Coffee Talk With Jesus: Review & Giveaway

 

"With my journal open and pen ready, I take a sip of my freshly brewed coffee and savor the aroma. And I am reminded of how much better the aroma of His fragrance is. Will you come in and have a seat? He’s calling you to come and sit a while. He longs to share His heart with you."

(from the introduction of Coffee Talk With Jesus by Barbie Swihart)

Anyone who knows me well knows I love coffee, but I hope what they know more is how much I love my Jesus.  Because while coffee is a refreshing way to start my day, there's nothing quite like the sweet aroma of His words and quiet time spent soaking up His presence.  Without His truths to light the way every single day, I stumble and fall.  I may say I need my morning coffee, but I need Him more.

I first "met" Barbie after reading a guest post she wrote for (in)courage and I immediately fell in love with her writing.  I began to follow her blog, grateful for the way she pressed into Him even when life was hard and continued to give Him the glory through her words.  Even though we've never met in real life, we developed a sweet friendship in the sharing of our words here and through facebook.  No matter how busy her life is, she is always faithful to take the time to read my words here and leave words of encouragement and comfort. 

I was so excited when she announced her debut book and honored to be counted as part of her launch team.  We both share this dream of seeing our words in print and I am just thrilled to see her dream come true.  I know this has been a difficult journey for her, but it's been such a privilege to see her setting aside her own fears to obey His calling and following through no matter how many obstacles stood in the way. 

When I finally sat down to read Coffee Talk With Jesus, I felt as though God had brought her words for such a time as this.  In the season of brokenness I'm in, her words were a comfort and balm to my soul, because they reminded me over and over of the One who sees me and longs for me to come and sit with Him.

Coffee Talk With Jesus is a 31 day devotional that takes you on a journey of listening for His still, small voice and allowing Him to speak truth into the most tender places of your heart.  It is written as though He is speaking to a dearly beloved daughter as you share a cup of coffee before the light of a new day dawns.  Each devotion has space for writing your own response to His words along with questions that prompt you to apply His truth to where you are right now.  Here is just a sampling of Barbie's beautiful words:

"Every tear that you’ve cried I’ve caught with my hands and placed in a bottle. I am well acquainted with your grief. I’ve been right beside you, even when you felt all hope was gone."

"With every breath you take, I am filling you with peace, joy, and hope."

There are also delicious coffee inspired recipes sprinkled throughout the book.  I can't wait to try some of them to enjoy during my own morning devotions and to slowly read through these words again.

Barbie has generously offered to giveaway a copy of her book to one of my readers, so you can enjoy your own Coffee Talk With Jesus.  The winner can choose a signed paperback copy or a Kindle e-book. The giveaway will close at 8:00 am on Friday, December 13 and a winner will be announced later that day. 

Disclosure: I was given a free pre-release PDF copy of Coffee Talk With Jesus in exchange for my review and the giveaway prize was generously provided by the author, Barbie Swihart. 

***This giveaway is now CLOSED!  Congratulations to Amy Kolbe for winning a FREE copy of Coffee Talk with Jesus!***

 

A Shutterfly Christmas {Giveaway}

It should come as no surprise to those who know me and this blog well that I love Shutterfly.  Capturing memories through photos is my passion and I love the quality and variety of photo products Shutterfly offers.  It is, by far, my favorite photo printing website.

Since our firstborn arrived and we entered the world of parenthood, I have enjoyed creating photo cards to send to family and friends for Christmas.  I love walking to the mailbox in December and finding Christmas cards for those we love, but my favorites are always those with photos.  As much as I love words, sometimes a photo is worth more than a million words.

Two years ago we started doing family photo shoots to use for Christmas photos.  Finding just the right card to share our memories was so much fun when I found the beautiful variety of Christmas Cards Shutterfly offers.  The only problem is deciding which one, because I love them all.

Right now, Shutterfly also has great deals going on for Black Friday and Cyber Monday to help make your Christmas photo cards more affordable.  You can get 10 FREE photo cards through 11/25 and on Monday (11/26) you can get 25% off your entire order.  Plus, check out their special offers page for more great deals.  Now, if only I could make up my mind on which card to choose!

Would you enjoy creating your own photo cards with Shutterfly?  Shutterfly has generously offered a giveaway for $50 to spend on your own creations.  So, go ahead and browse through their beautiful collection of Christmas photo cards and enter using the Rafflecopter entry form below.

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in exchange for my honest review of Shutterfly's Christmas card collection. 

 

Happy Family Products Review & Giveaway

As a busy mom of three, I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and healthy snacks and lunches.  A simple glance at the ingredient lists of most pre-packaged, processed snack foods reveals a long list of words I can't pronounce that sound more like a list of chemicals that belong in a laboratory.  In the past two years, our family has made a drastic change to our diet, removing most processed foods and focusing more on whole foods and organic foods.  Still, there are days, especially with a newborn, that I long for the convenience of processed foods.

I discovered Happy Family products two summers ago while searching for convenient travel snacks for the many bike races our family attends all summer long.  We fell in love with their squeezable fruit and vegetable pouches, because they are easy enough for the kids to eat on their own without making a huge mess.  Plus, I love that they contain actual fruits or vegetables without the added sugar and preservatives of most processed foods...and they taste good too!

Since then, Happy Family has expanded their product line by adding some great products for growing toddlers including Happy Tot Plus and Happy Tot Meal Bowls.  I was excited to have the chance to review these products, because snack and lunch time with a newborn are often challenging.  The moment I unpacked the Happy Tot Plus pouches, the kids were drooling over them and begging to eat them right away.   Lately, they've become picky about vegetables, so I was happy to see that the Happy Tot Plus pouches combine vegetables and fruit.  They gobbled those pouches right up, without even realizing they were eating vegetables!

The Happy Tot Meal Bowls were a bit more challenging to convince them to eat.  They mumbled and groaned about how they "not like that" before they even took a bite.  But, once they tried them, they both said, "yummy!".  Their favorite meal was the Vegetable Ravioli.  I was surprised to see my picky eaters polish them off without complaining once about eating vegetables.

Are you in search of quick, easy, and healthy snacks and lunches for your kids too?  Happy Family has offered a chance for one of you to win the same prize pack we were sent to review, including coupons for THREE free Happy Tot Plus pouches and FOUR free Happy Tot Meal Bowls.  To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter entries below.

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Disclosure: Happy Family provided me with a free prize pack of coupons as well as the giveaway prize pack of coupons in exchange for my honest review of their products. 


 

Shutterfly Yearbooks: A Review & Giveaway

 
In the past few weeks, my facebook newsfeed has been flooded with back to school photos. As I smiled at all the cute kids with their new backpacks, carefully planned outfits, and ready-to-take-on-the-world excitement, I couldn't help but think about next year.  Because, this time next year, I will be joining all the parents in posting a first day of school photo of our kindergartner.

 
And oh, my heart. I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Wasn't it just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital, after a long and emotional two week stay in the NICU? I can't easily forget the sleepless nights, watching her curl up skin-to-skin as I nourished her with a love that swept me off my feet with surprise.  She was my world as my days revolved around when she ate, slept, and needed a diaper change.  I jumped at her every cry, willing to do anything and everything to make her happy.

Now, I watch her play pretend, chattering away about an imaginary birthday party for her dolly.  She uses two pillows to create a make shift oven to bake a cake and carefully places tiny cups and saucers for a tea party for four.  I marvel at the conversations I can have with my firstborn who is too quickly becoming a little girl.  I wonder how to slow down time or at least capture these moments to hold onto them forever.

A few weeks ago, I gathered together photos from her second, third, and fourth years to create photo book memories that we can tangibly hold onto and remember over and over.  I'm not sure who was more excited about the arrival of a bright orange Shutterfly package - my daughter or me.  She was literally jumping up and down, running to the front door every day asking me, "Is it here yet?"  When it finally arrived, she helped me tear open the package and spent the next hour curled up next to me reliving these memories.

Next year, as she begins the new adventure of her first year of school, I am thankful for Shutterfly and their awesome photo products to record these memories forever.  Shutterfly recently came out with a new yearbook product that makes it really easy to capture all those school year memories.  I'm already imagining all the ways I can use this resource to record our daughter's kindergarten memories and I can only imagine how much more excitement the arrival of that bright orange package will bring to our home.

Would you like a chance to record your own memories in the form of a Shutterfly photobook?  Shutterfly has generously offered a FREE 8x8, 20 page photo book (plus shipping!) to ONE of my readers.  To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter entry form below.  Giveaway ends Wednesday, September 26th.

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*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  Shutterfly offered me a free photo book and website credit in exchange for my honest opinions about their Yearbook products.

Lilla Rose Flexi Clips: Review & Giveaway

I was contacted a few weeks ago by a sweet momma asking if I'd be interested in doing a review and giveaway for Lilla Rose.  I had never heard of this company, but the moment I started browsing through their beautiful flexi clips, I knew my daughter would love them.

Sue Ellen sent the Scrollwork Heart size Mini with pink beadwork for our review and surprised me by including the Princess Tiara size Extra Small with jet beadwork because mommas are princesses too!  Valerie was so excited to try out our new hair clips.  She made sure I put it on her right away and told me it was so pretty.  

My daughter's hair in a simple little up-do on the day of my grandma's funeral 

(taken with Instagram - mom2vanda)

I haven't had much chance to play around with different hairstyles with everything going on around here, but I'm intrigued by this album from Sue Ellen's facebook page.  The Mini works well for a half up-do for me, but I'm definitely going to be placing an order soon for a Small or Medium to try some up-dos for me.  I might have to pack one in my hospital bag for when baby arrives!  

The awesome thing about Lilla Rose flexi-clips is the sizing.  Each flexi-clip comes in different sizes, so there is one that will work for every hair type.  This video is a great tool for figuring out what size and style would work for you.

I was impressed with the design and the quality of each Flexi Clip.  The design makes them super easy to put in and, because they are flexible, they can be easily adjusted to hold your hairstyle secure.  Plus, there are so many different fun designs to choose from and every month there is a new Flexi of the Month.  I can't wait to see what next month's design is!

Are you intrigued as much as we were with Lilla Rose?  Sue Ellen has graciously offered a giveaway for a $16 gift certificate to her website, so one of you can try out your very own Flexi Clips.  To enter, use the Rafflecopter entry form below.

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Disclosure: I received two free Flexi Clips from Sue Ellen Hale's Lilla Rose business in exchange for my honest review of this product.  She has graciously provided the giveaway prize as well.

The winner of the Dayspring giveaway has been announced.  Check out the blog post to see if it was you!

Update: I'm hosting an online part for Lilla Rose too!  Check it out (now through August 25th) and earn FREE shipping on orders over $20 plus Buy 3, Get 1 FREE if you are a current or new customer of Sue Ellen Hale!  

 

Stand on Grace: A Dayspring Review & Giveaway

To God's elect...who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. ~1 Peter 1:2

On a morning when simply opening up the internet reveals news of tragedy and heartbreak sweeping our nation, it's hard to understand what it means to have grace and peace in abundance. 

Peter was writing in a time when the message of Christ was only beginning to sweep through the nations.  He knew that, just as Christ suffered, they too would suffer for His name.  And yet, he opens his first letter by wishing grace and peace in abundance to God's elect.

To know His grace, His unmerited favor and undeserved gift, is to know His peace, the kind of peace that surpasses understanding.  Matthew Henry said in his commentary of this passage that "solid peace cannot be enjoyed where there is no true grace; first grace, then peace".

But in this world there will be tribulation.  

"And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet."  (Mark 13:7)

Death, pain, and suffering are all part of living in a sinful, fallen world.  As I learned this morning's horrible news, I found myself thinking about how these kinds of events have become more frequent and far worse.

Mark knew, long before today's events that it would get worse and that it should not alarm us.  All these things must come to pass before the end.

So, where is the peace in this?  How can I read today's news or listen to reports on the radio of tragedy upon tragedy day after day and still feel safe and secure?  

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Peace, real, solid, lasting peace comes from knowing that no matter what events transpire around us, no matter what storms we must walk through in this life, He has overcome them all.  Strong's defines peace as "the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is".

My heart aches for the people of Colorado today...but, even more so, my soul yearns for that day when He will overcome it all.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 
 

***

Dayspring has graciously gifted me with this beautiful doormat and flag from their Redeemed collection.  This is what it means to stand on grace, knowing that no matter what comes, He has overcome.   

One of my readers will also be gifted with the same message from 1 Peter 1:2 as a reminder of the kind of grace and peace that are ours in abundance through Christ.  Plus, anyone can use the code JOY2012 for 25% off their entire purchase through the end of the month. (Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter entry form below.)

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Disclosure: The doormat and flag were provided for free by Dayspring in exchange for sharing my story of how the message of hope from products like these challenged and encouraged me.  Dayspring has also provided the same products to one winner of this giveaway.  

 

75 (Facebook) Fan Giveaway!

photo credit

At the beginning of the year, I decided to create a facebook page for this blog. It's been a fun way to share blog posts that have inspired or encouraged me, pass along daily deals and fun links I come across, and interact more with my blog readers. I decided it would be fun to share a little giveaway for my facebook fans once I reached 75 likes and last week was the week!

So, as a thank you, I'm giving away a copy of Angie Smith's What Women Fear.  Angie's blog is one of the first blogs I read.  I just love Angie's writing and her heart for the Lord. This was definitely a book I could not put down until I finished it. As someone who struggles with anxiety, which often manifests itself in fear, I felt like she was reading my mind in so many ways.

But Angie knows, "there is a difference in learning from past mistakes and ruminating over the million-and-one-ways we might have done it better" (page 25).  Nothing good comes from dwelling on the past, but sometimes it is still so hard to move forward.  Angie writes from experience, because she knows what it is to live in fear. But she also knows what it is to live in freedom.  Instead of letting the fear consume, she chooses to run to Him, lay it all at His feet, and rest on His promises. 

I shared yesterday about the anxiety and fear that still grip me at times and how every day I have to remind myself to trust that He knows my tomorrow and that His grace is more than enough.  It really is all about grace.  The more I fear the unknown or even dwell on what I do know of the past, the more I realized how desperately I need Him...and how my very life depends on Him.

"You will walk for the rest of your days telling the story of redemption, not in words or deeds, but in your very existence.  Not she who would have existed if not for that night, but rather, she who chased Him in faith, and refused to let Him go."  (page 63)

 PS - You can find out more about Angie's book through videos and blog posts done by (in)courage's Bloom Book Club. 

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Child Training Bible Review & Giveaway

This giveaway is now CLOSED!  

UPDATE: The original winner has not responded, so I picked a NEW winner.  Congratulations to  Kate (comment #53) of Called Out One! 

Several months ago I discovered Pinterest.  I wasn't sure I would like it, but now I'm definitely hooked.  I love being able to save links all in one place and having a visual to find the links later makes it so much easier to actually use the ideas I've found.  One pin I came across was for a Child Training Bible.  I was so intrigued by it that I searched for more information and discovered their website and facebook page.

As a young mom, I often find myself struggling to know the best way to discipline and raise up these little ones in the way they should go.  Sure, I have plenty of women who have gone before me offering advice and wisdom, but, ultimately, my husband and I have to make the decisions that are best for our family.  One night I said to my husband, "I wish there was a manual for parenting" and, without missing a beat, he replied, "There is; it's called the bible".

My husband and I know that our children are a gift from God and that it is our responsibility to teach them to know and love Him so that when they are grown they will not walk away from Him.  But sometimes it's hard to know where to begin when searching his Word.  The more I read about the Child Training Bible, the more I thought, "We really need one for OUR home!".  So, I decided to contact the company asking if they'd be willing to offer a review and possibly a giveaway as well on my blog.

They were more than happy to do both and sent it out right away.  I finally got around to putting it together this week.  The Child Training Bible kit comes with four laminated cards and an instruction sheet, but requires a bible, highlighters, post it notes, and time to put it together.  I decided to use my NIV bible from college, because I most often use my ESV study bible for my own devotions and I knew the NIV is written in a way that is easier for our kids to understand.

I wish the kit came with at least the post it notes, because it took me a while to round up the right colors needed for it.  I didn't want to go out and purchase them, so I scrounged through my totes of scrapbooking and school supplies in the basement.  I didn't find blue post its, but I just used some white post its and colored them with the highlighter and crayon used for the light blue and dark blue verses.

When I explained the kit to my husband, he said he thought it seemed more time consuming than it was worth.  As I put it together, however, I began to see how important it was for me to actually see the process instead of having it all put together to begin with.  It may have taken all morning, but I found myself soaking up and being encouraged by the Words He has given us.  The highlighters and tabs are for categorizing verses from verses about disobedience to discouragement and, while it is meant as a parenting tool, I found it was just as useful for me in my own walk.

As a visual learner, I also found the color coding and tabs to be very helpful for me.  I've already used it a few times to find Ephesians 6:1 for the kids to memorize and soaked up the verses about discouragement and fear for myself.  My kids are very curious about it too and, as they grow I look forward to showing them how to use the tabs to look up verses on their own.

***

I'm excited to not only share about this wonderful parenting tool, but to offer ONE of my readers their very own Child Training Bible kit.  To enter this giveaway, simply answer this question: What is one verse that you have found helpful in your own parenting journey?

For extra entries:

1. LIKE Child Training Bible on facebook. (Make sure to choose "Show in Newsfeed" under the LIKE button so my posts show up in your newsfeed.)

2. Browse their website and tell me something else you learned about this great resource.

3. LIKE my blog on facebook.  (Make sure to choose "Show in Newsfeed" under the LIKE button so my posts show up in your newsfeed.)

4. Follow my blog by email, Google Friend Connect, or Networked Blogs.  (See links on the bottom of my blog if you haven't already signed up to follow through one of these methods.)

5. Share this giveaway on facebook or twitter.  (Make sure to share the link to your post or tweet in the comments to verify this entry.)

This giveaway will be open until Wednesday, June 13th at 1:00 pm CST. 

Disclosure: I received a free copy of the Child Training Bible kit and the giveaway in exchange for my honest opinions. 

 

Virtual Mercy Party: Mercy House Review & Giveaway

This giveaway is now CLOSED. 

Congratulations to Christie for winning a $25 gift certificate to Mercy House Shop! 

A few weeks ago, I was blessed to hear the story of Mercy House through (in)courage's (in)RL conference.  I was truly in tears as I listened to Kristen share this beautiful story.

"I asked God through tears, how He could allow so much human suffering. And I really felt like He asked me the same thing..."

"I'm a mom who set out to write a story...and that story is still writing me..."

"God has given us a dream to build a house of mercy in the heart of Africa to help pregnant girls. To save one life at a time..."

 This video shares even more about this beautiful story and what the Mercy House is all about:



Kristen said while she shared the story of Mercy House during (in)RL, "Simply put, Mercy House would not exist without social media..." The Mercy House has an online shop to sell handmade items created by these beautiful women in Africa.  This is where social media comes into play, because, in order to keep sharing this story, they have offered a review and giveaway of one of these beautiful handmade items for my readers.

 
I received one of the beautiful handmade paper bead necklaces.  When it arrived in our mailbox, I was so impressed with the quality and vibrant color.  I had imagined paper beads being very flimsy, but I was surprised by the strength and durability of the necklace.  It was truly well made and a beautiful way to remember to share the story of mercy in the heart of Africa.

One of you can also enjoy one of these beautiful handmade items in your own home.  The Mercy House has offered a $25 gift certificate to ONE winner.  To enter, please share one thing you learned about this ministry.  

For extra entries, please share a link to this video about the ministry of Mercy House on facebook, twitter, or your own blog; simply leave a comment with the direct link to your share (one entry per social media).

This giveaway will end on Friday, June 1st at 1:00 pm CST and the winner will be contacted by email so please make sure your email address is listed in your entry or available in your blogger profile.  

And, to help this beautiful ministry continue, consider shopping for the next birthday or other gift-giving event at Mercy House Shop.   

Disclosure: Mercy House provided me with a handmade paper bead necklace from their online shop as well as the giveaway for my readers in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions as well as for sharing their ministry with my readers.  The photos and video used in this blog post are from the Mercy House website. 

My Blog Spark: Cheerios Review & Giveaway

UPDATE:  I totally forgot this giveaway was for TWO winners, so, without further ado, winner #2 is Amanda (comment #1 - how cool is that?)!  

This giveaway is now CLOSED. Congratulations to eclairre for winning the Cheerios Prize Pack! 

Breakfast around here is a big deal.  So much so, in fact, that around 6 am every morning, without fail, our son jumps on our bed and says "I want cereal!"  As our grocery budget has increased to accommodate more fresh produce as well as gluten and dairy free substitutes, we decided to switch to oatmeal for breakfast because, let's face it, cereal is expensive.

I am very picky about the cereals that I do allow in our house too, because so many are loaded with sugar or high fructose corn syrup as well as numerous preservatives and food dyes.  Basically, when half the ingredient list is unreadable, it does not even make it into our grocery cart.

One cereal that has passed mommy inspection and is frequently found in our house is Cheerios.  When My Blog Spark offered a review giveaway for the new two box sets of Cheerios available at Sam's Club, Cosco, and BJ's, I immediately said yes.  My kids were so excited to have cereal for breakfast again that they started making up a happy cereal song as I was pouring their bowls, "Cereal, cereal, cereal!  Yay!"  

Here is what My Blog Spark had to share about the new 2 box packaging of Cheerios:

New 2 box Cheerios contains two individual boxes, making them easier to store and easier to pour! Not to mention…

• By reducing the amount of air in each individual bag, these enhanced containers fit 10% more cereal than before and use less packaging
• While each box contains more cereal, packaging material has been reduced by over 200,000 lbs, saving 1,000 trees and taking 130 Cheerios trucks of the road, decreasing CO2 emissions

You can find out more about the new 2 box packaging here and here. You can purchase them at your local Sam's Club, Costco, or BJ's to pick up your own 2 box set of Cheerios. 

Besides the cost saving of the 2 box packaging, I love that there really is more cereal packaged in each box.  My kids, of course, were especially happy because it meant more days of enjoying Cheerios for breakfast and singing their happy cereal song. 

My Blog Spark has offered TWO winners the same prize pack we received - TWO new 2 box Cheerios packaging (four boxes)!  To enter this giveaway, simply answer this question: How will new 2 box Cheerios packaging benefit you and your family? (One entry per person) 

This giveaway will end on Wednesday, May 30th at 1:00 pm CST and winners will be contacted by email, so please make sure your email address is provided in your entry or in your blogger profile. 

Disclosure: Cheerios® cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark, but these are my honest opinions about this product. 

 

My Blog Spark: Sam's Club Review & Giveaway

This year, my husband and I have committed to being wise with our money and learning to be frugal with what we do buy. With another one on the way, we know that finances will only get tighter as we add another mouth to feed. But, we know that children are truly a blessing from the Lord and we would much rather have more kids than more money. Still, it makes it harder and harder to think about how we should or shouldn't spend our money.

We decided before our firstborn arrived to do cloth diapers and now that our third child will be using the same cloth diapers I bought/made for our firstborn, it really has been a way to live frugally. I've also found ways to be frugal about household cleaners by making our own and am learning how to be frugal with groceries while still eating healthy by avoiding processed foods, making things from scratch, and not buy unnecessary "luxuries" unless there is a little wiggle room in our budget.

When I recieved an opportunity from MyBlogSpark for Sam's Club, I knew it would be a blessing to our family to be able to buy a few necessities and bless another blogging friend with a gift card too. We do not have a Sam's Club membership, but I've often gone their with my mom. I love that you can buy things in bulk at a good price and their produce is SO good too. On our last visit to my mom's house, she took us on a shopping adventure there. The kids loved it because they were giving out all kinds of food samples so they ate their way through the store. I had fun just browsing through the store and then deciding the best way to spend our gift card.

Here is what I ended up purchasing:

Since we are all about fresh produce here, I was excited to get some grapes and bananas that we could enjoy. The kids love grapes, but I only buy them when the price is right. This large tub of grapes was less than $6, so I was more than happy to let our little ones indulge in one of their favorite fruits. We were also out of bananas, so I snatched up a bundle of them. I sometimes think our kids are really monkeys, because they are always sneaking bananas when I'm not looking.

I also knew we had some of my favorite mango salsa at home, but were out of chips, so I grabbed that huge bag of chips for less than $5. (Now if only the salsa lasted as long as the chips!) I also knew we could use some kid's shampoo and Boogie Wipes (which came in handy when we all got colds this week to keep our noses from becoming bright red and sore). Altogether my total came to just over $25 for a few things we could use but didn't necessarily have room in the budget for.

Sam's Club also has a great promotion going on right now for baby products.  For a limited time, through February 29th, you can get a $10 Sam's Club Gift Card when you purchase any two baby items.  For more offer details check out SamsClub.com/giftcardoffer.  


Now for the fun part...one of YOU will be able to win the other $25 gift card I was given for this review/giveaway. To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment. You can get an extra entry for liking my Facebook page too. The giveaway will end on Friday, March 2nd at noon (CST).

Disclosure: I received Sam's Club gift cards from My Blog Spark for FREE in exchange for my review, but the opinions expressed here are completely my own. 

 

Blessed, Indeed

Today was my first day "back" as a stay-at-home mom.  I have learned to appreciate the blessing it is to stay home with my little ones after being away from them for six weeks to substitute teach.  This morning, after waking up early and going for a morning run, I felt energized and ready to enjoy my day.  (Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but try it sometime.  It is really a GREAT way to start the day!)

After eating breakfast, I pulled out our school supplies and did some mini tot school lessons with letter tracing with some Sesame Street learning books I found off a daily deal site and matching colors and shapes using Busy Bugs Learning Set from Discovery Toys.  I was amazed how much more she can understand since the last time we had tot school almost two months ago.

In fact, both our kids have grown so much in the last two months.  Suddenly they are both speaking in complete sentences and having conversations with us.  Last week, they were chasing each other around my parents' house and Valerie would yell, "Yezzo, come here!" and he would respond, "I coming!" as he ran after her.  Then, he would hide around a corner and whisper to my mom, "Where mommy go?" and when I would find him he would say, "hi, mommy!"

On Saturday, Almanzo had his first ever haircut.  I know, he's already two, but the poor little guy barely had any hair even at one!  He finally had enough hair that it was getting in his eyes and he almost had a mullet in the back.  I kept putting it off though, because I knew the moment he got it cut he would suddenly look like a toddler and not like my little baby anymore.  I guess it was time to face the inevitable, but why must they grow so fast?

This morning we also took some time to take a walk around the block to the corner store.  We were out of dishwasher detergent and I really had no desire to drive anywhere today.  The kids took their little bikes, but, of course, half way there they both decided it was better to walk.  Somehow we made it there and halfway back before I ended up carrying both their bikes home.  It was a little chilly too, but we enjoyed the fresh air and a little exercise.

After nap time, we turned on some Christmas music and danced like crazy in the living room.  I love how much my kids enjoy music and want to dance along with it.  Today, I even caught Almanzo starting to sing the Sesame Street theme song.  He could only say "sunny days!", but he actually had the right tune!  And, of course, our little singing diva is always making up songs and singing at the top of her lungs.  There are times I have to ask her to be quiet...which usually results in her belting out her song even louder for a grand finale.  She is quite the character!

Just before dinner, I decided to start a new family tradition of advent devotionals.  I found this Advent Calendar with daily activities and bible readings from Thriving Family to make the focus of this season where it should be - on the One who came to this earth as a helpless little baby, God in the flesh.  I started a day late, but I was amazed at how well Valerie caught on to the concept of God creating the world.  During dinner, she kept asking me, "God made Yezzo?  And mommy?  And daddy?  And me?"  Then, as she ate her salmon, she said, "God made fish!"  There's nothing sweeter than the faith of a child!

I'm also hoping to start using Ann's free Jesse Tree devotional as a family.  The devotions are a little more complex than our kids would understand, so Ted and I may do them as a couple, but I love the idea of a Jesse Tree.  (You can get this e-book for free too by signing up for emails from Ann's blog, A Holy Experience.  Believe me, you will be blessed by her words each and every day.) 

"Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!" (Psalm 144:15)

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The winner of the Courageous Giveaway is: Linda

The winner of the Earth Mama Angel Baby Giveaway is:  Stacy

Congratulations winners!  I've sent you each an email for you to claim your prize.  And a huge thank you to Dayspring and EMAB for offering these great giveaways! 

Courageous Review & Giveaway

A few months ago, my hubby and I had the privilege of attending a pre-screening of the movie, Courageous.  It was an incredible and well done movie that I would love to watch over and over again.  The message is beautiful - a call for men to be courageous enough to stand up and be the men God has called them to be, to lead their homes in the way of the Lord.

Dayspring has partnered with the creators of Courageous to create a beautiful line of products.  They were generous enough to send me a resolution print just like the one used in the movie. 

photo credit: Dayspring

Here are the beautiful words written on this resolution:

THE RESOLUTION

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. ---Joshua 24:15

 In the past years, since we became parents, I have watched my husband grow into a man of faith who desires to be the leader in our home.  When I have struggled, he has been the one to remind me of God's promises and the truth that sets us free.  I am so thankful for his leadership and his desire to serve the Lord above all else. 

In the movie, Courageous, the main character creates this resolution out of a conviction to become the true leader of his home and to live up to the calling God has given him.  He challenged three of his friends to sign the resolution along with him as an outward sign of their commitment to serve the Lord in their role as leaders of their homes. 

Dayspring has also generously offered to giveaway ONE Resolution Print to one of my readers.  To enter, simply leave a comment here.  The giveaway will be open until 10:00 pm (CST) on Saturday, November 26th and a winner will be announced on Sunday, November 27th. 

If you haven't seen the movie, Courageous, check out this link to find a movie showing near you.  You can also send a free e-card or find where to purchase Courageous products. 

Disclosure: Dayspring provided me with a FREE product to review and giveaway for this post, but the opinions expressed are completely my own. 

EMAB Triclosan Free Hand Wash: Review & Giveaway

Just by reading the title of this post, you might be wondering, what in the world is triclosan?  According to the FDA, it is "an ingredient added to many consumer products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination".  It can be found in everything from soaps and body washes to toys and furniture.  Currently, the effects on humans are unknown, but that doesn't make it safe. 

I have become an advocate for organic and natural products since my daughter was born after noting the benefits of cloth diapers and generally being aware of what is in the everyday products we use.  There is so much we don't know about what we use...and, in my opinion, ignorance does not equal bliss. 

Both my children have very sensitive skin, so I've always been cautious about lotions, body wash, and diaper creams we use.  My daughter used to break out in horrible rashes that could only be cleared up with baking soda baths, letting her run around without a diaper, and using EMAB's Angel Baby Bottom Balm.  I can only use homemade laundry detergent, because the chemicals and toxins in most store bought detergents make her break out yet again. 

I recently had to switch my son to almond milk in place of regular milk, because he breaks out in a rash around his mouth whenever he has regular milk.  My daughter could only handle organic milk until she was two.  I recently discovered a gluten and dairy intolerance and became a Wildtree representative, which has made me more and more aware of what ingredients are going into our bodies through the foods we eat and the products we use. 


I was excited when EMAB shared an opportunity to review their USDA certified organic liquid foaming soaps in four different scents.  They were generous enough to send me four sample sizes of the soaps, just the right size to throw into my purse for when we are out and about.  I just hate using the harsh soaps found in public restaurants because they always make my skin dry and itchy. 

EMAB's soaps, on the other hand, leave my skin soft and refreshed.  Because they are USDA certified organic, they are made without any of the harsh chemicals and toxins found in most store bought soaps.  They are perfect for our sensitive skin and they smell so good too.  During my six weeks of substitute teaching, I kept one of the soaps on my desk to use instead of the soap in the bathrooms.  They would also be great products to send to school instead of the usual hand sanitizers. 

Would you like to win your own EMAB soap?  EMAB has generously offered to giveaway ONE large bottle of one of their four soaps (winner's choice) to one lucky reader.  To enter, simply leave a comment.  The giveaway will be open until Saturday, November 26th at 10 pm (CST) and a winner will be chosen on Sunday, November 27th. 

Be sure to check out EMAB's facebook page too and sign up for their newsletter to learn more about their great products. 

Disclosure: EMAB generously provided me with the products to review and a giveaway for this post, but the opinions expressed are completely my own.