Archive for Books

College Students Save Money with Textbook Rentals

Posted by html404 on September 13, 2012
in Books, Education, Saving Money, School, Thrifty Thursday

If you have ever gone to college or have a college aged student you know how expensive books can be. It’s important to be able to save as much money as possible while attending college to pay for loans, lodging, food and transportation. That’s why I wish we had the internet back when I went to college in the late 80’s early 90’s. I spent a lot of money on books.

Today college students can save money using textbook rental services. After all why buy a book you’ll only read once, right? Another plus with renting textbooks is not having to store books that will never be read again. How many of those do you have in your attic or garage? I know we still have some 20 years later! Campus Book Rentals offers a solution to these issues and incredible savings. Here are some of the benefits you’ll see right off:

-40-90% off of normal bookstore prices (This is better than wholesale!)
-free shipping both ways (Extra, extra!)
-freedom to highlight in the textbooks (Wow!)
-flexible rental periods
-Operation Smile receives money with each textbook rented (Bonus! Helping others while saving money, who can turn that down?)

Hope this helps many college students save money with textbook rentals.

Happy Thrifty Thursday!

I am being compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

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My First Farmers Almanac

Posted by Brande on August 30, 2012
in Books, Cleaning, Community Issues, Education, Family Stuff, Farm Stuff, Food and Treats, Gardening, Home, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Saving Money, Seasonal Stuff

I bought my first Farmers Almanac the other day and I can’t believe I didn’t buy it sooner!

I always thought the Farmers Almanac was all about the weather. Boy was I surprised when I found tons of fantastic information!

Yes, it does have weather information, BUT, on page 8 I found out how to get rid of weeds with out pulling or chemicals and it’s easy! You pour boiling water on them or use a mixture of dish washing liquid (5 tablespoons) and water (4 cups) in a spray bottle! I also learned how to make a “Homemade Jar Opener”, “No-Mess Baking”, ways to cut energy costs, how to save on gas, even a section on comfort foods (my favorite).

I plan on buying one every year! They are really a wealth of information!

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Chungaboo Language Series For iPad Review

Posted by Brande on August 26, 2012
in Books, Downloads, Ebooks, Education, Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Kids Stuff, Reviews, School, Shopping

I love my apps! My daughter and I recently got this new app from Chungaboo Language Series (formally Lingo Slingo). The first selection is “Words” – the app will say bear and then toss about 5 cards with different pictures and your child needs to select the correct picture. If they select the wrong picture you get an “X” at the top of the screen. This app has a choice of 6 different languages (Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish). In addition, there are achievements – in this section there is “All-Time Scoring”, Beginner’s Badge by Language, and Maestro Badge by Language (50 card streak). From this app you can also purchase – Animals, Travel, and coming soon is Color Door. They have teasers to let you try before you spend the money.

This is a great app for your preschoolers! My daughter will be 4 next month and really enjoys it. The Chungaboo app not only helps her connect words to pictures, but it helps with her motor skills by the cards moving. The music is not bad for parents either. This is a wonderful learning game for road trips! Check it out in your apps store! Sorry, I didn’t see anything for you android users.

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Dying To Read

Posted by html404 on August 25, 2012
in Books, Reviews

Are you Dying To Read? Gotta love that book title, eh? Lorena McCourtney has started a new series called The Cate Kinkaid Files and Dying to Read is the first book. After reading it I am already looking forward to the others to come.

Dying to Read is a Christian mystery. The main character, Cate, is at a crossroads in her life after some of life’s most disappointing moments.

I found this book to be entertaining. Lorena definitely kept me guessing and eager to keep reading in order to solve the mystery surrounding Cate’s first assignment as her uncle’s Private Investigator Assistant. I never did solve the mystery and had an ah-ha moment when it was finally revealed.

Though Cate’s character didn’t seem to think very highly of herself. I found her to be strong, not easily swayed and possessed a very good work ethic.

I liked that this book only had a hint of romance. It wasn’t a gory mystery, not that I mind that kind of mystery, but just so you all know. It was mostly about Cate and how she went about trying to solve the mystery and the scrapes she encountered along the way. I can’t say there was anything I didn’t like about it, only that it ended too soon and I want the second book….now!

This was the first book I have read by Lorena McCourtney and Dying to Read made me want to read her other books. It was quite refreshing.

“Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Posted by html404 on August 21, 2012
in Books, Reviews

It was great to catch up with one of my favorite author’s new release, in The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher. It is the second book in The Stoney Ridge Seasons. You may read my review of the first book here.

The family dynamics of the Lapp family is at the heart of what makes this book series so enjoyable. There was one part that I literally laughed out loud (LOL for those not familiar with internet lingo ;)).

Sadie Lapp really grew up in this book and I enjoyed seeing her blossom with strength of character. Like in real life, life’s experiences have a way of making us grow in ways we never thought possible, if we let them.

There are a few things I took away from The Haven:

~ Gossip. It can tear family, friendships and even communities apart if gossips are allowed to spread their rumors and lies. Esther, Gideon, Edith and so many more of the Lapp’s neighbors chose to believe the gossip rather than find out the if the rumors were true or not.

~ Expectations. Sometimes as parents, we have very high expectations and it can cause undue stress on our child and our relationship with them, as was the case with Will and his dad.

~ Love. Gotta have love. Relationships without love are not relationships. If the Knapp family wasn’t fictitious, I would say it was the family love to model after.

~ Forgiveness. This is such a powerful one. Forgiveness can be hard to give out. I appreciated the reminder that our health is affected by not only physical symptoms, but our emotional and mental well-being as well. This was revealed in Esther and Amos.

~ Choices. All choices have consequences. It’s whether or not we move on from the bad ones that will make or break us.

As I said in my review of the first book, I love the Lapp family dynamics. I have always enjoyed learning more about the Amish ever since our family visited Amish Country in Indiana over 10 years ago. I think there is much to learn from them.

The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher gets a two thumbs up from me!

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Raising Financially Confident Kids- A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on August 11, 2012
in Books, Money & Finances

Money. Something that your child will have to manage for their entire life so why not start teaching them young? Teaching kids about money can be a long process filled this mistakes and life lessons, but a brand new book is making the process easier.

Raising Financially Confident Kids by Mary Hunt is a great book for any parent wanting to teach their kids how to manage money for the rest of their lives. This book doesn’t just teach you how to train your five year old to save, spend, and give-it also shows parents easy ways to get their teenager to manage their money wisely and to earn money without relying on mom and dad.

I loved Mary Hunt’s writing style. She is funny, yet shares her wisdom in such a way that you are never bored. I really enjoyed reading this book and gleaning tidbits from it.

There are quite a few lessons that you can learn from her stories about raising her own children as well as stories that she told about family members. I enjoyed reading about what worked and didn’t work for her family. Mary shared valuable life lessons that any parent could use in teaching their child how to manage money.

Raising Financially Confident Kids is available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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Lethal Legacy

Posted by html404 on August 11, 2012
in Books

I took a break from doing book reviews for a couple months due to not having enough time to read them, but then some interesting titles came through that I had to read! Ever get that bug? I love to read and even though I can use the excuse that reading is my “work” I still suffer from feeling guilty. Ever felt that way? But the pleasure of curling up with a good book usually wins out, eventually.

Anyhoo…on to the book…

Leathal Legacy Review

I have really come to enjoy mystery, crime or suspense fiction. I really like trying to figure out how the plot is going to play out. Irene Hannon has written a series called the Guardians of Justice. I believe I have read one or both of the first two in the series so of course I wanted to read the third and last book, Lethal Legacy.

I loved the main character, Kelly Warren’s, determination. She refused to believe her father committed suicide and displayed persistence in trying to convince the police detectives there was more to her father’s death. I cannot even fathom being able to do that in the midst of grieving, even six months later. Her character definitely lived out the motto, “Never Give Up.”

The detective on the case seemed to have lost his way when he felt God had not answered his prayer the way he wanted Him to. It was a quick reminder to me that God doesn’t always answer my prayers in the way or timing I think He should. His ways and timing are not mine.

One last thought stood out in the book – Relationships are hard work, but in the end it’s always better to mend them before it’s too late and not have to live with regret in the end.

I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, which is the kind I reach for when I want to relax. No heavy thoughts for me when I just want to zone out for a little while. For the most part the story kept me guessing. I was kind of surprised when the “mystery” was revealed. The romance part was predictable, but sweet nonetheless.

Two thumbs up from me!

“This book is available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Congratulations! Livrada Giveaway Winner!

Posted by html404 on August 2, 2012
in Books, Ebooks, Gift Ideas, Giveaways

Oops, forgot to post one last giveaway winner and it’s the Livrada giveaway.

Congratulations to Amanda on Winning a Copy of 50 Shades of Grey!

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Over The Moon – The Broadway Lullaby Project

Posted by Brande on July 29, 2012
in Books, DVDs & CDs, Encouragement for Moms, Family Stuff, Gift Ideas, Giving Back/Charity, Kids Stuff, Music, Parenting, Pregnancy and Birth, Reviews, Shopping

My daughter and I went on an inspiring and peaceful musical journey with Over the Moon – The Broadway Lullaby Project and I invite you to join us. This book and CD are not only fantastic for bed and nap time, it is very calming for adults also.

The Book – Over the Moon – The inside cover says it best…

It’s often said that “a picture speaks a thousand words,” that “music is the universal language,” that “all the world’s a stage,” and that lullabies fill the special place where babies and those who love them come together.

I’ve never read such a true statement. This 48 page hardcover book is beautifully illustrated and written by many artists, each donating their time for the Over the Moon Book and CD. The CD is attached to the back of the book.

The CD – Pop this 2 CD set of 13 songs each in your player. Sit down and close your eyes and let the music take you on a voyage. The calming flow of the music will take you and your little one away on a mini vacation. All the artists on the CD have beautiful melodic voices, including Vanessa Williams.

As is said earlier everyone has donated their time for Over The Moon-The Broadway Lullaby Project, which will raise money for breast cancer charities including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Yound Survival Coalition.

Visit the Over the Moon Website to purchase your collaboration today! You can also visit them on Facebook and Twitter.

This is such a wonderful book and CD. My daughter and I have listened to the CDs many times and we have gotten a lot of enjoyment out of them. Perfect for a new baby or baby shower gift!

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Livrada E-book Gift Cards Available at Target & Giveaway!

Posted by html404 on July 15, 2012
in Ebooks, Gift Ideas, Giveaways, Uncategorized

Disclaimer: Please note that I do not necessarily agree with the content of the books listed below. I am more interested in the idea of an e-book gift card.

Most of you know that I love to read. Love, love, love books. They are my dear friends that take me to new places and introduce me to new worlds. E-books have been around for a while. E-readers are still relatively new. I still haven’t gone over to the “dark” side. There’s just something about having a book in hand to read. I am intrigued though and maybe all the new e-readers will improve so much they’ll win me over. Either way, Livrada has come up with a cool new way to give e-books as gifts – Livrada E-book Gift Cards.

Today Livrada is launching their e-book gift cards at ALL Target stores! In this initial launch there are six best-selling titles available. Here are the current titles available:

Fifty Shades of Grey

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

State of Wonder

Gone Girl

Charles Street

Odd Thomas

No more gift via email or generic gift cards. Our gift cards are replicas of the actual book cover! So grabbing a quick gift, no longer has to feel impersonal.

And they have offered one to giveaway to our readers – YOU!

Now for the giveaway!

Giveaway of Fifty Shades of Grey Livrada E-book Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Watch for Brande’s future review of Fifty Shades of Grey and her thoughts on the e-book gift cards! Coming Soon!