Review: Dr Jacobs Naturals

**Disclosure**This product was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the company listed. All opinions are my own.

About the Product:
Dr. Jacobs was a Swiss chemist that perfected the long-standing Castilian tradition of making Jabon de Castilla or Castile soap before the turn of the 19th century. Today, we still use the same recipes and work to uphold the long-standing tradition of making natural Castile Soap products.

The company Dr. Jacobs was created by Joey and Ezra Aini in the spring 2011. Familiar with cosmetics and skincare from other brands they have launched, they are answering the call of demand from customers for a multi-purpose natural soap product.

My Review:
 I received three of Dr Jacobs Naturals to review and let me say the quality of their products is phenomenal. I received Castile Liquid Soap-Charcoal, Minty Cucumber Mojito Castile Bar Soap, and Almond Honey Castile Liquid Soap. I have tried two of the products so far. I love these products.

 Not only are they thick and clean really well, the scents are over the top and last a long time on the skin. I put the bar soap on my bathroom sink vanity and I put the Almond Honey on the kitchen sink. The kitchen sink is everyone's main area of washing their hands so this soap got used pretty regularly, right off the bat. Most of us have sensitive skin and these products work well on our sensitive skin.

 The family agree that these soaps are of good quality and smell great. The prices of Dr Jacobs are really affordable and right now with any orders placed you can use the coupon code: Free Shipping on all Dr. Jacobs Naturals products totaling over $20! Use code freeship20 at this link.

Review: The Captured Bride by:Michelle Griep

 
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
 
About the Book:
Mercy Lytton, a scout with keen eyesight raised among the Mohawks, and Elias Dubois, a condemned traitor working both sides of the conflict, must join together to get a shipment of gold safely into British hands.
A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

A War-Torn Countryside Is No Place for a Lady
Mercy Lytton is a lady like none other. Raised amongst the Mohawks, she straddles two cultures, yet each are united in one cause. . .to defeat the French. Born with a rare gift of unusually keen eyesight, she is chosen as a scout to accompany a team of men on a dangerous mission. Yet it is not her life that is threatened. It is her heart.  Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows. At the last minute, he is offered his freedom if he consents to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort—but he is the one they stole it from in the first place. It turns out that the real thief is the beguiling woman, Mercy Lytton, for she steals his every waking thought.   Can love survive divided loyalties in a backcountry wilderness?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep.

My Review:
 Mercy is having to live a double life, in a sense. She has one foot in Mohawk country and the other in British territory helping defeat the French. What a twist on the story when the two lovebirds are actually enemies and don't really know it until it the gold has to be transported.

 The story of Mercy and Elias have literally had me on the edge of my seat. At times I couldn't believe that this story was headed in the direction that it was in and at other times I could feel the love between the two but the frustration of both. It was a captivating story with an unexpected ending that left me reeling.

 A turn of the century story thats actual a mix of several different cultures. War time has become a time of mystery and secrets. There are two caught in the middle and The Captured Bride shares their stories.

 A fantastic read!

Review: How to be a Perfect Christian by:The Babylon Bee

 
 **Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
With a biting, satirical style reminiscent of The Onion, How to Be a Perfect Christian takes a humorous look at the quirks of cultural Christianity while subtly challenging the reader to search for more than a cultural faith.

Written in the trademark style of The Babylon Bee, this book humorously satirizes cultural Christianity while peppering in subtle challenges to the reader. Through humor and sarcasm (and a handy meter to rank your "holiness" as you progress through the book), readers will be called to find a more biblical understanding of the Christian faith, all while poking fun at the quirks of the modern, American Christian community.

My Review:
 A book completely based on satire but yet in many aspects seems to ring true especially if we don't want to admit it. The different things discussed in the book go from a natural just hitting on surface issues or problems that we complain about, having to do with our local church to the real issues we have deep down inside.

 I think the book's main theme is trying to be the perfect Christian and many of us think we are so we make comments and judge others when we ourselves aren't perfect, at all. We are all sinners and we are all doomed to hell if it weren't for the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He gave of Himself to save us. We are all on an equal playing field. We tend to start after some time, regarding ourselves higher than we actually are and this book plans on that standard. I actually laughed about a lot of what was in the book. But the truth is, its all extremely true and many of us if not all do it at some point or another.

 I think this should be a lesson in futility for all of us. We all sin and we all struggle. No one is better than anyone and we all are on our way to Heaven. We also need to keep this in mind when we complain. As if we need a remainder, Paul instructs on the right thing to do. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:14-18)

 #PRHpartner

Review: The Circle Maker:Devotions for Kids by:Mark Batterson

 
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Based on the New York Times bestselling The Circle Maker and Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson, The Circle Maker Devotions for Kids encourages kids ages 8 and up to pray circles around their biggest dreams.

Boys and girls will learn the story of Honi the Circle Maker, who drew a circle in the sand and didn’t budge from it until God answered a seemingly impossible prayer. Kids are encouraged to be brave and bold in their prayers and dreams just like Honi, and to see how God answers prayers in big and small ways. Featuring 100 inspiring messages and a beautifully designed interior, this devotional makes a perfect gift for young readers.

My Review:
 The Circle Maker series is a fantastic read. It has helped me so much especially with my children and really driving home the correct prayers to pray over them. My preteen will now get to take advantage of using this devotional to help him each day with the world around him and just his daily walk with God. In my personal opinion it will teach him to be a better "him".

 There are 100 daily devotions in this edition. A teaching lesson based on Scripture. A prayer and an area to write down thoughts about what he has read and learned. Teaching my son to pray better more effective prayers will help him now and for the rest of his life. so this book is a fantastic investment into the lives of our children. Helping them grown one step at a time.

Review: You Can Stay Home With Your Kids! By:Erin Odom

 
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Investing your life in your family brings you joy, and doing it on a single income doesn’t need to stress you out! Join Erin Odom as she shows you how you can live frugally—and thrive—while you raise your kids at home in You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!

From the moment you discovered you were going to be a mom, you envisioned spending each day with your kids, guiding, teaching, and loving them. But diapers, wipes, shoes, and braces are expensive! Though it may feel impossible to manage on one income, Erin Odom from The Humbled Homemaker blog is here to show you that, through God’s grace, staying at home with your kids isn’t just doable; it’s doable while living the good life. Your kids are young only once—you don’t have to miss out just because money is tight.

Erin shares 100 tips, tricks, and simple ways that she has provided the good life on a budget for her family—and you can do the same!

Sections include topics like:


making and sticking to a budget
side income ideas
inexpensive ways to do birthday parties
educational and enrichment activities for little ones that won’t break the bank
date ideas and other ways to connect with your spouse without spending a lot
planning for holidays
and much more!
Experience the freedom, flexibility, and joy that come with being a hands-on mom and spending every day guiding, enjoying, and nurturing your kids, while still providing a lifestyle you can be proud of.

My Review:
 I learned most of these in my 21 years of raising my babies. But Erin Odom has put them all in one place for young mothers trying to get it all done. You can stay home with your children you may just have to give up certain things along the way that are mere luxuries that you can do without and won't miss.

 We have always used second hand stores, and extremely clearanced sales for clothing ourselves and our children. For myself, its hard to find clothes that fit--so many times I will go several years before buying anything for myself. So we try to take real good care of the things we do buy new. Our kids are usually given hand me downs from others, as well. This has helped us tremendously.

 I'm still reading this great wealth of knowledge but she has tips on any and everything that could be applied to our daily lives. So if you are really wanting to make the leap at becoming a stay at home mom this book is a great book to reference to see just how doable it really is.

Review: Begin Again by:Leeana Tankersley

 
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
What happens when life begins to trip us up and failure starts creeping in? Many of us just keep on doing the same thing, hoping for different results. Some of us look for escape, to find a way out of the mess we feel that we've created. But neither enduring nor escaping is ultimately what we need.

The answer is to allow ourselves to begin again, every day, in every part of our lives. Through engaging, lyrical prose, Leeana Tankersley shows women how to forgive themselves, develop new and healthier patterns of living, and do away with resentment and regret. Her life-giving words will free women who are feeling stuck and allow them to clear out the debris to make room for what God wants to do in their lives. To begin again is to open the window, even a crack, to let the breeze of grace come in. It is a call to stop running from our fears. To take one small step toward becoming the brave women we were made to be.

My Review:
 As you grown older, you realize that your life has definitely not turned out like you had planned. If we are being honest with ourselves, I personally believe that a majority of us can say just that. God knows this for us way before we do and thats why we are to rely on Him during this difficult time of discovery and heartache but also a change in our direction or way of thinking.

 God teaches us to forgive way beyond our wildest expectations. Forgive Him, forgive others, and finally forgive ourselves. It is a struggle sometimes to even keep looking up to Him because we are so depressed over what could of been.

 The author takes us through her own journey and others' journey, as well. to a place of meeting Jesus in the middle and letting Him sort it all out. A great encouragement to women on this life's plane. Inspiring and helpful words that can teach us.

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Review & Giveaway: At-Home Teeth Whitening: Does it Work?

 


**Disclosure**This product was provided to me free of charge for my honest review from the sponsor. All opinions are my own.

About the Product:


The #1 dentist recommended teeth whitening method is using custom-fitted whitening trays. Our trays ensure that every angle of every tooth (regardless of whether your teeth are straight or not) receives even and consistent coverage of our professional strength whitening gel.



Smile Brilliant offers custom-fitted whitening trays for 70% less and up to 5x faster. The average U.S. dentist charges $500+ for the exact same service.





My Review:


 I am not one to really visit the dentist as I should. As I got older and obtained dental insurance I would say that it has been easier to take care of my teeth properly. Therefore, I am a very nervous person when it comes to visiting the dentist. But I am slowly trying to remedy this situation. I do use whitening strips that you can purchase at your local store.


 The regular strips whiten but not to the magnitude that I need and the professional teeth whitening strips cause me a great deal of pain so I just stick to my dental cleanings at the dentist office and the whitening strips for in between cleanings. So teeth whitening trays are a little intimidating to me, but when I was presented with this review opportunity I felt well I now have the opportunity to give it a try.


 I drink both coffee and herbal tea. I also eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Just these items alone can really do a number on your teeth and overall appearance. I am also over the age of 40, so age has definitely taken its toll on my appearance, as well. So with all that being said, this made the opportunity to do something about my smile of even greater importance.


 So the process is pretty simple, all the instructions come in the kit. You make your forms on the trays provided and send them back in to the company and within a few weeks you are provided with your custom fitted trays. You are provided with all the items you need to make this experience an even greater success.


 I also thought that Smile Brilliant's customer service was also fantastic. If you have an problems or issues they are just an email or phone call away. My results are a tiny bit better than they were before and I hope that from here on out they just get better and better. I have to be careful because I don't want to overdo it. Doing this can become somewhat addictive and with my teeth sensitivity, it could become an issue. But I don't have to worry because smile brilliant gives me some sensible tips that actually help with that.


 My before and afters are featured below!


 So for my readers you get a chance to enter a giveaway to receive a $149 Smile Brilliant credit. This giveaway is open for 1 week and open to USA, UK, Australia and Canadian residents. You must enter your email at the giveaway site in order to be entered into the giveaway. If you do not win you can still use this 20% off coupon code: asimplelifereally20. You can go to this link to enter!

Review: Nighty Night and Good Night by:Smith/Nawrocki

 
About the Book:
Nighty Night and Good Night is the first book in a series of bedtime books by multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist Michael W. Smith and VeggieTales co-creator Mike Nawrocki. In Nighty Night and Good Night, the stuffed animal band the Nighty Nights are called upon to help their friend Ben try to fall to sleep. This cute and sleepy adventure leads Lamby, Bear, and Sleepy Puppy to discover that a classic lullaby might just do the trick.

This book includes a link that allows readers to listen to Michael W. Smith sing the same lullaby that helps put Ben to sleep.

Founded by Michael W. Smith, Nurturing Steps is an infant and toddler series of children’s music and books with a simple mission to enliven a child’s journey with hope and faith through music and storytelling.

The cover of Nighty Night and Good Night includes an adorable image of the Nighty Nights and a title that shines with foil.

My Review:
 A sweet book about a little boy by the name of Ben that is having trouble falling asleep one night. He has a few sweet fluffy friends to help keep him company while he figures out the best way to get some sweet shut eye.

 Co written by the brilliant Michael W. Smith, we are introduced to a lullaby written by him in this sweet, little story. A brilliant idea for a baby shower gift. I plan on passing this on to my church for the nursery located there. A very good bedtime story book that is God based.

 Ben knows he is safe and secure in God's arms and soon falls fast asleep to this sweet lullaby.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Review: Ready or Not by:Moser/Fankhauser

 
About the Book:
Discerning a calling is a messy undertaking. You are already involved in many good things now, even as you are being called to many good things in your future. The good life―good work, good relationships, good citizenship, good faith―is to be enjoyed now and pursued on every horizon. We are living out the Kingdom of God even as we seek it.

Ready or Not is a much-needed resource for young people on exploring the complexity of vocation in empowering, not prescriptive, ways. After exploring four foundational questions for emerging adulthood―Who is God? Who am I? How have I been shaped? What are my contexts?―you will work through interactive chapters covering the contours of adulthood, including: spirituality, family, community, and work.

Explore the full depths of your twenties with bravery and vulnerability! With insight into life skills, personal growth, and spirituality, Ready or Not will set you on a faithful trajectory for a good and meaningful life.

My Review:
 When a young person takes that finally step into adulthood, it can be downright terrifying for the young person and the said parents of that young person. So many new adventures and trials. So many unanswered questions. The fear of the unknown comes to mind. We as parents have to help them at least in the beginning to navigate priorities and to let the weaker of these fall by the wayside--as they should and to teach our kids the difference.

 Ready or Not is not just a self help advice book it is a book to share with that young adult to help them navigate and search out what the Lord has for them. Most of us do not know or comprehend that He has placed a calling on us and this is a good book to use to get down to the bottom of it. There are tons of information in the book but also some homework sections, as well to help with the process.

 A great book for navigating young adulthood.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Review: God in the Dark by:Sarah Van Diest

 
About the Book:
Life's painful trials can bring shame about our inadequate and broken faith. There is relief in hearing the expressions of desperation in the psalmist's voice. He didn't experience this life perfected, and we don't either. But the psalmist was loved. So are we.

God was so kind to give us the Psalms.

To walk through darkened days is part of the human experience. To walk through them with faith, comfort, strength, joy, and hope is part of the divine experience. Our eyes, though, are often clouded to those blessings by the thing oppressing us. When we remember and recognize our Father's faithfulness, when we see reality with the eyes of understanding, the darkness ebbs and the light of hope grows. The impossible, unbearable, and unthinkable becomes the hidden passageway to truth, hope, and joy in Christ.

These letters were originally written as encouragement to a friend when the darkness began to overtake his path. Each day for 22 days, a letter arrived with one of the eight-verse sections from Psalm 119 along with a small thought to bring light and hope and to be a reminder that we do not fight our battles alone. The letters, along with nine more devotions on the subject of experiencing God in the dark, make up this powerful, honest, hope-filled 31-day devotional.

My Review:
  Each day that I wake up, I still find that I need God more and more. The older that I get I feel like He is my best friend and confidant. I can trust and rely on no one but Him. When I was younger God was always an after thought but nowadays He is my main thought.

 The author of God in the Dark is seems especially keen to this way of thinking, as well. She sees God in all she does not just something to do. She gets down to the heart of things. Many of the thoughts and focusing she did this this tiny book shoot straight through and can get to you in a heartbeat. She is definitely a wordsmith.

 This small devotional contains 31 days worth of devotions and tried and true thoughts and feelings to show you God and its just the right size for gift giving.

An amazing read!

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Review: From the Farm House Kitchen by:Stoltzfus/Falb

 
About the Book:
Fresh, Simple, and Wholesome Recipes
From Our Family to Yours

From the farmhouse kitchens of mother and daughter Carol Falb and Dawn Stoltzfus comes a collection of over 150 delicious recipes plus charming stories of everyday life on an active, working dairy farm.

Let Carol and Dawn show you how easy it is to share farm-to-table goodness with your loved ones, even if you don't have your own garden...or working farm. Cooking should be more than just prepping food. When you prepare healthy meals using high-quality whole foods, you extend the love of Christ to others and bless them with your servant's heart.

From fresh salads to hearty entrees to tantalizing desserts, let these treasured recipes become part of your family's mealtime traditions and find joy in the simplicity of cooking fresh.

My Review:
 What a great cookbook just in time for the summer garden season. It is full of mouth watering recipes that are satisfying to the pallet. The author take simple ingredients and create phenomenal feasts to please and will please even the pickiest of eaters. Skimming through the cookbook you will see many family dinners, so I was real excited to try Philly Steak and Green Peppers.

 I really enjoyed them and I love the fact that the authors included homestyle hints with each and every recipe. The hint coincide with the recipes in some way and are very helpful to the process. They even threw in a few household recipes, as well. Love this book and it will definitely become a staple in my kitchen.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.