and the book:

Chosen

David C. Cook; New edition (March 1, 2010)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, of The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

My Thoughts

I have not finished this book yet but i have enjoyed it thus far. I have always had my own imaginative thoughts rounding out the story of Esther and Ginger has not disappointed me with her own spin. Instead of making it seem like a fairy tale adventure, as others have done throughout the years, Ginger instead has caused her readers to consider Esther’s fear and loneliness, by writing in journal-like form in Chosen. It is a window to Esther’s soul, done in empathetic fashion and with real-to-life emotions.  While it is not as long and detailed as a many-paged novel, it is full with emotion, wonder, and God’s sovereignty in the life of a woman surrendered to Him. Reading it, one catches a glimpse of what may happen with their own life, when God is in it and they have been Chosen.

Focusing on ancient women’s history, critically acclaimed author Ginger Garrett creates novels and nonfiction resources that explore the lives of historical women. In addition to her writing, Garrett is a frequent radio and television guest. A native Texan, she now resides in Georgia with her husband and three children.

Visit the author’s website.

Chosen, by Ginger Garrett from David C. Cook on Vimeo.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434768015
ISBN-13: 978-1434768018

AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Here Burns My Candle

WaterBrook Press (March 16, 2010)

by

Liz Curtis Higgs

My Thoughts

I was intrigued by the thought that a historical fiction book, set in Scotland, would be based on the book of Ruth. It didn’t seem as if it would work, and yet it did. Although, in order to “work” one must free their mind from the Biblical story a bit, and realize this isn’t a re-write of the original story, but instead, a work based on that.

Lady Elizabeth Kerr, secret worshipper of the moon, lives within a family that holds to the Christian faith, at least in church attendance, if not in private relationship. Her husband has his own secrets that test her ability to forgive and remain faithful in her heart. Her mother-in-law, carries heart wounds that are kept carefully hidden by observing a life based on portrayed image. These all intertwine with the history of the moment, Prince Charlie trying to gain the crown, and give a story of depth and character.

While I immersed in the book, connecting with the characters, it is not a book I would pass to my mother-in-law. I don’t think she would appreciate the extra details given to extra-marital affairs, nor a man who’s wooing is done at inappropriate times with a married woman. Here Burns my Candle drew me in enough that I want to follow up with the sequel, yet at the same time, I would be hesitant to recommend it or loan it out to my more conservative friends who are avid readers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In her best-selling series of Bad Girls of the Bible books, workbooks, and videos, Liz Curtis Higgs breathes new life into ancient tales about the most infamous—and intriguing—women in scriptural history, from Jezebel to Mary Magdalene. Biblically sound and cutting-edge fresh, these popular titles have helped more than one million women around the world experience God’s grace anew. Her best-selling historical novels, which transport the stories of Rebecca, Leah, Rachel, and Dinah to eighteenth-century Scotland, have also helped her readers view these familiar characters in a new light. And her nonfiction book, Embrace Grace, winner of a 2007 Retailers Choice Award, presents her message of hope in an engaging and personal way, speaking directly to the hearts of her readers.

A veteran speaker, Liz has presented more than 1,600 encouraging programs for audiences in all 50 states and 10 foreign countries: South Africa, Indonesia, Germany, France, England, Canada, Ecuador, Scotland, Portugal, and New Zealand. In 1995, she received the Council of Peers Award for Excellence from the National Speakers Association, becoming one of only 32 women in the world named to their CPAE-Speaker Hall of Fame.

Feature articles about Liz have appeared in more than 250 major newspapers and magazines across the country, as well as online with Salon.com, Beliefnet.com and Spirituality.com. She has also been interviewed on more than 600 radio and television stations, including guest appearances on PBS, A&E, MSNBC, NPR, TBN with Kirk Cameron, CBC Canada, BBC Radio Scotland, Rhema Broadcasting New Zealand, Radio Pulpit South Africa, LifeToday with James Robison, Focus on the Family, Janet Parshall’s America, 100 Huntley Street and Midday Connection.

Liz is the author of twenty-six books, with more than three million copies in print.

Her fiction includes two contemporary novels, one novella, and four historical novels. And she has written five books for young children.
ABOUT THE BOOK

A mother who cannot face her future.

A daughter who cannot escape her past.

Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her.

Her husband, Lord Donald, has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips.

His mother, the dowager Lady Marjory, hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory’s many regrets, buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her.

One by one the Kerr family secrets begin to surface, even as bonny Prince Charlie and his rebel army ride into Edinburgh in September 1745, intent on capturing the crown.

A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteenth-century Scotland, Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home.

Watch the book video:

If you would like to read the first chapter of Here Burns My Candle, go HERE.

Harmony has a beauty that radiates out through her written words. She has a depth that will tug at every heart that reads her story. She proclaims a hope and a healing that will stir the heart of those in bondage. Her story is one of abuse and healing, captivity and redemption.

I appreciated Harmony’s sensitivity when sharing her story. Although she could have used the opportunity for sensationalism, she did not. Instead, she presented the facts of her life with raw honesty to give us a glimpse of where she was and where God brought her from but she did not do so in a vulgar, disturbing way. To be sure, what she came from was disturbing and while she allows us a glimpse of the ugliness that it was, she does not do so in a way that was uncomfortable.

If a person reads this book without being profoundly touched, their soul must be dead. Honestly. Scars and Stilettos was that compelling. It was also beautiful. It is not just a book about the sex trade. It is a book about a heart longing for love and acceptance. It is a book that speaks of things most people don’t know how to voice or put into words. but Harmony does, and while she does, she profoundly touches your heart so that you will never be the same after reading her story.

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

and the book:

Scars and Stilettos : The Transformation of an Exotic Dancer

Monarch (December 18, 2009)

***Special thanks to Cat Hoort, Trade Marketing Manager, of Kregel Publications for sending me a review copy.***

Harmony Dust founded and leads Treasures, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that helps women in the sex industry to make healthy life choices. She and her husband John have a young daughter.

Visit the author’s FaceBook.
Visit the author’s MySpace.
Visit the author’s YouTube.
Visit the author’s ministry.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 252 pages
Publisher: Monarch (December 18, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0825463092
ISBN-13: 978-0825463099

AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:

I have a small yet wonderful problem: I keep peanut butter jars instead of tossing them or recycling them. Their lids screw on so I especially enjoy re-using them. It all started when Claire studied sediment and settling and drainage last year. We kept 5 or 6 and studied how different kinds of dirt and water mixtures settled. Then I had all these nice jars. (After the effort of cleaning the PB out of the annoying grooves in the sides of the jars for the recycling bin, I had to do something better with them!)

Here are 5 uses for an old PB jar:

1. hold tiny things (here, Legos) until you can sort them

2. store a game with tiny pieces because the original packaging is lame for long-term storage (this is a magnet set called GeoMags)

3. keeping pencils, pens, paintbrushes etc. together

4. store a set that fits in the jar- great for taking a toy in the car or to the Dr’s office (this is a pirate set- they have a ton of choices though)

5. Finally a place to store the WikkiStix!

How are they able to build these houses? Through volunteer workers and donations of building supplies, as well as money, they are able to successfully place a family in need into a home. The home doesn’t come totally free, but the homeowner will also have to make a downpayment and pay a monthly mortgage (all at affordable rates, since the mortgages are no-profit)….plus, they have to help build their home, along with the rest of the volunteers. Local Habitat affiliates are who families apply to, in order to try and build a home. These affiliates then choose the families who most fit the criteria. You can read more about Habitat houses here. You can also take free courses from Habitat and learn more about housing issues in the world today. If you’re ever in Georgia, you can stop at the Global Village & Discovery Center and learn all about the international work that Habitat for Humanity does, even seeing models of houses that are built.

Right now Habitat for Humanity is working in both Haiti and Chile, helping to rebuild. There are so many stories of both homeowners and volunteers who have been blessed by the work of Habitat for Humanity all over the world. There are many ways that you can get involved:

1. You can volunteer with your local Habitat for Humanity. Get out there in your own community, and serve.
2. If you are passionate about poverty and helping those who are in need of shelter, speak out; be an advocate.
3. Get your children, your students, or your youth groups involved. There is something for everyone to help with in Habitat for Humanity’s Youth Programs.
4. If you are a woman, get involved with Women Build, a program in which you can help to build houses, while learning construction skills at the same time.
5. Get involved with A Brush with Kindness, a part of Habitat that seeks to help low-income families maintain and keep up the outside of their homes.
6. Get your church involved in building or fundraising.
7. Habitat even has a Prison Partnership Program, in which inmates can help out. This is really cool, in my opinion, as it gives prison inmates something positive to focus their energy on, possibly creating a change and a blessing in their lives.
8. Donate to Habitat for Humanity, either on a monthly basis or through a memorial fund, their gift catalog, etc. One place my husband loves to go is our local Habitat for Humanity Restore. He is able to find great stuff there for very affordable prices, but not only can you shop….you can donate leftover goods there. Maybe you’re in construction and have materials left over from building a house. Donate those leftovers to the Restore, and let their sale go for a good cause. These proceeds from the Restores help to fund local projects in that community.

There are so many other ways that you can help, as well. You just have to find the best way for you, as an individual, and then get out there, and make a difference.

You can follow Habitat for Humanity on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook. Subscribe to their newsletter to keep up with the work that they are doing. If you are a family in need of a home, you can find out how to apply here.

Remember to shine your light!

The Seasons of Faith series reaches out to kids, in order to help them grow in their Christian walk. With four different seasons that directly correlate to the Christian life, each book focuses on a different season of the Christian life. For example….

• Winter is sometimes dark and cold, sometimes etched with difficult situations and rough times, but through leaning on God, we can make it through.
• Spring focuses on how we are made new in Christ and how we can help to spread the good news.
• Summer is when growth takes place.
• The season of autumn is correlated with bad choices, mistakes, and things we do that seem to draw us further away from where God wants us to be…but with His forgiveness and help, we can make it through this time, as well.

Each one of the books in this series focuses on one of these seasons. With each book comes an audio CD with Uncle Charlie reading the book to you, as you follow along. This brought back memories for me, listening to my old records and read along books. With music and Uncle Charlie’s voice, it really made listening to the story a lot of fun for my boys.

Braving the Storm was the first book we picked up to read. As Uncle Charlie began reading the story to us (which was a welcome break for my tired, homeschool mommy, reading voice), my boys began to settle down and really listen. Even Jaden sat halfway through the story, which is really saying something for him. Anyway, Braving the Storm is about Thomas, who is going through a difficult time in his life. As his grandpa teaches him, though, he learns that God is there, even though he can’t see Him in this time; He is there. Thomas learns that he needs to grow in his faith and truly lean on Jesus.

Race with Midnight is the story for the season of spring. In this story, Becky is off to spend time with her cousin Sarah, Uncle Carl, and Aunt Millie, who have neither one accepted Jesus as their Saviour. Follow Becky through a journey and an adventure of telling the ones she loves about Jesus.

You Can’t Come In is the summer story. Adam and Zack have become friends; only Zack’s family doesn’t know Jesus. As Adam talks and plays with Zack every day, the influence he has is far-reaching and produces seeds both in Zack’s life and in his parents’ lives. It’s the typical story of two boys who are in and out of trouble, but the message behind this story is real and deeply personal. I love the analogy between how we don’t want dirt in our houses, so what makes us think God would want our dirty sins in His heaven? That just makes it so understandable and applicable to kids, even adults who struggle to accept and understand.

Seventy Times Seven is the last book, dealing with the season of autumn. The more Brad focuses on the seemingly negative things his best friend has done to him, the more frustrated he becomes, to the point of letting it affect their relationship as best friends. In the meantime, Brad hits a baseball straight into the local Scoops sign, breaking it. Now he’s going to have to make up for the damage. He’s also going to have to learn to forgive Doug and mend their relationship. This story is just a good example of what forgiveness means and how important it is in our own lives, to forgive others.

All of the stories have the salvation message printed in the back, and your child can read along, as Uncle Charlie reads it to them, along with Scripture. Each book carries in it a deeper, underlying issue and message that children can easily grasp onto, especially with discussion afterwards. These discussion questions are a great resource to spark conversation. You can purchase each of these books from CBH Ministries for $10. Also, from March 17-April 15, 2010, when you purchase the complete Seasons of Faith book set, you can get free standard shipping if you use the following code during checkout: FREESHIPAPR15.

These books are more than just stories; they are life lessons for young minds. They are stories that truly do plant seeds in young lives. To read more reviews, visit the TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

(Disclosure: I was provided the Seasons of Faith set of books, free of charge, by CBH Ministries, in association with the TOS Homeschool Crew.)

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There are so many levels to this book. Not only does it have a captivating story line of intrigue and mystery, it also delves into wounded human hearts and realistically portrays how humans act when they have those wounds. For Shiloh, it’s self-protective walls and sarcasm to the max. For Reece, it’s grim-faced determination to catch the bad guy and not let his heart get involved on any emotional level whatsoever.

Pivoting around Numbai, Ronie Kendig writes a novel that twists and turns and grips the heart as it flies at break neck speed through an international terror plot. This is an author to keep an eye on with future books, for sure!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Dead Reckoning

Abingdon Press (March 1, 2010)

by

Ronie Kendig
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ronie has been married since 1990 to a man who can easily be defined in classic terms as a hero. She has four beautiful children. Her eldest daughter is 16 this year, her second daughter will be 13, and her twin boys are 10. After having four children, she finally finished her degree in December 2006. She now has a B.S. in Psychology through Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Getting her degree is a huge triumph for both her and her family–they survived!

This degree has also given her a fabulous perspective on her characters

and how to not only make them deeper, stronger, but to make them realistic and know how they’ll respond to each situation. Her debut novel, Dead Reckoning released March 2010 from Abingdon Press. And her Discarded Heroes series begins in July from Barbour with the first book entitled Nightshade.
ABOUT THE BOOK

Underwater archeologist Shiloh Blake is consumed with passion for the water and inflamed at the injustices of life. When her first large-scale dig traps her in the middle of an international nuclear arms clash, she flees for her life.

When she spots a man trailing her, the questions are, Who is he? And how is he always one step ahead? Is the man trailing her an enemy or a protector sent by her CIA father?

Reece Jaxon is a former Navy SEAL and now serves his country as a spy. His life is entangled by the beguiling Shiloh Blake as he hunts down the sources to a nuclear dead drop in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai, India. The only way to end this nightmare and prevent a nuclear meltdown is to join forces with Reece. Will Shiloh violate her vow to never become involved in her father’s web of intrigue and mystery? Will she reconcile with her past and with him? Will she allow God to help her throught this ordeal of danger, mistrust and uncertainty?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dead Reckoning, go HERE.

I was somehow sent two copies of this book. I am giving the extra one away.

Simply leave your name and email below and on March 31st I will draw the winner.

Our spiritual life can be the same way, Mamas. We can get so busy in our days that we forget to feed ourselves spiritually. We forget to read the Word….we forget to pray (except to thank God for the food), and we forget to cast all of our cares on Him, choosing rather to cast them on a friend or whoever else will listen. I’m guilty as charged, and I write this to myself more than anyone.

In order to practice effective mothering and really live to our fullest potential, we have got to feed ourselves. We’ve got to make the time, no matter what, to sit down and read His Word….even if it’s just a couple of verses. Two verses read with great diligence and a prayerful attitude, is better than 2 chapters read out of a hurried spirit. Constantly thanking God and praying at intervals throughout the day might be the key to us having an even deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father, Who longs for us to speak to Him and interact with Him.

I know how hard it can be to fit anything extra in….but we have got to feed ourselves, or we will be like the flowers that wither away, and our spirit will go dry. We will have nothing left to give after so long a time without Him. Here are a few strategies for having your quiet time in the midst of a harried, busy, crazy life:

• Make time to just read 2 verses every morning when you get out of bed.  Start your day, just meditating on those 2 verses.
• Make up a few note cards, with some of your favorite Scriptures, to put in some of the busiest parts of your home….such as over the washer, or over the kitchen sink, maybe even on your bathroom mirror.  That way when you’re standing there working on dishes, you can be filling your mind and heart with His Word, meditating on it as you work.
• Fill your home with worship music.  I’ve found this to be really helpful if I’m having a particularly rough day.  I’ll pop in a CD or find some music on my music player (which I have yet to get back up on my blog), and away I go to work while being charged up.
• Read the Bible/Bible stories to your kids.  Not only are you teaching them, but you’re feeding yourself, as well.  There is always something new to learn.
• Pray without ceasing- (I Thessalonians 5:17).  Instead of running to a friend when something goes wrong….instead of thinking, “How do I even begin to pray?”, just talk to God.  Tell Him about your day, ask Him what He has in store for you, tell him your thoughts, talk to Him about your concerns, pray for your husband and children, etc.
• Maybe at the end of the day, you could write a few sentences in a journal, whether it’s about the verses you read that day or how your day went.  You could even use your journal as a prayer book, for you to write down your prayers or thoughts to God.
• Lastly, don’t give up, Mamas, on having a quiet time.  Even if it’s 2 minutes, 5 minutes, or whatever, take that 2 minutes, and fully equip your mind, heart, body, soul, and spirit for the work that God has for you.  Don’t try to live up to others’ expectations, but only seek to live up to His expectations for you.

Feeding yourself ultimately feeds your family, as they will be affected by everything you do.  Feeding yourself will draw you closer to the One Who cares for you more than you could ever  imagine….

So, today, don’t forget to “eat.”

You can read more from Mel over at her personal blog, Real Heart Prints.

What are Leprechaun Treasure Boxes, you ask? Well, I hadn’t heard of them before either. You grab a couple of boxes that you just have laying around in your garage or closet….shoe boxes, wooden boxes from the craft store, etc. In our case, I only had one box that was halfway decent, but as I searched through our pantry, I came up with a box that was holding all of our Ramen noodles. It was the perfect size. You help your kids decorate the boxes however their hearts desire. On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, they leave their boxes out in their room. Once they fall asleep, the “leprechauns” come and fill their boxes with “treasure” and then hide their boxes. (Let’s hope the “leprechauns” aren’t on vacation like the Tooth Fairy was:)….) Anyway, the next morning they get to hunt for their treasure boxes when they wake up. How fun is that?!

So we set to work today. It was quite the fun time. Jacob just kept saying how much fun this was. We used shamrock cutouts, glitter, glue, stickers, paint, markers, glitter glue, sequins, etc….and by the time we were done, we had beautiful works of art.:) We were all covered from head to toe in glitter and glue….and Jaden had even taken his scissors and proceeded to try and make his own trach (that was a heart stopper, even though they’re safety scissors…it still scared me into a frenzy), but all in all, we had a blast doing this.

The Handmade Marketplace

By: Kari Chapin

Retail: $14.95

Disclaimer: Mama Buzz and reviewers received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes

Melissa J’s Thoughts

This book is dangerous for someone like me.   Or at least my husband may think so. I’m always getting brain storms of what I might be able to create and sell. The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and Online, just fueled that thinking the tiniest bit.

Actually, this is a book that takes some of the danger of marketing crafts away. Without this book, a crafter could have a house full of crafts but no brilliant way of marketing them. Kari, a been-there, done-that entrepreneur shares the tricks of the trade, when it comes to crafting and selling. She pretty much covers everything in this book. A breakdown of the chapters is as follows:

Chapter 1: Setting the Scene for Sucess

Chapter 2: Branding Your business

Chapter 3: Establishing Basic Business Practices (*This chapter adresses pricing your items and collecting money, as well as explains DBA’s, sole proprieterships, and LLC’s)

Chapter 4: Marketing Basics

Chapter 5: Your Craft Community

Chapter 6: Blogging

Chapter 7: Advertising and Publicity

Chapter 8: More Online Marketing Networks

Chapter 9: The Craft Fair Scene

Chapter 10: Selling in Online Stores

Chapter 11: Selling in Brick and Mortar Stores

Chapter 12: Get Creative: Other Selling Options and Opportunities

The Handmade Marketplace has a wealth of information for those who have no clue how to sell their crafts. For those who have somewhat of a successful handle on doing so, some of the information may seem common knowledge, and yet, there will be concepts that will broaden an already thriving business. It is a book that should be on the shelf of every serious crafter, who hopes to make money from doing what they love. It is a well spent $14.95 that will see a quick return once Kari’s suggestions are implemented.

Mel’s Thoughts:

The Handmade Marketplace, by Kari Chapin, is not just a book about having a successful online crafting business.  It’s about so much more.  Kari Chapin takes you through the ins and outs of how to be successful in the ever-growing world of online shops for handmade items, social media, and crafting.

The beginning of the book focuses more on getting set up in your business and making a name for yourself.  She takes you through the steps that are necessary to building your very own business.  One sidenote: throughout the book, Chapin inserts the advice and opinions of crafters she has followed through the years.  Their input really adds to the personality of this book, making it even more interesting and insightful. You’ll even find their websites and blogs listed.

As a blogger, I found this book to be just as helpful for me, as it gave tips on blogging and marketing and using social media, as well.  I especially found her tips on photography very exciting for me personally, as I’m attempting to dive more into the world of photography, trying to learn how to take better pictures for my posts and things that I do.  She tells you exactly how to set up your own light box, so that you can have the proper setting for your photos.  Not only that, but she explains how to prop your items, meaning how to put certain items in your pictures to enhance the items you’re trying to sell or show.  I’m excited to try some of her photography tips for my crafting projects or recipes that I feature.

The chapters on blogging, social media, and marketing were especially helpful right now, what with all of the things that we do on MamaBuzz and with trying to build up my personal blog, as well.  Kari teaches you how to write up a simple press release, which is a necessary piece of writing if you’re going into business; she even delves into press, or media, kits.  Social media can be intimidating to a newbie online, but Kari and her Creative Collective help give tips for using places online, such as Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, etc.

I highly recommend this book for all online crafters, especially newbies.  It is one book that will be staying on my shelf as reference and even reminders when I need some advice.  You can purchase The Handmade Marketplace for $14.95 from Storey Publishing.

Exergen Corporation

400 Pleasant St. Watertown, MA 02472
Toll Free : 1-800-422-3006
Phone : 617-923-9900 Fax : 617-923-9911

Mel’s Thoughts

Since having my boys, I’ve always dreaded taking their temps, especially when they’re little, and you can’t get them to hold the oral themometer in their mouth. I don’t feel that taking an axillary temp is as accurate, so I’ve always gone with the dreaded rectal temps when they’re little. Oh yes, I just said it….dreaded rectal temps. They are just not fun, especially when little ones are already sick and as uncomfortable as one can get.

A few months ago, I had heard about forehead thermometers, but I really didn’t know that much about them. I’d heard they weren’t as accurate; still, I really wanted to try one. We have now had the opportunity, due to the gracious generosity of Exergen, to review one. I’m so excited to tell you about this thermometer, because I believe it is going to be a wonderful tool for all moms, especially new moms who are just grabbing hold of this job we call motherhood.

The Exergen Temporal Scanner, or forehead thermometer in layman terms, is just that, an infrared forehead thermometer. It measures temperature readings from the temporal artery, which is located in your forehead. There are no alcohol wipes needed to disinfect afterwards, no probe covers needed for doctor’s offices, no mercury to deal with if it breaks, and hardly any time spent taking a temp on a sick child. It doesn’t require them to keep their mouth shut when they can’t breathe because they’re so stuffed up, and it requires no invasive measures whatsoever, which means no trying to hold the diaper shut while you take a temp, so that the baby doesn’t pee all over you. You simply slide the probe, after removing the plastic cover, across their forehead, from the center over to the hairline, while at the same time depressing the button. Once you reach the hairline, let go of the button, and voila, you have your temp! It is awesome, to say the least!

I actually wanted to compare mine to the oral thermometer, just because of rumors I’ve heard circulating about this thermometer’s accuracy, and I found them to be comparable to each other, just within a few points….I think the Exergen said 98.6, and the oral thermometer said 98.2. So, I definitely would trust this thermometer. Not only that, but the Exergen Temporal Scanner is tested 6 times during the manufacturing process, and it comes with a 1-year warranty. Tests show it is accurate to within +0.2 degrees F- a much more accurate reading than taking the temperature any other way.

I highly recommend this thermometer for every mom and dad. It’s a great tool, especially for new moms who are experiencing the highs and lows of having a new baby. You can purchase the Exergen Temporal Scanner from stores like Walmart, Walgreens, Costco, etc., and prices usually range between $29-$49. It comes with a 9V battery that is easily installed. You can also find Exergen on Facebook. To find out more, Melissa J. has a great video below, demonstrating just how this thermometer works. Also, you can get a $5 rebate if you use this coupon when purchasing your Exergen Temporal Scanner. Be sure to check out the details of our giveaway below Melissa J.’s video!

Melissa J’s Thoughts

Untitled from mama buzz on Vimeo.

Since having my boys, I’ve always dreaded taking their temps, especially when they’re little, and you can’t get them to hold the oral themometer in their mouth.  I don’t feel that taking an axillary temp is as accurate, so I’ve always gone with the dreaded rectal temps when they’re little.  Oh yes, I just said it….dreaded rectal temps.  They are just not fun, especially when little ones are already sick and as uncomfortable as one can get.

A few months ago, I had heard about forehead thermometers, but I really didn’t know that much about them.  I’d heard they weren’t as accurate; still, I really wanted to try one.  We have now had the opportunity, due to the gracious generosity of Exergen, to review one.  I’m so excited to tell you about this thermometer, because I believe it is going to be a wonderful tool for all moms, especially new moms who are just grabbing hold of this job we call motherhood.

The Exergen Temporal Scanner, or forehead thermometer in layman terms, is just that, an infrared forehead thermometer.  It measures temperature readings from the temporal artery, which is located in your forehead.  There are no alcohol wipes needed to disinfect afterwards, no probe covers needed for doctor’s offices, no mercury to deal with if it breaks, and hardly any time spent taking a temp on a sick child.  It doesn’t require them to keep their mouth shut when they can’t breathe because they’re so stuffed up, and it requires no invasive measures whatsoever, which means no trying to hold the diaper shut while you take a temp, so that the baby doesn’t pee all over you.  You simply slide the probe, after removing the plastic cover, across their forehead, from the center over to the hairline, while at the same time depressing the button.  Once you reach the hairline, let go of the button, and voila, you have your temp!  It is awesome, to say the least!

I actually wanted to compare mine to the oral thermometer, just because of rumors I’ve heard circulating about this thermometer’s accuracy, and I found them to be comparable to each other, just within a few points….I think the Exergen said 98.6, and the oral thermometer said 98.2.  So, I definitely would trust this thermometer.  Not only that, but the Exergen Temporal Scanner is tested 6 times during the manufacturing process, and it comes with a 1-year warranty.  Tests show it is accurate to within +0.2 degrees F- a much more accurate reading than taking the temperature any other way.

I highly recommend this thermometer for every mom and dad.  It’s a great tool, especially for new moms who are experiencing the highs and lows of having a new baby.  You can purchase the Exergen Temporal Scanner from stores like Walmart, Walgreens, Costco, etc., and prices usually range between $29-$49.  It comes with a 9V battery that is easily installed.  You can also find Exergen on Facebook.  To find out more, Melissa J. has a great video below, demonstrating just how this thermometer works.  Also, you can get a $5 rebate if you use this coupon when purchasing your Exergen Temporal Scanner.  Be sure to check out the details of our giveaway below Melissa J.’s video!

Melissa J’s Thoughts

Untitled from mama buzz on Vimeo.

Now it’s your chance to win an Exergen Temporal Scanner.  You can enter in one or more of the following ways.  Just be sure to leave a separate comment for each way that you enter.  We will draw the winner on Thursday, April 1, using random.org.

1. Check out the Exergen Temporal Scanner website, and tell us what you love best about this thermometer.
2. Follow our blog, or subscribe to our posts.
3. Subscribe to our newsletter.
4. Follow us on Twitter.
5. Tweet about this giveaway; in fact, you can tweet once daily to gain extra entries.
6. Blog about this giveaway, being sure to link back to MamaBuzz.
7. Digg or Stumble this post.
8. Vote for us on Top Mommy Blogs or Mom Blog Network (just click on buttons in sidebar).

Good luck, and have a wonderful day!

Check out more reviews from our review panel of moms!

(Disclosure: We were each provided an Exergen Temporal Scanner, free of charge, by Exergen Corporation, for the purposes of this review.)

Raw Energy

By: Stephanie Tourles

Retail Value: $16.95

Disclaimer: Mama Buzz and reviewers received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.

Melissa J’s Thoughts:

This book is perfect for my family! Absolutely perfect!  We have been trying to move into a more natural, raw way of eating but have really struggled because we are a family that tends to eat little meals all day long, instead of a few big meals. I was running out of snack ideas – - until I received Raw Energy by Stephanie Tourles.

I immediately tried the Frozen Banana Sundae Bites for my 2 year old daughter. While I am not a fan of bananas, she is. What a hit those were!  They are definitely on the snack list now, not only for her, but also my daycare kids that I attempt to feed healthy foods to while they are in my home.

Second on the list was Almond-Raisin Cocoa Bites–only I used chopped dates instead of raisins, liking the taste of dates much better. Oh yum! Need a chocolate fix!? This is the way to get it in a healthy way!

Next on my agenda is the Pecan-Pick-Me-Up Bites. . .

This is a book that already has bent pages from all the flipping to and fro I’ve done in it. It is one of the best resources ever for those just beginning the raw food lifestyle. Raw eating is not easy–but this book helps it be less of a struggle because of the yummy snack ideas in it.

The book sections include:

Raw Snack Basics

Raw Snack Pantry and Kitchen Essentials

Raw Snack Prep 101: Learning How to Uncook

Super-Satisfying Raw Nut Milks, Shakes, Smoothies, and Frozen Fruit Creams

Fit and Fabulous Fruit and Vegetable Juices

The Snacks that Keep You Going: Energizer Bars, Balls,a nd Bites

Powerhouse Nut, Seed, and Fruit Blends

Raw Cereals and Delectable Fruit Parfaits

Vegetable Jolt: Crispy Chips, Zippy Dips, and Scrumptious Spreads

Chillin’: Fresh Cold Fruit and Vegetable Soups

Raw Confections: No guilt, Nutrient Packed Candy and Cookies

Suggest Reading, Resources, and Index

For those who are questioning the whole raw food thing, this is the book to buy. Not only will the recipes be a delicious introduction to the raw lifestyle, Sheri also does a great job explaining why we should eat raw and giving a basic course on how to achieve it.

For those who have been partitally raw diet, this book will move them even further into the raw lifestyle realm, simply because it broadens the horizons on different recipe ideas.

For those immersed in a total raw diet, they will want this book to add to their repertoire of already existing snack ideas and recipes.

This is a book that everyone who longs to eat healthier, especially when it comes to snacking—even if they are not 100% sold on raw eating—is going to want to purchase. It is money very well spent. After all, you can’t put a price tag on a healthy body!

Mel’s Thoughts:

Raw Energy, by Stephanie Tourles, is a book with 124 Raw Food Recipes for Energy Bars, Smoothies, and Other Snacks to Supercharge Your Body.  Stephanie Tourles is actually a licensed holistic esthetician who has worked in this field for over 20 years.

Here is a peek at what Raw Energy contains:

• Raw Snack Basics
• Raw Snack Pantry & Kitchen Equipment Essentials
• Raw Snack Prep 101: Learning How to “Uncook”
• Super-Satisfying Raw Nut Milks, Shakes, Smoothies, and Frozen Fruit Creams
• Fit and Fabulous Fruit and Vegetable Juices
• The Snacks That Keep You Going: Energizer Bars, Balls, and Bites
• Powerhouse Nut, Seed, and Fruit Blends
• Raw Cereals and Delectable Fruit Parfaits
• Vegetable Jolt: Crispy Chips, Zippy Dips, and Scrumptious Spreads
• Chillin’ Fresh, Cold Fruit and Vegetable Soups
• Raw Confections: No-Guilt, Nutrient-Packed Candy and Cookies

This book is basically a powerhouse manual that’s easy to reference and have on hand when trying to figure out how to eat healthier.  I was especially excited to review this book because sometimes in our house, snacks can get quite boring.  I try to keep them on the healthy side, but it’s not always easy.  Now I have something I can reference for some easy, quick fixes.

Not only does this book give recipes, but it teaches the reader about raw foods and how they work to help the body.  Every ingredient used throughout the recipes is described in The Raw Snack Pantry chapter.  For example, did you know that home-grown tomatoes, one of my favorites, have “twice the amount of Vitamin C” as most tomatoes you can get in your local grocery store?  Throughout the first few chapters are informational boxes that give out extra, handy facts that might help, as well.  I was honestly afraid that the recipes in this book would be like most organic recipe books and have expensive ingredients that can only be found in a health food store.  I was pleasantly surprised, however, as quite a few of the recipes call for things I can get right at my local grocery store.  Most of the ingredients are fresh fruits and veggies.  There are a few pieces of equipment you might need to get, such as a juicer, a nut milk bag, a citrus reamer, etc.  Most of the equipment you should already have on hand, though.    Here are just a few of the recipes:

• Peach Perfection Smoothie
• Banana-Chocolate Chip Frozen Fruit Cream
• Vegetable Brain Blast
• Morning Power Shot
• Post-Workout Replenisher
• Get-Up-and-Go Apple-Walnut Bars
• Cinnamon Maple Cashews
• Summer Harvest Berry Trail Mix
• Mighty Maine Blueberry Muesli
• Texas Tango Salsa
• Basic Fruit Jam
• Chocolate Turtles

…and many, many more.  In the back of the book are suggested reading materials, as well as other resources.  We are planning a garden for this summer, so I’m hoping to incorporate some of the things we grow into making some of these healthy snacks.  You can purchase Raw Energy from Storey Publishing for $16.95.  It’s definitely a great manual to have on hand, especially if you are new to real, healthy eating.