Wednesday Wit

3 year old: What's Hawaii?

Daddy: Hawaii is like Alaska....only...completely different.

Gettin' into the scrapbooking craze?

It used to be you had to go to a specialty store and spend a fortune on the right "tools." Now, the brands we've used for years, like Elmer's and Xacto are getting into the scrapbooking game. I received some of these new products from BzzAgent.com, I tried each of the items I received in the Elmer's/X-ACTO Bzz Kit, and I love each one! The products work just as well as the pricier "scrapbooking" brands, but are much more reasonable priced. I especially LOVE the Elmer's CraftBond clear glue pen, the Elmer's CraftBond permanent tape runner, and the X-ACTO corner rounder punch. The adhesives work so well! They are acid-free and photo safe, and inexpensive enough that I don't worry about "rationing" them so that I don't run out. The clear glue pen is repositionable until it dries, so you can get your picture or paper craft on exactly right. I was sent these items to try, however I was not asked to give a positive review. . . but how could I not? I LOVED them! I will continue to use them in my every day crafting!

Can't wait to hear KT Tunstall's new album "Tiger Suit"

If you aren't familiar with KT's music, you definitely remember one of her previoushit songs - the Grammy-nominated "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," "Suddenly I See," Other Side of the World" or "Hold On".

Tiger Suit heralds the beginning of a new musical adventure for KT. Organic instrumentation is blended with dance-friendly textures, the results of which she has dubbed “Nature Techno” to encapsulate the album’s collision of raw, upfront rootsiness and sleek electronic textures.

The album's rollicking first single, “Fade Like A Shadow" is available at digital retailers now and is already at Top 20 hit at radio. Check out the video here.

I remember the first time I heard "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree." It was so original and cool that I had to find out who KT was. I really enjoy her music, and CAN'T wait to get the new album. Once I've heard it I will post a review so check back!

I am a member of the One2OneNetwork, which is where I heard about the new album, but as of this posting, I have not received any incentive to post about or review this album.

"A Christmas Prayer" by Amy Parker

"A Christmas Prayer" is a sweet poem about a child who goes through each figure in the nativity and give thanks to God for their role in the birth of Christ. It is perfect for smaller children, with its soft pastel illustrations, simple rhymes, and inspiring message.

I really liked how this book puts emphasis on the truly important gifts of Christmas, something all parents have struggled to reinforce in their children.

My son liked how the figures in the story (Mary, Joseph, the angel, etc) were represented by toys. He wanted to get his toys and act it out as well. My son is 3, and after reading through it with me a few times was able to remember enough to recite parts with me, which I really enjoyed.

We plan to make this story a new part of our family traditions at Christmas time.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Wednesday Wit

I was carrying my baby girl on my front (wrapped) and a lady said "oh, look at the bamboo...the baboon...the vamoose." I said "you mean papoose?" and she said "yeah the man-moose."

New Yoplait Splitz are YUM-O! GIVEAWAY

WANT TO TRY NEW YOPLAIT SPLITZ for free??? Leave a comment below with your first name and last initial. A winner will be chosen to receive a coupon for a free sample of new Yoplait Splitz as well as a prize pack that includes an insulated carry tote and a roll up fleece picnic blanket. (Winner will be chosen using random.org on 9/26 at 12:01 am, and will have 24 hours to respond, if no response, a new winner will be chosen.)

Now you can drive past your local sweet shop without looking back. Yoplait Splitz is the new yogurt that tastes like a sundae. Providing all of the goodness of 100% real yogurt, Yoplait Splitz is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. With no artificial flavors or sweeteners and no high fructose corn syrup, this 90 calorie dessert is the treat your family craves.

For an even “cooler” experience, just pop a Yoplait Splitz in the freezer and in a few hours you can enjoy a cool, creamy cup of authentic frozen yogurt. Available in three delicious flavor combinations including Strawberry Sundae, Strawberry Banana Split, and Rainbow Sherbet, Yoplait Splitz is sure to have your family screaming for more.

My family tried the rainbow sherbet flavor, and we all really liked it. It is a little thicker than regular yogurt, more like a custard. But, it tasted EXACTLY like rainbow sherbet. It was so yummy. It really was a treat! My son tried it frozen in his lunch. It was almost thawed by lunch time, so when he ate it he said it was exactly like eating ice cream. (But with less calories than most ice cream!)

Don’t forget to visit Yoplait on Facebook or Yoplait on Twitter and “Like” or “Follow” the brand to keep up with the latest news on your favorite Yoplait products.

Visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/7b3a/ to download a printable coupon for $0.75 off any flavor Yoplait Splitz today!

Yoplait Splitz, the prize pack, information and the prize package for giveaway were all provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark

"Outlive Your Life:You were made to make a difference" by Max Lucado

Are you having "that kind" of day? Week...month? The kind where you feel like you can't do anything right, you are insignificant, and no one cares about you? Max Lucado uses his understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his ability to write "to" the reader, and explains in this book that you, in fact, are one of the most important people to ever live. The author uses true stories as examples of real people making a difference, as well as examples from the life of Christ.

Each chapter ends with a scriptural reference and a prayer, showing us how we can make a difference in the lives of others.

I am constantly amazed at Max Lucado's ability to cut through the worldly insignificance, and speak directly to my heart. I truly feel like he wrote this book for me, and I'm sure you will feel the same. Mr. Lucado uses this book to teach us that there is no reason to be discouraged or disheartened, because Christ uses you to spread His gospel. Really, how could a person be more important? This would be a wonderful gift to give to high school seniors, new parents, any one really. I love how Mr. Lucado uses parables to teach, mimicking our Savior's way of teaching. Mr. Lucado is eloquent and well-spoken (written) and really teaches through his writing. I highly recommend this book to anyone feeling like they need a little reassurance of their significance in this world.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of theirBookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

"You Changed My Life: Stories of Real People With Remarkable Hearts" By Max Lucado

Have you been looking for a gift to say thank you to someone who has made difference in your life? This book could be what you have been looking for. This is kind of a "Best Of" collection of stories from Max Lucado's books. There are stories of kindness, love, making a difference, and pure joy. Max Lucado is a pastor and Christian writer, but these stories transcend religion. They are stories of real people showing amazing kindness and love to others.

This collection of stories made me laugh and cry, often at the same time. Max Lucado has an ability to write as if he is talking directly to you, the reader. I would recommend this book as a gift for a special occasion or just because. There is a dedicatory page where you can write to the recipient how they have changed your life. There is also a dedication from the author that says to the reader that the book is for them because it has been given to them by someone who thinks they are special and amazing. I have seen a lot of books on making a difference lately, and it is a message we all need to hear more often. Each of us is special and important, and this book illustrates how that is true. By using real stories, it shows the reader that, like each of these stories, ordinary people can make extraordinary differences in each other's lives.

You could read just a few stories and set it down until another time, but if you are like me, you will not be able to stop until you have read it cover to cover. We can all use a little bit of uplifting, and I found that in this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

"The Butterfly Effect: How your life matters" By Andy Andrews

Have you ever thought to yourself "I just don't matter?" Do you sometimes feel like no one cares what you do? In this beautiful story, Andy Andrews tells us why every one matters. Decisions you make today will affect generations to come. You can be a positive force in the universe.

"The Butterfly Effect: How your life matters" gives some real life examples of how one action affects every thing else. It is truly inspiring to read. I love how the author keeps reaffirming that you matter, that each of us makes a difference, and that we can all be remembered by our actions.

The story begins by explaining what the butterfly effect is. It explains how a butterfly flapping it's wings causes a perpetual motion that could in theory start a hurricane thousands of miles away. Just as one action today could cause a revolution tomorrow.

This is a wonderful book to give to your loved ones. It is reaffirming, uplifting, and inspiring. I love how it gives examples of real people to show that this is not just a theory, that each of us really does matter.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

"The Boy Who Changed the World" by Andy Andrews

Did you know that what you do today can change the world forever?

"The Boy Who Changed the World" by Andy Andrews tells the story of Norman Borlaug; a name you probably don't know. But, young Norman spent time playing with his sisters in the cornfield. As an adult, Norman used his knowledge of agriculture to save the lives of two billion people. One little boy grew up to change the world. Or maybe it was Henry Wallace who changed the world. Henry Wallace was the US Secretary of Agriculture who hired Norman to help figure out how to feed the hungry. So it was Henry Wallace who changed the world. Maybe it was George Washington Carver, or his father, Moses Carver. You'll have to read and decide for yourself who it was that changed the world. Or, maybe every one changes the world in their own way.

I love the message of this story....that everything we do matters. Every action we make has a consequence, whether it be good or bad.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful. Rich colors add beauty to the beautiful story. Though kids may be to young to understand the concept, this book is based on Andy Andrew's "The Butterfly Effect." Thus, a theme of butterflies runs through the illustrations.

This book has the important lesson that each of us is important. I think it is a great way to tell your children that they can be and are important. The story closes by telling children that they can be the kid who changes the world. It would be a fantastic birthday gift, because it reinforces the importance of the individual who is reading it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Wednesday Wit

Today I was waiting (not so very) patiently for Grandma Moses to cross the street. I said out loud "move it folks." My 3 year old piped up from the backseat "Use your manners Mama!"