Over the weekend, my family and I rented a room at the brand new Holiday Inn Express in Greenfield, Indiana, and I thought I would post a quick review, to help any other weary travelers!
First off, the hotel is new, and I mean it's brand new - it even still smells new. We had a King Suite, and were very happy with the accommodations. The King Suite had a small bar area, with coffee maker, sink, mini fridge, and microwave, as well as a few small cabinets (upper and lower) for those staying for a few days, or traveling with children and snacks! The king bed had a firm mattress, and was very comfortable! Blankets and sheets were soft, and very comparable to the ones I have seen at Hampton Inn hotels. The King Suite also featured a couch that pulls out into a bed, which worked well for our four year old. Also, the room had a small table and two chairs, in addition to the desk and chair. Overall, plenty of space for a family - much more than what I actually expected!
The indoor heated pool is a figure "8" shape, and the room also features a small jacuzzi. Pool hours were from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m., so plenty of time to enjoy it! The one thing I did notice was that the entry way into the pool was tiled, and got VERY slippery from people going in and out, so a little dangerous if, like me, you have little ones. The area around the actual pool is concrete, and much safer. It would have been much better if the whole thing was concrete!
The hotel offers free wi-fi to guests, but we had a very hard time accessing the internet, and only had one little line of signal on it. They mention in their guest book in the room and you can request an ethernet cord from the front desk, and plug into the internet, but when we asked for one, we were told they didn't have any. So I would recommend bringing along an ethernet cord if you plan on using it!
The hotel offers free breakfast to guests as well, and I have to say, it was delicious! Featuring a wide variety of breakfast items, there is something for everyone. Omelettes, sausage links, biscuits and gravy, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, apples, muffins, bagels were all available! And it was all delicious - if you stay here, definitely make a trip down to the breakfast area!
Overall, the hotel is really beautiful and gives a classy vibe. Rooms are modern, and roomy - perfect for the family traveling through the area or wanting to stay outside of the craziness of the downtown area. There are plenty off food and shopping options nearby, as well.
Overall, I would give this hotel a 7/10. There were only a few things I didn't like, which I mentioned. I think that most of the problems will probably be resolved as time goes on, and the hotel gets feedback from guests and staff. I would absolutely stay here again. We visit the area often, and usually stay at the Hampton Inn next door, but I think we will definitely be opting for the Holiday Inn Express from now on.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Fearless
Eric Blehm's newest book, "Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown" is essentially the story of Adam Brown's life. The title made me believe that perhaps the story would begin as Adam entered the military, or even after his advancement to SEAT Team SIX, but this story begins exactly where it should - at the very beginning of Adam's life. This man lead such an amazing life that it would have been a disservice to him to start anywhere else for this book. From his early days through his last mission as a SEAL, Adam showed through his actions the man that he was. Deeply devoted, loving, kind, and charitable are just a few of the words that describe this American hero. Adam Brown was real, with baggage, like a past addiction, and through his love for his family, love for God, he overcame, and became exactly what he was destined to be. This book is a tribute to Adam's life, and I think it was written perfectly.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book from Water Brook Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review of this book.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book from Water Brook Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review of this book.
The Coming Revolution
"The Coming Revolution" by Dr. Richard G. Lee (author of "In God We Still Trust") is a book that makes the case that America is on the verge of a second revolution, and how following our faith can help bring about this revolution. "The Coming Revolution" begins with a crash course in early American history, detailing the events leading up to the American Revolution, and what our founding fathers believed in when they began building the foundation of the United States. The book draws comparison between the current atmosphere and disposition of citizens of our country and those of our ancestors. Drawing on topics such as faith and the American spirit, Dr. Lee makes the case for the need of a complete overhaul of the government of the United States, factually, and insightfully. Dr. Lee uses Biblical references and principles to show how items such as the dignity of human life, traditional monogamy, national work ethic, God-centered education, and our personal accountability to God have driven our country to the brink - away from God, and this creates the need for a "rebirth" in a sense.
I found this book to be very interesting, and while it does contain a lot of historical context, it wasn't overly complicated. It was easy to read, and easy to understand, which is why I would recommend this book to anyone who truly loves America, and wants to see our country change for the better. I would give this book a 5/5.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from BookSneeze.com's blogging for books program in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
I found this book to be very interesting, and while it does contain a lot of historical context, it wasn't overly complicated. It was easy to read, and easy to understand, which is why I would recommend this book to anyone who truly loves America, and wants to see our country change for the better. I would give this book a 5/5.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from BookSneeze.com's blogging for books program in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Asher of Bethlehem
"Asher of Bethlehem" by Howard Rodney Jones (illustrated by Paul C. Spoor) is a children's book that tells the story of the birth of Jesus through the personal account of Asher the orphan, and his best friend Medad, whose father owns the only inn in Bethlehem. Through Asher's eyes, we see the story of the nativity unfold. Asher, through a chance encouter, meets Joseph and his pregnant wife, and tries to help them find a place to stay in Bethlehem. The story continues through the birth of Jesus, visitation of the magi, and their departure for their homeland, rather than report to King Herod. Asher is the central figure of this story, and his story is woven so perfectly into the story of Jesus' birth, that it reads flawlessly. The story is engaging, with characters that are easy to fall in love with, and it truly makes you want to keep reading to find out what will happen to Asher next. This would be the perfect book for children ages 7 and up. It is a chapter book, and much longer than most younger children can manage.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from BookCrash.com's blogging for books program in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from BookCrash.com's blogging for books program in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
Your Heart's Desire
"Your Heart's Desire" by Sheri Rose Shepherd is an awesome book for women - single, married, widowed, or divorced. "Your Heart's Desire" is all about faith, love, and following the truth for any woman. So many times we feel disappointed in our current situation, and this book is truly an inspirational study in finding the love we so desire from our Heavenly Father. This book teaches us that rather than sulking in our current problem, we need to understand what it is that our hearts are desiring. Sheri Rose Shepherd discusses our desires, chapter by chapter, through topics such as "Desiring to leave a legacy for my loved ones", and "Desiring a happily ever after". Sheri Rose hits the nail on the head with her approach to the desires that a woman has, and she does a wonderful job of inspiring and educating on how these desires can be completely fulfilled if we continue to look to God for the answers, and for the help that we need to fulfill them. I thought this book was very insightful, and would highly recommend it.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Tyndale Publisher's blogging for books program in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Tyndale Publisher's blogging for books program in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The Necessity of an Enemy
"The Necessity of an Enemy" by Ron Carpenter Jr. is a book devoted to discussing why we, as Christians, are tempted, attacked, and used by the enemy. In this book, Carpenter discusses how these enemies and obstacles can be used to fulfill our own calling and purpose for God. Carpenter makes the point that we need to understand why an enemy is necessary so that we can also recognize those situations and prepare ourselves to take on our enemy.
The chapters are relatively short, so this could be a daily read in place of a devotional. It discusses such topics as weakness, the battle within, your potential, intimacy, and the weapons in our own arsenal. Carpenter uses a lot of Biblical reference in conjunction with personal stories to illustrate each chapter. He also includes on thought or principle in bold print that sums up the chapter and helps you to remember the basic points long after you have read them.
What I enjoyed most about this book was that it was an honest book about something that many of us struggle with - why we are tempted, weak, attacked, etc. I think that this book offers up a lot of insight on how we can prepare ourselves, and protect our spirit from the enemy. I think it also shows us how God can use us in the midst of an unbearable situation for His purpose.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone - it is a book that can easily fit into any busy schedule, and can offer up so much wonderful insight for our daily lives. I loved it!
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Water Brook Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
The chapters are relatively short, so this could be a daily read in place of a devotional. It discusses such topics as weakness, the battle within, your potential, intimacy, and the weapons in our own arsenal. Carpenter uses a lot of Biblical reference in conjunction with personal stories to illustrate each chapter. He also includes on thought or principle in bold print that sums up the chapter and helps you to remember the basic points long after you have read them.
What I enjoyed most about this book was that it was an honest book about something that many of us struggle with - why we are tempted, weak, attacked, etc. I think that this book offers up a lot of insight on how we can prepare ourselves, and protect our spirit from the enemy. I think it also shows us how God can use us in the midst of an unbearable situation for His purpose.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone - it is a book that can easily fit into any busy schedule, and can offer up so much wonderful insight for our daily lives. I loved it!
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Water Brook Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
All-Pro Dad
"All-Pro Dad" by Mark Merrill is the perfect book for dads. This book has 8 chapters, each one based on a different fundamental concept of being a man and a father. Each chapter title is written in the form of a question, and includes concepts such as: What Should I Model to My Children? How Can I Better Love My Family? What's My Purpose?
"All-Pro Dad" is full of insightful wisdoms for men - turning the societal ideal of manhood on its ear. Mark Merrill uses a compilation of stories, insights, and observations in building the groundwork for being a successful father to your children. Each chapter has a short series of steps that help illustrate the values and how to implement them into a daily life. Also, each chapter ends with a "Huddle Up and Ask Your Child" section, that encourages you to find out how your children see you through a series of questions. This also allows you to interact with your children and understand their perceptions.
This book would be a wonderful tool for any father - and would make an awesome Father's Day gift! I think that there is so much great wisdom and insight in these 200 pages - it is almost certain that it will really make you see fatherhood in a completely different light. I would give this book a 5/5, without a doubt. Wonderfully written, concise, and so insightful. Perfect!
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
"All-Pro Dad" is full of insightful wisdoms for men - turning the societal ideal of manhood on its ear. Mark Merrill uses a compilation of stories, insights, and observations in building the groundwork for being a successful father to your children. Each chapter has a short series of steps that help illustrate the values and how to implement them into a daily life. Also, each chapter ends with a "Huddle Up and Ask Your Child" section, that encourages you to find out how your children see you through a series of questions. This also allows you to interact with your children and understand their perceptions.
This book would be a wonderful tool for any father - and would make an awesome Father's Day gift! I think that there is so much great wisdom and insight in these 200 pages - it is almost certain that it will really make you see fatherhood in a completely different light. I would give this book a 5/5, without a doubt. Wonderfully written, concise, and so insightful. Perfect!
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
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