Like A River From Its Course Book Review & Kindle Giveaway

Reading, it's one of my great joys. I have always loved historical fiction, and most of what I read is set back in the 1800s. When I was offered to review Like a River from Its Course, I was glad to have the opportunity. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. I knew that it would cover a hard topic. What I wasn't aware of was how hard I was going to experience this.

Now, I say "hard" because the author has captured the essence of the war time. This book isn't something you just gloss over or read lightly. You make an investment when you start reading this novel.

We're introduced to 4 main characters in 1941. The book actually starts on my oldest son's birthday. We then follow Maria, Ivan, Frederick, and Luda over the next several years. I was surprised at how much the characters became real to me. You know, reading this book, that this is how many people lived their lives, either in fear or with twisted determination. What also surprised me is paralleling this book with things that are happening in our world today. It even scares me more than a little.

Kelli writes each character with a realness that you might expect in a documentary. Maria, a young girl whose family's world is turned upside down. Ivan, her father, and the horrors he sees and lives through. Frederick, the Nazi who has searched for his father's acceptance, all of his life. Luda, the one who tugs at my heart the most, the girl who's been broken from the start.

Here's a synopsis of the characters:

Maria Ivanovna is only fourteen when the bombing begins and not much older when she is forced into work at a German labor camp. She must fight to survive and to make her way back to her beloved Ukraine.

Ivan Kyrilovich is falsely mistaken for a Jew and lined up with 34,000 other men, women, and children who are to be shot at the edge of Babi Yar, the "killing ditch." He survives, but not without devastating consequences.

Luda is sixteen when German soldiers rape her. Now pregnant with the child of the enemy, she is abandoned by her father, alone, and in pain. She must learn to trust family and friends again and find her own strength in order to discover the redemption that awaits.

Frederick Hermann is sure in his knowledge that the Führer's plans for domination
are right and just. He is driven to succeed by a desire to please a demanding father and by his own blind faith in the ideals of Nazism.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28YOXRu

I know this might sound like a heavy review, and I admit, it is, but this is such an excellent book, the hope that honestly lies throughout the entire story, makes the weight of it worth the read. You will be gripped by their lives just as I was. Now, read on to find out more about the novel, and how you have the chance to win a great prize package!

Travel back in time in Kelli Stuart's new novel, Like a River from Its Course, as the city of Kiev is bombed in Hitler's blitzkrieg across the Soviet Union. This sweeping historical saga takes the reader on a captivating journey into the little-known history of Ukraine's tragedies through the eyes of four compelling characters who experience the same story from different perspectives. Based on true stories gathered from fifteen years of research and interviews with Ukrainian World War II survivors, Like a River From Its Course is a story of love, war, heartache, forgiveness, and redemption.

Celebrate the release of Like a River from Its Course with Kelli by entering to win a Kindle Fire Prize Pack.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Like a River from Its Course
• A Kindle Fire
• A Kindle Fire case (winner's choice)
• A $30 Amazon gift card

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 18th. The winner will be announced July 19th on Kelli's blog.

Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

We haven't had a lot of opportunity to get down to D.C. because our weekends are always so full! When Liquified Creative reached out to me offering tickets to go to the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle, I jumped on it! They didn't ask me to post about our day, but we had so much fun, I wanted to share. I really did all of this for my husband who could live off of barbecued food.

Friday was the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle Media Day, but since both of my bosses were gone, I wasn't able to get over there. Saturday we dropped the boys off at church for Water Wars, and headed down to D.C. We found easy parking at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center. You could easily take the Metro in. We only  paid $13 for the whole day. Not bad!

When we first got there, it was a little confusing. We walked in, and no one was doing anything. Turned out we entered down by where the competitors spend the weekend making their creations. They're not allowed to do sampling, and simply wait to be judged. Those are some serious competitors.

As soon as we passed all of the competitors, we came to the food sampling. Oh my word, Fred was in barbecue heaven. His first sampling, and probably his favorite, was Smoke Shack BBQ! They had a wall of awards and more trophies than I could count. They were playing music, and the guys grilling were dancing away.

From there we just sampled our way through street after street. We both loved the Iowa pig farmers. Their pork was juicy and flavorful! One of the highlights for me was Bright Farms. They have locally grown produce, and their tomatoes were delicious! I think that's what I liked about this experience was seeing all of the food that's local, and are being sold in Giant stores in our area.  This was at the Giant Local Flavors Tent. I'd never heard of Yuengling's Ice Cream. Oh my, my, my their Black & Tan was spectacular! We also tried Trimino Protein Water. Now, I'm not a fan of flavored water, but the strawberry lemonade wasn't bad. Man, I love sampling things instead of spending money on something I might not like.

We meandered up and down, playing games to win: water bottles, a sample size of peanuts, t-shirts, and more. All along the way we were trying food and drinks. I think one of my favorite lines to get in was the Nature's Promise bus. Each person was stamped as they went in, and we were able to pick one full size product! I had no idea there was so much. I grabbed dish washing liquid, and Fred nabbed bbq sauce. Lowe's was pretty cool. You could play a game, Fred won a shirt, and kids could do a wood project! How great is that?

I loved the grab and go snack spots. Snyder's had sample pretzels, people were walking around handing out granola bars, Tums chews, and even Rolaids. lol I guess those last two things could be helpful after a day eating all things barbecue!

Giant had a health and wellness tent! As you walked through their line, they asked a health related question, and gave you the opportunity to talk to people in the health industry. There was also a dental bus where I think people could get exams. I'm going next week so I didn't have to worry about that. I think both are great ideas for people who might not have dental coverage.

We really had an amazing time! We experienced just about everything we could in the four + hours we were there. Our feet were dog tired by the time we left, and our bellies were very full. I'm looking forward to the fun and festivities next year. I'd image for their 25th year, they'll have some special things on the menu!

What's your favorite barbecued food to eat?

Orange Lime Sugar Scrub

I don't do a lot to pamper myself, but something I've made sure to do for myself is not have cracked, dried, or peeling feet. I don't know why, but it's something that gives me the heebie jeebies! Is that even how you spell that?

I recently purchased my starter kit for YoungLiving. No, I'm not going to be a distributor, and no, you're not going to see me offering all kinds of stuff on my site. That being said, I might share some creations I make with it from time to time.

Now that summer is here officially, and we'll be walking around in flip flops & sandals for the next few months, I wanted to make a sugar scrub at home! I happened to already have a jar to put it in, so All I needed to do was make it. I was baffled at how easy it was! Thankfully I already have all of the products in my house so it was something that took just minutes to make!

Occasionally I get into my own head about how hard something might be. Then I do it, and I wonder what I was so worried about. Making a sugar scrub was one of those things. I can only imagine how much money I'll be saving by making a homemade version of it!

Here's the ingredients I used in case you want to try it yourself. All you have to do is mix it in a bowl, and voila, you're good to go:

I used orange oil for a couple of reasons. First I like the fresh scent that orange brings. It's good for smooth skin, too! Lime is a good antioxidant. This scrub recipe is perfect for after a day at the beach or just taking care of your feet!

Now, a couple of things to keep in mind...if you use this in your shower or tub, remember this has coconut oil which makes your feet and the shower/tub slippery. I don't want you getting hurt with slippery feet so be careful after you use it.

Also, be sure each time you use this, be sure to stir it up. The coconut oil will separate from the sugar. It just takes a second, but it's an important step to remember. I would say to only keep this a week and a half or two at the most? This is made from food ingredients so it has the potential to go bad. Mine didn't last a week in this little jar, but it depends on how much you use it.

If you're interested at all in essential oils, Kelley would be happy to answer any questions! You can find her on Facebook to start with. If you're interested in ordering, through the end of the month Young Living has 10% off the kit and she's giving $20 cash back so that makes it only $124! You can learn more from her recent post about essential oils!

What scents do you love in sugar scrubs?

Kids Camping Packing List

I'm so excited for the beginning of July. Since my oldest daughter had her first camping trip to Camp Shamineau back when she was in 3rd grade, each of my kids has gone to camp there every summer. This year will be no different! We're heading back to Minnesota in a week.

July has had tradition for my kids, especially my boys for the past 16 yrs. They start off up at Aitkin with their extended family. They spend a week there. After that, my youngest son heads to camp. Just like he did last year.

That being said, we're getting ready to head back on a road trip starting on Friday. My 17 yr old will be doing his first road trip with me as a driver. Pray for me. Pray for us. HA! He threatened to bring duct tape for my mouth and hands. Oh dear, it could be a long drive.

So, if you have a child heading to camp this summer, what should you consider bringing? Often times their website will give you a list, which is super helpful!

Now, this definitely isn't an exhaustive list by any means. Some other suggestions for your kids to take:

Bible

Book

Nose Plugs (for swimming)

Stamps/Envelope

Journal

Also, another piece to not forget is to label everything your child takes with them. I write their names on all of the tags on every piece of clothing with a permanent marker. You could totally get creative and make your own iron ons or get labels with their name already printed on them. I also write their names on pretty much everything else above.

I send my kids to camp every year with a journal. I try to use the same journal so they can go back year after year. There's something on every page for each day. I have 3-4 questions I ask them so can have those memories years down the road. I ask them questions like, "What did you have for food today?" "What was your favorite game?""Did you go swimming?" "What are your counselors names?" "What's the name of your cabin?" "Did you have a campfire?" "Have you learned any new songs?"

Have your kids ever been to camp before?

FlyOver America - Mall Of America Giveaway

Looking for something fun and amazing to do with the family this summer? Whether you're going to the Mall of America for vacation or if you've visiting for the day, be sure to check out FlyOver America. When they contacted me to offer my readers a giveaway, I couldn't resist!

If you go to the MoA, you definitely have to swing by the Nickelodeon Universe, which is where FlyOver America is located. They're new as of this spring! So, ok, you might be wondering, "what in the world is FlyOver America?" I'm so glad you wondered that! You can find out more on their site, but here's a little teaser:

FlyOver America uses the latest in flight ride technology to give you a truly bird's eye view of America’s most awe-inspiring sights. You will sit in a suspended chair, your feet dangling, in front of a gigantic spherical screen. Special effects including wind, mist and scents, combined with the chair’s motion, will make you feel like you’re truly soaring.

When I visited their site, they have a trailer you can watch to give you a taste of what the ride is like! I have to admit, FlyOver America is probably the only way I'll see much of our country. We don't travel much, and this gives the rider the chance to see our beautiful America in a unique way!

If you visit them at the Mall, they're open 7 days a week, Mon- Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10:30am-7:30pm. The ride itself lasts about 10 minutes, but there's also a 10 minute line wait (approx), and 10 minutes for pre-boarding.

Now, you have the opportunity to win 2 tickets from me, but...BUT you also have the chance to win a fabulous prize package from FlyOver America! First, here's what they're giving away on their Facebook giveaway for a staycation:

• A FlyOver America Fan Pack (2 tickets, t-shirts, hats, Howie bears, souvenir photo package and magnets)
• A night at the Radisson Blu Mall of America in a superior guest room
• A dinner for two at the Hard Rock Cafe and fan pack
• 4 passes to Waterpark of America

Entering for the contest is easy - all you need to do is post a photo via this link highlighting how you celebrate Fourth of July.

So, while you get prepared to enter THAT giveaway, be sure to enter MY giveaway for two tickets to try out this adventure! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Traces Of Guilt By Dee Henderson

Traces of Guilt (Evie Blackwell Cold Case Series #1)

by Dee Henderson

ISBN: 0764218867

Publisher: Bethany House

I honestly can't begin to tell you how much I love Dee Henderson as an author. When Family Christian offered this book for review, I couldn't type fast enough to do get on the list! I started reading Dee's books years ago, and became enthralled with her writing! For me, Dee is an author who puts me on the edge of my seat, and occasionally skimming the book I'm reading just to know certain things. Don't harass me! lol I can't handle the suspense sometimes! 

I adore her characters, and she writes them with such strength. Even the victims have so much depth and realness to them. For Traces of Guilt, the read is introduced to a large cast. Not every author has the ability to develop a large group of people in one novel, yet Dee does it seamlessly! I'm glad it's a series, because I'm already invested in Evie!

Here's the synopsis of the book:

Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police Detective...mostly. She's very skilled at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks. She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job. 

Gabriel Thane is a lifetime resident of Carin County and now its sheriff, a job he loves. Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he's sworn to protect. He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have. 

When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it's to help launch a new task force dedicated to reexamining unsolved crimes across the state. Spearheading this trial run, Evie will work with the sheriff's department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases. As she reexamines old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths a surprising connection...possibly to a third cold case. Evie's determined to solve the cases before she leaves Carin County, and Sheriff Thane, along with his family, will be key to those answers.

Dee's books are the kind where I go to bed thinking about the characters and what they might face in the next chapters I read. I go through my day, and imagine what the ending might be like. Each of the Thane men brings a great quality to the story. They each have their own investment in their intertwining story lines, yet care deeply about how what they are doing affects everyone else.

I really appreciate the strong women characters in this book of Evie and Ann. Even the Thane boys' mom is well loved for her kindness and wisdom. Evie makes quite the entrance into her storyline! Ann is an amazing strength to everyone in this book, and I love that quality in people. She knows what everyone needs. I'd have to say the same about Gabriel Thane. He definitely makes a great sheriff, and I think it's great how the torch was passed on to him by his father.

They tackle a really tough subject in this story, and I appreciate that Dee Henderson doesn't shy away from what evil goes on in our world, but shows there's a God who overcomes, and that there are also people in the world who will help pick up the pieces.

Once again, Dee Henderson has written a novel that will have a forever home on my bookshelf! You can read an excerpt and get sucked in just like I did!

Kohl's Cares Summer Collection

Summer is here in just a couple of days, and if you're like me, you have got a lot of birthdays coming up, maybe even a lot of baby showers. I've already been to a one year celebration of a baby who'd been born prematurely a year ago. Kohl's Cares asked me to share about their program this summer, and sent me a couple of their books, and their adorable stuffed animals!

These are available through June 25th. That's SEVEN days folks!

I'm excited to be taking this collection I was sent to Peru, and donating them to the children's care home, giving them to the children who are living outside one of the hospitals, or taking them to the outreach center. I'm so excited to share with the kids there!

The pieces are priced at just $5 each, with 100 percent of the net profit supporting children’s health initiatives nationwide.

• Penguin on Vacation book, Penguin's Big Adventure book and penguin soft toy
• Board Book Set and clownfish soft toy
• Found book and bear soft toy
• Stormy Night book and dinosaur soft toy 

To date, Kohl's has raised nearly $300 million through the Kohl’s Cares merchandise program. To reinforce the company’s commitment to children’s health, Kohl’s has donated financial support to hospitals across the country. The donations fund hospital outreach programs focused on children’s health initiatives and address the specific issues needed most in each hospital’s community. These tailored programs provide vital resources to families at no cost and include topics such as injury prevention, asthma awareness, dental care, and fitness. A complete list of hospital partners is available online.

What programs do you like to be part of that give back to communities?

NKJV Teen Study Bible Giveaway

My youngest son just turned 13, and I wanted him to have a Bible that wouldn't be a hand-me-down, was durable, and one that would engage him. When Zondervan offered this teen study bible for review, I could NOT pass it up!

This Teen Study Bible is the New King James Version. Teens are bombarded by the world, and to have a Bible they can turn to, to help them dive into the Word, and to find answers is so vital! Personally I really like the NKJV, and I appreciate that we can read the same version of the Bible together.

So, what are the highlights in this Bible?

Firs there's the "To The Point" helps teens understand that the Bible speaks to issues they might be having. It gives the scripture references that relate to the issue, and explain it.

The "Instant Access" section deals with life instances that happen on a regular basis. We're all going through something, and to know that the Bible discusses it, can be extremely comforting. There's also circles that have scripture that really stand out in that book or chapter of the Bible.

Does your teen like trivia? If so, the Q&A sections will really appeal to them. They can test their knowledge of the Bible!

At the beginning of every book of the Bible is an introduction to it. They can see how it could relate to their lives, and explains key events that happen through the book.

Sometimes it's hard to know what to believe and how it applies to their lives. What do Christians believe? These are the spots to learn about it. There are cross references to other scripture that support the content of the "We Believe" sections. At the bottom of each section is the guide to the next one to read.

The "Dear Jordan" pages are great to help with advice for life questions that our teens might have. Jordan answers with references to Bible characters. I love this because teens can see that the Bible isn't some old fuddy duddy book that has no correlation to them and this century.

If your teen is looking to read through the Bible, there's a study that they can check off as they read. I like that there's something called the Bible Truth Index and Teen Life Index. Your teen can look up specific words or phrases and read about them. I do wish there was a more comprehensive Index at the back. I really appreciate those in my Bibles.

If you've been looking for a Bible for your teen, this one would be exceptional! Now you have the chance to win it! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pete's Dragon Official Trailer

I'm really looking forward to the summer movies coming out, but the one my heart is set on is Disney's reimagined Pete's Dragon. That being said, hopefully the newest trailer will do the same for you!



For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliot. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliot seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon. Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2016.

Like PETE’S DRAGON on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyPetesDragon

Follow PETE’S DRAGON on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneypetes

Follow PETE’S DRAGON on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneypetesdragon/  

Visit Disney Animation on Tumblr: http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/

Visit the official PETE’S DRAGON website here: http://disney.com/petesdragon 

PETE’S DRAGON flies into theatres everywhere on August 12th!

Summer Fun Grand Prize Giveaway

So you've entered the Summer Fun Giveaway, and now it's time to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway! How exciting is that?! Two opportunities to win amazing packages.

This Grand Prize consists of a DFOhome Caribbean Hammock and Viatek Life Juicer! The RV of the Grand Prize is $345!!

Once you've finished entering these prizes be sure to enter through all of the bloggers below. I was provided a hammock from DFOhome and juicer from Viatek for review! Woven by Words and the other bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Be sure to visit my co-hosts as well! http://andersonsangels.com and http://moreismerrier.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Fun Giveaway Event

Well, it's finally here! It's time to get ready to usher in summer with our Summer Fun Giveaway! I'm excited to give one winner a fabulous variety of products that are perfect for the summer! Who's ready to win?

All of the prizes were sent to me for review, and now you're getting the chance to win the same! The hosts and participating bloggers aren't responsible for shipping the winning products. This giveaway is open to US Residents who are 18+ yrs old.

Be sure to check out my co-hosts as well! http://andersonsangels.com & http://moreismerrier.com

Here's what one person is going to win, which all has a retail value of $345!

Belgard BBQ Tool Set & Picnic Basket Cooler

UVSkins Swim Top & Board Shorts

Ello Glasses: Newport & Ogden

Therm-a-Rest Camp Head Pillow

PackTowl: Hand & Body Towels

Now, it's time to start entering! After you've entered here, be sure to check out the rest of the giveaways in this hop below.

Be sure to enter the Grand Prize!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Belgard Outdoor Living: My Dreamscapes

How often do you daydream about your yard and all of the amazing possibilities it holds? Our backyard is truly a blank canvas. We're going to be in this house for several years before one day hopefully moving back to Minnesota. While we wait for that time to happen, I want to enjoy our front and backyard to it's fullest.

I got in touch with Belgard a couple of months ago because I have this love for pavers, bricks, and stone. I'm excited to say, that to celebrate our love of the outdoors, they're sending us a BBQ Kit for review! I won't go into how much I love bricks especially because that in itself could be an entire blog post. I love brick because it makes me think of history. Stone is also a favorite because it is such a strong reminder of the beautiful outdoors, and pavers are a fun way to enjoy a yard.

What I love about Belgard is the endless opportunities their products afford home owners. You've got to order their Idea Book for amazing inspiration. Belgard is an outdoor living company that aims to make your outside spaces your kind of beautiful. That means taking advantage of your backyard or front patio and enjoying a life lived outside throughout the year. From summer grill-outs to cozy autumn nights around the fire pit, Belgard has the products and expertise to create your outdoor dreamscapes.

Can I tell you the things I dream of for our current backyard? Fred and I have talked extensively about what we would like in our backyard. The house we're in will have to be a modified version of it because the backyard isn't big enough to hold our dream patio.

I would love for Fred to have an outdoor kitchen for starters! That man grills more than just about anyone I know. With an entire setup outside, that guy would be a miracle worker with our meals. For real, if you look up at that stone, I can't stop thinking about how gorgeous it is! Sorry, a bit distracted by it. We also want a fire pit seating area. He and I have a few ideas on how we'd like it, but we want it built into the patio. My old one was set in a grove of trees.

We also want an amazing sitting area. As I mentioned when I shared about our hammock, we want our backyard to be an oasis. When I look at these initial ideas, I'm 100% in love. With pretty much all of them. lol There are so many design possibilities, the options truly are endless. I watch a lot of home design shows, and in the end, I want our backyard the place where people want to come spend their time, and enjoy their surroundings. I'm definitely a dreamer (and probably should be a designer or builder).

The picture above is what calls to my heart. One day, moving back to MN, I'm sure we'll end up on a lake, and this is exactly the view I'd love to have, and how I'd love to have it. Doesn't it just say, "comfort"? Sitting out here, sipping coffee, and reading my book. I truly can' think of anything better. Of course, then to the side of the house, I'd have the rest of my dream patio. HA!

I truly could go on and on about my dreams for our backyard, but it would probably take up several blog posts for me to go into all the detail I have tucked away in my little brain! I'd love to hear about your dreamscape for either the front of your home or the back!

To inspire you to spend more time in your outdoor spaces, enter for a chance to win a stainless steel BBQ Kit complete with BBQ grill light, BBQ fork thermometer, tongs, cutting knife, spatula with serrated blade, BBQ brush and silicone basting brush, and a picnic basket cooler! This picnic basket cooler is perfect for outdoor events or toting your perfect dish. It contains a zippered main compartment and open front pocket with Velcro flap closure. Double aluminum handles with EVA padding for extra carrying comfort. Cooler can also detach from aluminum framing. 7.5" handle drop height. Insulated PEVA lining. The giveaway starts tomorrow!

Be sure sure to follow Belgard on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

What is your dreamscape?

Ello Every Day For Beverages

You might've noticed the amazing beverage makers I've gotten recently. I'm pretty well set for any kind of drink I can think up: hot coffee, iced coffee, and a variety of juices. If you've been following any of my social channels, you've probably seen me using my Ello glasses. I had reached out to them after I saw their product line and fell in love with several of their glasses. I was so excited when they offered me 3 different glasses to review!

I think what drew me to Ello in the first place was their design. Some of them are just plain fun, and others are elegant. They use glass and ceramic for their glassware. I wanted to have something for different uses. Ello sent me the Newport, Ogden, and Thrive to try out!

My first one was the Thrive to try out. I can't NOT begin to tell you how in love with this glass bottle. I love the design on it. It's made from BPA-free glass, and has a leak-proof bamboo cap. The first time I used it, I had made my first homemade juice with my Life Juicer. The orange color made the pink flowers pop! It has a little loop on the top of the cap for easy carrying, too.

Then I know it says "Water" on the front of it, but the Newport can be used for a lot of beverages. It's also made from BPA-free glass, and has a friction lid so you don't have to thread it on. The wideness of the glass allows for fruit or lots of ice! That makes it perfect for my juices, iced coffees, and of course the obligatory water that "should" go in it. =)

Last, but not least is the Ogden, which is perfect for any hot beverage. This one is made from BPA-free ceramic, plastic, and FDA food-grade silicone. It has a spill-proof lid that fits snug inside the tumbler. For me, the silicone sleeve is what makes this, and a LOT of the other Ello glasses, so fun! It's cute, but it's also functional in that it insulates and gives an easy grip.

My hubby is awesome and insists on making me coffee every morning. He uses his Chemex stuff, and I'm happy mixing up a specialty drink in my Ninja Coffee Bar! lol Sometimes I sneak and make my coffee while he's out walking the dog. That's only if I'm not already knee deep in my work!

I don't know if you're like me, and if this is a universal thing, but when you buy a new car do you feel like you see it everywhere, when before you didn't? That's been my experience with Ello! We were at Sam's Club a few weeks ago, and there was this great display of a set of glasses with a fun silicone design around them. It was my first time seeing them in a store!

My daughter saw my first Instagram photo of the Thrive, and said she had to have one, so since her birthday is next month, I'll be ordering one for her! She's going to love it as much as I do. Look at how different it looks in my husband's hand and in my hand! Cracked me up when I saw them side by side.

Be sure to follow Ello on Facebook and Instagram. I'll be giving away an Ogden and Newport for our Summer Fun Giveaway!

Which of these would be your favorite to be out and about with?