The Unmaking! Nichole Nordeman’s Newest CD ~ Review and Giveaway

For this review I received the new CD from Nichole Nordeman ~ The Unmaking. The Unmaking has six amazing songs that really lift my spirits.  The Unmaking is a beautiful mix of songs for worship and encouragement. With words and music that brought me to tears and reminded me as I listened just houw precious we all are in God's sight, and that He is always waiting to lift us up in our times of need.

Oh My Gravy!  Yep, that's my new catchphrase - but back to the point - Wow! I have had an amazing experience these past few weeks listening to one of my favorite Christian Artists' newest CD – The Unmaking. And not only am I excited, but my girls absolutely love to swipe this CD and take it to their

rooms to blast some tunes too.  So it has traveled around my home and even into the car for our listening pleasure!  Now I am encouraging all of you to check it out for yourselves!  And don't forget to enter for a chance to WIN!

I found this on her website - It is so moving I had to share a bit with you . . . 

STORY BEHIND THE SONG - THE UNMAKING:

What can I build for God?



I’ve spent my life asking this.

Maybe it’s because I misunderstood what God wanted when I was young, or maybe it’s my own pride and ambition, or maybe somewhere in my heart I still secretly suspect that God measures and rates and reviews my spiritual accomplishments. I don’t even know what “spiritual accomplishments” actually means. Maybe I still want to have “something to show” for all this work I’ve done along the journey. So I want to build something for God. I’d like for it to be tall and impressive and for a whole bunch of people to take notice. Especially God.



Not too long ago, I heard a pastor friend of mine named Andrew Arndt say this, “God longs for resurrection in us…but first we have to go through some measure of unmaking.”



Unmaking? That sounded like the opposite of what I’d been trying to accomplish spiritually for years. I sat with those words for a long time.



Before things in our lives can be resurrected and given new life, certain things must die. Before beauty blooms in spring, roots must do the hard work under  . . . .[keep reading]

For More Information:

Visit the Nichole Nordeman's Website

Connect with Nichole on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vivo

One winner will receive The Unmaking CD. This giveaway will run through 9/16/15 at 11pm Central Time and is open to US and Canada ages 18+. Winner is subject to eligibility verification and will have 24 hours to confirm before a new winner will be drawn!

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.

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.”.

For Homeschool or just to Learn at a time convenient for you ~ Levels for Guitar online Guitar Lessons #Levelsforguitar

Do you have time to spend driving back and forth and paying an instructor just so you can learn how to play an instrument?  What about if you have children who also want to learn?  Or several family or friends?



I have found a way to make time in my day - right here at home to learn how to play my Guitar and can even have my kiddos use the lessons too!  And it is affordable, can be done in my own home and at my own pace, at a time that

works for me!



It is called Levels for Guitar.  The website has step by step instructions, videos and lessons for new beginners, level 2 beginners and intermediate players.  With an online metronome, online tuner and other great resources along with instructional videos, it is easy to learn at my own pace and at a time that is convenient for me.



I am impressed so far by the instructions and extras that the Levels for Guitar website has for a beginner player that does have some musical background.  I recommend this for homeschool families, adults wanting to learn and those with busy schedules or who don't have easy access to a teacher.

Or, if you are like me and already pay for weekly music lessons for the kiddos, I just can't add more lessons for myself - either finacially or time wise.  You can learn more about Levels for Guitar at www.levelsforguitar.com

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.”.

TobyMac "This Is Not A Test" New Album Review & Giveaway #THISISNOTATEST #FLYBY

REVIEW:


Christian Music has such an amazing variety of songs, singers, genres and styles that there is something for every music lover to listen to and love.  With Music lovers in my home, our local Christian Radio Station is on every time we are in the car, doing housework or homework or listening

to our iPods or CDs.



What I love most about TobyMac's style of music is that it is always upbeat and easy to listen to while doing housework or driving in the car.  It keeps my spirit uplifted and keeps my feet moving.

Jamming to the tunes of Toby Mac on my ipod sure makes walking on the treadmill less of a chore and more fun.  With new songs, great music and amazing lyrics TobyMac has been thrilling audiences and fans for the past several years and he is not slowing down.  His newest CD coming out August 7th is "This Is Not A Test" and it most definitely does not disappoint.  Highly recommended by this reviewer, Mom and Music Lover!

About TOBYMAC:

Toby McKeehan (known professionally as TobyMac) is a husband, father,
performer, songwriter, producer, and businessman.  Growing up in the northern
Virginia suburbs adjacent to Washington D.C. helped instill his love for rap
music.  While attending Liberty University during the mid 80s, Toby met Michael
Tait and Kevin Max Smith and these three friends formed the Grammy winning,
platinum selling group dc Talk.  



Toby began his solo career in 1999 with his
first solo album, Momentum, releasing in 2001.  Momentum has been
followed by four additional studio albums, Welcome to Diverse
City (2004), Portable Sounds (2007), Tonight(2010), and Eye
On It (2012), along with his first live album, Alive and
Transported (2008).  



This Is Not A Test is his 6th studio album to be
released.  Starting with dc Talk, and then going solo when the group disbanded,
Toby still clings to such rootsy notions as hard work, persistence, patience,
and - perhaps most relevant of all - the power of music, which he insists is
still what keeps him going.  "It's the truth," he says.  "I still believe that a
song can penetrate a heart.  I believe God can use a song to open someone's mind
and heart."   

ALBUM RELEASE DATE:  AUGUST 7th! 

This Is Not A Test  (Deluxe Edition) Contains 4 bonus Songs so you get 15 great songs in all! 

1. Like a Match

2. Backseat Driver (featuring Hollyn & TRU)

3. This Is Not a Test (featuring Capital Kings)

4. Lights Shine Bright (featuring Hollyn)

5. Til the Day I Die (featuring NF)

6. Feel It (featuring Mr. Talkbox)

7. Move (Keep Walkin')

8. Love Broke Thru

9. Beyond Me

10. Love Feels Like (featuring dc Talk)

11. Undeniable

12. Lift You Up (featuring Ryan Stevenson)

13. Fall

14. Beyond Me (Phenomenon Remix)

15. Like a Match (Garcia's Remix) 

::::::::::::::::::::::

S O C I A L • C O R N E R

OFFICIAL WEBSITE * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * INSTAGRAM * VEVO

YOUTUBE CHANNEL - Includes a 3 part video series for the song Feel It (see link on the Feel It giveaway below) 

iTunes - HUGE DEAL! If fans pre-order the album here on iTunes, they will receive 4 songs instantly.  

FEEL IT GIVEAWAY (Feel It will be the 2nd single released from the new album.)

Enter below for YOUR chance to WIN a copy of Toby Mac's Newest Album "This Is Not A Test"

Must be 18 or older to enter/win - US/CAN only please - void where prohibited.  Due to contest deadlines, winner will have only 24 hours to reply to email to claim prize.

Entry-Form

"Disclosure (in accordance with
the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and
Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for
providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100%
my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of
the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing
address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor
Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.
 Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win
it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Pizza and Music, what could be better? Come find out . . . and enter to WIN #pizzaranch #giveaway

One of my family's favorite local restaurants is Pizza Ranch.  And not only do we LOVE their pizza but they have, in our opinion the BEST fried chicken of any restaurants we have tried. From the moment we pull in the parking lot to the time we leave, we have a wonderful experience.  Not only is

the food great, but the family friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to take kids, visiting relatives or friends or just leave the kids at home and have a grownup night out.



This year in June 2015, Pizza Ranch released a CD called Living Hope.  It contains 12 unique songs

from some of Christian Music's most popular artists.  With amazing songs that my family all have enjoyed getting to listen to over the past week, this CD is only available at Pizza Ranch locations.

Most of the songs are brand-new and written exclusively for this CD around the theme of Hope. Artists include Colton Dixon, Francesca Batistelli, Ellie Holcomb, Sidewalk Prophets, Kevin Max, Bart Millard, Passion Band featuring Kristian Stanfill, Michael W. Smith, and Mark Schultz.

My girls and I have been dancing and singing along with this dynamic CD.  We almost left for a short (very short) trip to the store in the car without it and the girls would not let me leave the driveway until I had put the CD in the car stereo.

About The Living Hope CD project: 

The CD will be available to purchase for $5 plus
tax exclusively in Pizza Ranch restaurants or for download at pizzaranch.com/livinghope through
August 31.  

From Adrie Groeneweg, President & CEO of
Pizza Ranch, Inc.:  "This album has a very special meaning for Pizza Ranch.
 Although Pizza Ranch is not in the music business, many things have been
happening, conversations have been taking place and doors have been opening for
this album. Through these events, I believe it was obvious that God has been
behind this for His specific purpose and putting it on our hearts to
collectively create this project.  As such, we call this our miracle album,
Living Hope."

Not familiar with Pizza Ranch?  Oh NO!  

Check out what you are missing!

The Story behind Pizza Ranch:

 Adrie Groeneweg had a dream that started in Hull, IA, in 1981, when he was just 19 years old.  It was simple.  Why does everyone have to drive out of town to get a pizza?  With just six specialty and single topping pizza recipes developed by Adrie's mother, Lorraine, Pizza Ranch was born.



Pizza Ranch's vision and mission is to glorify God by positively impacting the world and to give every guest a legendary experience.  They have 190+ locations across 13 states including Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.

And if that doesn't whet your appetite I don't know what will.  Their pizza buffet is wonderful, but even better (and my kids' favorite feature) is that when you come in the door, before you even sit down they ask you if you have a special pizza you would like to see on the buffet.  Then, they make that pizza right away and even bring the first several slices right to your table!  Oh Yeah - how many pizza places have that type of personal service???

And do I really need to say it again?  The food is Great, the atmosphere wonderful and the food is great . . . LOL



So check out Pizza Ranch's locations for one near you and make sure to grab one of these unique and amazing CDs while you are there!  And eat some Chicken/Bacon/Ranch and crispy fried chicken for me too!

SOCIAL • C O R N E R  

Twitter:  @PizzaRanch @PRServes

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PizzaRanchRacing

Official Website:  http://www.pizzaranch.com/livinghope/

YouTube Channel (features images and videos of
the artists talking about the story behind each song):  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE9lEnxuNzMyLfRyX8_tiLA

Press Release with additional information
about the Living Hope CD project:  https://t.e2ma.net/message/7tnbk/7l1cgr

**GIVEAWAY TIME**

Want to try out the CD for FREE?  SUPER!  Enter below for a chance to WIN a CD of your own.  Open to ages 18 and over, US and Canada only - void where prohibited. 1 winner per household.

Entry-Form

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16
CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this
prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT
influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in
exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing
address, per giveaway. If you
have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30
days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you
are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility
verification.”

Enter to WIN a good night's sleep ~ Sleep Well for Kids – Under the Sea CD #review #giveaway

How about giving a good night's sleep to an entire family?



Our CD, “Sleep Well for Kids – Under the Sea” features soothing guided meditation and beautiful relaxing melodies. Together, they combine to create a calming, nurturing

atmosphere that is perfect for children (and parents) who have a difficult time winding things down at bedtime.



Janet Montgomery CH.t. is your guide as she takes you on a magical journey using guided imagery and visualization techniques to float you on a relaxing voyage to a special beach.  You will then be guided on a leisurely tour through the tide pools before diving down under the water to play with the dolphins and learn about the abundant sea life….all the while drifting off to a deep, restorative sleep.



Children are introduced to the basics of breathing techniques, progressive relaxation for their body, and visualization for managing worry and relaxing into a restful sleep.  “Sleep Well for Kids: Under the Sea” is a wonderful tool for helping children to learn the essential life-skills associated with calming down and relaxing.  Parents will find they will get the rest they need too!









Review:

Although I can see the benefit of meditation CDs for children and families, I personally did not care for this.  I listened to it with my 7 yr old daughter and neither of us could relax because the voice on the CD was annoying to both of us.  Now, I honestly try to give every product a chance regardless of my personal likes and dislikes so here is a list of positives and negatives I have come up with.



Positives:

Good for mediation/yoga

Soft and relaxing background music

If you can visualize, then the ocean meditation is expressive

Great for young children



Negatives:

Stilted words are annoying (soft and constant flow would be better IMO)

Single "song" repetitive (would prefer different music)

Long Drawn Out (took more than 40 seconds to go from "I'm going to count down from 10" to actually beginning the count)

Too much narration



Overall I can see the benefits for those who like meditation CDs, and like some of the imagery in the CD but it just wasn't right for me or my family.

*Enter to WIN - this CD!  Must be 18 or older to enter/win.  Open to US only.  Not associated with any social media or website included in entries.  ALL entries are optional!

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.”.

{Product Review} Allons danser (Let’s dance!) French Language Learning Music for kids

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

Allons chanter! (Let’s sing!) Allons danser  (Let’s dance!) Apprenons le français  (Let’s
learn French!) Get in the language-learning groove with this fun-filled
collection of original tunes and beloved traditional favorites
performed by internationally-acclaimed French artists Marie-Louise
Desage

and Didier Prossaird. From “Bonjour Les Amis” to “Au Revoir”,
kids and adults will want to dance and sing along to these irresistible
rhythms and catchy lyrics that introduce French words and phrases such
as numbers (“Un, Deux et Trois”), parts of the body (“La Tête, Les Épaules/Head, Shoulders”) and children’s favorite topics (“Quand Je Serai Grand/When I’m Big” and “Y’a Pas de Fête Sans Gâteau/It’s Not a Party Without Cake.”) A rollicking rendition of “Le Vieux MacDonald (Old MacDonald)”
puts a French twist on a beloved classic. Take the music and fun along
with this French learning CD which makes learning French as easy as un, deux, trois!



My Review:

Whistlefritz has come up with another fun language learning product with the Allons danser  (Let’s dance!) French Learning CD.  A fun and fanciful music montage with easy to learn French for kids.  Making learning fun with familiar words, phrases and songs as well as new words, phrases and songs that young kids will enjoy.  A cute and fun way to start learning a new language.



 My girls started dancing together as soon as the music began playing.  Seeing them laughing and having fun made me want to join in.  Although they did not know the words, they loved the idea of having a new language introduced to them in such a fun and exciting way.  They have each picked up several new words in French now that they have been listening to this fun CD over and over and over.  What a great way to introduce a new language, and explain new cultures to young children!

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.”.

#Team1GN, 1 Girl Nation NEEDS YOU ~ Check out how YOU can make a difference Today! Hurry ends 3/21!

Who is 1 Girl Nation you ask?



Simply put, 1 Girl Nation is five girls from five different places, with one message. And to share that message, they are raising funds to purchase a very necessary touring vehicle for their upcoming Fall 2014 Tour.





Never heard of 1 Girl Nation?  Where have you been? - LOL

Want to know more?  Well, here is a teaser from my review of the 1GN CD!



~ 

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 {keep reading}

About the Project:

1 Girl Nation is in need of a new vehicle that will allow them to tour around this Fall. They usually tour all over the country traveling for several months
at a time and recently their vehicle broke down for the 4th time in a row - they desperately need something that is reliable, safe, comfortable, and
can handle the intense touring that they do. Without a reliable ride, it
makes it difficult for them to get to each town to meet their fans and to share the
message that they have been called to share. This is where you come in...



This
Fall, 1 Girl Nation wants to continue sharing the hope of the Gospel through their upbeat and fun
music.

Here is how YOU can help!  They have started their first ever Kickstarter project and are hoping that you can
participate. They even have some amazing, limited edition rewards available for those who are willing to help in whatever way they can!
Remember that every dollar counts! We hope that you will take a moment
to read through the rewards, and pray about how you can be a part of the
1GN family, in supporting this wonderful ministry.



They NEED to raise $30,000 by March 21st in order to put a down payment on this van.  The van actually costs around $80,000 but in Faith, they are praying for a $30,000 showing of Love and Support to start the process!

If you are interested in how you can help - check out the Kickstarter Link HERE. Join me in helping these amazingly talented girls get to their concerts and loved ones safely!

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this post. 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.”.

Groove to the Rhythm and Dance along with the kiddos ~ Review of Rhythm Bears CD

Groove Kid Nation continues its award-winning music education series with a third release Rhythm Bears. Producer Rodney Lee once again recruits top L.A. musicians and heads deep into the woods to create a soulful folk hoedown. 



As the title suggests, Rhythm Bears is all about drawing kids into the music with rhythmic call and response games that will have them clapping, stomping, playing percussion, and vocalizing to the beat. 



In addition, a band of groovy bears open childrens’ ears to a whole new set of musical instruments including harmonica, fiddle, acoustic guitar, acoustic bass, clarinet, kalimba, ukulele, and even didgeridoo. Each song features a new instrument, and the enclosed 10-page booklet features colorful illustrations of each Rhythm Bear.





My Review:

Oh My!  All three of my kids had smiles on their faces when this CD began playing.  My oldest said the music was "kinda cool" for a little kid's CD.  My two girls loved it and immediately began dancing to the beat of the drums and tempo.  My youngest has been listening to it off and on for weeks in her room and often wants it brought into the living room so we can "all dance together" as it plays.



This is a fun and cute set of music for younger children that teaches rhythm, music, and fun through the use of different instruments and musical selections.  Not only do the children enjoy listening and dancing along, but parents will enjoy the music right along with their kiddos.  I found myself tapping toes, moving feet and dancing along with the kids when this CD was playing.  It is definitely worth checking out! 



You can find out more at http://groovekidnation.com

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 and are not influenced nor reviewed by the sponsor prior to posting.For more info, see my FTC disclosure or Review Policy.