The Sparkle Egg Book Review & Giveaway

The 4-Crow's blog uses affiliate links, please see the Disclosures Policy page for more details.

One year ago tomorrow, March 31, 2013 was Resurrection Day- Easter Sunday. My little girl, then age 6, woke up singing the song "Oh Happy Day", little did we know that morning that this celebration day of Jesus rising from the dead and walking on Earth again, would turn into her Salvation Day. She asked Jesus into her heart later that evening. (entire story at this link)

The commercialism of Easter is all around us: the new clothes, the candy, the fake grass, the Easter bunny, even the Easter eggs. As a Christian parent, I do not forbid my children to participate in events such as egg hunts and when I was a first time Mommy 13 years ago, I paid the $5 for the Polaroid memory with the bunny. But, I DO make sure my children know why Easter is celebrated. I use the Bible and I absolutely love finding and reading books that teach my kids life lessons pertaining to our faith.

One of my latest finds is The Sparkle Egg by Jill Hardie. This book is about forgiveness. FORGIVENESS. Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice of dying on the cross was exactly for that reason. He loved us so much that he was willing to die so that we could live forever.

In the book, Sam, the character of The Sparkle Box: A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas  , (which I wrote about here and here) discovers the gift of Easter through The Sparkle Egg. "Readers of all ages will relate to the unshakable guilt Sam experiences when he chooses to lie to his parents to avoid disappointing them, and rejoice as he makes one final decision, to accept the gift of forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ."

To aid Sam in accepting the grace of God, his parents help him make a special craft- The Sparkle Egg. After he decorates it they have him write/draw something he feels bad about and put it inside the egg. On Easter morning what he finds when he opens the egg is the true gift of Easter.

Miss K making her Sparkle Egg- a little thing I like to call GlitterPodge. 

The final result. Such wonderful creativity. The wooden cross and the bakers twine.
(symbolizing Christ's blood, and when accepting forgiveness being washed white as snow)

Just like the Sparkle Box, which was recently announced as a finalist for the 2014 Christian Book Award in the children’s book category (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association), I adore the illustrations in this book and of course the life lesson for young and old about grace. This is a must have for any library. I also must say, that any time there is an extra activity involved with a book such as making a craft or filling a box with good deeds, the book and life lesson becomes that much more engaging for young readers.

One of my readers is going to blessed with their very own copy of this book. Who wants it? Enter on the easy Rafflecopter form below.


Written by Jill Hardie
Illustrated by Christine Kornacki
Available now!
Hardcover with jacket, 10 x 10, 32 pages
ages 4 to 8



Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Ideals for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I will receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. U.S. only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alone Yet Not Alone Book Giveaway

The 4-Crow's blog uses affiliate links, please see the Disclosures Policy page for more details.

In August of last year, I wrote this post about the book Alone Yet Not Alone: Their faith became their freedom by Tracy Leininger Craven. I have been approached again to give another copy of this book away.

On July 13, 2014 the movie based upon this book will be released. You may have even heard of the controversy surrounding the same titled song performed by Joni Eareckson Tada which was nominated for an Oscar, and then the nomination was rescinded.

The story is actually inspired by a true story, which her grandmother Leininger first told her when she was young after tracing their family’s genealogy. This story made a strong impression on Tracy as a child, and she actually wrote the first draft of Alone Yet Not Alone at the young age of 9! Of course, the content has changed a bit with this published version, but one thing has never changed for Tracy – the picture of the two young sisters torn from family during their tender years and despite all obstacles, they do not forsake their faith in Jesus Christ and never “lose the song of their hearts.”

I am inspired to make sure that good books get into the hands of as many people who will read them. Especially Young Adult books. Summer break is only 10 weeks away!!!

Enter on the easy Rafflecopter form below. I am also running this on my FB page.

Disclosure: Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Alone Yet Not Alone book via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. This prize is sponsored by and will be delivered to winner by MEDIA CONNECT // A Division of Finn Partners. I am not being compensated for this post by product or by monetary means. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Open to U.S. only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

NBC American Dream Builders Giveaway- $50 Lowe's Giftcard

The American Dream Home is something everyone fantasizes about. Whether it’s a new closet, a larger family room, or simply a place to put all your stuff, there’s always something we want to change about where we live!

What if you could make your home into your Dream Home?

AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS – a new show premiering on NBC March 23 at 8/7c – and Lowe’s want to make your dream a reality.

Hosted by famed interior designer and best-selling author, Nate Berkus, AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS follows the nation’s top 12 designers and home builders as they compete to be crowned the Ultimate Dream Builder and take home a $250,000 cash prize. It’s the home competition that will change everything!

From the producers of Survivor and The Bachelor, don’t miss AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS, Sundays at 8/7c, only on NBC.

You can enter for a chance to win $100,000 in products and services from Lowe’s and a consultation with the winner of American Dream Builders!

Enter for a chance to win your dream renovation at www.nbc.com/lowes.

And starting March 23rd you will have the opportunity to earn 5 bonus entries when you “Dream It Yourself”! Upload a photo and description of a home project you are working on and EARN 5 BONUS SWEEPSTAKES ENTRIES.

Finally, follow the show on Facebook and Twitter for a chance to win more prizes from American Dream Builders and Lowe’s!

Now for another HUGE surprise! One of my readers is going to get their very own $50 giftcard to Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse. Who doesn't like and need one of these? I do.

All you have to do to enter is answer this question on the easy Rafflecopter entry form. Additional entries are available.

What would your  personal “Dream Home Makeover” be?

Mine? A new master bedroom shower and screened in back porch/office combo. I'm not asking for much.

Disclosure: Each household is only eligible to win One (1) $50 Lowe's Gift Card via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. This prize is sponsored by NBCUniversal. I am not being compensated for this post by product or by monetary means. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Open to U.S. only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

#BrushWhitenGo with Colgate® Optic White™ Toothbrush + Built-In Whitening Pen

This is usually how you see my profile pictures:

Nice head shot, but something is missing. My teeth. Yes, I have them. In fact my parents paid thousands of dollars for a straight smile. But I typically don't like it. I think my teeth are small and since I can't afford to spend thousands for veneers and whitening, I don't show my teeth much in closeups.

For the past few weeks this has been my routine, 2x/day! Brush. Whiten. Go.

I brush with Colgate Optic White toothpaste. (I need more)

I whiten with the Colgate Optic White Whitening Pen
I Go about my business like usual. Easy Peasy!


Warning: the following video you are about to see is going to let you into a very private part of my morning/night routine. Surprisingly, I do not always look like a Barbie- LOL!




Influenster sent me the Colgate Optic White Voxbox complimentary for testing purposes. Inside was :

- A trial sized tube of Optic White toothpaste
- An Optic White toothbrush with a whitening pen
- coupons for $3 off one of the Colgate Optic White toothbrush/pen kits

February 28, 2014

March 18, 2014

I am noticing a difference. Will I try it again? Yes. I will repeat the treatment again in six weeks. The taste is pleasant and the cost will only be about $10 after I use a coupon. 

P.S. Like my video? Go LIKE it here- I am The4Crows!

Happy Pi Day!

Happy Pi Day!

3.14

It's an unofficial holiday that celebrates the mathematical constant in the month and day that the numbers coincide with. Cool huh! 

Any reason to celebrate the day.

I think I will make a Strawberry Pie today. Do you have my recipe? Oh. You like the above pie plate. I made it last year for an auction. I love etching glass. Too fun. 

Enjoy!

Must-Have Marvin Book Review

The second title in the Shine Bright Kids series, Must-Have Marvin!, teaches children that people are more important than things.

"Marvin loves new things -- he especially loves finding the latest, greatest, most awesome new things! Soon Marvin finds himself focusing on a new toy that he wants, to the exclusion of his friends. He lets them down when they need his help and nearly loses their friendship. Through a chat with a wise neighbor and a second chance to help, Marvin learns the important life lesson that people are more important than things." Ages 4-


What an amazing book! I read this with my 7yr old daughter last night. We both loved the interactive activity (discussion) that came with each page turn. In a time when we are focusing on comprehension and reading, this was much needed. The life lesson of needing people in our lives versus things is a lesson all ages need to be reminded of at times. I will be taking this to my daughter's first grade class after Spring Break to read.

The author, Christy Ziglar, is a financial planner, mother of twins. She is the niece of legendary motivator and the world’s original optimist, Zig Ziglar. She is bringing the same timeless wisdom and ageless advice to an entirely new, younger audience through her new Shine Bright Kids picture book series. If you didn't see my review on her first book Can't Wait Willow, be sure to look it up. It was named Children’s & Teens Book of the Year” by BookGateway.com.

I love the characters in these books, but as I mentioned above there is an interactive, very expressive character in these books- Ziggle (you don't necessarily know this stars name, I just do from research, the author's website has great resources to support the book ). Ziggle is a star, he wants everybody to shine their brightest. He gets super excited, happy and bright when good, careful choices are made. If he sees someone making a bad choice, it makes him very sad. I love stars. I love when we SHINE!

This book is recommended for ages 4-8, but like I said adults will even benefit from the reading of this one!

About Shine Bright Kids:
The Shine Bright Kids series provides children and their families with a relevant framework to help instill solid values and teach the importance of making good choices. The principles that will be explored include: using good judgment, taking responsibility, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.

About the Illustrator: Thanks to her first grade teacher, who recognized her superior skills in drawing a robin, Luanne Marten has been drawing, painting and sketching ever since. She is a great experimenter and has a fresh, whimsical approach to bring her characters to life.

Be sure to check out Must-Have Marvin! (Shine Bright Kids series). It will be a great addition to your child's library.

Website: http://www.alwaysshinebright.com
The publisher site is: http://www.idealsbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdealsBooks



Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Ideals Books for providing the book for this review. I will not receive monetary compensation for this review. Affiliate links are embedded in this post.

Orkin Bed Bug Home Prevention Prize Pack Giveaway

Good night. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite.

Yes, that used to be a childhood saying between my parents, brother, sister and I each night after our prayers and before our parents left us in our beds alone for the night. Kind of our Walton-like tradition, but we were the Williams family. We used to ask Moma and Daddy if there were really such thing as bed bugs and they might pull our sheets back to check, then reassure us there wasn't really such a thing.

WRONG! (I've even been guilty as a mother of doing this as a mother.)

Information from Orkin BedBugs:

"Bed bugs have come back strong over the last decade, keeping more and more people from sleeping tight. Now is the time to take control with a smart action plan - before the bed bugs bite.

Bed bugs reproduce quickly, so it’s critical to detect and treat an infestation early. Take the “Don’t Let the Beg Bugs Bite” QUIZ and download the “5 Must-Know Facts” PDF for a few tips on how to spot a budding beg bug problem.

And if you suspect an infestation, be sure to contact your Orkin professional. who will inspect your home thoroughly and design a treatment that’s right for you.

Visit Orkin.com or call 877-412-6806 for a free estimate."

Okay, so now that you are hopefully a Bed Bug Braniac, have officially cleaned your house and skin and hair have quit crawling. How about me give one of my readers an Orkin Bed Bug Home Prevention Prize Pack (2 mattress Safe Pillowsafe protectors ($30.00 Value)? All you have to do is tell me the result of your quiz. Won't these be great to take on vacation with you this summer?



Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Orkin for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I will  NOT receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. U.S. only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Campbell's Heart Healthy: Recipes & Coupons

Heart Healthy.

Health is foremost on people’s minds, keeping your family in tip top shape can be a challenge in these busy times. I know for my own family it is a major challenge. 

Our children get plenty of exercise, but their parents do not. As students in school, they participate in programs such as the American Heart Association's Jump for Heart and we always wear our Red in February to promote awareness of heart disease in women. These are certainly acts to create awareness and steps but I know I must do more. 

Campbell’s Soup wants me and you to “Address Your Heart” with Heart Healthy Tips, recipes and more!

Visit AddressYourHeart.com to get heart-healthy tips, including 21 Campbell’s recipes that are certified by the AHA and product coupons, as well as Facebook.com/campbellskitchen for the latest Campbell’s recipes and offers.

I like to cook, but I don't always cook the "best for us" recipes. I try to make sure we have fresh fruits and vegetables, but sometimes that proves to be a challenge. I have included a few recipes from the AddressYourHeart.com site that I will be trying out soon in my kitchen. Don't these look wonderful? Quick and easy too! And as a bonus, Campbell's is giving me a link to share coupons with you. Love it!! Let me know if you try out these recipes. 

Tilapia & Vegetable Casserole



Louisiana-Style Chicken, Sausage & Shrimp Skillet

Broccoli Cheddar Rice

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Turkey Meatloaf





**This post is sponsored by Campbell Soup Company

$100 Hapari Swimwear Giveaway! Closed

Only TWO more weeks until Spring Break, and only 12 weeks until School is out- that is if we have no more snow days and can continue to tack minutes onto school days that are remaining if any more occur.

With that being said, do you know what that means? Swimsuit time. The older I get and the older my children get the more I dread swimsuit season. Why?  Because I will be 40 this year.  I have come to the realization that I DO NOT and WILL NOT have the body I had at 19 or even 30! Plus, having a 13 year old son and a 7 year old daughter means I am still required to be present when they swim. I also feel that I must be more modest around my son and his friends. I mean really, I don't want to be showing off this fabulous almost forty mommy body to them, right? When it comes to swimwear, I love Hapari. I personally own two of their suits and just ordered my third. My own mother, a grandmother of 11 also owns two. I love the philosophy of this swimwear company: "Hapari has always strived to create swimwear that enhances a woman’s natural beauty, because we believe that all women, regardless of shape or size, should to look and feel beautiful in their swimwear." Hapari is excited to announce the arrival of its new 2014 swimwear line: the limited edition Palm Desert Collection and the Tahiti Collection. The new designs and prints in these collections are not going to last long, so you will want to grab them while you can, they are adorable. Hapari has designs for women that include bikinis, one pieces, tankinis, and coverups. They even offer styles for men, kid and something you don't see often, Mastectomy Swimwear All of their swimsuits are so cute, but I especially love their tankinis.  

This is one of my favorites, I actually wore it last year, the Zebra Classic Bandeau Tankini Top, I paired it with the Turquoise Straight Skirt and the Turquoise Tummy Tuk bottoms.

This is my new suit for 2014. I decided to add BLACK to my wardrobe this year. This is the Black Seaside Tankini and Swimdress from the Tahiti Collection. It can be worn tied up like in the above picture or as a swim dress like below. I purchased the Black Straight Skirt and Black Tummy Tuk Bottoms to go with it. LOVE! I cannot wait to get my tan on. 

When it comes to modest, good quality swimwear, for me Hapari wins hands down. I am so excited to be partnering with them again this year to give one of my readers a $100 gift code to Hapari. 

REQUIRED ENTRY: What suit will you choose? Leave comment in Disqus Comment form. This is mandatory. If comment is not left, then all extra entries on the Rafflecopter form will be disqualified. 

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Hapari for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I will receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. U.S. only.  a Rafflecopter giveaway