Dr. Carey's Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide book & 2 Dr. Carey Swaddling Blankets! Review and Giveaway

On my third attempt at caring for a newborn, with my baby just born in the past couple of months, I was excited to have the opportunity to review these products.  Yes, it is my third time, and so some things have become instinctual or learned over the past two experiences.  However, I am always on Google to find answers in the first few months because those little rashes, bumps, coughs, etc. always pop up and make even an experienced Mommy nervous.

I loved how the book explained, with pictures and in language a tired mom can understand, the little things about new babies, like why they have the reflexes they do.  This book goes beyond basics and teaches as well as informs.  I really like the photos, especially when it came to the section on rashes.  Most of the things I would look for on Google is now right in my hands in a nice little reference book.

Dr. Carey Chronis, MD, who wrote this book, is a dad and pediatrician, which makes him an expert in my book.  His book includes lots of information about a baby's first year, including over 120 pictures and addresses topics such as:
- Developmental Milestones
- Newborn Rashes Explained
- Baby Care That Should Be Discussed
- Handling Minor Medical Problems
- Commonly Asked Medical Questions

This is definitely a resource I wish I'd had with my first baby and one I will highly recommend to my new mommy friends.

In addition to receiving the book, I also received two swaddling blankets.  They are very soft, bright and colorful!  Longer than many receiving blankets, they provide extra room for longer babies.  However, they are basic rectangle blankets that the user needs to know how to use in order to have them act as a swaddle.  For the tiny babies who lay still, these are great.  As my baby has gotten older and moves around more, they are not as effective in keeping the baby swaddled.

You can find a lot more on Dr. Carey's website!  

Disclaimer:
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Giveaway

The cool thing is, I have the opportunity to give one lucky reader their own copy of Dr. Carey's book and 2 swaddle blankets too!  Just leave a comment to this post, telling me what you would be most interested in learning from Dr. Carey's book.  Entry period ends midnight on July 2, 2014

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The 40 Day Devotional Challenge

The 40 Day Devotional Challenge... To Encourage Your Heart and Deepen Your Faith

by Kathi Macias

Everyone is busy, finding time to spend reading the Bible or even a devotional can be a challenge on the best of days.  Enter the latest book by Kathy Macias, a devotional created for just that reason - to challenge the reader to make time over 40 days to develop a closer walk with Christ.  

This devotional offers the reader 40 separate entries, each with a scripture verse for focus, a short passage discussing the idea behind the passage, with thoughts for today's Christian to make it relevant, and a section allotted for journaling should one wish to do so.  The book is designed to be read however is convenient, whether it be 40 consecutive days, one a week, or scattered randomly.  Because each devotional selection stands alone, readers can pick it up any time without worry of having forgotten what was studied prior, should several days have passed between readings.

When reading through this devotional for review, I found it to be similar to many other devotional a available.  There was no specific topic that the book centered around, which is great for general interest, but not as much for those looking for a focused study or topic.  It seemed to be written with older readers in mind, as some of the author's stories within the discussions reveal.  While well written and of course useful, it didn't reach out to me as a stellar devotional I would want all of my friends to read.  Perhaps because I am of a younger generation or because I would seek out a more focused devotional.  Definitely a worthwhile challenge to undertake and worth a read if you are looking for a variety of scriptures to focus on.

This book can be found and purchased through Barnes and Noble and many other booksellers.

I was provided a copy of this book to review for free through the BookCrash program.  I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any way for this review.  All ideas expressed are my own.

UGLee Pen Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

The UGLee pen (UG for Ultimate Grip and Lee for the doctor who designed the pen) is by far one of my favorite pens to use around the house these days.  Having received three to review, I was excited to try them out.  While any pen can get the job done, the UGLee pen goes above and beyond basic writing, providing the user comfort and extended length of writing time without cramped hands.

A smooth writing pen that has yet to flake out on me, the ink runs clean and clear, no smudging or need to re-write over something to get it clear.  A light weight instrument, it performs better than most expensive high-end pens while still having the benefits of a high-end pen, with re-fill able ink.  The ergonomic grip is a squishy rubber that is very comfortable in the hand, not sticky or slimy, it holds to your hand without a gross factor.  While the pen may not be the most attractive pen on the market, it is one of the most comfortable.

Users who write for extended length or often throughout the day, such as medical professionals or students, will find themselves enjoying the process much more.  Because of the success of this pen and popularity, I am able to provide the chance for one reader to win an a UGLee pen of their own!  Simply comment below with why you would like to try this product.  One reader will be chosen on February 26th.  Good luck!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Take Fight! A Sisterchicks' Devotional

Take Flight!: A Sisterchicks' Devotional
by Robin Jones Gunn and Cindy Hannan

A devotional spin off of the popular Sisterchicks books, this book is easily read and enjoyed with or without knowledge of the series.  As a reader who has not read any of the Sisterchicks books, I was able to enjoy this devotional and to understand and appreciate it with no problem.

Broken into sections, this is a small devotional with 3-4 readings per section.  However, this creates a book easily used in a group study as well as personal, as it offers a quick dive into God's word through the witty writings of Gunn and Hannan.  Quick to read yet so full of fun, light yet thoughtful readings, this devotional is a perfect quick study.  Themed around the Sisterchicks, "a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you're being a brat.", each study contains quotes, insights from "Robin's Nest" and "Cindy's Perch", a bit of "Wit and Whimsy" in the form of a laugh or a smile, several scripture verses offering the reader opportunity to "Take a Closer Look" and a space to journal thoughts.

Well thought out and written, any woman will enjoy the journey through this devotional and gain insight and knowledge through the stories and scriptures.

You can find this book at Barnes and Noble or other booksellers nationwide.

I was provided a copy of this book to review through the Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program.  I was in no way compensated for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Thirty Days of Bible Study for Busy Mamas

Thirty Days of Bible Study for Busy Mamas: Colossians 3
by Pam Forster

As a mom in the middle of the toddler years, I relate to the title of busy mom.  Finding time for a shower alone, let alone time to read a book, is difficult to come by.  I had put aside the idea of an in-depth bible study on my own as something for the future.  Along came the opportunity to read this book, and my mind was changed.

Designed to be a quick 5 minute study, this book guides readers through the third chapter of the book of Colossians in a 30 day plan.  What seemed extreme to me at first - 30 days to read and study one chapter of the bible!? - soon became a welcome time alone.  Each of the 30 days has a focused set of verses, prompts.  With catch up days designed in the plan, which can also be used to dig deeper if one is caught up, there is tons of room for growth within this simple study.

The author is encouraging and draws the reader to fall into the Word, developing a deeper understanding of the reading while applying those words to life.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading and working through this study and would enjoy doing so again in a group setting. 

I highly recommend this book!

You can find a copy at Amazon.com or many other booksellers nationwide.

I was provided a copy of this book to review for free through the BookCrash program.  I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any way for this review.  All ideas expressed are my own.

Pray The Scriptures: A 40-Day Prayer Experience

Pray The Scriptures: A 40-Day Prayer Experience
by Kevin Johnson

Pray The Scriptures is a wonderful book to get life centered back on prayer and conversation with God.  Each chapter is centered around a scripture verse, which is broken down into segments, and the reader is guided through a reading of the scripture and given prompts to pray through each segment of the scripture.  Space is given for opportunity to write down the prayer if desired.

Intended to be a 40-day experience, this book is easily adapted for a weekly small group study.  This is a scripturally rooted resource for growth and development of a deeper prayer life.  Pray The Scriptures will lead the reader to a deeper understanding of the scriptures being read, making them more personal as one not only reads but ingests and soaks in the words.  Praying those promises and words back opens up new lines of conversation with God and provides a stepping stone for building a daily prayer life steeped in the Bible.

I really enjoyed exploring this book.  The idea of praying the scripture is very new to me, but I had heard so much about the concept that I was very intrigued.  I love having this resource to guide and get me started and feel prepared to step out and continue in praying the scripture with my daily readings.  I highly recommend this book!

Find it at Barnes and Noble or other booksellers nationwide.

I was provided a copy of this book for free to review by Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for this review.  All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

Freebies: May 17-June 21

I'm running WAY behind on posting my freebies - eek!  There have been some good ones over the past month :)

Entrepreneur magazine

Parenting and Parenting School Years magazines

Mrs. Cubbison's Free product coupon

Duncan Hines Frosting Creations

Boogie Wipes kit

Wholesome Sweetness sweetener sample pack

 Wafu Wasabi Edamame dressing sample from Swaggable

 Town and Country Magazine
Blooomberg Businesweek magazine
Free Entenman's product coupon

 Nature's Bounty bottle
Free Tai-Pei Asian Garden single serve product coupon

 Emergen-C sample kit from Smile.ly

 Wafu Japanese Vinaigrette sample from Swaggable
$5 McDonald's Arch Card from Klout

 Martha Stewart Living magazine
Better Homes and Gardens magazine
Tide Free & Gentle full size bottle for use and review through Expo's Tryology progam

 Family Fun magazine
Food Should Taste Good Multigrain chip sample
Fiber One Chocolate Chewy bar

 Betty Crocker Hershey's Cookies 'n' Crème cookie mix - full size
Bio True contact solution sample

 Parenting and Parenting School Years magazines
Mio Fit Berry Blast water enhancer

 Check out what I got for free on a recent shopping trip!: 4 free Langer's juice bottles, Red Gold tomatoes, 3 CVS body wash bottles, 2 Tai Pei Asian Garden products, Nivea lip product and a towel and wash cloth from JC Penney!!!

Coca Cola reusable tote bag and bottle koozie (from Coca Cola Share the Fiestahh contest)
$50 Bare Minerals gift card (from Diet Pepsi Love Every Sip contest)
Martha Stewart Living magazine
Free Wheat Thins coupon
Medjool Dates sample
Minties dog bone sample

Other freebies from the past month not pictured:
Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil sample
Full size dish soap (unlabeled) for use and review (through IPSOS I-Say Surveys)
10 Postage Stamps (Quad Reader's Club)
Desktop Engineer magazine
4 Free Langers Juice coupons
Dr. Scholl's for High Heels insoles (BzzAgent)