Friday, October 2, 2015

This Little Light of Mine written by Kathleen Long Bostrom

ISBN: 9780824919580 - $12.99
Ideals Children's Books an Imprint of
Worthy Publishing Group
The Veggies are camping in the park by the lighthouse. It's a beautiful night, but Junior admits that he is a little afraid of the dark. Surrounded by his friends, he soon learns about the different types of light around us, including the ways God lights our path and shines through us. Children can push the sound button to hear the Veggies singing the refrain from This Little Light of Mine. This charming tale with the popular VeggieTales characters will comfort little ones and inspire them to let their light shine.

My thoughts: I just love these little board books with the music button. The kiddies love them, too. Throw in VeggieTales characters and you have a win-win treasure.

This time the book has more than the words to the song. The characters learn how to not be afraid of the dark and that there are many types of light. But best of all is God lighting our path.

So get ready for those little feet to tread throughout your life with those little hands grasping this little board book and their little fingers repeatedly pushing the "Little Light of Mine" button. An additionally good idea, too, is the fact that you can replace the battery when it dies. And you will, of course, because you want that kiddie's light to shine.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated.

Creating a Love of Reading + 2 awesome book recommendations by Jane Tanner Co-founder of Bookroo

Our guest writer today is Jane Tanner, Co-founder of Bookroo, brings us two awesome book recommendations. These are typical of some of the books that the Bookroo subscription program mails each month.

Creating a love of reading. That’s really what Bookroo is all about. In fact, our mission is to help parents create lifetime readers, by making reading exciting for children and affordable and convenient for parents.

But how do we make reading exciting for children? Imagine if each month, you got a package in the mail, addressed to you, containing 2-3 individually wrapped surprise books, with a handwritten note. Wouldn’t you feel excited? And special? Bookroo creates that experience for hundreds of children each month, and gives them the opportunity to associate that excitement of surprises, unwrapping, and getting mail with books!

Part of helping children develop a love of reading is helping them to find the right book, so we do extensive research to send really excellent but less well-known books, to give parents and children exposure to stories they might not have found on their own. Here’s two of our absolute favorites we’ve sent out thus far:

The Picture Book Pick

Harry and Horsie [Written by Katie van Camp, Illustrated by Lincoln Agnew]
Let’s face it--the illustrations on this picture book are just beyond cool. The retro comic style of illustration makes this book suitable for a bachelor pad’s coffee table or a child’s bedroom, and the journey of the little boy to rescue his beloved stuffed animal is a story we can all relate to on some level. It teaches children about loyalty, and does a great job of having enough of a story to keep things interesting for everyone involved (parents included), without being so long that anxious children are ready to turn the page before you’ve gotten through it all!

The Board Book Pick

The Book of Sleep [Written and illustrated by Il Sung Na]
This is the perfect bedtime choice! The illustrations are unique and absolutely gorgeous, so that parents and children alike will be fascinated by the mix of colors and textures present throughout. The story follows an owl as he watches over the nighttime routines of other animals, and your child can play “I Spy” as they watch for the owl on each page. We’ve had multiple customers write us to tell us that this is their go-to bedtime book now, and that they’re able to read it over… and over… and over… without it ever getting old. You can’t get much better than that.

We started Bookroo because we are passionate about children’s books and the benefits that early exposure can bring to the life of a child. Knowing what children’s books are excellent (especially if they aren’t on the NYTimes bestseller list) can be difficult and time consuming. Here at Bookroo, however, we LOVE doing children’s book research, and sending excellent less well-known books to our customers each month, individually wrapped and beautifully packaged of course! If you’re interested in learning more, we’d love to have you visit us and learn more about our passion for reading and how we can share it with your children!

Chat With Vera's Review

What an absolutely wonderful plan! We've all seen monthly book clubs and other monthly book mail programs but this one seems to me to be head 'n shoulders above them. What I like about it is that each month your little one gets their own special package. Inside are the gift wrapped books. That is just grand! Great for mom and dad to get for their kiddies or just super for Grandma or Auntie to send a love gift on a regular basis. Then, too, if you can't afford or don't actually wish to have an on-going package sent, you can opt for the one-month package. It is a win-win program.

Bookroo sent "Vera" a package with one board book and one picture book. Here is what I think.....
Vera's package arrive with two little books lovingly wrapped
Sassy Let's Count A First Book of Numbers (A Grosset & Dunlap Production for SassyBaby.com
This is a simple, straight forward counting book for very young children. Simply stated, they count 1, 2, 3..... with a numeral on each page. The charm is in the simple illustrations and the lift-a-flap interaction for the very young. Underneath the flap is a collection of the objects - 1 Sun, 3 cars, 4 turtles, etc. As the child interacts with the reader by lifting the flap, he can be directed to learn to count or recognize simple numerals as well as the quantity of items for that numeral. Also, the child can learn to identify simple objects and point 'n count them. A lovely little book that is a delight to look at.
Board book: "Sassy, Let's Count"
Picture book: "Penguin Cha-Cha" 
Penguin Cha-Cha by Kristi Valiant (Random House Publication)
This is a charming book. I simply love little Julia as she dreamily watches the performers as they whirl, twirl, and dance away. She wants to do this, too.

The illustrations are whimsical and charming. The colors soft and vibrant and defly drawn. Julia is a decidedly feminine little girl with fluffy skirts, elegant posturing, charming facial expressions.

The author/illustrator has done a splendid job of portraying Julia and her love of dance and her interaction with the penguins in the zoo.

If you wish to engage Bookroo for that special young child in your life, follow this link to receive $4 off your subscription. CLICK HERE FOR $4 BOOKROO OFFER

DISCLOSURE: I was not paid for this review. I did receive complimentary books to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. Guest writer for "Creating a Love of Reading" is Jane Tanner, Co-Founder of Bookroo.

Prolific Glass Tea Kettle, Stovetop 28 Ounce Teapot with Removable Stainless-steel Infuser

Tea time is a time of relaxation, peace, and gracefulness. Preparation and serving your tea whether just for yourself, you and a family member, or you and a guest is a time when you enjoy the beauty and taste of a lovely cup of tea that is well brewed and beautifully served. That is possible with the Prolific GlassTea Kettle.
















Lots of folks think tea is a "lady" drink. But did you know that Prolific Teacup company is just three guys that take 
tea time seriously. When my grandchildren were small and would visit with Grandma GG (that's me, of course), I would sometimes fix a bit of tea an we'd share it. Of course, I'd weaken their cup a bit. Now that they have grown up, they remember tea with Grandma and enjoy a good cup of tea themselves. I'm sure they don't weaken it now, though. I think they would love to brew their tea in this lovely Prolific Glass Tea Kettle.
I brewed a lovely Oolong Tea today. As you can see, the tea's lovely color is visible through this beautiful glass Prolific Tea Kettle. The infuser is clearly visible in this picture, but can easily be removed prior to serving if desired. I like that the infuser has tiny holes and is smooth making cleaning and removal of tea leaves so easy. 

I just love the graceful lines of this dainty teapot. The fact that you can see through it is really nice because tea is such a lovely beverage. In fact, I often serve it in clear glass cups so I can see its lovely color.

I love that this glass teapot can be used atop the stove to actually heat the water. Of course, you have to be sure you use low heat, but that works fine, a bit slower, but conserves energy. Love to conserve energy and also to save on the energy bill.

I also love the beautiful spout. No drip. Lovely, graceful pour. So elegant!

Visit them on Facebook - CLICK HERE.  Or see them on their own website - CLICK HERE 

Product description (from Amazon) 

  • ECO-FRIENDLY & DURABLE: This Rust Free Easy To Clean Teapot Is Build To Last, Made From Boroglass; Anti-Thermal Shock Glass And The Highest Quality Stainless-Steel, BPA & Chemical Free. A Great Zen Gift For Your Kitchen.
  • NONE-DRIP SPOUT DESIGN & REMOVABLE INFUSER: This Hand Made, Japanese Inspired Design Keeps Your Counter Dry While Brewing Your Favorite Tea More Decadent Than Before. The Removable Stainless-Steel Infuser Works With Both Loose Tea And Bagged Tea.
  • HEAT RESISTANT: Anti-Thermal Shock Glass Can Take Up To 300F And Works Best On Low Heat. The Handle Is Thick And Extended Out To Protect Your Hand. Needless To Say It's Dishwasher & Microwave Safe.
  • SAVE WATER & ENERGY: The Kettle's 3 Cup Portion Is Ideal For Singles & Couples So No Stale Tea Water Goes To Waste. The Lower Body Is Designed To Heat Fast Even On Low Temperatures To Save Energy Usage.
  • 30-DAY 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE - Return Even If Already Used! We're So Confident That You'll Love Your Tea Kettle That We'll Refund Every Penny If You Are Not Completely Satisfied. Purchase it here
DISCLOSURE:I received this product from Prolific to facilitate this review. This is a sponsored post for which I was compensated. However, I only recommend products that I can fully endorse.

The Big Pig Stampede by Bob Hartman

Kids, boys especially, will relish this entertaining book because it is lively, chock full of boy-slang, and escapades with which the boys can identify.

Goat Boy, so called because his big brother nick-named him that, and his friend “Bug” are sons of market  business men and they help their Dads feed animals, run errands, and a variety of other stuff. But primarily the two of them seem to land right in the midst of the miracle worker – Jesus of Nazareth. They are amazed at water being changed into wine, a massive haul of fish, and other miracles.

The author brings out the ministry of Jesus as seen through the eyes of young boys. I am sure that today’s young boys will enjoy this entertaining read.

Now, as far as Chat With Vera is concerned, I did not care for the slang and use of words such as “jerk.” I preferred better language in the stories my children and grandchildren read. True, it is sometimes appropriate to the story or culture. I do not care for stories centered  around Biblical events and people that are embellished, added to, and fictionalized. However, I can see where they are beneficial to some readers.


Bob Hartman is a respected and well-loved author of children’s books and he certain captures their attention.

DISCLOSURE: Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

It's Pumpkin Time, Again

It’s that time of year – again!

I was cruising the aisles of the grocery store and it seemed that around each turn there was something PUMPKIN! It is amazing how that virtually tasteless gourd can so take over the mind and appetite of sensible folks.

I’ve been seeing it on Facebook and in Internet ads for virtually anything edible or drinkable. Gotta have that “Pumpkin ????” Whatever!

Now don’t get me wrong. I enjoy Pumpkin Bread – the homemade variety and preferably made with fresh pumpkin that you laboriously cut, scoop out, and bake to get the flesh to make that delicious bread with. It’s really not bread folks. It is CAKE!

And I enjoy a delicious, old fashioned pumpkin pie as well. Again, best made with fresh pumpkin but the canned variety does nicely as well.

Pumpkin Latte? Not in my coffee cup. 

DISCLOSURE: Folks these great pictures are from the Internet and I am just borrowing them. I hope the owners of the pictures will forgive me because I just liked them and wanted to "spice" up my little dialogue a bit. 

Psst!!! Meet me at aisle 4 and help me decide which to get!

Life is Beautiful by Sarah M. Johnson

Life is Beautiful: How a Lost Girl Became a True, Confident Child of God, by Sarah M. Johnson, takes you on a full journey of trauma, loss, and finally resilience. While on a mission’s trip in Guatemala, a small Cessna Caravan’s engine blows while carrying fourteen passengers. Unfortunately, the Cessna crashes in a remote village, leaving eleven of the fourteen passengers dead. One passenger, Sarah, shares her story in Life is Beautiful, about the deaths of her father and brother; her mother’s extreme physical and emotional injuries, and Sarah’s self-discovery to accept this new life.

Life is Beautiful, however, is more than a story about an airplane crash. Life is Beautiful shares the personal struggles of Sarah’s father’s drug use, his recovery, and redemption to be a better person. He gives back by doing missions work in Africa, takes in Sarah’s aunt dying of uterine cancer, and eventually leads their family to the mountains of Guatemala. Sarah also discusses her struggles with alcohol use and depression; where she eventually hits rock bottom. It is not until she starts seeking God through prayer, books, and therapy, where she starts to turn her life around.

Life is Beautiful is not only a unique story, but it shows the strength of God’s Will. When all hope is lost, she never gives up on God. This story is a true testimony of God’s love for His people, and when one seeks a spiritual journey and connection with God; He gives back in love, forgiveness, and happiness.

To learn more, go to http://lifeisbeautifulbook.com

NOTE: I have not read this book and therefore can not recommend it or give any opinion on it. The premise of the book sounds great and that is why I have agreed to share it with you. In the author information provided to me, the author references the Power Within. It is my opinion that the only power in us that enables us is God and His Holy Spirit and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

"Pink October" Awareness of Breast Cancer - Glamulet Goes Pink With Charms & Bracelets to support Breast Cancer Pink October 2015 by Glamulet! #GlamuletPinkOctober

When my daughter was undergoing breast cancer treatments, it seemed to me that PINK was everywhere and I so very much wanted to share the story of awareness of breast cancer and its devastation and the story of research, treatment, and survival with everyone!
Pink Limited Edition Charms were created to support the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. For every set of charms added to the cart, 50% is donated to a charity organization. 

When my daughter was going through her chemo treatments, the school at which she taught supported her! The teachers all wore pink t-shirts created especially for her support. They sent her pictures of them in the school wearing these t-shirts and she was able to see them on her phone during her treatments. What are you doing to support an individual during their battle? Or to support all the women during and after their sojourn into the fearsome world of Breast Cancer?

Be pretty. Share pretty. And "Go Pink." Now Glamulet helps you do just that. Do it for yourself. Do it for that mom, sister, aunt, friend who is in need of your support. For every charm you buy, Glamulet will donate 50% of the sales to a charity fund for breast cancer.

About the brand

Glamulet is a jewelry brand that specializes in Charms. Glamulet designs, manufactures and sells a wide range of modern and quality Charms that make possible to create a unique Bracelet. Most of these Charms are made of 925 sterling Silver, Swarovski crystals, Murano glass and various kinds of man-made & natural stones. We wish to allow every woman to express herself thanks to an affordable collection of high quality jewelry: that’s why our priority is to present our collections at an affordable price. Launched in 2014, Glamulet has already satisfied shoppers from Europe, USA, Canada, South Africa and Asia and is still looking to expand. Glamulet is also aware of its social responsibility. The brand's engagement in the breast cancer support campaign Pink October shows that they aim to bring to women the welfare they deserve.

DISCLOSURE: Abiding by FTC guidelines, this is to advise that this is a sponsored post "Powered by BrandBacker." I will receive a sample from Glamulet of the product for my assistance. No other compensation has been provided.