life begins again at 60! Crossing that magic age might bring a few new wrinkles but also new experiences. This collection is full of humorous and fun adventures from those who are actively enjoying their "senior years!" Stories about new careers, volunteer work, sports and sport cars, love, family, and travels will amuse and invigorate readers.

Is there a special senior on your gift list this year? I think Inspiration For The Young At Heart would be a very thoughtful and treasured gift.  

If you are like me, I like having a book laying around that I can pick up and read just a a small story at a time.  But, I want something that will be a lift me up story.  And I have found that type of story in all of the Chicken Soup Books.  If you would like to win this one, please click on  http://www.aboutamom.com/2011/11/giveaway-chicken-soup-for-soul.html#comment-form
and enter your name.

Earthy Mama: Health & Beauty 101 Mouthwash

Earthy Mama: Health & Beauty 101 Mouthwash: Fresh out of deodorant? Dab a little mouthwash under your arms. This will kill the the bacteria that cause odor. Pour mouthwash over cuts ...

NOOK TABLET GIVEAWAY

Looking for an e-reader for yourself or perhaps for a gift this Christmas?  Then why not head on over and visit Heather at Full Price? Never!  From now, until the 7th of December you have the chance to enter the giveaway for a Nook Tablet.  Don't let the opportunity pass you by, you could be the lucky one.

http://fullpricenever.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-about-nook-giveaway-enter-today.html?showComment=1322184251465#c8489268670377194718

Giveaway - CD of "A Half Hour of Peace"

I must tell you, today, I learnt something new.  I have cd's that I have used for back-ground music and then my husband has some that he plays at night to drown out noises.  But today, I went over to http://www.relaxintuit.com/about-stress-and-sleep-relaxation-cd.php to check out their site.  I did this mostly in order to sign up for the giveaway.  Yet, I came away knowing more than I entered in with.  I was not aware that music was used to help with depression and adults that are caring for older parents.  These are two areas that I deal with.  There were more listed, but these two just jumped out at me.  I am so hoping to win this CD, but I would love for one of my readers to win it also.  So if you would like some relaxing music in your life, I think this could just be it.  Be sure to visit http://www.actingbalanced.com/2011/11/holiday-gift-guide-r-relax-intuit-us.html and place your name in the drawing for your chance to win.




From the Publisher:

Drift into the quiet place, where worries dissipate, where healing begins.


Award-winning stress management expert Susie Mantell has created a uniquely personal guided imagery meditation experience on CD. With a voice described as "liquid, instilled with a uniquely personal quality of compassion," Susie Mantell's exquisitely warm guided imagery narration carries you into soft, effortless relaxation, releasing the day surrounding this half-hour soothing meditation CD. Thousands of listeners experiencing stress or insomnia, anxiety, depression or pain find soothing comfort in this gently empowering mind-body relaxation CD for stress reduction. Gently supported by a light musical background specifically composed to enhance this multi-sensory experience, physicians, nurses, therapists, caregivers and hospice workers find healing respite as well. Also a thoughtful, affordable business gift, in a world that often seems to spin too fast, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace" is a tranquil path to a quiet place where worries dissipate, and healing begins.

Enter to Win "The Doctor's Lady" by Jody Hedlund

Have you ever had the desire to be a missionary?  When I was a little girl and the missionaries would come and give their testimonies, I thought it would be so exciting to go and serve them.  Yet, as I grew up the Lord led me in other directions.     Even so, my heart still goes out to those that have given up family time, luxury of homes with running water, electricity and hot baths, not to mention a private bathroom. 

If you would enjoy reading about a young woman that had her heart set on being a missionary, then skip on over to http://little-bit-of-wonderful.blogspot.com/2011/11/doctors-lady-jody-hedlund-book-review.html

and sign up to win a free book.  You only have five days left to enter, so don't take too long.

The Doctor's Lady
by
Jody Hedlund
Bethany House Publishers
378 pages

{ FROM THE BACK COVER }

Priscilla White KNEW God wanted her
to be a missionary. NOT A WIFE.

Then, the missionary board declares
THE ONLY WAY she can serve
is to be MARRIED.

Now, married IN NAME ONLY,
her epic journey west will test
her spirit...and the new
LONGINGS of her heart. 

~ from the back cover.

{ PLOT SYNOPSIS }

The Doctor's Lady is the fictionalized story of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, a young missionary couple who traveled to Oregon country in 1836 to start a mission among the native Nez Perce. The Whitmans traveled with the Spaldings - a pastor and his wife - and Narcissa and Eliza Spalding are famous for being the first two white women to cross the Continental Divide and make it all the way to the far west. Narcissa wrote a very detailed diary, and drawing on those writings as well as the various historical accounts of their life, Jody Hedlund has constructed a vivid picture of the life of this incredible woman and her companions. In order to breathe life into her characters, Hedlund fictionalized the account just enough to speculate on what is not fully known, and gave the characters new names (Marcus and Narcissa Whitman become Eli and Priscilla Earnest); even so, this book is highly accurate as verified by Narcissa's diary.

You can own your own copy of The Doctor's Lady for only $10.19 at Amazon.com!

{ COMING SOON }

Want to know more about this incredible author? Check back on Wednesday (November 16, 2011) to read an exclusive interview with Jody Hedlund, here on Little Bit Of Wonderful!

{ WIN THIS BOOK }

Want to win a free copy of The Doctor's Lady, right here on Little Bit Of Wonderful? The incredible author, Jody Hedlund, is offering one of my readers their own copy of this amazing book! 

SILI SQUEEZE - Giveaway

If you would like to enter to win one of these for your own child or to give away to someone that you know, be sure to click on over tohttp://insidemyheadwithkelli.blogspot.com/2011/11/thesilisqueeze-review-and-giveaway-its.html?showComment=1322019719134#c1416422802017954726.

BROOKSIDE DARK CHOCOLATE TREATS

I love chocolate.  Yet, when my Tommy started down the road on Low-carb eating, of course chocolate was not on the list.  Then he found me some dark chocolate at Sam's a couple of years ago and I was in love.  Brookside Dark Chocolate Cherries. The only problem was that they were seasonal.


I know that chocolate is not on the low-carb diet, yet my Tommy told me that dark chocolate was good for me.  Now, don't get me wrong, he likes the real stuff, the 90%.  I can not handle that strong of chocolate.


Now, to the good part.  I was in Walmart strolling down the candy isle and I looked up and not only did I find one bag, but found two.


Brooksidefoods.com  has a Dark Chocolate Acai with Blueberry and Dark Chocolate Pomegranate.  Trust me, at this point, I grabbed two bags of each.  I could not wait to get home and try them.  I remembered the chocolate being smooth and the fruit having that real fruit taste.  Well, I was not disappointed. I don't even like Blueberries, but the Acai and Blueberries mixed together is something that made me want more.  If you are looking for a new snack full of rich, smooth , chocolate taste, then these are for you.

Brookside's chocolatiers have discovered a range of exotic fruits around the world to create the ultimate chocolate experience.  The perfect pairing of Brookside's sweetened real fruit juice pieces dipped in luscious dark chocolate.
(from the back of the bag)


*I have not been paid or asked to do this review.  I have just tried this product and found it to be something that I wanted to share with others.

THE FARMER NEXT DOOR by Patricia Davids

From the back of the book:

HE WOULD NEVER MARRY AGAIN

Adrian Lapp had taken that vow after losing his wife and son.  But the newest resident of the Amish community of Hope Springs captivates him from their first meeting.  Widow Faith Martin is strong, courageous and determined to make her farmstead profitable.  Her fight to raise her six-year old orphaned nephew in the Amish community brings her closer to the members of Hope Springs...and Adrian.  Now if only Adrian can open his heart to the possibility of love again...

From page 48

Adrian blinked back the sudden sting of tears.

Gideon would have loved to see Faith's animals, and Lovina wold have liked this new neighbor with her ready smile and determined ways  It was so unfair that their lives had been cut short.  So unfair that he had to go on living without them.

He heard Faith softly inquire, "What's wrong?'

He took the pan from her.  "My wife and son passed away not long ago."

"I'm so sorry.  You must miss them very much."

"I do."

Adrian met Faith's gaze.  Oddly, he found he wanted to talk to her about Lovina and Gideon.  He hadn't been able to save his wife or his son.  That bitter truth haunted him day and night.

He blinked hard to clear his vision.  Faith's face swam into view.  She understood.  He was it in her eyes.  It was more than sympathy and compassion.  She had been in the same dark place that surrounded him.

AN AMISH CHRISTMAS by Patricia Davids

From the back of the book:

His Past Was A Mystery

When Karen Imhoff finds a beaten man lying unconscious by the road in her Amish community, she doesn't hesitate to help.

"John Doe" needs a place to stay while he regains his memory, and she has a room to rent.  The handsome Englisher proves invaluable around the family farm, yet his presence wreaks havoc with her emotions.  Karen has her younger siblings to care for.  She can't fall for an outsider who doesn't know his own identity.  But as Christmas draws closer, the simple grace of this life - and this woman - could inspire John to make Karen's dreams come true...

From page 28

"It seems you've come to my rescue once again."

He held out his had to seal the deal and gave her a crooked grin.  It deepened the lines that bracketed his mouth, lending him a boyish charm.

With only a brief hesitation, she accepted his hand.  Her pulse skipped a beat, then pounded erratically as her small hand was swallowed by his large warm one.  It wasn't soft - it was calloused and rough like the hand of a man who worked outdoors for a living.  A blush heated her cheeks, but she couldn't take her eyes off him.

She remembered him so clearly.  The shape of his brow and the stone-gray color of his eyes, even the way the stubble of his beard had felt beneath her fingers.  She remembered, too the husky sound of his voice when he told her she was beautiful.

Something light and sweet slipped through her veins.  An echo of time when she'd been a giddy teenager smitten with a local boy.  A time before she'd had to become a surrogate mother to her younger siblings and put her girlhood dreams away.

SUGAR COATING: Because You Can't Handle the Truth

This evening I was over at  http://uncommonchick.com/sugar-coating-because-you-cant-handle-the-truth/  I was so intrigued with this article that I wanted to share it on my blog.  I find myself here.  Do I really want to tell the person the complete truth and face hurting them and perhaps ending a friendship?  Or do I only go so far?  What do I do or do you do in moments like this?  I hope that my friends would know that they could tell me the truth without fear of damaging our friendship, but is that really the truth?  I don't know, I hope so.

Come on, you know we all do it and for reasons I’ll get into below, we feel we must! It’s commonplace; it’s acceptable; and I venture to say that most of the time, people know we’re doing it and they are okay with it! *shaking my head*

• Why is it that being truthful gets put in the same bucket as being offensive or rude (not withstanding the WAY the truth is delivered)???
• How often do we sugar coat the truth to our own selves???
• What do you think the world would be like if people were bred to be honest, mature, and courageous and actually wanted the truth????
• Why are people who are blunt and say what they feel are regarded as jerks??? (I know, sometimes they really are!)
• Have we all just gone soft???
• Have you ever asked a question and someone gave you an honest answer but you didn’t like it and got mad???

Sugar coating – because people can’t handle the truth!

 

Why We Have to Sugar Coat Things

The first thing that comes to my mind is because we’ve been bred to believe that we shouldn’t hurt anybody’s feelings.

Me: So lying is better Ma?

Ma: Yes, baby. If you tell her/him the truth, they will cry.

Me: Oh, so they’re punks.

Ma: Weeelllll, we’ll call them “sensitive“…

Okay, so maybe the conversation didn’t go exactly like that but that’s what I learned from a similar convo. What about you? Doesn’t this sound like what you grew up with? What parents, teachers, and others have led you to believe?

Well, as I get older, most of the time, I end up not saying anything if I can’t find something positive/helpful to say (another childhood lesson I”m sure most of us learned). Yes, I’d rather bite my tongue than sugar coat these days.  I find picking my battles with certain people, keeping my thoughts to myself, and maintaining relationships are much more satisfying than setting people off because, though they asked for it, they didn’t really want to hear the truth. 

So we sugar coat because:

• we want to spare others’ feelings
• fear of judgement
• to get what we want/manipulate
• oh and how dare we tell the honest-to-goodness truth to those we love and care about!

Isn’t It Better to Learn from the Truth?

I don’t know about you but I’d rather learn and grow from the truth than to think everything’s gravy. Think about it: if you try to “sweeten up/beat around the bush/make light of” the truth, it may not be in my best interest. I think it’s better that all of us want the truth and, in turn, give it back to others.

Now, this doesn’t mean that we go around doing it with the intent to hurt people. That’s not what I’m saying. We’re adults here, supposedly, so you know what I mean. 

Over to you…

Soooo, would you rather someone sugar coat things to you…or would you want him/her to be straight up, even if your ego will be crushed??? Also, think about the last time you sugar coated something….what was the reason? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I'm Kesha and I believe we should Be the Fruit Loop in a world full of Cheerios and that life is more interesting when you dare to be different! I'm also the Principal Web Designer at XD Web Solutions, a writer, an online marketer, a student of the Universe, and all around cool chick. Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook and say hi. Don't be shy! Also, sign up via the RSS Feed to keep up with the latest posts on the blog.

BOOKIE FRIENDS FAVORITES CHALLENGES 2012

Who doesn't like a new challenge for the up and coming year.  I do, that's who.  I am hoping that you are one of those type of people also.  I have found that through blogging, I have found others with a passion for books.  Not only that, but I have been able to find new authors to read and share with others. The challenge below will hopefully help us to find a few more fovorites authors and along the way a few more friends to share our books with.

http://bffchallenge.blogspot.com/

Rules:
Challenge starts January 1, 2012 and ends December 31, 2012

1. Write a post on your blog about joining this challenge

Add links to your 5 favorite books

Don't forget to add the challenge button

2. Click on the "Sign Up" tab above and leave the link to your challenge post, not to your blog's home page.

3. Visit the other participants and choose 3-12 books to read.

You can choose them all at once or as you go.

Add the title to your original post, making sure to link back to the person whose favorite it is.

4. As you read each book:
Post a review on your blog and leave the link in the "Reviews" tab at the top of this blog

I can't wait to see what your favorites are!!

FIVE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME HAVE BEEN:

1. Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick

2. Leota's Garden by Francine Rivers

3. Sister's by Danielle Steele
4. The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
    (this is the first is the series)
5. Sisterchicks on the Loose! by Robin Jones Gunn
    (this is also the first in a series, it will make 
     you laugh, cry and wish that you could take
     off with your best friend)


The Books I am Reading and Whose Favorites They Are:


1. Friendshipbread by Darien Gee from I'd Rather Be At The Beach
    (I had just ordered this book and was planning on reading it
     over the holidays)
2. June Bug by Chris Fabry from I'd Rather Be At The Beach
    (My Mandy bought this and read it first and really enjoyed
     it, now it is in my hands and waiting for me to read)
3. Skin by Ted Dekker from Christian Bookshelf Reviews
4. The Queen by Steven James from Christian Bookshelf Reviews
    (I just got the complete series from Paperback Swap and
     they are just waiting to be read.  I really hate to start
     a series, until I can get all of them)

YOU ARE NOT SO SMART - GIveaway

Have you ever found a book that you just knew that you needed to get for someone?  Well, this is a book that I know I need for one of my relatives.  No, I am not going to say, beause they may be reading this post. even if you don't know anyone, it could be a book you place on your coffee table, or for a bathroom read.


If you would like to read more on this giveaway, click on http://www.actingbalanced.com/2011/11/giveaway-and-book-review-you-are-not-so.html. 


From the Publisher:
An entertaining illumination of the stupid beliefs that make us feel wise.


You believe you are a rational, logical being who sees the world as it really is, but journalist David McRaney is here to tell you that you’re as deluded as the rest of us. But that’s OK- delusions keep us sane. You Are Not So Smart is a celebration of self-delusion. It’s like a psychology class, with all the boring parts taken out, and with no homework.


Based on the popular blog of the same name, You Are Not So Smart collects more than 46 of the lies we tell ourselves everyday, including:

• Dunbar’s Number – Humans evolved to live in bands of roughly 150 individuals, the brain cannot handle more than that number. If you have more than 150 Facebook friends, they are surely not all real friends.
• Hindsight bias – When we learn something new, we reassure ourselves that we knew it all along.
• Confirmation bias – Our brains resist new ideas, instead paying attention only to findings that reinforce our preconceived notions.
• Brand loyalty – We reach for the same brand not because we trust its quality but because we want to reassure ourselves that we made a smart choice the last time we bought it.

Packed with interesting sidebars and quick guides on cognition and common fallacies, You Are Not So Smart is a fascinating synthesis of cutting-edge psychology research to turn our minds inside out.