Birth Relaxation Kit Giveaway

Birth. It is a most sacred event in a woman’s life. A right to passage to motherhood. Whether you birth at home or in a hospital, your body presents your long awaited gift…one that you’ve nurtured diligently. If there is one thing we can all agree on, all women labor differently and there are options to birth as compatibly as every laboring mom needs.

Hypnobirthing is one option that’s gentle and natural. Hypnobirthing is a childbirth method that applies techniques to induce deep relaxation, visualization and self-hypnosis. Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not a state of unconsciousness or sleep, but can be best described as daydream or focus that occurs when you’re performing mundane tasks, such as staring into a fire in a fireplace.

Eliminating fear and concerns associated with childbirth is vital. Affirmations during hypnosis encourages a positive mindset in overcoming this. To learn more about hypnobirthing, you can sign up for hypnobirthing info series for free!

The Birth Relaxation Kit is the only hypnobirthing program presented by a board certified medical doctor who used this method to birth her child, at home, pain-free! Dr. Mavi Gupta and her husband, Jeremy Dyen are both certified hypnotherapists. Jeremy Dyen has been a professional musician for over 20 years. He has recorded on John Legend’s Grammy award winning CD, Get Lifted, and creates music for Yoga and meditation.

The Birth Relaxation Kit comes in three different packages; Basic, Plus and Deluxe. It comes with Hypnosis MP3s, Birth Affirmation MP3, Birth Empowerment Book and more! All downloadable with no shipping. You can purchase this yourself and get a 10 week, money back guarantee OR WIN IT HERE. All from the comfort of your home; no scheduling and all of the privacy needed to enjoy deep and true relaxation!

The Giveaway!

Just in time for Mother’s Day, TheOliveParent and Friends are offering TWO moms-to-be a chance to have a gentle birth! Two “Plus” Birth Relaxation Kits will be given away!

Entry is easy.

Visit www.birthrelaxationkit.com and leave a comment on the blog you’re visiting. Tell us which one of the four facts found on the homepage speaks to you the most and why. Fill out as many entries as possible to increase your chances of winning.

Not expecting, but know someone who is?  Share this giveaway with them and refer your friends for entries! This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE, 18+ Giveaway ends 4/29/13 1:00 AM CST Entering into the giveaway indicates you understand its terms and conditions.
Many thanks to the AWESOME blogs co-hosting this giveaway! You can show your support of these blogs by following them on Twitter, Facebook & Google Plus.
 

Entry-Form

Disclaimer:

This giveaway is sponsored by Birth Relaxation Kit, Hosted by TheOliveParent, and Co-Hosted by participating blogs. Prize fulfillment is not the responsibility of TheOliveParent, TheOliveParent Media or participating blogs.  All information and products presented in this post is presented in an educational format and has not been evaluated by the FDA - should not be used to cure, treat or diagnose any diseases.

This a TheOliveParent Media Event.

Scorned Justice by Margaret Daly -Review CFBA

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Scorned Justice Abingdon Press (April 1, 2013) by Margaret Daley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold eighty-three books to date.

Margaret was the president of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of Christia writers with over 2300 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry.

On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody's high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody's help. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case. However, as Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca's help, he compiles evidence which involves cattle rustlers, bribery, and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Scorned Justice, go HERE.

My thoughts:  I have to say that this is one of my favorite books so far!  I loved this book!  I just couldn't quit reading it.  I do have to say that I really hadn't even figured out the "who done it" part of the book when it came around.  There is much action and adventure going on in this book, I have to say you'll want to keep reading as much as I did!  I now want to go forward and find more books to read in this series!!


Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book for free in association with the CFBA. I was not compensated in any other way besides this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and not influenced in anyway. I was not coerced to write a positive review but rather wrote my own thoughts on the book. I am disclosing this to be in compliance with the FTC Regulations.

Threads of Hope by Christa Allen -Review CFBA

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Threads of Hope Abingdon Press (March 1, 2013) by Christa Allan
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A true Southern woman who knows that any cook worth her gumbo always starts with a roux and who never wears white after Labor Day, Christa is a writer of not your usual Christian Fiction. She weaves stories of unscripted grace and redemption with threads of hope, humor, and heart. Christa is the mother of five adult children, a grandmother of three, and a brand new retired teacher. She and her husband Ken live in New Orleans with their three cats and do their best to dodge hurricanes.

And, since she is not fond of writing about herself in third person, she asked her oldest daughter to contribute. Like her mother, Erin is not at a loss for words…

 ABOUT THE BOOK

Passed over for promotion and dumped by her boyfriend, Nina O’Malley is further frustrated when her editor assigns her one of the “soft” stories she despises—covering a gala benefit supporting the AIDS Memorial Quilt. More determined than ever to prove she deserves a promotion to the NY office, Nina decides to write a series featuring a local quilting group raising money for AIDs research. At the event, she runs into her high school nemesis: Greg is a widower and the adoptive father of Jazarah, an HIV positive girl from Ethiopia. Unlike Nina, Greg has faith in a loving God, and he trusts in God’s plan for his life. Greg and Nina grow closer, and as Nina interviews the quilt families, she begins to question the choices she has made and her lack of faith. Nina suddenly finds herself facing two possible dreams, two paths for her life.

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

My thoughts:  I fell in love with Greg's daughter Jazarah.  I really liked this book and everything that happened.  This series of books has been wonderful.  Each book is better than the last!  As a medical professional I always like reading what people have to say about disease in books to see if they get their facts correct.  I really enjoyed the character Nina and what happens in her life throughout the book.  Does she get what she always wanted or not?  You'll have to read it to find out!


Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book for free in association with the CFBA. I was not compensated in any other way besides this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and not influenced in anyway. I was not coerced to write a positive review but rather wrote my own thoughts on the book. I am disclosing this to be in compliance with the FTC Regulations.

The Survivor by DiAnn Mills -Review CFBA

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Survivor Zondervan (March 5, 2013) by DiAnn Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops.

DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills


ABOUT THE BOOK

Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants her story written in a novel. Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and conducts her own research, stepping unaware into a viper's pit of danger. Tigo misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their relationship. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing the killer to justice. As Kariss's new story attracts an onslaught of danger that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find who wants her dead for writing about an unsolved cold-case?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Survivor, go HERE.

My thoughts:  I love a good murder mystery type book.  This book has it all and will have you turning the pages as well as looking over your shoulder!  Great book!  I loved the suspense of it.  The detail of the author is wonderful and I love the literary quotes throughout!  Must read if you haven't picked it up yet.


Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book for free in association with the CFBA. I was not compensated in any other way besides this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and not influenced in anyway. I was not coerced to write a positive review but rather wrote my own thoughts on the book. I am disclosing this to be in compliance with the FTC Regulations.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Cornbread Recipe

We love cornbread with our chili or Sutler's Beans as well as many other meals.  I recently found the perfect cornbread recipe for us!  It started with this recipe from Gluten Free Mommy and then I did a few tweaks as per normal for me!  Make sure to check out her recipe and mine!

My recipe is doubled.  I will be sharing my recipe which makes two 9 inch round pans.

Ingredients:
2 cups brown rice flour
1-1/2 cups gluten free corn flour(Bob's red mill sells one)
2 Tb baking powder
4 large eggs, beaten
2 cups milk(almond milk works well)
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grease two 9 inch round pans.

Mix together the dry ingredients while the coconut oil is melting.  Mix together the coconut oil, milk, and eggs.  Pour them into a well in the dry ingredients.  Mix together well.

Pour half of the batter into each pan and bake for 20 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean.

Shared on: Teach Me Tuesdays, Domestically Divine Tuesdays, Modest Monday, Try a New Recipe Tuesday, Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays, Allergy Free Wednesdays, Simple Living Wednesdays, Wellness Wednesday, Gluten Free Wednesdays, Gluten Free Weekly Meal Plan, Inspire Me Monday, Make Your Own Monday, Melt in Your Mouth Mondays, Better Mom Mondays, What's Cooking Wednesday, Wheat Free Wednesday, Motivation Monday, Cast Party Wednesday, Wednesday Extravaganza, Wisdom Wednesday, 

Tuesday's Good Eatin' Recipe Hop #GoodEatinPL

 

Welcome to the Good Eatin' Recipe Hop

hosted by

The 'Pitch List' Bloggers

Every Tuesday you can join us to share great recipes.........

There are no specific themes. 
Add your recipe of choice to the linky.

No Giveaways Please...all giveaways will be removed.

We Love Comments! Please Share!

Pinterest Follows for Kitchenaid Giveaway

Oh My Gosh Beck!
The WiC Project
This Mama Loves
Bay Area Mommy
Smart School House
For Him and My Family
Cori's Coupon Corner
When Is Dinner
Racing and Saving Mama
Geek Chic Mama

Kitchenaid Mixer Giveaway!

Welcome to the KitchenAid Mixer Giveaway!

I am so excited to bring you this latest giveaway because one very lucky reader is going to win this gorgeous KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer valued at $350!

The legendary KitchenAid stand mixer. Incredibly versatile. More than a mixer. With all the available attachments, you can use it to make homemade pasta, stuff fresh sausage, whip up ice cream, and give fruit a squeeze. No wonder generations of cooks have cherished theirs. Isn't it your turn?

This giveaway is co-hosted and sponsored by the following amazing bloggers: The WiC Project, This Mama Loves, Bay Area Mommy, Smart School House, For Him and My Family, Cori's Coupon Corner, When Is Dinner, Racing and Saving Mama, Geek Chic Mama, Krazy Coupon Club and My Vegan Gluten-Free Life 

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends April 11th  at 11:59 PM EST. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes -Review CFBA

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Wings of Glass Tyndale House Publishers (March 1, 2013) by Gina Holmes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gina Holmes began her career in 1998, penning articles and short stories. In 2005 she founded the influential literary blog, Novel Journey now called Novel Rocket and she is also the founder of Inspire The Fire.

Her debut, Crossing Oceans, was a Christy and Gold Medallion finalist and winner of the Carol Award, INSPY, and RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice, as well as being a CBA, ECPA, Amazon and PW Religion bestseller. Her sophomore novel, Dry as Rain, was also named a Christy finalist. Her upcoming novel, Wings of Glass will releases this month. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose.



ABOUT THE BOOK

From the bestselling author of Crossing Oceans comes a heart-rending yet uplifting story of friendship and redemption. On the cusp of womanhood, Penny is swept off her feet by a handsome farmhand with a confident swagger. Though Trent Taylor seems like Prince Charming and offers an escape from her one-stop-sign-town, Penny’s happily ever after lasts no longer than their breakneck courtship. Before the ink even dries on their marriage certificate, he hits her for the first time. It isn’t the last, yet the bruises that can’t be seen are the most painful of all.

When Trent is injured in a welding accident and his paycheck stops, he has no choice but to finally allow Penny to take a job cleaning houses. Here she meets two women from very different worlds who will teach her to live and laugh again, and lend her their backbones just long enough for her to grow her own.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Wings of Glass, go HERE.

My thoughts:  It seems that we don't hear a lot about spousal abuse.  This book focuses on the truth of spousal abuse.  It shows the deep feelings and emotions that run though both parties before, during, and after as well as several reasons why people become abusers.  I loved meeting Penny and her friends that she makes when she has to go to work.  These are remarkable women who know what she is going through and can offer help.  But will she be willing to take their help?

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book for free in association with the CFBA. I was not compensated in any other way besides this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and not influenced in anyway. I was not coerced to write a positive review but rather wrote my own thoughts on the book. I am disclosing this to be in compliance with the FTC Regulations.

Tuesday's Good Eatin' Recipe Hop #GoodEatinPL

 

Welcome to the Good Eatin' Recipe Hop

hosted by

The 'Pitch List' Bloggers

Every Tuesday you can join us to share great recipes.........

There are no specific themes. 
Add your recipe of choice to the linky.

No Giveaways Please...all giveaways will be removed.

We Love Comments! Please Share!

Catherine's Pursuit by Lena Nelson Dooley -Review CFBA

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Catherine's Pursuit Realms (February 5, 2013) by Lena Nelson Dooley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 675,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers http://www.acfw.com/ and president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers. She’s also a member of Christian Authors Network, CROWN Fiction Marketing, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends. Travel is always on her horizon. Cruising, Galveston, the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Mexico. One day it will be Hawaii and Australia, but probably not the same year. Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with fifteen signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins from American Christian Fiction Writers and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award at their national conference. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books. And she loves chocolate, especially dark chocolate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Angus McKenna was forced to give two of his daughters to families in the wagon train, he promised he'd never try to contact them. Catherine made no such pledge. But when she sets out to find her sisters, she doesn't go alone. Angus sends Collin with her. Will they discover the two women---and love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Catherine's Pursuit, go HERE.





My thoughts:  This book really struck a cord for me.  Yes there is romance and the mystery of finding the sisters.  I loved the time period and the settings.  I really enjoyed learning the why behind the giving away of two daughters.  I'm one of those people who loves children and as we have adopted children can relate to the adoptive parents.  I enjoyed this book and would recommend it highly!


Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book for free in association with the CFBA. I was not compensated in any other way besides this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and not influenced in anyway. I was not coerced to write a positive review but rather wrote my own thoughts on the book. I am disclosing this to be in compliance with the FTC Regulations.

First Grade Touch Math Homeschool Review

TouchMath, the alphabet of mathematics, is a multi-sensory math program for grades pre-k through second grade.  It is also good to use with upper grades, but does not have curriculum purposely labeled for those grades.  I was allowed to review the First Grade Touchmath home school curriculum.

The First Grade Touchmath program includes 4 separate unit downloads.  I was also able to review some of the manipulatives.  The download units are $59.95 each or you can buy all 4 for $199.95.  Each unit has an introductory guide telling you how to use, 6 modules(each with an assessment), 90 student activity sheets, answer keys, vocabulary, real world connections, and progress monitorings.

Unit A:  Adding and Subtracting within 9
Unit B:  Adding and Subtracting within 20
Unit C:  Adding and Subtracting within 100
Unit D:  Measurement, Time, Data, and Geometry

The manipulatives we received were:

TouchNumerals priced at $99.00.  These came in a box and included 3 sets of each number 0-9, 205 touchpoints(these are added to the numbers to give the children spots to touch when they are counting with that number), operation signs(plus, subtract, etc), and 10- base ten trays.

Touch numerals

TouchMath Tutor Software for First Grade single license priced at $99.00.  The software includes extra helps for the program.  It includes work on addition, subtraction, numbers, counting, skip counting, and odd/evens.

TouchMath Flip Cards for First Grade.  There are four units for these cards with each unit having three sets of flip cards.  Each set is priced at $19.00.  We received all 12 of the flip card sets for first grade which is  a $228.00 value.  These cards cover such concepts as counting(1-120), adding and subtracting numbers 1-9, greater than, lesser than, and equal to, all the way up to geometry and fractions of halves through sixths.

Student first grade flip cards

Student Number Cards set of 10 priced at $24.00.  These number cards have the numbers 1-9 including touch points.  These cards can be cut apart and laminated.  There are 10 sheets of them as well.  It works wonderfully for on the go math help.

Student number cards

My two first grade kids used this to help supplement their normal math program.  Their normal program skipped around and didn't fully cover some of the areas.  These areas were causing them trouble.  TouchMath helped to give them the further help they needed to not only understand but to excel in these areas.

My kids hadn't used the computers much until this year started.  They have enjoyed using a few other home school programs that were online and really liked the software that came along with this one.  We spent hours going over the different units on line.  They would then do the corresponding unit worksheets(which were in the download and I printed off) for extra practice work.  They loved the program and thought it was cute and fun.  I loved that it did not require me to stand next to them the whole time they were working so I had time to do other things and work with other children.

Besides the online software, we loved the touch numerals with touch points.  These were great for doing addition problems when we didn't have a numberline handy.  My kids still like to count on the numberlines and instead of that we could just count the points on the numbers and add in the next number!  This was something that I honestly would never have thought of!  Great idea and I'm glad that TouchMath realized that little kids are very tactile(well at least my kids are) and need to be able to see and touch sometimes to get the point across.

I do have to include that by far the favorite part of my younger children(under grade 1 level) was getting to help pop the touch numerals out of their foam sheets.  The numbers and touchpoints were all in large foam sheets.  The kids popped them out and kept the foam sheets.  These provided them hours of entertainment while the older kids were working with the numbers and program.  I was personally glad for the distraction and was reminded just how easily little ones are entertained.  It doesn't matter how expensive or showy a product is, it's the amount of fun they perceive!

And now for my apologies.  I have been horrible at getting pictures taken of my kids lately.  I didn't get any of them using or playing with the pieces of the TouchMath program.  Hopefully as we continue to use it I will finally remember to get my camera out and use it.  Something about being over 30 weeks pregnant and trying to get our house spotless before baby comes has kept me a bit preoccupied.  I do have to mention again though that not only did my first graders love this program, but my younger kids did as well thanks to the great manipulatives that came with it!

Make sure to check out the other TOS Crew reviews on the Main Blog Post to see what they thought of the other grades and manipulatives for TouchMath.

Disclaimer:  I was provided with  a copy of this curriculum for free in association with the TOS Schoolhouse Review Crew.  I was not compensated in any other way besides this curriculum.  All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and not influenced in anyway.  I was not coerced to write a positive review but rather wrote my own thoughts(or those of my children) on the curriculum.  I am disclosing this to be in compliance with the FTC Regulations.

YumEarth Organic Easter Giveaway

This Contest is brought to you by Taking Time for Mommy, Midwestern Moms, and YumEarth Organic Sweets

SPRING INTO FAMILY &; PLANET FRIENDLY EASTER

WITH YUMEARTH.

YumEarth Naturals Sour Beans offers families a more wholesome option this bunny season. YumEarth all-natural and organic candy gives families the opportunity to give the gift of delicious treats made with real fruit juice, no artificial color or flavors, no high-fructose corn syrup and none of the common allergens, like gluten, soy and nuts.

Pack your children's baskets with delicious wholesome sweets.

Easter Holiday Candy YumEarth Naturals Sour Beans • SRP $5.99 (7oz) (Includes 10 snack packs) YumEarth Organic Lollipops • SPR $6.99 (8.5oz) (Includes approximately 40 pops)
  YumEarth Organics Gummy Bears Pack • SPR $6.99 (7oz) (Includes 10 snack packs packs)

YumEarth is the #1 organic candy company in the United States and has international distribution in over 40 countries. YumEarth was founded by two dads wanting to share great tasting wholesome treats with their families. YumEarth is dedicated to making delicious treats and sweets with all-natural ingredients, no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, and no major allergens, such as gluten, nuts and dairy.

  YumEarth offers 22 unique flavors, including Pomegranate Pucker, Blood Orange Cocktail, Strawberry Smash, Chili Mambo Mango and Perfectly Peach in its range of candy that includes everything from grocery pouches and bulk to fancy gourmet bags of YumEarth Organics Lollipops, YumEarth Organics Gummy Bears, YumEarth Organics Sour Worms, YumEarth Organic sCandy Drops, YumEarth Naturals Sour Beans and YumEarth Naturals Gummy Bears.

  For More information and a store list is available at http://www.yummyearth.com and visit YumEarth on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/YumEarth and Twitter @YumEarth.

 One Lucky winner will get 50 bags of YumEarth Candy! Open to US residents. Ends 3/31/13 at 11:59PM EST Fill out the form below to enter. a Rafflecopter giveaway

EGM Educational Systems LLC, READS Homeschool Review #hsreview

I had never heard of the EGM Educational Systems LLC until they offered up their READS program for review.  I of course had to look into it for my kiddos.  I am very glad I did!

Elaine(the founder of this program) wanted to make something that would help reading comprehension in children as well as help them to become more confident and stronger learners.  READS is designed to help children in grades 1-4 and costs $19.95 for the bundle described below.  You can purchase additional bundles that include everything except the parents manual for $17.95 for any other children you have who might benefit from the program.

Our READS came all nice and neat in this bundle.

READS (Really Easy And Dynamic Strategy) includes:
a parent's manual
question cards on a ring
reward chart and stickers
reading guide strip with a magic finger
speedy speller
reusable sealable pouch

The bundle all "un-bundled"

The question cards on a ring were used by my kids to help understand the stories we were reading.  We used them not only for our stories and books for school(both read alone and read aloud) but also for books that we read as a family.  Several of the questions were ones that we already asked our kids, but some were ones that I hadn't even thought of.  Our oldest was already picking these elements out of the stories as we read, but knowing that they were going to be asked these types of questions helped our other slightly younger children listen better to the stories and pick out the most important parts.  No longer do I just get "I don't knows" out of certain littles!  This makes me as their teacher and mother very happy!

I have found that my children do well with reading strips.   It helps them to focus on the correct line in their reading and we're not so helter skelter all over the place with our eyes.  We had never tried a magic finger before so this was new to us.  Of course, all of the kids wanted to be the first to try it out.   A few had too much fun playing with the finger and forgot that they were supposed to be reading, but the two in the higher grade did really well focusing and using the magic finger.

I think my favorite part as the parent is the Speedy Speller book.  Almost every letter has it's own page full of words for your little one to learn.  We have our own spelling curriculum, but I've very much enjoyed using this for other words that my children should know by sight.  I think this will be used as a sight word study for my kids this next school year just to help them learn all these words.  Also included are common abbreviations that all children should know such as the United States of America state abbreviations and also their state capitals.  You also are provided with common abbreviations for days, months, weights, and measure.  An added bonus is that it shows both metric and US measurements.

Make sure to visit the main Crew Blog Post so that you can read other reviews of this amazing product.  A total of 40 Crew reviewers were able to try out this bundle.

Disclaimer:  I was provided with  a copy of this curriculum for free in association with the TOS Schoolhouse Review Crew.  I was not compensated in any other way besides this curriculum.  All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and not influenced in anyway.  I was not coerced to write a positive review but rather wrote my own thoughts(or those of my children) on the curriculum.  I am disclosing this to be in compliance with the FTC Regulations.

$100.00 Paypal Cash Giveaway

Welcome to the $100 PayPal Cash Shop Your Way Giveaway, Sponsored by BestMark!

We could all use an extra $100 in our pockets, right? Well, our generous sponsor has given us the opportunity to offer a chance to win just that! Use it for that bill that just came due, to make your grocery dollars stretch a little further or simply get yourself something that you wouldn’t be able to afford without it. The point? If you win, we want you to enjoy it!

About Our Sponsor, BestMark

Of course, we also want you to know a little bit about our sponsor, BestMark. If you’ve ever looked into working with a mystery shopping company, you may have come across this name a time or two, as they are one of the largest mystery shopping companies in the U.S. and Canada. Not familiar with mystery shopping? It’s a lot of fun and a great way to save money (and possibly even earn money) for the things you do anyway. For instance, oil changes and tire rotations, eating lunch or dinner out, or making a purchase at a popular electronics shop are just some examples of “shops” that you might be eligible to perform as a mystery shopper. In most cases, you are reimbursed up to a specific amount (usually the cost of the service, meal, etc.) and in some cases you are even paid a set dollar amount on top of your reimbursement!

Would You Like to Become a Mystery Shopper?

BestMark is recruiting and you’re invited to join the team! Just fill out the mystery shopper application for immediate consideration. Once you’re approved, you can check out all of the available shops in your area and see the details and requirements for each shop.

Own a Business and Want to Learn More About the Benefits of Mystery Shopping?

If you’re a business owner and want to find out how mystery shopping can help you with your business, be sure to check out BestMark’s Services and Solutions. If you feel that mystery shopping is something your company can benefit from, you can contact BestMark directly with any questions or for a customized quote.

Want to Stay in the Know about All Things BestMark?

This company offers a lot of great information - find out about the newest contests they are running for mystery shoppers, new shops and more - on their blog, so be sure to check out the BestMark blog. You can also follow them on Facebook, tweety-te-tweet to them when you're on "BestMark on Twitter" and link up with them on LinkedIn.

Now for the giveaway!

One lucky reader is going to have 100 reasons to jump for joy! That’s right, $100 in PayPal cash is up for grabs! If you want a chance at it, you’d better get your entries in. This giveaway will run from 3/14 – 3/28 at 11:59 pm EST. Please note: Entries will be validated prior to a winner being chosen, so please do ensure that any entries you claim are completed correctly.

Good luck!

Memory of Murder by Ramona Richards -Review CFBA

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Memory of Murder Love-Inspired Suspense by Ramona Richards

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from Ramona:

The hardest biographical sketch to write is always your own, whether or not you’re a writer by profession. You can’t decide what to throw in, what to leave out, and whether or not you should list strengths and flaws, or just strengths.

I like writing and telling stories so much that I once tried to live out a few. After getting a master’s in English, I went on to be the seneschale of my local Society for Creative Anachronism. I had a rocky start, but I did get better. (Robin Hood, eat your heart out.)

People often ask members of the SCA, “Are you in a play?” so I thought it would be fun to do that, too. For seven years, I produced and performed in shows staged by Nashville’s Circle Players.

Although I’m single now, I married in 1982 and in 1987 had Rachel. She’s a cutie. Severely disabled, she’s the heroine of many an article for Special Ed Today magazine. Rachel's nurse, Phyllis, is the real life heroine of “An Act of Desperation,” which I sold to Chicken Soup for the Caregiver’s Soul.

I’m not really a complex person, and my dreams are fairly straightforward: sell books, have enough money to pay the bills and travel a bit, and settle into a cottage. In early 2006, I bought the cottage, which is now more or less swamped by books and DVDs. I write at night (I’m a lifelong night owl), and I occasionally escape by scuba diving, hiking, dancing, and going to movies and bookstores.

I’ve gone to the same church since 1993, and I even sing in the choir. It’s a small but awesome church. I’m no angel, although occasionally I play one in the backyard.

I like staying busy. Life is too short not to follow your dreams.

ABOUT THE BOOK

THE SECRETS OF HER PAST COULD IMPERIL HER FUTURE 

Lindsey Presley certainly can't imagine why anyone would want her dead-though she knows she wouldn't be alive today if not for the local cop who saved her from two murder attempts. Deputy Jeff Gage has worked difficult cases, but with only Lindsey's fractured memories of a broken past to guide him, this is by far his most challenging.

For Lindsey, fleeing the town she has come to call home is unthinkable. Separately, they are vulnerable, but together, Jeff and Lindsey just may stand a chance of catching a ruthless killer.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Memory of Murder, go HERE.

Watch the book video trailer:





My thoughts:  I have never read anything by this author before but was already hooked when the book arrived and she'd included a note with the book as well as a signature. I love it when authors leave a personal touch for those of us reviewing!  Now onto the book.  This story is so twisted with so many turns that though I did finally figure it out BEFORE the end, it was such an amazing read.  This is definitely one of those books that you don't want to put down.  Lindsey is a great strong character who draws you to her.  You'll want to meet her sisters and watch what happens!

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book for free in association with the CFBA. I was not compensated in any other way besides this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and not influenced in anyway. I was not coerced to write a positive review but rather wrote my own thoughts on the book. I am disclosing this to be in compliance with the FTC Regulations.

Swept Away by Mary Connealy -Review CFBA

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Swept Away Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013) by Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Swept Away, go HERE.

My thoughts:  As many of you will know by now, I love old west history type fiction.  I LOVED this book!  Luke's mission to get back his family farm and little Ruthy getting caught up in it.  Can they come to terms with their love or will they lose each other in the quest for the ranch?


Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book for free in association with the CFBA. I was not compensated in any other way besides this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and not influenced in anyway. I was not coerced to write a positive review but rather wrote my own thoughts on the book. I am disclosing this to be in compliance with the FTC Regulations.

Tuesday's Good Eatin Recipe Hop #GoodEatinPL

 

Welcome to the Good Eatin' Recipe Hop

hosted by

The 'Pitch List' Bloggers

Every Tuesday you can join us to share great recipes.........

There are no specific themes. 
Add your recipe of choice to the linky.

No Giveaways Please...all giveaways will be removed.

We Love Comments! Please Share!

Delarosa Custom Jean Skirts Review

I have to tell you about this company, Delarosa Custom Jean Skirts.  This company makes custom jean skirts.  Not only do they make your regular custom jean skirts, but they also make custom maternity skirts.  After seeing them, I had to get one of my own.

The skirt I got is a maternity long denim skirt "of the rose" with ruffle.  I gave measurements for the skirt and was allowed to have a say in what I wanted.  This is by far one of the nicest and most comfortable maternity skirts I own.  I get compliments on it everywhere I go.

You can find out more about Delarosa Custom Jean Skirts on their etsy site and their facebook page.  Who is the mind behind this you might ask?  Well, one single woman who is a mother of 2(also a homeschool mom) makes all these wonderful creations by herself!  She wanted to make skirts that fit, were beautiful, and also modest.   I think she has done a wonderful job!  You can send your own jeans in to have them used to make a modest skirt of your choosing or you can choose from her in stock collection of jeans.  I had her use her own jeans for my skirt as I really didn't have any maternity jeans to spare(only one pair I like).

If you want a long skirt(such as mine) it takes 2 pair of jeans.  If you are wanting a knee length skirt it only takes one pair of jeans.  Make sure the jeans are in your size for the first pair though as that is the waistband that will be used.  I personally don't like short skirts.  More than just I don't think they're that modest for a mom of multiple little children and much rather have the longer jean skirts for myself.  I also don't like showing off my legs.  I have what most refer to as runner's legs which involves thick muscular calves and thighs.  I even commented to my husband today that I hate socks because they don't make them to go over muscle filled calves!

I love how the hem of my skirt has a slightly ruffled uneven look.  The rose is gorgeous and much larger than I had thought it would be when I ordered it.  I love how large it is and what a wonderful eye catcher it is.  This is truly a gorgeous one of a kind skirt.  I will probably have to get one like it in non maternity once this little bundle comes and I have a clue about what size I'll be!  Yes, I am that in love with this skirt!

You are definitely paying for a custom quality skirt when you buy from Delarosa Custom Jean Skirts.  My daughter is already telling me what she wants is the Classic Retro Hippie Skirt as it has colors on it.  It doesn't hurt that her favorite colors are orange and purple and the one they show has orange.  I have to agree with her that the skirt is gorgeous!  All of the skirts on the website are.  If you see something you like in a "short" version you can also get it in the long version.  This is the wonderful flexibility you have with the "custom" ordering!

Love the bottom ruffle and rose.

I love the detail that has gone into this skirt.  It shows the wonderful care that has gone into this skirt.  I love the paneling of the skirt and the ruffled hem look.  The rose is totally gorgeous and looks like it took hours to make.  In the middle of the left side of the skirt you can see the initials DCJS for Delarosa Custom Jean Skirts.  

Like what you're seeing in this skirt?  One person will be the lucky winner of my Mama Madness Giveaway Hop which includes a basic denim skirt up to 26 inches in length.  They have up to XL in this skirt in stock.  If you wear a size larger she is offering to have you send your own pair of jeans and she will make them into a skirt for you.  This is a great offer!  These skirts are wonderful and I can guarantee the winner will love their new skirt!

Shared on Modest Mondays, Mama Moments, 

Undercover Mama Nursing Tank Review

Have you ever felt that you couldn't breastfeed in public because you hate showing off your stomach?  I know I have.  Even if you use a nursing cover up you still are exposing part of your back or stomach.  Well I now have the solution!  Undercover Mama offers a variety of wonderful nursing tanks that hook onto your nursing bra so that you can just unhook the bra like you normally would and feed your baby without showing off your skin.  Keep in mind that you will also be wearing a shirt of some kind over the top that you can lift up so you're not exposing your top half either!

I am in love!  I received the white tank with lace to review.  This tank is $26.99 for purchase on their website.  I love the lace at the end of the tank.  I normally wear my tanks under shirts anyway to have a wonderful modest topline if the normal shirt is too low.  Keeps the modest factor on top too.  Right now they only offer the lace on the white and black tanks.  But they have a large variety of colors that are awesome!  Make sure to go check them out!  I know that when I find a bit of extra money laying around(or for a treat for my birthday) I will have to get the black with lace.  With the white and black I should be set!

Gorgeous and plenty long enough for me.

Loved that the tag shows you how to use the tank!

There are two ways to hook the tank to your nursing bra.

Lace detail.

As far as sizing goes, I was told to go down a size from what you normally wear to get a good fit.  These tops are really stretchy!  I love the stretchyness of them.  I received the xsmall size and normally wear a small.  Even though I am pregnant I can still wear this top as it stretches over my belly!  Love love love the stretch.  I very recently finally fully weaned my youngest(she's 2) so I was even able to use the nursing aspect of the tank.  I loved how easy it was to use.  You can still unhook your bra with one hand so you don't have to put the baby down and arrange everything first.  Very easy and discreet to use in public.

The two lace tanks are $26.99 while the other tanks are $24.99.  Very reasonable price considering the quality and the ease of mind this will provide you.  These have definitely become a must have for my nursing closet.  With this tank any shirt can be a nursing shirt!

Make sure to go enter the Mama Madness Giveaway to enter to win an Undercover Mama Tank of your own.  Winner will receive one free tank excluding the colors Blueberry, Emerald, and Orange.


Disclaimer:  I was provided with this product for free in exchange for a review.  I was not coerced or forced to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are mine alone and not influenced in anyway.  I am disclosing this to be in accordance with FTC regulations.  I was not compensated in any other way for this review except for the product described.