TeamPlanting - Natural Crystal Jewelry Review

Other than earrings, I like to wear jewelry.  I especially like the pieces that give a statement.  TeamPlanting does just that.  The company specializes in natural crystals, which helps you maintain focus, healing, and fulfillment.  Not only that, you will be directly helping the environment by planting new trees when you purchase their jewelry.  

A top fan favorite is their Original Tree of Life Chakra Bracelet.  Available in several colors, this bracelet is intended to release any toxic emotions stopping you from living your natural state of joy and vitality.  Assembled with high-quality materials, it has an adjustable drawstring to fit all wrists.  

As well, the Soothing Relaxation - Amethyst Chakra Necklace challenges your inner self to come outside and dispel negativity through the Amethyst stones' tranquil vibrations.  I'm not necessarily into the whole idea of crystals and what they represent.  It's not something I've ever delved into before.  But, I do like the jewelry that's crafted and designed by TeamPlanting.  I also like the mission that they're behind.  Via email, I received a certificate for restoring lost habitats and conserving forest in high needs.

With the certificate, I can discover the planting site via the company's TreeLocator™ and track your seedlings journey.  I also get knowledge of the wildlife species I've helped.  

Both the necklace and bracelet are constructed very well and they are very pretty.  I enjoy wearing both and receiving compliments from others.  

I received products for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Great Games to Gift for the Holidays

 If you're searching for some fun games to gift (or play yourself) this holiday season, here are a few suggestions:

Don’t Go Boom Card Game

Your Mission? Don’t Go Boom! Get the lowest score in 3 rounds by totaling up the numbers on each player's minefield cards. Watch out for Big Bad Bomb cards, they’re worth 15 points each. Explosively fun card games by Inspiration Play. Inspired by the parlor card game, Golf.

Have a BLAST - Other kids games on the market move slowly and can’t keep attention. The Don’t Go Boom card games for kids keep you and your kids guessing down to the last card. Approx. 25 mins. (2 - 6 players)

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Let's Split Up

Run, seek, hide, record your living will, beg for mercy, leave creepy notes. It’s Suburbos vs the killer in this real time, riotous horror game.

FOR AGES 12+, 4-12 PLAYERS: A unique, teen-oriented game that’s active, social and exciting

REQUIREMENTS:  A front door, room to run and hide, cell phones, an adventurous spirit

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PlaySmart Dice Deluxe Edition

Back with a brand new look, the award-winning STEM dice game uses a uniquely numbered dice system with a number of games ranging from simple to complex, covering a broad range of ages who can benefit from gameplay. At home or on the go, playing with this small-but-mighty dice set for just a few minutes a day sharpens math skills and masters essential building blocks for higher academic achievement. In total, there are 11 games to choose from! For learners 6 years old and up.

Includes 4 patent pending PlaySmart Dice, 1 travel bag, rule book with 11 math games and 20 chips

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Double Ditto

 Double Ditto is a fast paced family game that can be played with kids 8 years & up to adults. A customizable card game that allows for creativity with answers and has other players guessing the answers of competitors.

How to Play: Pick a card, read it aloud, & quickly write down two answers you think others will imagine. Laugh or cry as you discover if you were correct. Find out whose mind is in sync with yours. It may not be who you'd expect! 

What You Get: 400 category cards, a 15-second timer, score sheets, & instruction card. Play Time: 25 minutes. 

Which of these games would you most like to play?

I received products in exchange for this post.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Celebrate Christmas with Pure Flix - : #PFChristmasMIN #PureFlixVIPAmbassador #MomentumInfluencerNetwork Review and Giveaway

This is the year to celebrate Christmas with Pure Flix! With 190 movies to inspire and encourage the whole family this season, you’ll experience the difference that positive entertainment can have.  With new quality faith and family entertainment every week, celebrate Christmas with Pure Flix and be inspired and encouraged all season long.  Join now and celebrate Christmas with Pure Flix.

One movie that can be seen on Pure Flix is Welcome to Hope: A Holiday Homecoming.  I was asked to view the film and give my thoughts.   

Film Synopsis:

The residents of Hope, NY come to the aid of displaced foster children after St. Jerome's Home for Children has a fire right before Christmas, and many families find the foster children complete their homes.

My Review:

A fire in a foster home leaves many children without a place to stay.  The fact that it's around the holidays adds stress.  Two children in particular are a focal point of this film, a brother and sister who are placed in the home of someone who isn't too keen on children.  It's entertaining to watch how they react to each other.  The oldest child, a girl, doesn't believe she will ever be adopted by a family and has struggles with how to handle it.  First of all, have your Kleenex ready.  Secondly, this is a movie that brings hope and love in circumstances that may otherwise fail.  I recommend it as a good movie to watch during the holiday season.

Win It!

One person will win a free 3-month Pure Flix subscription. (cannot have won a subscription within the last six months)

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Sweet Dreams, Lil Paw - Children's Book Review and Giveaway

 Book Overview:

Author: Bruce Dierking

Publication Date: 12/1/22

Page count: 24

Format: Board Book

Price: $9.99

Publisher: Circle D Publishing LLC

ISBN: 979-8986096407

Synopsis: It is hard being the youngest and smallest one in the family. Especially when your bedtime comes first, and you are feeling sad and afraid. Lil is just a pup, but she’s got big dreams, and nothing is going to hold her back! Sweet Dreams, Lil Paw is the first book in the Power Paws series, a collection of children’s stories designed to grow with its readers from birth to age 10 by evolving in complexity and maturity to track with a child’s intellectual and emotional growth and reading abilities.

My Review:

I have a grandson that will soon be five months old.  He has two fur brothers that aren't that far off in age.  Sweet Dreams, Lil Paw is perfect for Emmett because it's a board book with a cute message that features pups.

This board books tells of a pup named Lil.  She is a breed of water dogs and her family has quite the accolades of being good in the water.  Lil is still a pup and somewhat afraid she won't fit in.  But, in her dreams, she is big, powerful, and brave.  She is not afraid of anything.  And, hopefully someday, her dreams will become a reality.

Win It!

One person will win a Sweet Dreams, Lil Paw children's board book.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received book for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Halloween Weekend at Woodyz Acres

Charli looking ever so creepy

I know, I know...We're almost to Christmas and I'm just now posting about Halloween.  Merry Everything!

Halloween Weekend at Woodyz Acres was a success.  Several peopled dressed up and decorated their campers for an influx of trick-or-treaters.  Over 300 kids came by to get candy.  Later in the evening was a costume contest.  Being ever-so-sly, I chose to go for the Most Boring Costume category.  And I won!  (only because I was the only one competing in that category.)

blonde wig, some tattoos, and a Halloween dress made up my costume

lots and lots of candy to give away

As an addition to this year's festivities, several people also helped put together a wooded trail full of Halloween scenes and decorations.  My friend, Casey, made the best caramel apple funnel cakes and sno-cones for friends.

Coco the rat chihuhua has taken a liking to me this year.  

It was also the same weekend that Jason and I decided to sell our camper and call it quits at Woodyz Acres  I absolutely love the place and the people there but money is tight right now and we just can't swing monthly camper/rent payments.  We plan on still going there from time to time, but will stay with friends in their camper or rent a cabin.

Book Overview:

Laugh and learn with a child in your life with this light-hearted, fun retelling of the classic Christmas Eve story.

Ancient legends tell us that for one hour on Christmas Eve, animals are given the gift of speech. If we could have heard the animals on that very first Christmas Eve, what do you think they would have said?

Donkey, Cow, Sheep, Chicken, and Bird are having a typical winter night in the barn.  That is, until Cow finds something in her food trough.  Astonishment turns into awe when Bird reveals that it's a human baby.  And not just any human baby, it's baby Jesus, the people's Savior!

All the animals are humbled--the baby Jesus, in their barn! A frenzy follows, while the animals do everything they can to make Him comfortable, warm, and safe.

With soft, beautiful artwork and a delightful animal cast, Bethlehem Barn is a light-hearted, fun retelling of that very first Christmas that will charm children and adults alike.

About the Author:

Debra Westgate-Silva has worked in public education for many years and in child advocacy and welfare. Her work has been published in Highlights children's magazine and Teaching Tolerance. She loves reading, writing, cooking (and eating!), traveling and, above all else, spending time with her family. Her favorite holiday is Christmas, and one of her most treasured traditions is baking a birthday cake each year for baby Jesus. She lives in Bristol, Rhode Island, with her husband and two sons. Please visit her website at www.debrawestgatesilva.com to send her a message. She also loves to hear from her readers!

My Review:

Most of us know the story of Jesus birth, being born in a manger.  Bethlehem Barn, a hardcover book for children, tells the story from the animals point-of-view.  At first, the animals are put off by their area being in disarray.  The chicken's eggs were gone and the cow's food was missing.  What was it that caused such a ruckus?

After several attempts of proclaiming what happened, a bird was able to get the animals attention and let them know it was Jesus in the manger and His mother was asleep nearby.  Once all the animals recognized what was going on, they took it upon themselves to make the place comfortable for Jesus and his mother.  Donkey even came to the realization that he played an important part in bringing Jesus and his parents to the barn.

This book is perfect to read during the holidays to remind us the 'Reason for the Season'.  The story is told in a way that shows what the animals might have been thinking during the birth of Jesus.  It also shows the animals being humbled and in awe, knowing they were in the presence of glory.

Win It!

One person will win a hardcover book copy of Bethlehem Barn.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received book for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Creating Christmas Craft Decor

 

As I mentioned a couple posts ago while doing Thanksgiving decor, I don't consider myself a crafty person.  I can barely draw a stick figure.  But, with my sister's help, I've been able to make quite a few holiday decorations that don't look so bad.

We've moved on from Thanksgiving/Autumn decor to making stuff for Christmas.  I've been a busy little elf, going over to her house and creating projects with her endless supply of supplies.

It's been a lot of fun putting my imagination and creativity to use, seeing what I can come up with.  By the time it's over with my house is going to look like Christmas overkill.

Even their cat, Puddy, likes to play along.

THE LITTLE BAD BOOK #2: EVEN MORE DANGEROUS! - Book Review

 Book Overview:

THE LITTLE BAD BOOK #2: EVEN MORE DANGEROUS! (Delacorte Press / available as of October 11) is full of spooky fun and is perfect for reluctant readers due to its interactive elements. 

The Little Bad Book has a secret, and only the bravest readers can navigate through its spooky riddles to discover the truth!  Similar to choose your own adventure style books, THE LITTLE BAD BOOK #2 puts the reader at the center of the plot and relies on them to navigate through its tricky puzzles to solve the mystery at its center. The interactive elements are a clever way to get kids to work on math, logic puzzles, reading comprehension, and artistic skills, all while still having fun!

THE LITTLE BAD BOOK #2 is a part of a collection of interactive novels in the same vein as the Case Closed series by Lauren Magaziner. There are currently two books available in the series.

My Review:

I'm in my mid 40s and have been reading since I was a child.  I've also instilled the love of books onto my children.  Books take your imagination and curiosity on a journey.  THE LITTLE BAD BOOK #2: EVEN MORE DANGEROUS! goes even further with that by asking readers to solve puzzles and riddles to find out which page they need to go to next.  The reader might get to page 3 but have to end up going to page 16 to find out what happens next.  It takes you on a back-and-forth ride.  The book itself "tells the story" and has readers wondering what's going to take place next.  There's somewhat dark sides and somewhat cutesy sides to the book.  It's a fun, interactive book for tweens and young teens.

I received book for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Creating Autumn Craft Decor

The second floral arrangement I made

 I wouldn't consider myself to be crafty by any stretch of the imagination.  I need simple, easy ideas and instructions.  My sister, however, can make a castle out of a bread box.  And she's a pretty good teacher at how to get things done.  

The first floral arrangement I made

Last Saturday and Sunday I hung out at her house to make Autumn decor with her craft pieces.  As a side note, my sister has an addictive personality and goes ALL OUT when it comes to her hobbies/purchases.  I can't tell you the amount of diamond paintings, adult coloring books, buttons, leggings, pearl jewelry that girl owns.  As a plus for me, I get to come over and craft with her without spending a dime of my own.  I can't complain about the quality time with family either.

arrangement made by my sister that she gave to me

Between all the decor she already has and the ones she's created, my sister's house looks like Autumn threw up in every nook and cranny.  I also now have a few pieces that we created in my home, adding festive touches.

Traci and I decorated this wreath and hung it on her front door

Once Thanksgiving is over, we'll be hard-working elves creating pieces for Christmas.

a kid's Thanksgiving craft I made into a magnet

We even got my great-nieces and nephew in on the fun and let them color wooden Thanksgiving pieces.

Do you decorate for Autumn?

Would you consider yourself a crafty person?

Gigi & Nate - Blu-ray Giveaway

 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Love finds a helping hand when Gigi & Nate arrives on Blu-ray™ + Digital and DVD November 15 from Lionsgate. Directed by Nick Hamm (Driven, The Journey, The Hole), Gigi & Nate is an inspiring story about how hope and companionship can come in all different sizes. Gigi & Nate will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 for Blu-ray + Digital and $19.98 for DVD.

 OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

In this uplifting drama inspired by actual events, Nate (Charlie Rowe) suffers a near-fatal illness and is left a quadriplegic just weeks before departing for college. As Nate tries to adjust to his new life challenges, his mother (Oscar® winner* Marcia Gay Harden) helps him bring home an unlikely service animal, Gigi — a curious and intelligent capuchin monkey. Nate and Gigi form an unbreakable bond, but when it’s threatened by a group trying to outlaw capuchins, Nate’s family rallies behind him to help him regain what he needs most: hope.

Win It!

One person will win Gigi & Nate on Blu-ray.

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I received no compensation for this post.  This post is in partnership with PR firm.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Jesus Listens: 365 Prayers for Kids - Book Review

 Book Overview:

Jesus Listens, the bestselling 365 daily prayer devotional from Sarah Young, is now available for children. This book invites your children (and you) into an ongoing conversation with God, growing a meaningful prayer life and closer relationship with Him.

In this inspiring 365-day book of prayers, Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling, helps children talk to God every day. Kids will learn how to pray honest prayers and know that Jesus is always listening to them. This book will equip parents who want to teach their kids how to pray and talk to God reassure their children that God is always with them help their kids to read Bible verses every day.  Children will learn the daily practice of reading God's Word and talking to Him. They will know that they can talk to Jesus about anything and come to Him when they are afraid, anxious, or worried learn how to thank and praise God and take Him their requests.

My Review:

I'm probably more unceremonious than most Christians, but teaching my children about the Christian faith is still quite important to me. In some areas of life, I promote individuality and differing points-of-view with my adult children and young relation. However, I can't help but hope and help promote my view of my faith with them.

I think that devotionals are a great way to get in to the word of God.  They help us to decipher, allow us to reflect, and give us time to devote.  Most devotionals take a short time to read, yet the words leave a lasting impact.  Jesus Listens: 365 Prayers for Kids gives tweens and young teens the opportunity to take time in scripture and prayer every day.  

For each day, there is a Bible verse and a prayer to Jesus.  There's also references to verses kids can read on their own in the Bible .  A ribbon bookmark is attached to keep track of which day you're on.  It's a book that encourages, uplifts and helps your child bring worship to Jesus through prayer. 

I received product for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

The Smurfs: Season 1, Volume 2 - DVD Giveaway

Smurf village gets more exciting in the all-new DVD The Smurfs: Season 1, Volume 2, featuring new girl Smurfs; Willow, Blossom, Storm, and Lily! Join the Smurfs as they keep their village safe from the wizard Gargamel, accidentally turn themselves into babies, and more!

The Smurfs: Season 1, Volume 2 is available as of October 4, 2022 on DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment, for the suggested retail price of $10.99.

The Smurfs: Season 1, Volume 2 episodes:

The Pluffs!

The Majestic 5/Kitchen Klutz

Chef Soup/Adventures in Smurfsitting

The Round Up/Waffle Wednesday

Funny Mommy/Smurfy Day Care

Smurfy Secrets

Crashing Gargamel’s Party/The Curse of the Smurfs’ Treasure

Storm Loses her Mojo/Pop Out

Knight Smurfalot/Forget Me What?

The Smurfs: Season 1, Volume 2 synopsis:

The Smurfs have a new home on Nickelodeon! Join these beloved blue characters as they go on ALL-NEW adventures that push the charm, absurdity, and humor of the original series to even greater heights. Smurf we go! This volume contains the second 9 episodes of season one in a 1-disc set.

Win It!

One person will win The Smurfs: Season 1, Volume 2 on DVD.

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.

I received no compensation for this post.  This post is in partnership with PR firm.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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FAVs Fruit And Vitamin Snack - Review

Almost every Wednesday I babysit my nephew, Brandon, for a few hours.  Which means I need to have snacks on hand.  I was recently introduced to FAVs Fruit And Vitamin Snack and knew it'd be perfect to feed Brandon when he's around.  

It can be difficult to find yummy snacks that are not loaded with unnecessary sugar but Tree Top has the solution for you.  The vitamins in every pouch of Tree Top FAVs help support kids’ immune systems.  Also, the design of these pouches allow you take your fruits and vitamins anywhere, anytime.  No spoon, no mess, just squeezy fun.

 FAVs Fruit And Vitamin Snacks are available in four flavors:  Orange You Happy?, Strawberry Strong!, Feelin' Peachy, and Go Bananas!.  Brandon was keen on all four but seemed to particularly favor Strawberry Strong!

 With a little one feeding himself, it's nice to have something that is easy to open and eat.  There's a twist cap on each pouch.  Once it's open, all your kiddo has to do is suck the snack from the opening.  The cute graphics on the pouch make it even more appealing.

 

Of course, I couldn't just take Brandon's word on how good they are.  I had to try one for myself.  I liked the flavor and texture.  FAVs Fruit And Vitamin Snack is a treat I'd recommend for your child.  They're easy to use, taste delicious, and have some of the vitamins and minerals needed for a daily diet.

I received products for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Woodland Cemetery Ghost Tour

the "ghost" of William A. Richardson

Jason and I won tickets to a Woodland Cemetery Ghost Tour for October 1st.   Woodland Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in Quincy, Illinois, and these tours take place every year.  Open every Saturday in October, the tours rotate in theme.  This year there's three themed tours are:

Roaring 20s

Mausoleums, Vaults, and Crypts

Lincoln Lawyers

burial site for William A. Richardson

Jason and I attended the tour for Lincoln Lawyers.  During different stops along the cemetery we visited with the "ghosts" of the locals who had connections with Abraham Lincoln.  They told us what their connections were and about their own personal lives.

The tour and its speakers was very informative and entertaining.  We "met" with those who had both positive and negative interactions with Lincoln.  

The only downside to this is that some people thought it'd be an actual "ghost" tour where they'd be going on a ghost hunt through a cemetery.  Unless you are already aware of what these tours are about, there's not a lot of clarity on the website.  The fact that the tours take place before dark should be a dead give away, but.....