My Most Recent Amazon Prime Buys

So, it seems a fairly new topic for bloggers to write about is what they've recently purchased on Amazon Prime.  Jumping on the bandwagon, here's what I've recently bought:

The Monk (Oxford World's Classics) - Paperback 

Okay, so I ordered this book but it wasn't technically for me.  My son needed it for his British Literature class in college.  Logan ended up giving me a synopsis of what it's about and it actually sounds pretty good (in the psychological horror sense).  But then I saw that the font is too darn small and the words are too yesteryear/poetic for me.  (Interesting fact: The original book was published in 1796!)

Moroso 60460 Early Cover Cam Button Kit for Small Block Chevy

Again, something else I ordered but wasn't actually for me.  My husband send a screenshot that he just HAD to have this piece for his car.  Since I know y'all are all about cars, he says it's a must-have piece for a Chevy Camaro.  There you have it, straight from the mechanic's mouth.

GlitZGlam Rocker Gnome – “George”

Something else I ordered but didn't keep for myself.  It was actually a gift for my sister.  She collects garden gnomes and this one fits her personality to a T.

Hangsun Foot Spa Bath Massager with Heat Massage and Jet FM180 Electric Feet Salon Tub with Bubbles, Rollers, Vibration, Pedicure Spa & Infrared

On wait, here's something I purchased for myself!  I haven't tried all the functions of this gadget yet but have massaged my feet with the rollers and vibrations.  Very relaxing.  It doesn't keep the water hot for a real long time but that just means you need to start out by putting very warm or hot water in it in the first place, then immediately use the foot spa.

Danielle D8064 Reusable Makeup Removing Cloths (4-Pack)

This here is the best thing since sliced bread!  Each cloth is like a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for your face.  This cloth has the ability to remove all types of cosmetics, including waterproof mascara without the use of harmful chemicals or synthetic makeup removers. With just warm water, each cloth will remove the toughest makeup and makes your face feel so soft. 

These makeup removing cloths are one of my top fave finds of 2018.  I didn't get them until the end of the year but I won't ever go without them again.  The cloths are washable and can be used over and over.  Love, love, love!

two of my Erase Your Face cloths

Would you purchase any of these items from Amazon Prime?  Don't BS me and tell me it'd be the car part!  

What Amazon Prime purchases have you gotten lately?

Three More January Winners

Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash

A few of my giveaways have ended and the winners have been randomly drawn.

The winner of the Rummikub game giveaway is #32, AMY.

The winner of The Cow Said Neigh! children's book giveaway is #3, Edna Williams.

The winner of the Auntie Anne's coupons giveaway is #55, bluecat.

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who entered.  Be sure to keep an eye out for open giveaways.  They're always listed at the top left hand side of my blog.  There's no limit to how many you can enter or how many you can win.

Goosebumps 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack - Giveaway

Based on the best-selling book series by R.L. Stine and starring Wendi McLendon-Covey, Chris Parnell and Ken Jeong

GOOSEBUMPS 2

Now available on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD

You’re in for a fun scare now that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has unleashed GOOSEBUMPS 2 on Digital and available via the Movies Anywhere App, and on Blu-ray™ and DVD.

Slappy the devious ventriloquist dummy returns to run amuck, in this second installment of the family-friendly franchise based on R.L. Stine’s beloved book series. Standing in Slappy’s way is a terrifyingly talented cast including Wendi McLendon-Covey (The Goldbergs), Madison Iseman (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), Jeremy Ray Taylor (It), Caleel Harris (Castle Rock), and Chris Parnell (Rick and Morty), with Ken Jeong (Crazy Rich Asians).

The GOOSEBUMPS 2 Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital bonus features include a gag reel full of hilarious hijinks, three all-new deleted scenes and five featurettes. Between the chills, thrills and goosebumps, watch the cast get a case of the giggles in the “Gag Reel.” Dive deep in “Thrills & Chills- The Making of Goosebumps 2” with Madison Iseman, along with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew. “Meet the Monsters” gives fans a sneak peek of how the scary creatures were brought to life. In “Slappy’s Audition,” watch what happens when Slappy auditions for the role he was born to play. In “Science with Slappy,” enter the Slapatory where Madison, Jeremy and Caleel join Slappy for some electrifying experiments! And get ready to sing along with three hilarious “Slappy-oke” songs. Who knew dummies could sing?

Synopsis:

Be careful what you wish for. With their after school junk business, best friends Sonny and Sam hope to find treasure in other people’s trash. But when cleaning out the old Stine house, they open a locked book that frees a supernatural nightmare- Slappy! Now, with the help of Sonny’s sister Sarah, they’re in a race against time to get the sinister dummy and all the creatures he’s brought to life back into the pages before he unleashes total pandemonium!

Based on the beloved Scholastic book series by R.L Stine, GOOSEBUMPS 2 was directed by Academy Award®-winner Ari Sandel (2005, Best Short Film-Live Action, West Bank Story) from a story by Rob Lieber and Darren Lemke and screenplay by Lieber. The film is produced by Deborah Forte and Neal H. Moritz and is executive produced by Timothy M. Bourne and Tania Landau.

GOOSEBUMPS 2 has a run time of approximately 120 minutes and is rated PG for scary creature action and images, some thematic elements, rude humor and language.

Win It!

One person will win a Goosebumps 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received no product or compensation for this post.  This post is in partnership with PR firm.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Power of Prayer Thursdays - Week 156

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 156.  If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
–Hebrews 12:1

Shut Your Trap and Listen

Photo by Ian Espinosa on Unsplash

Me:  9-1-1.  What's your emergency?

Him: I might need to go to the hospital.  I feel like I want to hurt myself.

Me:  Are you suicidal?

Him:  Yes.  I haven't done anything yet, but feel like I want to.

Me:  What's going on that you want to harm yourself?

Him:  I just have a lot going on in my life.  Anytime I try to talk to someone, they tell me it will all be okay.  They don't care.  I just want someone to listen.

*This is a condensed version of a 9-1-1 call I took early last year.

Having been a 9-1-1 Dispatcher for 14 years, there's not a lot of calls that really stick out.  They tend to run together, one and the same.  That particular call, though, was one of the few that etched in my memory.  Thankfully, the male received help.  But his words have stuck with me.

We are so caught up in ourselves that we don't pay attention to others.  REALLY PAY ATTENTION.  When someone is telling you a story, do you focus on what they're saying or are you chomping at the bit to tell about something similar that's happened to you?  Do you brush someone off when they're trying to talk because you are feeling rushed?  Are you quick to offer advice, but slow to lend an ear?

Photo by Sydney Sims on Unsplash

Hypocrite #1 here would like to advise you to take the time to listen, really listen, to a person.  Ask the person if they want to vent and let out their feelings or if they want advice.  Don't be quick to dole out how you'd handle things if that's not what the person is actually looking for.

If someone tells you about their trip to see a Cardinals Game, don't try to one-up them by immediately interjecting how you got tickets behind the home plate with inclusive food and drinks.  It's not that your story doesn't matter.  But let their story matter too.

In a nutshell, shut your mouth and open your ears once in a while!

God Bless You & Good Night Touch and Feel - Children's Book Review and Giveaway

Book Overview:

*Ages 0-4

*God Bless You and Good Night is now available as a touch-and-feel book! This beloved bedtime classic has touched more than 500,000 families, and this touch-and-feel edition offers even more fun as little ones prepare for bed..  

*Bedtime can be a precious time of connection for you and your little one. Enjoy those snuggly moments together as you read this classic bedtime book while exploring all the fun touch-and-feel elements, from the polar bear's soft fur to the elephant's leathery skin to the silky grass of the African grasslands.

My Review:

A book that originally released in 2013, God Bless You & Good Night continues to be a favorite for bedtime stories.  This book, God Bless You & Good Night Touch and Feel,  is similar to the original except it has a few different animal illustrations and there are areas within the pages that children can touch and feel.  For instance, there's the white fur of a polar bear and the coarse feel of a hedgehog.

Perfect for toddlers, this short storybook is written in rhythmic form.  It features cute illustrations of animals.  There's giraffes, polar bears, penguins, and more.  The story starts with seeing the moon so bright, goes to taking a bedtime bath, and ends with getting tucked in bed.  This book is just the right length for a bedtime story and children are given a reminder of how much they are loved.

Win It!

One person will win a God Bless You & Good Night Touch and Feel children's book.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received book for review from Tommy Nelson.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.
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Precious Moments: Free Shipping For Limited Time

Precious Moments is the world's most recognized inspirational brand. For a limited time, don't pay a penny for shipping! Get free shipping on orders with code FREESHIPJAN at PreciousMoments.com.

Free Shipping
Promo code: FREESHIPJAN
Ends: 1/16
Restrictions: Not applicable to Disney Masterpieces

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Power of Prayer Thursdays - Week 155

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 155.  If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!
–Hebrews 13:2

Random Tuesday Thoughts - Awards and Musicals

It's been a few weeks since I've participated in Random Tuesday Thoughts, hosted by Stacy Uncorked.  But I'm back in the game!
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Elf happens to be a movie that we watch over and over during the holiday season.  I got the pleasure of watching ELF: The Musical at our local theater for a company's private viewing.  It was spectacular!  The musical had 12 sold-out shows, so I presume I wasn't the only one who thought it was great.
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Me, Shelby and George went to the theater and watched Second Act, starring Jennifer Lopez and Leah Remini.  Jennifer plays a gal who gets a job based on a false resume.  Along with that plot is a story line of adoption.  It was a good enough movie to watch once.
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Most Improved Runner award

I have to brag on Logan for a minute.  He received an award for Most Improved Runner at the Cross Country Banquet through the university he attends.  He also received a medal for finishing first in his age group at the annual Turkey Run.  He placed 3rd overall, beating out  hundreds of other runners.

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It's Dookie!

It's always hit and miss depending on how much we like each other at the time, but this year we had a Secret Santa exchange at work.  The person who drew my name purchased me Dookie the Unicorn, the mascot for Squatty Potty.  If you pull a string out of Dookie's butt, rainbow swirled ice cream plops out.  Is it sad that I'm 42 years old and was excited over a pooping plush unicorn?!

The next morning, after we got off work, I went out for breakfast with co-workers Sidney and Alexis.  We chatted over food, mimosas and Bloody Mary's.

me with Sidney and Alexis

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My Uncle Curt came to visit the day after Christmas.  He brought his acoustic guitar and played some tunes.  I could have sat and listened to him for hours.  Any time I get to hear my uncles play an instrument I am at a moment of peace and calm.

Uncle Curt

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me and Ashley

I got my niece to join the beanie bandwagon.  I purchased her a C.C. beanie and she's hooked.  Since Christmas,  I've either purchased or been gifted five more beanies.  I love being able to throw one on and not do my hair.  Now I need to find a solution for the summer months.

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me and Allyson

Allyson's 24th birthday is tomorrow!  She'll be the same age as Shelby for three months.

Allyson is one of the kindest, most passionate people I know.  She's wise beyond her years and enjoys all of life, from the mundane to the spectacular.  I keep telling her that Life Coach is her calling.

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New Year's Eve was pretty low-key for me.  Me and Jason went to a friend's house and spent the night.  We talked a lot and played Cards Against Humanity.  At least we made it up past midnight.

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What's your randomness for the week?

Montana Mex - Sauces and Spices Review and Giveaway

I won't purchase merchandise or food based mainly on its packaging.  But, I admit, I'm more drawn to something if its packaging is eye-catching or bold.  Montana Mex is a company that uses catchy phrases and gutsy colors for marketing value.  I must admit, it lured me in.  The real question is, do their sauces and spices live up to the same hype?  After trying them out, I'll answer with a resounding yes.

Montana Mex currently sells seven products.  There are some stores that carry the company's products but none are local to me.  If that's the case for you as well, you can purchase Montana Mex online through their website.  There's the option to purchase items individually or go bold and order the All The Goodies Box that contains one each of every item.  Side note: If you go that route, be sure to keep the box and read what's printed.  There's lots of fun information and tidbits.

Here's a short description of all the food items offered by Montana Mex:

THE KETCHUP - you've seen it all before right? but just like dating, when it really gets down to it, what matters is on the inside... once you pop the top off our ketchup you will find a toe tapping, foot stomping kind of deliciousness...

THE BBQ -  our BBQ sauce is tall, dark and handsome, too good to be true? well today's your lucky day... so give us one chance - think of a familiar smokey BBQ base but take it somewhere new with a pineapple chipotle combo and just enough kick to make a punching bag jealous... it'll be your co-pilot to delicious town - fallen for it yet?

THE HABAÑERO - relax and pat yourself on the back, good job, you've found your go to sweet and spicy sauce - it's the beast that will keep you smiling through breakfast, lunch and dinner! use it just as you would a ketchup on EVERYTHING that touches those lovely lips...

AVOCADO OIL - a high heat extra virgin Avocado Oil that is perfect for all of your cooking needs!

MILD CHILE SEASONING - a delicious all-purpose seasoning made from pure sea salt and a thoughtful mix of four smokey sweet red chiles.

SWEET SEASONING - a delicately balanced salty sweet super seasoning that can be used whenever your food needs a little sweetness!

JALAPEÑO SEASONING - add a serious heat and flavor pop to all your culinary creations with this spicy yet flavorful jalapeño seasoning!

All products are made in the USA and are USDA Organic Certified, Verified Non-GMO Project, Vegan-Friendly, Kosher, and Gluten Free.

Spices, seasonings and sauces are used quite often when Jason and I cook.  We like food with flavor.  Montana Mex doesn't disappoint.  The BBQ has been used on grilled chicken legs and meatloaf.  The Avocado Oil is used in lieu of Canola Oil and the Ketchup is delicious on fries or burgers.  The seasoning blends add distinct and savory flavors to the foods.  

The Seasoning Blends have to be opened while dancing.  At least that's what it says on the containers.  I'm always up for that kind of challenge!

If, for whatever reason, you're not sure how to use the sauces and spices, Montana Mex has several recipes on their site.  Chef and co-founder Eduardo Garcia is the guy who creates all of the flavors in the condiments line.  He is also the man behind all of the Montana Mex recipes.

Now that I've been introduced to Montana Mex, I definitely recommend the company as a go-to for anyone wanting to add great taste to their cuisine.

Win It!

One person will win a Montana Mex All the Goodies Gift Box.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received products for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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The Shelving Store: Save 12% on Select Organization Categories

Ring in the new year with an ultra-organized home. From your kitchen cabinets to entryway, The Shelving Store's wide selection of organizational products can help tidy any area.  Select categories are 12% off when you use CODE: HELLO2019 at checkout through 1/16/19 11:59 PM EST. Cannot be combined with any other offers or applied to previous orders.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Check It Out: Savings.com #WearFrenchToast Giveaway

Savings.com is giving away 5 $50 French Toast gift cards to promote the brand. Giveaway ends on Thursday, January 10th at 11:59 PM ET.

Enter the giveaway by heading to the French Toast page on Savings.com and submitting your email address on the form at the top of the page.  The winners will be chosen through a lottery drawing and notified on Friday (1/11) via the email address they used to enter.

Join the French Toast Dollars in Uniform fundraising program. It gives your school 5 percent cash back of your purchase price, including custom uniform embroidery. The program comes with a free catalog and website, too.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Heck Of A Christmas Eve 2018

me and my nephew

food platter made by my niece

Allyson is 23 years old and Adam is 19 yoa.  Little bit of a height difference there!

4'9" vs. 6'4"

Every Christmas Eve is spent with the family at my sister's home.  We feast on food and exchange gifts of the person we drew a name for.  This year was one of my favorite's.  People stayed longer than usual and the conversation was lively.

Rahjae preparing to eat a jelly bean from Beanboozled

The kids enjoyed their gifts but all would've been well with just having Beanboozled and a big box there.  I think every one of the kids climbed in to the box that came from a toy trucks gift.  Playing Beanboozled, the kids were caught off guard.  Was it coconut...or toothpaste?  Tutti Fruitti....or dirty sock?  

friendly game of LCR

The adults weren't as brave to eat funky foods.  We played several rounds of LCR, some rounds with quarters and some with lottery tickets.  I profited about $15 in the end.

We ended up sitting around by a bonfire outside and laughing so hard our guts hurt.  Christmas 2018 was one for the memory books.  Not for expensive parties or lavish gifts, but for family memories made.

The box that was a big hit with all the kids.

Auntie Anne's at Home Soft Pretzels - Giveaway

Every time I go to our local mall, it's inevitable that I will buy something from Auntie Anne's. The deliciousness of their pretzels and sweet taste of their lemonade is heavenly. In fact, I was shopping at the mall yesterday and gave in to the temptation of Auntie Anne's. The Original Stix I purchased were melt-in-your mouth delicious.

There's no need to stress if you're not able to get to your local Auntie Anne's often. That's because you can purchase an Auntie Anne's At-Home Baking Kit to make your own pretzel dogs, pocket sandwiches, and pretzels from home.  The snacking kits gives consumers the taste of Auntie Anne's delectable pretzels.

At Home kits include:

Auntie Anne's Classic Soft Frozen Pretzels - 5ct/13.4oz

Auntie Anne's Classic All Beef Frozen Pretzel Dogs - 4ct/16oz

Auntie Anne's Pretzel Pocket Sandwich Cheese & Pepperoni - 2 CT

THE AUNTIE ANNE'S® FROZEN PRETZELS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE FOLLOWING RETAILERS:

Stop & Shop

Giant

Martin's

Price Chopper

Redner's 

Key Food

SuperValu

Winn Dixie

Bi-Lo

Lowes Foods

Jewel-Osco

Schnuck's

Target

Albertson's

Vons

HEB

Meijer

Product is NOT for sale at Auntie Anne's franchised locations. Product selection may vary by retailer.

Win It!

One person will win three free product coupons for Auntie Anne's At Home kits.

(1) Auntie Anne's Classic Soft Frozen Pretzels free product coupon

(1) Auntie Anne's Classic All Beef Frozen Pretzel Dogs free product coupon

(1) Auntie Anne's Pretzel Pocket Sandwich Cheese & Pepperoni free product coupon.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received product in exchange for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Power of Prayer Thursdays - Week 154

Photo by Zoë Gayah Jonker on Unsplash

It's a new year!  Here's wishing you all a prosperous, blessed, and God-filled 2019!

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 154.  If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
–Ephesians 4:31