A revised revised chapter

Since my miscarriage back in November, I have done a lot of thinking. I have pondered a lot about life and what I want to do with the time I have here on Earth. As you know from previous posts, I decided to quit the blog and then I decided I would still blog. I have gone back and forth because I couldn't make up my mind.

After much thought, I have decided to officially step away from the blog. I came back the second time to see if I really did enjoy blogging. I discovered that although I enjoy blogging, I just don't love it. The blog has started to eat into my personal time. I only have so much time with kiddos, and I don't want to miss out anymore. My kids need me and I want to spend more time teaching them the things they need to know.

I just wanted to let everyone know why the blog has been so quiet the last few months. My blog partner, Hannah, is still deciding what she wants to do so I expect that eventually you will hear from her about her decision.
 
Thank you for your patience and support while I went back and forth on this issue. I have learned a lot from doing this blog and I am grateful for that knowledge and experience. And, don't worry about me....I will be plenty busy with my little homestead, my family, and my new baby that will be coming any time in the next two weeks. 

Take a Peek with Peek-a-Bear Book Review

About the book:

Take a Peek with Peek-a-Bear is cleverly designed children's book filled with colorful imagery and playful poetry that takes you on a exciting interactive adventure with the character Peek-a-Bear. It is the first of a series of ""Peek & Play"" books.


Take a Peek with Peek-a-Bear has received the following awards:

• Gold Medal in the Mom's Choice Awards
• Gold Medal in the Purple Dragonfly Awards
• Silver Medal in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards 
• Silver Medal in the Nautilus Book Awards 
• Honorable Mention in the New York Book Festival Awards

About the author:

Jill Weisfeld is currently Art Director of Pediatric Cancer Foundation and has done freelance graphic design for other various non-profit organizations. She is formerly Senior Art Director at Bride's Magazine and Art Director for Macy's Advertising in New York. Writing a children's books has always been Jill's dream which finally came true with her first title: Take a Peek with Peek-a-Bear.

My thoughts:

Take a Peek with Peek-a-Bear is certainly a book that your kiddos will love. My two boys love going through this interactive book because they love discovering what is behind the flaps and curtains. I love how the author blended poetry with creative pictures to capitvate a child's attention.

My boys love how the pictures they discover are silly. For example, seeing cows that are purple/pink and red/blue instead of the usual black/white and seeing a jelly fish eating peanut butter toast.

This is a frequent book that my boys like to read, and I can totally see why! I am excited to see what the author will write next. Anyways, you won't be disappointed with this book.


*Disclosure:  I received the product mentioned in this post at no cost in order to do this review. All opinions are my own.

Baltic Amber Teething Necklace - KG Baby Review (#HHR9GX3D)

About the product
note: comes with silicone pendant


Are You Searching For A Natural Teething Remedy That Actually Works?

As parents ourselves, we understand how you feel. Nothing is worse than watching your baby suffer. You want to end their pain. But you also want to keep them safe from harmful chemicals. Is there a way to do both?

YES!

Our Baltic Amber Teething Necklace is the natural way to reduce teething symptoms!

Watch fussiness turn into giggles! You and your baby will FINALLY get some sleep! Did we mention... No more drooling!


The Best Amber Necklace Available

- Handmade on Baltic Coast in Lithuania
- Only necklace verified authentic by the Gemological Institute of America
- Passes all 8 DIY amber authenticity tests

Safe, Stylish, and Easy to Use

- Double-knotted beads for safety
- Extra-Secure screw clasp
- Leave on all day, wrap around ankle at night
- Trendy, earthy look. Super cute!

Offers More Than Just Teething Relief
- Succinct acid boosts immune system
- Calms baby & reduces stress
- Natural analgesic
- Eases muscle/growing pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Powerful Anti-Oxidant



My thoughts


For over the two years, I have been making small changes to the way I live. I'm watching what I eat, what Baltic amber teething necklaces but I really didn't think much about them. However, I was able to try one such necklace when that same boy started getting his molars in.
chemicals are in my household products, and finding alternative ways to heal ailments. When my youngest boy started teething, I had heard about

The Baltic amber teething necklace is designed perfectly. Each amber bead is double knotted and it has an easy-to-use screw end. I didn't have to worry about my little one getting hurt when he was wearing this necklace.

The necklace seemed to soothe my kiddo while he teethed. He seemed happier and more himself when he had the necklace on versus when he wasn't wearing it. I love the fact that I an help my little one out by using a more natural remedy instead of giving him medicine with toxic chemicals or questionable materials.

 

I also have been leaving the necklace on Roo a lot lately because he has a rare disease called Mastocytosis. The necklace seems to help alleviate the pain he experiences from the disease.

I am really loving the Baltic amber teething necklace and I love how it works so well on my little boy. Pictures of him will come soon! He didn't want to cooperate with the camera for me today so I will try tomorrow.

Also for a limited time when you purchase a Baltic amber teething necklace, you will receive a silicon teething pendant. I love the pendant because it allows me the chance to wear jewelry that my kids can't destroy. My little guy has enjoyed nibbling on it every now and then. So be sure to check out these necklaces because you won't be disappointed.



*Disclosure:  I received the product mentioned in this post at no cost in order to do this review. All opinions are my own.

Whatever Wanda Review & Giveaway

About the book

Wanda is in serious need of an attitude adjustment! She doesn’t want to accompany her family to the Rubber Duck Days Festival, and once there, she won’t participate in any of the events or join in with her friends. Soon Wanda receives some helpful advice and learns that:

“Sometimes you have to believe something will be great before it actually is. Being positive is a choice that makes everything better, not to mention, a whole lot more fun!”

Whatever Wanda is the third book in the Shine Bright Kids series. The Shine Bright Kids series provides children and their families with the tools to teach the importance of making good choices. The series explores such topics as: using good judgment, taking responsibility, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.

About Shine Bright Kids:

Choose Right. Shine Bright.

The Shine Bright Kids series provides children and their families with a framework to teach the importance of making good choices. The principles that will be explored include: using good judgment, taking responsibility, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.

Want more information about this book and other books like it? Then, take a look at these links:

Visit the official website:  http://www.idealsbooks.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdealsBooks

About the author

Christy Ziglar, financial planner, mother of twins, and niece of legendary motivator and the world’s original optimist, Zig Ziglar, is bringing the same timeless wisdom and ageless advice to an entirely new, younger audience through her Shine Bright Kids picture book series. Christy, her husband, and their twins live in Atlanta, Georgia.

About the illustrator

Paige Billin-Frye lives with her husband in Washington, D.C., where she gardens and grows food in her city yard. She has illustrated numerous children’s books and works in a studio over a neighborhood hardware store. Coincidentally, Paige has amassed a collection of rubber duckies of all sizes across the years.

My thoughts





Whatever Wanda is a really cute book with very captivating illustrations. The books is a great way to teachyour kiddos about the importance of having a good attitude. Sometimes things just don't go our way or we don't want to do certain things, but when we have a better attitude the situation is so much better.

Monkey sure loves this book and loves reading about all the ducks. He even asked to make duck cookies because of the book. Just goes to show that your kids really do remember things that you read to them.

I love the fact that Monkey can read a book that teaches uplifting messages and teaches him that his attitude has a huge impact on the amount of fun he can have.

Another fun feature about this book is the "Star Search". There is a star that follows Wanda through the book. Depending on Wanda's choices, the star will look happy or sad. So after your child finds the star, you can discuss the star's mood.


Giveaway
You have a chance to win a copy of this wonderful book! Just follow the rules and enter the giveaway through the entry-form below.

*Giveaway will be open from 4/1/15 to 4/8/15
*The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email.
*Open to residents of U.S. & Canada.

Entry-Form

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Martian Dice Review & Giveaway (#MartianDice)

                                                 

About the product

• Martian Dice is a fun, fast-paced dice game that adults and kids both love.
• Abduct cows, chickens, and humans to run tests and determine who is actually in charge on earth.
• Your turn starts by rolling all 13 dice, and ends when you choose to stop and score points.
• Martian Dice has a wonderful and fun theme. You won't find any zombies in this dice game.
• 2+ players can play Martian Dice in 30 minutes.

 How to Play:

Your mission in Martian Dice, is to swoop down on the pathetic denizens of the primitive planet "Earth", and to scoop up as many of the inhabitants as you can manage. We are interested in samples of the Chicken, Cow, and Human populations, so that we can determine which of them is actually in charge. The Earthlings might manage to put up a feeble defense, but surely nothing that a small taste of your Death Rays can't handle. Make Mars proud be the first Martian to fill your abduction quota. On You Turn: 1. Roll all of the available dice. (On the first roll of your turn this will be all 13 dice; on later rolls it depends on how many dice you set aside earlier). If there are no available dice, proceed to scoring. 2. Set aside all Tanks, adding them to any Tanks set aside earlier this turn. 3. From the remaining dice, choose ONE type (Chickens, Cows, Humans, or Death Rays) and set aside ALL dice of that type. Chickens, Cows, or Humans may NOT be chosen if you have already set that type aside this turn. If you cannot set aside any dice based on these restrictions, your turn is over, proceed to scoring. 4. You may choose to end your turn and proceed to scoring, or return to step 1 to continue rolling. SCORING: Only score if you have at least as many Death Rays as Tanks set aside. 1 Point for each die set aside that is Human, Cow, or Chicken. 3 Bonus points if you set aside at least one Human, Cow, AND Chicken. 

My thoughts

My family loves games especially games that are unique. This game, Martian Dice, defiantly got my interest!  Because my husband and I love to play games, it is nice to have games that allow for only 2 players or more. And, thankfully this game matches the criteria.

The game is really quick to learn and fun to play. I love games that are easy to learn. The instructions provide an example turn which is helpful to visually see how the game is played.

 I thought the premise of the game was a lot of fun pretending to be the invading martians who need to collect humans, chickens, and cows while making sure their death rays will outnumber the human tanks.

Each player takes a turn with the 13 dice. You tally your points after each turn and the first player to reach 25 points win. The best part about this game is that if you don't want to go up to 25 points, then you don't have to. My husband and I had fun seeing you could the most points in one round.

This is definitely a game I recommend because it is fun and easy to learn! You won't be disappointed.


Giveaway

Flash giveaway will happen on Facebook from 3/27/15 to 3/29/15 11:59 pm MST


*Disclosure:  I received the product mentioned in this post at no cost in order to do this review. All opinions are my own.

Techno Gears Marble Mania Quest Review (#marblemaniaquest)

About the product

Set out on a search for fun and excitement with Techno Gears Marble Mania Quest. This adventure themed marble run features a hand crank that turns a bucket and chain pulley system to lift the marbles to the top of the build where they twist and turn down the tracks for an action packed run! More than 200 pieces will provide children hours of fun construction building. Ages 6+ years.


Check out this video to see this product in action:

My thoughts

My husband and boys love to build and tinker with their hands. When I saw this Techno Gears Marble Mania Quest, I knew they would love it.

My husband and I had to tackle this project together because it takes about 3-4 hours to put together. I wasn't expecting it to take that long, but it is understandable since there are a lot of parts. My husband took time to teach Monkey about all the mechanics and why things had to put together a certain way.

Once it is up, let the fun begin. My boys had fun moving the marbles around. Monkey sure loved all the cranks he could play with. This is definitely an activity for all the marble loving and mechanical inclined people. The only bad thing is that once it is up, you don't want to take it down because all the time you put into it. But, your older boys and girls will love this project because it will keep them busy for many many hours!

*Disclosure:  I received the product mentioned in this post at no cost in order to do this review. All opinions are my own.

Flat Iron with MicroProcessor Review (#flatironclassy)

About the product

• ELEGANT AND POWERFUL - With its Sleek design and fast heating ceramic plates this flat iron offers a combination of elegance, power and precision reaching temperatures of up to 430 Fahrenheit degrees
• SOPHISTICATED MICROPROCESSOR - Thanks to its highly sophisticated microprocessor and its LCD control display, the new Xtava Dolce allows you to personalize your settings to your desired style and hair type
• LCD SCREEN - Achieve complete control of the heat function with the stylish blue LCD screen and convenient buttons on the side of the appliance
• SAFETY - The Dolce flat iron is equipped with an automatic safety mechanism that will turn off the device when not in use. The device also offers a digital locking function to prevent any tampering with the unit
• CASE INCLUDED - Travel and storage case with heat resistant material included with the unit.

 My thoughts

So this review was going to be posted several weeks ago with completely positive feedback. I was happy with the results. Here is what I thought:

First off, I just have to say how much I love the color and sleek design of this straightener. Before using the straightener, I examined the product. I loved the swivel cord because it gives me so much more freedom when styling my hair. And I really loved the manual lock feature because it is nice knowing that my kiddos can't tamper with the straightener if they get into my bathroom drawers.

The straightener is really easy to use. The power button needs to be held for a few seconds and then it turns on. I love how I can adjust the temperature to fit my hair type and styling needs! And, the straightener has a safety mechanism where it turns off after an hour which is good because there have been times where I wonder did I turn off and unplug my straightener.

I really like the fingertip grooves at the very top of the straightener because it allowed me to curl my hair without burning my fingers. I didn't get the curls I wanted, but that is due to person using it and not due to the product. I need to practice more with curling my hair now that I got a good flat iron.

The ceramic ionic plates are really nice and they make a huge difference. My hair stayed straight the entire day and didn't look frizzy at all. My ends also stayed straight which is awesome since most flat irons make my ends flip out or in which is annoying. Thankfully, the DOLCE didn't do that at all. In fact, I felt my hair looked nicer using this flat iron than other ones I have used. I am quite pleased with this flat iron and I definitely would tell my friends to try it out.

However, after about a week, the flat iron had major issues. It would turn itself off after only being plugged in for a few minutes. Any time I would barely tilt the flat iron, it would turn itself off. So basically I couldn't even style my hair because the flat iron would turn off every minute.

I contacted the company and they sent me a new one. I was hoping that I just got a defective flat iron. But, the replacement flat iron started after problems the same day! It wouldn't stay on no matter what I did and didn't do. Honestly, I am extremely disappointed that I have received two products from them and they have both provided me with awful experiences.

I would definitely NOT recommend this product to anyone. It is not worth the trouble .

*Disclosure:  I received the product mentioned in this post at no cost in order to do this review. All opinions are my own.