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Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Amish Proverbs Blog Tour

Suzanne’s Amish Proverbs just hit the shelves. To celebrate she’s giving away a KINDLE and throwing a party! Let the fun begin. See below for info and links.

Find out more about the book, Suzanne and the blog tour here.

Enter Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway!

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One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles. The Prize Pack (valued at over $205.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6″, Latest Generation
* Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher
* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher


To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest.

Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on September 1st.

Sweet Kindle Giveaway 
Join Suzanne for a Wrap-up Party on September 1st!

She’ll be announcing the winner of the Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway, chatting with readers, and giving away copies of Amish Proverbs and The Choice! Be sure to join us on Wednesday , September 1st at 8PM EST at Suzanne’s Author Page

Be sure to check out the blog tour here or purchase a copy of Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life!


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Amish Proverbs Book Review

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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This wonderful little book is filled with sayings from the Amish. The proverbs range from talking about family life, to spiritual proverbs. My teen and my tween daughter really liked this book as did I. It contained such wise old sayings. This book is truly a gem! I highly recommend it for anyone! The book has 11 chapters in it, and in each of these chapters there is a short story about the chapter topic.  All of this little book was enjoyable.

I thought that I would share two proverbs from the book:

“Children are the living message we send to the generation we will not see.”

“It takes 73 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile no wonder grouchy people are always tired!”

About Suzanne Woods Fisher: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. Find out more about Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Link to buy the book:($11.19 on Amazon) http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Proverbs-Words-Wisdom-Simple/dp/0800719530/ref=sprightly-20


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Monday Motivation – A Day Late…Again

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Last week’s Monday Motivation:

~ To get our Back-to-School Product Guide finished and introduce you all to some new and exciting products! This is our main priority this week as far as the blog goes. Special thanks goes to my oldest “Virtuous” for all her time and help on it. Couldn’t have done it without her. Thanks to all the companies and PR reps for helping us put together our Back to School Guide!

This Week’s Motivation:

~ Finish reviewing products we received for last week’s Back to School Guide.

~ Get ahead on posts…maybe.

~ We still haven’t made it mini golfing or to the beach and those are on my lists if the weather would just cooperate on the days that I plan to do them!

~ The garden. We really need to plant a few fast growing plants that we started inside, just to see how they do compared to our direct planting in the spring. Things like lettuce….We are so very behind on the garden!

~ Hopefully have this baby! I have been very tired and uncomfortable, so I am hoping and praying that I will be rested up for labor and delivery.


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Back to School Product Guide: Technology/Electronics Part 2

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1.) Sony E-Reader- Pocket Edition this cute little e-reader is perfect for students who want books without the hassle of carrying them around. Perfect for college and high school students. The pocket edition comes in 3 colros, rose, navy blue, and silver. The Reader Pocket Edition™ lets you access up to 350 of your favorite books from anywhere. Its elegant, lightweight design is small enough to slip into a purse or jacket pocket, and features a 5″ display with E Ink® Vizplex paper-like screen technology for easy reading, even in direct sunlight. For added versatility, it supports multiple file formats including ePub and PDF, offering access to more books from more places, including the Reader™ Store and over one million free public domain titles from Google Books. ($169 now on sale for $149)

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2.) Cram IPOD APP- You can study The Way You Want. Studying for an exam is now easy, simple, and fun with Cram. Study with flashcards on your iPhone or iPod Touch and use multiple-choice for practice of the material. When your test is over, Cram grades and records your test performance so you can track your progress. Cram is only $4.99 ( the price of a pack of paper flashcards) on the iPhone and iPod Touch and is available for download in the Apple iTunes AppStore. Its so much more fun, cheaper, and greener than paper notecards. Cram is a must-have for students, because most students live and die by their iPhone and iPod Touch and what better way to study that on the device that is with you all the time. Cram is for students in middle school through grad school.

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3.) Living Green- Solar Goose Light – The Jumbo, a heavy duty solar powered rechargeable LED Flexible Tube Light with a Built-in 5.6V Cell Phone Charger. Leave the flashlight by a window for charging and it will always be ready when you need it. In addition to a reading light, the accessories provided with the Jumbo include an extension cord and 10 adaptors to charge cell phones and other PDA devices. Simply place the Solar Goose® flash light in direct sunlight and connect to mobile device (phone/GPS /IPOD) to charge. The Solar Goose® Jumbo Light is made with of high quality recycled aluminum, is very lightweight, durable and the flexible neck accessory makes it a great “on the go” reading light. It is also the perfect companion for kids in college, travelers, campers,and boat owners. Its flexible neck makes it easy to inspect limited access areas that are hard to reach such as engines or electronics. The solar flashlight can provide up to 6 hours of continuous use on a full solar charge. ($59.95)

A review of this product will be featured in the next week or two after we’ve had sufficient time to review and test it.

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4.) Switch2Health Exercise Watch- For every 60 minutes of activity, users earn a special reward code that they upload to http://www.s2h.com for points. They earn and accumulate these points towards free Nintendo Wiis, Apple iPod Nanos and iTunes, DVDs, movie tickets, gift cards and more! The S2H REPLAY retails for only $19.95 and students can earn over $200 in rewards each year just for exercising. It is available to purchase online at S2H.COM, Sears, Kmart and Amazon.

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Thanks for sticking with us for the Back To School Product Guide 2010! Come back this afternoon for more of Faith and Family Reviews as well as a new giveaway! 🙂


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Back to School Product Guide: Technology/Electronics Part 1

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Today we will be featuring the Technology and Electronics part of our Back to School Product Guide. We think that many of these are very cool and useful to the whole family. So parents and children be sure to check them out!

1.) V-Moda Headphones- Going back to school in the fall can always be a stressful time. V-MODA’s Crossfade LP over-ear headphone is not only a perfect fashion-forward accessory for any stylish student on the run, but is practical too. Engineered with the help of world-class DJ’s, Crossfade LP offers impeccable sound, comfort and durability while allowing users to make and answer phone calls with a built-in, hands free microphone and three-button remote control. These headphones work with the latest iPhone 3GS, iPod, iPad and MacBook. They come with a one-year V-MODA premier warranty and Replay Replacement Program – 50% off lifetime replacement guarantee ($249.99) Comes in 5 cool colors.

We will be featuring a product review of this item next week. We need a bit more time to test it.

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2.) Notebook- MSI’s sleek U135 netbook (MSRP $349.99, 2.4lbs.) is not limited by its compact size; in fact, it offers massive hard drive capacity, perfect for the media-loving and ambitious student. Here are a few reasons why it’s great for students this back-to-school season: It’s compact and lightweight, meaning that it travels well so students can study and do homework while on-the-go, It’s available in silver, black, blue and red, so kids can make a statement with their netbook, it offers approximately 7.5 hours of battery life, so students don’t have to worry about their power supply dying and it runs the slick Windows 7. With the U135 in their backpack, students can confidently tackle school projects, studying and research on the go or while at home, and still enjoy their multimedia and social networking hobbies.

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3.) Computer Screen Wipes– These adorable screen wipes are fun screen with a zest of lemon fragrance and a chamois will clean and reduce static on all computer monitors, laptops and LCD screens. Easy to grasp, non scratching, no mess reusable again and again. They have a calming scent as you get a whiff of lemon zest and chamois emitting from their tummies and cute addition on any desk. And you don’t need to use your plush screen wipe with other cleaning agents. Just wipe any screen and reduce the static and remove the dust. Check out their nine fun animal designs: Pig, Horse, Giraffe, Tiger, Elephant, Duck, Gorilla, Bunny, and Schnauzer Dog. ($10.00 each)

We will be featuring a review for this product once they arrive and we have tested and tried them. Check back later…

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4.) Nu Shield- This product is a screen protector for cameras, laptops, hand held devices and more! This screen allows daylight readability of the screen, installs easily in seconds and lasts indefinitely. Tough, durable film protects against scratches and gouges. Super thin with a pleasant feel anti-reflective film hides fingerprints. Filters out 99% of UBV light. This product is perfect for college and high school students who love to be outdoors but don’t want the glare on there technology products.

We have a review to post about this product, which will probably be featured next week or the week after. We need time to test and try it!

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Come back this afternoon at 12:00 PM for part 2!


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Back to School Product Guide: Eco-Friendly Fashion Products

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Eco-Friendly Fashion Product

1.) Five ACCESSORIES- Messenger Bag this multi purpose bag is wonderful for school! A great laptop, book bag,overnight bag, gym bag, bicycle bag, beach bag a great bag for any high school student! Perfect for boys and girls. Meant to be worn cross body or over one shoulder, the bag closes in front with a big, sturdy buckle. Adjustable strap drop to 57”, with bag dimensions of 15.5” x 15” x 4.5. Interior pockets keeps everything organized. ($75)

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2.) Global Goods- Green Hand Embroidered Bag carry the hope and determination of strong Peruvian women on your shoulder this season while being original and fashion-forward. This embroidered bag showcases traditional Peruvian design and is stitched with sheep wool. High quality leather accents this purse in warm olive and orange tones. The bag features a Fully lined, 100% cotton fabric, a Magnetic closure, a Inside Pocket, Real Leather straps and top detail. The Size: 12” x 16” x 5” base. Full strap length 19 ½”.

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3.) Charm Factory Charm Bracelet– We chose this company because we thought it was cool they have over 4,000 charms to choose from! You can pick the charms you want online pick a chain and they will make it for you! You can pick as many charms as you want. With charms from animals, to sports, to fashion accessories! These would be perfect for any fashion loving young woman. They have a variety of prices.

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Almost every product is made in the USA. They are a green company and all their charms are nickel and lead free. Charm Factory products do not contain cadmium. The jump rings attached to pewter charms do contain a small amount of nickel.

5.) Global Goods- The Lightweight Gauze Scarf is a perfectly versatile accessory. The open weave of the gauze makes the scarf perfect for summer nights and can also be warm enough for those chilly fall evenings. You can even wear it as a sarong for those summer beach outings! The gauze scarf is hand-woven on a traditional foot loom in Guatemala.

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Come back tomorrow for our Back To School Product Guide 2010: Technology and Electronics Feature!


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A Backpack Made of Billboard Material

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of this product.

About Terracycle

The goal of TerraCycle and Yak Pak is to reduce waste and the use of all our natural resources, all the while creating great products for consumers to enjoy. Their business practices are sustainable.

Terra Cycle also gives back to charity.

Yak Pak Backpack – Retail $23.99

The Yak Pak is made of upcycled, repurposed billboard material. It is super durable, it feels really thick, just think of the material billboards are made of. It is also water resistant and comes with a lifetime warranty. Can’t get better than that, eh?

Their definition of upcycled – “The practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use adn value.”

Their definition of repurposed – “To use or convert for use in another format or product.”

Our Review

We love hearing about innovative companies and the way they use or in this case reuse trash. One of my clients does this and it is such a wonderful way to create new products out of things we would normally just discard and fill landfills with.

The Yak Pak is just as they describe. I was surprised to learn that billboards were made out of such a thick material, but once I thought about it I remembered a sign we had made five years ago and realized that billboards would have to be durable with the weather elements that they have to endure.

What else can I say? I have written so many reviews this week and especially today that I fear that I am going to sound redundant soon. But we really like the Yak Pak. We gave it to our son for his school supplies and he’s thrilled with it. Time will tell how durable it is compared to other backpacks we have in the house, as we have a few canvas style ones and then the Disney one our daughter received.


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Intelligence Kids Steel-Cut Oat Bars

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of this product.

Steel Cut Oat Bars


About Intelligence

Introducing “Intelligence for Your Life,” a new line of products created by John Tesh, that embody the same philosophy as his radio show, “Simple Improvements for Better Living.” Enjoy simple, common-sense products to encourage you toward a healthy, mind, body, and spirit. Intelligence is a product of Amway Global.

Our Review

We received the Kids Steel-Cut Oat Bars in Cherry Flavor. There are twelve in a box and each bar is 1.41 oz. These bars, obviously, have oatmeal in them, which is an excellent source of natural fiber. Each bar is all natural with only 120-150 calories, 6-8 grahams of fiber and only 1-4 grams of fat. They are also Certified Kosher.

The individual bar is all-natural cherry-filled bars have three layers of fruity oatmeal mix. One side has a vanilla yogurt base, built up with a crunchy mix of soy crisps and steel-cut oats, and filled in with cherries.

We love these kinds of snacks and found these were very yummy. All of the children liked them. The only one to say they were only “ok” was my husband. How can I say this delicately, he tends to be more on the choosy side anyway.

My only question about the ingredient list is the fact that it lists “natural flavor”. That can hide a number of things. But other than that the rest of the ingredients look ok. They make a great kids snack.


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Disney Princess Products for Back to School

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

We featured these Disney products earlier in the week in our Back to School Product Guide for School Supplies Part 1, School Supplies Part 2 and Lunches Part 2. However, since we actually received these products we are also writing a review about them too.

These are the products that we received:

Disney Supply Kit this cute kit comes with a pencil sharpener, eraser, a small notebook (50 pages), pencil case, 3 folders, and 3 pencils. Designs are in Cars, Toy Story 3, Fairies, and Disney Princesses. ($12.50)

Disney Princess Supply Kit

Disney Princess Lunch Tote make meal times a royal occasion with this Disney Princess Lunch Tote. Sleeping Beauty, Belle and Cinderella add lots of sparkle to this Disney Princess bag that will keep their food fresh happily ever after, well until lunchtime at least. (Regular $12.50 now on sale for $8.00!)

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Personalized Disney Princess Backpack ($19.50) This adorable backpack is so cute for your little princess. It becomes even more royal when you personalize it with your little princesses name!

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We also received some Disney character snack products – Fruit Crisps, Disney Phineas and Ferb Gummies, Belly Washers Apple Juice and a Cars Grape Juice.

Our Review

Disney Princess Backpack and Lunch Tote

I think our daughter’s smile says it all, doesn’t it? You don’t know how much she has wanted a Princess backpack and when I was asked what I was interested in reviewing, I gave our PR rep two choices and after I had done so, wished I had just outright requested the Princess. Well, as Providence would have it, that is what she sent! Blondie was very pleased and excited. She’s outside playing right now with the backpack on her back. I am sure everything else is tucked inside too!

The backpack and lunch tote both seem very well made with thick material. Again, time will tell how long they last.

The pencil case in the Disney supply kit is made of a plastic material, so I am not sure if it will be easily punctured with pencil tips or not. I am hoping not because a little girl will be very disappointed! The other things in the supply kit – folders, eraser, pencils and notebook all seem to be of equal quality to the better quality items found on the back to school shelves.

The Disney snacks were tried by all of us and all were very yummy. Amazingly, most of these snack items were labeled “All Natural”, even the container of the grape juice was labeled BPA, Phthalates & PVC free. The apple juice contained no sugar or artificial flavors, same goes for the fruit crisps, which were freeze-dried pears. The only thing that is if-y is the gummies, as they are labeled naturally and artificially flavored and since we received an individual sample the ingredients were not included on its tiny package.

FYI:All of the Disney products the Backpack, lunch totes and pencil kits are executively sold at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com. They can’t be purchased anywhere else.

Overall, we were very pleased and happy with the Disney products we received.


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Keeley Crocs for Back to School

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

If you are shopping for kids footwear, you might want to consider Crocs for back to school. We featured the Keeley Crocs in our Back to School Guide earlier, but we also received a pair to review.

About Keely Crocs

They are odor resistant, ergonomic, lightweight, comfortable, anti microbial, fun, active casual footwear. Available in sizes 4-13 and a variety of colors.

Retail $24.99

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Our Review

We have never owned a pair of Crocs, so these shoes are new to us, even though we have heard about them. Our daughter was thrilled to receive her Keeley Crocs. They are pink – her favorite color and fit her perfectly. She said they are comfortable and easy to get on and off. She now chooses her Crocs first over her old shoes, which are also pink. More time is needed to see how long they hold up over time. They seem well made and sturdy enough. For now, they are a favorite at our house and we think they are very cute! 🙂

For more information on additional styles and colors, please visit www.Crocs.com


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