Sport2People Running Belt

RUN WITH LOTS OF ESSENTIALS

~ What ~
Made of a sweat and water-resistant spandex-nylon with reflective strips on the pockets, this belt can expand from 27.5 to 42.5 inches to go around the waist and comes with 2 zipper pockets and a headphone jack access port hole. Available in 15 colors, its pockets can hold most smartphones, money, keys, identification, and more.

~ Why
Since I walk our dog 3-4 miles a day, I like to carry my phone, keys, and ID. I appreciate how the material on this fanny pack is lightweight and stretchable so is comfortable around the waist. Another nice feature is that the larger cell phones can fit inside the bigger pocket and keys and money can fit in the smaller pocket.

~ Why Not ~
Those who like to carry a large purse or backpack instead of an around-the-waist fanny pack may not need this product. Others may wish the pockets were deeper, but the larger one can hold quite a bit.

~ Wish ~
Having clear pockets might be considered so the runner can see what is inside, but it may not be an issue.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a comfortable running fanny pack that can carry a lot, this is an excellent choice.

Thanks to Sports2People for this discounted item that I am under no obligation to evaluate.

#Sports2PeopleStretchingYogaStrap #Sponsored by KeepMeClub #YogaStretching

This product is available at https://amzn.to/2Thd2J9

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Bubbles-Fun Giant Bubble Kit

BIG BUBBLE FUN FOR EVERYONE!

~ What ~
For making large, enormous air bubbles, this complete bubble making kit includes a 2-stick wand that is 20 inches long and has a braided cord loop attached to its ends plus a small container of dry bubble powder and a free mini-bubble hook. They arrive in a gift box with instructions, ready for giving.

~ Why ~
Not only do I love bubbles, but I also know when my grandchildren come visit, we all will have a blast making huge bubble designs. I enjoy how easy this is to make by adding specific amounts of the powder to water, mix them well, and then blending in liquid dish soap (Dawn soap apparently works the best). After soaking the corded loop in the solution and lifting it up carefully, the bubble forms and grows due to the air.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like doing fun outside projects such as making bubbles. Due to the soapy, slick liquid, the container and wand can get slippery and messy so it is recommended to use only outdoors. Others may be concerned the kit only has enough powder to make approximately 2.5 gallons, but there are additional jars available that can make over 5 and 13 gallons.

~ Wish ~
I wonder if there is a way to make the bubbles different colors by adding food coloring or dye to the liquid solution.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a fun outdoor project for young and old, this kit would be great at the park, beach, or backyard or even for a wedding, anniversary, or party. My grandkids are going to have lots of fun this summer!

Thanks to Bubbles-fun.com for this product that I am under no obligation to evaluate.

This product can be found at https://amzn.to/2OerUa6
5 Gal Powder: https://amzn.to/2Oa4mmM
13 Gal Powder: https://amzn.to/2Y8izVV

* CONTEST * Midnight Lullabies ~ 1 Free Book Giveaway~

WIN LAUREN EBERSPACHER’S BOOK,
MIDNIGHT LULLABIES!

One FREE book to be given away by Hachette Book Group!

TEASER: “But together, this month, we are going to break through the darkness of our emotions and step back into the light of God’s peace,” Lauren Eberspacher writes in the introduction of her book, Midnight Lullabies: Moments of Peace for Moms 31-Day Devotional.

SIMPLE steps to enter this 3-day contest:

1.  Follow my blog if you do not already.
2. Click on the headline ** CONTEST ** to be sure you are on the Reply page.
3. Post in the “LEAVE A REPLY” section below why you want to read this exciting book (could be funny, clever, serious, or the words “I want” since the winner is randomly chosen).
4. Check out https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/lauren-eberspacher/midnight-lullabies/9781546035206/
5. If you are the winner, please consider posting a review regarding what you thought of the book (although it is not required).

This is a FAST CONTEST ending Wednesday, March 20th, 2019, after 5 PM PST so follow the requirements above and try for a chance to win a book that is mailed from the publisher directly to you! Winner’s shipping address must be in the U.S.A.

I read & reviewed this 3-star book: https://connywithay.wordpress.com/2019/03/16/midnight-lullabies/

The Baggage Handler

Title: The Baggage Handler
Author: David Rawlings
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-0-7852-2493-9

“I am the Baggage Handler. Do you need some help with your baggage?” three troubled individuals are asked in David Rawlings’s novel, The Baggage Handler.

~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-forty-page small hardbound targets those interested in an allegory about dealing with one’s baggage – the kind that you carry around with you unknowingly as it alters, changes, and disrupts your life. Using the slang word heck and darn, topics of adultery may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes a note from the author, discussion questions, acknowledgments, and advertisements.

In this current day allegory, three different characters’ lives are challenged when their similar-looking luggage is erroneously switched at the airport. While young Michael wants to break away from his father’s proposed footsteps, Gillian wishes for a perfect life like her sister’s, and David’s deep-rooted anger obstructs forgiveness, they all encounter the Baggage Handler, the one person who can help them eliminate their unwanted, unneeded, and damaging baggage. As each deal with their issues differently, they must make the choice of getting rid of their burdens or continue to carry their emotional load.

~ Why ~
Since we all carry some sort of baggage with us throughout our lives, this is an eye-opening book that may stop one in their tracks to circumspectly examine their own lives and consider what baggage they carry. I enjoyed the diversity of the three characters and how they approached or refuted their flawed personalities. The common problems of pleasing others instead of oneself, envy by comparison, and hurtful bitterness show how pride plays an important part in holding on to the past. The story is well-written and gripping.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like modern day parables with a supernatural twist of a being who can help lighten life’s load will not appreciate this book. Without mentioning God or Jesus, the reader is left to guess the role of the Baggage Handler is only to help a person get rid of their baggage and not be the only One who can save them. There is no eternal plan of salvation, only choices offered to rid themselves of not standing up for who they are, hating themselves, or holding grudges.

~ Wish ~
I did indeed enjoy this read, but my conscience knawed at its lack of mentioning Jesus is the only Way, Truth, Life, and the propitiation for sin and our ever-present faults. How much better the book would have been if it included praying to the Almighty for forgiveness, realizing God’s incredible love for us, and accepting others as He has us.

~ Want ~
If you are dealing with baggage of your own such as self-doubt, self-loathing, and self-pity, this tale of learning respect, finding inner beauty, and letting go is heartwarming, but it may not explain the True Baggage Handler who died on the cross for you.

Thanks to Book Look Bloggers for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2TIA54O

ANGUO Bluetooth Eaphones

COMPACT BLUETOOTH EARBUDS

~ What ~
This package contains one pair of wireless headphones with 2 ear hooks, 4 earbuds, USB charging cable, and instructions. To be used with Bluetooth pairing, they can sync with a smartphone, Android, iPhone, iPad, or other similar devices. It comes in a gift box ready for giving.

~ Why ~
Since I work out at the gym, it is great if I do not have to be plugged into my Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone to listen to music. I like how easy it was to set up the Bluetooth that is connectable within 10 feet. Able to play up to 4 hours with 160 hours of standby-time, they include a LED indicator, volume with previous song button, multi-function button, and USB port. It is helpful that the cord between the two ear pads is approximately 2 feet long so offers plenty of moving room.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like wearing tuck-in-the-ear earbuds, but these do adapt well and stay on one’s ears with the added ear hooks while having decent sounds. Others may have issues pairing with their Bluetooth electronics, but by reading the instructions carefully and playing with the buttons, they should have no issues.

~ Wish ~
I wish online included all phones the earbuds work with so there is no confusion buying.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a set of waterproof sports headphones that stick in the ear, this pair may be a good option.

Thanks to ANGUO for this discounted product that I am under no obligation to review.

#RankBoosterReview #Sponsored by cherryningbaby #ANGUO

This item can be found at https://amzn.to/2FfkikV

A Silken Thread

Title: A Silken Thread
Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Publisher: Waterbroook
ISBN: 978-07352-9012-9

“Someone will need to care for Mama into her dotage, and we believe the right person is you,” Laurel is told in Kim Vogel Sawyer’s novel, A Silken Thread.

~ What ~
At three-hundred-and-fifty-two-pages, this paperback targets those who enjoy a historical romance with the 1895 Atlanta Cotton Exposition as a backdrop. With no profanity, topics of false accusations, racism, bigotry, and physical abuse may not be appropriate for immature readers.

Set in the South, eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard wants to be married and in love like her parents were, but when her older siblings demand she be the one to take care of her widowed mother, she longs for marital bliss as well as financial security. Being allowed to weave silk at the famed exposition, she not only enjoys the task but also is thrilled when she catches the eye of the son of the wealthy owner of the steam-powered-engine empire. Only when those she works with and who watch over her protect her interests, does she realize the path God wants for her life.

~ Why ~
This is an interesting read that blends learning about friendship and love with the distinct differences between classes of people, but it focuses on how hatred and racism were prevalent during the late nineteenth century. The information on how silk is made is intriguing.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not believe in God and have no faith in Him may not be interested in this book, but it does concentrate on how the Almighty has plans for our lives. Some may not like some of its stereotypical characters.

~ Wish ~
While I appreciated the story’s depth in showing respect for others, no matter their skin color, and the loyalty of friendship, I wish the true romance that developed were more thorough as it seemed rushed at the end.

~ Want ~
If you like an old-fashioned romance of one searching for a loving relationship while weaving devotion to family and friendship during the 1890s in America, this story is worth reading.

Thanks to WaterBook and Multnomah Book Launch Team for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2HC55Mj

#asilkenthread #kimvogelsawyer #atlantacottonexposition1895

Midnight Lullabies

Title: Midnight Lullabies
Author: Lauren Eberspacher
Publisher: FaithWords
ISBN: 978-1-5460-3519-0

“But together, this month, we are going to break through the darkness of our emotions and step back into the light of God’s peace,” Lauren Eberspacher writes in the introduction of her book, Midnight Lullabies: Moments of Peace for Moms 31-Day Devotional.

~ What ~
At one-hundred-and-seventy-six pages, this small hardbound for young mothers is meant to be read over a month while focusing on God as one deals with emotions. Using mainly the English Standard Version of the Holy Bible, it also references the NAS, GW, NIV, and NLT versions. Including the topics of anger issues, conflict, and marital sex, some of its contents may be too comprehensive for young females or immature readers. The book concludes with acknowledgments, an index, and the author’s biography.

With each chapter beginning with a number of a thirty-one day month at the top of the page and title, a written-out Bible verse follows with several paragraphs about a designated topic written from the writer’s experiences or viewpoint. A second section is labeled Take One Step into Peace that focuses on the reader. The chapter ends with a brief prayer to God.

Geared toward young moms, subjects range from dealing with loneliness, lack of confidence, insecurity, anger, sadness, doubt, anxiety, post-partum depression, exhaustion, and envy to concentrating on God being there constantly, ready to get them through the frustrations and challenges of early motherhood.

~Why ~
This book would be good for first-time moms who need encouragement in their daily walk with Jesus as they are reminded of His love and omnipresence. I like that the days’ readings are short, only four to six pages long. Writing out the Bible verses saves time for the reader to have to look up.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not believe in Jesus Christ as their savior may not appreciate this devotional. While this is strictly a book from one mom’s approach to having a husband and three young children, it contains a plethora of personal memories and opinions and less Scripture while minimally mentioning Jesus. A devotional should not take the place of reading the Word on an ongoing basis.

~ Wish ~
Since I am in my sixties with grandchildren, I recall dealing with several of the topics as a young mother, but I found this read to be an “I” devotional that is mainly about the writer and what she went through, without considering that other moms may prefer more applications from the Bible. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. Adding an attached ribbon may help keep a busy mom’s place reading it daily.

~ Want ~
If you know a young Christian mother who is struggling in her position in Christ with her husband and children, this may be enjoyed, but I found it too much about the writer and less about Him.

Thanks to Hachette Book Group for this book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2O7V8r9

She Spoke

Title: She Spoke
Authors: Kathy Macmillan and Manuela Bernardi
Illustrator: Kathrin Honesta
Publisher: Familius LLC
ISBN: 978-1-64170-131-0

“No matter who you are, you have the right to speak up. The world needs your voice,” the introduction states in Kathy Macmillan and Manuela’s children’s book, She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World.

~ What ~
This thirty-two-page hardbound with a built-in battery-operated recorded speaker targets children ages six to eight years old who are interested in women who made a difference in history by speaking out. With no scary scenes, the colorful portraits and illustrations show women who are noted for taking a stand. Due to complicated wording, the book would be best read out loud to beginner readers.

This oversized-book covers fourteen mostly-American women who have made a difference. With their portraits on the left side of the pages with quick facts, the right sides include biographical paragraphs, readable quotes, and sidebars promoting how the reader can speak up. The far right side has thumbnail pictures of each woman that, when pressed, vocalize their quotes. Women included are Mary Mcleod Bethune, Dolores Huerta, Maya Angelou, Jane Goodall, Shirley Chisholm, Suzan Shown Harjo, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Leyman Gbowee, Temple Grandin, Sonia Sotomayor, Tammy Duckworth, Joanne Liu, Amy Wambach, and Malala Yousafzai.

~ Why ~
Showing young girls can be empowered by learning how other women spoke out or made a statement is important in raising our children. I appreciated the eclectic group of women covered from doctors, lawyers, and politicians to educators, activists, writers, and athletes.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like books about history and women may not like this read. Some may not be aware of some of the women or feel the selection does not have other more-popular females who are listed at the back of the book such as Susan B. Anthony, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, or Serena Williams.

~ Wish ~
The biggest issue I had with the book is the voice recording bar as it cannot be turned on or off or changed in volume. Due to the raised plastic section, its placement makes it easy to accidentally engage the speaker’s loud voice.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a children’s book that promotes speaking up to be heard, this one that contains not-so-well-known individuals with their audible quotes may be helpful for a book report.

Thanks to Familius and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2F6GSep

Made for Me

Title: Made for Me
Author: Zach Bush
Illustrator: Gregorio DeLauretis
Publisher: Familius
ISBN: 978-1-64170-200-3

“Of all the children that ever could be, you are the one made just for me,” Zach Bush ends his children’s book, Made for Me.

~ What ~
This thirty-two-page board book with a padded cover and rounded edges targets three- to five-year-old children who like stories about a father’s love for his child. With no scary scenes, it would be best read to beginner readers based on some complicated words. Simplistic but colorful illustrations cover the pages with black font against white backgrounds that are incorporated into the designs.

In this short rhyming tale, an over-sized man carrying a baseball cap welcomes his tiny son at the hospital. From the first moment the dad lays eyes on his little baby, his world is wondrously changed. Cuddling, changing, tickling, feeding, bathing, and comforting his boy becomes his joy. Every day when the parent wakes up, he looks forward to playing, teaching, and enjoying his child. In the end, the father reiterates the child was made just for him.

~ Why ~
Fathers play a vital role in their children’s lives, and I love how this book shows the love and devotion a dad has once he sees his child being born until he is a toddler playing ball or walking hand in hand. The burly man is adorable in his own way, complete with huge biceps covering a too-short red shirt and belted jeans.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like a book that only focuses on fathers and contains no references to mothers, but I think it is the purpose of the story. There may be a few kids who are scared of large men so may find the read frightful. Others may not like how sophomoric the illustrations are, but the big man portrayed is heartwarming.

~ Wish ~
I wonder if some men who are not extra-large sized may feel offended that they are not as big. I wish a mother could have been included in a couple of the scenes as it appears as if the father is raising the child alone.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a cute book that shows the unique love a father has for his new son, this would make an ideal Father’s Day or birthday gift for a new dad.

Thanks to Familius and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2O8RtcW

If There Never Was a You

Title: If There Never Was a You
Author: Amanda Rowe
Illustrator: Olga Skomorokhova
Publisher: Familius
ISBN: 978-1-64170-111-2

“If there never was a you, life wouldn’t be the same.
I love you more than words can say … and I’m so glad you came,” Amanda Rowe ends her children’s book, If There Never Was a You.

~ What ~
This twenty-page board book with a padded cover and rounded edges targets five- to six-year-old children and readers who like a charming story about the love an adult has for her child. With no scary scenes, it would be best read to beginner readers based on some complicated words. Expressive, colorful illustrations cover the pages with a black font against white or pale colored backgrounds that are incorporated into the designs.

In this short rhyming tale, a female rabbit expounds how her little bunny makes her life special as he makes her smile, laugh, and stay busy. Whether she helps him dress, snuggle in bed, listen to jokes, or watch him grow and learn, she enjoys the adventures, care, and time they spend together, more than she can explain.

~ Why ~
Not written as a fictional story, this adorable book conveys how a parent or grandparent’s life would be empty if their child or grandchild were not around. I love the fanciful illustrations of the adult rabbit wearing wire-rimmed glasses and the detailed designs, complete with silly outfits, dangling socks, flying carrots, and spunky animals.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like the busyness of the illustrations. The book contains a couple of multi-syllable words that may frustrate beginner readers, but it also is a way to learn new words. The age group is for five- and six-year-olds, but younger and older children may like it too.

~ Wish ~
I hope more books by this author and illustrator can be completed as they would be enjoyed by young and old.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a lovely book that shows the unique love between an adult and child, this makes a wonderful addition. I know I will love reading it to my young grandchildren when they visit.

Thanks to Familius and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2TbAlnu