Oz Naturals NEW Matrix 6 Mega Bright Eye Gel

What is the Oz Naturals Brand all about?

Co-Founder and Certified Esthetician, Angela Irish launched OZ Naturals as a company that embodies everything she's passionate about -- healthy skin, anti-aging, natural ingredients, and utilizing the latest technology to formulate the highest quality skin care products on the market.

Utilizing her personal experience of skin issues, she understands that when your skin is unhealthy it can negatively affect your self-esteem. After trying tons of products over the years she was always left with the same skin issues as before. Sometimes even worse than before. Angela knows how disheartening this can be, especially when so many skin care products make huge claims, and simply do not deliver. It's especially frustrating when the cost of those products are hardly affordable, and you realize once again that you've wasted your money.

While it's true that beautiful skin is also hereditary, healthy skin comes from taking care of the inside and outside of our bodies. However, finding the right products for your skin can be the toughest part of the equation. This is why OZ Naturals was founded, to create healthy, premium skin care products to help those who weren't naturally born with perfect skin, to obtain more perfect skin. The kind of skin that everyone deserves to have.

My thoughts on the NEW Oz Naturals Matrix 6 Mega Bright Eye Gel

I have tried several of the Oz Naturals products and all of them feel good on my skin. They come attractively packaged and very budget friendly. I like that the ingredient list is natural based. This new Mega Bright Eye Gel contains Matrix 6 which seems to be a new buzz word on the cosmetics ingredient list. 

About the Product (from Oz Naturals) - OZ NATURALS Matrix 6 Mega Bright EYE GEL is loaded with cutting edge ingredients that produce results.

• THIS SUPERIOR FORMULA contains Matrixyl Synthe'6, known for its wrinkle lifting effects which helps to reduce the appearance of crow's feet and forehead lines.
• A 2ND KEY INGREDIENT, HALOXYL, is an anti-inflammatory that helps diminish and fade the appearance of dark circles with repeated use.
• A 3RD KEY INGREDIENT, CAFFEINE, reduces puffiness; Hyaluronic Acid attracts moisture, and Apple Stem Cells protect skin and help preserve a more youthful look.
• MADE IN THE USA in a state of the art FDA registered facility, OZ Naturals formulates some of the most effective anti-aging products on the market.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary product to facilitate this review. Opinions are my based on my actual use of the product. I was not compensated for this review.

Reasons Why I Like Calling North Carolina Home! (North Carolina from Above in High Definition)

Song of the Stars By Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Alison Jay Published by Zondervan

About the book: From New York Times bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones, Song of the Stars Christmas picture book is now available in the popular board book format.

This board book edition of Song of the Stars, written by New York Times bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Alison Jay, is a Christmas book that explores the joy and celebration in all of creation at the coming of Jesus.

They’ve been waiting with eager longing for the coming of God’s promised Son, and when at last he arrives, the whole earth holds its breath: their Creator, Jesus, Emmanuel has come to the world that he made. Trees, seas, skies, stars, animals—they all spread the news that at last the time has come. It’s time! He’s here!

My thoughts: Imagine if you will, every item in creation anticipating the time when God would send His only Son to the Earth to redeem mankind. Well, that is exactly what Sally Lloyd-Jones has done with her book Song of the Stars. The prose is perfectly suited for this anticipatory story.

. . . .the leaves, that night, rustled with a rumor.
News rang out across the open fields.
A song drifted over the hills.
The wind whispered it softly in the sycamore trees that waved their moonlit branches to the sky.
A barn owl took flight.
Woodland creatures stirred...
"It's time! It's time!"

The story is just sweet and delightful and builds and builds as creature after creature, blades of grass, and stars anticipate the coming of God's Son. And then the names of Christ are shared..... The Bright and Morning Star, The Good Shepherd, A Light to light up the whole world, The One, Our Rescuer.

The illustrations are whimsical, soft, enchanting. They embrace creation as it rejoices with the coming of the Son of God.

(I scanned this and it is not a good scan, but you get an idea of the sweetness of the book)

A little board book (also available in hardcover with regular pages) that Chat With Vera can highly recommend. Go beyond the traditional Luke 2 Biblical account of Christ's birth. Learn how all of creation rejoiced at His coming.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the BookLook Blogger Review program on behalf of ZonderKiz and the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

NeoCell Skin, Hair, and Nails products: Beauty Bursts and Collagen Beauty Builder [Review & Giveaway]

Collagen is becoming a buzz word in beauty circles.

If you read much in magazines or online about taking care of your skin, hair, and nails, you have seen articles that frequently include this new buzz word - Collagen. It comes in many forms - powders for drinks, chewy "candies," and tablets. Today we'll looking at the NeoCell brand of Collagen products - NeoCell Beauty Bursts Chews and Collagen Beauty Builder tablets. Both have different quantities of collagen as well as different types of collagen. They have additional enhancer ingredients which you can see from the information below.

NeoCell Beauty Bursts 

My thoughts:   A couple of months ago I began using NeoCell products and my favorite thus far has been the Biotin Bursts. Second in line as favorites is the Beauty Bursts. It comes in a chocolate mint and a fruit chew. I don't actually chew them, I prefer to kind of dissolve them in my mouth. I consider them a "treat" since they are slightly sweet. Isn't it fun when doing good for yourself becomes a pleasurable treat as well?

These fruit punch Collagen chews are delicious and they are not artificial tasting. I have been delighted with the way my nails are growing and they are not splitting and breaking a before. As you can see from the picture, they are a lovely rose color and are individually wrapped. They are Gluten Free, Soy Free, Contain No Palm Oil and No Artificial Flavors.

I am happy to include this Beauty Burst collagen enhancer in my daily routine! The NeoCell Beauty Bursts Gourmet Collagen Soft Chews are a delightful way to intake a supplement that will help your hair, skin, and nails.

NeoCell Beauty Bursts (Product Information from NeoCell)

• Collagen Type 1 & 3 For Firm, Smooth Skin & Strong Hair & Nails
• Hyaluronic Acid For Skin Hydration & Renewal
• Vitamin C:  Collagen Enhancer
• All Natural Formula Bursting With Delicious Flavor

Having beautiful & radiant skin has never been so easy- or so delicious.  NeoCell Beauty Bursts deliver high absorption beauty nutrients in delectable, gourmet soft chews.  Collagen Type 1 & 3 is the body's beauty protein & strengthens skin, hair & nails.  Hyaluronic Acid is know as "Nature's Moisturizer" & hydrates the skin.  Vitamin C is essential to boosting collagen in the skin.  Together, these three beauty nutrients work together to build beautiful skin from the inside out.*

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

NeoCell Collagen Beauty Builder is an award winning, all natural solution for youthful, radiant skin and overall beauty that starts from the inside. (product information from Neocell)

• 2013 "Best Skin, Hair and Nails Supplement" Delicious Living Magazine

Loss of elasticity in the skin, thinning hair, and brittle nails are common signs of aging that are the result of diminished collagen levels in the body. This nutrient rich formulation provides the body with potent beauty building essentials for radiant skin, thicker hair and stronger nails.*

My thoughts: As I said earlier, the Beauty Bursts and the Biotin Bursts both contain Collagen and are delightfully delicious additions to my day - helping me grow better, stronger nails and maintain or improve my hair and skin. With the Collagen Beauty Builder, which is tablet form Collagen supplement, you can increase your intake of Collagen or take it in pill form. Your choice.

I'm not really a "pill person" so the chews appeal to me most. However, and this is a BIG HOWEVER, I understand that Collagen helps with joint and back pain. Now that is not as a pain reliever, but as a supplement that can possibly improve the condition of your joints and back. So with my "aching back" in mind as well as some arthritic joints, I decided to actually increase the amount of Collagen I'm consuming with the goal of tackling these problems. I think it is worth the try.

Key Ingredients: (from NeoCell)

• Hydrolyzed Super Collagen: Collagen is a structural component of hair, skin and nail health. Collagen is difficult for the body to use in its native form. NeoCell's pharmaceutical grade Super Collagen™ is enzymatically hydrolyzed, providing low molecular weight collagen that is highly bioavailable and bioactive. Super Collagen™ contains 19 amino acids that help sustain collagen levels in aging skin as well as assist in rebuilding the skin matrix.*
• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid is a water-loving nutrient that hydrates the body and promotes skin elasticity. HA is nature's “moisture-magnet” and plays a central role in supporting the appearance of smooth, supple skin.*
• Silica: Silica is a mineral involved in the transport of nutrients to the hair, skin and nails and ensures that hair follicles are supplied with all the vital minerals necessary for the growth and vitality of hair.*
• Alpha Lipoic Acid: Free radical damage is a major cause of skin aging, making potent antioxidants essential for healthy and beautiful skin. Because it is both fat and water soluble, alpha lipoic acid is a superior anti-inflammatory nutrient. This unique feature enables alpha lipoid acid to protect against free radicals both inside and outside the cell, whereas other antioxidants only provide protection outside the cell.*
• Biotin: Biotin is a B vitamin critical for hair growth and strengthening nails.*

Purchase NeoCell products at iHerb.com - click here

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 29 ENDS November 17 @ 12:00 a.m. ET
Open to USA addresses only.
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From Neocell: NeoCell has been developing and manufacturing all natural, premium anti-aging formulas for over 20 years and is the leading Collagen brand in the world. Our products are naturally based, not synthetic, and are designed to promote youthful health, beauty and total body wellness. We manufacture our own products using carefully sourced.  food-grade raw materials and our facility exceeds all GMP standards.We strive to continuously bring the best to our customers– products that we and our own families are proud to use, made with Nutrients You Can Trust®.

NOTE: It is always recommended that you talk to your physician prior to beginning any new supplement regime. 

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary products from NeoCell to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own based upon my use of the products.I was not required to give a favorable review. I was not compensated for the review. I may receive a commission if products are purchased through the link given above.

Faith of our Fathers (DVD) [Review & Giveaway]

Ultimately, in parallel stories - 25 years apart - the fathers and sons are bound together forever.

About the movie: John Paul and Wayne are two young men in search of their fathers.  Problem is...their fathers have been dead for 25 years.  Eddie and Steven are two young men in search of their sons...whom they've never met.  In 1969, Eddie and Steven are with their squad deep in the jungle of Vietnam on a five-day mission to retrieve fallen comrades.  They write letters to their wives, often mentioning their love for their sons, one, who is an infant and one yet to be born.  In 1994, John Paul and Wayne go on a five day road trip to the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC to see their fathers' names.  Along the way, reading those letters, they begin to get an understanding of who their fathers were and how they died.  Trials and mishaps, both funny and sad, complicate the road trip for the boys.  The horrors of war and the testing of faith manifest themselves for the young men in

My thoughts: The premise of "Faith of Our Fathers" is simply that sons of today can learn from the faith held by their fathers even though the father was absent from their lives.

As a whole, I enjoyed the movie. Some of the acting was not up to top grade, but on the whole it was good. The mood of the film switched from dull daily life to comedic between the two main characters as they traveled from Louisiana to the Vietnam War Memorial "The Wall." And then in the midst of these comedic scenes it would switch decades back to the Vietnam War and show the two main character's fathers in combat.

John Paul (from California) flies to Louisiana to hunt down one of his father's war buddies and finds the son, Wayne, instead. This in itself is a bit bizarre because it is uncommon for someone to go to this extreme to chase down an unknown individual. However, he does it and when he gets there he is met with shotgun blasts from behind the door of a very unfriendly man, Wayne. So John Paul just sits down in front of the house and waits for Wayne to open the door. This goes on all day and evening. Again, a bit off the wall behavior. Then then two of them start out the next morning to drive from Louisiana to "The Wall."

After these scenes of unusual behavior, the drive becomes one of slapstick comedy.

So you just have to wrap your mind around this unseemly behavior and the serious scenes in Vietnam. Once you do this, the film is worth seeing. The end is "box of tissues" material and quite moving.

As I said before, I enjoyed it and can recommend it. Now it does have some intensity in the battle scene which you will want to prepare young children for. There is no profanity and no bedroom scenes.

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 26 ENDS November 8 @ 12:01 a.m. ET
Open to USA addresses only.

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

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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

99 Prayers for Children By Juliet David and Elina Ellis

My thoughts: This is definitely a classic! The prayers are rhymes or poems and simply endear themselves to adult and child alike. Included are beautiful classics from the pen of Robert Louis Stevenson to Francis of Assisi. Then there are new prayers and Scripturally based prayers.

I remember using lovely rhyming prayers with my children. This directed their hearts and minds toward God in a manner that implanted the thoughts in their minds. Rhyme is also a wonderful tool for teaching as it enables the mind to better recall.

I like that the prayers are grouped by category: for a new day, at bedtime, thanks to God, God's wonderful World, special days, etc. By grouping them the reader can more easily return to favorites or those being memorized. There is also an Index of First Lines which is an unusual, but great, addition to a children's book.

Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me:

Bless your little child tonight;

Through the darkness, please be near me,

Keep me safe till morning light.

                                     --Mary L. Duncan

Day by day, Dear Lord,

three things I pray:

To see you more clearly,

To love you more dearly,

To follow you more nearly,

Day by day.

                                                 --Richard of Chichester

Some of the poems are in simple prose, not rhyming. This is a good way to teach a child spontaneity in prayer that comes from the heart.

Another delightful book recommended by Chat With Vera.

About the book: A companion prayer book to 99 Stories from the Bible with delightful illustrations in a strong vibrant style and prayers for all occasions. The prayers are a combination of traditional and modern and provide an introduction to family prayer time with young children, bringing talking to God to life in the heart of every child.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Kregel Publications to on behalf of Lion Hudson to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Win or Lose, I Love You! By Lysa TerKeurst Published by Thomas Nelson

My thoughts: This is such an adorable book and the two characters, Lulu and Max, are so typically little boy and little girl. The artist has done a great job of bringing these two alive and so like the boys and girls who will be the readers of this book. The forest animals and scenes are done with a whimsical touch making it even more appealing and delightful.

The intention of the author is to show forth ways that a child can develop an attitude of doing their best throughout life and being able to accept winning or losing with a Christ-like attitude. Being able to accept this will help them to be assured that their life has value - win or lose.

As Lulu and Max visit their forest friends to judge the events, they find that the winners gloat and the losers cry.  This is a good little story that teaches some good lessons.

I especially like the section in the back: 10 Biblical Words of Wisdom Whether You Win or Lose. Example: "Don't rejoice when your enemies fall; don't be happy when they stumble." Proverbs 24:17 and "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6

"You may not win, but you must try.

Sometimes you'll lose, but there's no need to cry.

Win or lose, one thing that's true--

No matter what, I love you!"

About the book-from the publisher: Win or lose, one thing that’s true . . . No matter what, I love you!

Competition can bring out the worst in us, but it can also be an opportunity to learn impactful life lessons. That’s why it’s so important for kids to understand how to handle winning and losing!

Join Lulu and Max as they help Bear-Bear, Goosey, Coyote and the rest of their animal friends in the Field Day contests determine who will be the leader of Lulu’s forest.

But as the animals soon find out, not everyone can win. Sore losers, unkind winners, flaring tempers, and a few tears are taking the fun straight out of Field Day!

Just like Lulu and Max help the animals navigate the ups and downs of the day, with Win or Lose, I Love You parents will be equipped to help children:

• Replace the selfish characteristics of competition with an understanding of how to treat others fairly
• Overcome the tendency to display poor sportsmanship by using Biblical truths to develop a Christ-like attitude
• Reject the labels of winning and losing and embrace that they are loved no matter how they perform.
• Win or Lose, I Love You will show your child that, no matter what, their value is tied to who they are, not how they play!

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by the BookLook Blogger Review program on behalf of the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

Writer and illustrator speak out on creating Pout-Pout Fish series of children's books.

Very soon, I'll be reviewing The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen & illustrated by Dan Hanna and also hosting a giveaway for this cute children's book. It's coming up on Christmas and the fishes are getting ready. I found the following "interviews" with the author and illustrator really interesting and thought you might as well.

Dan Hanna, Illustrator

How long have you been illustrating the Pout-Pout Fish books? What inspired your depiction of the main character, Mr. Fish?

I started illustrating the first book in early 2007 and so it's been about 8 or 9 years now.

About 15 years ago I was scuba diving in Fiji.  There was a huge rusting hulk of a shipwreck about 80 feet down.  At the end of a pole extending above the deck was a small metal basket.  Resting in that basket was a pudgy fish about the size of my fist.  I swam up and looked right into his eyes and he looked right back with a deep, gloomy frown.  Years later, when I received the manuscript for The Pout-Pout Fish, that memory bubbled up.  I realized, at that moment, that Mr. Fish was an actual fish, living on the other side of the world, 80 feet down on a shipwreck.

Fire and Ice by Mary Connealy (Wild at Heart series, Book 3)

About the book: Saddle up for mysteries and laughs with the Wilde sisters!

Bailey Wilde is the oldest sister--and the one who takes care of everyone else in her family. But after her sisters marry and move away, her little homestead becomes bleak and lonely, especially during the long winter months. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan concocted by her neighbor, Gage Coulter.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune by being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of excellent grazing land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to this land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it. So he makes a proposal...

Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders finally loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in the process?

My thoughts: Mary Connealy crafts entertaining stories that have comedic flavor bordering on downright silly in some scenes. She uses quaint, funny phrases and side remarks by the characters to wallop a punch to the reader’s funny bone.

In Fire and Ice, she concludes the story of the three young women who are homesteading and who had previously been soldiers in the Civil War. Of course, they had to dress as men because women simply were not soldiers back then. But their ornery father wanted sons, so the girls had to go to war as his sons.

In this the third book in the series, Bailey has centered her homestead right in the only entrance to another rancher's land. This causes quite a rift between the two – Gage and Bailey. She wants to winter her cattle on that land and won’t allow Gage’s cattle to trespass on her land to enter the valley.

There is more mischief afoot when someone tries to cause deadly harm to Gage.

Winter comes and Bailey is alone in her cabin and having a rough time tending her cattle and dealing with the isolation. And then…. Well more would actually spoil this Wild West story and I certainly don’t want to spoil it for you. Read it. Laugh a heap. And have a bit of relaxing fun.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Christmas: A Gift For Every Heart by Charles F. Stanley [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: Charles Stanley is well known throughout the World of Evangelical Christians. In this beautifully designed and rendered Christmas book by Stanley, the reader will encounter page after page of beautiful written words of encouragement.

Christmas is all about the coming of Christ as a babe in the manger, but the ultimate  message of Christmas is one of Salvation. Christ came to bring Salvation to mankind. So this lovely book opens with a message of God's gift of His Son as our savior – “When the Times Comes – God with You, Wherever You Are.”

Other chapters will bring comfort, encouragement, and beauty into the life of the reader. I can see this lovely book used as a devotional for some of the chaotic December days when a word fitly spoken would bring peace.  Each chapter has Scripture and the words of hymns that fit the theme of that chapter. Love it!

What a beautiful gift to share with someone. But don’t wait until Christmas Day to give it, go ahead and start the giving early because this is a treasure. Here are some of the lovely lines....

"I am with you. I haven't left you. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere.

The Lord masterfully orchestrates history in order to fulfill His word  to His people. 

Christmas is gloriously undeniable evidence that,  no matter how long the delay, God is on His throne and intimately involved in the circumstances of your life.

Just because the Father appears to be silent doesn’t mean He has forsaken you – and He certainly isn’t sitting still, doing nothing. 

Jesus is worthy of your focus, worship, and praise at Christmas and always."

About the book: Reigning king, suffering servant, precious Savior - celebrate Jesus' birth from the perspectives of those who knew him! Accompanied by inspiring Scripture and beautiful color photos, Charles Stanley's reflections invite you to see the nativity through the eyes of Mary, Joseph, the innkeeper, Bethlehem townspeople, the wise men, and the prophet Isaiah. Makes a meaningful gift!

Buy it: http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/334401/

GIVEAWAY

Win a copy of this delightful book!
Begins October 20 ENDS November 6 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

 Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Family Christian to facilitate this review and giveaway. Opinions are my own, alone, and I was not required to render a positive review.

Silent Night (A VeggieTales Musical Board Book) [Review & Giveaway]

• ISBN-13: 978-0824919344

About the book: The Veggies are putting on a Christmas play based on the carol 'Silent Night' in this new musical board book.

Bob, Larry, and all the Veggie friends put on their costumes for a Christmas play about Jesus' birth told through the verses of 'Silent Night.' Laura Carrot lovingly presides over the scene as Mary while she watches the baby sleep. Out in the fields, the shepherds quake at the sight of the angels who appear. The entire cast gathers around the manger to celebrate, 'Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.'

The lyrics of this traditional carol were written in 1816 by a young priest named Joseph Mohr. His friend and musician, Franz Gruber, added the melody in 1818, and on that Christmas Eve, a song was born that captivated the hearts of people throughout the world.

Push the sound button to hear Larry sing the refrain of the song. This fun, yet reverent, Nativity book is a great way to keep toddlers talking -- and singing -- about the true meaning of Christmas. Ages 2-5.


My thoughts: Ideals and Candy Cane Press have given us another delightful children’s board book with the music push-the-button. Children just simply love these little books and the beloved Christmas Carol “Silent Night” makes it even more special.

The Veggie Tales characters are in a Christmas Nativity play and the lyrics of “Silent Night” are the story lines. Push the button and simply sing along. It will help a young child learn the turn and lyrics of this beloved Christmas Carol. Sized just right for little hands to hold and carry about the house throughout the day. Parents may eventually tire of hearing the tune but they can calmly bear it because they know this is a building block for a Child’s relationship with the Christ of the nativity. A plus is that you can replace the batteries when needed.

Another sweet book highly recommended by Chat With Vera.

GIVEAWAY 

Begins October 18
ENDS November 8 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

 Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Ideals Publications to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for the review. Giveaway copy is provided by the publisher.

Little Big (written and illustrated by Jonathan Bentley)

About the book: This playful book captures just how tough life can be when you're little. With little legs, it's hard to win races. With little hands, you can't open the cookie jar. And when you have a little mouth, nobody listens to you. Sometimes it seems like all your problems would be solved if you were just a little bigger. But "sometimes, " little is exactly the right size. Featuring delightful artwork and a relatable message, Jonathan Bentley's book will resonate with readers both big and little."

My thoughts: The charm of this book is its strikingly engaging illustrations that are cute, bright, ferocious, humorous, and which succinctly tell the story of being little and being big. As little brother typically trying to do and be just like big brother, he discovers he simply can't be and do both at the same time. Sometimes little is better than big.

I love the way his stuffed animals play an integral part in the story. The illustrations are super good with the stark colors standing boldly against the white backgrounds.

Published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers which is a Christian publishing house, the book is not focused on any Christian belief or concept. It could have just as easily been published by any secular main-line publisher. While there is no moral taught in the story, the concept of accepting ourselves for what we are (in this case it is being little as oppose to big), is certainly well developed.

A book that Chat with Vera can heartily recommend. Buy it as a gift. Get it for your own young child. Look for it in the library.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Eerdmans Books to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

The Splendor of Ordinary Days by Jeff High (Contemporary Christian fiction)

Readers of Jan Karon's Mitford series and Patrick Taylor's Irish Country series will fall in love with Jeff High's funny, heartfelt Watervalley series.

The pastoral charm of small-town Watervalley, Tenneesse, can be deceptive, as young Dr. Luke Bradford discovers when he's caught in the fallout of a decades-old conflict. . . .

After a rocky start as Watervalley's only doctor, Luke Bradford has decided to stay in town, honoring the three-year commitment he made to pay off his medical school debts. But even as his friendships with the quirky townsfolk deepen, and he pursues a romance with lovely schoolteacher Christine Chambers, several military veterans' emotional wounds trigger anger and unrest in Watervalley.

At the center of the clash is the curmudgeonly publisher of the local newspaper, Luther Whitmore. Luther grew up in Watervalley, but he returned from combat in Vietnam a changed man. He fenced in beautiful Moon Lake, posting "Keep Out" notices at the beloved spot, and provokes the townspeople with his incendiary newspaper.

As Luke struggles to understand Luther's past, and restore harmony in Watervalley, an unforeseen crisis shatters a relationship he values dearly. Suddenly Luke must answer life's toughest questions about service, courage, love, and sacrifice.

My thoughts: Jeff High’s gentle, witty exposure of life in a Southern small town was a pleasure to read. His wordsmithing skills were particularly entertaining and a delight to read. I love his ability to “turn a well-turned phrase.” He makes you fall in love with each of the story’s characters – even the old curmongerly newspaper man.

The gentle life in Watervalley is disrupted by a bit of tension and some violence. Violence that is toned down by Dr. Luke Bradford’s splendid interference. Dr. Luke is the town’s only doctor and he has grown to love the townspeople in all their flawed glory. He especially has grown to love the beautiful Christine Chambers. Their romance is punctuated by their passion and desire which they manage to control.

Relationships with a neighboring Old Order Mennonite community are strained and the source of this tension goes back a few decades. Again, Dr. Luke manages to root around finding the source and the solution.

The title "The Splendor of Ordinary Days" is especially appropriate and the book gives the reader glimpses into these splendid ordinary days. This is a good picture of Southern life and I was very much encouraged that the characters were not portrayed as uneducated social misfits. I enjoyed it.

 Meet the Author: After growing up on a farm in rural Tennessee, Jeff High attained degrees in literature and nursing. He is the three-time winner in fiction and poetry of an annual writing contest held by Vanderbilt Medical Center. He lived in Nashville for many years and throughout the country as a travel nurse before returning to his original hometown, near where he now works as an operating room RN in open-heart surgery. He is the author of the Watervalley novels, including More Things in Heaven and Earth

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and publisher to facilitate  this review. Opinions are my own, alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Peanut allergies call for something different - SunButter Sunflower Spread [Review & Giveaway]

When raising my five children, peanut butter played a major role in their nutrition. I counted on it for protein boosts and economical, tasty food choices. We used it on crackers, in sandwiches, in icings, in cookies. In lots of good stuff. And it was easy and convenient for the kids, too. Sadly, in today's world there are many who have peanut allergies and cannot avail themselves of this wonder food that was discovered by Carver so many years ago.

But there are alternatives to peanut butter and one that doesn't risk nut allergies is SunButter's Sunflower Spread. This product line is made from Sunflower seeds and closely resembles peanut butter in taste and consistency making it a viable substitute.

I recently tried three of the SunButter product lines and was very pleased with the taste and texture. We ate it on crackers, in jelly and SunButter Spread, sandwiches, in banana/mayonnaise and SunButter Spread sandwiches, and finally in the Three-Ingredient SunButter Cookie recipe. We were not disappointed.

Product information (from SunButter website) - 

When we introduced SunButter in 2002, Governor John Hoeven declared, “Wow, SunButter tastes great and it is the future of North Dakota.”  SunButter provided a solution – offering a delicious peanut butter substitute – for families with peanut and tree nut allergies.  Our customers turn to this peanut and tree nut free sunflower spread for safe lunches, snacks and peanut and tree nut free recipes.  And it is not just for families with peanut allergies – SunButter is a healthy treat packed with more nutrition benefits than peanut butter and a delicious roasted sunflower seed taste.

3-Ingredient SunButter Cookie - Ingredients: 1 cup SunButter® (I used Organic), 1 cup sugar (no substitutions), 1 egg. (Note: Recipe did not call for it, but I used 1 tsp. of vanilla.) With wire wisk, whip together sugar and egg. Stir in SunButter Spread. Roll tablespoon of dough into ball. Press grid into top of cookie with fork. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Bake 350 for 10 minutes.

GIVEAWAY 

Begins October 14
ENDS November 3 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

 Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary products to facilitate this review. Opinions are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review.

"M is for Manger" by Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley, illustrated by Claire Keay

ISBN-13: 9781496401953
Tyndale House Publishing
Hardcover $7.99

About the book: Travel through the alphabet with this beautiful rhyming storybook that tells the story of Jesus' birth. Begin with the angel who tells Mary that she is God's chosen vessel and follow along until you reach the zillions of stars that paled in comparison to the star that announced the birthplace of the newborn King. Beautifully illustrated and written, this book will be a classic for parents to read to their children every Christmas season.

My thoughts: As colder weather approaches and with it holidays, we turn our thoughts to special holidays such as Christmas. I realize it is just barely mid-October as I am writing this, but some things just simply take a bit of forethought and planning ahead.

M is for Manger is a sweet young children's book (hardcover, 64 pages) with lovely illustrations done in soft tones. The rhymes on each two-page spread tell the story of Christ's birth from the beginning and through Jesus' presentation in the Temple. Each of the 36 letters of the English alphabet has a special word that is connected to the story...... "M" - manger, "E" - Elizabeth, "P" - peace, "J" - Jesus. A lovely drawing is on the left side with the letter entwined and on the right side is the four-line verse and also a connected verse of Scripture. Several versions of Scripture are used throughout the book. My preference, however, would have been the beautiful King James Version.

The INN was full in Bethlehem, 

 so they were turned away. 

They found a nearby stable

 and slept upon the hay. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

All along God had this plan

while ruling from above.

He sent his Son to save the world

and show us his great LOVE.

I like that the story verses and pictures stick very true to the Scripture - more than 3 wise men (Scripture says wise men came, not how many), shepherds arrive on the scene at a time different from the wise men, etc. I like, too, how it begins early in the narrative with the annunciation to Mary that she would bear a child and call him Jesus and then the visit by Mary to Elizabeth. I like that more of the infant Jesus' story is included in this Christmas story with Mary and Joseph taking baby Jesus to the Temple where they meet Simeon and Anna.

I recommend this little book as a gift from mom and dad, grandmama, auntie or uncle, or Sunday School teacher - and the price is right. I can see it being used in the home (or perhaps kindergarten classroom) for 36 days during the Christmas season as a daily devotional.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Tyndale Blog Network to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Miracle Drug by Richard L. Mabry, M.D. [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781630881184

Paperback $14.99

Abingdon Press
Purchase a copy

About the book: Overcoming these odds will take more than a miracle drug---it will take a miracle.

The infection wasn't supposed to happen, but it did. The treatment was supposed to take care of it, but it didn't. Then Dr. Josh Pearson discovers why---his patients, including the former President of the United States, have been dosed with a different strain of the original virus, one that is universally fatal. The only chance for survival is treatment with an experimental drug, but the manufacturer might already have discarded its supply.

As if treating the President of the United States isn't stressful enough, the situation goes from bad to worse when Rachel Moore, a nurse Josh is falling in love with, falls ill. With the nation's eyes on him, Josh must pull off a miracle to save a man who holds a good deal of power and the woman who holds his heart.

My thoughts: My experience reading books written by retired doctor Richard L. Mabry has been enjoyable and a pleasure to recommend to others. As his latest book emerged, I looked forward to reading it. I was absolutely not disappointed! From the first page, the story was fast paced and interesting.

The need to find the source of an American ex-president's illness and treat him accelerates with the discovery that the initial diagnosis while correct is only a small part of the problem, and the race is critically paced to find a cure. The plot thickens as an assassin manages to slip past the armed guards and into the ex-president's room. He is discovered and killed in the nick of time. Who sent him? How wide-spread is the plot to kill this ex-president?

As Secret Service and local police protect the victim and analyze the crimes, and as they try to keep it from becoming public knowledge, the doctors and a smart lab technician fight the medical battle.

In this medical thriller the reader will wonder if this is an international plot, a ploy of a drug company, or a greedy individual who will stoop to the lowest low for their own corrupt gain.

I loved the interaction and fast thinking of the medical professionals and the ex-president's professional staff to facilitate safety, secure the rare cure, and assist in the solution of the multiple crimes committed in this saga.

The reader is reminded that this is a work of fiction. The infection is fictitious as is the rare drug. However, it reads like modern science and the skill of Dr. Mabry brings. a great level of medical professionalism and believability. Another good read from the pen of a medical professional turned professional writer.

More reviews & information - click here

GIVEAWAY 

Begins October 11
ENDS October 30 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

 Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Author: A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award and have won the Selah Award. He is a past vice president of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Thank You, Lord, For Everything by P.J. Lyons

ISBN: 9780310748120
ZonderKidz ~ $9.99
Christian/Values & Virtues

About the book: A new padded board book with cheerful and upbeat rhymes that teaches children to be thankful.

A comfortable and relaxing rhyme tells the story of God's great blessings in this padded cover board book. P.J. Lyons' engaging text and Tim Warnes' playful illustrations remind readers how much they have to be thankful for.

Thank You, Lord, For Everything, is a sweet and gentle rhyme-perfect for bedtime, quiet time, and anytime in between.

My thoughts: Parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles, teachers, and all who love and care for children should take upon themselves the responsibility to lovingly teach thankfulness to children. Most of us are not born with a thankful spirit and it needs to be nurtured in each of us.

Lovely little books are a wonderful tool to guide the hearts and minds of those little ones toward a spirit of thankfulness. Thank You, Lord, For Everything by P.J. Lyons is just such a little book. Designed for the younger crowd, it is perfectly sized for little ones to hold and carry about with them.

Day is pushing light away,

Sunshine calls you out to play.

Brightly out of bed you spring,

"Thank you, Lord, for everything."

So begins the day for this cute little bear. Tim Warnes' illustrations are sweet, lively, consisting of soft watercolors that are active and engaging.

Beauty greets you everywhere,

On the ground and in the air--

Jeweled flower, stained glass wing,

"Thank you, Lord, for everything."

Children will learn that being thankful is not just something you express at mealtime or bedtime. It is an all day, everything way of living. I'm reminded that we are called to "give thanks in everything" and to "pray without ceasing." This is a beginning for little ones to learn to do just that.

This little book is highly recommended by Chat With Vera and I urge you to consider this in your gift giving.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Book Look Blogger program to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. No compensation was received for this review.

Gluten Free baking products from "Our House" division of House of Autry [Review & Giveaway]

In our house, we don’t have anyone that has to watch the gluten in their diet. However, my daughter and her daughter do. So when I was given the opportunity to review the “Our House” brand of gluten free products, I was delighted. I reviewed another brand of gluten free products sometime back, and while they worked fine, they were not especially appealing to me. I received the “Our House” brownie mix, all purpose baking mix, and cookie mix.

I first prepared the brownies – well, who doesn’t love chocolate. I was simply amazed at how moist and delicious these were. I don’t think most folks would be able to tell the difference between these and “regular” brownies. You can take these to a potluck and be sure to see the plate picked clean.

"Our House" Gluten Free Brownies

“Our House” has also thoughtfully provided a little “tag” that you can clip from the side of the box that says “ Gluten Free” and place next to your dish at a potluck, party, or family dinner.

Next, I wanted to experiment with the all purpose baking mix. Since it is “everything pumpkin” season and since we have had an on-going love affair with pumpkin bread, that is what I thought I’d prepare. Well, there was a dearth of recipes online, so I conjured up (that’s an October seasonal term) my own. It didn’t turn out as expected, but I think I know how to fix it next time. Pictured here is my excursion into gluten free pumpkin bread cooking…

I’m saving the cookie mix and letting my daughter try that one. Maybe for when her girl comes to town for a visit. Won’t that be fun.

I saw these products at the local Food Lion grocery store and understand that Harris Teeter and Lowes Foods also carries them. If you can’t find them, they are available online at the Our House website http://ourhousegf.com

GIVEAWAY 

Begins October 7
ENDS October 28 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

 Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received complimentary products from "Our House" to facilitate this review. Opinions about the products are my own. I received a small stipend to post the review. Giveaway winner's prize will be sent directly to them from Our House.

House-Autry Mills announces their Gluten Free Products - "Our House Gluten Free" {Press Release}

Chat With Vera reviews these products & is hosting a giveaway
beginning October 7 & ending October 28.

Better tasting gluten-free mixes for baking is the promise of new Our House brand

(Four Oaks, NC) – In order to overcome the wariness that some people have about gluten-free foods, a new brand of baking mixes has launched with the promise of flavor, texture and quality that no other gluten-free baking mixes can offer. In fact, Our House brand products come with a “Better Taste Guarantee.”

“We have witnessed the growth of gluten-free baking mixes and noted the dissatisfaction of consumers involving their taste and texture,” said Craig Hagood, CEO of House-Autry Mills, one of America’s oldest food companies. “We knew that there could be better formulations developed and set about creating a gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO baking mix line we call ‘Our House.’ ”

In consumer taste tests, Our House brand products were judged superior in taste and texture, and gluten-free category buyers of retailers presented with the new Our House line agree.

“There has been universal agreement among the retailers that have sampled the Our House line that we do, in fact, have something very special to offer gluten-free consumers,” said Vice President of Marketing Mike Ganey. “Their enthusiastic response will assure that we can expect most retailers to offer Our House in 2015.”

Our House offers a complete line of baking mix products, including: all-purpose flour, brownie mix, cookie mix, pancake and waffle mix, corn bread mix, and baking mix.

“We are offering a money-back guarantee to any consumer that any of our gluten-free products offer a superior flavor and texture when compared to any other gluten-free brand,” Hagood explained. “We invested heavily in research and development and the construction of a new plant for milling our gluten-free products to assure their purity.”

Our House packaging will include two recipes for using each mix in both a traditional and a new way. “Our research indicated that gluten-free consumers are constantly in search of new ways to use a favorite product, so our packaging, website and other digital marketing will include a healthy offering of recipes and recipe ideas,” Ganey said.

House-Autry Mills was established in 1812 and is a leading manufacturer of milled grain products in the U.S. More information on the new gluten-free Our House brand products can be found at OurHouseGF.com. Consumers can expect the new brand to be available on the shelves of selected retailers beginning in May 2015. To contact an Our House sales representative, call (844) 497-2388.

Natural Personal Care Products from Remedy's Nutrition [Review & Giveaway]

In recent years, it has become known that our bodies absorb what we put ON them just as what we put IN them. Now I don’t mean absorption of clothing and such. I mean absorbing liquids, creams, gels. These pass through the skin barrier and go right into our systems. That means we should examine everything that we use to care for our skin.

I recently discovered another natural product line that I would like to share with you – Remedy’s Naturals  - This company has decades of experience and draws from a combination of European, Caribbean, and Native American herbal traditions supported by a family tradition in conventional mainstream medicine. Read more about their history here -  http://remedysnutrition.com/pages/about-us

Today we’re looking at a shampoo, body scrub, and lotion and Remedy’s is also providing these three products in a giveaway here on Chat With Vera.

Lemongrass Grapefruit Shampoo Organic - click here

This lovely shampoo has a nice lather, leaves my hair squeaky clean with a lovely sheen, and a hint of scent of grapefruit and lemongrass refreshing and that is not overpowering. I can highly recommend this shampoo for my readers.

Product information (from Remedy's website) - This Lemongrass and Grapefruit Shampoo was formulated using the extracted esters of Hemp Oil (fatty acids), which adds emolience and shine to hair; without a flat, greasy after-feel. The omega 3 & 6 properties offers needed strength for the scalp and hairshaft. Mild on all hair types with vegetable based cleansers and free of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), DEA and Parabens. 

Organic Pure and Natural Lotion - click here

Oh my! This lotion is a winner! It feels silky smooth, comforting to my skin, and is NOT one of those “sticky” lotions.

Product information (from Remedy's website) - A creamy smooth lotion made from natural sources. Plant and tree derived oils, skin friendly botanical extracts and organic Shea and aloe. Cold pressed goodness of avocado, organic coconut, sunflower and pumpkin seed oils. These oils can improve skin's texture and rejuvenate, working in conjunction with botanical's. Comfrey has skin reconditioning qualities and elder extract can calm skin conditions. Cucumber and mallow extract assist in reducing skin irritation, and organic aloe helps skin's flexibility and hydration. 18% Organic Ingredients - No Parabens, Natural Preservative, Environmentally Friendly, No Animal, Testing, Baby Safe.

Tropical Island Scrub Organic - click here

Now as with any oil-based salt scrub that is used in one’s bath, care must be exercised to avoid slipping. That being said, this salt scrub feels fantastic during and after use. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and youthful. I’ve even used it when shaving my legs and it works beautifully. (Who made the rule that you need suds when shaving? Not so!)

Product information (from Remedy's website) - Our Tropical Island Salt Soak contains real, unadulterated Dead Sea Salts rich in the above minerals and many others.  We have only added beneficial carrier and essential oils, depending on the mix of the season.  Scrubbing your skin with Dead Sea Salts can relieve dry skin, and improve skin function and hydration. 

The clinical study 'Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin' notes: 

'Magnesium salts, the prevalent minerals in Dead Sea water, are known to exhibit favorable effects in inflammatory diseases.

I would encourage Chat With Vera readers to personally investigate this company’s product line to see what they have that might work well for you or your family.

GIVEAWAY 

Begins October 5
ENDS October 27 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

 Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary products to facilitate this review. Opinions are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review.

Veggie Tales Count Your Blessings Activity Book By: Kathleen Bostrom Illustrated By: Lisa Reed

I am amazed at this VeggieTales activity book. Lots of fun activities, over 75 stickers (you all know what a hit stickers are!), vibrant colors, cute characters, and a rhyming "story" all wrapped up in one product. Of course, this is an activity book and not something meant to endure over the long haul. But this is a terrific little book that packs a lot of fun and it is so low budget. It is less than $5. I frankly couldn't believe you could get this much for $5 anymore.

I love that fun can be directed toward learning and learning about God's gifts to us - our world, friends, yummy food, etc. All done with rhyme.

Hey! Did I say that I like it? Well, I highly recommend this for bunches of low price gifts at anytime.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Ideals Children's Books an imprint of Worthy Publishing Group. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated.

The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN 9780825443879

 $14.99 | Paperback

Kregel Publications

My thoughts: Historical fiction with a bit of science fiction twist to it. That is how I would categorize The Methuselah Project. This is the fictional work of an imaginative mind taking us into the realm of Nazi Germany during the Third Reich when Hitler was trying to rid the World of undesirables and promote his pure and super race. Hitler's goal (fact here) was to make sure his perceived pure race of Germans would continue unabated throughout the World. Now venturing into the fictional arena, the author has Third Reich scientists using captured soldiers with all the "right" qualities, on which to experiment and test their alteration of the genetic makeup of these individuals to ensure Methuselah type length-of-life.

Imprisoning seven of these men and subjecting them to the experiments, only one survived and exhibited the qualities they were seeking. That was the male protagonist in our story, Roger Greene. Alas, a bombing took out the lab killing the main scientist and destroying the majority of his records. 

Seventy years later, Roger Greene escapes his captors and enters the modern, perplexing world. His life is in danger from many corners and he must seek to find proof of who he really is. 

This is a pretty far fetched premise, but many scientific ideas have previously been in the realm of the unattainable and are now fact. 

I found the story entertaining and providing reflection on some of the atrocities that were and may have been committed during that period of time. The Christian aspect was there, but not overwhelming. The touch of romance that developed between Roger and Katherine is certainly well within what is acceptable for Christian fiction. A good book to recommend. 

About the book: Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed--until the day he's shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success--but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn't aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn't Captain America--just a lousy existence only made passable by a new-found faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger's sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there's no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It's 2015--and the world has become an unrecognizable place.

Katherine Mueller--crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle--offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he's trying to flee?

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Purchase a Copy or Read an Excerpt- CLICK HERE 

GIVEAWAY

Begins September 28
ENDS October 10 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

Open to USA Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read Reviews & other info here: http://litfusegroup.com/author/rbarry

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregal Publications in exchange for my review. Opinions are my own. No compensation was received for this review. Giveaway copy is provided by Litfuse Publicity Group.