LadyD Books: March 2015

Review: Words To Dream On by Diane Stortz

I have had the wonderful opportunity to review many great Christian storybooks, Bible's and devotionals for children over the years.

But I must say, this one is perfect!
Words to Dream On: Bedtime Bible Stories and Prayers

Book Description

Start a bedtime Bible story tradition with your little ones tonight!

Young children thrive on routine and rituals, and a Bible story at bedtime is one of the best routines to establish! A combination Bible storybook and book of prayers, Words to Dream On is the perfect bedtime storybook for young children, with a “once upon a time” voice that is also true to God’s Word. Over 50 stories—from the Old and New Testaments—create an overview of the entire story arc of the Bible. Stories are selected and retold for young children with a focus on God’s love, care, protection, trustworthiness, and power.

Each story includes an engaging title, a Bedtime Blessing (a short summary thought), Words to Dream On (a brief Bible verse), and a Sleepy-Time Prayer (a good-night prayer tied to the theme of the story). The book also includes a short letter to parents that includes tested ideas for establishing a good bedtime routine with young children and tips for reading aloud to children at bedtime.

Friday #56

"Then frogs swarmed everywhere in the houses of the Egyptians - even in their beds and baking bowls!" -- Diane Stortz

Favorite Snippets:

Sleepy-Time Prayer

Dear God, thank You for making everything new. Thank You for making a place where we can live Forever with You. Good night, God! Amen

Bedtime Blessing
Living forever with Jesus will be wonderful.

Review

If I could give a book 10 stars, it would be this one! The beautiful illustrations complement many wonderful Bible stories perfectly. The author has brought a fresh approach to Bible reading. Each page gives lots of opportunities for children to engage with their parents. My grandson is 7 and could easily read the stories aloud. I was delighted to see him want to discuss the exciting adventures found within the pages of the gorgeous hardcover book. What I found so complete and comforting is that you'll find the Bedtime Blessing, along with the Sleepy-Time Prayer, a perfect way to end your bedtime routine with your precious little ones. Pouring God's love into their hearts and minds is a marvelous legacy for anyone, especially grandparents. My family loves the book and I highly recommend to friends.

5/5 stars! Great for home and church library.

BookLook Bloggers has provided LadyD Books with a complimentary copy of this book.

About the Author

Diane Stortz is an author, freelance editor, and former editorial director whose heart's desire is to "tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord" (Psalm 78:4). Diane's books include The Sweetest Story Bible, Thankful for God's Blessings, and A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year. Diane and her husband reside in Cincinnati, Ohio, and have two married daughters. Diane enjoys walking, gardening, and visiting her three young grandsons.

Diane Le Feyer is a French illustrator. Even as a child, she always knew that one day she would draw wonderful pictures for kids to enjoy! She also teaches students what she knows about illustration. Diane is very busy with her life as a teacher, artist, mother, Star Wars enthusiast, and bad cook. She has a darling daughter, a loving husband, and a pearlscale goldfish named Bubbles.

Words to Dream On: Bedtime Bible Stories and Prayers.

Happy reading!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

The Art of Frugal Simplicity

The Art of Frugal Simplicity: Your Complete Guide to Saving Money, Decluttering and Simplifying Your Life (Plus 75 Ideas for Getting Started): Simplicity ... Tips, Frugality, Frugal Luxuries Book 1)

Book Description

Everyone is aware that it is never simple to save money for the future. It seems like there are so many expenses that need to be covered today and this has brought about a wide range of excuses for people who come up short-handed. They earn well, but they find their income inadequate after paying bills.

Why is this so?

This book will tell you all about that and how you can change such deteriorating habits.

As you read through the different parts of this book, you will find out about how you can slowly make your way towards a simple and stress-free life, cushioned with savings.

This book will define what frugality is, and how it is associated with simplicity. You will learn about 75 habits that you can do to get started on this new and healthier lifestyle. This will serve as a guide for every reader for transitioning from their old habits to these new ones.

Towards the end, you will find some helpful takeaways; some points to remember if you want to take action, some resources to read, as well as some concluding interpretations that will wrap up the whole book experience.

What I Like:

The book defines simplicity and frugality. There's a chapter on saving money for the future. Then, a part on organizing your life and finally, maintaining a good life. I like this!

Favorite Quote

"A person who is frugal will not waste money on things that are not really important."

The Friday 56

"Walks are sort of a cathartic activity that will help you along to cope."

-- Jessica Jacobs

Skywatch Friday

It's so inspiring to just go outdoors, walk-about the land and get a new perspective on things.

Happy sky watching -- Happy reading!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

© copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

How To Cook Healthy In A Hurry: Quick And Easy Low Fat Recipes

Book Description

DO YOU WANT TO CONTROL YOUR WEIGHT AND ENSURE HEALTH AND FITNESS (AND WHO DOESN’T)?

DO YOU WANT TO GET A FABULOUS, HEALTHY DINNER ON THE TABLE IN UNDER 30 MINUTES?

THEN YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!

Let a professional cook, caterer, and food writer reveal her secret tips and techniques for creating healthful, delicious and easy meals. She has been doing it for decades for publications such as Bon Appetit, Gourmet and Men's Fitness. Now let her do it for you.

This one looks pretty good so far. I must confess, I do have a lot of cookbooks in my home library. Keeping busy with piano students, 5 grandchildren and 2 1/2 acres, I thought I might find some tips and good recipes inside How To Cook Healthy in a Hurry: Volume 2, 35 New, Quick And Easy Low Fat Recipes You Can Prepare In 30 Minutes

The Friday #56

Snippet from How To Cook Healthy In A Hurry: Quick And Easy Low Fat Recipes by Helen Cassidy Page.

"When you are on the run, instead of peeling and cutting the yams - easier actually than peeling white potatoes -- speed up the prep work by slicing the yams, seasoning them and roasting them unpeeled."

Recipe:

Yam and Black Bean Salad

While the yams are roasting, make the dressing and set aside and assemble the remaining salad ingredients in a bowl. Finish up with the yams, toss with the dressing, mound on the greens and dinner is done!

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

4 medium yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 Tbl. ground coriander
1/2 Tbl. chili powder
1/2 Tbl. ground cumin
1 tsp. fine sea salt
2 cups corn niblets, fresh or frozen and thawed
1/2 cup fresh red pepper, seeded and diced
2 - 15 1/2 ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
4 cups mixed greens
Spicy Orange Dressing

In a mixing bowl, blend the oil, coriander, chili powder, cumin and salt. Toss well with the yams until they are evenly coated.

Spray a baking sheet with a light film of cooking spray and spread the yams evenly in one layer. Bake for approximately 15 - 20 minutes or until tender but not mushy.

Meanwhile, add the remaining ingredients except the salad greens to a large salad bowl and toss well with 2-3 tablespoons of the dressing.

When the yams are cooked, add to the salad and toss gently with enough of Spicy Orange dressing to moisten the salad thoroughly but not enough to make it soggy. Mound the greens on serving plates, add the salad and serve.

Serves 4

Spicy Orange Dressing

Also delicious on chicken and fruit salads. This makes enough for several salads. Store any remainder covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 teaspoon grated orange zest
Juice of half a lime
2 tablespoons white balsamic, raspberry or red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons minced shallot
1 teaspoon sweet mustard
Hot sauce to taste
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more hot sauce, salt or pepper as desired.

How To Cook Healthy in a Hurry: Volume 2, 35 New, Quick And Easy Low Fat Recipes You Can Prepare In 30 Minutes

Happy Reading!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

No Longer A Slumdog: Bringing Hope to Children in Crisis

No Longer A Slumdog: Brongong Hope to Children in Crisis

Invited by Worship.com to take a look at Dr. K.P. Yohannan's, No Longer A Slumdog, I said yes! I think I can definitely say the book is a game changer. It's riveting to read about the hearts and lives of young children on India.

Book Description

Read about an abandoned girl who found hope at the end of the railroad tracks, a young boy who escaped after years of forced servitude, and many others whose lives have been redeemed. You'll be captivated by this powerful move of God as K.P. Yohannan leads you on a journey through the slums and villages of South Asia into the hearts and lives of these precious children.

Beginning of Book

Sometime in your life, hope that you might see one
starved man, the look on his face when the bread finally
arrives. Hope that you might have baked it or bought
or even kneaded it yourself. For that look on his face,
for your meeting his eyes across a piece of bread, you
might be willing to lose a lot, or suffer a lot,
or die a little, even.

-- Daniel Berrigan

The Friday 56

"Indrani did not want her girls to be raised the same way she was but didn't know how she could make a difference in their lives."

No Longer a Slumdog: Bringing Hope to Children in Crisis

I'm looking forward to posting a review on this one soon. I'm sure I will be grabbing some kleenex as I read through the book. Have you read a book lately that has grabbed your heart?

Happy Reading!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis