Tag Archive for Books

Playtex Baby Facebook Contest!

Posted by Brande on April 16, 2012
in Baby Products, Books, Contests, Diapers and Accessories, Fun Stuff, Parenting, Pregnancy and Birth, Products for Mom
How many times have you wondered… Why didn’t anyone tell or warn me about this!?   I think the truth is, they/we don’t want to scare you.  I’m sure we’ve all read it or read parts of the book “What to Expect When You Are Expecting”.  I read the book, and NO WHERE does it say… because if you sneeze, cough, or laugh to hard once your 7 months pregnant or ove you will…I’m sure most of you know or understand where I’m going with this.
Starting today!  April 16th when you answer Platex’s question “What did you least expect when you were pregnant or a new Mom?” you have a chance to win some prizes. There will be daily winners!  The grand prize winner will be “flown to LA for the premiere of What To Expect When You’re Expecting. The film will feature Playtex Baby products including the Playtex® Nurser with Drop-Ins® Liners and the Playtex® Diaper Genie® Disposal System!”
Head over to thePlaytex Baby Facebook Contest and share your stories and experiences. So go!  Enter! Good Luck!  Let us know if you win!



“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Playtex Baby. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating”
 www.momcentral.com/mcc,

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The Discovery Review

Posted by Theresa, Owner on April 14, 2012
in Books, Reviews

If you are looking to read an intriguing book, The Dicovery by Dan Walsh is one to read. This is a sentimental love story, fictional of course, but sweet with a hint of espionage and the lies that often come with being a spy.

 

I have to admit that I read all the portions written by the main character’s grandson first before I delved into “the discovery”. Not something I usually do, but for me it set the tone for the whole book.

Most of these books that I have been reviewing are not overtly preachy by any means. The Discovery is another novel that brings the main character back to God through life’s hardships. Most hardships people can relate to, however, the details of “Ben’s” story are hardly normal by any means.

I liked the sacrificial love Ben showed, as well as the lasting love and devotion of a couple in their eighties. I also liked the fact that when the grandfather knew he was dying he spoke to each member of his family about the terms of the will and what to expect; thus eliminating any money wars you often read about or see in the movies!

While the story was a bit surreal at times, it had all the elements of a good book and made me cry too. Two thumbs up from me.

“Available April 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 free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Food Fights Review & Giveaway

Posted by Theresa, Owner on April 13, 2012
in Books, Food and Treats, Giveaways, Health and Nutrition, Parenting

I am always hesitant to read parenting books because after being a parent for so long you kind of get into your own groove. Our groove tends to be very different from most, as it should be because every family, every child and every parent is different. None of us are cookie cutter parents or we shouldn’t be! We each have to develop our own style of parenting that fits us as individuals and our children.

Book Reviews

You all know that I do a fair amount of book reviews, but I do not do a lot of parenting books. Guess they scare me! Ha! No seriously. When I was a young mom I tended to want to do what every good parenting book said but parenting just does not work like that. I gradually learned that we get ideas from other parents, books etc. but we tweak them to make it work for our individual family.

Food Fights

Food Fights is the book I mentioned at the beginning of the week and shared a juicy update about. It offers parenting tips on how to pick food battles, dealing with the mine fields of TV dinners, fast food, eating out, sick kids and so much more. This book is written by two pediatricians, Dr. Laura A. Jana and Dr. Jennifer Shu. I know how picky some children can be and thought this book would be a great one to share.

What I Liked

The facts they shared throughout the book were very interesting and helpful.

It has a beautiful cover of a darling baby.

Spoke out against feeding kids junk food, soda pop and sugary juices.

Encouragement to feed your children fresh fruits and veggies.

Supportive of breastfeeding.

They were concerned with childhood obesity, but our food system has a huge part in that! Read labels!

What I Didn’t LikeBeware I go into a tangent!

The book discourages breastfeeding your child at bedtime/naptime. This one gets me riled up! I have breastfed eight children for 1-3 years each and have breastfed them all to sleep at some point or another and it DOES NOT make them dependent. Babies and children are already dependent for pity sake! Arggggh……..’Nough said.

Ok, I realize this next one is a can of worms in certain circles – what kind of milk do you serve your children? Rhetorical no need to answer, however, have you ever heard of not feeding children over 2 whole milk, only skim? Hmmm…..that’s a new one to me. Raw milk is better, but even our family doesn’t buy raw milk because of the price. That’s why we need a cow!

Another myth the book advises against is drinking well water. Oh really? I grew up in the country and that is the only water we had and I am fine (ok that’s debatable sometimes! Ha!) as are my parents, my sisters and all those that lived around us. Since moving to a rural area we now drink well water. Ummmm….so far none of us are any worse for doing so, but the authors claimed it was dangerous to drink well water. Did you know that Chlorine and Fluoride are NOT good for you and that they are chemicals? Just do a little research and you’ll learn ALOT.

The last two items are certainly personal choice but ones I happen to disagree with. First one, you shouldn’t make your children eat if they don’t want to both hunger wise and what you serve them. I understand and agree that if they are referring to not being hungry, but not when it comes to what is being served. We are a family of ten and neither my daughters, who now cook, nor I will make ten different meals. That is ridiculous. Therefore, our kids are required to eat whatever they are served. Period. If they really dislike it then they are required to eat bites according to their age. For example: If our four year old did not like what was for dinner he would be required to eat four bites, our six year old would need to eat six bites and so on.

The book has merit and will be helpful to those parents searching for a solution to “food fights”.

Enter to Win!

If you are interested in owning a copy we are hosting a giveaway and I will mail you your copy in a 2-3 of weeks, whenever I close the giveaway. Just fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter. Thanks!

Read more

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Win KIWI Magazine’s Cookbook on Facebook!

Posted by Brande on April 12, 2012
in Books, Contests, Family Stuff, Food and Treats, Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Health, Health and Nutrition, Organic, Parenting, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Recipes

Remember when I told you about KIWI Magazine’s New Allergy – Friendly Cookbook?

Why not try and win it first?  When I read the rules they are only giving away 3, but hey you never know!  Hurry because the contest ends on April 13th, which is tomorrow! Log onto Facebook – here’s the direct link!

https://www.facebook.com/KIWIMagazine/app_208195102528120

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TOS Revives Molly Green – Saving Money!

Posted by Brande on April 12, 2012
in Animals, Baby Products, Books, Cleaning, Coupons, Ebooks, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Home, Money & Finances, Organic, Parenting, Recipes, Saving Money, Shopping

TOS (The Old Schoolhouse Magazine) revives Molly Green Magazine / Econobusters!  Each week Molly Green is delivered to your inbox with tips, recipes and other inspiring ideas related to saving money!  Molly Green Magazine / Econobusters offers decorating tips, pet care, health and beauty care for less. Let’s not forget tips on coupon clipping and “Abundant Blessings” (large savings for large families). With a paid monthly subscription to Molly Green Magazine / Econobusters you will receive “FREE Menu-Planning E-Book and Home Work: Juggling Home, Work and School Without Losing Your Balance E-Book“.  Let Molly Green Magazine / Econobusters save you money too!!  There is also “A Minute with Molly” a free newsletter.


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A Juicy Update

Posted by Theresa, Owner on April 9, 2012
in Books, Food and Treats, Health, Health and Nutrition

Mysterious (or should I say juicy? ;) ) blog title, eh? Here are a couple excerpt from an upcoming book review and giveaway….

A Juicy Update

The answer to whether or not young children should be allowed to drink juice on a regular basis has been a bit of a sticky one for years. After all, the fight against childhood obesity has most definitely included a focus on limiting sugary liquids. And juice—whether it is delivered in a box or carton, sippy cup or straw—most definitely contains sugar. In fact, when we set out to write the first edition of Food Fights, the latest research at the time had us all but convinced that fruit juice was almost as much to blame for childhood obesity (not to mention tooth decay) as soda pop. Sugar was sugar, after all, and it was hard to look past the fact that a 12-ounce serving of 100% grape juice had been shown to have 11/2 times the calories as grape soda. Additionally, a few small initial studies suggested a worrisome connection between obesity in young children and their fruit juice consumption. But unlike soda pop and its utter lack of redeeming nutritional qualities, 100% fruit juice has since proven itself significantly more worthy of further nutritional consideration. Several subsequent large national studies have revealed some interesting findings about kids, juice, nutrition, and obesity, not the least of which has been the lack of an association between drinking 100% fruit juice and an increased likelihood of children being or becoming overweight. These new findings have led us to reassess our take on juice, and to reformulate our own juice-related advice for parents accordingly.

A Convenient Juice Box

If and when you plan on incorporating juice into your child’s diet responsibly,we suggest the following approach:

• Make sure it’s pure fruit juice. Fruit drinks that aren’t 100% juice typically
contain added sugars and/or sweeteners that can up both the cavity and
calorie counts.
• Hold off on introducing your child to juice for at least his first year and
refrain from serving it in a bottle.
• Avoid letting your child sip on juice (or any other sugar-containing liquid,
for that matter) for prolonged periods. Whether by bottle, sippy cup, or
cup, bathing one’s teeth in sugary liquids can cause serious tooth decay.
• Consider diluting it with water.
• Encourage your child to eat fresh, whole fruits whenever available.
• Whenever possible, serve juice that contains pulp for added fiber.
• Make sure juice doesn’t entirely drown out your child’s interest in drinking
milk and water.
• Buy only pasteurized products (shelf-stable juices, frozen concentrates,
or specially marked refrigerated juices) to avoid potential diarrhea-causing
infections.
• While the American Academy of Pediatrics does suggest 100% fruit juice
as an acceptable part of a healthy diet, be aware that it’s wise to offer it in
age-appropriate moderation (none under 6 months of age and no more
than 4 to 6 ounces a day for older infants and children).
• Keep an eye out for warning signs of excessive juice intake, such as tooth
decay and “toddler’s diarrhea.” Not only do young kids tend to suck on
sugary liquids for prolonged periods when allowed, thus putting their newly
acquired teeth at considerable risk., but kids
between the ages of 2 and 3 tend to have the highest juice consumption—
in some instances enough to cause persistent diarrhea.

Come back Friday to learn more about the book and giveaway!

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Girls and Boys Bibles – Last Minute Easter Gift Idea

Posted by Theresa, Owner on April 7, 2012
in Books, Family Stuff, Gift Ideas, Holidays

The NIV Girls Bibles if for girls 9-12 and not only does it have a Bible inside, but it also has a ton of extra features like a dream girl section where girls can use their imaginations, finding out what they have in common with great women of the Bible, words to memorize, and answers to questions that they have always wanted to find out about.

My girls really liked the notes on the side/bottom of the pages and the index in the back too. Most girls will love the frilly pink design and cute flowers that are scattered throughout. It also has a read the Bible in a year index is something that most girls will love and I know that my girls did. They will also love the list of verses to read when you are feeling bad or upset.

The NIV Boys Bible is targeted with boys ages 9-12 in mind. With tons of cool features and devotions designed to strength your boys walk with God parents will love that their boys are leaning values at a young age. The colors and textures in the boy’s Bible will appeal to them since it is very “manly” and they will love the metal cover. They will also love the gross and gory section that features all the weird and cool thing that you never knew was in the Bible. It seems to be very sturdy and I am guessing that it would last through even the most destructive boy.

Both Bibles are really nice and tweens will love the extra features. I’m not too crazy about the hardcover, but I prefer soft cover Bibles so that is just a personal preference. I think that these would make nice bibles for tweens and then you could “upgrade” to a more adult Bible when they reach their teen years and outgrow these.

The NIV Bibles can be purchased at bookstores nationwide and www.Zondervan.com A great last minute Easter gift idea!

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

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Pre-Order KIWI’s New Cookbook!

Posted by Brande on March 31, 2012
in All Natural Products, Articles, Books, Eco Friendly Products, Family Stuff, Food and Treats, Health, Health and Nutrition, News Worthy, Organic, Recipes, Shopping

I just got this email!  KIWI Magazine is all about natural and organic ways of living.  LOVE IT!  They just came out with this cookbook for families with food allergies.  It will get released on April 10 but, you can pre-order it through Amazon.com.

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FREE “Dummies” Books

Posted by Brande on March 29, 2012
in Articles, Books, Downloads, Ebooks, Education, Encouragement for Moms, Family Stuff, Free Stuff, Parenting, Products for Dad, Products for Mom

I’ve used “Dummies” books before and they are helpful.  Check out these 3 that I ordered.  “Living the Boomer Life for Dummies“, “Well-Being for Dummies“, and “Retirement for Dummies” – Get these FREE Dummies books as a download if you need them faster or in hard copy.  They are available at REAL Powered by Humana,  which so far, for me at least, seems to be an equally good site for various information about work, family, self and play.  If you look near the middle of the page you will see Marketplace that’s where you will find these “Dummies” books too.  They are on the right side of the Marketplace link.

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Simon and the Easter Miracle Review

Posted by Professor on March 26, 2012
in Books


Synopsis:

The gospels tells of Simon of Cyrene – “”a man coming in from the country”" – who was ordered to carry Jesus’ cross. Over the centuries, his story has been woven into Polish folklore: When Simon the farmer brings his wares to market, little does he expect how he will be involved in the events of that very special day, nor how his produce – of bread, eggs and wine – will become important symbols of Jesus’ passion and resurrection, remembered throughout the ages. Together with sophisticated artwork, this picture book retelling of a traditional European tale is both thought provoking and engaging, with the events and meaning of the first Easter at its heart.

Our Review:

What a wonderful thought-provoking book! My children enjoyed the wonderful story and the vivid illustrations.  The book was engaging to all of my children ages 3, 6, and 8. I especially liked that the book was in large format and hardcover…this let all of the children be able to read the book along with me and no one was craning their necks to see the pictures!

This is really a good book to read and then to discuss the passion of Christ with the little ones. It gives a different perspective and invokes thought about the Gospel for little minds. It truly weaves the Easter miracle and the message of peace in its words.

Being of Polish heritage I liked the fact that this was taken from Polish folklore…something my children and I discussed after we read the book. My children and I often read literature and tales from different cultures so it was nice to add a polish Gospel story to our repertoire.

For more information about this book or other Kregel publications visit www.kregel.com

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

 

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