Tuesday, April 19, 2016

PIPSIE, NATURE DETECTIVE: THE LUNCHNAPPER Book Blog Stop - Book Review + #Giveaway

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


For the past few weeks we have been watching the life cycle of a butterfly.  We started with two cups of baby caterpillars and then over the course of almost a month we have seen them turn into a chrysalis and then to a beautiful butterfly. The girls have been in awe of the entire process and love showing their butterflies off to friends and family and talking about the metamorphosis through the different stages.  Have I said how much I love to homeschool the girls!  I doubt schools would be able to spend so much time on this subject and do so many fun actities around it, including crafts and reading some great books.  One book we read was Pipsie Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar.  This was my family's first introduction to the author Rick DeDonato.  And, after reading his book, we were hooked and couldn't wait for his next release.

A couple of weeks ago, right after we finished Rick's first Pipsie Nature Detective book, I was asked to participate in his upcoming book blog tour for his book, Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Lunchnapper.  I jumped at the opportunity as I knew how much my girls loved his previous book, and I knew it would be make teaching about nature this spring during one of our homeschooling lessons that much more fun.

We have had this book for about a week now and I have lost count of how many times the girls have flipped through the pages themselves to admire the playful illustrations, and how many times we have read this book at bedtime.  Here is more about this wonderful new book for kids that will make going on a nature hunt much more fun...

More about this Book:

"A nature hunt…and a missing lunch!

Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js!

The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!"

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My girls love Pipsie and I am happy that there are books like this out there that get kids, especially girls excited about nature.  If you are looking for a fun book to share with your child that will have them smiling from beginning to end and asking to go on a nature scavenger hunt of their own, then you will want to pick up a copy of PIPSIE, NATURE DETECTIVE: THE LUNCHNAPPER, available now at Amazon for only $12.33.



--FREE ACTIVITY KIT--




If you want to turn this book into a fun educational read, why not consider downloading and printing out this FREE activity kit. Included in the kit are fun worksheets including a maze, a fun nature inspired word search, a caterpillar to butterfly life cycle your child can complete, bookmark and so much more.


Check out the free downloadable activity kit here! Visit PipsieNatureDetective.com for more games and coloring, fun facts, more details about Pipsie and her friends, along with info about the author and illustrator. There’s also a link to Alfred Z. Turtle’s blog!


--GIVEAWAY--


Thanks to the author and publisher, one lucky reader will receive a copy of PIPSIE, NATURE DETECTIVE: THE LUNCHNAPPER (U.S. addresses only).  To enter this giveaway, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



--Follow the PIPSIE, NATURE DETECTIVE: THE LUNCHNAPPER Book Blog Tour--

Here are the rest of the blog stops on this book tour...




Mon, Apr 11
Tues, Apr 12
Wed, Apr 13
Thurs, Apr 14
Fri, Apr 15
Mon, Apr 18
Tues, Apr 19
Wed, Apr 20
Thurs, Apr 21
Fri, Apr 22



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About the Author:



Rick DeDonato started writing and drawing storybooks for his two kids, Alexis and Matt, when they were little. They’re grown now, but Rick is still creating stories. He is the author of Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar, illustrated by Tracy Bishop. When he’s not dreaming up new adventures for Pipsie, he’s an award-winning creative director in advertising. Born in New Jersey, he now lives in Wilmington, Delaware, with Nancy McAleer; their two dogs, Tugger and Nacho; and their turtle, Alfred E. Turtle.

About the Illustrator:


Tracy Bishop won an art contest in kindergarten, and she’s been creating art ever since. A graduate of San Jose State University, she is also the illustrator of Not the Quitting Kind by Sarra J. Roth and Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar by Rick DeDonato. She lives in San Jose, California, where she is inspired on a daily basis by her son, husband, and a hairy dog named Harry.

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

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Friday, April 15, 2016

Don't Miss the April Stock Up and Save Event at Walmart - Get Everyday Essentials for Less #StockUpSave #ad @Walmart @SheSpeaksUp

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Walmart.  All views are mine and mine alone.


When you stock up to get everyday essentials for less, you won’t run out when you need something most. 


The April Stock Up & Save Event  is in full swing right now, with top brands like Tide, Bounty, Pampers, Venus, Gillette, and more all on sale and ready for you to stock up and save!  
I was getting concerned that Mother Nature didn't know it was spring here in New England, when we got hit with 5 inches of snow a couple weeks ago.  After a week of temps in the high 50's I was all ready for spring, and had the windows open to air out the stale winter air in our home.  I was also building up for my annual spring cleaning of the house, which always includes a visit to Walmart to stock up on spring cleaning essentials.  I can always count on Walmart for offering everyday essentials for less.  And, when the price is right I will stock up and add to my growing stockpile in the basement, as not to run out of things like paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo and conditioner.  

With two little ones 5 and under, the last thing I want to do is load them into the car and take them shopping.  usually a trip to the store turns into an all-day venture, where I usually return with items not only my shopping list and missing the most important essentials I went to the store for in the first place.  The girls see a store and instantly think new toys.  I think, "how can I navigate the store and grab what I really need, without going near the toy section and getting out in record time."  :-)  But, my thought process never works.  So, when it comes to stocking up on things like spring time essentials which are usually bulky and take up shopping cart space already used by two little ones, I shop at home in my pj's and slippers and wait for my order to arrive at my door. :-)  I am so thankful for online shopping at Walmart and their special annual events like their April stock up and Save one, as I get to stock up on my everyday essentials and those needed for my spring cleaning and not have to worry or stress about a visit to the store with my girls.

Last week I took advantage of the April Stock Up and Save event at Walmart.  Prior to ordering online I took inventory of my current stockpile to see what I could replenish and then checked under the kitchen sink to see what cleaning products I needed for spring cleaning.  Then, while the girls were sleeping at night, I logged on and in under 10 minutes I had my order placed and paid for.  I didn't have to battle check out lines, fussy and inpatient little ones and got everything on my shopping list.  It was great.  And, then a few days later, my Walmart box arrived at my door.  I don't think it could get more convenient than that.  



Not only was I able to shop with ease for everyday essentials, but I saved a ton thanks to Walmart's Stock Up and Save event.  In addition, I used my Ibotto Rewards app on my phone to submit my receipt and save even more. :-)  So, it was a win-win!  


If saving at Walmart with their low prices wasn't enough, make sure you add the Ibotta Rewards app to your phone so you can save even more.  
Start saving (beginning April 11th) by logging in to the Ibotta app and checking out rewards from P&G.


And, now that the snow from the fluke snow storm we had 2 weeks ago is gone, I am ready to tackle my spring cleaning.  Just last week I donated 16 boxes of toys and clothing to Goodwill.  It felt good to donate, but I am more happy to see extra empty space around the house.  Once the house is ready for spring/summer I will be looking at Walmart to stock up on summer essentials so that my family can enjoy time outdoors, making memories, enjoying the warm temperatures and spending time with family and friends.  I can always count on Walmart to offer products my family needs for any and all occasions, while also saving me $$$.

Spring is finally here... why not take advantage of the nicer weather by tackling your spring cleaner so that once the really warm weather is here you can get out and enjoy it with your family and not have to worry about tidying up the house? Take advantage of the April Stock Up and Save Event at Walmart by shopping for these select products in-store or online at StockUpSave.com...
Not only will it feel good to have a cleaner house, hopefully a little less cluttered, but you will smile when you see how much you save by purchasing some (or all) of of the above Stock Up and Save participating products. Remember there is added value — and savings — in stocking up.  So, what are you waiting for?  Let P&G and Walmart help you save today!  And, don't forget to reward yourself with Ibotta rewards when you stock up.  Right now you will find rewards from P&G with the Ibotta app for extra savings during the Stock Up and Save event at Walmart.  

FYI...If you’re afraid of missing out on this event, you can “attend” the April Stock Up & Save Event on Facebook to learn more information and get reminders throughout the month.

Stay up-to-date on special events like the April Stock Up and Save event by following Walmart on their social media channels:

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Walmart.  All views are mine and mine alone.
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Tuesday, April 12, 2016

New Product Samples Available FREE from PINCHme.com Starting at 12 PM EST TODAY -- Get Them While They Last!

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.


Be sure to visit PINCHme.com for this month’s Sample Tuesday on April 12th at 12 Noon EST to claim new free samples!

Do you like to try new products?  And, what about if they are FREE?  I sure do like sampling products to see if my family and I will like them for future purchases, and being FREE is even better.  That is why I love PINCHme

Have you heard about PINCHme?  If not, here is a little back information about this great website, which is set to offer a whole new round of FREE samples today to members (membership is FREE) starting at 12 PM EST....




PINCHme is a monthly subscription site that lets you try products from leading brands, completely for FREE! All they ask is for your feedback on the products. Every month, an amazing range of free samples are released on PINCHme for members to claim. These samples include grocery, baby, pet, beauty, home and personal care. Be sure to visit PINCHme.com for this month’s Sample Tuesday on April 12th at 12 Noon EST to claim new free samples!



What is PINCHme and How Does It Work?




Step 1:  Answer a series of questions about your household and shopping habits in the Member Profile. We'll learn what you like and offer samples just for you. Sign up for a FREE PINCHme.com now!


Howitworks_letusgettoknowyou

Step 2:  Pick samples you are eager to try. The folks at PINCHme.com will ship your box full of samples directly to you for free.


Step 3:  Enjoy your samples, and then return back to PINCHme.com and share your thoughts on each product. by completing a short feedback survey. The folks at PINCHme.com  let the brands know your thoughts.

Howitworks_telluswhatyouthink

Step 4:  Order more FREE samples and repeat process. :-)



Why You Should Sign Up?

Here are just some of the reasons to sign up for a FREE PINCHme account today, especially with all the brand new samples available today at 12 PM EST at PINCHme.com...

● Try products from leading brands for FREE, all in exchange for your feedback
● 100% FREE to join, no credit card required
● Free shipping on all box orders
● New products each and every month
● Join over 2 Million+ happy PINCHers nationwide
● Products include grocery, baby, pet, beauty, home and personal care



Check out the amazing samples available this month for you try out FREE of charge:

Be sure to visit PINCHme.com for this month’s Sample Tuesday on April 12th at 12 Noon EST to claim new free samples!


●V8 Veggie Blends and V8 +Energy
●SheaMoisture Peace Rose Oil Complex Sensitive Skin Mud Mask
●Eucerin In-Shower Moisturizer Body Lotion
●SkinnyPop Jalapeno Popcorn
●SkinnyPop Dusted Dark Chocolate Popcorn
●Sunology Natural Sunscreen for Face
●Sunology Natural Sunscreen for Body
●Garnier Skin Active Clearly Brighter Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
●Garnier Whole Blends Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner Honey Treasures
●Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
●ZzzQuil™ Sleep Aid
●Allegra® Allergy 24HR

---

Just the other day the folks at PINCHme sent along a box of goodies for me, as a thank you for sharing about their FREE sample program with you.  I have to say, I was all smiles when I opened the box, which was filled to the brim with samples to try out, all from popular and name brand products.  



I have been spending the past few days sampling each and every product and have to say that I have added a handful of products to my shopping list to pick up full size versions on my next grocery store trip.  I, for one, am excited about today's samples and will be ready to fill another box with samples starting at 12 PM EST today, over at PINCHme.  But, in the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the box of samples I was sent.  :-)

Make sure you stay connected with PINCHme on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram for their latest sample announcements. 


What is better than getting to try something for FREE?  Not only is the box of samples you choose FREE of charge, but so is the shipping?  So, what are you waiting for?  Sign up now for a FREE PINCHme.com and make sure you head back to PINCHme.com at 12 PM EST. today to score your box of FREE goodies.  Act fast, as samples go fast!  I can't wait to hear about all the FREE samples you were able to try out and what you thought of them. Enjoy!

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.
o you for free.
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Monday, April 11, 2016

Disney's Goldie & Bear Best Fairytale Friends Contest #Giveaway



Available for the First Time on Disney DVD April 19th!

GOLDIE & BEAR: BEST FAIRYTALE FRIENDS
Join Best Friends Goldie and Bear on Their Adventures Through
Fairy Tale Forest in Disney Junior’s Hit Series "Goldie & Bear!"



Includes 7 Episodes for Over 2 hours of Classic Fairytales with a Twist!
Plus FREE Exclusive Playtime Fun Activity Kit with Re-Usable Stickers, Games and More!

Synopsis:                             ONCE UPON A STORY, IN A FOREST FAR AWAY...

Everyone knows "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," but after that story ended, a remarkable friendship began! Team up with newfound best friends Goldie and Bear on amazing adventures as they laugh, play and learn important life lessons in the wondrous Fairy Tale Forest.

Climb a beanstalk with Jack, try on Little Red's famous hood, outsmart the tricky Big Bad Wolf, and much more. Join Goldie and Bear - and your favorite fairytale and nursery rhyme characters - for magical, song-filled fun you'll treasure today and ever after!

Voice Cast:                         Natalie Lander (ABC's “The Middle”) as Goldie; Georgie Kidder (Disney XD's “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”) as Bear; Jim Cummings (Disney Junior's “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”) as Big Bad Wolf; Mitchell Whitfield (“Winx Club: Beyond Believix”) as Humpty Dumpty and Woodsman; David Kaufman (“Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”) as Jack and Brix; Mary Birdsong (Disney XD's “Crash & Bernstein”) as Mother Bear, Mother Good and Jack’s Mom; Barry Wiggins (“Dog & Me”) as Father Bear

Executive
Producer/Director           Chris Gilligan (“Frankenweenie”)

Developed for
Television/Co-Executive
Produced By:             Jorge Aguirre ("Giants Beware!" graphic novel series)
                                               
Release Date:                    April 19, 2016  
Packaging:                          1-Disc DVD with exclusive FREE Playtime Fun Activity Kit

Episodes:                            The Birthday Chair/ Big Bear
Fee Fi Fo Shoe/ Little Gold Riding Hood
                                                Bear’s Red Shoes/ Goose Sitters
Moon Jump/ Big Good Wolf
Pinocchio-itis/ The Clubhouse That Jack Built
The Egg/ Golden Kickball
Thumbelina’s Wild Ride/ Big Bad Houseguest

Ratings:                                TV-Y (US), G (CE), G (CF)
Aspect Ratio:                     1.78:1 Widescreen (Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions)
Audio:                                  2.0 Dolby Digital
Languages:                         English, French & Spanish


ABOUT “GOLDIE & BEAR”:
“Goldie & Bear” is a fairytale-inspired Disney Junior animated series that premiered in September 2015. The series follows the adventures of Goldie and her newfound best friend Bear following the renowned porridge incident of "Goldilocks and The Three Bears." Well-known characters from fairy tales, folk tales and nursery rhymes can be seen in the series, including Humpty Dumpty, Little Red Riding Hood, the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf, who is often referred to simply as "Big Bad." Goldie and Bear seek out opportunities for fun with their friends, having adventures that often feature a touch of magic.

--GIVEAWAY--



I am excited to offer one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader the chance win a fun Goldie & Bear: Best Fairytale Friends.  

To enter this giveaway, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck! DVD, Goldie & Bear prize pack. This kit includes a DVD of Best Fairytale Friends, and a set of storybooks! The DVD of this adorable series arrives on DVD April 19th!

To enter this giveaway, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



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Wednesday, April 6, 2016

UPDATE: #Giveaway Now Included! Win 1 of 3 Copies of WHERE MY FEET GO by Birgitta Sif Book Blog Tour Stop - Book Review

Disclosure:  I was sent a review copy from the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.



Where My Feet Go by Birgitta Sif

"Pleasingly reflective of familiar childhood inner and outer wanderings, this picture book encourages little readers' feet and minds to run on and on."--Kirkus


What is it about bedtime with little ones?  Each and every night I go to put the girls to bed, they seem to get a second wind or want to run and play.  Are your kids the same way?  Well, after reading "Where My Feet Go" by Birgitta Sif, I see that even a little panda is ready for an adventure, too!  

In this recent children's book release, little ones will be introduced to a cute little panda who wears a striped night cap and furry bunny slippers.  He is all ready for bed, but has other plans.  As you flip through the pages of this book you and your child will journey along with the little panda to see where his feet take him.  

With a whole world to explore, little panda will get your child's imagination going as to what is normal and what is more than meets the eye. Is a tree branch a tree branch...or could it be a shaky bridge.  And, how a bath..maybe that is an underwater adventure.  And, your sandbox...is it a sandbox or really a desert?  These and other questions will be posed and get kids thinking of fun ways to explore and look at the world around them in a playful way.  

I have been sharing this book most nights at bedtime with my girls, and have them wake the next day with very creative dreams of where their feet took them in the night and how things that are plain as day really could be something else. I love hearing the girls use their imagination and come up with elaborate stories, thanks in part to his cute children's book.  They have had a blast having me read it to them, and will also pull it from the bookshelf just to look at the fun and playful illustrations that really bring the story to life.

This was my first experience with this author, but I am happy to say that I have added Birgitta Sif to my radar and will continue to purchase books from the author from now on.  Just the other day I picked up a previous release, "Oliver," which looks like another cute book my girls will love. Can't wait to get it and share it with the girls at bedtime.

If you are looking for a fun bedtime book or anytime book to read to your little one to stir up their imagination, why not pick up a copy of "Where My Feet Go" by Birgitta Sif today.  I know you and your kids will love it, and it will become a staple at bedtime, like it has become in our house. Happy reading!

---GIVEAWAY---

Where My Feet Go by Birgitta Sif


Thanks to the publisher, three (3) lucky Inspired by Savannah readers will win a copy of this cute book to share with that special child in their life.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

--

More About This Book:

"A young panda’s feet walk, run, swing, and splash through the day in this charming story for preschoolers that is also an ode to imaginative play, perfect for fans of the Chu’s Day books.

Meet Little Panda. He’s awake and ready for adventure. Where will his feet take him? Do they walk a normal walk down a normal street? Or will they find a new way to carry him through the day?
Maybe a tree branch can be a shaky bridge. A sandbox a desert. A bath an underwater adventure. Maybe little feet can go anywhere. . . . There’s a whole world to explore!

Young children will see themselves in Little Panda and find inspiration in Little Panda’s big steps."


Hardcover
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Feb 16, 2016 | 32 Pages | 9 x 9 | 2-5 years | ISBN 9780553511642

About the Author:

Birgitta Sif was brought up in the US and Scandinavia and now lives in Sweden. She is the author/illustrator of the Kate Greenaway-nominated picture book OLIVER and the illustrator of Knopf's MISS HAZELTINE'S HOME FOR SHY AND FEARFUL CATS. 

Disclosure:  I was sent a review copy from the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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