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Thursday, March 9, 2017

Don Francisco Coffee Review

My Review of Don Francisco Coffee

To me, Don Francisco Gourmet Coffee is the best grocery store coffee and it's reasonably priced! (If you know where to buy it.)

In my quest to find the best coffee on the planet, I have tried so many kinds of coffee! I love the coffee houses and their pricey coffee, but who can go there all the time? And even to make it at home can be quite expensive if you go for really good coffee.

So I have tried many different ones, even belonging to coffee clubs where they ship you different coffees to try every month. I have quite a few favorites too, but no one compares to Don Francisco Gourmet coffee in my book. To get some right now, click here.

Don Francisco coffee reminds me of the film, Out of Africa, where Meryl Streep (as Karen Blixen, the Baroness who moved to Africa) started a coffee plantation. You can almost see the elephants pounding across the African Savannah, or a lion peaking out from behind a tree while it stalks a wildebeest.

And you can almost feel the African music pounding through your bones from a group camping out on the plains playing drums and dancing. But that's just my vision. Maybe you've got your own. The thing with a good cup of coffee is that your dreams can take you anywhere, to any lovely scene in any exotic country you desire.

Don Francisco coffee comes in lots and lots of types, from different areas too, like Kona to Colombia to the rain forests of South America. And it comes flavored in a beautiful array of tastes.

It also is available in whole bean to grind it just before you make it, or already ground if you can't get a hold of a coffee grinder.But I really do recommend that you get a coffee grinder and try whole bean coffee. You won't want to go back, I assure you!

Also I think the best way to make coffee is with a coffee press. To read about my favorite way to make coffee, see my page about the Bodum Chambord Coffee Press.

So the first Don Francisco coffee I tried was Vanilla Nut flavored and then I was totally hooked on it! Then I had to try other flavors and wow!

Next came the Caramel Creme (yum!) and hthe Cinnamon Hazelnut and all the unflavored ones. All of them are wonderful. In fact, I've tried every single flavor of Don Francisco coffee and I love every single one of them!

Well, I have to be honest and say I have not tried the Decaf, because well, I just don't understand the point of coffee without caffeine...(but I am sure it is delicious or Don Francisco would not put their name on it)

Get Don Francisco Coffee On Sale

If you are searching for a Don Francisco coffee coupon, no worries! It's priced so reasonably at Amazon you don't need a coupon! They have it at a great price year round! I love that, as I used to buy it only on sale and freeze it to save money.

Then one time I needed a whole bunch of coffee for a party and didn't have enough. I went online and searched for a Don Francisco coffee coupon and instead it popped up with a link to Amazon.

Wow, I never thought of checking Amazon for my favorite coffee! And there it was, cheaper than it is on sale at my regular grocer, even with a coupon! So now I can buy it any time at Amazon; it's like it's on sale every day! And of course if you have Amazon Prime, shipping is free! Or if you buy $49 worth of coffee it will be free too!

Don Francisco Coffee

So Many Coffee Flavors, So Little Time...

The Many Flavors of Don Francisco Coffee:

Vanilla Nut
Butterscotch Toffee
Cinnamon Hazelnut
Caramel Creme
Colombia Supremo
French Roast
Hawaiian Hazelnut
Kona Blend
Espresso

If you like to make your coffee in K cups, those are available too. Just click here.

*All of the products below can be purchased at Amazon.com by clicking on the photo.

Don Francisco Family Reserve
Kona Blend Whole Bean Coffee

From the mountain slopes of Kona, Hawaii, comes a blend that will remind you of Paradise every morning. I can close my eyes and feel the Hawaiian breeze in my hair. The secret is the volcanic soil. Yum !

Don Francisco Vanilla Nut Coffee, Whole Bean

If you love vanilla coffee, Don Francisco Vanilla Nut Coffee will blow your mind; it's VERY vanilla. In fact, it's so strong I mix it with unflavored coffee unless it's for dessert. All the Don Francisco flavored coffees are the strongest ones I've ever tried. No flavoring syrup is ever needed with their coffee. So if you like plain Colombian or a different flavor, just click the photo to see all the flavors.

Ground Don Francisco Vanilla Nut Coffee

If you can't do the whole bean coffee experience, this is a close second. As is the whole bean, this coffee is VERY vanilla. For mornings when you are rushed, this is a shortcut you can take that will still give you fantastic vanilla coffee.

Don Francisco's Vanilla Nut, 12oz Ground Coffee Can

Braun KSM2-WH Aromatic Coffee Grinder, White

My favorite grinder, and mine has lasted since the 1980's so you know it's a good appliance! Braun stands behind their product and parts are still available if yours ever needs fixing. It is very strong and fast so be sure you watch through the top to get it the right grind texture for your liking.

Braun KSM2-WH Aromatic Coffee Grinder, White

Enjoy Your Coffee! And for some sweet treats to go with it, visit Food, Decor, Kids Blog

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Two Movie Reviews "Just Let Go" and "Amish Grace"

Just Let Go

Just Let Go (Based on a True Story)

During the Lenten Season, I try to look for movies, books, music and other kinds of media, that makes me think! As a practicing Christian that is part of what the Lenten Season is for me.

It is a time to reflect and recognize my shortcomings and ask for the grace to become a stronger person in faith. To that end, I watched this movie, "Just Let Go" with the hopes that it would inspire me.

Just Let Go, features Henry Ian Cusick and Brenda Vaccaro in a couple of the leading roles. You will recognize both of these actors if you were a fan of 70's and 80's TV.
Based on a true story, It asks the tough questions. Can you forgive? Not an easy matter when your family has been decimated by a drunk driver.

The movie takes you to places that no one wants to visit.

When we hear the news reports of a drunk driver taking out a family and then walking away from the accident unscathed, we are appalled and angry! How can this happen? Why wasn't the drunk driver the one killed? Our sense of justice is immediately put to the test. I'm sure more than one would fail because we just can't see the Justice in that situation. The bigger question is, if it happened to us, "Could we Forgive"?

As Christians that is what we are called to do, forgiveness is a large part of our core beliefs. But, if that were our family, could we forgive?

This movie tries to show what happens when we do take that time to work through our grief and let the anger and need for retribution go. Is it easy? Never in a million years would it be easy, but for our own sense of sanity, it might be necessary. So ask yourself again, Can you Forgive?

Amish Grace (Based on a True Story)

Amish Grace by 20th Century Fox by Gregg Champion
In the same vein, "Amish Grace" is also a movie about forgiving those who have wronged us by their actions.

Not quite the same scenario as Just let Go, but with the same results. Many families were totally broken apart by one person's actions. How do you come to terms with those actions and the consequences of those actions?

The Amish, whose faith revolves around the "Our Father Prayer" has a strong connection with forgiveness. They live the words of the prayer, especially, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us!"

They reached out to the widow of the shooter, recognizing that she also had her life turned upside down by the actions of her husband.

They did not turn their backs on her because of her relationship with the man who shot their innocent children. They forgave him and opened their hearts to the women left behind and her family. Could we do the same?

These are tough questions for Christians all through the year, but especially at the Lenten times when we are called to witness and proclaim our faith by our lives. We need to take the time to look at these hard questions! It's a good barometer for our faith lives to see where we need to do more work.

My Conclusions

Of these two movies, I preferred Amish Grace as the whole story and the reactions were much more real to me than that portrayed in Just Let Go.

That may be due in part because of my own feelings. I would be much more outraged and seeking some form of retribution. Just Let Go, seems to get to the point of forgiveness far too quickly. My reactions would have been far more gut wrenching. (My husband seems to think that's because I'm an extrovert!)
But that is my opinion. I'm hoping you will watch both movies and let me know how you feel.

The Bottom Line and the One that is the Hardest to Live is that:

Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness in this life. Both of these movies make you aware of that fact.
Is it easy to do? Not a chance, but then so many things that are worthwhile to do are not easy either!

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Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Killing Lincoln Book Review

When A Country Loses Their Leader

Abraham Lincoln

I do not typically read non-fiction which is odd seeing as how I am a bit of a history nerd. Killing Lincoln was suggested for my reading list by my husband who rarely reads fiction. He was so enthused by this book that I finally followed his urging and read the book.

I have to tell you that I was not disappointed and am actually glad that I did read this historical account of the tragedy that our nation suffered when Abraham Lincoln was shot in Ford's theater by John Wilkes Booth.

I thought I knew quite a lot about that fateful and tragic day in April of 1865 but this book proved how much I did not know. As Bill O'Reilly so eloquently states, "It is important for us to know our nation's history. To understand the lives of our heroes and to also understand the villains of our history."

I am very impressed with the research that Mr. O'Reilly and Martin Dugard (the co-author) put into this book. I also was impressed to learn that Bill O'Reilly was a history teacher before he entered the world of political commentary and hosting television shows.

Typically, I find non-fiction books rather difficult to read. I usually find them a little on the droll side and have a difficult time keeping my mind from wandering. Not so, with this book. At times it almost reads like a fictional story but the difference is the facts are accurate.

Killing Lincoln

While reading this book, we do not just find out about our 16th President, we also find out about the days leading up to his assassination. We learn about the last few battles of the war and the people involved in those days. We learn quite a bit about General Grant and General Lee and how their lives had intertwined before the civil war. We are given the background of many of the central figures in Lincoln's life during his Presidency and that helps to understand what was really going on in our nation at the time.

The book reveals much about the villain of the story, John Wilkes Booth. We find that he was considered quite handsome at the time and was quite the playboy. We also learn about what drove him to his actions at the Ford Theater in April 1865. We also find out that he did not act alone and had not for quite some time.

I found myself stopping every once in a while and shaking my head, uttering, "Wow, just wow!" My husband and I would sit at the dinner table and discuss my progress through the book. We both found it fascinating, interesting and thought provoking.

I am really glad that I took my husband's suggestion and read the book. Admittedly, I was reluctant because I knew the ending, our President was fatally shot. There was so much more to the event that I did not know and did not understand. If you are a bit of a history nerd like me or prefer non-fiction over fiction; I truly believe that you will love this book. It would also be a wonderful gift for someone who you know loves to learn about history. The wonderful thing is that it comes in so many formats: hardcover, paperback, digital and audio cd.

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Monday, March 6, 2017

The 4 Best Denzel Washington Action Movies

Time and time again we are reminded of what a talented actor Denzel Washington is. Most recently he was nominated for Best Actor for his role in Fences. As I am preparing for an evening of relaxing at home with my favorite movies, I am realizing how much I enjoy my frequent dates with Denzel Washington. In this review, I will share with you the four movies that I think are Denzel's best action movies.

Denzel Washington the Actor

Denzel Washington is a very talented, multiple award winning actor who has played a wide range of roles. His movies have ranged from action, to drama, to thriller, and historical. I have seen many of his movies, and am looking forward to seeing Fences. But I have to admit that his roles in the action/thriller movies are by far my favorite.

In Training Day, he was Alonzo, the corrupt cop I loved to hate. In the movies The Equalizer, Man on Fire, and The Bone Collector he portrays defective and damaged men who continue to care for others. His struggling heroes are believable characters that have stuck with me over time.

I am not at all ashamed to admit that I own these movies and have frequent weekend movie night "dates" with Denzel. That smile - no matter the role - makes me melt. And his acting skills in the following movies take me away to different worlds.

Denzel Washington's Four Best Action Movies

Training Day - In Training Day (2001), Alonso is a corrupt narcotics cop who is training his new rookie partner (Ethan Hawke). "There's some profoundly evil people walking the streets right now" is quite an understatement and quite telling as that statement comes out of Alonso's mouth. I find that Alonso is evil and this intense ride-along still startles me. I still hold my breath at certain parts and hope everything turns out okay.

The Equalizer - In The Equalizer (2014) Robert McCall "The old man met his greatest adversary just when he thought that part of his life was over" McCall says as he explains The Old Man and the Sea to Teri (Chloe Grace Moretz). And she responds with the question of the day "Why didn't he just let the fish go?" So why does this quiet widower who has quite completely left his past behind go after that big fish? Because "you've gotta be who you are in this world, right? No matter what."

Man on Fire - In Man of Fire (2004) John Creasy is an impaired man whose alcohol issues and mental health have impacted his functioning. A friend helps the former assassin to obtain work - as a family security guard (or is that babysitter?) for the precocious little Lupita (Dakota Fanning). At times it is not quite clear who is protecting whom through the movie and I still bawl my eyes out at the end. There is no love like a child's love. And John Creasy battles his demons just to try to do his job. Will he be the hero or be too late?

The Bone Collector - In The Bone Collector (1999) Lincoln Rhyme is a physically impaired man whose mind is as sharp as it ever was. As a very talented ex-homicide detective, he is pulled in recent events in an attempt to find a serial killer. Amelia (Angelina Jolie), a young patrol officer, becomes his partner after being in the right place at the wrong time and demonstrating her natural observational skills. This movie is tense and the crimes are what nightmares are made of. Can Lincoln's nurse (Queen Latifah) save him? Can Lincoln and Amelia save the next victim? The twists and turns leave you guessing and holding your breath.

Warning - Please be aware and fully informed that these are action movies and are rated "R" for violent content, language, grisly images, and so on. These movies are NOT for the faint of heart. I like "shoot 'em up" movies and some of these scenes near the line of "too much" even for me.

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Add 'Greenery' to Your Decor This Year - Pantone's Color of the Year for 2017

Mug Here - Featuring Greenery

Each Year Pantone Assigns a Color for the Year - Happy Renewal to You, Because it's Greenery!

You may be wondering how Pantone selects the color and you're correct if you've concluded that it's a reflection of the current mood and expression of the time.

On Pantone's website you'll read words like 'rejuvinate' and 'revitalize' appropriately used to describe why Greenery was selected.

It's safe to say, the need for reconnection during these stressful times makes almost ridiculous sense! The calming rebirth of nature and our need to make our way back to it, is offered up through Greenery's yellow/green soothing reassuring combination.

Redecorating and Choosing Colors

If we're planning a redecorating project or are starting from scratch, choosing colors can be challenging. However, the color palette is the first best place to start, with the exception being when we're using colors from an existing piece of furniture or accessory as the base.

When we're decorating a room from the beginning and need guidance choosing a color palate to work with 2017's color Greenery, Pantone's 2017 page is a time saver; check out their suggested pairings. When there, scroll down and you'll see the ten palates by name with color suggestions for each.

Each palate shows colors along with color numbers, making them easy to find when shopping for matching paint, furniture and accessories.

For 2017 the named Pantones Palates Are:

Transitions

Ethereal Material

Grand Canyon

Forest Floor

Rev It Up

Fathomless

Analogous

Moody Blooms

Deep Rooted

Calm it Down

Be sure to check out these palates; why struggle trying to choose colors ... Pantone is a very helpful resource.

Greenery is nature's neutral, so take a deep breath and enjoy your spring decorating projects as you create a space that reflects vitality, beauty and renewal.