It seems like the things that make you use your imagination are fading away now. More and more people are addicted to technology and don't know how to just sit and imagine something without the help of an app. So when I was asked to review Heirloom Audio's newest CD, For the Temple, I was curious on how it would work for our family.

Our entire family is pretty much technology based. My husband and I both work from home on the computer daily. Mary is a what I call a "techie" child because she owns so much technology and loves every minute of it. She programs video games and can sit for hours making a project on the computer. So for our family to actually sit and listen to something like an audio story, I wasn't sure how it would keep everyone's attention.

For the Temple takes you back to the Roman occupation of Israel. Our story takes place on the Sea of Galilee with John and his family. They own a vineyard and like to live peacefully. They also take care of Mary, who is 14 years old and will be married to John one day.

One day while rowing out on the Sea of Galilee, Mary and John get caught in a storm. It's so strong that they can't get back to shore. Right when their boat is starting to take on water, a large vessel let's them climb aboard. When they get on board, they found out the vessel was owned by Josephus and with seeing John so brave, he asks him to join his cause to fight Rome. John is hesitant at first but then realizes that it is the job of every Jew to protect the Temple at all costs so he accepts.


Throughout the story, you listen to the battles that John goes on and learn about how Rome occupied Israel. Since we're Messianic Jewish, we were really excited for this audio production because it took us right back to Israel and it felt like you were almost there.

I'm going to be completely honest in saying that we listened to this straight through because it was so enthralling! As a lover of the history, this is a top ranking story!  For the Temple made you really feel like you were right there during the during the battles. The sound effects and acting were amazing! If you closed your eyes, you could imagine being on the battlefield. I even stopped my work to sit and listen which is huge for me. But for Mary, she actually listened to the whole thing and loved it. And I love that when I would stop to talk for a minute, she would hush me so she could continue listening!  Heirloom Audio has produced many different audio theater adventures and you can even join their Live the Adventure Club where you can access bonus content like the E-book, Official Soundtrack, Printable Cast Poster and even the Study Guide.  Inside the Study Guide, you will have quizzes for each track of the CD which are great for homeschool, ways to learn deeper like finding certain places talked about on maps, and even recipes you can try out. The Study Guide is a great addition to the actual CD because it will help you learn and follow along even more. Our Study Guide had information for extra learning based on the characters like Josephus too.
Overall we were really impressed with For the Temple and can't wait for their next audio theater performance to come out!

If you're interested in learning more, check out the other crew reviews with the link below!

With Winter's First Frost is a memorable story of second chances and friendship. Laura is a great-grandmother. Her husband passed away years ago after over 40 years of marriage. When a friend in the community needs to have her babies in the hospital, Laura goes in to help the family. And that means being around Zachariah. He is a great-grandfather and his wife passed away years ago as well. Now he is battling Parkinson's and just wants to feel needed in a family full of young people.

Laura and Zachariah form a friendship that shows you can still love, even in old age. This is a great story and I loved all the characters in the story. Tamara and how she wants to leave the Amish to be a doctor and Hannah who is dealing with a shunning. Overall I wanted to see how everyone turned out and it couldn't have been better.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you’ve haven’t got your partner the best Valentine’s Day gift you need to get your skates on. What have you been doing for the last few months? You must have known this important day was looming and would have had plenty of time to prepare. Now the day is almost here, and you’ve found yourself looking for inspiration. Is there such a thing as the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Here are some top suggestions to help you find that special something for that special someone:

Valentine’s Gifts for Her

When it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts for her there seem to be a few ideas that are regularly on the menu. Red roses, candlelit dinner and cute jewelry are just a few that spring to mind. There are however, far more original and thoughtful gifts you could choose. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a long-term relationship or you’ve been dating for a couple of months, the gift you give should be a reflection of her personality and what it is you love about her. Here are a few ideas:

• A Book – is there anything she’s really into such as cookery, cats, or cars? Buy her a book you know she’ll love and you’re showing her you really care. 
• Pajamas – clothing is not the easiest of items to buy for a partner, but you don’t have to be too precise with the sizes when you’re buying pajamas. 
• Aromatherapy Kit – diffusers are really trendy items for the home. Not only do they add a fragrance to a room they also hydrate the air and bring a relaxing energy. 
• Subscription – whether she’s a wine lover, movie-goer, fitness fanatic or theater lover you can buy an annual subscription to match her taste.

Valentine’s Gifts for Him

Would you like to win a prize for best girlfriend/wife/partner this year? Time to push the boat out and buy him a Valentine’s Day gift he’ll remember. You could flip the tables and buy him a dozen red roses and take him out to dinner of course, but there are far more exciting gifts you can give him including:

• Vape Kit – vaping has become a popular pastime for many people and if your other half is considering taking up this kind of hobby buy him a Ultimate Juice e-liquid vape kit. There are a huge collection of flavors to choose from and it’s a great way to relax. 
• Games Console – this is a gift that’ll provide him with hours of entertainment whatever type of games he’d like to play. 
• Wireless Charger – this is such a cool looking gadget you might be tempted to steal it back and use it yourself. There are no bright lights or messy wires. 
• The Gift of an Experience – it is said that an experience is far more memorable and there are plenty of different ones to choose from. Let him try skydiving, sports car racing, off-road driving, sailing, or many other thrilling things.

There are several ideas that should see you through this year. To make sure you’ve got plenty of time to find the best Valentine’s Day gift next year mark the date in your calendar today and make sure you add an automatic reminder.

The United Kingdom is often misunderstood, as there is more to this beautiful island nation than England, as it’s also compromised of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which ensure the UK is a melting pot of cultures, histories and traditions.

While the weather might be a little dull at times, the scenery, architecture and attractions are definitely not. One moment you could be sipping a craft ale in a picturesque market town and the next you could be enjoying the hustle and bustle of a major city.

To ensure you have an unforgettable experience, here are some top tips on how to plan a trip to the UK.

The Best Time to Visit 

While you’re free to visit the UK at any point in the year, you’d be wise to time your trip between June to August to potentially enjoy some summer sun. While you might be lucky to experience some brighter days between April to May or September to October.

What to Pack 

The UK weather can be rather unpredictable, which is why you would be smart to pack a variety of clothing to suit different temperatures and weather conditions. One moment it might be sunny and the next it could rain, so always take extra layers to protect yourself from the elements.

Where to Go 

While bustling London is often at the top of most travelers’ bucket lists, you shouldn’t be afraid to venture away from the capital to enjoy a true taste of the UK. For example, few destinations are more beautiful than the Lake District, England, or the Scottish Highlands.

One of the best cities to visit has to be medieval Edinburgh, as the Scottish capital is steeped in history. While Liverpool, England, is a must-visit for those who want to explore its extensive musical, maritime and soccer heritage. Don’t overlook Belfast, Northern Ireland, either, as it is a top destination for those who want to learn more about RMS Titanic.

If, however, you want to soak up the tranquility of a beautiful quaint town, you can take your pick in the county of Surrey. For example, you could spend your days in Weybridge, taking a walk along the River Thames or enjoying good beer and food at a great British pub, such as The Flintgate. Head to their website, Theflintgate.co.uk, to view their outstanding and British pub and drinks menu.

What to Eat 

The UK has wrongly earned a negative reputation for its cuisine throughout the years; however, there are some delicious dishes on many restaurant menus you won’t want to miss.

For example, you can treat yourself to:

• Fish & Chips – a traditional dinner you’ll find at many restaurants, pubs and chip shops. 
• A roast dinner – a Sunday staple. Expect meat, vegetables, stuffing and Yorkshire puddings, which are covered in gravy. 
• Steak and ale pie – meat and Guinness wrapped in pastry. 
• Bangers and mash – a stodgy, hearty meal of sausages and mashed potato. 

Visa Requirements 

In many cases, you will not require a visa to enter the UK for a stay of up to six months, and this applies to both EU citizens and citizens from Non-EU member states. However, Asian citizens will need to apply for a visa in advance and can stay for no longer than six months. If you’re visiting the UK for longer than six months, you’ll need to apply for a study or work visa.

Before Mary was born, we lived in New Mexico. We had moved out west because I was so sick with allergies that I couldn't leave our house anymore without a mask on to breathe.

Maybe you want to move to the largest city in New Mexico because it boasts a sunshine-filled sky over 310 days out of the year. Maybe you're looking for real estate because of the diverse cultures celebrated by the city’s inhabitants. Perhaps your reasoning is purely monetary, and you have discovered that this part of New Mexico offers urban attractions at affordable prices. Or maybe you're like me and need to move out west for health reasons. Regardless of your reason for moving there, here are the five best areas of Albuquerque.

Heritage East 

Heritage East is one of the largest neighborhoods in Albuquerque. There are approximately 1,240 homes in Heritage East, and the median home value is $300,000. Inhabitants say the area is very family friendly with a low crime rate. The east side of the city is built in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Look for the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to take visitors from the base of the foothills to the peak of the mountains.

Tanoan 

This neighborhood has a population of 1,240 people, and many of the homes reside in gated communities. Because of this extra security, expect that the cost to live in this area will be a little higher than other neighborhoods. The average home cost is $366,800. Communities in this area include Kingswood, Village Greens, Fairway Estates, and Cypress Point.

Vista Del Mundo 

Are you looking for a safe, quiet area with great schools? You may consider Vista Del Mundo. With approximately 1,269 residents, 99% of whom are homeowners, this neighborhood may be the right one for you. The average age of inhabitants is 53 years old. If you wish to live in this area, you better move quickly. There aren’t many houses available currently.

Skyview Acres 

Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Skyview Acres is near the Paseo del Bosque Trail, a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts to hike, jog, and cycle. The neighborhood crime statistics are impressive as well. While other areas of the city report 7,973 crimes per 100,000, Skyview Acre’s estimate is closer to 4,526 crimes per 100,000 people.

Ventura Ranch 

Ventura Ranch is located on the west side of the city. This planned community of 10,000 residents is home to one of the Central New Mexico Community College campuses. Young families and empty nesters enjoy affordable housing here and have a relatively short commute to downtown.

While this list is far from exhaustive, know that living in Albuquerque comes with several benefits. This city is bordered by the beautiful Sandia Mountains and divided by the Rio Grande. Residents can choose to live in newer homes built in quiet, suburban neighborhoods or older spaces downtown and in the Old Town area near places listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Residents and visitors enjoy the International Balloon Fiesta, the New Mexico State Fair, and the San Felipe Fiesta among others celebrations throughout the year. Regardless of the neighborhood where you land, enjoy the sunshine-filled days and the hot-air-balloon filled sky that reminds everyone of this great city.