Faith and Family Reviews - Product reviews you can trust!

Kregel Blog Tour ~ Candle Handbook

Posted by Professor on May 8, 2014
in Books, Uncategorized

The Candle Handbook

Last year we introduced you to the The Candle Classic Bible which took its readers through the Bible in 365 exciting days! This year we introduce you to its accompanying handbook!

Travel through Bible history with this comprehensible exploration of the Bible, following key narratives from Genesis to Revelation.

Using clear graphics throughout, including illustrations of what biblical sites would have looked like, photographs and maps of important biblical references, and graphs showing the routes of important journeys, readers will travel through various Bible lands and times and discover how the people lived: the foods they ate, the homes they occupied, the clothes they wore, and the work they performed. The Candle Bible Handbook also includes completely new content, including glossaries, study questions to further learning, and FAQs that explain some of the mysteries of the Bible.

Readers will discover the purpose of every book of the Bible in this indispensable guidebook that uniquely fulfills the Candle brand.

OUR REVIEW:

I was SO excited to be able to review this handbook because I JUST KNEW it would be a perfect companion to my Candle Classic Bible…and it IS! However, if you do not own a Candle Classic Bible it works well alone as an EXCELLENT Bible reference tool! I teach Sunday school and we have been studying the Old Testament this year. I have ALWAYS wanted GOOD maps and pictures of the Old Testament…this handbook is it…my DREAM come true! The Maps are excellent and the pictures are terrific…it makes learning come to life! My students really began to picture the Old Testament after using this handbook.

I have also used this handbook as a family … it is wonderful to be able to have study questions right at the tip of my fingers for easy quizzes and it is great to show the little ones the pictures of the daily lives of people in the Bible. We paired this with our Candle Classic Bible at home and when reading one story per day it really helps to have this handbook for home study and reflection (it makes mom’s job easier)!

Overall we were greatly overjoyed with this text. If you are looking for a family Bible companion piece …then this is IT! This is such a wonderful text I suggest that you at least take time to peruse buying options for the Bible handbook!

This book and many others are carried by Kregel Publications

Visit their site and peruse all the wonderful books they have to offer!

www.kregel.com

http://store.kregel.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=3175

{2 comments}

VetIQ Minties Dental Treats for Dogs

Posted by html404 on May 6, 2014
in All Natural Products, Animals, Pet Food, Pet Products, Pet Treats, Reviews, Uncategorized

We love our dog. Once he hit two it was like a switch went on in his brain and all the training the children put into him all seemed to pay off. He’s a good pooch. As you all know we feed him as we feed ourselves, basically. We buy him dog treats on special occasions. That’s why I wanted to try VetIQ Minties Dental Treats for Dogs.

Last summer when the vet was here to give Padfoot his rabies shot, he commented on how white Padfoot’s teeth are. The fact that the vet opened and showed his assistant and made that comment told me that he was surprised. So it’s not that we were concerned about Padfoot’s teeth or even his breath, it was more like I was curious as I usually am when a new product comes across my path.

Minties dental soft chews and bones are actually made with pretty healthy ingredients, which I like. I also like the fact that the products and ingredients are made right here in the good old U.S.A.

Minties Bones

Padfoot loved Minties Bones and our younger sons loved feeding them to him! The only thing I didn’t like about these was the fact only four came in a package!

“Ingredients of Minties:

Rice Flour, Vegetable Glycerin, Water, Natural Chicken Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Lecithin, Garlic, Tricalcium Phosphate, Brewers Dried Yeast, Chlorophyll (Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin), Parsley, Fennel, Dill, Peppermint, Cholecalciferol (Source of Vitamin D3), Mixed Tocopherols (Natural Source of Vitamin E)”

Minties Breath Fresh Soft Chews

There were more Minties Breath Fresh soft chews in the bag but they are smaller portions. Again Padfoot loved them and sat pretty for his treat. One thing I didn’t get a chance to do was smell Padfoot’s breath after he ate these products. It’s neither here nor there because he doesn’t have regular bad breath. Both products do smell good on their own. Update: My daughter just said Padfoot’s breath smells good after he has his Minties. 🙂

VetIQ has several different dental products for dogs, plus other lines of products. Each one comes in various sized bags, amounts and according to the size of your dog. You can check out other VetIQ products here: http://www.vetiq.com/products/

{6 comments}

12 Last Minute Mother’s Day Ideas

Posted by html404 on May 5, 2014
in Beauty Products, Books, Gift Ideas, Personal Care Products, Things to Do in Chicago, Uncategorized

Mother’s Day is drawing near and if you are anything like us, last minute plans are usually the norm. So in light of all you last minute shoppers and planners, here’s a list of last minute Mother’s Day ideas:

1. Picnic

2. Botanical Gardens

3. A quiet day alone to do whatever she wants

4. Flowers

5. Chocolates – can’t go wrong with chocolate!

6. New books (I’ll be posting about the book above this week!)

7. Dinner at her favorite restaurant

8. Something from the heart

9. Jewelry

10. Green Thumb basket

11. A gift card for a dress from Matilda Jane

12. A gift card to Moody Sisters who has a new lip balm out called Mango Peach! Our children liked it.

What are you getting your mom this Mother’s Day?

{4 comments}

Viactiv Build Strong Bones Together: Yours and Hers

Posted by html404 on May 4, 2014
in Children's Health, Girl Stuff, Health, Health and Fitness, Health and Nutrition, Health and Wellness, Kids Stuff, Uncategorized

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. I received two full-sized canisters of Viactiv® Calcium Soft Chews and a picture frame for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.

Our family is constantly working on our diet, as well as finding ways to remain healthy. This spring in addition to trying to walk daily, we have been taking a calcium supplement to build strong bones. Did you know that almost 70% of women, on average, are calcium deficient? And 86% of teen girls are not getting enough calcium each day? We were surprised to learn this. We have three teen girls and since 95% of their bone building occurs by age 20 we want them to get enough calcium. Viactiv Soft Chews provide 100% of the daily recommended of calcium, plus vitamins D3 and K.

Viactiv Soft Chews are the #1 doctor recommended calcium supplement chew. The recommended amount of calcium for a girl 9-18 years old is 1300 milligrams (mg), compared to only 1000 mg women 19-50 years require. My daughters and I have been taking Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews for well over a month. They are easy to take and taste really good. No need to struggle swallowing a massive ugly tasting pill. Viactiv Soft Chews come in two yummy flavors: Milk Chocolate and Caramel. The girls and I are admittedly chocolate lovers so we all prefer the Milk Chocolate but you won’t see any of us complain about the Caramel!

When we do not get enough calcium the deficiency causes our bodies to begin taking it from our bones. Calcium deficiency causes osteoporosis. Not only is calcium important for bone health but it strengthens our teeth and helps our muscles and nerves function the way they were intended.

Walking is a great weight-bearing exercise which helps build and maintain bone density.

We just bought more Viactiv at Walgreens and got them for free since we had enough rewards points accumulated! Viactiv is also available at Rite Aid, CVS, Target, Walmart and Drugstore.com

You can learn more about Viactiv Soft Chews on their Facebook page or www.Viactiv.com

Which delicious flavor of Viactiv® Calcium Soft Chew would you choose – Milk Chocolate or Caramel?

Get the latest information on Viactiv® Calcium Soft Chews at www.viactiv.com. #ViactivYoursandHers

{No comments}

Week #19 Saturday Top Five Laughs

Posted by html404 on May 3, 2014
in Fun Stuff, Humor, Kids Stuff, Saturday Top Five Laughs, Uncategorized

That time of week again! Welcome to Saturday top Five Laughs, along with Mel over at The Mommyhood Chronicles, for week #19 (for us) in our Saturday Top Five Laughs of the week.

Not the greatest photo since he was moving.

5. Jr. was lifting weights and this is how he counted, “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 99, 67, 47…” Too funny! Gotta teach the boy how to count correctly I guess. Ha!

4. Our older son asked hubby what was in an R rated movie….

Hubby ~ “Violence, language and nudity.”

Son ~ “Do they really strip down?”

Hubby ~ “Yes.”

Son ~ “Gives me the willies,” as he shakes and kicks his legs.

Quite a response, eh? 😉

3. We went to a new church on Good Friday and again on Easter Sunday, right here in town. The Monday after Jr. says, “Me want to go to church.” Awww….he LOVED greeting people during the meet and greet time!

2. We made cheddar cheese nearly two weeks ago and a couple of the older children and my husband were cracking “why”/whey jokes. For example, “We have a ‘whey’ with words.”

1. Our six year old asked a couple of strange, odd and kind of funny questions. Here’s one of them, “When will my brain get better?” Or was it bigger? Either way, it’s a winner.

{15 comments}

Stonyfield Greek Yogurt

Posted by html404 on May 2, 2014
in Farm Stuff, Food and Treats, Health, Health and Nutrition, Organic, Reviews, Uncategorized

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, our family loves yogurt. We recently tried Stoneyfield Greek Yogurt. It was delicious.

Did you know Greek yogurt has 20% of the recommended daily allowance of protein? And 30% of calcium? Greek yogurt also contains half the carbohydrates compared to regular yogurt — 5 to 8 grams per serving compared with 13 to 17! (Source: US News)

The store we where bought our Stonyfield Greek Yogurt only had Super Fruits, Blueberry, Strawberry Banana and I think that’s it. I can’t wait to try the other flavors. The night my husband brought the yogurt home everyone was hungry and I didn’t even get a chance to take personal photos! If we get to the store this weekend for more, I’ll try to take photos and add them!

Super Fruits ingredients:

Our Family Recipe Yogurt (Cultured Pasteurized Organic Nonfat Milk), Pomegranate, Raspberry, Acai Fruit Preparation (Organic Sugar, Organic Raspberry Puree, Organic Corn Starch, Organic Acai Puree, Organic Pomegranate Juice from Concentrate, Natural Flavor, Organic Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrates [For Color]), Organic Guar Gum).
Live Active Cultures S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus, and L. casei

About Stonyfield Greek Yogurt

Facts:

0% fat and twice the protein of other yogurts

Made without the use of harsh pesticides or GMOs

Ingredients are bought from farmers Stoneyfield trusts

Certified USDA Organic

Their cows are not treated with artificial hormones or antibiotics and their cows are treated humanely.

Greek flavors:

Super Fruits
Black Cherry** newest flavor
Blueberry
Cafe Latte** newest flavor
Caramel
Chocolate
Honey
Lemon
Peach Mango
Pineapple
Plain
Raspberry
Strawberry
Vanilla

Our Review of Stonyfield Greek Yogurt

We really loved it! The flavors were great. The yogurt was thick, yummy and tasted delicious! I loved the blueberry.

What Stonyfield Greek Yogurt flavors appeal to you?

{12 comments}

$100 Amazon Gift Card Blast

Posted by html404 on May 1, 2014
in Blog Stuff, Giveaways, Uncategorized

Makobi Scribe is bringing you this Amazon Instagram blast where one lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card. The giveaway is open to everyone and provided by Makobi Scribe. Good Luck! If you are a blogger, you can sign up for this blast here.

Entry -Form

{No comments}

10 Things I Love About Spring

Posted by html404 on May 1, 2014
in Family Stuff, Farm Stuff, Gardening, Seasonal Stuff, Uncategorized

Inspired by Mama Kat’s writing prompts.

10 things I love about Spring:

1. The sunshine.

2. The green grass.

3. The appearance of flowers and colors after a seeing dull brown after the snow melts.

4. The ability to work outside with ease. No winter weather to hinder us.

5. The chirping of the birds.

6. The beauty of new life everywhere.

7. Having our own eggs again after going all winter without.

8. The change in flavor of our homemade butter now that Miss Moo is out on pasture again.

9. Spring fever in the animals. Watching Blaze (our horse) canter across the pasture is a sight to behold, as is the cows, goats and sheep frolicking.

10. Planting our garden and the ability to grow our own food.

What do you love about spring?

{11 comments}

Babydoll Lambs – Wordless Wednesday

Posted by html404 on April 30, 2014
in Animals, Family Stuff, Farm Stuff, Fun Stuff, Uncategorized, Wordless Wednesday

The above photo is of Oopsie, a Babydoll Katahdin. As his name denotes, he was a mistake. The breeders Katahdin buck got over the fence to one of her Babydoll ewes and voila now there’s an Oopsie! Juno is our son’s first Babydoll lamb, Juno, who is a pure bred Babydoll. The funny thing is both these lambs were born the same week! Because Oopsie’s father was so much bigger, Oopsie will be larger than a standard Babydoll. They came home on 4/13. Oopsie is suppose to go back to the breeder as he is just a loaner companion until our son’s ram lamb is ready to come home. All the children want to keep Oopsie and at the time of this writing he’s only been here a day and a half! So we’ll see.

Just discovered a photo of Juno just after she was born with her twin sister, Jellybean, in an email from the breeder. Aren’t they sweet?

Bottom photo compliments of Hillbunker Farms.

{11 comments}

State Farm Neighborhood Assist

Posted by Professor on April 30, 2014
in Community Issues, Uncategorized

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for State Farm. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.” www.momcentralconsulting.com

During State Farms Neighborhood Assist program 40 Causes will receive 25,000 AND YOUR VOTE decides where it goes!

Voting is open! Now’s your chance to decide which 40 causes will receive a $25K grant!

Vote up to 10 times each day from April 28th through May 16th. Invite your friends to help, because only the 40 causes with the most votes will receive a grant.

Please download and share the following facebook app so you and your friends can vote on your favorite causes in THIS years neighborhood Assist program. Please consider voting! You can find the app at the following link: http://st8.fm/iKc

Why vote?

This is a great way to help just by voting and give back to your community!

Our family gives back to the community every year, several times during the year. We give back with Operation Milk jug during thanksgiving by donating money so families in need can have a wonderful holiday meal. We also give back through Operation Rice Bowl through our church during the Eater season.

My daughters are Girl Scouts and are constantly giving back to the community in various ways! We collect money and donations for the elderly, homeless, and families in need…all year and especially during the holidays. We have even expanded our projects to pets in need.

If our community were eligible in the State Farm Neighborhood Assist voting I would love to see an Art and music program happening in our community. These classes have been constantly cut and thoughout our district and neighboring districts. Even though these are not considered core subjects they are still important to hone young minds and creativity.

Please take a look at the State Farm app and vote! I voted for the Girls 4 Science Program in the Chicago area. This is a great way to get girls involved in science …this program. How great to offer a program that gets girls geared up for a subject predominantly led by the male species!

Take a look at the following infographic… it shows just how much community is doing for each other throughout the US! It is also important to realize that grant recipients are from both SMALL TOWNS AND BIG CITIES!

There are so many ways to give back to your community!! Please consider joining a local cause AND voting for a cause on Neighborhood assist using the following app link http://st8.fm/iKc!