Lis Wiehl and Pete Nelson's East Salem Trilogy

So, I have to be honest, sometimes when an individual that is already in the public eye writes a fictional story, I think, he or she probably only got a book deal because they can afford to do so rather than having the intellectual capacity to do so. But, I was pleasantly surprised in every way when I read Lis Wiehl and Pete Nelson's first two novels of the East Salem Trilogy (Darkness Rising and Waking Hours). The third novel is due out in the Fall.

First and foremost, I should point out that these novels involve a Christian religious undertone. 

Now, if you are of a similar faith, you will undoubtedly find these novels not only stimulating, but find that in no way are they like some fictional stories that may twist spiritual faith in a perverse way. The story is true to real life in the sense that the characters face ups and downs, but ultimately hold true to what they believe. If the novels were to be given a movie rating, it would be PG for sure.

The heroes of the novel are essentially facing the end of the world, and are attempting to piece together a puzzle in which they may play a very direct role in stopping it. They must not only fight physical demonic manifestations, but also the demons within the essence of their humanity. Each character is so perfectly illustrated that you could probably think of friends and family in your own circle that are just like them. While the story is fictional, it is not so full of exaggerated bells and whistles that you can't get lost in that dreamy state we so desire when reading a novel. 

I have read books in which I sometimes want to yank out my red pen and mark the whole thing up, but Wiehl and Nelson not only create a stimulating experience, their academic ability to write is superb.

I should add that if you are not of the same type of beliefs as the characters in these novels, I believe that you would enjoy these books as well. In no way do they push religion upon you, it is strictly a part of the characters and plot of the novels. If you do not agree with the characters' beliefs, then you still get a thoughtful and exciting story.

Itzy Ritzy Snack Happened Reusable Snack Bag

+Itzy Ritzy and +Influenster 

So who doesn't love doing their part for the environment?

It is great when people join together and clean up the streets, or plant a tree on arbor day, but I like to find little ways to do whatever I can on a daily basis. 

This past spring, I took a vacation to Florida and stayed on one of their lovely beaches near Daytona. I am an early riser and love to take walks in the morning whenever I am near water. I noticed that although the beach was fairly empty, the few people who also love their morning strolls were carrying small bags and picking up trash. I thought, what a beautiful thing that these people feel it their duty to take care of the environment that they use and delight in every day. At the same time, it was technically public property and had no lawful obligation to do so. And yes, I am sure that they were not county workers being paid to do so :) 

When I saw this, it touched the greenest part of my heart and I started thinking about what lifestyle choices I could make to play my part in my own home or hometown. Some ideas were simple recycling, buying recycled products rather than new, refurbishing old furniture rather than buying new, etc.

Then, my friend introduced me to Itzy Ritzy Snack Happened Reusable Snack Bags.  While they may be a little more costly than a box of plastic baggies, you can wash and reuse them over and over, which makes them way cheaper in the long run. You can use them for lunches, travel bags for small items, dog treats, and tons more! They are also super cute! You can select different designs for different family members. And when we aren't throwing away so many non-reusable baggies, we are helping the environment. Therefore they are cost efficient, functional, green, and too cute. Check them out!!

Also check out the reviews on Influenster.

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+BzzAgent and +Dr. Scholl's  

Thank you so much for introducing me to Dr. Scholl's® For Her. 

Now, I can live without their products. Everything they say is true: the comfort, the way the insoles stay in place, and the abundance of similar products makes the brand unbeatable.

 Ladies, you have to try these. And hey, if you for some reason don't agree with my analysis (and I can't imagine that you won't), they offer a money back guarantee. 

Next time you are planning a night out, pick up a pair!

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