Friday, 7 July 2017

Product Review - Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - Viva Naturals 16 Ounce

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
16 Ounce
Viva Naturals
ASIN B00DS842HS


Viva Naturals is a company that has been around since 2011. They have been striving to become an all-around health and wellness company. From nutritional supplements, organic food, beauty products and essentials oils. They focus is to help you with your wellness goals, and now we are fortunate that they are expanding into the Canadian market place. I have the benefit of receiving a number of their products to try at the same time. And I must say I am overly impressed.

How I tested this product:
Bullet Proof Coffee
Oil Pulling
To cook chicken
To cook eggs
On top of Popcorn
In smoothies
On skin irritation

Product Specifics:
Gluten Free
Kosher
Non-GMO
Cold Pressed
Certified Organic

Pros:
Lighter packaging
Great taste
Smaller packaging for ease of access
Non-GMO

Cons:
Because of hot weather while shipping some leakage even through seals and lid.
Transparent container means more chance of melting and solidification.

Overall I was very impressed with this product. Over the past 5 years I have used mainly two brands of Coconut Oil, mainly because of availability and also because of taste. This one beats both of those brands hands down. It is a very mild taste. And works well across numerous testing's. This product comes in a thinner transparent container than any other brand of coconut oils I have tried, most come in a thick opaque container, or glass. I also like the smaller container size because I am able to take it to work and use it for bullet proof coffee at work or on popcorn without having a giant tub. It was amazing in smoothies and worked great for cooking.

As stated these products are now available in Canada currently through the Amazon Marketplace. This is a great products at good prices, looking forward to trying more products in the line.
Viva Naturals Reviews:
Supplements and Nutritional:
Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 Ounce
Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 32 Ounce
Organic Ground Flax Seed
Organic Goji Berries
Maca Powder
Coconut Flour: Non-GMO and Gluten-Free
Royal Quinoa Whole Grain
Chia Seeds
Organic Raw Cacao Nibs
Cacao Powder
Krill Oil 1250 milligram
Sweet Almond Oil 16 fl oz
Argon Oil 4oz
Maca Root 500 milligram 
Glutathione 500mg

Vitamin C 1000 milligrams

Essential Oil Difusers:
Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser 300ml, Ash Zen Model
Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser 400ml, Pine Tranquil Model
Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser 400ml, Espresso Tranquil Model






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Thursday, 6 July 2017

Chasing Liberty - Theresa Linden - Chasing Liberty Book 1

Chasing Liberty
Chasing Liberty Book 1
Theresa Linden
Linden Publishing
ISBN 9780996816809
eISBN 9781311656032
ASIN B015GHOA7K

 
In the last few weeks I have read two of the novels and 3 published short stories by Theresa Linden. I have been greatly impressed by her writing and world building. In fact her writing reminds me of two of my all-time favourite authors, Madeleine L'Engle and Lois Lowry, both of whom won two Newberry awards, and I believe Linden's could as well. If we were to do a direct comparison between L'Engle and Linden then the Chasing Liberty Series would be the Kairos series and the West Brothers would be the Chronos series. And in many ways Liberty reminds me of Meg Murry in many ways, but in a much more dystopian future. And if we were to compare Chasing Liberty to Lois Lowry's writings it is much like The Giver, except with a clear cut Christian under pinning. And from what I have read both series are wonderfully written. In fact before I finished reading the first book by Linden I had purchased all her other books and slotted them into the top of my reading list. In the first 6 months this year I have read 212 books, and Chasing Liberty is the best fiction book read so far this year!

But back to this specific book. Liberty 554 dash 062466 dash 84 of Aldonia does not fit in. She does not want to just hook up. She wants a career that will be fulfilling. She wants to use her hands, and she does not want to be a breeder. After a chance discovery, and meeting a stranger Liberty's life is about to change forever. Her whole life has been lived within a walled and fenced in city under the Regimen. The Regimen tracks all that you do, from an implant to your phone they are always there. Add to that the video surveillance. The electronic check ins and the continuous monitoring and Liberty's deepest desire is something different.

Liberty has been chosen to be a breeder; she will crank out and care for babies and then move on to something else. But she loves working with her hands. She is incredible are fixing things. And she loves working at the retirement facility especially working with and caring for the residents. She meets a young boy from the Mosheh a secret group working to undermine the Regimen. For rescuing those who would be disposed. For helping some escape that would face reeducation. And that is when Liberty's life really gets turned upside down.

The greatest strengths of this book are the characters and the plot. Linden has written some really engaging characters. You cannot help but find yourself in Liberty's corner. Both Dedrick and Liberty are very well written, and though I believe few will like him Dr. Supero is also well written. And with Dedrick and Liberty on one side and Supero and Chief Varden on the other this clash is going to be epic. The plot races along in this book. Warning do not start reading right before bed, your head might not see much of the pillow.

This book reminds me of the old TV series, Logan's Run, mixed with a little Handmaids Tale (but with very different religious angle), and as mentioned The Given and L'Engle's writings. This book was an amazing read. I could barely put it down and devoured it in three sittings. This should prove to be the beginning of an incredible series. I recommend this book to any fans of L'Engle, Lowry and anyone who just loves a great story. Linden hit it out of the park and I look forward to reading more in this series and her other works as well!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by Theresa Linden:
Tortured Soul
...

Chasing Liberty Series:
01 Chasing Liberty
02 Testing Liberty
03 Fight For Liberty
Bound to find Freedom - Short Story
...

West brothers Series:
Roland West Loner
Life-Changing Love
Battle for His Soul
Standing Strong
Roland West Outcast
Fire Starters
...
...

Armour of God Series:
Belt of Truth
Breastplate of Righteousness
Boot of Peace
Shield of Faith
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit
…

Armor of God Series Second Edition:

Other Books:
A Symbol of Hope - Short Story
A Battle for the Faith (with John Paul Wohlscheid)
...

Books contributed to:
Image and Likeness: Literary Reflections on the Theology of the Body
Secrets: Visible & Invisible 7 Amazing Stories - Catholic Teen Books
Gifts Visible & Invisible 8 Christmas Stories for Teens
Treasures: Visible & Invisible 8 Stories for Teens
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Wednesday, 5 July 2017

Prayer of the Day The Nazarite Challenge Prayer

Prayer of the Day 
The Nazarite Challenge Prayer 

 Lord GOD, remember me!
Strengthen me, if only for this day,
So that I might rise up to do your will.

 Help me, Lord, to die to myself,
And in doing so,
To crush my pride and sins
Beneath the weight of your grace.

 Help me, oh my God,
To sacrifice for others,
To stay free from that which leads to death,
And to humble myself before you.

 May your Spirit rush upon me, Lord!
Grant me your strength.
Give me the boldness of your Judges
So that I might proclaim your glory.

 Lord GOD, remember me!
Strengthen me, if only for this day,

so that I might rise up to do your will.

 (I have been praying this prayer daily since doing the Nazarite Challenge last fall. I have a gmail reminder that emails me the prayer every morning at 5 am so I pray it just after waking up.)



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Tuesday, 4 July 2017

Product Review - Magnificent Matcha Lipton Green Tea with Pure Matcha

Magnificent Matcha
Lipton Green Tea with Pure Matcha
15 Count, 60g
Lipton
ASIN B01N6PHGI5


This tea is very good for the price point. It is more green tea than matchs but a nice flavour mix of the two teas. Each bag makes a good sized mug. Like most matcha tea you should not use water at full boil, if you use full boil you can scorch the matcha. The individually packaged bags last well. I like that you can wrap the tag around the handle of the mug so the bag does not slip in.

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Monday, 3 July 2017

Book Review Banzai - Jason B. Ladd

Book Review Banzai
Jason B. Ladd
Boone Shepherd
ISBN 9780996538435
ASIN B072K3QKNX


It was interesting reading this book. I have been reviewing books for over a dozen years now. I have written reviews for 7 publications, and almost 1500 book reviews on my own site or on Amazon. I have been approached by numerous authors and publishers about reading books and then reviewing them. This book gave me a lot of insight into the indie author, or author trying to gain some traction. I have also had the privilege of working with a few new authors. I believe they would benefit from this book.

Jason writes from a place of personal experience. Launching his first book, and then learning how to do it better and relaunching it. He learned what it took to get on book promotions and how to gain traction as a new author. He lays out very clean plans of what will work and how to work the system. He also is very adamant about sticking to the rules of the different marketing and sales organizations that publishers will use.

It will be a good tool for new authors or authors wishing to extend their influence.

Books by Jason B. Ladd:
One of the Few: A Marine Fighter Pilot's Reconnaissance of the Christian Worldview
Book Review Banzai



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Sunday, 2 July 2017

Saint John Neumann Missionary to Immigrants - Laura Rhoderica Brown - Encounter the Saints Series

Saint John Neumann
Missionary to Immigrants
Encounter the Saints Series
Laura Rhoderica Brown
Virginia Esquinaldo (Illustrator)
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819890665
eISBN 9780819890689 
ASIN B071KD63R6


I have now read about a quarter of this incredible series, Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media and with each book I have a greater appreciation for the series. Many of the saints I have read about so far were known to me by name only before reading this series. With each book I read I find that I am inspired, encourage, and motivated. And with each I find new friends in the saint presented, and this book especially brought that home. I love reading these books, and sharing them with my children. Though these books are geared to a pre-teen market, they are wonderful to ready with younger children, with older teens or even for adults. I picked up the first book in this series to read because of the saint being profiled. I did not know it was for a younger audience at the time, but loved it so much I hope to read the whole series.

In this book we follow Saint John Neumann as he leaves school and travels to America. He was not even sure he would be ordained upon arrival, but God was leading him and he followed. We see him become a rural preacher travelling to wherever Catholic were in need of a priest. Later he will join the Redemptorist. And later even a Bishop. John was made a bishop on March 28th, 1852, which happened to be his birthday. He chose for the motto of is episcopate "Passion of Christ, strengthen me." And that was how he lived his own life, in the strength of Christ Jesus.

This book follows the others in the series in style and format. The main part of the book is a biography of the saint. Then a prayer to the saint. And this is followed by a glossary. Each glossary is geared to that specific book. The glossary in this specific volume has 31 definitions. There are also 5 illustrations, this time by Virginia Esquinaldo, who illustrated 2 other books in the series.

 The specific prayer to Saint John Neumann is:
"Saint John Neumann, you loved Jesus somuch that you wanted to spend your life servinghim. You left your family, your friends, and yourcountry because you loved God and wanted toserve him as a missionary in the United States.Even though the way was difficult, you trustedthat Jesus would always lead you and provide.Help me to listen to Jesus so he can lead me,too. Help me to trust him always. Saint John, helpme to be courageous in sharing my faith withothers. Amen."
This this book we follow the life of a man who lived to server. His motto was to do all in the strength of Jesus Christ. We follow his across the ocean from Europe to America. We follow him serving rural parishes in rural New York, and final to being the bishop of Philadelphia. He always strived to hear God's voice and to follow where God lead. And this is the greatest lesson we can learn from this saint.

 This book was the 36 published in the Encounter the Saints Series this book was published in 2016, it is currently the most recent in the series with another is due out in January of 2018. Currently this is my favourite series of books. I love reading them for how they help my spiritual journey, but also to share with my children and other children to help with their formation. I highly recommend both the book and the series. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media:
Blessed James Alberione Media Apostle
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Journey to the Summit
Journeys with Mary Apparitions of Our Lady
Saint André Bessette Miracles in Montreal
Saint Anthony of Padua Fire and Light
Saint Bakhita of Sudan Forever Free
Saint Bernadette Soubirous And Our Lady of Lourdes
Saint Catherine Labouré And Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Saint Clare of Assisi A Light for the World
Saint Damien of Molokai Hero of Hawaii
Saint Edith Stein Blessed by the Cross
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Daughter of America
Saint Faustina Kowalska Messenger of Mercy
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Cecchina's Dream
Saint Francis of Assisi Gentle Revolutionary
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla The Gift of Life
Saint Ignatius of Loyola For the Greater Glory of God
Saint Isaac Jogues With Burning Heart
Saint Joan of Arc God's Soldier
Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young
Saint John Neumann Missionary to Immigrants
Saint John Paul II Be Not Afraid
Saint John Vianney A Priest for All People
Saint Juan Diego And Our Lady of Guadalupe
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: Courageous Faith
Saint Katharine Drexel The Total Gift
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque And the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Saint Martin de Porres Humble Healer
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Mary's Knight
Saint Paul The Thirteenth Apostle
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Rich in Love
Saint Teresa of Avila Joyful in the Lord
Saint Teresa of Calcutta Missionary of Charity
Saint Teresa of Kalkota Missionary of Charity
...

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Saturday, 1 July 2017

Happy 150th Canada

This is my third 150th, or sesquicentennial, first my high school, Regiopolis Notre-Dame, later I celebrated it at Queen's University and now for all of Canada. 



Happy Canada Day.



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