Children's Book Review~I Want To Do Yoga, Too

I Want To Do Yoga Too is a cute children's book by Carole P Roman.  Little Hallie goes with her Mom to the yoga studio.  Her Mom puts Hallie in the childcare area, but Hallie keeps protesting, "I want to do yoga, too!"  As she waits for her Mom, teacher Robin does some fun things with her.  Hallie doesn't realize she is doing yoga too!  

This is a quick book to read with just seven pages of text and seven pages of illustrations.  The drawings are cute and colorful, and the text is larger for beginning readers.  As yoga is so popular these days, I could see this book being a hit for Moms and kids involved with yoga!  

My children, grandchild, and I have read many of Carole P. Roman's books and they are always enjoyed.  To learn more about the author, visit her website.  You can purchase I Want To Do Yoga Too  at Amazon in paperback or Kindle form. 

*Disclosure: I received this book free in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Wordless Wednesday~'The Hills are Alive'

This is my beautiful daughter Alyssa, 19, in Germany a few weeks ago where they filmed the famous 'The Hills are Alive' scene in The Sound of Music!

Review and Giveaway~Spellbinders Celebra'tions Collection

 I love doing crafts, but I'm not the greatest at using my imagination to come up with wonderful ideas from scratch.  I was excited for the chance to try out Spellbinders Celebra'tions by Richard Garay.  This is a complete collection of dies, stamps, paper, inks, and accessories that are all coordinated to work perfectly together.  With this collection you can create personalized cards, scrapbook pages, gifts and more.  With everything coordinated, I can't go wrong!!

I received two make and take kits to make, each with everything needed and full instructions.  You can make it exactly as the instructions show, or put your own unique touch on things!

Celebrate Party Hat Card:

Best Day Ever Treat Bag: 

These crafts were super quick and easy to make!  I love having basic instructions, but if I feel inspired I can change things.  The products are all high quality.  Here are my finished products:

I highly encourage you to go to the Spellbinders Celebra'tions website and look around at all the fun products they have.  I love sending people I love handmade items, they mean so much more when you've put the effort and time in.  Also, check out the Spellbinders Facebook page!

GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Purex and Spellbinders provided me with this set of 'Many Words' clear polymer stamps to give away to a lucky reader!!  These are high quality stamps, and you would need your own ink and block to use them. 



a Rafflecopter giveaway


*Disclosure: The Spellbinders brand provided me with a sample of Spellbinders Celebrations Collection in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own. 

Children's Book Review~Captain No Beard

Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life by Carole P. Roman, is a delightful book for children.  Captain No Beard, First Mate Hallie, Mongo the Monkey, Linus the loudmouthed lion, and Fribbet the floppy frog all sail aboard The Flying Dragon looking for adventure. 

This is a fun book that would encourage children to use their imaginations.  The illustrations are bright and adorable, and the print is perfect for early readers.  I've read a few of the Captain No Beard books before to my son and grandson, and we've enjoyed all of them.  The characters and story line are so much fun, and we often must play pirate immediately after reading!  Another enchanting story by author Carole P. Roman!

To learn more about the author and her books, visit her website. You can purchase your own copy of Captain No Beard at Amazon.


*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review~Plain Faith

I love Amish fiction, and read a lot of it.  Actually, I love reading about the Amish, but you just don't find much besides fiction.  So I was very excited to read Plain Faith by Irene and Ora Jay Eash, with Tricia Goyer.  Tricia Goyer is one of my favorite Amish Fiction authors, so that made it even more exciting!

Plain Faith is the true story of Ora Jay and Irene Eash, who were Old Order Amish farmers from Indiana.  They suffered an unthinkable tragedy when they were involved in a buggy accident and their two young daughters were killed.  After the accident, they were constantly concerned that if they did not do enough good works they would not see their daughters again in heaven, as the Amish believe. 

The family decides to make a temporary move to Montana,  where they have heard the Englisch and Amish are friends and even have Bible Study together.  Once there, their thinking begins to change and they realize the truth that only salvation through Jesus Christ would get them to Heaven.  As their lives change, they grew further from the Amish church. 

The Eash family must make a life-changing choice.  Could they give up the only lifestyle they have ever known, or could they remain Amish with what they now believe? 

My Thoughts: I could not put Plain Faith down.  It was fascinating to read about the Amish from people who lived the lifestyle.  I liked the way it was written, with both Ora Jay and Irene writing their own sections from their perspective. I also enjoyed that they shared circle letters they had written.  I was sad when the book came to an end, and would love to read more non-fiction Amish books! 

*Disclosure: I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. 

Product Review~Ageless Derma Anti-Aging Intensive Skin Bightener

I'm always on the lookout for skin care products that will benefit my skin with natural ingredients.  I don't have sensitive skin, but I have had a few reactions to products in the past.  Using products with natural ingredients just makes sense. 

Ageless Derma Anti-Aging Intensive Skin Brightener is formulated to lighten and even out your skin tone in weeks.  It was developed by a team of researchers, scientists, physicians, and estheticians that share over 30 years of experience.  Six powerful, clinically proven ingredients are in this skin brightener, that are natural and safe. 

I have had great results with Ageless Derma.  I like the way the container dispenses the product.  The product is creamy and a beige color.  It is basically unscented, and goes on smoothly.  I personally prefer a scent, but if a product works, as this one does, I'm fine with no scent.  Over time I've noticed more of an even look on my face, and my skin definitely looks healthier. 

You can purchase your own Ageless Derma Anti-Aging Intensive Skin Brightener at the Ageless Derma website.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Give your Baby a Fresh Start with Purex and One Step Ahead!

One grand prize winner will win a $1000 One Step Ahead Gift Certificate,  plus a year's supply of Purex Baby Detergent and Purex Crystals for Baby.  Click here to enter.  Sweepstakes ends July 31, 2014. 

Children's Book Review~The Adventures of Spunky and Dunky and Buddy Bear-Rescued at Last

The Adventures of Spunky and Dunky and Buddy Bear-Rescued at Last is the first book in a series of ten books chronicling the adventures of a bear and two little monkeys. These books all have many character building themes, as well as struggles common to children as they grow up.  The author is Gary C. Newton, PHD, who is the Professor of Children and Family at Crown College in Minnesota. 

In this first book, Spunky and Dunky are two little monkeys whose parents were taken away by poachers in the African jungle.  Buddy Bear is a kind bear who hears their story and travels to Africa to rescue them.  He brings them to his home, a cabin in the woods in Canada.  Once there, Spunky and Dunky must adjust to a new life, and learn many new rules.  They have lots of fun adventures along the way. 

The Adventures of Spunky and Dunky and Buddy Bear-Rescued at Last is a sweet, fun book for all children.  It is 39 pages long, with eight short chapters and beautiful illustrations on every other page.  It is available in hardback or e-book from Outskirts Press and Amazon.

*Disclosure: I received this book free in exchange for my honest review. 

Product Review~Lovely Lashes Eyelash Curler

I don't usually wear a lot of makeup, but one thing I do know can make a big difference in my eyes is curling my eyelashes.  I recently received the Lovely Lashes Eyelash Curler to review.   My eyelashes are sparse, short, and pale so having a good quality eyelash curler is important. 

 

 

This Izy Trends Eyelash Curler is comfortable to hold with a rubber grip handle.  It is good for curling any length of lashes, and has a lifetime guarantee.  It has a gentle, soft pad design for no tugging or pulling on the delicate eye area. 

 

The Lovely Lashes Eyelash curler worked great for curling my lashes, and was very comfortable to use with no tugging or pinching.  You can purchase your own at Amazon.



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wordless Wednesday~Love being a Grandma (Yiayia)!

Product Review~LumenX EZ Grip Bike Light

 

My 11-year-old son Chad rides his bike a lot, so I was very interested in reviewing LumenX EZ Grip Bike Lights .  I never let him ride around our neighborhood once it gets dark, because he doesn't have lights.  Now he does, and we both are loving them!

The set consists of two high quality dual energy efficient LED lights, white for the front and red for the back.  The lights are super bright, with 90 lumens and provide up to 150M safe use.  The white light has four modes and the red light has three modes, which range from constant light to faster strobe light.  The lights can last for up to 25 hours in constant mode and 130 hours in flashing mode.  It is super easy to attach, my son did it on his own in a minute.  Here is a picture of the rear light in my hand, so you can see the size:

I was impressed with the small size and quality of the EZ Grip bike light.  Also, it attaches very quickly and easily.  It is advertised to be used with any type of bike, but my son switches his from his bike to his electric scooter in a flash, and even put one on each of his rollerblades the other day!  So, the LumenX EZ Grip Bike Light is a big hit at our house and I feel that my son is safer riding now!

You can purchase your own set of EZ Grip Bike Lights at Amazon.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review and Triple iPad Author Giveaway~The Revealing

The Revealing is the third and final installment of The Inn at Eagle Hill series by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  In this story, we continue following the Old Order Amish Schrock and King families.  Tobe Schrock is away in prison, due to be released soon.  His family is looking forward to his return, to put the bad memories of the past behind them.  Neighbor Naomi King and Tobe are in love with each other, but they are keeping it a secret from their families. 

Through The Revealing we follow several romances and relationships in different stages, all while the Inn has a very curious guest who is having a romance of her own.  The family is shocked when a pregnant stranger shows up on their doorstep, claiming to be having Tobe's child.  When Tobe is released from prison, there is a lot to get sorted out. 

My Thoughts: I was excited to read The Revealing, as I had very much enjoyed the first two books in the series, The Letters and The Calling.  Suzanne Woods Fisher never disappoints me with her stories, The Revealing included.  Being the third book in the series, I felt mixed emotions-I want to experience more with these characters I have gotten to know, but I also didn't want the series to end!  The Revealing would be best read after the first two books, as I think it would be too confusing by itself.  The story is full of emotion, and so riveting I read until the wee  hours of the morning!  I enjoyed watching Naomi's character grow and gain strength. 

To learn more about author Suzanne Woods Fisher, visit her website.  You can also read more reviews of The Revealing at Litfuse.  To purchase your own copy of The Revealing, click here.



In The Revealing, the riveting conclusion to the Inn at Eagle Hill series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls out all the stops with a fast-paced tale of deception, revelation, and just the right dose of romance.

Suzanne is celebrating by giving away THREE iPads!

  THREE grand prize winners will receive:

• An iPad
• PickPocket Tablet Accessory Pouch (A stylish storage pouch designed to hold all your tablet accessories. Info.)
• The Inn at Eagle Hill series (The Letters, The Calling, and The Revealing)

Five second place winners will receive:

• The Inn at Eagle Hill series (The Letters, The Calling, and The Revealing) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 20th. All winners will be announced July 21st at Suzanne's blog. AND ... if you're looking for more in the Inn at Eagle Hill series, be sure to pick up the ebook novella, The Rescue, for just $1.99!

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!
Suzanne is also giving away two 10-book mystery prize packs! 
One of the major themes of The Revealing is learning to trust your intuition and instincts. These are God-given qualities that we sometimes are too timid or unsure of to act on. For a chance to win one of the 10-book prize packs, leave a comment on this blog and share about a time when your intuition or instinct saved the day—or a time you ignored it and missed an opportunity. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 21st to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

 

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Wordless Wednesday~Bowling!

Product Review and Giveaway~Piczzle Photo Puzzle

 

Have you ever seen picture puzzles, where a picture is turned into a puzzle?  I've always thought that was a great idea for a gift, or just fun for the family.  We like puzzles at our house, and pictures, so I was excited to try out Piczzle Photo Puzzles myself!

Above is an example from Piczzle's website.  It was really easy to order, you just choose your size of puzzle, from small to giant, which shape puzzle you want (square, heart, etc.) , and if you want a wooden or cardboard puzzle.  Then you just upload your photo and any writing you want on it.  Easy, peasy!  I received my puzzle really quickly after I ordered it.  My medium cardboard puzzle came in a sturdy cardboard box with the picture of the puzzle on the box.  Here is my oldest son completing the puzzle, and the finished product:

 

I love how it turned out!  The puzzle is a picture of my grandson.  Piczzle Photo Puzzles are made with high quality materials, including a premium grade cardboard that has been laminated with a glossy finish.  The pieces went together easily, because Piczzle uses a precision press cut to make their puzzles. 

You can learn more about Piczzle Photo Puzzles with these links:
Piczzle Photo Puzzles
Piczzle Photo Puzzles on Facebook
Piczzle Photo Puzzles on YouTube

GIVEAWAY

Piczzle is giving one of my readers a small cardboard photo puzzle of their choosing!!  To enter, go to www.piczzle.com/products and leave a comment below, telling me which puzzle you saw is your favorite.  Please leave me your email address so I can contact the winner.  This giveaway ends at 11:59pm MST on July 22.  Good luck!

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wordless Wednesday~My Little Monkeys

Book Review~Hope Deferred by Elizabeth Maddrey

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hope Deferred HopeSprings Books (July 1, 2014) by Elizabeth Maddrey

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who loves a good happily ever after.

Elizabeth Maddrey began writing stories as soon as she could form the letters properly and has never looked back. Though her practical nature and love of computers, math, and organization steered her into computer science at Wheaton College, she always had one or more stories in progress to occupy her free time. This continued through a Master’s program in Software Engineering, several years in the computer industry, teaching programming at the college level, and a Ph.D. in Computer Technology in Education. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books and has mastered the art of reading while undertaking just about any other activity.

She lives in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. with her husband and their two incredibly active little boys.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christian fiction for women.
Can pursuit of a blessing become a curse?
June and July and their husbands have spent the last year trying to start a family and now they're desperate for answers. As one couple works with specialists to see how medicine can help them conceive, the other must fight to save their marriage. Will their deferred hope leave them heart sick, or start them on the path to the fulfillment of their dreams?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hope Deferred, go HERE.




MY THOUGHTS: I did not realize that Hope Deferred was the second book in a series until I received the book and was looking at the author's other works.  Although Hope Deferred could be read by itself, I think the story would have had more depth with the background from the first book in the series. This book covers a very sensitive topic that I do not have experience with, but one that I know is happening to so many people in the world today.  Infertility can consume a person's life, and make them feel differently about themselves.  The author did a good job of covering different ways of handling infertility through sisters June and July, and their friend Lydia.  It was an enjoyable book, and my heart broke for the infertile couples. 

Book Review~First Impressions by Sarah Price

When I first saw the description for First Impressions by author Sarah Price, I was intrigued how she could pull off turning a classic such as Pride and Prejudice into an Amish novel.  Well, I was pleasantly surprised to find out it is possible, and Ms. Price did an amazing job with it! 

First Impressions is the first book in Sarah Prices new series, The Amish Classics.  In this story, the Blank family is a traditional Old Order Amish family.  They were blessed with five daughters, but no sons.  For an Amish farming family, not having a son can be a problem, but daughter Lizzie takes on the role of son, helping her Daed with all the farming chores.  Lizzie is a spirited young woman, and would rather be helping with farm chores or reading than courting young men.  Her older sister Jane, however, dreams of marrying and starting a family. 

Some new people from an Ohio Amish community move in near the Blank's Pennsylvania farm.  Jane is quickly attracted to Charles, a kind and upstanding Amish man.  They begin to spend time together, and the family assumes a marriage will happen soon.  When Lizzie meets Frederick, she is shocked at how prideful he is.  She doesn't like anything about him.  When Frederick admits his interest in her, Lizzie shoots him down immediately. 

I don't want to give any more of the story away, so I will stop there.  First Impressions was a wonderful story, one I read in two days.  Even though I haven't read Pride and Prejudice, I do know the basic story and First Impressions is the Amish version of the story.  This story focuses on family, faith, and love.  It will remind you to not judge, and not to believe gossip.  It is a romantic love story full of good life lessons. 

*Disclosure: I received this book free from Booketeria in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Product Review~TLC Voxbox

 

Influenster recently sent me the TLC Voxbox for Moms, full of great products to try out!  I'll go through the products one by one to tell you about them:

*Neosporin Neo to Go is a handy spray with pain relief and infection protection in a no-sting spray.  I have mine on my keychain, ready for scrapes at a moment's notice!  #Neoready

*Breyers Gelato Indulgences: I got a coupon for a free carton of this decadent dessert.  It was so wonderful that my family gobbled it up before I got a picture of it! www.facebook.com/breyers

*Ivory Bar Soap: Everyone knows and loves this gentle soap that has been around forever.  Gentle enough for little ones, yet cleans well.  www.facebook.com/ivory

*Avon Anew Reversalist Express Wrinkle Smoother: I was skeptical at first, but this product really does make  your fine lines fade away temporarily.  www.facebook.com/avon

*Puffs to Go: These little packs are perfect for your purse, car, or anywhere on the go!  Puffs tissues are soft and gentle.  www.facebook.com/puffs

*Shell Fuel Rewards Network Card: This card is a great money saver, giving you cents off per gallon when you fill up at participating stations.  www.facebook.com/shell

I received all these products free from Influenster, and highly recommend you check out their website
and sign up!

Wordless Wednesday~A Trip!

I took Chad and Daniel to San Diego to see my parents.  More pics to come soon!

A Mother's Secret~Review and Kindle Fire Giveaway from @AmyClipston

Most Amish girls marry at a young age, by their early twenties.  Carolyn Lapp is 31 and has never been married, but she is the mother of a fifteen year old son out of wedlock.  In her strict community, she is seen as less desirable by the young men, and although she believes she has been forgiven by God, some in her community and even family members still hold her mistake against her. 

When Carolyn's brother finds a widower with a young daughter who would accept her as his wife, she considers it to finally be married and have a father for her son.  But she really dreams of marrying for love, and has just about given up on her dream.  Then she meets Joshua Glick, a single Amish man nearing his forties.  Having had his heart broken before, he is not looking for love.  He pours everything into his horse farm. 

Carolyn's son Benjamin goes to work for Joshua, and Joshua assumes Benjamin is her brother, not her son.  Carolyn and Joshua have feelings for each other, and as those feelings grow, Carolyn is not sure if she should tell Joshua her secret, just to be rejected again.  She is torn between two men, and the years of shame are holding her back from taking a chance on love. 

My Thoughts: A Mother's Secret is the second book in author Amy Clipston's Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series.  I did read the first book and really enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to reading A Mother's Secret.  This was a great story of teen pregnancy and how it effects an Amish woman.  Although her community claimed she was forgiven after she confessed  her sins, the shame still followed her for many years.  As most Amish marry young, it was nice to read a story with the main characters being older as they finally find love and marriage.  Carolyn and Joshua were both such sweet and likable characters. At the back of A Mother's Secret are some Group Discussion Questions.

To learn more about author Amy Clipston, visit her website.  To read more reviews of A Mother's Secret, visit the book's landing page at Litfuse.  You can purchase your own copy at the author's website.


Don't miss the newest offering in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series from Amy Clipston, A Mother's Secret. An unwed Amish woman yearns for real love and a family. The only thing in her way is the shame she’s been carrying for half of her life. The novel received 4-1/2 stars from Romantic Times and was chosen as a Top Pick.

Amy is celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway.

 One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Books 1 and 2 in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series, A Hopeful Heart and A Mother's Secret.

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 6th. Winner will be announced July 7th on Amy's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Amy's blog on July 7th to see if you won.

 

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.