Booking Through Thursday ~ 2/28/13

What are you reading right now? (And, is it good? Would you recommend it? How did you choose it?)

I'm just getting ready to start:

I'm just starting it so I can't say whether it is good or not but I hope so.  I'll be reviewing it on March 7th, so I'll let you know then if I recommend it:)  I received this book to read as part of a Litfuse Book Tour.

Getting to Know You: Me :)

I'm starting a new "Getting to Know You" feature on my blog.  I thought I would start with me :)

Me and Laken

Name:  Colletta Kay Miller
Home State:  Pennsylvania

State of Residence:  Pennsylvania
Height:  5'2"
Age:  34

Birthday:  March 24th
Hair Color:  Brown

Eye Color:  Blue-Green

Home life (Family, pets, etc.):  I've been married to my husband, Doug, for 13 years.  We have two daughters, Kaylee (11) and Laken (6).  We live in a ranch-style house in our hometown.  We have 2 dogs.  Lilah is a Black Lab and Jasmine is a York-a-Pom.  We also have a bird and 3 rabbits.  My Mom is one of my very best friends and I see her almost everyday.  She and my Dad are very present in our lives.  I have 1 brother, Dan, who is 18 months older than me.  He lived just across town.  We're also very active in our Church.  I strive to be pleasing in God's sight.

Occupation:  I am a stay-at-home-wife/mom.  I do have an etsy shop to try to make some extra spending money but it has been a bit slow this month.
Hobbies that you enjoy:  I enjoy crocheting, sewing, baking, cooking, reading and walking.  I also love to watch my daughter play sports.  Softball season will be starting soon!

Top three favorite TV shows:  Castle, NCIS, Bones
Favorite authors: Dani Pettrey, DiAnn Mills, Susan May Warren, Denise Hunter, etc, etc, etc.

Favorite book:  Other than the Bible, Pride and Prejudice or Little Women

Favorite food:  Pizza
Go-to beverage of choice:  Ovaltine, Sunny D, and Dr. Pepper.

Favorite Outfit:  Comfy pants, with a favorite t-shirt.

Favorite Accessory:   My pearl necklace that my hubby got for me at Epcot-Japan.  I got to pick out the oyster and be surprised at the pearl!  So fun!

What's your blog/website(s)?  Well, you're obviously at my blog.  My etsy site is:  www.collettakay.etsy.com


Why do you blog/write? What do you hope to accomplish with blogging/writing?  Blogging gives me a creative outlet and also helps me to find a community to socialize with.  It can be a bit hard to find community when being a SAHW-M.  It also helps me with my anxiety/depression to have a daily routine and socialize as well as being a journal of sorts.

What's the latest goings-on that you would want others to know about?  I always have a book giveaway going.  You can see my current giveaways on the top sidebar.  Please feel free to enter.  I've also added quite a few new items to my etsy shop.  Scarves, shawls, aprons etc, etc, etc,.

Any words of encouragement or wisdom to impart?  

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  James 1:12

Where can readers connect with you online?

Blog:  Here  lol
Etsy shop:  www.collettakay.etsy.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/colletta.miller
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9254145

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Thanks so much for getting to know me today!

If you would like to be featured in one of my weekly Getting to Know You posts, please email me at collettaskitchensink [at] yahoo [dot] com .  Please use the subject heading: "Getting to Know You".

Linking to "Desire to Inspire" at www.aroyaldaughter.com.

Hodgepodge ~ Marching On! ~ 2/27/13

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

1.  When were you last facing an ocean? Using just ONE word, describe how you felt as you faced that ocean. 

Last summer at Daytona Beach, FL.  Awed.

2. What are three sounds you hate to hear?

A fork/knife scraping against a plate, whining, the phone ringing in the middle of the night.

3. This question comes to you courtesy of some real life friends. Hi real life friends! When you shop for yourself, do you try everything on in the store before buying or do you buy, try on at home, and then return what you don't like or what doesn't fit?

I admit to the buy, try it on and return.  I just hate dressing rooms!

4. February 26th is National Pistachio Day...are you a fan of the little green nut? Do you use them in cooking and baking or prefer to eat them right out of the shell?

I like pistachios when baked in something but not a huge fan of eating them plain.

5. When did you last have to compromise with someone?  Were you happy to reach the compromise or slightly irritated it was necessary? 

Being married means compromising everyday.  Sometimes it irritates me and sometimes, I'm pleased.  There is also a lot of compromising when having kids also.  As long as everyone remembers who the parents are!

6.  Have you ever written a letter to an elected official? Did you get a response?

I might have written one as a school project but I honestly don't remember much about it.  I don't even remember if I got a response.

7. We 'March' into a new month at the end of this week...what's something on your March calendar guaranteed to make you smile?

March is my Birth Month!  Yes, I celebrate the whole month!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Let's get hodgepodgey!

Chats on the Porch ~ 2/27/13

This week's questions are:

Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop ~ Ends 3/7/13

This blog hop is hosted by

 I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and Jinky Is Reading

Even though this year isn't a Leap Year, I always think of the people whose actual birthday will be missed.  Can you imagine only having your real birthday every 4 years?  Especially sad for the little ones.

At the same time, though think how special they are.  Not that many people can say that their birthday falls on February 29th!  My husband's aunt was one of the few.  I find it fascinating!

In honor of Aunt Sally, I will be offering the following book:

"The Parting"
 by Beverly Lewis

Read, Crochet, Repeat ~ 2/27/13

My current read and project are:

Teaser Tuesday ~ Shattered ~ 2/26/13

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title &; author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Here's my teaser for this week is from:

Listicle~ Dumbest Purchases ~ 2/25/13

"My 10 Dumbest Purchases"

1.  All those Pet Shop toys for the girls that got eaten by the dog!

2.  That box of Little Debbie's when I'm supposed to be on a diet!

3.  A $30 bottle of shampoo from the salon.

It's Monday! What Am I Reading? ~ 2/25/13

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The book I am currently reading is:

Spiritual Sunday ~ 2/24/13

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This Week's Memory Verse:

" But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

James 1:5

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 2/24/13

Would you like to linger on the simple things...then join me and many others in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on simplicity...beauty of the everyday moments.  Click the button above to go the hosting blog.

TODAY:

Outside my window...  It is31F.  It got light so early today!

I am thankful...  The sunlight :)

In the kitchen...  we made homemade ice-cream last night.  Yummy!

I am wearing... Jeans, a dark turquoise shirt, a matching scarf and a gray sweater.

I am creating...   A "Sunny Blue Hawaii" shawl.

I am going...  to Church soon, then watch the Daytona 500 later in the afternoon and get my walk in.

I am wondering...  If we're going to make it to Church on time because even though I'm completely ready, everyone else is still puttering around.

I am reading...  "Heart in Hand" by Barbara Cameron.

I am hoping...  to have a lovely time of worship this morning.

I am looking forward to...  Getting back into watching racing.  KLOVE has a car that qualified!

I am learning...  to be confident in the discipline of my children.

I am pondering...  What project to work on next and if we'll get any etsy orders soon.

A favorite quote for today...  "Are you ready?"

One of my favorite things...  Family dinners.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Keeping up with the housework, going to the Chiropractor for a tune-up, getting some book read for upcoming reviews, walking at least 1 mile a day, staying on track with my Bible reading.

Have a great week!

Song on My Heart ~ Gonna Be Alright by Rhett Walker Band ~ 2/23/13

Amy, who hosted TSMSS, hasn't been on her blog for a few months.  We're praying that all is well with her and her family.  Until she comes back, Tania at Simply God's Girl, will be hosting Song on My Heart Weekend.  You can click the above graphic (which I LOVE) to go link up!\

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I got the Rhett Walker Band CD!!!!!  I love it!  They have a blues-y, rock feel.  I can't wait to get my brother to listen to it.  It is right up his alley.

This song especially speaks to my heart :)

May your weekend be filled with the sound of beautiful music!

Saturday at the Shop ~ Discount Code and New Items!!!! ~ 2/23/13

A weekly peek into my etsy shop.

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We've been busy little bees this week creating.  I added quite a few new items to the shop this week.  You can click on the picture to go to the direct listing. All these items are made and ready to ship.

I also took quite some time this week to rearrange the shop so that you can now search by SIZE!!!  I hope this makes it much easier to find what you are looking for :)

Don't miss the discount code at the bottom of the post!!!!!

And now, because I appreciate my readers SO much, I have a special discount code for you.  You can get 10% off your entire purchase by using the following code at checkout:

BLOG10

I hope you'll come take a look around the shop and maybe find something that you would enjoy :)

Crocheting the Miles ~ 2/22/13

Crocheting a one row for every 3 miles (5K) walked to make a "Life-ghan" with Cris.
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Book Beginnings and 56 ~ Heart in Hand ~ 2/22/13

Please join Rose City Reader and me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.

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My Current Read:

"Heart in Hand" by Barbara Cameron

Tea Time ~ 2/22/13

Won't you come meet Alissa , me and the girls for a coffee date,

or in my case, hot chocolate with whipped cream or maybe a chai tea?

Hello, friends!  I hope you're having a good week.  How about some Tea Time chatting about things that made me smile this week :)

Health Management ~ Session 2 Part 2 ~ Teaching Obedience ~ 2/21/13

Insights from my visits with Art, the Christian Counselor. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I had my second meeting with Art last week.  We talked most about relationships.  How to discipline my children and be consistent was the main focus because I have to admit that I have a habit of giving "reprieves" on punishment.

Read, Crochet, Repeat ~ 2/20/13

My current read and project are:

Hodgepodge ~ Mountaintops and Road Trips ~ 2/20/13

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

1. When were you last 'on a mountaintop'?  You may answer in the literal or figurative sense.

I'm going to answer literally because it is so early.  The last time I was on a mountaintop would probably be the last time we went to Somerset, PA.  Somerset, itself, is on a mountaintop and we have to climbe White Horse Mountain to get there.

2.  Do you establish and maintain a strict budget in your household?  What is one piece of financial advice you would offer someone just starting out on their own? 

We try to keep a budget but don't always succeed :(  My advice to someone just starting out:  Just say NO to the CREDIT CARD lure!

3.  Cherries-yay or nay?  Cherry pie, cherry cola, black forest cake, or a scoop ofBen and Jerry's Cherries Garcia...pick one. 

Yay!  Cherry pop is one of my favorites!

4.  Should you ever discuss religion or politics with people you don't know? 

I think you can skim the surface and feel out the situation.  It is probably easier to discuss these topics with someone you don't know than with someone you DO know!

5.  When you take a road trip do you prefer to be the driver or the passenger?  Where were you headed on your last road trip? 

We drove to Florida to my Aunt's in Daytona and then to Disney World!  I enjoy being the passenger so that I can nap but I also like to drive.  Especially that rental van.  Man, was it zippy!

6. If we peeked inside your closet, what color would we say is most prevalent?

Hmmm?  I have a pretty wide variety of colors so the only one that I have more of than other would be gray.

7. Who's your favorite senior citizen and why are they special?

My Dad.  He has always taken care of his family and still does even though he is retired and my brother and I are grown up and out of the house.  He is caring even though he isn't vocal about his feelings.  He is kind.  He is loving.  He is a big teddy bear and I like to pat his belly :)

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

With all these storms coming back-to-back, will Spring ever get here?  Have you noticed how it is staying daylight longer and longer every day?  Love it!

Let's get hodgepodgey!

Book Review and Giveaway ~ Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl ~ 5/5~ Kindle Fire Giveaway

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review as part of a Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour.  To see more about the book, author, and other reviews please click HERE.

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Title:  "Unbreakable"
Series:  Road to Kingdom Book #2

Author:  Nancy Mehl
Publisher:  Bethany House
Publication Date:  2/1/13

Pages:  352

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Chats on the Porch ~ 2/19/13

This week's questions are: