Dinner Etiquette

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It seems as if many of the things that family's felt important in older times, the 1900's, 1920's, 1950's, etc, have been lost along the way. Pajamas are worn to the grocery store and movie theater rather than sweet skirts and blouses, are even just a pair of jeans! Our language has become lazy, we send emails rather than letters, and, what we'll be focusing on today, dinner etiquette.

Dinner's used to be a time to spend with your family, a time to share the funny, crazy, wild, and sometimes bad, things that have happened throughout your day. Laughter, smiles, and sometimes tears were shared while eating Mommas homemade chicken noodle soup. Now, it's easy to skip over traditions and grab something on the go, or let your family eat when they feel like it "Sammy - there's canned chicken noodle soup if you want to heat it up for lunch!" While it's sometimes more sensible and easier to eat something fast, it is nice to have those sit down meals to have some quality family time. Here are some of my favorite dinner etiquette tips!

DO Eat together, while the rest of the day is in a hustle and bustle going from here to there and back again, it's nice to have some time to relax with your entire family. You'll find that some of the best conversations happen at your dinner table.

DON'T Put the fork on the wrong side of the plate - don't worry - I've done this my entire life for some reason and can't seem to get it right, creature of habit I suppose? Try not to though, as it results in plentiful of teasing and plus, you'll have to reset them!

DO Laugh Lots! Nothing like a good laughter to make the meal a fun place!

DON'T Forget the salt when company is over! My family never uses salt, so when our company comes over and we don't put it on the table, we usually can't even find it to put it on the table for them! Keep a small stock of salt and leave it in a place that you'll remember!

DON'T Put your elbows on the table if your a lady!

DON'T Text while eating! One of the most annoying habits it texting, or checking your email, while your with friends or family, breakfast, lunch and dinner included! Save your internet time for afterward when you can really concentrate on what your reading!


“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Kraft Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Guest Review! A Summers Secret

A Summer Secret by Kathleen Fuller is a tween book, but I enjoyed it. This book is great for a light summer read, and I think that any age person who loves Kathleen Fuller or Amish books will enjoy A Summer Secret!

I love the fact that this is an Amish mystery, it really adds a level of intrigue to the story, and I believe that this would be a draw to younger teens. 13 year old Mary Beth is a typical teenager, full of pranks and desires and is a bit rebellious. Mary Beth likes to have some time alone, and an old abandoned barn calls out to her, it's the perfect place to get away from her 3 brothers, the only problem is that her twin brother knows her secret, and when Mary Beth finds a button in the barn she is drawn into a mystery, will her brother keep her secret?

This book was very enjoyable and I highly recommend any of Kathleen's books, I have yet to read one that I have not enjoyed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Book Sneeze.

Review by Lauri of Knits and Reads

"A wounded deer leaps the highest."

Don't you love her socks and flats? Fffound

So, here we are. Yucca Valley California. The town looks like a really oooollld Cowboy town, somewhat run down, but kept nice and clean at the same time. There are a few lovely antique and vintage shops that I've stopped at and barely was able to drag myself away from this stunning 50's dress. Flouncy, cream colored, classy, and with a red bow in the back. Perfection. I would have snatched it up in a second if it was a bit lower priced than $70. Sigh. I won't forget that dress though.

This campground that were staying at, is...interesting to say the least. There are 14 camp sites, and the water is cloudy, not the least bit clear. The wifi that they promised is truly hopeless.


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A wounded deer leaps the highest.
~Emily Dickinson




However, I wanted to quick let you know about this great book I'm reading. "The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson." I've reached part two and have been sucked in from the first couple of pages. Unlike other historical books retold, this one really is interesting and you feel like Miss Emily is the one telling her story. I've found it's a perfect read to learn more about Emily Dickinson in an easy way! I also think this would be a great read to incorporate into a homeschooling program for history and literature.

Have you read this book? What where your thoughts?

When Angels Fly {Unearthly Review}

Book: "Unearthly"
Author: Cynthia Hand
Rating: 4 out of 5


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Sometimes, you come across a book that with every word you read, you are transported into a different world. You’re there with the character, feeling their emotions as if they were your own, smelling the surroundings, letting everything sink in as if you were a part of the ongoing story that extends much farther than the last page of the book. “Unearthly” by Cynthia Hand is part of this very select group. Another book that I’ve put in this group is the ever famous J.K. Rowlings. When you are watching the movie of the book and you feel as if you’ve already seen what was happening before you ever watched the movie, you know that the writer was able to convey their story in a truly magical way.

“Unearthly” could be the story of a typical teenage girl falling in love, getting confused, and falling out and back into love all over again in new ways. However, it’s not. There’s a twist. Clara is a quarter angel, and soon finds herself, her mom, and little brother leaving everything they’ve ever known in California to the mountains of Wyoming. Everything is different, the school, the people in the school, their house, everything. Clara’s purpose is unfolding and she needs to uncover many secrets before the day comes when she’ll need to fulfill it. However, she finds love in unexpected places and soon has to make choices that could change everything. Cynthia has put together a delightful masterpiece that sucks you in and keeps you wondering even after your finish the last word.

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Discolosure: I received this book for free to review. Even so, I gave my completely honest opinion and expressed my own thoughts.

4 Free ARC's and 3 Non ARC's to anyone interested in!

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Hey everyone!


Sorry for not updating for so long, I've been insanely busy, working on my other blog but I am going to be trying to fit more time in for this blog to keep you guys in the know with all the great YA books coming out! Plus...I have an idea that I will be introducing soon that I know you guys will love!

Anyways, as for now, I have 4 ARC'S that I would love to give away to any of my readers to review on their blogs. All you have to do is pay shipping! As of now I have:

"Prom and Party Etiquette"
"Firelight"
"Wildthorn"
"The Ruby in the Smoke"

I also have three books that are NOT ARC's that are looking for a home....

"Snow Queen"
"Perfect Shot"
"Jennifer's Body"

If you are interested in any, please leave a comment and I will email you! Otherwise you can email me at countrystars95@yaho.com!

5 Health Benefit decisions to make in an hour

Right now, our world is experiencing higher and higher rates of obesity. Not just in adults either, it is happening in our children and teens as well! Adults, we all need to set good examples for the younger generations to help them live a longer, healthier lifestyle. By setting good examples, you will not only be helping yourselves, but you will be helping our country! Way for an incentive! We find it hard sometimes though, to find the right health care plan, and to find ways to save money and think smart when finding one. Think about these tips in your search!

1. Is being healthy important to you?
Did you know that 25% adults have skipped their annual physicals? Or how about that about 10% have canceled their gym memberships? And all of the adults were insured? (Stats) Are you one of them? While you might be thinking that your saving money at time, you actually aren't in the long run! A lot of health plans pay for your physicals and even sometimes offer a discount for your gym membership. It's healthier to stay healthy.

2. Generic VS. Prescription
Switching to generic from prescription can save you possibly over $1000 a year, and it is recommended by many doctors. This is an easy option worth looking into if you have a lot of prescriptions, that have very similar generic options. (consult doctor first with this decision)

3. Compare
It's always a great idea to compare your health care plan with others. Take a look around at other plans, one plan isn't for everyone! Even though your current plan might be great for you sister, it might not be the one for you! There are many different benefits that different plans offer, find the one that's right for you!

4. Talk
One thing you don't want to do when your searching for a new health care plan is quickly choose one and be done with it. Go over the different options carefully with your spouse and really think it through - it's for your family, everything has to be as perfect as possible, take the time to make it possible!

5. Use your benefits!
When you have a health care plan, it is important to use your benefits! If your health plan offers free check ups, dental cleaning, eye checks, and more, be sure to use them! Always know what your plan offers and be sure to take use everything to the extent. By doing this, you will be using the benefits that you are paying for, and keeping yourself healthy at the same time!


See, it's not so hard to make simple changes in one hour to help save money with your health care plan. It's always important to check things over and make sure they suit yours and your family's lifestyles. Remember that it's ok to change things if other things in your life change as well! And don't forget, to take advantage of those benefits, it will lead to a healthier YOU!

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“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Aetna blogging program, making me eligible to get a $30 Target gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Every Little Thing in the World

Book: Every Little thing in the World
Author: Nina De Gramont
Rating: 5 out of 5
Cover Rating: 5 out of 5
Disclosure: I rented this book from the library
Purchase

Sydney is one of those girls who everyone has high expectations for. She lives a nice life, and goes to a nice private school. However, she soon starts going to parties because her best friend, Natalia's boyfriend is always going, which results in her meeting Tommy. After sneaking away to Natalia's families cabin with Tommy, Natalia, and Natalia's boyfriend, she comes back and soon realizes that she is pregnant. It doesn't feel real to her yet, she doesn't feel anything changing inside her and she isn't having any cravings, plus, her stomach is still flat, she really can't be pregnant, can she? She tells herself these things, but deep down, she knows that she got herself into some big trouble and is going to have to figure out a way to make it better. On top of all this, her and Natalia got caught "borrowing" Natalia's moms car and going to a party, and are in big trouble with their parents. As punishment, their parent's send them of to a camp in Canada where they will be canoeing for weeks. Sydney looks forward to not having to worry about her current situation, and while on her trip she grows and becomes a better person, and has to make some hard choices along the way.

This book was - amazing. I read it from start to finish in one day, and that is uncommon for me! The characters are believable and very well written in the book. Between Mick, the bad guy, that everyone begins to learn really does have a sweet side, to the counselor who never talks, there is such a variety in personalities, it really makes it all the more interesting. I found myself really hoping for Sydney to make the right decisions throughout the book, though it was hard for her with pressure from Natalia. This book was very well written and I am really looking forward to reading more from Nina!