Book Review: A Mother’s Secret

 

A Mother's Secret

By Amy Clipston

Book Description: Carolyn Lapp dreams of marrying for love. But will the errors of her past destroy this dream forever? Carolyn Lapp longs to have a traditional Amish family. But she lives on her brother’s farm with her parents and her 15-year old son, Benjamin. Carolyn has never revealed the identity of Benjamin’s father and lives daily with the guilt and shame of her youthful indiscretion. Her brother simply will not forgive her. His answer is to arrange a practical marriage for Carolyn to Saul, a widower with a little girl. But Carolyn isn’t convinced that Saul really loves her and believes he is simply looking for someone to help raise his daughter. When Benjamin causes trouble at a local horse auction, horse breeder Joshua Glick decides that he must be taught a lesson. Carolyn and Joshua are unmistakably drawn to each other, but Joshua mistakenly assumes that Benjamin is Carolyn’s brother. Carolyn fears that if he discovers the truth, her past will destroy their budding romance. After years of shame and loneliness, Carolyn suddenly has two men vying for her attention. But which of them will give her the family - and the unconditional love - she’s longed for?

My Thoughts: A look into the world of a single Amish  mother. Watching Carolyn overcome her own guilt and see that she is not being judged for her past not by God or the others in her community was interesting o read. I was assume that no mater what religion you are you would feel some of these feelings. The relationship that Benjamin forages with Joshua is in my opinion just as important as the love story. The author develops these characters fully and makes you fall into the story. I highly recommend this book if you like Amish fiction.

Orkin Fact or Fake Blog App and Giveaway

Did you know termite queens will lay up to 30,000 eggs a day, and live for many years? Or that mosquitoes have killed more humans than all the wars in history? Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to find out of these bits of trivia are true or not instantly from your phone? Well, now, thanks to the fine folks at Orkin, you can.

Using the new Orkin Scientific Fact or Scientific Fake Blog App, you’ll be able to instantly find out if that factoid that your friend busts out with is true, or if you can bust your friend spreading lies.

So can ants survive in water? Are daddy longlegs poisonous? Do Mosquitoes prefer adults over children? Take Orkin’s Scientific Fact or Scientific Fake™ Quiz to test your knowledge, and be sure to watch every clip for the scoop on these infamous bug myths.

Orkin uses the latest technology and unparalleled training to develop a treatment that's right for your home and your needs. To learn more about pest control that's based in science or to schedule an inspection, visit orkin.com or call (844) 503-8251.

Orkin Facebook Page: facebook.com/OrkinPestControl
Ask The Orkin Man® Twitter Page: twitter.com/AskTheOrkinMan
Orkin YouTube Channel: youtube.com/user/OrkinVideo



one of my lucky readers will be getting this cool scientific back to school prize pack. It could be you!






Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Orkin Fact or Fake School Pack via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

I received the information and a prize pack in exchanged for this post.

5-hour Energy “Yummification” Contest

One of the problems facing most Americans today: chronic tiredness. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, people are busier than ever. That means less time for sleeping, which leads to slow, sluggish days and tired nights. Problem is, for years, the only way to combat this was with coffee, which many people do not like to drink. Plus, after drinking the coffee, you get a sudden boost of energy, followed by a crash that leaves you more tired than before.
Then along comes 5-hour Energy. I tried these myself when I was driving my family to Omaha (a 1,000 mile trip). If I began getting tired, just to get that extra few miles (read: 100 or so), I would take one of these things and be set. They gave me the boost of energy to keep going, and then comes down gradually, so it just feels like getting tired after a long day, not a large crash.
Problem is, the flavors themselves can be quite strong (personally, I only like the grape flavor straight). But, recently, I discovered the joy of mixing a single 5-hour Energy with any favorite drink. For example, I added Lemon Lime flavor 5-hour Energy to a can of caffeine free cola, and boom! Suddenly, I’m drinking Lemony Zest, a lemon lime flavored, caffeine free cola, and I was able to go on about my day, energized and alert. 5 hour energy is hosting a contest and it was a lot of fun trying out some yummy mixes.
I’ve also tried mixing orange 5-hour Energy with a refreshing glass of iced tea. The result, an orange tea explosion that I’d like to call Orangerific Sweet Tea. It was delicious, and again, gave me energy to spare.
I will be trying other mixtures to see what tastes good. This is a great way to get a burst of energy without resorting to energy drinks, or drinking this straight, if you don’t like the taste. 5-hour Energy will really be a great assist to me in my busy life of working, cooking, and caring for 3 children.
I submitted my “Yummification” video in the contest and here is how you can too!

Information about 5-hour ENERGY® shots:
· 5-hour ENERGY® shots are dietary supplements that provide hours of energy and alertness
· Contain a blend of B-vitamins, amino acids, and essential nutrients
· Helps people feel alert and energized for hours
· Zero sugar, zero carbs, zero herbal stimulants and 4 calories!
· Caffeine in a 5-hour ENERGY® shot is comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee
· May consume up to 2 bottles of 5-hour ENERGY®, spaced several hours apart. For moderate energy, drink ½ bottle of 5-hour ENERGY®
5-hour ENERGY® is not an energy drink or intended to be mixed with alcohol. It is not intended for children, women who are pregnant or nursing, or people with medical conditions. It does not increase physical performance, dexterity, or endurance and does not treat or cure any disease or medical condition. Do not drink more than two per day, do not drink more than one at a time.
Information about the “Yummification” Contest:

• The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® announced the launch of the “Yummification” video contest, where entrants can win a share of $100,000 for creating a video of their favorite way to mix a 5-hour ENERGY® shot with an everyday beverage.  The contest will be judged on the creativity of the video and the taste of the creation

· Drink creations must follow the approved/non-approved ingredients guidelines (i.e. no caffeinated beverages or alcohol)
· To enter the contest, visit www.5houryummification.com and follow the instructions to complete the entry form; “Like” 5-hour ENERGY® on Facebook, then create and submit a video that is no longer than 60 seconds showing an original combination being made, tasted, and named (creativity counts!)
· One grand prize winner will receive $50,000, and the following prizes will also be awarded:
o Second Prize (1): Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000)
o Third Prize (1): Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000)
o Fourth Prizes (10): One Thousand Dollars ($1,000)

• Entries must be received by August 19, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. EDT to be eligible.  No purchase necessary.  US residents only.  18 years and up 
• To enter, visit www.5houryummification.com and follow the instructions to complete the entry form or “Like” the 5-hour ENERGY® page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/5HourEnergyShot and follow the instructions to click the contest tab

· For official rules, visit 5houryummification.com

"The product, gift card, and giveaway were all provided by the makers of 5-hour ENERGY"

First Things First Family Prize Pack

Summer is all about family and spending quality time with the ones you love. And the more skills you develop the more time you invest in your family and your relationships. First Things First (FTF) is an award winning not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening families
Below is one movie I found from FF that spoke to me and I wanted to share my thoughts about it with you.

Date Your Spouse:



With 3 young children at home the idea of getting out of the house with out a pint sized tagalong, or 3, is about as possible as seeing a UFO. Robert and I are coming up on our 8th year anniversary and I tend to laugh abut our ideas of how we would spend a weekend away at least once a month just to reconnect. Oh to be young and unaware again . It was a fabulous dream full of great intentions, but it became just that, a dream. Finding a reliable babysitter you can trust is about as hard as finding a needle in a haystack. I’m sure those of you with children can relate. BUT the idea of dating your spouse isn't something we have just tosses away either. Its just a bit more complicated with children in the mix. *I couldn’t help but notice they overlooked the parent aspect of dating in the video. So we don’t spend weekends away with each other, although I still hold out hope that maybe it will happen for our anniversary, but we still find ways to ‘Date’. Sometimes its as simple as putting the kids to bed 30 minutes earlier and watching a movie with each other. We try to go to plays together or steal a night out when a babysitter falls in our laps. We find ways to keep the spark from our dating days alive today.
Want to win this great prize pack? Tell me below your thoughts about the video I choose or try the links below and find one that speaks you your current situation.

Never heard of First Things First? here is more about them -

First Things First (FTF) is an award winning not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening families in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
FTF is a resource that collaborates with and is supported by a broad cross-section of community organizations, groups and individuals.
FTF accomplishes it mission through meaningful media messaging and skill building classes.
Did you know:
• 24 million children are growing up in homes without their biological fathers.
• Only 30% of divorces are due to infidelity, addiction or abuse, 70% of divorces are due to couples feeling disconnected.
• Couples who manage to devote time specifically to one another at least once a week are markedly more likely to enjoy high-quality relationships and lower divorce rates, compared to couples who do not devote as much couple time to one another.
• Fathers provide unique benefits to their daughters through their active and positive presence from the time of birth all the way through adulthood.
Here are the other series highlighted on their site right now in addition to the one above:
Save Your Marriage- http://firstthings.org/fm/learn/courses/course/fight-for-your-marriage/page/intro
Lost in Translation- http://firstthings.org/fm/learn/courses/course/lost-in-translation/page/intro
Daddy/Daughter Relationships- http://firstthings.org/fm/learn/courses/course/daddy-daughter/page/relationships
Dad's Way- http://firstthings.org/fm/learn/courses/course/dads-way/page/intro


Each household is only eligible to win One (1) First Things First Moon Pie Prize Pack via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

I was supplied this above information and videos by partnershub.

Milo’s Kitchen Treat Truck

This summer, get your tails waggin’ because Milo’s Kitchen Treat Truck is hitting the road!
Milo’s Kitchen® Home-style Dog Treats is surprising dogs across the country with 100% real dog treats, such as Chicken Meatballs and Grilled Burger Bites that look just like food you’d prepare at home. From their very own photo booth offering family portraits and a dedicated lounge area, to delicious treats made right here in the U.S.A., each stop will create a food truck experience just for dogs – but they can bring their parents, too (that’s you!). The Milo’s Kitchen Treat Truck will be coming to your area, so plan a special date with your dog and join us!
In my opinion, no family is complete without a family pet. And one of the most popular pets in the world: the dog. We have 2 in our home: a large black lab named (ironically) Milo, and a small Jack Russell named Duke. We love these dogs as much as our own children, and treat them like full members of the family.
So, like with my regular children, when it comes time for snacks, we want to give them something healthy to eat that they enjoy.  Milo’s Kitchen treats are incredibly affordable. My family will be spoiling our dogs without damaging our wallet. And, with so many flavors available, we’ll be able to switch them up, so they don’t get the same flavor over and over again.

Healthy, affordable, and with a wide variety of flavors, Milo’s Kitchen is the all-around perfect dog treat to show your fur babies that you love them, and a good way to spoil them.

About Milo’s Kitchen® Treats:
· Our dogs deserve only the best. That means treats made in the U.S.A. with real chicken or beef as the #1 ingredient, and no artificial flavors and colors.
· Milo’s Kitchen® Home-style Dog Treats believes dogs deserve treats made with the same quality of ingredients and care that you want for your food. That’s why we made a treat truck just for dogs!
· Each recipe is carefully prepared to bring out all the flavors your dog loves. Milo’s Kitchen makes a unique line of mouthwatering varieties for your dog including: Chicken Meatballs, Beef Sausage Slices with Rice, Steak Grillers Recipe, Chicken Grillers Recipe, Grilled Burger Bites, and Chicken Jerky Recipe.
Here are some links we thought might be helpful:
· Milo’s Kitchen website: http://bit.ly/1wW01FG
· Milo’s Kitchen Treat Truck: http://bit.ly/1jN7Of0
· Milo’s Kitchen Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1nIvxoF
Is the Milo’s Kitchen Treat Truck heading to a city near you? If so please share pictures of your furry friend enjoying some tasty treats from the road!
Not coming to your area no worries enter to win a treat pack from Milo’s kitchen.

 



*disclosure: Milo's Kitchen products, information and VISA gift cards have been provided by Milo's Kitchen.