September 2019 ~ Goals Update

I know I just posted my September Goals last week (a bit late) but I wanted to let you know how I did.

~ Have a Daily Devotion Time

For the most part this has been a success.  I started using a daily devotional journal from Janice Thompson called "From God's Word to a Woman's Heart" and have been enjoying it.  It is just the right length each day to fit my schedule but still feel like I've done a devotional time.  I would like to add in more Scripture reading each day and will be working on that.

~ Lose 8.4 lbs for the 3% Challenge

I don't want to call this a fail because I did lose 6.4 lbs in September.  BUT... I didn't hit my goal of 8.4 lbs.  2 lbs short :(  Onto October's 3% Challenge!

~ Celebrate our 19th Anniversary

We celebrated our 19th Anniversary with a date!  Just the two of us!  We went to Applebee's and had a very nice time together :)

~ Finish Brian and Rachel's Wedding Afghan

I didn't get Brian and Rachel's Wedding Afghan done in time for the actual Wedding on September 7th, so I set my goal to get it finished by the time they got back from their Honeymoon.  Success!  I finished it up while they were still away and had it ready to give them when they got back.  I was so anxious to give it to them that I forgot to get a picture of the finished afghan!  I'll have to have Rachel take a picture for me so that I can document it.

~ Finish Layna Bee's Baby Blanket

I finally finished Layna Bee's Blanket!  She's already 3 months old so I'm just a bit behind.  I used the Beautiful Shells pattern and think it turned out lovely!

 

~ Make an appt for an Eye Exam and get new contacts

Done.  Pretty straightforward :)  In fact, my eyes didn't change very much at all this year and I've stayed with the same prescription in both contacts and glasses.

~ Start growing hair out

I have a pretty short pixie-ish cut but want to grow my hair out to at least the length of this picture.  I met with our new stylist, Corinne, and told her what I wanted to do.  I got the tiniest bit of trim on the back of my hair with a plan to grow it out.  I'm exited to get some length to the sides so I can start wearing it curly again.

~ Get a new Planner

I wanted to get a new planner because (as much as I can't believe it)  I've started making appointments for the year 2020 and wanted to be able to keep track of everything.  I found this planner at Wal-Mart and absolutely love it!  It has a prayer and Bible verse each week that I really enjoy and it was only around $8.00!

Overall, I'm pleased with my progress this month.  I'll be posting my October goals tomorrow, so stay tuned :)


Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 9/29/19

This Week's Memory Verse:

"In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."

John 16:33 NIV

 

 

Lord,

 

Help me to have serenity in the midst of pandemonium.  Help me to listen closely and hear Your hushed voice.

 

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Colletta

Fall Into Reading Challenge 2019 ~ Week 4 ~ Check In

.

 

I'm so excited to be hosting the

Fall Into Reading Challenge 2019!

It will run from September 1st - November 30th. 

The Challenge is super simple and there is still time to join in:

Here's the Sign-up post !

Here's the Landing Page where you can see the participant's!

You can read about my goal HERE!

Each week, on Saturday, I'll have a Check In post where we can link up any reviews written about our Fall Into Reading 2019 books.  You can leave a link to your Check In post or you can also stop by just to say "Hey!" and let us know how you're doing with the Challenge.  We're even going to have prizes and giveaways!

 

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My Check In:

Sadly, I didn't get much reading done this week.  It has been super busy and by the time I'm ready for bed (when I would usually read) I'm just tired and want to go to sleep.  I did make a LITTLE progress on "A Sparkle of Silver" and hope to finish it up this weekend.

 

 

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Giveaway Time!!!!!!

 

WINNER!!!!!  The winner of "Formula of Deception" is Carol from Slater's Funny Farm!  I already have your address and will be sending your prize books very soon!

 

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I can't wait to read everyone's Check In Posts and Reviews!

 

Remember, it isn't too late to join the challenge!  We still have plenty of Fall left :)

 

Happy Reading!

Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 9/27/19

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 



 

First Lines

HEIRESS WANTED

 

Looking for hardworking, professional woman

of good character and pleasant disposition

willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona Territory.

Must be single and prepared to remain

so now and forevermore.

 Page 56

 

  Annie giggled at the thought, which garnered a look of rebuke from the direction of the bed.  Miss Walker's expression was every bit as intimidating as the shotgun by her side.

Colletta 

P.S. I'd love for you to come join in the Fall Into Reading Challenge!

Also linking up to:

 

Books from the Backlog ~ 9/26/19

Books from the Backlog hosted by Carole's Random Life in Books is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

 

This week's neglected book is:

 

 

 Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey

Series: Chesapeake Valor #4
Publication Date:     July 3, 2018
Publisher: Bethany House

 

Blurb:

 

Private Investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving Luke Gallagher after he disappeared. Now he's back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal while on the brink of a biological disaster that will shake America to its core. Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist's next target?

 

 

Why did I add Dead Drift to my bookshelf?:

 

It is written by Dani Pettrey!  Enough said. 

Really though, I've read the first 3 books of this series so I MUST finish the series!  This book hasn't been on my shelf for very long and it won't stay there long either :)
 

 

What are your thoughts? Have you read this book?  Would you recommend it to others?

 

Colletta

P.S. I'd love for you to come join the Fall Into Reading Challenge!

Weekly Weigh In ~ Week 9 ~ WW Freestyle

As I mentioned last week, I didn't make it to the workshop last Saturday due to a scheduling conflict.  That doesn't happen very often as my workshop is 8am-9am on Saturday morning.  I can usually squeeze it in before getting into anything else that day but missing the workshop couldn't be helped.

I was afraid to weigh in because I didn't have that weekly reset in my mind.  I wasn't as strict with my food or my exercise as a result.

However, I ended up losing 3.4 lbs over the last two weeks!  A pleasant surprise, indeed :)

My goal this week is to strive to get my fitpoints and to tighten up on my diet.  (Quit the mindless grazing!)

I'm so close to having lost 20 lbs!  I don't know if it will happen or not this week, but it is another goal I'm giving myself.

This week (9/21/19) also marks my 2 month WW journey.  I'm so excited to be getting the results I want!

Now,

On to the weigh in:

Starting Weight ~ 7/27/19 ~ 290.8 lbs

Last Week's Weight ~ 9/7/19 ~ 276.8 lbs

This Week's Weight ~ 9/21/19 ~ 273.4 lbs

This Week's Total:  -3.4  lbs

 
Grand Total: -17.4 lbs


I'll be weighing in on Saturdays and posting my results on Wednesday.  If you'd like to join in on the journey, I'd love to have some weight loss friends! 

 
Colletta

P.S.  I'd love for you to join the Fall Into Reading Challenge!

September 2019 ~ Goals

I know.  I know.  September is almost over.

But, I saw someone post an "Autumn Goals" and remembered that my new planner has a Goals page for each month.  At the beginning of September, I jotted down a few goals so I thought I'd share them here each month as well.

Without further ado:  My September Goals!

~Have a Daily Devotion Time
~Lose 8.4 lbs for the 3% Challenge
~Celebrate our 19th Anniversary
~Finish Brian and Rachel's Wedding Afghan
~Finish Layna Bee's Baby Blanket
~Make an appt for an Eye Exam and get new contacts
~Start growing hair out
~Get a new Planner


I'll be back next week with some updates and some October Goals.

Colletta

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? ~ 9/23/19

 

 

It's Monday!  What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.  It is a place to share what you've read, what you are reading and what you are about to read.

 

~~~~~

 

 In Life

 

 Life busy again this week.

 

Laken's Volleyball has kept us hopping.  She has 3 games this week, tonight's being the annual Pink Out Game to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness.

 

Kaylee has been very busy with College work.  I don't remember having so much homework when I was in College.  And so much of it is done on the computer and I'm not even talking about online classes.  She's taking 5 classes this semester.  I just hope she can keep up.  She is doing well so far!

 

The hubby and I had our 19th Anniversary on September 17th.  I can't believe it has been 19 years since we said "I do"!  I got married when I was 22, so I've been married almost half of my life.  CRAZY!!!

 

Now:

  

Onto the books!

 

What I Read Last Week:

 

 I had a couple starts and stops with a few books, but I didn't finish any this week :(

 

What I'm Reading Now:

I started reading this book and it has promise.  Hopefully, I'll stick with this one :)

What's Up Next?:

 

Next will probably be "Gunpowder Tea" by Margaret Brownley.  I've read the other books in the series and this, the 3rd book, looks like a lot of fun!

 

 

What are you reading? 

 

Colletta

P.S.  I hope you'll come join in the Fall Into Reading Challenge!

 

Also linking up to the following:

 

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 9/22/19

This Week's Memory Verse:

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him."

Psalm 37:7 NIV

Colletta

Fall Into Reading Challenge 2019 ~ Check In ~ Week 3 ~ Giveaway!!!

.

 

I'm so excited to be hosting the

Fall Into Reading Challenge 2019!

It will run from September 1st - November 30th. 

The Challenge is super simple and there is still time to join in:

Here's the Sign-up post !

Here's the Landing Page where you can see the participant's!

You can read about my goal HERE!

Each week, on Saturday, I'll have a Check In post where we can link up any reviews written about our Fall Into Reading 2019 books.  You can leave a link to your Check In post or you can also stop by just to say "Hey!" and let us know how you're doing with the Challenge.  We're even going to have prizes and giveaways!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

My Check In:

This week I finished "Formula of Deception" by Carrie Stuart Parks and it was AMAZING!  You can read my review HERE.  (Make sure to keep reading this post for a giveaway!)
 

I started reading a few different books this week before settling in to read "A Sparkle of Silver" by Liz Johnson, an author I've enjoyed reading before.  I've just started reading it but am hoping to have a review up next week.

 

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Giveaway Time!!!!!!

 

WINNER!!!!!  The winner of "Shadows of the Past" is Carol from Slater's Funny Farm  who read "The Favorite Daughter" by Patti Callahan Henry this week!  Please send me an email with your mailing address to collettaskitchensink (at) yahoo (dot) com to claim the prize.

 

This week's giveaway will be for "Formula of Deception" by Carrie Stuart Parks, a book that I loved!  This is my gently read copy.

 

To enter the giveaway:

 

+5 ~ be a Participant in the Fall Into Reading Challenge 2019 and leave a comment on this post

+1 ~  If you're not a participant, simply leave a comment telling us what you are reading

 

I'll pick a winner on Friday, September 27th and let you know who the winner is in the Week 4 Check In Post on September 28th!

 

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I can't wait to read everyone's Check In Posts and Reviews!

 

Remember, it isn't too late to join the challenge!  We still have plenty of Fall left :)

 

Happy Reading!

Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 9/20/19

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 



 

First Lines

There were some things Millie Sullivan would rather forget.

 Page 56

 

  That scowl he'd worn before made its way back into place, the tip of his nose twitching.

Colletta 

P.S. I'd love for you to come join in the Fall Into Reading Challenge!

Also linking up to:

 

Books from the Backlog ~ 9/19/19

Books from the Backlog hosted by Carole's Random Life in Books is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

 

This week's neglected book is:

 

 

 

 

Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley

Series: The Brides of Last Chance Ranch Book #3
Publication Date:     October 15, 2013
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

 

Blurb:

 

In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.

When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom – an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.

But she isn’t the only one there with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert is working the scene undercover as well. And although their true identities are a secret, it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the spark that flares between them.

But neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they come to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets – and no one on the ranch is safe.

But neither are their hearts – the longer Miranda and Jeremy spends working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers – and their lives – depend on solving this case. Love will have to wait.

 

 

Why did I add Gunpowder Tea to my bookshelf?:

 

I would have to check but I think I've read the first two books of this series already. When I saw "Gunpowder Tea" at Ollie's for $3.99 I grabbed it!  I really love undercover stories and even better when it is the woman who is undercover!
 

 

What are your thoughts? Have you read this book?  Would you recommend it to others?

 

Colletta

P.S. I'd love for you to come join the Fall Into Reading Challenge!

Weekly Weigh In ~ Week 8 ~ WW Freestyle

I didn't make it to my WW workshop this week because Laken had a Volleyball Tournament an hour in the opposite direction from my workshop.

I'm a little bit afraid to weigh in this coming week because I didn't have that weekly re-set that I get at my workshop.

I've also really been slacking on getting my FitPoints in.  A half-hour walk is only worth 4 points!  I might tweak my goal again but I'll wait until next week to do so if I decide to.

Now,

On to the weigh in:

Starting Weight ~ 7/27/19 ~ 290.8 lbs

Last Week's Weight ~ 9/7/19 ~ 276.8 lbs

This Week's Weight ~ 9/14/19 ~ ????? lbs

This Week's Total:  ?????  lbs

 
Grand Total: -14.0 lbs


I'll be weighing in on Saturdays and posting my results on Wednesday.  If you'd like to join in on the journey, I'd love to have some weight loss friends! 

 
Colletta

P.S.  I'd love for you to join the Fall Into Reading Challenge!

Book Review ~ Formula of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parks

 

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Title:  Formula of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parksw

Series:  N/A

Pages:  320

Date Published:  July 3, 2018

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

 

 Blurb:

 

When her twin sister was murdered, Murphy Anderson changed her name and appearance and moved to Kodiak to avoid the press and publicity. But when local authorities discover she’s an artist and request her help in drawing a dying man’s memories, she unintentionally ends up in the limelight again—and may be back in the killer’s crosshairs.

The memory that Murphy was asked to draw was from an Alaskan hunter who discovered five bodies on remote Ruuwaq Island ten years ago, but has only shared the information with the police now that he’s dying of cancer. When they go to the island to investigate, no skeletons remain but there is evidence that the bodies may have been deliberately destroyed. But the big discovery is of a World War II Quonset hut.

As one by one the people who were at the hut die, Murphy knows there is something much deeper at stake. What happened there during WWII? And who is willing to kill to keep those secrets buried?     

My Thoughts:

 

 Oh MY!!!

 

What a book!

 

I don't know where to start with this review other than to say that this book is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!  I'd even go so far as to say it was the best books I've read in years!

 

Carrie Stuart Parks is a new-to-me author so I didn't know what to expect.  Let's just say I got a whole lotta bang for my $1.99 at Ollies.

 

I just finished this book 10 minutes ago and am still a little bit in shock by the ending!  I thought I had everything all figured and then WHAM!

 

The characters, especially Murphy/Dakota, were very well written and the scenery played before me as if in photographs or a movie reel.

 

I'm going to be thinking about this book for days!

 

I'll definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author.

 

Just amazing!

 

 



Colletta

 

P.S.  I'd love for you to join in the Fall Into Reading Challenge!