What I Wish I Knew at 18, Life Lessons For The Road Ahead: Book Giveaway

 

I seriously think I have found the perfect high school graduation gift for the class of 2013. Wait, maybe even the class of 1992 and 2019. Those last two years would be for ME and my son. When I was first offered to review this book I said, "I'll do it. Maybe my 12 year old will read with me. Because he already knows it ALL." Anyone out there with a pre-teen know it all? After reading a bit of the book, parts of it are still a little too old for my 12 year old, but I still have been reading the TAKE FIVE sections to him. It is amazing even at 38 years old how a life coach book can draw you in and give you a different perspective on your overall actions in life. 

One of my readers is going to get their very own copy of this book!!! It will make a lovely gift, shhhh I won't tell anyone that you read it first and then passed it on! Entries are found on the Rafflecopter form below.

About the Book:

What I Wish I Knew at 18 is an engaging, comprehensive, and conversational book written to help young adults achieve success in life. It provides practical, road-tested wisdom in essential life arenas as life perspective, character, relationships and communication, spiritual life, handling adversity, personal productivity, college academics, career selection and advancement, love and marriage, and managing finances. Through illustration, instruction, and reflective questions, the book reveals 109 success pointers that auger a soaring launch into adulthood. Unique in scope, universal in its message, and timely in its wisdom, What I Wish I Knew at 18 is designed to serve as an invaluable life coach.

About the Author:
Dennis Trittin is a successful investment manager, educator and mentor committed to helping young adults reach their full potential. Now retired from managing over $30 billion in assets, he devotes his life to promoting leadership and life management on a global basis. Trittin serves as an advisor to several charitable groups and as a speaker with national and local educational and community organizations. Dennis and his wife Jeanne are parents of two young adults and reside in the Seattle area.

Website: http://www.dennistrittin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennistrittinfan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dennistrittin
Blog: http://www.dennistrittin.com/blogs.aspx
Newsletter: http://www.dennistrittin.com/newsletter.aspx

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Home Run: The Book Giveaway

By now you have probably heard that there is a new soon to be Christian movie released April 19th similar to Courageous, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof. 

In fact here is one of the reviews: 

“What Courageous was for fatherhood, and Fireproof for marriages, Home Run is for battling addictions, bad habits, and hang-ups. The inspiring and authentic message of Home Run is that freedom is possible.”

I personally am very excited and supportive of this film after meeting last Fall, one of the Celebrate Recovery© Representatives Norma Murphy, who played a huge role in getting the film "rolling" between producers and CR founders. Norma is at Southern Hills Baptist Church here in Tulsa. 

About the Movie:

The story is centered around the life of Major League baseball player Cory Brand. After years of self indulgent behavior and reckless living, a DUI and team suspension land Cory back in the Oklahoma town where he started. Forced to coach the local Little League team and spend eight weeks in Celebrate Recovery©, the only twelve-step program in town, Cory must face the memories that contributed to his life becoming so destructive as well as honestly confront the love he left behind.

I am especially excited to be able to offer ONE of my readers the opportunity to read the novelization of this movie before the movie actually hits theaters. I can guarantee you it WILL be a blessing.
Easy entries on the Rafflecopter form below!

Website: http://www.homerunthemovie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeRunTheMovie?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomeRunTheMovie
More Info: http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=125960&source=search


About the Author
Travis Thrasher is the author of more than a dozen works of fiction, including The Solitary Tales series, Isolation, and Ghostwriter. His writing is known for its honesty, depth, and surprising twists. Thrasher lives with his wife and daughters in Chicago.

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Conscious Box Giveaway

Conscious Box is the best way to discover the most ethical and sustainable products on the planet! Focusing on strict tenets of organic, fair trade, and pure and natural products, each month Conscious Box will introduce you to healthy and honest alternatives for every aspect of your life and for every member of your family. Discover the best natural products, earn points for leaving feedback and reviews, and buy your favorites at incredible discounts! Create a profile today. It's free.

How Does Conscious Box work?

Conscious Box is a monthly subscription service focusing on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. You’ll receive one Conscious Box per month, and you can choose the plan that works best for you or purchase a gift for a friend or loved one! You have three plan options to pick from: Classic, Vegan or Gluten Free.

I am so excited to partner up with Conscious Box to offer this giveaway. One of my readers will receive a 3 month Conscious Box subscription- a $59 value!

In addition, Conscious Box is being very generous to everyone and offering a 50% off code for a Conscious Box Subscription - Use code: DISCOVERNATURAL

Now, who wants a 3 month subscription to Conscious Box? All you have to do is enter on the EASY Rafflecopter form below!!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: 

I usually receive one or more of the products or services mentioned in my review and giveaway posts for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. I may have also been compensated for any post that involves a giveaway. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Today's Post...

Did you know that I was a "vintager" before vintage was cool? You should see all my "junk". Today I am posting as ♥Mrs. Hart♥ at The RHOK. I am posting about what I spied on HGTV.

Is your laundry room decorated? How? The other day I was watching one my favorite HGTV shows- Flea Market Flip, the episode The Battle of the Green Chaise, when all of a sudden I spy this clock.

I tend to have an eye for details that don't really go with a show sometimes.
You could never take the $500 given to you on the show and fulfill one of the requirements of buying, fixing and then flipping for a higher sum and win $5000 with that clock.
That clock is more of a vintage decorating item. And if it works BONUS!!!


I just happen to have one of those particular BONUS's in my laundry room.
Yes, I decorate my laundry room.

Now if Lara Spencer would just hop on over to my house for some tea and yard sale talk, I would be in housewife heaven.

.

How About Some Bloglovin'?

I tried this app/blog reader sometimes back and liked it. Don't know why I never quite used it. Oh because I still had Google Reader. But now GR is going away with the official date being July 1, 2013. I'll be honest I was kind of getting sick of my GR. a lot of out of date blogs, blogs that I had since subscribed to by email, and RSS #'s and GFC #'s were always wrong. Maybe that was do to the change back when Wordpress blogs quit feeding. Mabe I am one of the reasons for the downward spiral of GR. oh well. Please subscribe yo me via email or Follow my blog with Bloglovin.

The American Bible Challenge: New Season March 21

Did you watch The American Bible Challenge last season? 

Only FOUR days until the new season of family Bible challenge fun starts again! 

I can't wait!! I have seen the previews and have my DVR set.

This season, welcome musical co-host, Kirk Franklin, to the American Bible Challenge!

The American Bible Challenge Promo from propeller on GodTube.

Oh, and just a HINT make sure you are following the Twitter and Facebook pages below, because this WILL NOT be the last you hear from me about The American Bible Challenge! 

Be sure to tune in March 21, 2013!

Website: http://gsntv.com/shows/the-american-bible-challenge/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamericanbiblechallenge?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSN_Bible

The Hobbit Widget. Own it on Blu-Ray 3/19!!!

Little known fact about Daddy Crow. He is a HUGE Lord of the Rings fan. He tried to impress me on our first date with his surround sound. You know the part when the winged creatures appear, yeah that's obviously some geekazoid event in surround sound/Lord of the Rings language. I still fell in love with him. Lol!

Warners Bros is exited to announce that The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey coming to Blu-ray & DVD March 19th 2013!

About the movie:

J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an amazing quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers.

From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” the first of a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

So, just how much of a HOBBIT are you? Take the above quiz and let me know in a comment.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  This post is sponsored by Warners Bros and PartnersHub.  I will be compensated for this review in the form of the above mentioned product. I usually receive one or more of the products or services mentioned in my review and giveaway posts for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. I may have also been compensated for any post that involves a giveaway. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Self Video Queen

Miss K got an iPod this past year from Santa. She currently has 141 pictures and 32 videos. She obviously has my picture taking habit- I'll have to share some of those later. The videos not so much. From time to time I will get her iPod during the day and go through her "stuff". Yeah, I'm that Moma. I hope you are too. 

Nothing is private from me. 

I ran across these two videos. One a few months back, that I hadn't shared here on the blog and the latest one, taken today. I just do not have words to say. Maybe there's a future career in Drama for her.

Birthday Wishes ® Barbie® Doll #Giveaway

Oh to be Barbie. That hair. That perfect skin. Not to mention that perfect figure. But most of all to be loved and cared for by a special little someone whose imagination matches the now 54 year old icon. 

FIFTY-FOUR!!!

Yes, Barbie turned 54 on March 9, 2013. Just a few short days ago.

In celebration of her birthday and the upcoming Easter holiday- where even celebrities are saying give TOYS not Chocolate and trying to Save the Chocolate Bunnies- I have teamed up with Mattel to offer one of my readers their very own 2013 Birthday Wishes ® Barbie® Doll! 

Entries are easy and on the below Rafflecopter form.

Disclosure: The 4-Crow's was not compensated for this post. Prize fulfillment is the responsibility of the sponsor.

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Happy First Pinterest Giveaway Ends Today-3/12/13

 Comment & Pin to Win this Shamrock Scarf from Happy First! (must use below link) http://pinterest.com/pin/123075002289154153/ Also, HUGE Spring Forward Sale going on now. Prices as low as $5!!

Return to Nim's Island #Giveaway

Do you remember the box office movie Nim's Island starring Bindi Irwin- daughter of the late Steve Irwin- The Crocodile Hunter? 

Return to Nim’s Island premiers on Hallmark Channel 

March 15th 2013 at 7/8C!!

PLUS! You can pick up your copy of Return to Nim’s Island on Blu-ray & DVD exclusively at Walmart Stores just 4 days after the premiere.

I might even be nice and give one of my readers their very own copy of Return to Nim's Island Blu-ray Combo Pack!

Okay, okay, I WILL!! 

Just visit the below widget, then answer the following question on the easy Rafflecopter form! Extra entries are available.

Which Nim's adventurer you are!
I'm a valiant voyager. Um yeah, right!

About the Movie:

Return to Nim’s Island, the sequel to Walden Media’s 2008 box office hit Nim’'s Island, picks up the story a few years later with 14-year-old Nim (Bindi Irwin) more determined than ever to protect her island and the animals that call it home. With ruthless resort developers and greedy wildlife poachers threatening the existence she loves, Nim realizes she and her animal pals can’t defend their home alone. To save her island, she is forced to combine forces with an outsider: Edmund, a runaway from the mainland. Only with his help does she stand a chance of stopping the villains from dismantling her world.

Disclosure: The 4-Crow's did not receive compensation for this particular giveaway. This post is sponsored by PartnersHub, Walden Media & Hallmark Channel. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally or believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

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"Save the Chocolate Bunny" Easter Toy Basket Giveaway by Mattel- Closed

Give Toys NOT Chocolate Easter Bunnies!!! Say what?
The 4-Crow's was asked to participate in Mattel's "Save the Chocolate Bunny" Easter Toy Basket Giveaway. Mattel's "Save the Chocolate Bunny" campaign is promoting "toys instead of chocolate" to encourage creative, healthy, sugar-free play for kids! To find out more about this campaign, daily giveaways, coupons for some of your favorite Mattel toys, and more click HERE. In my research for this post I found out an interesting fact about Mattel. Mattel has contributed more than $5 million to support Save the Children programs, currently including Early Childhood Learning and Development programs in the U.S., China and Malawi. Malawi is where my brother and his wife will be going on a mission trip in June. You can read more about it in this post.  I love working with companies that give back.

Use the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter for ONE grand prize Easter gift basket full of toys, plus 10 second prizes consisting of either Hot Wheels multi-packs or Barbie Madison.

Disclosure: The 4-Crow's was not compensated for this post. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping. 

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Mission Trip to Malawi

I am in tears once again as I sit to share this letter from my brother. God is so good. My brother, not only has answered the call as a pastor, but now he and his wife will be stepping into the foreign mission field. They have answered a call to go to Malawi this Summer. As most of us know these calls do not come without expenses. As you read his letter, I ask you to PRAY for my little brother and my sister in law! If you feel led to contribute the links are also below. God Bless and thank you for all your prayers and support my friends and family!!!

Dear Friends and Family,

God has called Liz and I to do something this summer that we know will transform our lives. We will be participating in a short-term mission trip to Lilongwe, Malawi with a Mission Team from Trinity Baptist Church, Ardmore, OK. The dates include June 12 through June 25, 2013. We will be planting and working through existing Churches that have been recently started. We will be working in conjunction with national pastors affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

While on this journey, our time and energy will be spent sharing the gospel house to house in schools, prisons, orphanages, and anywhere we will be allowed to speak. In Malawi there are opportunities to share the gospel freely in almost all public places. As a team, we plan to take advantage of all of this time possible while in Malawi. We will also be assisting in church planting activities and other outreach opportunities.

Liz and I want to invite you to be a part of this experience in our life by becoming one of our partners. We need friends who will commit to pray for us as we prepare for this trip and while we are in Malawi. We will also need those who will commit to support us in this trip financially. The total cost of the trip is $7340 and includes all expenses such as airfare, accommodations, food and training. We will be making some personal sacrifices for the next couple of months as We try to raise the money for this trip, but we cannot do this alone. We need your assistance to help cover part of the cost for the trip. Would you consider investing in our lives and in the lives of those to whom we will be ministering by giving financially toward this trip?

We are confident that this experience will be a marker in our spiritual life, and we thank you for considering being a part of it. We know that God will build our faith by providing the money for this trip and that He will stretch my faith as I make Him known to those who have not heard the Good News of Jesus Christ.

If you would like to help us financially, We have set up an account with our church in Coleman, Coleman Baptist Church. You can make your check payable to CBC. All contributions are tax deductible. $800 was due January 29th, $4440.00 is due on April 10th for the airplane tickets, the remaining $2100.00 will be do before we leave for Africa. Should a miracle happen and I receive more money then the cost of the trip, it will be applied to Bibles.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please feel free to contact Liz or I via email or phone if you have any questions regarding my trip to Africa. Thank you for your prayers and concerns for me and my ministry.

His Servants,
Jason and Liz Williams

pastor@colemanbaptist.com

You can make contributions by clicking this link. Thank you once again for keeping my brother and his family in your prayers. He and Liz have five children. He is pastor at Coleman Baptist Church in Coleman, OK.

I Detest School Pictures

This is not a paid post. 

Rather a mother's observation from experience. School pictures are not nice. My friend Tracy talked about this very subject at a recent Women's Lunch Club meeting, there are so many kids and so little time what can you expect. I guess the memory of the quirkiness. You could be really silly and get voted Class Clown.

Now I will admit. My son takes pretty good school pictures.

2012-2013 Yearbook Picture and the bus collage picture.

Picture I took in December 2012

Obviously, I am NOT a professional photographer. I have a Sony DSC-H50 and use PicMonkey to edit. One of these days I will figure out how to not have a glare on his glasses.

Now here is the reason for this post. 

THIS is Kaybrie's first school picture. I bought the $20 packet, it's the prepay one.

Her first yearbook picture and the picture that goes in the bus collage. 

This is what I took when the kids were having fun, being natural and themselves at the park in December. See the difference? 

And this is what she just brought home from school yesterday. Needless to say I did not send a $46 check back to school and keep the pictures. Nope, the entire portrait packet went back to school today. 

Let me make myself clear. I don't think they are necessarily terrible pictures. They just don't capture her personality. She is not natural. Very fake and posed. She is going to be one of those girls that has to be in her own element.

My friend Sherri at Sherri Scarpa Photography takes my family pictures- you know the ones where the parentals actually get in the shots, not the random ones I take for fun. She does the best job capturing my family in it's FUN! She shows us living, laughing, learning and loving. 

All the things that WE are about. 

She is actually running a fun contest right now. 

Tomorrow is the LAST DAY to enter in the Luckiest Photo contest. Email Sherri a picture of what makes you feel like the luckiest person in the world. She will open an album for voting on March 10 and post rules for voting. Email pictures to photographyXss@gmail.com

What do you think about school pictures vs professional? Do you have a favorite photog? Let me know if you enter Sherri's contest. I will vote for you. And you might just find an entry from me. And I promise this post does not get me brownie points. 

Read Across America Week

I've been posting pics throughout the past three days of Kaybrie on my FB pages, Instagram and Twitter of all of the activities going on at her school this week.

The National Education Association’s Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on 

March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

 

We have had so much fun participating in these activities and reading books through the school week. 

 One thing I did do this week that my kids do not know about is purchased these books at Target (hardback) for $10 each. Their on sale through today, savings of $8 each!! I am going to have each teacher every year sign the books and give them to the kids for high school graduation. I am very blessed that I still have contact with ALL of Braden's teachers since he is now in 6th grade. 

Now I will share all of Kaybrie's pics from the week. If you have already seen them. Sorry.

Wacky Wednesday: We turned her shirt backward, threw on rainbow leg warmers and rolled her hair in socks. Fun and Wacky!

Crazy Sock Day: She loves those Princess & The Frog toe socks. 

We made Green Eggs & Ham again this year. Instead of using pretzel sticks, which I thought looked like bacon, I used pretzel snaps. They kind of look like waffles, but oh well. They are  were YUMMO!

Friday was Favorite Book Character Day. She chose Pinkalicious of course!!!

So much fun. I love the learning and reading. Especially the excitement that such activities bring on! She has picked up a huge chapter book and is "reading" it!! Yay!