My 6yr old has been asking lately for her own Bible so I was pretty excited to surprise her with this fun review – I received these two books for free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own. Not only did she receive a NIrV Bible – Once Upon a Time Holy Bible, she also received a copy of the new Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible.
For starters, the covers are so colorful and fun. She was just delighted to get them. Even before she opened them. Once you open the books, the artwork is beautiful and exciting. I also love how they fit together as a set. A NIrV Bible and a Bible storybook. It makes it fun to either read the stories and look in the Bible for more info or I can read the story in her Bible while she looks as the pictures in her storybook.
They’re also great on their own for just reading. She’s even been bringing me her new Bible in the evenings for us to read for family devotions instead of reading my Bible. I’m loving how much more excited she is about reading the Bible now that she has her own!
And then she likes to have her Dad read her a story from her Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible for her bedtime story at night.
These books are perfect for getting my daughter excited about reading the Bible and excited about discovering more Bible stories!
Once Upon A Time Holy Bible is available where books are sold. This Bible is the NIrV version and has 6 illustrated stories as well as the Bible text. It is available in Hardcover and in Softcover. My review is based on the hardcover version.
Once Upon A Time Storybook Bible is available at Sam’s Club or wherever books are sold. This beautifully illustrated storybook Bible is a perfect partner to the Once Upon a Time Holy Bible and is great for just reading or to read for bedtime stories.
I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own.
I was so excited to try out prAna clothing! First off, I’m expecting my 4th child and being as it takes me a while to show, I’m forever in that awkward stage where my regular clothing doesn’t fit but maternity clothing is too loose. I’m just at 20 weeks pregnant and still fit in my jeans for the most part.
prAna clothing looked comfortable and attractive. Plus since most of the pants have an elastic waist, I can probably wear any of them for my entire pregnancy. How could I pass up great looking AND comfortable!
As an added difficulty, I’m tall, and for pants to be long enough I have to get a tall size. prAna clothing doesn’t come in talls, but since I was getting it for free to review, what did I have to loose? I picked out the Mantra Pant in Black Herringbone because it looked comfortable, nice, and long enough.
I’m 5′ 10″ and these pants are the perfect length! Not to mention, they’re incredibly comfortable. They’re also easy to dress up – I wore them to a company dinner with a nice shirt and they worked great.
They have an elastic waist, relaxed fit, and straight leg. Perfect for now and for later after my baby arrives.
And the soft hemp fabric is oh, so, soft! It’s very comfortable against my skin. Breathes well, and overall a great pair of pants. Perfect for when I’m active or for when I want to look nice and be comfortable at the same time.
Honestly, these pants are so comfortable I almost feel like I’m wearing pj pants out of the house! Even though when I look in the mirror they look very professional.
I love these pants! I may just need to purchase them in all the other 4 colors 🙂
Of course, I have to show off my baby bump, and my new shirt from prAna. The Cleo Tee in Vortex Blue.
I told you that the Mantra Pants are soft. This Cleo Tee takes soft to a whole new level. It’s definitely going to be one of my favorite shirts once the baby arrives. Not only is it a great color and one of my favorite styles. It’s also so soft, and I love wearing soft shirts when I have a newborn to snuggle.
This shirt is long enough and loose enough I’ll be able to wear it for a bit longer, and then it’ll be perfect for when I’m nursing.
76% polyester / 24% cotton
It goes great with my new pants! And I’m very happy with my new outfit.
prAna products are made with sustainable materials and support Fair Trade and Renewable Energy initiatives. So, while you’re enjoying looking great in your comfortable new outfit, you can also be happy knowing that your clothing supports some great causes as well!
Get 15% off your entire prAna order with code: MOMSCNC
Tophatter is a really fast online auction site. And by really fast, I mean that auctions can end in 90 seconds or less.
I see lots of electronics and jewelry on here, but there are also games, cosmetics, and more.
For a $10 credit on your first order of $11 or more go here. Or, if you’re signing up via the mobile app enter code 12f3a. I’m not sure how long the $10 off for signing up for a Tophatter account is going to last, so do this as soon as you can!
Basically, they have multiple auctions going on all the time and you just stalk the site until you purchase something, or a few things.
You can click on items that you like to review details before you bid.
From this screen, you can read details about the item and you can go to the seller’s page to see their rating. So far, all the sellers I’ve checked out have had over 4 stars out of 5. Most sellers seem to have a lot of items for sale.
If you see something that isn’t up for auction yet, you can “set a reminder” and your phone app will notify you when that item is up for bidding. I highly recommend installing the app on your phone.
I received a couple of credits to go shopping on here and purchased a bracelet and a necklace.
Both items arrived within the advertised shipping time and the quality was as expected. In fact, the elephant bracelet was way cuter on than it is in the picture! I paid $12 for the necklace and $14 for the bracelet. Both great deals!
Shopping / bidding is super easy and the auction ends when people stop bidding. So, basically, the auction only lasts about 30 seconds after the last bid.
There is usually an option to purchase the item from the seller’s page without waiting for the auction but from what I’ve seen stuff typically sells for less if you wait for the auction. Also, I’ve been offered an item that I was bidding on – and lost – for just a couple of dollars more than the closing auction price. So there seems to be a lot of ways to buy. Plus, it seems that a lot of these sellers are selling overstock, so they’re new items and they have more than one available to sell, so they keep selling until they run out.
So, check them out and don’t forget to use my link for $10 off your first order of $11 or more. Or, if you’re signing up via the mobile app enter code 12f3a. And happy shopping!
I’m constantly on the lookout for new music for me and for my kids. So, I was excited when I got to review Laura Story‘s newest CD, Open Hands for free. I love Laura Story’s music and this CD was no exception.
The music is beautiful and relaxing. Both me and my children love listening to it. It’s the perfect music for listening to any time.
Throughout the Bible, there are countless stories of ordinary people whole-heartedly attempting to live a life fully surrendered to God’s unique calling on their lives. More than once, God asks people of faith to relinquish control and simply trust Him.
“We have this picture all the way through the Scriptures of all these great leaders in this process of surrendering everything. What the Lord is asking them is not, ‘You need to hold on tighter. You need to manage this better.’ What the Lord asks us is to surrender,” Laura offers, “It’s about learning to live with open hands, learning to live life in this constant state of saying, ‘Lord, my life is Yours. My time is Yours. My resources are Yours. All of this is Yours. Do what You will.’”
Story has built a life—and a career—around submission to her calling. She’s led worship at Atlanta’s Perimeter Church for the past 12 years. In addition to penning songs recorded by artists like Chris Tomlin, Story has found success as a recording artist in her own right. Since the release of her solo debut in 2008, Story has amassed a GRAMMY® Award, a Billboard Music Award, multiple GMA Dove Awards and an RIAA Gold certification for her massive No. 1 hit “Blessings.” In addition, she’s also the author of two books, including the latest “When God Doesn’t Fix It – Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can’t Live Without.”
Open Hands is the follow-up to 2013’s critically-acclaimed God of Every Story, and in the years that have passed since her last release, Story has given birth to twins, making their brood a family of five. Now, as a mom to three kids—Josie, Benjamin and Griffin—the posture of “open hands” feels more necessary than ever before as she juggles ministry and motherhood.
“We never get to a point where we can do life apart from complete and total daily dependence on Jesus,” Story admits. “The irony is the less control we have, the more peace we have and the more, I would even say, success and joy we find. It’s a contrary picture to what the world tells us, but it’s gaining through letting go.”
Open Hands’ fresh collection of originals blends Story’s signature congregational worship with intimate moments. A parade of A-list songwriters, including Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Mia Fieldes, Hank Bentley, Sarah Hart and Seth Mosley, among others, pepper the album’s 11 tracks.
The title track—already a chart-topper prior to the album’s release—features guest vocals from Third Day’s Mac Powell, a fellow Atlanta-native and Story’s longtime friend. “You Came Running” borrows imagery from the biblical narrative of the Prodigal Son. In true Story fashion, several selections (“Awake My Soul (1000 Tongues),” “For The Love of My King”) reimagine timeless hymns, which she refreshes with an original chorus.
Reflecting on the world her kids are growing up in, Story wrote the album’s sparse closer, “Grace Abounds,” after weeks of turning on the television only to continue to watch stories of terror attacks, extreme injustice and racial tension make headlines day after day. “It’s easy to lose heart, and the song is about just acknowledging the brokenness. First of all, we can’t just pretend like it doesn’t exist,” she advises. “When it seemingly doesn’t make sense, I’m choosing to believe that God’s grace is enough. God’s grace is enough for any social injustice. God’s grace is enough for any loss that we go through. God’s grace is enough for any loneliness that we experience, for any relational strain and for any relational rejection.
“When it feels like hope can’t be found, when we don’t even know how we’re going to put one foot in front of the other,” she continues, “Scripture teaches us that’s when grace abounds.”
“Worship at the very core of what it is is ‘worth-ship.’ It’s the easiest definition I’ve ever heard of worship. It’s giving God worth, and sometimes that means verbal adoration and praise. Sometimes that’s showing Him worth with our calendars and our checking accounts. No matter what it is, it always begins with open hands. It always begins with a willingness to say, ‘You are worth whatever cost you call me to give,’” she maintains. “Worship in its very core begins with surrender. That’s how we really show God that He’s worth it all.”
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
I received a copy of this book free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.
I just love Juliana Deering’s Drew Farthering Murdery Mysteries! Murder on the Moor is the fourth in her Drew Farthering Murder Mystery series. I have already read the previous three and Murder on the Moor is a terrific addition to this collection. In fact, it may very well be my favorite.
Juliana Deering seems to be a fan of the classics. In each of her books she highlights a well known mystery writer. This book, was all about Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. She does make references to other Sherlock Holmes stories but isn’t shy about having her characters call attention to similarities between their story and the Hound of the Baskervilles. I’m quite a Sherlock Holmes fan and thoroughly enjoyed the references.
There’s been a murder out on the Moors. Can Drew and Madeline find the murderer before someone else is murdered? The moors are a great place for mystery, getting lost, looking for a murderer, and lots of other great drama. I really enjoyed this book, it’s exciting and mysterious from beginning to end with fun plot twists and plenty of mystery.
The little town of Bunting’s Nest hasn’t seen a murder in ages so the police are only too happy to have Drew Farthering in on the case. As the mystery and suspense grow, it’s up to Drew to find the killer before it’s too late.
If you’re looking for a fun, entertaining, and well written murder mystery. You’ll love this book!
I received this book free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.
Rhythms of Rest by Shelly Miller – Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World.
Are you tired? I know as a mom with young children, I am. And not just physically tired. I’m mentally exhausted from all the constant decision making I have to make, from having to be constantly “on” to keep up with the kids, and from the constant churn to keep up with life.
With 3 kids, homeschooling, and being small business owners, I and my husband are constantly busy.
I feel bad taking a break because there’s always more work to be done. This book, Rhythms of Rest, helps put all of that into perspective for me. Shelly Miller does a great job of explaining why we need rest or sabbath and how we can achieve that. From just being present at dinner with the family to actually taking that Sabbath or day of rest once a week and not feeling guilty about it.
It’s not just about taking a physical break from work, but also a mental break, and an emotional break. To just rest. The author encourages you to plan for your sabbath. It’s so hard to actually take a break if you don’t plan for it. Whether that’s doing more laundry on Saturday so there isn’t any on Sunday or just prioritizing my to-do list and knowing what can wait till Monday.
This book has been super helpful in just encouraging me to prepare for a day of rest and just realizing that I desperately need that day of rest and not feeling guilty about taking it. Because, trust me, that Mommy guilt thing is real, and it seriously keeps me from taking a break when I need it!
So, if you feel like you’re just slogging through parenting, don’t have time for yourself, and you’re just tired. Get this book and learn how to better utilize rest and don’t feel guilty about taking time for Sabbath.
I love trying out new Action Book authors. Because I love books that are full of action. So I was pretty excited to give this book a try. It sounded interesting and entertaining.
Conspiracy of Silence definitely did not disappoint. It started with some great action and kept going all the way to the end.
From the back cover, “Four years after a tragic mission decimated his team, Cole “Tox” Russell has been disavowed by the United States. And that’s fine – he just wants to be left alone. But when a dormant, centuries-old disease is unleashed, Tox is lured back into action.”
Tox rounds up a special forces team and they head out to save the world. Running into secret societies, deception, a global pandemic, and of course redemption along the way.
Of course, there’s always his past coming back to haunt him. And more bad guys than you can count. Throw in a love interest and complicated family matters, this book is packed with action, adventure, and intrigue!
All in all, an interesting and exciting read.
Want to get your own copy? It’s only $9 on Amazon!
I received this book free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.
I received this book free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.
The Beginner’s Bible® has been a favorite with young children and their parents since its release in 1989 with over 25 million products sold. Now it’s redesigned with fresh new art that will excite children for many more years to come. Full of faith and fun, The Beginner’s Bible is a wonderful gift for any child. The easy-to-read text and bright, full-color illustrations on every page make it a perfect way to introduce young children to the stories and characters of the Bible. With new vibrant three-dimensional art and compelling text, more than 90 Bible stories come to life. Kids ages 6 and under will enjoy the fun illustrations of Noah helping the elephant onto the ark, Jonah praying inside the fish, and more, as they discover The Beginner’s Bible just like millions of children before.
The Beginner’s Bible was named the 2006 Retailers Choice Award winner in Children’s Nonfiction.
My 5yr old was super excited to help me review this Beginner’s Bible. She’s been begging me for a new Bible and she just loves this one. The pictures are bright and fun and the stories are short and easy to read to her.
She even enjoys trying to read the stories on her own. They’re a bit above her reading level so she doesn’t get very far, but it’s still fun to try.
Since it’s Christmas time, she’s been picking stories about Jesus birth and other Christmas related stories for me to read to her each night. Super sweet.
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. U.S. Winners only. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
This is a sponsored post. I received this product free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.
My 8yr old Daughter has the straightest, silkiest, hair ever. I’ve tried everything to get good curls. We tried hot rollers, curling irons, a variety of gels and mouses, wet hair, dry hair, overnight foam rollers, overnight rag curls, curling with my straightening iron, etc. Seriously, I’m pretty sure I’ve tried everything I can think of short of getting her a perm.
Her hair is so long and straight. And it’s so hard to curl!
The Lee Stafford CHoPstick STYLER Ceramic Curling Wand is a single barrel clipless curling iron. The instructions say to hold the iron vertically and wrap strands of hair around the curling iron and hold there for 5 seconds. Then release and move on to the next strand. Having tried so much in the past, I was excited to try something new and at the same time very doubtful that it would work.
We had washed her hair the day before, so it was completely dry before I started curling. I did not put any product in her hair, because I was curious to see how the curling wand worked on just her hair. I brushed it and made sure there were no tangles before starting.
It honestly took me 10 minutes to curl her hair. The process was so fast and way easier than a curling iron with a clip. There is a glove included so you don’t burn your hand but it was hard to work with her hair with the glove on, so I didn’t use it. The curling wand has a safety tip on the end so it wasn’t hard to curl her hair without burning my fingers on the wand.
If I do her hair more in layers (top and bottom) next time I can curl up a little more into those roots at the top. Since I was just testing a new curling iron that I honestly didn’t expect to be any different than the others we had used I didn’t bother doing a lot of work on her hair before curling.
Of course, not to be left out, my 5yr old had to get her hair done as well.
Usually my 8yr old’s curls fall out within an hour or two. These lasted all day and she still had some left the next day when we brushed her hair. Not only did this curling wand curl her hair. It also stayed in!
The Shattered Vigil (The Darkwater Saga) by Patrick W. Carr
This is the second book in The Darkwater Saga Series. The first book is The Shock of Night. I read The Shattered Vigil without first reading The Shock of Night. It took me the first couple of chapters to get oriented to the characters and events but overall, it wasn’t that hard to pick it up in the middle of the story.
Though, if you have the time, reading the first book first is probably way better.
The Shattered Vigil was definitely an exciting read. I enjoyed it and once it got going, it was hard to put down.
Follow Willet and the Vigil as they fight to rescue their continent from the dark forces. There’s assassins, kings and queens, noblemen, and even church leaders who all want power and have differing agendas. Can Willet see through it all and save the continent?
This book was fun to read with non-stop excitement throughout!
I received this book free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.
I’m constantly on the lookout for new music for me and for my kids. So, I was excited when I got to review Laura Story‘s newest CD, Open Hands for free. I love Laura Story’s music and this CD was no exception.
I received this book free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.
The Shattered Vigil (The Darkwater Saga) by Patrick W. Carr