Start a Christian Review Blog eBook

Courtney Chowning from FaithApproved has put together a 15 page ebook called Start a Christian Review Blog. The ebook with explain:

Basic Blog Terminology How to setup your blog Tips for selecting a blog name and tag line Tips for selecting a blog theme and layout Tips for choosing what products you want to review How to get products to review How to write great reviews Tips on how to host a product giveaway Tips for promoting giveaways Sites to check out for further reading and help

Courtney does a great job of laying out the basics. The ebook is set up nicely and is easy to read. She explains the terms used (blog, platform, web host and domain name) and the steps necessary to start and maintain a Christian Review Blog. Courtney gives ideas of where to find the products to review (from starting with the products in our house, to joining a network, to contacting the company directly). Courtney then explains who to write a review and how to promote it. Additional resources and a check list are included.

My thoughts:

Where was this book a year ago!? It would have been so helpful when I was interested in getting started last year. The information is well formatted and easy to follow. After a couple of years of entering lots of sweepstakes (winning a few), I settled on blog sweeps about 2 years ago. After entering (and winning) quite a few, I started wondering how people got started getting free stuff to review and giveaway. I asked a few people, but nobody gave me much advice. I have learned as I've gone, and now I do quite a few reviews (sometimes too many!) But it was a slow process. I posted my first review in November after joining MomSelect (a network for Mom bloggers). That month, I got the courage to e-mail an author and ask to review her book Kissing and Cooking. I was surprised when she agreed to send me a copy.

Start a Christian Review Blog would be a great resource for anyone interesting in getting started writing a review blog.

Click here to view more details The price is $9.95 and comes with 3 bonus documents (blogging ideas, tech tools, and contest listing sites.)

Would you like to win a copy?

Enter here.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Teen and College

If you haven't heard of Chicken Soup for the Soul, where exactly have you been the last 15 years? Chicken Soup for the Soul began with a single volume in 1993. Now there are more than 200 titles that have been translated into 40 different languages. They have sold more 112 million books. Chicken Soup for the Soul continues to develop new ways to reach the public including movies, DVDs, online resources and other partnerships.

The newest offering from Chicken Soup for the Soul is a series directed at teenagers and young adults. There are 4 titles: Teens Talk Middle School; Teens Talk High School; Teens Talk Getting Into College; and Campus Chronicles. Each book tells a series of stories. The stories cover topics like "Happy to be me"; "Dating, Crushes and Just Friends"; "Consequences" and "That was Embarrassing" (from the High School book). Some topics are fun; others are serious.

When my son (who goes to middle school in August) gets home from camp, we are going to start reading the stories together. I want to read the stories together in case there are things that we need to discuss. It could be things he has been dealing with or asking him how he would have dealt with the situation.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teens Talk Middle School

101 Stories of Life, Love, and Learning for Younger Teens

Almost everyone hated middle school. It’s a very tough time for adolescents. This “support group in a book” is specifically geared to younger teens -- the ones still worrying about puberty, cliques, discovering the opposite sex, and figuring out who they are. Meant for middle school students ages eleven to fourteen, stories cover regrets and lessons learned, love and “like,” popularity, friendship, tough issues such as divorce, illness, and death, failure and rising above it, embarrassing moments, bullying, and finding something you’re passionate about. The stories provide emotional support, humor, and inspiration for the young teens making their way through the tumultuous middle school years.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teens Talk High School

101 Stories of Life, Love, and Learning for Older Teens

This book focuses on issues specific to high school age kids, ages fourteen to eighteen. Teens in high school have mainly moved past worrying about puberty and cliques, so stories in this book cover topics of interest to older teens such as sports and clubs, religion and faith, driving, curfews, growing up, self-image and self-acceptance, dating and sex, family relationships, friends, divorce, illness, death, pregnancy, drinking, failure, and preparing for life after high school. High school students will find comfort and inspiration in the words of this book, referring to it through all four years of their high school experience, like a portable support group.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teens Talk Getting In... to College

101 True Stories from Kids Who Have Lived Through It

These days, colleges are deluged with applications, and the application process has become something traumatic that students and parents experience together. This book isn’t about how to get into college -- it’s about providing emotional, not tactical, support. The stories in this book are written by kids who have been there and want to pass on their words of support to the kids about to go through the whole ordeal. Story topics include parental and peer pressure, the stress of grades and standardized tests, applications and interviews, recruiting, disappointments, and successes. Parents and students alike will findGetting In... to College a great source of inspiration.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Campus Chronicles

101 Real College Stories from Real College Students

College life can be fun, stressful, exciting, and educational in more ways than one. Campus Chronicles is a book for any current or prospective college student who wants to know what really goes on in the dorms and in the classroom. Story topics range from the academic, like studying abroad and picking majors, to partying and life choices. Read about other college students’ spring breaks, personal growth, relationships with family and significant others, Greek life, transferring schools, money woes, and alternative paths. Campus Chronicles is about growing up, making choices, learning lessons, and making the best of your last years as a student.

Would you like to win a copy? I will be giving away one copy of each title. Enter here.

Mabel's Labels

More than a year ago, I won a package of label's from a blog. (Right now I couldn't even tell you which blog!) I chose to only use our last name because I didn't know which child would need them first. (And I was too cheap to buy the extra 2 sets.) When the labels arrived from Mabel's Labels I glanced at them and put them on the stack on my desk. Eventually John gathered stuff up and put them in a box. I've run across them a time or two but had no reason to get them out.

Until yesterday. Chewie is headed to camp today. I was not looking forward to writing all 7 letters of our last name 100 times. So I dug out the http://www.mabel.ca/ What a great time saver! Not to mention they look a whole lot better than than scribbles.

In my pack (which I believe was called the Camp Pack) I had 50 TagMates. These are small labels that attach to clothing tags. There were 8 round Shoe Labels (with clear plastic overlays) for the insole. There about 15 of the larger Sticky Labels for things that will be going through the dishwasher. And Chewie's favorite: a pair of Bag Tags. The looked like wide dog tags with a short chain.

I had everything labeled in about 15 minutes. Wow! I need to order a couple more sets!

Don't Give In...God Wants You to Win!

When I picked up Don't Give In...God Wants You to Win! I expected a light, fun read. Boy was I surprised! The book is actually a deep look at spiritual warfare and learning how to fight the battle. Don't worry! Thelma includes humor to keep things from becoming too heavy. Thelma gives a lot of great information. One thing I really liked is that she included whole Scripture passages (sometimes in more than one translation) in the text of the book. I know that when I read I book, I usually don't take the time open my Bible and read the passage at the time. I always plan to get back to it, but rarely do. Having the text in the book, made it certain that I would read it. I am going to be going back through this book again---much more slowly this time!

This book is about spiritual warfare, demons, the Holy Spirit, and some pretty heavy-duty areas. Why write on this topic?

In this day and age when all around us seems to failing like our economic system, the government, relationships, health, self-worth, business and workplace situations, the church, wayward children, divorce and so much more, it is imperative that people have something sturdy and reliable to hold on to. Everyday we are fighting some kind of battle small, great or tremendous. When we don’t know how to fight against the disappoint, heartache, confusion, depression, and all the emotional and spiritual fall out from these issues, we become desperate, violent, vicious and vile. John 10:10 tells us that the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy us. But, Jesus has come to give us life and that life more abundantly than the feelings of no hope. This book teaches about the only hope we have and how to use that hope physically, emotionally and spiritually with a guarantee that we are winners when we do.

You’ve been known as the BEE lady, but it seems you’re evolving into more than that? Where do you see your ministry heading in the future?

God has so many surprises for me that my heart is overflowing. I have a teaching and preaching anointing that has made my ministry one of integrity and worth. God is doing great things in my life and reinventing some vital things that will be seen by everybody in a few weeks. He has guaranteed me that the international travel I’ve done over the past thirty years, the seeds I’ve sown over my lifetime, the barriers and tough times I’ve overcome are about to pay off in many different ways. He has put Christian people in my life that have and are changing the course of my life in great and wonderful ways. I will be taking a group to Israel next November, on other Ready to Win tours throughout the world, working with World Vision in their child sponsorship program, presenting mini Ready To Win Conferences throughout the world, and whatever else the Lord assigns me to do.

Thelma, this book was released at a perfect time. So many people are struggling just to survive. They’ve lost jobs, money, health, marriages, and more. Many just want to give up! What can we do if we are in those situations to prepare for victory in the battle of life?

When you’re in a battle these are the things that must be done in order to win:

• Put on the helmet of salvation to cover your thought life.
• Put on the breastplate of righteousness to guard your heart against devil and sin.
• Put on the girdle of Truth so that you will be able to understand what real truth is and be able to use the Sword of the Spirit (The Word of God – the Bible) in every situation as Jesus did when He was tempted by the devil in the mountain.
• Put on the shoes that have prepared you with the preparation of peace so you can march and stay fit as you tell other people about the goodness and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Hold up the shield of faith believing that God will keep every Promise He made for our good.
• Pray for each other and for ourselves by asking God for what we need, seeking His perfect will in all we do and knocking continually until we know God has answered our prayers. We must realize that God does not answer all our prayers the way we want Him to but whatever way He answers them, they are for our good and for His glory.
• Praise God with thanksgiving for all He has done and will do for us. The worship of God brings us into an atmosphere of being able to fight the good fight of faith and WIN.

Most of us are familiar with the list of spiritual weapons available for us to use as listed in Ephesians 6. You have a way to remember these that might be more relevant to today’s woman – as a mom, wife, business woman, etc. Will you share these five things with us that you do daily when you’re getting “dressed” in the morning?

In 1980 Thelma became the first black woman in the South to organize her own international speaking and consulting corporation. Her natural talent for public speaking and storytelling attracted the attention of the Women of Faith Tour, and in 1996 she became the first black core speaker for the organization. She has authored several books, including God Is Not Through With Me Yet, an inspiring examination of her own life experiences in which she encourages readers to “sing in the closets of their lives.” She serves as the president of The Daughters of Zion Leadership Mentoring Program, an organization she founded in 2000 (another first for a black woman). Through this ministry, “Mama T,” as she is affectionately called, has mentored over 100 spiritual daughters, received an honorary doctorate degree and was ordained into the Christian Ministry on December 16, 2008, from St. Thomas Christian College and Theological Seminary and the Association of Christian Churches in Jacksonville, Florida. She was also was named Extraordinary Woman of the Year 2008 by Mrs. Julie Clinton, Host of the Extraordinary Women Conferences an affiliate of the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Thelma has been married to George Wells, her best friend, supporter, and encourager, for over 45 years. The couple lives in Dallas, Texas, and has three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

RUVAcards

If you have budding artists like I do, you have got to check out RUVAcards! You send them a digital scan or send the artwork through the mail, and RUVAcards will match the colored dots to create personalized stationary. My kids all love to draw and color. This would be such a fun Christmas present for the grandparents!

RUVAcards also does party invitations, birth announcements, and greeting cards.

We pride ourselves on truly unique stationery, innovative custom notecards and personalized thank you cards and stationery cards. From blank cards and blank notecards to personalized notecards and personalized stationery and more, Ruvacards is your one stop shop for custom stationery and notecards that they won't soon forget. Looking for a special way to keep in touch with the child in your life? Our kid's stationery provides a personalized and exciting way to help make correspondence the joy it ought to be. Personal correspondence and letter writing are excellent ways to improve literacy, reading comprehension skills and creativity. Our personalized notecards and personalized stationery can help your young ones find pleasant recreation in reading and writing. Using our stationery cards and custom stationery you can introduce kids to the amazing world of writing and correspondence. We can even customize our unique greeting cards, personalized to fit the vibrant personality of the child in your life. From thank you cards to journal keeping, make our visually stunning stationery a part
of your life today.

Even if unique birth announcements, customized baby shower invitations and kid's stationery are not on your list today we know you'll find something you need in our eclectic collection of stationery and stationery cards. Leave a lasting impression that speaks to your individual style with our custom stationery, individually personalized notecards and artistic notecards.

Ruvacards' personalized stationery gives you an unforgettable way to send meaningful thank you cards that reflect your gratitude. Stop searching for blank notecards and custom stationery. Make Ruvacards' unique blank cards and custom
notecards part of your communication repertoire today.

Transform your purse

I want to show you a couple of great products for accessorizing your purse. I know! Who knew you could accessorize your purse?!? Both come from Je'Marie PurseHook and Accessories.

The Scarlett is a clip on accessory that transforms your purse from blah to brilliant. It is amazing what a difference a little decoration can make. It kind of reminds me of the kerchief square men where in their suit pocket to make the suit look new and different each time!

Are you looking for a new method to convert your bag from a day to day convenience to a trendy piece for a night downtown? Never fear that your bag will get lost in a sea of purses when you’re out to eat with the girls. Shrug away any worry about not being at the forefront of friendly fashion competition. The Scarlett is the perfect addition to the FUMI now elegantly trimming your purse, or will be a classy first time purchase from Je’Marie PurseHook & Accessories. At this great price- you can't go wrong! $19.95

The FUMI (or fashionable, unique, multi-purpose innovation) is a lot of fun! It is a beautiful bracelet (that even fits on my large wrists!) It is a purse accessory (so you don't have to go looking for it!) And it is a purse hook (so you don't have to put your purse on the floor!) There are some great purse hooks out there, but most would get lost before I could use them.

The FUMI comes in a variety of patterns and sales for about $25.

Bra Barrett

The Bra Barrette is a great way to add some drama to your outfits. I was not able to use the Bra Barrette myself because, as the website explains, the Bra Barrette is NOT one size fits all. Soon, in addition to the average size one, they are planning to release a "petite" and "large" version. But I love the idea of the Bra Barette. It is beautiful and functional.

The Bra Barrette is the essential tool every woman needs in her wardrobe. Made for a flexible and durable plastic, the Bra Barrette adds fashionable jewelry to the back while holding tank top, swimsuit or bra straps in place. Plain Bra Barrettes are ideal for keeping your straps hidden under clothing and staying professional at work. Charmed Bra Barrettes add personal style to the back with interchangeable charms and jewels. Genuine SWAROVSKI Crystallized Elements will add grace and elegance to any formal wear.

Q & A

How difficult is the Bra Barrette to put on?

It's not difficult at all. If you put your hands behind your head, you put on the Bra Barrette. You can also put the Bra Barrette on before you put on your attire and simply slide it over your head and then adjust the straps once you've fastened your top. Click Here to watch the video clip to see how to put it on.

How durable is the Bra Barrette?

It is extremely durable! It’s made from a food-grade plastic so it is flexible and comfortable to wear. It has been tested repeatedly for durability under normal wearing conditions. The product is guaranteed!

Classy Nail Files

I got a chance to try out a crystal glass nail file from Classy Nail Files. They come in 3 sizes: Small (3.5 inches)—small enough to carry and use for emergencies; Medium (5.5 inches)—for full manicures; and Large (7.5 inches) for pedicures and removing calluses. I received the smallest size, and it has been great! For Mother's Day, I got a set of acrylic nails. I've had several opportunities to try it out. Most nail files hurt my ears when I use them. (You know the noise I'm talking about!) The Classy Nail File was almost silent. It was strong and easy to use. I would love to try the big one on my dry cracked feet!

The crystal files feature a filing surface etched permanently in the glass for superior longevity and performance. The crystal is tempered and hardened, making it 74% stronger than ordinary glass. Files are double-sided, easily sterilized and give a superior finish on natural and artificial nails. We carry a full line of vibrant colors and hand-painted original designs hand done by artists in Grand Rapids Michigan. Our artists constantly seek new exciting designs. The files are guaranteed never to wear out and will last a lifetime! They're a lot safer for your nails. 3 sizes to choose . The choice is crystal clear! For quality, durability and design, choose Classy Nail Files!

Here are some Q & As from Classy Nails:

Q - What's the actual difference between crystal glass nail files and regular types of files?


A - The difference is all in the finish. Immediately after you use our crystal glass nail files you will notice that the tips of your nails have become very smooth.

Q - What's the best way to remove calloused skin from my feet?


A - Our large size pedicure file is designed especially to remove hardened and calloused skin from your feet. First, soften the skin by soaking your feet in water or using your foot file directly in your bath or shower. Use regularly to maintain soft, supple skin.

Q. I have artificial gel nails. Are Classy files right for me?


A - Indeed, our crystal glass nail files are perfect for use on artificial nails of every type. Simply dip the file repeatedly while filing for best results.

Q - Are Classy crystal glass files gentle enough to use on babies and small children? 


A - Yes. The extremely gentle filing surface is deal for use on fragile nails or very soft nails like those on an infant, and will help reduce the nail peeling and tearing that rougher surfaces cause. We do recommend adult supervision if used by children.

Q - Can crystal files break?


A - Like any crystal glass product, your file can break if it falls on a very hard surface or if exposed to excessive pressure. However, because the body is made from tempered glass, which is 74% stronger than regular glass, this possibility is minimized during normal use. Protect your Classy crystal glass nail files in their protective sheaths.

20 Easy Ways to Help Save the Earth

Youth soccer coach and eco-conscious citizen Coach Pedro Rita, believes teaching children to make simple changes in their daily lives may be the answer to saving the Earth from the destruction of past generations. In his new children's book, "20 Easy Ways to Help Save the Earth" (Author House, September 2008), Coach Pedro shows kids how their actions can affect their homes and communities and offers them easy-to-use, Earth-saving tips to inspire and empower our youth to protect the environment. 

"20 Easy Ways to Help Save the Earth" is full of situations kids encounter on a daily basis and takes a proactive approach to modeling new behaviors and attitudes that eco-conscious children can adopt. From tried-and-true suggestions such as recycling bottles and cans to innovative ideas like using rainwater for watering household plants, kids are encouraged to do their part and share their enthusiasm for conservation with others. 

20 Easy Ways..... is written in both Spanish and English.  My kids are always wanting to learn Spanish, and this is a great way to introduce some new words while re-enforcing the need to care for our planet.  I do not consider myself "green", but I do see the need to take care of the planet.  The tips shared in this book are practical and do-able. The pictures are bright and creative.  My family really enjoyed it.

See the trailer (below) for more information.

When Love Blooms Review

When Love Blooms by Robin Lee Hatcher was released by Zondervan in February.

When Emily Harris takes a job in the rugged high country of Idaho, she’s about to discover that changing the heart of one man may be the destiny she’s been in search of all her life. A heartwarming historical romance by bestselling author Robin Lee Hatcher.

Description: 
From the moment Gavin Blake set eyes on Emily Harris he knew she would never make it in the rugged high country where backbreaking work and constant hardship were commonplace. She would wilt there like a rose without water. He'd be sending her back to Boise before the first snows. He'd be willing to bet on it.
 
She could say what she wanted. Emily Harris didn't belong in the hard life of the Blakes.
 
Beautiful and refined, she was accustomed to the best life had to offer. Heaven only knew why she wanted to leave Boise to teach two young girls on a ranch miles from nowhere. He'd wager it had to do with a man. It always did when a beautiful woman was involved.
 
Emily wanted to make some sort of mark on the world before marriage. She wanted to be more than just a society wife. Though she had plenty of opportunities back East, she had come to the Idaho high country looking to make a difference. Gavin’s resistance to her presence made her even more determined to prove herself. Perhaps changing the heart of one man might make the greatest difference of all.

I have always enjoyed historical novels.  My mom got me started on Janette Oke and Gilbert Morris. While I enjoy contemporary romances, my heart remains with the historical fiction.  When Love Blooms reminded me a lot of Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series. The story line is clear, the Gospel message is presented in a natural way, and the characters are realistic.  The plot is believable and inspiring. The descriptions of the countryside are so vivid, it felt like I was there!

Exposure: Book Review

Exposure by Brandilyn Collins is a new psychological thriller from Zondervan. 

Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? In Kaycee’s newspaper column she’s known for writing of her paranoia and fears. Is the new danger real—or is she going crazy? In this story of terror, twists, and desperate faith, the startling questions pile high. But Kaycee’s descent to answers proves even more frightening.

Description: 
When your worst fear comes true. Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? Everyone knows she’s a little crazy. Kaycee’s popular syndicated newspaper column pokes fun at her own paranoia and multiple fears. The police in her small town are well aware she makes money writing of her experiences. Worse yet, she has no proof of the threats. Pictures of a dead man mysteriously appear in her home—then vanish before police arrive. Multisensory images flood Kaycee’s mind. Where is all this coming from? Maybe she is going over the edge. High action and psychological suspense collide in this story of terror, twists, and desperate faith. The startling questions surrounding Kaycee pile high. Her descent to answers may prove more than she can survive.

I love a good novel, and I kind of like mysteries.  The term "psychological thriller" usually sends me running the other direction. But I decided to go ahead and read Exposure.  It was a great story!  At first, I was a little lost because each chapter seemed to introduce a new major player in the story.  But eventually the pieces came together.  And, I did not see the ending coming! Brandilyn wove a great story with twists and turns that surprised me.

The main theme of the book was overcoming fears.  But the story went deeper than just fear: the consequences of choices; the long lasting effects of sin; and the way the mind works.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  This may have been my first Brandilyn Collins book, but it definitely won't be my last!

Along Came You

Along Came You, the delightful debut children's book written by Karona Drummond and dramatically illustrated by Estelle Corke, tells of the transformation moms make from before kids to after kids. Along Came You was released by Zonderkids in April 2009.

Along Came You is a hardback picture book that contrasts the full and exciting life before kids with the full and exciting life after kids. Both lives are good, but different.

I absolutely love this book! I think my favorite line is

Before you,

my world was quiet.

After you,

There is joyful noise.

The picture looks like my princess, Crunchy. She usually has some sort of costume or jewelry on, and she loves to sing.

Karona captures some wonderful examples of the life changes that come with motherhood. I like that she doesn't make either picture out to be negative. Life before kids was great. Life after kids is great. The after is more colorful. She even says "I am still me".

One final word....when I write my children's book/s, I want Estelle Corke to illustrate them. She did such an awesome job of capturing the fun details (such as the swinging necklaces in the dance scene!)

Time 4 Felt

Thanks to FaithApproved I had the opportunity to review a story set from Time 4 Felt. Awnya from Time 4 Felt is an independent consultant with Story Time Felts. They have an extensive catalog with an assortment of "paper" dolls; stories; and other play sets.



I had the chance to review a Bible story set: Job. I have to admit, even though I know my Bible well, I had to dig a little to figure out which story it was. But once I realized it was Job, it made sense. But when you order, you won't have to worry about knowing the story. This Bible Story of Job Set includes: coloring pages; sequencing page; scripture refrences; story summary and the 15 felt figures.

The colors are vibrant and the pictures are detailed. You have the option of purchasing either pre-cut or saving some money and cutting them yourself. (Mine were precut.) My kids loved the story. In our technology driven world, we often don't take time to slow down and tell stories. Time 4 Felt is a great tool to help us do that. And to let our kids begin to grow their own imaginations.

Some of the pictures:

All of the pictures together:

Close up detail of one picture.