V-Tech Toy-Tastic Easter Basket Review and Giveaway!!

Pssst....I hate to tell you this, but Easter is just, ehem, 6 days away!  I know this is a good thing, and I'm very excited about it.  But, if you haven't started your Easter shopping yet {like I haven't}, it may send you a moment of panic.  If you are looking for some ideas for your little ones, I've got a few great suggestions!

V-Tech Toys offers a number of great gift ideas for children of all ages, and I'm going to highlight a few of them.

This basket (aimed more at the little girls) includes 2 Inno-Tab games: Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins.  

A little from the company about each one:

InnoTab®Doc McStuffins software cartridge (Ages 4-7 years; MSRP: $24.99)

*Learn reading, vocabulary, observation, logic, memory, math, visual skills, creativity, healthy living and more! The Doc is in!
*Read a story about Lambie and Doc in an e-book, color in Doc's Big Book of Boo-Boos and play games with Doc and her friends.

*Works with ALL InnoTab systems

InnoTab Sofia the First software cartridge (Ages 3-6 years; MSRP: $24.99)

*Seven learning games and two creative activities teach counting, colors, patterns, problem solving and more! Join Sofia on this wild and thrilling day!

*Learn how Sofia becomes a princess in Story Mode with the interactive e-book. Take pictures with favorite characters and scenes (camera activity compatible with any InnoTab® system with a camera).
*Works with ALL InnoTab systems

Our Thoughts:

My two youngest have been spending a bunch of time trying out the cartridges!!  We have had to start setting time limits so that they can each have a turn.  It certainly brought a new excitement to an old favorite.  Doc McStuffins also came at the perfect time since we are currently learning about the human body, doctors, and all things medical.  To say they like the games would be an understatement!

There's also a decent amount of times throughout the Easter weekend where waiting happens.  The Innotab3S is a favorite to throw in my purse and pull it out and surprise the girls with to make the time go faster.  Having games with their favorite TV characters is an added bonus!

Our 'boy' themed basket has two cute toys that we have been having lots of fun trying out.  The first is a Switch & Go Dino Turbo.  The second is a  Go! Go! Smart Wheels Vehicle.

A little info about them from the Vtech company:

Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Vehicles (Ages 1-5 years; MSRP: $7.99)

*These electronic play vehicles are perfectly sized for little hands and entertain children with a light-up button that activates music and sounds.

*Little ones will also learn about different letters and vehicle names through pretend play. 

Switch & Go Dinos®Turbo Assortment (Ages 3-8 years; MSRP: $9.99)

*Kids can rev up the action with flywheels that let the dinos race and roar across the floor. Each dino also emits realistic vehicle and dinosaur sounds and phrases that teach fun facts about each dino.

*The range features six new dinos, including Dart the Triceratops, Zipp the T-Rex, Spur the Stegosaurus, Fray the Ankylosaurus, Cruz the Spinosaurus and Spinner the Stygimoloch.

Our Thoughts:

Charger has been having a lot of fun reviewing his basket, especially since the Switch and Go Dinos were on his WISH LIST.  He was thrilled!!  We received Fray the Ankylosaurus, and he has been playing with Fray NON STOP since it was placed in his hand.  

It is right in his age range, and believe me Vtech got this one right.  He's not only playing with it by itself, but also using it to interact with other toys.  He's asking questions about dinosaurs, and having fun making lots of noise as he zooms it through the house.  Certainly a new favorite toy in our house.  I suspect that his collection of Switch and Go Dinos will grow soon ;)!

The Go! Go! Smart Wheels Vehicle wasn't quite as big of a hit.  We received a cute little ATV that plays music and lights up.  But, I will be honest, that with all the other new items, this one has pretty much just sat not played with.  When they do, it is played with for a few moments and then left for the Innotab 3S or the Switch & Go Dino.  It appears that it can be combined with a much larger playset (which we don't have), which may make it more appealing.  

V-Tech has lots of fun Easter gift ideas for the little people on your list in all different price ranges, and are sold in many local stores.  You can also purchase them online at the V-Tech store!

You can also enter to WIN a gift pack of V-Tech Toys!!  V-Tech has been super awesome and allowed me to give away to one of YOU all of the toys that we reviewed!! 

The Easter Pack includes:  

• Sophia the First InnoTab Cartridge
• Doc McStuffins InnoTab Cartidge
• One Switch and Go Dino Turbo (random)
• One Go! Go! Smart Wheels Vehicle

Retail value is approx $67.96.  Open to US addresses only (no PO Box).   The prize pack is provided by V-Tech and Coyne Promotions.  

Giveaway will end Monday May 12th, 2014 at midnight.  Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter.  

Good Luck and Happy Easter!!

Lisa

**We were provided with all the toys seen above for the purpose of review.  All opinions are our own.**

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Del Monte Review and Giveaway!

We recently were sent a packaged of Del Monte fruit drinks and snacks for review!  We've never reviewed food before, and the kids were really excited!!

One afternoon while we were watching the Olympics (you can see it in the background) I decided to pull out the snacks and let the kids do a little judging of their own.  

We started out with fruit cups.  The two flavors we were sent for review were Mango and Pineapple Mango.  

I think this was their most fun review ever!  Snack time? Yes please!!

Mustang gave them a 9.8 out of 10.  Ha ha!!

In all seriousness, we all liked the mango cups the best.  Somehow, the mix of pineapple and mango were two different of textures.  We aren't texture people and even we noticed it.  That said, everyone happily ate both snack cups, we just preferred the mango.

Next up, we tried the Fruit Burst Squeezers.  We love the packaging.  The tops can be closed back up if you need to.  They were pretty easy to open, too.  The little girls needed help-but that is actually preferred ;).

The first one we tried was the fruit-veggie peach-mango.  To be honest, Mustang's face said it all.  They were good, but just, well...different.  Everyone drank them up and was happy about it, but they all preferred the fruit mixed berry we tried MUCH better.

Overall, we liked all the products a lot!  I believe we will be adding the drinks to our grocery lists as I am always looking for drinks that can go in the car without spilling and are not full of sugar.  The fruit cups were certainly enjoyed and will be great as an occasional treat.  

Here is a little information about the products we received:

About Fruit Burst™ Squeezers

Made in the U.S.A., Del Monte® Fruit Burst®Squeezers contain 1 ½ servings of fruit or fruit and veggies and are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. In addition, Del Monte® Fruit Burst®Squeezers contain no artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup.

                Fruit Burst® Fruit + Veggie Squeezers:

-          Peach-Mango: Pear puree concentrate, water, pumpkin juice concentrate, peach puree concentrate, pear juice concentrate, carrot juice concentrate, carrot puree, mango puree concentrate, natural flavors, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid.

-          Blueberry: Pear puree concentrate, water, pumpkin juice concentrate, pear juice concentrate, natural flavors, carrot puree, blueberry puree concentrate, fruit and vegetable extracts for color, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid.

Fruit Burst® Simply Fruit Squeezers:

-          Apple Cinnamon: Pear puree concentrate, water, apple puree concentrate, pear juice concentrate, natural flavors, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), cinnamon, malic acid.

-          Mixed Berry: Pear puree concentrate, water, pear juice concentrate, natural flavors, strawberry puree, red raspberry puree concentrate, blueberry puree concentrate, fruit and vegetable extracts for color, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), malic acid.

-          Strawberry: Pear puree concentrate, water, pear juice concentrate, strawberry puree concentrate, natural flavors, carmine, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), malic acid.

Mango Fruit Cup® Snacks

-          These rich and luscious mangos are a healthy way to add a little sweetness to your day - fat-free, cholesterol free, and high in Vitamin C - that you can enjoy anywhere.

Mango Pineapple Fruit Cup® Snacks:

-          Del Monte® Mango Pineapple Fruit Cup® Snacks combine two of the world’s most popular fruits: mango and pineapple. Made with rich and luscious mangos and pineapple, they contain no high fructose corn syrup and are a rich source of vitamin C.

Available at your local Walmart, be sure to add these squeezable snacks and fun fruit cups to your cart while picking up essentials for your family!

Now for the fun part!!  Want to try out the Del Monte products in your home??  We are excited to be able to give away 2 VIP Del Monte coupons that will let you try a couple products for free.  In addition to the Del Monte coupons, we are giving away a $25.00 Walmart Gift card!!  

So, one lucky winner will receive a prize pack with the coupons and gift card!

How to enter?  I have made this a rafflecopter giveaway, so look below for how to gain entries.

This giveaway will end on Wednesday, February 26th, 2014 at 12 pm CST.  This giveaway is open to those with a US mailing address only.  Good luck and God Bless!!

Lisa

Disclosure: “The Del Monte products, information, gift pack, and gift card have been provided by Del Monte.”  I was provided with the snacks shown above and my own $25 Walmart gift card in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are mine or my children's. 

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Warner Bros Valentine's DVD Giveaway {CLOSED}

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Today I'm excited to get to host a little giveaway in honor of the holiday.

Warner Brother's is allowing me to give away a DVD to one of you!  One of you will win one of the following DVD's (chosen at random).

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown {Deluxe Edition}

A Charlie Brown Valentine

Buts Bunny's Cupid Capers

Happiness is...Peanuts:  Friends Forever

Elmo Loves You

Looney Tunes Pepe Le Pew Collection

Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales:  For the Love of Snack

So how to win?  Take this little quiz and see who your cartoon Valentine is :), then, post your answer in the comments.  Turns out that mine is Scooby-Doo!

The folks at Warner Bros. have also suggested some yummy recipes to try this Valentine's Day.  I'm thinking the popcorn sounds like a winner!

So, take the quiz, post your answer, and come back in a few days to see who won!  Giveaway will close Sunday, February 23rd at midnight PST.  Winner will be announced Monday the 24th. This giveaway is now CLOSED. One extra entry can also be earned if you are a follower of Our Country Road in some way (Google Friend connect, Linky Followers, Facebook, Twitter, or email). Leave a separate entry and say how you follow.

Please note that you can only win one Warner Bros. DVD giveaway, so if you win on multiple blogs they will just send one prize.  US addresses only.

**This giveaway is being promoted by PartnersHub, Inc.  I was not compensated in anyway.**

God Bless and Good Luck!!

Lisa

Four Cow Farm Natural Baby Review, Discount Code, and Giveaway!! {closed}

Now that we are awaiting baby number 5, I am already looking at all the sweet things for babies.  So, when this little bundle of goodies from Four Cow Farm arrived at my door, I was pretty excited!

Four Cow Farm was started with a lady who was a Midwife, Mum, and Grandmother.  She wanted to have natural, safe, balms and creams to use on her grand babies :).  Yes, I said Mum.  She is from down under in Australia, and the Four Cow Farm is a real place!  Now, the entire family is involved in sharing the products she made with other families around the world.

Since the baby is not yet here, I have been using the products on Explorer who deserves great products as much as the baby :).  And, we have been very pleased with our experience!

This little pamphlet was actually one of my favorite items in the box.  I have to admit that, even though I am a country girl, I am not very knowledgeable about 'natural' products.  Sure, I know that if I grew it in my backyard garden it is organic, but when it comes to lotions and creams, I just go with the sticker on the container.  

When I read over this information, I learned a lot about the quality ingredients that are used in the Four Cow Farm products, and why it is important that they were used.  It goes on to explain why some products on the market today are not truly 'natural,' and why we can be harming our babies when we are trying to protect them.  This great brochure is free, and can be downloaded on the Four Cow Farm website along with other helpful brochures about caring for Eczema in children.

In addition to the helpful information, my lovely package included Baby Wash, Baby Oil, Nappy Cream, Baby Lotion, Calendula Remedy, and Tea Tree Remedy!!  I am sooo set for this new baby.  It was certainly like an early Christmas when it arrived at my door!

My first reaction was how pretty the bottles are!  I am a sucker for eye catching packaging and these certainly passed the test. They LOOKED natural, soothing, and sweet.  My only job, then, was to put them to the test!

Perfect timing for our review, Explorer got a lovely little diaper rash from her runny nose (thanks to the change of seasons), so I was able to try out the Tea Tree Remedy.  I can tell you it was much different from your traditional, white toothpaste looking, diaper rash cream.  It's made from Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Castor and Macadamia Oils, All-Natural Beeswax, and Organic Tea Tree Pure Essential Oil.  It is soft, creamy, and looks like something you WANT to put on your new baby's bum, or your own skin!  Tea Tree Remedy can be used for bites, scrapes, and cold sores!  

I am pleased to say that the rash cleared right up, and I could also tell that she felt relief from the Tea Tree Remedy.  One diaper change Daddy didn't use it and she complained until he did.  I loved that it didn't smell like medicine, or anything else for that matter!  It just has a mild warm smell.  This is by design since new babies can't handle strong smells-something that so many 'baby' companies seem to forget!

The Baby Wash was another quick favorite around here.  Now, my first using I messed up a bit.  I didn't read the instructions ;).  I put it on Explorer's head and it didn't lather up like I had hoped.  THEN I read that you were supposed to lather it in your hand before applying.  Yep, that worked like a charm!!

I used it on both Explorer and Mini Cooper's hair since they still have baby fine hair-it would not have worked well on the thick hair of Charger or Mustang.  It left their hair nice and clean, not oily at all, and it is scent free.

But, my very favorite is the certainly the Baby Lotion!!  It does have just a slight scent, probably the sweet almond oil that is part of the ingredients.  I love it!!  It doesn't take a lot and covers nicely, but doesn't leave an oily residue.  Best part, is that Explorer's normally dry skin is back to silky smooth.  Love!!

Each of the Four Cow Farm products would be a great purchase for your new sweet babe, or make a great gift for a new baby in your life!!  The prices are very affordable, starting at around $13.50 depending on which product and size you purchase.

The Baby Kit makes a perfect baby shower gift for a new mom to be!  It includes Baby Wash, Baby Lotion, Baby Oil, and Nappy Cream.  It retails for just $59.90.

How Buy Four Cow Farm Products

Four Cow Farm products are available online at us.FourCowFarm.com.  They offer free shipping on orders of over $49.  AND Four Cow Farms has graciously offered my readers a discount code that is good until December 16th!  The code is for 20% off your purchase!!  So cool!!  Use ourcountryroad20 at checkout to get your discount!

You can also...

WIN!  The Baby Kit!!

I'm always excited to offer a giveaway, but even more excited this time.  Four Cow Farms has graciously allowed me to give away one of their awesome Baby Kits!!  The kit is what you see in the photo just above and includes the Baby Wash, Baby Lotion, Baby Oil and Nappy Cream, a $59.90 value!

How to win:

Use the Rafflecopter giveaway form below and choose the entries you like to put your name in the hat.  Giveaway will close Monday, December 16th at 11:59 pm CST.  Winner will be emailed, so be sure I have a way to contact you.  US Residents only, please.

Thanks so much for stopping by!! 

Merry Christmas and God Bless!

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Disclosure:  I was given products from Four Cow Farms in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are my own.

V-Tech InnoTab 3S Review and GIVEAWAY!!

Last month was 'birthday' month at our house, and it just so happened a very neat review product arrived at our door just in time for the celebrations.  We received an InnoTab 3S from V-Tech.  As soon as the wrapping paper was pealed back, they were all begging to be the first reviewer :).

The InnoTab 3S is a tablet, geared towards children ages 3-9.  It comes packed with 20 different apps (like the My Magic Beanstalk like you can see in the photo), plus thanks to the VTech Learning Lodge, you can download tons of additional apps (they cost extra).  It also takes cartridges, so there is a ton of opportunity for expansion.

The InnoTab 3S allowed us to make a profile for each child so that they could progress through game apps without 'messing up' each other's games.  As we made a profile, each child chose an avatar or took a picture of themselves using the on-board camera.  That camera has become a favorite, taking pictures of all sorts of things and people (yes that includes me).  It is ALSO a video camera!!

Once your child is logged on, they can choose from apps that are 'on' the InnoTab 3S, or choose to play a cartridge game.  We received the Read, Play, Create cartridge that had games for the kids to play.  VTech sells other cartridges which you can switch out and add to the options.

The VTech Learning Lodge allows you to purchase apps, e-books, and even movies to use on the go.  You connect the InnoTab 3S via an USB port, and register for an account.  The InnoTab 3S comes with one free app download.  My goodness, finding ONE that everyone could agree on....  well actually it didn't happen, but I finally made an executive decision and downloaded a fire fighting game.  They all enjoyed it.  It was geared up to age 7, clearly too easy for my just turned 8 DD, and on the easy side for my 5 year old, but they did still enjoy it.  The apps can be purchased for 2.99 and up, which is very reasonable in the app world.  One feature I will be taking advantage of is the wish list maker.  That way, in the future I can buy apps that the kids ask for in advance.  They make a list and send it to me, and then I can chose from their list and buy apps.  Love it!

Another feature that we are still exploring are the Wi-Fi capabilities.  It came in very handy when I went to download our free app.  I chose the app on our Learning Lodge account, but when I turned on the tablet I realized the download hadn't completed.  I was thrilled when I realized that I could just connect to the Wii-Fi, download the game and let the kids go.  I have not allowed the kids to use the kid safe web-browsing capabilities yet.  Mainly because they haven't tired of the current features and I prefer to introduce things one at a time so they focus on one at a time :).

Of course, with any product that is electronic, it simply means it probably does tons more things that I haven't figured out...but, my kids probably have, lol!!

The InnoTab 3S runs on 2 rechargeable battery packs-and it's good they are rechargeable because it takes only about 2 hours for the battery to be recharged.  I know some kids would not use it that long, but with 4 kids, each getting a 1/2 hour play time...it only takes one play session before it's dead.  Now, that IS a blessing for us, because no one can beg for more playtime!

This great video shares some of the features in better detail, and explains a few that I am not yet an expert on:

Now, if you can't tell, we are really enjoying the V-Tech InnoTab 3S.  We already own a number of tablets that are geared at adults, but the kids hardly ever get to use them.  It is hard to turn your pricey electronic over to your four year old and say-here go have fun!!  And, even the one that we DID let the kids use, they managed to download all kinds of pricey apps and movies!!  So they quickly lost that privilege, too.

The InnoTab 3S is costs just $99.00, which is competitively priced for this market.  It is kid safe-all wrapped up in plastic.  It is easy for the kids to use-they can use their fingers or a stylus if that works better for them.  They can't order apps or movies-an adult has to do that. Best part, they have a ton of educational apps and games, so we are able to use this during school!!  I love allowing Mini Cooper to do electronic learning without having to turn my entire desktop over to her.  

Probably our only complaint?  That we don't have four of them and there is lots of patience having to be learned as the kids wait their turn to play!!

To BUY the InnoTab 3S on the V-Tech website or wherever V-Tech items are sold.  I would HIGHLY recommend getting the bundle that includes the rechargeable battery packs.  I am not sure it comes with all of them, and it was a feature I would not have wanted to go without.  We reviewed a blue and white model, but it also comes in pink!  

You can learn more about the InnoTab 3S by checking out the web-site, Twitter page, or Facebook.

I am also SUPER excited to get to share this InnoTab 3S with one of you!!!  Yes, thanks to the awesome folks at V-Tech, I get to giveaway an InnoTab 3S!!  Super cool, eh?  One less Christmas present to buy?  Yep!!  So, here's what you have to do.  I am using the Rafflecopter giveaway app to make this easier.  Lots of easy ways to enter, so find one that works and put your name in the hat.  This giveway ends this coming Sunday, October 20th, 2013, at midnight CST (US address only).  So, get your entries in, tell your friends, and be sure to check back and see if you won!

Thanks for stopping by!!  Good luck and God bless,

Lisa

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Disclosure:  Thanks to V-Tech and Coyne PR, we received the InnoTab 3S free in return for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are our own.

Matchbox Heroes Wanted Sweepstakes!

Since 1953 detailed Matchbox vehicles have inspired and helped create countless unstoppable adventures all over the world.

Wow, hard to believe it, but Mattel is celebrating its 60 anniversary this year!!  To celebrate, they are hosting a sweepstakes to honor our heroes.  If you have a hero in training between the ages of 3 and 10 you will want to get in on this one!

Here's how it works:

1)  Take a picture of your 3-10 year old dressed up as their favorite hero.

2)  And then submit the photo to the Matchbox 60th Anniversary Heroes Wanted sweepstakes.

It's that easy!!!  Each week 60 prize packs will be awarded that consist of a Matchbox Gift box, a personalized photo frame thank you card, and 4 heroic matchbox vehicles.  The grand prize is a 60,000 college scholarship!!  You can learn more about the contest and read real-life stories that inspired the Matchbox vehicles here:  http://www.matchbox.com/heroes/

Mattel is also releasing 24 new vehicles to celebrate, so you will want to look for those where ever Mattel is sold!  You can see more about Mattel, the anniversary celebration, and new vehicles at Mattel.com, on Twitter or on Facebook.

Even if you don't win, you will have some adorable new photos of your little hero!  But, I hope you do!  Be sure to enter soon, sweepstakes ends May 13, 2013!!

Good luck & God Bless!
Lisa


Disclaimer:  This blog post is part of a sponsored campaign from Mom Select.  I was compensated for this post.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Return to Nim's Island Blu-Ray Pack GIVEAWAY!

This Friday, March 15th, Walden Family Theater, together with Wal-Mart and P&G are teaming up to bring you an new family movie, Return to Nim's Island.

Return to Nim's Island is the sequel to Nim's Island which was a box office hit in 2008.  Return to Nim's Island picks up the story with Nim (played by Bindi Irwin) continuing to protect the animals of her island home from resort developers and wildlife poachers.  She is helped with a runaway from the mainland named Edwin.  

While I haven't yet seen Return to Nim's Island, this story line certainly looks to be fun and entertaining for the whole family!  It will air on the Hallmark Channel at 8/7 central.  Return to Nim's Island is rated PG for mild peril and some rude humor.

The promoters of Return to Nim's Island have put together a fun app to help you get acquainted with the movie.  So be check out the fun games and quiz.

If you want to own a copy of Return to Nim's Island, it can be purchased starting Tuesday at Walmart stores!  OR you can WIN copy!!!

I'm excited to be offering a giveaway for a Return to Nim's Island Blu-Ray Combo Pack to one of you!!!

This giveaway will be my first Rafflecopter giveaway (finally I know!), and there are a few different ways to get entries.  The giveaway will end next Friday night, March 22nd at midnight central time.

Good Luck!!  And God Bless!
Lisa

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Disclosure:  As a member of the Parterner's Hub Family I am offering this giveaway. I am not being compensated for this post.

Giveaway! March Madness Homeschool Pack worth $390!

I am soo excited to be able to share with you this amazing homeschooling pack of goodies!!  One lucky winner will receive this pack that is valued at $390!  Here is what the prize pack includes:

The first prize is from Raising Real Men!  They are generously offering this package valued at $125!  Raising Real Men, by Hal and Melanie Young both the book AND audio!  Boot Camp 9-12, Hero Tales COMPLETE Set, A Cry from Egypt by Hope Auer, Children in Church by Curt & Sandra Lovelace, and they are also including a Colt 22 Rubberband Gun!!  I'd enter just for the gun, personally, lol!!!

If you haven't heard of Raising Real men, it is a company founded by Hal and Melanie Young who have 6 boys!  Their mission is to challenge and equip parents of boys to raise REAL men for Christ!

The second part of the prize is from NotebookingPages.com:  A Notebooking Treasury Membership {99.95 value}!!  Notebooking Pages offers lots of really neat ways to customize your notebooking lessons!  They offer a bunch of freebies, too, so be sure to sign up for an account even if you don't win!!

Next up is a one year membership to Ultimate Homeschool Expo {89.95 value}!  Heading to a Homeschool Expo in my jammies?  In the middle of the night when the kids are asleep?  Yes, please!!!  What a great prize!!

The final prize is my favorite!!  A One Year Super Membership to In the Hands of a Child!!  In the Hands of a Child makes lots of neat lapbooks to help with your learning!  Last fall, we used their The Story of Ping Lapbook while rowing our FIAR story!  We really enjoyed it!!  The one year membership is valued at $75.00.  Be sure to check out their current freebie for everyone!  

Great giveaway wouldn't you say??  A big thank you to my friend Amy at Bow of Bronze for putting together this great giveaway and allowing me to help spread the word!  

The part you are waiting for, how to enter!  This is a Rafflecopter raffle, so just check out the options and enter away!!  There are LOTS of ways to enter this giveaway!  Good Luck!!!

God Bless!

Lisa

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Disclosure:  I agreed to help promote this giveaway for my friend.  I was not compensated for this post.

The Bible Series on the History Channel-A Giveaway!

By now, you have likely heard about The Bible Series that is coming to the History Channel! If not, you need to!

Executive Producers Roma Downey {you might remember her from Touched by an Angel} and Mark Burnett {Survivor,  Apprentice, and Roma's husband} have teamed up to bring us an epic 10-part mini-series that brings the Bible to life.  Retelling the stories from Genesis to Revelation in a way you've not seen it before!!  The clips I have seen are beautiful!!

They filmed the movie in Morocco and it took over 5 months just to do the filming.  They chose Morocco to give it the most realistic look possible.  Because they wanted to tell the true story of the Bible!  The more I read about The Bible Series, the more I'm just so excited by the mission Roma Downey and Mark Burnett had for making this miniseries!

Their goal is to show the Bible is not "just a collection of unconnected stories which are often discussed and analyzed in snippets with chapter and verse numbers.  Instead, we wanted to show  how the Old Testament connects seamlessly to the New Testament.  How they are one sweeping story with one grand, overriding message:  God loves each one of us as if we were the only person in the world to love." {quote from Huffington Post Religion Blog emphasis added}

And, while I personally have not yet seen The Bible Series {it starts tomorrow ;)}, I know that many respected church leaders have and recommend it.  One of these is Focus on the Family President Jim Daly.  He gives his opinion and a trailer clip on his blog.

I love the quote from Roma Dowery that Mr. Daly shares:   It's our story.  We can identify and relate with the characters because their situations might be 2,000 years ago, but the things that they're feeling and experiencing, the dynamics that are going on within their families, it's the same issues that we have today.  Human nature hasn't changed that much.  The mistakes that the characters are making back then, we're still making those mistakes today. "

The Bible Series will air in 10-1 hour segments:

• The Beginning-Noah, Abraham through Jacob, Israel begins
• The Exodus-Pharaoh, Moses, Red Sea, and Ten Commandments
• The Homeland-Joshua, Samson, Judges, David and Goliath
• The Kingdom-David, Saul, Solomon
• The Survival-Zedekiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, Jews return to Jerusalem
• The Revolution-Roman, birth of Christ, John the Baptist, Jesus and Peter
• The Mission-Pharisees, Jesus, miracles, Disciples
• The Betrayal-Last Supper, Judas, Peter's Denial
• The Passion-Nicodemus, Caiaphis, Pilate, Crucifixion, Resurrection
• The Courage-Jesus returns, Holy Spirit comes, Disciples die, John survives death, exiled to Patmos,  Revelation

***Mark mentions in the comments below that the History Channel appears to be doubling up on episodes, so be sure to check your local listings so you don't miss any of them!!***

Wow!!  The more I read about The Bible Series, the more I want to see it!!!  So what to do while we wait??  Play Bible trivia of course!!  The promoters of The Bible Series have put together this fun little blogger app to let us play {down at the bottom of this post}!

Here's how it works, you go and take the quiz and then come back and tell me what your score is!!  And, if you do that-there may be a prize for you!  

I've been asked to host a giveaway for one of the official The Bible companion books:

A Story of God and All of Us (hardcover)

A Story of God and All of Us (reflections)

A Story of God and All of Us (young readers version)

Now, my winner will randomly get one of the books.  I don't know which one, but they all look awesome!!

So, go take the quiz, and leave a comment below with your answer and you are entered to win the giveaway.  It's that simple!!  The giveaway will end next Sunday, March 10th, 2013 at midnight {central}.  {US address only, no PO Boxes, be sure to include an email address so I can contact you.}

I will give you one little tip-the quiz app not only scores your answer, but how QUICKLY you answer!  That affected my score so I wanted you to know!

Good luck and be sure to watch The Bible Series TOMORROW night, Sunday, March 3, 2013 on The History Channel at 8/7 central!

God Bless!!!

Disclosure:  I was asked by the Partner's Hub to host this giveaway.  I was not personally compensated in any way.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.  

Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty List and Giveaway ***Closed***

Christmas will be here before you know it!!  I realized, yesterday, that Black Friday is nearly 2 weeks away, and I've hardly started shopping!!  I hate waiting till the last minute, so I need to get busy!

I found out that Melissa and Doug has put together a list of 20 Terrific Holiday gifts for 2012.  On it, are ideas for nearly every little person on your list.  The gifts are affordable, quality toys, that will be enjoyed by the giver and the receiver.  We have the doorbell house that is on the list and really like unlocking the doors and playing with the little people inside each 'house.'

Now, what's even more exciting is that Melissa and Doug is GIVING AWAY one of the toys on the list everyday for twenty days!!  Head on over to the Melissa and Doug Facebook page and enter to win!!  You only have to sign up once to be entered to win.  They are already on day 2, so hurry and sign up so that you don't miss out!!

But wait, it gets better!!!  One of YOU will get to win a Magic Mine Wooden Train Tunnel set here on Our Country Road!!

Yes, thanks to Melissa and Doug, I have the chance to give away one of these super cool sets to one lucky winner!!

How to win:

You will receive one entry for each of the following things:

1.  Visit the Melissa and Doug Terrific 20 list and tell me which one of the items you liked best.

2.  Who will receive the train in your family.

3.  Becoming a follower of Our Country Road blog (or letting me know that you already do).

4.  Enter the 20 day giveaway from Melissa and Doug on Facebook!

This giveaway ends Monday, November 19th, and a winner will be drawn and posted Tuesday November 20th.

Good luck and God Bless!!

http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=210620 www.facebook.com

Book Review and GIVEAWAY!! Gabby, God's Little Angel by Shelia Walsh

I'm really excited that today I get to tell you about one of the cutest books I have read in quite awhile!   Gabby, God's Little Angel arrived at our home last month and my little angels have loved getting to know her.

Gabby, God's Little Angel was written by Shelia Walsh, the creator of the award winning Gigi, God's Little Princess which my girls also love. 

Here is a little clip from Shelia Walsh, herself, about Gabby, God's Little Angel:

This first book in a delightful new series offers a comforting message for young readers-God loves you very much and is always watching over you!

What little girl wouldn't love her very own guardian angel? Parents and children alike will be won over by this humorous tale of Gabby, a guardian angel in training who has much to learn about taking care of God's little ones. Her new assignment is to protect a young girl named Sophie, but Gabby soon realizes that watching after Sophie is a bigger challenge than she had expected! After a close call while riding her pony, Sophie learns what the Bible says about guardian angels: "He will put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go" (Psalm 91:11 ICB)

What we thought of Gabby, God's Little Angel:

Overall, I think this book is super cute!!  The message of the book tells little girls (and not so little girls) that God loves them, and is always watching over them.  It introduces the idea of guardian angels by introducing us to Gabby, the guardian angel of a little girl named Sophie.  

My girls enjoyed the bright, colorful photos, and that Sophie rides horses in the story {my girls love horses}.  Gabby, God's Little Angel can be a great way to start discussions about guardian angels and the way they help the Lord and us.

Probably my only reservation with this story is that this little angel is a child, and a clumsy one at that.  IF you were looking for a completely accurate theological book for your child, this may not be on your list.  But, if you are okay with a little imagination in the mix, this is a great choice for your library!!


Gabby, God's Little Angel retails for $14.99 and would make a great Christmas gift, or maybe an extra fun First Communion gift!  You can currently find it at Christianbook.com for just $9.99!  


To read more reviews of Gabby, God's Little Angel, check out the Lifuse Publicity Group blog.

Now for all the fun!! 

As part of the release of Gabby, God's Little Angel, there are a couple of giveaways that you wont want to miss!

First, Shelia and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have put together and "Angel" prize package worth over $150.00! {click on the icon to enter}

Enter 9/19-10/3!

The winner will be announced during a Facebook Party where Sheila will also host a chat and give away a ton of fun products from the Gigi and Gabby line!  Be sure to stop by on October 4th at 5pm PST (6PM MST, 7PM, CST, & 8 PM EST).

And, you can also win a copy of Gabby, God's Little Angel HERE on Our Country Road!!! 

Yes!!!!  I am really excited about this part!  Sheila Walsh and Thomas Nelson publishers has graciously given me a copy of Gabby, God's Little Angel to give to one of you!!!

Here's how to enter:

Leave a comment below letting me know what little angel you would read Gabby, God's Little Angel to.

For extra entries:

1) Follow or subscribe to Our Country Road and tell me that you did.  (one entry)

2)  Like Our Country Road on Facebook (one entry)

3)  Head over to the  Gabby, God's Little Angel Facebook Party and RSVP!  (two entries)

4)  Enter the Gabby, God's Little Angel Kindle Giveaway Sweepstakes! (two entries)

This giveaway will end Tuesday, October 4th at midnight CST.  The winner will be announced shortly after! 

Good luck and God Bless!!

This has been a Litfuse review.  Thank you to Sheila Walsh and Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing my family with a complementary copy of this book for our review.  All opinions expressed are my own and I have not been compensated in any other way.