AGE DEFYING & SKIN CLEARING SERUM with VITAMIN C brought to you by InstaNatural™

My thoughts: InstaNatural™ Age Defying and Skin Clearing Serum is a refreshing product that is designed to protect the skin and aid in preventing the visible effects of aging. It is also intended to aid in clearing skin conditions. My experience with this product is that is feels really good on my skin. The fragrance is citrus and invigorating.

The product is liquid and yet not watery making it easy to apply. I allow it to dry and absorb thoroughly before applying moisturizer. Directions indicate that it should be used nightly. With the inclusion of retinol it is best to avoid use during the day. I have used InstaNatural products in the past and enjoyed them and have liked how this InstaNatural Age Defying Serum works for me.

About the product: Age Defying & Skin Clearing Serum from InstaNatural™ is a comprehensive solution that addresses lines, wrinkles and blemishes on the skin. This lightweight serum contains Retinol and Lipo Hydroxy Acid to increase cell turnover and clear clogged pores, while Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Niacinamide defend the skin and visibly reduce the appearance of uneven tone and texture.

• Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil and Niacinamide soothe and clear blemishes
• Retinol and Vitamin C reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and discoloration while defending against environmental aggressors
• Lightweight formula is designed to be layered under a moisturizer and is perfect for oily, acneic and blemish prone skin
• Featured in Prevention Magazine, Ipsy, Byrdie and loved by Whitney Port – this serum’s ability to deliver nutrients into the skin to provide skin smoothing and clearing benefits makes it a fan favorite

Directions for use: Massage a small amount onto cleansed and toned skin, allowing the serum to absorb completely. Follow with appropriate moisturizer. For best results, apply this product nightly and follow with an SPF during the day.

Check them out on the instaNatural website, become a VIP, and save 20% - click here

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary product to facilitate a review of my honest opinion based upon my personal use of the product. I was not compensated for this review.

A Case of Sense by Songju Ma Daemicke and illustrated by Shennen Bersani from Arbordale Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781628558531 

Paperback $9.99

Hardcover $17.99

Reading level: Mid-Elementary

My thoughts:  While the story narrated in A Case of Sense is a folk tale in numerous cultures, primarily Asian, it is new to the American reader. In it a greedy cook decides he will cook up a way to enrich himself without cost by preparing a variety of dishes that are highly arromatic. Once he does this, he goes about the city knocking on doors and demanding payment from the people because they benefited (according to him) from smelling his food.

They rightly refused to pay him and Fu Wang takes the people to court. Young Ming has observed this and continues to observe the proceedings in court. After listening to the demands (the case) presented by Fu Wang, the judge instructs each of those being sued to remove all the coins from their pockets. He then has them shake and rattle them creating sounds.

His decision is that Fu Wang has now been compensated by the people because he has "heard" the sound of the coins in payment for the "smell" of his food. Quite an interesting concept and a good way to show that the two senses, smell and sound, have no monetary value. At the end of the book, there are several pages for educators, home schoolers, and inquisitive minds to further discover the five (not just two) senses. The story has value on multiple levels - cultural, biological, and perhaps even mathmatical and judical.

About the book: While Ming plays outside one summer day, the smell of delicious food fills the air. It is coming from greedy Fu Wang's house. What is he up to? wonders Ming. To his alarm, Fu Wang demands that all the neighbors pay him for the pleasant smells. When the neighbors refuse, the case goes to court. How will the judge rule in this unusual case and will justice be served? Can Fu Wang make money from the neighbors' sense of smell? A wise judge makes use of another sense to close the case with clever and convincing logic.

Teaching Activities Guidelines link - click here

For Creative Minds PDF - Great fun!

GIVEAWAY

Begins January 5, 2017

ENDS January 26 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher to facilitate my review for which I received no compensation. Winner's copy will by provided by and sent directly to the winner by Arbordale Publishing.

Conspiracy of Silence (The Tox Files #1) by Ronie Kendig

ISBN13: 9780764217654
Bethany House Publishing

My thoughts: When you crack the spine of Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig, you'd best prepare for an enthralling read packed with fast paced action. Having never read a Ronie Kendig book, I wasn't prepared for the detailed action description and the intriguing multi-layered story.

This was a hard-to-put-down book; although when I first looked at my copy, I thought to myself this is going to be a long, strung-out read. I was so surprised that those 400 plus pages just rapidly flipped by with multi-continental locations, a dip into ancient and medieval history involving holy censors and the Codex (early bound Biblical leaves, sheets), and a plague of Biblical proportions.

I can hardly wait to read book two in "The Tox Files" to see just what Cole 'Tox' Russell gets himself involved. I loved the interaction in the team of men that worked with Tox and, of course, the character of Kelsy and her history and current interaction with Tox.

About the book: When an archaeological dig unleashes a centuries-old virus, paramilitary operative Cole ‘Tox’ Russell is forced back into action. With the help of archaeologist Tzivia Khalon and FBI agent Kasey Cortes, Tox searches for answers—and becomes entangled in a web of deception. As the team races to stop a pandemic, a secret society counters their every move.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Bethany House Publishing to facilitate this review of my original opinions. I was not compensated for a review.

Green Pants by Kenneth Kraegel from Candlewick Press

Hardcover ISBN: 9780763688400
On Sale March 21st, 2017

About the book: For kids who march to their own drummer — or are especially attached to a comfort object — here is a completely adorable character who wears his singularity in style.

Jameson only ever wears green pants. When he wears green pants, he can do anything. But if he wants to be in his cousin’s wedding, he’s going to have to wear a tuxedo, and that means black pants. It’s an impossible decision: Jameson would love nothing more than to be in his cousin's wedding, but how can he not wear green pants? Will Jameson turn down this big honor, or will he find a way to make everyone happy, including himself? In this pitch-perfect ode to individualism, acclaimed author-illustrator Kenneth Kraegel creates a character readers of all ages can root for — whatever color pants they wear.

My thoughts: Bringing the theme of children's attachment quirks (is that the best word?) to a picture book that seems to be a fun book is a bit different or so it seems to me. At first examination, I didn't care for Kraegel's "Green Pants." However, as I re-read it I began to see how well the parents in the book handled Jameson's attachment quirk by allowing his continued attachment to be his choice or to grow a bit of flexibility and discard his attachment in lieu of something he wants more. To get to that point....

It is quite obvious that Jameson is part of a gentle, loving family.  His uncle and uncle's finance want him to participate in their wedding and his mother gently explains to him about wearing a black tuxedo instead of his green pants. He thinks he can do it, but then his attachment sets in and he is emotionally tied to those green pants.

Given the choice by his mother who doesn't back down he is at a crossroads. Then his uncle's finance speaks to him and he joyfully overcomes his quirky attachment and gladly wears the black tuxedo. The ending is quite cute as he erupts into dancing .... in his green pants.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy by Candlewick Press to facilitate this review of my own opinions. I was not compensated.

Salonpas® pain relief can help you keep your resolve to exercise more! [Review & Giveaway]

New year's resolutions to exercise more sometimes need pain relief aids to keep on goal

Summer and all the activity that you engage in during those warm (or hot) days is long past. Winter has arrived and with it the tendency to slow down or actually stop "doing" those things that keep our bodies strong, active, and alive.

After the indulgences of the holidays, our bodies feel sluggish and, yes, perhaps a bit heavier or thicker around the middle. That means we've got to get moving. Get stretching. Get exercising. And doing those things after a few weeks of inactivity can prove to cause bone wearying and muscle aching. And if you've not done those treadmill jaunts or bike rides, lifted or pulled on the weights for awhile, then your body is going to give you a rude awakening. You're going to feel it!

I have found that my first line of defense is heat (or for some, ice) and then applying a topical product. Sometimes a gel, a spray, a cream, and one of the patches. I've found some to help and some to do nothing. But before I pop a pill, I try topical!

Salonpas® has a great assortment of products in types and sizes that will fit many needs. Did you know that..... they have...

The First and Only FDA-Approved OTC Pain Patch. SALONPAS® PAIN RELIEF PATCH is the first and only FDA-Approved OTC topical pain patch for the temporary relief of mild to moderate muscles and joints aches and pains associated with arthritis, sprains, strains, bruises and simple backache.

I really like their 4% Lidocain patch. I've seen prescription lidocain patches used in emergency rooms and prescribed for those with lots of pain, but this is the first I've seen where you can get it right off of the drug store shelf!

The spray can is super good for applying a quick shot to those hard to reach spots and is fast drying. I love that Salonpas® has such a great variety of products and several sizes of patches. If you like "chilling" or "icy" pain relief, they've got it. If you like it "hot," they've got it. If you want small or large patches, it is available. The gel, spray, and patches provide easy to use topical applications that might be just what your aches and pains need.

So get moving! Get busy! Salonpas® is "spot on" for relief. And they are so confident in their product, that they are going to provide one of  Chat With Vera's readers a box of their pain-relieving-goodies.

GIVEAWAY

Begins January 3, 2017

ENDS January 24, 2017 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complementary set of products (pictured above) to facilitate a review of my honest opinions. I was not compensated for this review. Winner's prize package is provided by Salonpas® and will be shipped by Salonpas® directly to the winner.

Fatal Frost (Defenders of Justice #1) by Nancy Mehl - Mehl Ramps Up the Suspense in This Brand-New U.S. Marshals Series [review & giveaway]

Read an Excerpt - click here

My thoughts: Previous books by Nancy Mehl have focused on Mennonite or Amish communities interacting amongst those in secular communities and often laced with a strong element of suspense. In Fatal Frost Mehl steps firmily into the suspense genre aligning her characters in the U.S.Marshal camp and with the world of protection, gang-bashers,  and drug cartels.

I say this is a good fit for Mehl's talents as she takes the reader into the corruption that drugs, murder, and ill-gained money place characters. As the title indicates, the death defying chill of a severe winter storm and the deadly pursuit of evil men takes the reader into the mind, actions, and horrors of a spine chilling suspense read. Frosty indeed!

Character development is excellent and reveals weaknesses and strengths of each of the major players. Corruption in high places as well as low-life gang members run a strong thread of fearful encounters throughout the book. There is, however, a promise of hope as characters share their Christian faith.

As the first book in a series of Defenders of Justice, Fatal Frost has given me a sure-fire appetite for additional "defenders of justice" stories. Thanks Nancy Mehl for a good, Christian read.

About the book: Mercy Brennan followed in her father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, but she has no interest in any other connection to him. A U.S. Marshal in St. Louis, Missouri, she's assigned to a joint task force with the St. Louis PD that puts her back into contact with her father and in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang.

When the gang has reason to believe Mercy has possession of some highly sensitive and incriminating information, her boss assigns Mark St. Laurent--a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Mercy's ex-boyfriend--to get her out of town until they can guarantee her safety.

Initially unaware of the danger she's in and uncomfortable working with Mark, Mercy's frustration escalates when she discovers the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark. It isn't until a freak ice storm hits, stranding them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office, that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy closing in to put their lives at imminent risk. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive--if help is even coming at all?

GIVEAWAY E-Book Copy of Fatal Frost

Begins January 2, 2017 @  8:30 p.m.

ENDS January 21, 2017 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Find it at Bethany House (a division of Baker Publishing)

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author to facilitate a review of my honest opinions. I was not compensated and opinions are given freely.

If You Were Me and Lived in...Ancient China: The Han Dynasty by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova [Review & Giveaway - 10 Winners]

My thoughts: In her new Social Studies series featuring ancient cultures and history, the author expands the amount of information to roughly 70 pages in each book. In her book on Ancient China: The Han Dynasty there are 76 pages of information gently presented to the young child so they can delve into a time and culture that is perhaps quite foreign to them.

Softly illustrated by Mateya Arkova, the pages tell the story of how life was during the Han Dynasty of China. Did you know that only the Emperor could wear yellow? The Emperor also decreed that families raise chickens so they could have them at meals. Also, there was a special nook in the kitchen for the kitchen god.

I previously reviewed the following books in this Time Travel History Series. You can read my reviews here: Renaissance Italy, Ancient Greece, Elizabethan England, The Middle Ages, The American West,

About the book: Travel through time to visit the most interesting civilizations throughout history with author Carole P. Roman in her new series.

Learn what kind of food you might eat in Ancient China, the clothes you wore, what your name could be, and what children in the Han Dynasty did for fun.

If You Were Me and Lived in...does for history what her other award-winning series did for culture. So get on-board this time-travel machine and discover the world through the eyes of a young person just like you.

GIVEAWAY

1st: Winner gets entire set of History Time Travel Series
2nd: 9 Winners receive a copy of Ancient China
Begins January 2, 2017

ENDS January 23, 2017 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by the author to facilitate this review of my honest opinions for which I was not compensated. Winner's prize copy is provided by and sent directly to the winner by the author.