Beside Still Waters Book Review and Amish Quilt Giveaway! »

In her twenty-fifth novel, award-winning author, Tricia Goyer, strikes a chord in her recently released, Beside Still Waters. The author, known for her acclaimed work, finds inspiration from her own early experience as a teen Mom, and followed her passion to produce dozens of encouraging works, in which she expresses real life, real hope, for real women.

Goyer's newest release, Beside Still Waters, follows the life of a 19-year-old Amish girl, Marianna Sommer. With every intention of following in Amish tradition, Marianna looks forward to a future within her familiar Amish community with her prospective husband, Aaron.

But a cross-country move and a devastating accident shakes her faith and has the young woman questioning what she once believed as absolute truth.  In the midst of it all, Marianna develops a friendship with a typical English boy who brings fresh perspective to the belief structure she was born into.

We’re Lucky to Read- Born Under a Lucky Moon book review and giveaway »

Summer means sunshine, outdoor activities, travel, and a laid-back schedule with kids out of school. Summer also means I want to lose myself in a fun book: a book that’s a page turner, but not so complex I have to gear up my brain to read it. I found the perfect summer read in the novel Born Under a Lucky Moon by Dana Precious.

Coupons, Freebies and Giveaway Roundup for May 20th including giveaways for Glee, Pediped, Walmart and more!! »

Coupons

Zoobie Blanket Pets »

We all know that children love stuffed animals; they’re the perfect combination of fun and comfort. But what if your child’s stuffed animal could be more than just a cuddly companion? Realizing that stuffed animals could be put to more use, Zoobies created a uniquely designed plush toy to be a stuffed animal, a pillow, and a blanket all in one.

Zoobie Blanket Pets make it easier to stay organized and clutter free, so you no longer have to deal with piles of pillows and blankets whether at home or on the go. Releasing the child-friendly Velcro latches transforms the animal into a soft pillow and the cozy fleece blanket is stored inside the zipper pouch and can easily be removed (and washed if needed).

The collection of Zoobie Blanket Pets has a wide variety of cuddly animals including Zulu the Zebra, Lencho the Lion, Ping the Panda, and Poco the Pup. Your child can pick and choose her favorite buddies that will be both fun for her and easy for you.

Cute and stylish Baby JaR bib and burp cloth giveaway »

Now that my 11-month-old son can efficiently drink his bottle without having half of it dribble down his chin, I happily tucked away most of his bibs and burp cloths. Only problem, we recently embarked on the lovely stage of eating finger foods. And talk about messy! It always amazes me how much of his meal ends up in his lap…and unfortunately on his shirt. Time to bring back those bibs! And, with my son being the second born, most of our bibs and burp cloths are hand-me-downs from his big sister. (Yes – I have to admit he every now and then wears purple or pink ones!).

I often find myself using one of these old and ratty bibs while out in public, wishing he looked a little nicer. Yes, I know it’s just a bib, but it’s a big part of his wardrobe. Burp cloths, too. Even though his spit-up days are long gone (thank goodness!), I still like to have one on hand at all times for quick clean-ups. They also work great for wiping his runny nose (which seems constant!) as the soft fabric doesn’t seem to irritate him as much as a tissue.

Are you a Gleek? Matthew Morrison giveaway! »

Matthew Morrison, otherwise known as Will Schuester from the hit series Glee, is releasing his album TODAY! The lead single, “Summer Rain” co-written by Matthew with Claude Kelly, is now on iTunes. I know I can’t wait to get his album when it comes out because, much like my friends, I’m very much a “Gleek” (Glee geek) and I watch it every Tuesday night.

You can watch Matthew rehearsing the track below. I just realized that he is an amazing singer in real life. I didn’t know that he was an actual singer. I thought he was just an actor lip-synching this whole time!

Win a signed Matthew Morrison poster!

As part of this review I received a signed Matthew Morrison poster that’s now hanging in my room. All of my friends are jealous.

Personalized Jewelry from Kathy Lo Rocks »

Keeping our loved ones with us at all times can be difficult, especially as our children grow older and their schedules fill up with more activities. This Mother’s Day, when you’re trying to find a gift for the Mom who cherishes family time above all things, buy her a beautiful piece of jewelry adorned with a picture of loved ones and a personal inscription.

Kathy Lo Rocks has mastered the art of engraved and picture jewelry. A thoughtful gift for any Mom or Grandmother this Mother’s Day, Kathy Lo Rocks’ pendants come in different shapes, sizes, and metal options to help you design a gift that suits her personal style. Choose from a variety of gifts, ranging from charm bracelets to earrings and key chains. Once you’ve found the perfect item, fill it with her favorite pictures or engrave a short message.

This giveaway is now closed.

Disclosure: Mom Central received a sample photo keychain and $50 gift certificate courtesy of Kathy Lo Rocks to facilitate this review and giveaway.

Learn to Manage and Reduce Stress with the emWave 2 »

When we get stressed out, we should always take a minute or two to try to calm ourselves down before we get even more worked up. While calming down after reaching high levels of frustration and stress can feel impossible, simple exercises like focusing on your breathing can make the difference in turning  and a complete meltdown.

Designed to assist with stress relief, the emWave 2 from HeartMath shows its users useful breathing patterns they can use to calm their stressed heart rate and reduce levels of anxiety. Also, when using the emWave 2, users begin to learn techniques on how to keep themselves from reaching the high stress levels before they happen because the emWave 2 not only works toward helping reduce stress, but it works towards showing the user how to change his or her physiology.

Daniel Green Nikki Slipper »

With spring upon us, we start to trade in our baggy sweaters for flouncy t-shirts and our snow boots for colorful flats. While it’s easy to say goodbye to the snow and freezing temperatures, saying adieu to the comfort and warmth of a favorite pair of slippers may not come so easily. Getting that same cushy comfort in the spring without overheating your feet makes the Nikki Slipper from Daniel Green ideal for year-round lightweight slipper comfort.

Available in four different colors, the classic yet feminine styling of the Nikki moccasin makes it an appealing choice for any Mom. Light enough for indoor use, the slipper also features a sturdy rubber sole that allows for outdoor wear. The jersey lining makes the slippers lightweight and breathable, while the fluffly Sherpa sock provides classic slipper comfort.

Encourage Mom to kick up her feet and relax this Mother’s Day with a pair of Nikki slippers from Daniel Green.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer: One Mom’s Mission to Raise Awareness for Pediatric Cancer »

In 2007, one Mom took an ordinary fundraising activity and turned it into something remarkable. After her son Liam was diagnosed with cancer at the age of two, Gretchen Witt decided to raise money for pediatric cancer research by hosting a bake sale. Although more children in the U.S. die from pediatric cancer than any other disease, a serious lack of funding impedes scientists and doctors from pursuing further research and developing treatment options.

Fair Ivy Surprise Package Subscriptions »

Although we value the ease and convenience of email, traditional mail still has its place. Rarely does the mailman bring an unexpected gift, but when he does, what a wonderful surprise.

To show your Mom how much you care not only on Mother’s Day, but also beyond, considering buying her a subscription for hand-picked surprises for the next 2, 4 or 6 months – finally something to receive other than bills!
Fair Ivy is bringing back the art of surprise. In each unexpected gift delivery you will find a bundle of small items hand-picked by their gift designers. When you open up the box, you’ll find each package wrapped with beautiful ribbons and thoughtful touches. What might you find underneath the paper and bows? Although each month brings different surprises, past gifts have included note cards, necklaces, soaps – and other unique items you won’t find in your neighborhood store.