Tasty Thursday

The BEST dessert recipe, ever! They will more than meet your sweet treat expectations, but the best part is that they are quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.

They remind me of a fancy chocolate lava cake. Only much easier to make thanks to a muffin tin.

Ingredients:

• 1 (10oz) bag of brownie mix plus the oil and egg it takes to make the batter.
• 1 (6 pack) of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (12 cups total)
• 16oz of refrigerated cookie dough

Instructions:

1. Separate the cookie dough into 12 even balls (this ensures that you evenly fill each muffin tin cup), and then squish them down into the bottom of a greased muffin tin.
2. Place a peanut butter cup upside down on top of the cookie dough.
3. Finish by evenly distributing the brownie batter on top of each peanut butter cup. If you’re using a 10 ounce package of brownie mix, it should fit perfectly with each cup being about 90% full.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 18-20 minutes or until the brownie batter is cooked through.

Let them rest for about 5 minutes in the pan and then serve warm with ice cream!

Monday Musings: Audiobooks VS Reading

Lately, I’ve found myself listening to more and more audiobooks while at work. And I’ve been including them in my books read for the year count for this year because, why not? I took the time to listen to them and fall in love with them so why not include them.

However, recently I was informed they didn’t count because I didn’t read them but instead listened to them. So let’s dive into this a bit. 

Several years ago, the debate among readers was whether ebooks was better than a paperback or hardcover.

Now, that discussion has expanded include audiobooks. But here the conversation gets interesting: both ebooks and print books involve actual reading but, audiobooks only require us to listen with our ears in order to enjoy them. 

And that’s not really the same as reading… right?

There are several important factors when it comes to reading. 

1.) Comprehension 

A lot of what you’re able to absorb depends on your learning style. Some people absorb more when they read or see information, while others learn better if they listen to someone explain a concept or narrate a story.

Reading you get to imagining the unique voices for each character. But with audiobooks, if the author contributes to the narration, you’ll likely get the experience they intended readers to have, since they’ll be in control of the cadence and tone with which the book is read.

However, we should also consider the fact that many people listen to audiobooks while multitasking. Playing a book while you’re driving, cleaning, cooking, or doing other things might lead to increased distractions, which means listeners might miss some details or subtleties that can actually make quite a difference in how they experience the book.

But In the end comprehension depends more on your  learning style and how many distractions you have, than it does whether you’re reading or listening to the words.

2.) Connection

Whether you’re reading a physical book or listening to an audiobook, you’ll have some sort of emotional connection to the material.

Reading often provides a more personal experience, as your own mind will be in charge of assigning voices to the characters and creating all the mannerisms and subtleties that comes with a unique human voice.

Personally, this is why I prefer reading books—and listening to an audio version afterward is kind of like seeing a movie after reading the book it was based on: if the actors don’t match up with the way I portrayed the characters in my head, the whole thing just feels kind of off. Not necessarily bad, but definitely something different.

Listening to audiobooks creates a different experience as you’ll hear a human voice talking directly into your ear, as if they were speaking to you and no one else.

3.) Multitasking

Of course, when it comes to multitasking, the winner here is clear: audiobooks allow you to work on other tasks while listening to the book, as you would the radio.

Just imagine trying to cook, clean, or drive while holding a paperback in your hand!

However, you might lose some comprehension. As you’re doing chores or concentrating on switching lanes, you might miss some key details, or just have a less engaging experience than you would with a physical book.

But at least you can always hit the Rewind button and pick up what you missed, just as you can always flip back a few pages to reread. 

As far as I can tell stories stimulate the brain in the same way, regardless of whether they’re read or heard. I will still continue to include my audiobooks in with my read books…

What do you think? Do you prefer reading or listening? Maybe you like both. Drop me a comment and tell me your thoughts.

Shopping Sunday

Just wanted to drop in and share with y’all some of my favorite products that I use daily!

In 1950, the founder of the Farmasi Doctor Tuna entered into the health & beauty industry, and there he started an independent cosmetic brand— Farmasi. Since then, it has been one of the leading and trustworthy companies for both its business partners and customers. Farmasi has a wide range of products that counts more than in 2000. Farmasi has a variety of products, from color cosmetics and perfumes to wet wipes as well as personal care. It also has many sub-brands for curative lines, detergents, household, and wellness. 

Farmasi originated from Istanbul- Turkey is also one of the halal cosmetics in the market. Farmasi is a cruelty-free makeup brand which means it is a strong supporter of animal rights and ethical treatment to animals. 

This is a full coverage foundation that gives you a velvety soft touch and makes your skin ready for photoshoots. Implemented with photo filter technology, it reflects and diffuses the light. It gives the semi-matte finish on the skin without any fine lines.

Easy to use and lasts all day long. Rich color and amazing fine point tip to apply! I love this doesn’t smudge like other eyeliners I use this every other day and makes my eyes stand out. I love this doesn’t smudge like other eyeliners I use.

I seriously cannot even pick a favorite palette because they are all beautiful! With three gorgeous palettes filled with a total of 42 highly-pigmented, blendable shades the possibilities are endless!

This mascara is amazing. It does such an amazing job adding length to your lashes and the silicone brush works to separate each lash for a defined look. It also contains Vitamin E to nourish and condition lashes. And guess what…it’s under $10!

Primer is a MUST. It makes your makeup go on smoother and last longer.

Farmasi VFX Pro Camera Ready Primer is a silicone-based primer that is good for all skin types. It goes on smooth and helps to blur pores and fine lines for a smoother makeup application. It also has a matte finish to help keep oily skin at bay.

These products are absolutely amazing! Click here to get them for yourself! You won’t regret it.

Freebie Friday!

Trouble in Mudbug

Author: Jana DwLeon

Series: Ghost-in-Law (Book 1)

E-book: 350 Pages

Published: November 6, 2010

Blurb:

Scientist Maryse Robicheaux thought that a lot of her problems had gone away with her mother-in-law’s death. The woman was rude, pushy, manipulative and used her considerable wealth to run herd over the entire town of Mudbug, Louisiana. 

Unfortunately, death doesn’t slow down Helena one bit.

DEA Agent Luc LeJeune is wondering what his undercover assignment investigating the sexy scientist has gotten him into – especially as it seems someone wants her dead. Keeping his secrets while protecting Maryse proves to be easier than fighting his attraction for the brainy beauty. 

Meet the Author:

Jana DeLeon grew up among the bayous and ‘gators of south Louisiana. She’s never stumbled across a mystery like one of her heroines but is still optimistic. She lives in Dallas, Texas along with a menagerie of animals and not one single ghost.

My Review:

For a freebie from Barnes & Noble this book was so much fun! This book was definitely anything but serious. The characters were so easy to fall in love with…Especially the ghost! I can’t imagine how I would look to others talking to a ghost that nobody else could see.

This book had a few twist and turns that I wasn’t expecting. This light and silly book was able to keep me guessing and so entertained. Much better than I expected for a freebie find. The romance aspect didn’t completely take over the story which I really enjoyed.

I highly recommend this book to any one looking for a light-hearted book. Now I must be off to find my next book and I think I know just the author to search from.

Disclosure: I downloaded this book free from the Barnes & Noble website. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Happy Reading!

Tasty Thursday

Orange Mango Smoothie

This mango orange smoothie recipe only requires 2 ingredients and a liquid. you will need:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 small navel oranges peeled and sliced
• 1 cup peeled ripe mangos frozen preferably
• 1 cup coconut water or just regular coconut
• 4-6 ice-cubes (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a blender, combine all the ingredients. Blend for 2-3 minutes or until everything is well blended. The smoothie should be thick, and lump free.
• Check the consistency of the smoothie and add more water or ice depending on the taste.

Serve and enjoy!

Oh I’ve missed this!

Hey y’all!

I know it’s been pretty quiet and this blog as been pretty neglected, but don’t worry guys I’m dusting her off and making a comeback. Within the last few weeks I’ve read some fantastic books and I can’t wait to share them with you!

I will once again be accepted book review request…so send them my way!

See y’all soon and happy reading

Announcing A Writer’s Path Writers Club: Creating Benefits For Writers

Redeeming Grace

Redeeming Grace

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Series: Daughters of the Promised Land (Book 3)

Paperback: 368 Pages

Publisher: Revell (February 14, 2017)

Blurb:

One devoted woman is about to discover the power of love

When famine visits Bethlehem, some hold out hope for rain, while Naomi and her family make a long journey to Moab in search of greener pastures. The harvest there is plentiful, and for a time it appears the Lord is blessing them. But when calamities strike, one after another, Naomi is left alone in a foreign land with only her widowed daughters-in-law for comfort. Downhearted and destitute, Naomi is determined to return to Bethlehem alone. But her daughter-in-law Ruth refuses to leave her side. Despite the fact that she and Naomi will almost certainly live out their days in widowhood and poverty, Ruth holds out hope for a better future . . . and maybe even a second chance at love.

Meet the Author:

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling author of The Crimson Cord, The Prophetess, The Wives of King David series, the Wives of the Patriarchs series, and the ebook novellas The Desert Princess, The Shepherdess, and Daughter of the Nile. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan

My Review:

Life always seems to get in the way of the things we love the most but, when I saw that Jill Eileen Smith’s newest novel, Redeeming Grace, was out I just couldn’t let life stop me.

Redeeming Grace is the third book in the “Daughters of the Promised Land” series and is

Redeeming Grace

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Series: Daughters of the Promised Land (Book 3)

Paperback: 368 Pages

Publisher: Revell (February 14, 2017)

Blurb:

One devoted woman is about to discover the power of love When famine visits Bethlehem, some hold out hope for rain, while Naomi and her family make a long journey to Moab in search of greener pastures. The harvest there is plentiful, and for a time it appears the Lord is blessing them. But when calamities strike, one after another, Naomi is left alone in a foreign land with only her widowed daughters-in-law for comfort. Downhearted and destitute, Naomi is determined to return to Bethlehem alone. But her daughter-in-law Ruth refuses to leave her side. Despite the fact that she and Naomi will almost certainly live out their days in widowhood and poverty, Ruth holds out hope for a better future . . . and maybe even a second chance at love.

Meet the Author:

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling author of The Crimson Cord, The Prophetess, The Wives of King David series, the Wives of the Patriarchs series, and the ebook novellas The Desert Princess, The Shepherdess, and Daughter of the Nile. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan

My Review:

Life always seems to get in the way of the things we love the most but, when I saw that Jill Eileen Smith’s newest novel, Redeeming Grace, was out I just couldn’t let life stop me. Redeeming Grace is the third book in the “Daughters of the Promised Land” series and is not to be missed or set aside for a later reading date. Jill Eileen Smith thoroughly researches in order to bring the story of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi from the Bible’s Old Testament to life. The story tells one of my favorite bible stories of three individuals who were brought together by loss, grief, and through the grace of our God. I highly recommend reading this book. I will be reading this one again.
Disclosure:

I received this book free from the publisher through the Revell book bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Happy Reading!

. Jill Eileen Smith thoroughly researches in order to bring the story of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi from the Bible’s Old Testament to life.

The story tells one of my favorite bible stories of three individuals who were brought together by loss, grief, and through the grace of our God. I highly recommend reading this book. I will be reading this one again.
Disclosure:

I received this book free from the publisher through the Revell book bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Happy Reading!

When Love Arrives

When Love Arrives

Author: Johnnie Alexander

Paperback: 368 Pages

Series: Misty Willow (Book 2)

Publisher: Revell (September 20, 2016)

Blurb:

Dani had planned to spy on Brett–so how did she end up on a date with him?

Dani Prescott can’t believe the lie Brett Somers is trying to sell to the media. During an interview about the plane crash that killed his parents, he blamed Dani’s mother. But the crash killed her as well. Vowing to restore her mother’s reputation, Dani has been following Brett and taking photos, hoping to find something she can use to discredit him. But when she catches his eye instead, she quickly finds herself agreeing to a date. Brett knows this mystery girl is hiding something–but he’s got his own secrets to keep. What will happen when he discovers who she really is?

Meet the Author:

Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides and Where She Belongs. Johnnie is an accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking road trips. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee.

My Review:

Johnnie Alexander is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I wasn’t disappointed with this second book in the Misty Willows series. I would suggest that you read this series order. It is worth reading the first book first, not only because it is a great story in its own right but because it perfectly sets up this story. When Love Arrives is a fantastic story of the moving and sometimes tumultuous journey through anger and guilt to friendship and then love. You won’t be able to stop yourself from reading this book and you won’t be able to not fall in love with these characters! I can’t wait for the next book in this Misty Willow’s series. Amy’s story promises to be fantastic just from the short teaser at the end of this book. I really hope you add this book to your ever growing to-read list.

Disclosure:

I received this book free from the publisher through the Revell book bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: A Heart Most Certain

Author: Melissa Jagears

Paperback: 400 Pages

Series: Teaville Moral Society

Publisher: Bethany House(April 19, 2016)

Blurb:

Lydia King knows what it’s like to be in need, so she joins the Teaville Moral Society hoping to help the town’s poor. But with her father’s debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poorhouse herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that his mother is the moral society’s president. Lydia’s first task as a moral society member–to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town–seems easy . . . until the man flat-out refuses. Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresees the harrowing complications that will arise from working together, and when town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs–and hearts–truly align.

Meet the Author:

Melissa Jagears is a Carol Award-winning author, a homeschooling mother to three, and an extreme night owl. She lives with her family in Kansas.

My Review:

This book will hit you hard in the heart! Wow! This book if so full of great things I’m not sure how the author managed to fit it all in. Melissa Jagears’ book is set in the town of Teaville, 1905 Southeast Kansas with well-developed characters. Melissa Jagears’ is very descriptive without over doing it and does a good job putting bits of humor in her stories. Things today aren’t quite what they used to be way back when for women, but the message in this book still applies. This book will make you ask: Do we get involved in really helping? Do we donate to a cause and let others do the work? Or do we just sit, doing nothing, letting things happen as they will? This story deals with raw, real life issues; prostitution, dirty politics, hidden sins, a hypocritical church, dysfunctional families with secrets, and broken homes. But more importantly, it gives us faith-filled hope in Christ’s love. This novel was a fantastic read and I can’t wait to see what happens in future novels!

Disclosure:

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House books bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Happy Reading!