I'm Going To Give You A Bear Hug Book Review and Giveaway #BearHugs #FlyBy

I received this book free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

I'm Going To Give You A Bear Hug is written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney and illustrated by Tim Warnes. This sweet book is a comforting bedtime book for ages 4 to 8 years old. It has cute illustrations and tells its story in playful rhyme. The book imagines all the wonderful ways a child might give and receive a hug.

Teela and Zari reading the #BearHugs Book.

Our Thoughts:
This absolutely adorable hardcover book with dust jacket is a perfect book to wind things down before little ones go to sleep. The illustrations and rhyming words are delightful. I love all the animal hugs in this book. It is 32 pages of pure joy! My girls who are 6 and 8 said this book is their new favorite in their collection. Teela says her favorite hug from the book is the dog one and Zari's is the cat. I love them all too, but my favorite is the horse hug. They love snuggling up with me and reading this. It is such a fun and endearing book. I recommend it highly to anyone who reads to little ones!

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Prize: I'm Going To Give You A Bear Hug Book. This giveaway is open to continental U.S. residents only!

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 on the same blog, 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.

Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for Rafflecopter below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: (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. Affiliate links can be found in this post. Thank you for your support of this blog!

Wordless Wednesday Great Blue Heron In Our Backyard

I captured this Great Blue Heron out in our field by the slough.

Aspen Everlasting eBook Review

I received this book free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

“Aspen Everlasting” Summary:
Aspen Foster thinks she’s just a normal sixteen-year-old, but when her car’s caught in a flash flood, Aspen and her sister discover the superhuman strength they never knew they had. Soon Aspen learns she’s not normal at all. She’s an Evermortal fairy, with powers beyond her wildest dreams. But the more Aspen finds out about her family’s past, the more dangerous her future becomes. This riveting fantasy is full of action, adventure, and romance. Suspenseful and exhilarating!

About The Author:
Kathryn Cooper lives in the heart of Texas with her husband and four young boys. She has read and blogged about other authors’ books for years. She is excited to finally have her own book out for readers. “Aspen Everlasting” is her first novel.

My Thoughts:
Aspen Everlasting is a fast paced young adult fiction, fantasy story with action, adventure and clean romance. This eBook is very engaging and keeps you immersed from start to finish. I loved the humor and the hidden paranormal world in which the fairies live. The suspense keeps you on edge and wanting to read more to find out what will happen next. I love that there were both good and bad fairies, this aspect made it even more interesting. I love that the family relationship was realistic and that the parents were involved in the story. It was refreshing to be whisked away to another land while I read. I love this new, well written book from this new author! I can't wait to see what else she has to offer in the future.

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links can be found in this post. Thank you for your support of this blog!

Keith Korman's 'Eden: The Animals' Parable' Kindle Fire Giveaway and Blog Tour Book Review

I received this book free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Return to the story of Jesus and read it from a new perspective in Keith Korman's Eden: The Animals' Parable. In this beautifully inspired retelling of the Gospels, we see Jesus and his disciples in the Holy Land through the eyes of the animals-especially his intrepid and loyal dog, Eden. Simple, clear, and spiritually profound, Eden is for readers of all ages, this artful retelling is captivating, moving, and alive with the joy you felt the first time you opened the Bible.

Settle in for some winter reading and enter to win a copy of Keith's book and a Kindle Fire!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Eden
• A Kindle Fire

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on January 24. The winner will be announced January 25 on Keith's blog.

Our Thoughts:
This book is a wonderfully woven story from a different perspective. This story follows a dog named Eden around and through his eyes we see the Gospels from the Bible emerge, but slightly different as the viewpoint is from animals. Keith writes with profoundness and truly captures the approach well. I loved the book, but it does have some Biblical inaccuracies, so just a warning. This unique outlook will open your mind to new aspects of things. I love the pictures in it by Lisa Paris! I have admired her work for a while.

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links can be found in this post. Thank you for your support of this blog!

Unsubscribe: A Story About One Man's Profound Discovery Book Review

I received this book free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Unsubscribe: A Story About One Man's Profound Discovery is written by Ross Newkirk. This easy to read chapter book is short and to the point. It tells of a man by the name of Keith who like a lot of the world has gotten swept away with too many unwanted tasks and other unwanted things that fill their days. Instead of the things that really matter he has gotten lost in his busy, go nowhere life until one day of personal self reflection when he rediscovered a "Honey Do List" that his wife made him. This ultimately led him to a more simplistic way of living, by merely "unsubscribing".

My Thoughts:
I've got to be really honest, I have a hard time letting go. I am a stuff magnet. My husband has told me time and time again to simplify and unclutter. I feel that the stuff somewhat does rule my life. I ask myself, "How much do I really need?". Not much is always the answer, yet I find myself thinking that more will make me happy...when all it does is do the opposite. With more clutter I find it is hard to: find things when I actually need them, stay organized, and focus on what is really important in my life. I do occasionally find myself "spring cleaning" and getting rid of extra junk that we have seldom if ever used, but then I just end up getting more to replace what was given away or sold. If my husband had his way, my stuff would be whittled down to what he thought was just the essentials. Maybe he would be right. Change is hard...for some more than others. I am in this category, but I think I will give it a try. I think that I will "Unsubscribe" more and live with less junk. Even though I have had this in the back of my mind this book has put it into better perspective for me and has opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about this. What a novel concept and something we should all consider doing. Thank you Ross for writing this book.

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links can be found in this post. Thank you for your support of this blog!

The Pencil Grip, Inc. Kwik Stix Thin Stix Review and Giveaway #KwikStix #ThinStix

Kwik Stix are from The Pencil Grip, Inc. They are solid tempera paint sticks that can be used without paint smocks, water, brushes, and drop cloths. These are simple to use, are mess free, and have no smell. You use them how you would a glue stick and they are about the same size too. Just uncap, twist up, and paint with it. Once you are done using that particular color twist down and recap. The paint dries in 90 seconds. The paint's texture and consistency is a cross between lipstick, oil pastels, and crayons. These work great on paper, poster board, cardboard, wood, canvas, and more! These are non-toxic and safe for little artists.

The Thin Stix are a new product from The Pencil Grip, Inc. for the New Year! They come in a pack of 12 paint sticks with a rainbow of assorted classic colors including: white, yellow, orange, red, pink, light green, dark green, light blue, indigo/dark blue, violet/purple, brown, and black. The colors are bright, bold, vibrant, and vivid. These are longer and thinner than the original Kwik Stix, for more control and finer detail.

My daughters, Teela and Zari's artwork made with Kwik Stix Thin Stix.

We received our first boxes of Kwik Stix 12pk in Classic colors, Kwik Stix Neons 6 pk, and Kwik Stix Metalix 6 pk not too long ago. Now we have the Thin Stix 12pk in Classic colors too. These are longer and thinner than the original so you get more precision with every stroke. Like the originals the paint dries quickly and there is little color bleeding into the next. As always, I love that there is not any cleanup required! These are also easy for little hands to operate. My daughters, Teela (8 years old) and Zari (6 years old), love them! I do too! Just don't leave the cap off too long or the Kwik Stix will dry out. These are a wonderful addition to our kids' art supplies!

Follow Them on Social Media:
Website -  http://www.thepencilgrip.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thepencilgrip
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/KwikStixPaint/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ThePencilGrip @ThePencilGrip
Suggested Hashtags:  #KwikStix, #temperapaint, #kidsartsupplies #ThinStix

BUY IT
The Pencil Grip, Inc. Kwik Stix Thin Stix 12 pk is $11.99 on their website. You can also go to Amazon.com and Target to see and purchase more of their products.

WIN IT
Prize: Kwik Stix Thin Stix 12pk. in Classic Colors. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only!

Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for Rafflecopter below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Wordless Wednesday Sunkist Mountain and the Lewis and Clark Bridge

I captured this sunset and St. Helen's looks aflame.

Fluffy Layers Dish Towels and Pot Holders with Farm Beauty Print Review

Fluffy Layers is a wonderful company that was developed by Tara Grier. She and her team at Fluffy Layers are the creators of The Egg Collecting Apron®, The Egg Gathering Apron® & The Harvest Apron®. They also have some other cute, fashionable products & new home and textile items for the farm lover in us all. I got to have a taste of some of their Farm Beauty products for the home. These are wonderful to brighten any kitchen with!

I received the Farm Beauty Dishtowel Set. This set comes with a pack of three dish towels. These measure 20" width x 30" long. These are fairly absorbent and great for drying dishes or just to embellish your kitchen with. You may use a warm iron on these to get out creases from folding.

Farm Beauty Dishtowel Set.

I also received the Farm Beauty Pot Holder Set. This set comes with a pack of two potholders. These measure 7x7" and have a hanging loop on each for easy storage. They are heat resistant and great for handling hot pans/dishes with. You can place your hand inside the pocket for a better grip.

 
I used an old rake head to make a pot holder and oven mitt hanger for my kitchen where I will display my Fluffy Layers Farm Beauty Pot Holder Set and the Oven Mitts to match them that I purchased separately. I love the farm animal design of the Farm Beauty print! This colorful design has flowers, horses, sheep, cows, pigs, ducks and chickens on it. They are both machine washable on warm, made of 100% cotton, and are imported. Do not use bleach. Lovely accessories to decorate the kitchen with and very functional too! Break out your inner farm fashionista!

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Hashtags: #fluffylayers #egggatheringapron #eggcollectingapron #harvestapron #farmbeauty

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You can purchase these and other Fluffy Layers products in their Fluffy Layers' Online Shop. Tara also has an online store for Fluffy Layers on Etsy, Zazzle, and Amazon! Etsy has products that are samples. Most of these are items that are not in their original packaging, have minor flaws, or that her models wore for photo shoots. Because these are seconds they are marked down. Zazzle has a whole different selection of Fluffy Layers products, including: travel mugs, leggings, door mats, blankets, shirts, pillows, ornaments, Christmas stockings, clutches, hoodies, and phone cases. Amazon sometimes has deals for sets and other items from the original store.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received these products for free to facilitate this review. As a Fluffy Layers Brand Ambassador I get occasional products to share with my readers for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. 

Zonderkidz The Beginner's Bible Review

My family had the privilege of trying the The Beginner's Bible from Zonderkidz for this review to use in conjunction with our own homeschool curriculum and bible study. This is a Homeschool Review Crew Review. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.

Zondervan is a part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. They are a world leader in Bible publishing and provider of Christian communications. For more than 80 years they have provided its bestselling Christian Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. Their products are sold in multiple formats, worldwide in more than 60 countries, and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan is the North American publisher and licensee of the NIV (New International Version) Bible translation. Zonderkidz is the children's division of Zondervan. They provide Christian products for kids under 16. Zonderkidz is also the publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader's Version) Bible translation, the 3rd-grade reading level edition of the NIV.

Since its release in 1989 The Beginner’s Bible has been a favorite with young children and their parents. It has been the best-selling Bible storybook of all time, with over 25 million products sold. Now it has been redesigned with fresh new art that will thrill children for many more years to come. This 512 page Bible brings the scripture to life with fun pictures of scenes from the Bible stories. More than 90 beloved Bible stories are paired with brand new vibrant three-dimensional like illustrations. The full-color illustrations that are on each page will help hold your little one's attention. This hardcover Bible encompasses both the Old and New Testaments with stories from the beginning of creation to Jesus' promise to return to Earth again. Each nonfiction story has illustrations, a title, scripture reference, and a short description of the passages for children to understand.

Teela reading The Beginner's Bible.

How We Used This and Our Thoughts:

We usually work through the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible at our home Bible studies because we feel it to be the most correct translation, but I do love that The Beginner's Bible is so easily readable for younger kids. My daughter Teela who is eight years old and in third grade was able to read it without difficulty and the pictures in it kept both my daughters occupied. Teela especially loves reading this Bible to her younger sister, Zari, who is six. In The Beginner's Bible the great Bible stories are made in more simple terms for my younger children to read and understand, but stick to the originals very well. Though some of the stories are more well known to my children there are still quite a few that they have not heard yet in this book. The pictures, though a little comical looking, are perfect to keep my kids' attention spans in check. I am glad this Bible has thicker glossy pages because most Bibles pages are too delicate for most children. I am also glad that the stories have a reference to turn to in the original scriptures so that we can also read the text in the KJV as well.

We have been using this along with our KJV Bible studies and I believe it has helped my younger children understand the words and what is happening better. We enjoyed reading about Christ's birth during the Christmas holiday in the New Testament and have read other stories as well from this Bible.

I recommend The Beginner's Bible to anyone with younger kids. This is a great children's Bible for ages 4-8 years old! The Beginner's Bible is wonderful for use during church services where children get fidgety to occupy them with something while they try to sit reverently.

BUY IT
Zonderkidz The Beginner's Bible is just $16.99.

Follow Them on Social Media:
Website: http://TheBeginnersBible.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zonderkidz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zonderkidz
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/zondervan
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/zondervanp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zondervan/

Hashtags: #HSReview #TheBeginnersBible #Bible #Zondervan #kidzbible #childrensbible #nonfiction #bookstagram #reading #books #childrensliterature #bookshelf #NIrV

Read other homeschool curriculum reviews for Zonderkidz The Beginner's Bible...

Not So Wordless Wednesday Ice Hand and Orbs Projects

Ice Hand in the grass.

So my cousin Ross did this neat experiment with ice that I thought was fun. He made ice globe orbs and made them light up with little flashlights. Here is his cool YouTube video of it...



We however were out of balloons and so we made an ice hand because it was below freezing temperatures here in Oregon. All we did was cut the bottom of the plastic cup and attach the glove to it with a rubber band. Then we filled the glove with water and set it outside in the cold. We didn't know how well it would work, but it set up really well.

This picture gives you an idea of how the Ice Hand was made.

What other interesting things can you do with freezing water into ice?

Free Herbal Materia Medica Course For The New Year From Herbal Academy!

On January 2 the Herbal Academy, International School of Herbal Arts and Sciences, is releasing their Free Herbal Materia Medica Course. As a wonderful way to kickoff the New Year, this program will guide students through the process of creating their own personal materia medicas and teach them how to study and observe plants using the “one herb at a time” method. In the course you will learn what a materia medica is (if you don’t already know) and follow along with the Herbal Academy’s step-by-step instructions on how to research a plant. The Academy's hope is to equip students with the tools and resources they need so that they feel more confident about studying herbs on their own!

Included in this course:

1. 6 thoughtful lessons that will walk you through creating your own materia medica
2. Free materia medica journal pages for download and print
3. A handy step-by-step guide to completing plant monographs
4. Helpful study aids, tools, and charts that will enrich your studies on topics such as safety and dosage, researching, plant identification, tea meditation, and more
5. An extensive list of references to support your research
6. Activities and tutorials to encourage hands-on experience
7. 20% off herbs at Bulk Herb Store during the month of January
8. Access to the Herbal Academy’s beautiful Student Platform
9. A badge of completion upon graduation

As a companion offering of the free Herbal Materia Medica Course, you have will have the option to upgrade your registration to include the Herbal Academy’s beautifully illustrated Materia Medica Journal. With the ability to accommodate 50 botanical monographs, this journal also includes many of the useful reference charts from the Herbal Materia Medica Course including those on plant identification, herbal safety, and researching tips and tricks.

Best of all, the Herbal Materia Medica Course is free during the entire month of January! Designed for herbalists and non-herbalists alike, all are welcome to join in this short course for free, which will be offered January 2 through January 31. Register for class here starting January 2nd!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this post to let my readers know about this free course. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.