A Sunrise Worthy of Praise

Thanks to an invitation from a friend, we attended a sunrise service this morning at a local park. As we listened to the sermon, I heard birds singing, woodpeckers pecking, and watched geese glide along the lake. While Handel's "Hallelujah" chorus played, the sun began to peek through the clouds. It truly was a beautiful morning and worth getting up extra early for.

May you take comfort in the knowledge that He died and rose for YOU and for ME! We are saved by this miracle. Take joy in this amazing blessing! 

Happy Easter! 

Product Review: Trusted Health Products ReliefMD

Trusted Health Products sent me a bottle of ReliefMD to try.  I found the idea of an oil to help in the relief of sore muscles, headaches, and mosquito bites intriguing and was anxious to try it out. I was happy with another Trusted Health Product that I have tried. To see my review of that product, click HERE. To check out all of Trusted Health Products range of items, visit their website,  http://www.trustedhealthproducts.com/.

According to the website, ReliefMD uses a revolutionary new approach to extract living nutrients from plants and nuts in order to deliver a 100% pure formula of botanical oils (from nature herself) to feed our body the nutrients it wants. It states right on the bottle that ReliefMD is a massage in a bottle and I think that is a perfect description of it.

I wasn't surprised that the ingredients in ReliefMD included several types of mint. I have been familiar with using Peppermint Oil to combat headaches.  ReliefMD includes Peppermint, Wintergreen, and Spearmint as well as almond, olive, eucalyptus, and camphor oils. Once you apply the oil to the area, you will immediately start to feel it working and smell the minty odor. I applied a few drops to my fingertips and then massaged the area that was causing me pain. I am prone to migraines and headaches and have had several in the last couple months to give ReliefMD several opportunities for product testing.  I have been very pleased with the product and most of the time, it was enough to handle my headache without either an over-the-counter medication or my prescription medication. Sometimes it took the beginning edge off, but I still needed the medication for long-term relief. I was surprised by how strong the odor was as my husband could smell it when he walked in the room. However, I didn't find the scent offensive, but it was strong.

 I also frequently have pain in my hand and fingers due to the beginning stages of arthritis. ReliefMD offered some much needed "relief" in my pain and stiffness.  I will caution you that if you have this on your hands or fingers, be very careful not to rub your eyes as they will burn. 

If you are looking for a homeopathic way to treat sore muscles, headaches and swollen joints I would recommend trying this product. It also states it can help with mosquito bites and sunburns, but since I tried this product during the winter, I haven't had the opportunity to test those out. But, I do look forward to it easing the itching of mosquito bites this summer. 

Obviously, you should consult a health care professional before trying any natural products. 

For a limited time, the manufacturer is willing to offer my readers one FREE bottle. They said they would love to have my readers try out ReliefMD and agreed to send one bottle FREE if you would pay a minimal shipping and handling charge. This is a one-time only offer! Click here to get your FREE bottle now!

You can also always purchase ReliefMD, by clicking the photo below:

Thanks to Trusted Health Products for sending a bottle of ReliefMD for me to try. I was not compensated in any way for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the product 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. 

FRIBBET THE FROG AND THE TADPOLES - Winner

Using Random.org I have chosen a winner of FRIBBET THE FROG AND THE TADPOLES by Carole P Roman.

The winner will have 48 hours to respond or I will choose another winner.

Thanks to everyone for entering! There was a great response for this giveaway.

The winner is..................................................................BECKY.

Becky, be sure to check your email today and respond with your mailing address.

If you would like to purchase FRIBBET THE FROG AND THE TADPOLES, click the photo below:

Children's Book Review and Author Interview: Stormin' Norman: The Bark in the Park By Andy Allen

STORMIN' NORMAN:
THE BARK IN THE PARK

By: Andy Allen

Illustrated By: Brian Barber

Published: March 2015

Publisher: Beaver's Pond Press

We first met Andy Allen when he wrote about his dog Norman in STORMIN’ NORMAN: THE SOGGY DOGGY.  Check out my review of his first book, HERE. 

After attending a teacher’s conference, Allen saw some of the teachers had written books and decided he wanted to challenge himself into writing his own children’s book for young learners.  Allen decided to base his story on his dog, Norman and Norman’s fall into a creek during the Flood of 2008.  It was such a huge hit with kids that he knew he had to write another story featuring Norman.
 

In STORMIN NORMAN: THE BARK IN THE PARK, Allen takes on the issue of bullying by telling it through dogs at the dog park. Each of the dogs at the park is expertly created with unique personalities. Their character is perfectly matched to their specific breed and the illustrations will tell the story as much as the words do. All the dogs are having a blast at the park. After a little playtime, it’s time for the dogs to get a drink.  Frank, the bully dog, won't let anyone else in for a drink and does some mean things to the other dogs. Norman decides to teach Frank a lesson.  You’ll have to read to find out if Frank becomes a friendly dog or continues his bullying ways.

Like Allen’s first book, this one also uses a rhyming scheme.  Even though this can make it a bit more challenging to write, the author says it is more fun.  This type of writing helps those early readers identify words when they know the last word in the sentence is going to rhyme.  One of his best compliments is when parents tell him, 

“I can’t stand your book because I’ve read it to my child so many times.”

A bullying theme was definitely a heavier topic to write about and it took the author a few rewrites to finally get it right.  Ultimately, he wrote this story to create a conversation about empathy and the Golden Rule.  Allen’s hope is that if everyone abides by the Golden Rule, we will all feel loved and the idea of hurting others will no longer be part of our future psyche. This book is his part to help kids become friends. By telling the lesson through animals he feels it can sometimes make heavier topics easier because kids are naturally drawn into animal stories.

In the future, Allen hopes to write a Christmas story with Norman and eventually, tackle the heavy topic of a death of a loved one. For right now, he is looking forward to warm spring days outside with Norman. 

Andy Allen and Norman

Andy Allen is a graduate of Iowa City Regina and has been a teacher for eleven years.  Andy is married to Mary and they have two dogs, Norman and Simon as well as two cats.  If your group or school would like to have Andy Allen come out and talk, you can contact him through his website, www.AndyandNorm.com. You can also find Andy on Facebook, HERE and Twitter, HERE.

Brian Barber lives in Minnesota. Brian is an illustrator and animator who has illustrated several children's books and animated short films and TV commercials. You can see more of Brian's work at BrianBarber.com. 


To purchase STORMIN NORMAN: THE BARK IN THE PARK, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review with other bloggers at Booking Mama's Kid Konnection. Click HERE to see other great reviews of children's and YA books on Saturdays. 

Thanks to the author for sending a copy of this book for review. This review is my honest opinion. This review was part of an assignment for The Gazette for which I am compensated for. If you choose to purchase a copy of 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. 

A Little Monday Inspiration - Winter is Dead

Some beauty for your Monday morning - 

Sunday Snippets 3.22.15

On Sundays I like to share snippets from our past week or weeks. If you don't already know, we live in a small town in Iowa and our kids are active in sports and music related activities. We have had a bit of a lull since basketball finished up last month and soccer games haven't started yet. Show choir competition season just ended and we have a few more concerts before the end of the year. I'm still subbing a lot as well as reading and reviewing. Pat is keeping busy meeting with his clients. So life is pretty mellow, or as mellow as it can get right now.

Here is what has been going on in our world the last two weeks:

Bennett had his middle school spring concert.

Patrick also had his spring concert.

Our final show choir competition was last weekend.

I'm going to miss watching our boys perform.

They are certainly talented.

Bennett had the solo during "Hip to Be Square".

All the boys looked so awesome in their "nerd glasses".

Their song choices dealt with an anti-bullying theme and it was so fun to watch their show.

Patrick took a risk and sang for the solo competition.

He brought me to tears and absolutely WOWED me!

He sang "Ten Minutes Ago" from Cinderella and scored a 88 out of 100.

For his first time and as a freshman, I was impressed.

The judge Lynne Rothrock worked with Patrick right in front of all of us.

She was amazing and gave Patrick some great tips for the future.

Bennett and a friend made this Crunch bar in art class. 

I thought it was pretty awesome.

The basketball banquet was held last Sunday 

and we were able to acknowledge 

all the accomplishments the freshman team had 

and thank our wonderful coach, Mr Conrad.

I was able to sit on our porch for a couple hours last week

which was pure joy.

Our cat Stormy has been begging to be out there non-stop all week.

She is going to have a rude awakening when we get some colder weather this week.

I have a new favorite drink. I found them at Target.

Even though they are bit pricey, they are a nice change from water once in a while.

It has been Spring Break for us, but due to 

Patrick's soccer schedule, we weren't able to go anywhere.

So, Reagan had a couple friends over during the week

 and then she went to my sister's for the weekend.

Reagan and her friend had fun making these cute cupcakes and we enjoyed eating them!

We will be hitting it hard this week with a busy schedule.

But it will be all be worth it 

as Pat and I are spending Friday together celebrating our 16th Anniversary.

Thanks for sharing some of the snippets from our last couple weeks.

I hope you have found ways to reminisce on the big and little joys in your life.

Children's Book Review and Giveaway: Fribbet the Frog and the Tadpoles By Carole P Roman

FRIBBET THE FROG AND THE TADPOLES
A Captain No Beard Story

By: Carole P. Roman

Published: January 7, 2015

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing

The group of friends on board The Flying Dragon are back to help each other out again in the next Captain No Beard Story. Fribbet the Frog has gone off to be by himself because his is upset. After his friends finally find him and with some coaxing, Fribbet finally decides to share what is bothering him. He reveals that he is a bit frustrated having to share his toys and his parents with 21 new baby brothers and sisters.

Once his friends realize Fribbet's problem, they listen, reassure him, and offer suggestions. The crew members share the value of friendship and the reminder that friends are always there for each other.

This addition to the Captain No Beard series of books is a wonderful way to share a love of imagination, the joy of friendships, and the love between siblings. I recommend this book and the whole series for lower elementary readers. To see my other Captain No Beard book reviews, click HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Carole P. Roman

Award winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswoman. She has successfully run a family business with her husband. Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her many grandchildren. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband. For more on Carole, visit her website, http://caroleproman.com/.

This giveaway is now closed. 

Thanks to all who entered. 

Winner has been chosen and contacted.

Since I was sent two copies of this book for review, I am excited to share a copy with one of my readers. To enter to win a copy of FRIBBET THE FROG AND THE TADPOLES, fill out the form below by Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 11:59 PM:



To purchase a copy of FRIBBET THE FROG AND THE TADPOLES, click the photo below:

I'll be linking up this post with Booking Mama's Kid Konnection on Saturday. To see other great children's and YA book reviews, click HERE.


Thanks to the author for sending a copy of the book for the purpose of this review. 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.