Enjoy A Whiter, Brighter and Healthier Smile With Listerine {Review & Giveaway}

Wow...with all the health and beauty products I have been reviewing lately, I should look like a movie star by the end of this year! HA! I truly am grateful for the opportunities that are coming my way and it is so exciting to share these fantastic products with you and give you the chance to win a few of them too. Today, it is going to be another post about oral care products. I never used Listerine products when I was growing up. My mom would go cheap on all of the oral care products for my siblings and I mainly because there were 6 of us and it could get pricey. Listerine, or any mouth wash was used when we had the stomach flu to rinse after being sick. That is what my memories of mouth wash consist of as a child. Now that I am an adult,  I use Listerine regularly as part of my daily routine. I can't help but feel totally clean after using anything that is from Listerine.

Today, I am going to introduce you to several new products from Listerine and offer you the opportunity to win some for yourself too! Listerine has introduced their all new Listerine Ultraclean Mouthwash and Listerine Whitening Original Gel Toothpaste to their already popular line. I am already really happy with this brand and was very excited about the new products that they have introduced. Before I continue on though, here is a brief company over-view...

In the 1860’s, nearly half of all surgery patients died from post-surgery infection. Dr. Joseph Lister, now hailed as the “Father of Modern Antisepsis,” championed the use of antiseptics and sterile surgery, drastically reducing mortality rates. In 1879, Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Jordan Lambert developed a remarkable new antiseptic using four essential oils: MENTHOL, THYMOL, METHYL SALICYLATE AND EUCOLYPTOL in precise measure, which they named, “LISTERINE®,” in honor of Dr. Lister. 

Immediately, LISTERINE® Brand earned the trust of doctors, dentist and hygienists for its ability to kill harmful germs, including the germs that cause bad breath. In nearly every decade of its history scientists continued to uncover new benefits of the tried and tested formula. They discovered that LISTERINE® also killed germs that caused plaque and gingivitis, making the brand much more than a bad breath remedy, helping to improve the oral health of millions of consumers worldwide.

Today, LISTERINE® brand is the leading oral care rinse in the world and the #1 OTC Brand recommended by dental professionals. It is also the only brand of mouthwash to use those four essential oils. 133 years after its conception, LISTERINE® brand continues to pioneer new ways to improve oral health and the lives of consumers. 

Sometimes it is easy to just look at a company and never bother to check out their history. Each company has a story and I am truly fascinated by Listerine's story. Any product that works to prevent infection and kill germs is a winner in my book and I love the stories that show how they get to where they are now.

So, for this review I was sent Listerine Ultraclean Mouthwash, Listerine Whitening Original Gel and Listerine PocketPaks Oral Care Strips.

I have been using these for several days now and wanted to share my experience with you. The first product I tried was the Listerine Whitening Original Gel. This toothpaste is very strong in taste and tastes like it is working hard to clean my teeth. It isn't harsh, just strong. My teeth definitely feel clean after brushing with it!

After brushing, I tried the Ultraclean Mouthwash. This stuff is amazing. If you have ever used Listerine before than you know that after swishing it in your mouth for a few seconds, it starts to burn. Well, this does that. BUT, I know that it is doing that because it is killing germs. Listerine Ultraclean Mouthwash boasts a powerful "dentist clean" feeling that lasts up to 3 times longer vs. brushing alone. This mouthwash can reach areas that your toothpaste can't and that is so important. After rinsing, my mouth was totally refreshed. I loved how clean my teeth felt...it was a true Listerine experience!!

Then, today I was getting ready to run out to do some errands. I thought it would be the perfect time to try the Listerine PocketPaks Oral Care Strips  These are so great. All you do is pull out a paper-thin strip and place it on your tongue. In seconds, it dissolves and you are left with minty fresh breath. I love using these. The package is small enough to fit in a pocket, purse or wallet and you have fresh breath any time you need it!

All of these Listerine products can be found at mass retailers and drug stores across the country. You can find a store near you by checking out Listerine's handy store locator on their site. Listerine Ultraclean Mouthwash retails for $3.89, Listerine Whitening Original Gel is $4.49 and Listerine PocketPaks Oral Care Strips retail for about $1.50 for a single pack.

So, in my opinion...Listerine's newest products are wonderful! My husband has even started to use them and I love that he is taking extra care of his teeth now too. Proper oral care is important and should never be overlooked. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone!

Listerine has offered to giveaway a set of the same products I received to one of you! Here are your entry options...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive free Listerine products for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the Listerine website and email. Prize is being provided and shipped by the sponsor. This blog is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged prizes. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine. 

Let Mary Kay Help Freshen Up Your Look this New Year! {Review & Giveaway}

We are well on our way to a wonderful year and I am LOVING my weight loss success thus far. I am in a competition with my family members and have really been watching what I have been eating. Christmas is always a time of over-eating for me and I typically am wanting to lose some of those extra pounds after the holidays. I was so thrilled to find out that I have lost a total of 14 pounds so far and am pushing for more. I can already tell a difference in the way my face looks and I have lost alot of the bloating that comes along with extra weight. It feels SO good!! Because I am losing weight, I am also looking at my makeup inventory and am going to freshen up my appearance as well. 

Mary Kay has been a staple for me when it comes to my makeup and I am always so excited when I find out that they have new and exciting products to try. Today, I am going to share some of those products with you and also, some great makeup application tips and tricks from  Mary Kay's Glam Squad Celebrity Makeup Artist Virginia Linzee!

Mary Kay is a leading makeup and beauty company that is celebrating 50 years of giving women the looks and glamour of professional grade makeup without all the junk and money that comes with high-end makeup.   When thinking about how you can really spruce up your look and do some different things with your makeup, here are Virginia's tips for a more beautiful you in 2013!

• The perfect modern brow makes a statement.
• Using a clean mascara wand or brow brush, brush the brow hairs downward
• Starting at the top of the brow, sketch quick, light strokes with Mary Kay Brow Definer Pencil, mimicking the direction that your natural hair grows
• Dampen a very thin angle brush like Mary Kay Angled Eye Brow Brush and dip into an eye shadow or brow powder that matches your natural brow color. Fill in any sparse areas using quick brush strokes
• Comb Mary Kay Brow Gel into brows in an upward motion to keep brows lifted and hairs in place
• The “new neutral” is simple and sultry.
• Start with Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer on clear skin or Mary Kay TimeWise Luminous-Wear Liquid Foundation on more uneven skin tones
• Using Mary Kay Eyeliner in Deep Brown, work the pencil into the upper lash line keeping the line thick near the outer eye and thinner as you near the inner corner. Soften the line using a smudge brush
• Sweep a mid tone eye shadow shade over the eyelid and blend into the crease. Blend softly under the lower lashes as well
• Using a darker shade like Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color in Truffle, blend shadow on the outer corner of the eye and over the liner. Be sure to blend well and fade the shadow out to avoid harsh lines. Finish off with Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara in Black.
• To keep this look super modern, skip the blush and instead, contour using Mary Kay Bronzing Powder. Then apply Mary Kay Mineral Highlighting Powder in Pink Stardust on the cheek bones near the temples, the bow of the lip, down the bridge of the nose and on the center of the chin
• Finish off with Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss in Café Au Lait or Rich Spice

She makes it sound so simple, doesn't she? It just goes to show that all you just need is a bit of creativity and the right tools to accomplish your best look.

So, for this review I was sent some really great Mary Kay products to try out and I have to say...my finished result was gorgeous!! I was sent:

TimeWise Luminous-Wear Liquid Foundation

Tinted Moisturizer

Lash Love Mascara in Black

Eyeliner in Deep Brown

Brow Definer Pencil

Angled Eye Brow Brush

Mineral Highlighting Powder in Pink Stardust

Bronzing Powder

Brow Gel

NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss in Café Au Lait

Mineral Eye Color in Truffle & Gold Coast

My first step was to apply the foundation. You need a good base to make sure the rest of the makeup will look it's best and Mary Kay's foundation is sooo great. It is silky smooth and blends really nicely with my skin. The color I was sent was a touch lighter than I prefer, but it ended up looking really nice. 

The next step was to tackle my wild eyebrows. My sisters keep telling me that I need them waxed. I am so busy with my children, some days it is all I can do to get myself dressed let alone go get my eyebrows waxed. So, I just make do. This is where Mary Kay's Brow Gel can come in handy. It tames and evens the eyebrows so nicely. 

Before I applied the gel though, I filled in some bare areas with the Brow Definer Pencil. I have never used a brow pencil before but after using this one, I love it! It really helps to even out the look of your eyebrows...especially if you over-plucked. 

The Eyebrow and Eyeliner Brush is REALLY handy too...you can use it to help comb out your eyebrows before applying the gel and it also helps to tame wild and stray hairs. I didn't get any pictures of the eyeliner or mascara but it too does a fantastic job on my eyes. I have not learned the fine art of lightly applying eyeliner so it ends up looking really heavy on my eyes. However, practice makes perfect so I am definitely going to keep practicing! :)

Ever since I was introduced to Mary Kay's makeup, I have especially fallen in love with their Mineral Eye Color. Wow. It is amazing! I love how easy it is to apply and how pretty it looks. Their earth tones are perfect for me and I just love the subtle shimmer that is in it too!! Isn't Truffle (the bottom color) gorgeous?!?

The Mineral Bronzing Powder is totally new for me. The idea of "bronze" scares me honestly, but it's only because I have fair skin. Mary Kay's Bronzing Powder is not overpowering at all. It is used in place of blush and the Mineral Highlighting Powder is used to do just that-highlight specific areas of your face. It really does make a difference and brightens up your whole look!

Last but not least, the Lip Gloss. Mmmmmmmmmm...my favorite color of all time! Café Au Lait! It is a mauve/brownish color that just amazes me every time I use it. The color combination and shine is simply stunning. I use it all the time and always get compliments on what I am wearing. You know you have a good product when people comment about it! :)

Because my little guy was wanting my attention, my final photo is of him and I together. I hope you can see just how great this makeup looked on me...honestly, I thought it turned out gorgeous!! I put this picture on my husband's Facebook page and so many people commented on how great it looks...THANK YOU Mary Kay!! :)

All of these above-mentioned Mary Kay products can be purchased from Mary Kay's website, or you can find a beauty consultant near you by using their Mary Kay Beauty Consultant Locator on their website.   

So, in my opinion...Mary Kay has once again wowed me with their wonderful products. I am able to create the look I like with some of the best makeup I have ever used! Each product works so well and I would definitely recommend them to anyone. Beautiful company, fantastic makeup...GORGEOUS you! :)

Mary Kay has offered to give one of my readers ALL of the same beauty products I received! That means one of you will receive: 

TimeWise Luminous-Wear Liquid Foundation

Tinted Moisturizer

Lash Love Mascara in Black

Eyeliner in Deep Brown

Brow Definer Pencil

Angled Eye Brow Brush

Mineral Highlighting Powder in Pink Stardust

Bronzing Powder

Brow Gel

NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss in Café Au Lait

Mineral Eye Color in Truffle & Gold Coast

Here are your entry options...have fun! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive free Mary Kay products for review purposes from Mary Kay. All quotes and stock photos are from the Mary Kay website and email. Prize is being provided and shipped by the sponsor. This blog is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged prizes.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.

Mom's Care

Contribution by Stevie Kirby

My mom is so stubborn. It was all we could do to get her into a nursing home but when it came to selling the house she just wasn’t having it. It made the most sense to try and sell her house because that way we’d have some extra funds to pay for her care but ever since dad died she’s just been irrationally holding onto the place because it’s got so much sentimental value and she just can’t stand to get rid of it. Anyway, my brother decided to move into it since he didn’t have anywhere else to go when he came back home to help with mom. He’s actually done a lot to improve the value of the house – he had the outside painted and he totally redid the kitchen and he’s even been making it more “green” (he’s really into that kind of stuff) by going to www.electriccompaniesindallas.com to get the electricity rates down and having windows put in all over that seal in the heat more. I’m really happy how we’ve come together as a family when mom needed us the most but it’s been a really tough year, to say the least. It’s incredible how expensive it is to put a family member in a care facility and I think the government needs to do something to make it easier, but don’t get me started on that! Mom’s really deserving of all the attention she’s been getting and I know it makes her happy that her kids are hanging out more for the first time in years. I really thought about it hard and decided it was best to keep her here in town and make sure she was under our watchful eye. It’s been really nice to spend more time with my brother, too, since he’s lived out in California for years – this tough time is really bringing the family together when I stop and think about it.

Kidorable's Valentine's Day Promotion!

The winter months are FAR from over here in my corner of the US. It has been bitter cold and our furnace has been running non-stop. I went outside to shovel the driveway yesterday and even with the sun shining, it was still so very cold. Brrr! I love this weather though...I hate getting hot and summer will be here before we know it.

Speaking of the cold weather, Kidorable has a fantastic Valentine's Day promotion going on right now. From January 28th until February 14th, you can get a free pair of Hearts Knit Gloves with any $20 order! All you need to do is add your gloves to your order first, then continue shopping. When you checkout, enter the code LOVEYOU33 and you will be all set!

This Valentine's Day, send a bit of warmth and love to a special little one in your life. These gloves are so cute! I can't think of a better gift to give your little Valentine. :) Enjoy!! 

OraMD Review & Giveaway {3 Winners}

As you have probably already figured out, I love reviewing oral care products. There are so many different types of products out there that cater to proper oral hygiene - it seems difficult to pick a favorite. :) I have recently become acquainted with OraMD "The Mouth Doctor" and was very intrigued by the idea of using this product in place of toothpaste. I was raised on toothpaste (who wasn't?) and that is all I have ever used. However, I have experienced sensitive gums, bleeding gums and bad breath...which seems like an all-too-common issue with many people. Could it be that there is a cure for these things? Surely a cure would mean dumping hundreds of dollars into a solution or program, right? Wrong! OraMD is a product that will actually SAVE you money and help with your oral complications and issues.

Here is a bit more about this product, which is a brand of Trusted Health Products...

Trusted Health Products has had great success with OraMD over the last 12 years selling over a half million bottles. OraMD – an all-natural liquid toothpaste, mouth rinse and breath freshener - is endorsed by Dr. Tom McGuire, a world-renowned dentist and leading authority on preventive dentistry, and  is also starting to be offered in holistic dental offices nationwide. OraMD is the 100% pure liquid toothpaste, mouthwash and breath freshener with ingredients that kill the 22 harmful bacteria that lead to gum disease and other oral health problems.

As always, I had to try this product to see exactly what it would be like and I have been pleasantly surprised!

So, for this review I was sent a full-sized bottle of OraMD to try. This bottle is very small because you only use DROPS of OraMD for your oral care regimen. Again, I was wondering just how only a few drops would help. Along with the bottle of solution, I was also sent an information booklet that outlines the instructions. There is a four-step regimen that you are supposed to follow to obtain the results that they claim will take place when using OraMD. Here is a quick run-down of what you should do...

Directions – 4 Step Oral Hygiene Program

1. Brush twice a day in the morning and evening using 2-5 drops of OraMD on a toothbrush and brush normally.
2. Floss every evening before brushing - more frequently as needed. Get any food particles out from between teeth.
3. Use OraMD as a mouthwash twice a day: morning and evening. Just put 2-5 drops into an ounce of water, swish and gargle.
4. Mid-morning, mid-afternoon and as needed: put 2-5 drops of OraMD on the tip of the tongue to coat the gum line and teeth to kill bacteria and keep breath fresh.

Once you have opened the lid, you will notice a shaker top is on the bottle. This looks similar to an essential oil bottle. All you do is shake some drops out for whatever step you are performing. The very first time I used OraMD, I honestly about died. LOL! The taste was horrendous and very strong. It also had a slight burning sensation. This is totally common and since my first use, it has gotten much better. All I did was put about 4 drops on my toothbrush and brushed my teeth like I normally do. I could not believe how fresh my breath was. It was simply amazing!! I now use it regularly and also use it for a mouth wash/rinse. The strong taste has to do with the ingredients...primarily peppermint. Here is the complete ingredient list...

Ingredients and Properties
 100% pure peppermint, spearmint and almond oil
 Unique proprietary formula
 Ingredients are specifically formulated to eliminate 22 known harmful types of oral bacteria that can lead to multiple oral problems
 OraMD’s peppermint oil has potent anti-bacterial properties
 OraMD’s spearmint oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties
 Fluoride-free
 Alcohol-free (alcohol is known to cause dry mouth)
 Contains none of the harsh chemicals found in toothpaste
 No abrasives like silica, found in nearly all toothpastes
 No GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms)
 Highest quality ingredient sources worldwide

VERY interesting, is it not? Like I said, it was strong when I first used it but after a few uses, it was much better and the results are so wonderful. The other small perk is that my bathroom smells nice and minty after I am done brushing. :) I like that. :) A Sample pack of OraMD retails for $22.97 and includes a bottle of OraMD and a Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body book.

 Now, there is a “Special OraMD Offer For Readers Of This Review” – For a limited time, everyone reading this review is eligible for a 20 percent discount on their first OraMD order. To use the discount just go to www.oramd.org to select your order and simply enter the discount code THP20 when checking out.

So, in my opinion...OraMD has really helped my breath to be fresher and totally refreshes my whole mouth. To me, using OraMD makes me feel like I just hopped out of the dentist's chair...it's that good! The initial use was very eye-opening and the taste was terrible...but after a few uses, that improved greatly! I would definitely recommend OraMD to anyone!!

OraMD has offered to give three of my readers a bottle of OraMD! Here are your entry options...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive free OraMD for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the OraMD website and email. Prize is being provided and shipped by the sponsor. This blog is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged prizes. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine. 

Send Valentine's Day Love With Shari's Berries

The month of January is flying by and before you know it, we will be in February!! I cannot believe how quickly time has gone by in this new year. February is a very special month. Not only is it my birthday month (and my mom and dad's birthdays too!) but it is also the month of chocolate, flowers and Valentines. I love Valentine's Day and all that goes with it. My children have not yet experienced the joy of exchanging Valentines with each other but they are getting to an age when it will become a fun time for them as well. I have very fond memories of this special day as a child...especially memories of my daddy bringing home a carnation for each of his daughters. He sometimes brought us chocolate too...it made us feel so loved and special. Dads, take note. This is a wonderful tradition to start with your daughters.

So in thinking ahead to Valentine's Day, we are going to focus on something other than flowers and plain chocolates. Have you ever considered giving your Valentine something chocolatey, but something that is a bit different than the ordinary box of Russell Stover? Well, for all your unique and delicious shopping needs, Shari's Berries has some fantastic Valentine's Day gift ideas for this very special, warm and snuggly time of year. In case you have never heard of Shari's Berries, here is a bit more about them...

Here at Shari’s Berries, we get excited about Valentine’s Day.  The holiday is just around the corner on February 14th, and it’s time to make sure you have everything ready to remind that special someone how important he or she is to you.  From traditional gift options such as Valentine’s Day chocolates, to more unique gifts like our Handmade Valentine’s Marshmallow Pops, you can find a delicious present that will fit the tastes of any recipient.

Who doesn’t love a total out-of-the-blue surprise? Don’t wait for a special occasion, a birthday or a distinct celebration! The best time to give a surprise chocolate gift is any time. And there’s no better way to show someone you care than with a whimsical sweet treat straight from the gourmet gift experts here at Shari’s Berries. We’ve always got an appetite for making someone’s day, you don’t have to be saying happy birthday or congratulations, just say bon appetit and enjoy! Whether you opt for a whimsical assortment of our decorated cake pops, a tray of intensely flavored chocolate brownie bites, a basket of comforting cookies or one of our classic chocolate-dipped berry assortments, the choice is yours and the opportunities for eating well are endless!

I don't think anyone has ever sent me a gift like the ones found at Shari's Berries...what a treat it would be to receive one of their lovely treats!! When I visited their website, I was overwhelmed at all the choices that were before my eyes. There truly is something for everyone! Navigating the Shari's Berries website was so simple. You can search for what you want by occasion and also by using the search box found on the site.

So, for this review I chose to receive the 3 Love Bug Cake Pops &12 Valentine's Strawberries. I am a huge cake pop fan and when I saw these little Love Bug Cake Pops, I fell in love with them. :)

They come beautifully packaged and look very elegant...there is also a nice gift tag with a personalized message that can be included if you choose to have one sent with the package.

The Love Bug Cake Pops are SO CUTE!!! Ahhhh!! I just love them! They look so cute all decorated like lady bugs. My children were chomping at the bit to try them. I got to try a bite of one...they were gone in an instant.

The frosting on the Love Bug Cake Pops was perfect...decorated in detail, it will make your heart go pitter-patter in no time at all. They are so cute!! The filling taste and texture reminded me of fudge rather than cake. Wow. It was wonderful.

As you can see, my son loved his little Love Bug Cake Pop. It took him a little while to eat the whole thing but it was definitely a welcome treat.

Next, I knew the Valentine's Chocolate Covered Strawberries were all mine. :) Upon opening the box, I was greeted with a nice foil padded cover that protected the strawberries from being crushed. Each strawberry was placed carefully in a tray and was set on a small paper coaster. These strawberries are HUGE!

The first strawberry I tried was totally drenched in chocolate and then dipped in mini chocolate chips. It is recommended that you enjoy these strawberries at room temperature and I know why they recommend that. When I bit into one, it was cold and the chocolate fell off the strawberry. It didn't stick and I think if it was room temperature, it would have stayed together better.

Even though the chocolate was breaking and falling off the strawberry, it was still so scrumptious. The strawberries themselves are huge, sweet and juicy. Each bite was yielding a mouthful of juice. I would say that the chocolate is not really high-quality...it is very good, just not what I would consider amazing. Together, the chocolate and strawberry combination was wonderful!! If you love fruit with chocolate, then this would be for you!!

Along with this  3 Love Bug Cake Pops & 12 Valentine's Strawberries gift package, you can also choose from other lovely gifts for Valentine's Day...check out those Truffles pictured above...YUM!! I have such a big place in my heart for Truffles. :) The 3 Love Bug Cake Pops & 12 Valentine's Strawberries retails for $54.97. To me, these are not really worth that much money. I had a friend over and she tried them (and loved them!) but she said flat out that she would not pay that much for chocolate covered strawberries. I can assure you that if you were giving them to someone really special and price was not an issue, these would be perfect and the recipient would absolutely love them!

Also, I would like to add that you can access  coupon codes for Shari's Berries by googling  "Red Envelope Coupons," "Personal Creations Discounts," etc. or by clicking here. This will definitely save you some cost when it comes to purchasing some of these lovely gift packages from Shari's Berries.

You can check out Shari's Berries on Facebook and also on Twitter. They always have something fun going on and are always looking for ideas and suggestions so be sure you visit them and see what special deals they are gearing up for this Valentine's Day!

So, in my opinion...Shari's Berries is a lovely company. I loved the Love Bug Cake Pops and Valentine's Strawberries that I was sent. My experience with this company has been very positive; everything from the shopping experience to enjoying the strawberries and cake pops was amazing. They truly have a wonderful selection and will meet any need that you may have to fill this Valentine's Day. Go ahead...make some one's day and make it a sweet one!

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive free Shari's Berries products for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the Shari's Berries website and email. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine. 

*Guest Post* Suggestions For Child Training

Hello everyone! I have missed you guys! :) Just wanted to check in to let you all know that we have successfully MOVED and are digging out. :) I didn't realize how much stuff I had until I started packing and am now unpacking it all. LOL! If you have ever moved, you know exactly what I am talking about. Anyway, as soon as things calm down here I will be back to regular posting but for now, I have a special guest post for you all! This comes from Lori, over at Her Works Praise Her and she will be talking about suggestions for child training. She is currently raising 6 children and knows all about this topic! Enjoy!

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Suggestions For Child Training

I have recently had someone request some ideas of how we train our children to know their Bible so I decided to share some of them here. Some will be quick and easy, others will take time. Some require your involvement, while others they can do on their own. Most require consistency.

1. Devotions, both personal and family. During family devotions my husband has the children take turns reading verses, and often asks them questions regarding the verses they read. Obviously he keeps it at their level. He does not ask the 8 year old the same type of question he asks our 24 year old. Sometimes he has the boys lead devotions, helping to prepare them for when they have their own families. For personal devotions each person needs to find a quiet place for their own reading and prayer. If a child is too young to read someone will read to them, or we use the Bible on CD. This really made our one M feel important that she had a CD to listen to for Bible reading. Also encourage them to keep a prayer journal. Perhaps you could put pictures of family, friends, missionaries etc. together in a book for them to look at as they pray. Let them request prayer for others.

2. Another activity we use is copying the Bible. They each have their own copy book and use it to copy a book of the Bible. We assign a certain amount of time on the days they copy. Most spend at least 1/2 an hour copying. If you have a really young one start with 5-10 minutes. It will also help their English, writing and punctuation skills. Just another added benefit.

3. We also plan crafts based on the Bible. They have made arks out of clay and added animal cracker animals. They also design pictures for their wall that include Bible verses. We made door-posts out of craft sticks and then used water with red food coloring, to study the Passover. Use your imagination and let them use theirs.

4. We have assigned memory verses. For the whole family. We assign verses and give a date when they need to be done. Sometimes we quote them and others we write them out. We do not require as many verses when they are younger. While the older children learn 3-4 verses only 1 is assigned to a younger child. Copying the verses on an index card is a big help. Or placing the memory verses in places around the home where everyone will see them and practice. (Like while brushing teeth) Encourage each other in this. Do not make it a time of competition or discouragement. We want our children to love the Word of God and hide it in their hearts. There may come a day when that is all they will have.

5. Another fun activity is Bible quizzing. My husband lines everyone up and does sword drills. Or we will sit around a table. He asks a question, for which we must find an answer. Sometimes he will give the address of a verse (such as Roman 3:10), and we have to find it. Everyone learns their Bible this way. After telling us what to find, he says "Draw your swords!" and everyone races to find it first. Occasionally he does questions just for the younger ones. This helps the children to know their Bible better.

6. We have times of play witnessing. One person knocks on the other persons door and witnesses. We start out easy, but slowly get more difficult. Sometimes we practice witnessing to a Jehovah's Witness, or Mormon, etc. Not only does this increase their Bible knowledge, but it increases their confidence when in a real situation. Our children really enjoy this and try to make it as difficult as possible.

7. We have stocked our bookshelves with Christian Biographies and older Christian fiction. Also doctrinal books that will help them. Another big portion of our shelf is creation books. Once again, if you have a child that can't read assign another child to read to them. Or something my children really enjoyed was reading a book into a recorder, then the others could listen to it also.

8. Keep loads of tapes and CD's on hand for them to listen to. Get CD's of preachers, evangelists and missionaries for them to listen to. They can play them in the car, while going to sleep, or during a quiet time. Have plenty of good quality Christian music for them to listen to. And of course they can always listen to the Bible on CD. And then encourage them to use these. Stop filling them with the world and get them excited about the Word of God.

9. Each of our children has a favorite old missionary or preacher and we encourage them to collect books, etc. on that person. Sam Jones and Peter Cartwright are two favorites in our family. One of the younger girls likes Billy Sunday. Use these to encourage them. Find out what you can about these individuals. We have visited the Billy Sunday Museum and home site, and have been to Sam Jones home. We also visited Sgt. Yorks Museum, another of my sons favorites. Things like this might just be what encourages your child to preach or go to the mission field.

10. Another obvious way is to teach them the Books if the Bible. You would be amazed how many supposed Christians we meet who can not quote the books of the Bible. Once again it is something that will help them find things quicker in their own Bible.

11. When they were little we even changed the name of games. Instead of Duck, Duck, Goose, we played Adam, Adam, Eve. It doesn't take a whole lot of imagination to change things like that.

12. Something else is to allow them to act out Bible account. Let them work together and then show you their results. Let them make costumes and props. Sometimes this can be a little amusing.

I think that will be all for now. If you have an idea please post it in the comments, you never know who you might help or encourage in that way. And remember to use all you can to encourage your children in their knowledge of the Bible. It will help them to first of all come to Christ as their Saviour, then it will help them to grow, witness to others, and as I said before, there may come a day when their Bible is taken away and all they will have is what they have memorized.

Lori
Her Works Praise Her

Tips to Protect Your Identity in the New Year

Identity theft...two words NO ONE wants to ever hear associated with their name. I have never been a victim, and hope I never will be one! I received this tip list the other day and thought I would share...it's all about how YOU can protect yourself against identity theft. Hope these tips help!

For 2013, TrustedID—the nation’s most comprehensive identity protection and privacy service—is calling on consumers to also take control and protect their identity with these simple steps:

• Secure all of your devices. With smartphones and tablets, the whole idea is to benefit from quick, instant access to your useful information. This means if your mobile device goes wandering, someone else might be a finger swipe away from information meant for your eyes only. Be it a PIN, a clever password or zigzag swipe pattern, load it on your device and lock it up.

• Wipe clean your OLD devices. Many unwrapped the latest and greatest tech toys as holiday gifts. But what to do with old ones? Whether you decide to sell, donate or toss, it’s important that you remove ALL of your data. Simply deleting files is not enough. Use disk wipe services for laptops, and install wiping software on your smartphone to remove any stored data.

• Remove your name from data broker lists. A ton of unwanted mail starts with data brokers. These personal information mongers collect and sell your personal information to any company wanting to mail anyone and everyone. Regain control of your personal information by having your name and address removed from data brokers’ marketing lists with our MailStop Shield Service. This reduces unwanted mail and protects your privacy.

• Restrict access to your info on social media. There are constantly new dangers on social networks.  We feel encouraged to share more and more information online every year, and privacy risks are immense. Pay close attention to your privacy settings at least once a month, and don’t “overshare” with complete strangers.

• Don’t give out your zip code to retailers. Not even if they ask with a smile. Knowing your zip code allows retailers to easily find your entire address so they can send you unwanted mail. By giving out personal information such as your email, phone number and zip code, you also pave the way for identity thieves.

•  Put a Google Alert on your name. It sounds very egotistical, but it makes perfect sense. Set up Google Alerts to track your name. This way you can monitor search engine results and learn what others can find out about you. If you discover public information that could damage your reputation or puts your privacy at risk, contact the source and ask them to remove the information.

• Create Pa$$_w0rDz! like never before. There is no better time for updating or changing your passwords than the beginning of a new year. In 2012, large companies like Global Payments, Zappos and LinkedIn became victims of data breaches, exposing sensitive information of millions of users. While any site that requires a password is at risk, you can reduce this risk by creating strong, complex passwords that are difficult to hack, even for a professional. 

So, those are just a few really great tips that I felt necessary to share with all of you. I personally HATE when cashiers ask for my phone number or zip code...bleah!! Anyway, here's to a happy and SECURE New Year!!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for this post.

The Woes of a Leaky Tub

Our house in which we currently live was built in the 60's and most of the original handiwork is still evident. The tub is the original tub, complete with heavy duty brass pipe work. The kitchen counter tops are white with little gold flecks throughout and the hood on the stove LOOKS like the original. HA! We never updated anything because we knew we probably would not be staying here permanently and wanted to get a good price for the house when we re-sold it.

Ever since we have lived here the bathtub has had issues draining. It works, but the little lever that you press down to drain the tub seemed floppy and sometimes would not allow the tub to drain well. By the way, if you need a good plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing is a very popular company and I see their trucks all over my area so they have to be good! Since we have sold the house, my husband thought that we should try to fix it so the new owner would not have any issues with it. We unscrewed the cover and pulled out this long piece that had several hinged areas on it. This was the plug. After inspecting the piece that we had extracted, we cleaned it well and replaced it. Because it was not broken, we didn't buy a new one and just put the old one back in the drain. We put the cover back on and went about our day. The next evening, we were in the basement and I went into our half bathroom. To my shock and utter dismay, the floor was wet. We had no idea what the issue was and tried to trouble shoot the problems.

As I was standing there trying to figure out what the issue was, it hit me. We had taken that cover off to inspect and possibly repair the drain but when we put the cover back on, it was not screwed in tightly. Sooo, the problem had to be that water was leaking around that area. My dad (who is a real Mr. Fix-it) came over to look at it. He did some inspecting and determined that the piece was too loose and needed to be tightened. He bought some new screws so that they would look nice and re-tightened the cover. After filling the tub all the way to the top, I went to the basement to look for leaks. There were NONE! Hooray! Boy, was I glad that it was an easy fix. When you start messing with old things like our bathtub, you can run into a domino effect and have a whole lot more trouble than you bargained for so we have since learned to proceed carefully and be very thorough! Hopefully, we won't have that happen again. :)

This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

SodaStream Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit GIVEAWAY

I am still here!! We are closing on our new house and MOVING on Friday and I am packing furiously. :) Every minute of my day seems to find me throwing stuff in boxes. It's a really busy time for me, but I am so excited about getting a bigger house.

So, I have some really fantastic news for all of you! I recently wrote a SodaStream review and they are graciously allowing me to do a giveaway!!!

This giveaway will be for a Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit and will include the following:

-  Fountain Jet – winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)
-  1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years
-  Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda
-  Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors
-  3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice

To read my full review, you can click HERE. To enter the giveaway, here are your entry options...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make it a Sweet Morning With Kellogg's Crunchy Nut Cereal

I have always been a huge cereal fan. When I was growing up, my five siblings and I consumed alot of cereal, between breakfast and snacks, we should have invested stock in cereal! :) We were really into the sugary cereals but our mom wasn't. She would mix non-sugary cereals with similar sugary cereals and honestly, it wasn't that bad. Now that I am a mom, my children share my love for cereal. Isaac had a difficult time digesting cow's milk through my milk so I had to stop eating cereal for a little bit. He has since shown improvement and I am slowly incorporating milk back into my diet. That means one thing...I can eat cereal again! :)

Because I am a BzzAgent I get the opportunity to try out different products and today, I have a really yummy cereal to share (not literally...because it won't be around very long!) with you all! Kellogg's Crunchy Nut Cereal is a sweet and nutty cereal that will give your morning the little perk it needs...ensuring a happy morning! Kellogg's is a very well-known cereal brand that can be found in most cupboards around the country; so when it comes to a good, balanced breakfast, Kellogg's knows what they are doing.

So, for this review I was sent a box of Kellogg's Crunchy Nut cereal in the Golden Honey Nut flavor. I was very excited to try this cereal because I am able to actually eat cereal again and knew that Kellogg's is a fantastic brand. Not to mention I love honey nut flavors!!

I read on the box that there is a nutty flavor in each bit and didn't believe it until I saw the flakes themselves. Each flake actually had real peanut particles and pieces on them! The flavor of this cereal is wonderful...each bite just bursts with sweetness and rich nutty flavors. I loved it so much, I had to have my husband try it as well.

He took one bite and then came out to the kitchen to get his OWN bowl full...ha ha! I thought that was a great testimony as to how yummy this cereal really is. He typically does not eat cereal unless it is doused in sugar, or is a cocoa krispy variety. Sooo, I was thrilled that he actually loved it too! I also loved how this cereal stays crunchy and doesn't turn soggy when mixed with milk. I HATE soggy cereal and loved how well this cereal did under the milky influence. :) 

You can find Kellogg's Crunchy Nut on Facebook, so be sure to check out what is happening there. If you are looking for a store that carries this cereal, check out the "Where To Buy" page on their website. You can search for nearby stores by using their zip code locator. 

So, in my opinion...Kellogg's Crunchy Nut Cereal is very tasty! I have enjoyed it for a bedtime snack, lunch and also for breakfast! Hubby is enjoying it as well and has made it part of his morning routine now too. If you have never tried it before, please do!! You will not be disappointed and your mornings will be so much sweeter. :)

Disclaimer: As a BzzAgent, I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive free Kellogg's Crunchy Nut Cereal and additional product coupons for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine. Stock photos and quotes are taken from the BzzAgent and Kellogg's Crunchy Nut Websites. 

Auric Blends Review & Giveaway {US & Canada}

I am so excited about this next review!! I tend to be a creature of habit when it comes to my beauty products, and it is not easy to sway me to something new. Every morning after my shower, I put on my favorite perfume and love how it smells on me. A co-worker of mine introduced me to it in a lotion form and I just fell in love with the body mist. So, when it comes to my perfumes, I am pretty picky and honestly, I don't wear many different brands.

Recently, I was contacted by a company that intrigued me. I had never heard of them before and was so excited to meet them! Auric Blends is a company that manufactures solid fragrances, roll-on perfumes and many more fragrance products. They are very well known for their Egyptian Goddess line and after today, I know why. :) Here is a bit more about this company...

Our classic line of 1/3 ounce, oil based roll on perfumes is our top selling product line. Created with a combination of exotic, imported perfume ingredients from around the globe, each of our hand-blended perfumes are a journey within themselves.

Auric Blends perfume roll ons are enjoyed by millions of people throughout the world. Our oils have been chosen for regional awards, (Majik was voted best love potion by New York Press), and they are adored intensely by our loyal customers and fans. They've also been reviewed on makeupalley.com to a grand array of praises.

With 40 fragrances to choose from and collections that range from floral and fruit to oriental and fresh fragrances, you're certain to find one, or maybe more, favorites!

Because of my love of my current perfume, I was really curious to see how Auric Blends compared. When given my choice of scents, I was at a loss as to which scent to pick. There are SO many!! I left it up to the company to send me what they thought were their most popular.

So, for this review I was sent the Egyptian Goddess in the roll-on perfume oil and the perfume solid, as well as the Love roll-on perfume oil.

I have to tell you that I absolutely love the Egyptian Goddess. It. Is. Amazing. You don't need much to make it known that you are wearing perfume. It is the perfect blend of soft florals, musk and light powder...truly a soft and warm fragrance.

The Love perfume oil was wonderful too...it combines White Amber and Egyptian Goddess. Out of the two, I think the Egyptian Goddess is my favorite. :)

Solid Perfumes are so nice. I have reviewed them in the past, once, and my sister promptly claimed them after I reviewed them. :) She loves solid perfumes (as do I)and that makes gift giving so easy for her! When using Perfume Solids, you just rub your finger over the surface of the perfume and then rub it on wherever you want to apply it...wrists, neck, etc. The Egyptian Goddess Solid Perfume was, again, amazing. I just cannot get over how wonderful the scent is!!

The Perfume Roll-On Oils come in 1/3 ounce sizes and also are available in 40 different fragrances. Wow! With that many scents from which to choose, you can be sure you will find something that you will enjoy. :) The oils retail for $7.50 each. The Perfume Solids come in 14 scents and retail for about $8.00 each.

So, in my opinion...Auric Blends is a fantastic company! I love, love, LOVE the Egyptian Goddess. It is so nice that Auric Blend's fragrances come in so many different forms...it makes shopping so much easier. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone...they have some wonderful products!

Auric Blends has offered to giveaway the same products I reviewed, to one of you! Egyptian Goddess Perfume Solid, Egyptian Goddess Perfume Roll-On Oil and Love Perfume Roll-On Oil. Here are your entry options...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive free Auric Blends products for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the Auric Blends website and email. Prize is being provided and shipped by the sponsor. This blog is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged prizes. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.