Mom Loves 2 Read 2 - backup blog: 2014-03-09
For all current Mom Loves 2 Read Reviews, Giveaways, Mommy Moments and More go to ~ www.momloves2read.com

Friday, March 14, 2014

{Review} Penny Auctions Canada Leather Charm Bracelets, Daily Deals and More

Disclosure: I received this product free as part of an advertorial.





Super-hot this year!!  These bracelets includes multiple strands
adorned by silver alloy charms. Fastened together by two steel clamps,
It includes a lobster claw clasp and back chain, making it fully
adjustable to fit any wrist size.  With lots of styles to choose from
these will surely be a staple in your spring/summer wardrobe!




Materials include: Leather, alloy, wax linen cord, suede.





At Penny Auctions Canada, you can purchase fun and flirty items like these leather charm bracelets here with bid packages:







I received one for review, but it was too big for my wrist, then my youngest daughter saw it and took off with it to add to her personal collection of jewelry before I could get a photo of it!  She is such a little Fashion Diva!  I wish I could have chosen my own design - I love the 3rd photo best - the double hearts and music sign - my kids all play piano and we love music of all kinds - it would be perfect for myself and my girls.  I also really like the last one, with LOVE, an infinity sign and a cross - my older daughter really likes that one too.

At Penny Auctions Canada - there are all sorts of items up for bid.  From electronics, household items, clothing, jewelry and so much more with their Daily Deals. 








Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review using Tomoson.com. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

{Review} A Sweet Night of Slumber with the Most Comfortable Hypoallergenic Pillow




 



How many of us have trouble sleeping?  How many also suffer from neck or back pain that interrupt a good night sleep?  Well, if you are anything like me, it is both.



Finding a pillow that supports my head and neck, yet also comforms to the shape of my neck so as to be comfortable rather than hard has been quite a challenge.  The pillows I usually use, tend to flatten and get misshaped within a couple of months of use.  They start out being too big and bulky, then quickly lose their

firmness and finally are too flat and uncomfortable to help me with a restful night sleep.



I have been using the Sweet Slumber Pillow from Reverie for 3 weeks now and I love it.  With my husband's allergies I cannot sleep on down pillows, which have been recommended in the past - so finding that Reverie has hypoallergenic pillows made from shredded latex/rubber made it a good choice for me to try out for this review.  Thankfully, I am not allergic to latex!  So, if you are allergic to latex this pillow is not for you, but definitely check out the other great products by Reverie!







The pillow came enclosed in a zippered plastic bag - inside a box, to keep it clean.  My first night using it, I noticed a faint smell similar to balloons - lol, not surprising considering the rubber interior!  It was not unpleasant and by the second night, I could no longer smell anything.



The pillow was easy to conform to my neck while providing support without being too hard/firm.  I was able to rest comfortably each night with little to no neck pain the next morning.  This was amazing considering that I normally wake with a bit of pain each day, and usually am restless all night trying to get comfortable.



The Sweet Slumber Pillow from Reverie so far is the best pillow I have yet tried.  After 3 weeks of use, it is just like new the day it arrived!



I have since went to the Reverie.com website to look around at all the other products.  I would love to tryMattresses which sound like they would be perfect for my husband and myself - as well as the Easy-Pack Travel Neck Pillow!

the Customizable Dream Cell Sleep System



To find out more about Reverie Sleep Products, go to their website online at Reverie.com ~ like them on Facebook  ~ and follow on twitter






Disclosure: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

{Review} Keep the children safe with Parking Pal decals

Disclosure: I received a free product for this review through Tomoson.com.








 http://www.parkingpalmagnet.com/



The Parking Pal is a car magnet that will  entertain kids while keeping
them safe at the same time! Children are automatically drawn to the
unique, colorful, fun designs of the Parking Pal. Helping to reduce the
possibility of parking lot injury, the Parking Pal is a simple,
affordable solution to keep kids safe and right next to your car.



Penalty Pal- Removable and easy to reposition wall decal used for time-out spots.



Emergency Phone List- Removable and easy to reposition wall decal to write


emergency phone numbers.  Great for kids who stay home alone or
babysitters.

 





My Review:

For this review, I was sent a package that included 1 Penalty Pal, 1 Parking Pal, and an Emergency Phone List.  My favorite of the three items is the Parking Pal.  Although my kids are now old enough to know better, and to stay close to Mom in parking lots - I love the idea of using the Parking Pal to help keep young ones safer around vehicles.  Many times I've had close calls with my kids, when trying to put groceries or kiddos into the car, while another one wanders around, and sometimes gets into the street or busy traffic of a parking lot.  Having a Parking Pal magnet on the side of the car, would have helped keep them safer - a visual reminder that they need to keep their hands right on the car near Mom or Dad to stay safe.  What a great way to teach kiddos to stay near Mom or Dad.  Most young children learn visually, and having a place right on the car to put their little hand is the perfect way to show them that staying close to Mom and Dad is safe and can also be fun.



I like the Penalty Pal sticker for home use.  Often, when I send my kids to "Time Out" I just pick a corner for them to sit in where I can keep an eye on them while doing my house work.  For the Penalty Pal - it is easy for even very young children to find their "Time Out" spot by placing the cute Penalty Pal sticker in one place where they always know to go.



And though little ones (Like my 5 year old in this picture) are usually not very happy to be put in Time Out, they always know where to go with the Penalty Pal sticker - and I love that they are reusable.  It is easy to peel them off (no damage to the wall) and re-apply them in another spot, or home.





Penalty Pal and Parking Pal both make wonderful gifts for new parents or family/friends.  Get a Parking Pal in a different color/style for each child - it comes in 8 different colors/styles! Get a different Penalty Pal for each floor of your home or for Grandparents' house, or for on the go - Penalty Pal comes in 4 different resusable colors.








Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review using Tomoson.com. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

{Book Tour & Giveaway} The Seven Secrets of Successful Parents by Randy Colton Rolfe ~ $25 Amazon Giveaway









ABOUT THE SEVEN SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL PARENTS


 

 



Title: The Seven Secrets of
Successful Parents

Genre: Parenting/Family & Relationshiops

Author: Randy Colton Rolfe

Publisher: iUniverse

Pages: 340

Language: English

Format: Ebook





“Throughout her seven secrets,
Rolfe models how parenting can be the most fulfilling work of our lives.”

—Linda Aronson, author of Big Spirits, Little Bodies





Every parent has the
innate power to be successful. But


life can get in the way. It is hard to be at
your best when you are tired, angry, rushed, surprised, preoccupied, or just
too busy. But then you may have to deal with regret, frustration, or guilt, or
a hurt or angry child.





In The Seven Secrets
of Successful Parents, author and family therapist Randy Colton Rolfe shares
the core attitudes which will prepare and empower you to be successful in any
parenting situation. With her powerful approach of prepared, holistic,
responsive parenting, you can master all these parenting goals and more:




• Setting appropriate limits that stick

• Promoting safe relationships

• Inspiring learning

• Nurturing your child’s spirit

• Rebuilding after negative feelings

• Fostering good judgment

• Venting parental frustration harmlessly

• Resisting unhelpful criticism from outsiders

• Encouraging your child to speak up with respect

• Enjoying your child totally, without reservation





In The Seven Secrets
of Successful Parents you will discover new options, helpful case histories,
amusing anecdotes, valuable research, dialogues, and meditations to help you
raise happy, healthy, productive children. Watch your parenting success grow!









ABOUT RANDY COLTON ROLFE




Randy Colton Rolfe has been counseling families for over 25 years. Author of
four other books on family life, including You Can Postpone Anything But Love,
she is an internationally known speaker and media personality. She and her
husband have a son and a daughter and live in Pennsylvania and California.
Visit Randy online at 
www.randyrolfe.com.






a Rafflecopter giveaway











Disclosure: I am a blogger with Pump Up Your Book Virtual Tours. All materials included in this post were provided by the author and PUYB tours. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

{Personal Review} I'm in Tears - seriously! Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

Ok, I wasn't going to read it.  Really!

I said that all those people claiming it was too much like Hunger Games but not nearly as good had convinced me to just avoid reading it so I wouldn't waist my precious time.  But, when a good friend mentioned recently that her book club was reading Divergent by Veronica Roth and she absolutely loved it - well, I just couldn't resist.  After all, what would it hurt to just read the first book to see what is was like.



Now, I'm in tears - seriously!  I was crying so hard - I actually sobbed!  My youngest was sitting here in the living room with me watching her favorite morning shows, while I'm finishing book 3! Yes, Book 3 of the

series - Allegiant.  And, I'm in tears - it upset her so she came over to hug me and asked if I needed her to cuddle with me so I could feel better!  She doesn't understand how a book can make Mommy Cry - after all, it is just a story - Right??



Divergent: One choice
can transform you. 




In Beatrice Prior's
dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each
dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the
honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the
peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every
year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will
devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between
staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have
both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During
the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames
herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out
the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical
tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with
devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must
determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with
a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life
she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from
everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she
discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her
seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help
her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her.




 
 


Insurgent:
One choice can destroy you. 



One choice can
transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences,
and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must
continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with
haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty,
politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked
by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day
ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the
factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be
chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more
irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but
also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting
relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does
not know what she may lose by doing so.








Allegiant: One Choice will Define You



The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times
bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world
that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent,
told from a riveting dual
perspective
.




The faction-based
society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by
violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when
offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris
is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple
new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and
painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming
than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered
meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves.
And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human
nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage,
allegiance, sacrifice, and love.



My Review:

Well, I started by looking for the best way to get these books - I did not want to purchase them until I knew if I liked them or not, so I tried going through the Kindle Lending Library - no luck!  So, I went online to my library's ebook loan website and found the first two books in a 2-pack.  I put them on "hold" and found myself to be #53 on the waiting list - not good when I want to read something right now! lol

I went ahead and put a hold on Allegiant as well, then went to my library catalog and put "holds" on the print copies too - I was number 78 on that list!  Must be popular books if everyone seems to want to read them!



I was able to start reading the first 2 ebooks the next day (faster than I expected!) and could not put them down!  I read both ebooks in less than a day and a half (including time to sleep and take care of kids and home).  I did not like having to wait to read Allegiant as I fell in love with the characters, the story and their world.  It really was well written and dramatic in the right way.  I was entranced with the idea of a post-war world, the faction system and those thought to be "divergent."  I kept finding myself wondering what the "test" would have said about me?  As I also find myself similar to different factions but don't think I would do well in just one.  I guess I'm Divergent too! lol



When Allegiant arrived at the library for me, I could not wait to get started reading, but had to wait until last night after the kids activities were done for the day.  I started reading around 6pm, with many interruptions and stopped to get some rest at 10:20pm last night.  I resumed my reading this morning and finished the book a little bit ago - reading for just over 2 hours to complete the book - 526 pages.  I had to stop reading several times in the last few chapters because I was crying so hard - I do occasionally find tears on my face when reading especially emotional books, but rarely get so into the story and the lives of the characters that it affects me that deeply.  I must say, that although I did not like how the lives of my favorite characters take some unexpected and unlikable turns, I applaud the author for making difficult choices to tell her story and get the point across. 



Do I agree with the distopian world depicted in this Divergent Trilogy?  Not necessarily, yet I can see the similar mindset and ideas in our own world and how the author could have come to this idea as a fictional future.  And for those of you who are wondering - Yes, I will be purchasing the whole series to add to my personal library to read over and over and over - lol.  Yes, I will be buying them in Print - not ebook form.










Disclaimer:  This review is my personal and honest opinion.  I did not receive any compensation, nor any free book or product for this review.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

What would you do if you found out you were the only person to save a kingdom? {Review} Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck



Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.
But she's content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto
restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will
leap from the pages of her grandmother's hand-painted book of
fairytales. 




Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of
Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he
must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation's
future---and his own.
Yet lurking in


the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister
plans to abolish the throne forever.




Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she's destined to
restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together---with a little divine
intervention---Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and
the healing power of true love.




My Review:

It took me until the fourth chapter to really grasp what was going on in the story.  It jumps back and forth in time from Princess Alice in 1914 writing in her Diary, to present day events.  Once I realized what was happening, it was easier to get into the flow of the story being told from both times and continue to allow myself to fall into the rythm of the story.



As this story progressed, I found that it is one that does seem similar in some ways to the movie "The Princess Diaries" yet still remains unique in the way in which the author tells of the history of Hessenberg, Reggie and Tanner.



The story is well-written and flows pretty well once the first few chapters are read.  I was able to get into the flow of the story in spite of the way that many of the characters speak in a more "proper English" style.  I really liked Reggie, but wasn't sure what I thought of Tanner at first.  He grew on me throughout the story as I learned more about his past and his personality until I fell in love with his character as well.



Overall this was a fun and entertaining Christian Fiction book that I enjoyed reading for this review.  I highly recommend this book!





About the Author:

Rachel Hauck is the bestselling author of ACFW Book of the Year winner Sweet Caroline, RITA Finalist Love Starts With Elle, bestselling and RITA Finalist The Wedding Dress,
and of the critically acclaimed fiction collaboration with
multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, The Songbird Novels. Hauck’s
latest release, is Princess Ever After, the second release in the Royal Wedding series. Once Upon A Prince (the first in the series), received rave reviews, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist.




Hauck earned a degree in Journalism from Ohio State University and is
a huge Buckeyes fan. She worked in the corporate software world until
2004 when she began to write fulltime. Although she admits to being
Yankee-born, Hauck has lived in the south most of her life and works her
southern experience into her stories. She now lives in sunny, though
sometimes hurricane-plagued, central Florida with her husband and writes
from her own two-story tower.




She is the past president of American Christian Fiction Writers and
now serves on the executive board. She was named ACFW 2013 Mentor of the
Year.




Hauck is also one of ten author contributors to Southern Belle View Daily.

Visit her website at www.rachelhauck.com to sign up for her newsletter, read her blog and follow her on Facebook (Rachel Hayes Hauck) and Twitter (@RachelHauck).






Disclosure: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Wellness Natural Food for Pets ~ What's in Your Bag? #checkyourbag




 Disclaimer: This is a paid advertorial.





How much do you know about the ingredients in your dog food bag?  Are you feeding your pet the healthiest food you can?  Did you know that a diet formulated with wholesome, natural
ingredients could help your dog live a longer, healthier life, but that most
dog foods aren’t made up of natural ingredients?








Wellness recipes do not include added artificial colors,
flavors or ingredients, and they’ve even created a helpful  “Check Your Bag” website
that you can use to compare their natural dog food to those from some

competitors
who claim to be natural. 
I for one, did not know that my dog food does not have the same quality, natural ingredients that Wellness Pet Food does - I checked the comparison list and our dog food, although Vet Recommended, does not measure up to Wellness.  





Why not check yours too and let me know how it compares?







Wellness Pet Food uses natural,
high-quality proteins and fats in their dog food recipes. They also include



fruits
and vegetables for natural vitamins, minerals and other benefits, especially
antioxidants that occur in blueberries, cranberries and some vegetables, which help
make their dog food products some of the healthiest options in the marketplace.






Sounds good to me.  I love knowing that my dog is getting the best nutrition she can to keep her healthy and strong for as long as possible.  She is a very important part of our family and I cannot imagine feeding her anything but natural, nutritious, Vet-recommended food.







Some of the biggest benefits to Wellness® Complete Health®
Recipes include
:






·        *
Live Active Probiotics – Added after the cooking
process to promote a healthy intestinal tract and overall digestive health at
guaranteed levels






·        *
Omega 3 & 6 Mix – Offering guaranteed levels
of essential fatty acids for cellular function and healthy skin






·        * 
Essential Vitamins & Minerals – Designed for
cellular health, immunity and disease resistance






·        *
Fruit & Veggie Antioxidants – A proactive
step in improving your pet’s nutrition






·        * 
Rigorous Safety Testing – A Quality Assurance program
that maintains strict standards for food safety






·        *
Excellent Nutritional Standards – Every batch of
dry food is tested throughout the entire manufacturing process, from its basic
ingredients to the finished products















 




Disclosure:  Although I did receive compensation for this post, the opinions are 100% my own.  I do not accept compensated posts about any website or product that I do no think my readers will like. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Come Join the Luck Be A Baby March Giveaway - enter to win some fantastic Prizes - #LuckBeABaby










Welcome To The Pot-O-Gold Giveaway! 

The Moms at The Kids Did It, Coupons and Lesson Plans and The Mommy Island along with a fabulous group of bloggers are excited to offer you a chance to win baby gear! This event features some of the latest

trends in baby gear for 2014 to help make life easier for moms and dads. With 3 lucky winners each winning a prize package worth over $250! Join us as we celebrate babies with our Luck Be A Baby giveaway!



Here's your chance to try your Luck (yes, pun intended) at winning one of these great prize packages - Don't have a baby to use these gifts for?  Why not give them to a friend, family member or donate them to someone who could use them!  Either way - you win!





A special thank you to all of Pot-O-Gold sponsors!


Prize Package 1 Includes:



  • Combi- Infant Shuttle Car Seat

  • Ah Goo Baby- Grab-and-Go Diaper Bag and Pacifier Tote

  • MAM- Gift Package- Winner's Choice (Boy,Girl or Neutral) 

  • Tommee Tippee- 360 Diaper Sealer Pail

  • Crane- One Drop Humidifier 


Prize Package #2 Includes:



Prize Package #3 Includes:



  • Bella Materna- Sexy T-shirt Nursing Bra

  • Minky Couture- Infant Blanket

  • Ubbi2 Eco-friendly Cloth Pail Liners, 1 Box Biodegradable Plastic Diaper Pail Liners, and Decorative Decals

  • MAM- Gift Package- Winner's Choice (Boy,Girl or Neutral) 

  • Crane- 3 Glo-Buddies











Three lucky winners selected by rafflecopter will each win a prize package valued at over $250! Open to readers in the US, 18 years and older. Open for entry from 3/10-3/17 at 11:59pm EST. 

Void where prohibited. One entrant per person per computer. Winners will have 48 hours to claim prize package or a new winner will be chosen.




a Rafflecopter giveaway


Neither this site nor the participating bloggers are responsible for prize fulfillment.


 

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