I AM says, "You are"

Note: This will not be my typical book review!

Have you ever read a book that was exactly what you needed? Have you ever had God hit you over the head with an idea? A bunch of times? It kind of makes you stop and say, "I think I'm supposed to be learning something here". I've had that experience over the past couple of months. Before I tell you about I AM says, "You are...", I have to tell you about events leading up to today. Near the end of February, I accepted a chance to be part of the blog tour for I am says, "You are..." by some unknown (to me) author CJ Rapp. I agreed and didn't think much about it. I am the women's ministry coordinator at church, and a couple of days later, we selected the theme for our women's retreat: Daughters of the King. I downloaded a theme pack from Event Planner's Friend. The sample invitation had the speaker: CJ Rapp. Hmmm....funny I should see her name again!

Flash forward a month. After 9 months of trying to schedule it, my life purpose coach and I met to do my life plan. One of the biggest revelations that I had was that I had been listening to negative self talk and projecting it on to other people. (Basically, I was putting words in their mouths based on my insecurities and fears.) My husband had tried to point this out over the years, I was kind of seeing it with him. But I had never realized how much it effected all of my life. This opened the door for me to clean out a lot of stuff from my life that was keeping me back. Over the past 5 weeks, my husband has been speaking Truth into my life and reminding me of my true identity. During this time we narrowed the theme of the retreat from Daughters of the King to Finding your true identity in Christ. Each of the four speakers were going to be focusing on an area related to this. One on finding your identity, another on really realizing your identity. I knew my talk needed to be listening to what God says about my true identity. But God wasn't done getting my attention. (Sometimes, us thick-headed people need more reminders!) I was looking at my calendar to see what book was next on my "must read" list to review. I pulled out I AM says, "You are..." and just about fell out of my chair when I read the subtitle: Understanding your Identity in Christ. Speechless, I just walked in and showed the cover to my husband. Then I began chapter titles. John's comment was, "That sounds like what I was just telling you." (And it was!) Now that you have the back story, I am thrilled to introduced you to I AM says, "You are..." Understanding your Identity in Christ. This is a 30 day study. Each day begins with a "I AM says, "You are..." statement. (Such as "You are forgiven" and "You are loved".) Next is a teaching point that describes how me struggle to believe this statement. This is followed by a "What do you think?" question. Next is "Taking out the trash" where the reader has the opportunity to identify the thoughts that are contrary to Scripture in our lives. Then we have learn how to Replace the Trash with the Scripture. Here CJ shares Scripture to remind us of who we are. This is followed by more discussion questions. Some days have a challenge activity.

I AM says, “You Are…” Understanding Your Identity in Christ is the first book by Bible teacher and speaker CJ Rapp. Not only does this book explore your rock solid identity in Christ, it also helps the reader identity patterns of thinking that threaten healthy self-esteem. For each daily devotional, questions have been included. These questions provide an opportunity for personal study or for sharing the journey with a small group. It’s perfect for women’s ministry groups to use as a six week study. For more information about CJ Rapp visit her website at www.cjrapp.com

CJ shares some awesome insight and gives practical advice for incorporating the truths of God's Word into your everyday life. I would highly recommend this book to any woman (or man!) who is struggling to find out who she is in Christ.

Oh...I forgot one final "coincidence". I'm participating in the blog tour on April 30th, and the retreat starts May 1st. I will be sharing on Saturday.

The Noticer

Summary

Fortunately, when things look the darkest – a mysterious old man named Jones has a miraculous way of showing up. A man of indiscriminate age and race with white hair and wearing blue jeans, a white T-shirt and carrying a battered old suitcase, Jones is a unique soul with near angelic qualities. Communicating what he calls “a little perspective,” Jones explains that he has been given a gift of noticing things about life that others miss. In his simple interactions, Jones speaks to that part in everyone that is yearning to understand why things happen and what they can do about it.

Based on a remarkable true story, The Noticer beautifully blends fiction, allegory, and inspiration. It provides simple, yet powerful distinctions about love, relationships, value and integrity and will inspire readers to take that first step towards a major life change.

About the author

Andy Andrews hails from the setting of his new novel, Orange Beach, Alabama. A bestselling novelist and in-demand corporate speaker, Andrews has been praised by a New York Times writer as “one of the most influential people in America.” He is best-known as the author of the international bestseller, The Traveler’s Gift which has sold more than 1.5 million copies and has been translated into 20 languages since it was released in 2002. Andrews is also the author of The Lost Choice andIsland of Saints. For more information, please visit AndyAndrews.com.

The Noticer is a small, hardback book that is 156 pages long (plus a discussion guide.) It is a quick read, but the message will last long after. This delightful book is an easy read. Jones is a mysterious (and ageless) man who is a "noticer". He notices things most people don't. And he dishes out perspective to everyone he meets. He helps people really see what is in front of them. Jones helps people understand why things happen and what they can do about it.

The Noticer Project offers people a chance to NOTICE the 5 people who have been the biggest inspiration in your life.

The Noticer is available this week. And I'm giving away 2 copies.

To enter:

Leave a comment "noticing" someone who made a difference in your life.

Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each):

* Notice someone on The Noticer Project

* Add my button to your blog

* Follow me on twitter

* Twitter about this giveaway

* Follow my blog

* Subscribe to my blog

Contest ends Thursday May 14th.

Please make sure your profile is public or include your e-mail address in your comment. If I can't easily find my winner, I'll have to pick another one.

Limited to US addresses only.

Cheerios Spoonful of Stories

One of the goals I would like to complete before my 40th birthday in October is to write a children's book. I have found a great place to start. You know how Cheerios has been putting books in boxes of cereal for the past several years? I just found out they have given away 35 million over the past 7 years. That is a lot of books! But, they don't want to just encourage readers, Cheerios wants to find new authors. For the third year, the Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories New Author contest helps to encourage previously unpublished children's books authors to wreite new books. Entries are being accepted until July 15, 2009. Juding will be based on appropriate story and content for 3-8 year olds; emotional connection; writing quality; uniqueness; and read aloud potential. (Details: Spoonful of Stories Contest.) Last years' winner, "The Great Dog Wash" by Shellie Braeuner will be in this 1.5 million boxes this year. It is printed in both Spanish and English. She won $5000 and the chance to have her book reviewed by Simon & Schuster. They are publishing the book in hardcover this summer. Would you like a chance to win "The Great Dog Wash" and 3 other books that will be appearing in a Cheerios box near you? To enter: Leave a comment about reading. (Ideas: How often do you read to your kids? What is your favorite storybook character? What storybook character is most like you? or your kid?) Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each): * Add my button to your blog * Follow me on twitter * Twitter about this giveaway * Follow my blog * Subscribe to my blog Contest ends Thursday, May 14th. Please make sure your profile is public or include your e-mail address in your comment. If I can't easily find my winner, I'll have to pick another one. Limited to US addresses only.

The Secret Holocaust Diaries

I had the opportunity to review The Secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister with Denise George and Carolyn Tomlin. This is definitely not light reading, but it is important to remember from where we've come---so we can ensure we don't return there. For years, Nonna Bannister lived the life of a typical American housewife. She and Henry were married for more than 50 years and raised three children in Memphis, Tennessee. For half a century, Nonna kept a secret locked in the attic: photos, documents, diaries, and memories of World War II. Henry knew their was a sad past, but he never pushed her to share. One day, after spending months transcribing her diary (which was written in 6 different languages), she told Henry, "It's time." Then she shared the stories that had been hidden in her heart all these years. She made Henry promise he would not allow them to be published until after her death. Nonna came from a privileged family. Are there any interesting stories of people her ancestors knew?

Nonna's family "ran with" the upper crust in the Ukraine and Russia. Her mother and father were educated in Russia's great cultural city, St. Petersburg. Nonna's grandmother and grandfather knew the last Tsar, Nicholas II, and Nonna kept a postcard sent by him (shortly before his death) to her grandfather, Jakob, for his birthday (dated 1913?). Jakob was killed during the Revolution while trying to help Russian families escape. Nonna writes in her diary of living on the ”Chekov Lane” in Taganrog, the street where Russian writer Anton Chekov (1860–1904) had once lived. The family also visited often the boy Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (nicknamed "Sasha") and his mother, Taissia. She and Nonna’s mother, Anna, were good friends. They enjoyed giving concerts and playing the violin and piano. Nonna writes of eating ice cream with her mother and Taissia, and spending the night in the Solzhenitsyn home during a thunderstorm. Alexander was older that Nonna, studying at the university.

Many people assume most of the people killed by the Nazis were Jewish. Was Nonna’s family Jewish?

Although it is estimated that approximately 6 million Jews were killed by the Nazis, other nationalities experienced suffering and death, also. Nonna's family was Russian and owned seven grain mills and homes in southern Russia and the Ukraine. Her father, Yevgeny, and his family were from Warsaw, Poland, which included a large population of Jews. Due to border restrictions, Nonna never met her father's family. Yevgeny never told Nonna and her brother, Anatoly, if his family was Jewish. If the children didn't know, they could not let it slip. The admission of being Jewish could have meant deportation or certain death. There is speculation, but no one is certain.

Nonna saved many documents from her time at Nazi camps; what are these artifacts?

In a small ticking pillow she kept tied around her waist, she kept many one inch square photos of her family and friends in the Ukraine. She also kept her small childhood diary. On tiny slips of paper, she wrote her experiences (in diary form) and also kept these in the little pillow. Later she kept all these in a small trunk, which she painted bright green.

Why did Nonna keep her devastating secret for so many years?

Nonna kept her secret past from her family/friends because she had, at last, found such happiness with her husband, Henry, and her three children. She didn't want to express her past pain--she didn’t want it to interrupt the family's happiness and cast a shadow of despair over them.

What can people of Christian faith or Jewish faith/descent take from The Secret Holocaust Diaries?

That grave injustice exists--Nonna learned that from the Red Army (who killed many of her family members) and Hitler's army (who also killed many of her family members and imprisoned her in a labor camp). But that God's love and forgiveness for those who hurt us are stronger than even Hitler's evil and injustice. Nonna came out of the whole experience with her heart still filled with love. She experienced none of the bitterness and hatred that some Jewish Holocaust survivors have held onto. She was able to marry, raise children, and bring them much joy and happiness through her own love and through introducing them to God's love.

The Calling

The Calling Blog Tour: Jacob Israel I am excited to be a part of the blog tour for The Calling. This time, though, I have called in a guest blogger: my husband, John. I asked John to fill in because he reads and enjoys thrillers. Here is his take on The Calling:

The Calling: a Voice in the Dead Woods is a modern-day allegory meets narrative meets parable. It falls somewhere between a C.S. Lewis allegory parable and a Ted Dekker fast-paced drama narrative. From the very first chapter you will be longing to find out just exactly who this Thomas James is and who he will become. Thomas James is a 12 year old who just doesn’t seen to fit in with the rest of the world. He is awkward and different. And the cosmos seems to desire to place circumstance after circumstance in his life to constantly widen the gap of difference between him and normalcy. Thomas is caught between the life he lives in the present and the one he feels destined to live through the experience very vivid visions and dreams of an apocalyptic future. Jacob Israel has crafted an intriguing tale woven with timeless spiritual truths from both Christianity and Judaism. As you are compelled to read page after page after page, just to see what will happen next, you will find yourself drawn into the characters on the pages and be called to self-examination as Thomas James interacts with various individual characters. Thomas’ battle to rescue humanity from its eventual decline into its own depravity becomes the reader’s own battle to examine and redeem his own life and character.

Now, for an interview with author, Jacob Isreal. Tell us a bit about yourself.

JACOB: I'm a father to three amazing children and a husband to a wife I adore. I'm someone that has been through a lot in life and grateful for every moment of it. The good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly, all paved the way to become who I am. Professionally, I'm an Emmy, Telly, and N.R.B. Award winning television writer and producer, who has been blessed with a steady creative career since graduating university. However, that is not who I am. Most my life, I was one of those people who wore a mask to fit in. I felt very alone, alienated from those around me. Looking back, I understand why. Everything I've endured had great purpose. Never meeting my biological father, coping with a severe case of Crohn's disease, suffering abuse and abandonment, losing everything, it all played its part to humble me and get me where I am today. I spent the majority of my life questioning the meaning of it, learning that it is better to love than to hate, to give rather than receive, to be content and compassionate. As a young adult, I was most comfortable on stage. I won a dramatic scholarship to university and that is where I found my love for the written word. It would be years, and many performances of my originals works later, that would I actually dare pursue a career in writing. Today, I couldn't be happier with that career choice, I am constantly challenged and rewarded by it. There is nothing better than sitting down to write something that, you pray, will make a difference in someone's life. This was the impetus for my novel.

Why did you write THE CALLING?

JACOB: I wanted desperately to share a story of how love and forgiveness can overcome all things, even the most horrible. I had to write THE CALLING. I believe I was meant to write it. I had the seed of the story burning inside me most my life, but it wasn't until devastating circumstances in my life about four years ago made it possible for me to sit down and write it. It was a very dark and hard time, but a lot of beauty rose from those ashes, and I would not trade that experience for anything. It's the reason I chose such a dark and fearful cover. There are too many things in life keeping us from following after our dreams and finding peace. Fear is the enemy of joy. It destroys relationships, hopes, families… it destroy lives. Allegorically, that is why the woods in THE CALLING are dead. I wanted to write something that would provoke thought and encourage readers to move past fear and into faith, to seek the life I believe we're meant to live while keeping them guessing and entertained along the way.

You mentioned allegory, some have compared your novel to The Shack and Pilgrim's Progress, is that a fair comparison?

JACOB: Well, I hope it is. I can only pray it has a positive impact on those who read it. As far comparing it, that wouldn't really be up to me. But, yes, there is a story beneath the story that is told. So, in that aspect, sure, there are similarities. For years, I have studied scripture as well as many other philosophies and religious texts. Of course, the Bible has been my biggest creative influence, not to mention the spiritual. I love the revelation one receives when the heavens of our understanding open up and we finally understand what that verse (that we couldn't understand) finally means. "It is glory of God to conceal a thing, and honor of Kings to seek out the matter.” In my novel, there are many hidden treasures for those with "eyes to see" if you will. Although, there is no need to look deeper, because I believe the message, intrigue, and suspense are loud and clear. It still is very rewarding, I think, to find the more veiled spiritual meaning but that's up to the reader. From anagrams, to events, locations, names, to the title of the book, and even the author's name, there is a reason for it all. Like, for examples sake, if one were to string every chapter title together, it might be cool if there were a hidden message there, wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

So, what is THE CALLING A VOICE IN THE DEAD WOODS about?

JACOB: THE CALLING is an inspirational thriller about a twelve-year boy named Thomas James, whose extraordinary insight and purpose changes the lives of those he meets, and sets the world on its edge. The self absorbed, greedy, and arrogant residents of Bethel begin to despise young Thomas James for the honest words he speaks. His peers torment him, strange messengers visit him, and an evil presence fights to destroy him every step along the way. Thomas suffers from prophetic nightmares and visions he does not understand. The loss of his family is almost more than he can take. His internal struggle to make sense of his circumstances leads him down a perilous road, where nothing is as it seems. Soon, the startling revelation of who Thomas James truly is will confound the masses and inspire all those he sets free. You have to find out what is in us all that makes us heed the "Calling".

For more information: The Calling Website. Trailer: Video Journal Entry--Jacob Israel talks about his new novel THE CALLING A VOICE IN THE DEAD WOODS.:

Exergen Temporal Scanner

The Exergen TemporalScanner is a totally non-invasive system with advanced infrared technology providing maximum ease of use with quick, consistently accurate measurements. Advanced, patented technology measures temperatures with a gentle stroke across the forehead. The TemporalScanner Thermometer has been clinically tested for accuracy compared to rectal thermometers and temperature sensors inserted in the heart during course of patient treatment and accepted for use in major hospitals, making it the ideal thermometer for use with newborns, infants, children or adults. The TemporalScanner has patented software, providing arterial heat balance. This unique process determines temperature by accurately measuring the balance between the tissues warming from arterial blood and tissues cooling (warming) caused by heat loss (gain) to the environment.

One of the items on the top of my "Things I have to do because I'm a mom, but I wish I didn't have to do" is taking my kids' temperatures. No matter which way I take it, I have pin them down and hold them in uncomfortable positions (for all of us). This week I had the opportunity to review the Exergen TemporalScanner. It is so much easier than any of the other methods! Just a few seconds to slide across the forehead--instant reading! The only problem I had was inconsistent readings, but the website answered that question for me.

Why am I getting inconsistent results?

You should normally be getting reproducible results, or results within a few tenths of a degree of each other. However, a few things to know:

Multiple temperatures taken over the same area in rapid succession will ultimately cool the area causing differences. If sweating, the temperature on the neck behind the ear lobe becomes the overriding temperature, and since this area is not quite as stable as the temporal artery, it can easily cooled be by the thermometer in taking multiple readings. Remember, the probe of thermometer will be at room temperature, and is about 30 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) cooler than body temperature.

I'd like to thank Exergen and Extraordinary Mothers for this review opportunity.

Guardian Angel Bracelets

Have you ever turned around and realized that your child is not there? Even if it's just a couple of minutes before you are reunited, the anguish is intense. One mom lost her son at the beach. For an agonizing and frantic 20 minutes, she searched for him. Thankfully, they were soon reunited. After questioning what went wrong and what could have been done differently, she came up with the Guardian Angel Bracelet IDs. These wristbands are durable and waterproof. They are like the bands you would wear at an amusement park, and they require someone to cut them off. Each band is brightly colored and fun.

So, how do they work? When you are going out to a busy, public place, write your cell phone number on the bracelet (with the included waterproof permanent marker). They suggest you teach your child that if they get lost, they find the first Mommy they can and ask her to call the number on the bracelet.

I think it's a great idea! We will definitely be using the Guardian Angel Bracelet IDs this summer if we make it to Disneyland!

A Mother's Promise

Recently, I received a beautiful beaded lanyard to review. The one I received was made with white and silver beads. (There are several other colors available here.) The lanyard is long (mine came down almost to my waist.) I don't wear a name badge for work, but I do wear a name tag at church. I wore it today. And it looked beautiful! (I'll post a picture later.)But the story behind the necklaces is even more beautiful! From Kimberly Martinez (one of the founders):

My children love to pepper me with “what if” questions about the future. My answer to them: “No one knows what the future holds but the one thing I can promise is that you will always have my love, a roof over your head and food to eat.”

On a business trip to South Africa with Lisa, my partner and co-founder, we met mothers who could not keep that same promise to their families. For the first time, we considered what it would be like if we could not give our children a safe place to live or healthy food to eat. We considered what it would be like if we couldn’t make or keep “A Mother’s Promise.”

Compelled by a force bigger than ourselves, we set out to empower women in disadvantaged economies around the world so that they can provide life necessities to their children.

Our current project is in Guatemala where our fair trade wages allow local bead artisans to pay for shoes, school tution and nutritious food for their children. In addition to the feeling that comes from knowing we are providing better lives for these women and their families, we are also able to offer you unique, hand-crafted works of art that you will love and will feel good about purchasing.

Thank you for helping us keep “A Mother’s Promise.” —Kimberly Martinez

A Mother's Promise is just one product in the beautiful line offered by BooJee Beads. There are an assortment of lanyards (including some appropriate for men!) ; retractable badge reels ; badge clips; FunKey covers; and eyeglasses covers.

JBanz

It's getting warmer, and summer will soon be here. Are your kids ready for the sun? BabyBanz offers a variety of products for children's sun protection: sunglasses, UV clothing, and accessories. The sun classes come in 3 sizes: Baby Banz (0-2); Kidz Banz (2-5) and Junior Banz (4-10). They even offer ski goggles, special needs glasses, and adult sunglasses. Crunchy got to try out the:

New from Baby BanZ - Junior BanZ for Girls! Junior BanZ feature UV400 Polarized polycarbonate lenses and sturdy frames, while offering new shapes and temples for the protection and style older kids want. Junior BanZ come with their own solid pink neoprene carrying case complete with zipper clasp as well as a removable neoprene strap for active girls on the go!

• Lenses 100% UVA/ UVB protection
• Category 3 POLARIZED lenses offer high sun glare reduction and good UV protection
• Durable polycarbonate Ophthalmic quality
• Capable of being replaced with prescription lenses
• Frame is made of shatter-resistant polycarbonate
• Sporty, sleek design

Crunchy enjoyed modeling the pretty pink JBanz. She said,

They are pretty and fun and cool to wear. They keep the sun out of my eyes. Very very very cool.

The quality is very high. The frames are thick and strong. They came with a "nerd strap" (as my husband calls his) to keep the glasses in place. And the case that arrived with the JBanz is pretty and functional.

Creation by Design

When I heard about Creation by Design Bible Trading Cards I immediately contacted them to see if I could review them for this site. My son, Chewie (11) has been wanting to collect some cards, and I'd much rather him collect cards about Bible events than some of the others out there. (From the website:)

Creation By DesignTM Is determined to use original fantastic art to grab the attention of children to make them once again interested in the Bible – it is after all “the greatest story ever told” and almost any script for a movie or TV show they watch is in some way based upon the concepts of the Biblical stories. We have created (and will continue to create) Trading Cards based upon the wonderful stories of the Bible. Starting in order, we are working on the Old Testament currently, and while we have completed the first 100 cards, the Old Testament series will encompass 817 separate cards, and we expect at least that many for the New Testament. All information on our Trading cards have been written and edited by several Biblical scholars of all denominations for accuracy. What makes our Trading Cards different than anything that has been done before?

On the back of each card is a timeline, a fun fact, and a narrative story.

My thoughts: I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. Too often, products that are targeted at the "religious" market, are not up to the quality of the secular options. But these cards are beautiful! The colors are sharp and striking. My son enjoyed guessing the story behind the card. The narratives and time lines on the back re-enforce the concepts he is learning at church and at home. Of course, now he wants all of them! Want some? You can buy them here: Creation by Design Shop for about $4 a pack. Or you can win some! Three readers will each win 2 packs. To enter: Leave a comment Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each): * Add my button to your blog * Follow me on twitter * Twitter about this giveaway * Follow my blog * Subscribe to my blog * Share on any social media site Contest ends Thursday April 16th. Please make sure your profile is public or include your e-mail address in your comment. If I can't easily find my winner, I'll have to pick another one. Limited to US addresses only.

If Mama Don't Laugh

Welcome to the Blog tour for If Mama Don't Laugh, It Ain't Funny. Stay tuned! There's a prize at the end! I had the opportunity to interview Lucy Adams (syndicated newspaper columnist) about her new book. Pick up a copy, and prepare to laugh.

If Mama Don't Laugh, It Aint' Funny When did you start writing?

My high school friends would tell you that they always knew I would be a writer. My college friends would tell you they were all surprised. My husband says I’m not the same woman he married; that it’s like my alien inside took over.

I always wanted to write. I sort of gave up on it, though, after high school, seeking to do more practical things with my education and my life. It wasn’t until I was 34, with four children ages 6 and under and a husband who said we needed extra income, that I got up the courage to act on it.

I typed up sample columns and went to my local newspaper and asked if I could write for them. Then I called back the editor again, and again, and again, until he said, “Yes, if you’ll quit bothering me. I’ve got work to do.”

Now, going a day without writing is like going a day without oxygen.

Did all of the stories in your book really happen to you?

All the stories but one are true. There is clue embedded in the book as to which story is not true.

How did you decide on the title, "If Mama Don't Laugh, it Aint Funny"?

My husband actually inadvertently coined the title. One evening at dinner, several years ago, one of my sons asked my husband to pass the rolls. Instead of passing the plate, the man tossed a roll to the child who bobbled it. Buttery bread left a long grease streak down the front of my child.I was irritated at the poor display of table manners and at the challenge of getting butter stains o ut of navy blue pants. My husband could see it on my face, so he said, “Uh oh, y’all. Mama isn’t laughing. If Mama doesn’t laugh, it isn’t funny.”The title evolved from there.

How long did it take you to write "If Mama Don't laugh"? Did it just seem to flow or did it take some time for you to gather all of your stories & put them together?

It took about a year and a half from start to finish. I read and re-read my stories so many times in the selecting, writing and editing process. One of my first criteria for including a story in the book was that it still had to evoke laughter or tears from me after looking at it so many times.

I also selected stories that received a lot of comments from my newspaper column readers. There’s no better way to gauge audience approval than through direct feedback.

Do you have any advice for other moms who would like to get into writing?

If you’re serious about it, you have to truly commit to seizing every moment. Working full-time and raising a family can pose barriers to a writing career. I write in every sliver of time I can find. I keep a notebook and a pen with me at all times, everywhere I go. Ideas suddenly come to me and I have to write them down or I’ll never remember them. Sometimes I get inspired and write an entire story on the back of my grocery list while standing in the middle of aisle 9. Sometimes I dictate to my 13 year-old when ideas come to me while I’m driving. I jot things down in waiting rooms, dressing rooms, and bathrooms. I have lots of scraps of paper stashed here, there, and everywhere with various notes. Often, writing a story is like piecing a puzzle together, literally.

The first step, however, is just starting. Commit to writing a certain number of words a day. My number is 250. It’s manageable. You’ll find that once you start, it’s very, very hard to stop. I know I do. I’ve burned countless meals because I couldn’t put my pen down.

Buy it here!

Would you like to win an "If Mama" hat?

To enter: Leave a comment. Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each): * Add my button to your blog * Follow me on twitter * Twitter about this giveaway * Follow my blog * Subscribe to my blog Contest ends Thursday April 20th. Please make sure your profile is public or include your e-mail address in your comment. If I can't easily find my winner, I'll have to pick another one. Limited to US addresses only.

Sinupret

I told you a couple of weeks ago how allergies have been working overtime in our area. My daughter is 5, and we've been looking for something to offer relief. I just heard about Sinupret For Kids, which was developed by Bionorica, as a safe, natural remedy that supports healthy sinus, respiratory and immune function. We had the chance to try Sinupret for Kids and we were impressed. Crunchy (the 5 year old) had been facing drainage from the sinuses that caused trouble breathing and a hacking cough. We noticed a difference almost immediately. She was able to breath better and her cough improved immediately. She was not impressed with the taste (cherry flavored) but she did take it without too much fuss.

Sinupret for Kids, developed by Bionorica, is a safe, natural remedy that supports healthy sinus, respiratory and immune function. To our knowledge, no other clinically tested remedies are available today in the United States that support all three functions for children.

Sinupret for Kids is one of the world's leading herbal remedies for upper respiratory health for children age 2 and up. Sinupret has been Germany's #1 most widely recommended and scientifically tested nasal and sinus supports formula for children and adults for more than 30 years.

There is a great article called "How to keep your kids healthy through the winter" by Dr. Bob Sears. One of his recommendations is to use Sinupret for Kids. To buy Sinupret for Kids visit many national retailers, including Wal-Mart, Walgreens and ToyRUs. Would you like a chance to win a Sinupret for Kid gift pack (including a sample)? 5 people will win:

• A copy of Dr. Bob Sears bestselling book The Healthiest Kids in the Neighborhood
• A sample of Sinupret
• Yellow children's binoculars
• Sinupret for Kids Activity Books
• Sinupret for Kids Stickers
• Mini Plush Bear

To enter: Leave a comment with your best (or worst!) cold remedy. Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each):

• Add my button to your blog
• Follow me on twitter
• Twitter about this giveaway
• Follow my blog
• Subscribe to my blog

Contest ends Thursday April 16th. Please make sure your profile is public or include your e-mail address in your comment. If I can't easily find my winner, I'll have to pick another one. Limited to US addresses only.

Chic Buds and Pink Tooth

I recently had the opportunity to try a couple of fun (and stylish!) products from chicBuds (earphones with Swarovski Crystals). They offer some beautiful accessories. The chicBuds are retractable, decorative earphones to use however you receive your music: iPod, portable CD player or personal computer. chicBuds are detailed with genuine Swarovski Crystals transforming which makes them not just functional, but fun! The chicBuds come in both black and white with five delicious flavors (or colors): Blueberry, Grape, Watermelon, Sour Apple and Marshmallow! There are some limited edition designs including crosses, hearts, and awareness ribbons, as well as RockBuds for the men in your life. chicBuds have a unique retractable feature that keep the cords from getting tangled. Make sure you read the How it Works page so you don't break them! The second item I tried was the Pink Tooth (other people call them "blue tooth") ear piece. As you can see, below, it is a beautiful piece. The ear piece came with 3 various sized tips to find the perfect fit in your ear. I am using the smallest one. There is also a black "hanger" that attaches to the the ear piece to give added security. Some people can get a secure fit with just the bud, but I needed a bit more. After a couple of days, my hanger broke, but chicBuds offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and my new hanger is on its way. The sound quality is great! In fact, my husband can hear me better on the Pink Tooth than when I call him using the phone! I've had some trouble getting used to the push button on the ear piece to receive calls. But I think I'd have trouble with any ear piece. It will just take some getting used to. I have one problem with the Pink Tooth, but most people won't encounter this. I wear hearing aids in both ears. And the Pink Tooth and the hearing aid don't both fit in my ear at the same time. There is a volumn control, but it is still a little quiet for me. I don't know of any blue tooth accessory that has extra loud controls. I've really enjoy using the Pink Tooth when I'm walking. I have music loaded on my smart phone. I put the ear piece in my ear and start walking. If I get a call, the music automatically pauses while I take my call. Both the chicBuds and the Pink Tooth retail for under $50. Would you like to win? I have one set of chicBuds earphones to send to one reader. To enter: Leave a comment with your favorite product on chicBuds. Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each):

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Contest ends Thursday April 16th. Please make sure your profile is public or include your e-mail address in your comment. If I can't easily find my winner, I'll have to pick another one. Limited to US addresses only.

Pop Art Toaster

Okay, I found something for my wish list. I am not much of a cook. And I'm not super creative in the kitchen. About as fancy as I get is when I cut my kids' peanut butter sandwiches into exciting shapes like dinosaurs, hearts, and dolphins. Lest you get too excited, I use these:

Anyway, I found something else to make bread fun. The Pop Art Toasters! They make toasters with branding irons that put words and pictures directly onto the bread. They also have a 5-in-1 baker that makes quick breads. I've shown the Mickey, but there is also a princess, and a non-Disney design.