Designing on a Dime......with a little help from Build-A-Sign!

I've been joking with my family that Design On a Dime should pay me to be on their show, because that's what I feel like I'm doing with my summer.....trying to see how much re-do I can do without breaking the {modest} budget available to me! ; )

Our latest room re-do has been the downstairs bathroom.  This bathroom has always served as the "boys' bathroom" as well as the guest bathroom.  I have filled in holes, sanded, and painted this small space, ripped down a very ugly grid-like ceiling thing (that in itself was a huge improvement!), changed the color scheme from royal blue, grey and brassy gold to a very welcome and manly grey, black, white and red, and yesterday, my ♥husband♥ installed new doors!  It looks soooo much better!! =)  My daughter commented, "Mom.....this bathroom looks so classy now!  I can't believe how good you are at always making things look better".  I think perhaps it will not be just the "boys' bathroom" anymore. ; )

As I was re-hanging freshly painted shelving and new towel bars, I remembered two black-and-white sailboat pictures that I had stashed upstairs after removing them (and a few other things} from the walls of our office/Sweet Diva room to allow for more shelving for my ever-growing collection of fabric and supplies.  They were perfect for the wall  above the towel bar, but the space needed a little something more.

I started looking for just the right thing every time I was out running errands, but hadn't been able to find just what I was searching for.  I was determined to wait until I found the perfect thing that fit what my mind had envisioned.......and then, I was contacted by BuildASign. =)  I was so excited......a sign with a phrase, quote or saying was exactly what I'd been looking for, and although they are everywhere right now, I had been unable to find just the one with the right colors and words {I was determined not to have one that said "bathroom" ; ) }.

While I navigated the BuildASign site and started playing around with my options, I became even more excited!  The Street Sign was just the right size and I set to work customizing it.  After choosing a template, I chose my own text, mixing it with some of their clip-art to give it my own personal flair. =)  They have many fonts and clip-arts to choose from, or you can upload your own design from your computer.  They actually had everything I needed on their site and I was so pleased with the result!

Our bathroom had always had a nautical theme for my water/boat loving husband, and although I changed the color scheme, the black and white sailboat prints allowed me to keep a somewhat nautical feel.  In rehanging and changing around our art throughout our home, I've also had the desire to incorporate scripture and Biblical references as much as possible.....constant reminders and encouragement to help us combat the ever-increasing negativity of the world in which we live.  As I was trying to think of of a way to do that, I found clip-art of an anchor and a ship's steering wheel in the collection of graphics on the BuildASign site.   Immediately, a song that I've heard more times over the years than I can count and that our choir at church has actually sung came to mind, "The Anchor Holds" written by Lawrence Channing.  I generally have a song come to mind in many circumstances =) , and I combined the song title with a scripture that reminds us that regardless of the storms in life and the ever-changing winds that blow, our Savior is unchanging.  He is the one  constant and keeps us standing strong in the midst of whatever comes our way......



The customer service at BuildASign has to be among the best I've ever experienced.  I was juggling quite a few things on the couple of days that I worked on this, and sometimes when I'm trying to do too many things at once my normal common sense takes a leave of absence ~ I asked many silly questions while choosing which sign and which material to go with.  Each and every one was answered with patience and in detail.  After a good night's sleep, I was able to make a better decision and finalized my order.  I couldn't wait to receive the sign and see how it looked in real life!  I received a notification that I would have it by July 10, and was thrilled when it arrived not on the 10th, but the 1st!!!

After unwrapping the packaging, I took a quick picture:

I chose an aluminum sign, figuring it would hold up the best and would be fine for framing or for hanging as is. I was very pleased with my choice ~ my custom sign is very sturdy and the colors are beautifully crisp and vivid!  After holding it up where I wanted to place it in the bathroom, I decided I definitely wanted to add a little more flair to it and, taking my sign with me, I headed to ♥Hobby Lobby♥ to see what inspiration I could find. =)

I browsed through frames and then wandered over to their metal/ironwork wall art section, where I fell in love with a lovely black wall decoration that was 50% off ~ which made me love it even more! ; )  A little ribbon and a little help from my hot glue gun, and my sign was transformed into just what I wanted:

  I love that I have something custom and tailored just for us and think this could be quite addicting ~ I've already thought of other ideas for my kids' rooms!  I am thrilled with the results and so happy that I found BuildASign {or, actually....they found me}! A custom sign was provided to Sweet Diva in exchange for my completely honest review.....an easy task because I really do love it!

The Anchor Holds 

by Lawrence Chewning

I have journeyed
Through the long, dark night
Out on the open sea
By faith alone
Sight unknown
And yet His eyes were watching me

CHORUS:
The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm

Ive had visions
Ive had dreams
Ive even held them in my hand
But I never knew
They would slip right through
Like they were only grains of sand

CHORUS

I have been young
But I am older now
And there has been beauty
That these eyes have seen
But it was in the night
Through the storms of my life
Oh, that's where God proved
His love to me

CHORUS (repeat)

Happy Crafty Tuesday.....what are you crafting today?

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And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17

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Linking up with:

3 Four & Under

"MacArthur: America's General" by Mitchell Yockelson ~ Book Review

MacArthur: America's General By Mitch Yockelson / Thomas Nelson During a military career that spanned fifty-two years and included service in three major wars, Douglas MacArthur was adored by the publoc and the soldiers who served under his comman on the battlefields of the Western Front, the Pacific Theater, and Korea. Living in the shadow of his famous father, Arthur MacArthur, Douglas set forth on a path to achieve greatness as a gentleman, scholar, and hero. Such aspirations earned him more than 100 military decorations, including the Medal of Honor. His life was not without flaws, however, and this intimate biography critically examines controversies such as MacArthur's response to the Bonus Marchers in 1932, and his outspoken criticism of President Truman that led to his dismissal from the Army he so dearly loved. Douglas MacArthur was a national icon, and this book is a fitting tribute.

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As a homeschooling mom  always on the lookout for good materials and resources to add to our library, I was thrilled with the opportunity to receive this book for review.  In a world where our country's history is being rewritten in most textbooks and most of our Christian heritage is being left out, I wish to provide my children with ample examples of true accounts of our leader's ~ current and past ~ lives and beliefs.

While no man in history is perfect and MacArthur was no exception, I felt the author did a very thorough job of depicting his strengths and weaknesses, revealing the challenging leader he was who embodied strong character and perseverance.  The reader is taken into battle with the general, and also privileged to take a look at his personal life and the beliefs and family that helped to shape the man of excellence and strong leader that he became.

I am glad to add this book to our collection, and know that with two boys who are fascinated with the military and war-related facts and information that it will be read again by them.....and I can feel good about them reading it.  

This book was provided by BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.  

"Freedom's Stand" by J.M. Windle ~ Tyndale House Book Review

Freedom's Stand By J.M. Windle / Tyndale House Jamil renounced a life of jihad when he encountered the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, but villagers and authorities in the hills of Afghanistan respond with skepticism . . . and even violence. Relief worker Amy Mallory is shocked by the changes in her organization-changes with dire implications for the women and children under her care. And concern for her former assistant, Jamil, weighs heavily on her heart. Former Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson faces off against the riots and corruption of Kabul's upcoming election. He's looking for something that will give his life purpose but is confident that he won't find it in Afghanistan.All three are searching for love and freedom in a country where political and religious injustice runs rampant. But when religious freedom becomes a matter of life and death, they discover that the cost of following Jesus may require the ultimate sacrifice.

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When I ordered this book, I did so as an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone of books that I am most likely choose and to broaden my horizons to explore different writers.

I was not disappointed.

Set in the country of Afghanistan, this fictional story uses the very real-life extremism, hatred and violence of a society in which I actually knew little about to spin a fast-paced tale, a page turner that was hard to put down.    I found myself pulling for and intrigued by the characters, wanting so badly for the happy ending that I hoped would come.  Although I'm ashamed to admit it, never before did I realize the depths of violence and corruption that exists in Afghan society.  Never before did I realize the horrors that a woman and young girls face each day.....and have been made more thankful for the freedoms that I take for granted.

The author manages to take the horrid truths of day-to-day life that occurs for those women and for those who follow Christ and weaves a story that will soften your heart to the plight of these people and strengthen your resolve to fight to see that we never lose the freedoms we so flippantly  possess.  It also causes one to ponder their own devotion to Christ, to what lengths would we go to, what plights would we suffer, what dangers would we face, and what price would we pay to remain true to the One who gave His all for us?

My only regret is that I didn't read the prequel to this book, "Veiled Freedom", first.  It will definitely not be long before I do.  It is a very good thing to step out of that comfort zone once in a while.....I'm very glad that I did.

This book was provided by Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review.

"The Final Summit" by Andy Andrews ~ Thomas Nelson Book Review

The Final Summit By Andy Andrews / Thomas Nelson From the best-selling author of The Traveler's Gift comes a riveting narrative exploring the question of what to do when you don't know what to do! Follow David Ponder as he and a cast of history's best and brightest attempt to save the human race---in only five tries! 224 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

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Having previously read the prequel to this book, The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews, I was looking forward to reading this one.

In a last attempt to save civilization, the main character as a Time Traveler, is asked by the angel Gabriel, "Gabriel poses a question to the two of them, “What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?”" and  guided in his thinking and decisions by famous historical characters providing the wealth of their wisdom and experiences.  While this should have provided some interesting scenarios (it did in the first book),  I struggled to stay interested in the story and was rather disappointed that in a work from a Christian author, the solution to mankind's problems was mankind himself rather than using the opportunity to point others to Christ.

Although the first book didn't blatantly point the reader to Christ either and was rather subtle about it, I felt this one totally missed the mark.  Many of the scenarios with the historical characters seemed to me almost pointless and silly at times.

I honestly really, really wanted to like this book.....esp. because I really, really liked the first one.  I found that I had to force myself to finish it, and my irritation with the redundancy of the story line grew as it went on.  I think I may have even rolled my eyes a few times and as chapter after chapter went on, I eventually gave up on finding the answer I was certain would be there.

The Final Summit  is a very positive book and, unfortunately, a very politically correct book.  In our very "politically correct" society, I feel that we are  lacking the depth and truth that we hunger for.  Theologically, this book is weak and although a work of fiction, a great opportunity to point those who are searching for the answer to society's ~ and mankind's ~ salvation in such a creative way is completely missed.  The correct answer ~ the only True answer ~ would be found in Christ and only in Him.

This book was provided by BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.

"Max On Life" by Max Lucado ~ Book Review

Book Description:


"We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.

In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter.

Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions—parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships—as well as to the profound: Is God really listening?

A special addendum includes Max’s advice on writing and publishing.

Including topical and scriptural indexes and filled with classic Lucado encouragement and insight, Max on Life will quickly become a favorite resource for pastors and ministry leaders as well as new and mature believers."

I'm going to come right out and admit it......I'm a big Max Lucado fan.   I have almost all of his books.   So, when I saw this e-book up for review through Book Sneeze, I jumped at the chance to get it for free. =)

This book is not like any of his other books that I have read.  As the description states, it is a collection of the most often asked questions that he has collected over the years and his answers to them.  As always, he is easy to understand and his answers are Biblically grounded.  Perhaps because I am blessed to have attended a strong Bible-believing church for years, none of his answers jumped out at me and grabbed me in some of the "Ahhh-ha!" moments I sometimes find in his writing. 

The questions he answers are organized and answered in the following categories:

• Hope:  God, Grace, and "Why Am I Here?"
• Hope:  Conflicts, Calamities, and "Why Me?"
• Help:   Prayer, Scripture, and "Why Church?"
• Him/Her:  Sex, Romance, and "Any Chance of a Second Chance?"
• Home:  Diapers, Disagreements, and "Any Hope for Prodigals?"
• Haves/Have Nots:  Work, Money, and "Where's the Lifeline?"
• Hereafter:  Cemeteries, Heaven, Hell and "Who Goes Where?"

None of his answers go into great depth, but I do believe this book would be a good starting place for a new Christian and does cover a lot of questions with very sound answers rooted in the Word of God. With my children growing up and asking many of these questions as they do,  I  plan on keeping this as a resource for them as well as to pass on to others to whom I think it would be useful. 

For those who may not be firmly grounded in a solid evangelical church with a pastor of their own, this book and it's insights could be very valuable.   Max Lucado speaks in this book as if he is speaking to his own church.  His answers are not over-your-head or condescending, but rather are "spoken" with shepherd's heart in his desire to draw Christians closer together and closer to the One for whom he wished to draw you ultimately to.

This book was provided by the publisher through  BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.

"The First Escape" by G.P. Taylor ~ Tyndale House Book Review

#1: The First Escape, The Dopple Ganger Chronicles By G.P. Taylor / Tyndale House Mischievous identical twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple live in the same orphanage as their only friend, Erik Ganger. When wealthy Muzz Elliott adopts Saskia, Muzz's own twin plots against her. Saskia tries to foil the crime as Sadie and Erik search for Saskia. Taylor's exciting "illustra-novel" combines graphic format with traditional text. Ages 8 to 12. 288 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

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As a book reviewer for Tyndale House, I saw this book up for review and thought I'd give it a try. As a mom of three, I'm always on the look-out for a quality read for my children and thought I'd choose a book that they might possibly enjoy as well. The book is marketed to the Christian genre, yet the style is compared to that of the Potter books and is also compared to C.S. Lewis.

Unfortunatley, I have to disagree. Not a fan of the occult theme of the Potter books, when I saw the comparison to C.S. Lewis and the fact that it was being pushed in the Christian market, I thought it would be free from the occult influences. The book is quite dark and the inclusion of a seance was quite disappointing to me. I have yet to find anything decidedly Christian about it, and think that the comparison to C.S. Lewis is a bit over the top.

The "mischievious" twins are rude, mean, disrespecful, dishonest and downright bratty. All of these are qualities we can all possess in our sinful nature, but none of which are qualities that I feel need to be encouraged in my children. The storyline is dark, involves murder, people willing and ready to hurt children, guns carried by evil people more than ready to use them, and references to the occult. It is marketed to children ages 8-12 and I feel that none of these subject matters are appropriate for those age levels.

With my children being avid readers and the wealth of worthwhile books available to them, I feel no need to add this one to their reading lists.

This book was provided by Tyndale House in exhange for my honest review.

"Promises to Keep" by Ann Tatlock - Bethany House Book Review

Promises to Keep By Ann Tatlock / Bethany House Eleven-year-old Roz (Rosalind) Anthony and her family have just moved to Mills River, Illinois, to escape an abusive situation. Only days after settling into their new home, they are surprised to find the previous owner, Tillie Monroe, on their front porch reading the newspaper. Though her sons have sold the house and sent her to a facility for the aged, she is determined to die in the place she lived her life and somehow manages to find her way "home" day after day. Feeling sympathy for the elderly woman, Roz's mother allows Tillie to move back in. Mara Nightingale becomes Roz's first friend in Mills River. In spite of their many differences, the girls discover they have something in common that binds them together-both are hiding secrets. So they make a promise -"cross my heart and hope to die"-never to tell anyone else.

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Set in the late 1960's, this is the story of a mother and her three children who flee Minnesota and an alcholic, abusive husband in the hopes of a better life ~ or just a safe one ~ in her hometown of Mills River, Illinois. Told from the perspective of the 11-year-old daughter, this story is one that had me smiling, laughing, and almost crying at times.

Roz's childhood innocence and perspective are wonderfully displayed and had me hurting for her at times and wanting to reach out and help her make sense of her world when those around her are unable to do so. I could empathize with her older brother, Wally, and the anger and frustration he was dealing with from enduring years of watching helplessly as his mother was abused, and then, he as well in later years. As a mother, I found myself feeling for Janis, doing her best to provide for her family and make a new life.....while trying to heal and move on from her abusive past.

And then, there's Tillie. The family's unexpected "houseguest", at first considered a nuisance.....and then proven to be the family's rock. Tillie gives Roz and her little sister Valerie, the security they need, the solid figure on which to lean when everything seems unstable. As Roz especially journeys through a time of confusion and upheaval, Tillie is there. She subtly points Roz and her family to faith in God during a time where they are all learning how to cope with the loss of innocence, love and trust ~ and how to learn to love and trust again. The unexpected intrusion of Tillie into their lives is just what they needed and with her age-earned wisdom, eccentricities, gentle kindness and iron will, they learn how to find their Father....and learn what a true family is.

This is the first book I have read by Ann Tatlock and I found it to be very well crafted. The characters were well developed and ones that I could easily identify with. I love her use of words and phrases....tugging at your heartstrings, bringing a smile to your face, sometimes a giggle from within, and often a moment of reflection at the power of the written word. Although it is the first I've read, it will not be the last.

Many thanks to Bethany House, who provided this book in exchange for my honest review.

"If God, Why Evil?" by Norman L. Geisler ~ Bethany House Book Review

If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question By Norman L. Geisler / Bethany House Why does God allow evil to exist? Good question, says Geisler. Addressing metaphysical, moral, and physical complexities, he surveys evil's nature, origin, persistence, and purpose; offers a biblical discussion of why a loving God allows some people to experience hell; and shares personal stories of believers who found real-life solutions to the conundrum of pain and suffering. 176 pages, softcover from Bethany.

"Where does Evil come from? And Why Doesn't God Do Something About It? The problem of evil is probably the most difficult question the Christian must face. If God is all-good and all-powerful, why is there suffering in the world? Can't God put an end to murder, rape, and starvation? What about earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis? Why couldn't a perfect God have made a perfect world?

In this concise but thorough book, Dr. Norman Geisler carefully answers these tough questiopns, using step-by-step explanations and compelling examples. He walks the reader through time-tested answers, but also provides a new approach revolving around whether or not this world is the 'best of all possible worlds.' All this adds up to comforting news for believers: We can rest assured that God is both all-loving and all-powerful."

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How many times have those of us in the Christian faith been confronted with these types of questions? My typical answer is that while we may not understand now, we will see it all clearly when we reach Eternity. God's ways are not our ways, and our human intellect can not always see the reasons why ~ that's when our faith is tested and when we put what we say we believe into practice. There is always a bigger picture and our faith is what gets us through, trusting that He indeed works all things for good.

I do, however, understand that while faith comes so easily for me, for many others it does not. As a Bethany House book reviewer, I jumped at the chance to receive this book. I was hoping for new insights, hoping to be armed with helpful, Biblical responses to those struggling with belief in God as well as those faltering in their faith during tragic times.

This book is described as being written with the layman in mind, but I have to disagree with that description. While the book is very thorough and scripturally sound, and I like to think I'm a fairly intelligent person, I found it difficult to follow and would often have to read each point several times to try to wrap my brain around what the author was saying. It often made me think of what it was like sitting in a difficult professor's college class. =)

There were several times that I set the book aside, thinking I had read all that I could handle. I persevered, however, and managed to get through....in part due to determination, and in part due to pride! I like to think that I'm a pretty smart cookie and refused to let this book get the best of me! It is theologically and scripturally on point, but I also think it's a book that someone like myself would have to read again and again to ever get all of the concepts presented.

As a homeschooling mom, I've learned all about personality types and learning styles, and this book was definitely not written for mine.....or, I think, the "layman", as suggested. This book is extremely intellictually and theologically deep ~ very deep. It would most definitely be a worthwhile read for one to whom this type of writing appeals to. I kept thinking as I was reading, "I bet my husband would like this book".

Maybe he can read it and explain it to me. ;)

This book was provided by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Suwanee Soap - Review

Several weeks ago, one of my favorite fellow bloggers ~ Rebecca of Mom's Mustard Seeds ~ announced the launch of her new home-based business, Suwanee Soap.  As soon as I read about it, I couldn't wait to try it out!  She kindly sent me a complimentary bar and my intention was to write a review as soon as I received it and tried it out.

My life has a way of getting in the way of my intentions lately, and that review that I intended to do right away kept getting put off as time for blogging is sometimes hard to come by.  At first I felt very guilty, but now......I'm actually glad I waited.  I'm hanging on to the last sliver of her soap that I have left and sad to see it go!  I can honestly say that I like it more now that I've used almost all of it than I did the first day!

Originally I was interested because it was an all-natural product, and even more so because it was a fellow homeschool mom's business.  I'm all for supporting small businesses and especially one that will help keep a Mom  home where she wants to be.  However, as the weeks have gone by and I have used her product daily....the quality has me sold. =)

I am not usually a bar soap person and prefer body wash most of the time.  Day after day, however, I've found myself reaching for Rebecca's soap instead.  I have purchased all-natural, chemical-free household cleaning and personal care products for years from a wonderful company and have always been happy with what I get from them.  I have to say, though, that their bar soap doesn't impress me as much as Suwanee's.

Suwanee Soap currently offers their safe and pure soap in Patchouli Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil, Lavendar Essential Oil w/ Lavendar Petals, and Lavendar Essential Oil.  I received the Lemon Essential Oil soap after mentioning that I love the scent of citrus. =)  The soap comes in what I think is very quaint and charming packaging perfect for the product that lies within.  Simple and pure.  It reminds me of something you'd find in a country store off the beaten path, which is where some of the best natural products can be found.  Lately, in our busy,never-stop, ever-increasingly complicated world, I find myself drawn to and longing for sweet simplicity and how refreshing it is when I find it {not to mention the refreshment I get from that squeaky-clean sensation that comes with using the soap - haha ; ) }!

The bars are wrapped in muslin and tied with a brown string.  Simple, yet appealing.

Inside you find the pure goodness, not perfectly stamped out bars of manufactured goods, but that of a product that is handmade, and made with care. =)



The above is a photo of the Lemon Essential Oil.  I borrowed the pics from Suwanee Soap's site and Facebook page because I forgot to take pics of my own.  I didn't think Rebecca would mind ~ I think she'll just be happy to see the review finally be posted.  ; )

The scent makes it's presence known while being soft and not over-powering, which as someone who is highly sensitive to many scents, is something I can really appreciate.  It lathers extremely well, another feature I love.  The soap from the other company I order from doesn't lather as well which is why I usually prefer body wash.  I like bubbles. =)  It also rinses cleanly away, leaving no hint of residue and the scent doesn't linger heavily on your skin so as not to conflict with any other scent you may wish to wear.

I wanted to try this soap for the simple reason of helping another homeschooling mom start her business, because she is a mom I relate to so well.  Now, after using the whole bar, I can honestly say that I really do LOVE it and will be using more of it!  I'm thinking it would make a really nice gift and think it would look too cute partnered with embellished hand towels, dish towels, kitchen towels, etc.  If you are a person who might receive a gift from me for any reason, don't be surprised it you find a ♥super sweet♥ set such as this in a gift bag with your name on it. = )

You can find Rebecca and her handmade soap at her websites:

Mom's Mustard Seeds

Suwanee Soap

or on Facebook:

Mom's Mustard Seeds

Suwanee Soap