Winner, Winner My Memories digital scrapbook software and coupon code

And the winner is...

Amy Orvin who said, "following via GFC as Amy Orvin"


Congratulations, Amy! 
 I have e-mailed you.  Please respond in the next 48 hours or I will have to pick a new winner.




If you didn't win, don't feel sad, you can still buy My Memories Suite digital scrapbook v2.0 software with my special reader discount code  STMMMS22192  to get it for only $29.97 AND get $10 to spend in the store.

Here I Raise My Ebenezer

     One of my favorite hymns is "Come Thou Fount."   If you haven't heard this song, you can listen to it here.  There is a part that say "Here I raise my Ebenezer; Here by Thy great help I've come"  For a long time I wondered what in the world an "Ebenezer" was.  I looked it up and it is actually a reference to 1 Samuel 7:12 in the Bible.  Right before this passage God had rescued the Israelites from the Philistines.   "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far has the LORD helped us."'   That stone was to remind the people of how God had helped them.  This isn't the only time that the Israelites used stones to remember God's help and faithfulness.  In Joshua 4, after the Israelites crossed the Jordan river they placed 12 stones in the Jordan where they had crossed to remember what God had done.   Joshua told the people the stones were "to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Joshua 4:6-7  

    The Israelites had a habit of forgetting about God and his faithfulness and needed reminders...not unlike me.  How often do I complain about the way life is and sigh dreaming about how I want life to be?  I often forget all of the blessings God has given me, all of the things he has brought me through, and how he has grown me.  So I decided to make my own Ebenezer. 

Supplies:
River Rock
Vase
Permanent Marker
Silhouette and Vinyl

I started with river rocks that I purchased at Michaels (with a coupon of course) and used a permanent marker to write down blessings, hard times God has brought me through, people God has placed in my life, opportunities He has given me, etc.  When I finished I just placed them carefully in the vase.

I used my Silhouette SD to cut black vinyl to put on the vase.  It says, "Here I raise my Ebenezer, Here by Thy great help I've come"

This Ebenezer is mostly a reminder for me, but if people ask me, "What do these stones mean?"  I will be able to tell them about God's faithfulness in my life.



Parties I link to:
House of Hepworths
Tatertots and Jello
Fingerprints on the Fridge
At the Picket Fence
Embellishing Life
Under the Table and Dreaming

Three Favorites Thursday--Christmas Ornaments

I know that it isn't even Halloween yet, but I can't wait to share these fun Christmas ornament ideas.  All crafters know that you don't wait until the season is here to make stuff anyways. 

I think this little gingerbread cookie guy is so adorable.  Looks pretty simple to make too. 

Source: noodle-head.com via Jen on Pinterest

The next person whose wedding I attend will be getting this. :)  I think it is such a great idea. 

Source: None via Jen on Pinterest

Baby's first Christmas.  Awwwwww. :) 

Source: Uploaded by user via Jen on Pinterest

Are you making any ornaments this year?


Linking up at:
5 Minutes Just For Me

The Mighty Macs--Opening in theaters TODAY

     If you read my blog you know that I love to support family friendly movies.  The Mighty Macs is coming out in theaters today, Friday, October 21, 2011.   I got to see a special online viewing of the movie and I have to tell you, I loved it!  The movie stars Carla Gugino, Marley Shelton, David Boreanaz and Ellen Burstyn.  The fact that it is based on a true story makes it even cooler to me. :)

Here is a little about the movie:
"It's 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time ... and she's about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women's basketball.

In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women's Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.

Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she's willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she's just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them.

From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school's Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!

While it appears the Macs don't have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.

Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One thing's for certain: there's never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!"

I would definitely make plans to go see this movie.  What better time than opening weekend?

Ways to find out more info about this movie:
Website: http://www.themightymacs.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/themightymacs
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/MightyMacs1





I got to watch a free viewing of this movie in hopes that I would give a review.  ALL opinions are my own. 

Three Favorite Thursday--I got pinned!

     Last week I said I would share my 3 favorite posts of mine that were pinned.  Here they are:

My book page wreath

Source: None via Amy on Pinterest

Christmas (or anytime) Toffee.  This stuff is delicious!  I know the source says I pinned it.  I promise someone else did too (2 different people, in fact)...theirs just wasn't working so I had to pin it myself to share.

Source: jensstampworld.blogspot.com via Jen on Pinterest

My last one is a post I just recently shared.  How to make fun shaped crayons from broken crayons

Source: jensstampworld.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

My Memories Scrapbook Program Review and Giveaway

  *****This Giveaway is Closed*****

      Scrapbooking is so much fun!   It takes a lot of supplies though.  Embellishments can be expensive and once you use the embellishment, you can't use it again.   You also need a place to store all of the fun accessories.  Digital scrapbooking is different.  You can buy a digital kit, save it on your computer, and use the papers and embellishments as many times as you want for cards, scrapbook pages, or other crafts.  I like that. :)

   I was given the opportunity to try out and tell you about this cool digital scrapbooking program called My Memories Suite.  This program allows you to make scrapbook pages on your computer (or cards) and print them out.   Want to make a page of the family for yourself and one to send to Grandma?  No problem!  Want to make your pages into a book?  You can do that!  Want to make your pages into a DVD and add video footage?  You can do that too!

Here is the quick page I made with the program

I could have added embellishments if I wanted, but if you know me, you know I like to keep things simple.

My thoughts:

*I like that the program comes with background pages that you can use, but you can also buy different ones to use.   You can buy them from My Memories or from other places online and use them with the program. The background paper I used is actually one I already had saved on my computer.

*The program is easy to use for beginners.  Starting with this program is much easier than starting with a Photoshop type program. 

*I like that their are many different layout options that you can choose from or you can make your own.

I am really excited to share that my blog readers receive a $10 discount off the regular purchase price of $39.97 when buying My Memories Suite 2.0.  All you have to do is go here to purchase and enter this special code

STMMMS22192

Not only will you get a $10 discount on the price, you will also receive a $10 coupon to spend in the MyMemories.com store! That is a great deal!

Want to WIN a copy of My Memories Suite 2.0?

One reader will win a downloadable version of this program.

How to enter:

Please leave a separate comment for each entry

Entry #1 (required entry) --Go to the My Memories Store, come back and leave a comment telling me your favorite paper pack or kit.

Entry #2 --Become a follower of Jen's Stamp World through Google Friend Connect--look on the right side column at the top to join. If you are already a follower leave me a comment to let me know!


If you leave a comment and it doesn't show up right away, don't worry! I have to approve the comment and then it will show up.

This giveaway will end at 10:00 p.m. PST on Friday, October 28, 2011. I will select ONE winner using Random.org. Winner will be announced on this blog and will have 48 hours to e-mail me their address. Please leave me a way to contact you by e-mail if you want me to inform you that you have won.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

DIY Heart Crayons

     There is nothing like a brand new box of crayola crayons.  They look so pretty all nice and sharp.  Pretty soon that box of new crayons becomes a box of dull crayons, broken crayons, not as fun to use crayons. :)   I had a plastic shoebox full of these used and broken crayons so I made them new again by making chunky crayons.

     I found this cute heart tray at Ikea for a few dollars.  I peeled the crayons I wanted to use and broke them into pieces that would fit in the hearts.  I kept the color families together because I can't stand the color you get when random crayon colors all mix together.  After I took this picture I actually added a few more crayon pieces to each section.  When they melt they will shrink down.

The next step is to put the tray of broken crayons in an oven at 250 degrees.  I checked mine every 3-5 minutes to see how they were melting.  It took about 15-20 minutes for the crayons to fully melt.

 (I don't know why blogger is posting this picture sideways...)

After the crayons cooled I just popped them out.

Fun new crayons!

These would be great to give as a Halloween treat for your child's class or tricker treaters (if you don't get a ton of trick or treaters) as an alternative to candy.  I think mine will become Christmas gifts for the little ones on my list. :)

Parties I link to:

Not Just a Housewife

Tatertots and Jello

I {Heart} Naptime

Ask Anna

House of Hepworths

Winner, Winner Book--What Is He Thinking??

Monday evening update:  Our new winner is KASEY. Congratulations!  I hope you enjoy this book. :)


Update:  I have not heard back from our winner.  I will wait until 5:00 pm PST today, Monday.  After that I will have to pick a new winner.


The winner is Coleycoupons who said:

"i would love to win this book for my sis in law who is getting married in a couple months!"

Congratulations!  E-mail me within 48 hours with your address so I can get the book on its way to you. 

Three Favorites Thursday--Pinning from blogs

  Sorry about skipping 3 Favorites last Thursday--They switched something with Pinterest and the sizing was all off when I tried to embed.  I don't know what they did, but it is more of a pain to share photos now on the blog.

     One of the cool things about Pinterest is that you can repin other people's pins or you can take a picture from a website or blog and pin your own. I think most bloggers would agree that it is pretty cool to have your ideas pinned. It feels good to have people recognize your hard work and it brings new people to your blog. Here are three favorite pins that I found on blogs and pinned (Not at all saying I was the first to pin any of these, just that I hadn't seen them on Pinterest before I pinned them.)

Love the idea of using a drawer for a shelf!

Source: thenester.com via Jen on Pinterest

This is on my to-do list when I figure out how to collect enough CapriSun.

Source: jaysonandashley.blogspot.com via Jen on Pinterest

I was browsing websites with my mom when we found this.  My mom thought it would be perfect for an herb garden!

Source: notjustahousewife.net via Jen on Pinterest

Next week I will share 3 favorite posts of mine that have been pinned on Pinterest!  I did the happy dance the first time I saw someone had pinned MY stuff!


I linked to these parties:
5 Minutes Just For Me

What Is He Thinking?? Book Review and Giveaway

   

*****This giveaway has ended*****

      In the past, I only knew of Rebecca St. James as a singer, even though she has written multiple books. I admire the way she is known for taking a stand for abstinence.  She even has a song called, Wait For Me that was written to her future husband (She actually just got married this past spring, but wrote the song not knowing who her husband might be.)  I was excited to see what she had to say in her newest book, What Is He Thinking??

Here is a description:

In WHAT IS HE THINKING??,  Rebecca interviews a range of men from high-profile types to the guys next door, men that every woman can relate to.  Although the interviews focus on single guys ages 20-35, Rebecca also includes words of wisdom from older mentors she respects who have been successfully married for years, people like her dad, life coach, and pastor.

The men share their thoughts on topics like how women can respect themselves and the men in their lives, modesty, purity, taking it slow, friendship, letting guys lead, and more.  The book gives them the floor to say what they would really like women to know.

The men respond candidly to questions such as:
*What is the most attractive quality to you in a woman?
*Is modesty truly attractive?
*Is neediness a turn-off?
*What do you find beautiful?
*How can we be dependent on God for our identity, not on you?
*How can we help you with boundaries physically?

Rebecca also discusses her own dating life, speaking openly about the single life, her struggle with loneliness, and her hope for the future.  She challenges women to see the men in their lives as brothers in Christ and to trust God with their dating lives.

     I liked that the book shared viewpoints from many different men from different backgrounds and that Rebecca also shares some of her experiences in the book.  The other thing I really like was at the end of each chapter there was a short section called "A Few Takeaways For You and Me."  I liked the chapter summed up and important points highlighted.

I think this is a great book for girls in their late teens or early twenties. 

Want to learn more about the author and book?
Check out
Rebecca's website http://rsjames.com/
Her You Tube Channel www.youtube.com/rsjchannel
The Facebook page for the book www.facebook.com/whatishethinkingRSJ

Want to win this book for yourself or young lady that you know?
One reader of this blog will win a copy of What is He Thinking??

How to enter:

Please leave a separate comment for each entry

Entry #1 --Tell me why you want to win this book.

Entry #2 --Become a follower of Jen's Stamp World through Google Friend Connect--look on the right side column at the top to join. If you are already a follower leave me a comment to let me know!

Entry #3 --"Like" Rebecca St. James on Facebook



If you leave a comment and it doesn't show up right away, don't worry! I have to approve the comment and then it will show up.




This giveaway will end at 10:00 p.m. PST on Thursday, October 13, 2011. I will select ONE winner using Random.org. Winner will be announced on this blog and will have 48 hours to e-mail me their address. Please leave me a way to contact you by e-mail if you want me to inform you that you have won.





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."