December 13, 2010

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

While part of the country is getting slammed with a snowstorm, my part of the world is getting ready for 70 degree weather tomorrow. It's absolutely insane. Of course, to put things into perspective, it's also supposed to snow in two days. You never quite know what to expect.

The busyness of the season has kicked in. We have had something going on every single day for the last month. Christmas is my favorite time of the year, but it's wearing me out a little bit. Christmas parties, Christmas plays, Christmas cookies. There's always something to do. My prayer is that in the midst of this busy holiday season, I don't forget the message behind the celebration. God with us. The gift of family and friends. The celebration of the gifts and the Giver.

Twelve days till Christmas. It's hard to believe! It'll be here before we know it.

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December 3, 2010

Norah Jones - "Featuring" CD Review

Norah Jones came out with her first album while I was in college. I loved her voice and style, so I was super excited for the opportunity to review her latest album Featuring. If the name isn't a dead giveaway, this album features a wide assortment of musical collaborations.
 
“A lot of the people on this record are people I've worshiped since I was a kid, and some of them are younger and more my contemporaries,” says Norah. “Even though the musicians are so varied, the vibe of the songs makes sense when we put them all together.”

Here is a quick look at the track listing!

...Featuring Norah Jones
1. Love Me – The Little Willies 
2. Virginia Moon – The Foo Fighters featuring Norah Jones
3. Turn Them – Sean Bones featuring Norah Jones
4. Baby It's Cold Outside – Willie Nelson featuring Norah Jones
5. Bull Rider – Norah Jones and Sasha Dobson
6. Ruler Of My Heart – Dirty Dozen Brass Band featuring Norah Jones
7. The Best Part – El Madmo 
8. Take Off Your Cool – OutKast featuring Norah Jones
9. Life Is Better – Q-Tip featuring Norah Jones 
10. Soon The New Day – Talib Kweli featuring Norah Jones
11. Little Lou, Prophet Jack, Ugly John – Belle & Sebastian featuring Norah Jones
12. Here We Go Again – Ray Charles featuring Norah Jones
13. Loretta – Norah Jones featuring Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
14. Dear John – Ryan Adams featuring Norah Jones
15. Creepin' In – Norah Jones featuring Dolly Parton
16. Court & Spark – Herbie Hancock featuring Norah Jones
17. More Than This – Charlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones
18. Blue Bayou – Norah Jones featuring M. Ward  


It's not every day that Dolly Parton, Outkast, and the Foo Fighters appear on the same album. Norah Jones ties it all together. Although the songs are as different as the artists themselves, they do fit together nicely. I think one of my favorites is "More Than This" by Charlie Hunter. I also liked "Court & Spark" by Herbie Hancock.

I thought this was a thoroughly enjoyable album - perfect for a rainy afternoon with a cup of hot tea. For some reason, Norah Jones always makes me feel like I'm in a coffee house, she just has a nice laid back mellow vibe in her music.


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I received a complimentary album to facilitate my review as part of the One2One campaign. The opinions expressed are my honest thoughts of the product.

November 30, 2010

Five helpful tips for holiday tech shopping.

The thought of braving hoards of Black Friday shoppers is enough to fill me with me with dread. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a good bargain. I'm not a big fan of standing outside in the freezing cold at three in the morning. I've compiled a list of my top five helpful tips for holiday tech shopping. There are definitely ways to get those must have items on your list, without spending all of your hard-earned cash.

  1. Research, research, research. If you want to save the big bucks on your tech purchases you have to know what you're looking for. Sometimes you don't need a name brand in order to have a quality product. Investigate consumer and professional reviews to find out which product best suits your needs. I like to read the consumer reviews on the retailer's website. I like to check CNET for tech reviews. If you're not going to use your TV to connect to the internet, then there's no need to buy a television with that capability. Just because it has all the bells and whistles, doesn't mean that it's what you need - you may be spending money for unnecessary features. 
  2. Comparison Shop. One of my favorite tools to comparison shop is froogle.google.com. All you have to do is enter the name of the product and Google will pull up the stores that carry the item and the price they're asking. It can be a tremendous time-saver when you can have all of the information in one convenient place. 
  3. Check out Craigslist and E-bay. Sometimes you can find great buys on used products by checking out sites like Craigslist and E-bay. Just make sure that the seller is reputable, and NEVER send money over Craigslist for an item you've never seen. It's best to meet the seller in a public place to look at the item before purchasing, I like to take my husband or a friend along for safety sake. 
  4. Many places will price match competitor's ads. If your local store has sold out of the hot discounted TV you've had your eye on, try the store next door. Many places will match or even BEAT the advertised price - just make sure that it's for the same exact item. 
  5. Take advantage of holiday specials. I heard on the news this week that the best time to buy a TV was in mid-December. Many stores are anxious to receive your holiday spending money. Pay attention to online and print advertisements. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are obviously key bargain shopping times, but great deals can be found throughout the holiday season if your looking. There are tons of fabulous blogs devoted to these bargain hunting quests. A quick Google search should pull up some great resources.
I'd love to hear about your favorite money-saving tips! Do you have a favorite bargain-hunting website? Where do you find the best deals for those on your Christmas list?


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“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

November 10, 2010

Brooks Christmas Monogram

Family Wall Red Christmas Card
Make a statement with custom Christmas cards at Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.

November 9, 2010

Holiday Cards from Shutterfly

I love having a kid. I'll admit it has it's challenges, but it is also one of life's sweetest blessings. I have hundreds . . . no, thousands of pictures of my little man, and the holidays are the perfect time for sharing them with family and friends. Shutterfly's holiday collection offers HUNDREDS of photo card options to fit all of your family's needs. There are so many neat cards to choose from, it was hard to pick my favorites.
I love their religious collection. After all, that's what Christmas truly is about - the birth of Christ.


They also have a great assortment of customizable family cards. I love the wide variety of layouts and colors. You really can tailor the cards to fit your family's needs. I think this is the layout I will be using for this year's holiday card. I love the family monogram and the ability to add TONS of photos, now I just have to limit to my top six. That is going to take some time . . .


Are you hosting a holiday shindig? You can even create custom invitations online and wow your guests before they even show up at the door. I think this is such a neat idea.

If you are looking for a great way to share your family's holiday joy, check out the selections at Shutterfly.

Want to hear some great news? If you're a blogger, Shutterfly is offering you 50 free cards for spreading the word about their products. Follow the link for more info.

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I will be receiving 50 free photo cards for sharing about Shutterfly's new holiday collection.

Sweet Sunday Moments - Pillsbury Flaky Cinnamon Rolls Prize Pack Giveaway

I absolutely love the holidays. I love the sights, sounds, and smells. I love time spent with family and friends. Some of my favorite family memories have involved time spent together around the kitchen table. The folks at Pillsbury understand the value of food and family togetherness.

Their Flaky Cinnamon Rolls make Sunday morning meals a breeze. I'm not a big breakfast maker. In fact, I can count on one hand the number of times I've made an elaborate breakfast for my family, but I love these Cinnamon Rolls. They're super easy to make and they taste delicious!

Pillsbury is currently offering a coupon for $0.70 off a can of Pillsbury Flaky Cinnamon Rolls with Butter Cream Icing.


One lucky reader will ALSO win a wonderful prize pack which includes the following:


  • Scrapbooking kit - featuring an album, paper, and accessories
  • Scrapbooking supplies like scrapbook scissors and glue 
  • A coupon for the new Pillsbury® Flaky Cinnamon Rolls to help bring your family together to indulge in a delicious Sunday morning breakfast.

How to enter:

Mandatory Entry:

  • Share one of your family's favorite "Sweet Sunday Moments."
Extra Entry:
  • Follow Mommy's Minute on GFC, Twitter, or Facebook (one entry EACH)
  • Tweet this giveaway (Daily entry)
  • Share the giveaway on Facebook or your blog (1 Entry)
Giveaway open to US 18+. Giveaway ends 11/18 at 11:59 PM Mountain time. Winner will be selected through Random.org. Winner will be notified by e-mail. Please make sure your e-mail is available in your comment or in  your public profile. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning notification or an alternate winner will be selected. 



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I received a complimentary prize pack (same shown above) from Pillsbury and MyBlogSpark to facilitate my review and giveaway.

"Almost Heaven" by Chris Fabry *Book Review (Free copies available)

Almost Heaven

Life is like an intricate tapestry. We earthbound humans can see only the tangled underside. We are unable to see things from the topside, where interwoven threads and colors create a grander picture. To outsiders, Billy Allman is a hillbilly genius - a gifted mandolin player and a talented musical engineer. Almost Heaven allows readers to see the bigger picture of Allman's life. His humble beginning, painful childhood, and adult struggles are placed on display for the reader, but it's not until the end of the novel that we are able to see the grander purpose and plan for Allman's life.

In a unique twist, the story allows us the perspective of Allman's guardian angel, Malachi in addition to Allman's own thoughts. It was a helpful reminder that there is more going on than what we can see with human eyes.

The story was well-written. The characters were well-developed and the plot was interesting. I have a great appreciation for Christian Fiction with imperfect heroes. Billy Allman is far from perfect, but his story is an inspiring reminder of the difference one life can make.  

Beautiful story. I would definitely recommend it.

FYI: Almost Heaven Kindle Version is currently FREE at Amazon.com. You seriously cannot beat that! Download it and enjoy! Don't have a Kindle? You can download software that allows you to read Kindle books on your computer, iPod Touch or iPhone.

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I received a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed are my own honest thoughts of the story.

November 2, 2010

10 Tips for New Moms Bringing Baby Home

Bringing a newborn baby home for the first time can be a scary and daunting experience, especially for a first-time mother. The hospital seems like such a safe and sanitary environment. A home is . . . well, lived in and not quite a sterile environment. How do you make your home safe for your new bundle of joy? Here are ten tips for new mamas and their new bundles of joy.


  1. Wash all of your baby's toys before you give them to your child. For the first year of his/her life, everything is going to go straight to the mouth. Give toys a gentle bath in warm, soapy water. Imagine all the hands that handled the toy in the store before you received it. 
  2. There is nothing wrong with asking visitors to wash their hands before handling your child. A newborn's immune system is still developing during the first several months of life. It's sometimes helpful to carry around hand-sanitizer in your diaper bag for this very reason. You don't have to be rude, simply say "hey, would you like some hand sanitizer?" Very few people will say no. 
  3. Invest in a "Kind Sign." When my little one was born, I didn't mind friends or family handling the baby, but I was seriously bothered when complete strangers would come up and touch and kiss my baby. I had NO idea what germs they carried, and didn't appreciate them invading my child's space. I now own a kind sign that says "Your germs are bigger than I am, please wash your hands before touching mine." The signs easily attach to infant car seat carriers. 
  4. There are many cute infant carrier covers on the market these days. I always liked to cover my child when we were in public places, especially Wal-Mart during flu season. It helps create a calm environment for the child and protects from stray coughs and sneezes.
  5. I loved microwavable sterilizer bags. I used them for bottles, pacifiers, and my breast pump equipment. add a little bit of water to the bag and place it in the microwave. The steam helps to kill the germs on your baby's items.
  6. Be mindful of what chemicals you are introducing into your baby's environment. I have been trying more and more to use natural materials when I clean my home. It's amazing how many things you can clean with baking soda and vinegar. 
  7. Clean the hard surfaces of the nursery before the baby arrives. It will help cut down on dust and eliminate any potential fungus or germs lingering on the surface. Read your crib's manufacturer's instructions for tips on how to properly clean and maintain your child's bed. 
  8. I am a baby-wearing mom. I always recommend that new moms invest in a comfortable baby carrier that fits their lifestyle. I wore a Moby Wrap with my first one, and it was a life saver. It enables your baby to feel safe, snug and secure, while still enabling you to get things done around the house.
  9. A little bit off subject, but I definitely recommend that you practice adjusting the straps on your infant car seat. We made the mistake of not looking into it before we were ready to head home from the hospital. We spent about ten minutes in the hospital parking lot trying to figure out how to loosen and tighten the straps. It will make the whole "going home" process a lot easier if you've had a trial run. 
  10. I know it's off the subject of "germs" but one of the BEST tips for a new mom would be to accept ANY help that is offered. You will never be more exhausted, more hormonally all over the place than you are during those first weeks of life. If someone offers to pick up some groceries, drop your pride and let them.  
You can do it. It may feel daunting at times. After all, it's the most precious thing you'll probably bring home. It's a lot of common sense and a lot of practical advice. Never be afraid to call a girlfriend or a mom. We're here as women to support and encourage one another in the mothering process. Kiss that baby and cherish every moment. 



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I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Lysol® Wee Wisdom blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

November 1, 2010

Photocard Creations - $50 Giftcard Giveaway!

A few months ago I had the opportunity to review some custom photo cards from the folks at Photo Card Creations. I was very pleased with the quality and customer service. With the holiday season just around the corner, many families are shopping around for photo cards to share with family and friends. Photo Card Creations may have the card you're looking for.


Here's some information about the Photo Card Creations:
Photo Card Creations is a leading online retailer of premium custom photo cards, announcements, and invitations. They specialize in wedding, baby & holiday cards. They offer hundreds of card designs, a variety of paper types to choose from, many of which are hard to find elsewhere. Their cards are printed on the highest quality paper using leading edge printing technologies. With a professional graphic designer personally handling each order, they offer a more hands-on approach to customer service than many of their competitors. They’ve added dozens of new Photo Holiday Card designs for the 2010 season, including their unique Die Cut Ornate and Scallop shaped cards and their cool Circle Ornament Cards.

They offer cards for Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years, even corporate cards. The cards are customizable and are worked on by a graphic designer. You have the opportunity to approve the proofs before they are printed and shipped!

The generous folks at Photo Card Creations have offered one lucky reader a $50 gift card to use on the card/cards of their choice! Beautiful cards for free . . . you can't beat a deal like that.

Here's how to win:

Mandatory Entry
Extra Entries
  • Follow Mommy's Minute on GFC, Twitter, or Facebook (one entry each)
  • Tweet the giveaway (daily entry)

October 31, 2010

David Archuleta "The Other Side of Down" *Review and Giveaway


The Other Side of Down is the latest release from American Idol runner-up, David Archuleta. This album has an overwhelmingly positive message. I love that it's family-friendly with content that's safe for ears of all ages.

While it's nothing shockingly new or innovative, it has a great overall sound, catchy lyrics, and a varied set of songs. Archuleta showcases his vocal talent that fans of American Idol season eight grew to expect and anticipate. I definitely appreciated the wide range of songs. There is a good mix of upbeat pop songs and slower ballads.

My favorite has to be "Falling Stars," a soulful song of love lost. The song showcases Archuleta's vocal range. I also enjoyed the message of the song "Complain."
Cause I don’t always get everything I wanted
Doesn’t turn out just the way I thought it all should be
Baby, I can’t complain
No more wasting my time looking in the mirror
Wishing my life was a little bit clearer
No way - Baby, I can’t complain

If you're looking for something edgy, look elsewhere. It's not cutting edge, it's not Lady Gaga (thank goodness), but it is a highly enjoyable, optimistic offering from the teenage sensation.

You can check out the music video for "Something 'Bout Love."


Two lucky readers will win a copy of the The Other Side of Down CD by David Archuleta.You can check out the CD by visiting the Sony Music Store.

Mandatory Entry (Must be completed before other entries will be counted.
*Do you watch American Idol? Who has been your favorite contestant?

Extra Entries
  • "Like" David Archuleta on Facebook
  • Follow Mommy's Minute on GFC, Twitter, or Facebook. (1 entry each) 
  • Tweet this giveaway (once daily) 
Giveaway open to US, 18+. Winner will be selected by Random.org and will be notified by e-mail. Please leave your e-mail address in your comment or have your e-mail visible in your public profile. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to notification or an alternate winner will be selected. 
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I received a complimentary CD to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed are my honest thoughts of the product.

October 26, 2010

Five Tips for Making Benefit Planning easier

It seems like every year around this time I get a huge packet of information in the mail from our insurance company. Sometimes with the information overload it can be hard to select the right plan, or even find enough time to sit down and read through the plethora of information. However, as money is often tight, selecting the proper benefit combination is crucial. It can dramatically affect your out of pocket costs and your monthly premiums.

1. Know what you need. Take a look at last year's medical expenses. How much did you spend? Did you meet your deductible? Evaluating whether or not your current plan met your needs is an important first step.

2. Know what you get. Some health plans include wellness benefits like discounted gym memberships or massages. Take advantage of these services! You're paying for them.

3. Know what's NOT covered. Just as it's important to know what you get with your plan, it's also important to know what types of things are not covered. I learned the hard way that some of my routine lab work was not considered routine by the insurance company and ended up having to pay $1000 out of pocket. Trust me - if I had known it was not covered, I would not have had it done. Good information to know.

4. Open an FSA. A flexible spending account is a great way to pay for your medical expenses. Most of the money in the FSA is exempt from taxes. You can even have your employer deduct it automatically. If you're going to be paying for your medical bills anyway, then you might as well take advantage of the tax-free benefits. (Just a note: starting in 2013 there will be a $2500 annual cap on FSA contributions)

5. Can you get paid to workout? Some insurance plans offer incentives for healthy lifestyles that include exercise and good nutrition. (After all, if you're healthier, they have to pay for fewer medical claims). It just might be the motivation you need to get off the couch and get moving.

Even though the information seems a bit overwhelming at times, there is certainly a huge benefit in understanding what your plan includes. Education helps you make informed decisions as to the best fit for your family. Everyone is different and so is each medical plan. Get the most for your money - plan ahead to devote a bit of time to choosing your health benefits. You can do it in less than an hour. It's definitely worth the investment.

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I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Aetna blogging program, making me eligible to get a $30 Target gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

October 17, 2010

KT Tunstall "Tiger Suite" CD - Review

Tiger Suit is the third studio album singer-songwriter KT Tunstall. This album features what she calls "Nature Techno," a blend of dance rhythms and organic instrumentation. The single "Fade Like a Shadow" has already become a Top 20 radio hit.

I have to admit, I'm not a fan of the album. I gave it an honest try and listened straight through. To be honest there is only one song that I would add to my iPod playlist - "Lost." Most of the other songs simply did not appeal to me. Here's an example of some lyrics from the song "Glamour Puss:"

"Baby juggles fire in a blindfold
Riding in a motorcycle
Through a hula-hoop but it
Sounds like dust on your record
You're showing the pressure
Of doing loop-de-loop-de-loop."
 I guess I'm just not quite hip enough. I don't envision this becoming one of my favorite albums. If you like Tunstall's previous CDs, this one might be up your alley. I tend to get annoyed by techno beats and abstract lyrics. Tiger Suit was not quite my cup of tea.

Fans of Tunstall may be interested to know that she will be on tour this Fall (10/31-12/1). She also has a website and Facebook Fan Page. 

Feel free to preview the album yourself by clicking here. I'd be curious to know your thoughts on the album.



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I received a complimentary copy of the album as part of the One2One Network's review team. I am entered to win a gift card through One2One Network by participating. The opinions expressed are my honest thoughts of the product.

Masquerade - by Nancy Moser * Book Review

MasqueradeCharlotte Gleason was raised seldom hearing the word "no." Dora, on the other hand has been raised to serve the affluent Gleason family on their English estate. A trip to America to meet a wealthy, potential husband for Lottie offers both women the opportunity to embrace a whole new life.

In a switch reminiscent of The Prince and the Pauper, Lottie and Dora decide to trade places. Lottie hopes to avoid a loveless arranged marriage, and Dora gets the opportunity to live a life of luxury. What could possibly go wrong?

I'm a sucker for historical fiction, especially when it concerns fancy balls and high society. I think most of us still have dreams of Cinderella balls, intricate gowns, and elaborate multi-course dinners. The novel was a fun escape from the real world of watching Cinderella, wearing sweatpants, and reheating whatever happens to be in the freezer.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters and was somewhat sad when the story had to end. If you enjoy seeing how the other half lives, or learning more about New York City in the 1880s, pick up Masquerade.
4 out of 5 stars.

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I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed are my honest thoughts of the book.

October 12, 2010

10 ideas for incorporating fun and play into your child’s daily activities.

When your child plays, they are doing more than stacking blocks or coloring inside (or outside) the lines. Each moment of play is building pathways and connections in the brain that they will carry with them for the rest of their life. Sound like a big task? Not if you take a little time to incorporate fun and play into your child's daily activities.

My little one is just over a year old. So, while a lot of our skills are still developing, I try to reinforce what he is learning as we go throughout our day.

1. "Where's the beef?" Ok, maybe not. But my little boy likes playing "Where's the duck?" Once you've read a children's book a thousand times, it's fun to look for new ways to enjoy looking through the pages. We try to look for a specific animal on the page to help build his vocabulary and recognition of the object's name.

2."Hide and Seek." Kids enjoy the thrill of discovery. Get on their level and join in a quick game of hide and seek. Make sure your hiding places are safe and age appropriate (hiding behind a pillow may be all you need to do to get a toddler giggling).

3. Play with your food. Uncooked macaroni and dried beans make excellent arts and craft items. You can talk about how things can have multiple uses. They can fill our tummies and help us share something beautiful with friends and family.

4. Sing. Sing a song. You don't have to be a grammy-award-winning artist to sing to your kids. Sing a song about putting on their shoes, or buttoning their coat. Any mundane task can be jazzed up when you add a melody.

5. Do you see what I see? This is a great game for keeping kids occupied at grocery stores or on trips. It's the classic game of "I Spy." At the grocery store you could say, "I see something yellow and yummy." I can guarantee you my son would quickly spot the "nanas."

6. What would you do? There are tons of fun books and movies for kids, but it's important to engage their mind, not just entertain them. It's fun to ask your kids, "what would YOU have done if you had super powers?" "Did you think they made a good choice when they decided to . . . what would you do instead?"

7. The alphabet game. It's a roadtrip classic. Locate letters of the alphabet on roadsigns and billboards starting with "a" and making your way through all of the letters of the alphabet. For a little one who is just learning their letters you can play a simplified version of the game and look for one certain letter anywhere. For example: "Ok, I want you to see where you can find the letter A on our way to the grocery store."

8. Cooking up fun. We've all got to eat. Why not include the kids in the prep work? Find safe and simple tasks for your kids to accomplish in the kitchen. Have them tear lettuce or stir the batter in the bowl. They will feel proud of their accomplishments and will be learning valuable skills to help them later in life.

9. Talk it up. I've heard of families that include the "Mad, Sad, and Glad" game as part of their family dinner time together. Each individual takes turns sharing about their day and telling something that made them mad, something that made them sad, and something that made them glad. It's a good conversation starter and is a healthy and fun way for kids to share how they are feeling (and to learn that grown-ups have feelings too).

 10. Freeze.  Tell your kiddos that you've just gotten word that an invisible blizzard is coming into town and at any moment it could strike. No matter where you are when you say "Freeze" everyone is to stop mid motion. When you say "Heat Wave," everyone goes back to normal. It's fun to keep them guessing. Who knows, a blizzard could strike during dinner, during bath time, or as your playing a family game together.

The most important play resource your child has is YOU! You don't have to have tons of cash or flashy electronic equipment. All you need is a willingness to spend a little time on their level. Look for the adventure and fun in your daily activities. Have fun and your kids will too!


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“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and The Hub blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

September 28, 2010

"A Memory Between Us" by Sarah Sundin *Book Review

Memory Between Us, A: A Novel (Wings of Glory)Lieutenant Ruth Doherty fiercely guards her heart against all prospective suitors, especially the proud and handsome Major Jack Novak. As a WWII nurse, Ruth faces marriage proposals and interested suitors on a daily basis. No one has been able to break through her defenses. Will Jack succeed?

I thoroughly enjoyed the story. You can tell that Sundin did her research. In fact, her great-uncle was an Air Force pilot who flew B-17s during the attack on Pearl Harbor and who also achieved many of the same feats the story's hero Jack Novak also attempts. The novel is rich in historical details, especially in regard to the details on flight and nursing. The characters were engaging and interesting. I easily read the entire book in a couple of days. There were times that it was hard to put down because I wanted to know what would happen next.

This book would be of particular interest to those who enjoy historical fiction set during World War II. The author brings the battles to life and enlightens the reader to the challenges faced by the hundreds of servicemen and women during the war. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the story interesting. A delightful read, I look forward to reading more of Sundin's work in the future. This is the second book in the Wings of Glory series.

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I received a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate my review. I was not obligated to give a positive endorsement. The opinions expressed are my own honest thoughts of the book.

September 14, 2010

Welcome to BLOGMANIA!!!

***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***


Hi, I'm Sarah from Mommy's Minute. My site features family-friendly product review and giveaways (I'm currently giving away a $142 flat iron) along with the occasional rant and rave. I'm an imperfect wife and mother happy to share the journey with you!

I'm so glad that you've stopped by my blog on your quest for Internet treasure!
My prize pack features a wide variety of goodies valued at almost $300. Although this is geared as "Mommy's Must Haves" I've tried to include a little something for everyone:

It includes:
  • Powermat for iPhone (adapter and charging mat) $50
  • 1 year subscription to Readeo ($100 value)
  • Safety First Monitor $25
  • Safety First Cabinet Locks ($4)
  • Safety First Adapter and Plug Cover ($11)
  • Safety Gate Power outlet protector ($20)
  • Isabella's Journey San Remo Chanille Tote bag  ($40)
  • Isabella's Journey San Remo Hanging Toiletry Bag ($22)
  • 40 Year Old Virgin DVD (brand new, never opened) ($15)

For my Canadian friends I am offering a $20 Amazon gift card. Please include "Canada" in your entry so that I know which prize you are eligible for. 

Mandatory Entry:
Follow me on Google Friend Connect, Facebook, or Twitter (you can get one entry for each one you choose).

Extra Entry:
Subscribe by e-mail or RSS feed.  

Please include your e-mail address in your comment or have it visible in your profile. Please complete a separate comment for each entry.

GOOD LUCK! 




Contest open to 18+ US and Canada (Canadian entrants eligible for separate gift card drawing). Contest Ends at Midnight on Sept. 16th. Winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond. Failure to respond will result in the selection of an alternate winner. 

FOLLOW THE FUN:




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The Skin Map - by Stephen Lawhead *Book Review

The Skin Map (Bright Empires)
What if there's more to this universe than meets the eye? What if there are gateways and pathways to other dimensions where people live their everyday lives oblivious to visitors. In this first book of the Bright Empires series, author Stephen Lawhead introduces us to Cosimo and his great-grandson Kit. These two adventurers are on a quest to recover the mysterious Skin Map which reveals the mysteries of the unseen worlds.

I really enjoyed this book. There is plenty of adventure and intrigue to keep me interested and involved. I did not care for the way the book ended. It left a TON of loose ends. Initially I didn't realize that this was the first book in the series. My first reaction was "You can't end a book that way!!" But I was relieved when I realized there was more to come. I am definitely looking forward to the release of the next book! I found the first one fascinating even if the ending was frustrating. I'm sure all my questions will be answered by the end of the trilogy.

I've read some of Lawhead's works before, principally the Song of Albion trilogy. If you've read his "ley" travel books before you'd be pretty familiar with his premise. I enjoy his writing style, and look forward to following these characters on their adventures.  

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I received a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed are my honest thoughts of the product.

September 9, 2010

Welcome to BlogFest 2010!!!

Welcome to Blog Fest! I am blog #153, Mommy's Minute. I'm so glad that you've stopped by! My blog is an inside look at life as an imperfect wife and mother. I feature family-friendly product reviews and discussions on a wide variety of topics. I do hope that you'll come again!

I'm giving away a great assortment of books and cds!:
Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them TogetherThe Heart Mender: A Story of Second ChancesThe Lightkeeper's Daughter (A Mercy Falls Novel)The Shunning (The Heritage of Lancaster County #1)The Confession (The Heritage of Lancaster County #2)

BOOKS
  • Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
  • The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews
  • The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble
  • The Shunning by Beverly Lewis
  • The Confession  by Beverly Lewis
The Music of Shelter CoveCrown Him With Many CrownsSolace
CDS
  • Adore: Be Still My Soul
  • Solace: Listen and Rest
  • Adore: Teach Me Your Way 
  • Re:fresh - You Satifsy
  • Adore: Crown Him with Many Crowns
  • The Music of Shelter Cove 

HOW TO ENTER
  • Follow me on Google Friend Connect (use the button on the right hand side) AND/OR "Like" me on Facebook. (I'll give you an entry for each!) Leave me a comment telling me which entry you completed along with an e-mail address. 
    • Example: I follow you on Google Friend Connect - Sarah.Mommys.Minute at gmail dot com
Giveaway open to US. The winning comment will be selected through Random.org. The winning entry will be verified. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to e-mail notification or an alternate winner will be selected. 
Check out my other current giveaways on the right hand side. Most have VERY LOW ENTRIES!

Good Luck!
To follow the Blog Hop to the next giveaway stop follow this link. #154 http://www.twolittlecavaliers.blogspot.com Two Little Cavaliers


THE BIG GIVEAWAY: (from the folks of BlogFest)

Don't forget about the massive BlogFest 2010 grand giveaway!  Head on over to http://ajourneyofbooks.halfzero.net and click on the Tracking Site link to head to our own exclusive tracking site.  Once there you can register with a valid email address (to be used solely for the purpose of contacting the winner).  This site will allow you to track your progress through BlogFest 2010!  You can log on from anywhere at any time and continue where you left off.  The best part is that every blog that you visit and mark off through this tracking site will give you one entry into the massive giveaway!  We have a great collection of books, goodies and other swag that is looking for a new home!




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