Thursday, July 25, 2024

Organic "Raw Baby" Powder - Soothes & Softens [Review & Giveaway]

Organic Baby Powder
$19.00 (special sale currently available $15.00)


About the product: Baby Powder - Raw Baby comes in 2 "scents," Coconut or Unscented.  The Raw Baby product line was created by the Co-Founder of Nature's Paradise.

Baby Powder - Raw Baby - Coconut or Unscented - From the Co-Founder of Nature's Paradise

Talc Free & Perfect For All Over Body Use!


Monica has recreated the Nature's Paradise Formula for a new brand - Raw Baby! If you loved Nature's Paradise you will love this new brand! You will find it to feel just like the old version! 

Keep your baby's delicate skin soft, fresh and dry with this all natural, talc free baby powder. This powder gently absorbs moisture making it ideal for everyday use for the whole family.

Product is: 
  • 100% Talc Free, 
  • GMO & Paraben Free. 
  • Soothes & soften, gently absorbs moisture. 
  • 8 oz
  • Made by Raw Baby

Ingredients: Raw arrow root powder and chamomile powder.  Coconut formula also has coconut cream powder added!

2 Versions: "Coconut" & "Natural, Unscented"

Your baby is tiny, near perfect with beauty and tenderness on a grand scale. Now protect baby's skin with natural organic products


My thoughts: This organic baby powder is fine, soft, lightly scented and provides gentle protection for baby's skin in hot weather and diapering. There is no traditional "baby powder scent" but a gentle, hint of coconut in the one I have sampled. The feel of this product on my own skin is lovely, and I would have been happy to use it for my own babies (back when they were tiny). I am delighted to share my product with another baby in my family. 

As with any; baby powder, it is perfect for adults and children to use for all over body use to ease, protect, and soothe.

Find safe baby products at GoodEarthBeauty.com 
Remember: Use discount code GEB10 for 10% off 

~|~|~ GIVEAWAY ~|~|~
"Raw Baby" Organic Baby Powder $19 SRV
Begins July 25
Ends August 23 at 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open USA addresses only.
DISCLOSURE: Secret word: soft - I received a lovely product to facilitate a review. Any opinions given are my own alone and are freely given. I was not required to render positive thoughts on the products. I only recommend those products which I or a member of my family or close friends and will use. The winner's prize will be provided and shipped directly to the winner by Good Earth Beauty. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or damaged products.

Friday, July 19, 2024

I'm Afraid Said the Leaf by Danielle Daniel & illustrated by Matt James


My thoughts: 
As I read through this delightful book, I realized that there are offered a number of teaching opportunities. Written and illustrated as a lesson in the interdependency of all aspects of life on this planet with the environment, the lessons in the idea that there is help and comfort, there is alleviation of our fears in the fact that there is help in our distress, that there is support in our weaknesses are strong messages.

And while the leaves, the animals, the small critters are helped by larger entities like the sun and the wind, the young child watches each and every of these interdependent solutions transpire. He sees, and he can envision how even in his own fear, there is help. Even in his own cold, there is warmth. Even in his own distress, there is an opportunity to overcome. He can envision help for himself. No, the text doesn't say this, but it is inferred.

So the book with is sometimes dark illustrations captures the essence of dependence. A good book.

About the book: A touching, playful exploration of empathy and interdependency from an acclaimed author and illustrator.

I'm afraid, Said the leaf. You're not alone, Said the tree. But who will comfort a nervous bird, a lonely crab, a lost wolf? How can a horse find warmth, a snail some cheer, a child some rest?

Through a series of amusing and soothing exchanges, this deceptively simple and profound picture book depicts different pairings to celebrate interconnectedness and underlines the importance of caring for every living organism to ensure a strong and healthy natural world.

I'm Afraid, Said the Leaf invites young readers to understand that we all need each other for support and survival - and that we're all stronger together.

DISCLOSURE: I won a copy of this book from the Librarything.com Early Reviewers program. The book is provided by Tundra Books. A review is not necessary nor required but is appreciated. Opinions are mine, alone and freely given.

Monday, July 15, 2024

Jesus Moments: Moses: Finding Jesus in the Story of Moses by Alison Mitchell & illustrated by Noah Warnes [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781784989828
Hardcover $14.99
(Discounts Available)

My thoughts:
  This is a beautifully written (a great read-aloud book) storybook about Moses and the Israelites. It begins after they have crossed the Red Sea and the army of Pharaoh has been destroyed. The book covers with some emphasis and detail (though not gory) the 40-year period of wandering. Most young children's storybooks don't give this much information. Also, as a "Jesus Moments....Finding Jesus In the Story...." book, the deeper theological  connections between Old Testament and New Testament (Moses and Jesus) are made in a very understandable methodology for young readers and listeners.

Given the increased detail in the story, very young listeners in the four to six year range may lose interest or miss the connections.

I absolutely love this book as well as the other Jesus Moments book, "David," that I previously reviewed. The concept of presenting where Jesus or the promises of Jesus are found in the Old Testament is fairly new for the age bracket audience of picture books. 

In "Finding Jesus in the Story of Moses" we see several incidents that occurred during the 40-year wilderness journey. In each of these there is the opportunity to look for "bulrushes" which indicate that there is a "Jesus Moment" to look for on that page. This engages the child and produces involvement and opportunity to teach further details.

I love the illustrations and the readability of the story itself. The grumbling of the Israelites is really captured and God's disapproval and His patience shown.

I highly recommend this series for your age 5 to 10 year olds.




About the book: Help 4-7s learn how Moses points to Jesus with this beautifully illustrated Old Testament storybook from Alison Mitchell, the award-winning author of Jesus and the Lions’ Den and The One O’Clock Miracle.

Moments in Moses’ story when something in the story is a little bit like Jesus are signposted with symbols that children need to spot, helping them to understand the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.

This fun, interactive resource will give children skills to read the Bible as they connect the stories and learn that the whole Bible is about Jesus. Secret word: Provider. Great for parents or grandparents to give children aged 4-7. Can also be used as a homeschool resource, or for children’s ministry in church.

This is the second book in a series called Jesus Moments, which looks at how Old Testament characters point to Jesus.



Take a look inside


The Good Book USA has a couple of FREE cute printables: bookmark & matching game


GIVEAWAY
Begins July 15
Ends August 14 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open to USA addresses only.
Entries WILL BE verified. 
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by The Good Book USA. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Friday, July 12, 2024

Purchase tickets to see "The Firing Squad" | Faith-based movie | in theaters August 2nd



Based on the true story of three Christian prisoners who faced execution by firing squad in Indonesia just a few years ago (2015). Their joy in Christ stuns the entire prison camp.   “They faced death. And chose life.”


Details - Videos - Theaters -
Purchase Tickets 
Click Here

In Theaters August 2


My thoughts on the movie: The story that is the foundation for this film actually took place in the Kerobakan Prison in Indonesia in 2015. Kerobakan is a prison holding violent (as most prisons do) prisoners. In that aspect, the film seemed to be a much less violent place. 

Toward the Dawn (Western Light #2) by Mary Connealy - My Review

Buy @ BakerBookHouse
30% Discount
Plus Free Shipping

My thoughts: The author's trademark light hearted, down-home humor is scarce in Toward the Dawn. In places the story is warm and light hearted but the remaining plot lines address deep seated wrongs against women and the drive and need to correct these wrongs. The pit of human meanness is shown without the graphic descriptions and language so often present in today's reading, audio, and visual content. 

This is a story of strengths, weaknesses. A story of overcoming and perseverance. A story of dire distress and delicate devotion. A story that embraces the harsh period of settlement and wagon trains and the rushing advancement of rail travel across wagon trails.

The issues of mental illness and the need for care of the truly mentally ill and also the abuse of  mental illness diagnosis as a means of control during this period in America's history are brought to light.

In short, Mary Connealy has brought us a rich story of life in the early days of American life.

About the book: Despite trials that threaten their path forward, hope dawns for a future filled with love.

Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would entwine so closely. Forced to flee on a wagon train from a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman, they live in a hidden canyon with the family that rescued them. But as the days turn into months, they each have separate reasons for wanting to move back to society, and the best way to the independence they desperately crave might be through a marriage of convenience. Secret word: historical

However, settling into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, reveals a different reality for Kat. Her new husband becomes consumed by his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. And just when they think they've left the danger behind, a mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they've built. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the prospect of love. 

My review of Book 1 in the Western Light series: Chasing the Horizon 

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. 

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

"Stanley the Baker" by William Bee - Children's book [Review & Giveaway - USA]

ISBN: 9781682637265
Hardcover $16.99

My thoughts: 
Stanley books are such a sweet delight. Each shows the little critter in various occupations in simple yet colorful illustrations that are sharply defined and is a sure-fire winner for children ages 3 to 7.

These are quality books and are sized just right for young children (hard cover, paper pages, sized: 8.33 x 0.34 x 8.28 inches).  

As a baker, Stanley even grinds his own flour. He goes through the process of making the baked goods and engages with his friends. His day is so busy. But at the end of the day, he enjoys his goodies; and then a tired Stanley goes to bed. Moral is to stay busy, enjoy what you're doing, be cheerful, and then end the day by going blissfully to sleep.

There are 9 other Stanley books in the collection. All are fun books for the kiddies.

About the book: It’s another busy day for Stanley and friends at the bakery!



Accessible text and brightly colored illustrations helpfully convey the process of turning ingredients into baked goods for toddlers who love equipment, tools, and food. Stanley’s entire community gets involved in the baking process, from milling flour and proofing bread to delivering goodies to customers. Secret word: baker - After a busy day at work, Stanley unwinds with his familiar supper and bath routine that makes this series a great pick for bedtime reading!

GIVEAWAY
1 Copy of "Stanley the Baker"
Begins July 10
Ends August 10 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by Peachtree Publishing or its publicist.

Monday, July 8, 2024

Terrific Nat Geo Kids' SHARKFEST 5-Book Bundle Giveaway [Ends Aug. 5 - USA]

 Welcome to a great summer beachy SHARKFEST!

Chat With Vera readers have long enjoyed seeing - and vying to win a copy - of National Geographic Kids fabulous books. Here you go again! Read through all 5 book descriptions & enter to win this grand bundle.

Welcome To The Nat Geo Kids Sharkfest 5 Book Bundle Giveaway! 1 Winner ($66 TRV!)

This giveaway is part of our SMGN 2024 Back To School Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products!

HOST IS: DELICIOUSLY SAVVY

Co-hosts for this giveaway are: Pink Ninja Blog, Beautiful Touches, Golden Goose Giveaways, Gifts for all seasons, Home Jobs by Mom, Marksvilleandme, My Silly Little Gang, The Stuff of Success, & Versatileer

Here is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide. A Rain of Thought, Beautiful Touches, Contest Corner, Deliciously Savvy, Freebies Deals & Steals, Giveaway Gator, Golden Goose Giveaways, Home Jobs by Mom, Honey Can Do It, MarksvilleandMe, My Silly Little Gang, Pink Ninja Blog, Sweeps Madness, The Stuff of Success, This Frugal Grandmom, This Frugal Family, Versatileer

🦈🦈🦈🦈

The Sponsor Is:

1 Lucky Winner Will Win A 5 Pack Bundle Of Nat Geo Kids Shark Books With A TRV Of $66!

Check Out The Books Included In This Must Have Collection Of Shark Books From Nat Geo Kids!

1) 1,000 Facts About Sharks

Dive into 1,000 sensational facts about these fierce and fascinating predators, from great whites to whale sharks, reef sharks, goblin sharks, and more!

From the bizarre frilled shark to the wide-headed hammerhead, discover all you have ever wanted to know about sharks! Each page of this book is brimming with bite-sized facts, incredible shark stats, and unbelievable photos of sharks in the wild. Inside, you’ll glimpse fossils of prehistoric sharks, learn exactly how many pointy teeth are in this apex predator’s mouth, and meet awesome shark relatives, like stingrays. You’ll also learn about new technologies inspired by sharks and find out what conservations are doing to help protect this misunderstood fish.

With a fun-fact format that makes learning feel like a breeze, and expert-vetted, up-to-date shark info—plus backmatter about shark anatomy, genealogy, and more—this book is your go-to reference for shark enthusiasts young and old. Plus, hundreds of thrilling photographs bring the facts to life in this dazzling dive into the watery world of these incredible creatures.

2) National Geographic Kids 5-Minute Shark Stories

Dive into amazing true tales about baby sharks, surprising shark friendships, daring shark rescues, swimming with sharks, and more about these fierce and fascinating fish.

These 12 fin-tastic true tales about sharks are all the ideal length to be read aloud in five minutes, making them perfect for bedtime, story time, or any time.

Kids come face-to-face with great white sharks, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and more as each 5-minute story takes them into the wild world of these incredible creatures. Join National Geographic underwater photographer Brian Skerry as he meets sharks with surprising personalities, and learn all about the king of the sea—the great white shark! Illustrated with colorful photographs of one of the planet’s top predators, these awe-inspiring true stories are perfect for any time you’re ready for a jaw-some reading adventure. Shark-crazy kids and other animal lovers will want to dip into this collection of true stories again and again!

3) The Ultimate Book of Sharks

Dive into the wild world of sharks! Get up close to learn the truth behind these fantastic, ferocious fish with famed National Geographic photographer and explorer Brian Skerry. Join this amazing underwater adventure to track the sharks of the world, from the teeniest dogfish to the everfeared great white. This ultimate book features every species of shark on the planet, with awesome photos, fascinating facts, the latest science, and firsthand stories of real-life encounters with these incredible creatures. Learn how sharks live, how they eat, the challenges they face, and whether or not you are actually on the menu.

4) Weird But True Sharks

Whale sharks have tiny teeth covering their eyeballs! It’s Weird But True! And this fin-tastic, photo- and fact-packed book in the best-selling series is the most jaw-some yet!

Sink your chompers into these wild facts:

*Great white sharks can detect a single drop of blood in the water from one-third of a mile away.

*Fossilized dino poop has been found with ancient shark bites in it.

*Ninja lantern sharks glow in the dark.

They’re all weird, and they’re all true. And there’s A LOT more where that came from!

From bizarre creatures in the ocean today to gigantic prehistoric sharks and even some pop culture shark weirdness, this portable, browsable, supercool book is full of incredible facts, amazing photos, and fun illustrations about everything sharks.

5) National Geographic Kids Sharks Sticker Activity Book: Over 1,000 Stickers!

Rule the ocean in this shark-tastic sticker and activity book from National Geographic Kids! This super engaging activity book is packed with mazes, spelling and pattern games, drawing activities, shark facts, and more. Shark-crazy kids are sure to love these pages loaded with fun, learning as they go!

Giveaway

Click Below To Enter & Good Luck!

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 08/05/2024. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to mcushing7 at hotmail dot com and pinkninjablog at hotmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put these email addresses as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void were prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Melissa Cushing at mcushing7 (at)hotmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

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