Susie's Hope DVD Review & Giveaway

I received Susie's Hope DVD complimentary from Flyby Promotions in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

About the movie: Run time 105 minutes

Based on the true story that successfully passed Susie’s Law in North Carolina, which seeks stricter punishment for animal abusers, Susie’s Hope brings to life the inspirational relationship between pit bull attack survivor Donna Lawrence and Susie, a pit bull-mix puppy found beaten, burned and left for dead. Recognizing reflect and abuse were to blame for the tragic attack that nearly claimed her life 10 months earlier, Donna resumes the battered animal and accepts her as family. Together, they learn to heal, love and forgive as they lead a historic effort to seek justice and protection, not only for Susie, but all animals. Starring Emmanuelle Vaguer (40 Days and 40 Nights), Burgess Jenkins (Remember The Titans) and Andrea Powell (Ender’s Game, The Twilight: Breaking Dawn Saga: Part 2), Susie’s Hope is an incredible story of love, loss and redemption.

About Susie:

Susie was found nearly dead in Greenfield Park in Greensboro, North Carolina on August 20, 2009. Just a puppy, Susie had licked the face of her owner’s newborn baby. Her owner became violent—she was beaten so severely her jaw was broken. That wasn’t enough, though. She was then set on fire and left for dead. Incredibly and against all odds Susie survived. Donna Lawrence adopted her two months later. Susie is now a trained therapy dog and event won the American Humane Association’s American Hero Dog this year!

Review:

Susie's Hope DVD is a little cheesy and the acting isn't amazing, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying the movie.  I love movies that are based on true stories and this one delivers a great message.  The message is one of hope, forgiveness, healing, compassion, and action.  I find it inspiring that Donna Lawrence was able to overcome her fear of dogs after being attacked by a neglected animal.  You will hear the amazing story of how she survived and helped an abused dog also survive.  A human attacked by a dog and a dog attacked by a human, who together help each other heal from experiences no human or animal should have to endure.  Susie and Donna's story is worth hearing.  

GIVEAWAY:

Flyby Promtions has generously provided a copy of Susie's Hope DVD for you to WIN!  Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Giveaway ends 12/15 at 12AM ET.  (US and CANADA Only)

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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Lumo Project- The Gospel of John available on Netflix now!

Beginning December 1, 2014 The Gospel of John from the Lumo Project will be available on Netflix!  I was given the opportunity to preview this amazing film project and I can say it is definitely worth checking out!  The other three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, & Luke) are underway.

In the film, the whole book of John is narrated word by word from the Bible with stunning visuals.  There is just something about hearing the Word of God read out loud that is powerful.  Combine the scripture with actors portraying the events as they are read and you have something special.  It really was unlike anything that I have watched before. 

It's really fascinating to watch the Bible come to life.  Everything looks so beautiful and well done.  I love when they pan over the cities.  It's like getting a front row seat to the life of Jesus.  You can view The Gospel of John narrated in the NIV (New International Version), KJV (King James Version), or Spanish.     

About the film:

FOUR GOSPELS. FOUR FILMS. ONE JESUS STORY. FOR EVERYONE.

A ground breaking, multi-language biblical film resource transforming the way we discover, study and engage with the life of Jesus through the four New Testament Gospels.

The Lumo Project is a ground breaking, multi-language biblical film resource transforming the way we discover, study and engage with the life of Jesus through the four New Testament Gospels: redefining the standard of visual Biblical media. The Lumo Project presents four films – one for each Gospel account – that will revolutionise the way we all experience the story of Jesus and the world of First Century Palestine in which he lived.

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

The Gospel of John takes the story of Jesus from John’s gospel with its own unique characteristics. For John, Jesus is the Word of God made human. John is clear that that when encounter Jesus, we encounter God.  The gospel writer points to the miracles (the ‘Signs’) and teachings as evidence of Jesus’ special relationship as the divine Son of God.

This full-length feature film about the life of Jesus takes the actual Gospel text as its script, word for word, unedited. Five years in the making, this epic production has been critically acclaimed by leading religious scholars as a unique and highly authentic telling of the Jesus story. Narrated by leading British actor David Harewood (‘Homeland’, ‘Blood Diamond’, ‘Merchant of Venice’) it is based on the latest theological, historical and archaeological research. With specially constructed sets and the extraordinarily authentic villages and countryside of rural Morocco, it immerses the viewer in the world of first century Palestine. 

You can connect with the Lumo Project on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook!

Idina Menzel Holiday Wishes Review

I participated in the Idina Menzel Holiday Wishes album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.

The holidays are here!  I can't believe Thanksgiving is already over.  I know I'm going to blink and Christmas 2014 will have passed just as fast, but I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts!!!

I love playing a good Christmas album in the background while decorating the tree, baking cookies, and enjoying family.  Have you heard Elsa from Frozen made a holiday album?!?!  Ok...maybe not Elsa in cartoon form, but Idina Menzel who voices her in the movie.  Idina Menzel's Holiday Wishes album is the perfect addition to your holiday playlist.  The songs are classic and her voice is smooth and on point (As you would know from hearing Let It Go a million times...and yet it never gets old!).

Below is a little preview of the songs on YouTube.

One of my favorite songs on the album is Baby It's Cold Outside featuring Michael Bublé.  This song in general is one of mine and my hubsand's favorite holiday tunes (Plus, our First Dance song at our wedding was Everything by Michael Bublé).  I really enjoyed this version of the song and love the video below even more!  The video features two children dancing and lip-synching the song.  Too cute!!!

You can order Idina Menzel's Holiday Wishes from iTunes and Amazon!

ABOUT IDINA MENZEL AND HOLIDAY WISHES

Holiday Wishes, a Christmas album recorded by Tony Award-winning singer/actor Idina Menzel, is out now on Warner Bros. Records.

The album was produced by Grammy Award-winner Walter Afanasieff (Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey) and features such classic favorites as “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” as well as Joni Mitchell’s Christmas-themed “River,” one of Menzel’s favorites.

Another highlight is a duet with international superstar Michael Bublé on “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” An exclusive Target edition of Holiday Wishes features two bonus tracks, including “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”.

Idina’s career has traversed stage, film, television, and music. She was most recently heard as Elsa in Disney’s global box-office smash Frozen, in which she sings the film’s Oscar-winning song “Let It Go.” After her performance of the multi-platinum song at the 86th annual Academy Awards, she made history as the first person with both a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Tony Award for acting.

Idina currently stars as Elizabeth in the original Broadway production of If/Then.

Holiday Wishes Track Listing

1. Do You Hear What I Hear


2. The Christmas Song


3. Baby It’s Cold Outside (Duet with Michael Buble)


4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas


5. All I Want For Christmas


6. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?


7. December Prayer


8. When You Wish Upon A Star


9. Silent Night


10. River


11. Holly Jolly Christmas


12. White Christmas

Bonus Tracks on Target Exclusive

1. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow


2. Mothers Spiritual 

The Song: Awaken Love Couple's Devotional Review & Giveaway

I received The Song: Awaken Love Couple's Devotional complimentary from Flyby Promotions in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

About the book:

The Song Couple’s Devotional is a 6-week book for couples that can help awaken love in their marriage. With daily relationship insights and prayer points drawn from the Song of Solomon, this devotional will help couples grow in their relationship with God and one another. 

Inspired by the Song of Solomon, The Song is both a full-length movie and resource for churches to explore God’s plan for relationships, love and marriage.

About the author:

Kyle Idleman is the Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fourth-largest church in America. Author of the award-winning and bestselling book, not a fan., and presenter of eight of City on a Hill’s curriculum series, he regularly speaks at conferences and events around the world. Kyle and his wife DesiRae have four children.

Review: 

I was excited to get to do this book with my husband because we've never done a couple's devotional together.  It is a 6-week devotional, but only has 5 days in each week.  It's short, engaging, and centered around building a better relationship with God and your spouse.  

Each day starts out with a small passage from the Song of Solomon and then goes into the devotional written by Kyle and DesiRae Idleman.  It was very easy to read and kept my attention, filled with spots of humor and lots of real life application.  Sometimes the language in the Song of Solomon is a little hard for me to understand, so it was helpful for me to see a few verses explained in the devotional.

After the devotional is my favorite part....what they call "The Bridge".  This section contains a little assignment for you and your spouse.  There is usually a few discussion questions and something that you can pray about together.  In the first bridge, it has you take each letter in your partner's first name and come up with a character quality you find attractive in them with an example.  Some of "The Bridge" sections are pure fun and others dig a bit deeper.  

Each day ends with another short scripture passage that goes along with the devotional.  I think this devotional is a great way to connect with your spouse each day, work on your relationship, and keep the focus on God.

GIVEAWAY:

Flyby Promtions has generously provided a copy of The Song: Awaken Love Couple's Devotional for you to WIN!  Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Giveaway ends 12/09 at 12AM ET.  (US and CANADA Only)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.” 

Purex Crystals Aromatherapy Review & Giveaway

 

Received a package at my door and it was the new Purex Crystals Aromatherapy!  I am always excited to try out in-wash scent boosters because one of my favorite parts of doing the laundry is smelling the fresh scent after they come out of the dryer.  For me, the more scent the better (of course as long as it is a scent I love).  Essential oils are the key element in this laundry enhancer.

There are three scents in the Purex Crystals Aromatherapy line; Energy, Well Being, and Serenity.  I received  the Energy scent which has notes of sparkling floral citrus.  I have to admit, I'm not crazy about the scent.  When you smell it straight out of the bottle it is strong and overpowering.  Plus, I usually associate lemon with dishes not laundry.  I do think that the lemon scent goes well with the "Energy" description though.

Purex Crystals are very easy to use.  Just throw as many as you want in the washer with your clothes...the more crystals you use, the stronger the scent.  The scent of the laundry after coming out of the dryer is much better than the scent straight from the bottle.  It is light and fresh.  I will definitely continue to use the bottle up, but I think I would personally really love the other two floral scents much better than this lemon one.  I'm a floral scent kind of gal.

GIVEAWAY:
Purex has so kindly provided three coupons, each redeemable for a Purex Crystals Aromatherapy bottle!  That means there will be *3 Winners*!   Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Giveaway ends 11/10 at 12AM ET.  (US Only)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Their Name Is Today by Johann Christoph Arnold Review & Giveaway

I received Their Name Is Today by Johann Christoph Arnold complimentary from Flyby Promotions and Handlerbar Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

About the book:

“If you want to glean insights into how to raise and influence children to be more compassionate and considerate, more courageous and confident, more independent, secure, and unselfish; if you want your children to be more loving and joy-filled, then get reading!” —excerpt from Mark K. Shriver’s Foreword (President of Save the Children Action Network)

Despite a perfect storm of hostile forces that threaten to deny children a healthy, happy childhood, courageous parents and teachers can turn the tide. Yes, we can reclaim childhood, says Johann Christoph Arnold, whose books have helped more than a million readers through the challenges of education and family life. In Their Name Is Today, he highlights drastic changes in the way our society treats children. But he also brings together the voices of dedicated parents and educators who are finding creative ways to give children the time and space they need to grow. Cutting through the noise of conflicting opinions, Arnold takes us to the heart of education and parenting by defending every child’s right to the joy and wonder of childhood.

About the author: Johann Christoph Arnold

A noted speaker and writer on marriage, parenting, and end-of-life issues, Arnold is a senior pastor of the Bruderhof, a movement of Christian communities. With his wife, Verena, he has counseled thousands of individuals and families over the last forty years, as well as serving as an advisor at several innovative private schools. Arnold’s message has been shaped by encounters with great peacemakers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Dorothy Day, Cėsar Chavez, and John Paul II. Born in Great Britain in 1940 to German refugees, Arnold spent his boyhood years in South America, where his parents found asylum during the war; he immigrated to the US in 1955. He and his wife have eight children, forty-four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They live in upstate New York.

My Review:

Their Name Is Today is a book that emphasizes the need to let children be children.  Let them play, learn, and discover life instead of making them grow up too fast.  We can make a difference in the character and life of children if we start with those that are around us (especially for parents and teachers).  We must start by believing in them and showing them love.

The book is a very easy read with lots of real life stories.  It covers topics that will make you think about the way you will or have raised your own children (including screen time, material possessions, standardized testing, medication, ect.).  I wouldn't say it is a how to book, but there is sage advice within it's pages from people who have worked and understand how different and perfect each child is despite how the world may label them.  I think this book is a stepping stone for further discussion on each topic.  It has definitely made me think about what is really important in life and how I will instil those values into my children.

GIVEAWAY:

Flyby Promtions has generously provided a copy of Johann Christoph Arnold's book Their Name Is Today for you to WIN!  Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Giveaway ends 11/11 at 12AM ET.  (US and CANADA Only)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

A Lifelong Love by Gary Thomas Review & Giveaway

I received A Lifelong Love by Gary Thomas complimentary from Flyby Promotions in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

About the book:
Discover how to live out a sacred marriage. You believe your marriage has eternal purposes. you long for it to reach beyond your home and encourage others. But what does it look like to have a spiritually intentional relationship in the midst of dirty dishes, work deadlines, and car pools? In Sacred Marriage, Gary Thomas showed us that God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy. Now, in A Lifelong Love, Thomas gives us the practical tools to craft our marriages into inspiring relationships that breathe spiritual life to others. Whatever season of marriage you are in, A Lifelong Love gives your the practical help you need to infuse your marriage with a spiritual passion that will not only change you but will change the world around you.

About the author:
Gary Thomas is writer-in-residence at Second Baptist Church in Houston, a frequent guest on Focus on the Family and FamilyLife Today radio, and a popular speaker. His award-winning books, including The Sacred Search, have been translated into over a dozen languages and together have sold more than a million copies worldwide. Thomas and his wife have been married thirty years and have three children.

Review: 
I've always loved reading books on marriage (I think I read way more of them before I was actually married, lol).  I like reading these books because there is so much wisdom we can gain from listening to other couples, especially couples who have a Christ-centered marriage.  I was excited to get to read this book because I'd heard good things about Gary Thomas' book Sacred Marriage (thought I haven't read it myself) and I've been looking for ways to make God the focus of our marriage.

I have to say I really enjoyed A Lifelong Love.  It's a book for any couple, no matter the season of life you may be in.  The book is divided into three main parts (The Magnificent Obsession, Growing Together, & The Journey Toward Love) with each chapter ending with discussion/reflection questions and a prayer.  The text isn't hard to read, but I moved pretty slowly through the book because each section really gives you a lot to think about and process.

My favorite part of the book (and very different from other marriage books I have read) is that it is bursting with scripture.  The Bible is our handbook to guide us through life, so why wouldn't we use it to discover how to have a successful marriage?  I've discovered new ways of applying scripture to my marriage through this book.  I also love that there are plenty of real life examples and practical tools given.  I would definitely recommend this book to any couple looking to strengthen their marriage by making God the focal point.

GIVEAWAY:

Flyby Promtions has generously provided a copy of Gary Thomas' book A Lifelong Love for you to WIN!  Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Giveaway ends 11/10 at 12AM ET.  (US and CANADA Only)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Noah by Mark Ludy

I received Noah: A Wordless Picture Book free from  Handlebar Publishing to review.  All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.

Noah: A Wordless Picture Book by Mark Ludy is a beautifully illustrated book depicting the story of Noah from the Old Testament.  Unlike the movie Noah that recently hit the theaters, this book follows the story from the Bible closely and is appropriate for all ages.

I thought it was a neat idea, since I have not encountered many books without words (especially ones that can be used by older children).  You could read the story of Noah straight from the Bible and then let your kids re-tell the story using their own words by following the pictures in this book.  My husband wasn't too thrilled when I showed him it didn't have words, but I think he just didn't want to work at telling the story himself, lol.

The illustrations are colorful and captivating.  Page after page of amazing artwork.  Mark Ludy is a true artist.  I almost want to tear the pages out to frame and put on the wall.

I think this book is something different.  A good kind of different that can cultivate the love of telling stories in your children.  Every page is like a movie frozen on the page, awaiting to reveal the stories within the pictures to whoever encounters them.

If you would like to connect with Mark Ludy you can find him on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Tumbler.

Eli- 7 Month Update!

I'm 7 Months Old!

So, I've done it again....Eli is almost 9 Months Old and I'm just writing his 7 and 8 Month Updates.  I have pictures to remember these months, but they are going by so fast that I feel like I'm forgetting so much.  All I know is each day is getting better and better.  Eli is such a sweet boy.  Hopefully, I can some what accurately remember what he was doing in these months.  I want to treasure every moment.

Here is Eli's update from 6-7 Months.

Stats:
I really have no idea.  His next well baby visit is at 9 months.

He wears 6-9 Month/9 Month Clothing and Size 3 diapers.

Eating/Sleeping:
Eli is still breastfeeding.  He also eats 4 ounces of baby food a day.  His new foods include green beans, carrots, yogurt, pear, white potato, asparagus, and oatmeal. 

Chewing on some ice chips

Eli is back and forth with his sleeping.  Some nights he sleeps through the night and others he wakes up (most likely from teething pain).

Special Memories:
Eli sure has quite the personality!  He smiles frequently and loves playing with his mama.  He still loves to eat, but has refused his first food!  He likes everything except asparagus.  Lol.  We are still working on sitting up, but he does it better than before.

I've been having to put socks on his hands when I nurse him because he tries to scratch his head really hard!

He hit a big milestone this month....his first 2 teeth came in (the lower middle ones).

He likes to make noises and talk.
 
His favorite toy is probably the remote or our phones...both of which he is not supposed to be playing with!

For Eric and I's anniversary we took a weekend trip to Hilton Head, SC.  It was Eli's first trip to the beach and he loved it...especially trying to eat the sand!

First time in the ocean

 A few more picture's from the month!

Pulling up in his pack n play

The Hardest Peace Book Review and Giveaway

About the book:

Kara Tippetts knows the ordinary days of mothering four kids, the joy of watching her children grow…and the devastating reality of stage-IV cancer. 

In The Hardest Peace, Kara invites readers to see the grace of the everyday in all seasons of life and to live well even when the living is hard. This book is an invitation to join her in moving away from fear and control and toward peace and grace. Just as the thousands of people who read her blog know, Tippetts explores the hardest questions of life with rare beauty and honesty. Most of all, she draws them back to the God who is present, in the ordinary and the suffering, and shapes every life into the best story of all.

About Kara:

Kara Tippetts and her husband, Jason, have four children and are planting a church in Colorado Springs, CO. Cancer is only part of Kara’s story. Her real fight is to truly live while facing a crushing reality. She blogs faithfully at mundanefaithfulness.com.

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Review:  I knew from reading the description that this was a book I wanted to read.  I wanted to know her story, her faith, and how she handles hard times.  I wondered how I would handle such a situation.  Would my faith sustain me?  Would God really be enough for me?

 

Kara Tippetts is a brave, faithful, and Good-seeking woman.  Her story will draw you in and her dependence on God will intrigue you to keep reading.  She humbly describes with honesty the difficulty of her journey with cancer- her brokenness made beautiful through the grace of Jesus Christ.  

 

This book is not just for those affected personally by cancer.  We all have life situations we struggle to endure.  Kara will have you thinking deeply about what is important in this life and how you will choose to live it.  I love how she turns to scripture to reveal truth in her life.  This is definitely a book you will want to read.  Thank you Kara for giving us the privilege to share in your journey.

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I just recently listened to Kara and her husband, Jason, on the Focus on the Family Daily Broadcast.  You can find this broadcast on Living Faithfully with Cancer HERE (Part 1) and HERE (Part 2).  

 

You can hear more from Kara on her blog, instagram, and twitter:

Kara’s Blog: mundanefaithfulness.com

Follow her on Instagram: http://instagram.com/tippetts

Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mother_to_many

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GIVEAWAY:

Flyby Promtions has generously provided a copy of Kara Tippetts' book The Hardest Peace for you to WIN!  Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Giveaway ends 10/22 at 12AM ET.  (US and CANADA Only)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. 

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Adventure Bible for Toddlers Review

Book Description

The Adventure Bible for Toddlers starts children ages 2-5 on the journey of a lifetime, teaching them about the Bible’s great stories and themes. It helps young children grow in their relationship with God using stories and art from the wildly popular Adventure Bible Storybook. With ten beautifully illustrated and beloved Bible stories from the Old and New Testament, this sturdy padded board book will stimulate toddlers’ minds and fill their hearts with love for their heavenly Father.

About the Author
Catherine DeVries is a writer and editor. She has been influential in the development of many bestselling children’s Bibles and Bible storybooks including The Adventure Bible, The Beginner’s Bible and the Jesus Storybook Bible. She is also the author of My Time with God and many articles that have been published in professional magazines and journals. Catherine lives with her husband and three children in Colorado.

Review:  The Adventure Bible for Toddlers is a great starter Bible.  The stories are very short, but are a great starting point for little learners who are just beginning to understand the truth found in the stories of the Bible.  I like that before the story begins it tells you the book, chapter, and verses the stories were taken from, so you can go back and read them the verses from the Bible or learn more about the story yourself.

There are colorful illustrations on every page, depicting the story, and one of my favorite features is that it is a board book!  It has a nice plushy cover and back, with board book pages in between.  Perfect for small, sometimes messy hands.  I will say though I let my baby play with the book and it got a little wet from his slobber, making some of the pages stick and come off a bit.

Overall, I think it is a great resource for beginning to share your love of the Bible with your child.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

#VSSportBra Review

I received a beautiful pink striped box in the mail with complimentary products to review from Influenster and the Victoria's Secret Sport line.  The #VSSportBra Vox Box contained the Incredible Sport Bra, Knockout Crop work out pants, and coupons to share with friends. #VSSportTester

I love Victoria's Secret bras and was very excited to try out their new sport bra.  I have one of their sport bras already, but this one was appealing to me because it had a lot more padding and support.

I am finally starting to get back into working out after having my baby (8 months later), lol.  Before I was pregnant, I started a running plan (even though I really had never ran in my life), but dropped it right after I found out I was pregnant.  So...now I'm starting it back again!  I ran pushing Eli in my jogging stroller in one hand and the leash of my dog in the other.  It is possible!  And of course, I wore my new VS Sport Bra out to test!  Here's what I thought...

The Incredible by Victoria's Secret Sport Bra fit me pretty well.  I may have gotten the band size a little larger, but it is pretty true to size.  Like a lot of sport bras, it was a little difficult to get over my head.  I think I would LOVE the new Incredible Front-Close Sport Bra because it has a front zipper to secure the bra.  No more trying to pull a tight bra over your head.  Great idea.

I didn't love the color I received.  I would have much preferred a solid color for matching purposes, but some people may like the flowers.

I thought the Incredible Sport Bra was very comfortable while running.  It gave me great support and didn't show my sweat.  Overall, I really liked the #VSSportBra.

I got the Victoria's Secret Knockout Crop Pants in size small.  I would definitely purchase a size bigger; they seem to run small.  Sports pants are supposed to be tight, but I think these were just a little too tight.  This may be because they come up to mid stomach and that is where all the leftover baby weight is currently residing.  When I ran it pushed on my stomach and was a little uncomfortable.

Besides getting the wrong size, I think the pants are great.  I love the crop style.  They were easy to run in and the body-wick feature kept them cool and dry even though it was hot and I was definitely sweating.  I actually really liked the gray color and the texture of the fabric (very smooth).

Overall, I really enjoyed both products from Victoria's Secret Sport line.  If I had the right size and could pick out my colors then I would be a happy fitness mama.  Thanks Influenster!!

"This is a sponsored blog post. Influenster provided me with complimentary Victoria's Secret products to test and review as part of a contest." If you would like to join Influenster to test new products and share your opinions, then add your e-mail address in the comments and I'll send you an invite!

Dolphin Tale 2 Promo & Giveaway

Dolphin Tale 2 is coming to theaters this Friday, September 12th!  It looks like it is going to be a great film that the whole family will enjoy.  Check out the trailer below (and scroll further down for a GIVEAWAY)!

September 12th is not only the opening of Dolphin Tale 2, but also Homeschool Day!  While Little E is too young for schooling, we are considering homeschooling in the future (so it's great to see what is out there).  Homeschool Movie Club has a free Dolphin Tale 2 Curriculum available HERE!

I checked the curriculum out and think it is a great resource for kids, whether homeschooling or not.  It has five different lessons that feature dolphins and the ocean; relating them to the movie along the way.  It contains videos, facts, activities, and experiments for both elementary and middle/high school students.  I know when I was younger, I loved dolphins and many of my friends wanted to be marine biologists when they grew up.  I think Dolphin Tale 2 will get your kids excited to learn more about dolphins and this is the perfect resource to expand their knowledge.

My absolute favorite part of the curriculum is the Classical Conversations PDF that is included.  You start with a topic (in this case dolphins) and then come up with questions that relate to categories such as geography, math, and even bible.  My friend's nephew goes to a Classical Conversations meeting locally with other kids and my friend says they learn so much.  After seeing this curriculum, I can understand why.  It is jam packed with a TON of great information...your kids will learn so much about dolphins!!!

Now on to the GIVEAWAY!  You can enter to WIN a Dolphin Tale 2 T-Shirt and Sunglasses!  Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter widget below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification."