ESV Family Devotional Bible Review

ESV Family Devotional Bible
by Crossway

I had been looking for an appropriate devotional to use with my young children at home when the opportunity to review this devotional Bible came my way.  I was immediately impressed with this book the minute I held it in my hands.  This is a high quality hard covered book filled with color pictures, 130 of them!  While it is in fact an actual Bible in the ESV (English Standard Version) translation, it is also a devotional too.  The perfect combination that puts everything in your hands for family devotion time with children in the home.

Each devotional story is on a colored page.  The illustrations that go with each devotional are high quality, full detail, painting like pictures - not cartoonish, but featuring real looking people and scenes.  The devotional stories fall in line with their location in the Bible, so they can be used individually or as a family study.  The Biblical references are provided for the story's location within the Bible as well as a verse for memorization or discussion that ties the story to the surrounding scripture.

The devotion stories are written in a way that young children (ages 4+) can understand, while being complex and detailed enough to challenge older children into their early teens.  The common children's bible stories are discussed within the devotionals, such as Adam & Eve, David & Goliath, Jonah, etc. as well as many more not so mainstream stories.  Following each story are a few questions to prompt discussion and further learning for the devotional time.  With younger children, we have skipped over this section most times, just focusing on the stories for now, but I will definitely be going back around to use these again in a few years.

I have enjoyed this book as an adult, and have learned things I had not before picked up or heard. The questions have prompted me to think and I love the potential they provide for teaching my children.   My children (4 & 6) have learned things and really enjoyed exploring the pictures as well as hearing the many different stories.  All around, I love this book and have already been telling my friends with children all about it and recommending it.  This is a perfect combo book for every Christian family with children!

You can find a copy here

The cool thing is that I get to GIVE a copy away to one of my followers!  So, if you are interested, simply leave a comment with the ages of your children and you are entered.  The winner will be selected randomly on Monday, May 16 at 9am.

*  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child

Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child
by Boris Vujicic

Having read all of Nick Vujicic's books this far, I was very interested in reading the book recently released by his father for a few of reasons.  First is that I was curious to have an insider's look into the Vujicic family life and learn about Nick from a different angle.  Second is that I know several friends who have children with disabilities and would love to share the inspiration and hope with them.  Third is that I was sure I could learn something about loving and appreciating my own children through the journey.  I was right on all three accounts.

Written from the viewpoint of Boris Vujicic, the book follows the family from the moments they learned of Nick's limitations through his life to current times.  In it, Boris shares with transparent honesty his true feelings during those difficult times.  He also shares inspiration and encouragement for other parents to embrace their own children as they are.  There is validation, hope, honesty, encouragement, truth and love in his words  Each chapter finishes with some takeaway thoughts.

Whether you have a child with disabilities or not, there is so much to glean from this book.  A Christian perspective into loving all children because of their imperfections.  I most definitely recommend this book and will be sharing it with all of my friends raising children with disabilities.  Nick's message of hope and love continue through Boris' words and leave the reader feeling filled and encouraged to face the days ahead.

You can find this book here

* I received this book for free through the Blogging For Books program in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Muscle Roller Stick Review

Ever since my runner friend told me about her muscle roller stick, I was intrigued and wanted one for myself for the days when my large muscles are sore after exercise or a day of hard physical labor.  I had the opportunity to purchase this 18 inch muscle roller stick recently and have enjoyed having it in my home.

The Muscle Stick comes simply packaged in a slim cardboard box.  

The stick is very sturdily built.  The black rubber handles have grip to them to aid in muscle rolling without slipping hands.  The central rolling discs are a hard plastic and each rolls separately along an internal rod.  They roll quietly, no squeaking, only the sound of the plastic discs rolling.  They also roll very smoothly.  This muscle rolling stick is adjustable for more or less friction by pulling the handle grips out a little along the internal rod, which allows for easier rolling or more friction.  Doing so is easier said than done, and I gave up on adjusting it, figuring it worked just fine as is and doubting I will ever need to adjust it.  

For large muscle groups like calves, thighs, and even arms, this is a great tool.  It does not work well for backs as it can be painful along the spine.  Easy enough to roll by yourself and get relief quickly, this roller massages and presses muscles to release knots after extensive work and strain.

You can get one here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Prenatal DHA + Vitamin D3 Review

Though not currently pregnant, I continue to take prenatal vitamins while I am breastfeeding.  The free ones I can get from the pharmacy leave much to chance as they are short on some other key vitamins and in a much lower percentage than high quality vitamins to be purchased. When I found these Prenatal DHA vitamins that also contain Vitamin D3, I was very interested as Vitamin D is one area I know I and my baby need.  This product is a supplement, one to be taken with regular prenatal multivitamins.

 

 The bottle comes with 180 gel capsules.   2 capusles a day constitutes a serving size, so this bottle will last 3 months.  Made from 100% natural ingredients and without any flavor, they are good for early pregnancy, sensitive stomachs and palates, and those preferring no taste.  They are loaded with good stuff for baby's growth and development as well as mom's health and well being: 
- 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 
- 150mg of EPA - 450mg of DHA - No filler ingredients - Unflavored formula

The benefits of these vitamins are many: 
- Keeps skin healthy and smooth 
- Promotes healthy cognitive and ocular development 
- Energizes and supports overall well-being

- Supports skeletal development for babies 

 The capsules are in a very manageable size to swallow.  They go down easily, dissolve quickly and leave no aftertaste.

I cannot fully speak to their actual effect or how well they work in comparison to other vitamins as I have no way of comparing those things.  But, I do know that they were easy to take, full of key vitamins a new or nursing mom needs and highly recommend for their ingredients.  

You can find this product here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

All Powercore Pacs Review

I love the convenience of these little packets. Just toss on in the drum of the washing machine, add clothes no start the cycle. No more measuring liquids or powders, it is all pre-measured and combined in one little package. Powder and liquid together in a soft pack.

It is a little larger than other products I have used from other brands in that the soaps are side by side, separated by a thin skin instead is packed on top of one another. A different look, same function.

I liked the fresh smell when the clothes came out of the wash and dryer. It helped to address some odors other soaps had not cleaned away. However, I have found a residue that is the clear packaging after each wash. It is supposed to completely dissolve, but I keep finding a jellified wad at the edge of the door after each wash cycle. It makes me wonder what else might be clinging to my clothes instead of rinsing away. Or what damage it might do to my machine over time if this stuff builds up where I do not see it. I want to like them more, but those things leave me hesitant to purchase any more.

*i received this procuct for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review as part of the Smiley360 program 

TV and Furniture Anti-Tip Straps Review

I purchased some new TV straps because I have always been afraid that one day my little ones are going to knock over our big screen TV on themselves and get injured. When I got them in the mail, please see that they were very simply packaged with very little extra stuff to deal with. 

Installation was a snap! The two straps simply screwed in-place to the back of the TV with included bolts. From there, one simply attaches the bottom half of the strap to the TV stand with also included screws. Straps are adjustable fort. Heights televisions which was very nice as well. Now that they are a catch, I feel very secure that my TV will not tip forward. We have even tested this a little bit by gauging on the TV gently and it is not going anywhere. I am very pleased with this product and will be recommending it to my friends with children.

You can find them here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and in-biased review.

Collapsible Travel Dog Bowls Review

  Traveling with a pet means more gear to pack. Any time I can find a way to condense and save on space, I am interested. So, when I saw these collapsible pet food bowls I knew I needed them.

In red and blue, these bowls can adjust to two depths just by unfolding them a little or all the way. 

They are more than sufficient for holding food and water for a small dog like mine (a yorkie).

 I can fit a day's worth of food in one bowl, use the other for water, and travel knowing I don't have to either find something suitable at my destination or hope what I brought doesn't get broken on the way.

Made of silicon, these are much better than the lined fabric versions I own that eventually leak water and fold upon themselves, making eating or drinking a pain. I love that they also have caribibers attached, which makes them great for hooking to a bag or pocket for walks/hikes or day outings.

I just love these bowls. Definitely not for larger dogs, except for a quick drink maybe, they are great for the toy and small breeds though.

You can find them here

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review