Luca Lashes dental books review

     I am obsessed with my children.  It's true.  Almost every moment of my day while they are at school is spent browsing the web for fun things to do together or enjoy together.  Today was no different.  I heard about this great site for bloggers to check out e-books and I immediately went to the kids section to see what they had for the girlies.
     My eyes immediately were drawn to the Luca Lashes books.  The illustrations are simple, but colorful and stand right out.  And the subject matter is very relevant for young families like my own.

      Luca Lashes Learns to Brush His Teeth is a clever book about a boy who is nervous to try the tooth brush.  The tooth brush's bristles are sharp and prickly and he's having trouble confronting the task.  But Luca has a special trick to help him.  He has magic eyelashes and when he blinks his fear goes away and he is brave enough for anything.  He learns that brushing his teeth is not as bad as he had imagined it to be.

     I loved the book because it relates to the children and how they feel.  It says to a child "I'm on your side", and that's important when facing scary situations.  I also loved that it had a section in the back with facts for parents and resources.
     I decided to ask for both books so that I could read them together.  The streaker is turning four in a little over a week and she will be seeing the dentist for the first time soon after.  So I thought that these two books could benefit her.

      Luca Lashes and His First Trip to the Dentist takes Luca on a whole new journey.  I felt like this book was almost shorter than the previous one, though that could be just my imagination.  It is about Luca's very first time going to the dentist and sitting in the chair.  It explains what happens to Luca while he is in the seat and that he was perfectly fine when it was all done.
     I liked this book and I think it will help The Streaker with anxiety she may have.  I will say though, that I felt the dentist visit was incomplete.  It didn't show the dentist working inside the mouth at all and I feel like children should see that so that they can understand what is going to happen fully.  It only showed her standing by him while he sat.  But other than that, I thought the book was a nice addition to the first and I feel like it is a good set to own or borrow for those big moments in a child's life.
     Hear from the creators of Luca Lashes LLC to hear more about the series:

Teen Truth or Dare Scavenger Hunt Review

     My kids are not teens yet.  But like any young parent, I like to think that at least in heart, I am still very much a teen.  I love to have fun when my kids allow it and I love to stretch my comfort zone in fun, legal ways.  So when I had the chance to review this Truth or Dare Scavenger Hunt for teens by Print to Play, I was very excited to give it a try.
     Here is where you see how un-teen like I am.  I have very few friends in the real world and those friends mostly have children of their own.  BUT, I do have a great many very fun friends online.  And though they have kids and families, they were more than willing to play a national scavenger hunt with me.



     I took sign-ups and after sign-ups finished, we distributed the tasks to the teams that were made and each team had so many days to do as many tasks as possible.  We gave certain tasks more points than others.  Truths earned the least, picture dares earned more and video dares earned the most.  And since every team had the exact same dares, it was perfectly fair.  Mind you, this was not the way that the game was supposed to be played, but that is why I love this game so much.  You can play by almost any rules you want!
     It was exciting to wait and see who did what.  In the end, one person ended up petting a rat AND kissing  snake.  I think this game would be a blast at a teen party, and it is a great alternative to other things I can think of that teens would find fun.
     The set includes:
5 Sets of scavenger Hunt Lists
Teen Scavenger Hunt Invitations
Team Badges
Car Tags
Water Bottle Labels

 And these are the rules you are supposed to play by:
1. Download and print out all printable kit.

2. Decide how many contestants and teams you are going to have. Suggested team size is four people.

3. Place each individual location challenge in its own envelope. Seal it and mark on the outside of each envelope whose team it belongs to and what location it contains. Each team should have nine envelopes.
4. Have everyone meet at home base before the hunt begins. This is usually the host home.
5. When players arrive give them each a team badge and a water bottle. Have them vote for team captain. Give the team captain the team car tag and the nine sealed team destination envelopes.
6. Assign a driver to each team.
7. Explain the rules:

• Each team can visit the destinations in whatever order they wish. They can only open one destination envelope at a time. Once they open the envelope they must complete that destination before moving on to their next challenge.
• Teams must complete at least one truth and one dare before moving on to the next destination. Each dare completed is worth ten points and each truth is worth five points . If all challenges are completed on a card it is worth an extra 20 points.
• In order for a challenge to be considered completed the team must have eveidence. The evidence needed is list on the card. It can be photo, video, actual item, or answer to specific question.
• The team must return back to home base before by finish time. For every minute they are late returning 5 points will be deducted from their score.
• Some dares require the help of a stranger. This is someone the team does not know. The same “stranger” cannot be enlisted for help on more than one challenge.
• Judges will add up the points at the end of the race. They make the call on if the evidence is sufficient enough to get the points. They announce the winner. No arguments.

8. Set a time limit. Suggest time is 3 – 4 hours.
9. On your mark, get set, GO!

     For use at home with the family, we printed the cards at a quarter their normal size and laminated them so that we can carry them in our pockets or on key rings.
     The only things even close to negative that I have to say about this game is that one dare I thought may cause legal trouble for someone.  That dare was this: two team mates walk up to a stranger in the store and start petting them as if they were a kitty and talking about how “cute and cuddly they are”. Wonder out loud about “how much you think this one would cost”.  While fun in theory, it may cause trouble if you touch the wrong person.  However, everything else I loved and I will be keeping these cards around for a long time along with our board games for if we ever want a little fun.
     The game set costs $12.99 to download and to print as many times as you please.  It would make a great DIY type gift for any teen in your life.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks Giveaway

Happy Easter Everyone!  What a great holiday to be celebrating.  Any big plans?

This Easter, we are teaming up with over 200 blogs who are all hosting giveaways geared toward lovers of the written word in a Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop!  These giveaways are super easy to enter.  Big thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Yara @ Once Upon A Twilight for hosting.  Please take a minute to say thanks.

As our part of this swap, we are offering a copy of Nicholas Sparks' new book, The Lucky One. The movie comes out on April 20th, so it's the perfect time to have this book. Here is a little about the book from the publisher.

After U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman buried in the dirt during his tour of duty in Iraq, he experiences a sudden streak of luck — winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph — his lucky charm.

Back home in Colorado, Thibault can't seem to get the woman in the photograph out of his mind and he sets out on a journey across the country to find her. But Thibault is caught off guard by the strong attraction he feels for the woman he encounters in North Carolina - Elizabeth, a divorced mother — and he keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate love affair, his secret soon threatens to tear them apart — destroying not only their love, but also their lives.

Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, THE LUCKY ONE is an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love.

For a second chance to win, check out Inspired Langley.

To enter our giveaway, please use our convenient rafflecopter:

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And check out this linky for a bunch more awesome giveaways!

Then Sings My Soul, Book 3 Review

A while back I was thrilled to tell you all about a great book called Then Sings My Soul.  It is an awesome collection of hymns and each hymn is accompanied by it's background, a little story about how it came to be or what it stands for.  I love the book and am so glad to have it in my collection.

Now I am even more excited because now I have a second book, though not THE second, of the trilogy series on my shelves.  Then Sings My Soul, Book 3 by Robert J. Morgan is just as great as the first.  In fact, I like it better.  It is done differently than the first books, which were written in 2003 and 2004.  Although it has fewer hymns and hymn back-stories than the first two, it has things the other two do not.

It starts with a history of hymns in the christian faith.  It talks about biblical hymns, ancient hymns, southern gospel and more.  Then it goes on to tell the story behind fifty-six hymns of all sorts of different time periods along with the sheet music to them.  I wish I could play an instrument because I know I would enjoy the book even more.  After those fifty-six hymns, he goes over another six more recognized hymns.

I absolutely recommend this series to anyone who loves a good hymn, or even christian history buffs.  You will NOT be disappointed in these books, I guarantee it.



This book was given to me by Thomas Nelson to review and the opinions in this review are 100% accurate to my own view.

March for Healthier Kids!

     I wanted to share with you a campaign to help kids eat healthier and be healthier by making one simple pledge each week.
      We know that the majority of children don't eat enough nutritious foods to help them develop strong and healthy bodies.  Today, over 85% of children are deficient in at least one or more key nutrients.
I am joining the Chef Solus March to National Nutrition Month by making a pledge to help children make healthier choices each week.
      Each week nourishinteractive.com gives a new pledge, one simple goal to focus on to help children eat healthier and some tips to help you get started.  It literally takes less then one minute to show your support.
All pledges are entered into a weekly drawing for cool prizes that promote health (valued at $30-50).
It will only take you a a minute of your time so please support this important cause.  Our children are counting on you!  You can make your weekly pledge to help kids by clicking here.  Please join me and make your pledge for healthy children.

Brand Huggers Sponsor Spotlights

This weeks Brand Hugger's Sponsor Spotlights go to Hoop-La Earrings and Gaiam Tv.

Hoop-La earrings are first off gorgeous! I love practically every pair... definitely my style!

ALL Hoop-La earrings are INCREDIBLY INCREDIBLY lightweight!! You won't even know you're wearing them (except you'll look AMAZING)!!!!

ALL these EARRING HOOKS ARE NICKEL FREE and LEAD FREE... so all you sensitive ears (me included) no worries!!

Hoop-La earrings all come on handmade distressed tags (that you will LOVE)! SO they make a PERFECT gift for someone...or YOURSELF :)


Next.. 

Stream online videos for your mind, body and soul any time, anywhere! This looks like a really great product. I would love to stream yoga right in my living room. This would definitely help me be more disciplined in me working out and staying fit! I'm definitely going to have to check this out further! Connect with them on Facebook and see all the inspirational quotes and messages that will uplift you.

PrintRunner Postcard Giveaway!

PrintRunner.com is one of the best printing companies in Southern California, with an emphasis on delivering a quality product.  Located in Chatsworth, California, PrintRunner.com has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 10 years from when the online printing business first started.  Now they make everything from stickers and rubber stamps, to DVD covers and calendars.  It kinda seems like almost anything you would want printed is on their site.

One of the first things I noticed, besides the amazing array of products offered was their insane amount of coupons and promotions that they have running.  Right now, in celebration of Presidents' Day, they are offering 26 different coupons with up to 75% off until tomorrow!

Want a chance to try their postcard printing services online? They are giving away a set of custom postcards to one of our readers! Read on to find out more:

Details of the giveaway prize: Postcards
Postcard Size : Postcards 5x7
Quantity         : 100
Colors : 4/0 Front Only Printing
Paper : 14 PT. UV Coating on Front,
Rounded Corners : Yes
Proof : None
Ready to Ship In : 4 Business Days

Prize awarding will be done once every end of the month. Deadline of submission of winners is every March 13, 2012. Make sure to submit your winner's information before the date stated to be included in this month's awarding. If you will not be able to submit your winner's information within the said date, your winner will be included and awarded in the next month's awarding. Please advise your winners of the awarding dates.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you PrintRunner for offering this awesome giveaway and for providing me with a hostess gift of 100 postcards!

Sponsor Spotlights

This week's Brand Huggers Sponsor Spotlight is for a company that helps you make a bold statement with a great cause. Calico Dragon Bags are made by women in China with home based businesses. A portion of their proceeds go to charities that whole save animals. They have small and large totes that all feature a different message supporting animals. Click on the logo below to learn more about this company or shop for one of their great bags.

Sponsor Spotlights

This weeks Sponsor Spotlights are:

THE BASKET LADY is owned and managed by mother-daughter duo Carol Littman and Kelli Katch. Coming from a family with deep roots in the design and distribution of decorative products for the home, both Carol and Kelli have a keen sense of style and design. During the earlier part of the 1900's, Carol's grandfather manufactured and distributed hand-painted decorative trays, many of which were used as wall art. Her father was a pioneer of imported home decor from around the world and one of the first importers of Italian ceramics, much of which he personally designed and can still be found actively traded on Ebay. Besides ceramics, his business included many other product categories, including baskets, which gave Carol her introduction into the world of wicker. 

Naturally occurring vegetable oils and butters contain indigenous nutrients, antioxidants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and antibacterial agents that petroleum-based oils just don’t have. Natural oils absorb into the skin and do not feel greasy. They also come from replenishable sources, which is a great environmental concern. Skin Free offers products for after chemo or radiation therapy, anti-aging, clays and masks, diabetes and much much more.

Pepperpot Fan: A Review

I had the privilege a while back to work with a wonderful woman from the Gift Wrap Company.  I was in awe at the Pepperpot photo album and baby record book that I reviewed.  And now I am thrilled to announce that I am working with her again for a second time.  This time, I have a few other things to show you.  I hope you love them as much as I do.


These come at a perfect time for me because I know two people who I am very close to that are due to have a baby in September, and a third states away who is also due in September (You think one of them will give me a girl to spoil?)  And these items will make for beautiful gifts that they can cherish for a long time.


Let me first talk to you about the photo album.  As you may remember from my last review, the quality is fantastic.  I LOVE Pepper pot for their quality.  But their designs are cute too.  Check it out:

Now tell me that isn't adorable.  It's perfect for a gift for a surprise baby or for multiples.  And there is a whole set of these Patterned Pals baby items.  There's brag books, a baby record book, note cards, and even gift wrap.  This collection is just so cute.  And the inside is full of 50 acid free pages and leaves room to journal for 200 photos.


Wanna see the brag book?  Of course you do :)

 

I love that the pages are exactly the right fit for the photos, so it looks nice and clean and the photos don't fall out.  It's super cute with the flowers and the snail.  And it's great size for a purse of hand bag.  I think it's really nice.


And if those weren't cute enough, check out these note cards:

The top flips open to reveal blank insides, so you can use them however you see fit.





Disclaimer: I received these products to review and was not paid for this review. My review is 100% my honest opinion.