Savings In Seconds and Whatsername Jewelry are happy to announce the Red, White, and Blue Birthday Giveaway Hop.  You have the opportunity to win one of four colorful prize packages!

Now that summer is here, I hope you’re taking care of your skin.  We don’t want you to get all RED and sunburned!   Kabana Green Screen is a great way to protect your skin from the sun with natural ingredients and not harsh chemicals.   They even have products that are safe to use on babies under 6 months old.  That is really hard to find!   I like that they use zinc oxide which isn’t absorbed into your blood the way that petrochemicals are.    You can read my review of Kabana to find out more information.  Meanwhile, enter below to win a $50 gift certificate for your Kabana purchase!  Available to US/CAN readers.

Copy Kids is giving away a DVD and a $25 Whole Foods Gift Card to one lucky reader!  Kids love to watch other kids and especially love watching other kids have fun.  Copy-Kids is kind of like watching a home movie with kids eating fresh veggies and fruit, laughing and playing while they enjoy the tasty snack.    My kids have tried several new foods after watching Copy Kids.  So have I!   One feature I really liked about Copy-Kids is the effort that was made to include kids from all different ethnic backgrounds.  And of course, tying in with the theme of the hop, my kids are eating RED WHITE AND BLUE foods!    Follow Copy-Kids on Twitter or like them on Facebook.  This giveaway is open to US/CAN readers.

Today I Ate A Rainbow is giving away TWO kits, which retail at $25 each (on sale now for around $20).   This kit encourages your kids to eat colorful meals and snacks.  The chart allows children (and adults) to see how many colors they eat during the day.  There is also a great little notepad to help guide your grocery shopping so that you are intentional about your eating habits.   Today I Ate A Rainbow was really successful for our family and I hope it will be for yours, too.   You can celebrate your win by eating RED WHITE AND BLUE foods!    Connect with Today I Ate A Rainbow on Facebook and Twitter.  This giveaway is open to US/CAN readers.

Whatsername Jewelry is celebrating its 7 year anniversary and would like to celebrate by bringing you some fabulous prizes from the best bloggers on the net.  After you enter to win my giveaway, please stop by the other blogs to see how they are celebrating this event.

The Grand Prize is sponsored by Whatsername Jewelryand is a $100 Handmade Jewelry Package including a Red, White,and Blue Necklace and your choice of Bracelet and Earring Set  from her collection. The Red, White and Blue Giveaway Hop runs from June 25th – June 30th.  Happy Hopping!!

(Disclosure: I received product samples for the reviews. The opinions regarding the products are 100% mine.  This post contains affiliate links.)

Great freebie for download on the Nook.  Thanks for sharing, Dr. Pepper Diva!

I came across this Kindle freebie this morning….it has pretty good reviews  and might make a good read for a dark and stormy night!  Let me know if you’ve read Dark House. 

(Disclosure: this post contains my affiliate link.)

Now that the weather is wonderful, we are outside all. the. time.   Knowing that my kids’ skin is so sensitive, I take extra care to make sure they are protected from the sun’s rays.  The problem is, I worry about the chemicals in sunscreen.  It seems like the lesser of two evils.   We received a tube of All Terrain AquaSport sunscreen to try.   It is SPF 30 and blocks 97% of the sun’s rays.   It’s water resistant and provides broad spectrum protection.  Also, you don’t have to worry about parabens in the formula.  AquaSport was rated 88 out of 100 in Consumer Reports for performance.  That’s worth giving it a try, wouldn’t you say?

Today was one of the hottest days so far this month and we definitely needed some protection before heading out to the pool.  I used AquaSport on my daughter, covering her arms, shoulders, face, chest, and legs.  Her swimsuit is UPF 50.  She complained a bit because the sunscreen was so thick that I really had to rub it in to get the white off.  That doesn’t bother me though—at least I know that she is covered.  AquaSport held up to the water resistant label because she didn’t get burned at all.  Not  one bit, even though she was in the water for a full hour before we went in for lunch.  Unfortunately I was in such a hurry to keep up with her that I forgot to put the sunscreen on my own face and guess what…..I got a burn.

All Terrain AquaSport is a sunscreen that I would purchase for my family.  I would like to see it come in a larger tube, but this size would be great for keeping in the diaper bag or in your car.  You can purchase All Terrain AquaSport on their website, at certain retailers, or on Amazon.   Come back on August 5 for your chance to win a tube of AquaSport for your family!
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.  This post contains affiliate links.

Every middle school boy I know is fascinated with ninjas.   Actually, the girls are, too.  Who doesn’t want to feel like they have complete control of a situation, like they can stealthily overcome every obstacle in their path?   Adolescence is such a time of change and children at this age feel so out of control….their bodies are changing, school is getting harder, social issues seem insurmountable.   Being a ninja seems like the perfect solution.

I received a copy of A Warrior’s Soul to review.  In it, the characters are seventh graders in a public school who encounter serious bullies.  The adults in the community turn a blind eye and refuse to acknowledge the problem.   While the book seems to exaggerate the adults’ refusal to take charge, it’s clear that the children feel completely helpless.  In the past, I have heard my students say out of frustration, “Why should I tell?  No one will do anything.”    While the teachers and administration in our schools do make every effort to deal with bullying problems, unfortunately there are times when we might not be able to prevent every incident.  A Warrior’s Soul characters decide to stand up for themselves and try to deal with the problem.   There are some violent scenes in the book, as well as some situations with firearms.  There is a clear sense of right-from-wrong in this book; like most children, some of the characters don’t fully realize the consequences of their actions.  Overall, Staley does a good job of staying true to the ninja code.  I can’t wait to read the next one.

At the end of book, there is a selection of excellent classroom discussion questions.   Asking students to identify symbolism and perspective is a critical step to advanced reading.  A Warrior’s Soul gives teachers and parents the opportunity to discuss with children the ways to resolve serious situations. It’s difficult to find a book that will hit home with middle schoolers.   This is an excellent choice for reluctant readers in middle school.

SR Staley is an international traveler (he’s been to China over 20 times!)   His novels feature strong moral characters who aren’t afraid to face a tough situation.  Staley trains in To-Shin Do and enjoys running, sprint triathlons, alpine skiing, and snowboarding.  You can find out more about Staley and his books on his website.

(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to review. The opinions are 100% mine.  This post contains affiliate links.)

Welcome to the Summer Sizzle Giveaway Hop hosted by Mom With a Dot Com! Over 65 bloggers are working together to give you a chance to win some amazing prizes to keep your summer sizzling!

Summer Sizzle will begin on June 24 and end on June 30.  Hop around to find some prizes that you’ll love – maybe you will even win one! Each blog listed below has a giveaway prize valued at $25 or more!

Savings in Seconds is giving away THREE prize packages for this event.  Take a moment to thank our sponsors by visiting their websites, liking them on Facebook/Twitter, or sharing the giveaway with your friends!  Please observe the eligibility requirements for each giveaway.

The Rag Company is giving one lucky reader 2 sets of the 29×59, 20×40, and 12×12 Beige Microfiber Bath Towels (Retail Value is $57.88, open to US only) .  I reviewed similar products from The Rag Company and really liked them.  Microfiber Skin Care Products (bath towels, spa towels and facial cloths) are made from a revolutionary material that clean and dry your skin better than ordinary cotton towels.  These luxurious towels are extremely soft to the touch, super absorbent and safe for all skin types. Microfiber material is proven to exfoliate dead skin cells, remove cosmetics, oil and dirt, all without the use of chemicals.   You can’t go wrong with something that’s better for the environment and better for your skin!

Our second sponsor is RoomMates, who can help you transform your room in just a few minutes.  Don’t believe me?  Look how RoomMates changed my own living room!  They offer so many fun items at great prices.  They have lots of really creative ideas to help you make your living space amazing.  You can choose from wall mirrors, chalkboards, 3-d charms, and more!   I’m sure you’ll love browsing their site.   Just make sure you come back to enter the giveaway, because they are offering one reader a $40 gift certificate!     (US/CAN.)

The third prize package is for the kids.  Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace Junior and ABCmouse.com are sure to help the kids have a fun summer!    Take a look at the FP Junior review and realize the importance of teaching your kids how to be money savvy, just like you!   Budgeting and stewardship can start at a very early age….even my 3 year old son is aware of money and has an idea of its value.  How valuable a lesson could you teach by using this Financial Peace Junior kit to help your child develop money skills?  Junior’s Adventures is a full line of products for kids by Dave Ramsey. Check out all of the Junior books and other Junior products on daveramsey.com.   One of the games is being given away in this event, you can have a chance to win one of two other kits in a separate giveaway.  Each kit is valued at $19.99.

ABCmouse.com is offering a reader an online subscr iption.  My kids enjoy playing on this website and I trust it because it’s safe.  The educational factor is great, too!    I am really glad to offer this giveaway for you because I think your kids will enjoy it for sure.  This package is open to US/CAN.

(Disclosure:  The sponsors provided products as samples and information about the products.  The opinions are 100% mine.)

So if you read my previous post about the crazy shipping fee I paid, you know that it got under my skin just a bit.  I sent a polite email to customer service  to give feedback about their shipping fees.   Here was the reply I got:

I am sorry that the shipping is so high. It does not charge by weight of the order but by how much  you spend.

thank you

 

Yes, thanks.  I figured that much out.  However, it still bugged me, so I had to respond.  Here’s what I said:

 Thanks for your email, Arthur.  I understand that the rate is based on how much the customer spends.  It is costing your company money, though.  Here’s why—-

I had three coupon codes that could be used on my order.  The first two you sent me ($5 coupon toward a $30 order, and $4.95 shipping code.)

Initially, my product total was over $35.  If I used the $5 coupon, it only deducted $5 but my shipping was over $8.

If I used the $4.95 shipping code, I only saved $4.

 Instead, there was a code on your website for free shipping with a $25 order.  I deleted some items out of my cart and reduced it to just over $27.  Then I used the free coupon code to get the $8 shipping taken off.  So instead of spending $35 at your site, I spent $27. 

 

If you rewarded your customers with lower shipping when purchasing MORE, that would make more sense to me.

My husband kind of rolls his eyes at me when I tell him about this, so I have to ask you—–am I crazy for emailing the company?  Do you relate to my frustration?   I’m sure that nothing will change at this company because of my petty little email, but I wonder how many companies lose revenue or even customers because of their shipping fees or other charges.  Would love to hear your thoughts on this!

Very rarely do I give books a 5-star rating on my reviews, but here is one winner that absolutely deserves it.  I received it for review.  Empty Promises by Pete Wilson will hit home with anyone searching for a more meaningful life.  The thing is, as Wilson describes, you might not even realize that you’re searching.   Plan A didn’t work out?  Plan B turned out not-so-good?  Can’t figure out a Plan C?  This book is for you.

Generally, I am happy with my life.  I count my blessings, say my prayers, hug my children, and kiss my husband every day.  Teaching fulfills me and blogging is fun.   We have a roof over our heads, food in our fridge, and a garden that is growing.  Mostly we have good health (working on that one).  We have everything we need.   Still, there are times of dissatisfaction in my life that I can’t quite overcome.  Sometimes there are days like that, sometimes weeks.  Wilson attributes these moments as empty promises…..”things” that we turn to to fill our emptiness, but things that are never quite as good in the end as they seemed in the beginning.   Losing 10 pounds seems like a great goal until you meet it and still feel like you need to lose more.  Maybe the promotion wasn’t as great a step up as you expected.  Maybe that raise was spent faster than you could earn it.   Those are just examples of empty promises.

Through personal vignettes, Wilson addresses many needs that people tried to fill in their lives from acceptance and love,  to careers, finances,  and pretty much anything you can imagine.  There is something for everyone in Empty Promises.  I haven’t read a devotional  (or any book, really) that struck a chord with me like this in a long time.  Wilson uses scripture to support his suggestions and scaffold his message.   He cross-references his points with a multitude of scholars and writers such as C.S. Lewis.   I feel that God spoke to me through Empty Promises.  I pray He’ll speak to you, too.

(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from BookSneeze for purposes of this review. The opinions posted are 100% mine.  I wish I could buy this book for everyone in the world!  The link is my affiliate link; Savings in Seconds will receive a small kickback for your purchase through the link.  It doesn’t cost you a penny!)

Like most siblings, my kids are as different as night and day.  This is really evident in their eating habits.  We jokingly call my son “Mikey.”  Remember the commercial back in the day about the little boy would would eat anything?  My son is willing to try anything and likes most foods.  My daughter, on the other hand, is really picky and has to really get geared up to try a new food.   We especially struggle with getting veggies into her.   We are growing a garden full of delicious, nutritious vegetables and my daughter declared that she wouldn’t eat any of them. That’s why I was so interested in trying Today I Ate A Rainbow when we received it for review.

This kit makes eating a variety of colors into a game of sorts.  It comes with a cardstock sheet with color categories.  Each category has fruits and vegetables listed under it.  You also receive coordinating color magnets in different shapes for up to 4 members of your family.   My personal favorite was the notepad that comes with the set—-it is divided into colors so that your grocery shopping can be more purposeful.  You can intentionally buy foods of different colors to provide for your family.  The website has a lot of supporting resources, including the In the Rainbow Kitchen video series.  Fun!   There are freebies, too, like the “Today I Tried” chart and printable certificates.  This is a company that is obviously devoted to helping you help your kids eat healthfully.

My kids instantly wanted to look at the kit.  We put the chart on the fridge and they each claimed a shape.  They were diligent about marking the colors they ate at each meal and celebrated when they ate the rainbow.   I was surprised that something this simple was so effective!!  They loved the magnets and I loved how easy it was to get them excited about eating vegetables. Yes, this is something I could probably make at home, but for the quality of the materials and convenience, I would say that it’s completely worth it.   I would pay any day to get my daughter to willingly try a slice of zucchini!!   Ever the perfectionist, she was so interested in getting her chart completed that she gladly ate yellow squash and zucchini coins.   !!!!!!!!!!!  My only suggestion for Today I Ate A Rainbow would be to put the chart on a magnetized sheet instead of on cardstock.  Any time the chart is lifted even the slightest amount, all of the magnets fall off.   A magnetized chart would make it so much easier to keep track throughout the entire day.

Possibly the best moment of this review was when my son saw a rainbow on my screensaver the other day.  He said, “Mommy!  Look!  Those are the colors I eat!”   And that, my friends, is why I recommend Today I Ate A Rainbow to you.

Buy It:   Use code SAVE to get 15% off your purchase of Today I Ate A  Rainbow!  This code is good through July 1, 2012.  You can also purchase the kit on Amazon.

Win It:  Enter to win a kit of your own in the Red, White, and Blue giveaway (begins June 25).  Meanwhile, connect with Today I Ate A Rainbow on Facebook and Twitter.

(Disclosure: I received a sample of this product to preview. The opinions are 100% mine.  This post contains an Amazon affiliate link which doesn’t cost you a penny but helps support the Savings in Seconds website.)

I just finished the book Head Trip: One Case of Super Twins by Jack Eadon.  I received this book for review.  I find myself reflecting on it with a sense of unease.  The book goes against everything I’ve ever known about twins.  First of all, these twins are conceived at separate times (about a month apart).   I didn’t know that could actually happen with humans!  Secondly,  there is a rift growing between them throughout their lives.  All of the twins that I know have been extremely close.   The final thing is….well, I’ll have to leave that for you to find out.  I don’t want to give away the entire story!

What I can tell you is that Head Trip is not the typical book I would read.  It is the first of the American Drama Series, which deals with the “seven deadly sins” as they appear in one man’s life.  The book has a lot of background medical information, which I found to be very interesting and slightly distasteful.  It contains a great deal of symbolism.  There was some bad language in it and some of the scenes are particularly graphic.  These took away from the story for me.  Overall, the story was intriguing and suspenseful.   Unexpected turns in the story kept me guessing.  I was surprised many times by the plot twists.   The story covered a long time span (about twenty years) in about 300 pages.  Eadon did an excellent job of establishing strong character development in those 300 pages.  He likens the main characters (Marcus and Roger) to the Biblical brothers Jacob and Esau whose rivalry changed history.  Likewise, Marcus and Roger’s relationship changes history in many aspects.   When I read the summary on the back of the book, I mistakenly expected the book to be a Christian novel.  This is definitely not something I could give to my grandmother, who is my earthly barometer for holiness.   The series will continue with the sin of greed.  The question is, how will it end?

This is not a story for someone looking for an easy weekend read.  Instead, Head Trip will take you on a thrilling ride that won’t stop without a sudden jolt.

Jack Eadon is a man of many talents.  He enjoyed playing music with his band back in the day.  He was a businessman in California.  He has lived in five different states.  He now writes full time in California.   Visit Eadon’s website to find out more about his current projects.

I received a copy of this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.