Book Review and Giveaway: "Christmas Cookie Swap!"

The holiday hostess in me has had a wonderfully "sweet" time reviewing this holiday cookie resource book. "Christmas Cookie Swap!", published by Oxmoor House, is a 256 page book featuring over 100 recipes and beautiful photography in six chapters covering a variety of sizes and shapes of cookies, including cookie bars, decorated cookies and a confectioners chapter abounding with fudge and truffle recipes. 

One of my favorite aspects of the book is that rather that showcasing only the cookie recipes, they include an entire chapter on "Christmas Cookie Basics" that focuses on the how-to aspect of getting ready for cookie swap. Besides ideas on how to host a cookie swap, there are tips on how to display your cookies to look their best, baking tips, packaging tips, the best frosting recipes to use for decorating cookies and cookie decorating tips. I love that they include a metric equivalents page at the back of the book for a handy measurement resource. My two favorite chapters are "Cookies for Santa" and "Christmas Classics", which both have an abundance of beloved cookie recipes.

I tried the recipe for Java-Toffee Cookies and served them at a neighborhood gathering.    

They were well-received at the gathering and they have become one of my husband's favorite cookies. I love the flavor combination of English toffee and java with instant coffee crystals.

This makes such a wonderful addition to any holiday cookbook collection.

Giveaway:

One of you will win a copy of "Christmas Cookie Swap!", valued at 19.95! To enter, please leave a comment below to let me know if you have a favorite Christmas cookie tradition or cookie. Giveaway closes Sunday,  November 6 at 5:00 pm EST. Open to US residents only. 

If you are not able to leave a comment on this blog post, please e-mail me at angelaskitchen@rocketmail.com with "Giveaway Entry" in the subject line and that will count as your entry.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book for the purpose of my honest review and a copy will be provided to the giveaway winner. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.

Autumn Meatless Meal: Creamy Pumpkin Penne

I have several friends in my life who inspire me with the understanding that health and fitness are not to be a temporary fix, but a way of life. So during this season of thanks, I offer up gratitude and thanks to Lori, Amy and Kyndra. Several among them have incorporated this type of Monday menu for their household meals as a way of going meatless one day a week. These ladies have each been inspirations to me along the way and tonight for dinner, I have incorporated Meatless Monday into our dinner menu using a favorite of the season for a creamy pumpkin penne dish.

                              "Creamy Pumpkin Penne"

Serves 4

1 (12 oz.) package penne rigate pasta 

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped oregano

• 2 cups fresh pumpkin, pureed OR 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree 
• 1/2 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar 
• Optional garnish: chopped oregano 

In pasta-size cooking pot, add water and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring salted water to a boil and add pasta, cooking pasta according to directions on package. Reserve 2 cups of the pasta water; drain pasta and set aside. In same pasta pot, add olive oil and oregano. Cook on medium heat for 1 minute. Carefully watching pot to avoid hot oil spattering, add pumpkin puree, minced garlic, half-and-half, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese,  vinegar and 1 cup reserved pasta water to pot. Stir until well-blended and heated on medium heat for through 2- 3 minutes, stirring after each minute.  If sauce is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of remaining reserved pasta water until sauce reaches desired consistency. When ready to serve pasta in individual dishes, pour 1/2 cup of sauce over pasta. Garnish each before serving by sprinkling, if desired, with 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Enjoy!

Book Review and Giveaway: "Baby, Baby!" board book

As a blessed and doting aunt (including the newest expected Spring 2017!) I am always looking for ways to share the Gospel with them. I was given the opportunity to review a precious board book that appeals to a baby's interest in looking at other babies. 

"Baby, Baby!" is written by Diane Stortz and illustrated by Ailie Busby. It is told in a short rhyming poem, paired with adorable and bright illustrations. It introduces babies to God’s love for them. It makes a wonderful introductory concept book with the words paired with colorful images of babies engaging in familiar activities. It ends with the important reminder that Baby is always loved by God.

Always a favorite detail for me in looking at young children's books is the mirror activity, so I smiled when I saw this book includes this feature on the cover. The illustrations made me smile as a grown up and the bright colors make it such a fun board book for all ages, but especially to the wonderment of an infant. The message that Jesus loves the child reading the book is so important to share with the children in your life and I think this book shared the message so well. This book would also make a lovely baby shower gift.

About the author:

After more than twenty years in publishing as an editor and editorial director, Diane Stortz now writes best-selling books for children and adults. Her goal: making God’s wonders known to the next generation. Her books include I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God, Words to Dream On: Bedtime Bible Stories and Prayers, and Say & Pray Bible (all Tommy Nelson); The Sweetest Story Bible and The Sweetest Story Bible for Toddlers (Zonderkidz); A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year (Bethany House); and Parents of Missionaries (IVP). Two books for babies and toddlers, Baby, Baby! (Worthy Kids-Ideals) and Say & Pray Devotions (Tommy Nelson) release in Fall 2016.

Diane blogs at DianeStortz.com. She and her husband, Ed, a retired juvenile court probation officer, have two married daughters and four young grandchildren—all boys! When she’s not writing, Diane enjoys walking, gardening, and planning her next trip to visit her grandchildren.

About the illustrator:

Ailie Busby has been illustrating children’s books for children for more than 15 years. Her work has been published all over the world, including the UK, Italy, France, Korea, and the United States. Her many sources of inspiration include patterns, 1950’s children’s books, vintage finds—and, of course, her own children. Ailie lives in Newcastle, England, with her husband, two children, two cats, and their newest addition: Queenie, the Fox Terrier.


You can find out more information about the book, including how to purchase it here.

Giveaway:

One of you will win a copy of "Baby, Baby!" (ARV $7.99).

To enter, please leave a comment below to let me know you would like to win. Giveaway closes Sunday,  October 2 at 5:00 pm CST. Open to US and Canada residents only. 

If you are not able to leave a comment on this blog post, please e-mail me at angelaskitchen@rocketmail.com with "Giveaway Entry" in the subject line and that will count as your entry.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): 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.

 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, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Book Review and Giveaway: "Baby, Baby!" board book

As a blessed and doting aunt (including the newest expected Spring 2017!) I am always looking for ways to share the Gospel with them. I was given the opportunity to review a precious board book that appeals to a baby's interest in looking at other babies. 

is told in a short rhyming poem, it introduces babies to God’s love for them. It makes a wonderful introductory concept book with the words paired with colorful images of babies engaging in familiar activities. It ends with the important reminder that Baby is always loved by God.

"Baby, Baby!" is written by Diane Stortz and illustrated by Ailie Busby. It is told in a short rhyming poem, paired with adorable and bright illustrations. It introduces babies to God’s love for them. It makes a wonderful introductory concept book with the words paired with colorful images of babies engaging in familiar activities. It ends with the important reminder that Baby is always loved by God.

Always a favorite detail for me in looking at young children's books is the mirror activity, so I smiled when I saw this book includes this feature on the cover. The illustrations made me smile as a grown up and the bright colors make it such a fun board book for all ages, but especially to the wonderment of an infant. The message that Jesus loves the child reading the book is so important to share with the children in your life and I think this book shared the message so well. This book would also make a lovely baby shower gift.

About the author:

After more than twenty years in publishing as an editor and editorial director, Diane Stortz now writes best-selling books for children and adults. Her goal: making God’s wonders known to the next generation. Her books include I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God, Words to Dream On: Bedtime Bible Stories and Prayers, and Say & Pray Bible (all Tommy Nelson); The Sweetest Story Bible and The Sweetest Story Bible for Toddlers (Zonderkidz); A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year (Bethany House); and Parents of Missionaries (IVP). Two books for babies and toddlers, Baby, Baby! (Worthy Kids-Ideals) and Say & Pray Devotions (Tommy Nelson) release in Fall 2016.

Diane blogs at DianeStortz.com. She and her husband, Ed, a retired juvenile court probation officer, have two married daughters and four young grandchildren—all boys! When she’s not writing, Diane enjoys walking, gardening, and planning her next trip to visit her grandchildren.

About the illustrator:

Ailie Busby has been illustrating children’s books for children for more than 15 years. Her work has been published all over the world, including the UK, Italy, France, Korea, and the United States. Her many sources of inspiration include patterns, 1950’s children’s books, vintage finds—and, of course, her own children. Ailie lives in Newcastle, England, with her husband, two children, two cats, and their newest addition: Queenie, the Fox Terrier.

Giveaway:

One of you will win a copy of "Baby, Baby!" (ARV $7.99).

To enter, please leave a comment below to let me know you would like to win. Giveaway closes Sunday,  October 2 at 5:00 pm CST. Open to US and Canada residents only. 

If you are not able to leave a comment on this blog post, please e-mail me at angelaskitchen@rocketmail.com with "Giveaway Entry" in the subject line and that will count as your entry.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): 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.

 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, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Book Review and Giveaway: "Baby, Baby!"

As a blessed and doting aunt (including the newest expected Spring 2017!) I am always looking for ways to share the Gospel with them. I was given the opportunity to review a precious board book that appeals to a baby's interest in looking at other babies. 

is told in a short rhyming poem, it introduces babies to God’s love for them. It makes a wonderful introductory concept book with the words paired with colorful images of babies engaging in familiar activities. It ends with the important reminder that Baby is always loved by God.

"Baby, Baby!" is written by Diane Stortz and illustrated by Ailie Busby. It is told in a short rhyming poem, paired with adorable and bright illustrations. It introduces babies to God’s love for them. It makes a wonderful introductory concept book with the words paired with colorful images of babies engaging in familiar activities. It ends with the important reminder that Baby is always loved by God.

Always a favorite detail for me in looking at young children's books is the mirror activity, so I smiled when I saw this book includes this feature on the cover. The illustrations made me smile as a grown up and the bright colors make it such a fun board book for all ages, but especially to the wonderment of an infant. The message that Jesus loves the child reading the book is so important to share with the children in your life and I think this book shared the message so well. This book would also make a lovely baby shower gift.

About the author:

After more than twenty years in publishing as an editor and editorial director, Diane Stortz now writes best-selling books for children and adults. Her goal: making God’s wonders known to the next generation. Her books include I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God, Words to Dream On: Bedtime Bible Stories and Prayers, and Say & Pray Bible (all Tommy Nelson); The Sweetest Story Bible and The Sweetest Story Bible for Toddlers (Zonderkidz); A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year (Bethany House); and Parents of Missionaries (IVP). Two books for babies and toddlers, Baby, Baby! (Worthy Kids-Ideals) and Say & Pray Devotions (Tommy Nelson) release in Fall 2016.

Diane blogs at DianeStortz.com. She and her husband, Ed, a retired juvenile court probation officer, have two married daughters and four young grandchildren—all boys! When she’s not writing, Diane enjoys walking, gardening, and planning her next trip to visit her grandchildren.

About the illustrator:

Ailie Busby has been illustrating children’s books for children for more than 15 years. Her work has been published all over the world, including the UK, Italy, France, Korea, and the United States. Her many sources of inspiration include patterns, 1950’s children’s books, vintage finds—and, of course, her own children. Ailie lives in Newcastle, England, with her husband, two children, two cats, and their newest addition: Queenie, the Fox Terrier.

Giveaway:

One of you will win a copy of "Baby, Baby!" (ARV $7.99).

To enter, please leave a comment below to let me know you would like to win. Giveaway closes Sunday,  October 2 at 5:00 pm CST. Open to US and Canada residents only. 

If you are not able to leave a comment on this blog post, please e-mail me at angelaskitchen@rocketmail.com with "Giveaway Entry" in the subject line and that will count as your entry.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): 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.

 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, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Review and Giveaway: The Biggest Story DVD and CD #TheBiggestStory #FlyBy

I am reviewing a DVD and CD audio book set for children that I am very excited as an aunt to share with my young nieces and nephews, along with other beloved young children in my life to show them how the stories of the Bible are woven together to teach a message that God's promises are even bigger and better than we think! What a message this world that we live in needs!

"The Biggest Story" DVD: This is an animated short film that features glorious animated illustrations adapted from the book, "The Biggest Story". I feel that the DVD will captivate young and old alike as they see how all the classic stories in the Bible connect to Scripture’s overarching message about God’s glorious plan to redeem his rebellious people.

"The Biggest Story" CD Audio Book: The audio book is written and narrated also by the best-selling author Kevin DeYoung—leads kids and parents alike on an exciting journey through the Bible, connecting the dots from the garden of Eden to Christ's death on the cross to the new heaven and new earth. I love the imaginative re-telling of beloved Bible stories that Kevin DeYoung weaves as he "connects the dots" beginning in the garden of Eden to Christ's death on the cross to the new heaven and new earth. 

About the author:

Kevin DeYoung is senior pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan. He blogs at the Gospel Coalition and has authored or coauthored numerous well-known books such as Just Do Something, The Hole in Our Holiness and The Biggest Story, as well as the award-winning books Why We’re Not Emergent and Crazy Busy. He lives with his wife and their 6 children in Central Michigan. 

About the illustrator:

Don Clark is an artist and the co-founder of Invisible Creature, a widely respected and award-winning design studio based in Seattle. He has worked with clients such as Target, LEGO, Nike, The New York Times and more. Don lives with his wife and their three children on a ranch thirty minutes southeast of Seattle.

You can find out more information about this DVD here and about the CD Audio Book here 

Giveaway:

One of you will win your own set of "The Biggest Story" on DVD and CD audio book, valued at $22.98.

To enter, please leave a comment below to let me know you would like to win. Giveaway closes Saturday, September 17 at Noon EST. Open to US and Canada residents only. 

If you are not able to leave a comment on this blog post, please e-mail me at angelaskitchen@rocketmail.com with "Giveaway Entry" in the subject line and that will count as your entry.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): 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.

 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, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Bachelorette Party Box Review and Giveaway: "Something Blue" with Novel Erotics

I love party themes almost as much as I do planning the actual parties. When it comes to celebrating a bride-to-be in your life at a bachelorette party, I believe special details can make a fun event extra special. 

I received a Bachelorette Party themed box from Novel Erotics and I was immediately taken aback by the beauty and the craftsmanship of the crown that comes in the box. It is no puny, material kind of crown, it is an eye-catching, sturdy and captivating keepsake crown any bride-to-be or recipient would enjoy receiving. 

Novel Erotics has also crafted a fun story to go along with everything that comes in the gift box and everything comes in a keepsake box shaped like a book with the title, "Something Blue".

The box includes a pink bride-to-be sash, which is no plain, fragile party sash, it is a brightly-colored, sturdy sash with an elegant black sequin trim detail. Another favorite item in the box is the party playing card game will have party participants rolling in laughter and fun, creating some fun memories.

 One of you will win a "Something Blue" theme box, valued at $49. To enter, leave a comment below letting me know which item I shared in the "Something Blue" box is your favorite. Giveaway closes on Thursday, September 15 at 5:00 pm EST. 

Disclaimer: This review and giveaway was made possible by iConnect Influencer Management and Novel Erotics. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.