"When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart."
-Unknown
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
One Cup Connection
I love tea. And coffee. And really any warm and cozy drink…hot chocolate, hot caramel apple cider…
But especially tea and coffee. I like them a lot—or should I say, a latte. (I know, I know; so un-original, but I couldn’t resist!)
So when I was contacted by Sara with One Cup Connection, my interest was perked—or should I say, perc-ed, you know, like percolated? (Okay, done with the coffee jokes).
Sara works on behalf of One Cup Connection in reaching out to bloggers and having them help spread the word about this company. After checking out their website and communicating with the delightful Sara, I’m happy to share a link to the One Cup Connection website and toot their horn for them.
The main products of One Cup Connection are the Keurig brewers and the corresponding K-cups. Now if you haven’t tried these cute little guys, you’re missing out on a fun experience. Keurig brewers are designed to brew the perfect individual cup of coffee (as well as some of the other warm and cozy beverages I named!). You simply choose your K-cup from a variety of yummy flavors and brands, pour some water into the brewer, then pop in the K-cup to begin.
My own experience with Keurig products was at a campground this summer on a weekend trip with the girlfriends. We stayed up late—and got up early—and filled the days in between with all sorts of activities. So when I tumbled out of the tent each morning, coffee seemed a good idea. Lo and behold, the campground store boasted a Keurig brewer and those cute little K-cups. It was love at first sip.
I do have one disclaimer here. I have not actually ordered anything at this point from One Cup Connection, as we do not own a Keurig brewer. Therefore, I cannot fully endorse their company or its service. However, I can say that I was genuinely impressed by Sara’s fun and friendly personality as well as her professionalism. If she represents the company, I have a feeling their service is similar. This review is simply intended to share a link for careful perusal by those interested in coffee, tea, and/or Keurig products.
If you’re curious, intrigued, or already using K-cups and looking for a great deal…perhaps you might take a jaunt over to One Cup Connection. Their special runs through October: Buy 4 boxes of K-cups, Get 1 free and free shipping!
But especially tea and coffee. I like them a lot—or should I say, a latte. (I know, I know; so un-original, but I couldn’t resist!)
So when I was contacted by Sara with One Cup Connection, my interest was perked—or should I say, perc-ed, you know, like percolated? (Okay, done with the coffee jokes).
Sara works on behalf of One Cup Connection in reaching out to bloggers and having them help spread the word about this company. After checking out their website and communicating with the delightful Sara, I’m happy to share a link to the One Cup Connection website and toot their horn for them.
The main products of One Cup Connection are the Keurig brewers and the corresponding K-cups. Now if you haven’t tried these cute little guys, you’re missing out on a fun experience. Keurig brewers are designed to brew the perfect individual cup of coffee (as well as some of the other warm and cozy beverages I named!). You simply choose your K-cup from a variety of yummy flavors and brands, pour some water into the brewer, then pop in the K-cup to begin.
My own experience with Keurig products was at a campground this summer on a weekend trip with the girlfriends. We stayed up late—and got up early—and filled the days in between with all sorts of activities. So when I tumbled out of the tent each morning, coffee seemed a good idea. Lo and behold, the campground store boasted a Keurig brewer and those cute little K-cups. It was love at first sip.
I do have one disclaimer here. I have not actually ordered anything at this point from One Cup Connection, as we do not own a Keurig brewer. Therefore, I cannot fully endorse their company or its service. However, I can say that I was genuinely impressed by Sara’s fun and friendly personality as well as her professionalism. If she represents the company, I have a feeling their service is similar. This review is simply intended to share a link for careful perusal by those interested in coffee, tea, and/or Keurig products.
If you’re curious, intrigued, or already using K-cups and looking for a great deal…perhaps you might take a jaunt over to One Cup Connection. Their special runs through October: Buy 4 boxes of K-cups, Get 1 free and free shipping!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
(The Last of the) Snapshots of Summer: Week 14
Taking on the Windy City with my dear friend R.-- what a delightful adventure! (although it's too bad we didn't have time for deep-dish pizza!)Goodbye, beautiful Summertime! Fall officially arrives tomorrow!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Wisdom for Wednesdays
"He loves us and enjoys us, and so He wills that we love Him and enjoy Him, and firmly trust Him; and all shall be well."
-Blessed Julian of Norwich
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Grace
Finally. A feeling of peace. Contentment. Trust. Tiny but growing.
Is this grace?
This feeling that washes over me and calms me. That strengthens me, sustains me. In the midst of heartache and trial, unbearable emotions, raging battles. When I am tired on so many levels.
Struggling with what has been…anxious about what will be.
Then it comes.
After tears and prayers and worry and questioning...
The stillness after the storm. God-given. Indescribable. Unexplainable. Nothing outside changes…
But everything inside changes.
Can you feel it?
This is grace.
Is this grace?
This feeling that washes over me and calms me. That strengthens me, sustains me. In the midst of heartache and trial, unbearable emotions, raging battles. When I am tired on so many levels.
Struggling with what has been…anxious about what will be.
Then it comes.
After tears and prayers and worry and questioning...
The stillness after the storm. God-given. Indescribable. Unexplainable. Nothing outside changes…
But everything inside changes.
Can you feel it?
This is grace.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Snapshots of Summer: Week 13
Taking advantage of an afternoon off work...backroads country bike rideWednesday, September 14, 2011
Wisdom for Wednesdays
Blessed Be the Ordinary!
Resist the inclination to be down on yourself because you think you don't measure up to some other worldly or unrealistic ideal. If ordinary family life was good enough for the Son of God to spend most of his earthly life in, it's good enough for you.
— from Catholic Update Guide to Marriage
Resist the inclination to be down on yourself because you think you don't measure up to some other worldly or unrealistic ideal. If ordinary family life was good enough for the Son of God to spend most of his earthly life in, it's good enough for you.
— from Catholic Update Guide to Marriage
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Ten Years
With the ten-year anniversary of the 9/11 tragedies just a few days ago (Has it really been ten years??), I find myself:
Praying…for the victims and their families; for our beautiful America; and for protection from the evils that threaten, both spiritual and physical.
Remembering…that all loss is tragic, even the smallest, un-televised ones around us; how fragile and uncertain this life can be yet what a gift.
Watching…the beautiful commentaries and memorials on TV, sobered during the moments of silence at the times the towers were hit.
Proud and Thankful…for this incredible country, and all who serve faithfully in military, police, and fire departments. I was so impacted by the Vice President’s comment that never before have we asked this much of our military…yet they have rose to the task time and time again, deployment after deployment…keeping others from being be drafted.
And Sharing...a facebook status from my aunt on the day that sums things up quite well: "The events that have unfolded in the last ten years..And the events that may unfold in the next ten...One nation under GOD..Fight for Him here..PRAY.. God Bless America!!!"
Praying…for the victims and their families; for our beautiful America; and for protection from the evils that threaten, both spiritual and physical.
Remembering…that all loss is tragic, even the smallest, un-televised ones around us; how fragile and uncertain this life can be yet what a gift.
Watching…the beautiful commentaries and memorials on TV, sobered during the moments of silence at the times the towers were hit.
Proud and Thankful…for this incredible country, and all who serve faithfully in military, police, and fire departments. I was so impacted by the Vice President’s comment that never before have we asked this much of our military…yet they have rose to the task time and time again, deployment after deployment…keeping others from being be drafted.
And Sharing...a facebook status from my aunt on the day that sums things up quite well: "The events that have unfolded in the last ten years..And the events that may unfold in the next ten...One nation under GOD..Fight for Him here..PRAY.. God Bless America!!!"
Friday, September 9, 2011
Snapshots of Summer: Week 12
Homemade salsa simmering on the stove-- made with garden veggies from my bestie's mom and using the unbeatable special recipe from another girlfriend's mom...I love my friends' mommas!!Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Wisdom for Wednesdays
"Be humble, be simple, and bring joy to others."
-Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat
-Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
The Little Red Book of Wisdom: A Book Review
The Overall: The Little Red Book of Wisdom, written by businessman Mark DeMoss, discusses a host of wise thoughts to remember and to practice on life’s journey. Handbook-sized (so cute!) and just under 200 pages, the book is divided into wisdom for the professional world and wisdom for one’s personal life. I was immediately interested when I saw this book because I love personal growth that gleans from the wisdom of others. (I learn plenty from trial and error…so it’s nice sometimes to learn from others before I make the mistake!) Mr. DeMoss is sincere and purposeful in his pursuit of Solomon’s virtue and encourages the reader to be the same. The pearls of advice vary from practical items such as hand-writing letters and using technology wisely to perspectives such as remembering God owns it all or that life is brief.
The Nitty Gritty: Many, many wise thoughts in each chapter—and such a variety! The author was great with sharing his own experiences, but at times I felt he came across as aloof instead of relatable.
Favorite Quotes: Instead of quotes this time, I’ll share my favorite chapter topics:
Technology Isn’t Everything/Learning to Use it Wisely
Buy Some Stamps/Reclaiming the Lost Art of Letter Writing
The Wisdom of Firsts/The First Hour, the First Day, the First Dime
A Turtle on a Fence Post/Appreciating How You Got Where You Are
What Sticks Out: I’m dragging my feet with this, but since a book review is about my honest opinion of the book, I’m going to admit I wasn’t a huge fan of the book. The Little Red Book and I just weren’t an inseparable pair. It’s hard to put my finger on it. It had great thoughts, an enthusiastic author, and was well-organized, but the voice of the book didn’t speak to my heart. It was direct, instructional, and practical—I have no doubt that many people could learn and grow from putting into practice the chapters of the book. It simply wasn’t my personal favorite style.
[I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers via Booksneeze at no charge. These are my honest and original comments about the book.]
The Nitty Gritty: Many, many wise thoughts in each chapter—and such a variety! The author was great with sharing his own experiences, but at times I felt he came across as aloof instead of relatable.
Favorite Quotes: Instead of quotes this time, I’ll share my favorite chapter topics:
Technology Isn’t Everything/Learning to Use it Wisely
Buy Some Stamps/Reclaiming the Lost Art of Letter Writing
The Wisdom of Firsts/The First Hour, the First Day, the First Dime
A Turtle on a Fence Post/Appreciating How You Got Where You Are
What Sticks Out: I’m dragging my feet with this, but since a book review is about my honest opinion of the book, I’m going to admit I wasn’t a huge fan of the book. The Little Red Book and I just weren’t an inseparable pair. It’s hard to put my finger on it. It had great thoughts, an enthusiastic author, and was well-organized, but the voice of the book didn’t speak to my heart. It was direct, instructional, and practical—I have no doubt that many people could learn and grow from putting into practice the chapters of the book. It simply wasn’t my personal favorite style.
[I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers via Booksneeze at no charge. These are my honest and original comments about the book.]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)