Ragged Hope By Cynthia Ruchti Book Review, Book Tour, Giveaway (Litfuse).

I read Ragged Hope, in exchange for review from Litfuse. I received a paperback version of the book. The book was written by Cynthia Ruchti and published by Abingdon.

About the book:

First, the book is Christian-based. One of the sentences, which grabbed me, from the back of the book was Where is God when you are doing everything right, but because of someone else, everything is wrong. But through it all, God is always there, no matter what you are going through.


My Review:
The book talked about choices. Your life is not only affected by your choices, it is also affected by other people's choices. What if your kids, left your grandkids on the doorstep to start a new relationship? What if you are being stalked? or what if the person, you think you are in love with, lies about being single or having kids? (that happened to me before). or your child or husband, has an addiction, which affects finances and stability.

The first story focused on Don and Lila, who was raising their grandkids because their daughter had an addiction. Their plans for a quiet life was quickly halted. Their finances shaken, but they agreed to give their grandkids love and stability, instead of regret and hatred. At the each of the chapter, there is discussion questions, which would be perfect for personal or small group bible study. One of the questions is what sacrifices are you making for someone, you love, but sensing the taint of victimization? Followed by applicable bible verse. Each story is short: like maybe 5 to 6 pages. Each story is a quick read.

Other stories, I liked included:

1. Danielle's husband left her for another woman, leaving her raising 4 kids alone. She did not let her ex-husband bring her additional sadness and distress. She called on God during her time of need. 
2. Olivia was dealing with a death of a child (suicide). Her child committed suicide during a family dinner. 
3. Charla was a teenage mom, but was forced to give up her baby. The father was married.  She got married and had kids later, but had a fear someone would take her kids. I cried reading this story
4. Deana dealt with trust issues. 
5. Marisa dealt with postpartum depression (I been there before). 
6. Tasha's husband gave her the gift of HIV. 

Giveaway:
Cynthia Ruchti  is celebrating the release of Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People’s Choices (Abingdon Press) with a $200 Visa Cash Card "Hope" Giveaway and Facebook Party!

One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card
• Ragged Hope by Cynthia Ruchti

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced at the "Ragged Hope Author Chat Part on August 1st. Connect with Cynthia for an evening of encouragement, laughter, and more! Cynthia will also share an exclusive look at her next project and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening. So grab your copy of Ragged Hope and join Cynthia on the evening of August 1st for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Hope to see you on the 1st!

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Chivalry by Zach Hunter Book Review Tyndale House

I read Chivalry: the quest for a personal code of honor in an unjust world.  by Zach Hunter, for honest review from Tyndale House (Tyndale Blog Network).

The book is about 10 principles of ancient knights combined with teachings of Jesus, that we can use today. How can we help others? How can we defend the oppressed? How do we act with integrity? How do we live with courage and significance?

The 10 principles:

1. I will not go on this journey alone
2. I will never attack from behind
3. I will practice self control and selflessness
4. I will respect life and freedom
5. I will fight only for the sake of those who are unable to defend themselves, for in the defense of justice. 
6. I will honor truth and will always keep my promises
7. I will fear no evil
8. I will always follow the law, unless it goes against what is moral and good
9. I will live and die with honor
10. I will never abandon my quest

My Review:

I was not sure what to expect when I requested this book. By the time, It arrived, I thought, based on the cover, it was a fiction, based on science fiction, fantasy, medieval times. Tyndale does not release the books until the books are taken down from the request screen. I loved reading the book. I was highlighting from the first chapter. 

The first chapter discussed Carlos and his love of trees. Carlos reminded me of Pete Nelson from Treehouse Masters on Animal Planet. He loved to grow them, watch them, study the soil, and study the roots. Carlos got married, had kids, and eventually his wife died. After his wife died, one of his kids, visited with his grandkids. Carlos made a powerful analogy about trees, which I enjoyed.

When a young tree is planted, it is at risk of being whipped about by the wind....If the sapling is tied to a single stake and pulled in one direction, it will grow up learning hard to that side. It will be uprooted by a storm or grow crooked. That's why it is important to stake a tree from multiple directions. The tension on three different sides helps a tree grow straight and true. Its roots will deepen, its trunk will strengthen, and it will bear more fruit (p. 5). 

We need roots to help us grow. We need people, who will be our root in life. People, who will support us when we are falling. Give us strength when we are going through. We can not rely on one human to help us on the journey called life. We can not do this alone, either (which is a problem, I struggle with. I am an introvert, I hate relying on people, but I am learning that I have to (need to). I need to socialize. I need to build relations with people. I need to network and build a community of friends, family, and others. But, your community needs to include mentors. Someone to hold me accountable. Someone, who will be honest. Someone who wants me to grow. Someone to share their personal experiences and I will do the same. I have my mentors. and I am a few other's mentors. I know my personal brand of Stacie is not always accepted and I am learning that is ok. I can be too blunt for my own good. I don't know tact that well. 

Chapter 2 focused on Catalina, who was gossipping behind her friend's back. She realized too late she hurt her relationships and through a priest's words, realized things will never be the same. The priest gave Catalina a task, which involved a chicken and feathers. People don't need to backstab, gossip, attack from behind, or even engage in malicious sarcasm (p. 16). I definitely use a lot of sarcasm. We (I) need to watch my words. 

Chapter 3 focused on self-control. We need to think first, then act second. The book discussed sexual relations. (posting this on Celibacy Diaries as well). In relationships, there are things you should and should not do. We need to maintain control, so we don't end up in regret. Self control doesn't just mean avoiding something, but also focusing on goals (p. 33 to 34). Simply avoiding temptation does not mean temptation will not occur (learned that from the celibacy is sexy chat last week). Temptation is everywhere (media, television, radio, magazines, online, etc). The book talked about focusing on what you want from a committed, married relationship. For example, Stacie wants a christian, celibate man, who can put up with special needs kids. One thing, which stood out in chapter 3 was "there is no such thing as just a movie, just a song, just words, just a kiss. nothing is trivial. everything has repercussions. (p. 37). 

The rest of the book followed the same set-up---shared someone's story, the author shared a story, followed by sound, biblical advice. At the end of the book, Hunter provided discussion questions for personal bible study or small group bible study. Each section also contains an oath or declaration, where you sign and date. You also can write your own pledge on how to grow more chivalrous. 

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Robby Wash Blue Laundry Giveaway (blogger promotion)

Perfect Chaos is helping NY Savings Specials promote their Robby Wash Blue Laundry giveaway. Information and giveaway is provided below. 

Hosted By:  NYSavingSpecials

Sponsored by : Oransi

Co-hosted by: Your Fashion Resource, Barbara's Beat, Simply Sherryl, The Parenting Patch and Libby's Library.

One lucky winner will win a 

Robby Wash Blue Laundry ball pack


Robby Wash Laundry ball pack will keep your laundry clean up to one year. No need for detergents!

You can read the full review here

Details:

Dates:  July 29 12:01am to August 19 11:59pm

US only

We appreciate the support of out sponsor, please show your support by following them on their social medias pages.

All other entries are optional

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: PERFECT CHAOS is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

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This is my life

I thought of this topic a few days ago. I was having a bad day with Mr.Meltdown and The Destructor. Definitely hard being a special needs parent at times. Toss in being irritated, cranky, and in pain (probably PMS now that I think about it) and I was ready to call it a day (and days).

I have to learn to accept this is my life and all that it encompasses. The meltdowns. The temper tantrums. The therapies. The constant picking up behind kids. The screaming. The hollering. The craziness.

So this is a list of things, which represent my life:

1. As soon as I clean, sweep, mop, carpet clean, some kid is going to spill something orange, red, or some other bright color on the floor or throw something on the floor, like cheerios, which will require me to clean some more. 
2. Melatonin has become part of my normal routine.
3. I will be happy to review any energy drinks, shots, or candies because some days I have zero energy. 
4. When I really want to sleep, some child is going to be cranky, irritated, sick, which will keep me up until I get them calmed down. 
5. I will not visit any churches unless they have a nursery and SPED program. 
6. Any help, when the kids are acting up, (within reason) will be appreciated. 
7. Going to a store or public outing, will be a challenge (Zoo, Schlitterbahn, San Antonio trips are coming up this year). San Antonio is fun. Megabus is fun. Riding public transportation (2 busses) with Brad is not fun. 
8. Some days I will not feel like getting up for therapy because I am tired, but I will push through it anyway. 
9. For a while, I will have to convince Brad to take his stinky butt a bath, using soap, (unless I do it myself) and then teach him how to dry off (unless I do it myself). I will also have a fight when it is time to brush his teeth or cut his hair (taking applications for a special needs barber). 
10. Kalen is a boob man. He will try to pull them out in the most inconvenient locations. 
11. Brad will be left with his grandma during Kalen's dr. appointments. 
12. Brad will somehow kick me while I am sleep. (Brad needs a bed ASAP). 
13. Kalen will only sleep in his crib when he extremely tired. 
14. IEP meetings are NO fun. 
15. Potty training is no fun. 
16. Some days I will be overprotective of my kids. Dont mess with Mama Bear. I have a violent side. I also cuss. 
17. Special needs parenting can (and is ) a lonely life. 
18. I can not take my kids everywhere. This is a fact. Some things I have to turn down, if you ask. I know my limits.
19. If you want to date me (yeah right, what's a date?), the kids must follow along. My family does not babysit. then, again, that may keep me strong on this celibacy path, or at least keep some fool from asking for sex on a date (that is, when i finally accept one). 
20. kiddie's father and relatives lives in GA. I live in Texas. 
21. Some days I lack patience and understanding
22. God is in control. Some days I don't understand why I was chosen for this role in life. I have to accept this is my life with both special needs kids, which dwell within this realm. Brad, aka Mr. meltdown, my wonderful, autistic, adhd son. Kalen, Mr. Destructor, my developmentally delayed (walking, talking, fine motor) child. 

This is my life. 

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Ellie Ambassador Program (with pictures of my sample outfit)

Disclaimer: this post contains an affiliate banner. will receive commission when you click on the banner. When you sign up for Ellie through one of my ambassador links, you will receive a 20% discount and I will also receive compensation.

You also can sign up for the fit fashionista club. With every purchase (by a friend), you will get 2,000 ellie points, worth $20 dollars on future purchases. Points are awarded 30 days after your friend places their first order.

I signed up to be an Ellie Ambassador this month. One of the benefits was receiving a free sample workout outfit for review. I chose this one. The Tank is a Prized and Polished tank in XL. The bottoms are a touch of ruby capris in XL. The top contains two pieces: the exercise bra and the tank.

The prized and polished tank: (From Ellie)

• two in one tank. mesh sports bra and a tank. The back features open mesh, which is light and helps the clothes breathe.
• The bra contains removable pads. 
• Can be used when working out, outdoors, yoga, running, tennis, and cycling. 
• 74.95 (currently only available in XL)

The touch of ruby capris:

• 89.95, currently available in L and XL
• left leg contains a pocket to hold your keys (maybe your id) during exercise. 
• reflectors on each leg
• UV-50 Protection
• Machine washable
• Made out of Eclon

Previously, I was working out in tanks and shorts, with my regular genie bra, but ran into a big problem when doing jumping jacks and lunges---some things did not remain in place. I needed some real workout gear.

The outfit came in the mail within the last week. My mother was shocked I had something nice because of blogging. She thought all the other things (books, games, products) was junk compared to this (sometimes people just irk me, which is why I pay most no attention). 

I been using the outfit all week. The material makes me look slimmer. It also feels weighted, when doing exercises, which helps me push a little harder. 

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Revolt Fitness Week 4

Welcome to Week 4.

I gained a pound, but that was expected. Ate a few no no foods. I thought I missed a day of exercise, but there was no videos for Wednesday. Definitely been a challenging week physically and mentally. My new hated exercise: anything with planks, pikes, and push-ups. My body been in a lot of pain this week. Not sure why, but the workouts been harder. Dealing with a headache all day today, but still pushed through the exercises. I also got new workout gear from Ellie (I am an ambassador. that post is coming next. pictures will be the same).

I am also ready to invest in a new yoga mat. The one I have is good, but it lacks traction. Keeps trying to roll up.

This was one of the longest posts to do because i got a new phone and could not figure how to send pics. kept getting an error


Week 3:

Weight: 155.8 lbs
Neck: 14 inches
Chest: 37 inches
Waist: 36 inches
Hips: 41 inches
Thighs: 22 inches
Calves: 15 inches

Week 4:
Weight: 156.4 (gained .6 lbs)
Neck: 14 inches
Chest: 37 inches
Waist: 35 inches
Hips: 41 inches
Thighs: 21 inches
Calves: 15 inches

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Rollie EggMaster Giveaway (blogger promotion)

Perfect Chaos is helping promote NY Savings Specials, Rollie Eggmaster Giveaway. Runs until  August 9th, 2013

Hosted by:  NYSavingSpecials

Sponsored by:  Rollie EggMaster

Co-hosted:

Your Fashion Resource, Barbara's Beat, 

Capri's Coupons and Simply Sherryl

One lucky winner will win a 

Rollie EggMaster

You can read the full review here

Details:

Dates:  July 26 12:01am to August 9 11:59pm

US only

We appreciate the support of out sponsor, please show your support by following them on their social medias pages.

All other entries are optional

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclaimer: Perfect Chaos is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

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Clear Winter Nights

I read Clear Winter Nights by Trevin Wax, in exchange for honest review from Blogging For Books. When I requested the book, I had no idea what it was about. I knew it was Christian-based, but it was not released to the public yet. I could not find any information on the book and requested it anyway.

and I loved it.

You have a main character, Chris, who is doubting his faith. Chris has a good job, a future, and a fiance. Add in a strained relationship with his father plus a grandma, who instilled the Christian faith in him, who died.  Chris starts doubting his faith, doubting his life, doubting his future. He takes a break from his fiance.

Chris was in line to help seed a church but his heart was no longer in it. He goes to visit his grandpa, a former pastor, who just got out the hospital. The book had a plot, but what I enjoyed more was the conversations between the Chris and his grandpa. There was an interesting conversation where Chris said all religions was on equal footing. His grandpa was saying that everyone felt their religion (or lack of religion) was superior to another's. It was the one they chose or grew up with. It is the one, which holds their beliefs and faith. It is their truth. Chris could offend some people by saying all religions was equal.

Even though the paperback is small, it is not a quick read. It contains a good plot and good dialogue about religion and faith.

As of now, the book is still available for pre-order on Amazon. 9.99 for Kindle and 10.98 for hardcover.

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US Family Bloggers Hawaiian Falls Waterparks

This post is sponsored by US Family Guide Bloggers Program. Copy and Images was provided by USFG. I will receive 4 passes for campaign promotion

Summer is almost over and there are NO excuses for your child to go back to school without experiencing the fun at Hawaiian Falls Waterparks! We make it easy and affordable – FREE tubes and life jackets, FREE parking, and coolers ARE allowed! And 5 convenient locations – The Colony, North Garland, Mansfield, Roanoake, and Waco - means there is a Hawaiian Falls Waterpark near you!

Right now you can Slide After Dark every Friday Night for only $5! Friday Night Slides admission is only $5 from 8 pm – 10 pm and FREE for Season Passholders! You can also upgrade your daily ticket for only $5 and stay until 10 pm on Fridays. Ride your favorite slides after dark. Buy your season pass today and bring a buddy for FREE to Friday Night Slides with the coupon in your Season Pass booklet. All 5 parks will have Friday Night Slides from now thru8/16/13. Each park determines which attractions will be lit, so it is best to contact your park to be sure which attractions will be open for Friday Night Slides.

Visit hfalls.com for regular park hours and more details! Hawaiian Falls Waterparks. Your park. Your family.

 

My Readers Save 50% off Big Kahuna Ticket (Save $13!) at Hawaiian Falls Waterparks this summer http://www.dfwkidsguide.com/coupon.php?bid=11208&dealid=1265

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Yabbly Review (BrandBacker)

I am reviewing Yabbly, in response to a campaign on BrandBacker. This is a sponsored post and I am being compensated for this post.

About Yabbly:

Yabbly is a website, which allows people to make better purchasing decisions. You can ask your own product purchasing decision on the site and get answers within 24 hours, guaranteed. The website is more than a social network.

At the top of the page, you have a pencil and pen button, which is where you post your questions. You provide a brief bio of what you are looking for, choose the tags, and then post the question. Side note: there is a search bar, so you can search for products and recommendations   Your posts are then reviewed by the Yabbly administration team. My posts were reviewed within 3 hours. 

Posts are organized by topics such as tech, home, family, auto, and needs love. Needs love is for posts, who have little to no responses. 

I posted a few posts on Yabbly: one for a waterproof phone and one for a internet streaming device. 

You also can respond to people's posts. Give your reviews and recommendations to others. Your responses are also reviewed. 

There is also the option to thank people for their responses on your threads.

The responses:

The post for the internet streaming device went well. Everyone recommended the same product, Roku. The second post about waterproof phones also went well. One person recommended an Samsung. Another recommended a waterproof case for an android. Another provided me a link on the differences between iPhones and Androids. 

Things I would like the site to have:

• A way to tag people in responses. 
• Faster approval system. Like I said earlier, it took 3 hours to approve my first two posts. Not sure if that is the norm or because I posted after midnight. It also can improve conversations or help conversations flow/move faster if you have a fast turnaround on approvals. 

If your posts are denied, you will get an email saying what was wrong with it, along with a link to edit the post. 

Another feature of the site is the top 10's list of things I own and like: you type in what you like. a bunch of photos will pop up and you can choose which one best represents your loves. You also can write a brief description of why you like/love/admire the product. 

Top 10 List of things I own and love: https://yabbly.com/profile/32593/sdwyatt?sf=tens

Social media

Facebook:

Twitter:

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Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil Giveaway

Disclaimer: the post contains affiliate links. I will benefit from your purchases. If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you

I recently reviewed Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, in exchange for an honest review from Tomoson. Perfect Chaos is giving away 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. Information about Tropical Traditions and the Rafflecopter is provided below

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the                                                   health benefits of coconut oil.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

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Groove Kid Nation "Rhythm Bears" CD Review (Tomoson)

I reviewed Groove Kid Nation: Rhythm Bears, in exchange for review from Tomoson. I was provided a physical copy of the cd for review.
Facebook Page

About Groove Kid Nation:
This is the third CD by Grove Kid nation

• Produced by Rodney Lee (record producer and keyboardist). Rodney has 20 years experience in music (touring sideman, record producer, and recording artist.
• Lee started creating children's music after the birth of his son. 
• Engages kids to participate with the music: clapping, stomping, vocalizing, etc. 
• Contains various instruments: harmonica, fiddle, acoustic guitar, acoustic bass, clarinet, kalimba, ukulele, didgeridoo.
• Each song features a new instruments
• The CD comes with a 10 page booklet, featuring illustrations (10.99)
• "I think we are missing a great window of opportunity to introduce real musical instruments and more advanced music concepts to our rapidly developing toddlers' ears and brains," explains Lee. "During these formative years our children are learning about all kinds of sounds ranging from the simplicity of a cow's moo to the complexity of speech and language. It is also the perfect time to introduce the sound of various instruments like the saxophone, trumpet, guitar, violin, and many others." (Rodney Lee, GrooveKidnation.com). 
• Creative play helps development of kids under 5 years old. Kids can hear different instruments on the CD, in addition to clapping, stomping, and singing along. 
• Features the best musicians in Los Angeles, CA.
• 10% of the wholesale price of the CD is donated to Care.Org, which helps fight poverty. 
• For information on Rodney's other projects, please visit rodneylee.net or satelliteorchestra.com

List of Songs:

1. Rhythm of Life
2. The Why Song
3. Teddy Bear's Picnic
4. I can
5. I do, but I don't
6. Little bear interlude
7. Kalimba
8. The train song
9. say and play
10. virtue of the small
11. This old bear

My Review:

I never heard of Grove Kid Nation before applying for the promotion, so I had no expectations when I got the CD. I was very happy with the CD, the instruments, and the vocals. Made me slightly wish I stuck with band (but not the clarinet). 

Rhythm Nation is a up-beat song, which used claps. It is a catchy little song. I thought I heard a guitar in the song.

The Why Song: contains harmonica. It asks a series of why questions, which reminded me of my oldest son. The song also encourages kids to stomp and clap. Why doesn't a spaceshuttle poke a hole in the sky? Why do chickens have wings but can not fly?  Why oh why? The answers never satisfy. Why oh why?

Teddy Bear's Picnic: It is the classic song, with participation for the kids (repititionFeatures the clarinet. there's a bear acting silly. running around, willy nilly. 

I can: features the Didgeridoo and shakers. It is a good song, telling kids what they can do.  when i was a youngster at the age of three, i began to expand my vocabulary. i got my abcs together and soon i learned to spell. I can. wash my hands to my mom's surprise, ate all my broccoli before her eyes. (lyrics are in no particular order).

I do but I don't I do but I don't. but I do but I don't. I do but I don't. I will what I want. Yeah it's catchy. It's about kids having a hard time choosing what they want to do. It's like asking Brad to go to the bathroom. He does not want to, but he has to anyway. The song features the jugs.

Little Bear Interlude features the drums and piano.

Kalimba features the Kalimba. pass the popcorn, pass the popcorn. the kiddies are encouraged to clap along. 

The Train Song features the banjo and encourages kids to make sounds with their mouth.

Say and Play features the violin. It is a catchy, fast beat.

Virtue of the Small features the Ukulele. This was one of my favorite songs on the CD. Tiny ants do things twice their size. These things remind us all of the virtue of the small. Tiny fish swim in the deepest seas. Raindrops fill the oceans over time. The laughter of a child makes everyone small. It's a big wide world and your heart is small. Little wings, big dreams, will take you far. Lyrics are not in chronological order.

This old bear features the clarinet, banjo, violin, and kalimba.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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CourtYard Hounds Album Review

I reviewed The Courtyard Hounds album, Amelita, in response to a One2One campaign. I received a digital copy of the music. The copy and album images was provided by One2One.

About the Band:

Emily Robinson and sister, Martie Maguire started this band to share something new with their fans. Amelita is their second album. Robinson and Maguire, who was part of the Dixie Chicks, have not been in the spotlight in years. The album contain 11 tracks. Since the first album, Robinson has got divorced, which lent a new perspective to the music. 

 “I’ve been freed of all of those time-heals-everything kind of things,” says Robison. “Now, I’ve opened up to other ideas and ways of looking at life and the world. I think it’s not only a more hopeful album, but it’s more… well fun."

"I love this band...the way we explore new aspects of ourselves and what we can expect from each other, both musically and as people," says Martie. "We are close. Plus, being on the road and being in the studio is like my spa from the everyday challenges of just being a mom.”

Amelita Track Listing:

1. Sunshine
2. Amelita
3. The World Smiles
4. Aimless Upward
5. Guy Like You
6. Rock All Night
7. Phoebe
8. Divided
9. Gets You Down
10. Watch Your Step
11. The Road You Take

My Review:

I knew of the Dixie Chicks, but didn't know any songs by them. So, this was a first experience to me to listen to two former members. The album was kind of slow on some songs, catchy on others, and folksy on others. I can picture the band with long flowing hair, with flowers in their hair, with a guitar in the 60's and 70's. The girls was excellent. The songs all had a message. nothing controversial and nothing sexual. yay.  I got the digital copy of the cd last week. One of the first songs, which stood out was Sunshine. It was about someone, who likes to bring people down and who can kill the vibe in the room. Not sure if it's sarcasm, but the person is called Sunshine. Amelita was a good song, but the beat was sampled. The music sounded familiar, but I don't know from where. Amelita was very catchy. It has a spanish/latin vibe to it. Sounds like trumpets and drums. Amelita sounds like a woman, who has gone through some things with a man, and the song is trying to tell her it's not the end of the world. Amelita can move on with her life. The World Smiles is a hope song. The world smiles, if I believe in the good stuff and I open my eyes up. Aimless Upward had a good beat and message. It talked about moving forwards, despite the storms, trials, and tribulations. My eyes are wide. Aimless upward, I will rise and I'll be fine to take my time. Take my time. A guy like you was a slower song. She wants things to work out with a guy, like him. Someone who will smile and be there for you. Rock all night had a rock vibe to it. Do anything to feel alive. Rock is like a himalayan ride. I'm gonna rock all night. Phoebe had a country feel to it. Divided was a good song. She wants him to stay. It has a catchy beat as well. we spend our days together and our nights alone. so stay a little longer. don't let this feeling go to waste. when the sun comes up, i want to be there when you wake. Gets you down is another slower song. Sounds like it has a few wind instruments in the background. You can always love me. You can always love me. You can always love me. and if it don't feel right, at least you tried. but did't you try. Watch your step has a rock vibe. The road you take is another catchy tune, but on a medium pace. not too fast and not to fast. I am not alone. I can journey alone. I will leave it all to faith. It's the choice you make. It's the road you take. 

Media Links:
CYH on Twitter
CYH on Facebook
Emily Robison on Twitter
Martie McGuire on Twitter

Links To Buy Album:
iTunes
Amazon

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

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Childrens Learning Reading Program Review

I reviewed the Children's Learning Reading program  in exchange for review from Tomoson. The program helps parents teach kids how to read. The program is 49.95. I received a collection of resources, which included:

1. Most common sight words book
2. Stage 1 Lesson Stories
3. Stage 2 Lesson Stories
4. Children's favorite rhymes
5. Step 1 lessons on teaching a child how to read
6. Step 2 lessons on teaching a child how to read. 
7. Letter sounds mp3s. 

I wanted to review the program because my oldest does not know how to read. My youngest has a language delay. Any educational tool, which can help both, is a good thing. 

Most Common Sight Words Book

The book provides a discussion of what sight words are. It also discusses poor readers and phonics. Finally the book provides a list of the most common sight words, such as eye, due, and try. 

Children's favorite nursery rhymes book

The book provides pages and pages full of nursery rhymes. Some of which include Little Jack Horner, Little Boy Blue, and Little Miss Muffet. The illustrations are well designed and colorful as well.

Lesson Stories and Lessons

The lesson stories and lessons help teach a child to read. Each story corresponds with a lesson. The books are part discussion for the parents and then the lessons follow afterwards. The discussion includes topics, such as phonemic awareness, blending, success stories, systematic synthetic phonics, sight words, letter names/sounds, and teaching upper and lowercase letters. It also discusses how the parents need to learn the letter sounds before teaching the children. Finally, it discusses how to teach reading and getting your child to participate. The discussion takes up half of Book 1 and the lessons takes up the next half.

Now on to the lessons: \the book starts the lessons with a disclaimer not to skip the discussion. If you did not read the discussion, the authors ask you to read it first, before attempting the lessons. If you are still anxious, the book provides sections to read first in the discussion.

For the sake of the review, I will focus just on Lesson 1

Lesson 1 focuses on the letter A. Parents need to teach the sound. The sounds are provided in the mp3 clips. Parents also can write or print off the letter A. The child will also eventually trace the letter A and learn A words (which use the A letter and A sound). The book does provide some A words and words with the A sound. The child needs to master each lesson before moving on to the next. The child will need to work at his or her own pace, versus yours.

For the stories, it starts with lesson 20. So it will be a while before your child uses this book. 

Brad knows the letter A and the sound. It is the only letter he knows. Hopefully, with progress, he will move to B and C. I liked the format of the program. It is simple, but the hard part is reading through the discussion. Take your time and learn about sight words, phonics, and letter sounds. The material provided will strengthen the lessons and your child's learning.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Take Lessons Campaign Sponsored Post Sverve

This post is a sponsored post from Take Lessons (Sverve Campaign). I am being compensated for this post. The post also contains referral links. I liked the company because my child is currently enrolled in home school. His live classes are in virtual conference rooms or over Skype. He also received in-home speech therapy around April, 2013.

About Take Lessons:

Take Lessons connects students and families with private music, art, and academic tutors and instructors. The company was founded in 2006 and has worked with over 30,000 students. The school's top priorities include safety and quality. Each instructor goes through an extensive interview, training, and annual criminal background check. The website helps with scheduling, initial coordination with instructors, and billings. The online account also has scheduling and billing tools.

TakeLessons provides in-home, studio, and online lessons. Parents (and students) will need a computer, webcam, Skype, and a good internet connection 

The website also offers gift certificates. 

About course offerings

• Over 30 available lessons, such as guitar, singing, piano, drums, violin, dance, acting, and academics.
• Lessons are home, online (Skype) or studio. Prices vary on location and length of class.
• The most popular lesson package is quarterly (book 12 lessons, get one 1). Other options include month-to-month and Flex (schedule lesson times with instructor).
• 100% money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the first lesson, the website will find you another teacher or refund your original purchase price, including the first lesson.
• No long-term commitments. Switch schedule, teacher, or instrument type at any time.
• Teachers are available to teach all types and experience levels
• To learn more and begin searching for an instructor go to Take Lessons
• Lessons are paid in advance, which guarantees your space and teacher. Billing date depends on program selected. Payment is usually requested 7 days before the first class starts
• You can search for a teacher by location and by class. For example, I searched for songwriting in the 77014 zip code. 8 instructors was available. The teachers have a brief info below their names which includes levels taught, ages, willingness to travel, has a teaching location, and verified background check. Not to mention, each teacher has a picture, so you can see what they look like. Next, each teacher has a profile with reviews, photos, videos, availability, subjects taught, educational background, a bio, specialities, and equipment. 
• Once you see a class you like, you can book the class online or call in person. The process was easy. You enter your name and address; the location of where you want to take the lessons (online, home, studio), length of lesson, day, time, start date, and you will see pricing as well. On the right side of the screen, you will see the teacher availability schedule so you can choose wisely. 
• The school does not provide instruments. 

The website is offering 20% off all lessons packages with promo code "SUMMERMUSIC21). You can book online or call 619-618-7943 to discuss options and pricings. Use promo code when online or over the phone. 

Videos:

TakeLessons Tutorials:

How to buy your first Guitar – Guitar Instructor Nick F. leads you through the

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Nuby Potty Seat Giveaway

Perfect Chaos is helping promote the Nuby Potty Seat giveaway from Miss Frugal Mommy. Information and entry form is below

Welcome to the Nuby Potty Seat Giveaway!

Hosted by Miss Frugal Mommy & Sponsored by Nuby

This giveaway is in honor of two very big milestones at the Miss Frugal Mommy blog! Not only is Little Mr. Frugal fully potty trained, but Miss Frugal Mommy has reached over 6,000 Facebook fans! I would say that deserves some celebration and there's nothing I like more than to give stuff away!

The Nuby Potty Seat is sized just right for your little one, the stand-alone potty features a non-skid base, comfortable seat, and removable basin that is easy to empty and easy to clean. You can read Miss Frugal Mommy's review to learn more about this great product!

One lucky fan will receive a Nuby Potty Seat in the color of their choice (depending on availability.)

Enter to win in the rafflecopter below, all entries will be verified. This giveaway is open to US residents only.

Good Luck fans!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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