You and Your Family Will Enjoy Indivisible

Hey neighbors!!

I was able to preview Indivisible a few weeks ago and I have to say I truly enjoyed the entire movie.  I am looking forward to the entire family viewing it in the future.  (They were all busy when I screened it.) The movie itself is based on the true story of Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife Heather.  Darren and his family arrive at his first base after seminary and training and he is quickly sent on a tour of duty in Iraq.  His wife is left at home with the children and immediately becomes involved in helping the other wives of men deployed with her husband.

Each of them faces battles and fears that they feel they are not prepared for.  They each try to shield the other from what they personally are going through.  When he returns home they are distant and must then struggle to save their own marriage.  This is a faith-based film. Be sure to have tissues on hand, you will need them.

From the director of

The Grace Card

and the studio that brought you

Fireproof

and

War Room

comes

INDIVISIBLE

, the story of one marriage

...

one family

...

under God.

In theaters beginning October 26, the movie stars Sarah D

new, Justin Bruening, Jason

George, Tia Mowry, and Madeline Carroll.

From the director of

The Grace Card

and the studio that brought you

Fireproof

and

War Room

comes

INDIVISIBLE

, the story of one marriage

...

one family

...

under God.

In theaters beginning October 26, the movie stars Sarah D

rew, Justin Bruening, Jason

George, Tia Mowry, and Madeline Carroll.

 the director of 

From the director of The Grace Card and the studio that brought us Fireproof and War Room comes Indivisible, the story of one marriage...one family...under God.  Starring Sarah Drew, Justin Bruening, Jason George, Tia Mowry, and Madeline Carroll, Indivisible opens in theaters October 26th.

We are able to host a giveaway for 2 Fandango ticket codes so the winner will be able to see Indivisible for themselves.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

 Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

There’s More to a Clean House Than Looks Alone

Everyone wants a clean home, but people seldom really sit down to consider what that means. What does having a clean home entail? What’s the goal behind it and how can one balance every aspect of it?

One of the most important points for many people comes from general pest control. The idea of insects, rodents or other pests wandering around can be worrisome, even more so when one considers the idea of them quite literally crawling on you at night. The idea of breathing in spiders while sleeping might be a myth. But that doesn’t mean that other pests are going to be as considerate.

First steps to avoiding pests

The absolute first step in keeping your home pest free is to have knowledgeable professionals on call. One should ensure that they know about local issues. For example, pest control in San Diego comes with challenges that won’t be found elsewhere. Every state, and often even cities within them, have different pest concerns. Along with this comes extra concerns when dealing with those pests. As such it’s usually best to ensure that the pest control goes along with the general style of the area.

But apart from that, one also needs to stay in step with one’s setting. Some areas have very distinct seasons. And this will also influence how you clean. The term spring cleaning exists for a good reason. When the snow hits the ground, people seldom feel like hauling out large amounts of trash.

As such, it’s usually a good idea to ensure that you do the bulk of major cleaning efforts during warm weather. This has a happy side effect as well. You’ll also disturb any hiding places that pests may have snuck into.

This is the traditional method of cleaning. And as far as that goes, it’ll offer you a solid foundation on which to build. But there’s also a lot more to consider when it comes to cleaning. An important point to consider is just the fact that a clean home isn’t necessarily a pest-free one. There are some additional concerns which need to be addressed in order to ensure that the threat of pests is kept low.

Keeping things pest free

One big issue people face is that they essentially create the perfect habitat for pests. The same thing which keeps people happy and safe during rough weather does the same for many other species. Rodents, in particular, tend to like almost the exact same environments we do. With the main difference being that they often find some really good hiding spots that we can’t see very easily.

Rodents might not seem very troublesome at first. But they’ll quickly begin to drop feces in a variety of locations. And people will quickly notice that their food supplies have been bitten into. Spilled bags of half-eaten food with feces mixed in doesn’t make for a very hospitable place for you to live.

But the general fear one feels as a result is often even worse. Imagine waking up to beady eyes staring you directly in the face. Rodents are the most noticeable pest, but they’re far from the most harmful.

Ants are another big problem that many people face. Even one ant can be enough to prompt an invasion. They provide many of the same risks as rodents in terms of excreta. But there’s also the problem of accidentally eating them. An ant on its own is actually a somewhat nutrient-rich addition. But the problem is that they walk through any number of things. 

One will almost always notice a rodent getting into food, but imagine making food like delicious homemade cookies, and then having ants walk all over them. You might not even notice as they track poison or feces over them.

More precautions

All of these issues point to one solid fact, and that is that you need to take some careful action to keep pests out. Even the cleanest home can have unsealed windows which allow easy access for ants. All the cleaning in the world won’t remove mice if they’ve already taken residence. Cleaning is the first and prerequisite step for pest management.

But some pests, such as bedbugs, require more extreme measures. This is again why it’s important to keep the number of professional pest control experts on hand. One can prepare a foundation for a pest free environment, but sometimes it takes extra help to become truly clean.

Losing a Loved One

Hey neighbors!

Losing a loved one can be difficult.  I lost my grandparents on my mother's side quite a few years ago.  My grandmother died of a brain embolism and my grandfather died not too long after that with a heart condition.  My grandmother's death was very unexpected.  No matter how or when family members or friends pass on, it is always difficult.  We received notice not too long ago that a friend of ours was killed in an accident at the shop where he worked.  No one wants to receive news that someone they loved has died. Below are a few suggestions and steps to take after the loss of a loved one.

I think something that would be even harder is to find out that someone was in some way responsible for the death.  Whether it was a gunman, an auto accident, or medical malpractice you want that person to pay for their actions.  Sometimes it is lack of action that causes a death, such as someone not taking enough precautions with safety issues, or not following through with proper procedure.  When these situations come to your attention, you need to find someone who can help you and who knows the ins and outs of the law.  You will be looking for a wrongful death attorney.  Be sure and find out what type of cases they have been involved with, so you get the representation you need.

You also might need to consider finding a grief counselor whether they are from a medical practice or at a local church.  Oftentimes we need help to work through our grief or we become withdrawn and bitter.  This may be an option if you have teens or children who have been affected by the death.  We had friends who lost a young son to cancer after quite a battle.  Their entire family was affected by this especially after the long medical battle.  It is not wrong to need someone outside the family to talk to and share your feelings with. I suggest the entire family get together and share memories and talk about the family member/friend and be open about how you are feeling at the time.

Set up some type of memorial.  Yes, I know most people will visit the gravesite on a regular basis, but there may be some who can not.  You could have family and friends share some of their memories, videos, and pictures and have them put together on a memorial disc.  Although most will not want to watch it right away, over the years it will become a precious memory.  You could create a special, private memorial page online where friends and family can share memories and connect.  I am sure there are many more ideas out there of special ways to create a memorial.

Whatever you do, be sure that every family member has what they need to get through this time of loss.  Not everyone grieves in the same manner, so be sure to look for signs as to how they are dealing with their emotions.  Many families have been torn apart by the death of a family member when it could have been avoided.

If you have recently lost a family member or friend you have my sincere condolences.  I know it is hard, but I also know that you can make it through this. If anyone has thoughts they would like to share, please leave a comment below.

Why Does Your Home Take So Long To Heat Up?

Image Source

Now that winter is fast approaching, many of us are using our central heating more regularly. It’s usually about this time of the year when many of us discover issues with our heating. Super-slow heating could be one of those issues – if you’re having to wait hours for the temperature to rise, there could be a problem that needs addressing. Here are just a few of the reasons why your home may be taking so long to heat up.

Your Home Isn’t Insulated
A lack of insulation or poor insulation will result in heat escaping your home more quickly. The attic is a common place where heat is lost in the home – in fact, you could be losing 25% of your home’s heat through an uninsulated attic. There are lots of ways to insulate your attic from spray-on insulation to DIY thermal wool.

Windows

Windows can be another place where heat is lost. Consider upgrading to fiberglass windows or opting for double glazing in order to prevent heat getting lost through the glass. Cheaper alternatives could include hanging up some thick winter curtains or using insulating window film.

Wall Insulation

You could also be losing heat through your home’s walls. Cavity wall insulation is a common way of insulating walls – it can be tricky to install but could have major effects when it comes to preventing heat loss. Make sure to also seal up any cracks including under doors.

Your Radiators Need Bleeding

It’s possible your radiators could be full of trapped air, preventing them from heating up properly. Bleeding your radiators could help to let out this trapped air and return your radiators back to their full function. A clear sign that radiators need bleeding is if they’re cold at the bottom and only warm at the top.

If this doesn’t help and your radiators still aren’t heating up properly, it could be time to upgrade your radiators to newer ones. Old radiators can start to rust up on the inside and get full of sediment which affects the heating quality and results in them getting hotter more slowly.


Your Boiler Needs Servicing
You may also be experiencing a problem with your boiler. It’s possible that your boiler may have too much sediment in it causing it to heat slowly. Alternatively, there could be a problem with the thermostat causing it to heat to the wrong temperature. It could even be due to a badly insulated boiler, resulting in lots of heat loss as you turn on the heating.

By hiring a professional to take a look at your boiler, you can find out what may be wrong with it and whether you need to get it fixed or replaced. Boilers should ideally be replaced every 15 years, but many people have boilers in their home that are older than 20 years.

Maybe one of these tips will help you. If you have a tip to share, please do so in the comments.  Thank you!

Blurb Special For New Customers

Hey neighbors!
You all might remember the new photo book I received not too long ago from Blurb.  I loved it!  I have been wanting to do something with my photos I have taken, and I don't know about you, but printing them all off is both time consuming and expensive.  By putting many of them in a book, I can now easily share them with family and friends.  Of course they are great for family photos, events and gifts.  Blurb is offering 40% off for new customers.  Click through my link below and then use the code.  I was very happy with the service I received and the quality of the book.  I am an affiliate with Blurb, so I would appreciate you using the link below.

New Customer Exclusive: 40% Off with code BIG4T at Blurb!

Thanks and have a GREAT day!!

Sign Up For Swagbucks!

All throughout October you can earn large bonuses when sign up as my referral on Swagbucks. Swagbucks is a rewards site where you earn points (called SB) for things you're probably doing online already, like searching the web, watching videos, shopping, discovering deals, and taking surveys. Then you take those points and exchange them for gift cards to places like Amazon, Target, or PayPal cash.  

When you sign up through me this month, you can earn a 300 SB bonus! Here's how:  

1. Sign up using this link. 

2. Earn 300 SB total before November 1st, 2018. You'll get a 300 SB bonus for it!  

3. That's it. It's super easy, and Swagbucks is for real. I use it myself, and I've earned so many Swagbucks that I have then turned into Amazon Gift Cards.  I am presently saving up for the holidays!

A New Shop Swago!

Swagbucks is hosting another round of Shop Swago! What is SWAGO you ask? It's a bingo-inspired promotion run by Swagbucks, a website that rewards you with points (called SB) for completing everyday online activities. You can redeem those SB for free gift cards. If you've never used Swagbucks, participating in SWAGO is a great introduction to the site and an easy way to earn a good amount of points quickly.    

Click here to get started!  

Here’s what you need to know to get your 150 SB Bonus (and don’t worry, you don’t have to make a purchase to complete a pattern):

• Go to the Swag page and make sure you hit “Join” otherwise you won’t get credit for completing the action items. Each square on your Swago Board will contain an action item to complete.
• Once you complete the action item in a particular square the square will change color signifying the action item is complete.
• You have a limited amount of time to mark off as many squares as possible so use your time wisely.
• Be mindful of the patterns and their corresponding bonuses located on the right of your Swago Board. The patterns will vary in difficulty and bonus value - up to 150 SB.
• Once you’ve achieved a pattern the corresponding “Submit” button will light up. You can have multiple patterns available for submission, however, you can only submit ONE pattern so choose wisely.
• The game ends Friday, October 12th at 12pm PDT/3pm EDT. So make sure to hit “Submit” on the pattern you wish to submit. If you don’t hit “Submit” before the game ends you won’t receive your SB bonus.  

Delayed Justice by Cara Putnam

Hey neighbors!

I am a sucker for legal/crime based christian fiction.  Cara Putnam is a new author to me, although she has written previous books.  Delayed Justice is actually the third book in this series, but can be read on it's own.  There are recurring characters from the previous books, but this does not affect the ability to read this book as a stand alone.  Delayed Justice will show how one woman uses her own dark past to help others and how she has gained the strength to face her past. As the story unfolds you will see Jaime grow and change as others in her life assist her on moving forward.  This book covers a sensitive subject and handles it without being too specific.

About the Book

  

Book Title: Delayed Justice  
Author: Cara Putman  
Genre: Legal Romantic Suspense  
Release date: October 15, 2018  

She had long given up the desire to be loved. Now she only needed to be heard. Jaime Nichols went to law school to find the voice she never had as a child, and her determination to protect girls and women in the path of harm drives her in ways both spoken and unspoken. As Jamie, now a criminal defense attorney, prepares to press charges against someone who wronged her long ago, she must face not only her demons but also the unimaginable forces that protect the powerful man who tore her childhood apart. Chandler Bolton, a retired veteran, is tasked with helping a young victim who must testify in court—and along with his therapy dog, Aslan, he’s up for the task. When he first meets Jaime, all brains, beauty, and brashness, he can’t help but be intrigued. As Chandler works to break through the wall Jaime has built around herself, the two of them discover that they may have more to offer one another than they ever could have guessed—and that together, they may be able to help this endangered child. This thrilling installment of the Hidden Justice series explores the healing power of resolution and the weight of words given voice. And as Jaime pursues delayed justice of her own, she unearths eternal truths that will change the course of her life.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Since the time she could read Nancy Drew, Cara has wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met a fellow Indiana writer Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara’s been writing award-winning books. She is currently working on book 30 and 31. Cara Putman is an active member of ACFW, and currently serves on its Executive Board. She has also been the Indiana ACFW chapter president and served as the Area Coordinator for Indiana. Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School, and Krannert School of Management. You can learn more about Cara at www.caraputman.com

Guest Post from Cara

Delayed Justice was a hard story to write. I’d known from Beyond Justice that Jaime had a hard story, but I wasn’t sure exactly what it was. She tried to hide from her past. She tried hard, but in the end it slowly spilled out. A young girl wounded deeply by someone who should protect her. And now as a professional young woman, Jaime is still fighting the shadows. She believes she’s okay, or as okay as she’ll ever be. Instead, she has to learn that there’s so much more waiting for her. Freedom from the chains of a past she didn’t choose. A love that will never end. And a God who has always loved her even when she questions His existence because of her past. I think we’ve all lived that. There’s a place in our hearts that seems beyond His reach. For some of us, it’s a barrier to knowing Him. To others of us, it makes us question what we thought we knew about God. And for others of us, it presses us deeply into Him. Jaime’s book, Delayed Justice, explores this space. The space where some days we scream at the heavens Where are you, God? And the days we just curl into ourselves because life is too hard. And in that space of shadow and light, God ultimately shines brightest. This is a truth that is slowly revealed through friends and The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 29

Fiction Aficionado, September 29

The Avid Reader, September 29

The Power of Words, September 29

The Christian Fiction Girl, September 29

The Lit Addict, September 30

BBHfiction, September 30

Painting with Words, September 30

Real World Bible Study, September 30

Janices book reviews, September 30

cherylbbookblog, October 1

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 1

Back Porch Reads, October 1

Cafinated Reads, October 1

Faithfully Bookish, October 1

Because I said so – adventures in Parenting, October 2

Lighthouse Academy, October 2

Livin Lit, October 2

Inklings and notions, October 2

Bigreadersite, October 2

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 3

Reading Is My SuperPower, October 3

The Becca Files, October 3

Blogging With Carol, October 3

Lights in a Dark World, October 3

Genesis 5020, October 4

Cathe Swanson, October 4

Spoken from the Heart, October 4

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 4

100 Pages per Hour, October 5

Multifarious, October 5

Book by Book, October 5

Splashes of Joy, October 5

Rockin’ My Mom Jeans, October 6

Mary Hake, October 6

Godly Book Reviews, October 6

Two Points of Interest, October 6

C Jane Read, October 7

Daysong Reflections , October 7

Bibliophile Reviews, October 7

Buy, Borrow, Skip, October 7

The Mimosa Blossom, October 8

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 8

Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses, October 8

Maureen’s Musings, October 8

Just the Write Escape, October 9

Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Remebrancy, October 9

Carpe Diem, October 9

Quiet Quilter, October 10

Margaret Kazmierczak, October 10

At the Fence, October 10

By The Book, October 10

God is Love, October 11

A Baker’s Perspective, October 11

proud to be an autism mom, October 11

Texas Book-aholic, October 11

Henry Happens, October 12

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, October 12

Have A Wonderful Day, October 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize package that includes a Courage Dear Heart bracelet, a The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe print, a copy of Delayed Justice, and a box of Turkish Delight!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d5c4/delayed-justice-celebration-tour-giveaway

Alternatives To Nursing Homes

Whether you are the child of an aging parent or you are in your golden years and notice you have a more difficult time getting around, there are many alternatives to being placed in a nursing home. There are a lot of negative connotations associated with nursing homes; they are often looked at as being the final placement before hospice care. Many elderly patients do not actually require placement in a nursing home and can thrive with other care options.

In-home care is a great alternative for seniors suffering from an ailment, disability, injury or mobility issues. Skilled and qualified nurses can provide a variety of in-home care services for your family member. Some in-home care specialists provide overnight services. Others provide around-the-clock care based on individual needs. They can help clean and treat wounds, administer medications, help with household chores and cleaning, assist with bathing and self-care needs, and assist with blood draws and toileting. Healthcare staffing services are a personable and affordable alternative to long-term nursing care.

Many family members step in to provide caregiving for an aging parent or grandparent. Caring for an aging parent may require a lot of time and money. You may need to chauffeur your family member to and from appointments, administer medications, provide bathing and toileting help and assist with rehabilitation or wound cleaning. It can be a daunting task for some people, but many others are equipped to handle these duties and can balance caring for a parent with their own duties and work responsibilities. Aging parents and grandparents do not want to be a burden, but they would also prefer to be in the hands of a family member than a stranger when it comes to care, injury recovery or disability.

Nursing home placement may be the only option if an in-home nurse or family member is unable to provide consistent care or the level of care that the patient may require. Determining the best option for an aging parent is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make in your lifetime; you want the best care and treatment for your loved one.

Finding The Right Dance School For Your Child

Finding the right dance school for your child in Miami can seem like a neverending cycle, especially since new dance schools come on the scene every single week. However, there are some things you can do to find the best dance school in the quickest amount of time.

Talk To People With Young Children

The first thing you can do is speak with people who have young children, especially young girls. Not all of these parents will have their children in a dance school, but many of them might because dance is now considered an actual sport. Once you find parents who currently have their child in a dance school, find out where the school is located, how much it costs, and what their child has learned up to this point. Being that this is a matter of preference, you should speak with as many parents as possible.

Search For Schools Online

Another thing you can do is search for dance schools online. However, the dance schools you consider should have won some significant awards in the past, and these schools should also offer knowledge in many different types of dance styles. This is especially true if there is a high cost involved. A great example of this type of dance school is ABC Dance, which has been labeled as being one of the bet dance schools in Miami. This school offers knowledge in at least 20 different dance styles, which include jazz, hip-hop, house, ballet, and so much more. This dance school is also known for working with parents who are on a low-income and providing comfortable payment plans for them.

It is important that you do not stop in your search for the perfect dance school in Miami. This is why it is best not to make a decision on a specific school until you have visited as many schools as possible. This will also help your child make new friends along the way.