The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher {Blog Tour Giveaway!}

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher is celebrating her newest book, The Calling, by giving away TWO iPads, TWO Kindles, and TWO Nooks!
 

Two grand prize winners will receive:

• An iPad
• The Letters and The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Four second place winners will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX or a Nook HD—winner's choice!
• The Letters and The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. All winners will be announced February 10th at Suzanne's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 10th to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

$75 Amazon.com gift card and a copy of the Others

I did receive a free copy of this book for the sole purpose to write a review. This did not affect my thoughts on the book or influence a more positive review.  Giveaway prizes will be fulfilled by sponsors.

About the book:
This book got me intrigued with the first few chapters.  The book takes no time in getting the story.  I like that it is fast paced.  We find Ryen in Zhimeya in upheaval.  There are flickers of "governmental Tribunal" hostility and social splits as a result of belief.  They are looking for a savior.  They have scientists, Masters of Technology, developing ways to figure out about a certain "Light" or "savior" exists.  On the watershed of war, Ryen and the team of researchers head to earth to find any kind of evidence of the savior believed to have lived and died on earth.

Ryen is smitten after a few months living on earth, and author Kristin Bryant complicates things as the hostility within Zhimeya comes to a head.  Her book sort of turns into an action packed read.  I like the historical references the researchers talk about, and the ideas that play throughout this book reference the bible from time to time.  Though I have to say, it is not a preachy book, it's more of a science fictional book.   Overall it is a fun easy read.  

From the Back Cover :
A dangerous adventure to save a distant world Ryen is just a normal guy trying to do his job. Unfortunately, that job includes trying to save his distant world on the brink of disaster.

Ryen is on a mission to Earth to find the answers to his distant world's most critical questions. While searching the Yucatan Peninsula for a mythic figure-a savior-who would live a perfect life and ultimately die to save their souls, Ryen meets Savannah, a beautiful woman hiding a painful past. On their dangerous adventures together through the untamed jungles of Mexico, he can't help but fall in love with her. As his time runs out, Ryen must decide if he is willing to give up everything he has ever known and loved to stay on Earth with Savannah.

The Masters, a powerful clan of corrupt leaders, are plotting to take back Earth, the sacred planet, from the humans. Ryen and Savannah are thrust into the middle of The Masters' plot.

Kristin Bryant is a teacher, author and, most importantly, a mom. She teaches anthropology and psychology for a virtual high school and lives in Orange County, California with her husband and two sons. Visit her at kristinbryant.com.

• Interested in Purchasing: The Others on Amazon
• Press Release: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/9/prweb11088734.htm
• Kristin Bryant on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkristinbryant

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Aidance Skincare Review and Giveaway

http://www.aidanceproducts.com
 *I received complimentary products for review from the company. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

My Background:

For a couple of years now, I have been struggling with some kind of dermatological problem similiar to eczema and psoriasis--lichen planus.  This past year has been the first time, I had my skin condition diagnosed.  They gave me something that worked for a few weeks.  Needless to say, they prescribed me something that burned and hurt initially, and was potent and addictive.  But yes, the pain did go away as well as the itchiness.

 The only down part was after a week or so in using the ointment/medication given to me, I noticed that the instruction said not to apply in certain areas.  Now about 85% of the areas I have problem with are those areas which the label says not to apply.  In calling them back, the doctor simply said, yes, do not apply the medication to the areas...just treat the other 15% with the medication.  I was floored.  I spent a lot of money on a medication that I could not even use to treat on my problematic areas.

This led me to do some research on my own for some natural products I could use to aid my skin in repair and restoration to healthy skin.  And I found myself reaching out to Aidance Skincare for help on my journey for healthy skin!


The Product: Terrasil Itch Rash and Pain Relief

1.  Safe for Children and Adults.  The ingredients contained within Aidance Skincare are natural* ingredients.  As I talked with Kate, one of the employees of Aidance Skincare, I posed this question of whether this product was safe for kids.  This was one of my concerns as I had a lot of medicated anti-itching lotions and ointments that were just not safe for use on children.  As far as this product is concerned, Terrasil Itch, Rash, and Pain Relief was recommended for diaper rashes and scrapes!  Safe for kids to use too!   http://www.aidanceproducts.com/itch-rash-pain-relief/diaper-rash/

2.  What appealed to me was that each ingredient is listed clearly and its job and fuction described.  SOOTHING NATURAL MOISTURIZERS PENETRATE DEEPLY, PROVIDING MULTIPLE BENEFITS TO IRRITATED SKIN
Jojoba Oil is one of the world's most nutrient-rich and long-lasting moisturizers. The unique consistency of jojoba oil allows Terrasil to penetrate deeply into skin in order to quickly deliver much-needed relief to every layer of skin. It also has documented ability to repair cracked skin.
Eucalyptus Oil has beneficial properties that help protect irritated skin, and help relieve surface discomfort and swelling.
Peppermint Oil has been used for centuries to naturally soothe skin soreness and itch.
Beeswax contains Vitamin A, which is known to condition skin and support cell reconstruction.

3.  Did the product work for me?
When I started using this product:  September 2013  About a month now, I have been using this product.  I started using Terrasil Itch, Rash, and Pain Relief shortly after a big flare up.  The pain was so bad, I had trouble sleeping at night.  I would wake up in pain because of night scratching.  It was a nightmare for about a week.  My stress level was the highest it had ever been.  I tried, coconut oil, shea butter, and another anti-itch lotion.  The pain was still there, but did not seem to get better.  I did not dare try using the medication and ointment my dermatologist gave me--for it stung and smarted so sharp on a good day!  Showers were my short reprieve from the  pain.  The day I received my Aidance Skincare package, my mind thought "please, let this work on the PAIN!"  Itching was secondary on my list.

Can I say my first impression of Terrasil was simply the word, SOOTHE.

There was no pain while applied to my the problematic areas.  Just a thin layer did the trick.  I did not follow instruction to put a band aid, as the band aid did not stick.  My clothing kept picking off the band aids, so I did find that I had to apply the Terrasil product a few times a day.  I do note, that if one were able to put a band aid, I can imagine that he would get better results than me without a band aid.

The itching was more than bearable, I had relief.  Relief that gave my skin a chance to recover and stop bleeding! I did not have the constant urge to scratch.  I found that the product helped me to gain control again of my skin.

Visually I can see the difference.  My skin is losing its darkened color as a result of itching and the scaling.  Though not 100% healthy, I have hope and feel confident that by using this product to fight the itch, I can get back to feeling great in my skin again.  And maybe be happy and not self conscious about wearing tank tops again!

I still have a ways to go, but I am excited at the results of using the product for a short time.

Conclusion.  
When I found this site, I was reading the reviews and testimonials on their website.  I found them to be honest sounding testimonials and as far as customer service answering my questions, superb and down to earth.  The experience as far as being a potential customer was really good, and I felt confident as a buyer.  The cost of the product made me realize that I needed to know that the company I was going to buy from needed to be open and honest and available for questions if I had any.  I know that many may walk away maybe because of the cost of the product.  Hear me out.  Since I have found out about Aidance Skincare, I have seen many really good promotional sales offering different products as far as 50% off or Buy one Get one.  One can score a really great deal for a product that I find has worked for me.  Lastly, Aidance Skincare offers a 90-Day Money Back Guarantee Policy.  One can score a really great deal with the assurance of money back guarantee if he is not satisfied with the product.

Thanks to Aidance Skincare, I am able to offer up a giveaway of their product:  Terrasil Skin Repair and Terrasil Itch Rash, and Pain Relief to one of my readers.  Giveaway will end November 10th, 2013.  I will pick a winner and send them these two products!  Open to the US only.





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Natural*-----Aidance products meet the guidelines of the Natural Products Association Standard for Personal Care Products, which requires that for a product to be deemed “natural” it must be made with at least 95% natural ingredients. Our unique blend (99.5%) of organic, vitamin-rich moisturizers, minerals and plant extracts provide soothing relief while regenerating damaged skin. Lidocaine (.5%) serves as a topical anesthetic.

We encourage you to visit our page of scientific studies to learn about the efficacy of our ingredients and their ability to support the natural healing process.

A Bride for All Seasons Book Review, Hitching Post Brides~Review and Giveaway

A Bride for All Seasons: The Mail Order Bride Collection  

My Review: A Bride for All Seasons is a book written by four authors who take on each of the four seasons and write a love story about a woman who has been a Mail Order Bride in the Hitching post! I remember learning and reading about these Mail Order Brides in my history class, but never imagined what it would be like…neither would have thought about the stress and anxiety that a woman would go through! These women were definitely courageous as they would leave all they are familiar with to forge a new life with a new husband far away from home. Not to mention what if a man or woman lied or overly exaggerated the "good" or left out the bad? I feel like tough times did in fact call for extreme measures....but wow, this book made me giddy and dream of what it was like back in those days!

The mischievous and dishonest Melvin Hitchcock pictures himself as the “matchmaker” when it comes to pairing up woman to man. While honesty is not his best policy, I absolutely laughed as he paired up some of the most opposite of people together. You see, he sort of left details out or added some details in concerning his clients applications. I loved it!

The story about each woman setting out to their future husbands was refreshingly different. Each bride birthed from the ideas and inspiration by different authors, made each story fresh and a bit unpredictable.

My favorite of all four brides was Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy. I felt that the story of Megan and David was so charming and almost miraculous! David dying of some disease finds that a Mail order bride is just what he needs to take care of his son. No need to get attached to a mail order bride. Just need a mother for his son he thinks. But Megan a very strong determined woman lovingly begins to bring hope back to her new husband.

I absolutely loved the depth of love these two had for each other, and that being done in just a few chapters! I also loved how author Mary brought the two together in one of the most tragic yet comical of ways. Megan has a charm and a determination that wins over David. And while David wants to spare Megan any heart ache, even the roughest rugged of men will soften and start to hope because of Megan’s faithfulness in God’s faithfulness and her sense of duty to be the wife no matter what! I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at the ending. Made me laugh and probably hoot and holler!

Conclusion:
I would give this book about 3.5-4 Stars. I laughed, cried, and probably drove my husband crazy because of these loves stories I was talking to him about. What I also appreciated was the appropriateness of these romance novels. I did not feel like there was “too much” information or details. It was just right.

• Do not forget to Enter the Bride for all Seasons "Unexpected Packages Giveaway"

 

Enter Today - 7/12 - 7/23!

• To read more reviews and for more information check out: http://litfusegroup.com/author/BrideSeasons

• You can purchase a copy here: 

Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for a review.  I am a blogger for Litfuse Publicity Group.  This review is my honest opinion and all opinions are 100% my own.  This post does contains amazon.com affiliate links.

FREE Chili's Million Flatbread Giveaway

Join the Chili's email club to get your free full-size flatbread, and you'll also get the latest happening and exclusive offers.

Chili's is giving away one million of their NEW freshly-baked flatbreads. Loaded with signature toppings on a crispy crust, it's a taste not to be missed. Claim your free flatbread* before they're gone and get to your local Chili's! 

*Free full-size flatbread when you join Chili's Email Club. 

Disclosure: This post contains my affiliate link. This does not influence or change my opinion.

Soft Scrub: Mold & Mildew Stain Remover Gel Review

Cleaning my bathroom:

There is nothing that makes me feel unsettled as Mold and Mildew in the bathroom.  Having a clean bathroom, a clean shower, and a clean bathtub is important to me as it makes me feel good each time I step into it.  There is not  much more terrifying as stepping into a bathtub to take a shower and mildew is sludging the edges and corners of your bathtub.

 I find that mildew likes to accumulate and are more common under neath the bath products that are supposed to clean me---aka the shampoo and conditioner, soap holder.  Not to mention I find mildew hiding in the inner most places of my sinks!  Recently I have also found that my humidifier is a great place for mold and mildew to proliferate.  I have found yet another place to get rid of mildew!

At times though it takes some cleaning power and for a small bathroom being armed with Soft Scrub Mold and Mildew Gel is a blessing!  Why I love it is that it does not going to kill me by noxious fumes.   The worst part of my bathroom to clean besides the toilet, is the sink!

Here are a couple of pictures of spaying on this bathroom cleaner and letting it soak in.

 

The gel actually seems to penetrate through the mildew better and saves me time and energy when scrubbing. 

All Clean!







 


Another place I found a good use as mentioned above is cleaning out our humidifier.

After Scrubbing and Rinsing Voila! 

Soft Scrub works well on getting rid of mildew.

All Clean

To find more information on the Soft Scrub Mold and Mildew Stain remover check out these links:

• Soft Scrub Facebook page: click here
• Soft Scrub website: click here

Disclosure : I received this product for free from company. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."

Pastors' Wives Book Review and Ipad Mini Giveaway

Why I liked this Book:

Intriguing Characters:

In this book we follow three women all of whom are the wives of pastors.  They are all linked up together in this mega church that seems to be as popular as one being the president!

 Each of these woman present to us a different perspective of being a pastors' wife. At first we are met with Candace. Candace who is by far exudes the perfection of being the ideal of everything a pastor's wife ought to be.  She is somewhat cold, calculating, and in control of her emotions, thoughts, and actions in every way it seems.  When it comes to her family she is passionate and loves them with a fierceness, but to others she seems to be distant and observant.  She is in a sense takes on being the pastor's wife to the fullest in all its seriousness.  She directs and orchestrates everything so as to leave her husband free to do what God wants him to do.  She is the watchful eye of the whole mega church it seems!   Inwardly she is always thinking "what can she do", "what is her purpose?".  I feel like this is one of my favorite parts about her, is that she always asks herself what her purpose is. 

 Next is Ginger.  Ginger poses as the wife who is like the Martha in the Bible.  Serving, Doing, and laying down her own wants and desires for others.  She presents the wife that seems to be the wallflower.  Living underneath the pressure of Candace, she tends to judge herself and see herself through the eyes of Candace.  She feels that her life is a misery living underneath such pressures and decides to take things into her own hands...in order to find purpose in her life besides simply being there to support her husband.  She is not happy with her marriage or where she is in life--living beneath the seemingly condescending eyes of  her mother in law Candace.  

Ruthie.  Now Ruthie took me by surprise.  I cannot imagine what it would be like for a marriage to take on such change so quick.  From ordinary woman and then become a pastor's wife in such a short amount of time!  I do not know how I would take that news that life as I knew it would be so changed!  What is more, is that from the beginning to the end she is struggling with one thing.  Faith.  Her faith in God.  Her struggle in this all is almost like fitting in.  She is a catholic unsure of her place in this megachurch.  She also considers whether or not she belongs in such a place with her husband. 

I am able to relate to these characters:

 Maybe there is a Candace in every woman's mind including a pastor's wife.  That perfect wife who is poised and in control of emotions and thoughts.   I feel like she is incredulously perfect and I tend to hate her for it!   Then towards the book events happen that make realize that indeed that even Candace is a human and has faults here and there and does have her breakdowns. 

 I can understand through Ginger's life how maybe a wife can feel the pressure of family members, congregation, and friends.  That we become miserable under that scrutiny!  Not to mention carrying a burden from her past.  I feel like as women we tend to forget to forgive ourselves for sins and mistakes in the past.  It can weigh us down if we do not believe in the grace and forgiveness of God.  Another thing I learned through her life was that perhaps being under the shadow of her husband can be hard and tough.  Not that we do not support our  husband, but not seeing that we have a purpose as an individual can be a nightmare.  I loved seeing her struggles, and cheered for her when she started taking a stand.  There has to be a balance in the family--even if one is marrried to a pastor who is married to God!  

Through Ruthie's life I can identify being in new places and not quite fitting in.  Her faith in God is challenged and she is faced with the very real choice of does she even believe in God?    I have never thought the wives of pastors could ever be faced with even a simple concept of faith in God.  

Unexpected Plot:

I could not believe where the author, Lisa Cullen, took us!  It was exciting and also unexpected outcome for all three of these ladies!  I loved how the turn out was...and all their struggles sort of came to a head and surprised me.  Though it always seems that something so big as a mega church needs something big as what happened to Candace's husband, Aaron Green.   I felt myself really liking the ending a lot. 

Conclusion:
Overall I did enjoy this book.  The middle parts of the book sort of felt long to me, and took me a while to get through, but the intensity of the plot got me going.  I just needed to find out what happened to these women!  I am not sure about what it is like to be in a mega church, and it is a bit disturbing that pastors are treated as mega super stars.  Not that they aren't awesome or good or even humble, but it does really put them on a pedestal.  I would also be so afraid to meet their wife! Haha I do not want to meet a Candace anytime soon.  I sort of feel like I wish I could get to know some of the real women who are pastors' wives.  It would be neat to get a real non fictitious outlook at their lives.  For me it feels like I would not want to get into the hype of a mega church...for I felt like some of the things that might go on would be very superficial and for a wow factor.

But what really got me was the passionate search for who they are in all this.  Each woman's devotion and love to their husband and duty to find their faith in the midst of their struggles took a hold of me.  I really felt that Ruthie's part in this book made me feel like she was mirroring the Author's voice, thoughts and opinions in it all.  I loved it and felt that each of these women were extraordinary in their own way as they faced their struggles.
  
Read more reviews here: http://litfusegroup.com/author/LCullen
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/klK8c 
Giveaway:

Enter Today - 5/2 - 5/23!

Meet Author Lisa (From the Litfuse Website):

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen was a longtime staff writer for TIME magazine. She now develops TV pilots for production companies and recently sold her first pilot for "The Ordained" to CBS. Born in Japan, Cullen lives in New Jersey with family.

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen was born and raised in Kobe, Japan. Her father was a Roman Catholic priest from Philadelphia, sent by his religious order to a provincial city in southern Japan where he met Cullen’s mother, the coddled daughter of a wealthy merchant. She converted, he left the priesthood to marry her, and it all caused quite the scandal. As if in penance, they raised the four children in strict devotion, never allowing them to miss a Mass or their turn at the dinner-table Bible reading.
As she was in the beginning stages of writing Pastors’ Wives, several intense life changes lit in her a profound need to reconcile her faith: the loss of her mother to cancer, her father’s death nine months later, the birth of her second child, and leaving her job as a staff writer at Time magazine. Cullen feels that in many ways writing Pastors’ Wives saved her. Through the characters and their journeys in faith, she was able to examine her own.

Cullen was a foreign correspondent and staff writer for Time magazine, covering social trends, news, arts and business in the U.S. and Asia. Her first book, Remember Me: A Lively Tour of the New American Way of Death, was about the year she spent crashing funerals and was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers pick. She now writes novels and develops television pilots. Pastors’ Wives is her first novel, and Lisa recently sold a pilot about a former priest who becomes a lawyer to CBS. Production on the first episode of The Ordained is now in production.  Cullen lives in New Jersey with her husband and two daughters.

Find out more about Lisa at http://lisacullen.com.

Disclosure : I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."

$100 Clothing Shop Online GC Giveaway

Sophie and Momma's Family Blog is proud to be apart of this group giveaway to offer YOU a chance to win a $100 GC from Clothing Shop Online!

Summer is upon us and I don't know about you, but I have found that clothing shopping can get very expensive... that is why I tend to frequent ClothingShopOnline that sells t-shirts, hoodies and outerware for the whole family. Because they skip the middle man and sell directly to you they can offer amazing brands with prices that are 20-75% off what you'd see at Target or Wal Mart. Plus, buying in Bulk and FREE shipping on orders over $75 ensures you can save even more!

Oh and ClothingShopOnline.com is super-easy to navigate! You can shop by Top Sellers, Staff Picks, or by category. Anyway you go, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for, at the best price possible.

Here is one of the great deals I've found online~
Ladies' Flowy Draped Sleeve Dolman T-Shirt (price starting at 8.56)

 Plus, you can read a FULL review from Blog With Mom by CLICKING HERE!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Now, for the fun part - ClothingShopOnline has teamed up with AdvertiseWithBloggers.com, Adventures of My Family of 8, and some other amazing Bloggers to offer YOU a chance to win a $100.00 ClothingShopOnline gift card, with FREE shipping! Giveaway Rules:

• This giveaway will run from May 13th through MIDNIGHT on June 2nd
• Opened to entrants 18 and older in the United States
• All entries MUST be in the entry form below and all Mandatory Entries must be completed
• Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be contacted via email - see all disclosures at the bottom of the entry form below

ENTER BELOW NOW!!!

Entry-Form

**DISCLOSURE** Sophie and Momma's Family Blog is acting as an advertisement for the Sponsor and is not responsible for prize. This event is brought to you by Blog with Mom and Adventures of 8 through Advertise with Bloggers! If you are interested in sponsoring an event like this, please contact Advertise with Bloggers.

Mother's Day Gift Idea with CollageIt Pro {Giveaway}

Super excited about this giveaway. I have been in the process of getting my photos ready to create some picture gifts for my mom. She absolutely adores her grandbaby, and I thought a great gift would be to snap a few pictures, and create a collage!

CollageIt Pro is such an easy fast way to get the pictures in a collage format. I am not all that when it comes to picture programs, but I have found that this program is simple and fun to use, and not to mention quick. I love that I there are templates that help make giftmaking a breeze. I definitely feel that this is something that everyone can enjoy and utilize for Mother's Day as well as other special occasions and gifts!

I know that as a mother, I love collages and pictures of my family!  Something to recap the year or a special moment in time means something to me.  I do hope my husband reads this post and creates a picture present for me!  I might have to give  him a hint ;)

I have yet to print out these collages, but when I do I will defintely post up my resulting Mothers' Day gifts~

• Making collages is as easy as 1-2-3 with only 3 steps, choose template -> add photos & customize -export collage. 
• Various layouts and diverse templates. 
• Easily personalize collage by cropping, adjusting photo number, photo space, page margin, rotation, sparse, and so on. 
• Save collage as an image file; set as desktop wallpaper; share through Email; or print it out. 

20 of my readers will win licenses to CollageIt Pro thanks to our sponsor at Pearl Mountain! Enter before May 12, 2013 midnight PST, Winner will be drawn at random. Winner will be emailed. For more information on this product please check out: http://www.collageitfree.com/

Giveaway: To Enter leave a comment below telling me what you did. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Leave your email address in at least one comment.

{Mandatory} 
Entry 1: Visit the website and tell me something you like about the program.
{Optional Entries} 
Entry 2: "Like/Fan" Sophie and Mommas Family Blog and Pearl Mountain
Entry 3: Follow Sophie and Momma and Pearl Mountain on Twitter


Disclosure: I tried out the trial form of the program. All opinions are my own, I was not compensated in any other way. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

As One Devil to Another by Richard Platt Review and Giveaway!

Review: 
As one Devil to Another was a book that I never thought I would really enjoy! It is a book that reads as Correspondence and letters between two devils-- Uncle Slashreap and his student and nephew Scardagger. The perspective of reading letters from one devil to another was different I have to admit, but brilliant. I was cautious about the book and even wary, but then my fears were assuaged as it became more of a way to view the enemy's battle plans. I felt both challenged to not let certain tactics get me, but I also felt encouragement. It is not a frightening or horror kind of book at all. I found Richard Platt quite ingenious in the way he flips our matters of perspective and uses it to teach us indirectly of our faulty lines of thought. We inadvertently think one way and see the world through such narrow glasses that sometimes we forget why God has allowed events and things into our lives. We forget life is not about "us" being comfortable. We are in fact living our lives out for His glory and everything we come across here on earth is meant to prepare us for Eternity.

Platt seems to also discuss other matters relevant to us in today's world. Things such as grief, love, success and failure, artwork, television, etc. I rather enjoyed reading what a "devil's" perspective might be in reference to things like this.

The story line running throughout the book kept me reading. I am kept in suspense at how our enemy tries to take us down--and how they try to take the characters on in this book. I found myself reading in the wee small hours of the morning just to try to read as much as I could! It definitely kept my attention, and was something I wanted to tell others about. Richard Platt did a great job, and has opened my eyes to wanting to read more books by C.S. Lewis such as the ScrewTape Letters.

I quote from the book an example of insights I found refreshing:

The greatest problem humans have with petitionary prayer is one of perspective.  This involves both time frames and objectives.  They think mostly of today, or of the limited sphere of activity which they call their lives: the seventy or eighty years which to us and to the Adversary is indistinguishable from today.  The Adversary is thinking of eternity.  ....The Adversary is the Parent who knows what they need....

I would give this book 3.5 out of 5.  I enjoyed this book and found it an easy read.  

• For more information on the book visit: http://www.asonedeviltoanother.com/

Now for a Giveaway!  Giveaway will end May 14, 2012

a Rafflecopter giveaway From the Back Cover:
As One Devil to Another is an astonishing debut work that C. S. Lewis’s biographer and foremost Lewis authority Walter Hooper calls “a stunning achievement, the finest example of the genre of diabolical correspondence to appear since this genre was popularized by C. S. Lewis.” Enter into this chilling and diabolical tale, one that reveals the very tricks and strategies of Hell.

Through a series of letters between devils created by Platt, senior devil Slashreap trains his young protégé, Scardagger, to win an individual soul away from Heaven and into their clutches. As the devils plot their way to triumph, they reveal the spiritual dangers and risks we face in today’s society. Their frighteningly accurate perspective on issues such as contemporary technology and sexual mores is interwoven with timeless matters such as the power of prayer, the purpose of suffering, and the promises held out by Heaven . . . and Hell.

Destined to become a modern classic, As One Devil to Another is a brilliantly written, deeply unsettling perspective on twenty-first-century society . . . a glimpse of ourselves through the eyes of those who have embraced their underworldly existence.

About the Author: Richard Platt has been in love with words and the music of language all his life, but he did not begin writing until his early forties. He is a contributor to literary quarterly Slightly Foxed and was a finalist for a 2012 San Diego Foundation Creative Catalyst Fellowship for his one-man play, Ripples From Walden Pond: An Evening with Henry David Thoreau. As One Devil to Another, his first novel, is dedicated in grateful homage to C. S. Lewis. Richard and his wife, Susan, live in California.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinions and review of the book. All opinions are mine and I was not compensated in any other way. I was not required to write a positive review.

Fit Moms for Life Book Review and Giveaway!

Finally a Fitness Program Made for Someone like Me:

What I love about Dutin Maher's Fit Moms for Life program is that it is very realistic for me as a Real Mom.  One of those reasons is that he strives to make exercise short and sweet--after all Moms are Busy!  But in that time we do exercise he encourages us to challenge ourselves to work out intensely and to push ourselves.  Secondly, I really appreciate that he appeals to my mindset by educating me on the "WHYs" of Nutrition, Exercise, etc.  One of my favorite parts he talks about is exercise.  His program includes Cardio, Strength Training, and Core Training, and Flexibility Fitness Training.  As a young mom, I have no time to really do the research on what type of exercises to do or Fitness Training to include in my work outs--and I am very grateful that Maher goes into details of the importance of each.  For example, Strength training is ideal for the woman because it not only tones our body but it increases bone density.  I had not known that!  And time and time again I hear about women dealing with bone density loss.  So I am very grateful for the invaluable knowledge and facts inundated throughout this book. 

Dustin hits a lot of major points that can empower and motivate you to keep on going with one’s weight loss journey.  One of these aspects he talked about in his book was the topic of Mindsets and setting reasonable goals. I quite enjoyed setting goals and while talking with my husband over my weight loss goals we uncovered how I had been trying all my life to "please" others.  My mindset was all about exercising and getting fit in order to "please" others.  In reality I need to exercise for my own self--for my own bodily health  and fitness sake.  But what has been ingrained in my mind was that of a negative "I've got to look good for others or they always think this way about me...I want to change their thoughts about how they view me."  These are just a few unhealthy negative thoughts and mindsets that ran through my mind.  As a person we have got to do something for ourselves, and not worry about what others might think!  We got to do something because we choose to do it.  It is not selfish to think this way either! 

Dustin hits other key points that are important for us as moms to become  a"Fit Mom for Life" such as having a good positive environment, having daily affirmations and saying them aloud, as well as the importance of knowing what you are eating (keeping a food log to track your nutritional intake!).  

Thirdly, I really appreciate his approach to fitness.  It is intense but not obsessively so!  As a mom I get burnt out by watching all these crazy exercise enthusiast obsessive who seem to think about fitness 24/7!  Dustin is a really down to earth kind of guy who makes himself available via Facebook and though he is a fitness coach, he is a practical fitness enthusiast!  He's very personable and though he is busy and might not respond right away--he's there to encourage and to help.  I shot him a message via Facebook and got a response back!  

Real Moms, Real Stories, Real Pictures!

 Incorporated in the book are success stories of moms.  They are shown throughout the book, and you can read about their story and fitness journey.  I love that it is not hyped up, but simply real.  I found these success stories quite encouraging me and further helped me to continue on my weight loss journey because I felt like "I can be a success story one day!"  They were ordinary women like me who accomplished being a fit mom!

I joined up with other Mommy Bloggers in February of this year and these were my 21 Day Challenge Results with the Fit Moms for Life!

Here are my before and after measurements:

Arms:  14 inches----13inches

Hips:  41 inches--40 inches

Waist: 38 inches--36 inches

Abdomen: 43.5 inches--40 inches

Thighs: 23 inches--23 inches

Chest:  42 inches--39 inches

Calves: 14 inches--14 1/2 inches (haha gained calf muscle)

Height: 5' 2 inches--5'2 inches

Weight: 176.6 lbs--166-167 lbs!

**For more information and testimonials check out Dustin's websites: www.dustinmaherfitness.com and www.fitmomsforlife.com**

 Giveaway: 
One random winner will be chosen to win Dustin Maher's Fit Moms for Life Book. Giveaway will close May 4, 2012 12:01am EST. Must enter through Rafflecopter form. Giveaway open to US and CAN.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher. I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program. I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post. All opinions are mine. For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life

Headline Shirts Review and Giveaway!

My husband wins.  It has always been a battle getting him to dress up nicely.  He will always pick up his Holey Armpit Shirt over any of the nicely hung shirts that are Whole.  He dismissed the thought of wearing dressy shirts a long time ago.  I have asked him why.  His answer is simply that he prefers shirts that are broken in and have that softness.  But his idea of broken into is that his shirt is so "soft" that its falling apart at the seams!

My dear husband is all about....COMFORT.

He does have STYLE though....just not my style. When we were going out on a date night I tried to persuade him to wear something that would please me--with a sly twinkle in his eye  he mischievously grinned at me and wore a funny shirt that thankfully was cleaned and bore no holes. It seems that he has a handful of shirts that say something funny or have a picture of something interesting on it--and he cycles through them on a weekly basis!

Review of Headline Shirt--Vader Piñata
So when I was given the opportunity to head over to Headline Shirts, I knew that this was right up my husband's alley!  Intriguing, Interesting, and Intelligently Funny shirts can be found when perusing their selection.  They carry some really unique shirts that I have never seen before.  I discovered that they draw  up ideas and brainstorm their own shirts!  Which is cool because one can see a mixture of American History, Current Events, Trends, and San Francisco humor instilled in the shirts.  Their VintageBlend shirts are hand sewn and made in San Francisco and are composed of a 60/40 Soft Cotton-polyester blend.

We ordered a size Large.  Ordering from their website was smooth, straightforward and uncomplicated.  Orders ship within 24 hours, and it nice to receive an email telling me that my order shipped along with a tracking number.  March 23 I ordered my shirt and on March 26 my shirt arrived!  Headline Shirts Service was great.

The new shirt fit him well and to his delight it was Comfy, fit his Style (funny-hilarious-attention getting-Star Wars), and above all Soft.  His Vader Pinata shirt did not have a starchy stiff feel that most new shirts have.  Rather this Headline Shirt was supple and a relaxed fit on him.  He wore it to today to give his Supervisor at work (also a Star Wars Fan) a bit of a laugh! 

Why we love it:  Who does not like the idea of Darth Vader attacking a Pinata with a Light Saber?  The graphics on the shirt is bright, and easily seen from afar.  First people may be drawn to see the Pinata and then smile as their eyes move towards the sight of Darth Vader!  It strikes a smile in most people who catch a glimpse at my husband's shirt.  The shirt itself washes nicely too.  We washed it and experienced no color fading or bleeding.  It hasn't shrunk to kids size after drying in the dryer.  The softness, quality, and overall fit of the shirt gets two thumbs up from us! 

Why all the Baboons?  Well did  you know that the monkey (baboon) runs the show?  Just kidding, Robert Baboon is the chief man behind the business and hence the baboons in the logo.  There are no words to describe about how Headline Shirts came to be and how they operate.  It is said a picture is worth a thousand words, and they have pictures you need to see!  Read more about Headline Shirts-- you want to check it out!  About Headline Shirts

**Sign up for their newsletter with link below and get a $5 coupon!**
**NEW KID HEADLINE TEES!**


Headline Shirts homepage: http://www.headlineshirts.net/
Headline Shirts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/headlineshirts
To sign-up for their newsletter and get a $5 coupon use this link: https://www.facebook.com/headlineshirts?sk=app_133697453315011
Headline on twitter: @headlineshirts

Giveaway: Headline shirts has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway on Sophie and Momma's Blog! One winner will be chosen at random to win a Headline Shirt. To enter fill out the Rafflecopter form. Giveaway is open Worldwide.  Giveaway will close May 02, 2012 12:01am EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: Sponsor sent me a product in order to facilitate this review. I was not required to write a positive review, I was not compensated in any other way to write this review. All opinions are my mine and my family's. Sponsor is responsible for fulfilling giveaway prize.

Red Barn Cloth Diaper: Nifty Nappy Fitted Review and Giveaway

Item Reviewing: Nifty Nappy Fitted Diaper in Elephants print from Red Barn Cloth Diapers. (Part 1: Components of the Diaper)

Fitted diapers are so adorable! Let me know if you have heard that quite too often!

A comment an older friend who cloth diapered her kids a long time ago said, "What good is the print if we can't see it!"  I simply smiled and told her that I let my daughter run a bit without a cover.  For me, it is so important that I as the main cloth diaper changer get some enjoyment too!  One of my "cloth therapies" is having a few diapers that really are a cheerful site!


Jeni, owner of Red Barn Cloth Diapers sews up Nifty Nappy Diapers under a Cottage License.  Although this is my first Nifty Nappy, I feel that the craftsmanship is exceptional.  The price of Nifty Nappy is something one has to save up for if building a huge stash of them, but these are agreeably well worth it.  I showed it to one of my friends who has been (and is still currently) sewing for over 35 years and you know what she said?

 "Now that is how the serger's thread is supposed to look like.  That is good quality and perfect--see how the threads 'meet on the edge?'" She looked the diaper over, and nodded her approval.

Components of the Red Barn Nifty Nappy:

• Elasticity: The back of the diaper is fixed with an elastic.  I love elastic as it helps to keep leakages at a minimum.  The elastic on the back of this diaper is encased into the diaper.  Child wearing the diaper does not get any redness because the elastic is encased.  That goes with the leg elastic parts as well.  One the left is the back elastic and on the right is a picture of the leg elastic gussets!  Which I feel fits my daughter comfortably--allowing some stretch yet keeps close to her skin to absorb wetness.
• Fabrics:  The outermost fabric is a cotton knit fabric (elephants).  The innermost layer touching your baby's sensitive skin is microfleece fabric.  This truly is a soft fabric, but more importantly it help wick away moisture from your baby's skin.  I am growing pretty partial to it because it helps keep her drier without the moisture sitting right on her skin.  The fabric in between these two layers is a layer of organic hemp fleece.  I personally love this fabric!  For one thing, hemp is not only antibacterial but very thirsty!  It has become one of the most popular of fabrics because it makes for one very absorbent cloth diaper.  In my experience with hemp fabrics, I can attest that they can truly soak up lots of water. 

•  The Wings: Length of Wings is nice and long.  I love that I do not have to wrestle with my daughter.  It really helps aid in fitting the diaper quickly and easily.  Not to mention allows more snaps to be on the diaper.   
• The Snaps.  These are made out of high quality resin snaps.  I am pretty sure they will not break down on you!  These snaps ensure that my daughter can get the right fit.  With seven snaps on the wing--4 allows for inner adjustment and 3 for top adjustments.  The snap placement is just right, and I have not have been having problems with finding an adjustment.  As you can see, this Nifty Nappy Fitted has snaps alternating every other snap--meaning that I can adjust the fit from the inside and outside.  The outer snaps allows for the two wings to cross on top of each other as well as help fit the diaper onto baby well.

• Insert: The fabrics that compose the lay-in insert is Organic Hemp Fleece and Organic Bamboo Velour. Again you have the hemp material that will soak up great and the velour serves as a soft absorbent fabric against your child's skin. I could not believe how soft to the touch the Organic Bamboo Velour was! It is a "yummy" fabric and something that to me is a luxury to have in a cloth diaper.  

Over all I really love my Nifty Nappy from Red Barn Cloth Diapers!

It is so squishy and easy to find a good fit.  When changing her into this Nifty Nappy Fitted diaper, it is quick to snap on.  I am not fighting with the wings to find a snap that will work.  The absorbency of the diaper is perfect for car rides, doctor visits, and night time uses.  The micro-fleece layer does a good job at keeping her feeling dry and skin is not soaking in her pee.  I find that My daughter does not show any signs of discomfort in wearing it.  Rather she almost does not notice when she is wet in them--usually she tells me if she has wet her diaper and lately while using this diaper she has not told me.  So maybe it is working too well at wicking!   

My only small complaint has to do with the insert.  I wish that the insert would be a bit bigger in size Although it is working good, what would make it great is if it was a little longer lengthwise.  I find that it scrunches at the front of the diaper, if maybe it were a little longer it would not scrunch a whole lot and add even more absorbency to the front of the diaper.   After prepping the diaper insert, I noticed that it had shrunk a bit and not quite as even.  The top layer seemed bigger than the bottom layer and kind of lumps at the sides a bit.  Though it does not affect its performance, I thought it good to mention it. I used hot water and did dry the insert through the dryer on a low-medium heat.  So just give sunning or air drying your insert a shot and maybe make sure your hot water is not too hot! :)

I was a bit skeptical at this diaper being a One Size diaper--meaning it fits from newborn to potty training age (about 35lbs).  But my Part 2 will be about using this Nifty Nappy diaper on a newborn! 

Giveaway:  Jeni from Red Barn Cloth Diapers has generously offered my readers a Bitti Bum Nifty Nappy Cloth Diaper!  To enter fill out Rafflecopter Form.  Giveaway is open to US/CAN.  Any incomplete entries will be deleted. The winner will be announced on the blog, emailed, and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I bought a Nifty Nappy Fitted Diaper for the purpose of this review.  Sponsor will be responsible for the fulfillment of giveaway prize.  All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way to write this post.  Nor was I obligated to write a positive review. 

Hang Tags Giveaway from Uprinting.com

Have you ever heard of Hang Tags?  

---Here's a picture to help visualize what they are!

Uses for Hang Tags:

• Presents and Gift Tags. One of my favorite ways to see them used are through Presents and Gifts!  What better way to personalize a package then with your own hang tag--personalized and designed by you?  It is so easy to utilize this.  Tie on your special tag with a ribbon or string and Voila!  A nice special simple touch completes your gift.
• Branding.  I believe that Hang Tags are quite beneficial and efficient in spreading the word or image of a brand name or label.  I know that if Clothing Hang Tags are attached to what I have bought, I grow quickly accustomed to its label and if I am shopping I can easily recognize the brand or label associated with it because of the hang tag.  Not only can they help consumers associate to a particular brand or label--but it can also provide information about the company.  Company Website, Social Networks, Contact Information, and a business' motto can all help a consumer become familiar with that brand or company.
• Wine Bottles or Beverages.  Ever so often I find an event or information "Hang Tag" attached to a wine bottle.  My curiosity usually gets the best of me, because these particular hang tags have a special offer, event or special description about the wine itself.   I enjoy reading them!  Sometimes I get lucky and the hang tag tied to the bottle's neck is a coupon! 

Hang Tags as a Type of Business Card:

Hang Tags make it easier for me to find out more information about a company or business because usually they contain a website address or contact number.  I feel that that company is more personable because I have information at my fingertips--that Hang Tag could very well be a "Business Card".

Environmentally Friendly:  
 I was very surprised to find out this information about Uprinting.com!  Uprinting.com offers Hang Tags that are created from paper that is composed of 10-30% Recycled paper, depending on type of hang tags.  One may learn more about how Uprinting is doing its part in creating Eco Friendly Hang Tags.  In trying to be responsible and mindful of the environment, they offer the usage of recycled paper as well as using Soy Based Inks.  Learn more about how Uprinting.com works to be environmentally friendly here: Environmentally Friendly Hang Tags

Here are two types of Hang Tags Uprinting.com has to offer:

Rectangular Hang Tags from $59.31

Glossy, UV, Matte or Uncoated Paper
Thick and Durable 14pt Cardstock
Available in Standard or Custom Size
Turn Around time: 4-6 Days       

Die-Cut Hang Tags from $93.78 (Specialty Shapes)

Shiny UV Gloss or Chic Matte Paper
Thick and Durable 14pt Cardstock
Special Rounded Corners Shapes
Turn Around time: 4-6 Days          

 

HOW TO CONNECT--+1 UPrinting homepage at Google Plus





WHERE TO BUY-- Order your set of Hang Tags from Uprinting.com. 

PRIZE-- 250 pcs. Rectangular Hang Tags for One Winner.

PRIZE DETAILS--

• 2" x 2", 2" x 3.5"
• 14pt Card stock Gloss
• Front Only Printing
• 3/16" Hole Drilling (Top-Center, Top-Left, or Top-Right)
• 6 Business Days Turnaround
• Free shipping

Giveaway:  Uprinting has been generous to sponsor a giveaway of 250 pcs Rectangular Hang Tags. Winner will be chosen at random and have 48 hours to respond to notification email. Giveaway ends April 5, 2012 midnight PST.

******MANDATORY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS****(Must do mandatory entries first- post a separate comment for each entry)

• +1 UPrinting homepage at Google Plus:
• Tweet how you will use your hang tags if you win: Tweet

Extra Entries: (post a separate comment for each entry)
*Add me as a friend via Facebook
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*Post my button on your blog and comment with the link (2 entries, leave 2 comments)
*Post on your blog/website about the giveaway and comment with the link (5 entries, leave 5 comments)
*Like Uprinting on Facebook

*Enter into the Krill Oil Giveaway
*Enter another Current Sophie and Momma Giveaway and comment with which one you entered. (only one counts for an extra entry, but feel free to enter in as many as you like!)

Giveaway Restriction: Limited to *US residents 18 years old and above only. No prize substitutions allowed. Prizes are sent the month after the giveaway was run. No exceptions. Winners are allowed to win once over a six-month period.



Disclaimer: “You should assume that the owner of this blog will receive free print product in exchange for the post. Any and all reviews posted are based solely on my own experience and may be atypical. Please practice due diligence in making any related purchase decisions.”