Shadow in Serenity

Shadow in Serenity

by: Terri Blackstock

Publisher: Zondervan

Page count: 352 Pages

USD: $14.99

On Sale Date: September 27, 2011

Genre: FICTION/Christian/Suspense

Summary from the publisher: At the age of 17, Carny Sullivan broke free from the traveling carnival and scamming visitors with her dad, and moved to the safe town of Serenity, Texas. Now with a house of her own, a young son and a new life with people who love her, Carny is very protective of her new hometown. But Carny still knows a con artist when she sees one, and when charming, slick Logan Brisco arrives to dupe her town, she is determined to reveal his greedy intentions to all. Carny may be Brisco's biggest match.


Never having had a real family, Brisco becomes comfortable in the quaint, welcoming town, and the lure of the townspeople love may be just what he needs to change his criminal ways. Despite Carny's anger towards Brisco and her attempts to expose his scam to the townspeople, Carny learns the truth about the man behind that suave smile. It would take a miracle to change him, but she's seen that kind of redemption firsthand.

My take:  I've been reading and reviewing Christian Fiction for a while now and it never gets old for me.  I particularly like when the book is also a mystery or a romance.  "Shadow in Serenity" is classified as SUSPENSE by it's publisher but I think that label is incorrect; the story is a romance - an unlikely romance between a believer and a non-believer - but not suspenseful in the least.  It IS a great story though.  Carney is a reformed sinner who, through the love and grace of God, turned her life around.  She and her little boy live in a small town in Texas where she runs an airport/flying school.  Her parents, who are unrepentant con-artists still, are in sporadic contact with her, which is just the way she likes it (so they do not influence her young son).  When Brisco blows into town, she knows immediately that he is just like her parents and will take her fellow (gullible) townspeople for all their money.   The question is, can she expose him in time? You'll have to read the book to find out.  I will tell you too, Brisco is not a completely unsympathetic character; he had quite a bit of bad luck growing up so his "career choice," if you will, wasn't entirely his choice.  But now, in Serenity, he has the chance to make the right choice, with Carney's help and with the Grace of God.  "Shadow in Serenity" may be the first Terri Blackstock novel I've ever read, but it won't be the last.    Four stars.

Bonus:  Book trailer on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ulTDVZrcLE

About the author: Terri Blackstock has sold six million books worldwide and is a ”New York Times” bestselling author. With over 25 years of success as a novelist, Blackstock's most recent novel, “Vicious Cycle,” debuted on the ”New York Times” bestseller list. The first book in the Intervention Series, “Intervention” is a “New York Times” bestseller and a 2010 Carol Award Winner. Other Blackstock favorites include ”Predator” and “Double Minds,” as well as the Restoration Series, the Newpointe 911 Series, the Cape Refuge Series and the SunCoast Chronicles series. For more information, please visit www.terriblackstock.com.

This review was sponsored by Zondervan who provided the book for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.  My opinions are my own.

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook!

The Wonder of Your Love (book review)

The Wonder of Your Love

By Beth Wiseman

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 4, 2011)
Language: English
List Price: $15.99

Book Description: Katie Ann lost the love of her life. Then God offers her a new beginning in Colorado.


Katie Ann Stolzfus lives in the small Amish community of Canaan, Colorado. At forty she is widowed and raising her first child. But baby Jonas will never know his father, and Katie Ann wonders if her Heavenly Father hasn't forgotten about her as well. Is it really God's plan for her to be a single parent?


Eli Detweiler has come to Canaan for a wedding and a long vacation. Having raised six children following the death of his young wife, Eli is finally an empty-nester. He's enjoying the slower pace of having no one to care for but himself.


When Katie Ann and Eli meet, there is an instant connection. Yet as strong as the attraction is, they both acknowledge that a romance would never work. He is done parenting, while she has just begun.


But as their friendship slowly blossoms into feelings that are as frightening as they are intoxicating, Katie Ann and Eli question if the plans they made for themselves are in line with God's plans.


Can Katie Ann entrust her heart to another man, and rediscover the wonder of God's love?


My take:  I happen to love Amish fiction, especially romances.  So when "The Wonder of Your Love" was offered for review (in electronic form), I signed up for it right away. What I didn't realize (until after I read the book), was that this is book two of The Land of Canaan Series by Beth Wiseman. However, it stands alone so well, I had no idea (though I liked it so much I think I need to get the first book!)  What made this book different from other Amish fiction I've read, is the characters actually have human flaws - they aren't portrayed as perfect followers of the faith.  Katie Ann is a widow but her husband was killed while he was actually living with his mistress elsewhere.  Eli is quite a bit older than her and wants to travel and relax (almost unheard of from these hardworking men and women - in fact, there is some discussion in the book on whether or not his Bishop will allow the travel).  Of course, you know they will fall for each other; the only question is whether they can make it work.  Can they trust in God and His plan for them? Can they trust in each other? You'll have to read the book to find out!

This review was sponsored by Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson) who provided the book (in electronic format) for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.  My opinions are my own.

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook!

The Baker's Wife (book review)

The Baker's Wife

By Erin Healy

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 4, 2011)
Language: English
List Price: $15.99

Book Description: If what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, why is Audrey growing weaker by the day? When her husband Geoff, a pastor, lost his job after a scandal rocked their congregation, Audrey's never lost faith. They decide to resurrect a failing bakery as a way to heal family wounds and restore their place in the community. Running late to the bakery one foggy morning, Audrey strikes a vehicle. Emerging from her car into the fog, she discovers she hit a motor scooter. But there’s no rider in sight. Just blood.


The absence of the driver is a mystery, especially to Sergeant Jack Mansfield, the detective and church member responsible for firing Geoff from his pulpit. The scooter belongs to Jack’s wife, Julie, a teacher at the local high school, who has vanished…like morning fog.


Though there is no evidence to support Jack’s growing suspicion that Audrey and Geoff were involved in Julie’s disappearance, the detective is convinced of their guilt. When he takes the tiny bakery and its patron’s hostage, Audrey must unravel the secret of Julie’s disappearance and her own mysterious suffering before Jack hits his breaking point.

My take: This is the first book I've read in electronic form for a review (I downloaded it to my Nook).  I have to tell you, while I love the feel and look of a "real book," I do enjoy the convenience of having several books at my disposal at once with the Nook.  Anyway, I asked to review "The Baker's Wife" because it appeared to be a book right up my alley - combining my twin reading interests of mystery and Christian fiction.  The book did not disappoint - with just the right amount of both to keep me interested.  The main character is Audrey - and she may be a "Baker's Wife" when the story opens but she was a "Pastor's Wife."  For reasons that are revealed slowly as you read, she and her husband left the ministry (not through choice) and opened a bakery.  The man that forced them out is Jack and he is the embodiment of all that I think is wrong with Christianity today - a hard liner who believes in strict justice - his God is cruel and judgmental.  And these beliefs warped him to the point of where he lost touch with reality.  At that point, it's up to Audrey, with her gift of the Spirit to feel what others are feeling, to figure out the mystery of where Jack's wife Julie really is.  From start to finish, I loved this book.  I stayed up late, I read at stoplights, I devoured the book.  Five stars.

This review was sponsored by Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson) who provided the book (in electronic form) for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.  My opinions are my own.

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook!

Fairy Tales Hair Care

From Team Mom:  Pencils and erasers are not the only thing students are bringing back to school this September.  Did you know that 85% of all school districts in the U.S. report at least one case of head lice every year and that the majority of the 12 million cases reported annually occur in preschool and elementary school-aged children?

From the company: Our Rosemary Repel® line is infused with organic herbs of rosemary, citronella, lavender, and tea tree oil – all fragrances which have been shown to help repel lice. A study done in the Israeli Medical Journal showed that citronella was the most effective herb- but we already knew that! Our products were independently tested and proven to be nearly 100% effective when used together and according to instructions. Our Lice Good-Bye uses all natural yeast enzymes to dissolve nit “glue” and break down the skeletal system of a louse and nit (egg) – a much more effective treatment than products such as Rid or Nix.

Rosemary Repel® 12 oz Combo with Gel

The whole Rosemary Repel® line in one convenient package. Kit includes one each of the following:

12 oz. Rosemary Repel Shampoo

8 oz. Rosemary Repel Crème Conditioner

8 oz. Rosemary Repel Leave-in Conditioning Spray

8 oz. Rosemary Repel Alcohol Free Styling Gel

Created in 1999, Fairy Tales Hair Care is the worldwide leader in lice prevention! Rosemary Repel products are infused with organic oils of rosemary, citronella, tea tree, lavender, anise, cinnamon, peppermint and geranium to create a barrier of protection on the hair to keep styles in and lice out. Vitamins A, E, jojoba, aloe and panthenol are added to make hair silky soft, manageable and protected from head lice and other insects. Perfect for everyday use. SLS and paraben free, too.

Directions: Shampoo and Crème Condition every few days, remember, lice like clean hair, not dirty! Use the Rosemary Repel Leave-in Conditioning Spray EACH morning before school, camp or daycare. Spray the back of the neck, behind ears and tops of shoulders. Then, use the Gel to put the final “seal” on the hair shaft – creating a perfect barrier of protection.

Price: $38.95

My take:  September for us means back to school.  September also happens to be Head Lice Prevention Month and as you read above, the occurrence of lice in school tends to be a WHEN question rather than an IF question.  Now take a look at my daughter's hair:

That right there is a visual of how much hair I have to protect from lice outbreaks.  Not to mention the hair on my almost 9 year old son, though his is short (last year, his class had outbreak after outbreak of lice, without stop).  So I think I might have begged a little to try out Fairy Tales Hair Care (repel lice naturally without harsh chemicals? Count me in!).  Anyway.  We received the four piece package you see above to try out.  I'll tell you right off that the combination of rosemary oil, citronella oil and tree tree oil is a VERY strong smell.  When I use the shampoo on my daughter, she pronounces it "HORRIBLE" smelling.  My son just thinks it's strong but not horrible.  Me?  Eh, it is strong but only when lathering up.  After you rinse, you can hardly smell it.  But I bet potential lice invaders can still smell it!  The Leave-In conditioning spray is cool because it also works as a great detangler - two in one products I like.  And my daughter doesn't complain about that one so much.  She doesn't even notice it once I'm done with her hair.  And combined with daily use of the shampoo has proven to be almost 100% effective as a lice preventative.  I'm ALL about that.  Looks like Fairy Tale Hair Care will be on our permanent shopping list.  If you have kids in school, you owe it to yourself to check these products out for yourself!

Bonus:  Fairy Tales Hair Care was also reviewed on Parents.com!
Bonus 2:  Check out their downloadable brochure, "The Facts of Lice" for more information

About the company: Fairy Tales Hair Care was created over 20 years ago in the Fairy Tales Salon in Hewlett, NY. For years, parents would ask the stylists what were these products that made their children’s hair so soft and manageable. But our stylists just smiled and said it was our secret recipe! The Fairy Tales Hair Care line was launched nationally in 1999 with great success! Within one week of our launch, Rosie O’ Donnell was showing off her bottle of Rosemary Repel Shampoo on her talk show. We were a hit! Parents and kids love these natural products loaded with organic herbs to cleanse, condition style and most importantly, help repel hair lice. Read more...

I am proud to be a member of Team Mom, which sponsored this review. I received no compensation beyond the product mentioned in the review above, which was provided by Fairy Tales Hair Care and Team Mom.  My opinions are my own.

The Buddies are Back in a Spooktacular Adventure!

SPOOKY BUDDIES premieres on Blu-ray, DVD and Movie Download from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on September 20th!

For a goulish good time, catch Rosebud, B-Dawg, Buddah, Budderball, and Mudbud in their all-new Halloween-themed movie! SPOOKY BUDDIES continues the overwhelmingly popular franchise that features the adorable talking puppies, with action, laughs, and fast-paced adventure.

Actors: Sage Ryan, Sierra McCormick, Elisa Donovan, Harland Williams, Jennifer Elise Cox

Directors: Robert Vince

Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)

Number of discs: 1

Rated: G (General Audience)

Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

DVD Release Date: September 20, 2011

Run Time: 88 minutes

List Price: $29.99

Disney's irresistible talking puppies are back in an all-new movie that takes them far across town to a mysterious mansion where something very spooky is going on. With the help of some unexpected new friends including a friendly ghost this exciting adventure is howling-good Buddy fun.
In a race against a no good hound, the Buddies and their new friends, Pip, Zelda, Rodney, and Skip, must stop Warwick the Warlock and save the world from his dastardly deeds.
Overflowing with action, humor, and a bag full of bonus features, Spooky Buddies is a Spooktacular adventure that treats you to a celebration of friendship and teamwork your whole family will enjoy.


Special Features


•All-New Music Video "Monster Mash" -- Performed By The Cast Of Disney's SHAKE IT UP
•Sneak Peek: Disney's TREASURE BUDDIES
•DIGS: Rosebud Edition -- Join Rosebud As She Invites You Into Her Home For An Exciting Tour

SPOOKY BUDDIES Dog Biscuit Recipe, Family Night Viewing Party Tips, and Activity Sheet (click here for downloadable .pdf links)

SPOOKY BUDDIES Slideshow

This post was written for Click Communications. I was not compensated in any way except for a complimentary DVD that I will receive on or about 9/20/2011.

Making Silly Faces - CD music review and giveaway

Making Silly Faces

by: In The Nick of Time

2010 PARENTS’ CHOICE® GOLD AWARD WINNER

IN THE NICK OF TIME

CELEBRATES POP MUSIC FROM THE ‘70s TO NOW

ON HIS NEW KIDS’ CD

From the PR Firm – With a 2010 Parents’ Choice® Gold Award for his album, People, Places & Things, proudly in hand, independent children’s musician and preschool teacher Nick Deysher – who records and performs as In The Nick of Time – eagerly anticipates the September 6 release of his fifth studio CD, Making Silly Faces.


Noted for eclectic recordings that feature a smooth blend of rock, pop, disco, reggae, rap, jazz and funk, Nick Deysher and In The Nick of Time draw on a lush expanse of musical influences from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and beyond. Explains Nick, “I grew up listening to kids’ music by Bill Harley, Barry Louis Polisar and, of course, the Sesame Street records. I’m always amazed by how many of those songs I remember! My mom had all the Beatles albums on vinyl, and I sort of felt like they were uncles I never met. I try to pay homage to my influences on each of my CDs. Careful listeners will hear hints of Bob Marley, Johnny Cash, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, The Ramones and many others (even Snoop Dogg).”


Celebrating the sounds of popular music from the ‘70s to the present day, Making Silly Faces opens with “The Sun Is Up (And So Am I),” a classic rock tune in the style of bands like The Rolling Stones, and then shifts easily to the funky hip-hop sounds of the album’s title track. From there, the music keeps on coming in a deluge of creativity, ranging from Latin mambo rhythms on “I Tried It ... I Liked It” to the Stevie Wonder-inspired “High Five Hive” to a ‘70s disco tune (“Dancing Pants”) that’s sure to get parents and kids on the floor doing their best John Travolta moves. “In The Nick of Time” picks up the sound of melodic rock groups like U2 and Coldplay, while the pop/dance “Slumber Party” is reminiscent of Pink, Lady Gaga and Rhianna. “Punk Rocks” is a driving, punk rock song about – well -- rocks! There’s even a salute to Led Zeppelin.


Says Nick Deysher, “When I started recording Making Silly Faces I wanted to create an album that spoke to the kid in me who remembers hearing this kind of music growing up. The themes relate directly to my childhood (making silly faces, picky eating, patience). Lyrically, I was writing to the little kid who loved to joke around but hated to try new things. Musically, I was borrowing bits and pieces of my favorite songs and groups.”

My Take:  Nick Deysher has created an album that, in 13 songs, is a mix of more music genre's than I have ever heard on one CD.  I listened to the CD several times before I even read the press release (I typically don't read the release until I write the review, so as not to influence my opinion).  And as I was listening to "Slumber Party," I said to myself, "Wow, that sounds just like Lady Gaga (techno-pop style)."  Which was nothing like the rest of the CD - read the press release above - I agree 100% that each song celebrates a different style and genre. I swear to you one song ("In the Nick of Time") even sounded like "The Monkees!" There's even a classic pirate shanty style song with "Pirates Never Say Please." "The Sun is Up" is a fun rock song I like to turn on at least once a week to get my 7 year old up and moving.  "I tried it, I liked it" is a great reinforcement for our house "rule" of trying something before you say "yuck!"  "You've Got to Have Patience" is a song I think my 8 year old needs to memorize :-)  All and all, "Making Silly Faces" is a fun CD for child and parent alike.  I look forward to hearing more from Mr. Deysher.

Track Listing

1. The Sun is Up
2. Making Silly Faces
3. Dancing Pants
4. Pirates Never Say Please
5. High Five Hive
6. Abajo/Arriba
7. In the Nick of Time
8. I Tried It, I Liked It!
9. Punk Rocks
10. Slumber Party
11. It's Easy Being Green
12. You've Got to Have Patience
13. Let's Hear it for the Band

About the Artist: Nick Deysher is inspired not only by the music he’s heard and loved through the years, but also by day-to-day interactions with the kids he’s taught. He explains, “Making children’s music has been a natural thing for me because it’s a lot like teaching, and I’ve been teaching -- as a camp counselor, babysitter, music instructor, preschool teacher -- since I was a kid myself. Also, I’ve never really reached a point where I forgot what it was like to be 3 or 8 or 15.” In fact, Nick’s remarkable ability to connect with young children has earned him the affectionate nickname “The Toddler Whisperer.” After completing his undergraduate education as a jazz composition major at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, Nick took a break to teach preschool, where his popularity soared because he made learning fun by incorporating his musical abilities into every lesson and activity. Nick went on to earn a master’s degree in Media Writing and Studio Music Production from the University of Florida’s prestigious Frost School of Music. The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honored Nick in 2006 for his contribution to children’s music by presenting him with the prestigious Fred Rogers Memorial Scholarship.



Nick Deysher has released four previous In The Nick of Time albums, One Man Band (2001), In The Nick of Time (2003), Coconut Groove (2007), and the Parents’ Choice® Gold Award winning People, Places & Things (2009). Nick lives in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood with his wife, Tracey (who sings on his albums), and dog, Lucy (who barks on his albums). http://inthenickoftimemusic.com

The giveaway:  WIN IT!  One lucky winner will win his/her very own copy of Making Silly Faces! {US and Canadian addresses only please}

To win: Leave me a comment telling me  Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Friday, September 23, 2011. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 8 extra entries for a total of 9 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)

• Share this giveaway on any of your Social Networking sites (like Twitter and/or Facebook) and come back here with a link to your post/tweet (you can have up to two entries - be sure to leave 2 comments)

• Follow me on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)

• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)

• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)

• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect (see top left sidebar)

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook!

P.P.S.: New Facebook rules do not allow contest entries for "Liking" facebook pages.

This review was sponsored by Waldmania! PR who provided the CD for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary CD.

U R SOME 1 (CD music review and giveaway)

U R Some 1

For ages 4 - 12

Label: Big Round Records

SRP: $11.99

Run time: 32 minutes

Highlighting Self-Esteem for Kids - U R SOME 1 - A "Best Foot Forward" CD from Recess Music

POSITIVE, UPBEAT MUSIC FOR DYNAMIC KIDS and FAMILIES

THE NEWEST “BEST FOOT FORWARD” CD FROM RECESS MUSIC

From the PR Firm – Recess Music, a company dedicated to helping kids value a world that is wise, fair, and generous hearted, looks forward to the October 18 release of U R Some 1, the second in its “Best Foot Forward” series of CDs. U R Some 1 joins Recess Music’s recently released Big Bully in launching the “Best Foot Forward” series.


All the songs on U R Some 1 highlight self-esteem as a key ingredient for living in harmony with others by celebrating the concept that “there is no one quite like you, and you are perfect just the way you are!” This happy, upbeat album also affirms for kids that all humans are “the same and different AND different and the same.” U R Some 1’s musical adventure in self-awareness includes 12 tracks that showcase contributions by a sampling of today’s most gifted kids’ musicians, including Peter Himmelman, Anna Moo, and Katherine Dines.


U R Some 1 opens with the welcoming message of “U R U,” featuring the friendly voices of The Happy Crowd. The album offers up some nifty scientific info on “Body Parts” by Amy Lowe and the rollicking “The Five Senses Boogie” by The Bee’s Knees. Katherine Dines extols the power of imagination on “It’s Amazing What You Can Do With Your Brain.” Anna Moo’s joyous, 12-bar blues, “You’re An Animal Too.” is sure to get kids up and dancing. Slugs and Bugs’ Woody Guthrie-influenced “Piggy Little Toes” is a showcase for some exquisite five-string banjo and fiddle playing. The country sounds of The Coles’ “Put Your Happy Face On” are guaranteed to cheer up little ones who are having a rough day. Seth Decker encourages kids not to follow the crowd but, rather, to “Follow Your Nose.” Likewise, a “listen to the voice inside you” message is endorsed by Palo Colorado on his smooth, easy listening “Still Small Voice.” A breathtakingly beautiful a capella preamble enhances the anti-war message of Lisa Atkinson’s “Arms Are For Hugging.” Peter Himmelman incorporates Big Band sounds on “Feet,” an ode to the pedal extremities featuring his highly entertaining backup singers. The Swingset Mamas, exuding style and confidence, bring the album to an inspirational close with a happy beat on their “Great To Be Me”.


Recess Music’s “Best Foot Forward” series could be thought of as the musical complement to a hip, up-to-date, and entirely relevant “course in manners” that reinforces a profound subtext and encourages kids to be the very best they can be. Almost all children really want to have friends and be good playmates, but to achieve these objectives they must learn key social structures and conventions, such as how to say, “I’m sorry” or how to live by the rule of “no put-downs” toward others. 


The folks at Recess Music hope that their music will help to encourage discussion among parents, children, and educators about harmony, understanding, social justice, and global peace, as well as the particular challenges caused by the unfortunate presence of intimidation and bullying behavior on our social landscape.

U R Some 1 will be available online at www.recessmusic.com, amazon.com and its international affiliates, iTunes, and brick and mortar retailers throughout the U.S.

My take:  Confession - my daughter and I are fast becoming Recess Music groupies.  First we fell in love with the Wild Child CD.  Then we received U R SOME 1 to listen to (I confess, every time I see that title, my mind says "you are awesome" instead of "you are someone" so subliminally at least, I know I like myself!).  Oh. My. Goodness.  This CD has quickly become our very favorite to dance to (What? You don't have regular dance time with your daughter?!  You should - it's fun!!).  The music genres on this CD are all over the place but I must confess I like the Big Band/Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy type music the best (I totally just made up that genre) - The Five Senses Boogie is my favorite AND my daughter's.  Even better?  She is studying the Five Senses in school and brought the CD in to share the song with her teacher.  Her teacher loved it so much she's borrowed the CD for the week!  Now, I know "see, smell, taste, touch, hear" is my favorite track, but the rest is fun too.  U R U is a fun dance song about the wonderful uniqueness of us all.  Body Parts TEACHES about your body as if you just took a science test about it.  Sneaky, getting some learning in there!  I could go song by song this way, but I'd rather you hear it for yourself - keep reading for how to win your own copy!

Song Listing:


1 U R U | The Happy Crowd
2 Body Parts | Amy Lowe
3 It’s Amazing What You Can Do With Your Brain | Katherine Dines
4 Still Small Voice | Palo Colorado
5 You’re An Animal Too | Anna Moo
6 Piggy Little Toes | Slugs and Bugs
7 Put Your Happy Face On | The Coles
8 Follow Your Nose | Seth Decker
9 Five Senses Boogie | The Bee’s Knees
10 Arms Are For Hugging | Lisa Atkinson
11 Feet | Peter Himmelman
12 Great To Be Me | Swingset Mamas
13 Can You Imagine | Leslie Bixler

About Nancy Doan: While experiencing a multi-faceted life as a mother, wife, and minister, Nancy Doan became convinced of the need to make the world a better place through a two-fold approach: sustaining our environment and teaching kindness. Because music held a prominent place in both her own childhood and her experiences as a mother, Nancy developed an appreciation of the power of music as an educational tool. When the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus dictated a career change, she cast about for a way to continue to serve the causes to which she had dedicated her life. This search ultimately led to the creation of Recess Music, as a company dedicated to the twin goals of environmental awareness and social empathy through its “Celebrate Earth” and “Best Foot Forward” series of recordings.

The giveaway:  WIN IT BEFORE YOU CAN BUY IT!  One lucky winner will win his/her very own copy of U R SOME 1! {US and Canadian addresses only please}

To win: Leave me a comment telling me the name of another Recess Music CD. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Thursday, September 22, 2011. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 8 extra entries for a total of 9 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)

• Share this giveaway on any of your Social Networking sites (like Twitter and/or Facebook) and come back here with a link to your post/tweet (you can have up to two entries - be sure to leave 2 comments)

• Follow me on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)

• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)

• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)

• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect (see top left sidebar)

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook!

P.P.S.: New Facebook rules do not allow contest entries for "Liking" facebook pages.

This review was sponsored by Waldmania! PR who provided the CD for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary CD.

You Were Made to Make a Difference

You Were Made to Make a Difference

By Max Lucado and Jenna Lucado Bishop

Published by Thomas Nelson
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 14, 2010)
Language: English
List Price: $14.99

Book Description:  Want to change the world? Did you know You Were Made to Make a Difference?


This adaptation of Outlive Your Life for teens offers practical tips youth can take out into their community to make a difference, plus real-life stories about those who have done just that. Teens learn that God can use them to make a difference right now. He wants to use them today, without waiting for them to be older, stronger, richer, or even more “together.” God can use their minds, their spirits, and their hands and feet to make permanent change for His kingdom.


Also included are valuable resources, interesting facts about the needy in the world and how little it takes to make a big difference, and other interactive elements such as journaling opportunities for writing personal ideas and service goals.


Teens will learn that their role in life is bigger than themselves, and that they’re not too young to make a difference for God.

My take:  Back in January, I reviewed the adult "companion" book to this one (called Outlive Your Life: Made to Make a Difference).  You may recall that I am pretty much a Max Lucado groupie, so it's no surprise I wanted to take a look at the teen version of that powerful book.  In partnership with his daughter and author Natalie Gillespie, Mr. Lucado has crafted a very well made "guidebook", if you will, that teens can follow in order to make a difference.  Think back to when you were younger.  I'm sure you, like me, felt you were too small, too young and too inexperienced to make a difference in anyone's life.  And to be honest, many of our best youth may feel that way to the point of despair.  For that reason alone, this book should be required reading for all youth looking for a purpose.  For it is my belief that we best serve ourselves by serving others first.  The format of the book is definitely geared towards a younger generation than mine - put together like a scrapbook, or a pin board, with notes, words from the bible and pictures from the authors mis-mashed together, it's hard for me to take in all at once.  It ends with a section for readers to write in their own Random Acts of Kindness (with suggestions "pinned" on those pages).  This is definitely a book I'll be reading WITH my children as I raise them to be less "entitled" and more caring of others.

More information at: Facebook.com/upwordsministry Twitter.com/maxlucado Twitter.com/lucadoteam Community.maxlucado.com

About the Author: Max Lucado, Minister of Writing and Preaching for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, is the husband of Denalyn and father of Jenna, Andrea, and Sara. On a good week he reads a good book, has a few dinners with his wife, and breaks 90 on the golf course.

This review was sponsored by Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson) who provided the book for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.

Bounce it Off Millions

From One 2 One: Life is full of difficult, but important choices. Need advice on whether to go to Mexico or the Maldives for your honeymoon? Can’t decide whether you should live in the suburbs or the city? Bounce Fanatics can help you make these important decisions— kind of like deciding between the Bounce Dryer Bar and Bounce dryer sheets!


Starting August 22nd, head over to Facebook.com/Bounce, click on the “Bounce it Off Millions” app, and submit a question that you need help making a decision on. Your question will be turned into a poll, and otherBounce fanatics will be able to vote on it so that you can make the right choice!


To celebrate the four weeks of Bounce it Off Millions, four lucky users will be chosen to win a grand prize—the chance to turn their life’s great questions into a Facebook-wide advertisement, inviting Facebook’s 150+ million users to help you decide between your two options!


Also on the Bounce Facebook page during this time, fans can enter a special sweepstakes for the chance to win two Bounce Dryer Bars—one to keep, and one for a friend. 5,000 winners will be chosen.
The Bounce it Off Millions Contest ends on September 17th.


My take: Decisions, decisions.  Go to college, join the armed forces or go to work?  Finish school first or get married?  Have a baby or not?  Go back to school or not?  Take this job or that one?  We make decisions just about all our lives, even to the end (burial or cremation?).  And most of us have more than enough advice given to us by people who love us.  But do you ever wish you could have a truly independent person help you decide?  Someone whose opinion is not colored by how they feel about you? Now you can find such a person - a million such persons - if you'd like to ask your question on the Bounce Facebook page.  And if you do, you might see your question featured in a Facebook ad! So head on over and post a question on their wall.  In the meantime, I'll be mulling over what question I'll post (this sure would have come in handy back when I was debating private vs. public school).

This review was sponsored by the:

I am a member of One2One Network and this post is part of a member project where I am eligible to win prizing. My opinions are my own.

Petz Bunnyz Bunch (review)

Petz Bunnyz Bunch

From the company: In Ubisoft’s Petz Bunnyz, care for the cutest and most remarkable bunch of bunnyz. Raise them in your house and show them their new home. Teach them how to follow you when called upon, hop up on furniture, and even play music! On top of being absolutely adorable, these bunnies have personality! They know exactly what they want and know how to show you, so if you take good care of them they'll surprise you with games of hide-and-seek or other treats.


KEY FEATURES:


• Adopt your own family of bunnyz, choosing from a variety of breeds and personalities – Choose between 8 different breeds, each with unique personalities and preferences. See their excitement when you give them their favorite foods, or watch their silly reactions when they dislike like a toy. Bunnyz might change their favorite toys, so pay attention to their personalities and make sure they are happy.


• New fun activities – Give your bunnyz exercise by teaching them to follow you around the room, or toss toys between each other. Help your bunny become smarter by playing a game of hot and cold and searching for items. Bunnyz can even show their musical side! Teach your bunny to follow your sound and he will be jamming in no time.


• More ways to bond – The living room is your bunnyz new home. Show them their new toys, teach them how to get around, and even ask them to hop up to join you on the sofa.


• Bunnyz go on an adventure – Send your bunnyz to Petz World virtual world, and be one of the few with a bunny to play with. On Petz World, your petz will be able to travel the world, set out on extraordinary adventures and meet tons of other petz! Meet the wild animals of Kenya, help lost poodles in Paris and even enjoy the sunny beaches of Hawaii.

My take:  In April of this year, we bought both kids their first portable game systems with our tax refund money.  After reviewing some recommendations from friends, we settled on the Nintendo DSi system.  In no time, both kids mastered their game systems and we purchased our Game Stop membership to save on game purchases.  Let me tell you, those games can add up!  So I'm thrilled to be a UbiChamp for Ubisoft - which means we get games from Ubisoft for the DSi's, to try out and let ya'll know if they are worth spending your hard earned money on.

Well, I can say, if you have a pet lover in your family, this game will be a hit.  We cannot have pets with fur due to allergies in the family (we do have a tortoise and 3 African dwarf frogs though), so my daughter (7 years old now!) has been busy collecting and playing all the "Petz" DSi games she can get her hands on.  When I showed her this one, I swear to you her squeal could be heard next door.  She immediately put it in her game and chose her bunny (you get to choose from eight choices) - a white one she called Fluffy.  She spent the next hour doing various activities with her bunny, building up credits to "purchase" toys for her play with. Let me tell you, she was lost in Fluffy World.  Believe it or not, reading the screens also helps strengthen her burgeoning reading ability so I was happy too.  And the game came in handy during our 7 hour drive to see the Grandparents this last weekend too.  I have to say, Petz Bunnyz Bunch is another hit for UbiSoft! 5 stars.

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook!

Explore the New Universe of Moon Dough (review)

From Team Mom: Moon Dough (for children ages 3 and up) has a brand new dough formula. What does that mean? This amazing new dough now features a better consistency for molding and is less crumbly.  This no-mess dough still never dries out, so you can use it again and again. This odor-free dough has brighter and more vibrant colors than before so kids will have a blast sculpting the molding dough into fun creations! There are a number of Moon Dough play sets to choose from, including Moon Dough Push N' Pop Ocean Palls, Moon Dough Snack Shop and this one:

Moon Dough Breakfast Set. Suggested Retail Price: $9.99. Create your own delicious breakfast with the Moon Dough Breakfast Set! Create Pancakes, Waffles and Toast in one easy step with the new Push and Pop Tools. Just Push, Pop, and Play! Stack up your creations, pile on the toppings, and serve up your own breakfast meal! And because Moon Dough never dries out, you can make tons of fun creations - again and again! Soft, light, wheat-free and non-drying, Moon Dough is out of this world! Includes: 3 Push and Pop Tools, Topping Mold, 1.5 oz. Red Moon Dough, 1.5 oz. Yellow Moon Dough, Play mat, Instruction Guide.

My take: We were asked to check out the new and improved Moon Dough (ages 3 and up) by reviewing one of the new Moon Dough Push N’ Pop sets (we received the Breakfast Set described above in detail). It was a year ago that we were first introduced to Moon Dough with the Barn set that my kiddos both loved.  This time around, my 6 year old was the only one interested (my soon to be 9 year old boy has outgrown such endeavors I fear *sigh*).  Unlike the Barn set, this set was easier because of the push and pop pieces - like cookie cutters, she just pushed down on the moon dough to create her "breakfast" (be warned, the box pictures are deceiving - the pieces the set creates are actually small - not life size). She figured out the push and pop pieces herself but needed some help with the twist and pop pieces for the waffle "toppings."  Once I showed her though, she was off to the races.  Why did I like it?  Unlike prior sets, this new formula really was easier to clean up - she didn't have as much stuff on the floor - it acted more like play-dough in consistency that way.  Moon Dough is still a hit in our house and the other sets will be on our Christmas wish list again I'm sure.

Moon Dough is available at Toys "R" Us, Target, Walmart, Kmart, Amazon.com, A.C. Moore, Michaels and eToys. For more information, visit http://www.moondough.com. You can also follow Moon Dough on Twitter and Facebook.

I am proud to be a member of Team Mom, which sponsored this review. I received no compensation beyond the product mentioned in the review above, which was provided by Spin Master and Team Mom.  My opinions are my own.