Alone Yet Not Alone Book Review and #Giveaway

Alone, Yet Not Alone is an old hymn that has brought many people comfort through its words. An in this dramatic young adult novel, we learn about some of the people the hymn touched. We meet the Leininger family, settlers in the Pennsylvania territory. Their family is torn apart by the Penn's Creek Massacre and two of their children are taken as slaves to the Indians. 

I can't speak highly enough of this novel and its powerful impact on me. My son (middle-school) is now reading it. The history is deep and rich, but woven into the story in a way that you don't fully realize that you are learning about history. The story is compelling, heart-pounding and page turning. I couldn't put it down and read it cover to cover in one sitting. It was that good. 

On a 5 star rating, I give Alone, Yet Not Alone 5 of 5 stars. Tracy Leininger Craven has crafted one of the best-written novels for young adults that I've ever read. I can't wait to see the movie based on the book (opens Sept. 27--see below to find a theater near you). 

From the publisher:

About Alone Yet Not Alone (novelization):Settled in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania, deep within America's new frontier, the Leininger family celebrates the blessings of a beautiful homestead and bountiful harvest. That is, until tragedy strikes with the beginning of the French and Indian War and the devastating raid known as the Penn's Creek Massacre. 
     The lives of this simple, God-fearing family are forever altered when Barbara and Regina, two young sisters, are carried away by the Delaware tribe. Driven by their faith in God and the powerful bonds of family, Barbara and Regina hold firmly to the belief that they are never alone, even in their darkest hour, and that they will be reunited again. 
     Rich in historical details, Alone Yet Not Alone is an inspirational, true story of a family caught in the cross fire of the French and Indian War. 
About The Author: Tracy Leininger Craven loves history and retelling real-life stories in her historical fiction books. She also loves spending her free time in the great outdoors with her husband David and their four children.

About Alone Yet Not Alone (THE MOVIE):

Releases in theaters Sept 27th, 2013 - Find a Theater Here

Families will love this film based on a true story!  Awarded 5 Doves from the Dove Foundation!

       Starring: Kelly Greyson, Natalie Racoosin, Clay Walker, Jenn Gotzon, Joanie Stewart, Ozzie Torres, Tony Wade.

Bring Alone Yet Not Alone to Your City Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aloneyetnotalone

Movie Twitter: https://twitter.com/AYNAthemovie

Movie Website: http://www.aloneyetnotalone.com

Would you like to win a copy of the book, Alone Yet Not Alone? Enter using the form below. 

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Entry-Form

Children's Claritin & KaBOOM! Offering a school a playground

I love helping schools. I volunteer with the PTO in all three of my kiddos schools and we do what we can to support other schools. I was happy to hear about the Children's Claritin & KaBOOM! giveaway. There are several deserving schools competing to win a playground (or playspace) for their school. Be sure to go to the Facebook page, read about the schools and vote for your favorite. You can vote once daily.

About the Children’s Claritin & KaBOOM! program

Kids should have time to play - at home and at school. We know that creative play can make kids happy and healthy, but some kids aren’t getting enough of it. That’s why Children’s Claritin, the #1 pediatrician-recommended non-drowsy allergy brand, is teaming up with the national nonprofit KaBOOM! to help bring innovative playspaces to schools in need.  Visit http://Facebook.com/Claritin between 8/1 – 10/31 to cast your vote for one of twelve finalist schools. Together, we’ll raise awareness about the importance of outdoor play for kids and increase quality play opportunities.

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this post. I am a member of the Claritin Mom's Crew and held an informal playdate to discuss this project and solicit votes.  

#Giveaway of $25 Amazon GC or #win ebook The Pact

For those who really know me, it will not come as a surprise that I had to jump onto a book giveaway. I can't help myself. I love books...I love reading. I never go anywhere without a book. And for the rare instances that I forget a book at home, I use my handy smartphone to read an ebook. While I prefer paper in hand, I appreciate the ability to even keeps books on my phone. It feeds the reading addiction I have. 

I'm so excited for Graeme Brown to release his book "The Pact." I haven't yet read it, but look forward to reading it. I enjoy fantasy novels, and while this one seems a little darker in nature than I usually read, I'm looking forward to seeing the world he has created. Please read about "The Pact" and enter below. Good luck!

The Pact

Enter the world of Will Lesterall, a boy who’s grown up in the safety of his father’s castle.

Tales of the outside world ruled by warring kings and creatures of nightmare have never seemed a threat, yet on the night celebrating the two hundredth year of the sacred Pact that has kept Fort Lesterall safe, a secret intrigue ripens, and in the course of a few hours Will is confronted with a choice greater than he can comprehend.

Join an unlikely hero as destiny pulls him into the middle of an ancient conflict between fallen gods and ambitious women, one that demands blood, both holy and wicked, and the power of an ancient fire bound in steel. As swords clash below a watching wood, hope and betrayal war as fiercely as fear and valor.

 Whether he lives or dies, Will Lesterall will never be the same.

Buy Links: Kobo | Kindle | Other formats

Author Bio:
Graeme Brown is has been enchanted by the epic fantasy genre since he was a child, and consequently he started creating his own world with its stories at the age of thirteen. Influenced by writers like J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Jordan, and George R. R. Martin, he has finally brought the first of those stories to life with his debut title, a short story called The Pact—48 pages that will whisk you away to a dark, medieval fantasy world with gritty realism. When he’s not writing, he can be found exploring number theory problems or writing computer programs, training for a marathon, or unwinding in a yoga hot room. He has also explored other facets of art, both as a hobby and a profession, including vector graphics, pen and ink, classical piano, and web design. Despite being a full time student and a junior editor for Champagne Books, he makes sure to do a little writing every day. He is presently busy with the first of many sequels to The Pact, A Thousand Roads.

For more about Graeme, visit his website: http://www.graemebrownart.com/the_pact.html

Author Links:
Website: http://www.graemebrownart.com/the_pact.html
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraemeBrownWpg
Blog: http://www.fantasywritingjourney.wordpress.com

Giveaway:

1st Prize $25 Amazon GC
Runners up: 10 x The Pact ebooks
Open internationally -  Ends 16th September
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts is not responsible for delivery of prizes won. Please contact CM Book Tours for questions regarding prize fulfillment

Allergy Tips from a Children's Claritin Mom Crew Mom

Do allergies strike in your home? They do in mine. We've gone through many varieties of options for handling allergies and along the line, I was able to join the Children's Claritin Mom Crew. I've learned so much from other moms and have been able to contribute some of my own ideas.

Here are some tips for helping control allergies in your home:

• Shower frequently on high pollen days.
• Take allergy medicine (such as Children's Claritin) to stay 'Claritin Clear'
• As much as we all enjoy fresh air, you might consider your reaction to the additional pollen and use your AC instead
• Rinse off pets often if they are outdoor pets. They carry pollen into your home.
• If you are working in the yard, consider wearing a mask to minimize pollen exposure. 
• Spend less time outside in peak pollen hours (late morning through early afternoon)

Do you have an allergy tip? Please leave a comment and share. I'd love to get even more information and ideas on how to reduce allergy symptoms for my family.


Disclosure: As a member of the Children's Claritin Mom Crew, I receive product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit. No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience.

Wordless Wednesday - Zombie Apocalypse Party

Life is not measured

by the number of breaths we take,

But by the moments

that take our breath away. 

Before:

After...

Andrew volunteered to be a zombie for the Run for your Life Zombie Apocalypse Obstacle  Course. He's one of the zombies trying to get flags off kids waists. The kids are running through an obstacle course. 

Makeup by Mom. 

iTunes Specials and Deals through 8/31

Do you like iTunes gift cards? Do your kids? I know my kids LOVE to get an iTunes card so they can download apps or songs from the iTunes store. I just found out about an awesome deal at JC Penney where you get a bonus $5 in iTunes gift cards with a qualified purchase. See below for all the details. 

iTunes and JC Penney Deal

Love iTunes and JC Penney? Then this deal is for you! 

Buy a $30 iTunes multipack of iTunes gift cards at JC Penney for just $25

This offer is available for a limited time only from August 18 to 31st, so get in the 

store and get yours today. While supplies last, see store for further details.

Make sure you note the limited time frame for this offer. JC Penney's has stated that it is only while supplies last and it will end on August 31, 2013. Hurry over for great savings on iTunes gift cards. 

Disclosure policy is in place for this post. 

Hasbro Chasin' Cheeky #Giveaway

Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts 

is pleased to join 

Tammie's Reviews, Giveaways and More 

in the kid friendly Giveaway sponsored by Hasbro .

 

Since Rebekah has been old enough to grab things, monkeys have been her favorite animal. She gravitates to them like...well...a monkey to a banana. (Sorry, couldn't resist that one.) We love monkeys, but we also love playing together as a family. Our philosophy is that a family who plays together, stays together.

Family Night is something of an amazing concept. It keeps Families together by sharing things they like. It helps them share about their day and getting to know each other as a person. Our lives are so busy and we are always on the go. Taking time to be together as a Family is just one step to reconnecting.

Enter below for your chance to win a Chasin' Cheeky (monkey) game from Hasbro. Rebekah recommends it because it's a monkey. We recommend it because it's a great way to connect as a family and to have a fun family night.

1 reader will receive a Chasin' Cheeky game from Hasbro.

Winner will be chosen at random via random.org

Winner will have 48 hours to respond or another will be chosen.

Winner must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

This Giveaway is open to residents of the US only. No P.O Boxes.  All entries will be verified. Winner will be notified by email. Please see Giveaway Tools widget for full disclosure. Enter below using the easy Giveaway Tools widget below. Good Luck!

This Giveaway will runs from 8/15 to 8/22, starting and ending at 9 p.m.

Entry-Form

Disclosure- Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts is not responsible for prize fulfillment. No monetary compensation was exchanged. Please contact Tammie at pankuch1605@hotmail.com for any problems or issues or to see your product promoted in Events like this one.

Blogger Op: Back 2 School Paypal Cash Giveaway

Uncreative Mommy is proud to bring you an Encore Back 2 School PayPal Cash Giveaway! The first Back 2 School event was such a success that we are doing it again for all the kids that are going back to school in September!! 

 This giveaway will only run for 1 week since it is running late. Sign ups are open until August 23 and Giveaway goes live August 26!! 

 Uncreative Mommy is looking for bloggers to help promote this event. 

 Twitter links free with announcement! 

 Links are $3 each 

 Want to host a follow page? $10 each! 

 Giveaway is open worldwide! 

 Prize is $200 cash!

Sign up here.

Grab your announcement post here.

Game Truck Discount Offer

Have you heard of Game Truck? They are a video game party coach that comes to your house and parks for the party. The coach is filled with video game systems and games. Your kids and their friends (and grownups who like video games) can play to their hearts content. In fact, Game Truck makes a great corporate event for employees. They can relax (and compete) in a fun and friendly environment. I'm super excited that my family has been invited to attend a Game Truck Party. I'll be posting a review of the experience soon. 

THE ULTIMATE VIDEO GAME PARTY

The complete video game party brought to your doorstep.

Each video game theater is equipped with HDTVs and a wide selection of games for Xbox360, Wii, PlayStation3 and a GameCoach to manage the party so you can relax. 

All we need is a place to park and people to play.  My readers also will receive this coupon for free giftbags and t-shirt! 

Wordless Wednesday - Back to school (day 2) 2013

Life is not measured

by the number of breaths we take,

But by the moments

that take our breath away. 

Since Andrew is a sophomore this year, he starts school on the second day. The first day is freshmen only. Of course, being in the band, he did have to go to school yesterday (EARLIER than normal) to play for the freshmen pep rally.

So a day late, I give you the first day of Andrew's school photos.

So very proud of my sophomore. He's section leader for frontline (auxiliary percussion) in the band, he's taking a ton of honors and an AP class, he still volunteers several places and he's an all around awesome young man. 

Frecklebox $30 Electronic Gift Card #Giveaway

Sponsored by Frecklebox

Hosted by NY SavingSpecials

Co-Hosted by:

Charlotte Raynor Writes, Barbara's Beat and Simply Sherryl 

Have you ever checked out Frecklebox? I love personalized gifts and I love how cute their products are. I'm also a fan of their coloring pages for kids. Rebekah is an artist in the making and she loves coloring books and coloring pages. They even have personalized coloring books--what could be better?!? Please be sure to check out their amazing line of personalized items for every occasion.

One lucky winner will win 
a Frecklebox $30 Electronic Gift Card

Details:

Enter August 15  to September 5

Open to US Residents only

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

All entries are optional. 
Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.  If you have any question about this giveaway, please email the host at nysavingspecials@gmail.com

Juppy Walker #Giveaway

Welcome to the very first time I am the hostess of a giveaway. I was so happy to hear back from the Juppy company. They liked my review so much that they are giving me the opportunity to host a giveaway for their Juppy Momentum Baby Walker

I'm pleased to announce that Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts is bringing you this giveaway. You have the chance to win a Juppy Momentum Baby Walker (blue color). 

Juppy is an award winning product that helps babies learn to walk without tiring out dad and mom's backs. To see the full review of the Juppy, please visit Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts. 

One winner will receive a Juppy Momentum in blue.

Shipping to US addresses only.

Email required for entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. One person entering per household please. U.S. only. I was not compensated for this giveaway, and I am not responsible for shipment of prize.

Wordless Wednesday - Back to school (day 1) 2013

Life is not measured

by the number of breaths we take,

But by the moments

that take our breath away. 

Nathan is now a 6th grader.

Rebekah is now a 2nd grader.

The 10th grader doesn't start until tomorrow. So today I'm taking him and some friends to have a last hurrah. Pictures will be coming...

Make a Plate Discount Code

Very exciting news! I will be sent a Make A Plate Prepaid Art Plate Kit to review. But, I don't want to keep anyone from the discount code below. You can receive your kit at a substantial discount. I will be posting about the process and the finished project in the days to come. 

I’ve just been given the opportunity to review the Make A Plate Art Project and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you. If you want to follow along, my readers save 30% on their Prepaid Art Plate Kit (that’s a savings of over $5!) - USE PROMO CODE: USFAMILY at http://www.makit.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductCode=K1100PP

Makit has been in business for over 40 years. Make A Plate kits allow children to let their creativity soar in crafting a lasting gift for Mom, Dad, Grandparent or teacher. All Make A Plates are nontoxic, BPA-Free, dishwasher safe and proudly made in the USA.

Google Nexus 7 #Giveaway

Welcome to the Google Nexus 7 Giveaway

Organized by GoPromoCodes.com

Sponsored by BuyVia.com

BuyVia, a smart shopping mobile app and website, is ramping up for the back to school shopping season! The brand new Google Nexus 7 valued at $229 is the perfect back to school accessory with HD display, a long lasting battery and a front facing camera. This is the newest tablet to hit the market and is thinner, lighter and faster than before. You can get the app in the Apple Store or in Google Play. 

One lucky winner will win this Google Nexus 7. 
To enter, just use the Giveaway Tools widget below. This contest is available to all residents of the US and Canada, age 18 and over. It will begin now and will end on Sept 2 at 11:50 pm PST. The winner will be picked at random from all of the entries by the Giveaway Tools application. More terms and conditions are included in the giveaway form.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Coolestmommy.com is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact the organizer of this giveaway with questions or to have your business or blog featured in the next big giveaway event.

Rag & Bone Bindery - A Scrapbooking #Giveaway

Do you enjoy scrapbooking? I know I do. I find it to be relaxing and I enjoy preserving the memories of our family's fun times together. There are so many creative ways available to scrapbookers now to keep your memories preserved. I was looking at Rag & Bone and am excited to participate in this giveaway. 

Look at a couple of the cute 12x12 albums they offer:

Each of their albums is sewn/bound with a coordinating ribbon. They are beautiful. 

Thanks to Rag & Bone Bindery, because they are offering one winner a $50 gift code to use on their site. 

 Sponsored By: Rag & Bone Bindery 

 Hosted By: Life With My Two Kids 

 Co Hosted By: The Parenting Patch 

 Read the original Review. 

Enter on the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win:

   a Rafflecopter giveaway   

Disclosure: Neither Life With My Two Kids nor other blogs involved in this giveaway are not responsible for prize. If you have any questions about this giveaway please send an email to lifewithmytwokids@atlanticbb.net. All entries are optional, if you do any of the tasks you can collect the entries, even if you do one entry you can get the extra 1 entries but if the winner tasks is a tasks you did not complete, a second winner will be chosen. If the winner tasks is the one you did you will be the winner.

Win $1,000 of Little Tikes - Enter through 8/30

Do your children love Little Tikes? Mine did and still do. We've had our fair share of coupes, houses, workshops, etc. We have had large toys, small toys and everything in between. I'm so excited that I'm now a part of the Pure Insiders team. I will now be able to bring you even more giveaways, prizes and sweepstakes. Purex and Little Tikes are currently running a sweepstakes giving away $1,000 to spend at littletikes.com. What could you do with that? 

About the Sweepstakes!

Purex and Little Tikes are teaming up to provide one lucky winner with a $1,000 gift code to be redeemed at www.littletikes.com plus a year's supply of Purex detergent!

Summer is winding down and families are scrambling to find the best back to school sales and gear. Purex and Tittle Tikes are here to help your family relieve some of that pressure. So kick back, relax and put your mind at ease as we all prepare for yet another hectic, yet fun-filled school year! Enter the sweepstakes here.

Blogger Op: Google Nexus 7 (Giveaway opens 8/12)

Hello friends, I'm always looking around for really good things to giveaway. I found a Nexus 7 Giveaway that I can participate in. It gives YOU, my readers, a chance to win this awesome prize. Below is the announcement for any of my blogger friends who want to add this into their giveaway lineup. Keep your eyes posted as the actual giveaway will start on August 12. Good luck!!

Announcing Back to School Google Nexus 7 Giveaway

16 GB Google Nexus 7 Giveaway Event

Sponsored by: BuyVia

Organized by: GoPromoCodes.com

Prize: 16 GB Google Nexus 7 valued at $229

Event Dates: August 12- September 2*

BuyVia, a smart shopping mobile app and website, is ramping up for the back to school shopping season! The brand new Google Nexus 7 is the perfect back to school accessory with HD display, a long lasting battery and a front facing camera. This is the newest tablet to hit the market and is thinner, lighter and faster than before.

This event is free for bloggers to join. Bloggers can join this giveaway through August 9, 2013. Each blogger receives 1 free link in exchange for promoting this giveaway on their site and via their social media. Click here to join! (Please use Robyn R as your referral.)

The two bloggers who refer most bloggers to this event will get 2 additional links free.

*Dates subject to change

Available to the U.S. and Canada.

Noxicare Natural Pain Relief Cream Review

I have to admit it--I'm getting older. And with a few more years of age, I find myself with a few more aches and pains on some days. Recently, I've been battling plantar fasciitis (foot pain). My doctor has given me some stretching exercises to do which are working wonders, but she also suggested using something like Ben Gay to help relieve the pain while we strengthen the tendons. OK--I can admit it, not a fan of Ben Gay. It smells. I don't like smelly things.

So I was happy when my Noxicare arrived in the mail. First thing I did was the sniff test. NO NOTICIBLE ODOR--HOORAY!! The one downside was the color, which is yellow. I was very concerned with staining my white socks. I am pleased to report if you rub it in enough, the yellow doesn't get onto your clothing. And the first time I tried it and didn't rub it in well enough, the color did come out of my clothes in the wash. 

I have started using more natural products and Noxicare falls right into what I prefer. It's not chemicals, it's made from natural ingredients. It worked as well as other pain relievers and I'm happy to have it for the days I overexercise my feet and end up with some foot pain. 

From the manufacturer:

Noxicare™ Natural Pain Relief is a breakthrough natural, patented pain relief formula that is a proprietary combination of 7 of the world’s most potent natural pain relievers that quickly and effectively alleviate inflammation, muscle aches and nerve pain (burning feet)—with NO known side effects and without a prescription.

I am pleased with the results I am receiving from Noxicare. It is sold both online at Noxicare.com and at select retailers across the United States. If you are in need of a pain relieving product and want to use one that is natural, give Noxicare a try. 

Disclosure: 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.

iPad case for Kids Review - Made in the USA

Do your kids have an iPad? My Nathan does, and one of the first things we did was ban usage until we had a case. Since his was to be used a lot for school, we invested in a Bluetooth keyboard case so he could type assignments. One complaint my kids have is that when they use the iPad for games, it's cumbersome because the case is heavy and thick. It's great to avoid damage, but makes game playing a little trickier. 

When I was offered the chance to review these kids iPad cases from Apple Pie, I wanted to give these a shot. 

From the manufacturer:

This is the best kids iPad case we could imagine.  Apple Pie is the exclusive launch partner on these items.Here is what was demanded when the makers set out to build a new kind of kids iPad case:

• Durable - kids iPad case must protect the front, back and corners from small drops and scratches.
• Functional - kids iPad case needs to stand for movies, close easily and type at an angle.
• Aesthetically pleasing and flexible, kids iPad case with solid design and able to be customized.
• The right material - Kids had to love working with the material - and it had to be something where parents wouldn't freak out if kids' post-yogurt fingers got all over it
• Freakishly inexpensive
• 100% recyclable
• Made in the USA

We think they nailed it.  Welcome to the new approach to kids iPad cases.  At a sale price of $16.99 for a 3-pack (less than $5.67 each), it's a bargain.  Sold and shipped in 3-packs of either brown kraft, or white - exclusively from www.ApplePieUSA.com - the best way to shop for American products.

Here's my mommy take. For the pricing, I don't mind it being made of cardboard. I admit that I didn't fully understand it was cardboard, so opening the box was a shock--I thought the case was the packaging and that my case was missing. I had to do a double check to see that these are really and truly made of cardboard. 

A case that's only $5.67 is one that can be ruined and replaced easily. I like that it's made in the USA and that it is a green product. The downside is that when we opened the box, before I could even get my camera out, they fingerprinted up the cases that I couldn't get a 'clean' shot' of my own. I have to use the standard shot from the manufacturer. My cases were fingerprinted in less than five minutes. Sigh. I have messy kids. And I dislike cases that aren't clean, so I struggle with these because you can't wipe them clean. To the left is our white case. I'm not sure if you can see all the fingerprints at the top and bottom where they hold it and turn it on/off, but it looks dirty to me. 

I think it will be fun to let the kids color (exterior only and no iPad in the case) on these to 'personalize' the case. But I will want to supervise to make sure they don't color with markers where the marker residue could get onto the screen.

Be sure to visit Apple Pie because they do sell lots of American Brands and I do like it when we all shop American. 

Disclosure: 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.