Bluewater Holiday Appys

A large portion of Christmas is about spending time together with friends and family.

And eating good food!

I am a big fan of eating appetizers, especially potluck style where everyone brings their own favorites.  You can get so much variety and it's also a good time to try out new recipes to see what everyone enjoys.

If you are looking for some new ideas, Bluewater has some great recipes on their website.  I have previously reviewed their products, and my family continues to buy their products since we all enjoy it.






Maybe you could try out the Popcorn Shrimp in Puff Pastry.

It looks delicious, and anything with cream cheese is always a hit.










Or you could try the Shrimp Quesadilla.

Mmm!














Or if you want something on the healthier side, this Grill Salmon and Cucumber Salad looks super yummy.

Christmas at Harringtons

Christmas at Harringtons

by:  Melody Carlson

Sometimes the best gift is a second chance

Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent. When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?

Reading Christmas at Harrington's, a story full of redemption and true holiday spirit, will be your newest Christmas tradition.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for aRomantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon. Visit Melody's website at www.melodycarlson.com.

My Review:  I thought this was a cute heartwarming Christmas story.  Some of the story was predictable, as would be expected from a Christmas story, however there were a few unexpected plot-lines as well.   The main character was very likable, and despite some challenges in her personal life she manages to stay upbeat and positive.  I really appreciated the new tradition created as she became "Mrs Claus".  It was a fun twist on a regular custom.  Overall I enjoyed reading this book.

***Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group*** 

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

by:  Nancy Guthrie

How many Christmas mornings have you found your family gathered around the tree with presents beautifully wrapped and a scrumptious feast on the table, but with hearts that have not been prepared to truly take in the wonder of God become human? Not this year.


Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room, a family Advent devotional from Bible teacher and mom Nancy Guthrie, is designed to bring your family together during a season that is oftentimes too much about programs and presents, and simply not enough about Jesus. Along with devotions for every day in December, this resource includes explanations of some hard-to-understand aspects of popular Christmas carols, and discussion questions to draw in your elementary through high school-aged kids, transforming this time together from a dry lecture into a treasured family experience.


My Review:  I love the idea of doing a family devotional together every day, especially in preparing for the Christmas season.  Each devotional is brief, yet includes some great points to discuss in order to understand it more clearly.  Our kids have been engaged in the discussion,although I did find that they are too young for all aspects in this book, as it is geared for families with elementary through high-school aged kids.  We are looking forward to continuing on in this book throughout the month of December.

***I received a copy of this book from the Tyndale Media Centre in exchange for my opinions.  I was not required to post a positive review***