I am a happy owner of a Thirty-One Lunch Tote.
I. Love. It.
It's durable, FASHIONABLE (I get SO many compliments on it!), and functional. What more could one want?

Without further ado, I'd like all my readers to know that there are some GREAT giveaways going on to get your own Thirty-One products ($100 Gift Certificate!). Check them out:

What Mommies Needs

Our Kids Mom

Simply Being Mommy

Lille' Pumpkin Reviews

All Things Chic

A Mom's Impression

Busy Working Mama

Mommy Mandy

Musings from a Stay at Home Mom

Go Graham Go

Mom's Favorite Stuff

Mommy of Two Little Monkeys

Mommy's Memorandum

Hi readers! I just wanted to share with you some pretty awesome jewelry giveaways that are happening RIGHT NOW!

Over at Susan's Disney Family you can win a beautiful initial necklace.

Two Classy Chics are giving away an elegant EllaNora necklace.

Sweeps4Bloggers is giving away LIGHT UP earrings!

Rebecca at If Only Life Could Be So Simple is giving away your choice of Paparazzi Jewelry.

And...

The beautiful Pink Dandy is giving away a gorgeous Silver Infinity Ring.

From the director of "Angels In the Outfield" comes an inspiring story about a special boy with an amazing gift, and the coach who believed. Dean Cain and Luke Schroder star in the gmc World Premiere Movie: "A Mile In His Shoes" based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler".

A family-friendly, heart warming movie about Mick (Luke Schroder), an autistic farmer's son who has a magnificent pitching arm. Fate brings Mr. Murphy (Dean Cain) to this rural home where he witnesses the amazing talent of this sweet bumpkin. Mr. Murphy, aka Murph, fights hard for the fidelity of his team and a once in a lifetime opportunity for a teenager who would otherwise have lived life largely unnoticed.



One lucky reader will win their very own copy of A Mile in His Shoes!


*Mandatory Entry*
Please tell me, in a blog comment, either what your favorite baseball team is or who, in general, is your favorite athlete.

*Extra Entries*
Be my Google Friend.
Like Me on Facebook. (+2 Entries)
Like Me through Networked Blogs.
Follow Me on Twitter.


Winner will be chosen on Monday, February 6th. Entries will end at 12:01 am. If the chosen winner (via random number generator) does not respond within 72 hours, I will choose another winner. If there is no way in which I can contact you, another winner will be chosen.
Good luck and blessings to all!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance

with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Happy New Year, Readers!
Before I delve into myself here, I want to THANK each and every one of my readers and followers for being AWESOME. I wish that you all have a spectacular 2012!

And, now, to announce my personal goals for 2012. I love the excitement of a new year--possibility, refreshment, opportunity, energy. I get captured by it every January!

Here goes nothing:

(1) Read 24 books. Last year I made and failed the goal of 52. I know that this year is going to be busier and more hectic, so I believe I can finish 2 per month.
(2) Lose 10 pounds. I know, I know, that's everyone's make and break resolution, but I figure that if I make my goal much less daunting (not even 1 pound a month!) it's more likely to be successful. (Okay, I admit, I hope that I lose a lot more than 10 pounds, but if I only focus on the 10, I'm hoping that my pleasure in losing a little will help me lose a lot).
(3) Pay off my credit cards. Two to be exact.

So, what are you all hoping to achieve in 2012?

It's official! I am in the Christmas spirit! Sure, there is no snow on the ground and my windows are still open at night. Sure, Thanksgiving hasn't even happened yet and I still have Christmas shopping to do. Nonetheless, I am ready. I have begun listening to Christmas music, lit my Gingerbread candle, put up my wreath, and even wrapped some presents. To keep my spirit alive throughout the season, I feel there is nothing better than heart-warming movies about the original purity and beauty of the holiday season.


I am excited to introduce my readers to Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. The story goes like this: During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (played by the adorable Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now-dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge. This story was most certainly heart-warming and definitely fun. I appreciated the original story and the adventurous setting. I felt fulfilled at the happy and enlightened ending. And I am positive my readers will feel the same way I did!

Here's your chance to win your very own copy of The Christmas Lodge on DVD.

*Mandatory Entry*
Please tell me, in a blog comment, what your favorite Christmas movie is!

*Extra Entries*
Be my Google Friend.
Like Me on Facebook. (+2 Entries)
Like Me through Networked Blogs.
Follow Me on Twitter.
Tell me your favorite Christmas song.


Winner will be chosen on Sunday, December 4th. Entries will end at 12:01 am. If the chosen winner (via random number generator) does not respond within 72 hours, I will choose another winner. If there is no way in which I can contact you, another winner will be chosen.
Good luck and blessings to all!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

In What is He Thinking??, Australian born, Grammy Award winning musician and renowned writer Rebecca St. James interviews different men, from high-profile types to the guys next door. Although the interviews focus on single guys ages 20-35, Rebecca also includes words of wisdom from older mentors she respects who have been successfully married for years, people like her dad, life coach, and pastor. The men share their thoughts on topics like how women can respect themselves and the men in their lives, modesty, purity, taking it slow, friendship, letting guys lead, and more. This book gives them the floor to say what they would really like women to know.

The men respond candidly to questions such as:

• What is the most attractive quality to you in a woman?
• Is modesty truly attractive?
• Is neediness a turn-off?
• What do you find beautiful?
• How can we be dependent on God for our identity, not on you?
• How can we help you with boundaries physically?

Rebecca also discusses her own dating life, speaking openly about the single life, her struggle with loneliness, and her hope for the future. She challenges women to see the men in their lives as brothers in Christ and to trust God with their dating lives. I think we should listen to this lady, not only because of her sincerity, but because she recently was married and, therefore, knows what she's talking about! There must be a great deal of truth woven in this book as Ms. St. James is the proof.

Rebecca St. James is a Grammy Award winner and a multiple Dove Award recipient, with international success that has driven her record sales into the millions. In January 2008, she was named Favorite Female Artist in Contemporary Christian Music by readers of CCM Magazine for the seventh consecutive year. Rebecca also won Best Female Artist of 2007 from Christianitytoday.com-her fifth consecutive year to be given this honor. She's been involved in several film productions and voiced the character of Hope the Angel in VeggieTales' bestselling DVD production The Easter Carol.

Read the beginning of this book here to see for yourself. Learn more about Rebecca here. Connect with either her and/or the book on Facebook.

I'm happy to announce that one lucky reader will win their very own copy of What is He Thinking?? by Ms. St. James. I'm excited to hear what everyone thinks of this book! I know I'm thankful for literature that discusses dating as a Christian and the particular struggles we are challenged with.

*Mandatory Entry*
Please tell me, in a blog comment, why you would like to win this book.

*Extra Entries*
Be my Google Friend.
Like Me on Facebook. (+2 Entries)
Like Me through Networked Blogs.
Follow Me on Twitter.
Like Rebecca or this Book on Facebook. (1 Entry EACH)


Winner will be chosen on Sunday, December 4th. Entries will end at 12:01 am. If the chosen winner (via random number generator) does not respond within 72 hours, I will choose another winner. If there is no way in which I can contact you, another winner will be chosen.
Good luck and blessings to all!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

In 2010, 11-year-old Alexa Peters, along with her mother Monique Peters, found a meaningful way to turn her passion and love for writing and drawing into an opportunity to “give back” to other kids. Cooper and Me was illustrated by 11-year-old Alexa Peters and co-written with her mother, Monique Peters. The idea was inspired by Alexa's own experiences on her first day of school. A talented young artist and writer, Alexa wanted to give back to others in a meaningful way through her art. Starting at a very young age, Alexa created illustrated stories about her daily experiences, and from the pages of her sketchbooks came the idea for her first book, Cooper and Me.

Through rhythmic verses, Cooper and Me tells the story of a young girl who is nervous as her first day of school approaches. She is frightened about leaving home and doesn't want to go without her best friend, her dog Cooper. Fortunately her mother finds the perfect solution to help the little girl overcome her fears – a small replica of her beloved pet she can take to school with her. In Cooper and Me, the story of a child’s fears about starting school has evolved into a timeless tale about overcoming separation anxiety and trying new things – basic emotions all people experience throughout their lives – but this time, written by a child, for children.

The story behind Cooper and Me also offers an inspiring example of families working together to help others. In addition to helping young children gain emotional resilience and confidence through their books, Alexa and mom Monique wanted to go beyond that to help less fortunate kids. Their search for an organization to which they could donate a portion of the proceeds from the Cooper and Me book led to a charitable alliance with the Happy Hearts Fund, founded and run by Petra Nemcova, the supermodel who was directly affected by the tsunami in Thailand. Happy Hearts improves children’s lives through education and sustainable programs in natural disaster areas.

One lucky reader will win their very own copy of this endearing book.

*Mandatory Entry*
Please tell me, in a blog comment, why you would like to win this book.

*Extra Entries*
Be my Google Friend.
Like Me on Facebook. (+2 Entries)
Like Me through Networked Blogs.
Follow Me on Twitter.

Winner will be chosen on Sunday, November 27th. Entries will end at 12:01 am. If the chosen winner (via random number generator) does not respond within 72 hours, I will choose another winner. If there is no way in which I can contact you, another winner will be chosen.
Good luck and blessings to all!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Hello Readers!
I am excited to bring to you today the music of Jeremy Riddle. "Furious", Riddle's 3rd full length album from Vineyard Music, is the newest collection of songs penned by this gifted songwriter and worship leader. Fans of Christian pop/worship music will recognize his amazing song Sweetly Broken . I adore that song and now adore Jeremy Riddle after listening to "Furious."



Riddle talks about his new album:
These songs are a reflection of being part of something bigger than just me,” Jeremy says. “Through some significant growth in understanding and living out humility from a very independent place, I’ve shifted into a place where I can’t even claim this record is completely inspired by me. There are so many elements of the album that could never have flowed from me had I not been connected to people walking out life with me.” Of all adjectives in the English language to title a worship record, “furious” – also the name of the album’s lead single – will certainly draw some attention and, perhaps, even some misperception of Jeremy’s emotional state. “It’s pretty hard to confuse what the song’s all about when listening to it in context,” he says. “Part of the wonder of our relationship with God is that it’s not predictable…and often confusing. It’s how Aslan – the iconic C.S. Lewis character – is described: ‘He’s not a tame lion; but He’s good.’ In the Bible, Job never got answers to his many questions, but he ultimately saw God and came to understand what He was doing – and it led him to repentance. I’m hoping ‘Furious’ will have that impact in a worship setting.

I loved this album. These songs were powerful and inspirational. Riddle is a mature singer and musician who demonstrates obvious passion for Christ and God. I was utterly impressed by his ability to skillfully perform slow, melodic, soulful songs and also high energy, sock-rocking praise music. Each end of the spectrum and all the spaces in between are well performed by Riddle.

Furious, the title track, demands attention. It has hints of the U-2 sound and is so moving. I can't help but sway back and fourth or nod my head. Fall Afresh, the first track, is acoustic. It is sensitive and moving--a truly beautiful track. In fact, it is one of Riddle's personal favorites. “Two songs from the new record – ‘Love Came Down’ and ‘One Thing Remains’ – have made it into the set almost every single time I’ve led worship this year,” Jeremy says. “I’ve seen the power these songs have had on people and I know how they connect. There’s a great hope in me that these will be sung in church for quite some time.”

Learn more about Jeremy, his tour dates, or his albums. Connect with him on Facebook or Twitter or win his album HERE!

*Mandatory Entry*
Please tell me, in a blog comment, why you would like to win this album.

*Extra Entries*
Visit Jeremy's website and tell me something you learned.
Like Jeremy on Facebook.
Follow Jeremy on Twitter.
Be my Google Friend.
Like Me on Facebook. (+2 Entries)
Like Me through Networked Blogs.
Follow Me on Twitter.

Winner will be chosen on Sunday, November 27th. Entries will end at 12:01 am. If the chosen winner (via random number generator) does not respond within 72 hours, I will choose another winner. If there is no way in which I can contact you, another winner will be chosen.
Good luck and blessings to all!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

As one can tell from my previous blog reviews, I love heart-felt movies that are family friendly. When I watch a movie, I would like to be moved, in a positive way. I'm happy to tell my readers about another one of those great movies. Hallmark has a reputation for reliable and quality family-friendly tv programs and movies. Most recently they released The Shunning. Here is a synopsis:
"Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead. Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she's adopted. The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling "The Heritage of Lancaster County" book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield."
The author, Beverly Lewis, was born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country and is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Lewis to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with "The Shunning," which has sold more than one million copies. In 2007, Lewis' "The Brethren" was honored with a Christy Award. The acting in this movie is fabulous as well as the story-line. For a story about an Amish family, it is intriguing and held my attention. The plot and acting was very believable and it was interesting to have a peek into the Amish culture. There were intense moments, moments of pure innocence, touching moments, moments that provoked sympathy, and moments of celebration. To summarize, it was a dynamic, quality movie which I highly enjoyed and would recommend to anybody.

As I was blessed to receive and review this movie, so shall a reader.

*Mandatory Entry*
Please tell me, in a blog comment, why you would like to win this DVD.

*Extra Entries*
Visit The Shunning Website and tell me something you learned.
Like The Shunning on Facebook.
Be my Google Friend.
Like Me on Facebook. (+2 Entries)
Like Me through Networked Blogs.
Follow Me on Twitter.

Winner will be chosen on Sunday, November 20th. Entries will end at 12:01 am. If the chosen winner (via random number generator) does not respond within 72 hours, I will choose another winner. If there is no way in which I can contact you, another winner will be chosen.
Good luck and blessings to all!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Previously I have reviewed flipflop wines and have been 100% satisfied. They are a fairly new brand and have very affordable prices, without sacrificing taste. This time I had the opportunity to taste the Moscato.
Moscato is a white wine, on the sweeter side (but not dessert-sweet), and less dry than other wines. These grapes are harvested in California and are most often recommended for dining with white courses (chicken, lean pork, etc.) though I maintain that whatever tastes good to you is what you should do (taste great with a steak? have it with a steak!). Like most white wines, it is most certainly best served chilled.
This wine was fantastic. It was smooth, light, and crisp. It was incredibly refreshing after a long day of work. This is a perfect summer wine for picnics, barbeques, bonfires, etc. It had light citrus flavors and even lighter floral notes to ensure that they aren't overwhelming. The flavors all blended to ensure a smooth finish.
I'm not the only one who is a fan of this wine. In 2010 the flipflop Moscato earned Double Gold at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest, most influential international wine competition in America. In addition, none other than Wine Enthusiast Magazine gave flipflop Moscato a “Best Buy” in the June issue of the magazine. I would certainly agree!

Theo is an old man who teaches his mice friend, Belfry and Luther, about the essential message of the Gospel. This particular DVD is two short cartoons (to maintain attention!) that are simple and easy to follow--perfect for people of ALL ages! The creator, Michael Joens, is certainly not a newcomer to animation. He has created productions for such companies as Milton Bradley, Hasbro, McDonald's, and Playskool. This cartoon fulfills his wish to help spread the Good News of the Gospel to children and adults everywhere. The animation was adorable, the message is vital, and the characters are easy to relate to.

Find out more about this great cartoon:

Web: http://www.theopresents.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theopresents?ref=ts
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Theo-Gods-Love/dp/B005ETZEPI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314304071&sr=8-1

FREE app (available now for iPhone and iPad): http://www.theopresents.com/

Church Curriculum available now (from LifeWay Christian Stores): http://www.lifeway.com/Product/theo-church-edition-foundations-of-faith-P005397446

I'm happy to announce that one lucky reader will get their own copy of Theo! Giveaway will end Sunday, October 16th at 11:59 pm CST. Good luck!

*Mandatory Entry*
Please tell me, in a blog comment, why you would like to win this DVD.

*Extra Entries*
Visit the Theo website and tell me something you learned.
Like Theo on Facebook.
Be my Google Friend.
Like Me on Facebook. (+2 Entries)
Like Me through Networked Blogs.
Follow Me on Twitter.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services
mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I
only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:
"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.