Adam Cappa The Rescue CD Giveaway @AdamCappa







It’s only been a few months since I released my debut album, The Rescue, which wouldn’t have been possible without the help and encouragement I received from my friends, Jeremy Camp and Andy Dodd.  Since releasing the album, I’ve continued to tour with Francesca Battistelli and Jeremy Camp as part of the We Cry Out Tour.  It has been an absolutely amazing experience and I’m excited to get back on the road for more shows this summer.  Check them out and hear more of The Rescue! Stay up to date with daily news and updates on Facebook and Twitter!  I love you all!




My thoughts:

I love Jeremy Camp’s music and when I heard that Adam Cappa had a similar style I knew I would probably be a fan.

I received The Rescue for my review and I’m really enjoying it. I particularly like the song Sail Away. It just has a nice contemporary sound to it. His lyrics are also very inspiring and uplifting. Adam Cappa really has found his calling in leading worship music. 



I am excited to have found a new Christian artist to like.

Giveaway:

One reader will win a copy of TheRescue by Adam Cappa CD. Giveaway ends 06/18/12 at 12:01 am EST open to US & CA! Fill out the Rafflecopter Form to be entered!


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review for Stardust by Carla Stewart @ChasingLilacs




Fiction/Christian/Romance

About the book:

Shortly after burying her unfaithful husband, Georgia Peyton unexpectedly inherits the derelict Stardust motel from a distant relative. Despite doubts from the community and the aunt who raised her, she is determined to breathe new life into it. But the guests who arrive aren't what Georgia expects: Her gin-loving mother-in-law; her dead husband's mistress; an attractive but down-on-his-luck drifter who's tired of the endless road; and an aging Vaudeville entertainer with a disturbing link to Georgia's past.

Can Georgia find the courage to forgive those who've betrayed her, the grace to shelter those who need her, and the moxy to face the future? And will her dream of a new life under the flickering neon of the STARDUST ever come true?




About Carla:


Carla Stewart’s writing reflects her passion for times gone by as depicted in her first highly-acclaimed novel, Chasing Lilacs, which was a 2011 Finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award and winner of the 2011 Best Fiction Book for the Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. (OWFI). 

Chasing Lilacs received a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly and favorable reviews in Library Journal, RT Book Reviews, Book Page, and Christian Retailing magazine. Her other novels include Broken Wings (2011) and Stardust (May 2012).

Carla launched her writing career in 2002 when she earned the coveted honor of being invited to attend Guidepost’s Writers Workshop in Rye, New York. Since then, her articles have appeared in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, Saddle Baron, and Blood and Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine.

An Oklahoma native and graduate of OU, Carla enjoyed a career in nursing and raising her family. Now that their four sons are married and they’ve become empty-nesters, she and her husband relish the occasional weekend getaway and delight in the adventures of their six grandchildren.



My thoughts:

Stardust is southern fiction at its best. The story is set in the fictitious Mayhaw, Texas during the polio epidemic of the 1950s. Not only can you hear the southern drawl and smell the distinct scent of the bayou, you can feel the fear of polio.

Carla has written a multi-layered story that revolves around Georgia Peyton. All her life Georgia has just wanted to know the truth. The problem is sometimes when you learn the truth you just don’t know what to do with it.

Through the story we are taken on a journey that uncovers infidelity, abandonment, cover-ups and other subjects that are just hard burdens to carry. We also get to go along as Georgia uncovers and deals with each of these areas.

I quickly fell in love with Georgia, flaws and all. She is the epitome of a strong southern woman. The supporting characters of Aunt Cora, Ludi and Mary Frances continue to echo the characteristics of southern women. When you add in the dashingly handsome Peter Reese you have the makings of a wonderful afternoon getaway. Pick this book up and enjoy!

Connect with Author Carla Stewart:



“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”




Review and Giveaway for Sunbelt Bakery Cereal @SunbeltGranola






About Sunbelt:

At Sunbelt®, our philosophy is that it takes more than great taste and nutrition to have a winning recipe. We know that convenience can play a role in a balanced diet too. Sunbelt® offers options so you can find a little extra energy anytime of the day. From delicious granola bars and fruit & grain bars, to fruit-flavored snacks and granola cereals - all provide a balance of great taste and nutrition.


Our thoughts:

Our family has been a longtime fan of Sunbelt especially their granola bars. It had been a long time since we had their cereal and then we were sent their rebranded cereal for review. I had forgotten how much we love the Sunbelt cereal.

Sunbelt has the best granola cereal. It is moist and full of flavor. I really dislike hard and dry granola basically because it hurts my teeth. Sunbelt being moist is what sets it apart from other granola cereals.




If we had to pick our favorite flavor I think we would pick the banana nut! All of the flavors are great and I would pick them over other granola cereals.

Another great aspect of the Sunbelt granola cereal is that they offer a low fat cereal. One of our family members can only eat low fat products. After he tasted the cereal he said what surprised him most was that the granola cereal did not taste like saw dust. He said he has never had a lowfat granola cereal taste so good.

The only thing I wish Sunbelt offered is a family size box of their granola cereals. We cannot keep from eating this cereal!

Bottom line Sunbelt granola cereal is our favorite!



Giveaway:

One reader will win a box of each flavor of Sunbelt Bakery Granola Cereal. Open to US & CA 18+. Giveaway ends 06/18/12 at 12:01 EST! Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered to win!


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Save this Semester on #Textbooks with Campus Book Rentals @textbookrentals









2.      Rent your textbooks.

3.      Receive your textbooks - FREE shipping offered

4.      Return your textbooks - We Provide the Return Envelope and Shipping is FREE!!!







My thoughts:

College is expensive. Textbooks can be expensive but don’t have to be with Campus Book Rentals. Many of you know that this spring Hubby graduated with his bachelors. The entire time we have been using Campus Book Rentals to save on textbooks. I love that we save on textbooks that we can use the extra money for a date night or a pizza!

We are not done with school so this means that we will be ordering from Campus Book Rentals this fall. I know that bottom line everyone wants the cheapest price on a textbook. Below is a comparison to several other textbook rental places. Clearly showing that Campus Book Rentals is the lowest price!






College Physics by Serway, Raymond A. and Vuille, Chris
Hardcover 1152 pages 
Publisher: Brooks/Cole; 9 edition (01/01/2011) 
Authors: Serway, Raymond A. and Vuille, Chris 
ISBN-10: 0840062060 
ISBN-13: 9780840062062 























Get $5 dollars off for every friend you refer! Plus they will also get 5% off their next purchase.

Here are seven reasons to do your textbook renting through CampusBookRentals.com:

1. Our customer service is second to none
2. We have nearly every book available for rent
3. We ship books on time
4. We give you a prepaid return envelope to send your books back in
5. You can actually get a hold of us and we actually respond to your emails
7. Our customer service is second to none



“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”




Wordless Wednesday *Brothers*

Brothers


I love my boys! I love how these photos captured them together. Little M loves to be adore by Little H. For now it works. I hope they will always be best of friends. For now I will just soak up the love fest between the two!


Book Review for Tiger Moths by Sandra Grice





Tiger Moths
Sandra D. Grice
Fiction/Christian/Suspense

Back of the book:

A woman running from the memory of her past love; a man searching for his future.

Dale Grayson is a successful attorney and devout believer, but her past has her living in fear. Johnny Clark struggles with the discontentment of immense fame, seeking true fulfillment in his life.

Can Dale ever find the courage to love again?

Will Johnny overcome the temptations of his notoriety to discover, not only the joy of salvation, but the love of his life?

For Dale and Johnny, it all begins with childlike belief in their heavenly Father. Gripping suspense, spell-binding romance, and grace-filled relief all make Tiger Moths an uplifting page turner to the end.



About Sandra:

A former federal investigator and prosecuting attorney in the Air Force, Sandra is currently an officer in the Tennessee Air National Guard. She serves as the coordinator of Veterans Services and instructor of legal studies at a community college.





My thoughts:

Tiger Moths begins with the first meeting of Dale and Johnny. They are children and the meeting is completely by chance and a relatively forgettable moment for both of them. The story continues to move through high points in their separate lives. An interesting twist is that they will meet again later, a very providential meeting.

Dale becomes involved with Jason and goes through some very serious heartbreak. During this timeframe in the story we also meet a pivotal character named Laura. She and Dale become roommates and go through some tough times together. Meanwhile Johnny is getting a taste of fame and all the heartache that comes with it.

One of the best things about this relatively short novel is Dale’s consistent faith. God doesn’t spare her from going through some very rough things, but through all of it Dale clings to her Creator and trusts that He will bring her through.

The suspense element is good, but fair warning should be given that some touchy subjects are talked about in this work. Sandra is a relatively new author and I’m looking forward to seeing how her talents and abilities improve as she hones her craft.

Connect with the author:


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. 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 Genesis Code Review and #Giveaway @thegenesiscode






DVD
Rating: PG

The Story:

Kerry Wells (Kelsey Sanders), a college journalist and committed Christian with an effervescent personality, has been assigned to do a story on Blake Truman (Logan Bartholomew) the college’s newest and very popular hockey superstar. 


As a relationship between them begins to develop Kerry finds that Blake, who hides behind a tough and independent façade, is actually struggling through a difficult personal crisis and that he bears the cross of a secret he has kept hidden for years.


 Blake rebuffs Kerry's suggestion that prayer might help ease his burden; he is convinced that modern science completely disproves the Bible, especially the opening verses of Genesis. Kerry — who is herself suddenly confronted with a challenge to her faith on another front — sets out to prove that science and Genesis are not in conflict and her quest leads to a startling revelation. 


Could it be that what science teaches us about creation and the Story as told in Genesis are both true!



My thoughts:

One of the biggest drawbacks of faith based movies in my opinion is that they usually have stilted if not outright bad acting and the storyline is just cheesy. Well, much to my great delight, The Genesis Code didn’t even have an ounce of cheese in it. The acting is top notch as well.

When we meet Blake we are brought in to the midst of a personal struggle of faith. He has gone through the loss of his father and is watching his mother slowly die of pancreatic cancer. Because of these circumstances he has decided that he doesn’t believe in a loving God that the Bible talks about. I believe he said it is just a book of fables.

Kerry is the heroine in the story. She is tenacious at wearing down the barriers that Blake has constructed around himself and his beliefs. Who wouldn’t be proud to have Kerry as their daughter? Don’t get me wrong Kerry also has her struggles but she diligently pursues the answers to what God would have her do.

The Wells family is a wonderful example of what we as Christians should be. Kerry’s brother Marc has an amazingly scientific mind that puts him at odds with what the Bible teaches. I absolutely loved the way that the movie showed the family embrace Marc as one of their own while still gently guiding him towards the truth.

Without giving anything away, I must say that Marc’s presentation on how science and the Bible can both be right was powerful. In fact it was so powerful that I just had to go back and watch it again.

My favorite line of the movie is, “If we are patient science will eventually catch up with the Bible.” This movie has the potential to offend many, but it also has the potential of bringing about a lot of thought provoking debate.

I would recommend this movie for junior high and up. There is nothing objectionable for those that are younger; I just don’t think the subject matter would hold their attention. I look forward to more movies being put out by American Epic Entertainment.

For more information on the movie:

Twitter: @thegenesiscode

You can purchase the movie at:

Walmart, Target, your local Christian retailer or online at Amazon 
If you have Amazon Instant Video you can rent it for only $2.99


Giveaway:

One reader will win a Copy of TheGenesis Code on DVD. US only 18+. Giveaway ends 06/18/12 at 12:01 am EST. Fill out the Rafflecopter Form to be entered!


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review and Giveaway for Swaddle Designs Angry Birds @SwaddleDesigns







SwaddleDesigns® is introducing the Angry Birds Baby Collection!

Angry Birds have found happiness with SwaddleDesigns baby products! We are honored that Rovio chose SwaddleDesigns to manufacture Angry Birds Baby items based on our high quality products.

Angry Birds by Rovio is a phenomenally popular game.  Angry Birds is the fastest growing brand in the world with over 600 million downloads.  Boys, girls, men, women, grandmas and grandpas – all love playing Angry Birds.  The game is entertaining to people of all ages, genders and geographies.

SwaddleDesigns was founded by Lynette Damir, RN, Designer and Mom in 2002, and SwaddleDesigns was the first company to introduce the large square swaddling blanket to the US and many countries around the world. SwaddleDesigns is known for their premium quality fabric, fabulous colors and prints, decorative edge, and the innovative 123 Swaddle® instructional label that helps new parents master the art of swaddling. 

SwaddleDesigns blankets come in a variety of weights and are perfect for many uses such as a privacy throw for breastfeeding moms, a tummy time play mat, a cover over the stroller as well as swaddling. 

The Marquisette Swaddling Blanket® is a very lightweight openweave high quality cotton blanket – for warmer environmental temperatures


My thoughts:

SwaddleDesigns is one of our favorite baby companies. When we did our first review for SwaddleDesign I had no idea how much I would love these baby blankets.



When I heard that SwaddleDesings had come up with an Angry Birds Baby Collection I knew I wanted to review it on my blog. A lot of our readers are mommies wanting to stay in the know and with Angry Birds being so popular I knew this would be a hit.

Not only is SwaddleDesigns trendy but their blankets are well made. I love that the blankets are soft and never shrink in the wash.  For me SwaddleDesign is the ultimate baby company great products, well made, and trendy designs! I also love the sewn in directions on how to swaddle!



This was the first time for us to review a bodysuit from SwaddleDesigns. I was just as happy with the quality of the bodysuit as I was with the blankets. The bodysuit is made with soft 100% cotton knit. The snaps are made from plastic instead of metal. Overall I would say that Swaddle Designs has designer style and quality for an affordable price!



Giveaway:

One Winner will receive their choice of bodysuit size and bird OR marquisette blanket! US and Canada only 18+. Giveaway ends 06/18/12 at 12:01 EST. Fill out the Rafflecopter Form below to be entered.


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Duraflame Roasting Logs ~ A Review and Giveaway



About Duraflame Roasting Firelogs:

Duraflame® Campfire Roasting Logs Great for backyard or the backwoods

The first fire log specifically formulated for roasting and cooking, duraflame® Campfire Roasting Logs are ideal to use in the backyard and the backwoods.  These logs stack and burn like wood for a robust fire that creates hot, glowing coals safe for roasting marshmallows, hot dogs or cooking other campfire foods.
  




Our thoughts:

You can’t have summer without a camp fire! Duraflame has been making excellent firelogs for your fireplace for years, and now they have come up with the perfect firelogs for your camp fire!




This past winter we reviewed firelogs for our fireplace from Duraflame. We loved reviewing them and then this spring we were asked to review their roasting logs.

The logs only take about 20 minutes to come to a full flame and last for two hours. For the first hour we just sat by the fire. The fire was huge at this point and it was nice to just sit and watch it burn.




After the first hour we decide to have a nice treat of smores which Duraflame provided a long with the roasting logs. We had a lot of fun making the smores and I was happy that I did not have to worry about the smores being safe since the roasting logs are made from 100% renewable resources.

Bottom line, we will be buying the roasting logs again. I definitely love that the roasting logs are 60% cleaner than firewood.





Giveaway:


Connect with Duraflame on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram!




“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Happy Memorial Day 2012!



Happy Memorial Day!



I am an American. I am free all because daily men and women 
choose to serve our country often leaving behind family, some 
never to return. 

To all our current and past Military today we remember your 
sacrifices made. Thank you!




Review For Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature @TommeeTippee_NA



About Closer to Nature:

In 2006 Tommee Tippee revolutionized the infant feeding market with the launch of the Closer to Nature line of baby bottles and accessories. Inspired by nature and developed in conjunction with midwives, breastfeeding moms and babies, Closer to Nature bottles are designed to be the closest thing to natural breastfeeding during the very early stages of baby’s life, from first latch to weaning. 

My thoughts:

First off let me just start by saying that I love Tommee Tippee. Before this review we reviewed their Sippy Cups and they have become our favorite Sippy cups.  All of Tommee Tippee products are designed well and trendy.



Little H spits up a lot. In fact we do a lot of laundry and seem to never have enough bibs and burb cloths. So when we were sent the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Milk Feeding Bibs I was excited to try them out.

My favorite part of this bib is that there is an absorbent dribble catcher around the neck. This is perfect for little H since when he nurses sometimes milk runs down the side of his face and into his neck but with the bib on it just absorbs into the bib. The fabric is also very soft.



We were also sent the Closer to Nature 5fl oz. blue designed feeding bottle. First I have to let you know that I am a nursing mother and we rarely use bottles so my review of these cannot be compared to another bottle since we have never tried a different bottle.

With that being said, I have to say I love how the bottle nipple resembles the breast. I also love the design on the bottle of the little Owl.  My husband said he loved how the bottle fit in his hand making feedings easier. These bottles and bibs can be purchased at Babies R US.

Connect with Tommee Tippee:



“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

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