Win a Year of Skin MD Natural FREE

Ready for spring and summer?  I am!  I'm also still tackling battles of alligator skin once I quit using my Skin MD Lotion.  I really do use it and I love it because it works and it's natural.  Now you can enter to win a year's supply prize pack that includes:

• 6 bottles of Skin MD Natural Original
• 6 bottles of Skin MD Natural SPF 15
• A natural loofah sponge with wood handle
• Natural lavender epsom salt bath soak
• A natural shower massage glove
• 2 relaxing scented candles
• A soothing gel eye mask
• A sea sponge

Just click here to enter and if you win, you have to share with me!  Okay, you don't!  

Good luck!

Rules for Entry

Entries must be received by 12:00am May 15th 2011. All participants must be 18 years or older or have parents permission to enter. Must be a resident of the US or Canada. Winner will be announced here on the blog and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected. Winner may also be contacted through email, Twitter, or Facebook.

Keep it Whole Live Video Chat w/ Curtis Stone 4/20

I'd be hard pressed to find a woman that doesn't find some appeal with top chef Curtis Stone.  Other than that dreamy Australian accent, the man has charisma and a very charming smile not to mention he can cook!  He sounds like the perfect mate and I'm willing to find out.  Not only is Curtis a recognized restaurateur but he's also  a judge on NBC's America's Next Great Restaurant, a host of Bravo's Top Chef Masters but he's also a repeat guest on my favorite guilty pleasure The Biggest Loser.  Curtis is also a breakfast lover and has partnered up with Post Great Grains to make others aware of his whole-food philosophy and the need to curtail processed foods and move to a healthier, less-processed food path.

I've been on the slow march towards healthier easting and have been alarmed at all the ailments that are attributed to all the processed foods we consume.  Processed flours and sugars are culprits to so many bad things in our diets that also adds to the obesity problem.  I'm finding sneaky ways to move my kids away from it all but know that I have to slowly do it to achieve success.  Post Great Grains starts with real whole grains and mixes in fruits and nuts to make a great breakfast that tastes good and is good for you.  Post Great Grains come in the following flavors:

  

• Cranberry Almond Crunch
• Crunch Pecans and Raisins
• Dates and Pecans Flavors

Mark your calendars because next Wednesday, April 20th, starting at 10:00 am (EST), you can participate in the Curtis Stone Keep it Whole live video chat over breakfast.

Keep up to date on Facebook here.



Disclaimer:  Information provided by Marina Maher Communications, Inc. - This is not a paid post.

Ties.com Review and Giveaway 4/28 - Winner Closed

Congratulations to ...

Kristyn said...

daily tweet

http://twitter.com/#!/KristynAnn77/status/60915361805115392

Kristyn_Ann(at)hotmail.c

2

April 20, 2011 11:59 PM 

An e-mail has just been sent and Kristyn has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.

UPDATE:  My husband saw his new tie when he returned from Kuwait and really liked it!  He was impressed !

I think I've only purchased a tie once in my life and it was a long time ago.  I remember passing them in the major department stores and was surprised at how costly this strip of material is.  I knew, in most cases, it was due to the designer element but I'm also one of those women who doesn't need a designer purse.  I do buy designer suits for work but in cases of my accessories, I do go cheap.  I was introduced to Ties.com and was surprised at the large selection and prices.

Promoted as "America's Premier Tie Store," they do carry something that should please anyone's taste.  The ability to find what you are looking for is simplified with a search function and a menu of categories reducing the time if you are in a hurry.  They even break it down by price, brand, color and type.  Don't be fooled thinking you are going to get low quality ties either as they do carry name brands such as:

• Gucci
• Jos. A. Bank
• Jacob Alexander
• The American Necktie Co.

Ties.com also has an amazing array of novelty ties too.

 

For this review, I received a complimentary Jos. A. Bank Textured Satin Stripe tie for my husband when he returns from Kuwait.  It's made of 100% silk in a satin pattern of light blue and silver.  It's very professional looking and made of high quality.  This will also make a great gift with Father's Day approaching.  I can't wait to see my husband wear this stylish tie.

About Ties.com:

One of the oldest men's fashion accessories company with a focus on neckties.  Started in 1996 and still operating without outside financial assistance, I think it speaks for their staying power.  They provide quality products, at a competitive price (I think cheaper in some of the designer brands) and a great selection.  Other features:

• Live chat
• Extras such as how to tie a tie
• Custom neckwear
• Wedding shop
• Toll free customer service - Monday through Friday
• 100% Satisfaction guarantee
• 30 day money back policy
• 90 day store credit policy

Overall, I would highly recommend Ties.com.

________________________________

The Giveaway:

One winner will receive their choice of tie ($20 or less value)

To Enter:

Follow my blog and visit www.ties.com, browse the ties and "like" the ties you like via the Facebook "like" function.  In the comments of this post, just state you follow my blog and enter one of the names of the ties you liked.

Extra Entries:

• Follow Ties.com on Facebook
• Follow Ties.com on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway (two entries each - can be done daily)
• blog about this giveaway (five entries - can be done once)

Giveaway ends 4/28 at midnight (EST) - US only please

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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Mamavation Monday

Yes, I know it's not Monday but I've been waiting for a point in my life where it would slow down and although it's not really going to slow down, I wanted to re-join Mamavation.  When I joined, I knew it was a great group of women on a journey to become and stay healthy.  The group is led by a very personal, passionate mom herself, BookieBoo.  I had to leave for a time due to two children with chronic conditions but now I am ready to come back and be motivated and motivate others.  I just recently restarted my weight loss journey and have lost six pounds.

So even though I'm late both for the posting and the request to re-join the sistahood, I wanted to go ahead and participate.  My journey actually began on January 1st as I tried to encourage my family to get healthier.  To date, I have a mother, a sister, a brother-in-law and a daughter who have lost weight.  At the same time, I'm working on little changes at home to get my younger kids healthier.  I was one of those moms who did allow their children to have Coke but no more.  I substituted all the sodas for Juicy Juice and water.  I started eliminating some of the bad snacks and replaced them with Pirates Booty, Pop Chips and Smart Pops.  I'm also trying to buy more fresh organic and frozen foods over processed and canned ones.  I have a long way to go but I'm making the steps that I hope will stay with them to ensure a lifetime of wonderful health.

My plan is completely just baby steps as I know anything drastic will not be tolerated by my picky children.  I'm proud of my eldest who has been purchasing organic fruit and making her own baby food.  This was all due to me and what I've done to educate myself and her.

So this is my first post back before officially being back and I will post again next week and hope to become a Sista once again!


I wrote this blog post while participating in the Mamavation Blogging Carnival for a chance to win an Orville Redenbacher’s Very Important Blogger Gift Basket

Sound Beginnings (Prenatal Sound Delivery Device) Sale at Hautelook 4/16

If you are a parent to be or planning to be and like the idea of allowing your baby to hear music, sounds and other recordings, you won't want to miss Sound Beginnings (Prenatal Sound Delivery Device).   My daughter used Sound Beginnings during her pregnancy and now only was she able to hook up her iPod but she was also able to have members of our family and our friends send recorded message that can be easily downloaded and played for the baby to be.  This is a great concept for those families that don't live in close proximity of each other.  You can click here to see our past review.

 Starting this Saturday, you can find Sound Beginnings at 50% off at Hautelook.

Thank a Special Teacher: Nominate for America's Favorite Teacher 5/3

I've went through school as a child and as an adult in college and I do realize how a good teacher can impact one's life.  You hear all the time how someone succeeds to the level they want and they usually recognize a special teacher who impacted them early in life.  I had a particular teacher that inspired my journalistic ways but she's really the only one who impacted me.  My oldest went through school without anyone standing out and I just never thought about it until this school year.  My middle child, who is seven, was diagnosed with epilepsy almost three year's ago and has other complications.  She struggled with kindergarten and in fact, they recommended she repeat it which we agreed.  Her next teacher was demanding and pushed her hard so she started to "wake" up and learn more.  Then she moved to first grade and that's where it clicked.

Her teacher, a remarkable southern woman with a strong sweet accent, awakened my daughter.  Maybe it was timing, maybe something changed with her condition or a combination of everything.  All I know, my daughter has a zest for learning, an interest in excelling and a love for her teacher, the paraprofessional and school.  Her two teachers are remarkable women.  DealPop is sponsoring a contest at RunandHug to give a special thanks to the many great teachers that touch the lives of so many.  On National Teacher's Day, May 3rd, one teacher will be crowned "America's Favorite Teacher."

Here’s how it works: 


Simply go to www.runandhug.com and nominate a teacher who made a lasting impression on your life or your child's.  If your favorite teacher is selected, both the submitter and their teacher will win two all expenses paid trips to New York City where they will be reunited in person during Teacher Appreciation Month in May.  You will also be able to award their favorite teacher $1,000 in cash.  In addition, for every teacher nominated, WhitePages will donate $5 to Digital Wish <http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/home> , a non-profit with a unique mission to modernize classrooms and prepare students for tomorrow's workforce by ensuring every child has equal access to technology.


The contest ends 4/22

DealPop: 

Every day, DealPop from WhitePages brings you a different deal on all kinds of cool stuff—all in your neighborhood. You not only get incredible values, you get to discover great new things to see, cool places to eat and awesome places to shop near you. 

Gulliver's Travels Coming April 19, a Guide to a Party & Giveaway

If you are a Jack Black fan or like the idea of watching old tales turned into movies, you might be interested in the upcoming release of Gulliver's Travels on April 19th.  There will be a 2-disc DVD with Gulliver's Fun Pack and a 3-disc Triple Play with Blu-Ray, DVD and digital copy.

If your kids are anxious or even yourself to learn more about Lilliput, you can download this really fun and cool Guidebook here.  There is even some fun Gulliver Fooseball to play here.  I'm definitely going to watch it and I know my kids are fans of Jack.

One of the fun things we added about a year and half ago was family fun night.  When a good movie is going to be released, we plan on tying it in with a fun night.  I'm going to have our family fun night using the Lilliputian Itsy Bitsy Party Guide.


Gulliver (Black) travels in the mystical land of Lilliput, where he is befriended by a host of Lilliputians and served up delicious treats and goodies as he helps the people defend their home. In honour of the Lilliputians generosity our step-by-step guide will assist you in creating your very own itsy bitsy-style tea party that is mini not only in food size, but budget wise as well!

First, we'll set the scene:

Gulliver is treated to a fantastic feast put on by the Lilliputians; however your party doesn’t have to be that extravagant!   Forget the large scale dining table and grab your picnic blanket, some throw pillows from the den and scatter them in the back yard for a fun and enjoyable alternative to formal dining.

Cut Catering Costs:



You don’t need to lay on a lavish spread with fine foods and top quality produce to ensure your guests have a good time. Save your coupons and have a mini purchasing spree on all the goodies that your family and friends will enjoy. Better yet, avoid shop bought and expensive treats and get back to baking. Try tempting your guests with some homemade delicious pecan pie mini muffins.

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour shopping list
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2/3 cup butter, melted (no substitutes)
• 2 eggs, beaten

• Grease and flour mini muffin pans, set aside
• In large bowl combine sugar, flour and pecan
• In separate bowl beat sugar and eggs until well blended
• Add sugar mixture to flour mixture, stir just until moistened
• Fill the treated mini pans about 2/3 full
• Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until done
• Makes 2-1/2 doz

Theme Your Food:

Go all out with your mini theme and serve your guests some quirky finger food. Obvious choices that should be on the menu to entice kids and adults alike could include:

• Mini Burgers
• Mini Pizza’s
• Mini Popsicle’s
• Mini Babybells
• Baby quiches
• Apple Wedges
• Tangerine Segments
• Fun Sized candy Bars
• Juice box’s
• Mini Sosa Can’s
• Concorde Grapes
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Chocolate mini eggs

Party Games & Entertainment:

Gulliver clearly had a passion for the movies and even has his Lilliputian friends build him a state of the art media room so that he can sit back with his mini friends and enjoy performances of Titanic and Star Wars. Have your friends feel part of the screening by projecting Gulliver’s Travels DVD onto the biggest wall in the house. Allow your guests to feel like one of the Lilliputians by seeing Gulliver in all his gigantic glory on the big screen.

Many traditional party games can also be downsized, all you need is a ‘little’ imagination.

• Pass the parcel. Include mini candy within each layer and ensure the prize at the end is a mini surprise such as Micro Machines, Polly pocket or Lego.
• Giant Jenga: Put yourself in the Lilliputians shoes and feel teeny against the larger version of this fun for all the family game
• Operation: Dig out your favorite board game and have your guests tweez out the tiny items in this old school classic.

Party Favors:

Don’t forget to thank your guests for coming and as a further token present those with some special going home treats which still continue your itsy-bitsy theme till the end.

For the Kids:

Mini Board games: There’s a vast selection so choose from that don’t have to break the bank. Prices can range from $2-$6 and games can include:

Battleship Express, Domino’s To Go & Travel Scrabble.

Fun Size Candy:

M&M’s, Candy Sticks, Bite size Milky Bar, Reese’s Pieces & Nerds.

For the Adults:

• Mini Screwdriver Set
• Mini Pen Set
• Mini Soap Collection
• Mini Travel Kit

For more fun filled laughs and play, visit http://www.gulliversgames.com/

Don't forget to enter to win a copy here.  Giveaways ends 4/20!

Manhatten Toy PJ Tots Review & Giveaway 4/29 - Winner Closed

Congratulations to ...

tamiv said...

Email Subscriber!
geauxtami@yahoo.com

April 27, 2011 8:51 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and tamiv has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org  Thanks to all those who entered!

Easter is coming and probably if you are like me, many birthdays!  I love birthdays and trying to find the most special toys is always fun for gift giving.  I have children ranging from a young age to older as well as a grandchild.  I'm always excited in finding a new toy company for new smiles on my children's faces.  I had never heard of Manhatten Toy until I participated in this complimentary review and giveaway.   They were founded in 1979 by Francis Goldwyn who utilized non-traditional fabrics in toy designs.   The idea behind Manhatten Toy is not only playtime but also an opportunity to build cognitive, emotional and social development.

We were provided PJ Tot Bonnie Bunny and a sleeping bag for this review.  She has a soft body with a bean bag filler in the backside and a plastic face and hands.  Her head is a velvety material so you never have to worry about tangled or knotted hair.  She's the perfect size for little tot hands and the matching sleeping bag has a velcro enclosure to allow those little hands to put her to sleep or to bring her out when she wakes up.  Both the plush sleeping bag and Bonnie have cute bunny ears.  The little handle allows Bonnie to be carried but my daughter kept losing her Bonnie out of her sleeping bag because it needed to be just a bit longer.  Overall, my daughter liked her new baby doll and it's priced right at $12 for Bonnie and $8 for the matching sleeping bag.  This would make a perfect Easter present too!

There are other styles available:

 

 

I found an Easter gift for my older daughter who loves puppets and knights:

_________________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will win their own PJ Tot and matching sleeping bag!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and visit Manhatten Toy and tell me which doll you like the most.

Extra Entries:

• Follow Manhatten Toy on Twitter
• Like Manhatten Toy on Facebook
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily - two entries per day) Health, Beauty, Children & Family: Manhatten Toy PJ Tots Review & Giveaway 4/29 http://bit.ly/egzNUD #win
• Blog about this giveaway - can be done once for five entries

Giveaway ends 4/29 at midnight (EST) - US only please

This is a MamaBuzz review. The product was provided by: Manhatten Toys for this review.

Lenox Beaded Tealights Review and Giveaway 4/25 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Aileen said...

My favorite item is the Lenox Piggy Playtime figurines. I follow your blog on GFC. arobimom at gmail dot com

April 15, 2011 2:08 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and Aileen has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

There is something about quality and appearance that draws me to certain products.  Having a name brand that I trust also is appealing such as Lenox.  Lenox is a name that has history and a reputation for high quality products.  I have other Lenox products adorning my house so I was happy to participate in the Lenox project to receive a complimentary Lenox Beaded Tealight (set of 3) for review and to give one away to one of my readers!

The beautiful ivory beaded fine china comes alive once the tealights are lit softly bringing the gold-plated rims in a soft glow.   Each shape is unique and compliments just about any setting with a height of 3 1/8".  They are perfect size for a table centerpiece, a china cabinet, a bath, a fireplace mantle and so much more. They are gorgeous and also perfect for Mother's Day!

If you aren't familiar with Lenox, they have a vast array of products ranging from gifts, dining & entertainment, figurines, holiday, jewelry, home decor, wedding and a clearance section.  Look at how cute this Easter Eggcup is:

 

If you are going to order for Mother's Day, please note that the ordering deadline is approaching:

• Non-personalized items- 11pm Monday, April 25th
• Personalized Items- 11pm Monday, April 18th
• Overnight orders
• Non-personalized items- 11am Thursday, May 5th
• Personalized items- 11pm Monday, April 25th

Other benefits of Lenox includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee, breakage replacement and live help.  They are more than just fine china and really have some wonderful products to choose from.  I also really love these Kate Spade dishes:

 

One lucky reader will win their own set but if you don't win, you can still purchase it for only $19.95 here. 

To Enter:

Follow my blog and visit Lenox and tell me what your favorite item is.

Extra Entries:

• Like Lenox on Facebook
• Follow Lenox on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries) Health, Beauty, Children & Family: Lenox Beaded Tealights Review and Giveaway 4/25 http://bit.ly/dWXgy1 #win
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook

Giveaway ends 4/25 at midnight (EST) - Open to US only please

Please note that only one win is allowed per household and Lenox reserves the right to substitute if the product is not available.



Disclosure:  I received a product for my review on behalf of BlogFriendlyPR and Lenox

Aloe Cadabra® All Natural Personal Lubricant Review

Aloe Cadabra® is the first personal lubricant that’s all natural and contains 95% organic aloe vera.  They don't contain parabins, glycerine, glycols and some of the other ingredients like other lubricants do.  The organic, all natural food grade gel provides the soothing properties for those with lubrication problems.   According to the site, you can use it on your hands or other body parts due to the moisturizing effects.  This product was reviewed by Mary who is in her 40's and was able to provide her experience. 

She liked the vitamin E properties to sooth and nourish and the aloe vera due to it's healing properties and its anti-inflammatory abilities.  It's not sticky and leaves no residue.  It's a great product especially due to the fact that it's safe and doesn't contain harsh ingredients.  She also liked the the sample of the scented French Lavender but preferred the natural aloe version.  She would recommend Aloe Cadabra®.

You can click here to read some real stories from others who have benefited from Aloe Cadabra®.

Other Pro's:

• Free shipping
• Money back guarantee
• Discreet packaging
• pH balanced for a woman's body
• Anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal

Want to stay up to date, follow on Twitter or Facebook.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Hormel® Compleats® Kids Microwave Meals Review

I have picky kids which I know is not uncommon so many others know how hard it is trying to find something their kids will eat that is quick and easy.  Hormel® Compleats® Kids Microwave Meals provides that but is also food that I find my children will eat and enjoy without a hassle.  These great and tasty new meals by Hormel come in four varieties:

• Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Pasta and Chicken
• Beef Ravioli
• Macaroni and Beef

My kids just tried the Spaghetti and Meatballs and the Macaroni and Beef meals and ate every bite.  They loved them and all I heard was, "Mmmmmm!"  I'm happy to find a new meal choice for those times when we're short on time and need something quick and only takes 45~ seconds to cook in the microwave and they are ready to go.  The top cover also peeled away a lot easier than some microwave meals which I like as I don't want to have to shield my clothes from the splatter.  The box is even appealing to children and each box comes with a sticker.  There are even online games for the kids to play.  These would be perfect meals for the road as well since they are compact, microwavable and no mess as you heat, eat and pitch.  I wished I had these before we went on our road trip through multiple states.

Here's the proof:

I didn't get to try the Hormel® Compleats® Kids Macaroni and Beef as my seven year old must have inhaled it but I did get to try the Hormel® Compleats® Kids Spaghetti and Meatballs and it had an interesting taste.  Different from traditional easy to make spaghetti meals and it reminded me of a barbecue sauce taste.  I could be wrong but that's what I thought of when I tried it.  I liked it but I think my three old liked it more.

Disclosure:  The products reviewed in this post were provided by Hormel® Compleats® Kids Microwave Meals.  As a member of SheSpeaks, I was provided the opportunity to review.

See ‘African Cats’ & Help Save the Savanna

Just in time for Earth Day 2011, the third release under the Disneynature label, comes a program for the entire family called African Cats.  This real-life movie showing love, humor and determination from the kings of the African savanna starring Mara, a cute little lion cub, Sita, a fearless cheetah and a single mom to five and Fang who has to protect the brood from a rival lion.  My girls will love this and I can't wait to take them to something that is wholesome, entertaining and cute.  We love Disney so much and have already been there twice last year and take our next trip in May.

What's even nicer about this new release is during the film's opening week (April 22 - 28),  a portion of the proceeds from that week's ticket sales will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation through Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.  Well known actor, Samuel L. Jackson provides the narration.  You can also download this fun educational guide here.

AFRICAN CATS hits theaters everywhere on Earth Day, April 22nd!

Like AFRICAN CATS on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Disneynature.

Gulliver's Travels Giveaway 4/20 - US/Canada WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

A new winner has been chosen as Jakiesmom kindly declined since she already won a copy.  Our new winner is:

agatewood1 said...

I follow you @shuggysmommy on twitter
agatewood1@ymail.com

April 11, 2011 4:01 PM 

An e-mail has been sent!

jakiesmom said...

entered lenox 3

April 14, 2011 8:17 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

Ready to set sail with Gulliver's Travels?  Jack Black (Kung Fu Panda) delivers another course of humor in this adventure-comedy based on the classic tale that some of us remember quite well while growing up.  Jack as Gulliver is a mailroom clerk destined to impress his pretty newspaper travel editor played by Amanda Peet.  When his mission to impress lands him on a trip to Bermuda which becomes derailed by a shipwreck, he ends up in Lilliput as a giant.  Gulliver's tall tales impresses his new friends at first until he puts himself over them and then he's forced to find a way to make it all right again.  Gulliver's Travels also has Emily Blunt who is one of my favorites from watching other movies she's been in.

To get some really cool facts, check out Frommer's Lilliput Travel Guide.  It's really an interesting and fun take on Frommer's other travel guides and will give your kids some fun for their imagination.

__________________________

The Giveaway:

One winner will receive their own copy of Gulliver's Travels

To Enter:

Follow my blog and and answer this question:

What is the name of the land that Gulliver finds himself shipwrecked on?

1. Lillipad
2. Lilliput
3. Lillipaw

Extra Entries:

• Follow Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done twice at least 7 days apart for five entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 4/20 at midnight (EST) - Open to US and Canada

That Mama is a Grouch and That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN! Book Reviews

____________________________________

That Mama is a Grouch by Sherry Ellis is a delightful book that surprised me at first as I thought it was written by my children about me!  I suppose many moms can relate to this cute story but it has a great message for children to learn and it shows them that it's not just their mom that might appear to be grouchy from time to time.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading it to them and liked watching their reaction when they realized what they could do to help their mom more.  The situations that children could relate to are common enough in that it hits home with them.  They are able to understand that if they create the same situations such as making messes without cleaning up, their mom won't be too happy and for a good
reason.


The finale of having the discussion about feelings was brilliant in helping children understand where us moms (or dads) are coming from.  It might even be an eye opener to some that explaining feelings and emotions might just go further than yelling.  I loved the book and can't wait to see more from Ms. Ellis.  The illustrations by Don Berry were eye catching and "cutsy" to catch the little one's attention.  We're getting close to moving to a new state but I'm not packing this one away until the very end.

I would recommend this book to any family as it has a great lesson to learn.

___________________________________________

That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN! also written by Sherry Ellis and illustrated by Don Berry is another wonderful book introducing a chapter from life to our children.  Many children understand how a new addition can affect their lives but I think the most memorable one for me was being waken up through the night.  The story of interrupted dreams, frustrations and missed sleep is narrated by a big sister and how she tries to cope.  It's a great book to show that the sleepless nights are just temporary and that it's a normal situation when a child has a new brother or sister.

I also enjoyed how Ms. Ellis used rhyming versus as for me, it's catchy and my children tend to be more entertained.   We have a baby in our house but they are lucky in that they don't have their sleep interrupted.  If they had, this would have been the ideal book to show they aren't alone and that it's just a passing phase.

Great places to stay up to date with Ms. Ellis:

• Click here to learn more about Ms. Ellis.
• Click here for her blog.
• Click here for her Facebook page.
• Click here for her Facebook fan page.
• Click here for her Twitter page.

That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN and That Mama is a Grouch can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Baker and Taylor, Ingram, Books a Million and Blue Manatee Bookstore (Cincinati).

I would recommend this book especially to parents with new babies and older siblings.


*Disclosure:  These reviews of Sherry Ellis' books are part of the Stories For Children World of Ink book tour.  I received complimentary copies for the purposes of this review.