Linda @ Linda’s Lunacy

This Week’s Favorites

September 23, 2011 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

Another week, another list of favorites!

Young Homemakers – A great blog for young ladies

Household Notebook Finicial Checklist
Lavendar Vinegar Laundry Rinse
Acne Natural Remedies and don’t forget to try my homemade acne soap

Uses for Oil of Oregano oil of oregano
Gluten Containing Cosmetic Ingredients – Who knew make up has gluten in it?!
Oral Progesterone and Progesterone Cream Complications

Rosh Hashanah E-cards – Rosh Hashanah starts Wednesday!

Gluten Free Chinese Spicy Orange Chicken
Homemade Sugar Free Granola
Tortilla Soup
Matboucha – a cooked tomato and roasted pepper dish..looks yummy…
Apple Chips

Whole Wheat Carrot Cake Pancakes
General Tsos Chicken –
Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Filling and Cream Cheese Frosting – yummo!!!!
Easy & Delicious Marshmallow Baked Alaska
Maple Chicken

How to Make T-shirt necklaces
Pink Ruffles Baby Hat
Crocheted Sweet Heart Ornament
Crocheted Gypsy Caravan Blanket
Wheel Chair Wrap – A crocheted shawl for those in a wheel chair
How to Do The Crocodile Stitch

Hope you find lots of new favorites, too!

Tri-cross – A Board Game Review

September 23, 2011 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

Tri-Cross is a board game invented by an Atlanta father-son duo. Designed to by played by 2-4 players, it can be played with varying degrees of difficulty. That makes it the perfect family game.

Tri-Cross is a strategy game for ages 10 and up. And don’t think that because it’s a strategy game that it means you will automatically win over your 10 year old. Or 11 year old. As my 11 year old promptly beat me. lol The other kids have all had turns at beating me. And I didn’t let them win, either. lol This game is a cross between checkers and chess. It’s fairly easy to learn how to play.

The easiest version of the game is the 2 player. You set your pieces up according to the directions. then you just take turns moving. The pieces can jump according to their numbers. All the numbers, 2-6, can jump the numbers below it. The numbers 2-5 can jump the Tric-Cross piece. The 6 can’t jump a Tri-Cross, but a Tri-Cross can jump a 6. You can win 2 ways: by removing all your opponents pieces from the board, or keeping one of your pieces in the center square Tri-Cross for 4 turns in a row.

Sounds easy enough. But there’s a twist. At the end of every turn, any jumps that can be made, have to be made. So if I have my 6 in the center, my opponent can move a 4 next to it, and I have to jump it. Thereby removing my piece from the center square. Then I have to make my way back and re-start the count.

Most games are played quickly. My kids like that, because they can play more games.

The 4 player version is harder. You start with your pieces upside down on the board. You know where you place your numbers, but no one else does. A piece isn’t turned over until it is challenged. So, I could move one of my pieces up to one of my kids pieces. Then we turn them over, and the highest number then must jump the other, and remove it from the board. The same jumping rules as above apply here as well. The problem I had with this version was I could never remember which number was where. lol

In addition to the full sized game pictured above, there is also an Eco-Friendly Travel Edition. The bags and the “board” are all made of organic cotton and printed with non-toxic soy based inks. Not only that, it’s super cute, too.

This edition is great for playing at home as well as when traveling. Since it’s in a small bag, instead of a box, it takes up much less room on your game shelf, as well as in your suitcase. The game pieces go into the smaller bag, which you lay in the center of the game board. The game board then folds up around the bag and fits into the larger bag.

See? How cute is that? It has to be the cutest board game ever. I may or may not have sat and wrapped & re-wrapped it.

My whole family loved this game. The kids have asked to play every day. We even left the board set up on the coffee table so it was ready to go. Tri-Cross would make a great gift, too. For child or adult. If you like to give family gifts, instead of individual gifts, this would be excellent to give as a family gift.

Tricross has won several awards including the Dr. Toys 2009 100 Best Children’s Products, the Creative Child magazine’s Creative Toy Awards 2008 game of the year and has earned the national Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval.

You can watch a video discussing the game here You can purchase Tri-Cross by visiting their website GamesforCompetitors.com . There are 3 versions of the game, Standard, Eco and the Wood Edition. Prices start at $19.95. You’ll also be able to watch how to play videos.

To see what other members of the crew are saying about the Tricross game, visit the Crew Review Post.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services
mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I
only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:
“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Crocheted Baby Sweater Set

September 22, 2011 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

I finished a baby sweater and hat this week. Won’t some baby girl look so awesome in this sweater set?

I used this crocheted sweater pattern, and this crocheted hat pattern.

Both are really easy patterns. The sweater crochets up in one piece. the little buttons are crocheted as well, and directions are included with the sweater pattern. They only take a couple of minutes to make and look so cute.

I will be adding these to my Grandmothers Hope Chest.

Hot Chocolate With God

September 21, 2011 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today’s Wild Card authors are:

Camryn Kelly with Jill and Erin Kelly

and the book:

Hot Chocolate With God

FaithWords (September 21, 2011)

***Special thanks to Sarah Reck, Web Publicist, Faith Words & Center Street for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Camryn Lynn Kelly is the youngest daughter of Jill Kelly and her husband, retired Buffalo Bills Quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. Camryn has a passion for writing and sharing her child-like faith in Jesus. She loves teaching imaginary students and anyone willing to attend her classes the exciting truths found in God’s Word. While Camryn has loved books since she was just a toddler, her two-inch thick Bible Concordance is one of her favorites. As her relationship with Jesus flourishes, Camryn will continue to encourage others with the light of her faith that she shines boldly and brightly, and without apology.

Jill Kelly is the wife of Jim Kelly and mother of Camryn and Erin. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller Without a Word, the story of her son Hunter, who as an infant was diagnosed with a fatal disease. Without a Word was published by FaithWords in hardcover, September 2010.

Erin Marie Kelly is the oldest daughter to Jim and Jill Kelly. Currently in the 10th grade, she enjoys playing basketball and just like her father Erin is a great, competitive athlete. She is a very artistic and gifted writer who also creates very colorful and beautiful drawings in many of her journals. Although she does not know what she hopes to become in the future, Erin believes that God desires her to excel as a student and follower of Jesus-trusting in His guidance all the way.

Visit the authors’ website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Written for young girls 8-12, this brand-new series combines the writings of the Kelly girls with journal/activity elements in an engaging, exciting companion book to every girl’s walk with God. Each book in the series includes scriptures, fun facts, journal writings, and fun personal quizzes. Girls will be able to express their deepest thoughts and feelings, as well as share everything from their favorite ice cream to the things that make them cry.

In this first book, it’s all about the reader. Finding out who you are can be a fun process that will take you a lifetime-and this book gets girls started out in style! A self-guided tour through every area of a girl’s inner life, this book encourages girls to find the answers to small questions (What’s your favorite color? Your favorite ice cream flavor?, etc.) as well as large ones (What makes you sad? What makes you angry?)

A section on dreams and special gifts will also be included. All little girls have dreams of what they want to be when they grow up, and this book will help them discover which of the special gifts talked about in the Bible they have been given.

With activities ranging from word searches, create-your-own story fill-in-the-blanks, true/false questions, journaling space, a companion web site, fun facts, and scriptures, this first volume in the HOT CHOCOLATE WITH GOD series promises hours of fun and self-discovery!

Product Details:

List Price: $10.99
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: FaithWords (September 21, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0892968451
ISBN-13: 978-0892968459

TO VIEW THE FIRST CHAPTER, PRESS THE BROWSE INSIDE TAB:

MY REVIEW:

Hot Chocolate With God is an excellent devotional bok for girls. I gave my copy to my 12 year old daguther Abby. I asked her to her to look through it and do a couple of the sections.

She really loved it. In fact, she loved it so much, she finished the whole book in two days! She did that all on her own. I didn’t even know she was doing the whole book until she brought it to me and told me she finished it.

Now, if a 12 year old takes a devotional book and completes it in 2 days because she likes it, you know it must be great!

The author, Camryn Kelly, is 11 years old. Her older sister and mother contributed to the book, also. Camryn writes like she is talking just to you. It’s really a great writing style for this age group.

Hot chocolate With God also includes journaling space and lots of fun stuff. Quizzes, word searches, design-it, where the girls get to draw right in the book, and lots of other great activities.

If your looking for a great fun devotional for you daughter, try Hot Chocolate With God. My daughter loved it!

Fairer Than Morning

September 20, 2011 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

Fairer Than Morning

Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli-until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.

On a small farm in 19th-century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann’s dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.

Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker’s apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann’s compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann’s father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.

When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?

You can read an excerpt on Rosslyn Elliott.com

About Rosslyn:

Rosslyn Elliott grew up in a military family and relocated so often that she attended nine schools before her high school graduation. With the help of excellent teachers, she qualified to attend Yale University, where she earned a BA in English and Theater. She worked in business and as a schoolteacher before returning to study at Emory University, where she earned a Ph.D. in English in 2006. Her study of American literature and history inspired her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing ficton. She lives in the Southwest, where she homeschools her daughter and teaches in childrens ministry. For more information, visit Rosslyn Elliott’s website.

Fairer Than Morning is available on Amazon.com. (Not my affiliate link)

My Review:

Fairer Than Morning is fiction, but the family is inspired by a real family in American history, who to this day are the most celebrated citizens of Westerville, OH. There is a small section in the back of this book that gives the history of this family, and what in the book is based on fact.

Fairer Than Morning is Book 1 of The Saddler’s Legacy. It is also Rosslyn Elliott’s debut book! And what a book.

Young Ann’s mother died, and she works very hard to help her father raise her younger two sisters. The author portrays very well the conflict a young woman would feel when wanting to grow up and get married, yet not wanting to leave her family her needs her. When things fall apart with her suitor, her father agrees to take her on a business trip with him. It’s on that trip that she meets Will.

She feels an instant connection with Will. The only problem is he is an apprentice with a very cruel and abusive master. Parts of this book are very hard to read. But that is part of the history of apprenticeship. We also need to see Will at the lowest point in his life, when he has no hope. Then we see him overcome the adversity, and have hope for a future. Through that, we see that we can have hope in our lives as well.

Through it all, Ann & Will hold on to what they believe in. They overcome many obstacles to live happily ever after.

There is a reading group guide in the back of the book, which makes it nice for book groups. I also find these sections interesting and helpful. You can still go through the guide and answer the questions even if you are a group of 1. They help you bring out points you may have missed while reading the book.

I really liked Fairer Than Morning. It’s one of those books that once you start reading, you don’t want to put it down. I’m looking forward to Book 2 in the series, Sweeter Than Birdsong, which will be available in February 2012.

To see what others are saying about Fairer Than Morning, visit the Fairer Than Morning Litfuse Blog Tour Page

Homemade Cincinnati Style Chili

September 19, 2011 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

If you’ve never had Cincinnati Style Chili before, it’s delicious. If you’ve never had Homemade Cincinnati Style Chili before, you don’t know what your missing! It’s not traditional chili with beans and tomatoes in it. We used to live outside Cincinnati, and we love this chili. You can buy seasoning packets for this chili, but they are hard to find outside of Ohio, if available at all. We are less than 3 hours away from Cincinnati, and can rarely find the packets here.

Besides, the packets are expensive. And so many seasoning packets have wheat in them, not to mention other ingredients I try to avoid. Since I’ve had to stop eating wheat, and feeding my family less additives, this is a consideration for me. This recipe is so easy, though, a seasoning packet is really unnecessary.

Homemade Cincinnati Style Chili

4 cups cooked hamburger (2 pounds raw)

1 – 29 ounce can of tomato sauce

1 cup water

4 Tbsp. chili powder

1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in saucepan. Simmer for 3o minutes. You can also put all the ingredients into the crockpot on low for a few hours. Serve over spaghetti. Top with grated cheddar cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans, if desired. Some people also top with diced tomatoes. This recipe is enough chili for 2 pounds of spaghetti.

If you serve the chili on a hot dog, topped with cheese, you have a Coney.

I served the cheese in condiment cups. We use less cheese that way.

That’s my rice spaghetti in the picture. 🙂

When cooking the hamburger, you need to stir often with a fork so you get small pieces. My favorite way to cook ground hamburger for recipes is to boil it. I know it sounds weird, but I found out about this on an email freezer cooking list about 10 years ago. You place your hamburger in the pan with a couple of inches of water in the pan. You don’t want to boil it like spaghetti, though, so don’t completely cover it with water. While it’s cooking, keep stirring with a fork to break it up. You get the small pieces of meat that’s needed for this style of chili, or tacos, etc. Please be aware, when draining the hamburger, that there is grease in with the water, and it will clog your sink if your not careful. I run cold water in the sink, then drain the meat and leave the cold water running for a minute or two. That’s what works for me. Do so at your own risk. I can’t come unclog your sink for you. 🙂 Since I can’t come, if you don’t want to chance a clogged sink, you can drain into a large bowl or pan, let it harden, then dispose of.

I like to keep cooked hamburger in the freezer in 2 and 4 cup bags. This is another recipe I can make quickly by starting with the cooked hamburger.

This Homemade Cincinnati Style Chili freezes great. I put the amount needed for one meal in a freezer container or bag, then freezer until needed. Just thaw and heat while your boiling your spaghetti.

AIMS Educational Foundation – The Earth Book

September 19, 2011 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

As part of The Old Homeschool Homeschool Crew, I received the Earth Book from AIMS Education Foundation to try with my kids. I had never used anything from AIMS before, and I was impressed with this book.

The Earth Book states that it’s for grades 6-9. I’ve been using it with my 5th and 7th graders. It has worked well for both of them. I do, however, have to spend more time helping the 5th grader by reading out loud most of the pages. He doesn’t mind, though, as he likes me to read all his work out loud. I think they do have the grade range right. Although, if you wanted to do earth science with your 10th or 11th grader, I don’t think it would be beneath them. In fact, I wanted to include my two 11th graders in our work with this book, but both of them already have full schedules.

The lessons are in depth, and varied, there’s always something new to do so the student doesn’t get bored. There are questions to answer, maps to fill out, activities & experiments, rubber band books to make and much more. You can see a 30 page preview of the book HERE. With 48 activities included in the 466 page book, I think The Earth Book is worth the $49.95 price. This includes permission to copy each page up to 200 times. That makes it an excellent book for large families or even to use in homeschool groups and co-ops.

What really has sold me on AIMS books, though, are the cd roms that come with some of them. The Earth Book is one of those that comes with a cd. The beauty of the cd is all the pages in the book are all on there. No more breaking the binding on a book to make a copy, or trying to hold the printer cover down over a thick book. Just put the cd in your computer, find the pages you want to print and print away. Such a time and sanity saver! I wish more publishers would add this feature.

The only thing I didn’t like about The Earth Book, is they didn’t have answer keys for all the questions. They do give some, but not all. While that is a drawback, it is still an excellent book.

This is not a Christian based science book, therefore it offers plenty of opportunities for discussion. We started with the geosphere section, so we discussed the age of the earth, as well as what scientists really know and what they speculate on. We are going to continue with the book for the rest of the school year since the kids and I all like it.

The AIMS Education Foundation catalog has a huge selection of hands on math and science for grades k-9. You can visit their website, aimsedu.org, also to see what they offer. They have math manipulatives and science equipment, including lab packages. I see several books and supplies we need, and the kids would love. 🙂

To see more The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew reviews of AIMS Education Foundation products, visit the crew review list.

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