Sunshine and Iced Tea

Friday, August 5, 2016

Parabo Press - Instagram Prints {a review}

While scrolling through my Instagram feed a few months ago an ad popped up for an App called Parabo Press, Parabo Press offers square photo prints in a matte finish. The promotion being offered was 25 prints for free (shipping not included).

I decided to give it a try.
I've used PostalPix numerous times (which I love) and Walgreens photo service (I also love) to print my Instagram photos.
I placed my order through the Parabo Press App-selected the 25 photos I wanted and paid a nominal fee (less than $5) for shipping.

Summary
I think it's really important to note here-I had no idea this wasn't something coming out of the USA-so about two weeks later when I got a package from the Phillipines I was quite surprised.
The other thing that surprised me was how big the package was-it was huge.
When I opened the package the smell about knocked me over. It was a plasticky, chemical smell that LINGERED.
My photos? Well, apparently they default to 5x5 size which I somehow missed. They were ginormous. I would never use them on a scrapbook page or in a photo album. And they were printed on cardstock-at least 80 pound-very heavy paper. The colors were VERY faded-not true to the photos at all. They looked awful.

The Good?
The first 25 prints were free. Sorry, that's all I've got. Oh wait, the order from the App was convenient.

The Bad?
The smell. So bad. The quality of the prints. So bad. The size. So bad. The confusing way to order-I had no idea I had to default to a different size. So bad. The fact that I am buying something from overseas without my knowledge. So bad.

The Verdict?
I'm glad they were free-had I spent money on this I would have demanded a refund.
I would not recommend this service-I'll stick with Walgreens or PostalPix for my Instagram prints going forward.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Resources for Online Bible Studies

Christina 12:21 PM 0 Comments

As a working momma, I don't get the the opportunity to participate in our church's weekly ladies Bible study. It's during the workday on a Tuesday. For the past year, God's really been working on me to do more than just read a few chapters in His Word each day. To dig in and really study.

So I turned to the internet for some help.

Now, I'll be totally upfront with you, I'm pretty conservative-I only read a KJV Bible, so some of the initial Bible studies I found just weren't right for me. That being said, I thought I'd share three here that will were flexible enough (either KJV content or allowed you to chose which version you wanted) but had the content I was looking for.

Her Binder Project

Her Binder Project is the first online Bible study I found. I liked it because it was FREE, easy to use, and I could use my own KJV study Bible.

How does it work?

You print out the monthly devotional calendar, follow along, read scriptures, and answer the prompts.

What did I like about it?

I liked that it was a great way to get started on a Bible study plan beyond my daily reading without a big cost investment. It's a great first step.

What didn't I like?

I wished that the month was devoted to a theme-like Philippians or Ruth-so I could consistently study one area.

Which lead me to...

Time Warp Wife

Time Warp Wife is a website that has resources for Christian wives and mothers. Every 4-6 weeks she also shares a FREE Bible study-usually with a key theme or topic. (For August 2016-it's Philippians).

How does it work?

You sign up for the study via email or follow along via the blog. You can print out the study materials or follow along online as you read the Scriptures. There is also a Prayer Journal available for purchase on Amazon.com.

What did I like about it?

Excellent in depth study of a topic over a longer time period. I did the Virtuous Life study in April and walked away feeling much more knowledgeable about scripture and closer in my walk with God.

What didn't I like?

I wished I had something printed to refer to-sometimes I forgot to print out the study guide.

Which led me to...

She Reads Truth

She Reads Truth is a PAID Bible study subscription service. Every 4-6 weeks, you'll receive a printed copy of the Bible study in the mail. Each study covers one topic-topics have included-Acts, Proverbs, Ruth, Moses, etc.

How does it work?

You can either sign up for a printed copy subscription (about $25 per mailing) or purchase per study or download the App and purchase plans digitally ($0.99-$3). Each DAY there are verses and prompts to help you through the topic.

What did I like about it?

The topics were awesome and extremely in depth. The study books were beautifully illustrated and something I will refer back to.

What didn't I like?

The printed version is costly-$25 a month is a lot on a budget. And most of the references in the books are NIV-if you are particular about your Bible version this could be an issue.

So what am I using now?

I am on my last She Reads Truth study (Ruth/Mark)-after that I will move back into a Time Warp Wife study. Now that I am more disciplined and have a place for all of my study materials, having a professionally printed study guide isn't as important to me as the content. Will this be the only resource I ever use? Probably not, and as I find new content, I will share here.

I hope this has been helpful.

If you have a great Bible study resource, please share in the comments.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Well, hi there...

Christina 9:47 AM 0 Comments

I'm Christina. A working mom of 4 boys. I love a nice cold glass of sweet iced tea underneath the warm sunshine. I like making lists. I firmly believe that God has a path and plan for everyone. I like to read good books. I love good deals. I value honesty and true friendship. I love crafting but I don't get enough time to do it. Every time "Ice, Ice Baby" comes on the radio, I turn the volume up and sing along with every word. Nutella brownies will be served in heaven. I feel naked without nail polish on. I could talk to you about Destin for hours-I will have a house there someday. I never leave home without my iPhone, my bracelets, and my inhaler. This is my blog. Welcome to my crazy, perfectly imperfect world.