Meatless Mondays

Note: I am a BzzAgent. I got this item free from BzzAgent (but have previously bought on my own). All of my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Are you looking to save money? Or maybe trying to be a little healthier? Or maybe just looking for something healthy that your kids will eat?

I'm always looking to do ALL of these things!  We try to have at least 1 meatless meal a week. Does that mean we starve for a day? haha No way! Sometimes it is meatless spaghetti, sometimes salad, or sometimes veggie burgers.  Most of the time I make black bean burgers (with a very simple recipe - I hate cooking), but  Morningstar Farms has a super easy alternative!



These burgers stay frozen until you are ready to cook.  Then you can cook them in the microwave! Add sweet potato fries and you have a meal that my kids will even eat without complaining!

Here is the recipe from Happy Herbivore that I use for my burgers:

Ingredients

• 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ⅓ cup instant oats
  I actually add a small amount of blackstrap molasses to mine. It helps them stick together and adds a little extra nutrition. 

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F. Grease a cookie sheet or line with parchment paper and set aside. In a mixing bowl, mash black beans with a fork until mostly pureed but still some half beans and bean parts are left. Stir in condiments and spices until well combined. Then mix in oats. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into thin patties. Bake for 7 minutes, carefully flip over and bake for another 7 minutes, or until crusty on the outside. Slap into a bun with extra condiments and eat!

Jesus Pure & Simple

I recently received "Jesus Pure & Simple" by Wayne Cordeiro from Bethany House Publishing.  While I received the book free, the opinions below are my own. 

Summary from CBD.com:

“Pastoral help for Christ-followers who want to live a life of significance! Offering encouragement, stories, and practical guidelines for God-centered living, Cordeiro helps believers focus directly on drawing near to Jesus. A welcome message for Christians looking for simplicity and peace in their anxious, over-scheduled lives.”

My Review:

When I received “Jesus Pure & Simple” I was really excited to read it! The back of the book asks, “Do you ever feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions?” Why yes, many times I do! I’m sure many people feel that same way these days! There are so many good things to be a part of now that it is hard to know when to say no.  I am learning that there are many projects and ministries that are good, but just aren't for me right now. And that is ok! 

Back to the book…I started reading it, and was frustrated within a few pages. The author has many good stories and illustrations, but he jumps back and forth constantly.  I kept reading hoping maybe it was just the first chapter, but it wasn’t.  It just didn’t flow easily from subject to subject.  The stories were great and encouraging, but I like books to flow.  I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t love this book since I had such high hopes.  If you like to read short encouraging stories, you might enjoy this book; otherwise, you might want to keep looking for a different ‘simple’ book.

52 Ways to Wow Your Husband

I recently received "52 Ways to Wow Your Husband" by Pam Farrel from Harvest House Publishing.  While I received the book free, the opinions below are my own. 

Summary from CBD.com:

"Add spark to your marriage with best-selling author Farrel's woman-to-woman advice on how to support - and surprise - your spouse! Filled with inspirational stories and godly advice, her creative "wow" assignments, wisdom, and dates are perfect for any wife who wants to deepen her spiritual, emotional, and physical bond with her husband."

My Review:

"52 Ways to Wow Your Husband" is exactly what you would think.  Every week you get an assignment, wisdom, and a date.  The assignments are simple, quick things to do to make you think about your husband.  The wisdom is scripture or stories from other wives to encourage you in your marriage.  The date suggestion-sometimes as simple as spending time together.  The book offers encouragement and ideas to help push your marriage in the right direction. Many of us want to 'wow' our husbands and make them feel appreciated, but many times we just don't know where to start. This book is a good starting point!  This book could be used by the newlywed or the 50 year married couple!  It's a quick and easy way to show your husband he is loved every week of the year!

The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer

I recently received "The Captive Heart" by Dale Cramer from Bethany House Publishing.  While I received the book free, the opinions below are my own. 

Summary from CBD.com:

"Bandit troubles intensify as Caleb Bender's family tries to settle into their new life in 1920s Paradise Valley. When El Pantera kidnaps Rachel and leaves her brother, Aaron, for dead, Jake Weaver and the Mexican native Domingo pursue the bandit leader to his mountain stronghold in a hopeless rescue attempt. Jake and Domingo manage to escape with Rachel, with the bandits hot on their trail. In a desperate attempt to avoid recapture, Domingo puts himself squarely in harm's way, giving Jake and Rachel time to get away. This is not the quiet life Caleb Bender envisioned when he led his family out of Ohio. What is a father to make of his daughter's obvious affection for a man outside the fold? And how will a pacifist Amishman like Caleb respond to the events that threaten his family and their way of life?"

My Review:

"The Captive Heart" is book #2 in 'The Daughters of Caleb Bender' series. The first book was "Paradise Valley" (you can read my review for it here).  Dale Cramer is a great writer in my opinion.  This book series drew me in from the beginning.  It is based from a true story, which draws my curiosity automatically.  The story is very detailed, from the bandits and wars to the love stories that seem to blossom all around.  The hardships and sacrifices in this story are amazing. I cannot begin to think of myself in many of the situations that these Amish families face in "The Captive Heart".  I would recommend this series and this author to anyone, but especially those who love Amish fiction.  These books are even suited to a teen and in my opinion would be enjoyable to them as well.

"We Be Big" - Rick & Bubba's Story

Book Description from Booksneeze:

"The story of two unlikely radio hosts and what happened when they followed their faith and instincts.

Rick & Bubba are the most unlikely broadcast stars imaginable, yet hundreds of thousands of loyal listeners start their day with them every morning. Beyond that, they break the biggest no-no rule for secular radio as they openly share their faith in Christ and their common-sense way of looking at the world. Now, in We Be Big: The Mostly True Story of How We Became Rick & Bubba, readers learn how this unlikely pairing came about. Alternately hilarious and heartbreaking, this is also the highly personal story of two men who—like most of us—resisted stepping through the doors God opened for them, opting for the easier path when tested. When they finally decided to follow their instincts and their faith, though, not only did they became amazingly successful, but also a truly powerful platform became theirs."

My Thoughts:

Growing up in the south (North Alabama, actually), I know who Rick & Bubba are.  They come up in many conversations, and everyone loves them.  I requested this book from Booksneeze because I thought I would enjoy getting to "know" them a little better.  

"We Be Big" definitely helps you see into Rick & Bubba's world of radio and faith.  I enjoyed reading more about them and their "mostly" true story.  I did find the book a bit hard to read, though I am used to reading fiction or self-help type books and this is neither.  If you have no idea who Rick and Bubba are, then you most likely wouldn't really enjoy this book, but if you know who they are or have heard them on the radio, then you may enjoy reading a little more about their adventure.  There is plenty of humor, some heartbreak and a lot of stories in the book to help keep you entertained.

*I received this book from Booksneeze.com in exchange for my honest review.*

The Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall

Description of 'The Harvest of Grace' from CBD:

"When Sylvia Fischer turned down her beau's offer of marriage, she expected him to give her the time and space she'd requested, believing they would eventually wed. Instead he married her sister. When she learns that his betrayal was her father's idea--a proposition made to save the farm--she knows she'll never trust another man.

Despite the secrets hiding in Aaron Blank's youth, he thinks he's ready to face his future. As he sets out to make up for the wrongs he's done to his family, he meets Sylvia, the new farmhand from a nearby district. She doesn't want him around, seems to have his father's heart in the palm of her hand--and what she knows could ruin his future."

I love Cindy Woodsmall's "Ada's House" series.  They are wonderful books!  'The Harvest of Grace' is the 3rd book in the series ('The Bridge of Peace' was #2, see my review here).  These books are very well-written with love stories, drama, conflict, and pretty much everything you'd expect in a real-life story, but these things are all packed into Cndy Woodsmall's novels.  

In 'The Harvest of Grace' Sylvia wants to be able to run the farm that she loves, but can't do that because of her gender.  In the beginning of the book, her boyfriend asks her to marry him and she asks him to wait.  He marries her sister, which crushes her completely.  She lives on the same farm with them trying to be the best she can but one day something happens between them and she knows she has to leave her family farm.  Many things happen after this, many conflicts and many resolutions.  

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read fiction.  I loved it!



*I received an e-copy of 'The Harvest of Grace" from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.*

Tales of Goldstone Wood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Description of 'Heartless' from CBD:
"Princess Una of Parumvir has come of age and will soon be married. She dreams of a handsome and charming prince, but when the first suitor arrives, she finds him stodgy and boring. Prince Aethelbald from the mysterious land of Farthestshore has traveled far to prove his love--and also to bring hushed warnings of danger. A dragon is rumored to be approaching Parumvir. Una, smitten instead with a more dashing prince, refuses Aethelbald's offer--and ignores his warnings. Soon the Dragon King himself is in Parumvir, and Una, in giving her heart away unwisely, finds herself in grave danger. Only those courageous enough to risk everything have a hope of fighting off this advancing evil."

Description of 'Veiled Rose' from CBD:
"Rose Red trusts no one with her secret. She hides in the forest, her face veiled in rags, shunning the company of all save her old father and her nanny goat. Her life is bleak and lonely.

Until she meets a privileged young man sent to spend his summer in the mountains. Leo, a lonely lad, befriends Rose Red, and together they begin hunting for the Mountain Monster which, rumor says, stalks these lands.But the hunt which began as a game holds greater risk than Leo supposes."

Decription of 'Moonblood' from CBD:

"Desperate to regain the trust of his kingdom, Prince Lionheart reluctantly banishes his faithful servant and only friend, Rose Red. Now she is lost in the hidden realm of Arpiar, held captive by her evil goblin father, King Vahe.

Vowing to redeem himself, Lionheart plunges into the mysterious Goldstone Wood, seeking Rose Red. In strange other worlds, Lionheart must face a lyrical yet lethal tiger, a fallen unicorn, and a goblin horde on his quest to rescue the girl he betrayed.

With the Night of Moonblood fast approaching, when King Vahe seeks to wake the Dragon's sleeping children, Lionheart must discover whether or not his heart contains courage before it's too late for Rose Red... and all those he loves."

Decription of 'Starflower' from CBD:

"When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps the lovely Lady Gleamdren, Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission... and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.

But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?"

My Thoughts:

I recently finished Books 1-4 in the "Tales of Goldstone Wood" Series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl.  These books are not my "normal" reading material.  I normally shy away from the fantasy fiction books; however these caught my attention for some reason.  Once I started reading, the books were so strange I kept wanting to toss them out, but at the same time they were so strange I just had to keep reading.  Once I finished the first one I decided I needed to go ahead and read the next one.  The more I read, the more sense they began to make to me.  I describe the books as a mix between Narnia and Lord of the Rings (which is still a far-fetched description). These books include goblins, dragons, queens, and many other fantasy aspects.  If you enjoy fantasy books, then you will likely enjoy these. They are very well-written, just not exactly my style of reading.  I would recommend reading them all in order so that they make more sense.