The Utter Relief of Holiness - Review & Giveaway

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Congratulations to coleycoupons!

I have a new book that just released on January 8th to tell you about - The Utter Relief of Holiness: How God's Goodness Frees Us from Everything that Plagues Us written by John Eldredge.  When I first opened this book, I really wasn't sure what to expect.  And I have to tell you, this book is great!  Now, not everyone might think so, at least not at first.  I think this book has parts of it that can speak to you right away, and then there are parts that weave themselves into your thoughts, actions, prayers, etc.  If you are familiar with the novel or movie Kite Runner, you will understand the saying, "There is a way to be good again."  Eldredge threads this quote and idea throughout this book and the concept of holiness.

I absolutely love the way that Eldredge uses scripture.  He uses biblical stories in every chapter to complete his thoughts and ideas.  He also uses real life examples - people who struggle with inappropriate responses to traffic, those who lie, promiscuity, etc.  And I like that he pauses to ask the reader, what they are repenting of?  Without repentance is holiness really being taken seriously?

Want to know more?  Keep reading to see more about the author and for a chance to win your own copy of this book.

About the Author:  John Eldredge has written 12 books, including Beautiful Outlaw and New York Times bestsellers Wild at Heart and Captivating (written with his wife, Stasi).  His books have sold more than 8 million copies.  He is the Director of Ransomed Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God.  It has become a grassroots phenomenon with millions of followers.

Would you like to read this book for yourself?  Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win it!

Now, onto the giveaway!  One of you will win your own copy of The Utter Relief of Holiness!

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extra entries)

3.  Follow John Eldredge / Ransomed Heart ministries on facebook (2 extra entries)
4.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extra entries)
5.  Follow John Eldredge / Ransomed Heart on twitter (2 extras)
7.  Check out the video here and let me know what you think (2 extra entries)

Giveaway will end on February 14th at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US and International residents alike.

Disclosure:  I received my own copy of The Utter Relief of Holiness to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to the sponsor for providing this giveaway.

20 Mule Team Borax - Review & Giveaway

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Congratulations to Lynn and Michele!

Okay, you might be thinking - What is Borax?  Great question!  Borax is the common name for sodium tetraborate - a naturally occurring substance produced by the perpetual evaporation of seasonal lakes.  20 Mule Team Borax is 100% natural mineral from the Earth.  It is removed from the ground, washed, dried, and boxed up for consumers.  Absolutely nothing is added :).

Another term you may be more familiar with - hard water.  Do you have hard water?  Hard water is said to be in over 85% of homes and it is defined as water that contains calcium and magnesium (ions).

Alright, how does this affect your laundry?  Well, when you add detergent to hard water, some of the compounds attach to the calcium and magnesium granules that settle on the bottom of your washing machine, eventually retreating down the drain without cleaning your clothes - now that is a waste!

Why, 20 Mule Team Borax?  It naturally softens hard water, protecting your detergent and maximizing cleaning power!

Simply, add 1/2 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax to every load, along with your regular detergent.

The water here where I live in Austin is considered moderately hard.  To be honest, I didn't even know that before trying out this product.  Not only have I used my 20 Mule Team Borax as a Laundry Booster but I have also found it helpful in my dishwasher - helping to keep my dishes really clean.  It is a breeze to use and it makes a difference.  I would really recommend it, especially if you know you have hard water.

And I need to tell you about the The Borax - Fresh Year, Fresher Laundry Facebook Sweepstakes going on right now!  From now until February 22nd, 2013 you can sign up daily.  What are the prizes?  You could win the $1,500 grand prize or one of 171 coupons for free Borax!  Why 171 coupons - the total prize value is $2013!  Simply go here to enter.

Want to try 20 Mule Team Borax for yourself?  Keep reading...

Now, onto the giveaway!  Three winners will each receive a free product coupon for 20 Mule Team Borax (coupon max value $3.50 and expires 9/30/2013).

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Enter the 20 Mule Team Borax sweepstakes found here (5 extra entries)

2.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

3.  Follow my facebook page (2 extras)

4.  Follow 20 Mule Team Borax on facebook (2 extras) 
5.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extras)
6.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extras)

Giveaway will end on February 10th at Midnight.  Winners will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure:  I was selected to participate in this campaign as a Purex Insider.  Thanks so much to Purex and 20 Mule Team Borax for providing me with a sample of 20 Mule Team Borax to facilitate my review and coupons for this giveaway.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Nuby Glo-Pals/Bedlite Buddies Review

I wanted to tell you about E's new friend, Froggy!  Froggy is a Nuby Glo-Pal, also referred to as a Bedlite Buddie and E is in love. 

Meet Froggy.  He did not stay in the box long!

Right away, E liked Froggy.

 

And it didn't take her long to figure out that Froggy lights up and plays music.  Here is E showing me how he works.

 At first I thought we might keep Froggy in E's bed but E had other ideas.  She also likes to play with him during the day.  He is a faithful friend.

 Froggy fell down in this picture and E bent down to take care of him.  She promptly gave him a kiss.

According to Nuby
6+ months.  The Bedlite Buddies are GREAT cuddle buddies. Their faces light up and sing when you hug them! They like to go to bed on time and get tucked-in. Bedlite Buddies are made of soft and colorful materials that stimulate your child's senses. The built in night light brightens up the face, bringing a smile to your child.

There are several different animal options available - bee, frog and turtle.  And Glo-Pals can be purchased at several retailers including www.amazon.com and K-Mart.

Thanks Nuby for some awesome products!  Remember you can connect with Nuby on facebook, twitter, 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.

Abel's Field: Review & Giveaway

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Congratulations to debijackson!

I have a new movie to tell you about, Abel's Field, that just released January 22nd!  Which happened to be A's 9th birthday.

I enjoyed this movie.  I didn't think it was off the charts great - but it's not bad. The characters are well done, the production quality is good, and the life issues are honest and relevant.  Abel's Field doesn't have the cheesy dialogue scenes you find in Facing the Giants, but the storytelling element could be improved.  Some of the middle sequences felt unnecessarily repetitive, but then the ending was too abrupt.  I would have liked for the filmmakers to balance the story better, and give the audience more substance at the end.

Abel's Field tackles some heavyweight life challenges without resorting to obscenity and without sugar-coating the harsh realities.  Awesome.  Great job!

Spoiler alert!
The ending is my biggest complaint with this film.  We are essentially led to believe that after all the pain, and suffering, and impossibilities laid out during the film - we can just turn the page, "... and they all lived happily ever after, The End".  Roll credits.  I really wanted to see more.

Maybe, just maybe there is a sequel in the works and I will get those answers that I want.  To read more about this film and enter the giveaway to watch it for yourself just keep reading!  And if you win, I would love to hear your thoughts.

About Abel's Field

Left motherless by tragedy and abandoned by his father, high school senior Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis) faces enormous pressure as he strives to support his little sisters. At school, he endures the daily bullying of the football team. But fighting back only finds him singled out for punishment and assigned to an after-school work detail under the supervision of the reserved groundskeeper, Abel (SOUL SURFER’S Kevin Sorbo). Much to his surprise, Seth discovers that Abel may be the only one who truly understands his struggles. As dark times lure Seth toward desperate measures, the reluctant Abel may be the one person who can point him back toward the light.

Would you like to watch this movie for yourself?  Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win it!

Now, onto the giveaway!  One of you will win your own copy of Abel's Field!

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extra entries)

3.  Follow Abel's Field on facebook (2 extra entries)
4.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extra entries)
5.  Follow Abel's Field on twitter (2 extras)
7.  Check out the trailer here and let me know what you think (2 extra entries)

Giveaway will end on February 12th at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US and International residents alike.

Disclosure:  I received my own copy of Abel's Field to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to the sponsor for providing this giveaway.

Happy Birthday A!

It is official.  A is now 9 and I still cannot figure out how that happened.  9 is halfway to 18 right?  Okay, I need to stop thinking talking about that.  She had a horse party last weekend which should be no surprise to those that know her - she adores horses.  Currently her two favorite animals are horses and cheetahs.  Enjoy a few photos.

 A's Horse Cake!

 Blowing out the candles.

 I made cake pops - my first time :)

A and a few friends.

The 5 Money Personalities: Review & Giveaway

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Congratulations to Angie!

I have a new book to tell you about, The 5 Money Personalities, by Scott & Bethany Palmer - otherwise known as The Money Couple.  As they will tell you, this is not a budgeting book or even a book on managing your money.  Instead this book focuses on determining how your money and your relationship combine - your Money Relationship.  You will be introduced to the Five Money Personalities: Saver, Spender, Risk Taker, Security Seeker, and Flyer.  Afterward, you will determine your primary and secondary Money Personalities.  Determining your exact mix was a bit tricky for myself.  David was able to read the chapter and definitely determine that he is a Saver/Risk Taker.  I had him take the on-line quiz and sure enough he came out a Saver/Risk Taker.  I could not determine my personality from the book descriptions alone.  I took the on-line quiz and it said I am a Saver/Security Seeker but that didn't seem to be the complete picture for me.  After reading the chapter, David thinks that I am definitely a Spender/Saver.  Quizzes have always been difficult because I tend to be a gray area person with extreme questions - saying never and always are difficult for me.  So I am defaulting to my husband here and going with Spender/Saver - after some thought I really do think this suits me.  After determining you and your spouse's Money Personalities you will see how they work together.  I found this whole section of the book extremely interesting.  I have to admit that David and I have little conflict over money.  I am not saying it never happens but we tend to have great communication on this topic!  And even so, I found some of the outlooks and concepts in this book eye-opening and helpful.  If you and your spouse really do not see eye-to-eye when it comes to handling and spending money, I think this could be a great resource to turn the tables around and unite you as a couple!  Keep reading for more on this book, the authors, and a sweet giveaway.

About The 5 Money Personalities
The hidden key to a healthy relationship is not just managing money but understanding how the other approaches money.  Every couple argues about money.  It doesn't matter if you've been married for 40 years or dating for 4 months, money touches every decision you make as a couple - from the $5 cup of coffee to the $50,000 car.  And when the two of you don't see eye-to-eye on how much to spend or how much to save, that's when arguments turn into ugly toxic fights that leave both persons feeling hurt and angry.  It's why money has become the #1 cause of divorce in the U.S.  Obviously, something needs to change.  The reason this crisis has not been addressed is because it has never been identified, defined, or given a name.  Scott and Bethany Palmer, aka "The Money Couple," have identified and defined this problem and offer concrete solutions to fix it.  Once you know your Money Personality, you can get to the root of money arguments and start really working together.  You'll discover what has an impact on your loved one's money decisions, and you'll learn how to talk about money in a way that's actually fun!  You'll figure out how to put an end to money secrets and lies once and for all.  It's not just about money management, and it's definitely not just about overcoming debt.  It is a whole new way of living that will change everything in your relationship.  Tens of thousands have already been transformed.  Are you ready?

About Scott & Bethany Palmer
"The Money Couple" have dedicated their lives to helping others strengthen their relationships with the 5 Money Personalities.  With 43 years of combined financial planning experience, they launched "The Money Couple" and are regulars on national TV and radio and speak internationally about love and money.  Scott and Bethany enjoy an active lifestyle in Colorado with their two young sons, Cole and Cade. 

Would you like to read this book for yourself?  You can purchase this book on Amazon here or enter the giveaway below for your chance to win it!

Now, onto the giveaway!  One of you will win your own copy of The 5 Money Personalities!

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extra entries)

3.  Follow The Money Couple on facebook (2 extra entries)
4.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extra entries)
5.  Follow The Money Couple on twitter here (2 extra)
6.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extras)
7.  Check out any of their videos here and let me know what you think (2 extra entries)

Giveaway will end on February 10th at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US and International residents alike.

Disclosure:  I received my own copy of The 5 Money Personalities to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to the sponsor for providing this giveaway.

Nuby Facebook Giveaway

Nuby is at it again - that's right, there is another chance to win a great prize!  Up for grabs this time is the Nuby Comfort Pacifier.  Just check out their facebook page here for all the details and be sure and let me know if you win :).

My Own Fitness Challenge

Sorry I haven't been around lately.  Life was so busy during and after the Holidays - as many of you probably know!

Two weeks ago I found out that I was not selected to be a part of a blogging health challenge.  I was actually uber excited about the possibility of getting healthier, receiving some awesome health products and monetary compensation for doing so.  I also thrive on competition.  Needless to say, I wasn't chosen and it put me in a bit of a funk shall we say.

However, I pulled myself out of the pit and got myself in gear - thanks be to God!  I have decided that I need want to get in shape - compensation or not.  I am going to do this for ME!  Many of you guys know that I started running last year.  How much easier would my running be if I was lighter?  Hmmm, how much faster would I run?  These are some of the questions I have been asking myself.

I debated if I was even going to publish a post on this and then decided that it would be good for me.  Maybe someone would be encouraged, maybe someone could hold me accountable - I have a lot of maybes here huh?

So my goal is to lose 46 pounds - yikes that is a lot!  And I am happy to report that after two weeks I am 10.5 pounds lighter.  Yeah for progress.  35.5 pounds doesn't sound as bad.

Not a great photo but I will take it :)

What about you?  Are you getting healthier this year?

Nuby News & Contests

I love working with Nuby and being a Nuby Mommy Blogger!  I wanted to let you know about some contests that Nuby has going on right now.

First up, all January Nuby has a #NUBYLOVE Instagram contest!  Follow Nuby on Instagram and share photos of what you love unconditionally.  Make sure to use the hashtag #nubylove.

Next up, the Nuby Fresh Face contest.  Again this contest goes on the entire month of January.  If you have a child within the ages of 0-36 months, submit a photo of them and you could win!!

And lastly, Nuby started a scavenger hunt today!  Just follow the directions in the graphic above and you could win an entire Nuby Bath Set.

Good luck - please let me know if you end up winning :).

Super WHY and Alpha-Bits

My latest Bzz Agent campaign is with Alpha-Bits!  We have been trying out their new Super WHY Alpha-Bits cereal!  It is definitely a hit around here for both breakfast and snack time.  My kids love to eat it with milk and eat it dry as a snack.  While we don't do this every time we eat it, it can be fun to find different letters - it has actually been great practice for D in this way.

 D and our Alpha-Bits

 E on her second bowl.  I think her smile says it all.

 Yummy!

For those who want the skinny on the nutritional facts - this cereal has 20 grams of whole grain per serving, 12 essential vitamins and minerals (including iron and zinc as well as vitamin D), and has 6 grams of sugar per serving.

The back of the box is pretty fun too.

I love that Alpha-Bits has teamed up with Super WHY and the Super Readers.  My children really enjoy watching Super Why, Wonder Red, Alpha Pig, and Princess Presto as they travel through Story Book Village to solve a super big problem with the help of classic children's fairy tales.  If you have never seen this show it is really engaging and my kids love solving the problems.

 Enjoying an episode of Super WHY.

You can see Super WHY himself in the above photo.

So in short, this is a winning combination for us.  We enjoy the show and the cereal :).

Disclosure:  I received the above products for free with my Bzz Kit for participating in the Alpha-Bits/Super WHY Campaign.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

eMeals and a Healthy 2013

Have you heard of eMeals?  eMeals offers over 50 delicious meal plans and corresponding grocery lists every week based on food style preferences, family size and the current sales at selected grocery stores!  Dinner menu plans include classic family meal, low-fat, portion control, low-card, gluten-free, vegetarian, clean eating, paleo, and the natural and organic plan.  For more information, please visit www.emeals.com and please let me know what you think!

I don't know about you but I sure could use some help.  I have vowed that I would like to get fit and just be healthier this year.  Who is with me?

Nuby Snack Keeper Review

I wanted to tell you about E's new Nuby Snack Keeper.  The photo below shows her affectionately holding it, they may have become a little attached.

 Loving on her snack keeper.

 

Here is a side view of our snack keeper with Cheerios.

 For those not familiar with this, here is a top view.  The top is easy enough for E to get her hand in to eat her snack, yet strong enough to keep the snack inside when not being eaten.

 E demonstrating how easy it is.

 No problem! 

Of course, while the snack keeper does its job of not spilling the snacks, it can't keep the child from accidentally dropping a few cheerios - so I don't encourage free-roaming snack keeper all over the house.  But, I do find it particularly useful to just keep it loaded, and I'll grab it to go on outings or satisify a little tummy between meals.

 Yummy!

According to Nuby
12+ months.  No more messy snacks! Our unique Snack Keeper cup keeps kid-sized snacks inside the container instead of on the floor or car seat. The soft flaps make it easy to grab snacks without spilling. The container holds 9 oz. of dry snacks and the protective bottom keeps tabletops scratch-free.

There are several different color options available as well.  And the Snack Keeper can be purchased at several retailers including www.BuyBabyDirect.com, www.cookieskids.com, www.diapers.com, and www.amazon.com just to name a few!

I love the way this snack keeper holds the snacks.  Every time I see E with her keeper I start singing, I love, I love, I love, I love the way you hold me - from the Jamie Grace song! And if you don't know this song, check it out - love it!

Thanks Nuby for some awesome products!  Remember you can connect with Nuby on facebook, twitter, 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.

Purex Baby Detergent & Giveaway

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Congratulations to Maggie and Debi!

E and our new Purex Baby detergent.

Have you tried Purex Baby?  Did you even know that Purex had a Baby detergent?  Well, they do!  It is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, safe for use on baby's clothes, and has powerful cleaning for those tough stains.  I love that this is great for sensitive skin.  And again, it is from Purex so you know it isn't going to break the bank :).

I was the most excited to use this with E's clothing as she is my youngest!  It worked well and I used it on the other kids too - why not?

And I need to tell you about the Purex Oh Baby! Sweepstakes going on right now.  Three winners will each receive a grand prize of $500!  And an additional 250 winners will win free Purex Baby Detergent!  Enter here.

Want to try Purex Baby detergent for yourself?  Keep reading...

Now, onto the giveaway!  Two winners will each receive a free product coupon for Purex Baby detergent (coupon max value $5 and expires 12/31/2014).

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Enter the Purex sweepstakes found here (5 extra entries)

2.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

3.  Follow my facebook page (2 extras)

4.  Follow Purex on facebook (2 extras) 
5.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extras)
6.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extras)
7.  Leave a comment with your toughest baby stain (2 extras)
8.  Like the Purex Facebook Page and leave a comment that you came from Cummins Life! (2 extras if you leave a comment)

Giveaway will end on January 15th at Midnight.  Winners will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure:  Purex provided me with a sample of Purex Baby detergent to facilitate my review and coupons for this giveaway.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Covergirl Blast Flipstick

My latest Bzz Agent campaign is with Covergirl!  I have been trying out their blast flipstick - which is basically 2 lipsticks in 1 - a creamy, bold color on one side and a shimmery shade on the other!  This innovative, dual-ended lipstick is both fun and gives you endless shades of possibilities.  I love the way it lets you customize your color.  There are currently 13 shade duos available: Whisper, Pucker, Glimmer, Flashy, Vixen, Perky, Tease, Cheeky, Stunner, Snap, Smooch, Minx, and Intense. 

 

My personal favorite right now is the Minx.

Here I am posing with my Minx flipstick.  I just used the creamy shade this time.

I shared all about this campaign with my friend!

She is trying it out for herself.

 The Covergirl Flipstick display at my local Wal-Mart.

Me leaving coupon love.

Do you know what coupon love is?  Or at least that is what I call it.  Have you ever been at a store looking at a new item or possibly there to buy that exact item and you find a coupon that someone has left for you to use?  It is so exciting and so fun - I love it - this is what I call coupon love.  I have left some of my coupons around town at various Covergirl displays.

So, if you are looking for a new shade of lipstick or just something fun and different, I would recommend the Covergirl flipsticks.  Let me know which shade you like!  And if you want to connect with Covergirl yourself, you can like their facebook page here.

Disclosure:  I received the above products for free with my Bzz Kit for participating in the Covergirl Blast Flipstick Campaign.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.