Add beauty without the hassell with these amazing silk plants ~ #review

When searching for the perfect decorations for home, party, wedding or any occasion I prefer silk plants and flowers to real.  I have always loved having plants and flowers but find it difficult to keep them healthy and alive.  With silk I have the best possible outcome . . . beautiful healthy looking plants without the fuss of dead leaves, remembering to water, not watering too much, enough sunlight etc.



I was offered the chance to try out a silk arrangement from Silk Plants Direct for this review and have fallen in love with my new beautiful flowers.  See for yourself how lifelike and realistic they look!

Even the birds think they are real (lol)

In the second photo I added on of my real plants I have struggled to keep alive.  I think the silk

orchids look amazing next to my few plants and bring such a fun splash of color and beauty that is so easy to maintain.



You can see the different color options by clicking HERE.

 

About the Company:

Silk Plants Direct has been importing, manufacturing, designing and installing silk plants and trees since the 1980's through our parent company, a leading national landscaping firm. After starting the company with a focus on live plants and trees, we discovered that many of our customers found them hard to maintain and, in some cases, too costly. Sensing an opportunity to solve these issues for our clients, we started our silk plants and trees division. Today, we have grown into one of the most reputable silk plant and tree producers in the world. We have received numerous industry awards for our designs and projects. We have had the pleasure of fulfilling the silk plant needs of hospitals, office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, restaurants and other facilities.



Silk Plants Direct has a huge selection of plants available for any occasion.  From single items to mass quantities . . . indoor events to outdoor.  Something for anytime, anywhere and with a free shipping option and discounts on multiple quantity orders it is a great resource for your next event or even just a few nice plants to brighten up your home or office.  



Don't just take my word for it . . . check them out for yourself!  If you end up purchasing some beautiful silk arrangements for yourself, leave me a comment below and tell me about your experience!

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.”.

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.”.

WIN two friends in one with Wild Republic's Switch-A-Rooz! #review #SwitchARooz #giveaway

Switch-A-Rooz™ characters look just like your favorite wild animals, with realistic coloring and life-like features. Fantasy Switch-A-Rooz characters have colorful coats of fur and large glittery eyes to bring their magical qualities to life. Each realistic Switch-A-Rooz character has a unique inner strength and a BFF to help them take on challenges in the Land of Rooz

Wild Republic has been delighting and educating children since 1979 with their ever-growing collection of innovative stuffed animals, toys and jewelry.  The company has become a worldwide

leader in nature- and wildlife-related toys sold in zoos, museums, aquariums and leading retailers.  The company’s mission is education with recreation. Founded as the family-owned and operated K&M International, the Wild Republic brand has grown into an internationally recognized company.

When I opened up our box from Wild Republic (we were sent 2 new fluffy friends at no cost to create this unique and honest review), my two girls were thrilled to find that there was not one but two furry friends for them to play with!  I have yet to meet a child that does not love stuffed animals!  Like my girls, most children have not one, not two but dozens of fluffy stuffed friends but are never satisfied unless they have MORE.

So finding that Mom received these NEW Switch-A-Rooz from Wild Republic led to negotiations between the two girls as to who would get to play with them first!  They both absolutely LOVE that they not only have one fun friend but two-in-one.  They are so adorable!  Now the only problem we have is which girl gets to cuddle them each night!

Now, to meet our adorable new fluffy friends:  Lucky & Charm:

Lucky & Charm

Things always seem to go Lucky and Charm’s way. These charmed characters are perfect companions in the Land of Rooz because they are constantly bringing good fortune to everyone they meet. With a little help from their BFFs, Hugs and Oats, Lucky and Charm can get out of almost any predicament in the Land of Rooz.

Easy to switch from Charm to Lucky, or Lucky to Charm - play with two pets in one!  So fun and adorable - can even pull them out and have both showing at once (though they can't sit down - LOL).

My girls think they are super fun and unique and love to have them when we are on the go and at night to cuddle with their other stuffed lovies.





Check out this video for more info on Switch-A-Rooz and other great characters like these:

You can also find Switch-A-Rooz with free shipping from PRIME!

Now for the FUN!  Would you like to WIN a FREE Switch-A-Rooz character set? 

Enter to win from July 7 - July 17th

Mandatory:   leave a comment below telling me which Switch-A-Rooz friend set you would like BEST!  Make sure to leave your email addy for me to contact you if you win!  (use MyEmail  at  Yahoo dot Com  format)



Bonus Entries:  

* Comment below with Bonus word from weekly email/newsletter (+10)

* Comment below if you are follower on Facebook, twitter, instagram, youtube, pinterest, etc - (+1 for each way you follow)








AND THE WINNERS ARE:




Elizabeth S. (newsletter bonus word)

&

Helen B.  (Instagram Follow)




Congrats to you both -

emails have been sent out so check your inbox, spam and trash!  You have 48 hrs to reply and claim your prizes!

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post through Tomoson 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.”.

Summer is here . . . Travel tips for Family Vacation, what do you do?

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!



I am working on the plans to keep my 3 kids ages "almost 14", 10 and 7 not only occupied and entertained during our LONG road trip to Maryland and Virginia in a couple weeks, but also quiet and not fussing/fighting with each other and driving mom and dad crazy.

I have compiled some tips online, from friends and some that I have personally implemented to share

with you.  I am also asking for any great ideas YOU might have that I can add to my list.

It is a long trip in a small vehicle with 5 different personalities . . . what can we do to make it fun and not frustrating???



Check it out . . . ..

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. 



* Have challenging game ideas ready 

      - Who can find the most . . . (red vehicles, license plates with K on them, White buildings, etc).  Gets them interested in what is outside the windows of the car and gives them a contest (until they start arguing again LOL)



      - In My Suitcase I Packed (name the things you pack from A to Z with each person listing something and repeating all the items before them ie “An Apple, A Bear, A Cat…)



      - I'm going on vacation and I'm taking . . . . (make up a theme and see if the others can figure it out . . . I'm taking a bear (furry animals), cell phone (electronics), zebra (anything with stripes) etc. and see if they can figure out the pattern!



* Give them each a disposable camera or for older kids and small digital camera.  Let them take their own photos along the way, you might be amazed at what they see that you might miss!

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)

8 Tips to Survive a Family Road Trip

1. Plan to have fun. The car is going to get crowded but remember you are all in this together.


2. Laugh! When things get stressful find something to laugh about. The stress will go away.


3. Switch seats at each rest stop. Siting next to a different family member breaks up the view and potential for sibling arguments.


4. Create Silly Travel Videos or Instagram Pictures to share your Trip with family and friends.


5. Give every passenger 30-45 minutes to have the ride "Their Way". Let them pick the music, lack of music, car game, sing songs, tell stories, or knock knock jokes. Everyone must participate if they want cooperation during their time. The rest of the time the Driver or Parents make the rules.


6. Give children their own spending money. This stops them from asking 100 times and you from saying No 100 times.. They can decide if they want something bad enough to spend their own money.


7. Impromptu Dance and Singing Parties with or without children's stuffed animals are a must. Make sure to capture (see #4)


8. Remember to have Fun, after all you are on vacation! If you aren't having fun what is the point!

- From Mom It Forward ~ read full article

Favorite Places & Spaces

* 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  (Zoo, Grant's Farm, Museums)

~ Indianapolis, IN  (Zoo, Museum)

~ Grand Bear Lodge in Utica, IL

~ Starved Rock State Park in IL

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

~ FunCity in Burlington, IA

~ Day trip on Amtrak to Chicago - AG Store

~ Chicago Weekend - (Museum, Shed Aquarium, AG Store, Lego Store, etc).

Places we plan to visit in the near future:

~  The beach - ??

~  Florida (Disney World? Sea World?)

~  Colorado?

~  Maryland & Washington D.C~  

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!

Rachel's Day in the Garden (A Kids Yoga Spring Colors Book)

About the Book

Title: Rachel's Day in the Garden (A Kids Yoga Spring Colors Book) | Author: Giselle Shardlow | Illustrator: Hazel Quintanilla | Publication Date: December 23, 2014 | Publisher: Kids Yoga Stories | Number of pages: 34 | Recommended age: 3 to 6 years



Summary: Experience the benefits of yoga while learning about the signs of spring!

Join Rachel as she and her adorable puppy look for signs of spring in the garden. Crawl like a caterpillar, buzz like a bee, and flutter like a butterfly. Discover spring, explore movement, and learn the colors of the rainbow. The storybook includes a list of kids yoga poses and a parent-teacher guide. Kids Yoga Stories introduce you to engaging characters who will get your child laughing, moving,

and creating. Reading is good for the mind AND body! The story links several yoga poses in a specific sequence to create a coherent and meaningful story.This spring yoga story for ages 3 to 6 is more than a storybook, but it’s also a unique experience for children. Rachel's Day in the Garden is the first book in a seasonal yoga book series. The summer yoga book is also now available: Ella's Summer Fun. The fall and winter ones are in production, coming soon!

Amazon * Book Website * Goodreads

Review

An adorable way to learn a few basic yoga positions while reading a colorfully illustrated story of a young girl and her dog spending time in the garden.  Good for preschool aged children to share story time with parents or grandparents and try a few fun yoga positions.

Sneak Peek

About the Author: Giselle Shardlow

Giselle Shardlow is the author of Kids Yoga Stories. Her yoga stories for kids get children learning, moving, and having fun. Giselle draws from her experiences as a teacher, traveler, yogi, and mom to write the stories. She can be found at the Kids Yoga Stories website or on her Amazon author page.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Goodreads

   

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.”.

Justified by Varina Denman ~ check out this amazing story

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Justified

David C. Cook (June 1, 2015)


by

Varina Denman




ABOUT THE BOOK

In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football

coach treats her with gentle respect.




Justified perfectly captures the rhythm and romance of life in a small town, telling the unforgettable story of a woman searching for renewal, a man looking beyond what others see, and a community torn between judgment and love. It is the unforgettable story of broken dreams, second chances, and relentless hope.




If you would like to read the first chapter of Justified, go HERE.








Review:

Although I have not yet read this book, it is one that has made the top of my To Be Read list.  I love stories of personal struggles, real life issues and how to deal with sin in our lives that affects not only ourself but those around us as well.

As Christians, we do not live sinless lives but ones full of Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness.  And we should show the same to others, and not judge them harshly for their choices and sin just as we hope to not be judged.  I look forward to reading this book and hope you do too!





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An avid reader and blogger, Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on the three-book Mended Heart Series. The first book in the series, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.



Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.



Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.

Disclosure:  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.”.

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Art of Losing Yourself

WaterBrook Press (April 21, 2015)

by

Katie Ganshert




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author, Katie Ganshert, graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying

home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her family. When she’s not busy penning novels or spending time with her people, she enjoys drinking coffee with friends, reading great literature, and eating copious amounts of dark chocolate.








ABOUT THE BOOK

Just like in my dream, I was drowning and nobody even noticed.




Every morning, Carmen Hart pastes on her made-for-TV smile and broadcasts the weather. She’s the Florida panhandle’s favorite meteorologist, married to everyone’s favorite high school football coach. They’re the perfect-looking couple, live in a nice house, and attend church on Sundays. From the outside, she’s a woman who has it all together.  But on the inside, Carmen Hart struggles with doubt. She wonders if she made a mistake when she married her husband. She wonders if God is as powerful as she once believed. Sometimes she wonders if He exists at all. After years of secret losses and empty arms, she’s not so sure anymore.




Until Carmen’s sister—seventeen year old runaway, Gracie Fisher—steps in and changes everything. Gracie is caught squatting at a boarded-up motel that belongs to Carmen’s aunt, and their mother is off on another one of her benders, which means Carmen has no other option but to take Gracie in. Is it possible for God to use a broken teenager and an abandoned motel to bring a woman’s faith and marriage back to life? Can two half-sisters make each other whole?





If you would like to read the first chapter of The Art of Losing Yourself, go HERE.