Tuesday, January 26, 2016

A Princess Story: The Real-Life Fairy Tale Found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ Book Review

Cedar Fort Publishing & Media has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

I realize that not all of my readers are of my faith (LDS/Mormon), but regardless of that a lot of you are of Christian faith, the same as me. Yes, the LDS/Mormon church believes in Christ and we base our teachings on Him. This is the reason my church's full name is The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints. We, as Christians believe in Jesus Christ and that we are all sons and daughters of God. This realization is given to us in Biblical truths and scripture. We are shown in the Bible that we are both literal spirit children of our Heavenly Father because he created us & also sons and daughters of God because of having faith in Him and being born again through the atonement of Christ. In the book A Princess Story: The Real-Life Fairy Tale Found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ by Jaci Wightman we are enlightened even further of this concept.

A Princess Story: The Real-Life Fairy Tale Found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ by Jaci Wightman is a wonderful book for girls that shows them their divine potential. It sets the foundation for helping them recognize the princess within and parallels the fairytale princess stories that we have all grown up hearing, with God's plan for us. I love that this book has many scriptural references from both the Bible and Book of Mormon, teachings from the leaders of the Church, and "Additional Study" at the end of most chapters to back up these important concepts. I believe that this book is perfect for older Primary aged girls, Young Women (aged 12-17), mothers of daughters in the LDS Church, LDS Church leaders, and all young women who want to learn of their full potential as a daughter of God.

As an LDS woman that has grown up in the Church I remember being taught from the young age of 3 years old that we were children of God. One of my favorite songs that I was taught at that tender age was "I am a Child of God". It has always been a blessing to know my place here on Earth and I am thankful that my two daughters also know that they are daughters of God. I love A Princess Story and all its insights and I am also excited to share this book with my daughters as well when the time is right.

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this book for free to facilitate this review from Cedar Fort Publishing & Media. 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.

Monday, January 18, 2016

PretendWear Color 'n Wash Ribbon Princess and Deluxe Fairy Princess Dresses Review

My girls coloring their PretendWear dresses with the paint daubers.

My daughters love to pretend all sorts of things and they love craft projects, especially when the craft involves coloring. PretendWear Color 'n Wash are costumes that your kids can color with the washable paint daubers that they come with. These costumes are made of dupont soft structure™ material that won't fray and are a child's one-size-fits-all so kids of all sizes from age 3-8 can wear these. The coloring book type designs on the outfits are outlined in permanent black ink so they won't wash out and so they can be colored, worn, washed, and colored over and over again. They are machine washable or can be washed by hand. These costumes come in all kinds of styles to choose from for both boys and girls. On the PretendWear Website you can find princesses, mermaids, fairies, pirates, superheros, butterflies, etc. They come in whole costumes like: dresses and jumpsuits to partials like: skirts, aprons, and capes.

PretendWear Ribbon Princess and Deluxe Fairy Princess. The backs of the dresses are colorable too!

My daughters got to test out the Ribbon Princess and Deluxe Fairy Princess dresses. These wearable dresses both are very customizable, re-designable, and so adorable! Teela picked the Ribbon Princess and Zari picked the Deluxe Fairy Princess to paint/color. We also received large paint daubers in yellow, pink, purple, and green to use to color the dresses with. The dresses both say on the website that they usually come with 3 paint daubers each. You can also get other washable: daubers, markers, glitter paint, etc. on their website to decorate the costumes with. Both Teela and Zari had so much fun making their dresses colorful. After they had painted one side of the dresses they patiently waited while it dried. It didn't take very long before the front was dry, but my girls wanted to wear them right away. So, before they colored the backside of the dresses I got some cute pictures of them modeling them for me. My favorite dress is the fairy princess because I love the petal sleeves and leaf skirt! They both turned out so nice. My girls are going to have endless fun with these!

SOCIAL • CORNER
BUY IT
PretendWear Color 'n Wash costumes can be purchased on their website for $14.95-$24.95. You can also get capes for your child's stuffed animals for $6.95 that can also be colored and washed. The paint daubers are $2.49 each.
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.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter, and Me: What My Favorite Book Taught Me about Grace, Belonging, and the Orphan in Us All Book Review

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

The stories of Anne with an E Shirley by Lucy Maud Montgomery have been an absolute treasure to read for young and old alike for many generations. The Anne of Green Gables book and others in the series have inspired us, made us laugh and cry, and warmed our hearts. Like many others I love this book series and many other books by L.M. Montgomery. I am enamored by the beauty of Prince Edward Island (PEI) in the books and just as taken with the red headed girl that lived there. Who could not love her with her charming wit, whimsey, and imagination? I have always thought we'd be kindred spirits.

Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter, and Me: What My Favorite Book Taught Me about Grace, Belonging, and the Orphan in Us All by Lorilee Craker is a wonderful memoir about the Anne books by L.M. Montgomery. It is a touching, emotional, and thought provoking book about belonging, grace, redemption, strength, friendship and faith. Lorilee meticulously weaves together the stories of four adopted orphans—Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Mongomery, the author herself, and her lovely daughter Phoebe who was born in Korea. The author, Lorilee Craker, is very relatable and makes great parallels throughout the book with Anne, L.M. Montgomery, herself, and her daughter about being adopted while also showing us that everyone has in some period in our lives felt aspects of the orphan heart. Even though I was never an orphan myself, I was bereft of my daughter, Tatiana, when she suddenly passed away and because of this my "heart bone" (a metaphor that the author used) was broken. Being bereft, left behind, and left are aspects of the orphan heart. This book also helps mend hearts and shows us the path to forgiveness and healing. It was a very soul enriching read and I highly recommend it.

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to 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.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Mary's Treasure Box Book Review and Giveaway

Family Christian has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Mary's Treasure Box by C.E. Walz and illustrated by Bruno Merz is an adorable hardcover children's book about the Virgin Mary and a box of treasures she has kept for many years after the crucifixion and resurrection of her son Jesus. These treasured mementos and trinkets are dear to Mary's heart. They remind her of the birth of Jesus.

This Christmas story is a unique take on the Nativity story. It answers the questions, "What if the Virgin Mary kept mementos from when Jesus was born?" and "What special keepsakes would she have kept from during that time?". I love the adorable illustrations and childlike wonder of the character, Hannah, the Virgin Mary's granddaughter in the story. This book not only touches on Jesus' birth, but why he came to Earth. This is a neat book and it even has a Parent Connection in the back with conversation points, questions, and sections to: Remember, Read, Think about, and Do. I love that in the "Do" section you can start a new tradition by gathering items to represent the ones in the story, taking them out each Christmas as you read the story. I also love the idea of making a treasure box of memories of your own or adding to a current one.

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WIN IT
Prize: Mary's Treasure Box Book

I run giveaways with Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it 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 review along with a $25 Gift Certificate to Family Christian and a book to giveaway. 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.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

LEGO FRIENDS: Girlz 4 Life Blu-ray And Lego Set Giveaway & Blog App

**Warner Bros. Home Video provided me with some of the materials I used in this Blog Post/Giveaway. The opinions I share are my own.**

There are few things as important in life as your friends. No matter how old you are, your friends are there to help you when you’re down, support you when you make mistakes, and be your rock when the going gets tough.

The new movie, LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE, is all about friendship, trusting yourself and standing up for what’s right no matter what the cost. All set to an awesome rock soundtrack you’re going to love! Join Olivia, Stephanie, Emma, Mia and Andrea as they learn that fame isn’t important, it’s your friends that count!

LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE brings to life (in animated form) the LEGO construction based toy LEGO® Friends. LEGO ® Friends invites girls into a universe, Heartlake city, and inspires them to use their imagination to build and role play their own stories with fun-loving relatable characters.

About LEGO FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE and Lego Set:
True Friendship in the Glamorous World of Pop!

Join Olivia, Stephanie, Emma, Mia and Andrea, as they learn about friendship, fame and pop star fun in Heartlake City.

The girls’ friendships are tested when mega pop star Livi comes to Heartlake City. When our friends’ hit song “Girlz” is stolen by Livi’s manager, it’s time for a cunning plan.

As the girls try to tell Livi the truth about her latest hit single, they all learn that fame isn’t everything and sometimes friendship is the most precious thing in the world.

Own LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE on digital HD 1/19 and on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD 2/2

Also be sure to visit the official L2M website to stay updated with all things L2M! www.L2MOfficial.com
The LEGO® Friends Pop Star Dressing Room allows children to role-play and become their favorite popstar. The set opens up to create different areas with a mirrored vanity and unique accessories to play dress up. Includes Emma and Livi mini-dolls, dressing room with swivel chair, sofa, dog with his bed and much more.

Blog App:

  • Grab your pop star microphone because it’s sing-along night! Click the play button to watch the special sing-along music video for Girlz by L2M. 
  • Listen to the song High Tops by L2M and click to watch the “Meet L2M” video that introduces the next girl-pop power sensation. 
  • Download the “Girlz 4 Life” Activity Pack and to unlock your inner pop star! Kit includes Selfie props, a “Spot the Difference” game, making the Band DIY pop star instruments, Friendship Card and more!
  • Click on LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE Blu-ray Combo Pack for a link where the film can be purchased!
  • Use the #Girlz4Life hashtag in your social media posts



WIN IT
Prize:  A copy of LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE on Blu-ray and the LEGO® Friends Pop Star Dressing Room Building Kit!

I run giveaways with Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it 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!

Each household is only eligible to win LEGO FRIENDS: Girlz 4 Life Blu-ray & LEGO FRIENDS: Pop Star Dressing Room Kit via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the LEGO FRIENDS: Girlz 4 Life Blog App I am getting a LEGO FRIENDS: Girlz 4 Life Blu-ray And Lego Set free for my readers as a giveaway. Thanks to TetherGroup a.k.a. PartnersHub and Warner Bros. Home Video for providing me this promotion information and free product. 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 posting this blog app and giveaway.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Simple Loose Leaf Offer


 
US Family Guide provided me with this promotional information to share with my readers. I am getting something for free in return for posting this information. 

The perfect partner in your pursuit of a happier and healthier you, Simple Loose Leaf is like having a personal Tea Somalia. Each month, a box of savory loose leaf teas is shipped right to your door for just $17. Each box has 4-5 loose leaf teas, 2 re-usable muslin tea bags and a beautiful card detailing your month's tea selection. Try each tea and order more from our store with a 50% member's only discount! Get 25% off your membership (Gift & Ongoing) at Simple Loose Leaf. It's the perfect box for the tea lover in your life, especially if that tea lover is you! Visit www.SimpleLooseLeaf.com/home



My readers get to save! 25% off Gift Membership or Ongoing Subscription signup - Use code: 25HOLIDAY
http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=12278&dealid=2122. @usfg


DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the Simple Loose Leaf Deal I am getting a FREE 3 month gift membership. Thanks to USFamilyGuide.com for providing me this promotion information and free tickets. 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 posting this promo.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

PASSION Salvation's Tide Is Rising Album Review and Giveaway #PassionSTIR #FlyBy

I received this product free to facilitate this review and an opportunity to giveaway a CD.

When my day is going bad good music always makes me happy. I love music and if I can praise God while I listen or sing along, all the better. My favorite music uplifts and inspires. My heart and soul gets plugged into the lyrics and/or instrumentals and I feel so much better about everything around me. The stress and everyday chaos of life just melts away.

Salvation's Tide Is Rising is brand new Passion album contains new studio recordings from best-selling Christian artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, and Kristian Stanfill. It features new songs written specifically for Passion 2016. This album will be released on January 29, 2016.

I received an advanced download of this album to listen to and review. I love this album. I especially love the songs God & God Alone, Simple Pursuit, and Your Grace Amazes Me. These are wonderful praise and worship songs. The lyrics are glorious and uplifting.


My daughter Zari was loving the album too. She got her doll out and started dancing with it to the music. It was so adorable.
 
Track List:
  1. Salvation's Tide is Rising - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill
  2. My Victory - Passion featuring Crowder
  3. Remember - Passion featuring Brett Younker & Melodie Malone
  4. God & God Alone - Passion featuring Chris Tomlin
  5. Simple Pursuit - Passion featuring Melodie Malone
  6. I Turn to Christ - Passion featuring Matt Redman
  7. Your Grace Amazes Me - Passion featuring Christy Nockels
  8. All We Sinners - Passion featuring Crowder
  9. Surrender - Passion featuring Jimi Cravity
  10. Good Good Father - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill

About Passion albums:
In 1998, Passion decided to document the musical portion of the annual conferences via live worship recordings -- raw, in-your-face praise songs with an alternative edge. Since the first release in 1998, Passion albums have sold over 1.3 million units while introducing the church to worship songs like "Our God", "Holy Is The Lord", "How Great Is Our God", and "God Of This City". Passion is coming off its best charting radio success in 5 years with the single "Even So Come", which went Top 5.

About The Passion Movement:
From its start in 1995, the Passion Movement has had a singular mission--calling students from campuses across the nation and around the world to live for what matters most.  This yearly conference uses live worship music and teaching to encourage young people to live for the glory of God. The Passion Movement and the messages of founder Louis Giglio have marked the lives of millions of people around the globe. From its inception, the movement of Passion has birthed new anthems of worship, influencing countless churches and helping to define the current worship climate and establish artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and others. Louie Giglio is the pastor and founder of Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA.

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SOCIAL • CORNER
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/PassionSTIR?IQid=pbn
Facebook: http://smarturl.it/PassionFB
Twitter: http://smarturl.it/PassionTW
Instagram: http://smarturl.it/PassionIG

WIN IT
Prize: A physical copy of PASSION Salvation's Tide Is Rising Album

I run giveaways with Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it 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 and an opportunity to give an album away. 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.

Friday, January 1, 2016

Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World Book Review and Giveaway

I received this product free to facilitate this review and an opportunity to giveaway a book. 

Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World is a fabulous pop-up book starring the timeless characters of Disney Princess animated films. Intricately engineered by Matthew Reinhart, the pages and beautifully rendered illustrations of this book are visually stunning and packed with pop-ups, transformative scenes, and many other surprises.

The inside of the Seven Dwarfs' Cabin pops into view when the page is opened.
I love the fabulous and fun book, Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World. The fascinating interactive illustrations and pop-ups really bring the fairytale lands, buildings, and characters leaping to life. This gorgeous volume has a large pop-up centered on all 5 pages with 2-4 smaller foldouts, pulltabs, and popups hidden on some of the corners of each spread. This book is breathtakingly detailed and exquisitely vibrant. While my daughters who are 5 and 7 loved looking at the pages I had to work its mechanics myself so that nothing would rip, tear, or bend/fold the wrong way. I am keeping this on one of my top shelves and getting it down only when they can be supervised with it. Definitely a perfect collectors item and treasure for any who hold Disney dear to their hearts. Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World by Matthew Reinhart is a wonderful gift idea. 

Unfold scenes within scenes, like this one from Sleeping Beauty.

Rapunzel's Tower rises out of the page and one of the many pulltab pop-ups hidden in the corners.

Book Trailer



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Friends & Family discount of 35% off all Insight Editions titles on the Insight Editions website at www.insighteditions.com. Simply use the code IEFRIENDS at check out.

Insight Editions: http://bit.ly/IE_DisneyPrincessPop
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1lsjUSE
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1NbbaMa
IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781608875535

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Prize: Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World Book

I run giveaways with Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it 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 and an opportunity to give a book away. 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.