Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Strong and Kind by Korie Robertson with Chrys Howard

Disclosure - free sample provided.



Raising a child can be challenging in the world today.  Korie Robertson's new book, Strong and Kind is a great resource that is an inspiration for raising a child with morals.  Strong and Kind teaches you how she raised children to be Strong and Kind.  It also teaches you other important character traits your child needs to succeed.  This book also contains stories and wisdom from Willie Robertson.  

Do you think it is important to raise good kids that know right from wrong?  This book touches just on that.  I think this is something that is lacking in the world today.  This book explains just how Korie and Willie raised their children to be "good kids."  Some of the other traits that Korie thinks are important to teach are . . . . 

self control

honesty

compassion

patience

joyfulness

loyalty

and humility.  

She feels that by being a good role model for your child that you will teach them.  This truly is a great idea.  

copy below provided 

Book Description

What Legacy Will You Pass Down To The Next Generation?
“After being a parent for twenty years, I have come to believe that the most important thing for parents to decide—more important than bottle or breastfeeding, more important than co-sleeping or sleep training, and even more important than whether to put your child in day care or become a stay-at-home parent—is what values are important to your family and how you will go about instilling those values in your children.”
In Strong and Kind Korie Robertson—with the help of her mom, Chrys Howard, and with insights and stories from her husband, Willie—introduces nine character traits that children need in order to lead a successful life. And though there are no perfect parents or perfect children, Korie shares principles—based on biblical wisdom and time-tested practices—that will help you parent your own one-of-a-kind child.
About the Author
Korie Robertson is a New York Times bestselling author, the wife of Duck Commander® CEO Willie Robertson and star of A&E's Duck Dynasty. A mother of five, Korie balances family life and her role at Duck Commander with several ventures of her own, including her retail store Duck & Dressing, overseeing licensing for the family's brands and philanthropic work with a children's home in the Dominican Republic, Help One Now and adoption and foster care advocacy in Louisiana. Her writing credits include Duck Commander Devotions for Kids, The Women of Duck Commander: Surprising Insights from the Women Behind the Beards About What Makes This Family Work, Faith Commander: Living Five Values from the Parables of Jesus and The Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family, and Ducks Built a Dynasty. Follow online @bosshogswife or www.duckcommander.com.
Learn more about this book on Amazon.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Great Books for Holiday Gift Giving from Disney Publishing

Disclosure - free sample provided.

I personally love to give books as gifts.  They make excellent stocking stuffers for children.  Are you looking for some great books for the holidays this year?  Disney Publishing has so many great choices.  They offer books for young children, but they also offer books that appeal to adults too.  They offer some beautiful coffee table style books that are impressive.  I have a huge list of books here that make great gifts.  These even make great last minute stocking stuffer ideas.

Star Wars
Star Wars is popular this year, and Disney has a great selection of books for Star Wars fans.  I have found that if your child is a fan of something like this then they are definitely more apt to sit down and read about something they really enjoy.





Journey to Star Wars:  The Force Awakens is a great series for Star Wars enthusiasts!  My kids really enjoyed these books.  These books were just released in September.  They retail for about $12.99.  They are geared towards children 10 years and up.  I found that my 10 year old found them simple enough to read, but also very interesting.  He is hooked on this series.  Moving Target is a Princess Leia Adventure.  This book is all about the warrior princess.  It takes place in a time between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.  The Weapon of the Jedi is another great book in this series.  This is a Luke Skywalker Adventure.  This is the story of what happens in between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.  Luke sets out to save a girl.  Smuggler's Run is a Han Solo and Chewbacca Adventure.  My son really liked this one the best.  He is a big fan of Chewbacca.  This story takes place in between a New Hope and the Empire Strikes back.  They set out on a mission for the Rebellion.



Ready for more fun Star Wars books?  Lost Stars is written by New York Times Best Selling Author Claudia Gray.  This book is written for grades 7 and up.  My 10 year old read this and loved it though.  This is a book about friends that have turned enemies.  This book is a great look inside the Star Wars universe.  This book also just became available in September.  It retails for about $17.99.





We also received another great set of Star Wars books.  These are also geared towards upper elementary school children, and up.  My 8 year old even enjoyed these.  They are perfect for 3rd grade and up.  So You Want to Be a Jedi is a story about the greatest Jedi.  The book really is fun because it teaches you how to be a Jedi.  My kids loved this.  Beware the Power of the Dark Side! is another great book in this series.  This book tells everything about Jabba, Boba, Wicket, Rebo, and more that you have always wanted to know!  The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy is yet another book in this series.  This entire set makes a great holiday gift too.  This book in the series talks about three people who cross paths.  They are the only hope for the future.  This series has really made Star Wars even more fun for children!




Star Darlings
This is a series geared towards girls.  This is a chapter book series from Disney Press.  Sage and the Journey to Wishworld appealed to my daughter right away.  She loved the beautiful cover of this book.  This book is geared towards children 9 to 12 years old.  This book is about the Starling Academy.  It is a school where the students study to be Wish Granters.  This story is all about Sage as she goes on a journey to Wishworld.  Libby and the Class Election is another book in this series.  This book is about how the girls have been arguing with each other.  Libby is then chosen to head to Wishworld.




Diva and Flea is a great picture book for early readers this holiday season.  Diva is a dog, and Flea is a cat.  They become friends.  This book is all about their adventures and the two fun characters exploring together.  This book is an adorable story.  It is geared towards children 6 to 8 years old.




Their Fractured Light is a book geared for older children, and teens.  This book is for children 12 years of age and up.  This is the final book in this series.  This book is the final book in the series.  It is all about how Tarver and Lilac surviving a shipwreck.  They are then forced to live a double life after they were rescued.



Black Widow - Forever Red is a great book for Marvel fans on your list.  This is written by margaret Stohl.  She is a #1 New York Times Best Selling Author.  Natasha Romanoff is a master spy.  She has been trained for death and deception.  Ava is a teen in Brooklyn.  She is just trying to fit in.  Natasha and Ava work together in this book to figure out what is going on.  This book is exciting, and keeps you entertained as you follow Natasha and Ava's adventure.




The Isle of the Lost is a Descendants Novel.  This is written by Melissa De La Cruz.  It is geared towards children 9 years of age and up.  Mal knows about real darkness.  She knows that she has to capture the Dragon's eye.  She needs help from her friends as she sets out on her quest for the Dragon's eye.




Are you looking for a great book for younger children this holiday season?  Mother Bruce is a book by Ryan T. Higgens.  This is about a grumpy bear.  This is a book about friendship.  It is silly and fun at the same time.  Mother Bruce likes to keep to himself.  He doesn't like much.  Mother Bruce ends up the mother of goslings.  They think he is their mother.  This silly book is sure to entertain even the youngest readers or listeners.  




Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan is a New York Times #1 Best Selling Author.  Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes is really an impressive book.  This beautiful hardbound book makes a wonderful gift.  It also includes beautiful illustrations throughout the pages.  Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes is about a 12 year old boy with dyslexia, ADHD, and tends to get kicked out of school.  He is then made the son of Poseidon.  He is a boy hero.  This book gives Percy's take on his family tree.  




Rick Riordan's Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard is another excellent book.  This is a book for 5th through 9th graders.  Magnus Chase is a troubled child.  He has lived alone on the streets.  How has he survived?  He has survived by his wits.  He has avoided the police too.  He finds out that he is being tracked down.  His Uncle!  He was warned about this man.  He ends up falling into his uncle's trap.  




Lastly, are you looking for a great book for adults in your family?  Dali and Disney - Destino is a great book for Dali fans, and Disney fans.  This is a story about the artwork and friendship behind this film.  Did you know that these two amazing men were actually friends?  I didn't until I read this book.  They worked on a project together in 1946.  This was a short animated film called Destino.  The production eventually stopped because of financial reasons after WWII.  The project was later fund by Walt Disney's nephew.  This book shows some of the artwork created for this film.

These are just a few of the fabulous book ideas available from Disney.  You can visit their website to learn more about these book, or find the perfect book to give for this holiday season.  

Disclosure - I received a free sample to facilitate my review.  No monetary compensation was provided.  All opinions are completely my own.  My participation is voluntary.   I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 




Friday, December 18, 2015

Churchill's Trial - Review

Disclosure - free sample provided.



I am absolutely fascinated with Winston Churchill.  Such an amazing man!  I knew I had to review Churchill's Trial when I saw that this book was available.  This is all about Winston Churchill and the salvation of free government.  Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about Churchill?  This is a great book to read about the wonderful man.  

This book can easily be related to what is going on with our government today.  It discusses the importance of constitutional limits.  This book is written well, and very easy to read.  I found it very interesting.  My husband has always been a fan of Winston Churchill and he was impressed with how great of a job the author did writing about him and his accomplishments.  I really found that they did a great job explaining Churchill's point of view and then relating it to situations going on today with politics.  

This book has been praised by a number of critics.  It really is a great read if you are interested in learning more about this great man.  My almost 11 year old saw this book and decided to start reading some of it too.  He was impressed.  He recently had to recite one of Churchill's famous speeches in his speech class at school, so he was very interested.

You can learn more about this book, or order your own copy here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The World of Promise - The New Testament Audio Bible

Disclosure - free sample provided.



Do you want to read the New Testament, but you find yourself so busy that you haven't had a chance?  I recently received The World of Promise - The New Testament Audio Bible.  This is a great way for busy people to learn more about the New Testament.  This set of CD's makes it easy to do too!  This is a Dramatic audio Theater version of the New Testament.  You can listen to this in your car, or at home.  I love to play this when we are on our way to take the kids to school.  I also enjoy listening to it on my way to work.  It provides me with great inspiration for the day.  

This audio theater version of the New Testament is not just someone reading it either.  The scripture is read in a dramatic way that is really great.  It features Jim Caviezel as Jesus.  It also features Richard Dreyfuss as Moses, Michael York as the Narrator, Lou Diamond Phillips as Mark, Luke Perry as Judas and Stephen and many more.  This really is an impressive set of CD's to listen to.  It not only is a great gift for yourself, but others too.  This is an great set of 20 CD's

You can learn more about this great set here, or order your own copy too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Every Little Thing by Payton Cosell Turner

Disclosure - free sample provided.



I am really into these fancy coloring books for adults that I am seeing in bookstores, and everywhere else now.  Have you seen these?  They really are so much fun?  Did you love to color as a child, and still love to color?  Every Little Thing by Payton Cosell Turner is a beautiful coloring book, but this is definitely not the same coloring book from your childhood.  

This is a coloring book featuring beautiful designs that are intricate.  The coloring book is a flat vernacular coloring book.  The pages are made of heavy duty paper, so you can even use markers on these.  This coloring book is a great way to sit down and just relax.  

This coloring book may be created for adults, but it is great for older children too.  My daughter is almost 9, but she doesn't like to color the kiddie coloring books anymore.  She loves to color in this beautiful coloring book.  This is for children and adults that like to color detailed pictures.  

Some of the pages include. . . 

rabbits

monkeys

butterflies

flowers

and much more.

This really makes a beautiful gift for anyone who loves to sit and color, or loves art.  You can learn more about this book here.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Shop Novica This Holiday Season for Great Gifts - Review

Disclosure - free sample provided.

Novica is the place to go for beautiful and and one of a kind holiday gifts.  Novica is a website that is in association with National Geographic.  They offer so many great holiday gift items.  It really is hard to just choose one.  I honestly started browsing their products, and was browsing for a long time.  I kept falling in love with items I saw.  They offer handmade jewelry, clothing, crafts, and much more.  The items are fair trade items that come from all around the world.  The items are very reasonably priced.  



I chose a delicate pair of earrings.  These are so pretty.  They are handcrafted.  The Karen Frangipani earrings are made Thai inspired earrings.  The neat part about these earrings is that you get to learn about the artisan that made them.  They tell you about their life, and a little about their culture.  This really makes these a neat purchase.  The traditional tribal style silver earrings are available on Novica's website for $17.99.



I also chose an adorable little chess set from Novica.  This chess set is the perfect size to take with you anywhere, and play on the go.  The board doubles as a case to carry the game.  This makes it easy to keep all the pieces together.  This set is made by an artisan who is originally from Rajasthan.  It is handcrafted out of wood.  The interior of the box is lined with velvet.  It really is a beautiful set.  This set retails for under $30.  It can also be purchased directly from the Novica website.

These are just some of the amazing items you will find from talented artisans when you shop at Novica.  You can learn more about what Novica offers by visiting their website.


SAVE

Save7Novica code for $7 off first purchase



I have a winner to announce for my Novica giveaway here. . 

The winner is Laura JJ.

Disclosure - I received a free sample to facilitate my review.  No monetary compensation was provided.  All opinions are completely my own.  My participation is voluntary.   I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 





Monday, December 7, 2015

Frost Bible - Review

Disclosure - free sample provided.



The Frost Bible is a beautifully bound bible that was created with girls in mind.  This is a beautifully bound bible that also makes a nice gift.  The bible is hard bound, and has a really pretty Winter theme.  The bible itself inside is really not any different.  I personally like that because I feel that the bible doesn't need to be changed for a child to enjoy it.  It is the International Children's Bible version.  There are a few pages in the beginning of the bible that show the history of the bible, and it includes a timeline.  There are also a few pages throughout that are neat and include information on why your child should read the bible.  

I really found that the beautiful cover on this bible inspired my 8 year old to want to open it up and sit down and read it.  She enjoyed being able to write her name in the spot in the front provided.  She also loved that the bible comes with a blue carrying bag with sparkles.  This makes is easy for them to take along with them wherever they want.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Angels: A 90-Day Devotional About God's Messengers - Review

Disclosure - free sample provided.



I am always looking for great religious books for myself and my children.  I love Devotionals because this is a great way for my children, and myself to read a little about God on a daily basis.  We recently received Angels:  A 90-Day Devotional About God's Messengers.  This is a Devotional written by Christa Kinde.  This is geared towards older children, and teens.  I thought it was a great Devotional for my 8 and 10 year old.  I enjoy reading it with my children.  If you or your child is interested in learning more about Angels then this really is a great book to pick up.  

This Devotional discusses different verses from the Bible that involve Angels.  I really enjoy how this book is written.  It is written at a great level that children will understand.  I also thought that many of the readings were things that kids might really consider, and think about.  

This Devotional starts each reading with a question.  An example of one of them from the book is, "How are Angels Different from God?"  The Devotional then sites and references a verse from the bible where this is explained.  It then explains the answer in simple enough terms for a child to understand.  There is also a Dig a Little Deeper section after each reading.  This provides extra information that asks your child additional questions that they should think about.  

You can order a copy of this book here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Doodletopia: Cartoons by Christopher Hart - Review

Disclosure - free sample provided.



Do you love to draw?  Maybe you just want to learn how to draw.  We recently received a great beginners book that is perfect for children and adults who love to draw or want to learn how to draw.  My 8 year old confiscated this book from me as soon as it arrived.  She loves drawing and art.  Doodletopia is a great book for all ages that want to learn how to draw cartoons. 

This is an interactive book that shows you step by step how to draw simple cartoon characters.  My 8 year old was even able to follow the instructions on her own to create cartoon characters.  This is a great book for the holiday season too.  I love giving books like this because they are something a little bit different than just toys.  

Doodletopia is loaded with pages that allow you to create fun cartoon characters.  We found it simple to follow because half of the character is completed, and then you complete the other half of the character.  This really helps you visualize what your finished cartoon should look like too.  

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

DEFAITH - Pink Gold Rose Review - Perfect for the Holidays

Disclosure - free sample provided.  



What do you get for mom, grandma, your aunt, teachers, and sister for the holiday season?  I love to buy gifts that are memorable.  I was recently introduced to a beautiful gift idea for the women on your shopping list.  DEFAITH offers a beautiful Pink Gold Rose that is sure to impress anyone who receives one.  This rose is eye catching.  It looks beautiful in the vase on your counter, curio cabinet, or even on your desk at work.  The neat thing about this gift is that you can enjoy the beautiful look of a real rose all the time, but there is no watering.  There is no worrying about the rose dying either.  This is a neat alternative to sending fresh flowers or roses.  






The DEFAITH Pink Gold Rose is preserved, and adorned with gold.  DEFAITH hand picks the roses that they use to create the perfect gift.  This rose can be purchased directly from Amazon.  The retail price is $129.99.  They are currently selling for only $42.99.  This really is a reasonable price to send a long lasting rose.  

Do you know someone that would love a rose like this?  You can order for the holidays here.  DEFAITH offers their roses in a variety of color options too.  This makes it fun to purchase for someone because you can choose their favorite color.  

You can also connect with DEFAITH on Facebook to learn more.

Disclosure - I received a free sample to facilitate my review.  No monetary compensation was provided.  All opinions are completely my own.  My participation is voluntary.   I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Lemon Essential Oil Review


Disclosure - free sample provided.  



I am a huge fan of anything lemon scented or flavored.  Lemon is such a fresh and clean scent.  I was recently introduced to Lemon Essential Oil.  I fell in love with this oil.  It smells like fresh lemons.  I honestly could not stop using it.  I have been told that Lemon Oil can be used for a variety of different things.  It really smells amazing, but I have heard that the scent can be calming  I have also heard that it is good to ward off illnesses.  I personally keep the Lemon Essential Oil in my purse.  I also use it just because it smells so good.  It even makes a really nice natural alternative to perfume.  

Simply Earth offer pure Lemon Essential Oil that is available on Amazon.  It only retails for $4.99.  That is a reasonable price for a high quality essential oil.  This is a concentrated scent, so you really only need a small bit.  This oil is non toxic.  It has no additives, and it is completely pure.  Simply Earth is a small eco friendly company.  

You can learn more about the Lemon Essential Oil on Amazon.  You can also purchase your very own too.

Disclosure - I received a free sample to facilitate my review.  No monetary compensation was provided.  All opinions are completely my own.  My participation is voluntary.   I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

Peppermint Essential Oil Review


Disclosure - free sample provided.



Peppermint is an amazing scent all year round.  It is one of my favorite scents during the holidays too.  Did you know that you can purchase Peppermint Essential Oil?  This is a great oil to try if you are already a fan of essential oils, or you want to start trying them out.  Simply Earth is a great company that offers a variety of amazing essential oils.  I fell in love with their Peppermint Essential Oil.

Peppermint is not just a wonderful scent, but it can be used for a variety of different things.  I like to use it when my kids have stuffy noses from allergies.  I have tried it myself for a stuffy nose, and it really helped clear my sinuses.  This is an oil that is 100% pure.  It is non toxic.  This oil is not diluted.  A little bit really does go a long way.  I know that I will definitely get my use out of this bottle.  

I was truly impressed with this oil.  It can be purchased directly from Amazon for $4.99.  This is a great price, and a great oil to add to your collecition.  

Disclosure - I received a free sample to facilitate my review.  No monetary compensation was provided.  All opinions are completely my own.  My participation is voluntary.   I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Moon Pie Bites! Review

Disclosure - free sample provided.



Are you a big fan of Moon Pies?  These are so yummy.  They combine graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow into amazing goodness.  Did you know that the same delicious taste is now available in candy?  I couldn't wait to try these with my kids.  Moon Pie Bites! are so good.  They have the same flavor as your favorite treat, but in a candy form.  




These are a special treat for all those Moon Pie lovers out there.  Moon Pie bites have the chocolate, graham cracker, and marshmallow goodness of a traditional Moon Pie.  These are just candy though.  This is a great treat for when you want to have family movie night too.  Moon Pie Bites! are easy to eat, and they aren't messy.  I honestly couldn't stop eating them they were so good.  I  now have to try them on ice cream.  I think that would be amazing.

Want to try Moon Pie Bites! for yourself?  You can find out about this tasty treat here!  



Disclosure - I received a free sample to facilitate my review.  No monetary compensation was provided.  All opinions are completely my own.  My participation is voluntary.   I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.