Are you the Walmart gift card WINNER?!

Christmas shopping has already begun in my house. Truthfully, it began this summer when I found a train table for my son at a garage sale for only $10! He's all into Thomas, so Christmas morning is going to be pretty exciting around here!

I'm sure many of you have begun your shopping, too! Someone is going to be happy to have a little extra moola to spend on someone on their list!

Commenter #16, MARCI, has won the $15 Walmart gift card from Febreze and MyBlogSpark.

CONGRATULATIONS! And Happy Shopping!

Marci, I've emailed you with instructions to claim your prize! Check your inbox!


**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
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Still House Pond by Jan Watson

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Lilly Gray Corbett loves living on Troublesome Creek, but she would much rather play with her best friend than watch her little brother and the twins. Her mama, Copper, is often gone helping to birth babies, and Lilly has to stay home. When Aunt Alice sends a note inviting her to visit in the city, Lilly is excited to go, and Copper reluctantly agrees to let her. Later, when they hear the news that the train crashed, Copper and her husband, John, rush to find out if their daughter is injured . . . or even alive. (Tyndale)

MY THOUGHTS:

I really wanted to like Still House Pond by Jan Watson, but I just couldn't get into it.

Although Still House Pond is supposed to be a standalone novel, I felt like I'd tuned into a Walton's episode a half hour too late.

Since I haven't read Jan's Troublesome Creek series and that's where many of the characters were first established, I felt a little lost.

I did enjoy Jan's style and the 'Walton's' feel to the book, so I think if I was properly introduced (by reading mama Copper's stories), I may be able give Lilly and Still House Pond a fresh start.

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.

Recommend: YES


**Disclaimer: I was sent a review copy from Tyndale for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
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It's that time again!!

Just take a walk through your local grocery store, and you'll see that all of the holiday baking supplies are prominently displayed.

Well, time to make some hot cocoa, pull up your stools, and start jotting down some gotta-make-this-year recipes!

Start with this one! It REALLY is the yummiest, creamiest hot chocolate! The mix fills a large gallon sized bag (approximately 50 servings) and, although we seemed to drink it all the time, it lasted my husband and me months!

GOURMET HOT COCOA MIX

Tammy Maltby from The Christmas Kitchen

4 cups instant nonfat dry milk powder

2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

2 cups French vanilla powdered nondairy coffee creamer

2 cups powdered chocolate milk mix (store brand works just fine)

1 5-oz (6 serving) package cook-and-serve (not instant) chocolate pudding mix

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I ended up using 1/2 cup. Gave it just the right chocolate level I was looking for)

2 cups miniature marshmallows and/or miniature chocolate chips (optional, but yummy)

Boiling water or milk, for serving

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well. For a better blend, mix the dry ingredients in a blender or food processor before adding the marshmallows. Store the mix in an air-tight container. Makes about 12 1/2 cups mix, for 50 servings.

To serve, place 1/4 cup mix (or more) in mug or cup. Add 3/4 cup boiling water or hot milk and stir well.

Once you've done that, check out my other holiday recipes!

Recommend: YES


**Disclaimer: Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
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Let's Shutterfly!

I can't believe it's that time already, but I’ve already begun planning for our family’s Christmas card.

Along with a short note of our yearly happenings, I love to include a recent photo of my kids. I mean, aren't Christmas cards the perfect time to show off your adorable munchkins?

Shutterfly has a beautiful assortment of photo Christmas cards to choose from! You’ll have a hard time deciding!

I already found a favorite, though! Lovely Leaves:

Not only do I love the simplicity of Fresh Lemonade's design, but my favorite part? The inside of this card has space to include extra photos and a short note about each member of the family! Just what I love to include in my cards!

Perfect!

Not only does Shutterfly have beautiful, high-quality Christmas cards, but you can also mark a few people off of your shopping list with personalized wall calendars or photo books! Grandmas especially love them! ;-)

I really can't say enough about Shutterfly. I love the pictures and photo books I've ordered from them in the past! I know you would be pleased with your Christmas cards, too! Be sure to check them out...!

Recommend: YES



**Disclaimer: I was given 50 free photo cards for writing this post. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
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