Kleenex Softness Worth Sharing #SharetheSoft #CBias

According to Kleenex®, hands are "only as clean as the towel used to wash them."  Isn't that the truth?  When Lynzie and I went shopping for Kleenex® Hand Towels at Walmart today, we were on a mission to find a few items to help prevent germs in our home this flu and cold season.  You can read more about our shopping trip in my Google+ album.

Unfortunately, our store did not carry the bundle packs we were looking for, but we did find this pretty box of hand towels very easily.  While we're not going to be able to afford disposable hand towels on a regular basis for this family of 11, it's good to know we have this easy option during a time of year when illnesses spread easily.

Kleenex® Hand Towels are great for the kitchen, utility room, and bathroom, but I think we'll use ours in the bathroom most often.  We don't have anywhere to keep the box in the kitchen or utility room but it looks great on our bathroom counter!

In addition to our hand towels, Lynzie and I picked up a few more things to help fight the battle of the bacteria in our home.

One of the very best things we can do to fight germs is to use a good hand soap regularly.  We chose one for the kitchen and one for the bathroom.

Old shower curtains harbor a lot of bacteria so we bought a new pretty one for Spring.

It's also important that our cleaning tools are in good shape.  I use a new toilet brush every time I clean the toilet.  At less than $1 each, this is an expense I'm willing to deal with for the sake of keeping things less germy.

Kleenex® has been a trusted brand for me as long as I can remember.  I rely on the good quality, affordable price, and large selection of products Kleenex® provides.  I'm glad to know there's a trusted alternative to bacteria-friendly cloth towels when I'm worried about germs being spread in my home.

Connect with Kleenex®:

Kleenex® at Walmart
Kleenex® on Twitter
Kleenex® on Facebook

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Kleenex® Brand Tissues.  All opinions are honest and are my own.  #CBias #SocialFabric



#SharetheSoft

Cinnamon Almond Biscotti

 On Valentine's Day I received this beautiful book, Afternoon Tea Parties, from my BookCrossing birthday buddy.  I'd had it on my wish list for awhile so I was thrilled to receive it!

Today I made a batch of the Almond Biscotti that's featured in the book.  I've made biscotti a few times in the past and every time it has been really easy and has turned out well.  This recipe was no exception!

Next time, however, I think I'll add some cinnamon.  Although that probably wouldn't go well with my favorite Twinnings Peppermint, it would be a good addition to this delicious recipe.  I'll write out my version for you here in a minute.

Jamie bought me this beautiful cup and saucer for Christmas the year we were in Mount Vernon, Washington.  I just love it and it's a special keepsake from our favorite part of the world (so far)!  This was the year that I told him just to walk into an antique shop and buy me whatever caught his eye.  He did SO good that year---ha!  In addition to this pretty set, he also bought me a gorgeous antique plate with ribbon slats for hanging, a set of Lefton candlesticks from the 1950s and a piece of paper money from 1776.  Very awesome.  My mom gave me the spoon a few years ago for my birthday---isn't it pretty?  I love stuff like this---can't get enough!

Anyway, here are the markings from the set.  I've not had time to look it up yet but anything bearing the letters, E.N.G.L.A.N.D., in that order, has my heart!

Here's the recipe I'm planning on using next time I make almond biscotti.  Hope you have a blessed day!

Cinnamon Almond Biscotti

2/3 c. flour
2/3 c. self-rising flour
1/2 c. cornmeal
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 c. slivered almonds

Heat oven to 325.  Stir flours, cornmeal, sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla.  Make a well in the dry ingredients, pour in egg mixture and almonds, and stir together.  Knead a few times to form a sticky dough (add some water if needed).  Shape the dough into a flat log (about 9x4x1) and place on a greased baking sheet.  Bake for 25-30 min until golden.  Remove from the oven and cool on counter for just a few minutes.  Move to a cutting board and slice the log into pieces about 1/2 inch thick.  Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and desired crispness. (I like mine a bit chewy).  Cool and enjoy!



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MyMemories Suite Giveaway

I have had so much fun this afternoon playing around with my MyMemories Suite scrapbooking software!  

A friend of mine has been trying to get me into doing digital scrapbooking layouts but I haven't really taken the time to learn.  I decided to sit down with the MyMemories software today and see what else I could come up with besides a regular scrapbook layout.

The kids and I are having a Titanic tea party here pretty soon so I decided to make them a cute invitation announcement.

I like that I can save portions of the layout.  This will come in handy for making matching scrapbooking templates.

I was able to customize size, colors, patterns, fonts and embellishments to create this cute card.  The software's extensive Help Menu was useful a time or two and I really appreciated the "undo" button.  Knowing I could undo anything I created really allowed me to be free to experiment with my card until I got it just how I wanted it. 

I was also super excited about the vintage-look embellishments I found when browsing through the selections.

Would you like to win your own MyMemories scrapbooking software?  Enter below via Rafflecopter.  One winner will be drawn February 25th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was given a copy of the MyMemories Suite software to review.  All opinions are honest and are my own.

Linking with:
Sundae Scoop @ I heart nap time
The Creative HomeAcre Hop
What's In the Gunny Sack?
Inspire Me Monday @ Create with Joy
A Round Tuit @ Creating My Way to Success

A Return to Loveliness @ A Delightsome Life
Cottage Style Party @ Lavender Garden Cottage 
Teach Me Tuesday @ Growing Home
Tip Junkie's Tip Me Tuesday
Tutorial Tuesdays with Hope Studios
Courtship Connection
Women Helping Women @ Teaching What Is Good 
Domestically Divine @ Far Above Rubies
(Titus 2)s Days @ Time Warp Wife

Wisdom Wednesdays @Simply Helping Him
Winsome Wednesday @ My Daily Walk in His Grace
Whole-Hearted Home Wednesdays 
Encourage One Another @ Deep Roots at Home
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Homemaking Link Up @ Raising Homemakers
Inspire Me Wednesday @ MamaBuzz
What's Working Wednesday @ NextGen Homeschool 
Watcha Work-Up Wednesday 
What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants 

Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner
Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
Thriving Thursday @ Serving Joyfully
Homeacre Hop 
Tutorials, Tips and Tidbits @ Stone Gable  
Think Tank Thursday @ Saving4Six 
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home 
Open House @ Bernideen's Tea Time Blog 

Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove
Inspiration Friday @ Dear Creatives
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Foodie Friday @ Rattlebridge Farm 
Essential Friday @ Essential Things Devotions 
Friday Free For All @ Young & Crafty
Weekend Wrap Up Party @ TT&J 
Family Fun Friday @ Moms and Munchkins 

Beverly's Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound
Show and Tell Saturday @ Be Different, Act Normal
Or So She Says...
Show and Tell Saturday @ Sassy Little Lady 
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors  

Greeting Life with an Unveiled Face

What is glory?  Do you have a good definition?

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." ~2 Corinthians 3:18

What is this "unveiled face" Paul talks about here?  

In previous verses of 2 Corinthians 3, Paul talks about the glory of God shining on Moses' face (take a minute to read the chapter---it's only 18 verses long.  Here, I'll even give you a link).  After the glory that came over Moses when he met the Lord face to face, he had to wear a veil so the children of Israel could look at him.  

However, this veil also covered the fact that the glory was passing away.

Some people think this represents glory.

2 Corinthians 3:14-15 says this about the children of Israel:  "But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart."

A veil was on the hearts of the children of Israel and it's on the heart of everyone who is blinded to the truth of Christ---the fulfillment of the law that was originally given to Moses.

Is this glory?

Those who are in Christ have been unveiled and are able to be changed from "glory to glory".

We read histories of great men like Moses who did mighty things for God and we feel ashamed or disappointed that we're not great like they were.

We are forgetting about passages like the one above which tells us we are able to do even greater things for God than Moses did.  We can become more and more like the same image of Christ as He grows us from one glory to another.

Even Christ said, "he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also;  and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." ~John 14:12-14

Have you been lied to by the enemy who wants to steal your confidence?

Or how about this one?

Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Whatever the challenge, we can be sure that God will strengthen us to meet it, courageously and confidently, as we allow ourselves to be transformed into the same image of Christ.

What do you think is a proper definition for glory?  Let me know in the comments below.

What Blesses Your Husband? Find Out!

Recently, I began writing for Simply Helping Him as one of Misty's Help Meet Corner contributors.  Today my first post went up, Creating Love In the Home.  Please click on the photo of the happy couple below to read my thoughts on the perfect way to bless your husband!

Notice!  I'm running a giveaway for a free download of MyMemories Suite digital scrapbooking software.  Make sure to check it out---ends Feb. 25th.

Linking with:
Desire to Inspire @ A Royal Daughter
Winsome Wednesday @ My Daily Walk in His Grace
Thriving Thursday @ Serving Joyfully
Show and Tell Saturday @ Be Different, Act Normal
Or So She Says...
Show and Tell Saturday @ Sassy Little Lady 
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Sunday Showcase Party@Under the Table and Dreaming 
Craft Schooling Sunday @ Creative Jewish Mom 
Church Supper @ Everyday Mom's Meals 
Sundae Scoop @ I heart nap time
The Creative Homemaker Hop Blue Monday@Smiling Sally
Modest Monday @ The Modest Mom 
Matrimonial Monday @ A Proverbs 31 Wife 
Mondays with Countrified Hicks  
Inspire Me Monday @ Create with Joy
A Return to Loveliness @ A Delightsome Life
Cottage Style Party @ Lavender Garden Cottage 
Teach Me Tuesday @ Growing Home
Tip Junkie's Tip Me Tuesday
Tutorial Tuesdays with Hope Studios
Courtship Connection
Women Helping Women @ Teaching What Is Good 
Domestically Divine @ Far Above Rubies
(Titus 2)s Days @ Time Warp Wife
Wisdom Wednesdays @Simply Helping Him
Winsome Wednesday @ My Daily Walk in His Grace
Whole-Hearted Home Wednesdays 
Encourage One Another @ Deep Roots at Home
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Homemaking Link Up @ Raising Homemakers

  

Hope In Every Season is on Facebook!  If you like what you've read here, please follow me and keep up with the latest posts.

 

Valentine's Day Party Ideas

Today Mom and I held a Valentine's Day party for the kids.

They spent yesterday making card holders and special cards to deliver to one another.

Mom was in charge of the decorations and I was in charge of treats.

See the sweet Paris chocolates Mom gave me---so cute!

We exchanged cards.

I served robot cupcakes...

and some of my Valentine's Day Candy Corn Fudge.

It was a special day spent with Grandma!

Isn't my mom beautiful?  I've always been so proud to show her off!

I hope you'll join me for Homemaking Linkup Weekend.  I love to feature some of the neat posts that are linked up so please make sure and put my button or a text link on your blog so you'll be eligible to be featured!


<a href="http://www.bloggingwhilewaiting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc418/lostinavalon1/Homemakinglinkup.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>
Here are some of my favorites of the week:

This article from Encourage Your Spouse really spoke to me as I'd never considered that our patience is a gift we can give others.  Great post, Lori! 

I think this egg cozy from Ash Tree Cottage is just the cutest!  I'd never heard of such a thing but, apparently, they've been around at least since Colonial days.

Jana of Double the Deliciousness shared this recipe for Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle at Or So She Says...  Doesn't it look so fresh and scrumptious?

Finally, I want to show off my thrifty find.  I adore the Lefton Miss Priss kitty set that was popular in the 1950s, but the pieces I've found on Etsy are way out of my price range.  I was so thrilled to find this lonely little shaker last week for 19 cents at Salvation Army!  Even though she's got a (repaired) crack on her dress and a chip on her nose, she's super special to me!

I'm running a giveaway for a free download of MyMemories Suite digital scrapbooking software.  Make sure to check it out---ends Feb. 25th.

Now for the linkup.  Please remember to return the favor by adding my button or a text link to your post.  Have a great weekend!




<a href="http://www.bloggingwhilewaiting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc418/lostinavalon1/Homemakinglinkup.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>

Hope In Every Season is on Facebook!  If you like what you've read here, please follow me and keep up with the latest posts.

Writing a Pen Friend Letter

 Tonight I'm going to write a letter to a dear friend.

Jamie bought me some pretty stationery for Christmas and I was so excited to ask my friend if she'd want to be pen friends.

I've been so busy with new baby Brenna and life that I haven't had the chance to ask her yet!  However, a couple days ago I received a letter from her asking me if I wanted to be pen pals!  Crazy, huh?  God must be setting something up here!

So, tonight I'm going to sit down with my pretty new stationery, a couple pieces of Valentine's Day Candy Corn Fudge I made yesterday,

and the pretty tea set Jamie got me for our first Christmas (the beginning of my collection!), and write a pen pal letter to my sweet friend.

I've decorated this table with a pretty bird cloth as she loves birds.  I have lots of birds in my home and they remind me of her friendship.

 I'll record our correspondence in the pretty journal Jamie bought me for Christmas and store all of my writing supplies and special letters in this gorgeous writing desk he surprised me with also.

I'm so excited to renew my love of writing letters~~Thank you to Jamie and my friend for the inspiration!  

Hope In Every Season is on Facebook!  If you like what you've read here, please follow me and keep up with the latest posts.

Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Need a soft and chewy gingerbread recipe? My mom and I came up with this delicious idea for soft gingerbread about 10 years ago while talking on the phone.  I like to make these at Valentine's Day but they're delicious all year round!