Chicken Soup for the Soul: All in the Family (review & 2 giveaways)

I think most everyone would admit to having a family that is dysfunctional, right? Most everyone has stories about their in-laws, kid-crazy stories, relatives (in general), family vacations, sibling rivalry, and more. Chicken Soup just came out with a book fit for families to share the funny, heart warming and inspirational stories about all kinds of families and their dysfunctions. "Chicken Soup for the Soul: All in the Family," (released October 2009) has the famous Norman Rockwell painting on the back, and a picture displaying today's family ~may resemble your own. Chicken Soup commissioned a painter to create a loving spoof of the famous Rockwell painting on the front cover.
All in the Family shares 101 stories covering topics such as: family horror stories (Michael Kilpatrick, sharing the story of his little brother, Stevie, falling through the "two holer") and loss stories (Carol Huff sharing a story of cleaning her childhood home after her parents passed away). All in the Family is a great book for laughter and tears, and one to be shared and passed around your family. I recommend this book!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: All in the Family (Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Amy Newmark and Susan Heim) $14.95 available in book stores and/or online now.

WIN IT!
I have the opportunity to host a giveaway on behalf of Chicken Soup for the Soul! There will be two winners. This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States. Contest is open until February 12th, 2010. To enter, leave a comment about a funny family story.

**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about family memories. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was provided from Chicken Soup for the Soul. They have provided me with a book to review and information to share with my readers. I am sponsored to offer 2 giveaway books to giveaway to my readers through this review. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

"God Has Never Failed Me..." & "The Buzzards are Circling..." : Stan Toler

Celebrated author of over 70 books, Stan Toler has touched countless hurting people with his timeless stories of hope and encouragement. Discover Toler’s best-selling books as David C Cook introduces the updated editions of two of Toler’s most beloved collections—"The Buzzards Are Circling, But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet," and "God Has Never Failed Me, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times" (David C Cook, August 2009).
On the landscape of life, buzzards are inevitable—those challenging events and situations that encircle us, eyeing us as prey and swooping down to cause hurt and heartache. A late-night phone call delivering bad news. Losing a job. Struggling with bankruptcy. No matter what form these buzzards take, the pain is universal.

In The Buzzards Are Circling, But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet, Stan Toler takes a lighthearted look at some of life’s more serious subjects. Drawing from his own personal struggles, Toler offers a generous dose of encouragement for the troubled heart, helping readers find hope, joy, and peace, even in the most trying of circumstances. In chapters such as “When the Fountain of Youth Has Rusted” and “I Know I’m Lost, but the Scenery Is Spectacular,” readers will find the strength they need to shoo away any buzzards and face life’s difficulties with the security of knowing that God is in control.

In God Has Never Failed Me, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times, Toler gives a humorous twist to the challenges that place us in faith’s waiting room. Though we know that God’s provision is always on time, we’ve all had close calls waiting for His help. For anyone who has ever felt frazzled, stressed, confused, hurt, angry, undone, or any other emotional response to the difficulties and uncertainties of life, Toler serves up a delightful combination of poignant and hilarious reminders that God is still at work in the world.

Filled with heartwarming stories and humorous anecdotes, this charming collection offers hope and peace for the weary, waiting heart. Toler combines a rich blend of spiritual truths with humorous insights as he reminds God’s children of His unfailing love. Through it all, readers will discover a God who is always faithful, worthy of our trust, and never late with His help.

Author Bio
Stan Toler is senior pastor of Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and was recently elected as the 39th general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene. For several years he taught seminars for Dr. John Maxwell’s INJOY Group, a leadership development institute. He also serves as the executive director of the Toler Leadership Center, located on the campus of Mid-America Christian University, and is the co-founder of BGW Forward in Faith. Toler has written over 70 books, including his bestsellers, God Has Never Failed Me, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times; The Buzzards Are Circling, But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet; God’s Never Late, He’s Seldom Early, He’s Always Right on Time; The Secret Blend; Practical Guide to Pastoral Ministry; Total Quality Life; and his popular Minute Motivator series.
The Buzzards Are Circling, But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet $14.99, and God Has Never Failed Me, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times $14.99 both available at Christianbook.com and Amazon.com.

This review was provided from B&B Media. They have provided me with books to review and information to share with my readers. I was given these books for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

OxiClean Max Force Power Paks and OxiClean Max Force Gel Stick Pre-Treater

Being a mom of a pre-teen, a pre-schooler, a toddler and a baby, we go through a LOT of laundry. The laundry room is always busy with our washer and dryers running, and our kids really "wear" their clothing. Our pre-teen is pretty good on his clothes, but he is nearing those puberty years, and stains under the arms may increase and be tough to get out. Our baby, is the biggest stainer of clothing currently, and he has made cleaning a challenge.
I was excited to try out a brand new product from OxiClean (coming out on shelves this month)~ OxiClean Max Force Power Paks and OxiClean Max Force Gel Stick Pre-treater.
I was very impressed with these two items. First of all, you should all know that I am a busy mom and my husband is very busy as well. We don't always stay on top of putting a stain remover on our kid's clothing before throwing them in the wash machine. Plus, my husband has been doing a good share of the laundry (since I hate it) and he doesn't think of pre-treating clothing that has stains. So, when I threw an OxiClean Power Pak in the load of laundry, I was amazed at how much it helped our clothes. The whites and colors became more vibrant after the load was finished. I like how easy it was to add the packet of the Power Pak...no mess, no drips, and no powders. All you do is throw the Power Pak in the drum of the washer, and your clothes will look so much better!

The Gel Stick Pre-Treater works best on tough stains – even ones that set-in on clothes for a week! Just rub the gel into the fabric and let it sit for a few minutes before throwing it into a normal load of laundry. I was happy to see that the Get Stick Pre-Treater even got blood out of a shirt! That product gets my thumbs up!

Each of these new products contains OxiClean's "4-in-1 stain fighting power" so whether grease, oil, blood, or dirt, appears on clothing, you know that dabbing with OxiClean will leave the garment looking new again after just one wash.

I am happy to promote these two products and I think that they would be great products to keep on hand to use with your laundry!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of OxiClean and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings: Review & 2 giveaways!

Our economy is really going on a downhill slope lately, and so many people are being affected with loss of hours of pay, loss of jobs/homes, and just feeling the emptiness of the pocketbook. Chicken Soup for the Soul released a new book: Count Your Blessings which is a great book that will help lift your spirits. Count Your Blessings is filled with over 101 stories to give you a reminder that tomorrow is a new day, and there is always something to be thankful for. In Count Your Blessings you will be touched by stories about heading into each day with a positive attitude, how to express gratitude, having & keeping the faith, finding happiness during adversity and MORE! This book is so inspirational, as are all the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. The contents of "Count Your Blessings," has 10 sections compiled of approximately 10-11 stories. Here are the titles of the main sections: Expressing Gratitude, Back to Basics, Recovering from Adversity, Silver Linings, The Joy of Giving, Attitude is Everything, I've Got What I Need, Thank My Lucky Stars, A New Perspective and Having Faith.
One of my favorite quotes from this book is this, "Every survival kit should include a sense of humor." ~Author Unknown I like that thought, because with laughter and smiling present, it is a lot harder to be down and negative.
I recommend this book to you. I think that the Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings book is a perfect read for our economic downfall and hard times. This book is very inspirational and moving.
WIN IT!
I have a second copy to offer as a giveaway to my readers, from Chicken Soup.
This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States. Contest is open until February 10th, 2010. To enter, leave a comment about something you like to do that puts you in a better mood, or gets your mind moving in a positive way.
**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about how your life has been blessed. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**
This review was provided from Chicken Soup for the Soul. They have provided me with a book to review and information to share with my readers. I am sponsored to offer a giveaway book to giveaway to my readers through this review. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Busy Body Books (plus a special discount)

Valentine's Day Discount Code to purchase a Busy Body Book is: "BBBVDAY" for 25% off all BusyBodyBook Organizers started Wednesday, Jan. 27th.

BusyBodyBooks are pleased to announce that they are now offering Home Management Printables designed by Mandi Ehman of "Organizing Your Way" along with our ever-popular BusyBodyBook Weekly GRIDs. We can download Mandi's most popular time saving tools to keep our most important information at our finger tips. Like their own BusyBodyBook Weekly GRIDs, we can now easily plan & organize our daily, weekly, and monthly planning and more. Every one of their downloads are available always, and free! Visit BusyBodyBooks ANYtime. And, visit Mandi at Organizing Your Way for her most practical, and understanding tips on organizing YOUR life - living YOUR life, in YOUR WAY!

Triaminic can help with the cold and flu season! (plus a giveaway)

These winter months are the peak season for illness and it's time to focus on being prepared when those cold and/or flu symptoms appear. Triaminic can help with two great online tools to help you and your family through this cold and flu season.
• The Sick Day Guidelines, created in partnership with the National Association of School Nurses – Parents know when their kids aren’t feeling 100%. These Guidelines are aimed at helping parents decide when to keep them at home or send them off to school.
• National Cold & Flu Tracker – This resource provides a weekly data feed of cold & flu symptom trends by region, based on data from SDI Fan® (a source used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Being aware of the activity in your area (or an area that you are traveling) can help you prepare for when cold and flu symptoms appear. For example, Greensboro, Lexington, Knoxville, and Albany have the highest incidence of illness this week.
The Sick Day Guidelines, Cold & Flu Tracker, and a coupon for a discount on Triaminic® products can be found here: Triaminic.com.

Feel free to print out this coupon and use it!

Win: Would you like to win some Triaminic Thin Strips? Triaminic is sponsoring a giveaway to my readers, and they are sending me some Thin Strips to try out. Single-use products like Triaminic Thin Strips help ensure accurate dosing by providing a pre-measured dose of medicine that dissolves quickly on the tongue. Please remember to read the product label and use only as directed.
This contest is open to residents of the United States, bloggers and non-bloggers. Contest ends on February 8th, 2009. To enter, leave a comment about how you have handled sick days, or what things you like to do to help comfort your child.
**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about something else you found on the menu. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was provided from Triaminic. They have provided me with a free product to review and information to share with my readers. I am sponsored to offer a giveaway prize to giveaway to my readers through this review. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

How to raise a Modern Day Joesph

As parents, we strive to help our kids grow into their full potential.

We help them with their homework, enroll them in activities, and invest for their college education. But while we may plan for their success, we can overlook a vital part of their personal development: nurturing and encouraging a solid foundation of faith.

We can easily assume our children are growing spiritually in church youth groups and programs, but the Bible calls us to guide them in their relationship with Jesus.
The life of Joseph offers parents a biblical standard for building children of character. Drawing from his story, this book will help you do just that. Inside, you’ll find a unique guide for creating a personalized plan for your child’s spiritual growth, from preschool through high school. This practical guide will help your child:

· Respect the awesomeness of God
· Acquire wisdom from the Bible
· Understand God’s grace
· Gain a sense of destiny and purpose
· Develop a life-perspective based on God’s perfect plan

The result: Children and teenagers who know, love, and serve the Lord.

So invest in their spiritual development. And create a legacy of faith that will last a lifetime.

With her newest release, Awana author and staff member Linda Massey Weddle equips parents to build a foundation of faith for their children.

Author Bio: Linda Massey Weddle is a gifted teacher, speaker, and prolific writer. A children’s author and regular contributor to publications including Women’s Day and Christian Parenting Today, she has published twelve books and more than 2,500 articles, stories, devotionals, and radio scripts. Linda also develops Bible-based curriculum for young people and has been involved in children’s and youth ministry for the past forty years. She has two grown children and six grandchildren and resides in suburban Chicago.

You can find "How to raise a Modern Day Joesph" online at Amazon.com.

This review was provided from B&B Media. They have provided me with a bookto review and information to share with my readers. I was given the book for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

New Zealand Menu: Try it out, and be entered to win HUGE (plus a giveaway)

Have you heard of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant? I was just recently introduced to them. I went to their site and found that there are three restaurants located in my state! I am anxious to go there with my husband for a date! I am really excited to get there soon, because they have an amazing opportunity for their guests to taste New Zealand from their special menu developed in partnership with New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants is also hosting a New Zealand Sweepstakes, with a grand prize trip for two (2) to New Zealand, including airfare and six night hotel accommodations! I would totally do cartwheels over this if I was so lucky to win that prize! Could you imagine going to New Zealand, with it all being paid for (minus meals and other miscellaneous). I would be thrilled, to say the least!
Plus, each individual McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant location will award a random winner with a $50 Icebreaker gift certificate. How cool is that? Enter the sweepstakes at any McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant location or at McCormick&Schmick's.com- but don’t wait, this promotion ends February 27, 2010!
With the economy so tight for extra spending, and being extra frugal with our pocketbooks, McCormick & Schmick's offers a way for us to sample a taste of New Zealand in our own locations. Convenient and a bit more affordable.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN?

I have the opportunity to host a giveaway for a $25 gift certificate for McCormick & Schmick's for my readers to enter to win. How awesome is that? A fun place to go check out, fine dining, a "date night" and some spending money for your bill. Can't pass up that deal!

This contest is open for those in the United States, for non-bloggers and bloggers. Contest ends February 12th, 2010.

To enter: Go to the McCormick & Schmick's website and look through their dinner or lunch menu. Find an item that sounds good to you and let me know about it in the comments.

**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about something else you found on the menu. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

Explore the Flavors of New Zealand Menu
Greenshell Mussel FritterCilantro-Roasted Garlic Pesto $8.95
New Zealand Shellfish StewGreenshell Mussels, Scallops, Shrimp and Clams in a Riesling Cream Broth, served in a Sourdough Bread Bowl $19.95
King Salmon, Marlborough Sounds, New ZealandSimply Grilled with Caramelized Apple-Sauvignon Blanc Reduction $24.95
New Zealand Grass Fed Filet MignonWellington Style with Kiwi Blue Cheese-Onion Tart $26.95
Traditional PavlovaNew Zealand’s National Dessert with Meyer Lemon Curd & Kiwi Puree $6.95

This review was provided from McCormick & Schmick's. They have provided me with a information to share with my readers. I am sponsored to offer a gift certificate prize to giveaway to my readers through this review. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review, but I was also sent a gift certificate to check out the restaurant, too.

Secondhand Jesus: Glenn Packiam

So often we too easily settle for someone else’s descriptions, the Cliffs Notes from another’s spiritual journey. We are content to let “God experts” do the heavy lifting and then give us the bottom line. And after enough times through the grapevine, the truth about God deteriorates until crumbs and rumors are all that remain.

But when life derails, when things don’t go as we planned, our thin view of God is challenged. In those critical moments, we can choose to walk away from God… or let our questions lead us home. When you decide to wrestle with God, to engage Him for yourself, you—like Jacob and Job and David—will see rumors die and revelation come alive.

It’s time to hear the magnificent divine invitation. It’s time to take God up on His offer and embrace the mystery and majesty of knowing Him for yourself.

Author Bio: Glenn Packiam is an associate worship pastor at New Life Church and the director of New Life School of Worship in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was one of the founding worship leaders and songwriters for the Desperation Band. Glenn’s worship songs, like “Your Name,” “Everyone (Praises),” “My Savior Lives,” and “We Lift You Up,” are being sung in churches all over the world. Glenn is also the author of Butterfly in Brazil. He and his wife, Holly, and their two adorable daughters, Sophia and Norah, live in Colorado Springs.

You can purchase "Secondhand Jesus" online at Amazon.com.

This review was provided from B&B Media. They have provided me with book to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the book for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women : Plus 2 giveaways!

Girlfriend time is so important to women everywhere. Who better to share your dreams, hopes, fears, and life together with? I know I value my girlfriend relationships, for one women understand each other, and two, my husband would be overloaded from me if I didn't have my girlfriends.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women is filled with 101 stories of friendship, faith, and comfort that affirm God's unconditional love and His wisdom. Women will find encouragement, solace, and strength in these personal stories and prayers that cover everyday trials to tests of faith.
Chicken Soup for the Soul books are wonderful books compiled of short stories. I love that each story is so touching, valuable, and heart warming. I enjoy picking up the books for a quick read, but inspiring story. Devotional Stories for Women has great stories in it, and I love that this book really focuses on Christ and our walk with Him. Each story has a scripture posted before the story, and each scripture is relative to the story. This book also has short prayers and cartoons within the pages. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women covers stories about these topics: Faith, Motherhood, life lessons, illness, God's helpers, parenting, relationships, service to others, marriage and self esteem. I think this book is a great read for women of all ages and going through all ages of life. I recommend this book to you.
About the Author
Chicken Soup for the Soul is a favorite publisher of books that provide emotional and practical support for readers.
Susan M. Heim is a long-time Chicken Soup for the Soul editor and Christian author, specializing in family-oriented books and women's issues.
Karen Talcott is an author and educator with an expertise in women's issues, faith, and angels.

Win : Devotional Stories for Women! (2 winners)You have the opportunity to enter to win Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women! Chicken Soup for the Soul is sponsoring a giveaway. This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States. Contest is open until February5th, 2010. To enter, leave a comment about something you and your girlfriends like to do, or something you experienced together.**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about girlfriends. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was provided from Chicken Soup for the Soul. They have provided me with a book to review and information to share with my readers. I am sponsored to offer a giveaway book to giveaway to my readers through this review. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Crazy4Love Photo Contest~ insure your love!

Moms everywhere will tell you that she does what she does because of LOVE. Mothers do much for their families, spouses, kids, etc., and what gets us through and gives us the strength is LOVE! Love is a powerful emotion and it really boosts up our abilities.
Playing dress up everyday, making meals everyday, driving our kids to school, or making homemade playdoh are some of the things we do out of love for our kids. We can say we will do just about anything out of love. Well, Valentine's day is nearing around the corner and what better time to talk about love. This is about more than the chocolates and heart shaped candies, this is a different way to express your love...with the purchase of a life insurance policy. You might be asking yourself what love and life insurance in common. More than you might realize! Simply put, life insurance is a product you purchase because you love someone and want to make sure they'll always be protected financially, even after you're gone.To learn more and add some laughter into your day, check out the video below, from a very special "spokesperson" who knows a thing or two about love. ~CUPID!
As we know from the Valentine's Day celebrations taking place in classrooms and romantic restaurants everywhere, love and fun go hand-in-hand! To get Americans thinking about life insurance as an expression of enduring love, the nonprofit LIFE Foundation is sponsoring the Crazy4Love Photo Contest. From now until February 19, you'll be able to visit the popular microblogging website tumblr.com and share a photo that captures how you've expressed your love to someone dear to you. One Grand Prize winner will receive a $1,000 gift certificate toward a romantic getaway weekend. Go to www.insureyourlove.org to learn more about the contest and to enter. I am sure you can find a photo or capture the love you share with someone through a photo! Go enter! You could have fun with this one, and it is totally worth the effort! I know my husband and I could use a $1,000 gift certificate! Check it out!

DaBib is celebrating and offering a great deal!

DaBib has just earned it's 2nd US Patent - which means that all of their product packaging needs to change!! DaBib has been an incredible hit with parents, and I am personally thrilled with this bib (I did a review on one). DaBib is celebrating by giving their customers a special savings on all of their current bib styles, and move out their old packaging in the process. For a limited time, all DaBib styles are available for purchase on the DaBib website for $9.99 each!! This special pricing is only available through FEBRUARY 28, 2010, or while supplies last. So help them celebrate & get in on the savings! And keep saving your kids' fabulous clothes in the process! Trust me, the DaBib is an amazing bib that covers your child, goes on and off easily, is hard for your child to easily remove, and has a built in crumb catcher! The bib is designed with a pouch that you can flip forward to catch those straying crumbs from your little eater, or help protect your infant with eating those runny foods.
Go check out the DaBib's now! ~makes a great gift, too!! :)