Mom Loves 2 Read 2 - backup blog: 2013-08-04
For all current Mom Loves 2 Read Reviews, Giveaways, Mommy Moments and More go to ~ www.momloves2read.com

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Historical Conquest Review - A journey through time and a blast to play!


World Map to Domination 









About the Game


Historical Conquest: The Journey Through Time is an
adventurous card game where players can create personalized societies
with key players from history and battle them one against another;
anyone, anywhere, anytime. Each card is complete with: fantastic
illustrations of people, places, events in history; abilities in the
game according to the abilities they had in real life; and a full
summary of their actual history. Eric the Red can help the Mongol Army
conquer Argentina during the Black Plague. Albert Einstein can live
peacefully in Japan under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln during World
War I. The possibilities are endless, as is the fun!

If you can
imagine a game played with actual heroes and villains worldwide from
throughout history, you understand the concept behind Historical
Conquest. The first edition was printed a few years ago and has grown a
following; everyone who has played it loves Historical Conquest.
Unfortunately, due to certain limitations we were not able to mass
produce it… UNTIL NOW!





How to Play



Historical Conquest was created a few years ago by Zack Edwards as a
college project. He was joined by three aspiring artists to create the
first edition. To promote the game, Zack wrote a novel based on the idea
behind Historical Conquest, whose release information will first be
available here on Kickstarter..

Now Zack has been joined by additional partners and artists who
believe in this game and are excited for the second print. But to launch
the game we must raise an additional $5,000. Printing a quality second
edition is proving expensive and that is why we have come to you… JOIN
US.


Some of the changes we have made since printing the 1st
edition include: thicker card stock,higher quality printing, editing a
few errors, larger print, adding more than a 100 new characters, more
realistic/adventurous illustrations (less “cartoonish”), and simplifying
the rule book…







Here are a few of the over 100 new cards available in the 2nd edition.
Here are a few of the over 100 new cards available in the 2nd edition.








This guy makes Genghis Khan look like a school yard bully...
This guy makes Genghis Khan look like a school yard bully...








Think of him as America's First Black Super Spy...
Think of him as America's First Black Super Spy...



Check out the new game that mixes fun and learning -Check it out HERE!



Now for our REVIEW!

My son (who turns 12 next week) did not want to play this game with me.  I had to bribe him to play with me.  We started out reading the directions - which at first confused me a bit.  After reading through and trying to understand, he ended up figuring it out quicker than I did so we started playing.  It didn't take me long to get frustrated when he ended up taking some of my cards, but after a while I got the hang of it and began winning (big time).  I conquered many of his countries, converted his people to my side and ended up winning several battles!  Ah HA!  Mom Rules!  BUT, did he get mad? frustrated? throw his cards and admit defeat?   NO - he wanted to play again - - and again - - - and again!

He loves this game, and even more important, he remembers many of the historical characters and countries that the cards tell about!  At least twice a week he begs someone to play it with him.  This really is a great learning game for kids that is also a lot of fun!



We also love that you can purchase booster packs to add to the game - now we can play with lots of his friends and family!







I just received this information in an email from them!  So exciting!




The boosters, Revolutionary War and Roman
Expansion, are wonderful; this time with improved illustrations, more
captivating history, and better writing. Thanks to the questions and suggestions
of our passionate players and supporters, we have enlisted the help of a third
part editor, who has done some wonderful things editing these new cards. The
Revolutionary War Booster Pack focuses on just the first day,
Lexington and Concord, and tells the stories of the most important events on
that fateful day. The Roman Expansion Booster Pack covers the 500 years
of the Republic: the wars, betrayals, and destruction of Rome at that time. The
deck includes centurions, Caesar Augustus, battle elephants, and different
weaponry. These will boost the interest of any young person to learn more. Here
is the site (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fastfacts/historical-conquest-the-booster-packs
) where you can make these and any other orders for all products we provide at a
huge discount. This site doubles as a fundraiser for new boosters. Orders start
as low as $4 and there are only 3 days left.









In addition to our new editor for the cards, we have also
hired a professional gaming technical writer to re-write the rules and we have
had people remark that the new rules answer every question they could think of.
The rules are now laid out in a very simple and understandable format that
everyone can read and helps them play right away, even if they have never tried
a game like this before. Please check the new rules out on our site: http://www.historicalconquest.com/rules.html.












I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion and are not influenced nor reviewed by the sponsor prior to posting.For more info, see my FTC disclosure or Review Policy.


Friday, August 9, 2013

My FairyTale Books $100 GC Giveaway!







Little Girls love Fairy Tales - especially when SHE is the star!



My FairyTale Books offers you the opportunity to personalize children's books, kids music CDs, baby books & gifts. Read Baby Costcutters' full review to see the great quality of their books.




You can also read my personal review here

and don't worry - there are books for boys too!





There is a wide variety of book choices, including adventure, birthday, educational, fantasy, holiday, sports, and superhero, with customized details such as friend's names, hometowns, special dates and more. The ordering process is very easy, just pick out the book you want and fill in the information needed to create your special story!





One Lucky Winner will receive a $100 eGift Code to My FairyTale Books!




a Rafflecopter giveaway





 Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to US, 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Exciting news - Tyndale Publisher now has a Reward Program!


 


Check out Tyndale Rewards - you can earn points for filling out short surveys, posting book reviews, purchasing inviting your friends and so much more!  





Then turn those points into FREE books and Bibles!


  


I tried it and love it!   I already have enough points to get one or 2 FREE books!


Sound exciting??









I'll receive 10 points for each friend who signs up - and YOU receive 25!  Yes you get MORE just for signing up!





Tyndale Rewards ->Earn Points ->Invite a Friend to Join -> Share Link


So easy and so fun!





Who can pass up something FREE?  I know I have a hard time passing up FREE books!


Give it a try - nothing to lose - lots to gain!





Once you sign up - come back here and leave me a comment below telling me! 


I'd love to find out which friends love free books as much as I do!














I am a member of Tyndale Rewards, this review is my personal opinion and does contain an affiliate link . Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion and are not influenced nor reviewed by the sponsor prior to posting.For more info, see my FTC disclosure or Review Policy.


Exciting news - Tyndale Publisher now has a Reward Program!

 
Check out Tyndale Rewards - you can earn points for filling out short surveys, posting book reviews, purchasing inviting your friends and so much more!  

Then turn those points into FREE books and Bibles!
  
I tried it and love it!   I already have enough points to get one or 2 FREE books!
Sound exciting??


I'll receive 10 points for each friend who signs up - and YOU receive 25!  Yes you get MORE just for signing up!

Tyndale Rewards ->Earn Points ->Invite a Friend to Join -> Share Link
So easy and so fun!

Who can pass up something FREE?  I know I have a hard time passing up FREE books!
Give it a try - nothing to lose - lots to gain!

Once you sign up - come back here and leave me a comment below telling me! 
I'd love to find out which friends love free books as much as I do!



I am a member of Tyndale Rewards, this review is my personal opinion and does contain an affiliate link . Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion and are not influenced nor reviewed by the sponsor prior to posting.For more info, see my FTC disclosure or Review Policy.

Family Travel - how to entertain the kiddos on long trips





Are you in need of some ideas for your next family vacation trip?  Kids getting on your nerves fighting with each other in the car?  Tired of them always playing electronic games the whole trip?  Well, you are in luck!







A place where busy parents can come for great ideas

Find games, travel tips and fun things to do on vacation

Ways to keep the kids from making your trip seem longer than it actually is.






Travel Tips & Tricks



Things We Do:





* Make sure to have a packing list ~ it helps to make sure all the necessities are there with you when you arrive at your destination - one of the worst things a parent can experience is a little one who's favorite toy or bedtime sleepy friend was left home by mistake!

Here are a few websites that I found while searching the web, that have travel packing lists:

http://www.minitime.com/trip-tips/packing-lists

http://travelwithkids.about.com/od/packinglists/a/packing_list.htm

http://www.cozi.com/live-simply/vacation-packing-checklist

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/travel/planning/family-packing-checklist-00000000000234/index.html



* Make a bag/backpack for each kid with their favorite books, coloring books/baggie of crayons, color wonder books/markers, plain paper & colored pencils, and a few small toys.



* Have a few small snacks available as well as small bottles of water for each kid.



* As my kids are getting older, they like to bring electronic games to play.  I prefer they not play them in the car, so instead - we play "I Spy" together, or the "license plate game" or something similar that one of us makes up.  After playing that for a while, they are allowed to play their games for a few minutes as reward.



* An iPod for each child works pretty well for my kids.  When they start to harass each other, having separate iPods with earphones helps them focus on music and less on each other.



* A portable DVD player - one movie they all have to agree on, or Mom picks the movie



* Bring magnetic board games for older kids to play - or chalk board/white boards to play hangman, drawing games and just for crazy doodling fun. 



* Pack a small bag of surprises - I take new books, a new game or movie, small dollar store toys and use them as rewards for behaving in the car.  Each time we stop for gas or potty breaks, they get to pick something new to play with.





From the Web:



Bring the things they can't live without: The days of pacifiers
and favorite blankets may be past, but that doesn't mean your kids
haven't latched on to something else. If he's been reading a certain
book every night up lately, pack it. If she's been working on a
crossword puzzle for weeks, pack it. That doesn't mean everything goes! Set limits (for example, one toy car, not the whole set)
you can live with ahead of time and communicate them early. Kids should
carry their most important possessions in a backpack or wheel-tote they
can carry themselves.(family.go.com)



Tune them in: Talk to them. And remember to listen too. Turn off
the radio in the car and engage the kids in games that require them to
use their attention and imagination while keeping them focused on their
surroundings. On the plane, watch the movie your son picked together or
read the book your daughter is reading with her and you'll have
something to talk about later. (family.go.com)





Submitted by friends:



Made
them travel bags filled w little games..each hr or two they could pick
something out of their bag eyes closed just feeling...pick
stuff they like..don't have to spend a lot of money..go to dollar
store.... (submitted by Gail G - fb friend)




Once in the hotel, read a chapter book so they can look forward to it each night.  Remember to always book a hotel with an indoor pool in case weather gets lousy - mom and dad can take turns with the kids in the pool to give each other some quiet time.

(submitted by Gail G - fb friend)





When we travel across multiple states, I have a "goodie" bag of small toys and treats that each child gets to open.  It helps them focus on the trip and how much fun it can be.  The most recent trip we went through 4 states each way.  So for my 2 kids, they each received 8 little goodie bags!  (Submitted by Rose)






Favorite Places & Spaces


Have a great idea for a place to take the kids on vacation?  Email me and I'll add it here!





* I love taking my kids to the local ZOO or Museum for a day trip.  I usually have grandma and grandpa come along to help keep track of all three kiddos and makes for a fun day - we also take a picnic lunch along.





* For weekend vacations, we try to go somewhere no further than a 3 hour drive.  It is fun to see what local attractions our family can enjoy not too far from home.



So far we've visited:

~ St. Louis, Mo  - Arch, Children's Museum, Zoo, Grant's Farm

~ Indianapolis, IN - Zoo, Museum

~ Grand Bear Lodge in Utica, IL

~ Chicago - American Girl Doll store, Lego store, Sears Tower, 

~ Starved Rock State Park in IL

~ Wisconsin Dells, WI - (Noah's Ark, Wilderness Resort, Rode on the "Ducks")

~ FunCity in Burlington, IA







Places we plan to visit in the near future:

~  The beach - ??

~  Florida (Disney World? Sea World?)

~  Colorado?

~  California - Redwood forest

~  Grand Canyon

~  Chicago





* FOLLOWER FAVORITES:



~

~






Check out my Family Travel Experiences

and Mommy Moments!







Have an idea you'd like to submit?  Comment below - and I'll gladly add it! Have a favorite family vacation spot?  Let me know and I'll add it to my "Follower Favorites" list!

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Baby Bullet Giveaway on Mom Loves 2 Read


Welcome to the Baby Bullet Food Making System Giveaway!



Hosted by:  Savory Savings



LoveMy2Dogs and GottaGetMyBodyBack



Sponsored by: Baby Bullet



baby_bullet_set



Have you thought about making your own baby food, but decided not because you thought it would be too hard or take too much time?  Have you heard of the Baby Bullet?  It is a food puree system by the makers of Magic Bullet – but with special blades and cups just for baby food!  This easy to use machine is convenient, fun and fast!  Krista over at Savory Savings had a chance to review the Baby Bullet and has shared her thoughts on why she wishes she had this when her little ladies were babies and how she is using it now when they are toddlers!


The Baby Bullet can save you not only time, but money as well!  Just one organic sweet potato can make 10 two-ounce containers of food!  At most stores, you can pick one sweet potato up for under $1.00 – that is 10 cents per container!  Wow!



The Baby Bullet can also be used to make smoothies, yogurt pops and soup!  Anything the regular bullet or other small mixers/processors can make, the Baby Bullet can too.  And look how adorable it is - friends and family will love seeing this cute Baby Bullet on your kitchen counter.



Here is your chance to win one for yourself or a friend/family member.  Just fill in as many entries on the giveaway form as you like.  Remember, the more you enter the greater chance of winning - winner is chosen at random.



Would you like to enter to win a Baby Bullet and try your hand at making some baby food?  Enter with the Giveaway Tool below!  This giveaway is open to US residents only, ages 18 and older.  The giveaway will run from August 7, 2013 through August 21, 2013 at 11 PM CST.  Good luck!






Savory Savings did not receive any compensation for this post.  Disclosure: Savory Savings did receive the product for free and is sharing her opinion with you.  Her opinion may differ from yours.  Savory Savings and Mom Loves 2 Read are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook.  We hereby release Facebook of any liability.  The post may contain affiliate links. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours after the giveaway ends to respond before another winner is selected.  All entries will be verified. 

Monday, August 5, 2013

Millie's Treasure by Kathleen Y'Barbo book tour




This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Millie's Treasure


Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2013)


by


Kathleen Y'Barbo





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:






RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.



Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.



A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.



ABOUT THE BOOK





From bestselling author Kathleen Y'Barbo comes Millie's Treasure, the second book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series, a new set of novels involving romance, adventure, and hidden identity.



Memphis 1890--Bookish heiress Millie Jean Cope is as clever as she is beautiful. Unfortunately, though adept at solving puzzles and cryptograms, she doesn't realize her new fiancé isn't who he claims to be, but instead is a charming scoundrel. The infamous Will Tucker is presenting himself as a British gentleman, Sir William Trueck, though in reality he is a crafty criminal looking for a hidden map to a secret treasure.



Pinkerton agent Kyle Russell has been on Tucker's trail for years. At last Kyle believes he has Tucker cornered, but he is uncertain whether the lovely woman on the con man's arm is an unsuspecting victim or willing accomplice. Finding reasons to spend time with Millie is easy. Keeping himself from falling in love with her is another issue entirely.
A fun and entertaining story of how God can shine the light of truth on the most cryptic circumstances.




If you would like to read the first chapter of >Millie's Treasure, go HERE.















I am a reviewer for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. Though I did not receive this book for review, I am posting about it to share with my readers. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion and are not influenced nor reviewed by the sponsor prior to posting.For more info, see my FTC disclosure or Review Policy.


Sunday, August 4, 2013

Back to School Giveaway with lots of fun prizes for lots of winners!


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Join the FUN with a Back to School Contest - Win some great prizes!  


Coupon Friendly & Mom Loves 2 Read have teamed up with some of the coolest Bloggers and Sponsors to bring you this Back to School Giveaway. With lots of great prizes and lots of winners - there is something for nearly everyone in this giveaway event!







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Thanks to our amazing Sponsors: Umi Children Shoes, I See Me, Classroom Friendly Supplies, Midnight Velvet, Cool Gear, Funbites, Florsheim Shoes

Coupon Friendly had the privilege to review a many of these awesome products and wanted to share a couple snippets of the reviews:

 035512“What I loved about the dress is that although the fabric was a little heavy, it covered me very well. I actually prefer it to be a little heavy. Many other dresses I have purchased have been thin and light, and when I put them on, they were see-through! YIKES! I was very satisfied by this dress, no doubt. I felt comfortable, beautiful and modest.” Midnight Velvet Review






photo 4“My 5 year old son is starting Kindergarten this year, and most of the time, my children eat the school lunches. There are times, though, when they beg me to let them take their lunches. The Cool Gear lunch box not only keeps my son’s lunch cool longer with its insulation (not to mention, it’s an easy clean up if there is a spill), but it’s got it’s own unique style to it. My three older kids loved the colors and designs.” Cool Gear Review







The prizes include:


$60 Umi Gift Card
Personalized lunch box 


I See Me ($29.95)
Pencil Sharpener 



$50 Midnight Velvet Gift Card
 


Lunch box from Cool Gear ($15.99)
 


Funbites ($12.99)
 


$60 Florsheim Shoes





Enter below for your chance to win one of these awesome 7 prizes! Good luck!





 (Disclaimer: Mom Loves 2 Read is not responsible for the shipments of the prizes. Any opinions I have on this post is 100% my own.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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