Sunday, March 31, 2019

Daughters of Northern Shores by Joanne Bischof {Book Review}

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Affiliate link included in this post. I make a small commission for purchases made through links on my blog. Thank you!


A brother's regret.

An enemy's revenge.

Both may draw the Norgaard family back together again.

But at what cost?


Aven Norgaard is finally feeling settled in Blackbird Mountain. The sorrow of losing her husband in Norway and the difficulty of sailing to America to begin a new life are but shadows now. Aven is enjoying married life once more, and she and Thor are anticipating the birth of their first child. 

All seems to be going well until Thor, who has been deaf since birth, agrees to an interview and medical examination to help the Bureau of Research for the Deaf and Dumb. During the interview Thor and Aven discover that longtime enemies of the Norgaards are back in town causing trouble. Shortly after the examination, Thor becomes extremely ill. Liver disease from past drinking habits or foul play?

Haakon Norgaard, Thor's youngest brother, has spent the last four years at sea running from his past. Time and distance have done nothing to erase the pain and regret of trying to force more than friendship upon Aven. And now there's a widow in Norway to add to his list of regrets. Longing to finally make amends, Haakon is torn between two women on opposite shores and wonders if he'll be welcomed by either. 

Determined to start somewhere, Haakon finds himself in a battle that may cost him more than he bargained for. In the end, will Haakon find restoration or rejection?


Daughters of Northern Shores is the sequel to Sons of Blackbird Mountain.




My Thoughts

Even though I haven't read the first novel in this series, Sons of Blackbird Mountain, I was captivated by Daughters of Northern ShoresThis was my first acquaintance with award-winning author, Joanne Bischof, and I'm definitely craving more from her! 

Her writing is emotionally deep and rich, which created a story that I felt more than read. Joanne has a way with words that caused me to pause and ponder along the way. Oh, and there's this quote (actually part of a quote) that I absolutely adore and would love to have on my living room wall: ". . . with time and lives precious, there seemed no better hour than this." This quote is such a wonderful reminder for me to be present and take advantage of the time given to me each moment.  

The icing on the already delicious cake for me was the fact that the Norgaard family hails from Norway. Norwegian blood runs in my veins, and my grandpa even bears the name of Thorson. It's just fun to read stories about places my own ancestors are from. 

I think it's safe to say it's a good book when tears stain my cheeks as the end of the novel draws near. Tears for the words wrecking my heart and tears for reminders of loves and losses in my own life. 

I loved this Christian novel and can't wait to go back and read Sons of Blackbird Mountain!


Book Rating: 5 stars

Purchase the book here.

Or purchase through my Amazon affiliate link:


I review for BookLook Bloggers


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, March 18, 2019

Christian Farmhouse Style Easter Decor

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As much as I love all things that represent spring and Easter, Jesus' death and resurrection shines brightest! Nothing wrong, in my opinion, with bunnies and carrots and such. However, if you're a Christian who loves to decorate for Easter, consider adding some faith-based items to your trimmings. All items are from Etsy. :)

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you!













Tetelestai Sign




















Sunday, March 17, 2019

Vintage Decor Shops on Etsy

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This is the first shop I'm featuring because it's extra special. My mother-in-law is the shop owner!

Though she's a school principal by day, she loves perusing antique stores and finding one-of-a-kind items to use in her own home, give as gifts, or sell in her Etsy shop.

Bunny Designs and Gifts is all about sewing, crafting, quilting, all things vintage, and things that make you happy. Take a look around her shop and get something unique for you or a friend.

Here are a few items from my mother-in-law's shop:






*As a bonus, she also sometimes sells original paintings like the one below:


I hope you enjoyed Bunny Designs and Gifts Etsy shop! Below are 14 more Etsy shops that highlight different kinds of vintage treasures.

Bob Ross Party Supplies 

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for items purchased through the links in this post. Thank you!

CFMvintage

PerpetuaVintageShop

The Scavenging Sisters

rarefinds4u

3LadybugsInaRow

ModernVintageProject

ArtifiedJunkRescue

TheDustyWingVintage

VintagelovelinessCo

vintageandblush

FindingHomeVintage

MilkweedHillVintage

JackisJustVintage

VintageDecorFrancais







Monday, March 04, 2019

Essential Oil Accessories

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I've been using essential oils for about 15 years. Currently, I'm all about Eden's Garden oils and have been purchasing them for a few years now.  Four reasons: (1) they're not a pyramid type of company you have to join to buy, (2) they're pretty affordable, (3) the company claims their oils are 100% pure therapeutic grade and free of synthetics, and (4) I can conveniently buy them on Amazon.

Today I want to share with you two of my favorite essential oil accessories: diffusers and bracelets. I'd like to eventually get a necklace, too. Maybe with some birthday money this week? :)

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you!


Get a 7-day Free Trial at PicMonkey

#1 Diffuser

My original diffuser that I got from Young Living around 8 years ago or so finally gave out. So, I asked for a new diffuser for Christmas - a ceramic one from Eden's Garden. I absolutely love it! 

It's super easy to use, and I love that it looks like a candle. Here are a couple of photos of the taupe diffuser I have:



This ultrasonic ceramic diffuser includes the following:

  • Ceramic outer cover
  • Base
  • 100 ml water tank
  • Power adapter
  • LED light
  • Easy pour measuring cup

For more details, you can click the photo below (amazon affiliate link.)



#2 Bracelets

While I've been using diffusers for a long time, wearing essential oil bracelets is a new thing for me. My husband is actually the one who asked for a bracelet for Christmas. He liked his so much that I ordered a 5-piece bracelet set for myself. 


My favorite oils to wear on my bracelets are frankincense, tangerine, orange, and ylang ylang. Sometimes I mix lavender and ylang ylang. I bet I will use peppermint when those summer temps go sky high here in the desert! I believe my hubby likes to wear patchouli and cedarwood.

Click on my amazon affiliate links below to get the details on my and my hubby's essential oil bracelets.










Necklaces 

So, I don't have an essential oil necklace yet, but I've saved a few different styles that I might go back to in the near future. Which one is your favorite?








If you've never ordered essential oils from Eden's Garden, may I recommend: 
Edens Garden Top 6 Essential Oil Set, Best 100% Pure Aromatherapy Starter Kit (For Diffuser & Therapeutic Use), 10 ml. I'm pretty sure I have all of these in my bathroom cabinet.



I love the pamphlet that comes with Eden's Garden essential oils that gives tons of suggestions for use, too. 

Other oils I love:




Do you use essential oils? What are some of your favorites? I love trying new ones!




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