Magazines.com Review

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I was given the opportunity to get a magazine subscription for free from Magazines.com. Right now they are presenting great deals for Mother's Day. You can order anything from crafty magazines, to food, to home decor and then some. 

Click here to check out the titles, here to view their Facebook page, and follow @magazines on Twitter.

I chose Paula Deen and I am looking forward to sampling her recipes. If you'd like to win a free* or discounted* subscription to a magazine of your choice (from the Mother's Day titles), leave me a comment below with your email address. Winner will be chosen by Random.org on Sunday, just for Mother's Day. :) *Winner will receive $10 off their order.

Ordering was super easy. I had to talk to customer service and someone actually answered the phone, so no automated system here. :) Customer Service was super nice and helpful and my issue was resolved quickly and painlessly. Now, go write that comment so you can win. :)

Great Movie!!!

Ok. I think most Christian movies are kinda cheesy but this one was well written, well acted, and kept our attention throughout!

This Is Our Time is a movie produced by Pure Flix and it is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, April 16th. If you'd like to get your hands on this, I'll have a giveaway somewhere in this post so keep reading. :)

Of course you'd like to know more about this movie. So, let me tell you. It is the story of five friends who graduate and set out to make a difference in the world for God but tragedy strikes. Their lives aren't as planned out as they had thought. Their faith is tested. They have to make decisions they didn't know they'd have to make because of the things that happened in their lives.

I will admit, I cried more than once watching this film. Maybe that's why I liked it so much. The characters are true to life people with real drama, real decisions to make. Oh, it's also Dove Family Approved.

We give it two thumbs up! Links: Movie, Trailer, Facebook

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Janet's Planet DVD Review

I received Janet's Planet DVD "Microgravity" from Propeller in order to review. Janet Ivey really loves talking about gravity and microgravity (Zero G) and it shows in this DVD. You will be introduced to Henry Cavendish, Sir Isaac Newton, and Galileo in this 37 minute presentation. The section showing what happens to water at Zero G is really neat. Janet really explains gravity and microgravity in a way that most people can understand.

If you want to learn more about gravity and microgravity, I highly recommend this DVD. Click the following links to learn more and/or follow: Janet's Planet, Facebook, and Twitter. At Janet's Planet, you can play a game similar to Jeopardy, look at photos, create your own planet, and more. There's even a cool parent / teacher section. Go check it out!

I will say that the first copy I received was broken in half so I requested a new one. The company quickly replaced my DVD and I appreciate that.

From Janet Ivey

“For the past decade, science education has been my passion and America’s children have been my inspiration.  It is incredible to see how excited children can become about the world around them when the information is presented in an accessible and fun way.  That is the mission of Janet’s Planet, and I look forward to continuing to support better science education in the years to come.”  

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Veggietales: The Little House That Stood DVD Review AND Giveaway

VeggieTales - a name that our family has loved for many years.  Some of our favorite songs can be viewed on Silly Songs with Larry. Well, now there's a new DVD and it's named "VeggieTales: The Little House That Stood".

This family friendly DVD is about the Three Little Pigs looking to build new houses. They meet three builders. One builder builds his houses on the firm foundation using plans from the Master Builder's Handbook whereas the other two don't care about the foundation. Which builder will the Three Little Pigs choose? When the storm comes, what will happen?

As usual, this is a cute little movie. The new Silly Song, "Happy Tooth Day" wasn't as funny as some of the past songs but it was ok. All in all, we enjoyed watching it and encourage you to get one for yourself.

If you'd like to watch the trailer, click here. To visit the VeggieTales website, click here. If you'd like some cute coloring pages, click here.

Now, if you'd like to win your own copy of this adorable DVD, enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one ore more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Kyle Sherman "Hear Me" CD & Giveaway

I just had the opportunity to review Kyle Sherman's CD Hear Me which is being released today! (Thank you, Propeller!) It is a great CD comprised of 12 songs. Click here to go preview the album.

Here's the Album Bio:

Fort Worth-based singer-songwriter Kyle Sherman recently signed on as the flagship artist to brand new label RayLynn Records, an opportunity that presented itself during a time period when a record deal wasn't even on his radar. 

"It's crazy how God works," Kyle says. 'Five years ago, I pushed pretty hard to do my own thing as a singer-songwriter, but every well I approached would dry up. It clearly wasn't the right time." So Kyle continued on a path of leading worship, taking a full-time role as worship leader at Lifechurch.TV's Fort Worth campus under the leadership of renowned pastor/author Craig Groeschel.

Just 3-years later Kyle made it back to Nashville, pouring his heart into a microphone at Sony studio with veteran producer and country singer-songwriter Mark Collie making his first album. God is faithful. Hear Me, the result of those sessions, is an eclectic and authentic mix of rootsy, southern soul.

Please visit Kyle's website, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube page. If you'd like to win your own copy, leave me a comment below telling me which song you listened to and liked the best - but ONLY on my blog as I won't count Facebook comments. I will randomly select one winner on October 16th. Open to US residents. Remember to leave me a way to contact you if you win. One comment per day per person please.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Cowgirls N' Angels Movie Review

I was given the opportunity to watch "Cowgirls N' Angels" and give you my thoughts. 


If you'd like to watch the movie trailer, click here. To visit their Facebook page, click here. 


About the movie: "Cowgirls N' Angels is a heartwarming movie that tells the story of Ida, a feisty and rebellious young girl, who has dreams of finding her father, a rodeo rider. While searching for her dad, she connects with the Sweethearts of the Rodeo, a team of young female rodeo riders run by former rodeo star Terence Parker. Recognizing Ida's innate talent for trick riding, Terence recruits her for their ranks. Accepted wholeheartedly by her new "family," Ida finds a new passion that redefines her life, and may also help her find the father she's been searching for."


My thoughts: Ida is a twelve year old who at times, is a spoiled brat. She is disrespectful to her mother, lies, and steals. Because her mother will not tell her who her father is, she sneaks into her mother's things to find out his name and that he is a cowboy so when the opportunity for her to join in with the "Sweethearts of the Rodeo", she jumps at the chance, even lying about her mother's permission for her to do so. 

The "Sweethearts" are a group of ladies that are given second chances in life and become part of a new family. They travel to different arenas in different states and participate in the rodeos by carrying American flags and doing trick riding. 


This movie didn't have any cursing that I noticed and no immodesty. It did have a scene with people drinking beer and another scene or two of two people kissing but it was mild.


Now the big question: Did I like the movie? It had a couple of places that tugged at my heartstrings, but Ida's character did not make me enjoy this movie. I would not watch it a second time. However, if you can overlook a bratty kid, you might like it. I did enjoy learning a little about the Sweethearts. It is scheduled to release today, May 25th.

The Forgiven Duke Review

The Forgive Duke, by Jamie Carie, is the second book in The Forgotten Castles series. This book picks up where The Guardian Duke leaves off.  (If you didn't read my review of the first book The Guardian Duke, you can do so by clicking here.)

The Duke of St. Easton is in love with Alexandria Featherstone but she is to marry Lord John Lemon. She's still searching for her parents, believing they are alive when everyone else says they are dead. This book was exciting to read and I couldn't wait to find out if they finally get together and if she finds her parents. Although the ending still keeps you wondering some things, there is closure for part of it. Loved reading it. :)

Click on the following links to learn more:

Website

Facebook

Amazon

I received this book for free from Propeller in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received or expected.

The Guardian Duke Review

Jamie Carie wrote The Guardian Duke, a lovely novel I just completed. This "Regency-era romantic adventure" is an enjoyable journey with Lady Alexandria Featherstone and Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton.

Lady Alex's parents, famed sleuths, have been presumed dead since they have not contacted anyone in a year. They had been on an adventure of their own, trying to solve a mystery. The regent has urged Gabriel to go get Alex and bring her to London since she is Gabriel's guardian now, however, Alex has started on her own adventure - one to find her parents and prove they are alive.

Through letters between Alex and Gabriel, he falls in love with her and wants to protect her. She, not wanting to stall, continues on her path for clues to find her parents. Unfortunately, time is of the essence and she must find them. She will not stay put long enough for Gabriel to come to her.

This book begins in London, 1818. The author's words describing the landscape across England and Ireland make the scenes come alive. She did a great job stretching out this story and it is well worth reading. I can hardly wait until the second book in this series comes out and I can continue reading this exciting story.

This book would make an excellent movie! To see the book trailer, click here. To visit their facbeook page, click here.

I received this book for free from Propeller in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received or expected.

The Woodcarver DVD Review & GIVEAWAY!

The wonderful people at Propeller allowed me and my family to review the movie The Woodcarver. This movie releases March 13 and features John Ratzenberger, whom I remember from the TV show "Cheers" but you may remember his voice from any Pixar film such as Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Finding Nemo, etc. Apparently he has been in every Pixar film.

Anyway, The Woodcarver is about an adult man, Ernest Otto (John Ratzenberger) who happens to be an expert woodcarver, and a troubled youth, Matthew Stevenson (Dakota Daulby). Ernest's wife has passed away and he feels that his life is over. Matthew's family is breaking apart and he feels lost, alone, and angry. 

Matthew causes damage to the local church. This church is the same church that Ernest hand carved wood beams and signs for many years prior. Will Ernest re-carve the wood or will the church have to have prefabricated pieces installed instead? Will Matthew "let go and let God"?

We loved this movie. There are a couple of issues with it. The first is when Ernest is asked what the first thing he carved was and he replied with "WWJD." The problem with that is that phrase wasn't popular until the 1990's and the timing was way off since Ernest obviously wouldn't have been a child during that time. The other issue I had was that the Baptist minister wore a "clerical collar" and that's just something Baptist's don't do. Maybe they do up north, so I could be wrong, but here in the south, it doesn't happen. 

So, other than those couple of things, the movie was GREAT. If you'd like to win a copy, enter the Rafflecopter drawing below. You may have to select "Read more" to get to the entry form. (CONTEST OVER.)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it 

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally 

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance 

with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the 

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Three Hearts Review

My nine and nineteen year old daughters and I watched "Three Hearts" tonight.  This movie is a documentary that shares the need of three Mongolian youths who need heart surgery or their lives could end sooner rather than later. This story is produced by Samaritan's Purse. I am familiar with Samaritan's Purse because our church usually participate in Operation Christmas Child. Well, SP also has another ministry, Children's Heart Project. This movie shares a little more about CHP but it's mainly about these three children who need heart surgery. We laughed and cried and were just in awe of God working in this ministry.

To view YouTube trailers, click here and here. To view a link through Christian Book Distributors, click here. I recommend this film for anyone wanting to see how lives are changed through the Children's Heart Project.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services 

mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I 

only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: 

"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Family Movie Night "Game of Your Life"

My family and I watched a new movie which airs on NBC on Friday, December 2nd at 8/7 central. This movie, "A Game of Your Life", is about a young man, Zach Taylor, who wants to be a video game designer. He is given a scholarship to the prestigious "DIGD" - Digital Institute of Game Design - and is teamed up with three other classmates in order to create a project that could either eliminate him from his goal or encourage him to continue forward. Zach has to learn to be a part of the "team" and some of his choices cause his team to question whether or not to keep him on the team. He now has to decide what is most important in his life.

We personally did not enjoy this movie. It was just odd. However, I do encourage you to watch the trailer and see if this is something your family would enjoy. Here is their Facebook page and website.

I was able to preview this movie for free in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. No other compensation was received or expected. 

FFH's Christmas Album Review & Giveaway

One Silent Night is the first Christmas Album for FFH, a Christian band. I will have a download available for you if you win my giveaway - just keep reading. :)

FFH (Far From Home) has been around for a few years and they are still amazing. Their voices blend so well. This new album has songs that will put you in the Christmas spirit. We don't normally listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but this one is so wonderful, we'll be listening to it from now until Christmas for sure!

Ten songs are included in this album. The songs are:

• Baby It's Cold Outside
• Jingle Bell Rock
• One Silent Night
• I'll Be Home for Christmas
• The Birthday of the King
• O Come O Come Emmanuel
• Winter Wonderland
• Glorious Impossible
• O Little Town of Bethlehem
• Heaven and Nature Sing

Visit FFH's website and Facebook or even visit them on iTunes, but then come back and enter my giveaway. :)

I received a free download of this album in exchange for my honest review thanks to Propeller. No other compensation was received or expected.

Love All The Way - Music Review

Brittany Hargest's new album is entitled "Love All The Way" and it is a pretty upbeat Christian compilation. Brittany is formerly of Jump 5 so she's not new to the music industry. This CD will have you up and moving. I can even recommend listening to it as you workout. :) If you like upbeat, pumping music, you'll like this one. :)

To visit Brittany's Facebook, click here. To check out her website, click here. To see her on YouTube, click here.

I received a free download of this music album from Propeller in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received or expected.

Christmas Lodge DVD Review & Giveaway

The kids and I watched a sweet movie, Christmas Lodge. If you're interested in this movie after you read more about it, I will give you an opportunity to win a copy for yourself!!

Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge. This movie is rated G and is very family friendly. One of the main characters, Mary, loves being outdoors and while hiking with her city-loving boyfriend, stumbles upon an injured young girl who happens to be the daughter of the owner of the lodge. After Mary and her boyfriend help the young girl back home, Mary sees the condition of the lodge. It's not as glorious as it was in the past and she should know since her family has been there on many occasions. Mary wants to restore the lodge to its former glory but will need money and carpenters to get it done.

Mary's boyfriend breaks up with her because he knows their lives are too different. He loves the city and she does not. Although she is heartbroken, she picks herself up and goes on.

Well, remember the little girl that was hurt? Well, her dad, Jack, is attracted to Mary and asks her to date. Mary isn't ready and Jack, being the gentleman that he is, tells her that is ok. Because I have 4 unmarried daughters, I soooooooo appreciated seeing this response from him.

I can't keep telling you about the movie because I'll spoil it and I don't want that to happen. :) I will leave you with this: if you want to watch a very uplifting story, you will want to watch this. Click here to watch the trailer. To read the Dove Foundation Family Approved info about the movie, click here. To enter to win a copy, keep reading. :)

I received this DVD for free from Propeller in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received or expected.

Mighty Macs Movie Review

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

It's 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time ... and she's about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women's basketball.

In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women's Catholic college inPhiladelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.

Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she's willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she's just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them.

From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school's Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!

While it appears the Macs don't have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.

Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One thing's for certain: there's never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!

I was allowed to watch this movie prior to opening night, which is tonight. It is a decent movie; however, I have some issues with it. First, the coach, who is "Baptist", poses as a nun in order to get a free plane ride. Second, maybe all Baptists don't agree to the same church covenant I do (I am Baptist) but we agree to not consume alcohol as a beverage.  The coach is shown drinking beer and then drives. I just don't agree with those things. Other than that, it seemed to be a family friendly movie. 

To get more info, click here to visit the website or click here to visit their Facebook page.

I was able to view an advance showing of this movie thanks to Propeller. All opinions are mine. I was not required to write a positive review. No other compensation was received.