Archive for html404

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted by html404 on November 22, 2012
in Holidays, Seasonal Stuff

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Faith and Family Reviews!

Hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends! Once again we are flying solo this holiday, opting to stay at home – no hosting even – and we are going to enjoy our own home grown meal of turkey, potatoes, butternut squash and pumpkin (in a pie of course!). Then other yummy things we are making or have bought to gobble down with the rest of our meal.

We are very grateful for many things but here are some at the top of our thankful list:

1. Jesus who died on the cross for our sins to give us eternal life in Heaven one day. He’s the ultimate reason I live.
2. God’s provision financially has been huge for our family over many years but this year has been amazing in a different way. I could say so much more but it would take a book. Seriously. Just when we think we are at the bottom of the barrel, He comes through.
3. Family. A husband to love and who loves me, and our children…other reasons I live. I can’t imagine life without any of them.

May this truly be a season of thankfulness for all of us…

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 5:20 ESV


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Wordless Wednesday – Science in a Jar?

Posted by html404 on November 21, 2012
in All Natural Products, Food and Treats, Health, Health and Nutrition, Wordless Wednesday

Hee…hee…what is that? Science in a Jar? I don’t know (well I do but you know what I mean, right?), but can anyone guess what it is? Happy Wordless Wednesday!


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$700 Shopilly Holiday Cash Giveaway

Posted by html404 on November 20, 2012
in Contests, Giveaways, Shopping

Welcome to the Smokin’ Hot $700 Shopilly Holiday Cash Giveaway sponsored by Like a Bump on a Blog, with considerable help from the lovely Lexie Lane at†VoiceBoks and Bridget at Giveaway Promote. Enjoy the post provided by our generous sponsor, Shopilly,†to learn more about them, and then enter via our Rafflecopter entry at the end.

It’s a cold Sunday night, and Iím huddled on my couch, flipping through never-ending channels on TV. I think I get about 400 channels, and it can be overwhelming to decide what to watch DWTS, Idol, The Voice? Luckily, my trusty DVR puts all the shows I like — and only those shows — in one place, where they wait patiently for me to catch up on them.

Email is a little like TV. Every day I get tons of emails from my favorite brands, retailers and flash sites. I love getting all of that information and having so many choices, but my inbox is getting a little out of control. It’s nearly impossible to sort through the clutter to find emails I really care about, and I have to select and delete almost all of the marketing emails, always wondering whether I should opt out or stick around to see if something actually relevant lands in my inbox.

But I’ve discovered that now there’s a DVR for email! It’s called Shopilly. By signing up for a free account, I can ask Shopilly to automatically pull all of the marketing emails from my email inbox and put them in a fun “visual inbox” in my Shopilly account, where I can review them when Iím ready. My inbox is totally clean; it’s like a breath of fresh air. And when the time is right for me to check out my latest offers, theyíre neatly collected for me at Shopilly.

Shopilly is organizing my email inbox for me, and that’s great. But it’s more than that. On Shopilly, I can also opt in to view offers from other brands I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. The way they’re presented makes it really easy to check out all of my options and to add or remove offers from my window shop. It’s like visiting my own personalized shopping mall right from the comfort of my couch.

Now, where did I put that remote control?

Improve your shopping life at Shopilly today and tell us what you think at contact@shopilly.com.

****************************************************************

If you’re ready to enter the giveaway and make your holiday shopping even sweeter, you may do so below now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and happy winning! 😉

Please†share†this post with other people who might need extra shopping money this holiday season.

If you missed the last post, read it here:†Islands of Adventure and City Walk

Feature images courtesy of Shopilly.†

**Post syndicated with permission, and the original can be found †here:† http://www.amberrisme.com/2012/11/20/smokin-hot-700-shopilly-holiday-cash-giveaway/


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Mom Essentials Giveaway

Posted by html404 on November 19, 2012
in Baby Products, Contests, Gift Ideas, Giveaways

Did you hear? There’s a Mom Essentials Giveaway being hosted by Brilliant Baby Products and their clients! There are nearly $1000 worth of products being given away by nearly 10 different brands:

SoftBums
Baby Blowout Blocker
Bella Binky Blankets
Bobalong
Elli & Nooli
PRK, Inc,
redsnapper baby
zCush

Looks like lots of baby products…great for upcoming Christmas, birthday and shower gifts! All you have to do is enter!

Leave me a comment if you are expecting or recently had a baby or know someone who is! Do tell, eh? 😉


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Christmas Roses

Posted by html404 on November 19, 2012
in Books, Holidays

I went on a bit of a reading spree this weekend and it hindered me from getting the rest of my garlic planted, as did another tooth ache – same one – but thankfully no swelling this time and feels find today. I’ve enjoyed reading 3-4 of Amanda Cabot’s books. Probably because most of her books hold a redemptive grace story, lined with the need for forgiveness. This one stirred my emotions (nothing new there!) and I loved the rose aspect of it. Thanks to my husband roses are my favorite flower.

Set in 1882, Christmas Roses is a pleasant story and one I’d read again at Christmas time, just for the mushy story. Every now and then I get in the mood for one of these and this weekend was one of those times.

While the romantic part of the story line was predictable, it’s an endearing Christmas story sharing the joys of redemptive grace, healing, forgiveness and love. Something we all need to be reminded of from time to time.

I liked how gifts of service were emphasized in the story because I think it is a way we can show our spouses or love interest we love them, but not every couple will be the same so there needs to be a balance, as well as discovering what our loved one appreciates the most.

As a side note, I was short on time and asked my daughter to read this book first (I ended up reading it at the last minute and then found out it wasn’t due until the end of the week…it’s done early for a change!) and while she liked it she isn’t crazy for mushy romance novels. She agreed that Christmas Roses was predictable and she knew who was going to end up with who.

A thumbs up from me, though I am itching for another great mystery/story of intrigue! 😉

“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.


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The Christmas Pony

Posted by html404 on November 19, 2012
in Books, Holidays, Reviews

As the title suggests, The Christmas Pony is indeed about a little girl’s hopes, dreams and even prayers of getting a pony for Christmas.

Set in 1937, the middle of the Great Depression, when people were struggling just to put food on their tables, Lucy knew better than to wish for a pony but she had more faith than the grown-ups in her life and she continued to pray for that very thing.

Lucy’s mother ran a boarding house which kept the family afloat during such a stretching time financially. So when a pair of strangers were looking for a place to stay while their car is being repaired Lucy excitedly invites them to stay at her family’s boarding house….after all she had prayed for more boarders. I loved Lucy’s faith, definitely something to learn from.

This book surprised me about half way through and took on a new prayer for Lucy. The shift in the story was a good one.

I appreciated the values taught in this book and the family’s work ethic. I think as we make plans for our farm, this story made me think of how God has provided for us this far and reminded me that if it’s His will, He’ll continue to provide for all our needs.

My daughter also read the book and enjoyed it. She thought it was really sweet. She thought Lucy was a big help to her mother. She didn’t like Veronica (I didn’t either she was a vain creature who only thought of herself) nor Lucy’s belligerent friend, Helen, who wasn’t much of a friend at all.

Overall it gets two thumbs up from us.

“Available Sept 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.


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Sleep Number Review #sleepnumberm9

Posted by html404 on November 14, 2012
in Bedding, Furniture, Home, Reviews, SALES, Shopping

I had never heard of Sleep Number before until I received an opportunity from Smiley360. We have been slowly trying to replace older mattresses in our house, especially now that the children are getting older too. I was excited to check out Sleep Number beds.

Last night Peanut and I went out to the closest Sleep Number store to check it out.

Sleep Number Review

Our local Sleep Number store had a rather small show room, but very bright, clean and neat. The gentleman working the store was very courteous and helpful. He greeted us and asked how he could help us upon entering. Then after I told him why we were there he gave us a demonstration of the C3 mattress, which was very cool. Peanut and I loved the remote and the fact that two people on the same bed could adjust their mattress to their own comfort level. There was a complimenting video that went with the demonstration, however, his computer was not working. He didn’t want us to hold that against him so we didn’t. 😉 Oh and before the demonstration the sales rep even put a sheet of tissue over the pillows our heads would touch while we laid on the mattress.

I’d definitely consider purchasing from Sleep Number under the right circumstances money-wise. If money were no object, then I would have purchased tonight and had items delivered!

The great thing about Sleep Number they have several different series of mattresses to choose from and with those choices are another variety of choices to help individuals get a good night’s sleep. From air to memory foam and elevation their beds are sure to appeal to a broad range of people.

They also carry custom comforters, pillows, bedding and mattress covers.

NEW Sleep Number Mattresses

Sleep Number has two new mattresses M7 and M9. Unfortunately our little store only had the M7. Loved it’s soft texture better than the polyester. Here are a few tidbits about the M9:

• It’s a memory foam mattress

• 13-inch bed offers the highest memory foam profile

• Exclusive SLEEP NUMBER® DualAir technology

• 5-inches of LuxFit™ foam softly cushions pressure points and features a breathable air-flow design

• Temperature balancing sleep surface is designed to absorb excess heat that can disrupt sleep

• Luxuriously soft fabric made from natural fibers

• 2 wireless, digital remotes, plus Full-Fill and Memory features

Sounds comfy, eh? I can attest to the comfort of a memory foam mattress as that is the kind of mattress we have now and we love it!


Semi-Annual Sleep Number SALE!

Save $500, 0% financing for 18 months (restrictions apply). See www.SleepNumber.com for complete details.

I received a gift item in return for this post as a member of the Smiley360 blogger program. All opinions are my own.


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U by Kotex Wrap Up #KotexMoms

Posted by html404 on November 12, 2012
in Girl Stuff, Parenting, Personal Care Products

It’s been great to be a part of the U by Kotex for tweens campaign. I know it has made me re-think how I was educating my daughters and in many ways it evoked some more dialogue about menses and the changes the girls bodies are going through or will be going through.

Our girls liked the Kotex tween products, except one of the girls did say more coverage was needed for heavier flow days. They liked the cool packaging and the surprise packages throughout the campaign. The last surprise was a $25 gift card to treat the girls to dinner out. We went out last night to Panera Bread for soup bowls..YUM! cheddar broccoli and tomato were our soup choices. We talked, laughed and watched my 12 year old antics which made us laugh even harder. The girls came to the conclusion that we needed to do a girls dinner out more often!

In the last package the girls also received calendars. Last month I said even I needed more discipline in this area because I have not been charting like I should and now that I am in my 40’s who knows when things will start to change for me. My middle daughter put her calendar to use right away by applying it to her wall. My oldest said she didn’t like calendars because she doesn’t like things that tie her down and charting her cycle ties her down – she’s funny that way, that one is (wry smile). My third daughter didn’t have much to say other than to ask what they are for, but she has yet to start her period so things are still a little obscure to her. Remember she’s my Amelia Bedilia and I say that quite affectionately. You just have to meet her to see for yourself.

What I loved best about this campaign is what I always love about blogging, that I get to include my children, it’s on my top ten things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

“I wrote this review while participating in a Brand Ambassador Campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of U by Kotex Tween and received products to facilitate my post and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”


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Placebo

Posted by html404 on November 10, 2012
in Books, Reviews

Placebo by Steven James was not your normal book from Revell Books. Placebo is a mystery thriller. Steven Banks has also written The Patrick Bowers Thriller Series which is I heard about for the first time when I opened the cover of Placebo to start reading. After reading Placebo I have to say that I am intrigued enough to look into The Patrick Bowers Thriller Series to see what they are all about.

Placebo is basically about a conspiracy that Jevin Banks stumbles across while investigating a neurological research program. The more questions he asks the deeper he finds himself entangled in a conspiracy involving the government and one of the largest pharmaceutical companies. He encounters an assassin who nearly kills him, his assistant and a doctor they were talking to about the research program.

I liked this book because it kept me riveted to the pages from about midway through to the end. The first part of the book took me a little while to get into but I was glad it picked up. I also liked that there is no bad language, I wasn’t sure how it was going to be when I began the book.

What I didn’t like about the book is it didn’t seem overtly Christian, don’t get me wrong there’s nothing wrong with some non-Christian books or not mentioning God every other page, but this one seemed to describe certain characters and situations in a totally non-Christian way. For example, as a woman, I don’t care how seductive a woman looks, do you see what I mean? And I realize the characters are not Christians, but I don’t find that kind of stuff necessary. It’s fluff. I was more interested in getting to the bottom of Jevin’s investigation and the results of the conspiracy, not the leggy or voluptuous secretary. However, I guess those descriptions did generate some strong feelings about certain characters and that means the author did his job in drawing me into the “Placebo world” and all involved.

No matter the kind of book I read, I enjoy a good, clean, entertaining…or in this case thrilling…story line and because Placebo meets those criteria I feel I can still give it a thumbs up.

“Available November 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.


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Talking to Toddlers Giveaway

Posted by html404 on November 10, 2012
in Giveaways, Parenting

Talking to Toddlers is a great audio program that we reviewed awhile back. You can read our thoughts here. But in a nutshell? We thought this was a great program filled with helpful tips for parents of toddlers and young children. This program will teach you how to deal with the terrible twos and all the chaos that ensues during this time period in our lives.

Brandy found it to be very helpful and I really enjoyed hearing a refresher course on the subject of toddlers and learning how to pick your battles.

If you want to win this great audio set then enter below-

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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