American Heritage Girls ~ Another year another great adventure!

American Heritage Girls

I LOVE American Heritage Girls. If you are interested in learning more about American Heritage Girls, visit their website at www.American Heritage Girls.org

My two girls and I started with our local AHG troop in August of 2015. Since then we have enjoyed many fun adventures!  My youngest started out as a 2nd year Tenderheart, and my older daughter started as a 2nd year Explorer.

I began as not only an AHG Mom but also an Assistant Unit Leader.  I have also taken on the Assistant Treasurer position as well as help coordinate different outings and events and occasionally teach as the need arises.

My family believes in the core values of the AHG program – growing women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.

While merit badges are not the focus of AHG, my daughters enjoy this aspect and the sense of accomplishment that brings.  With each year in AHG, my girls earn approx 5-8 badges during our troop meetings and at home.  Then with Summer Camp they each earned additional badges. 

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AHG helps girls acquire skills that will assist them in all areas of life.  These skills may include how to use a computer, sew on a button, protect themselves, learn about their ancestors or what it takes to be an astronaut.



Girls will learn many skills as they earn AHG Achievement Badges.  The badge program allows them to learn from older girls, and also gives them the chance to teach younger girls!





The American Heritage Girls Achievement Badge Program is divided into six "Frontiers."



These frontiers, when offered together during the year, offer a well-rounded program.  Each badge can be earned at three different levels (Tenderheart, Explorer, and Pioneer/Patriot).



The six Frontiers of the American Heritage Girl program include:



Our Heritage                Personal Well-Being                Family Living

The Arts                     Science and Technology           Outdoor Skills

As we start our second year with AHG, I just wanted to spread the word on how much we love this adventure and the morals and lessons that the girls learn.  They make new life long friends and grow in their faith and integrity.  To find out more about American Heritage Girls or to find a troop near you, check out their website at: https://www.americanheritagegirls.org/

Riley Mae and the Sole Fire Safari by Jill Osborne

If you’re gonna run for your life, you gotta wear the right shoes.

Pre-teen shoe model Riley Mae laces up her flaming orange Sole Fire running shoes for another ad campaign—this time in Kenya, Africa! Kenya is the perfect place for runners to train, with its high elevation and encouragement from Olympic athletes. It’s also a great hiding place for Riley and her Swiftriver friends from so-

called enemies back in the United States … but for how long?

Adjusting to a new culture is difficult. Every chore is tiring, school is miles away, and there’s always the threat of a lurking lion that can ruin everything. But after spending time with the children and Christian women in her friend Sunday’s remote village, Riley finds herself growing stronger and praying for God to use her to spread the good news. Her prayers are answered in exciting and startling ways when she meets an orphaned girl seeking answers at a children’s home, but also when an error in judgment causes her to stumble into a surprise meeting with the enemy.

Review:

"Riley Mae and the Sole Fire Safari" is by Jill Osborne and is the third book in the Good News Shoes series. 



Riley Mae Hart is a pre-teen "spokesmodel" for running shoes.  She has the opportunity to travel to Kenya, Africa for her next ad campaign! Riley loves to run so when she learns that Kenya is the perfect place to train for running, she gets very excited. She and her friends also need a great place to hide from enemies in the US, so off they go to join other Olympic athletes in Kenya, Africa.

Riley is a good character who has a strong faith in God.  She spreads the Good News of Christ to those she meets on her adventures.  Although she struggles with the differences in the culture in Kenya, she eventually grows to love life in the village.  Unfortunately all is not safe and carefree for Riley and her friends.

This is the first book in this series that I have read.  Although I did enjoy the adventure I feel I may have missed some information because I have not yet read the first two books.  I highly recommend starting with the first book in this series.  It is a great story for young girls who strive to live their faith even when things get tough.





Riley Mae and the Sole Fire Safari can be purchased at these and other great websites:

Amazon

Christian Book

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post through the Book Look Blogger Program 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.”.

IT Girl 4 Life - build unshakable self-confidence and bring out your special something!

Genre: 

YA nonfiction — self-esteem/ self help/ personal growth/inspiration/motivation.



Publisher: Heart Project Publishing

Release Date: June 15, 2014

Buy: Amazon | BN

Book Description:


"YOU have IT. IT is the GREATNESS you were born with." - from the book

Writer,
artist, and speaker, Tamara Branch serves up 40 bite-sized chapters on
how to build unshakable self-confidence, honor your life, and shine
bright

in the world, in ITGIRL4LIFE: How to bring out your special something and so much more. Get ready to fall in love with your own wisdom, beauty, and strength.

---

Tamara
Branch is from New York, born and raised in the Bronx. She is thrilled
to share her first book release, ITGIRL4LIFE: How to bring out your
special something and so much more. The book kicks off the ITGIRL4LIFE
self-esteem movement to help empower girls to stand up, stand out and
shine bright in the world.
Tamara
has worked as a professional model and actor for almost two decades.
She strutted down the runway for designers Calvin Klein, Donna Karen and
Christian Dior, acted in a few independent films,
co-hosted PBS New York’s education series, “What’s up in Technology”
and appeared T.V. commercials and print ads for Levi’s, Old Navy,
Hershey’s, Colgate, Kellogg’s Special K, Revlon, Hanes, Nike and many
others. A Penn State alumnus and lifelong student of personal
development, Tamara is deeply passionate about uplifting the human
spirit.



After
graduating from Institute for Integrative Nutrition, studying under
Deepak Chopra, Dr. Andrew Weil and some of the top health and wellness
experts in the world, she was inspired to raise the bar on her own ‘self
care’ and support others in living more vibrantly. She is an abstract
artist and teaches a dynamic dance class, where she gets to fuse her
varied background, having trained in everything from jazz, ballet and
modern to Afro-Caribbean and Salsa.



Tamara
was recently asked to become a Female Visionary Author guest blogger
for The Brave Heart Women Global Community. She's a SAG/AFTRA member
since 1998, a member of Society of Children’s Book Writers and
Illustrators and is represented by Abrams Artists Agency.



Tamara currently lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband of
seven years and offers ITGIRL4LIFE workshops to assist girls on their
self empowerment journey. Her second book is due out next Spring. Stay
tuned!



Author Links -

http://www.tamarabranch.com
http://tamarabranch.com/tams-blog/ 

https://www.facebook.com/itgirl4lifemovement
https://twitter.com/itgirl4life
http://www.pinterest.com/branch0204/
http://linkd.in/1s7bSPA
https://www.goodreads.com/
http://amzn.to/1nPlKs7 

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 ~ Every28.com sends feminine products out monthly

Every28.com delivers tampons to women every month! (It's about time,
right). Women can customize their monthly period to their needs by
choosing whatever brands they want, the quantities they need, even the


delivery date. Best part of all, chocolates are included in every
monthly package. It's you period, your way. www.Every28.com

 My Review:

For those of us with young girls, this monthly box of necessities would come in very handy.  I do not yet have that "issue" in my home but it will be coming within the next few years.  It is nice to know that there is a monthly subscription service that sends out feminine products to women and girls to help keep up stocked up!  I also like that it has a variety of products to try so we don't have to pay for a whole box or bag of products until we know they work for us.

Unfortunately before I could complete my review, Every28.com closed down.  I do not know if they will open back up sometime in the near future but I sure hope that they do.

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.”.

{Product Review} Alexa's Angels Positivity Bracelets ~ Stay Positive and Pass It On

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Product History

This product was developed after a devastating tornado hit the community
of Windsor, CO, where Alexa's Angels headquarters. The bracelet sets
were an immediate hit, serving as a way to keep a positive attitude and
to share hope with others in the midst of tragedy. Their popularity has
grown as customers find inspiration in the product and use

it as a way
to connect with others during times of tragedy and also for joyful
occasions like weddings and family reunions. They make perfect gifts for
friends, family and colleagues of all ages, bringing people together
around a mutual desire to stay positive.



Product Details

Positivity Bracelets are a reminder that "attitude is a choice and
positivity is contagious!" Packaged as a set of 3 bracelets, the carding
explains their pass-it-on concept: "Keep one bracelet for yourself and
share the others with loved ones, friends, or even strangers. Be
positive! Pass it on and have fun!" Crafted of rhodium and nylon, they
are stretch fit, one-size-fits-all bracelets.





See them all at http://alexas-angels.com/product-category/collection/positivity/?orderby=price

Shareyourpositivity.org

The front side of the bracelet's central metal piece reads "posi+ivi+y" and the reverse side directs the wearer to http://www.shareyourpositivity.org,
a website inviting the public to share inspirational stories, photos,
and quotes. Here, you’ll find stories of life situations made easier by
friends and family members that reached out to share some hope. Some
bracelet wearers share that the product help them stay hopeful through
difficult medical diagnoses and treatments, to share encouragement with
loved ones going through difficult passages, and to enforce a
transformation of their own attitude in daily living. Positivity lovers
may subscribe at the site to receive notices when a new post is shared.





My Review:

My girls love to wear jewelry - especially bracelets.  I love the idea that these bracelets promote positivity

and also sharing with others.  They come in fun, bright colors and are made to get noticed, yet be comfortable to wear all day long.   With many of their friends wearing layers of bracelets, these adorable pieces of jewelry not only fit in with the style and design of many of their favorite jewelry pieces but also have a great message for them to share with others.  I like the variety of colors to choose from and especially the different designs available - including my older daughter's favorite ~ the crystal bracelets and my personal favorite the cinch bracelets.



I personally love the story behind how these bracelets were created.  With a recent devastating tornado going through my home area, I can empathize with those who experienced the damaging effects of the loss involved in that type of disaster at the Alexa's Angels headquarters.  I applaud their outreach and will continue to support them and other similar businesses that show their support of those in need during hard times.





About Alexa’s Angels

Women have connected with Alexa’s Angels designs since 1995 when founder
Beth Lang first began selling her jewelry creations at art shows across
the country. Since then, Beth and “her Angels” have grown Alexa’s
Angels into a fashion-forward accessory company well known for its
innovative and stylish designs. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to
inspire heartfelt emotions. Wearable, giftable and meaningful, designs
by Alexa’s Angels create connections and nurture a sense of well being.
Proud to be a company with a social conscience, the team at Alexa’s
Angels is dedicated to creating, finding and supporting programs that
benefit women.

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.”.

Darling Diva Style at affordable prices with O' What A Bow Hairbows for every occasion! Review & Giveaway

I'd like to introduce you to my friend Kim over at O' What A Bow.  She is a stay at home mom to 2 adorable kiddos and started making hair bows for her daughter's collection.  Then she realized that she
really enjoyed making them. You can find her hair bow designs on her Etsy Store - https://www.etsy.com/shop/Owhatabow   And on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OWhatABow



She is frequently adding new and amazing looking bows to her
inventory.  She accepts special orders and ships 6 days a week. All her bows
come with the option of an alligator clip or barrette.



Kim was kind enough to send me some of her fabulous bows for review and has even

offered a Giveaway just for the wonderful followers here on Mom Loves 2 Read!

I must confess that I had a very hard time trying to choose which ones I would want.  She has so many different designs and styles that I got a bit overwhelmed, so I had to start making a list of all the ones I liked.  When that didn't work - as the list was still very very long, I just decided to go with mostly Holiday bows for  my girls to wear for their Christmas Programs and for Church, School and Outings this Holiday Season, with a couple non-Holiday bows as well so I could show a nice variety here for this review.

With Christmas less than 2 weeks away, and on my mind of course, I chose to start with bows that would coordinate with both of my girls' Christmas outfits.  Reds, Greens and fun for both girls to wear for the whole season.  One with Adorable Reindeer (with a cute little red nose) - and one that says "I <3 p="" santa="">

Then, I could not find a bow that I thought would match my older daughter's dress for her Christmas Program - so I sent Kim a photo asking if she could help me figure out which bow would match best - instead of showing me what she had in her current selection - she made this perfect custom bow to match . . .

My daughter was absolutely Thrilled - she could not believe how perfect the bow looks with her Christmas Dress!  What do you think?



Then, since we love having pretties in our hair - I had to choose some that did not have a Christmas Theme for the girls to wear all year long . . I fell in love with these adorable purple owls - and my youngest has a shirt that matches perfectly!  She just had to wear it to school to show off to her friends!

And finally - what Deer loving family would be complete without a cammo bow for those wanna-be hunters to wear?  My darling divas both wanted to wear this one at the same time - had to make sure that they know how to take turns choosing - at least until I can purchase some more from Kim!

So now my girls are more than ready to rock their outfits this holiday season!  What do you think of their Hair Pretties from O' What a Bow?

And what more fun could I possibly share with you?  How about a chance to win 4 bows of your own from O' What A Bow?

Enter below for a chance to win a set of 4 bows of choice from O' What a Bow's current selection!  Open to US residents 18 and older.  Giveaway runs from 12/16 through 12/31!

Entry-Form

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.”.

Fun Girls Capris Leggings review with Discount Coupon Code - Review on Mom Loves 2 Read

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Twirly Girl Capris leggings are made of very soft jersey material that stretches for comfort.  They are machine washable and made from 96% Polyester / 4% Spandex and are Made in the USA.



Girls can wear these cute capris leggings alone, or under a skirt or dress to keep warm or just to add a little style to their outfit. 

These Girls Capris Leggings are available in sizes

12-18 mos up to size 14  - a whole lot of sizes for the little girls who love to twirl!

My Review:

Although it is usually my youngest who LOVES to wear leggings every day all day with any and every outfit, I thought it would be fun to find a cute pair of leggings for my older daughter to try - I would love to see her wear more skirts and dresses and what better way to dress her up than to get her an adorable and stylish pair of girls capris leggings to wear!?!



So for this review, we were sent a cute pair of Twirly Girl capris leggings in two tone blue stripes with pretty pink lacy trim.  She was thrilled and went to her closet to find a couple outfits to match these adorable accessories!



Being a very active gymnast - she had to show off her personal style for the pictures by flipping and dancing around - we took the pictures right before my girls' had a sleepover in our living room.  The cute leggings came wrapped in a fun lacy fabric which she just had to use as a head scarf - so cute!  And a fun card with a link to a fun Girl's Personality Quiz!

In addition to a variety of these adorable capris leggings for girls, Twirly Girl also has adorable Twirly Girl Dresses, skirts, tops, bottoms and additional accessories!  I know both of my girls will love shopping more on Twirly Girl!  I love the dress and skirt designs and we all love those leggings!





Mom Loves 2 Read readers can use this special discount code to purchase items from Twirly Girl for 15% off!  Here is my Unique Coupon Code just for YOU -  "TGFun10"

Use this fun code to receive 15% off your first visit to TwirlyGirl. But HURRY - It expires on 1/11/14.

Make sure to like Twirly Girl on Facebook to keep up with more great discounts and sales!

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.”.

Kamik ~ Great Boots at Great Prices - Review on Mom Loves 2 Read - Holiday Gift Guide 2013

When I found the chance to work on a review of Kamik Boots - I was quite excited.  With a family of 5 purchasing new winter boots each year can be a daunting and often expensive task.  Finding not only boots that will Last all winter, but also be cute and fun to wear while holding up to the wear and tear of three rambunctious and active kiddos is one that I do not usually look forward to each Fall season.





With Kamik, all my dread was for nothing - When the HUGE box arrived with a pair of boots for each member of my family I was so excited - I just could not wait to open it and start trying them out - even in the 75 degree weather!  At Kamik you get fashionable style without losing the feeling in your toes.  Comfort, warmth, waterproof and adorable too!

My 9 year old daughter chose the Snowbank2 in aqua, My 5 year old chose these adorable Snowgypsy boots with the faux fur in fuchsia, for my 12 year old son, we received Greenbay4 in black, for my husband, a great pair of hunting boots ~ Snowcliff in Gaucho, and last but not least - for me - the Mom in the family ~ a fun pair of Encore in light grey.

These boots from Kamik are fun to wear, mostly comfortable, warm and waterproof.  My daughters were both so excited they wanted to wear theirs right away.  My youngest even wore hers to Kindergarten when it was still 65 degrees out because she said they were stylish and "matched" her outfit - lol

My boots are cute and mostly comfortable.  I am very picky about shoes and boots as my ankles are bony and many times boots rub those exposed areas and cause soreness and problems for me.  These boots from Kamik fit great and do not rub my usual spots - they are however a little uncomfortable in at the top of the back/above the heel area for me - but not so much that I can't walk in them - otherwise they keep my feet warm and dry and are great for walking my little one to school each afternoon.

The boots have a faux fur lining to keep the cold wind out of my boot and away from my feet - they are thick and warm and great for winter weather!

My husband wasn't sure he would like his boots the first time he put them one.  They were heavy and uncomfortable at first - until he wore them out hunting - after walking on uneven ground for hours, he told me they were Great boots and he is so glad I got them for him!  They kept his feet warm and dry and were much more comfortable than he thought they would be.  Great for Fall/Winter hunting, camping or shovelling snow in!

We can't wait for more snow so we can keep wearing our Kamik boots and keep our tootsies toasty and dry!  Check out Kamik for your winter Boot and Shoe needs - they carry more than just these boots I've mentioned, they also have: Spring/Summer Sandals, Rain Boots, replacement liners for boots and more - There is even a Kid's Club and a Recycling program to change those old, outgrown, worn out boots into something new!

Kamik brand footwear can be found in many of my favorite local stores - and I'm sure there is a store near you that carries this wonderful brand of footwear for the whole family.  So next time you are shopping for summer or winter shoes, boots, sandals - or just need a new insert for your existing boots - look for Kamik!





website:

http://www.kamik.com/

facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/kamikoutdoor

twitter:

https://twitter.com/KamikOutdoor



Check out all the neat photos on Pinterest of the different shoes/boots from stores that carry Kamik!

http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=kamik

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.”.

1 Girl Nation - new Christian Girl Band Rocks - Review & Giveaway on Mom Loves 2 Read #1girlnation

About 1 Girl Nation:

Landing in the space where One Direction meets TobyMac, 1 Girl Nation is an
exciting blend of upbeat pop music, with lyrics that are totally focused on
living life for God, even while you’re young. 



1GN, as they’ve already been
dubbed, stars Carmen, Kayli, Kelsey, Lauryn Taylor and Lindsey, five girls with
a passion for telling their fans about Christ through their music. 



Their first
single, “While We’re Young,” can be heard on radio stations across the country
and their self-titled debut album is available now!

Primary Audience: preteens, teens, and young adults (as well
as parents, too!)

My Review:

1GN is my girls' new favorite CD. This CD is the main music that plays every day in my home, along with their Christmas Program CD for church.  1GN is upbeat, energetic and fun with a positive message of faith, my girls and I all love to listen, sing along and dance along with Lindsey, Kayli, Lauren Taylor, Carmen & Kelsey. 



The music stays with me throughout the day, and into the night when I should be sleeping.  The song "While We're Young" is so fun and exciting that the lyrics and music is constantly in my mind.  I found myself singing this in my head, then out loud as I was doing laundry the other day - which of course prompted me to play the CD so I had some talent to sing along with.  



This girl group's Debut Album is one that is highly recommended by this Mom Blogger!  It would make a GREAT stocking stuffer for some young girl(s) - my girls are ages 5 1/2 and 9 - and though we don't fall into the primary audience - it is a big hit in our home - so even if your girl(s) are younger than teen/preteen - don't worry - they'll love it!










Stay Connected:

http://www.1girlnation.com

https://www.facebook.com/1GirlNation

https://twitter.com/1girlnation

http://www.youtube.com/1girlnation

Want to WIN one?  Check out how here!  

Open to US/Canada 18 and older

Entry-Form

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.”.