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Friday, July 19, 2013

Join Purex Insiders!


Are you a blogger who likes to do product reviews and giveaways?  I've been part of a great group, Purex Insiders, for several years now, and have nothing but great things to tell you about them!!!  As an Insider, you get to try new products (often before they are on the shelves), give your feedback, host giveaways sponsored by Purex and/or the brands they work with, receive exclusive offers, interact with the big brands, and connect with other bloggers.


Along with getting to try great products for free and increasing traffic to my blog through giveaways, I've met some awesome people through this program.  Everyone is so friendly and helpful!

Does Purex Insiders sound like it might be a good fit for you?  Well, they are accepting applications now!  Here is the website to apply: www.purexinsiders.com.  Let me know if you become a member!


Review~Bible Stories Painting Book 2



When I was young, I loved those Paint with Water books my Mom used to get me.  Usually they were fairy tale themes.  My Mom loved that it wasn't messy, which I can sure understand as a Mom myself now. 

I was happy to review Bible Stories Paining Book 2, published by Candle Books, an imprint of Lion Hudson publishers.  The text is by Juliet  David and the illustrations by Simon Abbott.  The book has sixteen scenes to paint from the Bible, with a simple line of text explaining the picture.  There are paint palettes behind the front and back covers of the book, which are sturdy and full of colors.  All you have to do is dip your own paintbrush in water (we used little Dixie cups), and paint away!


This is what one of the paint palettes looked like before we used it. I was interested how it would stand up to use each time, and was pleasantly surprised.  Here is a picture of it after use:



There is obviously still a lot of color left!  Chad (10) enjoyed painting.  Here is one of his masterpieces:


For some reason, he likes leaving the people unpainted.  I was surprised when I discovered that the pictures are printed on both sides, so I was sure that the paint would leak through.  But it didn't!  The paper is thick and we didn't get any moisture leak through to the other side. 

Bible Stories Painting Book 2 is a great craft/activity during these hot summer months.  Chad liked using it, and it was minimal mess for Mom too!  The only thing that I can see some people might prefer is having only one-sided pictures so the child could hang the picture up on the fridge, etc. without wasting the picture on the other side.  All-in-all, this is a fun, quality product that kids (and parents!) will enjoy!

You can purchase Bible Stories Painting Book 2 for only $7.99 at Kregel Publications.  While you are there at the website, check out Bible Stories Painting Book 1 and all the other kids and adult products available.

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


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

~Wordless Wednesday~


Isn't this a cool photo?  Daughter Alyssa is in the Dominican Republic on a dance tour.

Wordless Wednesday on Only Passionate Curiosity

Children's Book Review~If You Were Me and Lived in...South Korea


If You Were Me and Lived In...South Korea-An Introduction to Learning About Other Cultures is the second book I have reviewed in the If You Were Me series by Carole P. Roman.  These are colorful, fun books that teach children about life in other countries. 

After enjoying If You Were Me and Lived in...France, my ten-year-old son and I were happy to read about another country.  In this book about South Korea, the children from South Korea show where they live, teach about money, food, school, and more.  There is a pronunciation guide at the back of this twenty-four page softcover book.  The illustrations are well done, and the larger letters make it easier for early readers to read the book on their own.

We thoroughly enjoyed both books we have read in the series, and look forward to reading more!

To learn more about author Carole P. Roman and purchase If You Were Me and Lived In...South Korea, visit her website.  You can also purchase it at Amazon.

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


Children's Book Review~If You Were Me and Lived In...France


If You Were Me And Lived In ...France-A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World is part of the If You Were Me series by Carole P. Roman.  This educational series is perfect for children from Pre-K to age eight to learn about the world around them. 

In this 22 page book, a boy and girl from France tell children about their lives-what they eat, where they live, and what they call different things.  They show where they live on a map, and there is a pronunciation guide on the last page.  The illustrations are full-page, bright and cheerful. 

My son (10) and I read If You Were Me And Lived In...France together, and although he is a bit older than the suggested age range, he was very interested in the information.  It stimulated more questions from him about France too.  I think this is a great series to have for children. 

Learn more about Author Carole P. Roman and her books at her website.  If You Were Me And Lived In...France is available for purchase on her website and on Amazon. 

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

Friday, July 12, 2013

Book Review~That Summer by Jo Huddleston




That Summer, by Joe Huddleston, is Book 1 of the Caney Creek Series.  The story takes place in Tennessee around the time of the Great Depression, and spans from the late 1920s to 1950.  Jim Callaway lives with his family on their farm, and times are bleak for them.  His father abuses him, and Jim decides at 17 years old to run away to the city.

That Summer follows Jim as he learns to survive on his own, falls in love, and falls away from his faith and God.  Jim has to learn many difficult lessons along the way to finding his way back to what he knows is right.

I thoroughly enjoyed That Summer.  Ms. Huddleston did a wonderful job of developing characters that I really felt a connection with.  The storyline flowed well, and it kept my attention throughout the book.  I look forward to reading the second and third books in the series, due out later in 2013. 

For more information on the author, visit her website.  You can also find Jo Huddleston on Facebook. 

Purchase That Summer at Amazon.
ISBN-10: 1939219035 | ISBN- 13: 978-1939219039 | List Price: $14.99 Softcover, $4.99 Kindle |Format: Soft cover and Kindle | Page Count: 220

I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.