Glimmer Girls frolic in "London Art Chase" and "A Dolphin Wish" [Review & Giveaway--US & CANADA]

 

Books 1 and 2 of the bright and shinny "tween girl chapter books" has the twins and their sister cavorting in London and San Diego with their glamorous performing mother and their fun and quirky nanny.

The girls are very outspoken, tend to tease and argue a bit, and are adventuresome. In the London Art Chase story, they are given a tour of London, a taste of an English "Tea" replete with clotted cream and little sandwiches, and a day trip to an art museum that proves to be educational and the source of Maddie's adventure.

Maddie is certain she overhears a theft of a work of art being hatched and she is determined to stop it. After the family returns to the hotel, Maddie slips out and makes her way to the "square" where the thieves are to meet up.

The girls are cute, they share faith in God and His care for them, they have a loving family. The big drawback or negative to this story is actually a major aspect of it - Maddie's excursion, alone, away from the hotel to catch a thief. I believe this doesn't set a good example for 10 year old girls But they learn about how serious it is to run off on their own.

Overall, though, I enjoyed the little book and think the series engaging.

In the girl's adventure in A Dolphin Wish the girls learn about faith and trust and obedience. They learn to overcome fears and have fun while they solve yet another mystery. They learn about the importance of doing the right thing.

I love the family outing in San Diego at the Adventure park that has them going from section to section taking in the rides and seeing the animals. Reading about the fun they have as individuals and as a family was really a treat.

I enjoyed this little book for "tweens" and am thankful that there are stories awaiting these young girls that steer them toward a faith-based life.

About Glimmer Girls:   This  is a two-book fiction series for 9-12 year old girls from award winning singer Natalie Grant. Readers will join twins Mia and Maddie, and their little sister, Lulu, as they travel the country finding adventure, mystery, and mischief along the way.  Together with their father, famous mother, singer Gloria Glimmer, and their slightly wacky nanny, Miss Julia, the smart and sassy sisters learn lessons about being good friends, telling the truth, and a whole lot more.

Author Natalie Grant says:  "Glimmer Girls is a fiction series that I have created with my daughters.  The storyline is about three girls who go on tour with their singing mom.  I have no idea where I came up with that plot!  It’s fun for my little girls to help with the content because they actually live that life.  Glimmer is the last name of the family, but it also has a special meaning.  It is a light that is never extinguished.  Sometimes it may glimmer a little bit brighter, sometimes it may glimmer a little bit dimmer, but it never goes out.  I felt like that was such a perfect description for all of us.  We all have a light on the inside and depending on the day, sometimes it’s bright and sometimes it’s dim.  That is the message I wanted girls to get from this book.  You don’t always have to be shining bright, some days are going to be more difficult than others, but Jesus has put a light in you that will never go out.”

GIVEAWAY - FLASH
1 copy of each of the Glimmer Girls Books Shown Above
Begins March 13

ENDS March 22 @ 12:00 a.m. ET. 
 Open to USA & CANADA addresses only.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SOCIAL CORNER

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zonderkidz_faithgirlz/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/zonderkidzfaithgirlz

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Fabulous new Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum [Review & Giveaway]

I have grown to really appreciate and love products from Valentia and this new Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum is no exception. A quality product simply abounding with goodness for my skin.

The directions are to use nightly, but for the first week, I've been using it morning and evening to simply give it a big-bang trial. I've not been disappointed. The serum is rich and creamy. My skin feels simply wonderful. I have applied it and then applied a moisturizer and an eye cream. Fabulous. I have also simply used the serum and the skin still looks and feels great. The fragrance is appealing and dissipates quickly.

I can heartily recommend this rich Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum.

Indications: This potent and luxurious serum supports natural circulation for an all over youthful and revitalized complexion.

KEY INGREDIENTS: WAKAME BIOFERMENT (SEAWEED), GOTU KOLA, LICORICE, ARGAN OIL

Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum - A potent and luxurious lactic acid serum that supports natural circulation for an  all over youthful and refreshed complexion. This Revitalizing Serum Will:

• Renew texture & tone
• Deeply moisturize
• Minimize fine lines
• Increase elasticity
• Brighten & Plumbs Fine Lines
• Evens Hyperpigmentation

Specially selected ingredients work together to achieve optimum results. Wakame Bioferment (Seaweed): Increases skin oxygen consumption to detoxify and boost antioxidant defense.

• Gotu Kola: Lessens the appearance of scars and increases skin firmness.
• Lactic Acid: A natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that increases skin cell turnover, for healthier renewed skin.
• Licorice: Lightens unwanted pigmentation and corrects skin discoloration.
• Argan Oil: Naturally rich in Vitamin E, this oil reduced water loss and protects skin's resiliency and elasticity.

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 9
ENDS March 28 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. 

 Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: Product information provided by Valentia. Opinions are my own. I was provided a complimentary product to facilitate this review. I received no compensation to review the product.

A look a puzzle books: Train Your Brain: Brain-Scrambling Challenges & Mind-Melting Conundrums from Barron's Educational

Train Your Brain: Mind-Melting Conundrums (Train Your Brain Puzzle Books) Authors: Robert Allen, Harold Gale, Carolyn Skitt

Designed by three puzzle-book pros and Mensa members, Mind-Melting Conundrums is brimming with almost 100 pages of number stumpers, logic problems, and verbal tests. Split into three levels of difficulty--called Super Brain, Mega Mind, and Ultra Genius--it gets more challenging as the pages progress. Kids, adults, and anyone else who enjoys a good dose of mental calisthenics will find themselves hooked by each marvelous, mind-melting puzzle.

2 pages from Mind-Melting Coundrums

Train Your Brain: Brain-Scrambling

Challenges (Train Your Brain Puzzle Books) Authors: Robert Allen, Harold Gale, Carolyn Skitt

Throw down the gauntlet to kids and send them on a series of exciting problem-solving quests that will get their brains buzzing. Designed by three puzzle-book pros and Mensa members, Brain-Scrambling Challenges is packed with questions that test kids' brains to the limit...and show them that problem solving = a lot of fun!

• Endlessly engaging (and shhh…ultimately educational), this book is packed with hours of stimulating entertainment. It includes:
• Almost 100 pages of challenging riddles, conundrums, and problems such as anagrams, diagrams, word problems, number searches, and more that will put puzzle lovers right in their element
• Three levels of difficulty--called Super Brain, Mega Mind, and Ultra Genius--so the book gets more challenging as it progresses
• Loads of quirky, fun illustrations of spaceships, big cats, wooly mammoths, and more
• Winning text that encourages and challenges puzzle fanatics to keep going

Kids, adults, and anyone else who enjoys a good dose of mental calisthenics will find themselves hooked by each puzzle-solving challenge. It's really a "no-brainer" for parents, grandparents, and friends everywhere who want to give a gift that children will love now--and remember fondly for years to come.

2 pages Brain-Scrambling Challenges

My review: Facing reality, I'll just say that I am simply not a "puzzle" person. True life is full of puzzles and these must be solved using common sense, learned problem solving, and critical thinking. Just because I'm not a puzzle person - especially a puzzle-in-a-book person, doesn't mean that others don't thoroughly enjoy and love the challenge.

The series of "Train Your Brain" puzzle books all feature the quirky "brain figure" on the cover showing off his muscle power. The books span a beginners level and proceed through tricky to more difficult. All are considered appropriate for children typically in grades 2-6. Personally, I found some of the puzzles in the two books featured in this review were not too difficult. Some were much too much of a puzzle for this non-puzzle-loving lady.

I thoroughly believe that mental calisthenics can keep the brain active and well-functioning into the later years just as physical exercise can help maintain a strong body. Whether it is crossword puzzles or mind-scramblers that utilize math concepts and rationale, using these tools is good for the mind. So I can recommend these for everyone to see if you're up to the challenge. Hey--- these aren't just for kids.

DISCLOSURE: I received the two books mentioned to facilitate this review. I was not required to give a positive review and I was not compensated.

Scrubba™ Washbag from EarthEasy makes packing light & being clean possible for all types of adventures [Review & Giveaway]

The folks at EarthEasy.com have some truly remarkable and Earth-friendly products. They have sent me a SCRUBBA WASHBAG that promises to bring new meaning to living clean and green.

For those folks enjoying the great out-of-doors pursuing hiking, climbing, and general adventuresome activities, this bag is a must if you want to pack light and be clean. Pack fewer socks and undies and even shirts. Find a bit of water (.5 to 1.5 gal.) and Scrubba your clothes. The inside of the bag has a "built in" washboard with nubs that help in the washing process. (Hang 'em up to dry, and wear fresh stuff. No more the dirties and the stinks!

Filling the bag is simple and there are guidelines and
easy instructions printed on the bag.

Pocket sized "washing machine"

If you're traveling domestically or internationally and want to launder your own stuff so you, too, can pack light and be clean, then the Scrubba Washbag might be your go-to handy tool to tuck away in your luggage.

Folds to a compact (approx) size of 6" x 2" it can easily be tucked most anywhere for any journey or adventure. It dries nicely after use. Uses a smidgen of cleaning product and makes staying clean lots easier.

I plan on sharing this wonderful washbag with a grandson that loves to go on hiking and fishing adventures in California's wonderful isolated parks.

Another nice feature is that when it is not in use as a Washbag, it can be a "Drybag" to keep clothes dry while in wet situations - canoeing, kayaking, hiking, etc.

Let's look at some information from EarthEasy.com on the SCRUBBA WASHBAG.....

After filling the bag with water & cleaning product,

close, rub/agitate using your hands and rubbing

fabric with "washboard" effectively cleaning 

your clothes.

• A modern take on the old fashioned washboard: hundreds of internal Scrubba™ nodules that efficiently clean your clothes in minutes
• Machine quality wash
• Microbial and hydrolysis resistant polyether TPU
• Lightest washing ‘machine’ in the world at only 5 oz.
• Folds down to pocket-size and is small enough to take anywhere
• Grip circles on the outside prevent sliding on surfaces when washing
• Transparent ‘window’ to see washing and filling levels
• Picture instructions printed right on the outside of the bag
• Valve to release air
• Saves you money and time doing laundry while travelling
• Great for business trips, outdoor adventures, backpacking adventures, boats, emergency prep, or even for those without a laundry machine at home wanting to wash a few articles or delicates
• Volume of the bag is 3 gallons, but optimal washing volume is 1 gallon when filled with clothes and water
• Doubles as a dry-bag

GIVEAWAY

SCRUBBA WASHBAG for 1 Winner
Begins March 5 & ENDS March 28  @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. 

 Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary product to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review. Product information is provide by the company. Giveaway is provided by EarthEasy and shipped directly to the winner.

When No One is Watching by Eileen Spinelli, David A. Johnson (Illustrator)

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 978080253035
Hardcover $16.00

About the book: When no one is watching, it's easy to be brave -- to dance and sing, growl and cheer. But when everyone's watching, this book's shy young narrator finds it far easier to hide. With her best friend, Loretta, though, she doesn't feel shy, embarrassed, awkward, or odd -- not one bit. Together they're like two peas in a pod, whether anyone's watching or not.Any readers who have felt shy will certainly recognize themselves within the pages of this adorable book, which will encourage even the most timid of audiences with its celebration of the value of a good friend.

My thoughts: Eileen Spinelli captures what it is like to have pent up desires and ambitions but you're too shy to let them out. It is all about When No One is Watching that we dance with a broom, put on a brave show of strength, and leap with exuberance. Spinelli uses a few lines on each two page spread with a couple in rhyme. The effect is superb and makes for tremendously fun read aloud times.

As artist David A. Johnson skillfully drew this shy but exuberant little girl, he uses a combination of toned down and bright and vivid on the same page to show emotion and energetic activity. Very effectively done. And the little girl is simply adorable with her unruly curls caught back in a headband. What I love, is the seemingly never-ending length and tangle of the shoe strings. They just seem to grow and multiply. Real cute.

The overall take away from the book is that even though shy, we can have and can express our exuberant feelings and no one has to be watching. We can have, too, as this sweet and charming little girl does, a special friend that completely understands and they both can relate and visit the zoo or quietly read a book.

A charming book. Thanks Eerdmans for publishing it.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated for the review.

Renuzit brings freshness to the home for those with sensitive noses - Renuzit Sensitive Scents [Review & Giveaway]

I like for my house to have a fresh fragrance. I like the scent to be light and not offensive to sensitive sniffers. Renuzit has developed a line of air fresheners specifically for households where folks who are sensitive to air fresheners can have a bit of fragrance and not regret it.

Check it out on Renuzit - Performance without Overpowering

They have three new products: Renuzit Sensitive Scents Adjustable Cones, Renuzit Sensitive Scents Universal Sented Oils, and Renuzit Sensitive Scents Trigger Spray. The Renuzit folks want me to use these products and share with you what I think about them. So today I put these three items to use in my own home - and my husband simply doesn't tolerate strong fragrances very well. (So far his sniffer has not complained so we're happy campers today.)

Renuzit Sensitive Scents Adjustable Cones

We're all very familiar with the little cone that we tuck around throughout the house. Renuzit has been a top source of these in a large variety of fragrances. The new Sensitive Scents I am using is "Pure Water Lily and Cucumber" and it is a fresh, light fragrance.

Renuzit Sensitive Scents Universal Sented Oils

The plug-in scented oils is in the fragrance of Pure Ocean Breeze. The product is said to "Perform without overpowering. Has the right freshness balance for sensitive noses." My package had the plug in case and the bottle of oil. Refills of the little bottles can be purchased without the case. The "universal oil warmer" refills work in any Glade or Air Wick oil warming unit. 

Tucked discretely in a remote bedroom corner, it emits its fragrance. I would prefer this scented oil in a larger room than the one in which I have placed it. I believe it to have too much scent for this small room. Perhaps the Renuzit Sensitive Scents Cone would be better for this room and the scented oil placed elsewhere.

Renuzit Sensitive Scents Trigger Spray

The Trigger Spray a product you can use just to spray and freshen the air in a room or you can spray directly on your furniture (I wouldn't use any product of this type on wood surfaces.) to help freshen and neutralize tough odors and musky, stale upholstery. A really nice deodorizing spray. The trigger spray action works well and instantly.

The fragrance I am trying in the trigger spray is Pure White Pear and Lavender. I'm a bit partial to Lavender so I like this. The lavender is not strong, though. 

My ratings on these products:

Sensitivity = rating very good to high for being non-offensive. (Hayfever season will be the true trial time, though.) 

Fragrances

• White Pear and Lavender = #1 (My most favorite)

• Pure Water Lily and Cucumber = #2 (My second favorite - close tie with #1)

• Pure Ocean Breezes (scented oils) = #3 (My least favorite and may be because in a room too small for it)

GIVEAWAY 
Begins March 2

ENDS March 21  @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 
 Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
More about the Renuzit Sensitive Scents - click here

DISCLOSURE: I was provided products to review by the Social-Insiders group representing Renuzit. This also included coupons which I will distribute to the giveaway winner. I was not compensated and all opinions are my own, alone. #SocialInsiders

STAR Ultrasonic Pest Repeller, Electronic Pest Control Repellent #STARULTRASONICPESTREPELLER [Review & Giveaway]

Effectively Repels and Reject Roaches, Spiders, Ants, Fly,
Mosquitoes, Rodents, Mice, Rats and Other Insects
(per Amazon information provided by Star)

We don't really have a problem with pests except for a few silverfish and little spiders. But I don't like any creepy crawly buggies at all. I also don't like to use pesticides or spray insect killer products. So when I had the opportunity to try the STAR Ultrasonic Pest Repeller I was quite pleased and excited.

I received the little STAR Ultrasonic Pest Repeller and was impressed by the tidy appearance of this unit. When plugged into the outlet, it is lite up with a blue light. A little side-note plus on the light - this serves nicely as a night light for us. But the blue light is also an indicator that it is engaged and working.

Well, I really don't know how effective this unit is - like I said we don't have a major problem. But time will tell if I see fewer silverfish and little spiders. I believe it is worthwhile for me to have this little unit plugged into my wall outlet.

I am not making any claims that this unit repels insects and rodents. I understand that there is controversy relating to the use of these types of units but I also believe that there can be no harm in using it and the potential for a good outcome is possible. Successful use of an ultrasonic repellent would certainly be much better than using chemicals around your home, family, and pets.

GIVEAWAY
Begins March 1

ENDS March 21 @ 12:00 a.m. ET. 

 Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product information from Star (find it on Amazon)

• SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - Use the STAR Ultrasonic Pest Repeller for 60 days. If our Ultrasonic pest control Repeller does not help eliminate your pest problem, we will refund 100% of your purchase. No questions asked.
• CREATES A PEST BLOCK - STAR Ultrasonic Pest Repeller creates a shield by ultra-powerful deep penetrating electromagnetic waves which prevents insects and pests from entering your home. The patented technology cause's in-wall wiring to send electromagnetic pulse signals. thus signals preventing pests from passing through your home walls. Outdoor rodents, pests and insects will no longer try entering your home.

DISCLAIMER: I was provided a complimentary unit to facilitate this review and was not compensated for the review. Opinions are my own.