Children's Book Review: Mama's Belly By Kate Hosford

MAMA'S BELLY

By: Kate Hosford

Illustrated by: Abigail Halpin

Published: April 17, 2018

Publisher: Harry N Abrams

Fiction


Perfect for gifting and reading this Mother's Day weekend, MAMA'S BELLY shares the curiosity, love, and apprehension of a young girl awaiting the birth of her baby sister. As the older sister hugs, talks, and sings to her mama's belly, she also wonders what her baby sister will be like. Ultimately, she wonders whether mama will have enough love to go around for both of them. Mama assures her sweet daughter that she will be a wonderful sister and she has more than enough love for both of them. 

I found this story to be so sweet and it reminded me of being pregnant when our boys were three and four. They were very curious about my growing belly, the movement the baby made, and what their sister would look like. This would have been a wonderful book to read to them and answer their questions and help them be excited about their sister's arrival. 

The illustrations are gorgeous. The colors offer a calming feel to quell the anxiety your child may have about the upcoming baby. The story offers ways to interact with the baby still in mama's belly as well as ways to prepare for the birth by making a blanket so that sister doesn't have to share hers. 

This book celebrates motherhood, sibling love, and the joy of creating a family. If you have someone in your life expecting a baby, this would be a wonderful gift to give. 

Check out the book trailer for MAMA'S BELLY:

Kate Hosford is the author of several picture books, including Infinity and Me, which was a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book award and was named an ALA Notable Children's Book. Her books have been translated into Chinese, Korean, French, and Romanian. Kate lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York. To learn more, visit her website, HERE. 

Abigail Halpin is the illustrator of many books for children, including Finding Wild. She lives in southern Maine. Visit her website, HERE. 

To purchase a copy of MAMA'S BELLY, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


Other posts you may like:

Tips for Quick Ways to Pamper Yourself from Take Lessons

Book Review: Little Things Long Remembered

Women Living Well

Book Review: Mom's the Word: The Wit, Wisdom, and Wonder of Motherhood

Book Review: The Baby Cheapskate - Guide to Bargains: How to Save on Blankets, Bottles, and Everything Baby




Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Tips for Quick Ways to Pamper Yourself from Take Lessons

School is back in session here. I usually try to spend the first day of school treating myself, but this year I ended up subbing the first three days of school. Then the rest of the week was full of appointments and running errands, so I really didn't have any time to just relax and pamper myself. In years past I have met a girlfriend for lunch, gotten a pedicure, shopped, or lazily read a book on my porch those first days of school.

Self-Care is an important part staying sane as a busy mom. By taking 30 minutes (or even more if possible) to do something just for you each day, you are refreshing yourself and giving your body and mind a jump start that will allow you to get through the dreaded after school/supper/bedtime hours.

Do you have a favorite show that you can DVR and watch 30 minutes before the kids get home? We DVR all the "Friends" episodes so if I have had an especially stressful day, I will start an episode at 3:00 which gives me the perfect amount of time to watch it before my daughter gets home. Every episode puts me in a good mood and gives me a chance to relax.

Obviously, reading a book is one of my go-to ways to pamper myself and relax. Depending on how much I want/need to read, I'll put my phone away and open up my book to read for the last hour before school is out.

Baking can be very therapeutic for me. Having cookies fresh out of the oven for an after school snack puts my kids off in the right mood and making the cookies has refocused my energy and allowed me to relax and enjoy a cookie talking about our day together.

I like to try to get my Bible reading done in the morning, but that doesn't always happen, so finding time to read a chapter or a few verses on my phone automatically calms me down and helps me refocus if needed.

I like to play word games. Some of my favorites are Scrabble, Words with Friends, WordBubbles. Playing these games for a few minutes brings me joy and gives me a chance to relax.

There are obviously many other ways to pamper yourself and relax.  Take Lessons has come up with a great post about pampering yourself and I'm sharing it here with you today. Just taking 30 minutes (or even less) at some point during your day will give your body and mind a chance to refocus and finish strong.


To see many other great ideas for taking a break with even as little as just 10 minutes of time, click HERE.

A Little Monday Inspiration - A Mother's Legacy

Yesterday was a wonderfully luxurious day at home with my whole family. I didn't sleep as late as I had hoped, but did lazily lay in bed later than normal.

Pat and Reagan made a huge breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and waffles. The rest of the day including the required laundry, catching one of my favorite movies on TV (Up Close and Personal), finishing a book, Pat grilling our supper, the whole family playing Michigan Rummy, and ending the day painting my toenails.

We rarely get a day at home like this so it was wonderful. Even if the boys spent part of their day downstairs playing video games, we were all in the house at the same time.

On Saturday, I was able to spend time with my mom and dad since they came to Patrick's soccer game. We went out to eat together and caught up on life.

My mom is an amazing woman and my best qualities come from her. She is so giving and caring and is always making cookies or pie for some group, club, or fundraiser. She picks up her friend a few times a week and they go to Curves together. She is always sewing a quilt or mending some clothes (I did NOT inherit this skill from her). My mom has the most beautiful gardens and knows about every flower and shrub that can be grown in our area. When I saw this poem, I knew this described my mom perfectly:

I am truly blessed with two loving and supportive parents and a family that I can continue to share my legacy, planting seeds of kindness, generosity, and love into the hearts of our children.

Book Review: Little Things Long Remembered By Susan Newman, PhD

LITTLE THINGS LONG REMEMBERED
Making Your Children Feel Special Every Day

By: Susan Newman, PhD

Published: October 1, 2014

Publisher: Iron Gate Press

Non-Fiction

As part of the iRead book tour, I'm sharing my thoughts on a great book that every parent should have in their stocking this year. For more stops on the tour where you can find reviews, author interviews, and giveaways, click HERE.

Twenty years ago, Susan Newman wrote the original version of LITTLE THINGS LONG REMEMBERED. She decided to rewrite the book with some updates related to more parents working and the constant influence of technology in our lives. With busier schedules and technology making the personal interactions less relevant, this book is even more important to families. Newman shows how to carve out even five minutes of special time with your child, building memories, creating traditions, and finding ways to have fun without devices. This book is for working parents or stay-at-home parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts and uncles. Anyone who wants to make a child feel important. Newman has come up with hundreds of ideas, some taking only minutes, and many sent to her from other parents, and compiled them all into this little book. The book is divided into chapters with anywhere from five minute activities to weekend activities as well as ways to honor special days and make new traditions. There are activities you can do with your toddler as well as your high-school-age child. Your child is never to old to find a way to make them feel special.

Some of the ideas were new to me such as having each member of the family choose a stock and follow its rise and fall in the market.  Choosing companies that mean something to each person, whether it is the company that makes their favorite toy or favorite food, makes the activity more fun while also being educational. Other ideas like having a one-on-one date with your child or sharing their birth story with your child on their birthday are fun memories we have made in our family and and ones our children look forward to.

If you travel a lot for work, there are ideas for making your child feel special even while you are away. I found the Sick Day chapter especially helpful since I had a child sick at home at that time. Making even a sick day fun in the tiniest way can help break up the boredom.

I highly recommend this book as the perfect book for someone having a baby, for Christmas, or for a new grandparent. I have no doubt you will find plenty of current and fun ideas to make your child feel special.

Susan Newman, PhD

Susan Newman, a social psychologist, specializes in child development and family dynamics and has been named one of the 100 Top Psychologists to Follow on Twitter as well as one of 25 Parenting Educators to follow. She has been blogging for Psychology Today magazine about parenting and issues related to raising children for over six years. She has appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, MSNBC, and her work has been feature on NPR and major leading newspapers and magazines.

To connect with Susan, check out her website, HERE. You can also find her on Facebook, HERE or Twitter, HERE.

To purchase a copy of the book, click the photo below:

Thanks to iRead Book Tours for sending an autographed copy of this book to me. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com reviews. 

Too Many Things

Where have I been?

I've been subbing.

I've been busy in our community.

I've been a mom to three active kids.

So....the blog had to take a back seat.

I'm behind on book reviews. 

I have already missed two deadlines and am close to missing a third.

I'm extremely behind on reading.

I've had a few days off from subbing, but my time

has been spent playing catch up here at home.

Mail needs to be sorted, bills paid, and mounds of laundry needed to be washed.

I am getting a better handle on things and am even reading a bit.

I have some great books that I will be reviewing soon for you.

But, see....that takes time too. I can't just whip a review out.

I like to think about it and be careful with my words.

So, as you can see...I'm still here....just focusing on more important matters.

Three great kids and a patient, loving husband that need me more.

I'll be back soon.

Thanks for waiting and understanding. 

Just Breathe

Last night I shared this photo on my Instagram feed. 

I needed a reminder, something I could visualize and remind me

 to take a moment and just Breathe.

This has been a hectic week and an emotional one as well.

Yesterday I was pretty frazzled. 

My cousin sent me a text and all it said was.....

Breathe

Seeing that text come in was just what I needed.

I literally stopped and took several deep breaths.

I stopped running, 

I stopped freaking out.

I just breathed.

Did you know that Breathe is my favorite word?

Just saying Breathe makes you slow down. 

Try it.

Breeaathe......

Breathe

Breathe

There. Don't you feel a bit calmer?

Has your heart rate slowed done?

Is your brain not feeling like fireworks constantly going off?

I've got a lot going on in the next days and weeks. 

If I am a little sporadic on here, 

know that I'm running through life, 

but I'm also taking a few minutes to

Breathe. 

A Tough but Valuable Lesson

Our daughter learned a lesson this week 

that was one she had to learn much too early. 

This lesson broke her heart 

and brought tears to my eyes as she shared the story. 

Our daughter ran for Room Representative this year so she could be part of the Student Council at her elementary. Last year she ran and won the election for her third grade classroom. Last week, I helped her find a photo for her campaign poster and helped with the spacing and then watched her decorate and make it just like she wanted. She wrote her speech and practiced it several times, getting it just right. The day before the election her and a friend that was also running were talking about the election. This friend told her that if she voted for her friend, then that friend would vote for her. They even "pinky swore" on it, according to Reagan.  We told Reagan that was a nice thing for her to do, but in the future, it was ok if she wanted to vote for herself. But, she was adamant that she needed to vote for her friend, that it was the right thing to do.

Election day came and as our daughter walked in the door after school, I knew by her face that she didn't win. She was heart-broken, not because she didn't win, but because her friend broke their promise to each other. Reagan lost by two votes to this friend, making that classmate the winner. Then found out, that friend did not vote for Reagan. That vote was the deciding vote and would have left their race in a tie. Now, who knows, how the vote would have been if there had been a tie-breaker (there were more than these two running for the spot), but Reagan's sadness was that her friend had let her down. Yes, of course, she wanted to win. But, she also expected that friend to follow through on their promise to each other.

My only words to Reagan were,

 "You did the right thing, Reagan. 

You kept your word and I am very proud of you."

In this world of vying for 15 minutes of fame, lying to get ahead, 

and scheming to get the next business account, 

I wanted Reagan to remember 

that what REALLY matters is YOUR WORD. 

If you can't be trusted, you have nothing. 

People will remember her loyalty and friendship 

and someday that will come back to her twenty-fold. 

Sadly, it is hard for a 9-year-old to understand all that. 

So after all that was said, I just held her in my arms and sat quietly, 

because, really that was all she needed. 

What does your word mean to someone? 

When you say you are going to do something, do you follow through? 

Do you keep your promises?

This tough lesson was a reminder to me that "My Word is My Bond". 

I want to be known as someone who makes a point of keeping their word. 

Thankfully, I'm glad our daughter feels the same way. 

As a side note, this is just one mom sharing a lesson from our family. 

I just wanted to share from Reagan's heart and my mind about 

some of these tough days, 

when parenting your child and explaining life isn't the easiest.

It was a good reminder for me 

about how I honor my word and those of my friends.

Children's Book Review: The Icky, Sticky Tea Party By Anne M. Jenks

THE ICKY, STICKY TEA PARTY

By: Anne M. Jenks

Illustrated By: Gaston Hauviller

Published: May 23, 2014

Publisher: Laredo Publishing



Anne Jenks is back with another children's book on a helpful topic.  I previously reviewed BITSY BEAR that dealt with the topic of stranger danger. To see my review of BITSY BEAR, click HERE.

In THE ICKY, STICKY TEA PARTY, Jenny and Cindy are stuck inside with a babysitter. The babysitter is too busy texting and Cindy is too busy playing video games to have a tea party with her younger sister, Jenny.  Jenny decides to have a tea party with her dolls and their dog, Moose.  Jenny ends up using her icky medicine for the tea and the babysitter and Cindy soon find out what a problem that will cause.  The whole family learns a valuable lesson on medication safety.

The story includes a real-life situation with well-created illustrations to share a fun and important message on safety. Even the youngest child will appreciate the pictures and understand that someone in the story ends up very sick.  The information is shared in a concise and appropriate level for younger children along with a helpful guide at the end of the book for parents. The guide includes safety tips on medications as well as other creams, lotions, and household products that can also be harmful to your child.

This story is a great way to have this discussion with your child without it being just a lecture.  They will remember the story of Cindy, Jenny and their dog, Moose and the importance of medication safety.

As a side note, Anne is a high school classmate of mine (there was only 30 of us) and I am honored to tell all of you about her books. I purchased this book on my own and hope that you will do the same!

Anne M. Jenks 

Anne M Jenks grew up in a loving family in NE Iowa and was the oldest of four children. Being a big sister makes you aware of the safety of your younger siblings. Whether it's because you care so deeply about your brothers and sisters or because you just don't want to get in trouble from Mom and Dad, this awareness of younger children's safety becomes a part of you.

After graduating from University of Iowa with a doctorate of pharmacy, Jenks started working as a retail pharmacist. Implementing the three E's in her books is a key focus. Jenks's purpose in writing is to engage, entertain, and educate her audience.

To purchase a copy of THE ICKY, STICKY TEA PARTY, click the photo below:

I will be linking up with other bloggers on Saturday as part of Booking Mama's Kid Konnection. Be sure to click over to see other great children's book reviews. 

A Little Monday Inspiration

Has your summer flown by as fast as ours has? 

I feel like the kids just got out of school yesterday and now they start up again a week from today! 

I feel like this summer was all about 

rush, rush, rush 

and not enough laid back, go with the flow kind of days.

There are so many things I didn't get accomplished. 

I still have two craft projects unfinished. I

 didn't have as many "fun days" with the kids as I wanted to have. 

But, I can't change it now. 

What I can do is try to slow down our last week of summer.  

We can try to cherish the little things 

and have fun before life speeds up again.

 I can't believe I'm the mom of a high schooler, an 8th grader and a fourth grader.  

Where did the years go? 

I know these four years of Patrick's high school life are going to fly.

So, I'm taking Lily Tomlin's advice and going to do my darndest to slow life down. 

"For fast-acting relief try slowing down."

-Lily Tomlin 

I'm Grateful Today

I'm in a grateful mood today.  How about you?

It's a beautiful day in Eastern Iowa.

I was able to sleep in a bit this morning and enjoy laying in bed a little longer than normal.

But, mostly, I'm grateful that Bennett is on the mend.

 This is not a sight you want to see.

Bennett had been sick since Tuesday evening.

Fever, vomiting....constant vomiting. 

Yesterday, our Nurse Practioner wanted to see him. 

We were worried about dehydration and yes, a trip to the hospital was needed for fluids.

As he slept, 

fluids pumping into his body, 

I thought of the thousands of parents who deal with this on a daily basis. 

 Parents who watch their children being poked and checked over.  

Parents who watch chemo drip 

into their sweet child's little bodies in the hopes of making them better.  

Parents who are praying over them, 

hoping someday all these visits and needles will all be in the past. 

This I could handle 

because I knew it would make him better 

and we'd be on our way home in a matter of hours.  

I knew this was the best thing for him. 

Then, he woke up with a shock and was in extreme pain.  

Teenage-Boy-Crying kind of pain. 

Bennett is our tough kid and I knew he was in a lot of pain.  

Our NP was called and concerns were raised about appendicitis. 

After tests and an ultrasound, it ended up being Mesenteric Adenitis. 

Yep, it's a real thing. Click on the word.  

If you have children or teenagers, it might be nice to know about it 

in case this ever comes up for you.  

It mimics appendicitis.  But, thankfully, it isn't. 

We arrived home after five hours at the hospital.  

Everyone got a good night's sleep

 and hopefully each hour Bennett will be feeling better.  

I'm so thankful for the nurses in the Pediatric's Unit at Mercy Medical Center. 

I am extremely thankful to our NP Erin.  

Bennett received excellent care. 

I would highly recommend them to any one who has a sick child. 

Thanks to my friends and family who texted me to keep me company. 

Would you do this today?

While watching your child 

play or sing or eat or sleep, 

say a small prayer for all those parents 

who are watching their child sleep in a hospital bed, 

hooked up to machines

and ask for a healing touch, a guiding hand, and a gesture of love.  

If you know a parent in this exact situation, offer a hand.  

Give gas money, 

a pizza gift card, 

make a meal for the family, 

offer respite or to take their other children for a day. 

Offer a listening ear or sit with them at the hospital. 

Be a friend to a parent in need today. 

Be grateful for today.  

Vacation Snack Idea

Are you looking for an easy snack to make up for your next road trip or summer vacation?  These are simple to make up and get you about 20 bags of snacks to take along.  They are perfect for hiking, long car rides, a day at the pool, play dates, summer camps, and sporting events. I recently made these for a summer camp snack for 40 kids.  This snack was much quicker to assemble than making 40 cookies or bars. Depending on coupons and your local prices, you can make up about 20 bags for about $13 which figures out to about $.65/bag.

Vacation Snack
1 Box Golden Grahams Cereal
1 Large Bag of M&Ms
1 Bag of Mini Marshmellows
20 Sandwich Size Baggies

Empty 1 cup of Golden Grahams Cereal into a baggie.  Then empty 1/4 cup of M&Ms into the baggie. Finally add a 1/2 cup of mini marshmellows to the baggie.  Gently mix up the items and seal the bag.

Children's Book Review: Bitsy Bear By Anne M Jenks

BITSY BEAR
A Great Children's Story and Essential Parenting Tool

By: Anne M Jenks

Illustrated By: Laura Liberatore

Published: April 28, 2014

If there is only one book you read with your child, this one would be it.  The dangers of the world can creep into even the most protected communities and families.  The best way to protect our children is with information and communication.  BITSY BEAR gives us the opportunity to teach our children about personal safety through a children's story.

In BITSY BEAR we are introduced to a monkey family.  The siblings Mitsy, Itsy, and Bitsy love to play together in the jungle and are always under the watchful eyes of their parents.  Until one day, the parents' focus is taken off of Bitsy and some circus bears decide she would be the perfect addition to their circus act.  What happens next will give you the perfect scenario to talk with your child about stranger danger.

We live in a small community and have the perception of our children being safe. But the last few abductions in our state have been in small towns just like the one we live in.  This book gave me another chance to have this conversation with our 9-year-old daughter. She read the book first and then we were able to have a great discussion about what happened to Bitsy.

I read this as an eBook, but the illustrations were still just as vibrant as a regular book. They told the story through pictures and gave some humor to the story while allowing the younger readers to become interested in the story.

I can't stress enough what an important book this is for you to read and discuss with your child.  Jenks's story is presented in such a way that makes the situation real, yet not too scary for your child.

The exciting part of this book for me is that it is written by one of my high school classmates.  I am thrilled to be able to share this book with all of you and hope that by sharing this book with your child, none of you will have to go through this. After the story, the book includes tips for parents in keeping your children safe and tips for children about what to do in an emergency.

Anne M. Jenks

Anne M Jenks grew up in a loving family in NE Iowa and was the oldest of four children. Being a big sister makes you aware of the safety of your younger siblings. Whether it's because you care so deeply about your brothers and sisters or because you just don't want to get in trouble from Mom and Dad, this awareness of younger children's safety becomes a part of you.

After graduating from University of Iowa with a doctorate of pharmacy, Jenks started working as a retail pharmacist. Seeing children shopping with their families was often entertaining but sometimes troublesome. Children can so easily become separated from their parents. Whether intentional or not, this possibly dangerous situation always bothered her.

Implementing the three E's in her books is a key focus. Jenks's purpose in writing is to engage, entertain, and educate her audience.  Be on the look out for her next book, THE ICKY STICKY TEA PARTY. It tells the story of two sisters who get themselves into a bit of trouble when they try to use cough syrup as a "pretend tea" for the tea party. While this story also has a happy ending, it does convey a critical message about the importance of medication safety.

To purchase a copy of BITSY BEAR, click the photo below:

I will be linking up with other bloggers in Booking Mama's Kid Konnection on Saturday.  There you will find other great children's book reviews.

A Little Monday Inspiration

Life is often compared to a marathon, 

but I think it is more like being a sprinter; 

long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments 

in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best. 

Michael Johnson, 4-time Olympic Gold medalist in Track & Field

Photo source - HERE

My guess is for most of you, you may feel like you are a hamster in a wheel.  Running and running and arriving out of breath at your next stop. Never feeling like you are getting anything done. That is how I feel a lot of days.  I'm running around the house, trying to check stuff off my to-do list.  I get distracted by clothes on the floor, a dirty sink, and then reroute and get back to my list.  Then at night I'm running to a sporting event, practice, or commitment and then running back home and starting all over again.

Now, I'm not literally running, but some days I do feel like I have run a marathon.  I'm exhausted at the end of the day.  But, then miraculously, I will have several days in a row, where I can slow down my pace.  I can take a nice leisurely walk through my week, stopping to enjoy the beauty of sunsets and flowers, and even baking a batch of cookies.  

No matter whether your life is a marathon, a sprint, or a leisurely stroll through a park, enjoy the moments.  Live in them. Notice your surroundings. Cherish those who you are spending time with. Every once in awhile, make sure to stop and smell the roses during your run! 

A Mama's Love for 14 Years

On this day, 14 years ago, I became a mother.  Our "baby" Patrick is 14.  He isn't so much of a baby anymore, in fact he is taller than me.

Last week I babysat for a sweet 3 month old boy. His mama had to go back to work and their daycare wasn't available yet, so I offered to help out on her first day back to work.

Oh, my heart broke for this mama who didn't want to leave her sweet boy.  I remember not wanting to be separated from Patrick when he was born.  I took him everywhere and thankfully, I didn't have to go back to work and leave him at daycare.  My husband and I decided that I would stay home with our children and I left my social work career to be a full-time mom.  I know that isn't a choice for everyone, but it was our choice and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Babysitting this sweet boy last week reminded me of a sweet boy 14 years ago.  Oh how those days rushed back to me.  I took books along that we read to Patrick.  I sang the songs we sang to Patrick while feeding and rocking him.  I soothed his cries the same way I did 14 years ago.

It also reminded me of that feeling of being a first time mom.  I was nervous to take him to Target the first time.  I think I put everything we owned in the diaper bag.  I remember fretting about driving alone with him. I worried about how to handle it if he cried while I was getting groceries.

I checked to make sure he was still breathing if his nap went longer than normal. I worried if he didn't poop every single day.  Since I struggled with breast feeding and not having enough milk for him, I also worried that he wasn't getting the "proper" nutrition.

As a new mom, there are so many uncertainties, first experiences, and questions we don't have all the answers to.  My dear new mama friend is struggling with many of those things.  I have offered advice and support, but have also listened to let her find her own way, just like I did.

Being a new mom is scary, I remember that feeling even though it was 14 years ago.  But, looking at this kid, I am guessing I did most everything right!  If you can't tell from these photos of Patrick, he has quite the personality.  He is talented musically and very bright.  He is growing like a weed.  I seriously can't believe he is taller than me! Anyway, as I look over these photos and relive the many memories with Patrick I guess I did something right.  Even though I was a scared mama 14 years ago, I figured it out.  I made mistakes, I learned from them and became a better mom for it.  Happy 14th Birthday Patrick!  I can't wait to see what life has in store for you!

If you know a new mama, be sure to offer her a hug, a few hours off, or a chat.  I am sure she will appreciate the support and the chance to brag and show off her new baby!

Patrick clearly isn't a baby anymore, but he will always be the baby that turned me into a Mama!

Product Review and GIVEAWAY - Motivated Moms 2014 Planner

UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NO LONGER OPEN. 

THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED. 

THE WINNER IS MOLLY.

Are you looking to get more organized?  With the holiday season coming up, do you need to find a way to get your house and your life in order?

Click here to visit Motivated Moms. 
The best part is you don't have to wait until January!  You can get started right now.  When you purchase the 2014 MOTIVATED MOMS calendar, you get Oct-Dec 2013 FREE! Click here to visit Motivated Moms.

Last January, I reviewed MOTIVATED MOMS and her new app.  I loved having it right on my phone and could adapt it to my own needs.  See my review HERE.  Since then, I have found that I am more of a pen and paper gal.  I like having the planner in front of me and being able to add items to the list and then having the satisfaction of checking them off.

MOTIVATED MOMS is a chore planning system to help you get your house clean and your life organized including time for yourself!  You can download the calendar to your computer and print it out or purchase the app for your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or your Android phone. The 2014 app for Apple products isn't quite ready yet, but will be soon.  Stay up to date on her website if you are wanting that one. Susan at MOTIVATED MOMS has also freshened up her look with a new logo and new colors.  Click here to visit Motivated Moms. 

You can choose several different printable layouts and with or without scheduled Bible readings.  There are half-page, full-page, black and white, or colored options as well. With the app version, you can add or delete jobs.  For example, if you don't have a pet, just remove that from the list. I like how she has even thought about those areas you forget about like cleaning the top of your refrigerator or deleting unused files in your computer hard drive.  

For $7.99 you can get the app for your Android devices.  For $8 you can get the eBook version of the 2014 planner with the rest of 2013 for Free.  It doesn't matter whether you choose the color or black and white version, half page-per-day, full-page version, or with scheduled Bible reading, each version is $8. For just about $.02/day and a little elbow grease, you can get your house and life back on track! Isn't that a great deal???? Click here to visit Motivated Moms.

Remember, if you purchase before the end of the year, you can get the rest of 2013 free so you can get started right away.  

You can also stay up-to-date on MOTIVATED MOMS by liking her Facebook page, HERE. You can also follow MOTIVATED MOMS on Twitter, HERE or Pinterest, Here. 

If you would like to WIN a FREE version of the MOTIVATED MOM eBook planner, all you have to do to win is fill in the information in the blocks below.  I will choose a winner on Friday, November 8, 2013.  I will email the winner and the winner will have 48 hours to respond or I will choose another winner.  You may only enter to win once.  

I received a free copy of the Motivated Moms planner for free in exchange for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.  I was not compensated in any other way for this review.  As an affiliate, I will receive a small fee if purchases are made through my link.  

Book Review: Women Living Well By Courtney Joseph

WOMEN LIVING WELL
Finding Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids, and Your Home

By: Courtney Joseph

Published: October 1, 2013

Non-Fiction, Christian



A couple weeks ago, I told you about WOMEN LIVING WELL and that I was still reading it.  This was not a book I wanted to rush through and so even though I should have posted my review earlier, I needed to take my time and really soak in the message of the book.  There were passages I needed to really stop and think/pray about.  There were notes I wanted to take and suggestions to remember.  Keep in mind, not everything in this book resonated with me or fit into our family and lifestyle, but their are definitely principles, tips, and Biblical teachings that can guide and support you through your home, marriage, and parenting life.

Courtney's journey in helping other women began by growing up in a loving and structured home that was guided by Biblical principles and strong values.  Her parents held strong to their beliefs in a world full of temptation and sin and Courtney runs her home with those same values.  Courtney began by leading women in Bible Studies in her community and then started her blog, www.WomenLivingWell.org.  Her blog reaches women all over the world and allows Courtney to share wisdom, offer support, and encourage others to love Jesus.

In WOMEN LIVING WELL, Courtney is very careful not to preach or tell the reader "what she needs to do".  But, instead, she offers what she has done, her personal values, the Biblical teachings and lets the reader decide what will work best for her.  Each section of the book takes us through your personal walk with Jesus, your marriage, parenting, and managing your home.  This book is not just for those who are stay-at-home-moms or those who homeschool, but for any woman who feels like she needs some support, guidance and a basis for creating structure in the home.

In the past, I have attended a weekly Bible Study called BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) which required daily study in the Word and weekly group sessions that I really enjoyed.  But, due to time issues, I had to let that go.  I try to find time to read the Bible and really make time to pray.  But, Courtney gave me a great idea that I am incorporating this week.  Buy taking one verse a week, you can focus on memorizing that one verse and the meaning behind it each week.  I plan to write that verse as a reminder on my phone and at the top of my to-do list each day.  Just one small way I can stay focused on God's word and by choosing verses that will help me with patience, anger, and other struggles.

Courtney spends a great deal of time on social media and the dangers it can create both personally and within your family.  I loved the tip she gave that I plan to use with our kids as well....."If the pastor of my church put up on a large screen all the comments, status updates, and pictures I've posted for the entire congregation to see, is there anything that would embarrass me?" Pg.43

In the marriage section, there were several passages that got my attention, but when she asked if I was giving my husband the leftovers rather than the best of me, I stopped and realized I was guilty.  After the demands of work, home, children, outside family, and other obligations, it is easy to put your spouse last and this is truly how a marriage can go from warm and loving to difficult.  Something so simple and yet, can make such a huge difference in your home.

I also found Courtney's take on social media and parenting very convicting.  I noted that at times I am a distracted and distant parent making my children wait until a commercial, or until I finish typing an email or reading an online post on twitter.  I am guilty of this and am going to be sure that when my child is talking, I am looking at them and listening.  Everything else can wait.

Courtney's encouragement, teachings, and tips for women of any age and at any stage of life are rooted in her Biblical upbringing, but are truly ones that can bring peace and order to your life.  Her soothing way of writing makes you feel like you are sitting at the counter sharing a cup of coffee.  She seems to know your struggles and knows just what to say to make you feel like you can tackle anything.  The key is making sure you are walking through your day with Jesus at your side.  A lighted candle, some music and a cup of coffee may help too!

Courtney Joseph

Courtney Joseph is the creator of Women Living Well Ministries.  She is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute with degrees in Evangelism and Discipleship.  Courtney is married to her high school sweetheart and they are the parents of a son and a daughter.  Courtney’s desire is to see women living well through discipleship in God’s Word.   This led her to co-found the rapidly growing, on-line Bible study community at GoodMorningGirls.org.  There thousands of women globally, join together daily, to dig into their Bibles through on-line devotionals, videos, free Bible reading plans and tech-based accountability groups.  For more on Courtney, visit www.WomenLivingWell.org, or "Like" her on Facebook, HERE.  You can also find her on Twitter, HERE or Pinterest, HERE. 

I was given a copy of this book as an eBook for review.  This review is my honest opinion.  I was not compensated in any other way for this review.