Monday, March 31, 2014

God's Amazing World! Book Review & Giveaway


I want to tell you about a sweet children's book, God's Amazing World by Eileen Spinelli and illustrated by Melanie Florian.  It tells the story of God creating the world in seven days through the eyes of Gracie and her cousin Bo.  I love the way they explore everything right in front of their eyes and share in the joy of God's creation.  They watch clouds, play in the water and mud, pick and eat peaches, pretend to be birds and so much more.  Children can appreciate the story along with the children's fun actions.  And if your children are like mine, they will probably be asking to play in the mud, go look at the clouds, pretend to be animals and so much more.  I love that this story encourages play and exploration while also teaching about the process of God creating the world.  The illustrations are fun, whimsical and will keep the attention of little ones!

D and E loving the illustrations

 E playing with water at the Thinkery.

When we went to the Thinkery last week (Children's Museum in Austin) there was so much to discover and explore.  They had an amazing water exhibit and it was fun to remind E of when God made the seas.  Above you can see her enjoying the ducks!  So if you are looking for an explorative and fun way to share about God's creation with your children I highly recommend this book.  What are you waiting for?  Go #ShareAMoment with your little ones now!

Read more about this book, author and illustrator below.  And be sure to enter the giveaway to win a copy!

About God's Amazing World!
Gracie and her cousin Bo explore the seven days of Creation, all without leaving the backyard!  As Gracie tells the story of how God made the world, she and Bo find evidence of each day's work right there around them.  When they get to Day 2, the day God created the sky, they take a moment to cloud watch.  Day 3 leads them to play in the water, and on Day 6, they imitate the cows and pigs and lions God made.

This sweet, clever picture book by Eileen Spinelli overflows with enthusiasm for God's Creation, and children will catch the excitement and will begin to view their own surroundings as a tour of God's lovely world.  Parents can use this beautiful book to introduce children to the concept of God's work in the world and to encourage appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of the world around us.

Author Bio
Eileen Spinelli is the author of numerous children's books, including Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch; The Best Story, and Two to Cuddle.  Wileen lives is West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Illustrator Bio
Melanie Florian is an illustrator with dual lifelong passions for storytelling and helping children discover the world.  Both passions guide her work today creating vibrant, whimsical illustrations.  Melanie enjoys her inspiring surroundings as she works in the French town of Annecy, in the midst of mountains and a beautiful lake.

Ready for a giveaway?  One of you will win your own copy of God's Amazing World!   Enter the giveaway below and good luck!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Disclosure:  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 the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

American Dream Builders and Lowes Gift Card Giveaway



Do you know what your dream home looks like?  The American Dream Home is something that many fantasizes about. Whether it’s a new closet, a larger family room, or simply a place to put all your stuff, there’s always something we want to change about where we live!
What if you could make your home into your Dream Home?
AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS – a new show premiering on NBC March 23 at 8/7c – and Lowe’s want to make your dream a reality.
Hosted by famed interior designer and best-selling author, Nate Berkus, AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS follows the nation’s top 12 designers and home builders as they compete to be crowned the Ultimate Dream Builder and take home a $250,000 cash prize. It’s the home competition that will change everything!

From the producers of Survivor and The Bachelor, don’t miss AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS, Sundays at 8/7c, only on NBC.
You can enter for a chance to win $100,000 in products and services from Lowe’s and a consultation with the winner of American Dream Builders!
Enter for a chance to win your dream renovation at www.nbc.com/lowes.
And starting March 23rd you will have the opportunity to earn 5 bonus entries when you “Dream It Yourself”! Upload a photo and description of a home project you are working on and EARN 5 BONUS SWEEPSTAKES ENTRIES.
Finally, follow the show on Facebook and Twitter for a chance to win more prizes from American Dream Builders and Lowe’s!
 
Ready for a little giveaway?  One of you will win a $50 Gift Card to Lowe's!  Just enter the form below and good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  Each household is only eligible to win One (1) $50 Lowe's Gift Card via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Monday, March 10, 2014

4 Things to Love About Dial's New Deep Cleansing Hand Soap (With a Giveaway)


Dial is at it again!  As a Purex Insider I was able to try out their NEW Deep Cleansing Hand Soap in both water blossoms (blue) and coconut lime verbena (green).  I came up with this list!

4 Things To Love About Dial's New Deep Cleansing Hand Soap

1. It is available in three vibrant scents and colors - water blossoms (blue), coconut lime verbena (green) and yellow raspberry & black sugar (yellow).

Love the design and colors

2.  New bottle designs and rich colors lets you choose a style for all of your sinks.  I think my favorite color is the green bottle and my favorite scent is water blossoms.  Although both varieties I tried were pleasing.

Clean and Soft Hands

3.  This soap is made with a gentle micro-scrubber formula.  This helps remove dirt from your hands and leave them feeling smooth and refreshed.  Effective as both a cleaner and moisturizer for your hands - double plus!  Love the way it cleans and feels.

Easy to use

4.  My whole family can use it!  With so many kiddos I definitely need something that is easy to us.


Ready for a giveaway?  Three readers will win a Free Product coupon to try Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap for themselves (Maximum Value $3.00 and coupon expires 3/31/14).  Enter the giveaway below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  The Dial brand provided me with a sample of Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap in exchange for a product review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.  As part of this campaign I am eligible to receive prizes.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

March Celebrations


Baby F is growing up fast.  He turned 2 months on the 4th and weighed in at 11lbs at his check-up.  He is also super long - 2 feet to be exact.

Smiley Guy

David celebrated his birthday on Friday!  The kids and I gave him a dog themed party. 

 
 David turns 36!

Even though it was just our family, we had a ton of fun with it.  We had a dog cake of course and a themed menu (hot dogs, pawtato chips, puppy chow, pupcorn - you get the idea).  Enjoy these party photos.

 David's cake

 With lit candles

 The girls helped make labels and decorate the house!

 Fun pupcorn holders

My first time to make Puppy Chow - pretty easy.

And the kids have been busy saving up money for a dog.  We have started looking for another addition to our clan - of the canine variety!  I will keep you posted. 

Friday, March 7, 2014

Campbell's Address Your Heart

Being Heart Healthy - it is something that everyone has probably heard.  After all, health is on people's minds often and keeping your family in tip top shape can be a challenge in the busyness of life.  Campbell's Soup wants you to "Address Your Heart" with Heart Healthy Tips, recipes and more!

 B crossing the finish line for Marathon Kids

One thing that we are doing to stay active as a family is walk and run.  The kids just finished up their Marathon Kids last week and I could not be prouder (26.2 is an accomplishment)!  I haven't gone running yet since having Baby F but I have been trying to take more walks and intentionally be more active.

 Eat more tomatoes

Another thing that I do is to eat tomatoes!  I remember reading an article years ago that said tomatoes were good for your heart.  Well, that was a bummer because I didn't like them, not at all.  But I chose to start eating them, slowly at first - on sandwiches, in salads, and while it took awhile - at least a year - now I love them!  So bring on the tomatoes and a healthy heart!

In no particular order I would like to share with you five of my favorite recipes from the "American Heart Association Certified Recipes".

1. Broccoli Cheddar Rice


2. Creamy Turkey & Vegetable Lasagna


3. Turkey Meatloaf


4. Tilapia & Vegetable Casserole

5. Slow-Cooked Chicken & Butternut Squash

Really, don't these recipes look amazing?  You can visit AddressYourHeart.com to get heart-healthy tips, including 21 Campbell's recipes that are certified by the AHA and product coupons, as well as Facebook.com/campbellskitchen for the latest Campbell's recipes and offers.

And you can go here for great Campbell's money saving coupons!  So how are you and yours staying heart healthy?

Disclosure: The post is sponsored by Campbell Soup Company.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Nuby Step Stool Review

Our Nuby Step Stool (red/blue/green)

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Nuby products (yes, I am a Nuby Mommy Blogger).  I want to tell you about our Nuby Step Stool.  This stool is awesome.  We have used it on carpet, laminate floor, tile, and wood and it works great on anything!  Not only does it have a no slip top and non-skid base but the stool itself can hold up to 800 lbs.  So anyone in our home can use it!  Here are a few ways that we use our stool.

Seat for Putting on Shoes


Helping with the baby on the changing table

 
Washing Hands

 Brushing Teeth

 Brushing Hair

As you can see, we use our stool multiple times a day or more.  And while D and E use this stool the most, everyone in our family has used it for something at some point.  It is a super useful item to have in your home and I would highly recommend it!

Read more about the Nuby Step Stool below.

According to Nuby
 - Holds up to 800 lbs
 - No Slip top
 - Non-skid base

The Nuby Step Up Stool is available in various colors (red/blue/green, purple/lavender/pink, blue/yellow/orange) and can be purchased at the following retailers:  www.buybabydirect.com, www.echildstore.com, www.kidslandusa.com and JC Penney.

Thanks Nuby for another awesome product!  Remember you can connect with Nuby on facebook, twitter, instagram, and pinterest as well. 

Disclosure:  I did not receive any compensation for this post, although as part of this program I may receive items to sample or review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Shopping Planner for New Moms from ShopperIncite


Have you heard of the Shopping Planner for New Moms coupon books from ShopperIncite?  I just received mine in the mail and there are some fun deals and a great menu planner with shopping lists as well.

 My Shopping Planner

No longer do you have to clip, cut and organize your coupons that expire before you use them!  With this handy planner, your coupons are all in one convenient place that is small enough to take with you anywhere you go!

 
 Deals

My book has coupon deals for Lansinoh products, Gerber, Zulily, Bio-Oil, and Primo Baby to name a few.  While I know that parenting is expensive, I was surprised to learn that Moms on average spend an additional $10,000 in the first year of their child's life on anything from clothes, good, diapers, wipes, detergent, and so on.  While the Shopping Planner is just getting started, eventually ShopperIncite hopes to provide a coupon for every category that matters to Moms.

 Menu Planner

I am most excited about this handy menu planner.  I am still getting into the swing of things as far as planning our monthly and weekly meals since baby F was born.  I find myself scribbling on paper only to lose it or not have a complete list.  I look forward to using this for sure!

Would you like your own free planner with even more deals?  Sign up now below for their April deal book!  The more people to sign up, the more brands will be able to offer deep discounts.  Have I mentioned that it's FREE!  There is nothing to lose!

If the form is not working below you can go here to sign up as well!



Disclosure:  Thanks so much to ShopperIncite for providing me with a Shopping Planner of my own.  Compensation is being provided.  All opinions are 100% my own.