"Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship: Winning Isn't Everything" Book

I received this product to review. All opinions are 100% mine.

The product: Howard B. Wigglebottom is an ornery, little bunny. He's always getting in some sort of trouble. But even ornery little kids can learn to behave better with the help of friends. See what lesson Howard will learn this time in Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship: Winning Isn't Everything.

The ten picture books in our award winning, educator endorsed series tackle important life lessons for 3-8 year olds like listening, bullying, sportsmanship, anger management, feeling good about themselves, moderation, truth, divorce, peer pressure, belonging, generosity, sportsmanship and attention. You can check out the animated versions at http://www.wedolisten.org. Click on animated books, lessons/posters and songs.

The We Do Listen Foundation is a group of writers, artists, designers, educators, therapists, parents, caregivers and teachers who share a vision of a kinder world with more harmony and peace and a better life for everyone to enjoy.

What we thought: We already have a few Howard B. Wigglebottom books in our house. As a parent and educator, I love the message that these books have. They put the main character in a practical situation that children will understand. And it is great that it teaches children about how to handle real life situations.

Here is what my 7 year old son, Zachariah, thinks:

Where to buy: You can purchase the Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship: Winning Isn't Everything from their website or on Amazon. The hardcover books retail for $15 in the U.S. and Canada. Now you can find Howard B. Wigglebottom books on Apple for $1.99.

How to connect: The website for Howard B. Wigglebottom is a great resource for parents and children alike.




*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

"To Love and Cherish" by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

I received this product to review. All opinions are 100% mine.

 
The product: To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

When a devastating hurricane hits Bridal Veil Island, Melinda Colson gives up her position as a lady’s maid in Cleveland and makes her way back to the island—man—she loves. But the destruction on Bridal Veil is extensive. With every available person needed to help with cleanup and repairs, Evan is even busier than before—and it seems marriage is the last thing on his mind. Has she given her heart to the wrong man? And when Melinda overhears a vicious plot against President McKinley, who is scheduled to visit the island, is Evan the one she should turn to?


What I thought: Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite authors. I have read so many of her books. And many of her books are historical fiction (also Christian/romance). She has written several series with Judith Miller, and I enjoy her too. Together they make a pretty great duo and have some fantastic books.

To Love and Cherish is the second book in a 3 part series. I somehow missed the first book, but I was able to jump right into this one. It takes place on an exclusive island along the Atlantic coast where the rich go to play. From class division to natural disasters there are so many interesting things happening. You will enjoy watching the story of Melinda and Evan unfold. They both have things in their past that they are dealing with and learning from. But most of all they have love for each other and God.

Where to buy: To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller is available in stores and online now.

Clorox Smart Tube Technology

I received this product to review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Keeping a clean home is just a part of life. Whether you like to clean or not, it's necessary... unless you're one of those fortunate few who can afford a maid to do it for you. (Don't I wish!) Since I am responsible for cleaning our house, I have to find cleaning products that work well and don't cost a fortune either. The new Clorox Smart Tube Technology is a big help with time & energy. No more waste at the bottom of your cleaning supplies, it's good to the last drop. If there is something I like as much as saving money, it's not wasting things.


The product: We've all experienced it: the frustration of not being able to access the remaining liquid at the bottom of spray bottles. From tilting the bottle in different directions, to transferring leftover liquid to another bottle, we often take extreme measures to get to the remaining liquid.

To eliminate this spray bottle frustration, Clorox has introduced a new innovation called SMART TUBE® TECHNOLOGY just in time to help you tackle your spring cleaning. It’s a built-in tube that reaches all the way to the bottom of the bottle, giving you:

o   Satisfaction of being able to spray every drop.

o   Freedom from frustrating workarounds to get to the last bit of product.

o   Enjoyment of a more premium spray experience with a new, more durable trigger* that provides better coverage and control and a smoother pull that makes it easier to dispense with less effort.

SMART TUBE® TECHNOLOGY is now available nationwide in Clorox spray bottles, including Clorox® Clean Up®, Tilex® and Formula 409® products. Just look for the yellow stripe on the side of the bottle!  For more about SMART TUBE® TECHNOLOGY and to see a video on the bottle transformation, visit www.sprayeverydrop.com.

What I thought: The new Clorox Smart Tube Technology is available in 4 different varieties- 409 All-Purpose Cleaner, Clorox Clean-up Cleaner & Bleach, Tilex Mold & Mildew, and Clorox Green Works All-Purpose Cleaner. I wish my store would have had the Green Works, because that would have been my preference. Since they did not, I picked out the Cleaner & Bleach and the 409- All-Purpose Cleaner in fresh lemon.

The Clorox Cleaner & Bleach is great for the bathroom. That's where I'm worried about germs spreading, so this will keep it clean and safe from germs around my family. And the 409 All-Purpose is perfect in the kitchen. I especially like the lemon fresh scent. It cleans and nicely polishes my counters and stove top. I can use it throughout the day to keep things nice and clean.

So far I have not used up a whole bottle to test the smart tube feature. It seems like the bottle is designed well, though. The sprayer on it works nicely. I'm excited that I won't have to tilt the bottle just so to try and gt those last drops now. And I can use it all with no waste. That's a biggie for me.

Where to buy: The new Clorox Smart Tube products are available in stores everywhere. You can find out where to buy near you on their website.

How to connect: Learn more about this new product and other Clorox products at http://www.clorox.com/products/smart-tube-technology/.

*Disclosure: I received information about SMART TUBE TECHNOLOGY and a coupon from Clorox.

For more information about the March 2013 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) “..com Disclosure Guidelines,” click here:http://www.ftc.gov/os/2013/03/130312dotcomdisclosures.pdf*

Escape From Planet Earth Blu-ray & DVD #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.

The product:

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT and THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY PRESENT ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH starring Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker, William Shatner, Rob Corddry, Brendan Fraser, George Lopez, Craig Robinson, Sofía Vergara and Jane Lynch blasts off June 4, 2013!

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company announced today the Blu-ray™ and DVD release of the family film ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH.

This fantastic, comedy- adventure crosses all galaxies to entertain the entire family with an all-star vocal cast including Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker, William Shatner, George Lopez, Craig Robinson, Sofía Vergara, Jane Lynch, Steve Zahn, Chris Parnell, Brendan Fraser, Rob Corddry and Ricky Gervais.

In ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH, Planet Baab’s most celebrated space traveler, Scorch Supernova (voiced by Brendan Fraser), is a global hero whose interplanetary exploits are televised for the enjoyment of his ardent fans. With the help of his brainy brother Gary (Rob Corddry), head BASA Mission Control, Scorch has become a legend, winning the love of beautiful television reporter Gabby Babblebrock (Sofía Vergara) and the devotion of Gary’s hero-worshipping son Kip (Jonathan Morgan Heit).

When BASA’s no-nonsense chief, Lena (Jessica Alba), intercepts a distress signal from the Dark Planet, a notoriously dangerous world in the far reaches of the universe, Scorch jumps at the chance to attempt the once-in-a-lifetime rescue mission. But Gary tries to discourage his bother from making the trip, knowing that no intergalactic explorer has ever returned from the faraway world (also known as Earth). Scorch realizes too late that he has been lured into a deadly ambush set by the power-crazed paramilitary leader General Shanker (William Shatner). When the trap snaps shut, imprisoning Scorch and some of the most brilliant minds in the universe, Gary rushes to their aid. What he discovers is a plot of interplanetary proportions that only his brains and Scorch’s brawn can stop.

The film is directed by Cal Brunker from a screenplay by Brunker and Bob Barlen based on a story by Tony Leech and Cory Edwards. The film is produced by Catherine Winder, Luke Carroll and Brian Inerfeld. Executive producers are Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Radenko Milakovic, Marvin Peart and Tony Leech.

The film’s upbeat soundtrack includes music from Delta Rae, Owl City and Cody Simpson as well as original music composed by Aaron Zigman.

A GUIDE TO THE CHARACTERS OF ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH

Gary Supernova (Rob Corddry) – A Mission Control whiz kid at BASA, Gary has always been overshadowed by his younger brother Scorch. But without Gary’s loyalty and genius-level intelligence, the pumped up daredevil would have been Gnarlach food long ago.

Scorch Supernova (Brendan Fraser) – A hot-dogging astronaut celebrated for his outrageous and heroic exploits, Scorch is a global hero on the planet Baab, where his adventures are must-see television for his fans on the BNN network.

General Shanker (William Shatner) – Shanker appears to be a loyal military man, but in reality he is a ruthless megalomaniac bent on destroying all intelligent life in the Universe.

Kira Supernova (Sarah Jessica Parker) – Gary’s loyal and loving wife, Kira spent 15 years as a test pilot for BASA before devoting herself fulltime to Gary and their adorable son Kipper. But make no mistake: “Just ‘cause a chick has kids doesn't mean she can’t still dish it out.”

Kipper “Kip” Supernova (Jonathan Morgan Heit) – Gary and Kira’s plucky nine-year-old pride and joy, Kipper idolizes his intrepid Uncle Scorch, but learns that his dad’s brain and his uncle’s brawn are an unbeatable combination.

Gabby Babblebrock (Sofía Vergara) – When the hot and spicy anchor for BNN News is not avidly pursuing a breaking story for the network, she finds time for canoodling with her best beau, Scorch.

Lena (Jessica Alba) – Gary’s boss Lena is beautiful, highly intelligent, hard-driving—and extremely duplicitous. Her ambition is unbridled, but her fatal weakness for a guy in an Elvis wig could be the end of Baab.

“Finally, a family movie that your entire family can enjoy together.”

~ The Dove Foundation

“For its fun and good messages, the Parents Television Council is proud to award Escape From Planet Earth with the seal of approval™”

~ Parents Television Council

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH heads to retail on June 4, 2013 for an SRP of $39.99 for the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with UltraViolet™ and $29.98 for the DVD.

The ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with UltraViolet™ and DVD include exclusive special features such as commentary with director Cal Brunker, The Making of Escape From Planet Earth, Alternate Takes and Deleted Scenes and Music Featurettes from Delta Rae, Owl City and Cody Simpson.

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH BLU-RAY™ Combo Pack

(Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet™)

Street date:                   June 4, 2013

Catalog #:                    ZBD24749ORN

UPC:                            01313247499180

Run time:                     89 Minutes

Rating:                         PG

SRP:                            $39.99

Format:                       Widescreen

Audio:                         5.1 DTSHD-MA

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH DVD

Street date:                  June 4, 2013

Catalog #:                   WC24745     

UPC:                           01313247459580

Run time:                    89 Minutes

Rating:                        PG

SRP:                            $29.98

Format:                       Widescreen

Audio:                         Dolby Digital 5.1 

What we thought: My son was so excited when we received this movie. We missed it in theaters and apparently it's one that has caught his eye.

There are some great celebrity voices in this movie. I appreciated picking them out. Most kids wouldn't notice, but I think it makes it more fun for the adults when you start recognizing voices.

Overall it is a fun family movie. I enjoy it when there is a good movie like this that the whole family can watch together. Pop some popcorn then relax and enjoy a rainy night in.

Where to buy: The Escape From Planet Earth Blu-ray and DVD are available in stores and online now.

How to Connect: Find out more about this movie at http://www.escapeearthmovie.com/.

Prize: Two of you will win a copy of Escape From Planet Earth Blu-ray/DVD like I did.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 8/9/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!


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Kidorable Photo Contest

How do you Kidorable? At the park or the zoo, maybe the pool too? Or perhaps just on a rainy day outside.

We love our Kidorable products. My son gets compliments every time he wears something out from them. Now I just need to start getting some things for the baby.

Contest Alert:

One lucky Kidorable fan will win an ensemble of their choice. It's simple. All you have to do is email a picture of your child (or niece, nephew, grandchild, friend...) wearing a Kidorable piece to contest@kidorable.com. Whoever gets the most votes will win.

You can send your entries now through Wednesday, July 26th. The voting will go until August 2nd.

Why wait? Email your picture today!

Click here for details.

Birthday & Comments Fixed

Me and my baby (just turned 3 months!)

Today is my birthday!

I don't usually do much to celebrate. But this year I wanted to do something fun at least. I decided to head out of town for part of the day to eat out (Chick-fil-A! My favorite!) and go shopping (Target! Another favorite!). On a whim I decided to see if my mom and sisters might be able to join me and the boys. They all work outside the home, so it's rare to get them all away on a work day. My mom is able to take the afternoon off, one of my sisters is on vacation this week with no plans, and my other sister should be able to finish work early and meet us for lunch too. I'm excited that we can all get together. It will be a fun little day away. Then I can come home at suppertime and still enjoy time with my husband.

Recently some of you have mentioned problems with commenting here on my blog. It made it difficult to enter giveaways. Those who asked, I said to skip the commenting and just claim that you did it for now. (I hope you still entered!)

I have fixed the problem. I couldn't figure it out before, but I finally took the time to get it worked out. You should be able to leave a comment like before now.

So in honor of my birthday (and the comments working again), it would be fun to see how many comments I can get for my birthday this year. Please leave a little note for me. And as a bonus it will count as an extra entry in the next giveaway you enter here. Have a great day!

Superbook

This post it part of campaign I'm participating in with CBN and MomSelect.

Superbook is a new show that teaches and entertains children with animated bible stories. This summer series will be airing on selected CBS markets and on ABC Family. You won't want to miss it, so check it out this week!

CBS Airings:
     June 15th - Giant Adventure: David and Goliath
     June 22nd - Jonah
     June 29th - Roar! Daniel and the Lions' Den

ABC Airings - 9:30 a.m. EST:
     July 1st - In the Beginning: Adam and Eve
     July 2nd - Let My People For: Moses
     July 3rd - The First Christmas
     July 4th - He Is Risen: the Resurrection of Jesus
     July 5th - Revelation

Find out more at cbn.com/superbook

And you can look forward to my review of the Superbook series review coming up soon.

New Sesame Street Cereal from Post #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.

Toddlers are a fun group. Little kids are doing so many new things and are learning so much. It's fun to see all the changes that they go through. What do you think of with toddlers? Learning to eat. Walking. Self feeding. Cute children's shows and cartoons. Now here's a product that toddlers will love. It encourages self feeding and has some of their favorite characters.

The product: Post has launched a new cereal with toddlers in mind. It is Sesame Street Cereal with their favorite characters on the box. And the cereal inside is perfect for little hands. Reach a new milestone with your little ones with a cereal they will love.

Post Sesame Street Cereal comes in two varieties, A is for Apple and B is for Banana. For your growing child this cereal is made with 2/3 of their daily whole grain serving plus it has only 1 gram of sugar per serving. Cookie Monster and Elmo are featured on the boxes of this cereal. The cereal itself is in the shape of little X's and O's. It makes picking it up easy for little fingers. And it is soft and melts in your mouth for easy and safe consumption for your little ones.

What we thought: On first site, I know my son would have loved these cereals when he was a toddler. Having Elmo & Cookie Monster on the box will thrill any young Sesame Street fan. Not only are the boxes catchy with favorite characters, but the cereal is pretty good. It has a slight hint of the flavor in the little pieces. It reminds me of Cheerios with a hint of apple/banana flavor. The texture is great for little ones. It is a soft cereal that they can easily chew and swallow. I think these cereals are great for any families with young children. They will definitely enjoy trying this. I will be getting some more when Jonah is big enough to try it too.

Where to buy: You can find the new Post Sesame Street Cereal in your local grocery stores now.

Prize: One of you will win one of each box, A is for Apple and B is for Banana, of Post Sesame Street Cereal.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 6/28/13 at 12:01am EST. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Kroger June Value

Disclosure: The information and gift pack have been provided by General Mills and Kroger through MyBlogSpark.

Summertime is here. School is out and hungry kids are home. It's time to stock up on your favorite brands from Kroger.

The product: Kroger is a great store to shop at. They always have great deals on your favorite products from the best brands. You can often find great savings on your favorite brands from General Mills like Pillsbury, Totino's, Chex Mix and Yoplait.

What we thought: We don't have a Kroger in town, but often stop to shop in one when we're away from home. There are a few within driving distance in neighboring towns. When there are great deals, I love to make the trip just to shop there. This last time we found one of my husband's favorites, Ale-8-One pop (link not sponsored, just a product we love). We can't get there here, but when we were near Cincinnati last month we were able to get it. He is all stocked up for a while now thanks to Kroger and the $25 gift card I received.

How to connect: You'll find Kroger on Facebook and Twitter.

Prize: One reader will win a $25 Kroger gift card.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 6/21/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Molly Sims - Puts Lavanila Deodorant to the Test

This information is courtesy of Lavanilla. I will be doing a review in an upcoming post, when I receive the product.

Just in time for the summer heat wave, former Sports Illustrated “Swimsuit Issue” model and Las Vegas actress Molly Sims has joined forces with Lavanila to put the 100% Natural Lavanila Healthy Deodorant to the test.

But, what good is a natural deodorant if it doesn’t work? To prove the efficiency of the Healthy Deodorant’s powerful, clinical strength formula, we invite you and handful of your readers to put it to the test with a giveaway. Get your heart rate up, and see for yourself how amazingly fresh The Lavanila Healthy Deodorant keeps you, even when you’re working hard.

About The Healthy Lavanila Deodorant: Traditional deodorants are packed with aluminum, paraben and propylene glycol that can potentially irritate the skin and accumulate in the body. Made with a breakthrough, natural technology that’s highly effective, The Lavanila Healthy Deodorant is 100% natural, chemical-free, and packed with skin beneficial vitamins and essential oils that not only protect against odor, but nourish and condition as well.

This luxurious deodorant is available in an array of scents such as Fresh Vanilla Lemon. Also, many of these scents are available in two sizes: travel-size (perfect for long weekend getaways at ($8) and full-size (at $14).

Life & Review Blogging

I am getting back into the swing of things. Life has finally settled down again. My newborn baby isn't such a newborn as he is an infant now. It's amazing how quickly they grow and change.

Jonah is 2 months old. He's the sweetest little guy. He is eating less frequently, sleeping better and more interactive now. He loves to smile and laugh at us and is a joy in our house.

Now that I'm not always tied down with a baby, I will be able to catch up on blogging. I have the itch to get back to it. We were on vacation last week, so now that we're back I'm ready to get going.

Be on the lookout for more blog posts, product reviews, and of course, great giveaways too. I have some planned to post soon, and you won't want to miss it.

New Spring Body Washes from Softsoap

This post was written by me on behalf of SoftSoap. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's springtime. In case you've missed it, in most of the areas of the US we can see spring finally. The trees are getting their leaves back, the grass is greening up (and needs mowed again), the tulips are in full bloom, and I can smell my lovely lilacs too. There is so much about spring that makes it special. Scents are such a strong reason that we know the changing seasons. Each has it's own. That's why these new Softsoap scents are perfect right now to get us in the mood for spring.

The product: New from Softsoap are their two limited edition spring scented body wash- Forever Springtime and Lemonade Berry Splash. Both of these body washes are infused with fresh scents and moisture rich formulas to provide the body and mind with a much needed spring awakening.

What I thought: The new fragrances of Softsoap are great. They are both refreshing spring-like scents. It puts me in a good mood and ready for great weather and warmer outdoor activities when I use them. The Lemonade Berry Splash body wash is lemony and fresh. And the Forever Springtime body wash has a nice floral scent. I enjoyed both of these, and I think you'll really like them too.

Where to buy: These scents of the Softsoap Body Washes are available only at Walmart until the end of May. Be sure to grab yours now.

NEW Fantastic Mother's Day Gift from Bath & Body Works!

This post was written by me on behalf of Bath & Body Works. All opinions are 100% mine.

Mother's Day is this Sunday. If you haven't found the perfect gift for Mom yet, you will want to check out this great deal from Bath & Body Works. Make Mom happy and leave her smelling good too.

The product:
You know your mom is a VIP, but it never hurts to remind her. Show her how important she really is with the Bath & Body Works Mother's Day VIP Tote, available at your local Bath & Body Works store this May. Packed with summer's most covetable products, the tote is a Bath & Body Works splurge in a bag. The tote features selections from the new Italian-inspired fragrance collection, as well as a luxe bonus: a Body Cream in Bath & Body Works' prestige fragrance, Forever Red.

The tote is an incredible insider value – just $20 for over $100 worth of product--with a $40 purchase. Stock up on summer treats for yourself, then give mom the quintessential Bath & Body Works experience with the ultimate VIP selection. Included in Bath & BodyWorks' exclusive shimmer linen tote are the following “Very Impressive Products”:

Rome Honeysuckle Amore Body Lotion, Shower Gel and Fine Fragrance Mist

Venice Dolce Berry Body Lotion

Capri Seaside Citrus Body Lotion

Sicilian Orange Concentrated Room Spray- a VIP bag exclusive!

Forever Red Body Cream

Crinkle Mesh Sponge

What I thought: I received a few of these products to try for myself. I have tried the Rome Honeysuckle Amore Fine Fragrance Mist, Capri Seaside Citrus Body Lotion, and Rome Honeysuckle Amore Shower Gel. I can sometimes be picky about fragrances, so I was curious to see what these ones were like since I wasn't choosing them. They are both wonderful! The Rome Honeysuckle has a subtle, light, floral scent. The mist is something that I can easily put on when I'm leaving the house. It provides a nice scent without being overpowering. I'm wearing it on my shirt now, and I can smell it but it's not too much. Lovely fragrance. I also really like the look of the bottle for the mist.

The Capri Seaside Citrus is another great scent. It does smell citrusy, but not in a harsh way that some citrus fragrances do. It's a very pleasant spring/summer scent that will be great this season. Either of these scents would be a great choice for Mom this Mother's Day. And I think the tote with products is a great deal for everything that comes in it. It has a good variety of lotions, gels and sprays that any mom would enjoy.

Where to buy: You can find this Mother's Day special and other great items from your local Bath & Body Works store.

Journal 10+ Mother's Day #Giveaway

This post was written by me on behalf of Journal 10+. All opinions are 100% my own.

The product: Journal 10+ isn't just a plain journal. This is a compact entry 10 year journal. It's designed to give you space to jot down little thoughts, memories, or keep track of things each day. It makes journaling easy. You can collect your daily entries for 10 years in this one bound book. So handy to write what you want and have a place to put it daily.

The Journal 10+ is a unique 10 year journal and a firm favorite for parents looking to keep a family journal without feeling the pressure to fill a blank page with insight and meaning, and is an ideal Mother's Day gift. 

Just scribble down a few sentences each day and, before you know it, you have a decade of memories and observations at your fingertips! Each 'daily page' of the Journal 10+ offers room to write about one day - September 16th, say - every time it comes around from 2013 to 2023. What fun to compare what was happening in your life on any given day as the years go by.  

This video by Ali Fedotowsky explains how the Journal is used - Ali's Journal 10 video

Key features:

• As you make each entry you see what was happening on that day in previous years

• Re-reading triggers memories of people, place and events otherwise forgotten

• Captures personal and family development and milestones

• Takes just 5 minutes a day

• No pressure to fill a blank page

• Builds over time into a family memoir

What I thought: I really like the idea of a small journal entry each day. It's something that a busy mom can handle to store little memories from each day. I started doing this journal at the beginning of the year. However, I'm not much of a journaler (other than blogging), so I quickly fell out of habit. I would really like to get back to it now, because I see how nice it would be with my newborn. It would be easy to jot things down, that I'm already forgetting. It would be great to have something to look back on.

The Journal 10+ is laid out nicely. Each day has a little space for your entry and there are extra pages in the back for longer entries. There is also a place to mark the weather for that day and other little things like this.

Journal 10+ just had an upgrade too! It now is made with a genuine bounded leather cover. This will give it a nice look and last longer too. To celebrate one of you will win your own copy!

Where to buy: You can find Journal 10+ on their website and Amazon as well.

How to connect: Check out Journal 10+ on Facebook.

Prize: One reader will win their own Journal 10+.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 5/15/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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"Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day" by Garry R. Morgan

This post was written by me on behalf of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions are 100% mine.

The product: Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day by Garry R. Morgan is a user-friendly beginner's guide to world religions.

The world is becoming more integrated. What once seemed like the religions of exotic faraway lands are now practiced by families next door. These short, easily digestible readings give an overview of the beliefs, histories, and practices of dozens of religions, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and many more. Garry Morgan blends the knowledge of a college professor with real-world experience and an accessible style. Broken into forty brief chapters, this book can be used as a reference for those who need quick and clear answers or read straight through by curious readers.

What I thought: I've always been interested in knowing a little more about other religions. Sometimes the thought of a lot of research is overwhelming, though. If you're just looking for a quick, little overview to learn more about religions, this is the book for you. There are many people in our society from all different walks of life. This book provides just a little glimpse into the religious part of our lives. See the diversity and gain a little more understanding with this book.

Where to buy: You can find Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day by Garry R. Morgan in stores and online.

"When Hope Blossoms" by Kim Vogel Sawyer Book Review

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are 100% mine.

The product: When Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a modern story about an old order mennonite community.

Amy Knackstedt moves with her children to Weaverly, Kansas, to escape the speculation surrounding her husband's untimely death.
She hopes the new location will provide a fresh start for them all. But her neighbor, Tim Roper, is not pleased to have a Mennonite
family living next to his apple orchard. When the children try to befriend him, he resists. Tim left the Mennonite faith years ago and doesn't want any reminders of his former life. Yet Amy and Tim find their paths colliding far more than either could have foreseen. Will this tentative relationship blossom into something more?

What I thought: This is one of the best books I've read in a while. I was instantly caught up in the life of this young, single mother and the trials in her life. It was interesting to see how a group of mennonite people set down roots in a new place. And sometimes when love is farthest from your mind, is when you need it the most. It was a fun story full of hope and love. I think that you will enjoy this fictional title, especially if you are a fan of amish fiction (very similar).

Where to buy: You can find When Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer at book retailers everywhere.

Carmex Healing Cream and Hydrating Lotion

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carmex. All opinions are 100% mine.

Does your skin have periods of dryness? I know mine does. Winter is worst for me. Or times when I'm washing my hands a lot. I had severe problems with dry skin on my hands when I was working in a restaurant (constantly washing hands) and when I had a baby (which I do right now). But finding a good lotion makes all the difference. And now I have another great one to use regularly.

The product: Carmex Hydrating Lotion is made to rehydrate your skin and feel smooth on it too. And it won't leave you feeling greasy. This lotion contains vitamin E to moisturize and heal your skin. Carmex Healing Cream will stay on your skin and not come off over time. It will leave your skin soft and smooth.

What I thought: In the winter it's really important for me to use lotion daily (if not several times a day). My skin tends to dry out very easily, especially with my job at home of doing laundry and dishes by hand often. Add in the dry winter air and my hands are a mess quickly. And lately with the new baby in the house, I wash my hands more often. That dries them out as well. I'm always on the lookout for a great lotion that will hydrate my skin. But I also want something that won't be greasy and come right off. The Carmex lotions fit this bill so well. They are my favorite lotions. I keep a small bottle in my purse and the others handy around the house. I use them at least daily and my hands are so much smoother and perfectly moisturized  I can tell when I haven't used them in a while, and my hands will heal up as soon as I use them regularly again. These are my go-to lotions.

Where to buy: You can find the Carmex Hydrating Lotion and Carmex Healing Lotions in stores near you.

Living the Green with White Cloud

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Recycling, clean choices, less chemicals. All these little things in our lives make us feel good about being "green". I know that I could do more, but the little things I do feel good. Always be on the lookout for what more you can do.

White Cloud is a paper product brand that you will find only at Walmart. They are helping us all be a little "greener" now. They have a line of toilet paper and paper towels, called GreenEarth, that are made from 100% recycled fibers. See what they have to offer on the White Cloud GreenEarth products page. They make a high quality product without compromising the product.

All of the GreenEarth products have a Forest Stewardship Council certification. So you know that you're going to get a product that is what it says it is. White Cloud makes buying greener products easier and you won't have to break the bank to do it. The White Cloud Pinterest page has a White Cloud “Living the Green” Pinterest board with lots of ideas to help you live the green life that you want.

What keeps you from going green? I like to recycle when I can. Another big one for me is to always use reusable cloth grocery bags when I go shopping. It's a little thing that can make a big difference. Times that it's harder to be green is when I have to spend more on the products that I need to do so. With White Cloud, I don't have to worry about that. How long have you been green? What ways do your children help your family "Living the Green"?

Right now you won't want to miss out on the contest White Cloud has going on. First follow White Cloud on Pinterest. Then create your own "Living Green" pinterest board. You need to repin one thing from the White Cloud "Living the Green" board and use the hashtag #LivingTheGreen in the pin's caption. Finally visit mywhitecloud.com/promotions and complete the sweepstakes entry form. See the Sweepstakes Rules and Regulations for all the details. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends 4/30/13. Click here for Official Rules.

My Baby - 2 Weeks

Our sweet little Jonah is 2 weeks old now. He's already start to change a little. I think we're getting used to each other now. I am completely smitten with him. God has surely blessed our family with this baby.

Resource Spring Water

The product:

Resource® natural spring water. Resource is a 100% natural spring water with natural electrolytes for taste, sustainably sourced and packaged in a bottle made of 50% recycled plastic. Resource water is good for you and mindful of the Earth. With natural electrolytes for taste, its recycled bottle helps you keep nature in mind too. 

It is more than just hydration, it’s Total Electrolytenment™. Electrolytenment™ is about living a more enlightened and holistic life.

What I thought: Resource Spring Water is cool, clean and refreshing. I like the size of the bottles, and they are easy to keep in my fridge. Then I can take one as I'm headed out the door. I found this water to be very clean in taste. Some bottled waters have different tastes to me. I want something that is just pure. This was very pure, and I enjoyed it very much.

Where to buy: You can find Resource Spring Water in stores and online.

How to connect: Find Resource Water at http://www.resourcespringwater.com/. Click the image below to find Resource on Facebook.

*Disclaimer: Content and/or other value provided by our partner, resource natural spring water.*