Reviews

Love and War by John and Stasi Eldredge

2010-02-12T03:39:14Z

Author: John and Stasi Eldredge

I got the chance to read a great book called Love and War. I want to share more with you about the book and my take on it. First more information on the book!

About the Book:

What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.

With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic. They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement: Marriage is fabulously hard. They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we’ll find our way through.

LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.

My Review:

I am not a self-help book fanatic, but sometimes find a few that can be very valuable. I found this book to be sort of a self-help book put not in such a pushy way. I loved reading it right now with baby #3 on the way, two toddlers, Chris in school, bills and so much more on are plate, a little marriage message can be a great thing. I found the book really valuable and think any couple would benefit not matter how long you have been married. The book shows how strong a marriage can become through god. My favorite part of this book is it gives both the male and female perspectives. I think it would also be a great gift for any couple.

Disclosure: I received my copy as part of a tour with Waterbrook Multnomah, my opinions are my own!

James Patterson 7th Heaven Review!

2010-01-08T02:41:30Z

Title: 7th Heaven

By: James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

The Book Description: The Women's Murder Club faces not one-but two-terrifying cases that may tear it apart. The teenage son of California's ex-governor has mysteriously vanished-and the pressure on Detective Lindsay Boxer to find him is overwhelming. When she finally does get a lead, it's devastating. At the same time, Lindsay and her partner, Rich Conklin, must investigate mysterious fires that are destroying some of San Francisco's most beautiful homes-and leaving their owners dead in the debris. But when Lindsay enlists her friends in the Women's Murder Club to help uncover the arsonist, the blazes suddenly rage much too close to home.

About the Author: James Patterson is one of the world's most popular and successful authors. He lives in Florida and New York.

Maxine Paetro: Maxine Paetro is a novelist and a journalist. She lives with her husband in New York.

This is Chris and I's Fifth giveaway post for Hachette. I look forward to more in the future. Our review copy of 7th Heaven arrived a few days ago. I recently finished Close Encounters of The Third-Grade Kind look for my review in a few days. I am fixing to start 7th Heaven. So be on the look out for my review.

I have Three copies of 7th Heaven for me to giveaway to my lucky A Family Full Of Opinions Readers.

My Review: First, let me say that I have not read a lot of James Patterson books. I found the story interesting and worth the read. It made me onto read more of his work. It is a good showcase of why he is such a popular author. It was not my favorite book, but that could just be me. Chris read the book too and said it is good and most Patterson fans will enjoy. However if you are looking to just start with Patterson books he would start with a different one!

Please note that a review copy was give to me.

Ian Rankin Exit Music Review!

2010-01-08T02:36:37Z

Title: Exit Music

By: Ian Rankin

The Book Description: It's late in the fall in Edinburgh and late in the career of Detective Inspector John Rebus. As he is simply trying to tie up some loose ends before his retirement, a new case lands on his desk: a dissident Russian poet has been murdered in what looks like a mugging gone wrong.

Rebus discovers that an elite delegation of Russian businessmen is in town, looking to expand its interests. And as Rebus's investigation gains ground, someone brutally assaults a local gangster with whom he has a long history.

Has Rebus overstepped his bounds for the last time? Only a few days shy of the end to his long, controversial career, will Rebus even make it that far?

About the Author: Ian Rankin is a #1 international bestselling author. Winner of an Edgar Award and the recipient of a Gold Dagger for fiction and the Chandler-Fulbright Award, he lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, with his wife and their two sons.

Chris's Review: I recommend this book, it was a great read. I enjoyed every part of it. I finished it pretty quick because I was so into the story. The characters are deep and the interesting along with the story.

Disclosure: we received the book for review!

How To Be Famous Review!

2010-01-08T02:30:40Z

Title: How to Be Famous

By: Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt

The Book Description: From braving the wilds of Los Angeles to the Costa Rican jungle, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt have learned a thing or two about reality...television, that is. But while dominating the airwaves and tabloid covers every week may look like all fun and mind games, Speidi is here to tell you: becoming wildly famous requires hard work and a no-fail blueprint for success. Now, for the first time ever, Heidi and Spencer invite you behind the scenes as they reveal the ten-step plan that took them from nobodies to notorious!

You will:

Learn how to say I hate you without opening your mouth--Heidi's exclusive tutorial
Increase your capacity for evil with Spencer's "Villain-o-meter"
Discover why getting and talking about plastic surgery is a must
Unlock the secrets of celebrity couple math (e.g. Speidi > Heidi + Spencer)
Mesmerize the media with outrageous behavior
Bow down to the power of the paparazzi
...and much, much more!

With Heidi and Spencer as your personal coaches, you, too, can transform yourself into a red-carpet-ready superstar!

About the Authors: HEIDI MONTAG and SPENCER PRATT are famous.

Chris's Review: It was amusing I guess, it does not take long to read. They have an interesting take on life that is for sure!

My quick Review: I thought it was different, sorta funny I guess. I agree with Chris they have a very interesting take on life for sure! I guess if your a big fan of the Hills it would be worth it! Very quick read!

Knockout Entrepreneur By George Forman

2010-01-01T18:48:56Z

Title: Knockout Entrepreneur

Author: George Foreman

I recently was able to read Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman. I must say I was very impressed by this book. I have read other books by Foreman, this is my new favorite. The book is very inspiring and motivating. George Foreman gives very valuable lessons and ideas to help motivate you and teach you basically to keep getting up and trying again. Their are quite a few analogies that are related to boxing and I do not know much about boxing my self, but I still found them very easy to translate to everyday life. I think this would for sure be a great read for the New Year! It would get you in a positive can do attitude and in a great mind frame for tackling and succeeding. The book helps a person to realize that their are new opportunities around every corner. George has for sure succeeded any many ways, from boxing, to grills, to being a successful author. You just have to be ready and willing to take on any challenge and never give up. With that kind of advise all through this book, I would most definitely say this book is a winner for any one wanting a little positive motivation!

Some more information about the book: Readers remember George Foreman as the former Heavyweight Boxing Champion and the spokesman for the popular George Foreman Grill. What they may not know is that he is also a successful entrepreneur whose portfolio today boasts the George Foreman Grill, George Foreman's Knockout Cleaner, a line of clothing with Casual Male, fitness videos, Elgin watches, and much more. In Knockout Entrepreneur, Foreman shares his success secrets with aspiring and current entrepreneurs.

Buy It:

Tupperware Review "Stuffables" "Quick Chef" "Quick Shake Container"

2009-12-29T05:36:05Z

I love my tupperware. I use it for so many reasons. I have tupperware in my fridge, cabinets, in my desk drawer, and more. In fact Chris also loves tupperware. Along with all the other geocachers, but I will get to that later. In fact Chris will be doing his own review and quite possible video of why he loves tupperware so much! I recently got to try out some really cook products from tupperware.

I got to try out the "Stuffables Storage Containers", "Quick Chef", and a "Quick Shake Container". I am going to start with the Quick Shake Container. I have found this to be quite useful. I have been using it for my slim fast shakes it workes perfect for that. It is so much cheaper to do it yourself and this container makes is simple enough. Here is more information from the tupperware website: No matter what you're mixing, you're just a shake away with this instant two-cup blender! The removable blending insert ensures quick, thorough mixing of virtually any ingredients: diet drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, marinades, salad dressings, scrambled eggs, pudding, and more! Perfectly shaped for the palm of your hand, this miraculous mixing machine features standard and metric measurements and Chili Seal with pouring spout. 4 1/8"Dia. x 8"H. 2-cup capacity (500 mL).

Next I want to introduce you to the "Stuffables Storage Containers" I love love love these. I had never heard about them before. So many times I have went to put the leftovers away and filled the bowl, but then the lid would not fit. It would usually be just a little, but just enough for me to have to get a bigger container. With the stuffables you can overstuff a bowl and the lid expands to make the fit. I found it great for putting away leftover fried chicken. I also loved that the containers are translucent so you can see what is in them without removing the lid. They had a very tight seal and kept the leftovers fresh in the fridge. I am really happy to have the stuffables in my cabinet.

Here is a little more information about Stuffables Storage Containers from the tupperware website:Stuffables® Containers received the prestigious "Good Buy" award from Good Housekeeping-given each year to a select group of products heralded for their innovative problem-solving designs-the remarkable FlatOut!™ Containers are another Good Buy Award winner. Also Stuffables are microwave safe just make sure to remove the seals.

And last but not least the "Quick Chef". The Quick Chef was my favorite thing to try out. It is so useful. I have used it so far to make a variety of things it is so efficient and easy to use. I was quite impressed with how easy it was to chop up stuff. I was really proud of how easy it was to chop and mix my salsa. I used my own homemade recipie. It comes with some salsa recipies of its own.

More about the Quick Chef from the tupperware website: Quick-and-easy alternative to electric food processors A single turn of the handle rotates blade or paddle whisk four times, saving time and effort. Stainless steel blade effortlessly chops fruits and vegetables. Paddle whisk quickly whips or mixes cream, salad dressings and dips. Funnel attachment incorporates oil into mayonnaise, pesto sauce or salad dressing. Non-skid base prevents sliding. Includes recipes for Simply Salsa or Mango Salsa - Enhanced Quality Guarantee

Buy It: You can purchase the Stuffables Storage Containers by Clicking Here! You can purchase the Quick Shake Container by Clicking Here! To purchase the Quick Chef just Click Here!

Also be on the lookout for Chris's Review, and another review from me in the next week or so. Feel free to leave comments below, have you tried the Stuffables Storage Containers yet? Is it something you would like to try?

Disclosure: I received both a set of "Stuffables Storage Containers", "Quick Chef" and "Quick Shake Container" for my review. I also received a few other products that I will be reviewing at a later date. No other compensation was provided. My Opinions are my own!

Whish Review!

2009-12-26T18:09:15Z

I just got done trying Whish! Whish is an awesome new shaving cream for women. Whish does not dry out your skin or cause razor burn. Before we get to my review let me introduce you more to the Whish brand and company. Taken from their website in their words:

"Jesse Werner has always had very sensitive skin, making ingrown hairs; razor burns and cuts a part of his daily shaving routine. After trying countless products and razors, including prescription creams, Jesse finally found the solution to his rough shave problem – a European cream that he used with a shave brush. One day, Jesse’s wife, finding herself stuck without shaving cream, asked to borrow his. Undaunted by the leathery chair smell, she swirled it on and set to shaving – using both the cream and the brush for the first time –and experienced, in her opinion, the best shave of her life. Her only comment was “Wish I had something that worked so well, without leaving me smelling like an old English guy.”

Always the attentive husband, Jesse remembered hearing his wife say that she wished there was a shaving cream and brush like his for women. And, so, Jesse set out to make his wife’s wish come true. First, he enlisted the help of his brother, Sam, a skilled engineer with experience in product development. Then, the two teamed with a top chemist laboratory, a brilliant product chemist, and a prestige manufacturer of women’s body care and cosmetic products. Countless test shaves later, his wife’s wish became Whish.

But that was just the beginning of the story. Just as Jesse and Sam were diving into this delicious-smelling new world of products, there came another little request. Since they had done such a marvelous job with the shaving, Jesse’s wife asked if perhaps, maybe, they might tackle a whole line of bath products. Something that would leave her entire body as soft as her legs.

Hmmm. Undaunted Jesse and Sam started researching and found that (much to their horror) most bathing products use sulfates as their cleansing bubbling ingredient. Okay if you’re a car or a load of laundry, but extremely harsh on people. So they looked into organic and natural ingredients like organic shea and raspberry butter, aloe and marigold, organic seaweed and rice bran oil and discovered that not only were they extremely effective, they smelled delicious, were gentle and naturally moisturizing. And so by golly, they took all of these amazing ingredients and created a luscious line of scrubs and washes and butters to complete the tip to toe bathing experience they have started. Just another whish, happily granted."

I was so so excited to get to try Whish. I have super sensitive skin and I get terrible razor burn quite often. I was lucky enough to get to try Whish essential set in pomegranate for $20. All three smelled amazing. I used the shave cream the next time I shaved my legs and it left my legs so smooth and soft it was amazing. I seemed to get a much better shave and no razor burn at all. I was so pleased with it. I will admit it is a bit more expensive than my usual product however my usual product leaves me with razor burn. I also did not have to use a lot of Whish when I saved. So I think it will last a while. I also loved the body butter it left my skin so soft and did not leave behind a residue (which I can not stand). Same thing with the body wash it left my skin super soft and did not leave behind any unwanted residue.

Here is a little more information about the set taken from the Whish website: We’ve created the perfect 3-pack of pomegranate body wash, shave cream, and body butter to perfect any woman’s skin. The reusable clear plastic case is just right for a purse or carryon when travelling and the products are in flight approved sizes.

All Whish products are paraben free, suflate free, DEA & TEA free, and petrochemical free and are all natural with organic ingredients.

Pomegranate Whish Essentials Set includes:
• 1.2 oz. Pomegranate Body Wash
• 1.2 oz. Pomegranate Shave Cream
• 1.2 oz. Pomegranate Body Butter

Pomegranate Whish Essentials Set is made in the USA with Earth friendly packaging and ingredients. Tested on us, not animals™.

Buy It: You can pick up the Whish essential set in pomegranate for $20 Online at Whishbody.com you can also purchase Whish at select stores and other participating Online Retailers. You can see the complete list at Whishbody.com

Check it out and let me know what you think below!

Disclosure: I received a sample of Whish to review. No other compensation was provided. My opinions are my own.

Stainless Cups Company

2009-12-23T21:55:42Z

Overall I like the products from the Stainless Cup company because they are durable, easy to clean, and recyclable. As a conservationist I try to buy things which will last a long time and recyclable because I hate having to buy something more than once if I can help it and when I do have to replace something I want to be able to resource it in to something useful like recycled paper or plastic.

I've been recycling for 14+ years so it is part of who I am.

The only way any of this review will make any sense is if I talk about each thing sent one at a time. First let me say what was sent. In the box there were four small and medium tumbler cups, and bent straws. There was a small and medium sized water bottle with an extra lid to make them into a baby bottle or sippy cup.

The first thing I will talk about is the cups. Like I said before there were small and medium sized tumbler cups which were sized for just about any general drinking use. I really like the cups because they are super tough, fit well in the hand, and a quick rinse with some hot water is all that is needed to clean them. The durability and ease of cleaning are my biggest selling points because i know I can't break it and with a splash of hot water it is clean. I don't really like using glasses because they break easily and are usually a pain to clean with large hands. I had an old roommate that got six stitches from trying to wash a glass. Jack and Carly are murder on cups so these stainless cups are a godsend. They won't work well for really hot stuff but that is ok, I have two ginormous coffee cups for that kind of stuff. Already me and Tina have used both sizes of cups to drink water, Kool Aid, and soda pop with nothing but praise.

The next thing in the box was the straws, where were these things all my life? There was a time in college where I had to eat out a lot because I was a full time science major and had to work 40+ hours a week so I really didn't have time to cook. Eating out for me usually involved being asked if I would like to super size that for a dollar more and all those infernal plastic straws that were always cracked somewhere in the middle. I HATE THOSE THINGS! Now that I have children I haven't met a single straw that Jack and Carly can't render useless in under 30 seconds until now. They bend them 14 ways to Sunday making them useless and it is usually my and Tina's straws they go for first. I won't be having this problem anymore with the stainless straws because these straws are almost indestructible. Like the cups and everything else running some hot water over them will get them clean. For those that are super paranoid about using disposable silverware at restaurants this is perfect. Given my strong disdain for plastic straws there will be one in my coat and one in my backpack when I go out from now on.

Finally the water bottles. i have been using polycarbonate bottles for about 10 years now for most of my drinking needs an they have served me well. Of late I have been moving towards using metal bottles because they are easier to clean for me. I was given some aluminum bottles about 9 months ago but really didn't like them because they are so fragile and usually cheaply made. The ones I was given had big dents and one developed a crack in the side within about two weeks of receiving them and I babied the heck out of them. Tina had one that the threads on the cap stripped out very quickly. Don't get me wrong, aluminum bottles usually have neat flashy graphics on them that look really nice but flashy graphics don't hold the water when it counts. I have yet to strip a thread or badly dent a stainless bottle and I am pretty rough with water bottles. They are far better designed and constructed than any other bottle I have used. With the BPA scare a few years ago the stainless bottle is the only way to go. Stainless Cup has made the best bottle in my opinion because it simple and utilitarian. The only graphic is a laser etch company logo on the side so there is nothing to scratch or flake off. I really like the sippy and baby bottle attachments sent but will probably never use them. Jack and Carly have their own sippy cups which they really like and we have no intention of adding another Reynolds to the clan.

What this all boils down to is Stainless Cups makes a mighty fine line of products, they are easy to clean, last a long time, and are amazingly utilitarian. I like them a lot and will start sneaking most of out plastic and glass cups into the recycling under Tina's nose. If I could get away with taking one of the cups with me every time we go out to eat I would and will argue when I am told that I can't use my stainless straw. Here at a Family Full of Opinions we like Stainless Cups products and will probably be using them for a long time.

Close Encounters of The Third-Grade Kind Review

2009-12-18T03:38:38Z

Title: Close Encounters of The Third-Grade Kind

By: Phillip Done

The Book Description: A twenty-year veteran of the classroom, elementary school teacher Phillip Done takes readers through a lively and hilarious year in the classroom. Starting with the relative calm before the storm of buying school supplies and posting class lists, he shares the distinct personalities of grades K-4, what he learned from two professional trick or treating 8-year-old boys, the art of learning cursive and letter-writing, how kindergartners try to trap leprechauns, and what every child should experience before he or she grows up. These charming, sweet, and funny tales of Mr. Done's trials and triumphs as an award-winning schoolteacher will touch readers' hearts and remind them of the true joys of childhood. We all have that one special, favorite grade school teacher whom we fondly remember throughout our adult lives - and every teacher also has students whom they will never forget. This is the perfect book for teachers, parents, and anyone else who is looking for a lighthearted, nostalgic read.

About the Author: Phillip Done won the Schwab Foundation Distinguished Teacher Award. Nominated for the Disney Teacher of the Year Award, he has taught elementary school for twenty years. He lives in Mountain View, California.

My opinion: This is a really good book. I really enjoyed reading it. It has a feel good mood too it. I would think it would be a great gift for any teacher. I would suggest it if you like fun, lighthearted, feel good reads.

James Patterson Run For Your Life Review!

2009-12-17T05:55:22Z

Run for Your Life

by: James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge


The Book Description:
A calculating killer who calls himself The Teacher is taking on New York City, killing the powerful and the arrogant. His message is clear: remember your manners or suffer the consequences! For some, it seems that the rich are finally getting what they deserve. For New York's elite, it is a call to terror. Only one man can tackle such a high-profile case: Detective Mike Bennett. The pressure is enough for anyone, but Mike also has to care for his 10 children-all of whom have come down with virulent flu at once! Discovering a secret pattern in The Teacher's lessons, Detective Bennett realizes he has just hours to save New York from the greatest disaster in its history. From the #1 bestselling author comes RUN FOR YOUR LIFE, the continuation of his newest, electrifying series.


About the Author: James Patterson published his first thriller in 1976 and since then has become one of the best-known and bestselling writers of all time, with more than 140 million copies of his books sold worldwide. He is the author of the two most popular detective series of the past decade, featuring Alex Cross and the Women's Murder Club, and he has written numerous other #1 bestsellers. He has won an Edgar Award--the mystery world's highest honor--and his novels Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider were made into feature films starring Morgan Freeman. His charity, the James Patterson Page turner Awards, has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to individuals and groups that promote the excitement of books and reading. He lives in Florida.

Michael Ledwidge is the author of The Narrowback, Bad Connection, and most recently,the coauthor, with James Patterson, of The Quickie and Step on a Crack.

My opinion: The book was well worth the read. A very good thrilling story, that keep me intrigued all the way through. I would for sure recommend giving it a read.

Chris's opinion: Not James Patterson's best in my opinion. I have read many of his books. This is just not one of my favorites. In my opinion if I was going after a Patterson title I would pick one besides Run For Your Life.