Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great

Canon Pixma MG2522 Inkjet Printer Review

Has anyone noticed how difficult it is getting to leave a product review on Walmart.com or Amazon.com? Actually, anywhere, if we're being honest. There have been quite a few times I've tried to leave reviews on products that Amazon.com is blocking because..."There has been an unusual amount of activity on this product..." blah blah blah and they won't let you leave a review.

It's annoying.

Maybe there's a lot of activity on this particular product because the people who have purchased it think it's JUNK and want to warn others not to buy it.

Ya think?!

So you go to the manufacturer because surely, they won't block it. I'm so naive.

What option is left? Blogs. Welcome. I'm so glad you're here. Please be advised that these are my real thoughts on real products that I have purchased. Ranting may be involved and there may be a picture or two of objects that have received the brunt of my annoyance. You have been warned.

Honest Review of Canon Pixma MG2522 Inkjet Printer

Purchased From - Walmart.comPrice When Purchased - $39, January, 2023Unsolicited Thoughts on Product -

Do not be seduced by the low price. I see that it's only $29 as I write this. Don't do it. Restrain yourself. Usually I like to list the pros and cons. I haven't found one pro. Here are the cons.

Ink - seems like I'm only able to print two, perhaps three pages before I have to purchase more ink. How about no.Ink is not cheap. Enough said. For those of you who would say, get the refill kit, let me explain that that probably seems like a good fix. I had my husband (an all around do it yourselfer who can fix nearly everything) try to open the cartridge and he had a rough time. Not a good indicator of things to come. If he has a hard time doing it, how is a person with arthritis supposed to manage? See where I'm going?User manual. This is a joke. An absolute joke. As in seriously dumb. If you have a question, just keep googling until you find something. Or don't. Whatever but be prepared to spend some time online.Quality. Um again, no.Settings - not user friendly at all. I want the freedom to set my printer up the way I want to. Not what the manufacturer thinks I want. Or thinks what is best for me.

Long story short -
Save your money. Stay away from this printer and purchase one that actually does what you want. To be 100% transparent, I only purchased this to make birthday invitations and print out my monthly bank statements. It did not satisfactorily do what I needed it to do.

A complete waste of money.  

What Makes This Product Worse:inability to post honest product review on Walmart.com, Amazon.com, or manufacturers websiteinability to receive ANY online help to rectify the situationinability to receive phone supportEnd thoughts:

This system is broken. Walmart.com, Amazon.com, and the manufacturers should protect buyers instead of blocking them from writing honest reviews, ultimately making it an act of congress to warn others away from a terrible product. 

We can see, once again, that we are held hostage by large corporations that hold the almighty dollar as more dear than quality products.

What the Product Looks Like Now:

 

The most satisfying part of my day was throwing this. Kind of therapeutic.

Free Savings Tracker Printable

If you're like me, you shop to help you cope or get out of a funk, you probably don't like seeing those credit card bills piling up and it's not always easy to stop spending habits. 

I get it. I feel your pain. 

So I'm trying to create a new habit. With this visual, I will be able to watch my savings grow instead of the credit card bills and feel like I'm doing something good and right. Which doesn't always happen for me. 

Anyway. I just wanted to share this with anyone who would like to see, like me, if they can do it.

Good luck and thanks for stopping by. If you want, let me know how you're doing in the comments below.

Not Going to Happen

Happy Friday!With all this social distancing going on, I have to keep reminding myself what day of the week it is. It is Friday. Not Saturday. Friday.
I have gotten some serious writing done on my series (yay, go me!) so that's a good thing. I'm now almost to 95,000 words. I don't think I have the capability to write short stories. I truly don't. 
(Cover Idea)My mind has been exploding with ideas and things to do and things that need to be done. I'm not a procrastinator, I'm a prioritizer. It's simple for me. If it doesn't pique my interest at the moment, it will not get done. Period.Like eating. Highly overrated. 
Hubster walked in this morning to give me a kiss and I told him to go back to bed. I have no plans of being a productive adult today. None.
I got up early so I could write more in my book, but then I thought I would make a gift for my mom for mother's day this Sunday. I went to the Design Store, and you know what happened. 
I got sidetracked.
Now, instead of writing, I will be making the *cutest* things on my Cricut.  Because I want to. And it's raining. It's like God is saying, "Ok, go ahead. Do this instead. You can do your story before the laundry and dishes. It's okay. And dinner? You're going to be fine. That's why I gave you a muffin top."
God is so good, isn't He?
I'll upload the pictures when I get done. Until next time...

New Release! Sweet Christian Romance

I know, right?! I was looking at my posts and my last one was June of 2019. Yikes. This is bad for a person who loves to write.

But I think I know what the issue is/was. I needed something specific to write about. See, I'm a list person. I will wander around aimlessly all day if a list isn't involved. Not my favorite thing to do. I am a person of action. I like to be busy. When I have an entire day to myself, it completely throws me off and I must make a list to help me stay on track.

And working full-time doesn't help with the whole blog post thing. Don't get me wrong. I love my job. Very much so. But with this whole COVID-19 thing going around, yeah, you know where I'm going with this because chances are, you're in the same boat.

So I made it a goal to finish editing my latest book. (For the seventh time.) And I did. Because it was on my list. And the next day, one of the items I put on my list was to actually upload it. So I did. Because there's just something super rewarding and fulfilling about crossing items off my list. I know. I'm weird. But hang around, you'll get used to it.

Yesterday, I uploaded my newest Sweet Christian Romance to Amazon, and I literally had to phone a friend because I panicked so bad about pushing publish. Seriously. It was bad. My heart fell to my feet, I forgot how to breathe, and all I wanted to do was find the 'cancel the spur of the moment' button. (Guess what? Amazon doesn't have one of those. Apparently, when you push the button, they think you really mean it. Sheesh. What literalists.)

Today, I got the notification that...ta da!...my book meets all their requirements and it is now live on Amazon.com.

Yay, right? Not if you're panically inclined, like me. But yea. I have a new book online and no one to sell it to. Because I'm weird. And I don't normally tell people I write books. Because then they might read it. And what would happen if they didn't like it? Yes. I would take it personally. Anyway. I told you I was weird. I think I'm a passive/aggressive type of person. One part of me wants to tell everyone, and the other side, the stronger side of me, says, hold up! What the heck are you doing? Don't you dare tell anyone that you write books!

So I'm telling you. My one blog reader. Have I told you how much I appreciate you? Thank you for being there for me. Everyone needs a cheerleader and I'm so glad mine is you. :)

Without further ado, I introduce to you, my newest book-baby:



Little Things
Will You Marry Me?There were things Kit Page knew beyond a shadow of a doubt. She wasn't anyone special. Just a small town country girl losing herself in the big city was enough for her. No claim to fame or fortune, she loved her job and didn't aspire for more.
But when her handsome boss asks her to marry him to avoid being the sacrificial lamb in his father's latest business scheme, she resists the urge to say yes.
Knowing from past failures that she's not worth loving, she has no desire to be thrown away by the man she's in love with.
Can she resist? Will she survive if she doesn't?Will she be brave enough to let go and let God take care of it all - even if it means a broken heart?



Until next time...
toodles!

I Love it When it Rains

When it rains, I don't have to feel guilty that I'm not outside doing yard work or washing the dog. I can be inside creating things. Which is what I love to do.

My problem is I get so many ideas of things I want to do that I get overwhelmed and don't accomplish anything. So I think I have a plan. I don't know if this will work, but I'm going to try it.

I am trying to get stock ready for craft shows as well as find some boutiques to sell some of my items. At this point, I don't have a lot of things, but it's growing.

For Father's Day For Mother's Day
I know Mother's Day was 'so last month' but I didn't have the time to upload any of the pictures. These cards were my first foray into the 3D realm.

My plan is to continue making cards, boxes, gift bags, treat bags, party decorations, and repurposed signs to sell. See what I mean about having a plan?! I'll keep y'all posted on my progress.

Is there anything you think you'd like to see me sell?

These cards were made with kits from SVG Cuts, 3D Dreaming Tree, and Simply Crafty
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Crazy Excited and a Question to Readers

Oh goodness, I'm so crazy excited! 

It's super possible that if I work hard this week, I will be able to finish my newest Christian romance novel, Little Things! SQUEEEE! In the sidebar, you'll see my word count progress bar. It currently says 78,000 words out of 90,000 and yes, I probably won't hit that many words. But here's the scoop. It had been my plan from the beginning of this novel to write a 55,000 word count book. Why, you ask? Because I wanted to see if I could do it. The answer is no, lol. But, over this past weekend, I was able to read the rough draft all the way through, and there are only a few things that I need to add. I am SO EXCITED!

Ok, changing the subject. Quick question What are your thoughts as a reader on an author using a pseudonym?  Do you feel lied to?  Do you think the author doesn't feel they've written a good book or isn't standing behing their book?  Do you dislike them in general, or does it matter to you at all?
I'm thinking of writing under one. My husband doesn't agree. He thinks I should just use the name I'm already using. I'd really love to hear your thoughts, so please. Join in the discussion!

What's New?

Wow. Almost three years since my last post. As with all people, life gets busy and sometimes we have to set some things aside. As you can see, this blog was one of the things. Two jobs, one high school graduate, one grandbaby, one soldier, two novels, and one new book outline later, I've decided to pick it back up. I'd like to use this spot as a catalyst to begin/help my online Facebook shop, Barbedwire and Dandelions. Please check it out I plan on adding new items often.

Just a brief preview of what I've been working on:This past Christmas, it was time to make some new stockings. The old ones were fine, but they just didn't match the rustic decor I was going for.
A few months ago, I was asked to make some paper flowers for a baby that was going to make her grand appearance. I had so much fun making these, I have some hanging in my craft room.
I wanted something different for my mom for Mother's Day. Found this card and couldn't wait to make it for her. Her smile was priceless!
And last thing I'm going to show you, is the Father's Day card I made for my dad. Can't wait to give it to him! I'm not sure which I should give him. Any ideas? I love them both.
Want one for your special dad? Only $6 Find it here!

The Cantaloupe Thief - Book Review

The Cantaloupe Thief A Branigan Powers Mystery By Deb Richardson-Moore
9781782641926 | $14.99 | Paperback | Lion Fiction
Tour Dates: July 18-22, 2016
Books Delivered By: June 18, 2016
Register By: May 9, 2016

About the book:
Branigan Powers knows a good story when she sees one—and the ten-year-old cold case of wealthy Alberta Grambling Resnick's murder definitely makes the cut. Resnick was stabbed in her home after she let it slip that she was planning to change her will. There are plenty of suspects in the death of the matriarch of the town's founding family, but the killer has never been caught.

Now Branigan must do some serious digging to get her story. She knows the town's homeless community might have seen something; she also knows that the local cops wouldn't have thought of questioning these often-invisible people. There's a big problem, though: as Branigan starts digging, the homeless start dying. When her twin brother, a long-time addict, gets involved, the consequences of her investigation may hit a little too close to home.
Set in the fictional small town of Grambling, Georgia, The Cantaloupe Thief is the first in a new mystery series by Deb Richardson-Moore. The author is herself a former journalist and works extensively with the homeless, lending weight to the portrayal of a believable and engaging whodunit.
Purchase a Copy

My Thoughts:
Is it possible to solve a decade-long unsolved murder? Settled in cozy, upscale Grambling, Georgia, all is not what it seems. There's an underside to this city that many residents simply don't care to see. Invisible transients, homeless to the residents of Grambling, are starting to die under mysterious circumstances. Can the unsolved murder that happened ten years ago hold a clue to what is actually going on?

Hardworking and driven, Branigan Powers is given the assignment to write about the 10 year unsolved murder for The Rambler newspaper. Once her story runs, homeless people start dying. Feeling as though she's somehow responsible, things start to spiral out of her control until the climactic ending.

The author is a talented writer and this story was interesting. There were a couple of times I thought I knew who the murderer was—only to find out I was wrong. I like that in a story. There were a few swear words that were unnecessary. Yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before, they're just trying to make a gritty story realistic, but in my opinion, that's not something that makes a story realistic. How she wrote the various homeless personalities was gritty and realistic enough. Also, the watered down religion angle was something that I couldn't quite be comfortable with. I understand that these homeless people don't always want to change—but the Gospel changes lives. I've seen it; it happened to me.

Like I said, it's an interesting read. I very much liked how she made the reader care for the homeless, and it did make me look at people around me in a different manner.


My thanks to the publisher for providing this book in exchange for my honest review.

Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson Book Review

The Beautiful Pretender (Thomas Nelson, May 2016)

What happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?
Learn more and purchase a copy.


My Thoughts:
I like books that I can pick up at the end of the day and read to put the tasks of the day behind me. Books that take me away from the monotonous and mundane without making me sad or despondent. This book fits the bill nicely. While it was a little predictable, it was a good book that I will definitely make time to read again. Recommend for those like me who like light yet satisfying love stories. My thanks to the author, publisher and LitFuse who gave me a copy in exchange for my honest review. These opinions are my own.

Melanie Dickerson���s ���The Beautiful Pretender��� Once Upon a Kindle Giveaway

Inheriting the new title of margrave means Reinhart has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise? Find out in the new medieval fairy tale, The Beautiful Pretender, by Melanie Dickerson. Despite Avelina���s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can���t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse���far deadlier���consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?




Join Melanie in celebrating the release of The Beautiful Pretender by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!




 

One grand prize winner will receive:


A copy of The Beautiful PretenderA Kindle Fire tabletA $25 Amazon gift cardThe choice between a Funko POP Disney Beauty or Beast doll  

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 7th. The winner will be announced June 8th on  Melanie's blog .




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