Thursday, October 31, 2013

Creation Source Allows You to Carry the Pictures You Love with You All the Time! #LovingMemories @CreationSource

Disclosure: This was a sponsored post by - http://TheBloggerConnection.com. I received a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.





"Creation Source brings life to your everyday accessories and tools. Begin expressing yourself like never before possible!"
 

This has been a very memorable year thus far.  Not only have the girls experiences new firsts like Arabella talking in full sentences at 15 months old, and Savannah getting ready for pre-school, but it also marks a personal milestone for me -- 5 years out of cancer treatment.  Back in May, my oncologists finally said I was cancer free and in remission.  With my rare form of cancer, they had to wait five years of having clean scans to say I was in remission.  Five years is a long time coming, but as I look back on my cancer journey, one thing stands out...miracles do happen.  Like the saying goes, "Everything happens for a reason."  Maybe my cancer diagnosis was a wake up call to slow down and enjoy life more, instead of overworking myself.  Maybe the Man upstairs needed someone in my family to go through cancer, and chose me because of my strength and determination. Who knows?  But, what I do know is that when someone tells you that something isn't in your cards...don't give up.  My doctors all told me that with the chemo and radiation treatments I would have to go through to battle my stage 2 cancer, that children would not be possible.  I could have spent tens of thousands of dollars storing eggs for someone else care later on, which would not be possible financially.  Also, because they weren't sure if the cancer spread, they had to start treatments right away, and there was no time for storing eggs, etc.  

While I knew that my health and beating this cancer was my number one priority, I always thought about children, and hoped and prayed that the doctors were wrong.  Come on, it took seven doctors and countless scans, test and then surgery to find my cancer...so, they could be wrong on this. After a year of ups and downs, hospitalizations, and tough treatments, I was finally able to return home from staying at my parents house during the entire treatment.  It was so nice to be back in my own bed.  As I slowly moved around the house days later, I stumbled across a box in the corner of the living room.  I opened it to find a baby onesie.  I sat there crying, remembering why this onesie was there in the first place.  My husband had given it to me just days before I got the dreaded call telling me I had cancer.  After 10 years of being together and me asking him countless times when he would be ready to start trying for a family, he finally was ready.  This was his way of saying, let's make 2008 a great year.  That night, we stayed up late talking about kids and how our lives would change for the better.  We even started playing the baby name game.  If we had a boy, we would call him Sebastian Alexander, and a girl would be Savannah Rose.  Everything seemed perfect...until cancer turned my world and my family's upside down.  

It took a full year out of treatment to finally start being normal again.  At the end of 2008, I had the feeding tube in my stomach and port a cath in my shoulder area taken out.  As I started to think about what was next -- look for a job (as I had to leave my past job to undergo daily treatments) or do something new.  As I sat in our big empty house, I always found myself picking up this onesie.  When my husband arrived home that night, we talked about trying in 6 months, and seeing what happened.  We weren't expecting miracles, but two miracles are what we received...one in 2010 and another in 2011.  Savannah Rose was born July 2010, and Arabella Sofia followed 15 months later.  We were over the moon, and have been loving the journey of parenthood.  I am now a stay-at-home mom, who gets to see her girls grow up.  Everyday is a gift, and I don't take one minute for granted.  And, when I can't be with my girls for a medical appointment or blogger work commitment, I always have the girls close to me, thanks to a custom right from Creation Source.

What is Creation Source you ask?  

Custom-Designed Picture Ring Personalized w/ Your Photos

"Creation Source allows you to bring your dreams to reality. Now you can use your own photos to personalize your life. Creation Source brings life to your everyday accessories and tools. Begin expressing yourself like never before possible!"

I hadn't heard about them, until I was contacted to review one of their customized picture rings.  In order to have a picture ring made, I had to send along 8-10 photos of the girl over email.  And, two weeks later, my customized ring arrived at my door.  I couldn't help but tear up as I looked at the photos.  Not only did it remind of the two miracles who have made my life complete, but also how fast they are growing up.  I chose photos from different stages of their life so far...from welcoming them home from the hospital, to their first steps and more.  Now, whenever I need a reminder of what is important in life, when I am feeling down or stressed, I can glance down at my finger and see my beautiful girls smiling back at me...and, everything is better. :-)







With the holidays right around the corner, why not surprise that special someone in your life with a custom ring from Creation Source.  You can add photos of your pets, your grandchildren, favorite vacation spots, etc.  Whatever memories you cherish and have photos of can be transformed into a unique custom ring for both men and women.  And, whoever is given this unique gift will definitely treasure it for years to come.  I love my Creation Source custom ring, and continue to get compliments from family, friends and even strangers, who see me wearing it.  They all think it is a great idea, and start talking about the photos they would add to make their ring a treasured keepsake.  What photos would you choose to include if you were able to make a photo ring for yourself.  Or, who would you love to give this unique gift idea to?  To learn more about Creation Source and the products available for customization, including Custom Apple computer Logos, click here now --
http://bit.ly/CreationSource.


 
"There’s nothing like an item customized especially for you. Creation Source allows you to carry the pictures you love with you all the time!"
 

Don't forget to follow Creation Source on Twitter for news and special offers.
 

Disclosure: This was a sponsored post by - http://TheBloggerConnection.com. I received a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.
Read more »

All Aboard the Train to Christmas Town Stopping at the Cape Cod Central Railroad in Nov. and Dec. #christmastrain

Disclosure:  As a member of USFamilyGuide, I was given a family four pack of tickets to attend this event, in exchange for promoting on my site and writing up an honest follow up review post.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.





Climb Aboard the Train to Christmas Town


This holiday season, fall in love with the heartwarming tale of Janice, a little girl who looks forward to riding the Train to Christmas Town every year with her brother and Grandmother. This year is a little different though, as readers of the story already know. Accompanied by a bag full of surprises, woodland friends and jolly elves, Janice relives happy memories as she rides the train to Christmas Town once again.






The conductor will welcome you aboard and punch your ticket as you find your seat in warm, decorated cars. Meet Bumblebee the Polar Bear, Wabash the Squirrel, even Zephyr the depot cat and laugh along with Elves while they’re busy serving cookies and cocoa, and leading guests in singing Christmas carols. Upon arrival at Christmas Town, Santa climbs on board and walks through the cars greeting each child with holiday cheer and his signature “Ho, Ho, Ho”!


All Aboard the Train to Christmas Town is coming visit https://www.traintochristmastown.com/massachussetts/index.html or call 1-888-978-5562 to climb aboard.

https://www.traintochristmastown.com/massachussetts/index.html


Show Information




Cape Cod Central Railroad


Dates of Event: Nov 22-24, 29-30 and Dec 1, 6-8, 13-15, 18-23, 27-29


Departure Times:  3:30pm, 5:30pm 7:30pm*


Departing From: Buzzard's Bay Depot 70 Main St. Bourne, MA

Click here to learn more, or to order your tickets online now -- https://www.traintochristmastown.com/massachussetts/index.html.

*Not all departure times are available on every running date, please check the calendar to the right for the complete schedule.

What happens on this train?

The train departs from the Buzzards Bay depot and Chamber of Commerce. Classic passenger rail cars are decorated for the holidays. The Conductor will punch each passengers train ticket in a jolly fashion. Elves travel through the cars serving hot cocoa and cookies to everyone on the journey to Christmas Town. The book The Train to Christmas Town is read aloud and there’s lots and lots of fabulous music and fun. You’ll meet the woodland characters from the book including the famous Bumblebee the Polar Bear!

Upon arrival to Christmas Town (passengers are not allowed off the train), Santa boards the train with some helper elves. He will make his way through the train cars making time to visit with each child as well as pose for photos for those that wish to take them. Continuing along the return journey, the elves lead passengers in the singing of happy holiday carols



---


Why not create a wonderful Christmas memory with your family this year, by taking them to Christmas Town in Cape Cod.  This train ride will surely get everyone in the holiday spirit, with a visit from Santa to caroling and festive lights.  I can't wait to take the girls and see their eyes light up when Santa and his elves greet them.  I will definitely have the camera ready.  :-)

Happy Holidays!




Disclosure: As a member of USFamilyGuide, I was given a family four pack of tickets to attend this event, in exchange for promoting on my site and writing up an honest follow up review post. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
Read more »

Girls' Night Out at the Lowell Auditorium -- Take in SPANK! THE FIFTY SHADES PARODY on Nov. 21st #Giveaway

SPANK! 



If I wasn't taking the girls to the Polar Express on Nov. 21st, I would definitely get all my girlfriends from high school, who still live in my hometown, to get together and take in this show.   I haven't come across one lady who hasn't picked up a copy of "Fifty Shades of Grey" to read -- even out of curiosity.   So, it was only a matter of time before either a Broadway play or parody for that matter would hit the stage.

Thanks to SPANK! THE FIFTY SHADES PARODY, Girls' Night Out will be a blast, as you laugh out loud to this hilarious show.  A few of my friends have already seen it when it came through their town, and they couldn't stop raving about how great it was, and how funny it was.   My friends are not the only one loving this show, just look at the trailer for the show below where other women, who also scheduled a much needed Girls' Night Out, couldn't get enough of SPANK! THE FIFTY SHADES PARODY.

There is still time to call up your girlfriends, and plan a fun dinner and show, as you enjoy SPANK! THE FIFTY SHADES PARODY, playing the Lowell Memorial Auditorium on Nov. 21st at 8PM. 

--About the Show--

SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody is the hilarious new musical that brings the naughty fun of the best-selling book to life and will have your inner goddess laughing out loud! This new imagining of the characters comes to life with sharp-witted comedy, musical numbers, sexy striptease performances from the leading hunk, plus lots of surprises!


Get there early for pre-show cocktails, and then stay to meet the cast and pose for a photo with Mr. Dangerous himself!

Tickets are on sale now and are priced at $30.50, $46.50 and $56.50.  Click here to order tickets online now --
http://ev7.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3ALMA%3ALMA13%3ABWAY1%3A&linkID=global-lma&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=LMAB&cgc=&RSRCMomBlog1=&RDATLMABuyTickets/


--WIN TICKETS NOW--

I am excited to offer two (2) readers the chance to win a pair of tickets (2 tickets), to take in SPANK! THE FIFTY SHADES PARODY on Nov. 21st at 8PM, at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.  To enter this fun giveaway, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read more »

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Book Review: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Kids #Giveaway


Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

 Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Kids: 101 Stories about Good Decisions, Self-Esteem, and Positive Thinking



Helping children make good choices

Chicken Soup for the Soul shares positive stories, lessons for children of all ages



"Whether it’s bullying, school or social concerns, kids have a lot to worry about these days. Parents, grandparents and teachers are looking for a way to connect with children to discuss these issues and provide some guidance. And one of the best ways to start a conversation with a child is by reading a story about another child first. “That’s the goal of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Kids – to start conversations with children about core values, good examples, making good decisions and having the courage to do the right  thing,” Hercules star  Kevin Sorbo and Chicken Soup for the Soul publisher Amy Newmark write in their introduction.  “The values that children learn today will stay with them for the rest of their lives. We hope to contribute to the building blocks that create tomorrow’s wonderful young adults through this book for today’s children. ”



Geared to kids 7 to 13, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Kids (Chicken Soup for the Soul  Publishing, LLC, Oct. 29, 2013, 978-161159275, $14.95) contains  101 stories about kids dealing with today’s issues. Kids will read about making good choices, gratitude, developing their self-esteem and staying true to their convictions.  The stories also cover bullying, disabilities, helping others, relationships, dealing with divorce and moving. Children will learn about real friends, not “popular” friends, and will be inspired by many of the stories to try new things and expand their horizons.“ These stories remind kids that they are not alone in dealing with difficult issues,” according to Sorbo and Newmark. “
 
And even though these stories are for kids, their lessons are universal and should prove inspirational to the adults who are sharing them and discussing them as well.” Kids often learn best from each other and that is the premise of A World Fit for Kids!, a Los Angeles-based  mentoring program supported by Kevin Sorbo that trains teens to become heroes to kids in their  own neighborhoods. This powerful program of “kids teaching kids” will receive royalties  from  the sale of  every copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Kids."



Book Info:

·  Series: Chicken Soup for the Soul

·  Paperback: 384 pages

·  Publisher: Chicken Soup for the Soul; Original edition (October 29, 2013)

·  Language: English

·  ISBN-10: 161159927X

·  ISBN-13: 978-1611599275

·  Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches





---

My Thoughts:



 While I read many children's books to my girls, I haven't had the opportunity in a long time to read stories by kids, especially inspirational one.  Usually, it takes me a few days to get through a book, depending on how cooperative the girls are at night, and how much free tree (which is limited) I find myself with at the end of a long day.  But, after I picked up this book the other day, I couldn't put it down.  Well, I can't say that, as I had to put the book down on a few occasions, to reach for a tissues, as some of the personal stories shared really do pull at your heartstrings.

From bullying to self-esteem, topics important to today's youth are included in this well compiled book.  Even though the stories in this new release are written by kids between the ages of 7 and 13 years old, you would never know it by their writing style.  They really do put their all into the stories, and you the reader will be moved with each and every story.  I know that is difficult to children, especially kids in this age range to talk opening with parents, teachers, and other adults in their lives about things bothering them -- just look at all the sad stories we see on the television -- from school shootings to suicides as a result of cyber bullying, etc.  If only kids have the confidence and strength to open up like the kids in this book did, maybe the news each night would not be so glum.

Fans young and old of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series will enjoy reading these inspirational stories.  And, if you have young children/tweens in your house, this is one book worth passing around, and discussing afterwards.  It would also make for a great required book to read in schools, as it really does get your talking about topics of importance to our youth.  While we were all kids once, with our hectic work and life schedules, we sometimes forget the stresses and peer pressure our youth go through on a daily basis in school, and in dealing with life in general.  After reading this book, you will be moved to want to sit down and talk with your kids and remind them that they can always come to you for advice or just to talk.  And, this book, once read by your kids, will remind them that they are not alone in the way they are feeling about certain things, and that other kids their age are going through the same things -- it is all apart of growing up, and becoming an adult.  Hats off to Chicken Soup for the Soul for this new release.  It is one I will be talking up with fellow moms and at my book clubs.  


--GIVEAWAY--



Thanks to the folks at Chicken Soup for the Soul, three (3) lucky readers will win a copy of this book.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.
Read more »

Arriving on DVD and Digital Download on Nov. 5th -- Sesame Street: Fairytale Fun -- Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.



   JOIN ELMO & ABBY ON THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER ADVENTURE AS WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT AND SESAME WORKSHOP RELEASE SESAME STREET: FAIRYTALE FUN ON DVD NOVEMBER 5, 2013!

 

Complete with Special Bonus Feature: CinderElmo!


"Abby goes on an adventure through everyone’s favorite fairytales and nursery rhymes as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, release Sesame Street: Fairytale Fun on DVD November 5, 2013 for $14.98 SRP.  Sesame Street: Fairytale Fun has more than 2 hours of educational and engaging content including Mother Goose, Hansel and Gretel, Jack Be Nimble and more! This release will also be available for digital download.

After hearing a story about turning frogs into princes with a kiss, Abby wonders if this magic could work on Oscar the Grouch himself as Elmo and Abby’s journey begins! From helping Mother Goose create a rhyme, to memory games with Hansel and Gretel, these learning adventures can all be found in this fun-packed DVD. Get a hold of Sesame Street: Fairytale Fun, and enjoy over 2 hours of Sesame Street learning and fun complete with a CinderElmo bonus feature. Sesame Street: Fairytale Fun also features other Sesame Street fairytale favorites and classic fan segments to watch again and again!

Sesame Street: Fairytale Fun is a delightful combination of classic fairytales, nursery rhymes and everyone’s favorite Sesame Street monsters,” said Jeff Brown, WBHE Executive Vice President and GM of Non-Theatrical Franchise Marketing. “Warner Bros. Home Entertainment can’t wait to share this new addition to our already vastly popular Sesame Street collection of DVDs.”
 

Now in its 44th season, Sesame Street is the longest-running program in children’s television. The series has received more Emmy awards than any other show in television history (153), as well as a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award honoring the 40th year."

###

My Thoughts:

If fairytales weren't enjoyable enough, leave it to the cast of characters from Sesame Street, to bring these classic stories to life in such a fun way.  The girls and I watched this upcoming DVD release today, and what a treat it was.  I have been sharing fairytale stories like Hansel and Gretel and Jack B Nimble since they were babies, so it was nice to see Elmo, Oscar, Big Bird and others act out the stories, while teaching children about counting, rhyming and task persistence. 

It amazes how quickly Arabella is learning things, especially when she tries to copy Savannah.  She was walking at 9 months and talking at 10 months.  And, now she can count just as high as Savannah.  So, DVD's like these that focus on learning and developmental skills, are great for both of them to enjoy and watch together.  And, you should see Bella's face light up when she is able to count and follow along and respond back to her Sesame Street fiends.

With over 2 hours of fairytale fun, including a cute CinderElmo bonus feature, this is yet another DVD to pick up and add to your growing Sesame Street DVD collection, and one that will be watched over and over again by the little ones. :-)

--GIVEAWAY--

One lucky reader will win a DVD copy of "Sesame Street: Fairytale Fun," thanks to the folks at Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Sesame Workshop.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, the landmark television program that reaches millions of children every day in more than 150 countries. The Workshop’s mission is to use the educational power of media to help children everywhere reach their highest potential. Delivered through a variety of platforms, Sesame Workshop develops research-based content – including television programs, books, games, mobile apps and community engagement initiatives – that supports early childhood learning, helps prepare children for school, and addresses developmental needs. The Workshop’s programs are tailored to the needs of specific regions and focus on topics that help young children and families develop critical skills for lifelong learning. For more information, visit us at www.sesameworkshop.org.  

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com.
                                                                                                           

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.
Read more »

Roger Day's CD Version of "Marsh Mud Madness" Now Available (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

“Day has tailored his nature-inspired songs around a variety of critters to tickle funny bones and spark the imagination of budding biologists.”
~Parents’ Choice Award 2013
“The science is sneakily good, the songs are fun and the rhythms downright infectious.”
~
Christian Science Monitor

Roger Day's
Marsh Mud Madness
Songs Introduce Kids to Coastal Ecology, created with Georgia Sea Grant and Savannah Music Festival





Listen to the songs HERE, now!
Watch Roger and kids singing "I Love To Study Mud," HERE.
"Roger Day, one of the nation’s top touring family music artists, has released the audio edition of Marsh Mud Madness, (Bigkids.com, CDBaby.com and Rogerday.com, $15 CD, $9 digital).

Produced by the Savannah Music Festival and Roger Day, with support from the Georgia Sea Grant and the Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation, the new album features original songs about the plants and animals that make up the Atlantic coastal ecosystem. The 14 tracks include songs from Day’s  live concerts at the Savannah Music Festival, plus two newly crafted studio versions of “Vulture Vomit” and “Turtle Girl.” (various retailers and Rogerday.com, $9 digital, $15 CD).

The musical edition of
Marsh Mud Madnes follows the release of a DVD by the same name. The  DVD has won awards from Parents’ Choice and the National Parenting Publications (NAPPA) since its release in May.

Over the past two years, more than 30,000 children in several states have learned about the Atlantic marshland ecology via Roger’s Marsh Mud Madness songs. Three years in the making, the songwriting and video project began in 2009 when Roger spent five days exploring Sapelo Island, a barrier island south of Savannah, GA. There, he learned about the fragile ecosystem from scientists at the University Georgia Marine Institute. Georgia Sea Grant sponsored the visit, and they commissioned Day to compose a program of songs about the Georgia coast for elementary school audience. While watching turtles nest and trekking through the maritime forest, Day wrote a song cycle about the importance of habitat and watershed health, the abundance of creatures that depend on the state’s water resources and how everyone can help protect the coastal ecosystem.

“My hope is that through these songs, kids will learn to love the Atlantic coast and its creatures,” Day says. ”Once people love something, they’ll take care of it.”"

---

My Thoughts:

Who knew that my girls would still be asking to watch Roger Day's Marsh Mud Madness on car rides.  I had reviewed this DVD over the summer (click here to read my DVD review), and never expected at their young age, that they would want to learn about "plants and animals that live in and around the salt water marshes and beaches of barrier islands and how each one has an important role to play in a healthy ecosystem."  But, leave it to Roger Day to make learning about science and the eco-system fun, even for toddlers. :-)  

Just the other day, I received the CD version of Marsh Mud Madness in the mail to review.  While the song list is the same as the DVD, except for two additional studio versions of "Vulture Vomit" and "Turtle Girl," I love having the option of playing either the DVD in the car, or listening to select songs while playing with the girls in the house.  

I had mentioned how the DVD would make for a great homeschooling tool, and have since heard feedback and rave reviews from homeschooling moms I know about how their kids love this DVD and how it pulled together what they were learning in a more fun way.  Again, who would think that learning about plants and animals would be fun.  But, with a mixture of wit, wisdom and fun wordplay, Roger Day will have your children, and even you, singing about vulture vomit and mosquito burrito, or my girls favorite song, "Periwinkle Snail."

About Roger Day

Roger Day is a Nashville based musician who regularly tours all around the country, from festivals and schools to major performing arts centers. The former camp counselor, Eagle Scout and father of three has won numerous awards and acclaim. His most recent CD release is Why Does Gray Matter? – his second Parents’ Choice® Gold Award winner – features songs about the brain. Day’s music has been compared to Schoolhouse Rock, and the new CD and DVD Marsh Mud Madness feature his trademark, hooky pop sound and genial, kid-friendly personality. For more information and his latest tour details, visit www.rogerday.com.

Roger Day's Upcoming Performances

Details on Roger Day's Tour page.

November 2 ~ Tum Tum Tree Foundation, Birmingham, AL
November 4 to 8  ~ School tour, Savannah, GA
December 17  ~ Hoover Library, Birmingham, AL
January 7 ~ Alabama Summer Reading Conference, Montgomery, AL
January 23 ~ Historic Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, FL


Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.
Read more »