 Affiliate links may be contained within this book review.
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| Siri Mitchell is the author of nearly a dozen novels, among them the critically acclaimed Christy Award finalists Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door. A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in business, she has worked in many different levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived in places as varied as Tokyo and Paris. Siri currently lives in the DC-metro area. Visit http://sirimitchell.com |  |
Joy In Our Journey's review by Jan:
Siri Mitchell has written a very sweet story about romance and candy! Unrivaled is the story of two heirs to the candy making industry. How they manage to mix up a very delicious tale is one you will enjoy reading!
First, we have the candy lady. Lucy has just returned from a year-long tour of Europe. She hopes to invent a delicious new candy that will make her father's candy factory once again the leader in the candy making world. But to her dismay, her father has had a life-threatening heart attack, and is about to lose his factory to his rival. Then, Lucy is selected to be the "Queen of Love and Beauty". How will this help her to save her father's candy factory?
The candy man, Charlie, on the other hand, is first seen as an inmate in the local jail, accused of murder. He is acquitted, and his father - who long ago deserted the family - sends for Charlie to come to St. Louis to help him run his candy factory. Charlie's father is not a very nice man, and it seems that he is trying to take Lucy's father's candy factory away from her.
This sticky story is a sweet tale of taffy like problems, creamy chocolate romance and a few nougats of nutty situations, altogether a book of delicious treats, just waiting for you to enjoy. For another addicting book by Siri Mitchell, don't miss Unrivaled [affiliate link]. PS, Don't forget a couple of pieces of chocolate to enjoy while you read this addicting, sweet book!
First, we have the candy lady. Lucy has just returned from a year-long tour of Europe. She hopes to invent a delicious new candy that will make her father's candy factory once again the leader in the candy making world. But to her dismay, her father has had a life-threatening heart attack, and is about to lose his factory to his rival. Then, Lucy is selected to be the "Queen of Love and Beauty". How will this help her to save her father's candy factory?
The candy man, Charlie, on the other hand, is first seen as an inmate in the local jail, accused of murder. He is acquitted, and his father - who long ago deserted the family - sends for Charlie to come to St. Louis to help him run his candy factory. Charlie's father is not a very nice man, and it seems that he is trying to take Lucy's father's candy factory away from her.
This sticky story is a sweet tale of taffy like problems, creamy chocolate romance and a few nougats of nutty situations, altogether a book of delicious treats, just waiting for you to enjoy. For another addicting book by Siri Mitchell, don't miss Unrivaled [affiliate link]. PS, Don't forget a couple of pieces of chocolate to enjoy while you read this addicting, sweet book!
Disclaimer: I received one copy of Unrivaled from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review of this book. No other compensation was provided. Additionally, you may notice affiliate links contained within this review.
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Click on the Rafflecopter form, below, to enter to win your own copy of Mother India! This giveaway contains affiliate links.
Can you imagine your child…
- Digging through the trash to find food?
- Begging for change just to survive?
- Bathing in water where animals are washed?
- Sleeping by themselves?
- Sold into slavery?
Mother India, a new documentary narrated by Rebecca St. James, captures the lives of 25 abandoned and orphaned children living on the streets in India.
Did you know that there are over 31 million orphans in India?
I had no idea there were that many. Many of them became orphans after their parents died of AIDS, or the children ran away from home because they were beaten and abused unmercifully by parents or stepparents.
I wasn't sure what I would be viewing when I agreed to watch and review this film for you. I knew it was a documentary, but I didn't know how graphic it would be, or how interesting I'd find it.
I didn't need to wonder.
Immediately, I was submerged into the daily struggle for life that a group of orphans endures. 25 courageous orphans living together as a family along the railway in Tenali, India. No one caring about them. No one guiding them or helping them.
Did you know that there are over 31 million orphans in India?
I had no idea there were that many. Many of them became orphans after their parents died of AIDS, or the children ran away from home because they were beaten and abused unmercifully by parents or stepparents.
I wasn't sure what I would be viewing when I agreed to watch and review this film for you. I knew it was a documentary, but I didn't know how graphic it would be, or how interesting I'd find it.
I didn't need to wonder.
Immediately, I was submerged into the daily struggle for life that a group of orphans endures. 25 courageous orphans living together as a family along the railway in Tenali, India. No one caring about them. No one guiding them or helping them.
Two American men wanted to journal the life of a group of orphans, so they become a part of this group for several weeks. They slept on dirt or concrete floors, covering themselves with filthy rags used as blankets. They ate with this group, interviewed them and those around them. It was actually quite fascinating.
The horrors of what these children face every day just made me so sad.
I'm thankful that these two gentlemen took it upon themselves to let us know what orphans' needs are in India. It is such a challenge to rescue the orphans from a lifestyle of begging, addiction, and sexual abuse.
Is this film appropriate for children? Yes - older children, that is. Parents should be aware that the film shows the raw reality of living as an abandoned and orphaned child on the streets of India. Interviews include topics of drug abuse, sexuality, violence, and HIV/AIDS. Drug use is explicitly shown.
Mother India is the work of first-time filmmakers David Trotter and Shawn Scheinoha. “India is growing in both population and industry, but few people know that there are over 31 million orphans in this nation,” commented Trotter (Executive Producer, Director). “Each of these young lives is much more than a statistic. Every one of them has a name, a face and a story.” Scheinoha (Executive Producer) added, “We’re not out to just tell a tragic story. We’re focused on raising awareness and changing lives.”
Learn more about Mother India at www.motherindiafilm.com!
The horrors of what these children face every day just made me so sad.
I'm thankful that these two gentlemen took it upon themselves to let us know what orphans' needs are in India. It is such a challenge to rescue the orphans from a lifestyle of begging, addiction, and sexual abuse.
Is this film appropriate for children? Yes - older children, that is. Parents should be aware that the film shows the raw reality of living as an abandoned and orphaned child on the streets of India. Interviews include topics of drug abuse, sexuality, violence, and HIV/AIDS. Drug use is explicitly shown.
Mother India is the work of first-time filmmakers David Trotter and Shawn Scheinoha. “India is growing in both population and industry, but few people know that there are over 31 million orphans in this nation,” commented Trotter (Executive Producer, Director). “Each of these young lives is much more than a statistic. Every one of them has a name, a face and a story.” Scheinoha (Executive Producer) added, “We’re not out to just tell a tragic story. We’re focused on raising awareness and changing lives.”
Learn more about Mother India at www.motherindiafilm.com!
Let's give away a new copy of the Mother India DVD!
Please, only U.S. residents are eligible to enter this giveaway. Thank you.
Entrants must be 18 years or older; only U.S. residents are eligible to enter this giveaway. I will select the winner of this prize using Random.org (via this Rafflecopter entry form, below).
I will be verifying the winning entrant's giveaway entry options to make sure they are valid. In the past several months, multiple potential winners were excluded from winning even though their names had been selected randomly as winners, because they said that they had signed up for email subscriptions but had not completed the process, which includes clicking on an email you will receive to confirm your subscription. An email subscription to Joy In Our Journey.com is not a requirement to enter our giveaways, but if you do use an email subscription option to enter to win, please make sure that you click on the confirmation email that you will receive. That will validate your entry. Thank you! :)
I received one copy of Mother India from Blogger Gateway in exchange for my honest review of this DVD. No other compensation was provided.
Is it a cheesecake brownie? Or is it a brownie cheesecake?
It all depends on how much restraint you have. ☺
After seeing All Day I Dream About Food.com's recipe for low-carb Raspberry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies, I was inspired to make some brownies for my own family...but not including raspberries.
I'd probably love the raspberry version, but I knew that the rest of my family would prefer no raspberries.
I set out to remake the recipe so that it was still low carb and delicious, my two requirements for my family at this stage in our lives.
Here's the thing: you'll notice that my directions say, after baking, to let cool for 20 minutes and then refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. Even at the two-hour refrigeration time, when I decided I had no more restraint and could try these, they were still more like brownie cheesecake.
But the next morning, when we were dishing this up for breakfast (hey, why not, they're almost guilt-free?), we noticed that now they were like cheesecake brownies.
So if you are really hankering for a low carb chocolate cheesecake, wait until they've chilled for two hours, and dig in!
But if what you really want is cheesecake-flavored brownies, then be sure to leave them in the refrigerator overnight.
Either way, you're going to love these!
When you download or print out the recipe, you'll notice the nutrition facts are included for both using regular cream cheese or the nonfat cream cheese.
Here's the recipe:
It all depends on how much restraint you have. ☺
After seeing All Day I Dream About Food.com's recipe for low-carb Raspberry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies, I was inspired to make some brownies for my own family...but not including raspberries.
I'd probably love the raspberry version, but I knew that the rest of my family would prefer no raspberries.
I set out to remake the recipe so that it was still low carb and delicious, my two requirements for my family at this stage in our lives.
Here's the thing: you'll notice that my directions say, after baking, to let cool for 20 minutes and then refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. Even at the two-hour refrigeration time, when I decided I had no more restraint and could try these, they were still more like brownie cheesecake.
But the next morning, when we were dishing this up for breakfast (hey, why not, they're almost guilt-free?), we noticed that now they were like cheesecake brownies.
So if you are really hankering for a low carb chocolate cheesecake, wait until they've chilled for two hours, and dig in!
But if what you really want is cheesecake-flavored brownies, then be sure to leave them in the refrigerator overnight.
Either way, you're going to love these!
When you download or print out the recipe, you'll notice the nutrition facts are included for both using regular cream cheese or the nonfat cream cheese.
Here's the recipe:
Low Carb Swirled Cheesecake Brownies
("S"/Satisfying style for those following Trim Healthy Mama)
 | Click on either photo (left) or the file download link (just below). 
Or, click to print the recipe at the bottom of the page via Scribd. | ||
If you aren't used to using xylitol in your baking, you may find that some people don't tolerate it very well. You may use straight erythritol in this recipe, if you'd like, although you may notice a slight cooling effect (like a very mild minty sensation) to the final baked product - or maybe you won't. Our family tolerates small amounts of xylitol as long as we don't overdo it. In other words, with this recipe, we'd only eat one serving per day.
What's YOUR favorite type of brownie?
Feel free to take a look at my Trim Healthy VISUAL SHOPPING LIST to get a better idea of some of the quicker food options available in your stores!
What's YOUR favorite type of brownie?
Feel free to take a look at my Trim Healthy VISUAL SHOPPING LIST to get a better idea of some of the quicker food options available in your stores!
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One of the joys of being able to educate our two girls at home is that they have had plenty of extra free time to teach themselves how to do new skills about which I have had no idea how to even get started.
Kelsi (now 15), decided when she was around 12 years old that she was going to teach herself how to do graphic design. Not having extra $$ to buy Photoshop, she downloaded GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) for free. Many adults and youth have learned how to develop designs and artwork with GIMP, while I've heard other adults also say that it is too difficult to learn.
Kelsi (now 15), decided when she was around 12 years old that she was going to teach herself how to do graphic design. Not having extra $$ to buy Photoshop, she downloaded GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) for free. Many adults and youth have learned how to develop designs and artwork with GIMP, while I've heard other adults also say that it is too difficult to learn.
Myself? I can barely draw much more than a stick figure. My art skills were never developed, although I can do many artistic things - just not draw. :)
Well, where there's a will, there's a way. Kelsi downloaded the free GIMP program to our computer. She got busy trying to learn how to use it. When she got stuck, she would look for online tutorials on what to do next. She searched the internet for tips and tricks on how to use GIMP effectively.
Meanwhile, Mom still had no clue.
Then, she began digitally painting horses of many types and kinds. She learned a lot about shading and highlighting, how to show action and muscles, and a lot more.
Me? I'm still in the stick figure stage. :)
She went through a horse craze like most girls do, and she illustrated horse after horse with GIMP. It was astonishing to me to see her skills develop!
From Kelsi:
"I can't draw horses that well, to tell the truth. You can think of this as more of an illustrating process. I find a free-use line drawing that is a simple outline of the horse, called lineart. Then I develop a theme and pick colors and begin to fill in the horse, and add shading, hair, and details. I add finishing touches and then make a background to match the theme."
Well, where there's a will, there's a way. Kelsi downloaded the free GIMP program to our computer. She got busy trying to learn how to use it. When she got stuck, she would look for online tutorials on what to do next. She searched the internet for tips and tricks on how to use GIMP effectively.
Meanwhile, Mom still had no clue.
Then, she began digitally painting horses of many types and kinds. She learned a lot about shading and highlighting, how to show action and muscles, and a lot more.
Me? I'm still in the stick figure stage. :)
She went through a horse craze like most girls do, and she illustrated horse after horse with GIMP. It was astonishing to me to see her skills develop!
From Kelsi:
"I can't draw horses that well, to tell the truth. You can think of this as more of an illustrating process. I find a free-use line drawing that is a simple outline of the horse, called lineart. Then I develop a theme and pick colors and begin to fill in the horse, and add shading, hair, and details. I add finishing touches and then make a background to match the theme."
After seeing Kelsi work on graphic design month after month, we decided to try to figure out a way to purchase Photoshop CS5 (Student and Teacher version) for her to use. We were able to get an educational license combined with a sale, a discount, and some Staples Rewards checks on one particular week about 18 months ago, so if my memory serves me correctly, we paid under $100 for the expensive software. (CS6 is the current version, but we aren't planning to upgrade anytime soon.)
This is some artwork she has completed over the last year or so. I love the variety!
This is some artwork she has completed over the last year or so. I love the variety!
Quote by Captain America
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Fantasy - "Out to Battle"
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"Hummingbird Spectrum"
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"Second Coming"
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Kelsi has been able to use her graphic design and teaching skills to volunteer at a small, local private school for 10-13 students. Once a week, while she was in the 8th grade, she would teach basic graphic design techniques and web design skills for about an hour. She is a naturally gifted teacher; she spent hours each week preparing handouts and lesson tips for her students.
Last summer, she began creating some artwork that demonstrated her faith in Christ. These are some of my favorites:
She went through a phase where she enjoyed making movie-inspired artwork, including spoofing movie posters.
And lately she's enjoyed putting together images that are very abstract...some with a logical explanation behind them, others just because she was bored. Ha!
"Phoenix Rising"
From Kelsi:
"If you're a very big fan of Batman, and you enjoy looking very deeply into plots of films, or if you happen to speak Moroccan, this piece might make since. For everyone else, an explanation is needed. The words Deshi Basara are Moroccan for "Rise", "He rises", or literally, "come quickly". They are surrounded by ash and coal, which represent the pain and death that the phoenix rises from. The phoenix is on fire, flying away in its new glory from the shadow and gloom. All of this, however, was inspired by The Dark Knight Rises. The main chant or phrase that shows up again and again in the film is "Deshi Basara", first referencing the villain's rise to power, then supporting Batman as he escapes from prison. The ashes represent Batman's imprisonment and setbacks. The phoenix itself is Batman. The black cloth represents his cape.
By now you've probably realized that I read way too deeply into films, and that I might need to visit a psychologist. This is the curse of the author-artist-musician who thinks in a detail-oriented manner."
"If you're a very big fan of Batman, and you enjoy looking very deeply into plots of films, or if you happen to speak Moroccan, this piece might make since. For everyone else, an explanation is needed. The words Deshi Basara are Moroccan for "Rise", "He rises", or literally, "come quickly". They are surrounded by ash and coal, which represent the pain and death that the phoenix rises from. The phoenix is on fire, flying away in its new glory from the shadow and gloom. All of this, however, was inspired by The Dark Knight Rises. The main chant or phrase that shows up again and again in the film is "Deshi Basara", first referencing the villain's rise to power, then supporting Batman as he escapes from prison. The ashes represent Batman's imprisonment and setbacks. The phoenix itself is Batman. The black cloth represents his cape.
By now you've probably realized that I read way too deeply into films, and that I might need to visit a psychologist. This is the curse of the author-artist-musician who thinks in a detail-oriented manner."
"Abstract Stonehenge"
From Kelsi: "I was bored. I found these pictures and thought, wow, these would look interesting if I put them together. So I did. Normally I refrain from purposeless art, but looking back, this piece reminds me of certain dreams that you can have, that are very weird and don't make sense, but are still very pretty and interesting in their own way."
Kelsi has also done a couple of pieces for other people or organizations. She was able to do a mock-up of an idea for a different private school's annual yearbook front cover. She was also able to design the front cover of my uncle's biography about his life in a Japanese internment camp. That book cover turned out beautifully!
In our home, while my girls may spend hours on the computer each week, it's not all frivolity. :) Kelsi will spend her free time throughout the summer using the computer to create graphic design pictures like these, to write stories and books, and to develop speeches for 4-H county fair speech competitions.
Brittany has learned how to make and edit videos, and how to become a better photographer. She has also learned many international cooking techniques, some which were completely unfamiliar to me!
It's important to allow our children to pursue their interests. At times, I have been blessed to find just the perfect sale combined with coupons that will allow us to purchase that item that the girls are really needing next for their interests: a new video camera, software, etc. Without God providing the right opportunity at the right time, this wouldn't be possible for my family to purchase. If you are sensing that your child or teen needs something for his or her hobby that costs more than your family can afford, pray about it.
It also helps that the girls save their money and try to pay for as much of the new items as possible.
While not all children are as motivated to learn something new and as difficult as my children are, encourage your children. Explore a variety of interests. While sports are a great activity, they also take up a ton of free time where your children could be pursuing interests and developing skills that will help guide them as they seek a career or a future job.
And even if they are interested in something that you know nothing about, they can learn so much by googling for tutorials and tips on how to do what they want to learn. Allow them to explore!
This blog post contains affiliate links.
I feel sorry for people who are eating sugar-laden versions of chocolate ice cream and then are filled with remorse afterward.
This beautiful, delicious chocolate ice cream is so rich and creamy, you would never guess that it didn't contain ANY sugar!
Truly, when I made this for my family the other night, we all raved about it. And did we feel guilty about eating it?
Not at all!
That's because it doesn't contain ingredients that are going to spike our blood sugar levels and wreak havoc with our waistlines. So we can indulge in this as often as once a week, and enjoy it to the fullest! This isn't a low calorie recipe, which is why I can't have this ice cream every night - even though I'd love to!
If you've never used a vanilla bean pod before, I buy mine from Olive Nation on Amazon.com, for a very reasonable price. To use a vanilla bean pod, hold onto one end of the bean pod. With a small paring knife, slice lengthwise from near the top of the bean pod to the bottom of the pod, cutting it open. Use the sharp edge of your knife to scrape out the vanilla bean seeds. This is the vanilla goodness!
And if you're wondering which ice cream maker our family uses, we stopped using rock salt and ice several years ago - such a hassle! Now, we use the Cuisinart 1.5 quart frozen Ice Cream, Yogurt, and Sorbet Maker. This has been an excellent investment, although if I chose again, I'd pick a 2-quart version.
Feel free to take a look at my Trim Healthy VISUAL SHOPPING LIST to get a better idea of some of the quicker food options available in your stores!
Indulgent Low-Carb Chocolate Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup xylitol
- 1/3 cup erythritol
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 egg yolks, beaten
- 2-2/3 cups heavy cream
- 1/8 tsp. Pure Stevia Extract
- 1/8 tsp. xanthan gum
- 1 vanilla bean, split - or 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp. brandy or vodka (this is completely optional. It is supposed to keep the ice cream soft enough to be able to scoop it while frozen; we haven't noticed it helping or not helping, so feel free to omit the alcohol. You can also use glycerin.)
Melt xylitol and erythritol over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. It may take as long as 10-15 minutes to melt completely and turn into a syrup. Stir gently with a whisk while melting.
Add vanilla bean scrapings and bean pod, if using a vanilla bean. Otherwise, wait to add the vanilla until later. Let the vanilla bean steep for 2-3 minutes with the melted xylitol/erythritol.
Whisk in cocoa powder and about 1/4 cup of the measured heavy cream. (Just pour off a bit of your 2-2/3 cups cream into the saucepan. You don't have to be exact.) Stir with whisk, until the sweetener has completely dissolved.
Remove saucepan from heat. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with an electric hand mixer until light in color. Slowly pour in the remainder of the heavy cream, a bit at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour cocoa mixture into egg yolk mixture, beating well. Whisk in stevia, xanthan gum, and vanilla extract (if you didn't use a vanilla bean).
Cover the ice cream base with plastic wrap. Chill the chocolate ice cream base in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight.
When you are ready to make ice cream, turn on your ice cream maker. Strain the chocolate ice cream base through a fine mesh strainer as you pour the mixture into your ice cream maker, to remove any vanilla bean pieces.
You may enjoy your rich, chocolate ice cream as soft serve, or freeze it for a few hours to make it hard enough to scoop out your ice cream.
We couldn't wait. We devoured ours as soon as it was frozen in the ice cream maker! Maybe some day I'll be able to make it more of a traditional hard ice cream - but not this last weekend. Yummy!
What's your favorite flavor of homemade ice cream?
www.facebook.com/TheUnintentionalUrbanFarmer
Since our family began eating the Trim Healthy way, we haven't had the same kinds of smoothies we used to enjoy. We have new favorites that we like: Big Boy Smoothie, Fat Stripping Frappa, and others.
I saw this idea on Facebook tonight, and thought it was an excellent one. Why didn't I think of this years ago? Wow - what a time saver!
For those of you who mix up flavorful, healthy smoothies each morning, this would help make your breakfast smoothies so much quicker to prepare!
Wash and cut up your choice of fruits and veggies. Separate them out into plastic zip bags or containers of your choice, placing enough of each fruit/veggie into each bag to make one smoothie or one family-sized smoothie.
In this particular photo, from The Unintentional Urban Farmer, each bag contains:
- 2 cups (1 big fistful) of kale
- 1 sliced banana
- 3-4 strawberries
When you're ready to make your smoothie, add 1/2 cup almond milk and a scoop of protein powder, if desired.
Yum! What are your favorite smoothie combinations to make at home?
Feel free to take a look at my Trim Healthy VISUAL SHOPPING LIST to get a better idea of some of the quicker food options available in your stores!
Break Away is a brand new family-friendly Christian film that is filled with inspiration! We watched this as a family recently and were impressed with so much: the plot, the scenery of life in Cape Town, South Africa, the Dutch-style accents, and more. If you enjoy family-friendly films revolving around sports or bicycling, you'll enjoy this film, so read more to learn how to win a copy of this DVD that I'll be giving away here on Joy In Our Journey!
Summary:
Francois is a hard working husband and dad that gets laid off from his job. None of his efforts to get another job succeed and he is forced to use what he has, including an old bicycle, in order to provide for his family. With the help of his "black sheep" brother, a bicycle shop owner and a pro-cyclist, Francois makes some life-changing discoveries about his life, career and faith in God.
Although a fictional story, Break Away was inspired by true events around the recession that left people without work. The message brings hope and offers practical and Biblical solutions in a very entertaining way.
Summary:
Francois is a hard working husband and dad that gets laid off from his job. None of his efforts to get another job succeed and he is forced to use what he has, including an old bicycle, in order to provide for his family. With the help of his "black sheep" brother, a bicycle shop owner and a pro-cyclist, Francois makes some life-changing discoveries about his life, career and faith in God.
Although a fictional story, Break Away was inspired by true events around the recession that left people without work. The message brings hope and offers practical and Biblical solutions in a very entertaining way.
Break Away was produced by Frans Cronjé (Faith Like Potatoes and Journey to Grace).
The Setting:
Break Away takes place in South Africa and accounts Francois’ challenge of providing for his family after losing his job. He is forced to use what he has, including an old bicycle. With the help of his “black sheep” brother, a bicycle shop owner and a pro-cyclist, Francois makes some life-changing discoveries about his life, career and faith in God.
The story came to Cronjé when he and two of the other filmmakers were all struggling to finance projects during the recession. “We began dreaming of making a movie without a big budget and relied mainly on our skills, equipment and friends,” he recalls. “We decided to tell the story of a fictional character based on our own experiences with the hopes that we can make a difference in people’s lives. The tagline for the movie says: When it seem like you’ve lost everything, use what you’ve got and let God multiply it. It’s a reference to the gospel account of the five loaves of bread and two fish which Jesus multiplied to feed the crowd of 5,000 people. This tagline became our policy to produce the movie. We used the little we had and trusted God to provide the people and equipment we needed. Each crew member even brought his or her own food to the set instead of hiring caterers.”
Julieanne's thoughts about Break Away:
Again, my family enjoyed this film! It starts out a bit slow in that it takes a while to set up the story. Kelsi (age 15) said several times, "If they don't set up the antagonist pretty soon, I'm going to stop watching this!" Finally, my husband and I told her, "It's a character-driven plot line, not one that pits protagonist against antagonist!" And she watched the rest of the film with us.
☺
I'm saving my copy because I'd like to watch this again. It is inspirational, clean, and family-friendly. It has action scenes in the second half of the film, so your action-lovers will enjoy that. This film is a creative approach to encouraging us when hope seems to be drowned by despair. Anyone who has ever been unemployed or underemployed to the point that marriage bonds have been strained or you've possibly even lost your own home will relate well to the themes in Break Away.
Break Away is 113 minutes in length and releases on April 23rd, 2013.
☺
I'm saving my copy because I'd like to watch this again. It is inspirational, clean, and family-friendly. It has action scenes in the second half of the film, so your action-lovers will enjoy that. This film is a creative approach to encouraging us when hope seems to be drowned by despair. Anyone who has ever been unemployed or underemployed to the point that marriage bonds have been strained or you've possibly even lost your own home will relate well to the themes in Break Away.
Break Away is 113 minutes in length and releases on April 23rd, 2013.
Let's giveaway the new Break Away DVD!
Please, only U.S. residents are eligible to enter this giveaway. Thank you.
Entrants must be 18 years or older; only U.S. residents are eligible to enter this giveaway. I will select the winner of this prize using Random.org (via this Rafflecopter entry form, below).
I will be verifying the winning entrant's giveaway entry options to make sure they are valid. In the past several months, multiple potential winners were excluded from winning even though their names had been selected randomly as winners, because they said that they had signed up for email subscriptions but had not completed the process, which includes clicking on an email you will receive to confirm your subscription. An email subscription to Joy In Our Journey.com is not a requirement to enter our giveaways, but if you do use an email subscription option to enter to win, please make sure that you click on the confirmation email that you will receive. That will validate your entry. Thank you! :)
I received one DVD copy of Break Away in exchange for my honest opinions about this film. No other compensation was provided.
Disclosure: Some content includes links to sponsors or affiliates, which give me a small percentage of the sale. You are not obligated to use these links when you make a purchase, but when you do so it helps to support this site, so thank you!
Doesn't that look like dessert with a straw? Yum!
My daughter, Brittany, came up with this recipe in her search for a healthier, low-carb version of a Starbucks mocha frappuccino. Read below to print out my recipe printable for this delicious beverage!
Since we're following the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle plan of eating in our home, this is one of the types of beverages that we can enjoy.
You should know that some people may be sensitive to using xylitol as a sweetener (some people get digestive/intestinal upset from it, and dogs are highly allergic to xylitol). Erythritol, however, doesn't cause intestinal upset, so I really do prefer it and absolutely love Swerve Sweetener, an erythritol-based no-sugar sweetener. Another fun option would be to use a combination of cocoa powder and mesquite powder, something I'd like to try. We've liked mesquite powder in everything we've tried so far, especially if it includes chocolate! (Mesquite powder gives a yummy hint of caramel flavor to foods.)
Hint: to measure out 1/16 and 1/32 of a teaspoon, I use these amazing measuring spoons!
Healthy Low-Carb Frozen Coffee Drink (Single serving)
- 1 tsp.THM Sweet Blend or 4 tsp. xylitol, erythritol, or sugar-free sweetener of choice (I love Swerve Sweetener!☺)
- 1/16 tsp. pure stevia extract powder (optional, for more sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (we love Trader Joe's brand; it just tastes better to us!)
- 1/3 cup (3 oz.) cold coffee
- 3 Tbsp. half and half
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract (learn how to make your own vanilla extract!)
- 1 cup ice
- tiny pinch or sprinkle of salt
- 1/32 tsp. xanthan gum or glucomannan powder (for a creamier texture)
Add all ingredients to blender or Magic Bullet. Blend until smooth. Pour into glass. Optional: top with stevia-sweetened whipped cream and no-sugar chocolate syrup.
Trim Healthy Mama also has additional smoothies and beverages to use for people who enjoy different flavor and taste experiences. My advice for making their beverages and smoothies is this: make it to your own tastes. Do you feel like it needs more salt or sweetener? Or something else? Add in extra amounts of ingredients to make it work for you!
Curious about some of the foods and products I place into my shopping cart each week using Trim Healthy Mama? Check out my pictorial Trim Healthy Mama Grocery Shopping List!
Here's the free printable recipe page:
Click on recipe image, below to print the PDF version:
 | |
This post was originally published on http://www.JoyInOurJourney.com. If you see this posted elsewhere, it has been illegally scraped, and I'd love it if you would let me know. Thanks!
 | Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange momentoes? The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her. When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart? Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast--a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions--where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits. |
 | Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com |
Joy In Our Journey's review:
Julie Lassen has written another one of her delightful, historical romance novels, The Tutor’s Daughter. Sir Giles Weston has written requesting Mr. Smallwood and his daughter, Emma come to live in his castle and tutor his two youngest sons. The castle is located on a windswept coastal area of England and is, in Emma’s mind, a very beautiful, but frightening place. Their presence however, is not exactly what Lady Weston would like, so she causes trouble for Emma and her father, treating them rather poorly.
Henry and Philip Weston, Mr. Smallwood’s former students, are also both in residence at the castle. Emma often recalls the teasing and tricks that they would play on her when they attended Mr. Smallwood’s school. Philip has grown into a very attractive man, but there seems to be something very special about Henry that draws Emma’s attention. She has no business being attracted to either one, as their station is so far above hers. Then the tricks start.
A handprint on her mirror, pages missing from her journal, a toy soldier on her floor, the pitiful cry in the night.
Is there someone who is in trouble?
Who or what could be doing these things?
Harry and David can’t still be doing these harmless but frightening tricks.
Then there is the ancient Chapel on the Rocks. What is it about the chapel that seems to draw Emma to it? Along with all the shipwrecks on the rocks far below, Emma has her work cut out for her. As Emma tries to solve all these mysteries, the truth seems to be just out of her reach.
You will enjoy the twists and turns of this 17th century story, The Tutor’s Daughter, by Julie Klassen.
Henry and Philip Weston, Mr. Smallwood’s former students, are also both in residence at the castle. Emma often recalls the teasing and tricks that they would play on her when they attended Mr. Smallwood’s school. Philip has grown into a very attractive man, but there seems to be something very special about Henry that draws Emma’s attention. She has no business being attracted to either one, as their station is so far above hers. Then the tricks start.
A handprint on her mirror, pages missing from her journal, a toy soldier on her floor, the pitiful cry in the night.
Is there someone who is in trouble?
Who or what could be doing these things?
Harry and David can’t still be doing these harmless but frightening tricks.
Then there is the ancient Chapel on the Rocks. What is it about the chapel that seems to draw Emma to it? Along with all the shipwrecks on the rocks far below, Emma has her work cut out for her. As Emma tries to solve all these mysteries, the truth seems to be just out of her reach.
You will enjoy the twists and turns of this 17th century story, The Tutor’s Daughter, by Julie Klassen.
Bethany House Publishers provided me with one copy of The Tutor's Daughter in exchange for my own thoughts and honest opinions expressed here for you. No other compensation was provided.
This blog post contains affiliate links.
While I won't lie and say that I've been 100% perfect about not eating any flour-based or sugar-based products, I've pretty much steered clear of the carbs that used to fill our family's diet. I literally have not made anything using sugar (even natural forms of sugar like organic maple syrup, honey, or evaporated cane juice sugar) or flour in our home for over three months now.
I'm not opposed to the natural, organic sweeteners like maple syrup, molasses, honey, agave, etc. But they don't work for people who are pre-diabetic or diabetic, or for those who are needing to lose weight.
Recently, my husband and I had our birthdays coming up. They're two days apart - FUN!
I wanted to make a carrot cake, but it had to contain no sugar, and it had to be low carb.
How about this one, in the photo? Only 4 net grams of carbs per serving! Wow.
Here's the thing, though. On the day our lovely daughter, Brittany, made this for us, I have to admit that the cake was a bit dry, and the frosting wasn't quite sweetened enough. That's my fault; not Brittany's. I checked the cake at 20 minutes, and it obviously wasn't finished baking...but at 30 minutes, it had baked a bit too long, I think.
I forgot to check it at 25 minutes. Yep, I do forget things sometimes. ☺
So, here's what I did to help make this cake taste dee-licious! (And it did.) I sprinkled about 1 teaspoon of erythritol on the top of the cream cheese icing, since it was too late to add any additional sweetener into the frosting. I love the look of it - all sparkly and sugary looking.
Then, I placed foil over the frosted cake and set it in the fridge for TWO days. Yes, two more days.
On Day 3, I took the cake over to my parents' house for dessert. I was just sure it would be so much better this time - and it was!
It was moist and delicious, and the erythritol crystals had absorbed into the frosting and made it have that hint of sweetness that we former sugar-a-holics just really enJOY. ☺ Here's the recipe for low-carb carrot cake. Just make sure to let it set for 2-3 days in the refrigerator before serving.
Note: while after three days in the refrigerator, this is decent, it isn't our most favorite no-sugar dessert. But we'll keep trying to find a really good low carb carrot cake!
Low carb, sugar-free, gluten-free Carrot Cake
| 3 cups almond meal 1 cup flax meal 2 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ginger 1/4 tsp. nutmeg (powdered) | 1/4 tsp. Stevia Extract Powder 4 tsp. vanilla 4 eggs 3 Tbsp. oil 1/2 cup sour cream 8 oz. shredded carrots 1/4 cup half-n-half 1/2 to 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) |
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9" x 13" metal baking pan. Combine and stir together all of the dry ingredients, except nuts. Mix together all of the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Gently stir together dry and wet ingredients and pour into greased pan. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until just done. After carrot cake cools, whip up and spread this frosting on top:
Cream Cheese Frosting
12 oz. "1/3-less-fat" cream cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil
1/2 cup butter, softened
2-3 Tbsp. cream or half-n-half to thin frosting
1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract
***Stevia Extract Powder to taste (think several sprinkles or shakes)
***If you prefer to combine sweeteners, you may want to add less stevia extract powder and add in some erythritol and/or xylitol.
Beat all ingredients together and spread over top of cooled cake. Sprinkle optional chopped nuts on top, if desired. Store in refrigerator.
1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil
1/2 cup butter, softened
2-3 Tbsp. cream or half-n-half to thin frosting
1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract
***Stevia Extract Powder to taste (think several sprinkles or shakes)
***If you prefer to combine sweeteners, you may want to add less stevia extract powder and add in some erythritol and/or xylitol.
Beat all ingredients together and spread over top of cooled cake. Sprinkle optional chopped nuts on top, if desired. Store in refrigerator.
 | Curious about some of the foods and products I place into my shopping cart each week using Trim Healthy Mama? Check out my pictorial Trim Healthy Mama Grocery Shopping List! |
Hi! I'm Julieanne!
You'll find me in the kitchen
trying new Trim Healthy Mama recipes, loving God, and carrying out that love as I bless my husband and teen daughters.
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