Cinderella Goes to the Potty eBook Review & Blog Tour

Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Litfuse Publicity Group and Justin Blaney for allowing me to be a part of this tour and providing me with this eBook to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

 

I have another book to tell you about, Cinderella Goes to the Potty by Justin Blaney.  The first thing I need to tell you is that this is not a whimsical fairy tale book to help your toddler in potty training.  It really has nothing to do with toddlers or using the potty.  It's audience is more young adult and above (I would not suggest it for younger than preteen).

I know that this is only 1/6th of the novel but I must admit that I do not understand this book.  I found it to be dark and honestly, scary.  I do suppose that my humor is more of the innocent and tame variety.  This eBook starts out with Cinderella having to escape an old man and woman as well as a carnivorous potty (or one that eats people).  She manages to do so and goes on a quest to find a potty that is nice, one that doesn't eat old men, women and little girls.  She finds herself in Toilet Forrest and then I have no idea how it ends.  Did she find a nice potty?  I really am not sure.  It might be that I need the other 5/6 of the novel to really understand what happens but I can tell you that I really don't get it.

Now, the graphics are truly unique and really interesting.  I use the word interesting because again, I personally find them to be very dark but I can still recognize talent - even when it is not my personal preference.  A really cool feature in my opinion is the way that some of the graphics and words give life to the story itself - sometimes you have to turn pages sideways, read around graphics - basically keep moving in order to continue on.  I definitely think that this could be a distraction for many but I like this unique idea and use throughout this story.  Great job!

Here is an example of what I was describing.

Another positive - the author's heart and goal.  Justin Blaney is trying to spread the gospel message to children who aren't normally exposed to Christian content.  Justin, I love this - truly I do.  I just do not see the gospel within this story.  I know I might just be missing it and that is okay but I really do wish I saw it.  Maybe we can chat sometime.

Read more about this book and author below.  You can purchase your own copy here.  And check out the full blog tour (which runs until 12/1) here.

About the book
This eBook is 1/6th the full length graphic novel.  It can be read in about 5 minutes and enjoyed for years.  It is an Isfits book.  What is Isfits?  A cast of characters sampled from icons of adolescence, re-imagined.  A graphic novel, like you've never seen before. 

Cinderella scratched a new line on the wall every night when the clock struck twelve.  For 999 nights, she'd sworn to herself that she wouldn't stay long enough to see 1000.  Cinderella heard the old man and the old woman clunking up the stairs.  The clock began to chime.  Cinderella was out of time.  She had a decision to make - the kind of decision that could change her life or take it from her.

About the author
Justin Blaney is the author of the Amazon bestseller Evan Burl and the Falling which reached the #1 position in fantasy, teen and thriller categories.  His latest project is "Isfits," a series of graphically illustrated postmodern fairytales and cautionary confessions for young adults.  The stories follow the adventures of a cast of characters based on icons of adolescence placed in a darkly-humored world of blissful brokenness where they possess the power to affect cultural and personal change in the real world.  Blaney is the founder of Innovate for Jesus and Inkliss, a film production company.  He lives outside Seattle with his wife and three daughters.  Learn more about Justin at www.JustinBlaney.com.

Below you can read more about how you can partner with Justin and also be entered to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card.  Keep reading and good luck!

Hello! I'm partnering with Justin Blaney to help him spread the word about his fun new book series, Isfits.

He's launching the series with a Kickstarter campaign---he wants to turn these fun/unique stories into full-color, hardback, glossy-paged books.

Who's Justin? Justin Blaney is a virtuoso. He does a little of everything, but one of the coolest things he does (besides writing amazing stories) is run an organization called Innovate for Jesus (resources for pastors, ministry leaders, non profits, authors, etc.). The site features people like Francis Chan, Rick Warren, Pete Wilson, Matt Chandler, Mary DeMuth, and more.

Besides the super cool graphics, what is special about Isfits? Justin is releasing his Isfits series in the general kids book market rather than as Christian releases. His hope is to spread the gospel message to children who aren't normally exposed to Christian content.

What Is Isfits?

• Postmodern fairytales & cautionary confessions
• A cast of characters sampled from icons of adolescence, re-imagined.
• A completely new genre of fiction. Since that's hard to describe, let's call it a graphic novel like you've never seen before.
• Nearly 200 original designs, optimized for inspirational display in your home, office, prison cell, igloo, or hut.

Click here for more information. If you'd like to sign up to review the first book in the series, Cinderella Goes to the Potty (It's a five-minute read! You'll love it!), email info {at} litfusegroup {dot} com (and be entered to win $100 Amazon.com gift card!).  And if you'd like to learn more and support Justin's Kickstarter, GO HERE.

Happy Thanksgiving

David and the kids made a true feast today!  I hope you have had a wonderful day with loved ones as I have.

Our table

Our Turkey - Helen

 The girls made this amazing fruit salad.

 Homemade Apple Pie

 Sides

Lots of bread...

I have so much to be thankful for - my Savior, my health, my family, my friends and the list goes on.  Yesterday I turned 34 weeks in my pregnancy - won't be long now before we meet our littlest one.

Teespring Review

Have you heard of Teespring?  It is a crowdfunding platform for groups, causes and communities to design and sell custom apparel.

Anyone can design a shirt (using your own design or choosing from the 1,000s of graphics provided) which can then be sold via facebook, twitter, or anywhere on-line.  The profits are sent to the seller.  Teespring can be used as a fundraising tool or just to earn some extra cash.

The seller decides a set date and therefore determines when the shirts print and ship.  This allows the seller to pay nothing upfront and take no risks.  Pretty cool huh?  Here's the deal: if the minimum goal is not reached, the shirts will not be printed and the buyers will not be charged.

 Here is my shirt design. 

I just launched my own campaign called Live Simply Give Generously which can be viewed here.

I was impressed with all the options available.  There are three different shirt choices to choose from - Hanes Tagless Tee (which I chose), Canvas Ringspun Tee and the American Apparel Crew.  Not to mention numerous color choices - I went with a more neutral color (Ash) in hopes of appealing to a wider audience.  And the designing, they allow you to upload your own graphic or choose from the many available (and there are many!).

Next you set a goal.

You set a price for each shirt that will meet your goal.  In this photo if 50 tees are sold, then $165 would be raised for my cause.  I love the way that this site is set up - extremely user friendly.

Finally, launch your campaign.

One of the hardest things for me to figure out was what campaign I wanted to launch.  I knew that I wanted it to be about giving and that I wanted to give 100% of the proceeds away but that was it.  It has been such a joy to watch how excited my kids have been to raise money for shoes for children in Ethiopia that I decided to launch a campaign and give the proceeds to that cause - why not?

I am not sure if my campaign will make, I need to sell at least 50 shirts but I am excited about this opportunity and I really hope it does!  The opportunities are really endless.

Ready to launch your own campaign?  Just go to teespring.com/design to get started.

Disclosure: Thanks so much to Sverve and Teespring for selecting me to participate in this campaign.  Compensation was provided.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

The First Christmas Night Book Review & Giveaway

Disclosure:  I was provided with this book to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to FlyBy and the sponsor for providing this information and giveaway.

   

I have another book to tell you about, The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher and illustrated by Christine Kornacki.  The illustrations felt familiar to me at once and I realized that is because Christine Kornacki also illustrated The Sparkle Box (read my review here)!  This book is a retelling of the birth of Jesus set to Twas the Night Before Christmas. 

The illustrations are life-like, vibrant and extremely enjoyable.

 The kids loved both the story and the illustrations.  Here D is looking at baby Jesus.

I never tire of reading about Christmas night or the night that Jesus was born into the world.  This night changed everything and is at the core of what I believe - truly an amazing event.  I enjoyed how Keith Christopher was able to tell the story in the form of a poem.  My children were engaged and easily followed along to the lyrical rhythm.  While I think this book is applicable all year round, now is the perfect time with Christmas approaching to share this gem with loved ones!  You will not be disappointed, I sure wasn't.

Read more about this book, author, and illustrator below.  And be sure and enter the giveaway for your chance to win your own!  Or go here to purchase a copy.

About The First Christmas Night
The First Christmas Night is a beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus on that joyous night in Bethlehem so long ago.  The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem and winds through Christ's birth, the angel's appearance to the shepherds, and the visit by the Wise Men.  The simple, yet elegant, verses will appeal to little ones and are accompanied by the rich acrylic illustrations of Christine Kornacki.

About the Author
Keith Christopher is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, and educator, and he has served as editor and producer for several major music publishers.  In addition to writing and studio producing, Keith is on the faculty at the Blair School of Music of Vanderbilt University in Nashville.  He lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee with his wife and two children.

About the Illustrator
At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life.  After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, here dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape.  She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut.

Who is it for?
 - Kids ages 4-8 - The rhyming language can help them develop verbal language skills and learn to read
 - Family story time during the holidays
 - Children's Ministers and Sunday school teachers
 - Christmas carolers could set it to a tune!

Ready for a giveaway?  One of you will win a copy of The First Christmas Night for your own.  Just enter below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

VeggieTales Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas Review

I have a new VeggieTales to tell you about, Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas (which was released October 22, 2013).  In this film Bob the Tomato (as Phillip Fleagle - lights display extraordinaire) and Larry the Cucumber (as a mall elf) are going all out to make Christmas the best of the best at the Spring Valley Mall.  Phillip believes that the more lights, the bigger displays, and the best decorations will make it the best.  Larry believes that by making a list of children's Christmas wishes and keeping them happy he is spreading the Christmas cheer.  But a little girl, who is more interested in helping her neighbor than a Christmas present for herself ends up taking them both on a journey to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus and bringing glory to Him.

This installment introduces a brand new character, Silas the wise okra (voiced by reality star Si Robertson of Duck Commander), who narrates this tale.  Our children have never seen Duck Dynasty but David and I are familiar with the show so that was a fun element for us.

The end of the film features an all-new song titled "Light of Christmas" performed by Owl City and TobyMac!  This song is pretty awesome and my whole family is really enjoying it right now.  If you want, you can check out the Light of Christmas Lyric Video here - you won't regret it!

We really enjoyed this film as a family.  This film is the perfect opportunity to discuss compassion and selflessness with children.  In the film, this little girl was so heartbroken for her neighbor who lost her home.  She had such compassion that it moved her to take action - she was making and selling Christmas cards to raise money for her neighbor.  I don't know if you remember my post earlier this year on the 35 nice things present we made for David but this has been a true pleasure to see our kids enjoy.  When we see men and women on the side of the roads, they are the first to read their signs and ask how we can help - often times making their own suggestions.  May their hearts of compassion and generosity continue to grow!  This has tied in perfectly to discussions on how they and we as a family can help/give back this holiday season.  The kids have already raised money to help provide shoes for children in Ethiopia.  Last year they each filled a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse.  The deadline is vast approaching but I was so excited to see that there is an option for building a shoebox on-line and still taking part.  If you would like to contribute to Operation Christmas Child and build an on-line shoebox go here!  When you help others, you help let His love shine through!  And enjoy the trailer below.


Disclosure:  I was provided with this DVD to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Holiday of Surprises Giveaway Week #7

Again, I am so excited to partner with other blogs in the Holiday of Surprises Giveaway - this time for Week #7.  I hope you enjoy this event with some pretty snazzy prizes!  Good luck and let me know if you are a winner.

Holiday of Surprises Giveaway Week #7

Holiday Contest and Sweeps

Along With

Aunt Maggie Rocks

Let Me Talk About Anything/Everything

Mail4Rosey

 Chronically Content

 Simply Sherryl

 Simply Southern Couponers

 My Sweepstakes City

 Whole Lotta Mama

Dad's-Deals.com

Rainy Day Pennies

 Giveaway Lovers

My Devotional Thoughts

 Confessions of A Mommy of 5

Momma Lews

Central Bargains and Giveaways

The Minister's Wife Stamps and Saves

Time and Stylish

 Cassandra M's Place

Army Wife & Mommy

 The Stuff of Success

 Living Frugal in Georgia

NYSaving Specials

 Kelly's Thoughts on Things

 A Bird and A Bean

Saving Money Can Be Fun

 Java John Z's

Single Mommies

 Kleinworth & Co.

 The Giveaway Girls 

Life With My Two Kids

Tammies Reviews, Giveaways and More

Heart of a Philanthropist

Cummins Life

Three Loud Kids

The Happy Clown With A Frown

Proudly Brings you Week #7 of Holiday Surprises Giveaways

Grand Prize Package:

1 - Ryobi 40 volt Lithium Cordless Blower

1 - Ergo Chef Prodigy 5 Piece Knife Set

1- LED Beaded Glass Tree - 3 Piece Tiered Set  Silver

1- LED Beaded Glass Tree - 3 Piece Tiered Set  Gold

Second & Third Place:

1- LED Beaded Glass Tree - 3 Piece Tiered Set  Silver

1- LED Beaded Glass Tree - 3 Piece Tiered Set  Gold

RYOBI 40 Volt Lithium Cordless Blower

RYOBI takes Cordless to the next level with the 40-Volt Lithium-ion Blower. With a 40-Volt battery pack, this blower delivers longer run-time, fade-free power and quick charging. Specially engineered for hard surfaces and smaller yards, this blower features a variable speed trigger for adjustable power and a quick charger that does the job in less than 2 hours so you’re always just one charge away from a perfectly tidy outdoor living space. All backed by a 3 year warranty, there’s never been a better time to consider Cordless.

Here is what Holiday Contest and Sweeps has to say - I recently had the pleasure of trying out this Ryobi Blower and it performance  was outstanding. The power behind the lithium-ion battery performed better than the old electric blower that I own. The light weight of the blower minus having to worry about pulling a extension cord behind you was much easier on my back. It usually took me around a hour and a half to completely take care of my entire yard but with the Ryobi Cordless Blower I was done in less than a hour without even stopping to recharge the battery. When I was finished with my yard my neighbor was amazed with this cordless blower and asked  if  he could use it on his front yard, I told him I wasn't sure how much more the battery could go since I had just cleaned up my entire front and back yard. Well to our amazement, the Ryobi Cordless Blower powered through his stack of leaves and twigs that had collected in his yard with no problem what so ever.

The variable speed trigger made cleaning up a ease by being able to have more power available at your finger tips if necessary, while using less for those area's that didn't need as much power to clear. Before when I would use my old electric blower my wrist would ache for hours after the stress the handle would put on them. This wasn't the case with the Ryobi, since the handle is ergonomically designed for easy one handed operation. One great feature is that the nozzle is tapered making it easy to remove those stubborn areas that a normal blower was just leave. I give this blower 5 stars and plan to buy both my sons one for Christmas for their homes.

Ergo Chef  Prodigy 5 Piece Knife Set

This Prodigy Series Commercial 5 piece was designed for the professional and home cook who shop for the exceptional value and want a reliable knife set without spending a bundle. Designed for ergonomic comfort and precision. The blades are crafted from high carbon stainless steel and have a 18 degree cutting edge so that they can slice, chop or carve up any food product that you need. The handles are seamlessly molded to prevent bacteria issues and provide a non slip grip for precise control and safety. This knife set includes the following: 8" Chef knife, 8" Bread knife (Offset), 7" Santuko knife, 6" Boning knife, and a 4" Paring knife. Enjoy preparing meals with the Prodigy Series.

Holiday Contests and Sweeps has had the pleasure of using this knife set and says that it is made of quality material and expertly designed.  After suffering from Carpal Tunnel in their wrist for years they always dreaded the thought of preparing meals due to the pain they would have in their wrist afterwards from using an old store bought knife set that had a hard time slicing butter more less meats. The first time they used these, they  went over to their drawer and took out their old knifes and threw them away. With this set of knifes it is now a pleasure for them to prepare meals for their family.  They found that chopping up vegetables with the 7" Santuko knife takes no time at all and had no wrist pain due to the Prodigy's ergonomic designed handles.  They gave this set 5 Stars.

Nuby Holiday Gift Guide & Giveaway

I have some fun Nuby products that have recently launched in stores and on-line that I wanted to tell you about.  These five products make up my Nuby Holiday Gift Guide for 2013!  In no particular order

Number 1:  IcyBite Fruit and Animal Teethers

Nuby's IcyBite Fruit and Animal Teethers are BPA Free and ideal when front teeth first start to show.  The teethers come in fun designs with multiple teething surfaces.  These teethers feature PûrICE™ gel which stays cooler for longer than water filled teethers.  The soft removeable cover allows your baby to hold the teether when it is cold without their hand getting cold.  These teethers are endorsed by pediatric dentist Dr. Grace Yum, founder of Yummy Dental and Orthodontics for Kids in Chicago, Illinois.  These are available for purchase at Amazon.com.

Number 2:  IcyBite Teether Keys & All Natural Pacifier & Teether Wipes Set

Nuby's IcyBite Teether Keys are BPA Free and ideal when back teeth erupt.  This teether again contains non toxic PûrICE™ gelthat allows the teether to stay cooler longer.  The cool textured surfaces soothe and stimulate sore gums safely.  The teething nub helps massage tender gums.  The bright and colorful shapes stimulate your baby visually and help with hand eye coordination.  And the all natural pacifier & teether wipes ensures your baby's teether is clean!  These are available for purchase at TJ Maxx stores.

Number 3: Comfort Orthodontic Pacifier and Plush Pacifinder

Nuby's Comfort Orthodontic Pacifiers are BPA Free and feature NEW massaging bristles!  The soft massaging bristles move with the sucking action of your baby.  This motion helps soothe sore gums and aid in the eruption of new teeth.  The Plush Pacifinder keeps baby's pacifier sanitary and secure!  The soft plush pacifinder has fun and colorful characters your baby is sure to adore!  These are available for purchase at Burlington Baby Depot stores.

Number 4: Chewbies Teether

Nuby's Chewbies Teethers are BPA Free and ideal for teething!  It is small enough for baby to hold and features multiple teething surfaces to aid in the eruption of new teeth.  This teether comes with a hygienic carrying case for Moms on the go!  These teethers are endorsed by pediatric dentist Dr. Grace Yum, founder of Yummy Dental and Orthodontics for Kids in Chicago, Illinois.  These are available for purchase at Walmart and Walmart.com.

Number 5: Clik it Insulated Cool Sipper

Nuby's new Clik it Insulated Cool Sippers feature leak proof technology that you can see and hear!  Moms and Dads hear the click and know the cup is locked; they will not have to worry about spills and leaks!  The Cool Sipper's soft, silicone rim helps transition to open cup drinking.  The soft silicone rim is soft on tender gums to help protect children's teeth.  Pediatric dentist Dr. Grace Yum supports Nuby cups, "There are loads of fun cups on the market, but Nuby cups are the only ones that I endorse.  Nuby's brilliantly designed soft, silicone spouts are gentle and safe and they are the only ones that I recommend to my patients."  The one piece rim is easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to assemble, unlike other cups that have lots of small parts to fit together.  These are available for purchase at Target stores.

Now that I have introduced you to the five featured Nuby items, ready for a giveaway?  One person will win the item of your choice from this Holiday Gift Guide - pretty awesome right?  Just enter the form below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclosure:  I did not receive any compensation for this post.  I am a Nuby Mommy Blogger and all opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Special thanks to Nuby for providing information and sponsoring this giveaway.