Review: First Date (The Dating Games #1)

First Date (The Dating Games #1) by Melody Carlson

From the Back Cover

When it comes to catching the eye of that cute boy at school, sometimes you just need a little help from your friends.
Devon, Emma, Cassidy, Bryn, and Abby have one thing in common as they start their sophomore year: none of them have ever been on a "real" date. With homecoming looming, the girls make a pact and start a secret club they call the DG (Dating Games) that has just one objective--dates for the dance.

They're sworn to secrecy, but the club is their way to set each other up on their first dates so they can report back to the DG. They'll have to navigate expectations and rules from their parents, figure out how to act on a date, and endear themselves to the guys they like.

What could possibly go wrong?

 

*********************************

 

When I was given the opportunity to pick from a list of available books to review, First Date caught my eye immediately. The cover itself is chic and gave it natural appeal. 

I was impressed by the authors style of writing. I found it to be clean and it flowed nicely. I also appreciated the fact that the story was written from each of the girls view points, independently. I felt hearing each characters point of view brought the story together as a whole. 

Having said that, I really wanted to like this book. I was, however, rather disappointed. While quite possibly the intent, I viewed the message relayed about dating to be nothing more than a game. A message I was not expecting from what I understood to be a Christian novel.

While the characters superficial views on social status, appearances, and their ability to get the guys to notice them is true representation of reality for most teenagers, at no point did the story re-direct the readers thoughts- in an effort to express that the characters approach was indeed superficial.

 

I certainly would not want my teenage sons or daughters reading this book and getting the idea that dating should be viewed as a game, that their social status defines them, or that their appearances are everything. 

 

This book was a nice escape into YA fiction, for myself, as an adult. I would not, however, recommend this book for its target age group of 13-18.

I was provided First Date by Tell Us The Truth Reviews in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. The above is my own personal opinion and should be regarded as such.

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Review: Pur Gum

I always have gum in my purse..... and in my car, and my desk...Usually multiple packs and flavors. Needless to say, I was all in when given the chance to review products from the Pur Gum line.



Pur Gum

Despite my gum loving ways, I tend to be picky about this sticky treat.. Picky in that I don't like my gum to stick to my chompers, and it can't give me a 'sugar-headache' (for those that are sugar sensitive i.e. diabetic, hypoglycemic, or pre-diabetic you may know what I'm talking about).

Pur immediately won me over in the 'sugar-headache' arena. As it's diabetic friendly. {TRULY} diabetic friendly. While lots of products {claim} to be diabetic friendly, that's not always true when they are filled with aspartame. Pur Gum, however, doesn't use the dreaded aspartame, instead it uses a product referred to as Xylitol.

This Xylitol business is new to me, but I am quickly becoming a fan, as I am able to chew all four of the Pur Gum flavors {Wintergreen, Pomegranate Mint, Spearmint, and Peppermint- Yuum!) WITHOUT that awful sugar headache.

I'm also impressed to be able to say that Pur doesn't stick to my chompers. I don't have dental work that sticky gum can damage, but I still don't like gums sticky parts stuck to my pearly whites.

Overall, Pur Gum gets this girls seal of approval, with one teensy itsy bitsy caveat.

Photo Credit

Caveat=Pur does tend to lose it's flavor quickly and, for me, harden up. With that said, I would venture to say that it's health benefits are a fair trade. Because really,  if it held its flavor as long as we all think it should, what kind of chemicals would be in it to achieve such a feat? and at what cost to ones health are we willing to put up with that?...for a little extra flavor a little longer?

I {WILL} chew Pur Gum over it's aspartame filled counterparts- HANDS DOWN! 

Want to try Pur Gum for yourself? Do you have a friend or loved one that is vegan , needs treats that are gluten-free, non-gmo, nut-free,  diabetic friendly and/or dairy free? Then Pur Gum is what you've been looking for. Pur Gum can be found on Amazon.com . Some also report to have been able to find it in select health food stores.

 The Technicalities: I was provided the above mentioned product in exchange for my honest reviews. The above are my own opinions and should be regarded as such. All photos were provided to me or obtained from the Pur website.

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Review: Yappem

I've found a fun new way to find new products, share my opinion about products I use, and see what other people are yappen' about.

Even better? You get rewarded for sharing your opinion!

Stop by and give it a try!

 Yappem

They also have a mobile app that makes it easy to Yapp on the go!

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Review: Do Great Things

Photo Credit

Do Great Things by Aaron Broyles

I was recently given the opportunity to review the book Do Great Things by Motivational Speaker & Author Aaron Broyles.

Broyles shares great insight into the secrets of successful entrepreneurs, but bases them on a spiritual platform.

The reader is given perspective into determing what they wish to achieve, while centering their focus on faith and family. Making this book not only motivational but practical and encouraging.

I find it refreshing to see the works of what appears to be an honest and hardworking individual recognizing the need for us to be centered in our beliefs in God in order to achieve greatness.


I was provided Do Great Things by Bring It On Communications, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. The above is my own personal opinion and should be regarded as such.

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Hasbro's Happier New Year's Game Night

We were able to bring down the house {with laughter and fun that is} while bringing in the New Year, by participating in Hasbro's Happier New Year's Game Night! (Brought to us through House Party)

It was like Christmas all over when this packaged appeared on my front porch!

Inside was:
Scrabble Catch Phrase
Twister
Yahtzee
Words With Friends {NEW}
Draw Something {NEW}
Party hats for our guests
A Crown {To Crown the evenings CHAMPION}
A Hasbro's Game Night Trophy
Hasbro's Game Night Party Hats
and Coupons to share with my guests

Because we are already loyal Hasbro gamers, we decided to pull out ALLour Hasbro games, adding to the fun!

Some highlights from the night include:

Funniest Quote: "All I was getting was water in the crack" {While trying to guess Victoria Falls-Scrabble Catch Phrase}

The nights Game Night Offender went to: MY HUSBAND {For being the most obnoxiously competitive guest in attendance, in eVeRY sense of the word}

In the end, fun was had by all!

Thank YOU Hasbro, and Thank YOU House Party for a memorable New Year's!

Official Guest Count (although not pictured): 21
Number of Games Played: 6
Number of Hour Enjoyed: 4.5
The Evenings Favorite Game: Scrabble Catch Phrase
Least Enjoyed Game: Draw Something
Memories Made: Too Many Too Count!

Legal Mumbo Jumbo...
I was not compensated for this post. I applied and was selected, through House Party, to host Hasbro's Happier New Year's Game Night. I was accepted as a host, and agreed to adhere to the House Party Pact, which I did, to the very best of my ability.  I was in no way compensated for this post, nor was I under any obligation to post about the event.

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Review: Kylie Minogue, Abbey Road Sessions

How many of us recognize the name Kylie Minogue?

I recognize Kylie Minogue best for her up-beat pop songs, and was excited for a chance to offer a review on her soon-to-debut album The Abbey Road Sessions.

The Abbey Road Sessions includes 16 tracks taken from her 25 year career..all radically re-worked
and performed at the legendary London's Abbey Road Studio, with her band and a full orchestra.

I was taken aback by the low-key tone of this album. Her most recognizable, most danced-to pop songs have been slowed down and given the look and feel of classic ballads. Giving this album the potential of appealing to a much more sophisticated palate.

All in all I think this CD, while not to my personal liking, as I felt it lacked the Kylie energy I was expecting, was put together beautifully.

Want to know more?

The Abbey Road Sessions Track Listing:

1. All The Lovers

2. On A Night Like This

3. Better The Devil You Know

4. Hand On Your Heart

5. I Believe In You

6. Come Into My World

7. Finer Feelings

8. Confide In Me

9. Slow

10. The Locomotion

11. Can’t Get You Out Of My Head

12. Where The Wild Roses Grow

13. Flower

14. I Should Be So Lucky

15. Love At First Sight

16. Never Too Late

Get your own copy of this album at the following:

iTunes

Amazon (Deluxe)

Amazon (Standard)

 The Technicalities: I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

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Review: Color It By Numbers

We were given an opportunity to try and review a fun download, known as Color it by Numbers.

The kids are convinced that they are only coloring {and using my laptop}, while in reality, they are participating in something educational, as they match colors to numbers. Essentially it's a modern day coloring book {color it by number style}.

While I like the Color it by Numbers pages for their educational value, there is so much more to it for the kids as there are several modes you can "play" in, as well as many customizable features {to include music}.

There is a wide variety of pictures as well -ranging from animals, to vehicles to princesses. All of which are easy to download, and begin using instantly. Best of all, Color it by Numbers is available for a very reasonable price {$9.99}, especially considering that the same picture can be colored again and again.

Not sure, and want to give it a test drive? Color it by Numbers pages are available to try, before you buy.

*A Huge Thanks to Color it by Numbers for this opportunity. I was given access to both the vehicle and animal pages, free of charge, in exchange for my unbiased review. The above is my own opinion and should be regarded as such*

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Review: Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

With some extreme cases of some common skin conditions and all around dry skin {in my household} I am always in the market for something to heal dry skin.

Finding something however, can be difficult. Because of allergies and such extreme skin conditions, we need something that is effective as well as Fragrance Free AND Hypo-Allergenic. All of which The Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion was claiming to be...so I agreed to offer a review.

How it is reported to work:
"Skin MD Natural™ is a state-of-the-art shielding lotion designed to duplicate the skin's own protective barrier helping to protect skin against damaging irritants while providing hours of non-greasy moisture."

The question is, does it work?

My answer to that, is yes! It does!

It took a few days of regular applications, for the healing to be seen. After which, I noticed a huge {over-all} difference. {Both on my own skin as well as my boys}

Best of all, it truly is fragrance free and hypo-allergenic (so much so, that there was ZERO irritation - this coming from the gal who is allergic to herself most days).

As an added bonus, it truly is a non-greasy formula. Initially, I was ready to scream bogus on the non-greasy claim. Only because at the first squeeze of the bottle, the texture was smooth {unlike what I am used to}, which I expected to be greasy. That smooth texture, however, turned out to be just that...silky smooth, with zero grease. Which, I've decided (with repeated use), is the protective barrier hard at work.

Bottom line-I'm a fan!!

But you don't have to take my word for it. Visit the Skin MD website to see for yourself....

 I was provided a the Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion 

in exchange for an honest review. 

The above is my personal opinion and should be regarded as such.

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Review: Gummibar-I Am A Gummy Bear CD

Gummibar is no ordinary Gummy Bear. He's cute, he's green...he's an international star, singing the I Am A Gummy Bear song in English, French, Spanish and Swedish.

In addition to being an international singer and viral star on YouTube, he has a full line of merchandise, to include the CD- Gummibar-I Am A Gummy Bear. A CD that was an immediate favorite with my little guys.

Over-all the songs on the I Am A Gummy Bear CD are fun, catchy and up-beat. I only have {two} minor complainants. {1}There is one song that I felt was not appropriate for my young boys to listen to. {2}After listening to the songs for the 100th time, they tend to grate on the nerves. Having said that, it has become an instant favorite with my boys and has found a permanent spot on their little mp3 players.

I was provided the above mentioned CD, in exchange for an honest review. The above is my own personal opinion, and should be regarded as such. No other compensation was received.

To see all the fun things Gummibar has to offer, visit him at: http://www.gummibar.net

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Review: Matched

Matched
Author: Ally Condie

Living in a Dystopia society, for Cassia, nothing is left to chance. The way they live, what they eat and what they do with their spare time is determined by The Society.

It isn't until Cassia is part of a 'mistake' -possibly, made by the society {or was it?}, that she begins to  question the choices that have been made for her.


                   **************

I picked this book up after it was chosen by the members of the book club I am a part of.

A light read, geared towards the Young Adult readers, I found that it not only held my interest but that it was very thought provoking {and at times sobering}. I thoroughly enjoyed this book; so much so that I think I will add it back to my 'to read' list -for a second reading {as it's the first -of most likely- many...}.

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Review: Easy Lunch Boxes

As a busy gal, always on the go, I was excited to offer this review.

I work outside the home during the day, which means I am repeatedly packing a meal 'to-go'.

Something I have learned to live with -but despise- is putting my meal in one plastic container, because it's so much easier than packing each item in it's own container. Separate containers can be bulking and quite the hassle to get in to my office. Not to mention finding the perfect way to not only transport, but keep my meal fresh.

Enter Easy Lunch Boxes.

Easy Lunch Boxes has saved me from my lunch hour woes. They were kind enough to send me my own set of compartmentalized containers and a cooler bag.

I can do nothing but rave about this entire concept and the products they offer. The set of 4 containers provided me with enough containers to get me through the week, without having to wash the container every night, while the cooler bag made the transport of it all easy peasy.

Best part, the bag is roomy without being so large that it's a nuisance. With the container packed in the bottom, their is still ample room for a drink, a mid-day snack, an ice pack...you name it. It's got room for it all.

The only problem I've had with this product is keeping my hubby from getting a hold of it before I can. Over-all, I would say that's a very minimal hassle.

If you are on the go, I highly recommend the Easy Lunch Box system.

Be sure, when you click over to check the product out, that you click on their Neat Ideas section. My favorite was the 'Yummy Lunch Ideas'. Because, we all know how tedious it can be to find something new {besides left-overs} for lunch, day after day.

A HUGE Thanks to Easy Lunch Boxes for this opportunity.

I was provided the above mentioned product, in exchange for a review. 

No other compensation was received.

And, although the above is my own personal opinion and should be regarded as such.


Photo Credit: All photos are courtesy of the Easy Lunch Boxes website

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Review: A Word To the End Time Church

I was {not so recently} sent a copy of A Word to the End Time Church by Georgie Newman.

When I was first offered this book, I admit, I was hesitant to offer a review. The books title left me unsure of what it held. Was it a view on the end of times? Or something else?

Although, Newman does address the end times of 'the church', it is not in a way one would initially expect. Much of her instruction and insight is directly from scripture. Scripture, that Newman portrays with great knowledge.

The book is two part. Part one focuses on the reader, asking them to assess their own relationship with God; While the second half of the book encourages the reader to develop a strong relationship with God.

I feel as though Newmans intentions with this book are heart-felt. Having said that, there are some points that made the book difficult for me to read. Newman continually refers to 'the church'; although it matters very little, she never expands on her definition of 'the church', giving the reader a glimpse at her religious base -so to speak. Newman also takes the stance that Christians can lose their salvation; something I don't completely agree with. Despite Newmans apparent knowledge of scripture, there is never any reference as to why she takes such a stance.

Over-all, I feel that this book is a quick read and well written. Newmans passion for the message she shares, can be felt; while the knowledge she has gained from her own studies is very apparent. Although I would encourage the reader to do their own {spiritual and scripture} studying after reading this book, it does bring together some good points.

A {HUGE} thanks to Bring it On Communications for this opportunity. 

I received the above mentioned book in exchange for review, no other compensation was received.

The above is my opinion only, and should be regarded as such.

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Review: FireFly Toothbrush

One of the many joys {feel the sarcasm} of motherhood is instilling some of the basics in our children. Enter the woes of potty training and teeth brushing.

When I was given the opportunity to review the FireFly Toothbrush, I was excited.

The FireFly Toothbrush has a built-in light up timer that lights up and flashes for 60 seconds {The dentist recommended time that children should spend, brushing each row of teeth}.

Anymore, I don't struggle with getting my kids to brush, as much as I struggle with the duration. They are convinced that if they can taste the paste and make a few good swipes, all is well. To which, a battle typically ensues.

Knowing that I had a FireFly toothbrush on its way, I made it a point to tell my boys that something special was coming for them to try {hoping it would add that extra nudge of excitement}. It did.

One problem, however....

My little guys jaws dropped when they saw this:

Not original post image

"It's for girls", my youngest whined.

"It's pink, my favorite color is green", added my oldest.

Uh-Oh. Quick thinking on my feet, I convinced my boys that it wasn't a girl toothbrush. It was a tooth-fairy toothbrush. {Odd story, don't judge.}

It had worked. Disaster averted.

More importantly, the timer method worked. Easy to start, my oldest got to brushing those chompers {and made it through the full 60 seconds}.

As a reward for being such a good little reviewer, I bought him one in a less "girlie" color (and one for his brother):

I was impressed how much difference a light-up timer could make. It made their teeth-brushing experience fun and took my "nagging" out of the equation. That's a win win, if you ask me.

AND, the product is inexpensive {which is nice, if your kids are like mine. I can't tell you how many toothbrushes have been dipped in the fish-tank, taken a swim in the toilet or calcified -sitting on the counter with day old toothpaste}, and easy to find. I bought the above picture two-pack at my local wally-world.

A HUGE Thanks to FireFly, for this review opportunity.

I received the above mentioned product in exchange for an honest review.

The above is my own personal opinion and should be regarded as such

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Review: The Family Dinner

to Call me old fashioned, but I believe in the mantra that "a family that eats together stays together".

Despite my strong beliefs in this fundamental basic of keeping a family together, it's always easier said than done, especially considering how busy this family of mine can be.

I often face the battle of keeping the kids entertained, while cooking a meal, only to spend 90% of the meal tending to every one's needs (and sometimes whims).  Meal time at my home can be not only discouraging, but stressful. Making it easy for me to seek an easy way out.

Enter my new best friend....The Family Dinner, by Laurie David.

Photo Credit

I know it's better not to judge a book by its cover, but I knew this book was going to be great from the minute it arrived. Honestly, it's heavy, durable and has something I especially love...great pictures, making it BEAUTIFUL to look at.

This book is a Must Have! Because it truly has something to offer {beyond it's good looks}.

The concepts shared, although simple, can be life changing -if taken to heart-. This book doesn't preach the importance of family dinner, it shows you the importance of family dinner and how to make it possible {and successful}.

I could continue to rave about this book, but the truth is, my words do it no justice. My stand on the importance of family dinner has not only been made stronger because of this book, but I now have the knowledge and resources to make it happen. The Family Dinner has it all -from beginning to end. Starting with the steps you need to make dinner successful, recipes {that include steps especially for the kids to perform} to dealing with two homes and one dinner table.

Just reading this book, has changed my attitude and made me determined to forgo the easy way out at dinner time. {Changing my mind can be no easy feat, so I can only imagine how much more this book can provide me, as I start implement what I've learned}.

If you struggle with family unity, are at a loss for how to make dinner time worth while {and more meaningful}, this book has your answers...."But you don't have to take my word for it..." take time to read it for yourself...

a {HUGE} Thanks to the Hatchet Book Group for providing me with this book.

I was provided this book, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

The above is just that, my opinion, and should be regarded as such.

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Review: DenTek Floss Picks

I am actually one of those people that believes {and knows} how crucial flossing is in our maintaining good healthy teeth. Because of this, I floss daily, despite the fact that I don't like to. For me, fighting with the floss is not only time consuming but disgusting. But, I've never been a huge fan of the floss picks {that I had tried -up to this point-}; they never seemed to do as good of job. That did not keep me from taking the opportunity to review the DenTek Floss Picks. I figured I had nothing to lose {except maybe that that icky string of yuck -once and for all-}.

From someone that is super picky about her floss, the question is....how well do they work?

The truth?

At first I was hesitant. They claim to be 'shred-proof', yet the first one shredded after only making it between two teeth. I was also a bit turned off by angle of them. However, I thought it only fair that I give them a second, third and even a fourth try before forming my final opinion.

So my final opinion? I like them. The first one that shredded on me, must have been a lemon, because I haven't had a problem with any of them since. As for the 'angle' I wasn't too sure about...although I prefer my good old fashioned floss for my front teeth, the angle was good for those rear chompers {you know, the mighty wonders at the back of ones mouth}. They are however, a little large for the mouths of my boys {maybe that is why they offer a line 'Fun Flossers' for kids}.

The facts:
-Reasonably priced
-Easy to use
-Convenient for 'on-the-go'

Are you a flosser? 

What do you use to keep that gunky funk out 

of those hard to clean spots?

Thanks goes out to DenTek Inc for this opportunity.

I was provided a the product described above, in exchange for an honest review.

The above review is my own personal opinion and should be regarded as such

*Images borrowed from the DenTek website

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