Hello Fresh ~ Review & Coupon Code

Well, Helloooooo!

When I was asked to do this review for Hello Fresh, it took me days to get the image and sound of Mrs. Doubtfire out of my head.  Well, Helloooooo!

Yes, indeed!  Hello Fresh!  Welcome to my home!

Hello Fresh is a company that provides fresh, delicious, complete meals right to your door for you to cook yourself.  Here's how it goes...

Yes, it is that simple.  Each week, you select which meals your would like to prepare.  You could choose the Classic Box, which includes meat and/or fish.  Or, you can choose the Veggie Box.  You can order the 3 for either 2 or 4 people.

I ordered the Classic Box of 3 meals for 2 people.  I was offered 5 meals in which to choose my three.  I chose:

• Sauteed Chicken with Garlic Parsnips and Carrots
• Classic Beef Stew with Chickpeas and Green Beans
• Yogurt Marinated Shrimp over Arugala Salad

Now, before I get into the yumminess of the food, let me chat about the company a bit more.   It is a treasure these days to find a company that delivers not only an excellent product, but excellent customer service.  After I placed my order, a representative from Hello Fresh sent me an e-mail thanking me.  A couple of days before my order was to arrive, a representative from Hello Fresh called me at my home to let me know it was on the way and to welcome me to the Hello Fresh family.  She didn't need to do that....I had already gotten an e-mail from them with the tracking number.  I appreciated the personal touch.

Hello Fresh sources their ingredients weekly to ensure the best quality.  The meals offer a variety of vegetables and spices, so you can't get bored.  The meats and fish are sealed for freshness and not frozen.  Each item is packaged for safety and seasonings are in sealed packets.

Let me take you on my Hello Fresh journey.

BEHOLD!!!!  THE BOX!!!

My box arrived in the afternoon on a Wednesday.  That's when everyone gets their Hello Fresh box!  It's like all the lucky people of the world get to open a present on the same day.  This is not your ordinary shipping box.  No.  After cutting off the plastic security tabs, all I had to do was lift the lid.  It was like a portable ice chest.

Yes, I oohed and aahed when I opened it.  Hey!  Wouldn't you?  Now, remember when I said that I received my box in the afternoon?  Well, I live in Florida and, although it is December, each day the temperature has been in the mid-80's.  Check out how well this box is insulated!  Everything was still refrigerator cold and it had been in the shipping process for two days.  I carefully removed all of the food.  Here is the empty box with three large ice packs that kept things cold.  Yes, those went straight into my freezer for me to use again and again....thank you, Hello Fresh!

Each meal was packaged neatly and clearly labelled.  Here is a picture of the ingredients I would use for the Classic Beef Stew.

Each meal included a beautiful double sided recipe card that showed ingredients, description of the meal, nutrition content, step by step instructions and full color pictures.  Check it out!

I let my 13 yo son pick which meal to make first.  He chose the Sauteed Chicken with Ginger Parsnips and Carrots.  He was so excited to get started!  Here he is preparing the veggies...

 And then sauteing the ginger...

It was wonderful to have him involved and excited about preparing the meal!  The instructions were simple and he did most of the work.  Here was our finished product...

Sauteed Chicken 

with Ginger Parsnips and Carrots

 The next night we made the

Classic Beef Stew

Then, on Saturday, we made the

Yogurt Marinated Shrimp over Arugala Salad

What an absolute treat it was to be a part of this review!  Now, let's talk shop.  I know you are asking yourself...how much does this cost?

The Classic Box of 3 meals for 2 people is $69

The Classic Box of 3 meals for 4 people is $129

The Veggie Box of 3 meals for 2 people is $59

The Veggie Box of 3 meals for 4 people is $109

Click HERE to go to the website, find out more, and place your order. Set your subscription on your own terms.  Have weekly delivery, once a month delivery, etc.  Just visit the calendar and click on when you want your box.  Or, just order for a special occasion!

What's the bottom line for me?  Well, Hello Fresh asked me to do this review and provide my honest opinion.  So, here it goes....

• We loved receiving our box.  It was like early Christmas.  All of the ingredients were fresh and well organized.
• The recipes were unique and we were able to try new foods that we have never had - like parsnips and chick peas!
• The recipes were easy to follow and I liked that they did not take more than 30 minutes from start to finish.  In the end, we had beautiful, gourmet meals.
• The price is not within my budget.  Boo-hoo.  I wish it was.  But, we are a family on a tight budget and my food shopping for the month is about the amount of one box for four people.  So, we won't be ordering again.  But, if my budget ever changed I would be all over this!

I encourage you to give this a try.  It is fun and you will love the food!  Make it a family event....bring everyone together.  Or, try it out for a special dinner guest.  Now, that's a way to impress someone with a gourmet meal!

Use this COUPON CODE when ordering:   PWVB3Y to get $20 off your first box.  And, hey, I'll get $20 off too just for giving you the coupon code!  Woohoo!

Check out what my peeps over at Mosaic Reviews had to say.  There were many different meals ordered, so you are likely to see some delicious pictures!  Click HERE to take a peek. 

Udderly Smooth Cream ~ Review

 Udder-ific

Udder-fied

Udder-tastic

Yes, the "udder" jokes have been flying around my house for the past couple of weeks.  I was thrilled when I received my generous box of "pamper me" products from Udderly Smooth.  Wouldn't you be excited to dive into this?

TWO Hand Creams....Foot Cream....Body Cream

I'm about to get Udder-fied!

First, I dove into the hand cream.  I have eczema and tend to be cautious about lotions, but I have heard of Udderly Smooth before and I know they are a trusted name.  Sha-Smooth!  It was light weight and non-greasy.  It absorbed well and had only a light natural fragrance.  It did not cause me any inflammation.  The small one now lives happily in my purse and the larger one is content to be on my desk where I work. 

The next day was my "shave the legs" day.  Don't judge.  It's winter and this is only a 3 day per week event now.  For me, shaving brings dryness.  It's time to smooth on my Udderly Smooth body cream.  The texture was thicker than the hand cream, but not goopy (is that even a word?).  I prefer my creams from a tube or pump, but this comes in a jar.  I would suggest taking some out of the jar using a mini beauty spatula in order to avoid contamination in the jar.  This probably doesn't even need to be mentioned, but, at least wash your hands well first.  Anyhoo....back to the body cream.  It absorbed well.  I actually re-applied it because I felt I needed more.  I'm not sure if this was my dry, dry skin or the product.  Regardless, I sure didn't mind.  It felt nice.  Again...yippee.....no eczema issues!

OK, now is where I'm going to get a little TMI for some of you.  The foot cream.  This also comes in a jar.  Other foot creams I have used were much thicker.  This was not.  By the look of it, I expected it to be but it was not.  I think I would have preferred it to be a little thicker.  OK, back to my feet.  My feet are not pretty.  I live in Florida and rarely wear socks, so my feet take a weathered beating.  Plus, I take karate and I am barefoot whenever I am in class or practicing and I'm sure you can imagine what that can do to a lady's feet.  Enough said.  I thought I would conduct an experiment and use the foot cream on only one of my feet.  I only used the Udderly Smooth Foot Cream.  I did not use a pumice stone or any other galmourfying tool (again, is that even a word?).  The foot on the left is the Udderfied foot and the foot on the right is the, ahem, not Udderfied. 

This was after only THREE days of applying the foot cream in the morning and at night.  Amazing, right?  Yes!  I took one for the team and shared my scaly foot with you all....*ShUDDER*.  But, I thought it would be the best way for you all to see this great product in action.  To top it off, this picture was taken several hours after applying the cream and after wearing my sandals all day.

Don't just take my word for it.  Included in my box of review goodies were several sample packets of the body cream.  I decided to share these with some friends of mine and asked that they give me their honest opinion.  Here are their two cents....

"I udderly love it! I used it on my legs after shaving and they were soft all day!" ~ Danyel

"I really like the fragrance and how smooth the lotion feels. It was a bit greasy, for my lotion taste, but after washing and drying my hands once, it left my hands very soft. I would probably use it for a night time moisturizer on my hands and feet." ~ Brenna

"Loved it!  It wasn't greasy and it smelled nice.  I have to get some." ~ Liz

You can also check out what my peeps on the Mosaic Reviews team said about Udderly Smooth.  Click HERE for that udderific tidbit.

Udderly Smooth products are easy to find.  Click HERE to visit their website and get a complete list of retailers that offer it.  Prices will vary with each location.  Click HERE to see all of the Udderly Smooth products and a list of ingredients.

You can also get in on the scoop by checking out their Facebook page or on Twitter.

• Facebook
• Twitter

The First Christmas Night ~ Book Review & Giveaway

It's time to cuddle on the couch in your jammies and read about the beautiful story of the birth of Christ!  I grew up hearing "The Night Before Christmas", starring Santa.  Now, your child can hear the true story of Christmas, set to the same rhythm and rhyme.

The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher, brings us this timeless story of that joyous time in Bethlehem.  Keith's background as composer, arranger, orchestrator, and educator rings through in this story.  The words flow like a melody and it brought a grin to my face as I imagined that time so long ago.

The rich, acrylic illustrations are by Christine Kornachi.  You will find Christine's work in The Sparkle Box, as well.  I was so impressed by the details and use of light!  I thought the characters were more mid-western looking than middle-eastern looking, but that was not a breaking factor for me in loving this book.

You can get this treasured 32 page, hard covered book for only $16.99 at the Ideals Books website by clicking HERE.

Get connected with these links:

Ideals Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdealsBooks Buy! Ideals Website: http://www.idealsbooks.com/First-Christmas-Night-Keith-Christopher/dp/0824956532

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

One lucky winner will receive a copy of their own book, The First Christmas Night.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Saturday, December 7, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter... 

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The Sparkle Box ~ Book Review & GIVEAWAY

'Tis the season for all things beautiful!

Giving

Blessing

Loving

The Sparkle Box, by Jill Hardie, is a book to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.  It gathers the family together for a meaningful way of sharing blessings, loving one another, and reflecting on the gifts we all have to share.

Sam is so excited about Christmas! He's thinking about his Christmas list, looking forward to holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift: a sparkly box sitting on the mantel. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family's good deeds. Sam's mom explains that the things that they've been doing are, in fact, a gift for Jesus, for Jesus said that whatever we do for those in need, we do for Him.

My son (age 13) and I traveled to visit my sister's family this past week.  We were excited to share this book with my nephews, age 10 and 6, and my great-niece, age 2.  They all gathered on the couch to hear the story.  Matthew read it to them with such fun animation!  They all enjoyed the story and the beautiful illustrations by Christine Kornachi.

The children were so inspired by the story that they quickly went to work decorating their own Sparkle Box that came safely tucked in a pocket at the end of the book.

Markers, stickers, cuts of paper, and love went into their project!  They shared ideas of how they could give and bless this season and fill their Sparkle Box with lots of treasures for Jesus' birthday.

The finished creation was as unique as each of them and was safely placed on their mantle.  A wonderful family tradition had just begun!

What will  you do this season to add sparkle to the world?  How can your family be a blessing to someone?

You can purchase your own The Sparkle Box for only $19.99 by clicking HERE.

Get connected with these links:
  
Website: http://www.idealsbooks.com/The-Sparkle-Box-Jill-Hardie/dp/0824956478

 http://www.thesparklebox.com/buybook.aspx

Book Trailer: https://vimeo.com/49762666 

Author Video: https://vimeo.com/49763494 

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

#TheSparkleBox

  "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

One lucky winner will receive a copy of their own book, The Sparkle Box.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Monday, December 2, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter...

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King's Faith ~ DVD Review & GIVEAWAY

Eighteen Foster Homes

Nine Arrests

One Life-Changing Moment

King's Faith delivers a powerful message of hope, faith, love, and courage.  It is a story of second chances, overcoming one's past, and a forgiveness that everyone needs.

After Brendan King’s life spiraled to rock bottom, the teen found hope in a new relationship with Christ while serving time in a juvenile penitentiary. Recently released from prison, Brendan finds solace in the foster home of a couple struggling with suppressed grief.

As the city-bred teen enrolls at a suburban high school, he finds support from a group of believers. Yet the bonds of his old way of life—and the gang that wants to know where he hid their stash on a long-ago night—are strong. In his darkest moment, Brendan found faith. Now he must decide if it’s worth the price to hold on to it.

 This movie is PG-13 for violence, drug content, and thematic events.  I agree with this rating.  I watched it with my (almost) 14 year old and it was fine for him.  The movie does start out right away with a flash back scene that involves a drug raid and graphic imagery.  The story returns to that scene, briefly, a couple more times throughout the movie.  This is an excellent movie for teens and adults.  It is power packed with excellent acting, a gripping plot, and a message that will change you.

Check out the trailer....

I'm certain that has peaked your interest!  Get connected with these links...

Visit the official website www.kingsfaith.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kingsfaith

You can get this DVD by clicking HERE to find several online resources selling it.  Prices start at $9.99.  It is worth every penny.

 "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

One lucky winner will receive a copy of their own DVD, King's Faith.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Monday, November 18, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter...

 

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Can't - Wait Willow! ~ Book Review & GIVEAWAY

I want.  I want.  I want.

Sometimes it is so hard to say "no".   Can't - Wait Willow! is a wonderful story about a little girl who has a hard time saying "no" to some good things, even when something great is just around the corner.

Willow is so excited that the Over-the-Top Circus has finally come to town! The only problem is, that when left to her own devices, she can’t say “no” to some good things. On the way to the show, she is distracted by enticing treats and fun that she just can’t turn down. Willow arrives late and is sad to find that, not only has she has run out of time, but money, and she won’t be able to enjoy the pink cotton candy she’s been dreaming of. Willow is given valuable advice and a second chance and is ultimately taught the lesson that sometimes in life you have to say “no” to good things to end up with something great!

Author, Christy Ziglar, is a financial planner, mother of twins and niece of legendary motivator and the world’s original optimist, Zig Ziglar.  As part of the Shine Bright Kids series, Can't-Wait Willow! instills the values of taking responsibility and having self-control.  Oh, to learn delayed gratification is such a challenge!  Spending the day with Willow in this story will help bridge this topic with your child.  I even read it with my 13 year old son.  Yes, he thought it was too childish for him, but the message was right on the nose!  He decided to keep the money he had been saving for an item he has been wanting for a while instead of spending it on a video game.  Thanks, Willow!

You and your child will also enjoy the beautiful illustrations by Luanne Marten.  The vibrant colors and whimsical scenery are stunning.  Sweet Willow is so curious about her world that it makes it even harder to say "no".  But she receives a second chance and learns a life lesson.  I just love a happy ending.


Buy it and get connected with these links...  Hey!  Barnes and Noble has it for only $12.91 !!! 
 
            Buy: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cant-wait-willow-christy-ziglar/1113298086?ean=9780824956486

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

      Pinterest:  https://www.Pinterest.com/ShineBrightKids

      Twitter: https://twitter.com/shinebrightco

      Sign up for newsletter: http://shinebrightkids.com/contact

 "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

One lucky winner will receive a copy of their own book, Can't - Wait Willow!.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Thursday, November 14, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter...

 

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Audrey Bunny ~ Book Review and GIVEAWAY

Without a doubt, Audrey Bunny is one of the sweetest children's books I have ever read.  The message is beautiful....

Each of us is special and wonderfully made by God.

Author Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of Dove Award winning group Selah), best-selling author of Mended, I Will Carry You, and What Women Fear, and one of the most popular speakers and blog writers in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, TN.

Angie shares this story with all of us in a way that takes you on a journey of hope and discovery of unconditional love.  Oh, if only all of us could be as pure at heart as sweet Caroline, the little girl in the book!  Stuffed animal, Audrey Bunny, is so afraid that her imperfection has made her unworthy of a little girl's love.  She tries to hide it the best she can.  What happens when Audrey Bunny realizes that her friend, Caroline, knows?!  Oh, you will have to read the story to find out!

Here is a trailer you can watch that will warm your heart and get you so excited to read Audrey Bunny.


Don't you just love the gentle and whimsical illustrations by Breezy Brookshire?

At the end of the book there is a Parent Connection page with many scriptures, thinking questions, and activities to do with your child that all ties into this lovely story of true love.

Get your copy now by clicking HERE.  It is only $14.99 and will make the most treasured gift.  
Learn more and follow using these links:

https://www.facebook.com/bhpublishing

https://twitter.com/bhpub

http://www.pinterest.com/bhpub

 "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

One lucky winner will receive a copy of their own book, Audrey Bunny.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Thursday, November 7, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter...

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A Light for My Path - An ABC Book based on Psalm 119 ~ Review

I just love Apologia.  We use their science curriculum and we have several of their books and resources.  Apologia gives me a confidence that their product will be beautiful, Bible based, and inviting.

A Light for My Path by Davis Carman is just that. 

This soft cover book is a full 80 pages.  This brings me to purpose #1 of this book.  At first thought, you may have wondered why a pre-school book was soft cover with paper pages.  Oh, my!  Well, this treasure is meant to be shared with your child while cuddling on the couch, or while tucked in bed for the night.  Reading together is a special time to bond.

I've never seen an ABC book like this before.  The illustrations are beautiful and tranquil.  It looks like hand painted watercolor with every turn of the page.  Purpose #2 is clear.  It's that time in life for your child to learn the alphabet.  Carman takes you through the English alphabet using the beauty of God's creation to enchant the way.  With each new letter, you are greeted by an animal of that letter.  Illustrator, Alice Ratterree, creatively weaves the previous animal/letter into the next illustration.  What a beautiful example of how God's world is so intricately woven together.

Notice how the baby Koala bear (K) is in the background of this picture for Light (L) with the lady bug.  You will find this throughout the book.  What a fun game to add to your time as you search for the "letter animals". 

No greater gift can be given to your child than to have a deep love and respect for God's Word.  Carman shows this in purpose #3 as he uses each letter to describe an attribute of God.  In the above picture, the L page describes God as Light.  "God's Word, Law, Statutes, Decrees, Commands, and Precepts are....Light".  These simple words to describe our God will help to introduce your child to Him.

Now, for the sweet surprise in the last part of the book.  The Hebrew alphabet!  Purpose #4 is so unique that it might make this book a one-of-a-kind.  Psalm 119 is a poem, divided into twenty-two stanzas.  The corresponding Hebrew letter for each stanza is shown at the top of the page along with its English spelling to help you pronounce the letter correctly.  Now, that is God inspired creativity.

This beautiful book can be purchased at the Apologia website for just $14.  Click HERE to get there right away!  If you would like to read what my Mosaic Review team peeps are saying then click HERE.

Rufus and Ryan Go to Church ~ Book Review and Giveaway

Rufus and Ryan is a new series of pre-school board books by Kathleen Long Bostrom.  Currently in the series is Rufus and Ryan Say Their Prayers and Rufus and Ryan Go to Church. 

In Rufus and Ryan Go to Church, 4-year-old Ryan is explaining to his stuffed monkey, Rufus, what to expect when he goes to church.  He lets Rufus know when it’s time to sing and to pray and to be quiet.  The tender text and the beautiful illustrations are a loving setting to this story.  This board book is the perfect size and word-length for children, ages 2-5.

We have a dear friend, Becky, who loves going to church and worship.  My son, Matthew, read this book to her and she just loved it!

Becky has Down Syndrome, but my son, Matthew, says she just has an extra love chromosome.  So, as you can see, Rufus and Ryan Go to Church is not just for pre-school children.  This book can be loved by many...

• Children's Ministry workers
• Grandparents
• Older children with special needs
• Pre-school and Kindergarten teachers
• Perfect for a birthday gift or a baby gift

You can purchase Rufus and Ryan Go to Church at the Ideals Publication website for only $7.99 HERE.  Stay in the loop and get connected at Ideal Books Facebook page HERE.

In the spirit of Rufus and Ryan Go to Church, I'm excited to share ten tips for introducing your child to worship.

1. Attend a child-friendly church.
2. Bring your child to church on a day other than Sunday morning.
3. Take home a worship bulletin to go through the service at home.
4. Play "Let's go to church" at home.
5. Read the Bible and pray at home.
6. Sit near an aisle or in a place where you can make an exit if needed.
7. Be prepared with a worship notebook or bag.
8. Teach basic church etiquette.
9. Get to know the pastor.
10. Don't give up!

 "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

One lucky winner will receive a copy of their own book, Rufus and Ryan Go to Church.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Thursday, October 17, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter... 

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He is my Dad. Plain and Simple.

Today, I took my Dad to the doctor. 

An Oncologist.

He wasn't worried and neither was I.  We both know that God is in control and "He's got this".

My father is 83 years old.  He has difficulty walking and can't walk for more than a couple of minutes before the pain is too great and he needs to stop.  There were no wheel chairs available for him at the VA hospital, so I was his support.  He wrapped his arm around me and mine was wrapped around him. 

He wanted me to join him while talking with the doctor and I was able to ensure that he understood the complicated information about his treatment options.  We exchanged a smile as we learned he would not need chemotherapy.  While leaving the doctor's office he stopped in the door way, put his arm around me and turned to the doctor.  I thought he had one last question, but he didn't.  He wanted to remind the doctor that I was his daughter and he bragged about my working towards my black belt.  I looked up at him, feeling like a charmed child, and choked back a tear while he spoke.  My Dad is proud of me.  Not just for this, but for many things.  He tells me so and his words are precious.

While walking back to the car, we needed to stop many times.   For a while, I walked in front of him as he used my shoulders to lean on.  We joked that I am nearly as short as his walker that he forgot at home.  His laughter made him have to stop, but not from the pain. 

Afterwards, we enjoyed a late breakfast at Cracker Barrel.  We took a few moments outside among the stream of rocking chairs.  We sat in silence, but much was said.  I love him and he loves me.  I wanted to get a picture of us together and I think this speaks for itself....

When we arrived back to his house and I was preparing to leave to return home, he got up from his comfortable chair and walked over to me.  I knew that wasn't easy for him.  He hugged me tightly and I knew how much he appreciated my time I gave to him today.

My father is 83.  I don't know how many more times I will get to take care of him again like today.  I'm hoping hundreds more!  I'm praying I get to bake him his favorite chocolate cake or apple pie for his birthday next month and many more to come.  I'm hoping he gets to see me at my black belt test in another year or two.  I'm looking forward to him seeing my son graduate high school in 5 years.  The grip I have on hope is tight and I trust in the Lord for all of His blessings.

But, here is the thing.  He is not my biological father.  My biological father has not been in my life for over 11 years.  This is Will.  Some would refer to him as my step-father.  Our relationship has been to hell and back.  None of that matters.  We have moved past that.  

He loves me and I love him. 

He has helped me through some of the worst times of my life and he has been there for me for all the best....like when he proudly walked me down the aisle at my wedding when my bio-father refused to come.  

And, when my son was born, he was there to celebrate with us when my bio-father wasn't interested.

He is my Dad.  Plain and simple.

I love him and he loves me.  

He is my Dad and I am his daughter.

iTooch by Edupad App Review

iTooch by Edupad offers apps for:

• Elementary - Grades 3-5 in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Health
• Middle School - Grades 6-8 in Language Arts, Math, Health, and Music
• SAT preparation in Math, Critical Thinking, Biology II, and US History II
• Languages - TOEFL and French

Most offer free trials.  I tried the Language Arts for 8th grade which offered only the first exercise for free.  It was enough for me to get an idea of how things would roll and help me decide whether or not to go ahead with a purchase.  The app was easy to navigate and the content was grade appropriate and varied.  Otherwise, these apps are $4.99 - a fair/competitive rate in my opinion.

Here are some general factoids:

• there are 1500 - 6000 questions per title
• comply with Common Core Standards
• users unlock levels and receive badges for achievements
• math apps come with a virtual blackboard and calculator
• a lesson summary accompanies each chapter, so the user is learning to succeed
• no internet connection is required
• the app will automatically sync for updates when you do have internet access
• Apple, Android, and Windows compatible

Check out iTooch by Edupad at their website HERE.  Want to know what other reviewers are saying?  Visit my fellow Mosaic Reviewer peeps HERE. 

Math Mammoth ~ Light Blue Series ~ Review

I love math.  I'm a nerd.  It's my favorite subject to teach and I proudly admit that I even do Algebra for fun on my own.  There, I said it.  Don't judge me. 

Hello, my name is Doreen, and I'm a math junkie.

So, when the opportunity came up for me to review Math Mammoth, you know I was first in line.  I chose the Light Blue Series because it is the complete curriculum and I wanted to get a true feel for the comprehensive offerings of the product.  I selected Grade 6 because I tutor a child in math who is working on that grade level and, well, I thought she would make a great guinea pig for my experiments.


First, let's take a brief look at your product options:

• Light Blue Series - full elementary math curriculum for grades 1-6; Each grade level in the curriculum consists of two student worktexts (A and B), and supportive materials, which include answer keys, tests, and additional cumulative reviews. Full Set Download $34 ;  Printed about $58 - downloads set to increase by 10% as of October 2013.
• Blue Series - worktexts or units on specific topics for grades 1-8. "Worktext" means that the books contain both explanations of the concepts and lots of varied problems. It is like a textbook and workbook combined. Each unit only covers a few of topics. $2-7 - set to increase by 5% in October 2013.  This is an excellent selection for extra review, summer skill maintenance, or to supplement with a different curriculum.
• Golden Series - collection of worksheets for grades 3-8.    Each collection contains 120-150 worksheets and each worksheets concentrates on one topic.  Grade Bundles $12 - 12.50  This is also a great selection for extra review, summer skill maintenance, or to supplement with a different curriculum.
• Review Workbooks - grades 1-5.  The topics of these books correspond to the Light Blue Series. Each download $5.50; Printed $10.50
• Make It Real Learning Workbooks - grades 3-12.   The workbooks contain activities or problem situations taken from real-life, with real data. Some examples of the situations are: cell phone plans, autism, population growth, cooking, borrowing money, credit cards, life spans, music downloads, etc. etc. $4.99 each

OK...I received the Light Blue Series for Grade 6, so that is what I'll be writing about.  You can see all of the products and categories listed above at the Math Mammoth website by clicking HERE.  But, if you are interested in what I have to say.....follow me!

I found the Grade 6 to be "spot on" for content.  Here is a list of the concepts covered:

• four operations, whole numbers, place values
• introduction to exponents
• ratios, proportions, scaling
• fractions, decimals
• percents, integers, basic geometry
• statistics, probability

I love the mastery method of learning/teaching.  The curriculum I have used for the past 4 years for my (now) 8th grade son uses this method and he has excelled.  We also love the worksheet style.  My son was never into the manipulatives for math.  If your child is a strong kinesthetic learner, then Math Mammoth may not be the best choice for him.

The printed books come in black and white.  This surely has helped keep the cost so affordable.  The download version has lots of color.  So, if this is important to you than....download, it is!  You can then choose to print in black and white or color.  That brings me to my next point.  We don't use internet based or software based curriculum.  My son and I both prefer to have a book in front of us.  Now, you could print the curriculum and three ring bind it, but there are over 200 pages for each book and that is a whole lot of ink.  You could just print what you need to keep the cost down.  I would imagine that a child could work right from the computer, as well, and just show his work and answers in a notebook.  There is definitely flexibility there.

The download is large and takes some time to do, but the process was not too complicated.  The software itself is very user friendly and easy to navigate.  I like two features in particular.

Notice on the left side of the picture how there is a separate scroll/navigation menu with pictures of the pages.  It is easy just to quickly scroll through to select a page you want to see, click on it, and BAM, there it is.  

Also, the Table of Contents makes it easy to locate a concept you may want to get to quickly.  I'm all for easy and this feature does that.  At the beginning of each book, there are also many clickable links for additional resources and games. 

Here are some additional points that you may find interesting:

• free math assessment test to get a suggested starting point
• free samples
• aligned with Common Core Standards
• designed by Maria Miller - teacher turned housewife/homeschooler
• Spanish and South African versions available

Overall, I liked this program.  I don't like downloads or curriculum used on the computer, so that prevented me from using it as I fully wanted or intended to.  But, I loved the methodology.  If I were to use Math Mammoth, I would definitely get the printed version.

Hey, don't just listen to me!  Check out all my fellow reviewer peeps at Mosaic Reviews to see what they have to say.  I've read several of them and the opinions and experiences are quite varied!  Check it out HERE.