Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Whatever You Grow Up to Be *Book Review*



If you are looking for an excellent bedtime book for little boys, look no further!  I have been a Karen Kingsbury fan for years.  And this new book just adds to my admiration for her.  What I love about this book is that it starts when the little boy is a newborn and goes through all the stages of life...toddler, tween, teen, and adult.  As a mom of 3 boys, I can totally relate to the pictures and stories in these pages.  

Each page has a meaningful scripture reference designed to go with the season of life.  The entire book is based on Jeremiah 29:11 ~For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.~  This is a verse that I have shared with my boys since day one, and I loved sharing this book with them!

*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.  All opinions are mine.*

Thursday, February 6, 2014

PUREX CRYSTALS fresh mountain breeze review

TIME'S UP!  WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED!  THANKS FOR ENTERING.


I am so excited to share the new Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze with you all.  Two people will receive a coupon in the mail for a free 28oz bottle of this wonderful smelling product.

So what do I love about Purex crystals?  Well, here is my list.

1.  They really do smell good!  If you've ever smeleed fresh mountain air, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  If not, just open this bottle up, close your eyes, and pretend you're in the mountains!

2.  It's so easy.  Just pour these Purex crystals into your load of laundry.  No liquid to measure and spill!  No water to add to the liquid.  I don't even measure...I just eyeball it.

3.  The smell lasts!  Really it does!  I love it for towels and basketball uniforms especially.  There is nothing worse than a stinky towel or uniform!  And with Purex crystals you eliminate the stink.

So if you want to win a coupon, just leave a comment on this post by midnight on February 13th.  I will pick 2 winners and them mail them each a coupon for a free bottle of Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze {a $6.00 value}.  Thanks for participating and good luck!!

My Time With Grandma Bible Storybook *Review*



This would be the perfect book to give to grandma to keep at her house.  Then during sleepovers or days spent at Grandma's house, the kids could get this book down, snuggle on Grandma's lap, and listen to her read.  I have very fond memories of reading books with my grandmother, and this book will keep the family tradition alive.  Or maybe even start a brand new tradition!  

Each beautifully illustrated page includes a Bible story and the scripture verses that correspond with the story.  Then there is a Love Note from Grandma and a Love Note from God at the end.  I love the adorable pictures of a Grandma bear with her grandchildren cubs.  There are fifteen stories in all.  I will be adding this to my list of baby shower gifts.  I plan on giving it to the grandmas-to-be so they can start spending time reading with their grandkids from the very beginning!

*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my review.  The opinions are mine.*

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

HANDS FREE MAMA *Review*


A Guide to putting down the phone, burning the to-do list, and letting go of perfection to grasp what really matters!

It's not often that I get to meet awesome authors in the great state of Indiana.  So when a gal from our MOMSnext group invited us to drive to the big city {Indianapolis!} to meet Rachel Macy Stafford, I jumped on board.  I had already received her book to review from Booksneeze, so now I have an official autographed copy.

*Sidenote...I went to a very small high school.  My graduating class had 25 people in it, and 1992 was a big class.  Some classes had 12-15 kids in them.  So when I see someone from my high school it's kind of a big deal.  And guess what?!?  While waiting in line to meet the Hands Free Mama author, I talked to not one, but two girls from the great Colonial Christian School.  Now onto the book review.


As a mom who is bombarded with technology, it is so easy to get sucked into the tornado.  With a push of a button I can check my children's grades, see how they are behaving is school today, see how much $ they have in their lunch account, I can check the weather radar, I can see if school is delayed, I can look at stranger's pictures, I can spend hours on Instagram and Pinterest, I can read a book, I can check on my Dragon City {it's awesome, by the way}, I can ignore a Candy Crush invite {again!}, I can check local gas prices, and the list goes on and on and on.

What I love and appreciate about this book, is it makes me think.  A lot.  About the time I waste doing all the above things.  About the junk that I let myself worry about.  About the people I compare myself and my kids to.  About the places I want to go/be/do.  I love that she encourages moms to not only put down their {fill-in-the-blank} and make themselves accountable to someone else.  No more distractions.  Figure out what is most important right now.  And be passionate about what your heart is telling you to do.

Life is so short, and we are never guaranteed a tomorrow.  I know I will not wish I'd spent more time on my phone.  I do know I will regret wasting lots of time on unimportant things/people I don't even know/and the list could go on and on.  So I am up to the challenge of becoming a Hands Free Mama!!!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my review.  All opinions and stories are mine.