Do you ever get the feeling...?

Available on Amazon

A few weeks ago I received an amazing book in the mail that gave me chills with every turn of the page. Going hand-in-hand with traditional Christian theology, this book is amazing at explaining the spiritual beings that are very active in our lives that we experience on a daily basis. Did you know that you have a guardian angel? Do you know that the room you are currently sitting in may be filled with any number of angels? Do you ever get the feeling you are being protected in some way but can't really explain it? What about those times that "voice" is letting you know that you should do this or that? All of these questions can be answered with something that everyone has - "The Haunt Detector." That knowing feeling that some thing is around you and very close.

There may not be much talk of these "beings" today as long ago. But, that does not mean that they do not exists. Father Adams from one of our local parishes spoke of angels and has had me hooked ever since. As explained in the book, he told us that when God created us, he also created the angels. Within that society of beings, there are different groupings of them: Cherubim, Archangels, Guardians, to name a few. The Guardians are what caught my attention. He told us that for each person in the world (those who have passed, here now, and will be born) have a Guardian angel. God created a "number" of angels based on people who were going to be on this Earth, basically. Each Guardian is assigned a person and that person is their job. Amazing. Brings back that "lost sense of wonder" in out world, doesn't it? If you would like to get back that wonder and mystery, this book is for you!

"The most beautiful thing we can experience in life is the mysterious." ~ Albert Einstein

First page you see as you begin this book. Love it! 

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

A Book for Every Mom {GIVEAWAY!}

I recently finished reading a wonderful book that every mom should read whether she just found out she is pregnant or she is on child number 6. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff might look small but is packed with so many ways to start focusing on the things that matter and stress less about the fact that your toddler is still awake well past his bedtime. Ugh, he is in bed though...right?

The thing I love most about what the author, Kristine Carlson, did with this book was the layout of the chapters. They aren't numbered or in any particular order. Say you are a mother to a "tween" and they are just dying to be on Facebook because "all their friends are doing it." It's freaking you out because of internet jerks, adolescent irresponsibility, cyber-bullying, etc. The list goes on, right? Well, she has a whole section that. Maybe you are personally having an issue, like you have friends that just don't get that you are a mom and you can't just "go out" anymore. There is a chapter on learning how to surround yourself with good mothers. They not only will understand, but they will be filled with so much wisdom and advice...it will be like having your own Super Nanny almost.

I have to share my favorite chapter - Practice Breathing Before You Speak. See, I get pretty impatient (Ok, you people that know me - stop rolling your eyes and saying, "You? No way..." Haha very funny!). I had gotten a bit better, but then these 2 little people came into our lives and I swear my 2.5 year old thinks he truly owns the world with his 14 month old brother as his sidekick. Ok, maybe the sidekick part can be true, but really? Together they hilarious and I love the closeness they share. But, sometimes things get wild around here and I go crazy because no one has listened to the phrase, "Stop throwing that truck!" for the last 500 times. That really makes me mad... But, if I would just take a second to breath and realize that they are only toddlers, then I could approach this a little bit better than, "THAT IS IT! YOU TWO ARE IN VERY LONG TIME OUTS!" which we know doesn't happen...they only sit in time out for a minute or two (1 minute for Alex 2 for the other guy that started the madness lol).

Being a mother is so hard at times and I have heard many parents (yes, that includes some of you dads out there!) asking why no one was given a manual on this kid. Well, this is the closest thing to a manual you will find.  Anything you need a piece of advice on - about toddlers or your adult children - it is all in this book.

Would you like to stop sweating the small stuff and enjoy your family a bit more? Leave me a comment below with the best advice you have to share with other moms. We can all use some help, right?!

My advice: Kids acting up while you are trying to get the laundry (or whatever) done? Leave it. Go play with your kids. That is usually the reason for the insanity. THEY WANT YOU. They don't care if the laundry is put away at that moment. So sit on the floor with them and start playing! :)

Giveaway will end June 30th. Winner will be announced July 1st.

Disclaimer: I received this book (no other compensation) for review/giveaway purposes. All opinions are my own. Please view my Disclosure Policy for further information. Thank you!
 

Super Blake and the Cavity Monster Review {and awesome Giveaway!}

Welcome to a new age of super heroes! The time where everyone can have power to fight off the bad guys, even - gasp! - THE CAVITY MONSTER!

 via

That's right the smallest villain is on the loose and he's got his side kicks to help him out: GINGER VITIS and SIR PLAQUE!


But, they are no match for Super Andrew and Super Alex - thanks to Super Blake!! He showed them how to fight those nasty bad guys and gave them the right tool to take care of the job! And they definitely wanted to fight that Cavity Monster - Andrew ran to the bathroom yelling, "Time brush teeth!"


Tracy Bickhaus, the author and mom to the superhero, did a wonderful job of creating a story to teach children the importance of dental hygiene while having fun. And, Korey Scott did an amazing job at the illustrations - the characters are great! Super Blake and the Cavity Monster is the first book to be released from the eight in the series. I cannot wait to see what Super Blake does next to help us all become heroes.

Are you ready to fight the crimes?

Well, I have partnered with Super Blake Books to offer TWO GIVEAWAYS!

GIVEAWAY 1: Comment below and tell me what power you would possess if you were a super hero. I will announce the winner on APRIL 30th.

GIVEAWAY 2: Enter below via Rafflecopter to win a KINDLE FIRE! The winner of this awesome prize will be announced on MAY 31st.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
NOTE: If you are reading this post via email or reader, you will need to click through to enter the giveaway.  


Disclaimer: I received a copy of Super Blake and the Cavity Monster for review purposes. The comments in this post are 100% my own. Super Blake Books is the sponsor of this giveaway.

Eat More Veggies! {GIVEAWAY!}

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

A little while ago, we had an amazing eater man. Andrew ate everything you would put in front of him. We were amazed. But, enter the 2 year old stage of life and that all goes away. We have been trying EVERYTHING to get Mr. Picky Pants to eat what is made for lunch/dinner. Some days he gives in and other days we give up.

Luckily, I was asked to review an amazing DVD that "gets kids hooked on eating fruits and vegetables." Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Veggies is a great idea for those parents who either A) have a picky pants or B)have a child that may be a bit worried about trying that green item at dinner. The DVD is broken down into 12 chapters - each focusing on either a fruit or veggie.

The first chapter is on bell peppers - and thank goodness I had one in the fridge! Andrew (and Alex) wanted those peppers right that instant. There are about 6 or so kids giggling and eating raw bell peppers like apples. Andrew and Alex were sitting happily on the floor with their slices in hand and giggling. And then - chomp! Eating bell peppers like they were M&Ms! I had to change up our dinner for tonight because that ingredient was half eaten!

Funny that both of them are chomping away the same way LOL. I think they thought it was funny that it crunched when they bit into it. I can't figure out if that's why they were laughing. We tried to go onto the other segments, but I don't have the other veggies. We did watch the banana chapter and, again, they wanted what those kids were having. They do love bananas though. :)

Check out Copy-Kids online, Facebook, or Twitter to hear what other parents are saying about this DVD!

Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables $19.95 with free shipping in the US Order Here

Would you like to win a copy for your picky eater? Leave a comment below telling me what you wouldn't eat when you were a kid. Me? Brussels Sprouts. Still wont touch 'em. LOL The winner will be announced on Monday, March 19th! Good luck!

Disclaimer: I received this product for review purposes only. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Stomp Out Stains!

Welcome to "Stomp Out Stain Week" brought to you by BISSELL!

When you were little (or if you are like me...maybe you still do this), did you stomp your foot when you got mad about something? I always do that. Hands on my hips and everything. Now I have a much better reason to do it. If the kids spill something, I can "stomp and go" with the help of BISSELL. 

BISSELL has come up with a way for busy moms to keep their floors looking great. The stain-lifting pads are individually wrapped and have a light fragrance that is not overpowering like some carpet cleaners. It is really easy to do (and kind of fun) and you could even get the kids to help out, if you wanted. I invited some friends over to try out the new product with me on some sample stains:

Left: Stompin' out the stains (grape juice)

Right: 30 minutes later we took a look. Rachel's stain seem to life better. But, Caroline's stain must have been pretty strong. 

While it is wonderful that companies are trying to help make mommy lives easier, we do have a few concerns about this product:

1. Rachel could see that the cleaner in the product seeped to the underside of the carpet sample. This makes us wonder, down the road if the stain will come back to haunt us. 

2. The stain did not completely come out on out samples. A few thoughts on this: Maybe this was a deep stain and we needed to leave it sitting for 24 hours instead of the 30 minutes. Or, maybe we didn't stomp hard enough. 

I did send them home with a box to try out some of their pesky stains at home. And, I have a lovely stain from a poopy diaper explosion that I plan on getting to after this post. I will let y'all know how that works out :)

The BISSELL Stomp N Go can currently be purchased online thought BISSELL's website or at WalMart for about $5. 

Happy Stomping! 

FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY GOING ON NOW FOR BISSELL STOMP N GO!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

 

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of BISSELL and received a party kit and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Tummy Time with Infantino

Welcome to Tummy Time on a whole new level! Andrew was a big fan of tummy time when he was a baby. Alex on the other hand...well, it was all out war in the beginning. He likes it, but still is not a big fan. But, the Infantino Right Angle Tummy Triangle does help him enjoy it more (and make him want to crawl - eek!)

Features include:

 1. A unique angle that uses gravity to help your baby enjoy tummy time.

2. Machine washable fabric cover (awesome for Mr. Droolypants who is teething!)

3. Adjustable toy bar with 3 different positions

 4. High contrast colors for visual stimulation

 5. Musical timer with 3 settings (1, 5, or 10 minutes)

6. Helps your baby reach future developmental milestones :)

7. Great for ages newborn to crawlers (product packaging states 0+months)

8. Product developed with Pediatric Occupational Therapists (added this note in my review for my OT girl!!)

Alex and I had a fun time playing together while Andrew was at school. He was really into the little Crinkle Bumble Bee and doing "push ups." Oh, goodness...I know I have only 1 more month and then he will be crawling. Until then, we will be working out on the nifty Right Angle Tummy Triangle!

The Right Angle Tummy Triangle can be purchased at Toys R Us for $34.99.

While you are online, follow Infantino on Facebook and Twitter!

Disclaimer: As a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Infantino, I have received this product as part of my participation. These views and opinions are my own and were not influenced by compensation. I am encouraged and expected to write honestly about my experience.

Purex Review & Giveaway Day!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED - Thanks for playing!

Do any of you use fabric softener? I love fabric softener. Especially the smelly good kinds! I even change out the fragrances based on the time of year. But wouldn't it be better if you could find one that "green" other than just the bottle it comes in? Have you used Purex Complete Crystals Softener yet? This could be your lucky week then...

Some facts about Purex Complete Crystals Softener:

Now that you know a little bit more about this nifty new softener, let me tell you from my experience that it is quite amazing. I was able to try out the crystals in "Fresh Spring Waters." The smell is perfect for this time of the year in the South with it being so rainy. I love the rain! And, our sheets smell fabulous! Everything smells fabulous! And, yes, it is all super soft, too. I've been feeling like one of those women in the commercials lately... You know, they take out the freshly done laundry and hug it. I've totally been doing that. :) 

So, would you like to try this out, too? Ok, then! Time to giveaway a 28 oz bottle of Purex Complete Crystals Softener.

How to enter:

MANDATORY ENTRY: Check out their website here and let me know which yummy smell you would love to try out.

EXTRA ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each extra entry please)

1. Follow Purex on Facebook - click here.

2. Follow Purex on Twitter - click here.

3. Follow House of Woyaks on Facebook - click here.

4. Follow House of Woyaks on Twitter - click here.

Good luck! The winner will be announced on Wednesday, March 9th.

This review was made possible by Purex Insiders. I received Purex Complete Crystals Softener in exchange for this review; however, the comments are all mine. :)