Lessons from the Scrapbook Page

Kicking the caffeine habit.

So I've done it again, I've given up coffee cold turkey. Granted I was only drinking decaf, but even that has caffeine in it, especially if you add the caffeine from chocolate in a mocha. Mmmm. If you've read my blog for very long you know that I love my coffee. I even take pictures of it.

So it's not that I don't want coffee anymore, it's just that my health is more important. I really wanted to go cold turkey to see if I noticed a difference in my sleep patterns, headaches, and general mood, even weight. I've heard and read consistently that coffee can impact all of those areas. So far so good and it's been about 3 weeks.

I've noticed less headaches and my blood sugar levels seem more consistent. A bonus is that since I'm not drinking coffee, I'm drinking more water. But a girl can't live on water alone, so I was thrilled to see that a juice company finally got wise and offered us some good tasting juice without being packed full of sugar and calories. I got two samples of Cranergy from Ocean Spray and have to admit I opened the bottle up right away and gave it a try. Yum.

I wouldn't have known it was low calorie or any different than the regular stuff. I looked at the ingredients and was happy to see that I understood what they were. Only thing I would change is the use of dye. I know it's probably an insignificant amount, but I do try to limit food and drinks with dyes in them. I think most juices have them though.

So I tried one bottle of Cranergy in the morning as a quick pick-me-up. Remember I don't have my coffee anymore so I gotta have something. Worked great. I sipped on it throughout the morning without guilt since I knew it only had 50 calories for the whole bottle. My diet can handle that!

The second bottle I tried the following day in the afternoon for a quick snack. So good. Tomorrow is grocery shopping day so I'm going to have to find them and pick up a few.

Here's the bonus: this drink was designed to help restore our natural energy. Hydration is key, as recent studies have shown that even a 5% reduction in body fluids can cause as much as a 30% loss of energy. Who knew?

Cranergy starts with Ocean Spray's premium cranberry juice and blends in natural energizers to give us an extra lift as we make our way through our days. It also includes green tea extract which contains high levels of antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals and stay healthy, and green tea extract offers a natural source of caffeine. And then it's got B-vitamins that support healthy energy production and Vitamin C that helps boost your immune system.

You can learn more and get a coupon at Cranergy.com. They even have an energy meter at their site. Give it a try!

Gotta Read...

Ever met a Fossil Hunter?

A very good friend of mine is a fantastic author. He's also the leader of my writing group. I just found out that his latest book release, Fossil Hunter, is tied to the new movie making waves in the media, Expelled. Once I found out about the connection, I asked John if he'd be willing to do an interview for you, my readers, to get to know more about him and this very cool project...

The Interview

A couple of weeks before I was scheduled to give my company two weeks notice, Premise Media contacted me and asked me if I would be interested in doing a novelization of a screenplay they were thinking about producing. My first thought was, “Wow, what a God thing! Of course I’ll do it!” I was just about to quit my day job, and I didn’t have any contracts at the time. I knew that God had been leading me to quit, so I figured this was the was He was going to provide for us.

But then, after reading the screenplay, I realized I couldn’t write that story. Maybe someone else could, but that someone definitely wasn’t me. So I had to call the guy back and turn him down – not an easy thing to do. Later, however, as we were talking about the movie company’s plans, he asked me what I would have done differently. I told him I would have written a completely different story. A thriller instead of a drama – perhaps something set in Iraq. Something about a fossil hunter maybe… A scientist who finds something that doesn’t square with evolutionary theory…

To make a long story short, he went back and talked to the partners at Premise, and they asked me to write the book they described and said they wanted it to release at the same time as the documentary (Expelled) they were starting to work on. We met several times to talk about both the book and the documentary, and I actually got to give my feedback on the approach they were taking. When Expelled comes out on DVD, they are planning to cross promote Fossil Hunter with the Expelled DVD and several other Intelligent Design DVDs. And if the book and the documentary both do well, there’s even talk of them producing Fossil Hunter the Movie.

The Author

How incredible is that? I love hearing stories about lives being changed and last minute miracles happening. John's book was officially released today and it's now climbing up the Amazon.com rankings. It's sure to be an amazing read. You can read the first few chapters on his site. Then pick up a copy today for yourself or someone else you know...I'll be getting one for myself and my husband to share and a few extra for some people I know who love this kind of story.

Just thinking about it makes my head itch.

It's lice and I don't know of many other things that can make your skin crawl like that one little word. And elicit fear in mothers worldwide as they do everything they can to prevent it from coming to their home.

I remember getting a notice when I was in junior high that someone at school had lice and we all had to be careful. We were not to share coats, hairbrushes or hats. We never found out who had it but we always had our suspicions. I assumed it was kids who weren't clean or maybe didn't take enough baths.

It wasn't until my daughter got it at preschool when she was four that I realized cleanliness had nothing to do with it. I actually found out from our doctor at the time that those insipid little creatures like clean heads, especially curly clean hair. Well, that meant my daughter and it was not fun.

We used some product off the shelf which was supposed to work. It didn't. We tried another. No luck. I finally had to cut her hair and comb through each strand one by one. Not a picnic for either one of us.

I'm happy to report that there is a better way now. It's called Lice MD. I'm even happier to report that I don't need it right now, so if you do, I've got a free sample for you from Mom Central. It's effective, safe, simple, and pesticide free. Also non-toxic and odorless. All good things to have when you're using it on the sensitive scalp of your child.

If you're dealing with this problem now, I sympathize. If you'd like a free sample and you're the first one to email me, I'll send it to you right away. Don't worry, I won't make a big announcement about who got the free sample...just between us.

Visit the Lice M.D. Web site to learn more about this product and watch their video. If you have kids in grade school, this is something you should definitely keep on hand. The Lice M.D. Web site offers more product info as well as testimonials, additional resources, and printable coupons for Lice M.D.

Getting it together in your marriage.

Are you a product of the 70s? I am. So is my hubby. And now, Tricia Goyer, one of my favorite authors has written a book just for us and our marriage. It's the couple's guide to keeping it together—Generation NeXt Marriage.

The author is an Xer herself and has been married much longer than I have. More important than that, she's willing to share the ups, downs, and sideways mistakes, problems, and successes she and her husband have experienced through the years. One thing that instantly grabbed my attention in the book was the way that she identified so many of the issues and concerns both my husband and I have. Things like wanting to have a strong family, be good role models to our kids, and maintain intimacy...but at the same time feeling crippled without experiencing healthy marriages at home. We don't want that for our kids, but wonder how to change our family tree.

That's why I loved Generation NeXt Marriage. Here's how the book starts...

In 1983, I was in sixth grade when Billy Idol’s song, White Wedding hit the charts. I remember doodling designs for my wedding dress on the brown-paper cover of my English book. Funny thing, though, somehow (I realize now) I forgot to daydream about what happened after I married my Prince Charming. I forgot a marriage followed.

A Gen Xer herself, the book offers realistic help for protecting your marriage despite the broken relationships modeled in your youth, stories, suggestions, and confessions from fellow Gen Xers facing the "What now?" question of real-life marriage, and practical help for negotiating kids, work, money, and dirty laundry-sometimes all in the same evening

If you are part of a generation of adults who don't want to bow to their culture or live and love like their parents did -- this book is for you.

My favorite part of the book was the personal stories and truth that Tricia shared with me, her reader. At times, I felt like she was a girlfriend sitting down with me for a cup of coffee. But then there were those other times where it felt a little more like a wise counselor offering understanding and insight, but not pulling any punches either. It was truth mixed with grace, inspiration combined with a kick in the seat of the pants. Honestly, I think we all need a kick every once in a while!

If you're a Gen Xer, pick up this book. Spend some time with your spouse reading the inspiring and wise words on the pages of Generation NeXt Marriage. It could change your world. Check it out and win a date with your spouse!!

A book (and cover) you can't miss.

Bio (in his own words)
Name: Rafe Noble
Age: 24
Height: 6'0
Occupation: Bull-Rider. CHAMPION Bull Rider, except, now I'm just a has-been, I guess. But I'm not staying down for long. I don't care what it costs me, and I'll be a cow's uncle if I'm gonna sit around the Silver Buckle Ranch all day nursing my wounds, nothing to do...I'm getting back on the bull. I don't care what it costs me. 

Looking for: Hey, I don't have to go lookin' for women. They come to me. Except, I 'spose the truth is, I've never had a real girlfriend. Gets in the way of my concentration. Besides, who could keep up with me? Have to be somebody pretty special...and someone who didn't mind a guy with a few scars... .

A New Twist on An Old Jingle

Can you name the company that coined the phrase, "You deserve a break today?"

Of course you can...because repetition works. Today I've got a new twist on that old jingle because most moms do deserve, need, and crave a break...everyday.

I found one for you. It's BreakfastBREAKS and they will make your mornings easier. Now that I'm working full time outside the home, the morning stress has increased. Everyone needs breakfast and lunch, plus their books and bags and whatever else is required for that day. It's sad to admit that there are times our daughter has had to run out the front door with just a granola bar to keep her satisfied until lunch. It's crunch time in the morning.

BreakfastBREAKS change that pattern by providing a balanced breakfast for kids including cereal, fruit juice and a nutritious snack. Its not for every morning, but what a handy thing to have stashed away for those mornings when everyone seems to be moving like molasses.

When my son first saw the BreakfastBREAKS box, he thought it was a present. "Presents, presents!" he yelled and went to show his sissy the new present he got. He also gave one to her and told her to open her present. They are brightly colored and fun for a toddler to open. Even though it wasn't breakfast time, he insisted on eating the cereal and drinking the juice right then. He ate the nutri-grain bar the following morning.

I was curious to see how my teenager would respond to the same box. There's quite an age gap between a toddler and a teen so I wondered if she'd be as excited. She took it to school the next day and reported to me that night that she loved it. I had to ask why and she said that she liked that she didn't have to worry about going hungry if she was running late. It was easy to just grab and go.

Works for me as long as it satisfies both of my kids. Check it out the next time you're at the grocery store. Definitely a morning pick me up for any busy mom.

Let Your Preschooler Bloom

I officially have a preschooler now. My little one just turned 3! I can't believe how quickly the time passes. We took him to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate and he absolutely loved it. His favorite game: the electric train...of course. He loves trains, but I still try to get him to play with other toys too.

When I was offered a chance to check out two new games by Cranium Bloom, I jumped at the chance. Even their packaging is colorful and fun. The first game I opened was "Let's Go to the Zoo." It's a large puzzle with a flip book. This is only the second puzzle that my little guy has tried and I thought he would just love the zoo animals. Unfortunately, he had a hard time focusing on the game. He was distracted by...you guessed it...his trains. The game box specifically states that it's a game for 3 years and older, so I'm not too surprised that he wasn't completely engaged.

The funny thing is that if it had been my daughter, I think she would have loved it at that age. She was much more interested in books and puzzles and details. I'm not sure if it's an age-related thing or simply a personality and gender-related one. Either way, I think the key is making sure that the games you have work for the child. Each child is so different that no game will meet every need.

The second game was “Count and Cook.” It has a small gameboard which you move pieces around and land on different ingredients. It is a simple game that helps work on the skills of matching, counting, and taking turns. If you've got an aspiring chef in your house, this would be a perfect gift. Especially if you've seen Ratatouille and they're raring to create in the kitchen.

You can see more Cranium Bloom games online. I even saw a display of them at Target this week. Check 'em out!

Lost On The Stage Of Life Without A Script?

Seriously, have you ever felt like life was some cruel joke that left you center stage without any direction? Maybe it feels like a bad movie where you're making up the lines as you go. Wouldn't it be great to have the playbook or the script for what you're "supposed" to say and do? Tricia Goyer thought it would be and wrote a book about it. It's called "My Life, Unscripted."

While intended for a teen audience, it draws on Biblical principles and has application for any age. I found myself almost wishing to be a teenager again so I could get it right this time. I said "almost"—I'm not crazy!

Tricia's Script:

Looking back at my drama-filled teen years I now wonder ... What was I thinking?

The truth? I wasn't. I lived from day to day on every wave of emotion. Some days excitement and passion partnered up, pattering wildly within my heart.

Other days, depression and anxiety were my silent friends. I lived each day as it came, with no plan for my future, for my relationships, or for my heart.

I lived my life completely unscripted ... and, well, it didn't go well for me. Teen pregnancy and a broken heart were only two consequences. Yet my prayer is that when teen girls are asked Who's Writing Your Life? their answer will be ME ... with the guidance of God, My Director.

Passing It On

I mentioned this book earlier this year. You can read the post here. Now that I've read it, I'm passing it on to my daughter. I know she'll connect with the honesty and authenticity of Tricia's story. She really likes the concept and idea behind the book, especially since she loves acting and drama.

Take a peek around Tricia's site. She's an incredibly prolific author...author of twelve books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions.  She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana.

Fiction On The High Seas...Aboard a Pirate Ship?

Yep, that's what I've got for you today. And it's so incredibly cool—pirates, cannon balls, natives, mystery, and intrique. You may have noticed that there has been a resurgence of interest in all things pirate since the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie. While I've always been a Johnny Depp fan, I can't say that I liked some of the other "creatures" in the movies. But I can see the reason for the interest. There's something mysterious and fascinating about the world of piracy. So how do I fill the need for pirate lore without the gruesome images...The Restitution.

The Restitution is a new novel by M.L. Tyndall, a.k.a. Mary Lu. It is Book Three in the Legacy of the King's Pirates Series and it's a wonderful read. Seriously. Since I haven't yet read the first two books in the series, I wasn't sure how much I'd connect with the piracy. And I was curious if the author would be able to make it realistic enough to be believable. She did. Woo-hoo! I've found another favorite author and genre.

From the beginning, I felt for Lady Isabel. She had once been a spoiled lady considering herself above everything and everyone. After life and a pirate got hold of her everything changed. But the compelling part of this story is that it was tragedy that transformed her character. It was in the trials that she realized the strength, courage, and compassion she held within her heart. Much like many of our lives, we balk and fight against the storms, but on the other side of the storm is an amazing woman that we sometimes don't even recognize or appreciate. I saw myself in Lady Isabel at times, frustrated with her decisions, concerned for her child, and struggling with her faith.

Lady Isabel wasn't the only transformed character either...

Romance With A Kick Of Wasabi—Sushi For One?

Yesterday you got to meet Camy Tang, author of the Sushi Series. That's her picture below her book cover...isn't she gorgeous in her blue silk top! She's a pretty incredible friend and blog buddy, but after reading her first book, Sushi for One? in one day, I know she's also an incredible author. So let's dive right in.

Here's the low-down...

Four cousins commiserate their single status—Lex the Jock, Trish the Flirt, Venus the Cactus, and Jennifer the Oddball. The only Christians in their large extended family, they vow to fight the stigma of the infamous family title, Oldest Single Female Cousin. But they have very different ideas about not acting as desperate as they feel about their bleak love lives. Who knew God would have His own plans of true love for each of them?

Yesterday I started reading Camy's book. I have to admit that I was nervous. It's like the feeling you get when your friend asks you if their outfit makes them look fat. You don't even want to look because it just isn't a good question...unless of course they aren't fat and everything looks great on them. Well, I really wanted to read Camy's book, but I was really nervous because what if it wasn't great. Then what would I do? I'd have to be honest because that's important to me, but what an awkward situation.

Feeling that sense of nervousness, I dove into Sushi for One?