The Garden Journal A Beautiful Five Year Record Keeping Tool

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Tomorrow marks the first official day of winter, which for most gardeners, or those aspiring to be, is the perfect time to be warm and cozy inside, while dreaming of what we want to do outside once the weather is warm again. I can think of no better book for garden dreaming and planning than The Garden Journal, a beautiful five-year record-keeping tool by Linda Vater. As a special thanks to my readers, I’m hosting a giveaway for a hardbound copy of this book.



The Garden Journal: A Five Year Record Keeping Tool!



The Garden Journal: A Five Year Record Keeping Tool

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The Old Farmer’s Almanac shares 3 handy books to welcome Spring Gardening

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, April 11, 2025

 Earlier this week, I found myself covering my plants due to a freeze warning in our area. I knew it was coming because I’d been reading the 2025 edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which states our last freeze date is April 15, 2025. If you’re ready to welcome spring gardening, read about The Old Farmer’s Almanac's three handy gardening books.


Spring Gardening Has Arrived!


3 handy books for spring gardening

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Hallmark Fabulous Friends collection giveaway

in , , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, September 07, 2016
Did you know that September is International Women’s friendship Month? It’s true! Women’s Friendship Day, started in 1999 by Kappa Delta sorority, was changed to a full month celebration of women’s friendships in 2009 because the day of celebration became so popular. I was thrilled to learn that I’d been selected to review and give away the new Fabulous Friends collection as part of the Love, Hallmark blogger group.  While I  did receive complimentary products for my post today, all opinions, love of beautiful products and friendships are 100% my own.



#LoveHallmark Fabulous Friends prize pack, journal, home decor, soap and cards



Not to toot my own horn, but over the years friends and relations have told me I’m a witty lady, so it's only natural that my eye was drawn to the lovely pillow in the Fabulous Friends collection first.  



Let's get happy up in here pillow #Witty #happy #homedecor


Isn’t it the cutest? 


Here’s more information about each piece in the Fabulous Friends Collection and my ideas on which of your friends would love to receive them.


Pretty Witty Happy Large Pillow: “Bring happiness into your life with this oversized, embroidered pillow. The pom-pom attachments are sure to put a smile on your face!”

This pillow really does make us smile each and every time we see it. In fact, my girls and I have decided that this shall be our traveling pillow, moving from room to room because it is just that witty and stylish. 


This pillow would be perfect for your women friends who love:
  • Home décor shopping - (Hello, Pottery Barn!)
  • Decorating - (Do you move her pillows when you visit? She needs this one, too!)
  • Being crafty - (The attention to detail will have them admiring this pillow.)




Never Quit. Unless you hate it. journal #Witty #gifts




Pretty Witty Never Quit Journal: “Perfect for jotting quick notes or logging the day's events, this softcover journal has metallic accents and a satin ribbon bookmark.” The aspirational yet optimistic quote on the cover reads “Never quit. Unless you hate it.” 



This journal is so cool and stylish, it is almost too perfect to mar by using it. But, writing in it is what your women friends will want to do if they are:

  • Journal keepers - (Look at witty me, pointing out the obvious!)
  • Students or teachers - (They are processing tons of information all day; help them get it down in style.)
  • Organizers or list makers - (Raises and waggles hand fervently!) I do so LOVE a good list and a game plan! Oh, and the doodling I would do while talking on the phone? Yes!




Orange and Amber scented hand soap #friendship #gifts




Crafters & Co. Liquid Soap: “Give your skin a treat! Made with essential oils, these soaps are available in eight soothing scents and feel as fresh and comforting as they smell.” 


We received the Orange Amber scented hand soap and it smells like fall weather feels!  It smells and works fabulously!! Give this gift to your women friends who love:

  • Gardening - (Got a deadheading friend? A digger of dirt? Then her hands deserve this soothing and fragrant hand soap!)
  • Cooking - (Hello garlic and herbs, I’m looking at you and your tasty, yet odorific selves!)
  • New mom - (She is going to be washing her hands a lot, like, all day and night! She’ll appreciate the little hug for her hands.)



Keep your friends close picture frame #witty #homedecor #gifts




Pretty Witty Keep Friends Close Framed Art: “Express your style and spunk at home or the office. This painted frame showcases the quote “Keep your friends close and your wine closer.” 


I’m not much of a wine drinker, unless a friend makes sangria, but I am a lover of a good quote and this lil’ frame has got a killer quote. Your women friends will love this if they:

  • Wear green - (Fashionistas tend to decorate their homes and offices in colors they wear and this shade of green is on trend this fall.)
  • Shares quotes and memes - (I see you, Instagram friends, smiling because I notice your efforts!)
  • Drinks wine - (Again, I must point out the obvious gift recipient, for continuity in my witty post!)




Pineapple freindship cards #witty #oldschoolcool




Signature Greetings Pineapple Card: “This adorable embellished card is blank on the inside, leaving plenty of space to write a personalized note to a special friend! “ 



I have never met a woman who doesn’t love receiving a special card, especially if it’s got a heartfelt note written inside. I love the pineapple on the front because it’s the universal symbol for welcome or hospitality, making these cards a perfect gift for your women friends who are:

  • The hostess with the mostest - (Her face popped in your mind when you read hostess, because she is the best at tailgates, parties and last minute anythings. Send her this card and watch her shine!)
  • Realtors - (I can’t think of a better card for a realtor to leave on the kitchen counter with thanks for working with her, can you?)
  • Techies - (Make that one friend who does EVERYTHING via her phone put it down and ponder the beauty of old school cool when you send her this card in the mail with a stamp!)




Now that I’ve got you thinking of all your different Fabulous Friends, why not take a chance and enter to win your very own #LoveHallmark Fabulous Friends collection? Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below.



If you are all set to make a purchase, which is fantastic of you and your take-action self -- head on over to Hallmark.com and shop away.  Be sure to get social on Facebook and Twitter, too to stay in the loop on sales and the latest collection of cards and gifts.



Win It!

#LoveHallmark 5 piece Fabulous Friends gift collection prize



One lucky reader will receive a five-piece Fabulous Friends collection set from Love, Hallmark -- containing one of each product mentioned in the post (your products may vary slightly from mine).

Terms: 


No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel.



Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Please share in comments: Which Hallmark Fabulous Friend product is your favorite and why. 
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I helped kill the Ladies Home Journal

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, April 25, 2014

There, I’ve said it. I’ve owned right up to the fact that even though I am a homemaker and a devout lover of magazines and print media- I never read or subscribed to the Ladies Home Journal.  Never once found myself flipping through the pages while waiting anywhere and today was my very first time visiting their website, just so I could see their cover.


Magazine cover
Source

Ads sell magazines, pure and simple- and you can read what the Ladies Home Journal Magazine parent company Meredith said to The New York Times to fully understand the drop in numbers. But to sell ads, a magazine has to have readers. 

Looking at this cover I have to ask myself why didn't I read this magazine? 

The sad answer, in my opinion,  is the very reason the Ladies Home Journal is laying people off, stopping monthly printing and going to quarterly - it was my Grandma’s magazine.  It was proudly displayed on her highly polished coffee table; right beside the big ashtray nobody ever dared use.

My Mom got it only when somebody gifted a yearly subscription to her (usually my Grandma) and I can remember watching her flip through it while she was on the phone. She wasn’t really reading it, just looking- and as a teen, I picked up on her cues and figured that was one boring magazine- so I didn’t bother picking it up.

Even though I didn’t read the Ladies Home Journal, the reality is this is another blow to the art of Homemaking and that saddens me. I know so many women who have shared with me in confidence that they don’t know how to cook or clean or sew or “do” anything domestic and they blame their Moms. 

I’m not saying I agree with all that blame- I know most Moms need to work outside of the home. I get that.  What I am saying is our children need resources on how to be a homemaker even if that is after working 8 hours a day.  My Mom worked outside the home and still managed to instill in me the love of a clean home, a hot meal and freshly washed sheets. My Mom taught me because her Mom taught her so I teach my girls.

But what if you are one of the countless women whose Moms didn't get taught domestic skills to pass down to you? What resources do you have? What about our kids? 

Most schools don’t teach home economics anymore, most Moms work outside the home as did their Moms and maybe even their Grandma’s- so is the art of homemaking going the way of print magazines?

I hope not.

It is my hope that we Moms will get in touch with our inner domestic goddess and pass that on to our kids so they don’t grow up, move out and then blame us for not equipping them with basic life skills. 

Our kids already move easily in this digital age- why not toss them a curve ball and put a broom in their hand and teach them to properly sweep a floor? And if you are already teaching homemaking skills to your children, I say thank you!

I'll be adding more homemaking posts here on my blog to help Moms who may need another resource too, so please check back in.


I am sorry to say I won’t be subscribing to the Ladies Home Journal just to try and save it.  Now, if my favorite magazines, Better Home and Gardens and Good Housekeeping find themselves in trouble?

Count me in.

Share in comments: What magazines do you subscribe to and read in print form?
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Make Art or Die Trying-Guide Book to Harnessing Creative Ideas 3 Winner Giveaway

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, September 09, 2024

As a Quarto Books ambassador, I get the privilege of being introduced to books and authors I may not otherwise know, or read. Such is the case with today’s book Make Art or Die Trying by Stuart Semple. I love art, and have a creative side, but Stuart's approach to harnessing the power of creative ideas to create art to change your life and community is a refreshing take on this subject. Read on to learn about Temples art and enter the giveaway for a prize bundle with three winners.



Make Art!




Make Art or Die Trying Book


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The Joy of Bird Watching Found with How To Look at a Bird Book

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, May 30, 2024

A few weeks ago, I got accepted into Storey’s Ambassador program and had the opportunity to make my spring book selections. I chose three titles and today’s post is all about the joy of bird watching from Clare Walker Leslie’s How to Look at a Bird book and because we just enjoyed the unofficial start of summer, I’m sharing Storey’s Splash into Summer Book giveaway!



Open Your Eyes to the joy of Watching and Knowing Birds:




How to Look at a Bird Book


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North of Hope Book Review

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, April 18, 2013
I am an avid reader, usually having more than one book started at any given time, so I was pleased to partner with Handelbar Publishing via  Zondervan.com to review books.
This is my first ARC (advanced reading copy) book, which was sent to me free of charge to facilitate this review. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions are 100% my own.

About the book:
Synopsis: courtesy: Zondervan.com
When Shannon Huffman Polson’s parents are killed by a wild grizzly bear in Alaska’s Arctic, her quest for healing is recounted with heartbreaking candor in North of Hope, as she retraces her parents’ final days along an Arctic river searching for her own sense of peace and meaning in the journey.

book
Courtesy:Zondervan.com

About the Author: 
courtesy: Zondervan.com
Shannon Polson lives and writes in the Pacific Northwest. She was a contributing writer to More Than 85Broads, and her work has appeared in Seattle and Alaska Magazines, Cirque Journal, Adventure Magazine, and Trachodon, among others. Polson graduated with a B.A. from Duke University in English Literature, an M.B.A. from the Tuck School at Dartmouth, and an M.F.A. from Seattle Pacific University. She served eight years as an attack helicopter pilot in the Army and worked five years in corporate marketing and management roles before turning to writing full time. Please visit Shannon’s website http://www.aborderlife.com/ to learn more.

My Review:
I am a fan of an eclectic blend of book genres, usually picking stories from the synopsis, rather than genre alone. When first approached to review North of Hope, I read the synopsis for it and thought “I will love this book”. But I didn’t.  I only liked it and only some parts. 
While Shannon Polson had a very moving and  cathartic journey to share in North of Hope, I found it dragged in several places.

 To me, it seemed the author would get lost in the sharing of information about bears, or indigenous Alaskan people. So much so, that I would have to go back and re-read previous paragraphs to pick up the context of her first thought.
This particular writing style made it slow going, and I found myself growing tired of reading North of Hope after a chapter or two. I just couldn’t sync up to this author’s writing style and felt I slogged through this book.
I did finish it, but will confess to skimming over passages that felt more like “teachable moments”.
 One of my favorite passages, which spoke right to my heart, was: “How can we ever begin to appreciate the full depth of each moment? Is there any way not to look back on those last conversations, last meetings, wishing we had let them seep into us completely”?
While North of Hope was not my ideal read, there were enough bright spots and eloquent writing that I do favorably recommend it to those who may be experiencing the untimely death of a loved one. I also recommend watching the video , which may help you decide if this book is right for you. 

 As always, I hope you found this book review helpful. I strive to offer my true and honest opinion on everything I review here. Stay tuned for more book reviews soon! 
 
 
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The Enchanted Truth Book Review and # Giveaway

in , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, October 16, 2012


The Enchanted Truth by Kym Petrie- A modern-day fairy tale for grown-up girls.





Summary:

In this humorous and insightful tale, a modern day princess finds herself single and asking for magical intervention to change her sorry love life. Rather than casting a spell to bring Prince Charming to her rescue, a savvy fairy godmother gives the tenderhearted damsel an unexpected gift. By entrusting her true thoughts and desires to an unlikely confidant, the young royal soon discovers that the person who could make her life everything she dreamed it would be has been with her all along.

As author Kym Petrie herself realized, every woman needs a froggy friend and a secret journal—and enough adventures with the girls to keep her heart pounding and her mind racing. Life is meant to be about happy beginnings . . . you can never have enough of them.
Hardcover, 40 pages
Published September 18th 2012 by Greenleaf Book Group
Category, YA
Courtesy: Goodreads.com


My Review:

The Enchanted Truth is a simple, feel good gift book that would be a perfect gift for a teen or young person searching for that perfect boyfriend or Mr. Right.  It’s got a young reader vibe to it which I attribute to the rather abundant use of descriptive character titles throughout.
 It is a short story at only 40 pages, so it’s a quick read, taking me only 10 minutes to complete. It’s cute and funny, without being too over the top in the self-help department, which is why this book was written. To help a friend who was caught up in a disappointing search for Prince Charming.
Even though I found my own Prince Charming decades ago and having been living happily ever after, I put down The Enchanted Truth with a smile and took away this simple but powerful message from page 36:

“It’s the magic of inner spirit that makes ones dreams come true”. 

Don’t we all need to remember that message? That we have the power to help ourselves?
That one message alone is important enough for me to happily recommend The Enchanted Truth to teens and up.

Buy It: 

Purchase The Enchanted Truth at Amazon


Win It:

Would you like to win a copy for yourself or to give as a gift? Then please enter my giveaway below.




My WAHM Plan Disclosure: I received a copy of The Enchanted Truth for my review and to host this giveaway. While I was compensated, all opinions are 100% mine and were not influenced in any way. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for shipment of prize.








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Light bladder leakage won’t keep me from my gardening goals

in , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, March 30, 2018




Yesterday started out like many spring mornings, with grey skies and a light, gentle rain. Nothing like the previous night's storms that broke off a big branch of my just blooming Hawthorne tree! As I stood at my window and surveyed the damage, the quote "A goal without a plan is just a wish" by Antione de Saint Exupery was top of mind. 

Planning out my Gardening Goals:

I pulled out my brand new garden journal, deciding to write my gardening ideas and goals down this year. There's lots of hard work and lifting ahead, so I'm not going to let light bladder leakage (LBL) keep me from my gardening goals!


Poise® helps me keep my #gardening goals #ad #PoiseMoment

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Send students back to school with a reusable notebook

in , , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, September 07, 2018
By now, most kids across the country have either gone back to school or will be very shortly. While the kids get excited about a new school year, we parents may become a bit frazzled with all the necessary back to school supply shopping we must do. The supply lists seem to get longer and more costly each year, that’s why I’m so excited to share an innovated product with you today. Read on to see how you can send your students back to school with a reusable notebook too.



Rocketbook Everlast reusable notebook #ad

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One Way Love by Tullian Tchividjian Giveaway

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, October 18, 2013

When FLYBY Promotions sent out an email asking their bloggers if we would be interested in reviewing One Way Love, I hesitated to sign up. Sure, I enjoy receiving free books and yes I am a Christian- but I am a tired Christian. 
A Christian tired of reading books and devotionals that leave me feeling worse about my sinner self than when I started. So, the email set until I read the promo again. The authors words below changed my mind and I couldn't wait for the books arrival.


 About One Way Love: 
Written by: Tullian Tchividjian,  Publisher: David C Cook


MyWAHMPlan.com


Real life is long on law and short on grace—the demands never stop, the failures pile up, and fear sets in. Life requires many things from us—a stable marriage, successful children, a certain quality of life. Anyone living inside the guilt, anxiety, and uncertainty of daily life knows that the weight of life is heavy. We are all in need of some relief. Bestselling author Tullian Tchividjian is convinced our world needs a fresh encounter with grace.


About the Author:
William Graham Tullian Tchividjian (pronounced cha-vi-jin) is the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. A Florida native, Tullian is the grandson of Billy and Ruth Graham. He is a visiting professor of theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, and a contributing editor to Leadership Journal. He is an ordained minister in Presbyterian Church of America. He is the author of six books; including the best seller, Jesus + Nothing = Everything  that won Christianity Today’s 2011 book of the year. He travels extensively, speaking at conferences throughout the U.S. 


My Review:

Never and I really mean NEVER have I started writing down passages I wanted to share from a book while still reading the Introduction! Tullian’s words are so authentic and needed. Not just for me, but this whole tired world.
 In fact, he called the church out for some of the very reasons my husband and I made the hard decision to leave our home church last year. We would leave services not feeling uplifted with God’s good word and Grace, rather, we left feeling like we weren’t doing enough to serve and that we were somehow second rate Christians because we aren't perfect at being Christian people.
Tullian has a name for “the perfect people” (or all those trying hard to make it seem life is perfect): 

Performancism. 

He says performancism is the mindset that equates our identity and value directly to our performance and accomplishments. Performancism casts achievement not as something we do or don’t do but something we are or aren’t.

Wow. That is a powerful statement for a whole lot of people. People you may see on Facebook with their perfect life, kids, marriages, vacations, jobs and their faith and volunteerism. Don’t these people make you feel tired just watching them? I bet they are exhausted! This book is for them just as much as it is for the more grounded sinners such as me. 

Tullian humbly invites you in to this book. It is not a preachy do this not that book. I feel lightness in my heart from reading it, knowing I am not alone in my disenchantment with my church and my Christianity. Tullian’s message is that God’s good Grace- His One Way Love covers me.
I will return to this book often I’m sure. I will buy copies for my Christian friends for gifts, it’s that good! I invite you to visit One Way Love  HERE .



The Giveaway:

One lucky reader will win a copy of One Way Love (paperback)! I hope this book blesses you as it has me. No purchase is necessary to enter. Open to US residents 18 or older. 

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in the hopes 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 is accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: "Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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