Joanna Gaines "We Are The Gardeners"

Joanna Gaines's new children’s book comes out this month - on March 26th! Join me taking a look inside "We Are the Gardeners" and learn what it's all about.

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In "We Are the Gardeners" Joanna and her kids chronicle the adventures of starting their own family garden. From their failed endeavors, obstacles to overcome (like bunnies that eat everything!), and all the knowledge they’ve gained along the way, the Gaines family shares how they learned to grow a happy, successful garden.

“The garden has always been a place that inspires me. There’s something about digging deep into fresh soil or watching new life burst from what was not long ago just a tiny seed that reinforces what a gift life is. 

TLC's "My 600-lb Life" Chad Dean’s Story and a Q&A

Weighing in at 701 pounds, Chad Dean was dying. Or rather, killing himself. This big man was gleefully traipsing down the road paved with chocolate and lined with donuts while steadily committing food suicide. It’s an ugly word chock full of sadness and heartache, yet the scrumptiously delicious things he continuously shoved into his mouth on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis might as well have been a loaded gun.

Then, something clicked. He saw the light—and woke up. Dean got his act together, lost 400 pounds, and is now a proud member of the five percent club. Only five out of 100 people succeeds in keeping the weight off after gastric bypass surgery.

Maybe you've followed his story on TLC's "My 600lb Life". Maybe not. Either way, his memoir is a must read, especially if you or someone you know is struggling with food addiction.
I want to share a little peek inside today, as well as a Q&A with Chad.

(If you use links in this post, I may earn a commission. Full Disclosure) 

The book I’m In Here Somewhere: Memoir of a Food Addict, is the memoir of Chad Dean, the weight loss warrior behind My 600-lb Life’s biggest success story, as told to and written by Celeste Prater.

Wordless Wednesday LinkUp // Currently Reading...

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Link up below:

Wordless Wednesday LinkUp // Warrior of the Light: A Manual

This is one of my favorite books, and it has been a constant companion for years.  Paulo Coelho - Warrior of the Light: A Manual
Link up below: (If you use links in this post, I may earn a commission. Full Disclosure) 

Watching the Detectives // A Book Review

I love me some easy and entertaining page-turners. And if they involve murder and humor: even better! I stumbled across the "Country Club Murders" book series by Julie Mulhern not too long ago, and love each and every single one of them.

So I was happy when NetGalley and Henery Press sent me the kindle version of the latest book in the series:
Watching the Detectives (The Country Club Murders) (Volume 5)

Ellison Russell wanted a decorator, not a corpse. Too bad she finds Mrs. White in the study killed with a revolver. Things go from bad to worse when she finds Mr. White in the dining room killed with a candlestick. With so many bodies, is it any wonder Detective Anarchy Jones’ new partner considers Ellison a suspect? 

With the country club gossips talking a mile a minute, an unexpected cocktail party, a visit from Aunt Sis, and a romantic decision, Ellison hardly has time to think about murder. Unfortunately, the killer has plenty of time to think about her.

“This series has become so enjoyable precisely because Ellison strives against the norms no matter how many times she is told how to behave. It is her sharp wit and humor that allows her to prevail, and attempting to teach the same to her daughter further cements her place as an admirable and extraordinarily likable heroine. As entertaining as it is for readers to romp through 1970s country club society, far more enthralling are the adventures of such a resilient and stalwart woman.” – Kings River Life Magazine

Book Review & Giveaway: When We Last Spoke // Good Ole Southern People

I don't even know where to begin. But what I can tell you is: I really loved this book. Currently living in a small town in southern Arkansas, the vibe of the book really caught me. It's hard to explain - but when you read the book, you might understand.

"When We Last Spoke" is a touching story that truly speaks to the heart of what matters in life. It's easy to identify with the characters. I mean, who can't identify with at least some of the challenges they faced, whether that was life interrupted, coping with the unexpected, being abandoned, holding on to hope, loving, forgiving and healing?

Here's what Amazon.com has to say about the book:

With the heart and humor of Fannie Flagg’s Fried Green Tomatoes and Rebecca Wells’s Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, author Marci Henna introduces you to the Cranbournes—a mostly lovable and undoubtedly nutty family who’ve had more than their fair share of hard times.

A beautiful blend of tears and laughter, When We Last Spoke tells the tale of sisters Juliet and Evangeline, who are dropped off by their Broadway-bound mother at their paternal grandparents’ Texas ranch in 1967. After their cherished father is killed in Vietnam, the girls are orphaned. Still mourning their son’s death, grandparents Walt and Ruby accept their role as guardians, only to be surprised soon after by another permanent houseguest’s arrival—Walt’s kooky mother, Itasca.

Fast-forward to the present, where the warmhearted home in which the girls grew up is now just a faint memory. The estranged sisters are in need of a good dose of Walt’s famous stargazing wisdom: “You’ve got to look real close. Pay attention to what’s around you in this life. You’re liable to miss something important if you don’t.”

Packed with plenty of quirky characters and hilarious escapades, this must-read novel also digs in deep to the things that matter most—family, friends, love, and forgiveness.

About When We Last Spoke (from the back cover)

"Humor, heartbreak, and triumph are served with whipped cream and lots of local nuts in this heartwarming tale of family, friendship, and forgiveness in Fireside, Texas.
Meet Juliet Cranbourne, local radio personality and owner of a whimsical kitchen gadget store, and her sister Evangeline, a fruit tree geneticist who works for Oregon State University. 

When a rift due to their orphaned past affects their sisterhood, Juliet convinces Evangeline to come home for Christmas and choose headstones to honor grandparents Walt (a tenderhearted, good looking rancher) and Ruby (a blue-ribbon fiddler, fabulous cook, and expert in the art of making family feel loved).  As they cruise through Fireside in Ruby's Thunderbird, Juliet hopes that healing memories will somehow smooth rough roads ahead.

Does the tremendous love that marked Walt and Ruby's lives still have the power to renew their sisterhood and help them find their place in the world?"

Page count: 232
Softcover
Retail price: $11.38

About the author

Marci Henna was born in Austin, Texas and lived as a child in Kenya, East Africa with the Wakamba tribe where her parents managed a medical research station. She later moved to the Hill Country ranch which has been in the family since the 1800's and currently lives in Austin.

Win your own copy of "When We Last Spoke" by entering the giveaway below! Good luck!

Review & Giveaway: When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette

I received this book during a time of my life when I was personally really struggling with my faith. And I have to say: it arrived just in time to show me my way back to believing in God and especially finding my faith again.

When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette: Loving People Like God Does by Max Davis is a collection of stories of everyday people, who have done more than just telling others about Jesus but have actually displayed the personification of Jesus to others. "Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus" is exactly how these people have chosen to live their lives. But it starts with a person first allowing themselves to be transformed by Jesus.

When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette weaves heartwarming and miraculous stories of Jesus showing up in ordinary people, revealing that He knows us and is fully present in our everyday circumstances, especially in our difficulties. Those hurting and weary from worn-out religion are longing for a fresh touch from the living Jesus. Best-selling author Max Davis challenges us to do more than simply receive God’s grace—we need to allow grace to soften, change, and shape us. As you read this book you will laugh, cry, and come face-to-face with the living Jesus, much like Davis did, when he found Him living in a green-eyed brunette.

As Davis puts it:
“Jesus is very much alive today and still does incredible things—sometimes supernatural things—through us!”

List price: $15.99
208 pgs.

About the Author

Max Davis is the author of over 20 published books and has been featured in USA Today and Publishers Weekly and has appeared on The Today Show and The 700 Club. He holds degrees in Journalism and Biblical Studies and is a much sought-after speaker for churches and organizations worldwide. He and his wife, Alanna, live on 50 beautiful acres in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana.


If you want to win your own copy of "When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette" - just enter the rafflecopter below! (open to continental U.S only!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.


 

Giveaway & Review: Baby, Baby! by Diane Stortz

In times of parents using smartphones, iPads, and TVs as babysitters, it is even more important to promote a good old book. My mom read to us a lot, and me and my siblings had tons of books and loved to look at them. Hence, I still know "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and many other children's books by heart. I rather be like that, than cutting the high score in a stupid app at the age of 3.

Propeller Consulting sent me a copy of "Baby, Baby!", so I can review it for you. And the best part: You can win your very own copy! Just use the rafflecopter below to enter. Easy as that!

Merry Christmas - Again! // Where's Karl?

I am still alive! There was so much going on, including moving into the new place, so blogging was on the back burner for a little... yea, I know: Again!

While going through all the photographs I took for the blog during the past couple of weeks, I've realized I didn't even share my latest Christmas present with you!

I kind of had another Christmas mid January, when my other sister's package arrived. If you are a follower of this little blog for a couple of years already, you should know I have this thing for Karl Lagerfeld. I love this crazy dude, and his fluffy cat.

Until the minute I opened the gift, I didn't even know this book exists!!! So this was a huge surprise!

The book is a Karl version of the classic "Where's Wally?" books. It's super funny and the illustrations are awesome.

Besides the book, I got some awesome body lotion from rituals, and a picture frame with a whole bunch of photos of my niece and nephew. LOVE!!

Did you get any belated Christmas presents as well?

Wordless Wednesday LinkUp // Guest Book

Get your copy of "Your Precious Eyes" here:
Amazon.com

An InLinkz Link-up

  Check out my amazing sponsor:

Review & Giveaway: Gifts For Bookworms (Like Me) from GoneReading.com

I am a serious bookworm. I got rid of tons of clothes when we were moving from Germany to the USA, but I kept most of my books. Point at one on my bookshelf, and I can tell you where I bought it and during what time of my life I read it! True story!

People are trying to push me into the eReader century, but maybe it is because of my profession: I love books. I love the haptic.
I love the smell of a new book. No fancy eReader can beat that feeling!

M always says if I pass away before he does, he will bury me in a book shaped casket. Morbid sense of humor, I know.

I read a lot! Funny thing: In Germany I was mostly reading English books, and now, living in the USA, I mostly read German books. 4 German, 1 English so far, to be specific.

Since it's a known fact there are a couple of fellow bookworms reading my little blog, I got the opportunity to review an amazing online store for book lovers: GoneReading.com!

About GoneReading

Autism Awareness Day!

Hello lovely readers!

I know, it is time for an update on here! I made it around the globe safe, and even though we are experiencing a few hiccups, we really LOVE living together again. My new hometown, El Dorado AR, is treating me good - I walk around a lot and try to explore as much as possible.

_______________


Since today is "Autism Awareness Day", I want to  take the chance and introduce you to a wonderful woman and El Dorado based author: Wyletta!

Wyletta's cute family...The Johnson Crew!

Wyletta Dilworth-Johnson is very dedicated to spreading Autism Awareness, she is President of her Autism Support Group and is Founder of "Autistic Voyage" a yearly Walk for Autism that is conducted in her local community. Wyletta is passionately inspired by her children as well as overcoming life's struggles.

"I wrote Your Precious Eyes when I was going through a very hard storm in my life.  I had lost my job, was a single mother of a child with Autism and was pregnant with a second child. During this storm my FAITH increased tremendously, I was knocked all the way down and built back up a better person I am truly a living testimony.   

There were times where if I had not been for my boys I would have given up.  When I looked in their eyes it gave me hope it gave me strength, I wrote Your Precious Eyes because I want them and other children to know that their eyes are so  precious and often times we need them just as much as they need us." 

You can order your copy of  Your Precious Eyes on Amazon! Click HERE

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My Latest Crochet Projects

If you follow me on Instagram, you are pretty much up to date on my latest projects.

If you don't follow me on Instagram, please click HERE. Now! 

During the last couple of days before Christmas, I was really busy crocheting hats for my siblings. All 4 of them! And a few other unbiological family members as well. On the picture below you see me wearing my version. And I was using the colorful yarn for all of the hats:

My favorite are the Amigurumis though! Crocheting those little characters is really fun!

I will start accepting orders as soon as I'm settled in Arkansas in March!

So if you see something you like, just e-mail me for quotes: grapefruitprincess@web.de

  Check out my amazing sponsor:

Blessed Sunday! // Christian Book Giveaway

Welcome to another giveaway, this time for my fellow Christian readers!

Today you can win a copy of one of my favourite books:
"The Prodigal God" by Timothy Keller

 

                                                                                                                                                           

 

 

The giveaway is open worldwide, so please share it with all your friends and church members!

 

Just enter via rafflecopter below:

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

          Check out my amazing sponsor:

Hugh Laurie: The Gun Seller // Currently Reading

To be honest: I just bought that book cause I fell in love with Hugh Laurie the minute I started watching "House".

But this book is just HILARIOUS! The (very british) way he writes seriously is the bomb!

"When Thomas Lang, a hired gun with a soft heart, is contracted to assassinate an American industrialist, he opts instead to warn the intended victim - a good deed that doesn't go unpunished. Within hours Lang is butting heads with a Buddha statue, matching wits with evil billionaires, and putting his life (among other things) in the hands of a bevy of femmes fatales, whilst trying to save a beautiful lady ... and prevent an international bloodbath to boot."

Are you currently reading a great book? Please share it in the comments :)

We Are Seven // Book

I remember my mom had this book right next to her bed when I was little. I liked the picture on the cover (it was the german copy with a different cover artwork) but since it didn´t have any pictures in it, 

I didn´t like it enough to read it when I was 6 ;o)

2 weeks ago, my current hometown had this reading festival. 

They built up cozy reading areas at a park downtown, with fatboys and hammocks 

and book-shelves were placed all over the city, 

where people could leave books, take books, swap books. 

It was a really nice idea and I kept checking the shelves for anything I might like.

Then, on the FINAL day, I walked past one of the shelves, and saw a copy of "We Are Seven". 

I remembered my mom - and took it.

So this is how I´ve spent last sunday: Reading the whole book! It is so funny, heartwarming... 

Go ahead and try to get a copy!

An innocuous tale of Bridget Monaghan and her seven bastards is a pleasant amble along the Waterford coast of Ireland and offers an attractive to amusing view of the disturbances the children cause among their respectable neighbors. The oldest, Mary and the baby, Pius, are the only ones whose fathers' names are not known but the twins are a constant irritant to their father, whose wife also bears twins; Pansy bulldozes and blackmails her father; Tommy works for his; while Toughy is the eventual means of straightening out his father's marriage. A string of episodes results in Mary's romance, Pansy's dream of going on the stage, a chance for the twins to continue their education, a new home for Toughy -- and marriage for their mother, to Tommy's father who has diddled all the other fathers into establishing him on a new farm. Jig time for a Celtic romp.

---

Pub. Date: March 6th, 1957

Publisher: Dutton

Review via www.kirkusreviews.com

The Time Of My Life

Today I finished Cecelia Ahern´s "The Time Of My Life". My dad gave it to me for christmas, and I fell in love with the cover already! Yea, if you put something sparkling and shiny and glittery on anything, there might be a good chance I like it ;). Easy!

When I read the summary, I was confused though! It´s about a women, 29, living in her apartment with her cat... Not really enough time for her family and friends and sometimes even trying to avoid them...? Ummmmmm - dad?! Did you give it to me on purpose? :D

Since I was really tired lately, it took me a little bit longer than usual to finish this book. It was REALLY nice and heart-warming, and even though it´s chick-lit, it made me think a lot while reading it.

(And no, Lucy, the main character, isn´t like me at all ;). Great book anyways hehehe)

Go grab a copy!

While reading this last paragraph, I have to admit , tears came out of my eyes...

Now I have to decide which book i should read next. I´ve recently bought Dan Brown´s "The Lost Symbol" and Book #10 from the Sookie Stackhouse novels.

I have to decide quick, since it´s a wonderful afternoon over here in Germany, the sun is shining through the window onto my reading spot on the couch and I´m about to go get a cup of coffee, lay down on this sunny spot and spend the rest of the afternoon reading :)

Life is good!

Have a great saturday! <3

Photographed without a scrap of make-up...

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Miranda Kerr, Candice Swanepoel - and most of the world's most famous models, in fact - were photographed without a scrap of make-up by casting director Douglas Perrett early in their careers, and now he's made a book about it. Wild Things documents all of his favourites: from the Victoria's Secret Angels to the world's most in-demand catwalk models - from Joan Smalls, to Lindsey Wixson, to Abbey Lee Kershaw.

"Wild Things is a hash tag we use on our twitter feed for every model we feature; a revolving door of the new faces looking for their big break in New York City," Perrett told us. "The book is a catalogue of my favourite go-sees from 2000 - 2010. Polaroids are a dated archiving system. Now everything is digital and laser prints, takes a little longer and is not as eye-pleasing."

Miranda Kerr

Arizona Muse

Abbey Lee

Candice Swanepoel

Chanel Iman

Daul Kim

Elettra Wiedemann

Hilary Rhoda

Liu Wen

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley