~Workman Publishing House books Review and Giveaway~ **CLOSED**

I received both of these books for free from Workman Publishing in exchange for a review.

My daughter LOVES animals and LOVES to read about them, so I thought these books would be perfect for her! Plus, they come in the cute shape of a house. What toddler wouldn't enjoy that? I received 2 Mini House books; Old McDonald's Barn and The ABC Doghouse by Peter Lippman.

These books are adorable! My daughter took them everywhere with her the first few days we had them. She loved to open and close them and say her ABC's as she read them or make animal noises, pointing out each animal.

The ABC Doghouse has a simple story incorporating every letter of the alphabet. "o is for out, where dogs like to be" is an example.


Old McDonald's Barn is similar to the song we sing "Old McDonald had a farm, eieio" except it's "Old McDonald had a barn, EIEIO. And in the barn there was a cow, with a moo moo here and a moo moo there, here a moo there a moo everywhere a moo moo. And in the yard there was a turkey..."etc.

My girl reading her books. She loves these books! We've had them for a few weeks now and they are holding up really well for a toddler book. Except, my nephew got a hold of one, and it's looking a bit worn now! Haha.(Boys are destructive though aren't they?)

BUY IT: Go to http://www.workman.com/ to find a list of their books. These books are listed under Children's Fiction.

WIN IT: Workman Publishing is willing to let one of my fans win this set of 2 books!!!

Use the form below to enter. Giveaway will end 3/2/11

Sun Stand Still book review from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing

As you know by now, for my continuous readers/fans, I am a big reader. What you may not know yet is how important my faith is to me. I understand if you do not feel that way, but God is the most important factor in my life. It's sets my perspectives for everything else in life. But sometimes it's hard to maintain faith, or to become more than a "lukewarm" believer.

I requested my review copy of "Sun Stand Still" by Steven Furtick from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing.

  It's written by a young pastor, leader of one of the fastest growing churches in America.

When I first read the summary of the book I wasn't sure what to expect. When I got the book and started reading, I was quite surprised! It was very motivating. Allot of times books like these come across all "wishy-washey" or from a "love-dovey" Christian attitude, not challenging your faith at all

The book title comes from the story of Joshua when he prayed and God made the Sun Stand Still. It talks about audacious faith, praying for the impossible, but believing and having faith that God will come through. It challenges your faith to move to the next level. Getting off the pew, and preforming your own act of audacious faith. I like that he incorporates everyone. Not just people called to "the mission field" or pastors...but everyone, anyone, can have audacious faith. From stay at home moms to whatever field you work in. It's just about trusting God through anything.

I think this book would be a great book for any Christian looking to move past the mundane acts of a follower and be challenged in your faith to be active for the Lord. He mentions how sometimes what seems like a great sacrifice, when you would get angry with God, to wait and have faith, because He has another plan for your life. How you can see by one loss God uses that situation, or you to preform something for Him beyond what you would have been able to do before-hand.

You can buy your copy of Sun Stand Still here, http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601423221

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

~Inspired By Finn Review and DISCOUNT CODE!!~

I don't know how many of you struggle with it, but I have 2 teething kids in my house that are SO cranky for a few days out of the week, chewing on everything, including their fingers. Yes, even my toddler.

I am not a big fan of chemicals and pills, I prefer homeopathic remedies. Which have worked great for the most part. But I'm always looking for one more thing to help my poor babies without filling their tiny bodies with chemicals. I found out about Baltic Amber Necklaces. I'm sure most of you reading this are like, "Oh yeah. Know it. Own it. Have one for myself." I on the other hand never knew amber could help SO much!

I sent an email to Inspired By Finn to see if I could review their necklaces. They allowed me to purchase at a discount on of their amber necklaces to try out for my kids. I picked the Youth Baltic Amber in Tea.

For those of you thinking, what in the world is amber and how does it help? Here is some information I have copied from their website:

Baltic amber is not a stone, but a fossilized tree resin.
Historically, Baltic Amber has been used in Europe as a natural and traditional remedy and curative for many ailments for centuries. Long ago it was considered one of the leading ‘medicines’ of its time. Baltic Amber is the most esteemed amber in the world, and the healing qualities of Baltic Amber make it unlike any other type of amber found in the world.

When baltic amber is worn on the skin, the skin’s warmth releases trace amounts of healing oils from the amber. These oils contain succinic acid and are absorbed into the skin.

Baltic Amber has some of the highest concentrations of Succinic Acid found in nature, and this is what makes it so special. Succinic Acid is a natural component of plant and animal tissues, and it's presence in the human body is beneficial in many ways.

How can baltic amber help us?

• Pain Relief -

Baltic amber contains analgesic properties and helps take the edge off of many types of discomfort associated with dental issues, headaches, joint pain, etc.

• Strengthens the body's immune system -

In many different and subtle ways, succinic acid helps boost the body's own natural healing ability and immune system.

• Restoring Energy –

The human body naturally produces succinic acid. The salt of succinic acid (succinate) is one of the most active substances in the processes of cellular respiration and intercellular energy creation. Succinic acid restores oxygen and energy supply to depleted cells and helps the body return to a normal, functioning state.

Succinate is a raw material and a catalyst in the Krebs Cycle which is one of our main sources of energy. During the Krebs Cycle carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are metabolized for energy.

• Maintaining Wellness -

When the human body reacts to stress, the body’s cells begin to use oxygen more quickly. Oxygen plays a central role in the intercellular creation of energy, and a lack of oxygen can result in feeling lethargic.

Oxygen is alkaline-forming in the blood and maintaining a slightly alkaline blood ph helps keep us healthy. Whenever the body functions in a state of low oxygen, it is much more susceptible to illness.

• To help break a cycle of (chronic) inflammation -

Where chronic inflammation is present, disease lurks.

When the body’s cells are chronically inflamed the human body’s immune system response is to increase production of free radicals. Chronic overproduction of free radicals results in inflammatory-related disease. Chronic inflammation is a common denominator of many seemingly unrelated diseases.

While wearing a piece or two of baltic amber jewelry may not cure all that may ail you, it has been a proven benefit to many!

Inspired By Finn has a nice selection of necklaces to choose from, so it was hard to pick. I have two kids, one of each gender, so I thought I would get one that would look great on both kids, which is why I picked the Tea. They have a variety of sizes to choose from also depending on your personal preference.

Inspired By Finn also sells Hazel wood necklaces. If you want to learn more about hazel wood necklaces, go here: http://hyenacart.com/stores/inspiredbyfinn/index.php?c=63&p=50010  for a list of how it helps!

 My experience;

 I couldn't get a good picture of it on my boy since it kept hiding under his tiny little chin. :-)

We were on a trip to visit my family and my daughter was tired, and crabby, teething, had a cold...etc. We decided to try the necklace out for the first time that weekend and after she had it on about half an hour, she really started calming down! I was pretty amazed. I wasn't sure if it was just her relaxing or if the necklace was really actually helping! So the next day I put it on my son who was a crab from HIS teeth coming in and again, within a half an hour he really mellowed out and seemed so RELAXED!

I am a bit of a sceptic when it comes to things like this so I tried it for quite a few weeks rotating it between my two children. It never failed, every time one kid was wearing it, they really seemed to feel relieved! It was a weight off my shoulders to find another homeopathic method to easing my children's teething pain. You can find a bunch more testimonials on Inspired By Finn's site here http://hyenacart.com/inspiredbyfinn/mt/713/48717/Click-here.

Inspired By Finn has also generously offered to give my BEAUTIFUL fans a chance to get your own discounted Baltic Amber Necklaces! (Or hazel wood!) just use the discount code blog20 at their checkout!!

BUY IT: Go to www.inspiredbyfinn.com to buy your own baltic amber necklace! Don't forget to use the discount code blog20.

I would also LOVE if you could 1. Be a follower of my blog via Google friend connect allowing me to review more awesome products and get more giveaways/discount codes for you, my fans! And 2. Head on over to Inspired By Finn on Facebook and thank them for the discount code!!!

~Michelle's Handmade Boutique Review and Giveaway~ **CLOSED**

I found Michelle's Handmade Boutique on facebook and thought her stuff was SO cute! I asked if I could review some products and she sent me some adorable cloth wipes to review!!

Michelle's Handmade Boutique has everything from cloth wipes, to pillowcase dresses, to wash cloths, to clippies, to bibs, and she says if you are looking for something she doesn't have posted just email her about it!

They measure, even after a wash by the way, at 6"x6" wipes. My kids are constant wetters, so I was able to try the wipes as soon as I got them! I love that they have a terry side. It really helps to pick up any poo on their skin and really help remove the moisture from their bottoms.

I also had to use them quite a few time and send them through the wash just to make sure they lasted! The bottom 2 pictures above are after the wipes have been washed and dried a few times. I just love these wipes!! If you have never used cloth wipes, having such cute ones, that really help clean up a mess would convince you!

She also sent me some wipes solution to use with the wipes that smelt wonderful, didn't cause any reactions, and really helped clean up their bottoms. I've been looking for a good wipes solution, too. So I'm glad I had something to use for comparison!

You should really check out her stuff!!! I was going through her products to post a few pictures of some cute stuff and there is just so much it was hard to pick which to post!!!

....for a few items she makes....

Michelle's Handmade Boutique is willing to offer one of my wonderful fans a cloth wipes set of their own!!!
 How wonderful is that??????

Use the form below to enter! Giveaway open until 2/22/11

Helpful links:
Michelle's Handmade Boutique website
Michelle's Handmade Boutique on facebook
TNS Family Value[s] on facebook
TNS Family Value[s] on twitter


**Sponsors are liable for any prizes sent and received. This was not a paid review. I post my honest opinions.**

~SmellyWasher Review and Giveaway~ **Closed**

Ever have your laundry smell after doing so many loads? No matter how much detergent you add you just can't remove that "dirty" laundry smell? You would think it was the laundry, but it could actually be your washer! Usually a buildup starts in your washer of mildew and sometimes even mold! Gross, right? Well Smelly Washer came out with an all natural product to help remove that smell!!! It's the Smelly Washer Cleaner! It's an all natural product, so you aren't using any harsh chemicals to get your washer clean. (If you've been paying attention, I don't like harsh chemicals!)

To clean your washer you just add 1 tablespoon of smelly washer cleaner into an empty washer. Fill in a hot soak cycle and soak 2-6 hours. Run rinse and drain cycles. For extreme cases, repeat the procedure. That simple! No scrubbing out the washer!

*Copied from their website*
Smelly Washer Cleaner is the only all natural washing machine cleaner available. One bottle has 24 treatments compared to 1-3 for competitors. Save money on appliance repair bills by safely and easily cleaning your dirty clothes washer yourself. Remove stinky mildew odor from any front or top loading washer. Just a cap of Smelly Washer in a hot cycle and let your washer clean itself!

The bottle smelly washer makes has enough for 24 cleaning cycles, which could last you up to 2 years! They recommend doing a teaspoon in a soak once a month just to keep your washer fresh.

My experience:
I have a fairly new washer so I don't have any smell yet. But I use it to prevent buildup and smell. I'm a cloth diapering mommy of two so I'm happy to have preventative smelly washer products! Doing a load of diapers every other day and soaking them overnight, its only a matter of time before it would start to smell!! Not to mention my washer is in a damp basement.

I also loaned my smelly washer cleaner to a few friends of mine with older washers that were struggling with clean smelling laundry. They really liked this product! My SIL said she noticed her laundry came out smelling much better than before.

Sometimes you don't realize that a machine made for cleaning, needs cleaning. It's a good maintenance product!

BUY IT: You can buy your own bottle of smellywasher cleaner for $16.99 (that's only .71cents a month for 2 years, which could prevent allot of washer repairs!) http://www.smellywasher.com/product/smelly-washer.html

WIN IT; SMELLY WASHER IS WILLING YO LET ONE OF MY FANS WIN THEIR OWN BOTTLE OF SMELLY WASHER CLEANER! USE THE FORM BELOW TO ENTER. GIVEAWAY OPEN UNTIL 2/17/11.

Helpful links;
Smelly Washer Online
Smelly Washer on Facebook
TNS Family Value[s] on Facebook
TNS Family Value[s] on Twitter


** Sponsors are liable for all process sent and received. This is my honest opinion. I was not paid to write this review.**

~Earthly Remedies By Erin Review and Giveaway~ **CLOSED**

Earthly Remedies By Erin sent me some healing salve and baby's butt balm to try out!

About Earthly Remedies By Erin;  *Copied from website*
Earthly Remedies makes all natural hand salves, hand creams, baby products and more. They are made with products such as beeswax, shea butter, a variety of organic essential oils, and organic herbs that I grow myself. I am committed to providing natural products that are 100% natural and 100% chemical free, and mostly all organic. All products are safe to use on children and pets. I use organic canola oil in a lot of my products and in order for it to be organic it needs to be GMO free. So you can rest assured that any items that I am using are to my knowledge GMO free.

If you are looking for a natural, chemical-free, product that won't harm your body or the environment then you will be happy with your choice to support Earthly Remedies. I stand by my products 100%, and if they prove to be unsatisfactory I will provide you with a replacement.

Baby's Butt Balm can be used to help prevent diaper rash.  It is in a stick form so all you need to do is rub it on to a baby's bottom, great for diaper bags. Made with cold pressed organic canola oil and/or organic sunflower oil, beeswax, unrefined shea butter, and a proprietary blend of organic essential oils.
Healing Salve; Great to use on cuts and scraps.  I use this during cold season on my kids noses when they are raw. Made with organic cold pressed canola oil and/or sunflower oil, unrefined shea butter, organic cocoa butter, beeswax, and a proprietary blend of essential oils including helichrysum oil (which is good for eczema and psoriasis).


   My Experience;

The baby's butt balm worked great for keeping my kids dry and seemed to prevent diaper rashes on their tushies. Plus it doesn't ruin my cloth diapers! During the winter/flu season, ANY butt products are nice to keep around in case of diaper rashes from diarrhea. The only downfall I had with the product was that it looks like chap stick, and my daughter tries to apply it to her lips haha. (But that was BEFORE it touched any tooshies). Now it has to be kept hidden to prevent her from trying. I did like that it was in a stick though and I didn't need to get my fingers gooey with butt balm! That's always a pain when you have two kids with you in the bathroom, changing one, holding the other, hands gooey and then trying to wash it all off. (I do still wash my hands, just to clarify!)

As for the healing salve....it was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! My husband, as a few of you know, is an Automotive Technician. His hands get so beat up, chapped, dry, cracked, sore...everything you can think of. And he despises using lotion during the winter to top it off because it makes his hands burn! (You know the feeling!) I gave him the salve to use, since it had a few things I'm allergic to in it. He really liked it! It didn't feel greasy and within 3 days (there was just a small dab in the sample she gave us - enough for 3 uses on hands) his hands felt so much better! I actually got him to apply something to his hands. Which if you know my husband..is quite the task. Even he was convinced enough to MAYBE buy some for himself. Haha. (Men are like that aren't they? LOVE YOU BABE.)

Earthly Remedies By Erin is willing to offer one of my fans the baby's butt balm!

BUT IT; You can buy these products, plus TONS more at http://earthlyremediesbyerin.com/index.php for great prices and natural products!

WIN IT: Win the baby's butt balm by using the form below to enter. Giveaway will end 2/16/11. Winner will be chosen using random.org.

Helpful sites:
Earthly Remedies by Erin website
Earthly Remedies by Erin Facebook
TNS Family Value[s] on Facebook
TNS Family Value[s] on Twitter

**Sponsors are liable for all products sent and received through giveaway. This is an honest review. I was not paid in any way to write this review.**

~Alphabet Kids Book Review and Giveaway!~ **CLOSED**

Alphabet Kids let me review their set of books! If you've been following my blog, you know my daughter and I LOVE to read. I was pretty excited to get these books.

About the creator: *Copied from their website*

Allegra Joyce Kassin is the creator of the Alphabet Kids concept. She is a devoted mother of five and grandmother of seven. With a strong belief in family values and deeply committed to multicultural understanding, she brings unique vision, clarity, continuity and extraordinary leadership to the Alphabet Kids team. She is involved in every aspect of development of the Alphabet Kids characters and their stories. She has brought them to life to share with the children of the world! Allegra Joyce has been engaged in wide ranging philanthropic activities from childhood well-being and health to community development and educational enrichment for over thirty years.


Each one of their books focuses on a different culture and life lesson. These books were co-written, not only by an Emmy Award winning author, Patrice Samara, but 6 different cultural exports.

The books cover each vowel, including the "sometimes Y",  and with time will cover to expand the alphabet.

Yang is Chinese American

 Yang's story is about a certain "dance he is doing in the playground while all the children watch. In the end you find out how this is part of his heritage.

Allegra is Italian American

 Allegra's story they are learning to draw and she sees how the children use TOO much paper! It covers her lesson on saving trees.

Elena is Hispanic American

 Elena's story, if you can't guess by the cover, takes place on her birthday when she thinks everyone forgot about her!

Isaac is Jewish American

 Isaac's finally got his first pets from Grandma and learns about how much responsibility pets really can be!

Oni is African American

 Oni is new to the Alphabet Afterschool Center, and feels hurt when one of the other kids describes her hair as "crunchy", then learning about her own heritage as an African American.

Umar is Arab American

Umar's book, all the kids get to bring a bread from their culture. Umar's dad is a chef and brings his "magic oven" and shows the kid how it bakes outside!

My daughter and I reading the books!! We LOVED the serious! They had some good life lessons, they will help teach my daughter as she gets older about differences in cultures, as well as with her vowels and pronunciation! I think this is such a GREAT book series! Her favorite book was Allegra's Apple Tree. She has me read it to her over and over!


One more neat thing about Alphabet Kids, for every book you buy, they will donate one to a child in need!!!


BUY IT; You can buy the Alphabet Kids book serious here; http://www.alphabetkids.com/. Buy books individually, or as a set!


WIN IT; Alphabet kids has been so kind to let one of my lovely followers win an Alphabet Kids tote bag, bookmark, and my daughter's favorite book, Allegra's Apple Tree!

Helpful Links;
Alphabet Kids online
Alphabet Kids on Facebook
TNS Family Value[s] on Facebook
TNS Family Value[s] on Twitter



Use the from below to enter! Open until 2/11/11.


*Sponsor responsible for sending and receiving all prizes. I was not paid for this review. It is my honest opinion.*

FACEBOOK PAGE Valentine's day or anniversary card giveaway!! **CLOSED**

Go check out my facebook for your chance to win a Valentine's day card from Lady Jayne Designs & Photography! She will use any picture of yours and customize it onto a card just for you and your loved one for Valentine's day (or your anniversary)! She will mail them out to you right away!!
 Lady Jayne on facebook

Use this link to get to my post!!! Comment below the post on facebook after you go and like her page to enter!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/TNS-Family-Values/179241275421145#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=150050311720020&id=179241275421145

 Open until 2/7/11. *Prizes are the responsibility of the sponsor to send and receive!*

~MotherLove Herbal Company Review and Giveaway~ **CLOSED**

MotherLove Herbal Company let me pick out a few items to try. I was glad for the opportunity because my daughter currently had a diaper rash and it's winter here, so my hands are drying and cracking like crazy! So I chose the green salve and the diaper rash and thrush cream.

A little about MotherLove. *Copied from their website*

As the first herbal personal care and supplement line specifically designed for pregnant and breastfeeding women, Motherlove has led the holistic body care industry since its conception in 1990. Our dedication to consistent quality means crafting only the finest, purest products, and using certified organic ingredients designed to nurture, soothe and heal women on their all-important journey of nurturing life. Each of our formulas are time proven and backed with integrity, wisdom and an intimate knowledge of herbal remedies.

Committed to our customers and setting a better-business example, Motherlove follows the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) set forth by the AHPA and the FDA. To ensure the utmost quality and consumer protection, we retain samples from every batch and have a computerized tracking system to follow any bottle sold. Our herbal supplements are made in an FDA registered, GMP certified facility. Before we place an order for an ingredient we receive a certificate of analysis and a sample. The certificate of analysis from the supplier shows test results for coliforms, salmonella, yeast & mold, bacterial plate count, heavy metals and pesticide residue. Herb samples are evaluated for color, smell and strength before approval. The finished product is then tested by an independent lab for bacteria, coliforms and heavy metals. Along with certificates of analysis for each ingredient and each lot number, we also have on file the certified organic, kosher and certified cruelty free documentation for our products.

As a major supporter of organic farming and sustainable practices, Motherlove strives to do not only do what's best for mothers and babies, but what's best for the environment as well. All our office supplies and packaging is made from recycled materials (as is all company literature), we manufacture using wind credits, and of course, none of our products are ever tested on animals and are completely cruelty free.

We also believe in supporting the social environment with our Nurturing Life Foundation, which promotes breastfeeding and supports mothers-in-need nationwide. Over 10% of all Motherlove Herbal Company's profits are donated to organizations that truly help nurture life, like The Maternal Wellness Center, Realities for Children and The Mountain Park Environmental Center.

My Expierence:

 

My green salve and diaper rash & thrush creams, and what they look like.

Green Salve:
This all natural versatile salve quickly and effectively takes the itch out of insect bites, bee stings and poison ivy. It soothes and eases the discomforts of rashes, chapped and irritated skin. A must for every home! Motherlove’s green salve has a zero rating (zero toxins) on EWG’s skin deep database and is made with 100% certified organic ingredients.

Diaper Rash and Thrush:
An all-natural herbal salve for persistent, inflamed diaper rash. Diaper safe and compatible with all diapers including cloth. Motherlove’s diaper rash & thrush has a zero rating (zero toxins) on EWG’s skin deep database and is made with 96% certified organic ingredients.

  I immediately applied both creams the day I got them! My hands were SO dry and cracked from all this winter weather, and my daughter (if you've read my blog posts earlier) had diarrhea, so a diaper rash was bound to happen.

I applied them each every night for a few days. Within the first 24-48 hours, my daughters tushy redness was all gone! I felt better using these items on her since they are organic/natural products. It took about 72 hours for my hands to start improving.
Overall I think the MotherLove products are wonderful! The only downside I found to them was they felt, looked and smelt like you were applying pure olive oil (since it is the main ingredient!).
  I also liked them since they work with my CLOTH DIAPERS! Allot of creams and salves can damage cloth. I was SO glad I didn't have to use 'sposies for these.

BUY IT: You can go to http://www.motherlove.com/category/Products.html to check out all their great products! Diaper rash cream costs $9.95 for a 1oz bottle (it goes a LONG way!) or $8.95 for the green salve. (Same size, and lasts a long time!)

WIN IT: MotherLove is offering my fans one of your choice! If you win, you get to pick either of these items I reviewed above! Just use the form below to enter. Giveaway open until 2/08/11.

Helpful links:
MotherLove Website
MotherLove on Facebook
MotherLove on Twitter
TNS Family Value[s] on Facebook
TNS Family Value[s] on Twitter