Reader Spoils Summer Must-Read iPad Mini Giveaway Event

When it comes to summer reading indie authors offer a refreshing alternative to predictable plots from big name writers. Here’s a list of ten titles from emerging indie authors, pick your favorite and vote on Facebook HERE! 

Elected by Cathy Travis

As Iraq teeters on civil war, and climate change becomes more obvious every day, ELECTED imagines another history of the 21st Century … one with gasless cars, but without the war in Iraq – in a book readers are finishing in one sitting and starting over again.

More About the Book
“The style was fresh, the writing slick and fast-paced, with witty dialogue and delightful details that gave realistic characterization and narration. Travis’ creative liberties added an original kick, but did not stray so far from what happened in history to make it seem like two different Americas. The progression of the novel
was noteworthy, I like the way the characters develop and change throughout the period of time that elapsed. One of my favorite things about the novel was the international scope, which still plays a huge part of American politics.”
Read the reviews on by Amazon readers, more about the author and other books by Cathy Travis.
Special Must-Read Price Cut: E-book was $5.00 and is now .99 cents!

Vile Acts of Evil – Banking in America by Michael Kirchubel

Every book on our Nation’s recent financial collapse strives to explain how it happened, Vile Acts of Evil explains why, and why every American should pay very close attention.

More About The Book
"The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off."  Gloria Steinem's glorious adage appears in the Preface of Michael Kirchubel's Vile Acts of Evil - Banking in America for good reason: This work is certain to anger you because the truth is far worse than anything you could have ever imagined. “Vile Acts of Evil” is the worker's guide to the history of American banking. This is the real story of money, greed, and power in America.  The book's format is unique: quotes from newspapers, historians, economists, bankers, and political figures drive the story line and alternate with Kirchubel's insightful, clarifying commentary.  The result is a lively and surprisingly captivating conversation on the true, unseen causes of our nation's major calamities: the recessions, depressions, panics, wars, foreclosures, and bailouts.  This is a totally new analysis of our American economic and political history, from colonial times to today, complete with simple recommendations for preventing further calamities. Vile Acts of Evil is truly a modern-day Rosetta Stone, a powerful, interpretive, clarifying lens through which all historical, economic, and political works must now be reviewed and every American's comfortable, well-worn political convictions re-examined.

Special Must-Read Price Cut Price is currently $20.66, which is 10% off on Amazon.com or $9.99 on Kindle.

One Man & One Woman by Daniel Archangel

With the U.S. Supreme Court dodging the chance to define “marriage” in the law, this ultra-realistic legal drama engages the reader to tackle the issue head-on.

More About The Book 
Who Decides What Makes a Marriage? In a tale that ends the marriage debate, One Man & One Woman goes beyond ceremonies, vows, celebrations and gifts to delve into what a marriage truly means to those who enter into it. Read more about the author, Daniel Archangel.

Special Must-Read Price Cut! If you like thematic fiction, buy One Man & One Woman and receive a free PDF EBook of any other novel by Daniel Archangel (see Amazon) or trade paperback for just $5 (plus $4 S&H). Order from Liveware Publishing directly or send your Amazon receipt tolivesales@livewarepub.com to take advantage of this offer.

The Woman on Pritchard Street by JD Young 

Just when I thought I had figured out what comes next, JD Young throws a curve that I never expected and could not wait for more - it is wicked good reading.

More About The Book
Young does a very good job telling a well-rounded story; giving you bits and pieces, hints of connections here and there, but not enough for you to figure things out until he wants you to. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Young and I hope this is only the beginning of Simon's story!

Special Must-Read Price Cut: E-books are .99 - regularly 2.99 - paperback signed by author $4.99 regularly $10.00 (order from the author for discount)

The Dogs of Luck, Comic Confessions From Warren PA, Corporate America and 

Family Life by William Kenly

If your favorite activity in the summer is to be with a captivating book, curled up under the beach umbrella or on the mossy rock by the river or anywhere that is alone, then this summer's list will surely include William Kenly's "The Dogs of Luck, Comic Confessions From Warren PA, Corporate America and Family Life".

More About The Book 
Kenly is a writer; he's got that mysterious thing analogous to perfect pitch. Kenly's writing flows with the natural ease of a conversation with an old friend. His story unrolls with its own momentum. (Kenly) did a great job of capturing and holding my attention. I enjoyed reading about life growing up in Pennsylvania. The Boy Scouts, the river, the Christmas trees all seemed so familiar to me. There are so many things that we could do as kids that no one would get away with now. I also enjoyed reading about "life in corporate America" (particularly things I never knew about the men's room) and I loved, loved, loved reading about the adventure to Russia. I felt I was right there in with him. The chapter "Sign Posts on the Journey" was one
of my favorite chapters. It was a magical, wondrous chapter full of wisdom and insight. So much was said in that chapter in a simple and profound way. The book is a sophisticated mixture of happiness, sadness, beauty, comedy, and philosophy that grabbed at my emotions and brought me to many different levels at the same time. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in reading something that is light and funny in some parts while, at the same time, provides you with food for thought. A+++

Colorado to Woodstock and Back by Laxleyval Sagasta

Adventures Unfold With the Question: “What if…?”

More About The Book 
Raised in the forest alone by his father after a series of misfortunes turned their family’s life upside down, Robert’s life experience isn’t typical. But now, at the age of thirteen, it’s time for him to go out into the wider world. With only his native intelligence and the wisdom his father has imparted to him, Robert entered the
American lifestyle in 1969. Always guided by his father’s principle that when faced with a difficult decision, he should stop and ask himself “What if…?” Robert navigates a world full of people whose motives are less than pure, and finds friends who will last a lifetime. Follow Robert from the wilderness of Colorado to the wild side of Woodstock; from the back of a VW van to a safe haven with a family he never expected; from rags to riches; and from living outside the world to finding a secure place and identity for himself. Colorado to Woodstock and Back Again will prove to you, as well as to Robert, that “if” is at the center of “life”!
You can also find the book at Barnes & Noble!
Special Must-Read Price Cut: Available on Kindle and Nook for just $3.99

The Magnificent Mary Ann by Philip Kraske

This is a love story of MAGNIFICENT aspirations: after seven years of searching, a Arkansas farm girl reunites with the young Chicago engineer who, on a two-hour plane ride, inspired her to dance -- reunites with him, that is, just as her star shoots on Broadway.

More About The Book 
"FIVE STARS! I really enjoyed this tale. Philip Kraske is a talented author having created two diverse but fascinating characters."-- Ann Boling for Readers Favorite Awards, awarding the top five-star rating to "The
Magnificent Mary Ann"
"Consummate craftsmanship....a great read."--David Shea.

Slum by Dan Carroll

Slum is page-turning adventure-romance that will make you want to read even more after the final page, and happily there's a sequel, Slum Song.

More About The Book 
The 2013 Eric Hoffer Awards honored Slum as a finalist for the Montaigne Medal, awarded to “the most thought- provoking book.” Slum was also a finalist for the First Horizon Award, given to “superior work by debut authors.” In addition, Slum made the short list for the grand prize.
Special Must-Read Price Cut: Just 99 cents on Kindle and Nook

Stress Free Living by Thomas Mayberry

The best way to have a relaxing summer is to get rid of your stress.

More About The Book 
I buy Tom's books because I've known him for a few decades. I read his books because they offer practical solutions to everyday living situations we all face. Stress Free Living published at a time where there were extensive personnel being made at my company. His advice was timely, practical and got me through the transition with grace and clear thinking. Buy it. Read it. You can also visit Thomas Mayberry's website for more information.
Special Must-Read Price Cut: E-book was $2.99 and is now 99 cents. Paperback was $9.99 and is now $6.99.

Vengeance out of the Shadows by David Peretz 

A story about the killing of landlords in New York.

More About The Book 
After more than forty years of practicing psychiatry, Dr. David Peretz has turned to a life of crime (fiction, that is). VENGEANCE OUT OF THE SHADOWS is the third in his Ross Cortese NYPD series. Be sure to follow David Peretz on Facebook.

Ready For Your Chance To Win?

We are excited to join Children Teaching Mama and bring you this great event sponsored by Reader Spoils! 

Enter To Win an iPad Mini 

One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries to receive a 16GB white and silver iPad Mini valued at $329.99! Complete the tasks on the Rafflecopter form below. All entrants must complete the mandatory entry (voting for your favorite book above) to be eligible to win. Good Luck!

Open to U.S. Residents Only

Ends on July 17th at 11:59pm. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Music Lessons For Everyone With TakeLessons.com

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for TakeLessons.com in conjunction with Mom Bloggers Club. All opinions written are my own.
few months ago, we wrote about a website we had just learned about called Take Lessons. We are so impressed with their services that we wanted to share information with you again! Growing up in a family of singers, music has been a huge part of my life. From a young age, I was singing and couldn't wait to begin learning instruments. Now that I have kids, they are also excited to start lessons, but I was worried about lessons being offered where we live. Thanks to TakeLessons.com, I was able to find something for both of the kids that they will love.

About TakeLessons.com
TakeLessons connects students and families with private music teachers, arts instructors and academic tutors throughout the US. Safety and quality are our priorities; every instructor completes an extensive interview, training, and an annual criminal background check. We assist with scheduling, initial coordination and billing- so all you have to worry about is enjoying your lessons!


We provide In Home and In Studio Lessons, as well as Online Lessons, which are a popular choice for busy families. All you need is a computer with a webcam, a Skype account, and a good Internet connection. Cut down on commute times by taking lessons in the comfort of your own home! Online Lessons are a great way to keep your kids busy over the summer months!

Online Music Lessons:
Convenience & Affordability
- In-home lessons at a more affordable price
- Avoid the commute and save money on gas
- Great option for homeschooled students and busy families
- Make the most of your time: complete your warm-ups before your lesson, and review what you've learned immediately after!

Quality Teachers, 100% Money Back Guarantee
- Access to exceptional teachers nationwide, no matter where you're located
- All teachers are pre-screened and monitored through student retention and feedback
- Same benefits of our in-person lessons, including our 100% Money Back Guarantee
- Online tools to keep track of your schedule, payments, and progress


Special 20% Off Promo Code
We are especially excited to let you know TakeLessons.com is offering a special 20% off music lessons packages when you use this promo code: MBSUMMER10 at checkout! This is the perfect time to sign up for lessons and keep those minds active and learning during the summer months.

If you have any questions at all, just call 855-318-5564 to speak with a TakeLessons Studen Counselor. This offer is good through July 6th, so don't delay. Take advantage of this great offer and save some money.

Free eBook Offer
Click the picture above to get the free eBook “Quick Guide to Getting Started With Music Lessons”.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for TakeLessons.com in conjunction with Mom Bloggers Club. All opinions written are my own.

Understanding & Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis #lifescript #ad

This is a sponsored post by me on behalf of Lifescript.com.
My grandma was a dedicated mill worker for most of her life, but at the age of 55, she had to retire because her hands hurt so badly. Why? She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This chronic inflammatory disease causes your immune system to mistakenly attach your joint tissues, which can cause extreme pain, stiffness and inflammation. Her fingers and hands got to the point where some days she just couldn't bare to use them. Only two years ago I was diagnosed with arthritis as well and I was so worried about what that meant for me, especially since I'd seen the pain my grandmother went through.

Thankfully, there is now an expansive resource for those who are searching for answers about RA.  I know I had many, many questions once diagnosed and looked high and low for answers. Lifescript.com's Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center gives information about the diagnosis of RA, treatment recommendations and up-to-date news about the subject, all written by professional health writers, experts and physicians. I have been absolutely amazed by the information I've found on the website and highly recommend it not only for those who have RA, but for others who know someone with RA. This is the best way to equip yourself with answers, ideas and even questions to ask your own doctors.

When I was diagnosed with RA, I thought my life had ended. I have arthritis in my hips, which causes pain through my sides and back. Days without pain were decreasing and hours of sleep were few and far between, too. Pain "attacks" would hit and I felt helpless about what to do, but luckily I have found some great ways to help control the pain and take back my life.

Lifescript.com provides helpful medical information about a variety of medical conditions, but I am, of course, most interested in how to control my arthritis and I found some great tips. For example, diet and exercise can greatly improve health and help manage RA. Exercise has definitely decreased my hip and back pain more than I can explain. Staying active is so important and helps more than anything for me. I started out with physical therapy, gained strength and am in much better shape that I have been in years. I've also learned that what I put into my body directly effects my healthy. That means I have to watch what I eat and I've found that avoiding certain foods also helps with pain.

Interested in learning more about Rheumatoid Arthritis? Here are some other great articles I found:
10 Tips for Pain-Free Outdoor Activities
Top Lifestyle Tips for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Healthy Cooking with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Lifescript’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center features tips, quizzes, recipes and articles – all by professional health writers, experts and physicians – covering common RA symptoms, foods that compose an anti-inflammatory diet, new RA therapies and more. Please visit the Lifescript Health Center on Rheumatoid Arthritis for more information.

And to check out this free website, click here!

This is a sponsored post by me on behalf of Lifescript.com.

Have A Healthy Baby & Home With Seventh Generation & Healthy Baby Twitter Party #HealthyBaby

This post was written for Seventh Generation in conjunction with The Motherhood. I received compensation, though all opinions written are my own. 
We are huge Seventh Generation fans in our house and we were so excited to be a part of their virtual baby shower! We chatted virtually with Seventh Generation, Healthy Baby Healthy Home, Stonyfield Yogurt and The Motherhood, so you can imagine how much important and eye-opening information we received. As a mom who only wants the best for my children, I try to use only organic and non-toxic products. My worst fear is that the kids will get into our cleaning cabinet and come across something that could really make them sick. This is why we love Seventh Generation products so much and have used them for years and years.

Did you know that there are more than 80,000 chemicals registered in the U.S., but safety testing is NOT required by federal law. To me, that is just plain scary. Why take a chance with your own children? When I lived in Germany, I was so impressed with their eco-conscious lifestyles and, right along with that mindset, they have banned an amazing amount of chemicals (1,328), whereas the U.S. has only banned/restricted 11 chemicals

In addition to these scary details, scientific evidence continues to point to chemicals being contributing factors to the rise of childhood behavioral disorders and disease. Liam, my three year-old, has brain tumors and, believe me when I say, that I wonder what factors could have caused his Neurofibromatosis since it was not passed down from our family. Since his diagnosis, I've become much more adamant about checking labels and finding products that are non-toxic.

I find it so frightening that our government has not updated the primary U.S. law that regulates chemicals in everyday products in over 35 years! So much has changed in our lifetimes and we've found that many chemicals and products used when we were children are not at all safe. This is why we wholeheartedly support Seventh Generation in urging their consumers to contact senators to pass the Chemical Safety Improvement Act (CSIA). You can find and message your own senator easily by clicking here.

Take a look at this truly eye-opening video from Healthy Child. The information is not only important, but will help you see just how important these issues are and why the CSIA needs to be passed.

Twitter Party Alert!

Hi, everyone! I wanted to let you know about a fun Seventh Generation Twitter party coming up on Tuesday! We will have so much fun and hope to see you there! You can find all the info below:

DETAILS FOR SEVENTH GENERATION HEALTHY BABY TWITTER PARTY

What: Join the Seventh Generation Healthy Baby Twitter Party - which brings Healthy Baby Home Parties online. The home parties were developed in partnership with Healthy Child Healthy World to give moms like us a platform to share parenting ideas and rally our friends around topics that resonate deeply – like creating a healthy environment for our babies and kids. We'll share tips and advice for creating a toxin-free home environment for your kids, ingredients to avoid, recommended products and more.

When: Tuesday, June 25, at 1p ET / noon CT / 10a PT

Where: We’ll be on Twitter – follow the #HealthyBaby hashtag to track the conversation. You can see the details and RSVP via this Twtvite: http://twtvite.com/healthybabyparty

Hashtag: #HealthyBaby

Prizes: Five prizes will be awarded throughout the party to participants who respond correctly to trivia questions. Each winner will receive a package of Seventh Generation products.

Hosts: @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann, @SeventhGen

Your fellow co-hosts: 

Angela, Frugal Living NW, http://www.frugallivingnw.com - @FrugalLivingNW
Annie, Mama Dweeb, http://mamadweeb.com - @MamaDweeb
Annie, Stowed Stuff, http://www.stowedstuff.com - @anniestow
Autumn, Classic Mommy, http://www.classicmommy.com - @Classic_Mommy
Brett, This Mama Loves…, http://thismamaloves.com - @brettbmartin
Bri, Eco Baby Mama Drama, http://ecobabymamadrama.com - @EcoBabyMamaDram
Carrie, Carrie With Children, http://www.carriewithchildren.com - @CarrieWChildren
Charlene, Charlene Chronicles, http://www.charlenechronicles.com - @CharChronicles
Christa, Little BGCG, http://littlebgcg.com - @LittleBGCG
Christi, Frugal Novice, http://frugalnovice.com - @FrugalNovice
Divina, Dancing Hotdogs, http://www.dancinghotdogs.com - @DancingHotdogs
Emily, Baby Dickey, http://babydickey.com - @babydickey
Emily, Naptime is My Time, http://naptimeismytime.com - @naptimeismytime
Erin, A Parenting Production, http://aparentingproduction.com - @ErinCLane
Hanan, Lilac City Momma, http://lilaccitymomma.com - @LilacCityMomma
Jami, Young Wife's Guide, http://youngwifesguide.com - @YoungWifesGuide
Jenilee, Seven in the Nest, http://www.sixinthenest.com - @SixInTheNest
Jennifer, Sweet T Makes Three, http://sweettmakesthree.com - @SweetTMakes3
Jennifer, Double Duty Mommy, http://www.doubledutymommy.com - @DoubleDutyMommy
Jodi, Granola Mom 4 God, http://www.granolamom4god.com - @GranolaMom4God
Julie, A Year With Mom and Dad, http://www.ayearwithmomanddad.com - @ayearwithmomdad
Kerri, The Maven of Social Media, http://themavenofsocialmedia.com - @_themaven
Linsey, Lille Punkin', http://www.lillepunkin.com - @Lknerl
Lisa, Between the Kids, http://www.betweenthekids.com - @ljenator
Marianna, Green Mama's Pad, http://www.greenmamaspad.com - @GreenMamasPad
Meghan, JaMonkey, http://www.jamonkey.com - @JaMonkey
Meredith, The Mom of the Year, http://www.themomoftheyear.net - @meredithspidel
Michelle, Everything's Abuzz, http://everythingsabuzz.com - @queentob
Mickey, A Helicopter Mom, http://ahelicoptermom.com ahelicoptermom
Nancy, The Mama Maven, http://www.themamamaven.com - @NancyjHorn
Roxanne, Children Teaching Mama, http://www.childrenteachingmama.com - @ChildrenTeach
Shell, Not Quite Susie Homemaker, http://www.notquitesusie.com - @NotQuiteSusie
Suzanne, Mom Confessionals, http://www.momconfessionals.com - @momconfessional
Tara, Feels Like Home Blog, http://www.feelslikehomeblog.com - @TaraZiegmont
Vanessa, The Queen of Swag!, http://www.thequeenofswag.com - @queenofswag4u
Xenia, Thanks, Mail Carrier, http://www.thanksmailcarrier.com - @thxmailcarrier

This post was written for Seventh Generation in conjunction with The Motherhood. I received compensation, though all opinions written are my own. 

App T1

Please click on the follow button to follow each Twitter user. Then go back to the rafflecopter form to claim your entries. Thank you.


 

Jack The Giant Slayer DVD/Blu-Ray + Ultraviolet Combo Pack Giveaway #JackTheGiantSlayer

Warner Bros. is proud to announce the arrival of Jack the Giant Slayer released on DVD & Blu-ray on June 18!

Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing Jack (Nicholas Hoult), into the battle of this life to stop them and rescue the princess!

The question is... are you courageous enough to rescue the princess? Are you brave like Jack?  Take the quiz to find out!

This is such a great movie and we are so excited to celebrate with the new app that is so much fun! Take a look at all the different features, including the Giant Soundboard so you can compose your own mash-up sounds from Jack The Giant Slayer. Kids will absolutely love this.

Giveaway Time

We are also excited because we have an awesome giveaway for our readers! One Reader Will Win a Jack The Giant Slayer Combo Pack (Blu-Ray + DVD + Ultraviolet)! This retails at $35.99! 

Just use the GiveawayTools form below to enter! This giveaway is open to USA & Canada and will end on Tuesday, July 10th at 11:59pm. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

About Jack the Giant Slayer:
Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing Jack (Nicholas Hoult), into the battle of this life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom and its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend... and gets the chance to become a legend himself! Directed by Brian Singer (X-Men, Superman Returns)

Starring: Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy), Ewan McGregor (Star Wars, Moulin Rouge!), and Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones).

Disclosure: This giveaway was sponsored by Partnershub. No compensation was received. All opinions written are my own.

Get Your Dishes & Dishwasher Shiny Clean With Cascade Platinum

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Cascade. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
My mom loves to clean and always has a clean house. Growing up with her, we had a cleaning day each week and scrubbed everything until it was perfect. She wanted her dishes to be perfect, too, which is why she always used Cascade dish detergent. I learned from the best and now we not only have our own cleaning day, but I use Cascade as well!

Although I love Cascade, I have to admit that I have tried to skimp and try a different brand in the past. When I did, I totally learned my lesson. The first load came out a disgusting mess. The food did not completely wash off the dishes and my glasses had spots all over them. Double icky, right? Spots on glasses is definitely one of my pet peeves and something that will not stand in my house! When I have guests (and we do almost every weekend), I want my dishes to be beautiful and no spots are allowed on my glasses. Spots on glasses are so embarrassing, so, in the paste, I found myself pre-rinsing every single dish and cup before putting them in the dishwasher. Then, I'd hand-dry them after the wash.

I have tried several different types of Cascade and was so excited to hear about the new Cascade Platinum Pacs! These little triple action Pacs really pack a punch, offering the most powerful cleaning ability from Cascade keeping dishes "virtually spot-free". In addition, the recipe helps protect the inside of the dishwasher by preventing the build-up of a hard water film that I know all too well out here in the country. This feature was something new for me and I couldn't wait to give it a try. Talk about getting your money's worth! I can have clean dishes and a clean dishwasher, too!

Another great fact about Cascade Platinum it is so powerful that is easily cleans away 24-hour stuck on food! You know there are nights when you just don't want to do the dishes... and now you don't have to worry about food getting stuck and an inevitable second wash.

We definitely put Cascade Platinum to the test because we eat dinner at home almost every night. The dishwasher was totally full of dirty dishes, as you can see below:

The containers have food stuck to them and the dishes are dull and dirty, definitely in need of a good washing.

The boys couldn't wait to help out when loading the dishwasher the first time with Cascade Platinum and I was very happy with the extra hands!

Josiah put in the pack:

Liam closed up everything and we were ready to turn on the dishwasher:

Want to see my dishes after being washed? Even in the dishwasher you can tell the difference:

As soon as I opened the dishwasher, I could tell a difference in not only the dishes, but also the dishwasher. I immediately noticed how much shinier the dishes were.  See how shiny they are compared to the first picture? Plus, the inside of the dishwasher just seems cleaner and now I don't feel the need to worry so much about hard water or buying expensive products to deal with the lasting effects. Cascade Platinum is definitely an upgrade and something we will continue using! We highly recommend giving this a try because we love it. 

Make a Splash With resource Natural Spring Water & This Amazing Video

When we come across an interesting and unique video, we just have to share with our readers. Nestle actually recently launched resource Natural Spring Water in New York City June 5th and cameras luckily caught the amazing acrobatics that occured during the festivities. Take a look at the video below:

In the dance number you will notice a woman's routine yoga workout in a crowded city park transformed into a liberating, magical dance number in a luxurious rainforest after taking a refreshing sip of resource Natural Spring Water. What did you think of the video? My kids actually asked to watch it again, so we've watched it a few times already.

resource is now available in 700mL and 1L sizes at grocery, convenience, natural food and pharmacy retailers nationwide. Be sure to check out more info on the brand it the launch festivities on their Facebook Page.

Sign-Ups Open: iPad Mini Free Blogger Giveaway Event

**NOTE: The dates for this event have changed. The button above is being corrected and will be fixed asap!**

Welcome to the iPad Mini Free Blogger Giveaway Event sponsored by Reader Spoils. This giveaway will begin Friday, June 28th and will end on July 17th. An iPad Mini will be given away as a prize. 

Click Here To Sign Up!

Details:

• Each blogger receives 1 free link of choice (Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram)
• Additional Links can be purchased at $3 each. These links can be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or Pinterest.
• We have 3 co-host spots available for $13 each. This includes 2 links for the giveaway event, a back link to your blog on the giveaway page and a page for you to host during the event.
• The giveaway html will be sent out next Wednesday and posts must be live by Sunday, June 23rd. We will send out reminder emails for those who forget to post.

Payments

• Payments can be made via Paypal to childrenteachingmama@gmail.com

2 BLOGGER PARTICIPANT GIVEAWAY CONTESTS (YOU can win prizes, too!!)

• The blogger who refers the most bloggers to sign up will win a $15 Amazon gift card! Announcements are not mandatory, but are a great way to increase sign-ups so you can win. If you'd like, feel free to cut/paste the event details above as your own announcement post with a link here or to the sign-up form. 
• An additional $15 Amazon gift card winner will be chosen from the bloggers who post an announcement. So, post an announcement on your blog and you have another chance to win!

This is going to be such a great giveaway and we hope you will be a part of it! You can also use the widget at the top of the post to share with your friends and followers via Facebook and Twitter. If you have any additional questions, please contact me at childrenteachingmama@gmail.com
Click Here To Sign Up!

Up, Up & Away! Flying Heroes Superman Flying Toy Review & Giveaway

Josiah's birthday was on Saturday and we had a family party here at the house. He got so many toys, but one of his favorites was the Flying Heroes Superman toy made by Bridge Direct. He loves action figures and superheroes are even better. This toy has it all and more.

Did you know the new Superman movie hits the big screen on June 14th? That's this Friday and boy are we excited! This Flying Heroes toy has made Josiah an even bigger fan, so we are definitely going.

What is the Flying Heroes Superman toy? Well, this toy takes the term "action figure" to a whole new level. With a quick pull of the launcher cord, kids can unleash Superman high up into the sky and watch them float back down to the ground! In addition to the Superman Flying Heroes toy, Batman and Spiderman are part of the Fall 2013 collection.

What did the kiddos think?
They both couldn't wait to get this one out of the box. It is very easy to get this one to work. You just place the Superman figure into the base. Be sure to face it outward so it flies out that way. Otherwise, you might get a Superman in the face and that isn't as cool as it sounds. Trust me. The Superman figure fits into the base, but it is loose, so I had to help Liam (3 yrs old) with it, but for my 6 year old, he could do it easily by himself. This toy is recommended for ages 4+ and I think that is spot-on.

So, once you have Superman in place, get a tight grip on the base and you are ready to pull the launcher cord. The fast you pull, the higher Superman will soar into the air and spiral down to the ground. Josiah could pull it hard enough to get it to fly, but I could get it to go even higher. Now, I want to note that we gave this a try indoors because it was raining, but this should be an outdoor toy unless you have a lot of open space inside. Our ceilings in that room are much higher and we have a good amount of room.

That picture shows Superman in action! This is exactly what happens after pulling the launcher. Superman's cape and arm go out to help him spiral in the air and float down to the ground. It's such a fun toy that all of us have enjoyed playing with it. This is a great toy for this summer and one I think all kids would love the Flying Heroes Superman. Plus, retailing at around $16.99, they are affordable.

So, now that you have read all about the Flying Heroes Superman from Bridge Direct, how about a giveaway?

It's Giveaway Time

One Lucky Reader Will Receive Their Own Flying Heroes Superman Flying Superhero!

#SCJCleanSummer Twitter Party This Wednesday June 12th at 8pm EST

Well, the kids are officially out for summer and that means summer fun for them and much more cleaning for mom! Yes, it is that time of year we moms stock our cleaning supplies because we know they will  come in quite handy over the next few months. For us, we spend a great amount of time outdoors and the kids love helping me garden, but that means one thing: grass and dirt stains! We always have Shout stocked to spray on the their clothes before going into the washing machine. Otherwise, their clothes come out a total mess. Shout has saved us many pairs of pants over the years, so that is why we are huge SC Johnson fans.


My mom uses SC Johnson products and now that I'm a mom, I do the same thing! That is why we are so pleased to announce the upcoming SC Johnson Twitter party coming up on Wednesday, June 12th at 8pm EST! We will be helping host the party and know it will be full of fun!

How to join:

RSVP Here: http://resourcefulmommy.com/12259/scjcleansummer-twitter-party/
Where: Be sure to use this hashtag: #SCJCleanSummer

Who: Don’t forget to follow @ResourcefulMom and@SCJGreenChoices and tweet in the tag.  Please also welcome our blogger panelists: @ChildrenTeach@amomsimpression @amomstake @DarcyZalewski @mommymusings

Prizes

Ten (10) winners will each receive a prize pack with a $25 Amex gift card and an SCJ Mini Concentrates starter kit!

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents age 18 and older.

We hope you come and join us at the party! It's sure to be so much fun! Don't forget to RSVP if you want to qualify for the great prizes. Also, you can follow SC Johnson Pinterest. See you Wednedsay!

LongHorn Steakhouse Steaks That Sizzle Promotion Is Sure To Please #ad

 I was compensated for this sponsored post made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. 

During the week, my husband works so hard and, on the weekend, I like to help him relax and do something special for him. Plus, Father's Day is coming up, so I have been thinking up great ideas for gifts. This year, we are going to LongHorn Steakhouse, one of our favorite restaurants that just happens to be right down the road from us. Their steaks are so delicious and tender.

I am so excited because right now LongHorn has a promotion going on called Steaks that Sizzle. The wonderfully talented grill masters at LongHorn Steakhouse are celebrating summer with three new steak flavors that will surely please. The three new flavors are:

• New! Smoky Double Bacon Sirloin
• New! Spicy Jalapeno Cheddar Sirloin
• New! Bold Balsamic BBQ Sirloin

Don't those sound and look delicious?  I am almost certain my husband will want to try the Smoky Double Bacon Sirloin. He loves bacon, so bacon plus steak is absolutely irresistible for him. As for me, the Bold Balsamic BBQ Sirloin sounds perfect.

The Steaks that Sizzle Promo runs through July 7th, so be sure to check out LongHorn before then to try the new steaks! Which of the new steaks would you like to try or have you already tried?


 I was compensated for this sponsored post made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. 

Sweet Relish Discover Button Find: RubADub Buddies Hooded Towel Review & Giveaway

A few months ago I was shopping for birthday presents and stumbled across the Sweet Relish website. Sweet Relish is a tool for organizing discoveries, sharing what you want and seeing what others like. You can search for great gifts or items for yourself. Plus, you can buy it once you find something... and, believe me, you will find something! In fact, you can add Relish extension to your Google Chrome bar, which allows you to add any products from the web to your gift list. Isn't that cool?

This is such a great website and has helped me find the most unique gift ideas for others. They have a Discover Button that I love clicking because you never know what you will find next.  You can even narrow down the categories, so if you are trying to find something for a child, click "Kids", the wheel spins and then an awesome gift idea pops up just like this:

It's such a fun way to discover new products and I find myself going back to it often. Sweet Relish is one of the only websites to which I subscribe and receive the newsletter. Every week I receive an email spotlighting a new product and, every single week, it is something great! That's one newsletter I never fail to read.

Clicking on the Discover Button brought up one of the coolest towel I've ever seen. The RubADub Buddies Hooded Towels are absolutely adorable and come in several different animal choices, including an owl, dinosaur, monkey and more. We received the Clownfish Hooded towel to review and I was just as excited as the boys.

When the boys saw their new towel, they started asking when they could take a bath. That alone was reason enough to get this cute towel, but there are many other reasons as well. As I took it out of the box, I realized immediately that the towel was very soft and cuddly. It is also big compared to other kids towels and is 30x54 inches, so you could use this from birth all the way up to about 7 years of age. The RubADub Buddies Hooded Towel would make a great gift. As you can see above, it is already wrapped in a ribbon and tag.

Tonight Liam jumped into the bathtub like the little fish he is and, after shaving like papa, washing hair and playing with toys, he was ready to get out and try out the towel. As soon as he tried it on Liam was all smiles. He had to run around the house showing everyone how cute he was and I had some trouble getting it off of him in exchange for pajamas.

I cannot say enough about this adorable towel! Josiah wants one of his own and, since his birthday is this weekend, I've already ordered him one(Shhh...don't tell!)!

With Father's Day coming up, we say head over to Sweet Relish, click the Discover Button and see what you can find. In fact, we want to know what you find, so we have a giveaway!

Ready for a Giveaway?

One Lucky Reader Will Win Their Own RubADub Buddies Hooded Towel (a $46.00 Value)!

This giveaway is open to US Readers 18+ years of age and ends on Tuesday, July 2nd. Just use the GiveawayTools form below to enter. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This review was written for Sweet Relish. An item was received for review purposes only. No other compensation was received. All opinions written are my own.