Cutting Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family

I have to admit, I was skeptical about this book to begin with. With the economy in the tank as it is and has been for quite a while, my husband and I are both making half of what we were a couple years ago. This has forced us to be very frugal with our money. We have a few tricks of our own for cutting our grocery bill down, and I don't feel that we're crazy by any means. The things we have done are just logical and not a big deal!

So I wondered if this book would be from "crazy" people with odd, not practical things to do. But not the case! I love the way that they wrote it. They don't expect you do use each one of their tricks from day 1. They didn't! This is all ideas they have learned over many, many years of shopping to save money for their family. They have so many different ideas that they share in this book. Everything from how to organize food in your freezer for optimum usage, buying at the right times, implementing "buy" prices, once a month shopping and cooking, and even coupon clipping. Like I said, you certainly do not need to implement every one of their ideas right away. But if you take it all in, eventually you'll see a way to incorporate that strategy into your only family.

Even though I thought we were doing a great job saving money, there were so many tools in this book that even helped us! I would definitely recommend this book. Read it over time, implement it over time - but get ready to save money!

A Christmas Prayer

The two-year-old I watch and I just enjoyed this book together. What a sweet story to read at Christmas time.

One thing I loved about this book was the focus - not on the presents, at all! This whole book was thanking God for ALL the gifts He provided at Christmas time - the very first Christmas! I thought it was a great way to introduce this type of prayer to young ones, too. Not a "gimme gimme" prayer... just THANK YOU God for all you have given already!! So cool!

The illustrations were a little odd for me. Cute and whimsical, I just didn't feel they were as engaging as other books I adore! Not a deal-breaker, just my two cents :).

One Hand, Two Hands - Max Lucado

I work with toddlers/preschoolers and LOVED this book! So beautiful, and an easy read (to capture and hold their attention!). It is also such a great lesson for young kids, presented in a way that they can relate to and understand. Their hands were created with a purpose, and every little thing they do can be helpful with their hands! Also a great lesson in something positive to do with your hands (instead of just saying: don't hit, don't punch, etc.). Loved it, and I think your preschooler and you will too!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

The Boy Who Changed The World - Andy Andrews

Oh, I just LOVED this book! It was well-written, and beautifully illustrated. And what a great message - even for young kids.

The main premise of the book is that all of our actions lead to other actions and on and on and you never know what YOU may have done inadvertently to change the world! It teaches kids to pay attention to all the little things they do, and what the trail of where that action will go may be!

I would recommend this book for kids 4 1/2 and up. Younger kids will certainly enjoy the illustrations, but I think around 4 1/2 or 5 they'll start to grasp the concept!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

The Butterfly Effect - Andy Andrews

Andrews starts out the book talking sharing his own story, and how he learned about permanent purpose: the butterfly effect. He goes on to tell the inspirational story of Joseph Lawrence Chamberlain and his stubbornness to not stand down - he continued to push on. And because of his actions, the ripple effects of that still effect our lives today!!

Andrews goes on to tell the stories of Normal Bourlag, Henry Wallace, George Washington Carver, and Moses and Susan. None of their lives would have been the same without the others. The effect goes on and on both directions! People influenced Moses and Susan who could have been named next - there are over 2 million that Norman Bourlag influenced.

Andrews encourages us as readers to look at the butterfly effect in our own lives - who has influenced who we are? And what type of person do we need to be to let the butterfly effect continue through our lives for generations to come?

This is a beautifully illustrated book, and a great read! I'd recommend it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

Let's Do Lunch

Let's Do Lunch - Roger Troy Wilson

I have mixed feelings on this book. I can't tell you if it works or not, but the book was a good read. It was insightful and inspiring, with lots of great examples and ideas.

One piece I thought was missing and I missed it was a spiritual aspect. He did this all on his own (which is amazing!), but I think with a Christian publisher, he could have brought in a spiritual aspect to it!

I don't know that even after reading this book I will try it. To be honest, I've got an incredible craving for the things he tells you not to eat in this book, and it seems daunting and impossible. However, he's got story after story of people this worked for, but at this point for me I don't think this is the plan for me.

I loved that he included a VERY big and comprehensive grocery list - makes it seem like you CAN actually still eat some foods!! Also, he included a TON of recipes, which I think is very helpful for those starting the Let's Do Lunch program - you've got lots of choices!

It was a quick and good read - I read it in one sitting!

Enjoy - and share your story if you try it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

Cast of Characters

Cast of Characters - Max Lucado

I LOVED this book! Lucado has a unique style of connecting biblical characters stories to our own lives. In Cast of Characters, he goes through 22 characters in the Bible - some well-known, and some less stand-out characters! He then talks through their lives and how we - thousands of years later! - struggle the same ways, think the same ways, and connect with God the same ways. What a cool premise for a book!

An easy read - each chapter (each character) is relatively short. You can just read one (but be warned, you wont want to put it down after just one!).

I would recommend this book to anyone - not only is it eye-opening about your own life, but you get sucked in to learning more about characters in the Bible too. He intrigues you by telling you each of their stories, and you're left wanting to read more.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”