WOULD A WORM GO ON A WALK? by Hannah C. Hall & illustrated by Bill Bolton [Review & Giveaway]

Hardcover - Ages 4-7
ISBN13: 9780824956776

About the book: A comical picture book about the unique qualities of various creatures and how they were planned to be just that way by a loving, wise Creator. So begins this humorous and imaginative picture book that introduces children to the idea that animals are uniquely created by a loving and wise God. Would a Worm Go on a Walk?, with its colorful, comical illustrations, is a fresh, fun way to teach young children that God gave all the animals--and each of us--wonderful qualities and unique strengths. Children will giggle over the ridiculous scenarios presented, and they will come away with the knowledge that we all are loved and special.

My thoughts: It is always a joy and delight to be able to help young children come to a knowledge that all of Creation was made by God and that each creature does what it does simply because it was designed that way by God the Creator. When it can be taught in an entertaining and educational way that is within the levels that will capture the imagination of the young child, it is a true prize indeed.

Would A Worm Go On A Walk? is just such a prize. Written by Hannah C. Hall in good rhyme that flows beautifully and illustrated in such a joyful and delightful way by Bill Bolton, the book will entertain with quirky critters and questions about them - kind of nonsense stuff.  We all know worms don't have feet to walk, but to ask the question "Would a worm go on a walk?" tickles that nonsensical funny bone we all have.

Ending with a strong finish that declares that "God's masterpiece Is YOU!" ("God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." --Genesis 1:31a)

They look just as he wanted,

and they act just as they should.

He made them and he loves them,

and he calls them very good.

But God's designs weren't finished.

His special plans weren't through.

The ANIMALS were just a start.

God's masterpiece is YOU!

GIVEAWAY
Begins April 7

ENDS April 28  @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. 

 Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Worthy Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone and I was not compensated.

Busy, Busy! by Eileen Spinelli & illustrated by Elina Ellis

About the book: A playful board book about expressing love, even when life is busy. Sometimes, when life gets hectic and schedules get crowded, children may feel a little lost in the shuffle. In this new board book, the animals are all quite occupied. Beaver is busy; squirrel is busy; frog is busy. Mole is digging, bear is fishing, and cat is pouncing. And like many parents, Mama is busy too. But she's not too busy for a hug! Children will love the busy animals and the warm conclusion. This lighthearted, lyrical book will gently reassure children that, in spite of how busy their families are, there is always time to share love. Ages 2 to 5.

My thoughts: The combination talents of Spinelli and Ellis has crafted a delightfully sweet and charming rhyming board book that goes through a whole gamut of critters and how are busy each of them is - even a tiny spider is busy weaving. Sized just right for the wee hands of little children and charmingly filled with characters busy being and doing what they each are prone to do, Busy, Busy! can easily become a favorite and one that is carried from place to place sweetly treasured by your little one.

Notice how in this picture kiddies can find very small details to match the rhyme - even down to the tiny spider weaving his web.

Cat is busy--yarn's a-tangle.

Cricket's busy in the weeds.

Spider's busy at her spinning.

Mouse is buy nibbling seeds.

At the end, the little ones are told that mommy, too, is busy, busy but she is NEVER too busy to cuddle YOU! Great lesson in the value a mother places on her child and values the child over her own work.

Guaranteed to be a warm, fuzzy, loving reading experience for mommy and her  little ones.

I have reviewed books by the author, Eileen Spinelli, and also books illustrated by Elina Ellis. Always a pleasure!

Visit the author's website - click here 

Visit Worthy Publishing on Facebook - click here

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

Homestead Soap & Spa Pampered Skin Collection

I had the opportunity to review the Homestead Soap & Spa Pampered Skin Collection. I received samples of four products and am loving each of them. My fragrance choice was "Lavender."

I found the lavender fragrance simply wonderful and each of the products produced a different amount of this scent.

The collection features natural ingredients with essential oils that complement each other and provide the ultimate skin indulgence.

Body & Hand Lotion was the first I used. I just couldn't resist popping the lid and lathering a bit onto my hands and arms. Oh! This is superb. A satiny feel. Absolutely no "sticky feeling." A lasting coverage and lasting fragrance - an absolutely fantastic fragrance.

Exfoliating Scrub  was used in my bath to scrub my legs. Well, they weren't so dirty they needed "scrubbing," but I gently massaged this over my legs to exfoliate and help the skin. I did this prior to shaving, leaving the residue on the skin as a "shaving cream." My skin was wonderful after bathing and exfoliating with this gentle sugar scrub.

Whipped Body Butter is a very light body butter that goes on smoothly leaving my skin satiny smooth, looking great, and wonderfully fragrant. The fragrance lasts for hours as does the wonderful smoothness to the skin.

Cleansing Bar this lovely lavender soap is gentle and feels very good to use for bathing. Definitely not harsh and very cleansing and it has a light lavender fragrance.

A bit about Homestead Soap & Spa products:

Products are not tested on animals
Products feature naturally sourced ingredients
Products are created using sustainable methods

In our minds, a perfect world includes sustainable bath and body products, which is why we carefully source each component of our lotions, creams, soaps, and scrubs to ensure compliance with our stringent standards. Check them out - click here

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary samples of these products to facilitate an honest review. Opinions are my own, alone. I was not compensated.

Tea with Mom and A Lovely Mothers' Day Giveaway from EnjoyingTea

I have long enjoyed a nice cup of tea to relax with or to simply warm myself. Tea has been a staple in homes for centuries. There are many types of teas and from many countries.

My personal preferences are varied. I enjoy green tea and spicy Chai. Oolong and black teas are also wonderful. I enjoy my tea hot and I enjoy my tea ice cold. I'm a southerner and for my ice tea I prefer it strong, dark, and very sweet. While I can drink unsweetened tea - hot or cold, I do prefer to add some sugar.

Since I enjoy tea, the Enjoying Tea company is right on target as a good choice. Their selection is varied and suited for most any taste preference. They also carry a beautiful line of tea accessories - tea pots, tea sets, cups and mugs - there is a plethora of wonderful items.

Just look at all these wonderful choices of
tea I will get to enjoy and tell you about .....

This lovely box holds eight adorable tins
of assorted teas! More on tea!

I have the opportunity to review eight of their teas and a delicately beautiful English Teacup. This is such a pleasurable opportunity. See this beautiful Royal Court New Bone China English Teacup I just absolutely love it because it is so graceful with its sculptured look and delicate scalloping. "This new bone China English style teacup with saucer is delicate and lovely - Cup Dimension: 4" dia, 2 3/8" ht Saucer Dimension: 5 7/8" dia, 7/8" ht - $7.50"

Royal Court New Bone China English Teacup

Drinking fragrant Provence Rooibas from this Royal Court New Bone China English Teacup is like a heavenly touch. The tea is so smooth and such a delight. The cup is like luxurious satin as it touches your lips and that is how a cup of tea should be taken - out of a satiny smooth teacup.

       The Provence Rooibos is a top grade herbal tea from South Africa. This delicious tea includes Rooibos, rosehip shells, dried black currants, rose leaves, lavender, raisins, dried red currants, rose petals, and dried blueberries.
       Rooibos, meaning Red Bush in Afrikaans, is grown at the altitude of 2000 feet above sea level in the Cedarberg region. Fermentation of the Rooibos turns the leaves from green to deep red and gives a slight sweet note. When brewed this tea produces a reddish orange liquid with a sweet fruity taste and a floral aroma.
       Research has shown Rooibos tea to be a rich natural source of antioxidants with a high level of flavonoids. The absence of caffeine makes it an ideal drink, even at night.

Provence Rooibos brews to a beautiful clear red tea
that is wonderfully fragrant and exceptionally smooth and a delight to drink.

Other teas in this wonderful Variety Tea Sampler - There are so many lovely tea cups on EnjoyingTea.com. If you love tea and if you love serving it in lovely tea cups (or with a full tea set with pot and cups), be sure you check them out!  

Dragon Well Green Tea, (Lung Ching): This extraordinary green tea comes from the city of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province. The flat leaves are harvested in early spring when the leaves are full of aroma and have a silvery shine. Dragon Well is prepared using traditional methods from the most tender tea leaves. These leaves produce a soothing and refreshing champagne colored liquid full of freshness. Semi-sweet in taste and orchid-like in smell, Lung Ching is one of the most famous green tea in China.

Indian Mocha Chai: This Sri Lankan Chai is made from Indian spices and high-grown Ceylon tea with natural cherry and chocolate flavors. The combination of ingredients gives this tea the depth and character of those served in Chai stands prevalent in India and Sri Lanka. This tea has a superb body with mellow Indian spice notes and overtones of mocha. When brewed this chai is coppery and bright in color and is wonderful served with milk

Chamomile "is one of the oldest herbs still very popular around the world today. It was first used by the ancient Egyptian as medicine. Chamomile is often sipped for relief of ailments ranging from toothache to insomnia. Many people today use this herb as both a remedy to relieve anxiety and as a tisane herbal tea for enjoyment. The chamomile infusion has a floral aroma and fruity apple taste. Since it is caffeine free, it can be enjoy during any time of the day."

Can  you tell I'm enjoying tea time in my house? Next was the interesting Zhejiang Silver Needle. I'd never seen tea in this form before. Interesting! "This white tea with a white downy appearance comes from the province of Zhejiang. The Silver Needle, highest quality white tea, is picked during the spring before the buds open to preserve its tenderness. Exquisite and delicate, Silver Needle has a fresh, sweet fragrance and produces a pale yellow brew."

Zhejiang Silver Needle - Lovely white tea and absolutely delectable. 
(Note: teacup was gifted me by a granddaughter 
and is shaped to see a loving heart.)

As you might have guessed, I'm taking several days to sample these teas and brew them in some of my favorite tea cups. Today's tea is English Breakfast Black Tea. This is tea in a traditional, tried and true form. "This is a classic blend of Sri Lanka Ceylon flowery pekoe (FP) black tea. Although usually served in the morning, it is the perfect refreshing and invigorating tea for any time of the day. When brewed the English Breakfast produces a bright, full bodied, and amber tea." I'm sitting here after dinner, and after cleaning the kitchen, and enjoying a lovely cup of this English Breakfast Black Tea.

This lovely amber tea is English Breakfast Black Tea &
is served in a delicate tea cup brought from England as a
gift to me by my son-in-law.

Delicate in taste and color, the
Dragon Well GreenTea (Lung Ching)
is served in a family heirloom.

Often I find green tea bitter and sometimes "fishy" tasting. I was pleasantly surprised by the  Dragon Well Green Tea, (Lung Ching). I enjoyed this green tea and found it light and pleasantly aromatic. "This extraordinary green tea comes from the city of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province. The flat leaves are harvested in early spring when the leaves are full of aroma."

Strawberry Black Tea. "This tea is made from top grade orange pekoe Ceylon with natural strawberry flavoring. The Ceylon tea is grown at the altitude of 7000 feet above sea level from the Sri Lanka region. When brewed this tea produces a bright coppery color liquid with fresh strawberry flavo"r and with touches of mild astringency. A fantastic fruit tea

The Formosa Paochong, also known as Bao Zhong, is a lightly oxidize Taiwanese oolong tea. The oxidation level is 10% for this tea. After steeping this oolong produces a light green and yellow hue liquor with a floral and melon fragrant and a buttery sweet taste. This tea strikes good balance between a green tea and an oolong tea.

This lovely giveaway from EnjoyingTea.com is for a delicate Royal Court New Bone China English Teacup as pictured and an assortment of Enjoying Tea's fabulous teas.
What a wonderful treat for a lovely mother!

TEA WITH MOM GIVEAWAY
FOR MOTHERS' DAY 

Royal Court New Bone China English Teacup
Variety Tea Assortment
Begins April 5 & ENDS April 26 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. 
Open to USA addresses only.
If you have won a prize from EnjoyingTea from one of Chat With Vera's reviews, you may not win again to the same name and address.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary tea sampler and lovely white china tea cup with saucer to facilitate this review by Enjoying Tea Inc.. Opinions are mine alone. I have not been compensated for this review. The giveaway prize will be provided and shipped to the winner by Enjoying Tea Inc.

Back In the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne [Review & Giveaway]

About the book: The prodigal is coming home.

It's been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray's Glen, Washington. He's broke, but not broken, and it's time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn't expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest---a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there's more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he's determined to find out what she's hiding . . . and why.

Colt's return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam's right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn't thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch's contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray's Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor.  And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district's wealth and power---or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

My thoughts: The author has woven a multi-storied tale that resembles a bird's nest in it's complexity and strengths. While the "theme" of the prodigal returning is a surface story with rugged cowboy turned New York financier returning to the ranch after the financial world plunges downward dragging him with it, I don't see this as a weakness of Colt's but as a strength. He recognizes his need to return to his home where his father, who has fallen ill, can use his expertise as a cow wrangler and it serves his own need as well. He is not too proud to recognize he has a need and faces the challenge of returning in "shame" to family and friends.

Along with Colt's story, there is a layer of family in crisis and the story of the repentant father who is seeking to make up for his many shortcomings and failures through the years as a father to his broken and hurting family.

And the lovely and interesting Angelina has a story that intrigues and draws Colt. Of course, her beauty and kindness are a "draw" as well.

Ah, there is also a charming wee little one that is tightly woven into this nest of complexity with whom you'll fall in love - just as I did.

Ruth Hogan Herne has given us a good read of contemporary ranching complete with vivid roundups in terrible cold and of newborn calves being cared for by rough and tumble cowboys.

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 29
ENDS April 13 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

 Open to USA addresses only.
If you have won a contest from Litfuse Publicity Group or this publisher in the past 30 days prior to contest closing, you are ineligible to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author info: Ruth Logan Herne has more than half a million books in print, including fifteen Love Inspired contemporary novels. Back in the Saddle is the first book in her new western romance series. Ruth is a founding member of Seekerville, a popular writing collective blog. A country girl who loves the big city, Ruth and her husband live on a farm in upstate New York.

Read more reviews - click here

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Litfuse Publicity Group to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

In Search of the Little Prince (children's picture biography of an author) by Bimba Landmann

About the book: For the last seventy years, The Little Prince has captured the imaginations of readers around the world. This lyrical picture book biography tells the story of its author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

As a child, Antoine dreamed of flying. His dream was realized when he became a pilot, first serving France during World War I, then working as an international mail courier. As he wrote letters to his family describing the foreign countries he visited, he soon discovered that writing contained its own sense of adventure. His stories showed a childlike fascination with the world, culminating with The Little Prince, one of the best-selling books ever published.

Bimba Landmann’s biography is paired with whimsical yet profound illustrations, wonderfully capturing Saint-Exupery’s personality. This book will give fresh insight into the life of a cherished author.

My thoughts: I'll admit that I never (to my recollection) have read The Little Prince. This picture book biography of its author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, was an interesting introduction to his life and how his thoughts, goals, emotions, and actions played into his ultimate famous work of The Little Prince.

Reputedly, he did not seek to become an author as his love was in flying and what he experienced sensorial and emotionally while flying. To be able to live his dream of flying he worked with, and yes was a vital part of the airmail postal system. He kept a journal and from these writings eventually composed the story of The Little Prince.

This is a very interesting biography and the art is captivating. The illustrations seem to capture the complexity of Saint-Exupery's life by rendering him in somewhat a surreal form - identifiable yet a bit abstract.

I love this page on Goodreads.com of quotes by Saint-Exupery from The Little Prince. Perhaps if you visit there you will see why this children's book has so enamored readers - young and old - for so many years.

“All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.”  

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”  

“Well, I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.” 

This is a very nice adventure for children into the world of biographies.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by the publisher, Eerdmans Young Readers, to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated.

Mothers' Day and Beauty Go Hand-In-Hand at NeoCell with Liposomes Collagen products [Review & Special Mothers' Day Giveaway]

CLICK HERE

NeoCell is a company that provides products from natural sources to help the skin, nails, hair, and joints be healthier, look better, and "perform" better. Collagen is the major player in these products created by NeoCell.

I previously reviewed several of their lovely products including my most favorite of them all - Neocell Biotin Bursts! Today we're going to look at two more of NeoCell's topical application products containing collagen - Collagen Moisturizing Treatment Masque and Collagen Lipsomes Replenishing Gelle. The plan is to cleanse the face first and then apply the masque, wait about 40 minutes and remove. Afterwhich I apply the Replenishing Gelle. The plan is to do this about three times a week. Other days I will use my regular skin care products.

Pictured: The creamy white (on left) is the Collagen Moisturizing Treatment Masque. On the right is the pink (isn't it lovely?) Collagen Liposomes Replenishing Beauty Gelle.)

Neocell, Collagen, Moisturizing Treatment Masque

I am not, personally, a big fan of masque treatments. I thought I'd try the Neocell Collagen since I do thoroughly enjoy their other products. This is a thick treatment that goes on smoothly and does not dry and crack while you have it on. It does not peel off. You rinse it off (thoroughly, please) with warm water.

I do like this much better than other masque treatments and this would be my product of choice in the masque line. Again, Neocell has a nice product and one I can recommend.

Directions: Smooth liberally over clean, dry skin. Wait 20-40 minutes. Masque will not dry. Remove with warm water. Follow with Collagen Liposomes Gelle. Use 2-3 times weekly, or any time quick moisture is needed.

Product ingredients - click here

Neocell, Liposomes Collagen

I have fallen in love this Neocell Liposomes Collagen Replenishing Beauty Gelle. It in pretty to look at as a pink, gel in the jar. Makes me feel pretty just to look at this product. But of course, the proof is actually in the use - does it make me pretty or feel pretty? No product can make you pretty but they can enhance the beauty you have already. This anti-aging product with the Liposomes Collagen works to help my skin look and feel younger.

I simply love the way this feels on my skin. Light. Pleasant. Gently fragrant. Soothing and smoothing.

I applied this after using the Neocell Collagen Masque. I have also used it by itself and also under makeup. Works lovely. Feels great.

Directions: Gently smooth a small amount of gel on clean dry skin around eyes and over facial and throat areas. May be used during the day alone, or under makeup and at night.

Product information - click here

Now the good folks at NeoCell are providing my Chat With Vera readers the opportunity to have this wonderful set of four NeoCell beauty products for that Beautiful Mother In Your Life (your mother, your husband's mother, yourself, or that friend who has been like a mother to you or yours). Included will be:

• Neocell Alpha Cell Exfoliator (to use to tone the facial skin)
• Neocell Moisturing Treament Masque (to treat and pamper the face)
• Neocell Biotin Bursts for a tasty treat of beauty within
• Neocell Refreshing Herbal Mist

Special NeoCell Mothers' Day Package Giveaway
Neocell Alpha Cell Exfoliator & Neocell Refreshing Herbal Mist 
Neocell Biotin Bursts & 
Neocell Collagen Moisturizing Treatment Masque

Find these & other NeoCell Products - Click here

GIVEAWAY

4 NeoCell Skin Care Products
Begins April 1 & ENDS April 21  @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. 

 Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided complimentary products 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 NeoCell and shipped directly to the winner.