FREE Dolphin Tale 2 Curriculum and Homeschool Movie Day!

 

You can download the free dolphin curriculum by clicking the pic above!

Every school year, I sit down with my kiddos and ask them what they want to learn about this year.  At the top of their list was dolphins! Little did they know, Flyby Promotions had already sent me the link to the free dolphin curriculum.  They could not have timed it better!

The free curriculum from the The Homeschool Movie Club is based on the new Dolphin Tale 2 movie which comes out today!  Simply sign up for updates (they don't spam you; I promise!) and all the files and lessons are available for your immediate use.

Included in the curriculum are five major lessons on various different aspects of dolphins and ocean life:

• Lesson 1: Get to Know Dolphins
• Lesson 2: A Day in the Life of Dolphins
• Lesson 3: Dolphins in the Ocean
• Lesson 4: Aquarium Life
• Lesson 5: Dolphins and Us

Each lesson includes a video and a pdf file with printables and related activities like hands-on learning activities and coloring/drawing pages.  All of the lessons contain instructions and activities for elementary through high school-aged students, along with age-appropriate explanations and vocabulary. Each lessons is clearly marked for the appropriate grade level which I love. 

Celebrate Homeschool Movie Day by heading to the theater today, September 12th, 2014 to see Winter’s story continue in Dolphin Tale 2! Check out the movie trailer below!

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Special thanks to the wonderful people at Flyby for this blog review!

A Diet That REALLY Works! #MaintainingMyPreBabyWeight #NSNation

Last year, I used Nutrisystem to achieve my "ideal" weight and it worked! 

I've had 4 kiddos, one pregnancy being twins--I know what it's like to gain a ton of extra weight.  And I know what it's like to lose it... and I do not under any conditions advocate yucky diets, or going without desserts, or working your butt off every day.  We want to live life, don't we?!  And delicious food is one of the most wonderful things in life.  I am not even kidding--Nutrisystem's food is SO good!  I have tried a few other diet programs and this is definitely the best!  They have a coconut chocolate bar that I couldn't believe I was allowed to eat--it tasted like a Mounds.  My favorite!  It's one of those things that seems worth going in the closet and hiding from my kiddos to sigh over and enjoy.  Not even exaggerating. ;)

Nutrisystem's Coconut Almond Bar

And, of course, you can never go wrong with mac and cheese!

 

Nutrisystem's Mac and Cheese

And here is my favorite Nutrisystem dinner--chicken parmesan with spaghetti.  Soooo good!

Nutrisystem's Chicken Parmesan

So how does it work?  You subscribe to Nutrisystem, they teach you to form wonderful, healthy eating habits, you change your lifestyle, you get a ton of delicious food delivered right to your doorstep, and after 3 months, you should be set.  It's definitely a worthwhile investment! The good habits they helped me formed have lasted!

Maintaining the weight I lost last year--and I've had 4 babies!

Special thanks to the wonderful people at Diet-to-Go for giving me this review opportunity!  All opinions are completely my own.

Purely You Minerals, The Most Classy Mineral Makeup AND the Most Affordable!

Loose Mineral Foundation

As moms, we get so busy!  During my first few years of motherhood, I didn't seem to have any time to style my hair or use hardly any makeup.  While we all know it's what's inside that really matters, but since the beginning of time, women have had a desire to look beautiful on the outside, too.  In the last couple of years, I've found ways to look prettier, feel prettier, and to do it quickly!

I am so excited that I've found Purely You Minerals because I absolutely love mineral makeup (application is both fast and flawless, plus it's natural) and this is the first I've found that is so incredibly affordable.  Besides being affordable, their eye shadows are the best I've tried, their blushes give my face the most perfect, gentle touch, and everything is so quick to apply and makes such a flawless finish.  If you've never tried mineral makeup, you'll want to try this.  You'll never go back to liquid foundation.  

Let your inner beauty shine through! 

Probably my favorite thing about purely you minerals is that the makeup is so gentle on your skin.  I never break out from this makeup even though I often sleep in it.  It actually seems to improve my skin.  I've noticed that I can actually feel confident going out of the house without feeling like I always need to wear foundation.  I've had numerous compliments since I began wearing their makeup. The photo below is a picture of myself wearing my favorite Pure Minerals: Neutral Fair foundation, their Light Silk Mineral Veil, eye shadows in Pink Hi Light and Barbie, blush in Purely Rose, and lip gloss in Tutti Fruity--no photo touch-ups, just exclusive Purely You Minerals.  

Purely You Mineral Makeup is hand-made in small batches to maintain high quality standards. Besides being light and breathable, they offer 15 SPF. None of the products contain talc, powdered starches, clays, bismuth oxychloride, parabens or nano size particles, and everything is gluten free. It's natural makeup, designed to accentuate your beauty, not cover it up. 

Purely Mauve Blush, one of my favorites

Giveaway 
One winner will be able to pick any eye shadow of her choice. Enter below by Sept 17 at 11 pm anyone's time.  I'll choose a winner the next morning.

If you win, which eye shadow will you choose?

You Can Also Find Purely You Minerals On

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 Special thanks to the wonderful people at Purely You Minerals for providing me with this review and giveaway opportunity!

Secrets of Sloan House, A Chicago World's Fair Mystery #Giveaway

The Chicago World's Fair of 1893 looks to have been incredible, but it was also incredibly dangerous for a woman out alone during those 6 months.  There were murders, kidnappings, and attacks on women of both the lower and upper classes while thousands upon thousands of people visited Chicago for the event.

But if you like Downton Abby or a good 19th century mystery (or both!) you'll absolutely love Secrets of Sloan House, the newest book from NY Times Best Seller Shelley Gray.  I was hooked from the first page, gripped by the mystery and the wonderful writing style of Miss Gray.  Already, I can't wait for the next book in the World's Fair Mystery series, though it won't be out until 2015.  If you don't win this copy of the book, you can find it at your nearest Family Christian Store or online.

Against the backdrop of the 1893 World’s Fair, a young woman finds employment with an illustrious Chicago family—a family who may guard the secret of her sister’s disappearance.

Sloane House is among the most gilded mansions of Gilded Age Chicago. Rosalind Perry, the new housemaid, pours the morning coffee before the hard gaze of her mistress.

“It’s simple, Rosalind,” she says. “I am Veronica Sloane, heiress to one of the country’s greatest fortunes. You are simply one in a long line of unsuitable maids.”

While Sloane House is daunting, the streets of Chicago are downright dangerous. The World’s Fair has brought a new kind of crime to the city . . . and a lonely young woman is always at risk. But when Rosalind accepts the friendship of Reid Armstrong, the handsome young heir to a Chicago silver fortune, she becomes an accidental rival to Veronica Sloane.

As Rosalind disguises her kinship to a missing maid, she probes the dark secrets of Sloane House and comes ever closer to uncovering her sister’s mysterious fate. A fate that everyone in the house seems to know . . . but which no one dares to name.

GIVEAWAY
One of my readers will win a copy of Secrets of Sloane House. Enter below by August 27th at 11 pm anyone's time.

Special thanks to the wonderful people at Family Christian Stores for providing me with this opportunity!

Holy Ghost DVD Giveaway: An Amazing Film!

My hubby and I watched "Holy Ghost" last night.  We planned to just watch it for about a 1/2 hour (it was late when we started!) but we were so hooked on it!  The testimonies of God's love and the lengths God will go to speak to someone's heart really touched me.  The main message I got out of this movie is that we shouldn't put God in a box or limit, something God has been showing me lately.  Truly, this seems to be the theme of my life for 2014.  Everything in this movie completely lines up with the bible--there's nothing weird or off about it... but it will challenge you and it may make you question the way you've been living your life.  And it will inspire you, I guarantee it!  An amazing film.

This movie features Brian "Head" Welch of Korn (did you know he's a Christian? his story is so powerful!), Lenny Kravitz, and others.  It's actually a documentary of these guys who decide to make a movie "led by the Holy Spirit"--sounds kind of crazy, right?  My hubby was especially wary of it, but even he was impressed with the actual movie once we watched it.  They end up going to Utah, Monte Carlo, to a Korn concert, and to the oldest city in the world. It is an incredible film, and I am feeling so blessed that I had the opportunity to review it!

Giveaway

One of my readers will win Holy Ghost on DVD and receive it in time for Christmas.  Enter below by Monday September 5th at 11 pm anyone's time.  I'll choose a winner the next morning via Random.org. 

You Can Find Wanderlust Productions On

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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did 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 are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Orglamix Cosmetics #Giveaway: Natural Beauty

Congrats to Katy, the winner of this giveaway!

Orglamix: 100% pure minerals, innovative shades, finishes AND fun. Of course "fun"... after all, makeup is so fun!  And I love these eye shadows.  They're very soft and delicate, made of all natural ingredients, they glide on smoothly and blend nicely.  The eye shadows come loose in a generous sized container.  You only need a tiny bit for a good amount of color so I'm thinking these will last me pretty much forever! I can't wait to try some new shades.  In the below photos, I'm wearing Skyline (an iridescent color that seems to shimmer between violet and blue) and Rose Gold (a soft bronze).

Orglamix... Get Pretty, Purely!

 

GIVEAWAY
One of my readers will receive a $20 gift card to Orglamix!  Everyone else will receive a $15 gift code to spend on any purchase that is at least $15 or more.  Enter below by 8/14 at 11 pm anyone's time.  I'll choose a winner the next morning!

What will you buy if you win this giveaway?

Special thanks to the wonderful people at Orglamix for providing me with this review and giveaway opportunity!

Mail Day and a Share a Blessing #Giveaway for Little Girls

Friday was mail day at our house!  We wrote letters and postcards all afternoon.  My daughters and I all have pen pals and love making our letters pretty.  My girls had so much fun with their new Share a Blessing book--a book of 24 super cute postcards and foldable cards, and over 1,000 super-cute stickers girls can use whenever they want.  The cards feature uplifting Christian messages and adorable animals and nature scenes.  And they inspire creative writing.  ;)  So fun!

GIVEAWAY
One of my readers will receive a Share a Blessing.  Enter below by 8/19 at 11 pm anyone's time.  I'll choose a winner the next morning!

When was the last time your kiddos mailed a letter to a friend?  Who was it for and what was the occasion?

Special thanks to the wonderful people at Tommy Mommies for providing us with this review and giveaway opportunity!

The Boxcar Children DVD #Giveaway!

"Mom! This is the best movie I have seen since The Lego Movie!  I love it." - my daughter

This year in homeschool, we're going to be reading The Boxcar Children Mysteries.  This DVD came at the perfect time!  My children (6, 9, and 10) all love it.  It's a charming movie with an important message.  It will be officially released on August 19th, a few days after this giveaway ends.  You can pre-order it on Amazon for $12.77.  A great deal!   

About the movie:
Four orphaned and homeless siblings happen upon an abandoned boxcar, which, with a little creativity and hard work, they gradually furnish with all the comforts of home. Fearful that they will be sent to live with the reputedly cruel grandfather they have never met, the children keep their new home a secret until a serious illness forces them to reveal themselves in order to save young Violet.   The story is both heartwarming and entertaining.  This DVD is definitely for more than just the kids!

GIVEAWAY

Enter below by August 18th at 11 pm anyone's time.  I'll choose a winner the next morning via Random.org.  In the meantime, have a very blessed week!

Disclosure: Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did 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 are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Now THIS is What a Subscription Box is Supposed to Look Like! #Curlkit #Beauty

I was so impressed when the mail lady handed me the package with my first CurlKit inside--it was heavy and big enough to be impressive.  I've tried a lot of subscription boxes and this one was by far the most value for the money ($18 total for your first box--$20 every box after).  My CurlKit included 5--count 'em FIVE!--full-size products and 3 sample sizes plus a booklet on curly hair tips.  

My CurlKit



My CurlKit Hair

These 3 products were my faves:

Eco Cocktail: A styling cream that leaves my curls soft and smelling amazing. It's infused with good stuff like super-fruits and natural oil that actually nourish and condition my hair while I'm wearing it... all day long.  I love it!

Ori Essentials Conditioner: Gives lush, radiant soft curls without frizz and it smells like coconut.  It's amazing!

Nubian Heritage Shea Butter Body Wash: Oh. My. Goodness.  Smells amazing and I felt like I was bathing in silk!  Two generous sized sample packets were in my CurlKit but, even though they were sample sized, they are so worth mentioning.

CurlKit seems to be a super fun and very affordable way to try new products. I am genuinely impressed.  In each CurlKit, you receive everything from pomades and conditioners to natural hair tools, from well-known brands as well as emerging gems. It's also worth noting that CurlKit subscriptions are available with a 100% no questions asked guarantee and you can cancel at anytime. 

Discount
If you sign up using any of the links in this review, you'll receive 10% off!  Just head to CurlKit's Store.  Let me know if you decide to try them out!

Special thanks to the wonderful people at CurlKit for providing me with this review opportunity! 

My Own Love Story and a YesVideo #Giveaway: Transfer Your Videos to DVD

Thirteen years ago I married my best friend. We have grown and changed so much through the years, added four amazing children to the mix, and have traveled throughout the country and gone on many adventures together. We've had our challenges, we've really begun to learn what the word "commitment" means, and I've also learned that God has given me a man I can tell anything to. That's an amazing thing, and I am so blessed to have this guy as my hubby! Through thick and thin, I am so glad he's mine!

I've been wanting to transfer our wedding video and some of our childhood home videos for DVD for quite awhile but I really didn't know how to go about it or what company to use.  I decided to go to YesVideo because they've been around for 15 years and they had so much to offer!  Everything is super convenient--they mail you a prepaid shipping box which you just stick in the mail with your videos.  The turnaround time is pretty fast--a couple of weeks total--and you even get your videos in on-line form so that you can share them on your social media sites.  Here's a clip of our love story:

GIVEAWAY
One of my readers will receive a $50 gift card to YesVideo!  Enter below by 8/10 at 11 pm anyone's time.  I'll choose a winner the next morning.

 

You Can Find YesVideo On
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Special thanks to the wonderful people at YesVideo for providing us with this review and giveaway opportunity!