YBC Book Review - "After The Boxes Are Unpacked" by Susan Miller

Have you ever moved?  Or have you ever felt alone and outside the circle?

I just finished Susan Miller's book, "After The Boxes Are Unpacked"

for Tyndale Publishing.

I requested this book because we are working at selling our house and then move back home to NY. (No, not New York City....there is a whole state that is much nicer than that city. lol)

I thought that this book would have more actual packing and moving tips, but it didn't.

It was about letting go of your past lives (and homes and communities) and learning how to fit in with the people in your new communities.  And how to learn to lean on God in the process.

Back in the early 80's, my ex-husband moved us from New York to Texas...and I was miserable.

I was a new Christian, just discovered I was pregnant with our 3rd child, and in an unhappy marriage.

I could have used this book.  It probably would not have saved my marriage, but it might have helped me to enjoy the communities where we lived.

This book is full of encouragement, and scriptures, and comment sense suggestions on how to remember your "old" life without too many tears, and how to start your "new" life in new surroundings and make new friends.  Even though I am moving back to my hometown, I will still be able to use the suggestions in this book, and we look for a new church, a home in a new area of town, and to help my kids find new friends.

After her last move across the country, Susan was led to start a support group in her church for newcomers.  Out of that came this book, and Susan has also started the Just Moved ministry, a non-profit organization to help everyone, weather you need a group, or would like to start one.

I give this book 2 thumbs up.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book, but this review is 100% my own opinion.

Time For Summer Fashions

What is your favorite season?

 Do you like like the cooler weather and warm colors of fall,

or the cold and bright white of winter?

Or is spring your season, with new growth and pastel colors?

Personally I am a summertime girl. The warm sun, beaches, and bright happy colors.

Right now I am in the middle of our family season clothes switch out. With only so much closet space we need to store our summer/winter wardrobe in totes.

But then it's fun to see your old favorites again (unless they no longer fit, lol).

To help you round out this summers wardrobe, let me help with these amazing items on sale in my Scott's Marketplace shop, The Yankee Burrow Co.

Summer stroll hat

Retro yellow handbag

Let's start at the top with this cheery yellow french style beret.  A cute way to add a pop of color to your basic summer outfit of shorts and tee.  The flower is removable.

And pair it with this small yellow handbag.  Fully lined so you don't have to worry about anything poking through the stitches, and the clear acrylic handles give it a retro look.

Independence Day bracelet

seed bead bracelet

It may be May (almost) but time flies and soon it will be July.  So get red, white, and blue ready with this Independence day bracelet.  It streeeeeetches. 

If you prefer something softer, try this pastel seed bead bracelet, created with memory wire, so it will fit anybody.

silver ruffle scarf

baby sandals

Scarves are a great look, in any season.  Just watch out for the material and weight, so you don't sweat your head off.  This silver ruffle scarf is soft and light and a perfect match for that little black dress and a night on the town. 

And don't forget your future fasionista with these crocheted bright orange baby sandals, accented with shocking pink heart buttons.

You can click on any image or link to visit my shop and see everything else I have created. 

Oh, and right now EVERYTHING IS ON SALE! 50% OFF!

You can't beat that, and I need to make room in my studio for new items.

Just use the coupon code cleanhouse50 at checkout.

Until next time,

Be blessed,

Debbi

The CraftStar Catalog

The CraftStar has started something new a few months ago - 

The CraftStar Catalog.

And this week, I am a part of it with my 

Silver Ruffle Scarf.

This is a lightweight scarf that measures a full 58" long, so you can wear in long, or double it for a fuller look.  It's created with a soft metallic yarn that shimmers when you move, so it would look amazing paired with a black dress for your festive holiday office party.  Plus, I am almost finished with a matching clutch (just need to sew in the lining) to complete your look.

Here are two of my favorite items from this weeks catalog...

I love the Southwest look, especially any turquoise.  So when I saw these beads, I was ready to snatch them up.  But guess what?

THIS IS SOAP!

I love it!  Little rock shaped pieces of soap created to look like real turquoise, right down to the gold veins.

You'll find this at Rock Hound Soap.

Speaking of beads, all creatives need supplies.  And I have to admit that beads are a weakness of mine. (Along with paint and yarn, lol)

So I have to share these incredible glow-nouveau mirage beads.  (Think mood beads of the 70's).

These change color as they get warm - or cold.  So much fun!  Find them at Poppie's Beads N More.

There is more to be seen in The CraftStar Catalog...and even more on The CraftStar site.

So go get your shopping on!!!

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - The Tank Man's Son by Mark Bouman

I enjoy meeting new people and learning how God can, and does, change them.

And that's what I found from my latest book,

"The Tank Man's Son" by Mark Bouman.

This book was totally engrossing, and I found it hard to put the book down.  I really enjoyed Mark's style of writing, it made me feel for him, and his whole family.

The beginning of the book gives you the back story of his parents lives before they met, which gives a good foundation to help you somewhat understand the behavior of his Dad.  And his Mom.  And Mark does not just tell of the dark parts of his life, but also pulls you in with the lighter side, and the fun, every child can find in difficult situations.

The story wraps up with Mark as an adult, and how God turned his life around, and helped Mark not only forgive his father, but to reconcile with him.  The only down side to this story is I would have loved to learn more about Mark's life as an adult, his college years and the struggles he faced himself as an adult.  It almost seemed like the part of his life where God was working was just an afterthought in this book.  He could have gone more into depth, and even if it made it a larger longer book, it would have been worth it.

Mark Bouman and his family served as missionaries to Cambodia for more than 20 years.  

Here's a video trailer for the book.  

watch on tyndale.com

I give this book 5 stars.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Where Did August Go?

Wow....

It's already the end of August and my last post is from the end of July....

where is the time going?

I remember as a child that time seemed to move so slowly, spending my days playing around and wishing for summer, then wishing for Christmas, then wishing for more.

Now it's like I'm just barely getting anything done.

My to-do list can go on forever, as soon as I knock one item off, 2 more get added.

Let's see...

local farmers market

local craft shows

new website

new blog look

new crafts to try

on-line classes to improve all of the above.

Then add in summer trips and vacations.

A 4 day church conference (of which I was on the planning committee)

An emergency last minute trip home for family.

And planning for a new year of homeschooling....high school level.

But I'm not complaining.

Because all this work just means I am alive.

I have the ability to get up, and move, and think, and do.

And I praise God for every hectic, crazy, exhausting day.

Now for a lighter touch...

This is Hannah's first day of school picture.

Be blessed,
Debbi

My New Look

So...what do you think of my new look?

I'm still checking out and learning Wordpress (it's like learning a foreign language) so I decided to update my blogspot site.

And I like it!

I think.

haha

I was also able to embed my square shop onto my website, so I can now spend my time and energy promoting my own site instead of someone else's.

Check it out and let me know.

You can reach my shop on the link above,

Or try out my domain...

www.yankeeburrow.com

And before you leave....please let me know in a comment what you think about this new look.

And stop by tomorrow, I'll be here.

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - The Miracle In The Middle, Finding God's Voice In The Void by Carlotte Gambill

I've "discovered" another good book to help you get through the tough times.

"The Miracle In The Middle" by Charlotte Gambill

We have ALL had times in our lives when it feels like we are getting nowhere...fast.  When we first make that choice to follow Christ, we are all excited and ready to move out and do anything God asks us to do.  And God lets us know where to go and when because as babies, we need that moment by moment guidance.  But then the growing pains start.  All of a sudden the road looks long, and hard, and lonely.  And then you begin to doubt, and question, and whine.  Yes, whine.

But with lots of scripture and stories, Charlotte helps us to look around us, and in us, during these times in our lives, and to see that we are not as lost as we feel.

I turned my life over to God waaaaay back in 1982, and during the past 33 years, I have spent too much of my time lost and whining...all because I jumped ahead of God, or totally chose a detour from what He told me in the beginning.  So I had plenty of growing time, learning to trust my faith, my God, and myself.  And it's during these "God, why aren't you talking to me" times that our faith grows.

Charlotte is the pastor (with her husband Steve) of the Life Church in England, and has written this book with not just stories, but also with study helps at the end of each chapter.  I enjoyed this book, and will be keeping (or sharing) it.

Here's part of the description from the back cover...

"Where most beginnings start with energy and expectation for all that is ahead, and endings bring the joy of completion as you arrive at your desired destination, the middle is very different. This midpoint can too quickly become a low point, as energy is lacking and enthusiasm wanes. Yet how well you handle the middle reveals what is in the middle of you.

The disciples found-in the middle of a lake-a revelation of Jesus that they had never seen on the shore. In the middle is where new navigational skills are found. It's also where some of the most significant lessons are learned."

I give this book 4 stars.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Attention All Musicians, Beginners to Advanced

You all may, or may not, know, but I am not only a blogger and an artist, I am a musician.

And have I found a deal for you.

A free book.

Yes, I said..FREE!

Written by Professor Damon Ferrante, this lesson book guides you through 140 step-by-step lessons for beginner and advanced players.  The first and most important rule to become good at anything is practice, practice, and practice.  And this book is full of scales, and chords, and arpeggios, mixed with piano technique and music theory.  Designed to be interactive, engaging, and fun, it also includes 15 streaming videos so you can also see and hear the lessons for additional understanding.

Let's check out a few lessons...

The book starts at the very beginning...learning the scale and reading music.  Reading music is not important just for pianists, but for everyone.  If you can read music, you can learn to play most any instrument.

As you can see, the lessons get progressively more intricate, which, to me, makes it more fun.  It's all about learning and improving.  I especially like this book and will use it often to help me review and remember some of the details I learned (and forgot) from when I was just a teenager.

So, are you ready for the free part?

Just go to Amazon and download.

If you don't have a Kindle, that's ok, neither do I.  You can download this to your Android devise with no problem.

You can find the videos for this book on YouTube.

They also have videos for piano scales.

Now for my call to action...after you download your FREE copy of this book, please leave a review on Amazon as a favor to me.  A review should be at least 5-10 sentences long, and please click "Amazon-Verified Purchase".  And if you would also please please, copy and paste your published review and email it to me at mail@yankeeburrowcreations, or put it in the comment section of this post.  That would help me out soooo much!!  And trust me, once you try this FREE book, you'll want to let others know all about it.

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - "Miracles From Heaven" by Christy Wilson Beam

Do you believe in miracles?

I do, but if I didn't, this book

"Miracles From Heaven" by Christy Wilson Beam would make me think twice.

This is the incredible real-life story of a young girl with a big health problem, Pseudo-Obstruction Motility Disorder.  But Anna and her family were not about to let this disease define their lives.  I was encouraged by how this family depended on God and each other to get through every struggle and challenge put before them.  And this book would have been complete with just that story.

But God...

God had other plans for Anna's life.  And He used a big hollow tree and another crisis to bring about His plan.  Without giving away too much of the story, little Anna found herself in a difficult position, and it was during this time that she visited heaven.  And after her rescue, began the real story of her miracle, her healing.  I especially love how her parents, Christy and Kevin, didn't let this miracle take over their lives.  It would have been so easy for them to jump on the publicity bandwagon, but they didn't, they took their time before they even called Anna's improved health a healing, a miracle.

As you read this you'll also meet Anna's sisters and extended family.  What a wonderful bunch of believers.  Every one should have friends and family like that.

And the buzz is that T.D.Jakes will be making a movie from this story and will be released Spring of 2016.  So go now and get this book and read it.  You'll love it too.

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - The Marauders by Tom Cooper

I like to read, and I like music, and I love most genres (except horror...and rap).  So while most of my reading is faith based, I do enjoy trying new things,   That's why I picked "The Marauders" by Tom Cooper.  Boy, was that a mistake. :0(

Here's what I read about the book and why I ordered it...

"When the BP oil spill devastates the Gulf coast, those who made a living by shrimping find themselves in dire straits. For the oddballs and lowlifes who inhabit the sleepy, working class bayou town of Jeannette,  these desperate circumstances serve as the catalyst that pushes them to enact whatever risky schemes they can dream up to reverse their fortunes. At the center of it all is Gus Lindquist, a pill-addicted, one armed treasure hunter obsessed with finding the lost treasure of pirate Jean Lafitte. His quest brings him into contact with a wide array of memorable characters, ranging from a couple of small time criminal potheads prone to hysterical banter, to the smooth-talking Oil company middleman out to bamboozle his own mother, to some drug smuggling psychopath twins, to a young man estranged from his father since his mother died in Hurricane Katrina. As the story progresses, these characters find themselves on a collision course with each other, and as the tension and action ramp up, it becomes clear that not all of them will survive these events."

And what I got was....more cuss words and un-funny situations then you would find on an active navel vessel!  Seriously...it was that bad.  I was only able to get through the first four chapters, and still looking for anything even remotely funny.  Nothing.  And with EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER using toilet vocabulary in EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE....well, all I could do was close the book and move on to another one.  I tried several times to read this book, and I even skimmed through the middle and the end, but it was still the same...f*** this and f*** that...ugh.

While I am a faithful child of God, I am certainly not a prude, this book was just distasteful.  As a writer myself, I totally understand creating and filling out characters and settings and maybe needing a word or two for gritty effect, but the excessive use of this language was simply laziness on the part of Tom Cooper.  The story line may have gotten better, but the repeated use of simple cuss phrases took away any interest in the story.  I have spent time in Louisiana, and have meet kind and funny people, who had a better grasp on the use of the English language.  The people of Louisiana should be insulted to be portrayed this way!

And to close up this review, let me just say that while I usually keep or give away the books I receive for my reviews, this one I burned.  I don't have any enemies that I dislike enough to share this book with them. lol

Have you ever read, or tried to read, a book that just was not worth your time?
Be blessed,
Debbi

 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Our Sunday Brunch - BBQ Hawaiian Bagels

Yesterday I made a quick and easy light meal for brunch.  I love quick, easy, and light.

You want to see it???

Take some bangles and toast them under the broiler.  I used plain bagels, but I'm sure any flavor would just add to the taste.

While the bagels were toasting, tear up some large leaf lettuce for your salad.  I prefer red leaf lettuce, but I only had green.  Really any lettuce will do.  Just an FYI, the large leaf lettuce is more nutritious that iceberg lettuce.  Wash, rinse, and spin dry.

Next up, some BBQ sauce.  I just use what ever flavor I have handy.  Then a pineapple ring, some smoked ham, and shaved cheese.  Then pop this back under the broiler.  While that's melting, I finished the salad with some tomatoes, carrots, and corn.  I like tortilla strips and hubby is partial to croutons.

Broil just enough to warm through and melt the cheese...and there you have it.

All the different flavors, from the bite of BBQ to the sweet pineapple to the smoked ham just all work together to tingle your tastebuds.

So, what is your favorite easy Sunday brunch meal?

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

It's time for another Tyndale Blog Network book review and this time I chose a fiction,

"The Choosing" by Rachelle Dekker.

All I can say is

BRAVO!

I loved this book....suspense, faith, love, mystery, all rolled up into one great story.

Carrington is a young woman that has just become of age to marry, only no man chooses her.  So according to the law, she is sent away to work as a servant supporting the rest of society.  But it's a society that has sprung up after a great catastrophe has destroyed the life as we know it.  Now a select few men control every aspect of the peoples lives, according to how they interpret scripture.

In her new and unhappy life, Carrington meets up with a girl she knew from school, and this girl introduces Carrington to Aaron, the man who teaches people that they are worth loving, and the their Father loves them, despite what society tells them.  And she finds love.

Now throw in some murder, mystery, and loving emotions, and this becomes a book you won't want to put down, I didn't.  The best part?  There is a sequel coming out in Spring 2016.  Oh how I hate to wait. lol

Here's a little info about the author, Rachelle Dekker.  She is the daughter of best-selling author Ted Dekker.  And while her writing style is similar to her father's, she is an amazing talent all on her own, and I am sure that she will receive many awards during her career.

You can learn more about her at
Rachelle Dekker.

I give this book 10 stars!

Be blessed,
Debbi

On Fire For Handmade Wedding Competition

I was so excited to open up my email the other day to see that my crochet ring bearer pillow is entered in this wonderful contest!

On Fire For Handmade is a great site run by Anne Hopfer and she highlights amazing handcrafted items for all different sites, and to be chosen to be a part is quite an honor.  If I win, I get some free advertising on her site, so please vote for me.  You can check out the other contestants...

So many gorgeous items...so hard to choose.
So, I'll make it easy...choose my crochet ring bearer pillow.
:0)

Be blessed,
Debbi

What To Do When You're Snowed In?

Besides fight with your kids?

How about taking video's of your cat playing in the snow...

I missed when he was pouncing on a leaf frozen to the ground.

It was pretty funny.

Want to know what else I'm doing?

Setting up my spring/summer/fall craft show schedule.

I love doing craft shows, meeting people, watching them touch and look at my creations.

When it's a good day, they actually purchase something.  :0)

First up?

The Statesville Artisan & Crafters' Spring Expo.

I participated in their fall show last year, and this is a very well organized show.  I'm looking forward to jumping into the craft season with this show.

April 2, 2015 is the first day of 

The Evening Farmers Market

in Pecan Park, 

in historic downtown Statesville, NC.

This market is open every Thursday evening from 4-6, and is a great time.  We have our own balloon man, tons of fresh fruit and veggies, fresh baked goodies, and handcrafted items.

Plus special times of live music.

Then there's the Statesville Arbor Day Celebration...

and The Spring Art Fest at The Coffee Mill....

The Hiddenite Art Festival...

The Taylorsville Apple Festival...

and any other festival I can find within a 75 mile radius of my house.  :0D

I love it when a plan comes together.

Be blessed,

Debbi

A Book Review - Motivate Your Child by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller

As a mother of many children, of all types (bio-step-foster-adopted), I am always looking for support, encouragement, and advise.  So when the book "Motivate Your Child" by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller because available for review, I grabbed it.

There are many pages of this book where I highlighted, stuck post it tabs, and wrote notes...it was that helpful to me.  One of my notes was from the chapter on discipline...how, and how much.  For a time out, I had always gone by 2 minutes per year of life, but this book talks not about obedience, but about there being a heart change in your child.  Which is much more desirable in a person.  So there is no time limit, but let the child work the issue out in their own hearts and time.  Then when they can understand what they did, and why they did it, they are better equipped to allow God to change their behaviors.  I like that!

There are 2 major sections in this book...
Moral Development In Children and
Spiritual Development In Children.

Now while there are 2 separate sections, so this book would be helpful to non-believers as well, I personally feel that separating the moral from the spiritual will still leave your child empty.  For our world to change, we need to change, and to help our children to change, thereby leaving a lasting legacy in our world today.  Let me share with you a great quote I saw the other day...
"Lasting change does not come only from laws and legislation, but from the hearts produced by spiritual revival."  Bobby Jindal
How true is that!  This book is a great first step in changing the world, starting in your own hearts and homes.

An added plus in this book is the interactive supportive website, The 414 Family Challenge, for those willing to take up "The Family Challenge" given in this book.  I have bookmarked it and can't wait to start implementing all I have learned between the pages of this book.

Here's some information on the authors.

Scott Turansky has been a pastor and missionary for more than 33 years and is an author of several books. In addition to pastoring full time, Scott also conducts parenting seminars on Saturdays around the United States (http://www.effectiveparenting.org/). He is the cofounder of the National Center for Biblical Parenting (www.biblicalparenting.org) and has co-authored four books.

Joanne Miller is a pediatric nurse with 26 years of experience and the cofounder of the National Center for Biblical Parenting. She is the coauthor of seven parenting books.

So now I challenge you, be the start of something new in your home and family.  Pick up this book and embark on a new path today.

Be blessed,

Debbi

* While I received a free copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers, the opinions are completely my own.^

Another Wild and Wacky Wednesday

It's been a while since I've done a wild and wacky Wednesday,

 and where better to look than Pinterest.

How is this for some summer beach wear? lol  These are both from the same source page oddee.com

Ummmm.....no.  And.......Heck Yeah!

I'm  betting you won't find either of these posters on Antiques Roadshow. :0)

Just click on any image to visit the site.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Are You A Crafty Diva?

There's a new community on Google+.

It's called Crafty Divas.

I'm sharing it here, because I know several of my readers that are definitely crafty divas and would enjoy this group.  It's open to any creative, no matter whey you may (or may not) sell your items.

What it is is just a place to share whatever is on your worktable, and get support and encouragement, and even helpful criticism (if you ask for it).  Check out these posts.

And I left this for last

April had us all guessing as to what medium she used...

and finally told us it was melted crayon.

She was even gracious enough to share her video tutorial...

So come on over and join the fun.

Oh, and before I forget,

tomorrow is girls night in...

a fun live show where we get our crafting on!!!!

Be blessed,

Debbi