1000 Gifts {Giveaway}

I mentioned in another post how a friend of mine gave me this book and how I think everybody should read it.  Well, now that I’ve finished it, I’m even more convinced that it is a treasure of GREAT VALUE!

I love to read but honestly I don’t have a whole lot of time or energy to do it.  Even my good intentions are over-powered by the weight of my eyelids or the call of, “MOOOOOM!”  But every once in a while a book that will come along and grab me from the start.  It will hold the power to prop those droopy lids open and keep that distracted brain focused and transform me.

This book has transformed me. 

This is not a feel good-name it claim it-all is perfect in Christ book.  It’s truth.  Truth that transforms and renews.

Ann’s style of writing touches a place deep in my soul.  My friend said it best when she told me she returns to it again and again.  I can see why. And I will be doing the same.

I savored every page of this book.  I read it slow and deliberate, sipped it, like the perfect cup of coffee that you never want to end.  It was that delicious.

If you are ready to move your relationship with God to the next level.  If you crave peace and joy.  If you desire to walk in the fullness of God’s love and goodness.

YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!!

I am making this book required reading for my daughters. 

Because I feel so passionately about this, I am going to give away 2 copies of this book.  Out of my own budget.  Because it’s THAT important and I want you to have THAT joy!

I have one requirement.  Only one. I’m not even going to require that you follow my blog.  Who cares!  I just want you to promise me that you will read it.  That’s it.

Leave me a comment with your email address and a promise to me that you will read it if you win and you will be entered.  I’m not going to do anything with your email, just email you if you win.  I’m not that fancy!  (smile)

I don’t want to put an end date on this giveaway…Probably the middle of March.  In the mean time, why not join me as I embark on a Joy Dare.  Only good can come of it. 

With gratitude and love,

Mrs. Taffy

Delightful Christmas Giveaway

God is doing amazing things on my daughter’s blog.  One of those things is favor, He’s been giving her favor with MANY esty shop owners and they have graciously donated beautifully crafted items for a Christmas Giveaway. 

If you love to win prizes like I do, I highly recommend you click on the button up above and enter!!  She’s doing a series of 3 giveaways, 3 prizes for each blog post!  Lots of opportunity’s here!

Joyfully, Mrs. Taffy

A fun fall Giveaway hosted by my Daughter

My delightful daughter has gone out of her comfort zone to acquire some sponsors for A Crisp Autumn Giveaway.  She’ll be sharing all the awesome prizes over the next few days!  Check it out if you are lonely for a package to be delivered to your house!  It’s so fun to get something special in the mail isn’t it?

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

The Woodcarver DVD~Review & Giveaway

About the Movie:

Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church's beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life. (From the Publisher)

My thoughts:

This movie is rated PG and lasts about an hour and half.  We had all ages watching it, from 4 up to 39, with several teenagers.  This isn’t a funny, light-hearted movie, rather it’s a movie that deals with the serious issues of divorce, grief and rebellion, forgiveness and reconciliation.  Of course there are funny parts in the movie, but as a whole, the movie has an undertone of sadness.  That didn’t keep us from enjoying it, but the topic of divorce and the fighting and arguing that often occur before a divorce can be intense for young children, so keep that in mind.  I do want to share that this movie does have  a happy ending, so that makes some of the conflict and stress evaporate pretty quickly.  I don’t regret letting my little ones watch it, they enjoyed it enough but a lot of it was over their head and they just didn’t understand what they were watching.  Visit this link to see the trailer. 

Now, if you’ve got teens or are just looking for a movie for you and your husband to enjoy on a date-night in, you will surely LOVE this movie.  And to make it even more fun, I have a copy to giveaway!!

Rules for entry~

1) Follow my blog.  Let me know that you do in a comment.

2) Watch the trailer and tell me what you think for a second entry.

Remember to leave a way for me to contact you should you win and tell your friends!  I love getting free movies, maybe they would too!  Giveaway ends on 3-19-12.

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

“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.”

Three Hearts Review and Giveaway

Three Hearts is the best movie I’ve seen in a long time.  I like lots of movies and have enjoyed many reviews, but this movie was unlike ANY of them!

This film follows the story of Cissie Graham Lynch, who is the granddaughter of evangelist Billy Graham. After taking on an internship at Samaritan's Purse, she finds herself working with the Children's Heart Project. This project assists medically at risk children around the world by connecting them with sponsor families and doctors/nurses from Samaritan's Purse who can perform life saving interventions.

Immediately after watching this movie, the word “delicious” came to mind.  If a movie can be delicious, this one is, it’s satisfying, enriching, touched a part of my soul like most movies can’t even hope too!

Not only were the children’s hearts restored, but the families involved and my heart too, if you watch this movie you are sure to have your heart either renewed or moved in away that will bless you more than you can comprehend.

I get to bless my one of readers with a free copy of the Three Heart DVD.  It would be to your advantage to enter, in fact, I beg you to enter!  You won’t be sorry and you’ll likely be changed forever because of it!

Rules:

• Leave one comment telling me that you follow my blog.
• Leave a  comment telling me you watched the trailer.  If you want to tell me what you thought, I would love to know.  Even the trailer moves me! 
• Share this giveaway on Facebook or Blog for another entry, please leave a link if you do that.
• So that’s 3 entries per person.
• Please make sure you leave me a way to contact you should you win.  I will have to select a new winner if I can’t get ahold of you!

Thank you so much!  I wish I had a dozen copies to giveaway!

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

"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."

A Mile in His Shoes~Review & Giveaway!!

Looking for a great family movie?  Does your family love Baseball?  Do you know someone on the Autism spectrum?  Then I think you will really enjoy A Mile in His Shoes.

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 movie based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler".

I don’t know much about Autism, or baseball for that matter, but this movie was very enjoyable.  I had to hold my breath during a party scene…but don’t worry, it didn’t go anyway that made it inappropriate. 

Here’s the trailer to the movie if you would like to see what it’s like.  Here’s another clip too.

Thanks to Propeller, I’m able to giveaway a copy of this movie to one of my faithful readers!!  It makes me so happy to be able to share quality entertainment with you and it makes me happy that there are more and more movies like these being made!

I’ll be drawing the winner on Tuesday, January 24, right after I get back from working out!  (smile)

The Rules:

• 1st Entry-Be a follower of my blog and let me know that you are.
• 2nd entry-Watch the trailer and tell me what you thought.

Please make sure I have a way to contact you should you win, if there’s no way for me to contact you, I’ll have to select a different winner!  Thanks for playing along!

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

“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.”

Balancing the Sword Giveaway!!

My super awesome husband is giving away a set of Balancing the Sword books!  Our heart’s desire is to get people into the Word, and since many people resolve to read their Bible more in the new year, what better way to help them reach their goal than to give away a set of books!!

There’s still a week left to enter!  Please read the directions carefully and have fun! Click here to enter!!

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

Nearing Home by Billy Graham Giveaway

My husband is giving away Billy Graham’s newest book on his blog.  To enter click here.

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

The Grace Effect~Book Review & Giveaway!

Just Seconds ago I finished reading The Grace Effect.  To say I am overwhelmed is an understatement.  I fear I will not be able to give this book the review it deserves.  My heart is swollen with joy!  Mr. Taunton has effectively and passionately given words to the mystery of grace as believed by the Christian, through the account of adopting his daughter from the Ukraine. 

About The Grace Effect:

"Simply defined, the ‘grace effect’ is an observable phenomenon—that life is demonstrably better where authentic Christianity flourishes.”

What does Christianity give us beyond televangelists, potlucks, and bad basketball leagues?  Not much, according to the secular Left.  The world, they say, would be a better place without it. 

Historian and Christian apologist Larry Taunton has spent much of his career refuting just this sort of thinking, but when he encounters Sasha, a golden-haired orphan girl whose life has been shaped by atheistic theorists, he discovers an unlikely champion for the transforming power of grace. 

Through the narrative of Sasha’s redemption, we see the false promises of socialism; the soul-destroying influence of unbelief; and how a society cultivates its own demise when it rejects the ultimate source of grace.  We see, in short, the kind of world the atheists would give us: a world without Christianity—cold, pitiless, and graceless.

And yet, as Sasha shows us, it is a world that is not beyond the healing power of “the grace effect.”  Occasionally infuriating, often amusing, but always inspiring, The Grace Effect will have you cheering for the courageous little girl who shamed the academic elitists of our day. (from the Publisher)

I finish this book feeling inspired and even empowered to continue living out my faith and sharing the Grace that I have so undeservedly been given.

If you are looking to be inspired, if you are looking for “proof” that Grace is still alive and flourishing today and if you want read a heartfelt account of an adoption that is so beautiful it leaves you breathless, you must read The Grace Effect.  You can find a copy here and read more about the author and the interesting ministry/career he has here.

What a GREAT book!  Highly recommended!

I almost forgot!!  I get to giveaway a copy too!  Yay!  Think FREE Christmas gift!!  To enter, please just leave a comment telling me something that you are thankful for (since it’s almost Thanksgiving) and include a way to for me to contact you should you win! 

I’ll draw the winner on 11-18-11 at 9pm.

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

“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.”

Feeling a little Christmassy?

I have a daughter who hasn’t stopped talking about Christmas since before last Christmas!!  She’s what you call “Christmas Crazy.”  It might be partly my fault, her middle name is Noel.  Well you can imagine how excited we were to get to review a new Christmas movie!!

“Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (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.” From Publisher

Strawberry and I wholeheartedly enjoyed this movie, with one exception…it didn’t have any or not nearly enough Christmas music in it, no tinkling bells or silent night.  Still, watching this G rated family movie a great way to spend a cold winter evening!  You can view the trailer here.

And it brings me great joy to be able to give-away a copy of this Christmas  Movie to YOU!  You might even get it in time for Thanksgiving, which to us, is the “official” beginning of the Christmas season!

Rules to Enter:

• Be a follower of my blog-let me know that you are! (required)
• Watch the trailer for an extra entry and tell me what you think.
• Share with me your FAVORITE Christmas movie in a separate comment for another entry.

Please be sure to include your email address or have your name linked to your blog so I can get in touch with you!  You can enter up to three times!  Hopefully the rules are easy enough so this giveaway is a blessing~that is ALWAYS my intention!!  (I’ll draw the winner on 11-9-11 @ 9pm.)

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

Disclaimer-I was given a copy of this movie to review, I was not paid!

The Shunning~Movie Review

Here’s my third and final giveaway for this unscheduled week of giveaways!  The newly released Hallmark movie called The Shunning, based on book written by the beloved Beverly Lewis.  I don’t know if I’ve ever said how much I enjoy Hallmark movies before, and this one did not disappoint!

Beverly Lewis' The Shunning - About the Movie

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.  (From the Publisher)

Strawberry and I watched this movie together and we have both read the book too.  We both felt the movie stayed on target with the book, maybe a few minor discrepancy’s but the over plot and feelings were right on target.  I think my eyes were leaking for at least half of the movie.  So moving.  Honestly, it wasn’t corny at all,  just heartfelt and beautiful and begging for a sequel!

You can see the trailer here.  If this movie looks like something you would like, or maybe you see it as a potential gift, either way, you can’t go wrong entering my giveaway!

To enter leave a comment saying “hi” and include a way for me to get in touch with you.  Anybody in the US is welcome to enter, even if you know me in real life or happen to be related to me by blood or marriage!

This giveaway will end on Monday, September 19 and 9pm.

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

"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."

Theo: God’s Love DVD~ Review

Theo - Good News from Theo Presents on Vimeo.

Did you watch the sample?  Do you see the appeal?  Wow!  Not only does Theo offer gorgeous animation and silly sound effects but it also offers sound biblical teaching to small children.  When I watched the DVD I was instantly drawn in and captivated, as an outreach tool I can’t think of anything more intriguing to a small child.  My children all sat with their mouths hanging open and only finally exhaled when it was finished!  Good thing it was short!

About Theo

“The animation series of Theo guides children and adults through a careful study of systematic theology. Theo discusses doctrines about sin, God's character, the Bible, salvation and godly living with easy-to-understand illustrations that make children want to learn more about the Christian faith.

Theo Presents recognizes a universal fact: children and adults alike love cartoons. Theo captures the attention of young minds with liberal amounts of humor and high quality animation to present the Gospel of the Christian faith through the teachings of Theo and with the use of his two object lessons, Belfry and Luther.

Theo Presents is designed to serve as a multi-media resource tool that will help men, women and children fulfill the Great Commission of Christ, to go into all the world and make disciples and to teach those disciples God's Word. The multi-media outlets include a DVD series, curriculum, books and iPhone/iPad app. Each of these facets are designed to work with one another or individually.

Theo was created to reach kids of all ages. The lessons and teachings of Theo can be used for Sunday school lessons, Christian school curriculum, missions, evangelism and homeschooling.”  (From the publisher.)

I want to add, even though I am giving this DVD a raving review I want you to know that if you have been a believer a long time, there are few things that might bother you a little.  For me, it was the image of Jesus and his “white” skin.  I don’t necessarily agree with that image but it is a widely accepted imagine and in the vein of outreach it’s perfectly acceptable.

Each episode of Theo runs about 9 minutes, there are 3 episodes per DVD.  I’ve only viewed the first episode called Saving Faith and the free episode called Good News.  Another cool thing about this ministry is their desire to spread the Good News and in their effort in doing so they have decided to give a way a copy of the DVD to a child of your choice with the purchase of a DVD.  Here’s how they explain it-

What set's THEO apart from anything we've worked on?

The Buy 1 - Give 1 campaign!

For every Theo DVD purchased, Whitestone Media and Child Evangelism Fellowship® will send a child in need their very own copy of Theo.

You can log onto TheoPresents.com after making your own purchase, and select the region of the world you'd like another copy of Theo to be sent.

If you’ve looked at the trailer and visited Theo’s website and if  you’ve decided that you would like to get a copy of your own, guess what?  I get to give away two copies!!  And not only will two of my readers receive the first episode of Theo but since the host is an English Gentleman, you will also receive a couple tea bags!  Fun!

To enter leave a comment telling me what you thought of the trailer and include a way for me to get in touch with you.  Anybody in the US is welcome to enter, even if you know me in real life or happen to be related to me by blood or marriage!

I’m having lots of giveaways over the next few days, so check back often.  This giveaway will close at 9pm on Saturday, September 17th.

Think Christmas!

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

"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."

Ginny Owens-“Get-in, I’m Driving”~CD Review

Jazzy, soulful and honest, those are the words I would use to describe the new CD by Ginny Owens. 

“A three-time Dove Award winner, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year recipient, and multiple ASCAP Award winner, Ginny Owens has sold nearly one million albums. A top performer on the Christian radio charts with hits like “If You Want Me To,” “Free” and “I Wanna Be Moved,” among others, Owens’ music has impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival and the White House. Her music has received widespread film and television placement, including songs on the popular WB series’ “Roswell” and “Felicity.” Owens was featured on national television, including NBC’s “Today” and CNN, for her contribution to help rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Born and raised in Jackson, Miss., Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Songs began to emerge from her fingers as the vision began to leave her eyes and by the age of three.  A degenerative eye condition left Owens completely blind.  Despite her physical challenge, Owens pursued a music career.  Songs provide a window into a world Owens can’t see and an outlet for her to express her thoughts and dreams. Owens’ unique musical style and inspirational lyrics continue to appeal to Christian and mainstream audiences alike.

In 2005 Owens launched The Fingerprint Initiative, a hands-on, non-profit organization designed to “bring hope to the world, one project and one touch at a time.” The organization has partnered with  and raised money for groups such as Compassion International, International Justice Mission and Habitat for Humanity.”

What a blessing this singer is and if you’ve never had the opportunity to hear her music, you can hear a few samples here on iTunes.  Strawberry and I LOVE to sing along with Ginny, her voice is so easy to sing with and the words so passionate and appealing.  Also, I’m so happy to be able to give away one of her CD’s for your listening enjoyment. 

Take a moment to visit her website and decide if you would be blessed to receive this brand new, soon to be released, CD.  I'm pretty sure you will feel the same way we do! 

To enter leave a comment telling me your favorite Christian Music Artist and include a way for me to get in touch with you.  Anybody in the US is welcome to enter, even if you know me in real life or happen to be related to me by blood or marriage!

I’m having lots of giveaways over the next few days, so check back often.  This giveaway will close at 9pm on Friday September 16th.

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

"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."

Feel and Find~Guide Craft Review

I have some good news and some bad news.  First the bad news, this is my final month being a member of the Guide Craft mom bloggers.  To say that this makes me sad is an understatement as being a blogger for Guide Craft has brought me and my children great joy.  The good news is, at the end of this review, you’ll be able enter a giveaway to win your own set of Feel and Find World Icons.

Have you ever played with anything like this before?  Even before being a Guide Craft Mom Blogger I recognized the value and benefit of this kind of sensory toy!  Inside the roomy cotton bag are 20 tiles and 20 shaped blocks.  They are made from Eco-friendly rubberwood, stained with low VOC aniline dyes. 

                   

When I first introduced this sensory toy I just let Laffy Taffy match up the shapes with the tiles.  We talked about what the different shapes were, what the different colors were.  This was like a puzzle and he really enjoyed it.

Then, so as not to overwhelm him, I would pick one or two colors of tiles and put only those corresponding shapes in the bag.  I would tell him reach into the bag and feel around, find a tile and then have him tell me what shape he thought he had.  About half the time he was correct.

Some shapes have very similar outlines, others are more obvious.  A lion and a hippo don’t feel that different initially, neither do a turtle and a leaf.  But that’s the whole idea of this sensory toy, to get them seeing with their hands.

                

This sensory toy is safe for children 3 and up, but I wouldn’t hesitate to let a 2 year old or even a little younger than that, give it try with supervision. 

All matched up and sorted by color.  You could also sort by categories:  animals, shapes, etc. 

Guide craft sells this fantastic learning toy for $30.00.  You can also find it selling on Amazon for a little bit less.  This is definitely one of those things that would be a great asset to your preschool no matter what your teaching philosophy!

To win your own set, visit Xenia over at Thanks Mail Carrier!

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

Disclaimer-I was given the Feel and Find World Icons in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own, I was not paid.

And the winner is…

Lori from Washington, you are winner of the brand new Grace Card DVD!  Hooray!  Lori~Send me an email through the “contact me” button on the left with your address and I will get this shipped out to you post haste!

Thanks everybody for entering!  And thanks for all the great movie recommendations!  You all are the BEST!

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

Grace Card~Review and Giveaway!

This Give-Away is now OVER! Thanks!

I was given the opportunity to watch this amazing movie before it was released in stores (which is today by the way)! I didn’t really know what to expect, I just knew I was excited about watching another “Christian” movie. Some movies that have come out have been a little…uh…cheesy. You know what I mean, great story but unrealistic or bad acting. I am happy to say that this movie far surpassed my expectations.

From the publisher:

“Everything can change in an instant … and take a lifetime to unravel. When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God … and just about everyone else. Mac’s rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he’s partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force—who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.

Can they somehow join forces to help one another when it’s impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one? Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God’s grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD … and never underestimate the power of God’s love.”

My Opinion:

I wouldn’t show this movie to young children. 12 and up is my recommendation. If your children are used to watching TV, they probably won’t be fazed by it, but there is drug paraphernalia, some pretty dramatic scenes with a baby that was shot and some racial themes. The ending was amazing and had both my daughter and I crying!

I’m so happy to tell you that I will be able to give away a copy! You can keep it for a movie night, or save it for a Christmas gift, either way, you can’t go wrong!

You can visit this website to see the trailer. Exciting!

Leave me a comment telling me your favorite Movie and I’ll enter you in the giveaway! Tell your friends! The giveaway ends on August 20th, 9pm.

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

“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.”

Robert Pierre “I’m all in” Review

I’m picky about music, especially “Christian” music.   I want the music I listen to, to have depth, to be specific, purposed.  When I was asked to review Robert Pierre’s soon to be released “I’m all in” CD I was hoping it would meet my standards.  I’m happy to report that this album definitely did!  Some Christian music is filled with such ambiguousness that if it was played on a secular station you would think they are singing about their girlfriend or boyfriend.  Not with Robert’s CD, he definitely, clearly and obviously is singing to and about our God!

I also love it that Robert wrote the songs on this CD about his senior year in high school.  Having two teenage sons it really helped me appreciate where he was coming from and also gave me some insights as to what my teens could be thinking about. 

“All of the songs have something to do with things I was going through my senior year,” Robert said of I’m All In, “preparing to say goodbye to friends and not really knowing what would come next, but finding comfort and peace in the Lord’s plan for my life. The Bible talks about how the eyes of the Lord are searching to and fro throughout the earth, searching for someone whose heart is wholly His, someone He can strongly support. This CD is me saying, ‘I’m all in.’”

I’m All In will be released on July 26.  You can go to Amazon and get your own copy or you can enter to win one from me!  To see if it’s something you might enjoy listening too, visit Robert’s website for samples of his songs and the complete lyrics. 

I’m going to make this  an easy give-away too, summer time is too busy to be messing with complicated entries!  Just be a follower or subscriber of my blog, tell me so in the comments and leave an email address so I can contact you!  Easy enough?  I’ll be drawing the winner on Monday the 25th, around bedtime, say 10ish.  You’re going to love it!

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

Disclosure-I was given this CD to review in exchange for my honest opinion.  All views expressed are my own, I was not paid.

Guidecraft Blocks~Review

It’s that time of the month…the time when I get to share with you another of the great products from Guidecraft.  This month we reviewed:

 Shimmering Water Blocks and

Crystal Bead Blocks.

Oh what a great addition to our growing wooden block collection!

The thing my children loved most about these wooden blocks are the half circle blocks.  They add a new dimension and challenge to their building that they really enjoyed.  They also loved to try and balance the other blocks on top of the half-circle blocks.

I really love how the Shimmering Water Blocks reflect the sunlight.

Jolanthe over at Homeschool Creations is giving away a set of each blocks!!  So Fun!  Thanks Guidecraft for keeping our block building playtime so colorful and exciting!

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

Disclaimer:  As a Guidecraft Mom Blogger I was given these blocks in exchange for my honest review and opinion.  I was not paid.

Twisters and Curves Review

As part of the Guidecraft Mom Bloggers Team I got to review a fascinating new construction toy called Twisters and Twisters Curves.

            

Wow, did my children have fun with these!  These construction toys have probably been the kid’s favorite so far, Bubble Gum (6) was especially drawn in and captivated by them.

Here they are checking them out for the first time.

                  

Even Laffy Taffy (3) could create with this construction toy, he made “DONUTS!”  This construction toy was created with children ages 3 and up in mind.

The twister set came with an idea brochure.  Blue-Raspberry is trying to build a lizard.  He got a little frustrated because every time he tried to pick up, some part would fall off.

This one didn’t get frustrated though.  She made donuts and puppies and babies, and beds for the babies.  This construction toy really clicked with her in a way that I haven’t seen with other construction toys.  Her initial play time lasted 4 hours!

         

The baby and puppy.

I thought these were really beautiful in their own way.  Is it a star, a spider, a sun?  Anyway you look at it, it’s creative construction at it’s best!

A great big thank you to Guide Craft for another high quality, imagination inspiring construction toy!

Guide Craft sells each set for $25.00 and you can find them at a deeply discounted price on Amazon as well.

As usual, Guide Craft is giving away a set of each Construction toy to one lucky winner.  Visit Carisa at 1+1+1=1 for a chance to win!

Joyfully,

Mrs. Taffy

Disclaimer-As a member of the Guide Craft Mom Bloggers Team I was given Twisters and Twister Curves to review in exchange for my honest opinion.  I was not paid.