Saturday, February 27, 2016

Avery Easy Align Self-Laminating ID Labels


These are not the ordinary labels that I have used for years and years.  I had to take a second look when I first saw them.  They are self-laminating.  How cool is that!!!  This packet has a total of 250 labels and there are 10 labels on each page. These Avery labels are definitely worth checking out.  


Whenever something is able to help me get more organized I am all for using it.  These labels did just that. I decided to start my organization with some plastic drawers that I had previously labeled with a black Sharpie.  Wow!  They look so much nicer now.   



I have so many other things that I am going to use these laminated labels for.  Here are just a few that I’ll be working on over spring break in just a few short weeks:

*plastic mini drawers 
*label my personal property at work
*plastic tubs 
*food containers

Here are a couple of reasons why I am going to love using this product:

1.  They are water resistant!  I of course had to check that claim out.  I attached a label to a jar and then placed under water for a short period of time. My label was still perfectly attached...with my smearing of print.  I don’t think I will be putting them in the dishwasher though because it doesn’t claim to be water proof!!!!

2.  They are also quite durable.  These laminated labels are tear resistant.  I goofed up on the spelling of one of my labels, so I decided to test out their claim of being tear resistant.  It passed my test…I wasn’t able to rip it apart not matter how hard I tried!!

Did you also know that Avery has a 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy on their labels?  I didn’t… but they will replace them if you are not completely satisfied.  You can’t beat that!!!

Shoplet is one of my absolute favorite places to shop online.  They are able to meet the majority of my needs for office suppliescleaning supplies, medical supplies, and office furniture.  They also have a wide range of Avery products!



Please note that I did receive these Avery Self-Laminating Labels for free in exchange for my honest opinion.  The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.  I received no other compensation.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson


My 1st graders loved this story!  They got so excited when I showed them the cover.   They all wanted to climb up on a huge pile of carrots too!  

Everywhere Bunny goes he can’t seem to help himself he picks up carrots.  As you can see from the cover, he is quite the little hoarder!  These carrots become a problem when Bunny realizes his home is just not big enough for him and all his carrots.   AndOf course.. no bunny wants to be homeless.  Luckily for Bunny he is blessed with some wonderful friends that are more than willing to help him out.  He soon realizes that relocating and living with his friends is not working out so well either. 


This is a great book to discuss friendship, sharing or being selfish, just to name a few.  It is definitely a keeper for my classroom.  



Disclosure:  I recieved an e-copy this book from Capstone Young Readers through the NetGalley reviewer program at no charge.  In exchange, I agreed to review this book and to nd to give them my honest opinion.  

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey



As I continue to expand my repertoire of different styles of authors I came across a book written by Dani Pettrey.  When I read the cover of one of her books, I knew I needed to give her an opportunity to be added to my list of "want to read" authors.  Cold Shot is the book I chose to read.

SYNOPSIS:
Griffin McCray is an ex-sniper who now works as a park ranger at Gettysburg.  After he discovers a body in a shallow grave near Little Round Top, Finley Scott is brought to the site.   She quickly concludes that the remains are relatively recent.  Declan Gray, an FBI agent is brought in to take over the case.   Parker, a crime scene analyst is also brought in to to help solve the case.  The reader quickly learns that these three men were best friends at one time.  However, events that happened in the past have left Declan and Griffin’s friendship quite strained.  As they investigate the murder, they quickly realize that all of their lives are in danger.  Relationships develop... Issues from the past surface...  Mysterious disappearance are investigated... 

MY THOUGHTS:
Cold Shot is apparently the first book in Dani Pettrey’s Chesapeake Valor series.   After reading this book, I can definitely see several different directions that the author could go with these different characters.  

I did enjoy the romance between the characters that developed throughout this story.  The characters’ faith in God was woven into the story and the author was able to portray that with the characters personalities and the needs of each of the characters.   The characters definitely needed to work through issues by trusting God and forgiving others.  However... it wasn't what I would call a "religious book!"  

The book was suspenseful and it didn't turn out quite like I had anticipated...or as I would have hoped...but I still enjoyed the read.

As I began this book I must admit that Ifelt like maybe there was a book before this one.  Since I am a fast reader, I initially thought I probably just missed something... However, after several hours of reading I found myself continuing to flip back in the book to clarify who the characters were.   

Although I will most likely read the next book in the series, I did find a few things a bit annoying.  There are brief paragraphs of unknown characters sharing their thoughts and conversations and I found them a bit distracting. I also like to visualize books when I read them... and for this book I never really had a picture in my head. 


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers/NetGalley.  In exchange, I have given an honest review of what I thought about this book.  


Monday, February 1, 2016

The Atonement by Beverly Lewis

Book Description: 

Jah, Lucy thought.  Tobe would have known what to say.

"But what would he say to
 me if he knew the truth?" she murmured into her hands, leaning on the desk.

Alas, that was something she could not afford to find out.

The mistakes of the past haunt Lucy Flaud, now twenty-five and beyond Amish courting age. Instead, Lucy focuses on volunteering in both the Plain and fancy communities of Lancaster County. Yet no matter how hard she strives, she never feels she's doing enough. Then her father strikes up an unexpected friendship with an
 Englischer in search of a simpler way of life. Lucy forms a connection of her own with the thoughtful young man even as she rejects courtship with her longtime Amish friend. Is it too late to embrace redemption . . . and the power of love?



My Thoughts:

Lucy is a young lady that is having a difficult time dealing with her past.  Her emotional struggle within has been a part of her for quite some time.  She deals with the struggle within by always trying to stay busy with her volunteer work.  Lucy is no different than so many of us who try to make up for the things we did in the past by trying to do make up for by the things we do now. 

 This book is a simple book but left me with so many thoughts that left me wondering about so many things.  It spoke to my heart in so many ways!  Throughout the story, my heart yearned for Lucy to find the redemption that she needed.  If you are looking for a heart-warming story about love and forgiveness, then this is a book worth considering.  😊o very different walks of life - can somehow find a new beginning?

Disclosure:  Disclosure statement:  I received this complimentary book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are my own.