Check out Jack the Giant Slayer on DVD / Blu-ray June 18 + Giveaway

Warner Bros. is proud to announce the arrival of Jack the Giant Slayer released on DVD & Blu-ray on June 18!

Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing Jack (Nicholas Hoult), into the battle of this life to stop them and rescue the princess!

About Jack the Giant Slayer: Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing Jack (Nicholas Hoult), into the battle of this life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom and its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend... and gets the chance to become a legend himself! Directed by Brian Singer (X-Men, Superman Returns)

Starring: Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy), Ewan McGregor (Star Wars, Moulin Rouge!), and Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones).

And there's an awesome app to give you a Jack the Giant Slayer experience... The question is... are you courageous enough to rescue the princess? Are you brave like Jack? Take the quiz to find out!

Why you will love the Jack the Giant Slayer App:
• Control the Action! - Move your mouse across the GIFS and take control of action-packed scenes from Jack the Giant Slayer. YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF THE ACTION!
• How Brave Are You? QUIZ - Are you brave like Jack? Do beanstalks and "giant" challenges make you afraid or courageous?

• Giant Soundboard - Jack the Giant Slayer is filled with epic giant stomps, sword slashes and thunderous sounds! Play with official sound effects from the movie and compose your own "giant hit song"!

   

WIN IT: After checking out the app, enter to win Jack the Giant Slayer Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet) in the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway The materials included within this post were shared with me by Warner Bros. in promotion of the Warner Bros. release of the Jack the Giant Slayer Blog App.

{Book Review} Intentional Parenting

"Am I doing this right?" When it comes to raising children of faith, I not only wonder if my parenting is right, but if we're being strong spiritual leaders as well.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to review this book sent at no charge from the publisher.

 

Intentional Parenting by Goff, Thomas, and Trevathan (Thomas Nelson) had me crying "YES! Yes, yes," and nodding my head vigorously page after page. It's part common sense that needs repeating and heeding, and part age-appropriate scenarios and examples to help parents understand how to become intentional in their parenting.

Instead of parenting by the seat of your pants, the authors advise a thoughtful, prayerful, plan-ful approach. Parenting out of who you are as a Christian parent and not from what you feel in the moment or because of your upbringing/history.

A good way to understand what intentional parenting means is to ask, What stories will your kids have about you as a parent? Are you acting as the parent you want them to remember? What is the vision for your family? What core values do you want to instill? 

The book covers topics like how to identify the kind of parent you are (and how to improve!), how to be balanced, consistent, playful, and spiritual, among other topics. Each chapter is divided into advice for parents of toddlers, children, and teenagers, which is helpful for finding the information for your child. 

Overall, the book is an easy read, yet makes you think. I'll definitely be re-reading this one! It's full of encouragement, real life examples and some scripture. I wished there're was more supportive scripture to each point, but, since this is written for Christian parents, I think it is clear how the principles were drawn from the Bible.

This book speaks to our role as Christian parents - it's not to be passive. It's about growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord... and transferring this understanding as a spiritual legacy to our children. As parenting seems to be growing more hurried and more harried, I am confident this book will encourage and refocus our parenting.

Thanks to both Book Sneeze for providing a review copy. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Jody Hedlund - Christian Author Interviews

Welcome to Christian Author Interviews. Enjoy our interview with Jody Hedlund, an award-winning historical romance novelist, in this episode. Listen in via the video or audio and share your thoughts in the comments. Don't forget to enter the giveaway below and share this interview with your friends!

Listen to the audio here:

About Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning historical romance novelist and author of the best-selling books, The Preacher's Bride and Unending Devotion. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in Social Work. Currently she makes her home in Michigan with her husband and five busy children. Her latest book, A Noble Groom, just released.
Follow Jody Hedlund Website | Facebook | Twitter

Books Mentioned in the Interview

The Doctor's Lady

The Preacher's Bride

Unending Devotion

Rebellious Heart

A Noble Groom

Enter to Win a Paperback Copy of "A Noble Groom"!

Enter below to enter the giveaway below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Christian Author Interviews is hosted by Shelley Hitz of Crossreads and Body and Soul Publishing. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads bloggers!

Book Blast: Every Hill and Mountain by Deborah Heal + $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Title:Every Hill and Mountain (Time and Again) (Volume 3) By Deborah Heal

About the Book:

Every Hill and Mountain Visiting another century…not the summer vacation she had planned. Those who have read Time and Again and Unclaimed Legacy know that Abby Thomas is a college student on a summer service project with 11-year-old Merri. And they know that the summer is not going the way Abby had expected—but in a good way.
For one thing, she meets a very nice guy named John Roberts. And for another, she discovers a strange computer program called Beautiful House that lets her fast-forward and rewind life. Not her own, of course, but those of the people who lived in Merri’s old house. And the Old Dears’ old house, and…well, any old house.
And since the program worked so well for the Old Dears’ family tree project, Abby’s college roommate Kate hopes it will help her find out more about her ancestor Ned Greenfield. And Kate’s fiancé Ryan thinks the program has lucrative commercial potential. Abby and John reluctantly agree to help Kate, but only on the condition that she and Ryan promise to keep the program a secret, because if it fell into the wrong hands…well, no one wants Big Brother invading their privacy.
The two couples take a trip to the tiny town of Equality, set in the hills of southern Illinois and the breath-taking Shawnee National Forest. According to Kate’s research, Ned Greenfield was born there at a place called Hickory Hill. The mayor, police chief, and townspeople are hospitable and helpful—until the topic of Hickory Hill comes up. They seem determined to keep them away, telling them, “There’s nothing there for you to see.”
Eventually they find Hickory Hill on their own—both the mansion and the lonely hill it sits upon. Built in 1834, Hickory Hill stands sentinel over Half Moon Salt Mine where the original owner John Granger accumulated his blood-tainted fortune. Abby and her friends meet Miss Granger, Hickory Hill’s current eccentric owner, and they eventually get the chance to time-surf there.
Their shocking discovery on the third floor concerning Kate’s ancestor Ned Greenfield is almost too much to bear. What they learn sends them racing to the opposite end of the state to find the missing link in Kate’s family tree. And there they are reminded that God is in the business of redemption—that one day he’ll make all things new.

Download on Kindle | Purchase Paperback

Deborah Heal

 

Deborah Heal, the author of the Time and Again time travel mystery series, was born not far from the setting of her book Every Hill and Mountain and grew up “just down the road” from the setting of Time and Again. Today she lives with her husband in Waterloo, Illinois, where she enjoys reading, gardening, and learning about regional history. She has three grown children, three grandchildren, and two canine buddies Digger and Scout (a.k.a. Dr. Bob). She loves to interact with her readers, who may learn more about the history behind the books at her website www.deborahheal.com and her Facebook author page www.facebook.com/DeborahHeal

Follow Deborah Heal Website | Facebook | Twitter

Enter to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter below to enter a $50 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Deborah Heal!
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

Announcing the Chick-fil-A #FreshMade Blog App! + Giveaway!

Who's a Chick-fil-A lover here!?

Well, forget about yesterday, today is #FreshMade!

Each day we have a choice, a choice to do the same old routine or do something unique and different.  What have you wanted to do for a long time? 2013 is almost halfway over and it’s time to do something new. It’s time to grow, it’s time to make your dreams a reality.

Chick-fil-A is helping you make today #FreshMade, by creating new menu options that you can feel good about! They are introducing 3 new premium salads and an improved wrap all under 430 calories made with premium ingredients.

Take your taste buds to greener pastures.

View the Chick-fil-A #FreshMade Blog App here:

• Are You A “Starter”? Quiz - Some of us wake up with pep in our step, ready to conquer the world. Others might need a little kick in the behind to inject something new into their lives! Find out if you’re already raring to to go or need a little help getting the good time rolling! 
• #FreshMade Activities - Select your mood and let quotes and images from film express how you’re feeling.
• See How We Start Fresh - Behind-the-scenes - Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the new Chick-fil-A salads are #FreshMade just for you! 

WIN IT! A pack of 2 Chick-fil-A Salad Coupons!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY RULES: The prize will be sent via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please. 

Assets included within this post were provided in promotion of the Chick-fil-A release of the Chick-fil-A #FreshMade Blog App. I am working with Chick-fil-A to help promote their new release. All opinions are my own. 

Book Blast: Wacky Wishes by Susette Williams, Illustrated by Jack Foster - Enter to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Title: Wacky Wishes By Susette Williams Author, Jack Foster Illustrator

About the Book:

Tommy and Suzie find a wishing well and like children do, they begin making wishes. Imagine their surprise when their wishes start to come true! Are spacesuits the new dress code at school? What’s Tommy going to do with three heads? You’ve heard of, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.” When Tommy and Suzie's wishing gets out of hand, will they be able to wish away the mess they've created before their wishes run out?
Buy on Kindle

Susette Williams Author, Jack Foster Illustrator

Susette Williams is a Best Selling Author. She loves writing various genres, both for children and adults. She usually can't resist the urge to let her ornery sense of humor shine through in one of her characters and has always believed that laughter helps you deal with the obstacles life puts in your way. Susette and her husband have six wonderful children, all with intriguing and different personalities, like the characters she creates in her novels.

Jack Foster has illustrated over 25 children's books. He is a Sunday school teacher, art teacher and the father of five terrific children and eleven wonderful grand kids. He lives just outside of Chicago with his lovely wife, dog and cat. Check out his work at www.jacksillustrations.blogspot.com

Follow Susette Williams Website | Facebook | Twitter

Enter to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter below to enter a $25 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Susette Williams Author, Jack Foster Illustrator!
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

Where to bathe the baby?

The kitchen sink? The tub? On a bath pillow?

Maybe you're just having your first baby or maybe getting some new gear for baby #2... as a NUBY Mommy Blogger, I got to check out the Nûby™ Contour Bath Seat for my little guy (item was received at no charge).

Now, it IS rated for 0-6 months, and at the time I received the tub my baby was already 8 months, but I sat him in it to test it out.

I do love the sleek and small shape of the tub. Perhaps the best feature to me is how it does not take up much room in a regular bathtub, so you could also bathe a sibling in the same tub while your baby has a spot to sit!

The tub is smooth (read: easy to clean!) with natural contours to cradle your baby's body safely yet comfortably.

The seat is held in place on the bottom of the tub via several suction cups - these work pretty well, I'd say - there's a little bit of ability to slide the tub if it's not in the right position, but generally they hold the tub still and secure.
Check it out in my video:
Where do you bathe your baby!? 

The NUBY Contours Bath seat is available at BuyBabyDirect.com for $15 right now (sale price)!

Check out NUBY baby products on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

I am writing this post as part of the NUBY Mommy Blogger Program. I did not receive compensation for this post, although as part of the program I may receive items to sample or review. All opinions are my own and 100% honest.