Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 28

DIY Lotion Bars

With cracked, hurting hands, I reached for the lotion dispenser…and I came up empty.

Nothing. Nada. Zilch. 
I was completely out of lotion. Again. To make matters worse, I didn't want to go to the store. I mean, come on. Gas is $3.75 and we live half an hour away from, well, everywhere.

I had seen lotion bars once a long time ago, and I thought it was kind of weird. Until I touched the sample they had lying out. For people like me. That just have to touch everything. (Yes. I used to drive my mother crazy. Quit touching was her favorite phrase.)

Having been in this Mad Scientist mood for a long time…insert years here…I decided to make my own lotion bars. Because I was desperate. And I wasn't going to the store. (That'll show them, right?) With a little tweaking, testing, and experimenting, this is the recipe I came up with.

Lotion Bars
Ingredients:
2 oz beeswax
2 oz coconut oil
1 Tbsp Olive oil
Essential oil of your choice - Eucalyptus, peppermint, vanilla, lemon
Mold for lotion bars - silicone molds work fantastic



Combine the beeswax and coconut oil in a microwave safe container. Microwave on high, stirring at 45 second intervals. While waiting for the mixture to completely melt, combine olive oil and several drops of essential oil. I used eucalyptus oil, but the choice is yours. I used approximately 25 drops. Stir until blended together. Once beeswax and coconut oil are completely melted, stir in olive oil mixture until combined. Be careful, this can get hot! Pour into molds of your choice. I used a star silicone mold and a silicone ice cube tray. Place in refrigerator until set. When they're firm, pop out and store in a container. Empty Altoid tins work great. Waste not, want not…

Want MORE DIY tutorials and goodies?Join my newsletter! Amanda Stephan~Christian AuthorBooksByAmanda.com               

Go Ahead And Play With Your Children!

 




Too many times as adults we get so caught up with the daily affairs that we forget to take time out to play with our children. For several weeks my daughter kept asking me to snuggle with her while we watched television, but as soon as I stopped doing whatever I was doing and sat down with her she began to fidget and tickle and wrestle. I would repeatedly tell her that fooling around wasn't snuggling and she would get upset with me. Now I admit that sometimes I'm not the brightest crayon in the box; so it took me a while to figure out what she really wanted was to play with me.



Once I had that figured out, I had to come up with a solution that would allow me to play with her but would also allow me a stopping point, because as every parent knows, kids never want the playtime to end. We decided that when she wanted to play with me she would ask and I would set the timer for a predetermined amount of time between twelve and fifteen minutes. Once the timer rings, playtime is over and no complaining or whining for more is allowed.



I have been finding that setting limits makes us both happier individuals. This works when we play boggle, one of her favorite games. I tell her in advance how many games I am willing to play (usually four) and we use a two minute egg timer run through twice to time each game. The same holds true for the bouts of hide-n-seek she recently asked me to play with her. I determined that we would each hide a certain number of times and then the game would be over.



I didn't realize it at the time, but setting limits is actually a wonderful way to help her learn about time management. It is also a way for me to remind myself of the importance of spending those quality moments with my daughter. When she is grown I want her memories of me to be those of taking the time to play with her and I want her to do that with the children that will someday be my grand babies.



So whether it's playing Bigger than a Bread Box, building with Legos, or coloring pictures together, take ten or fifteen minutes out of your busy schedule and play with your children. It makes them happy, it keeps you young, and you won't be sorry that you did!



So ends another episode of Kids Korner with me, Children's Author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode same krazy time, same krazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and life in general. www.BooksByAmanda.com

Christian Devotional - The Final Buzzer

College basketball is so much fun this time of year!!

Yep, I’m one of those people who don’t really pay attention
to college basketball much during the regular season, but absolutely love this
time of year. I watch most all of the games. I fill out a bracket. I cheer for
the underdogs and the Cinderella stories. The most important lesson from
following March Madness is that a game is never over until it’s over.

Now that sounds obvious, but let’s think about this. The
thing that makes this time of year so much fun to watch is that so many games
come down to the very last couple of seconds of the game: the last minute
desperation shot, the coaching strategy, the fouling and free throw shots. It’s
amazing and nerve-wracking, but if one of the teams give up or starts to act
defeated before the time completely runs out, they could miss their opportunity
to pull out a win.

The Christian life is so similar. Paul references sporting
events throughout the New Testament as an example of the Christian life. In 2
Timothy 4:7 he says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I
have kept the faith.” When we are looking at the Christian life, we can
sometimes feel like we can just coast through the end, but if you’ve ever run a
race, then you know the hardest part of the race is the end.

As we are going day to day in our Christian life, we must
keep pushing and not allow the devil to lull us into a sense of laziness. Each
moment, each second, that God allows us to have breath, we have purpose and
opportunity to bear witness of the glory of God. As you watch the games, or
even just hear about the games, as yourself these questions. Are we taking that
opportunity all the way through our life? Are we committed to pushing through
and playing all the way to the final buzzer of our life?
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker

Living in the World – Living out the Word

Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook page
www.BooksByAmanda.com

Swept Away Review/Book Tour

About Swept Away: When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love? Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/iwbMo         

My Review:

With fresh, well rounded characters, lots of action and romance, Mary Connealy has written a winner.

Feisty redhead, Ruthy  MacNeil, is on the losing side of everything, it seems. So is it any wonder her wagon is overturned in a raging river? Would anyone listen when she warns them of impending danger? No, just another one for the books. But when she's sure she's seen the last of life, strong arms, a gentle smile, and a handsome cowboy save her from the wreck that almost claimed her life. She finds that God's in the details, and can she help it if those details include gorgeous eyes and dark hair? They're certainly better than the odious man she was intended for.
Luke Stone isn't going courting. Unless it's trouble. Intent on retaking the ranch that's been stolen from his family, he's not on the lookout for the little redhead that's all spitfire, and well, cuteness, he can't resist her charms. 
Mary Connealy writes with a fresh, tart twist, and never fails to make me smile. I fell in love not only with her deep, rounded characters, the fresh plot, handsome men and strong women, but I was sad when the story came to an end. I highly recommend this book, as well as this author. Crisp, clear, and heartwarming, she reminds us that God is the One who is really in control ~ even when we think He isn't listening.

**My thanks to Bethany Publishers for providing me a book in exchange for my honest review. I am not required they be positive, and these thoughts are my own.**
Follow the Book Tour! 




Meet Mary:    Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.Find out more about Mary at http://maryconnealy.com/.

Grave Consequences ~ Book Review/Tour

About Grave Consequences: 
The Powerful, Epic Romance Continues, Book 2 in Lisa T. Begren's Grand Tour series


For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future-her very life-depends on the decisions she'll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone's plans in danger.

And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences. 

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/i8ZWs        
Follow the Book Tour!




My Review:
"How much did we do in life that was the result of what others around us demanded? Rather than what God was calling us to do?"

Cora Kensington has it hard. Taken from her comfortable country home and parents, she's brought into a well-to-do family she didn't know she belonged to until recently. Lime-light didn't seem to suit her, but now she has a part to play in it, and she must learn to cope with it. As well as her biological father's wishes for her. 

This is the second book in Lisa T. Bergren's Grand Tour series, and although I didn't read the first, I didn't have a difficult time in finding my way around this one. It wasn't exactly stand-alone, but it was understandable and made me want to pick up the first book of the series.

Ms. Bergren takes us on our own Grand Tour with her rich tapestry of writing and flowing descriptions of places most of us are likely never to travel. Full of gorgeous imagery, at times you can almost smell the places Cora and the others are visiting. Add a little romantic angst, (and who doesn't love that?!) a little intrigue, and a little suspense, and you have a wonderful book to spend your weekend with. Recommend!

**My thanks to David C Cook publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review. These thoughts are my own, and I was not required they be positive.**


Meet Lisa:  
  Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs. Visit http://lisatawnbergren.com 

Win a $250 “Swept Away” Vacation Prize Pack and RSVP for 3/28 Facebook Party!

Mary Connealy is celebrating the release of Swept Away by giving away a $250 "Swept Away" Vacation Package and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party! 



One fortunate winner will receive:
A $250 Visa Cash Card (Get away for the weekend or use it to buy an eReader for a relaxing ‘Staycation’!)A copy of Swept Away (For you AND a friend!)Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 27th. Winner will be announced at the  "Swept Away" Author Chat Party on March 28th . Connect with Mary, get a sneak peek of the next book in the series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Swept Away and join Mary on the evening of the March 28th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!) Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

DIY Natural Laundry Soap ~ FREE Booklet!

Have you ever just hated buying laundry soap? The price of your favorite brand has gone through the roof? And beside all that, are all those chemicals good for your septic tank? 




No worries with this soap. HE washer approved, this 1 Tbsp per load laundry detergent won't hurt your clothes or your septic!





*You may download or print this out for personal use. 



You may post this on your own blog with a link to my website, please (http://www.booksbyamanda.com). 



You may not claim this as your own or resell this. 








DIY Natural Laundry Soap






www.BooksByAmanda.com

Homemade Laundry Soap ~ Free Booklet!

Have you ever just hated buying laundry soap? The price of your favorite brand has gone through the roof? And beside all that, are all those chemicals good for your septic tank? 
No worries with this soap. HE washer approved, this 1 Tbsp per load laundry detergent won't hurt your clothes or your septic!
*You may download or print this out for personal use. You may post this on your own blog with a link to my website, please (http://www.booksbyamanda.com). You may not claim this as your own or resell this. 

Homemade Laundry Soap

Win an iPad Mini from Lisa T. Bergren!

Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!


One "grand" winner receive:
A brand new iPad MiniGrave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced on March 25th at Lisa's website .

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Business Card Bling Tutorial

One of the purposes of handing out business cards is you want to garner someone's interest. Their attention. Most business cards don't deliver on this. Mind you, I didn't say business cards weren't  needed or effective, just sometimes they lack something.

Like staying power.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and come out of the closet. I'm a business card addict. I have a box full of these critters.

The good. The bad. The downright ugly... I keep them. Why?

Because I can learn something from each of these cards. I guess talking to myself shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone as I'm a writer (yes, I have voices in my head and yes, I talk back to them...) so whenever someone hands me a business card, I ask my little voices questions like:

Do I like this card? Why/why not?
What about this card is unneeded?
Is it too busy? Is it professional?
How is the quality? <~ again, don't be surprised here. I'm a sensory person and if a card feels cheap, it's noted immediately and the person suddenly doesn't look professional. Very bad impression if you want to present yourself as a professional. If you need to watch your budget (like we all do) check out Vistaprint - they always have a sale going on.

One of my favorite business cards is from a woman I met two years ago at the Polly Crockett Festival in Cowan, TN. Her name? Jennifer Redstreake. (Check out her site on Etsy. She's a gifted artist!)

But, sadly, most of us aren't this talented when it comes to drawing. So we must get creative in other ways. Like, bling. There's all types of bling, but you want to make the purpose two-fold. Make your business card difficult for someone to throw away. Make your business card stand out from the crowd. Make them think they're getting something special. Because they are!

Being in a particularly creative mood one afternoon, I decided to repurpose some pages from one of my damaged books (see more ideas Here!) and I came up with these.


What started out as a ...what in the world am I going to use these for...project, ended up being a hot item at my last book signing. In a four day event, I was wiped out of these on the first day. People were flocking to my table.


There are tons of different ways you can spice up your business card and make it memorable ~ your only limit is your imagination.

What are some of your ideas?

  Business Card Bling PDF Tutorial