The Happy Wife

Pampers Spring Into Color Sweepstakes and Reader Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:05:00 +0000

Disclaimer- I have received the same prize that my reader will receive in exchange for sharing this information with you.

Have you entered the Pampers Spring Into Color Sweepstakes yet? Each week, the sweepstakes will take Pampers facebook fans through nature's changing color wheel spectrum, celebrating babies' growth and the ways in which they color our world beautiful in so many ways, each and every day. From cameras, to educational toys to high-tech jogging strollers and a pallet of artist tools for your little ones to paint the world remarkable, there are four colorful-themed prize packets that will rotate with the "Spring Into Color" color wheel over the course of the 30 day sweeps, offering you and your family fun items to enhance your time together. And, all entrants are automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card! The contest will run through Tuesday, May 28th.

I have also been given the opportunity to give one of my readers 2 coupons for free Pampers products: 1 pack of Pampers diapers and 1 pack of Pampers wipes. Enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Relative Evil by Milena Armstrong

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sun, 19 May 2013 23:45:00 +0000

Disclaimer- I did receive a gift in exchange for this review, but as always, my thoughts are my own. Also, there are affiliate links within this post. I receive a small amount of any purchases you might make, at no additional cost to you.

About Relative Evil

(Taken from back cover of book)

“Piercing black eyes surrounded by a pool of pink, meandering strands of crimson glaring at me with so much hate. I didn’t understand how anyone could feel that way for another person.”

Relative Evil is based on the true events that occurred in the life of the author. A naïve young girl raised to believe family could never really hurt one another, but to then be tragically brought to the realization that evil exists and will stop at nothing to destroy those in his way to get what he’s after. Her trust in a strong family bond and the goodness of people is shattered. Forced to grow up quickly and take matters into her own hands in order to break the spell her parents were under and keep her family safe.

My thoughts on Relative Evil

This is a rather quick, fast-paced read and, aside from a few editorial mistakes, it is well written. The author does a great job of drawing the reader in and developing the scenes to make you feel as though you are right there. For those of you who follow my book reviews, this book is much darker than the books I typically review, but I would still recommend it to any adult who enjoys biographical stories, stories of good overcoming evil or stories with severely dysfunctional family members.

About Milena Armstrong

Milena was born in Rochester, New York, and still resides there with her husband and children.

I do have to share that I used to live down the street from Milena and I attended the same high school as she and her husband did. It is neat to personally know a published author

Lactose Intolerance and Lactaid (giveaway)

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sat, 11 May 2013 20:48:00 +0000

***Disclaimer***
This is part of a sponsored campaign I am participating in. I have received free product and will receive payment for my participation.

I recently was given the opportunity to attend a webinar with Melissa d'Arabian and Michelle Harrington, RD (registered dietician) to learn more about lactose intolerance and Lactaid. I found the session to be very informative and am excited to share some of what I learned with you.

What is lactose?

Lactose is the sugar and main carbohydrate found in milk and dairy products. In order for the body to absorb lactose, it must be broken down into the two simple sugars that it is composed of, glucose and galactose. Lactase is the enzyme produced by the body to break down lactose.

What is lactose intolerance?

The amount of lactase that your body produces, determines how much lactose you can tolerate. The more lactase your body makes, the less dairy products will upset your system. There are varying degrees of lactose intolerance and it can be progressive, meaning it can get worse as you age. It is also important to note that lactose intolerance is very different from a lactose allergy, which could cause life-threatening symptoms.

Diet tips for those who are lactose intolerant

Here are some basic tips for those who are, or care for someone who is, lactose intolerant.

Do not consume products that contain lactose on an empty stomach. Lactose will be easier to digest if it is eaten with other foods.
Yogurt is less likely to bother someone who is lactose intolerant. The live and active enzymes in yogurt help to digest the lactose, making it easier on the body. Greek yogurt has twice as much protein and fewer carbs, meaning less lactose, making it even easier to digest than regular yogurt. If you can tolerate yogurt, it is a great way to get calcium and nutrients in your diet.
Butter, although a dairy product, is low in lactose, so it can usually be consumed without a problem.
Harder cheeses, particularly those that are aged, have less lactose. The less moisture in the cheese, the lower the lactose content. Some good cheeses to start with would be Aged Cheddar, Gruyere, Pecorino and Swiss cheeses. If you have cut cheese from your diet completely, you can try adding these cheeses back in a little at a time, depending on how much you can tolerate.
You can also try the wonderful products made by Lactaid

About Lactaid

Lactaid products can help people that have a lactose sensitivity to enjoy dairy products once again, without the stomach discomfort that traditional dairy items may give them. Lactaid products include milks, cottage cheese, ice creams, egg nog. They are made from 100% real dairy, but contain lactase, the enzyme your body needs to break down the lactose. The lactase does help break down the milk sugar, resulting in a slightly sweeter taste than traditional milk products, but the creaminess is the same.

Lactaid milk is available in fat-free, 1%, 2%, whole and chocolate. The chocolate milk is made with 1% milk and does not contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). That part is important to me because it is difficult to find pre-made chocolate milk that is free of HFCS. Lactaid ice cream is available in five flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Cookies and Cream, Strawberries and Cream, and Butter Pecan. All of the flavors, except Cookies and Cream are gluten-free. They are all also free of HFCS. The nutrition facts for Lactaid products can be found on their website.

Cooking with Lactaid

Due to Lactaid's slightly sweeter taste, you may be able to slightly reduce the sugar you add when using it in a recipe. Otherwise, you would simply substitute Lactaid milk in place of the regular milk in a recipe, cup for cup. If you are substituting it in place of cream, you would want to add a teaspoon of corn starch to make up for the thinner consistency, as you would do if you were subbing regular milk for cream.

Lactaid Giveaway

One of my readers will be chosen to receive a coupon for a free Lactaid product, so you can check it out for yourself.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Overwhelmed

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:45:00 +0000

This has been a crazy few weeks for me and I need to re-set. I have a tendency of accepting lots of responsibilities at once and then feeling overwhelmed and freezing, accomplishing nothing. I have great intentions when I accept the responsibility, but then life starts to happen and all of a sudden, I find myself with a ton of obligations and no time. I have found myself there yet again, and am making a concerted effort to dig myself out. Over the next few days to weeks, I am going to be knocking out a bunch of reviews and a few giveaways and then I am going to be reducing the number of reviews that I accept. I am also going to be cutting back on accepting responsibilities outside of my blogging life as well, so that I can re-focus myself on the things that matter most to me. I have not been creating a whole lot of original content and I want to get back to doing that. My family will continue to be at the top of my priority list, but even a bit more so.

Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed with the responsibilities you have taken on? how do you deal with it when that happens?

Scripture Sunday: Trying to Be Like Jesus (guest post by my daughter)

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:01:00 +0000

My 12 year old daughter wrote (with very little help from me) and gave her first talk at church this week. I asked her permission to post it her and she was excited for me to do so. I have altered it just a little bit to remove a name, but otherwise it is exactly what she shared.

(I do not know where this photo is from, as I found it in my photo file on my laptop. I would be happy to credit the artist, so if you know who it is, please let me know.)

Trying to Be Like Jesus

"On Easter Sunday, my uncle and grandparents came over to visit. I received a phone call while they were there and was asked if I would give a talk. I was not thinking what I had gotten myself into. Just in case it is not obvious, I have stage fright. Anyway, after I was asked me to speak, I mistakenly shared with my uncle what my talk was about. I am going to be speaking about How to Be Like Jesus. My uncle’s suggestions were to buy a purple robe and a long wig, ride in on a donkey, oh yea, and be an only child. Coming from a house of 5 kids, I thought, well, it’s kind of late for that. Plus, I am certain that he was not looking for ways that we can physically be like Jesus.

When I think of how I can be like Jesus, I think of the Primary Song, “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus.” I am going to read you the lyrics to the song, since it basically summarizes my talk for me. The song starts by saying, “I’m trying to be like Jesus; I’m following in his ways. I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.” This basically says that we should make sure that everything we say and all of our actions are things that are not hurtful to others. The song continues, “At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice, But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,” As we know, even Jesus was tempted, but he still chose to do the things Heavenly Father wanted him to do. We have the Holy Spirit to help guide us when we are tempted. We just need to make sure that we are listening for it. The chorus then says, “Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do. Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought. For these are the things Jesus taught.” This tells us, just like the scripture in John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another,” that we must love everyone in the same way that Jesus loved us. That means loving them with no expectations of getting something in return. It also means not judging others. Jesus did not say, “I don’t want to die for their sins. It is their own fault that they do not have eternal life.” No, instead, he hung on the cross and died for all of our sins. The chorus also says to “be gentle and loving in deed and in thought.” This means that we need to think good things about others as well. My mom once was struggling with having bad feelings towards someone. She finally decided that she was going to do one nice deed for that person every time she had a bad thought about them. She was really upset with this person, so she really didn’t want to give any extra service to them. She ended up putting together a gift basket for the person with one thing for each negative thought she’d had. She also threw in a few extras for the thoughts that would come. As she was putting together the gift basket, she began to feel love for this person again and eventually stopped having negative thoughts about them on a regular basis.

There is another verse to the song, but I am going to leave that for another time. To be like Jesus, we need to strive to always do good and think well of others, to serve everyone, regardless of how we may feel about them, and to do our best to overcome any temptations we may face. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Although she was nervous, Chloe did a great job writing and delivering her talk and I could not be any prouder of her.

Book Review and Giveaway Info: Stress Test

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:30:00 +0000

About Stress Test

They may not have enough evidence to convict him, but they have enough to ruin his life.

Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left his last shift in the ER have no such plans-they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt's only thought is escape. He does so, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he's being charged with murder.

Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors. But when Matt calls, she knows she can't walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.

Matt's career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he's a murderer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth-and the faith to keep going-will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured.

My thoughts on Stress Test

This book combines all the areas I have been interested in through my life. When I was younger, I was very interested in law and criminal justice. As a young married, I became very interested in medicine and nutrition. I have taken college-level courses in all of these subjects and still get excited when I read about them. When you add in a bit of romance and the fact that this is from a Christian publisher, ensuring it is spiritually friendly, it is a book I greatly enjoyed. It is a fast paced book which is difficult to put down and not one you will want to read while you are eating (some of the medical scenes can be a bit descriptive) or trying to unwind for the night.

I recommend Stress Test to anyone who enjoys crime novels, medical novels, and/or legal dramas.

About Richard Mabry

A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of four critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

Learn more about Richard at: http://www.rmabry.com

About the giveaway

Richard Mabry is celebrating the release of Stress Test with a Nook HD Giveaway! Enter today.

One winner will receive:

A brand new Nook HD
A $15 gift certificate to BarnesandNoble.com

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 27th. Winner will be announced on 4/29/13 at Richard's blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Disclaimer

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Product review: Nuby Bath Time Clock and Thermometer

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 00:20:00 +0000

Disclaimer- I received the above product in exchange for my honest review.

About the Nuby Bath Time Clock and Thermometer

This easy-to-read Bath Time Clock and Thermometer by Nuby™ makes finding a safe water temperature for your child easy! Also available as a duck.

Available at BuyBabyDirect.com

My thoughts on Nuby Bath Time and Thermometer

I love the whimsical look of both the turtle and the duck versions of this product. They are very cute and Sam loved interacting with it. I like that it has a thermometer that will check the water for you and flash red if the water is too hot and green if it is too cold. The timer ensures that baby is not in the water for too long, and can count up or down. I like that it can double for the older kids and adults to ensure they keep their own baths and showers to a reasonable time limit. I do need to note that you will want to keep the packaging when you first buy it, as the instructions are on the back and you will want them, especially if your thermometer arrives showing the temperature in Fahrenheit and you use Celsius, or vice-versa. The toy is also safe for the baby to play with it once they are in the tub.

I recommend this for anyone who regularly bathes a baby or young child.

This week's deals at Mommy Bear Media

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:27:00 +0000

Great Deals (include free shipping & beat the competition):

The Way

Reviews: Not Yet Reviewed

Format: DVD
UPC: 796019823623
Rating: PG-13 for some thematic elements, drug use and smoking

Retail Price: : ~~14.99~~

Price: $4.48
(Save: 70 %)

Scooby Doo: Legend of the Phantosaur

Reviews: Not Yet Reviewed

Format: DVD
UPC: 883929137015
Rating: G

Retail Price: : ~~19.98~~

Price: $6.43
(Save: 68 %)

Maltese Falcon

Reviews: Not Yet Reviewed

Format: DVD
UPC: 883929154296
Rating: Age 12+

Retail Price: : ~~19.97~~

Price: $6.48
(Save: 68 %)

Monk - Season Four

Reviews: Not Yet Reviewed

Format: DVD
UPC: 025192928420

Retail Price: : ~~39.98~~

Price: $13.25
(Save: 67 %)

Scarecrow and Mrs. King: The Complete Third Season

Reviews: Not Yet Reviewed

UPC: 883929215065

Retail Price: : ~~39.98~~

Price: $13.98
(Save: 65 %)

Curious George (Widescreen Edition)

Reviews:

Format: DVD
UPC: 025192615924
Rating: G

Retail Price: : ~~14.98~~

Price: $5.48
(Save: 63 %)

Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links, but I do truly believe these are great deals ;)

Product Review: VM Audio Headphones

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:38:00 +0000

About VM Audio Headphones

These VM Audio On-Ear Deep Bass Headphones offer deep, powerful bass output with diamond bright acoustic sound. Their natural noise reduction acoustic design offers incredibly crisp audio, and these VM Audio On-Ear Deep Bass Headphones comes with a 40mm dynamic full-range transducer and acoustic suspension bass performance for realistic bass reproduction. Their Comfortpedic FeelGood cushion ear pads give these VM Audio On-Ear Deep Bass Headphones maximum comfort, and their light and durable ABS frame, ergonomic headband length adjustment and 180-degree ear cup ration adjustment make these VM Audio On-Ear Deep Bass Headphones highly customizable. These VM Audio On-Ear Deep Bass Headphones have an impedance of 33 Ohm, a sensitivity of 120dB and is compatible with smart phones, tablets, notebooks and devices with a 3.5mm port.

My thoughts on VM Audio Headphones

It took me a long time to even bother with using ear buds. I would just wait to listen to things until I was alone. I finally succumbed and bought some, and they were okay, but I still avoided using them unless I really had to. The reason I avoided them was that I really dislike sticking something inside my ear and I was really concerned that regular headphones just would not be a decent enough quality for my budget. Then, I received these to try out and I am so happy to say that they are WONDERFUL!! Not only are they extremely comfortable to wear, most of the time, but they are adjustable so my 4-year old can use them when he needs to. The only time I found them not to be comfortable, and when I ended up using my ear buds, was when I was trying to fall asleep listening to something on my iPod, and I was not expecting them to work for that purpose anyway. Speaking of letting my 4-year old use them, I also find them to be very durable. The soft ear cushion has a soft leather-like cover that is securely attached and the ear pieces move pretty easily. I did find that it can sometimes take a try or two to figure out how to get the ear pieces back to the correct position for listening, but as long as you don't try to force it to go a way it is not supposed to go, they move easily. My favorite part about the durability is that the wires are covered with a braided cord which allows it move freely without exposing the wires. As for sound quality, these blow all the ear buds I have tried out of the water. The sound is clear and true and outside noises are drowned out as well.

I recommend the VM Audio Headphones to anyone who wants a great headphone at a reasonable price. They may not work for sleeping, but for every other way I use them, these are perfect. for those who may want a different color, they are also available in red, pink, grey, orange, green and lime.

Disclaimer
I received a pair of the above headphones in exchange for my honest review.

75% off Nature's Sleep Memory Foam Slippers

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:45:00 +0000

It is time for Spring! How do you celebrate? How about celebrating with Nature's Sleep and get a pair of slippers or two or three at 75% off! Let your feet be pampered in memory foam. Coupon good until April 8, 2013.

*Disclaimer*
This is an affiliate link and I have been entered into a contest for sharing this post with you.

Graduations and a giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:26:00 +0000

That cute little man up there is starting to get ready to graduate from pre-K in a couple of months. He has come quite a ways from where he was on his first day (when the photo was taken). His behavior has calmed down, his speech has improved drastically, and he is writing his name and learning to read. Since he will be homeschooled from here on out, it is likely that this the end of his "formal" schooling until he heads off to college, so for us it is a pretty big deal. To celebrate his graduation, we will have a special picnic with him and then a trip to his favorite park.

Do you have a graduation coming up, whether it be pre-K, high school, college, or something else? Tiny Prints offers graduation announcements and invitations with 428 graduations designs, you can choose one that is a perfect fit for your graduate's unique personality. Some of my favorites are shown below:

In addition to the announcements and invitations, Tiny Prints also offers graduation gifts, such as notebooks, mugs and iPhone cases. I love the idea of getting my little guy a personalized notebook like the one below for him to collect notes from his friends, kind of like one would do with a yearbook.

Giveaway for $50 gift cod to Tiny Prints

The generous folks over at Tiny Prints are offering one of you, a $50 gift code to use on your total order. Just enter below on the rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer
I will be receiving the same prize listed above as compensation for sharing this information and giveaway with you. As always, my opinion is my own.

Book Review and Giveaway Information: Love in the Balance

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 01:42:00 +0000

About Love in the Balance

Handsome Cowboy or Debonair Tycoon.
How's a Girl to Choose?

Molly Lovelace dreams of a life without cares in Lockhart, Texas. She also dreams of handsome wrangler Bailey Garner, her ardent but inconsistent beau. The problem is, with Bailey's poor prospects, she just can't fit the two dreams together.

Then mysterious stranger Edward Pierrepont sweeps into town-and her life-and for the first time Molly wonders if she's met the man who can give her everything. But he won't be in Lockhart long and while it certainly seems like he talks about their glorious future together, she can't quite get Bailey out of her mind.

What's a girl to do with all these decisions when love is in the balance?

My thoughts on Love in the Balance

Love in the Balance is the second book in the Ladies of Caldwell County series, and while there is some crossover of characters and storyline with Sixty Acres and a Bride (you can read that review here), you can definitely follow along without having read the first one. Like so many romance novels, this storyline is based on two things: a couple that doesn't communicate honestly and someone who is struggling between following their heart and doing what society expects of them. Although those themes were prevalent, I still enjoyed the book and it was different in many other ways. I enjoyed watching Molly grow from being someone who had a fairly impersonal relationship with God to someone who embraced the example and grace of Christ by the end of the book. Having said that, the book is not a preachy book, but her relationship with God is a minor, but strong, theme.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Sixty Acres and a Bride, or likes romance or coming-of-age novels.

About Regina Jennings

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.

Find out more about Regina at http://www.reginajennings.com/.

About the giveaway

Regina Jennings is celebrating the release of Love in the Balance with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on 4/4!




One "lovely" winner will receive:



A Kindle Fire 




A copy of Regina's Sixty Acres and a 
Bride and Love in the Balance

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But 
hurry, the giveaway ends on April 3rd. Winner will be 
announced at the "Love in the Balance" Author Chat Party
 on April 4th. Connect with Regina, 
get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, 
and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun 
giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!







So grab your copy of Love in the Balance and 
join Regina on the evening of April 4th for a chance to connect and make
 some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop 
you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

Disclaimer
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Regina Jennings for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Big G is going retro (with a giveaway)

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 23:53:00 +0000

Big G cereals have once again gone “Retro” with special edition classic packaging from the 1950’s, ’60s and ’80s!

For a limited time you can relive your childhood by heading on over to your local Target® store’s cereal aisle, as Big G cereals have brought back their “Retro” themed packaging. To help celebrate the event, Big G has team up with Hasbro®, offering a $5 coupon on Clue® Vintage, Scrabble® Vintage, Parcheesi® Vintage or Risk® Vintage board games at Target!

Don’t forget to go online & print a coupon for $1 off 2 General Mills cereals before you head to Target!
Collect all 5 different throw-back packages that each include a $5 coupon for these vintage Hasbro® board games; available exclusively at Target® from March 15, 2013 to April 30, 2013 while supplies last. Coupon valid at Target stores from March 15, 2013 to December 31, 2013.
Participating Big G cereals include: Cinnamon Toast Crunch® (16.2 oz.), Lucky Charms® (16 oz.), Honey Nut Cheerios® (17 oz.), Cheerios® (18 oz.) and Cocoa Puffs® (16.5 oz.)

Giveaway from Big G Retro Cereals

One of my readers will receive a Big G Retro Gift Pack, which includes: a $10 Target gift card, 2 boxes of participating Big G Retro cereal, and a Hasbro Parcheesi® Deluxe Vintage board game. Enter below in the Rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure
The prize pack I received, this information, and the giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Product Review and Giveaway: Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 22:26:00 +0000

About Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser

No one likes a dirty household. Fight grease and grime with the strength of NEW Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser.

New Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser is tough on stains,yet gentle on surface. the new and improved formula has more whitening power and less residue, for better rinsing. That means better cleaning and faster rinsing for your tile, grout, sinks, and tubs.

The all-new bottle and cap design improve dispensing, preventing spills and making for a more efficient cleaning experience.

From sinks and showers to bathtubs and faucets, this cleanser will blow you away with its versatility and fresh, lemon scent.

You can learn more about Soft Scrub on their facebook page.

My thoughts on Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser

I have loved Soft Scrub since I was cleaning the sink and bathtub at my parents' home when I was a teenager. It really made removing soap scum incredibly easy. The down side back then was that it was tough to get it completely rinsed off and even when I thought it was completely rinsed, after it dried, I could see what I missed.

Along comes this new formula and I have to say, I am very happy with it. After we moved in to our home, we had to replace something on the cold water handle of our bathroom sink. While the handle was off, the piece that goes around the bottom went missing. Fast forward 2 years and we have yet to replace it and now the sink has rust stains. When I read that Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser had improved whitening power, I decided to try it on the rust stains first. No other cleaner has really been able to do much to lessen them, so while the results are not 100%, Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser did lessen the rust.

Rust Stain before and after

I also enjoyed the lemon scent that the cleanser had. The downside of Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser is the new bottle. I found it was too easy for an excessive amount of product to come out, which caused a TON of suds, so while the cleanser rinsed away easily, I had to wait for all the suds to dissipate. Of course, if you just use a small amount (and that will go a long way), you will not have to worry about all the excess suds.

Giveaway for free product coupons

I have a few coupons for free Soft Scrub to give to one of my readers. Enter through the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer
Soft Scrub provided a free sample of their Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser so I could review it. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.

Giveaway: The Juppy Baby Walker

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 20:51:00 +0000

Do you remember the review I did the other day for the Juppy Walker? I have one to give away to one of my readers! You can choose the color and if you want a name embroidered on it, that is included as well (or you can choose no embroidery). Just enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product Review: Juppy Baby Walker

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:17:00 +0000

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About the Juppy Baby Walker

The JuppyBaby Walker is designed with safety and comfort in mind; safety and comfort for both you and your child. The Juppy builds confidence in your baby and teaches balance while allowing you to maintain your natural posture. You will never have to bend your lower back while teaching your baby to walk. The Juppy has easily adjustable straps that accommodate your height whether you are 4’11” or 6’11”. The Juppy comes standard with soft hand grips that are strategically placed to provide optimum benefit for your hands; a color matched state of the art zipper is located at the rear of The Juppy for the purpose of safety, easy access and exit. You will find two Velcro straps that overlap the back zipper which again shows our commitment to providing you the safest and most practical baby walker on the market. Unlike traditional baby walkers The Juppy is a parent assisted baby walker which eliminates all of the dangers of walkers with wheels. The unique design eliminates the problems associated with similar products for example other parent assisted walkers do not have the crotch piece which is essential in keeping your baby from involuntarily lifting its arms. No more falling down stairs or reaching for dangerous objects because The Juppy requires your assistance at all times- The Juppy is easily transportable- It fits in your purse- It’s easy for grandparents to use- No assembly required- Suitable for boys and girls- One size fits all (baby weight not to exceed 35lbs). Made from 100% cotton that is machine washable. They are available in pink, blue, or black.

You can follow Juppy on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest, and their blog.

My thoughts on the Juppy Baby Walker

I will admit that the first time I saw this, I was not sold on the idea. However, being a taller woman, I have to admit that it can be hard on the back when you are constantly bending over to teach a baby how to walk, so I was interested in trying this out. I am glad I did! The Juppy Baby Walker is super easy to use, super easy to store, and super easy to wash. My little guy is only 9 months old, but he loves spending a little time each day practicing his first steps. I love that not only my husband and I can use it, but so can my older two kids, so I can personally attest that it does work for those who are 4'11"-6'1", and can adjust to even taller heights. I recommend the Juppy Baby Walker to anyone who regularly cares for a child who is getting ready, or just starting to walk.

Disclaimer
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review: Sid the Science Kid: The Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 01:36:00 +0000

About Sid the Science Kid: The Movie

Sid and his classmate Gabriela enter a contest and win the exclusive opportunity to visit a new modern science museum before it opens to the public. There the kids meet a quirky scientist, voiced by special guest star Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), who has designed robot tour guides of the future!

Then one of the robots goes haywire and the grand opening is in jeopardy! It is up to Sid and his friends to work as a team to find the rogue robot and save the day!

My thoughts on Sid the Science Kid: The Movie

As a homeschooler, I found this DVD to be great for introducing my kids to several different topics. Academically, there is basic information on astronomy, weather, dinosaurs, bees, simple machines and probability. Additional topics in the DVD include robots, teamwork, problem solving and learning to be humble. As a bonus, your child will learn several cute jokes and will have fun solving the riddles throughout the DVD.

My older kids, ages 10 and 12, did not plan to watch the DVD with me and the younger ones, because they typically find the tv show to be too "young" for them. However, when Sid and Gabriela win the trip to the museum, there are two older kids who also win. As they move through the various areas of the museum, each pair of kids share what they know about that topic. This elevated my older girls' interest and they actually sat and watched the whole thing. We all found the DVD to be informative and funny at many parts.

I recommend Sid the Science Kid: The Movie to anyone who knows a child that enjoys Sid the Science Kid, or just science in general. I would recommend it for ages 4-10.

Disclaimer

I recently began working with NCircle Entertainment as an iNSider. I was provided with a complimentary copy of the above DVD in exchange for my review. My opinion remains my own.

Home Decor with Shutterfly and a giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 23:40:00 +0000

In a few weeks, we will have been in our home for 5 years. Over those years, we have done a bit of work around the house, and we have plans to do much, much more. One of the things on our to do list, is to personalize the decor of our living room so that it better reflects who we are. What better way than to put up photos of the family and of those we love. Did you know that Shutterfly offers 16 different photo-based items for home decor? If you have checked out their home decor items before, be sure to head back over to see their newest items, Canvas Print Designs and Decorative Wall Decals. The canvas prints are stunning and the wall decals look like they would be a lot of fun in a playroom or child's bedroom, but they also have this one, that I think would look great in a living room:

I especially like that they are decals, so they would work in tight areas, where you don't have to worry about knocking them off the wall.

Giveaway for Shutterfly 5x5 Photo Gallery Acrylic Block

One of my readers will be the lucky recipient of their own 5x5 Photo Gallery Acrylic Block, similar to this one:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer
I have been compensated with product in exchange for sharing this information with you and for hosting the giveaway.

Book review: Swept Away

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:01:00 +0000

About Swept Away

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

My thoughts on Swept Away

This is the first in the Trouble in Texas series by Mary Coneally. Mary Coneally has a way of creating strong, yet feminine female characters that I love. Just like Callie in her book Over the Edge, the character Ruthy in Swept Away is a strong, capable woman with a caring heart and a tender way of dealing with others. I also loved seeing the vulnerable sides of both Luke and Ruthy when it came to them trying to figure out how they felt about each other. The book deals with the topic of abuse, both child abuse and spousal abuse, and has a good amount of fighting in it. If made into a movie, it would fit in the genre of romantic action, one that both men and women would enjoy. It is also important to note, that while this is a separate series from The Kincaide Brides (which Over the Edge belongs to), the characters do cross over, as Luke is Callie's brother.

I recommend this to those who enjoy books with lots of action and/or romance. It is set in the Wild West, but I would not say that it is heavy in Wild West culture. It is also highly recommended to anyone who enjoyed Over the Edge.

About the Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Find out more about Mary at http://maryconnealy.com/.

Giveaway Information

Mary Connealy is celebrating the release of
 Swept 
Away by giving away a 
$250 "Swept Away" Vacation Package and hosting a Facebook Author Chat 
Party!

One fortunate winner will receive:


A $250 Visa Cash Card (Get away for the 
weekend or use it to buy an eReader for a relaxing 
‘Staycation’!)


A copy of Swept Away (For you AND a friend!)



Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry,
 the giveaway ends on March 27th. Winner will be 
announced at the "Swept Away" Author Chat Party on March
 28th. Connect with Mary, get a sneak 
peek of the next book in the series, try your hand at the trivia 
contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many 
fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!







So grab your copy of Swept Away and join Mary on
 the evening of the March 28th for a chance to connect and make some new
 friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from 
coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

Dislaimer

I received a free copy of the above book for review purposes. My opinion remains my own.

Educents incentive will drop to $10 on 3/15

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:41:00 +0000

The other day, I posted about the new website educents that will be launching on April 2nd. I told you that you could get a $15 credit, if you sign up with them before their launch date.

I just wanted to let you know that they will be reducing that incentive to $10, for anyone who signs up on 3/15 or later. That gives you today and tomorrow to sign up for the $15 credit. Of course, you can still sign up after that as well, but your incentive will be lower.

Disclaimer
I do receive a small credit for each person who signs up, but I truly do believe this is a great deal and will benefit many of you.

Giveaway info

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 21:39:00 +0000

The Purex® brand is teaming up with Honey Bunches of Oats and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts to launch a monumental prize giveaway: The 2013 Tropical Trio Sweepstakes!

One lucky winner will be sent on a tropical paradise vacation to Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach! Enter to win a chance to spend your days relaxing underneath the warm, Hawaiian sun and your nights exploring Waikiki’s never-ending nightlife. There will also be 5 first-place winners, who will each receive a one-year supply of Purex Tropical Splash Detergent and Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends Cereal. An additional 100 second-place winners will receive coupons for FREE Purex Tropical Splash Detergent and Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends Cereal.

Book Review: J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:49:00 +0000

About J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend

(from back cover of book)
Long before the successful The Lord of the Rings films, J.R.R. Tolkien's creations, imaginations, and characters had captured the attention of millions of readers. But who was the man who dreamt up the intricate languages and perfectly crafted world of Middle-earth?

Tolkien had a difficult life for many years: orphaned and poor, his guardian forbad him to communicate with the woman he had fallen in love with, and he went through the horrors of the First World War. An intensely private and brilliant scholar, he spent over fifty years working on the languages, history, peoples, and geography of Middle-earth, with a consistent mythology inspired by a formidable knowledge of early northern European history and culture. J.R.R. Tolkien became a legend by creating an imaginary world that has enthralled and delighted generations. This engaging and accessible biography brings him to life.

My thoughts on J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend

I have mixed feelings on this book. While I thoroughly enjoyed learning about how J.R.R. Tolkien came up with his ideas for the amazing world of Middle-earth, I found the book to be jumpy, a bit confusing and somewhat redundant at parts. I recommend it to any one who enjoys J.R.R. Tolkien, but be warned that the author does jump back and forth quite often and it can be difficult to follow. On the other hand, the book offered great insight into the life and mind, and therefore the inspirations of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Disclaimer
I received the above book in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

Book review and giveaway info: Shattered

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:24:00 +0000

About Shattered

With All the Evidence Against Him, Only a Sister's Trust Can Save Him Now

When her prodigal brother Reef's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.

When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself-and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

My thoughts on Shattered

Shattered is the second book in the Alaskan Courage series. I have not read the first book, Submerged, but plan to and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the third book, Stranded, this October. Although, it is part of a series, this can easily be read as a stand alone book. There is enough back story given throughout the book that you can follow along easily. I really enjoyed the mystery throughout the book and did not find it to be overly predictable at all. I also liked following along as Landon and Piper allowed themselves to realize and admit their feelings for each other. I was as intrigued by the mystery as I was their relationship.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, combined with a romance. There are some scenes that a teen might find disturbing, so I strongly suggest that a parent reviews the book before allowing their teen to read it.

About Dani Pettrey

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

Visit her website at www.danipettrey.com.

Win a Nook!

Dani Pettrey is celebrating the release of 
Shattered with a Nook
 HD giveaway and a Facebook Author
 Chat Party {3/14}.



One winner will receive:

A brand new Nook HD




Submerged and 
Shattered by Dani Pettrey {Be 
caught up in this riveting series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 13th. Winner will be announced at the "Shattered" Author Chat Party on 3/14. Connect with Dani for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of Shattered and join Dani on 
the evening of the March 14th for a chance to connect and make some new 
friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from 
coming!)

`Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 14th!`

Disclaimer
I received a copy of the above book to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

Book review and giveaway info: Firefly Island

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:46:00 +0000

About Firefly Island

Sometimes love takes you on an adventure completely off the map.

Mallory Hale's life quickly veers off course when she falls hopelessly in love. After a whirlwind romance, Mallory finds herself leaving the bustle and action of Capitol Hill for the remote town of Moses Lake, Texas-with husband, stepson, and a U-Haul in tow.

A sweet, mishap-filled journey into marriage, motherhood, and ranch living ensues, and Mallory is filled with both the wonderment of love and the insecurities of change. But what she can't shake is the unease she feels around her husband's new boss, Jack West. Jack's presence-and his mysterious past-set her on edge, and when hints of a scandal emerge, Mallory finds herself seeking answers . . . and comes to realize that the middle-of-nowhere home she wasn't sure she wanted is the very place she'll risk everything to save.

My thoughts on Firefly Island

I know that many people would not quite understand how the whirlwind romance that Mallory experiences would cause her to drop everything and move away from all she knows. However, my husband and I met in February of 1999 and we were engaged within a few days of him moving to NY (from Bellingham, WA) in June of the same year. Our wedding was in November of 1999 and we were pregnant a month later, so I could relate to how Mallory was feeling. I enjoyed watching her adjust to her new roles as wife and mother, and also to living the small-town rural life. I also loved that she became a blogger :)

Firefly Island is a bit of romance, a bit of mystery and has a lot of intrigue. I did not find the mystery parts to be predictable, but when the book ended, I had a LOT of unanswered questions. I am hoping there will be a sequel, but still felt that the ending was a bit sloppy with too many loose ends.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy feel good books, with a bit of romance and mystery.

About Lisa Wingate

Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Talk of the Town, Blue Moon Bay, and Larkspur Cove, which won the 2011 Carol Award for Women's Fiction. Lisa and her family live in central Texas.

Visit www.lisawingate.com

About the giveaway

Lisa Wingate is celebrating the release of 
Firefly Island with an iPad Mini giveaway 
and a fun Facebook Author Chat Party (March 
19th).







One fortunate winner will receive:


An iPad Mini


The Moses Lake series (Firefly Island, Blue Moon Bay and Larkspur Cove)


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry,
 the giveaway ends on March 18th. Winner will be 
announced at the "Firefly Island Author Chat Party on 
March 19th. Connect with Lisa, get a 
sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and 
chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways 
-- gift certificates, books, and more!






So grab your copy of Firefly Island and join 
Lisa on the evening of the March 19th for a chance to connect and make 
some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you
 from coming!)











Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell 
your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances 
of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

Disclaimer
I received a copy of the book to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

Product Review: Nuby Look At Me Mirror Toy

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 22:46:00 +0000

About Nuby Look At Me Mirror Toy

This Mirror Toy provides multiple ways for your baby to Teethe & Play™ at the same time! Babies love to look at themselves in mirrors- and this one is perfectly sized for them to hold. It’s great for encouraging their eye-hand development. This toy also includes a variety of materials and textures, such as pûrICE™ Gel and crinkle fabric. You can find the Look At Me Mirror Toy at amazon.com and walmart.com

My thoughts on the Nuby Look At Me Mirror Toy

Sam is really enjoying his new toy. He recently cut his first two teeth at the same time and he loved chewing on the different parts of the teether. I like that he can easily grasp the toy by putting his thumbs in two of the "loops" and that it has so many different things to keep his attention in such a small toy. In addition to chewing on the toy, he is enjoying cooing and babbling to the handsome little guy he sees in the mirror.

I recommend this for any teething baby and any baby who enjoys seeing themselves in the mirror.

Disclaimer

I received the above product in exchange for my honest review.

Be sure to follow Nuby on facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

The Happy Wife

Pampers Spring Into Color Sweepstakes and Reader Giveaway

Book Review: Relative Evil by Milena Armstrong

About Relative Evil

My thoughts on Relative Evil

About Milena Armstrong

Lactose Intolerance and Lactaid (giveaway)

What is lactose?

What is lactose intolerance?

Diet tips for those who are lactose intolerant

About Lactaid

Cooking with Lactaid

Lactaid Giveaway

Overwhelmed

Scripture Sunday: Trying to Be Like Jesus (guest post by my daughter)

Trying to Be Like Jesus

Book Review and Giveaway Info: Stress Test

About Stress Test

My thoughts on Stress Test

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Product review: Nuby Bath Time Clock and Thermometer

About the Nuby Bath Time Clock and Thermometer

My thoughts on Nuby Bath Time and Thermometer

This week's deals at Mommy Bear Media

Product Review: VM Audio Headphones

About VM Audio Headphones

My thoughts on VM Audio Headphones

75% off Nature's Sleep Memory Foam Slippers

Graduations and a giveaway

Giveaway for $50 gift cod to Tiny Prints

Book Review and Giveaway Information: Love in the Balance

About Love in the Balance

My thoughts on Love in the Balance

About Regina Jennings

About the giveaway

Big G is going retro (with a giveaway)

Big G cereals have once again gone “Retro” with special edition classic packaging from the 1950’s, ’60s and ’80s!

Giveaway from Big G Retro Cereals

Product Review and Giveaway: Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser

About Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser

My thoughts on Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser

Giveaway for free product coupons

Giveaway: The Juppy Baby Walker

Product Review: Juppy Baby Walker

About the Juppy Baby Walker

Review: Sid the Science Kid: The Movie

About Sid the Science Kid: The Movie

My thoughts on Sid the Science Kid: The Movie

Home Decor with Shutterfly and a giveaway

Giveaway for Shutterfly 5x5 Photo Gallery Acrylic Block

Book review: Swept Away

About Swept Away

My thoughts on Swept Away

About the Mary Connealy

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

Educents incentive will drop to $10 on 3/15

Giveaway info

Book Review: J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend

About J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend

My thoughts on J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend

Book review and giveaway info: Shattered

About Shattered

My thoughts on Shattered

About Dani Pettrey

Win a Nook!

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 14th!

Book review and giveaway info: Firefly Island

About Firefly Island

My thoughts on Firefly Island

About Lisa Wingate

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

Product Review: Nuby Look At Me Mirror Toy

About Nuby Look At Me Mirror Toy

My thoughts on the Nuby Look At Me Mirror Toy

`Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 14th!`