Captive Book Review

I'm sure we have all felt "Captive" at some point or another in our lives.  I myself in more ways than one.  Right now I feel "Captive" to this crazy lifestyle my family has put ourselves in.  I leave the house at 7 AM and typically return around 9PM still needing to feed the family, bathe two kids, double check homework, clean (did I mention our dishwasher has been broken for 6 months??), put kids to bed, pack bags for the next day's activities...oh and then I work on more work from home until who knows when....to wake up and do it all over again the next day!

My captivity has nothing on Ashley Smith's experiences from 2005.  She was held captive in her own apartment by a man who had escaped prison and had been on a killing spree in the process.

Her book, also written in 2005 has been made into a movie by the same title, "Captive" and was released on 9/18/15.

Before I received the book to review I had heard this story but not in full detail.  Ashley had actually spoken at one of my church's women's retreats, but I had not attended.  I was intrigued by her story, but never got a chance to read or hear more.  I was excited to finally read her book.  I read it while at the beach with my family and I could not put it down.  It was an easy read, and I wanted to continue to read to find out what would happen next.  I knew that Ashley survived her captivity but I didn't know how or why.

I honestly felt like I was in her apartment with her, pleading with Brian Nichols to let her go, let her go see her daughter.  Let her turn her life around.  I was trying to find ways to help her escape, help her break away but in all honesty, Ashley needed Brian as much as Brian needed her.

Reading her book makes you question your own lifestyle.  Are you purposeful in what you are doing? 

Overview

CAPTIVE, based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is a thrilling drama about the spiritual collision of two broken lives.  When Brian Nichols - on the run as the subject of a city wide manhunt and desperate to make contact with his newborn son - takes recovering meth addict Ashley Smith hostage in her own apartment, she turns for guidance to Rick Warren’s best-selling inspirational book, The Purpose Driven Life.  While reading aloud, Ashley and her would-be killer each face crossroads where despair and death intersect hope.  

The movie stars David Oyelowo, who played Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the recent film, Selma.

Click HERE for a special greeting from David Oyelowo.

 

I have already read the book that helped her get through her captivity, A Purpose Driven Life but I want to go back and re-read it and see if I am able to pull more out of it.  My lifestyle (aka kids) has changed a lot since I first read this book. 

 

You can follow along with all the below links:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE 

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

AUDIO BOOK BYTE  (Audio excerpt from the audio book format of CAPTIVE (chapter 1), read by the author, Ashley Smith.) 

OFFICIAL MOVIE TRAILER

 

If you have not read Ashley's book yet, please do, it really is a must read.  Once you have read the book, then head out to the theater and see the movie version.  I cannot wait to see this movie myself!

 

I leave you with some questions to ponder....

 

We’ve all faced circumstances that have held us captive in some regard.  What has held you captive?  How did you find your purpose?  

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this book for my review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 

 

 

 

Lovable Labels - 10th Anniversary Sale!

Lovable Labels is your #1 source for durable personalized labels, tags, safety products and much more. By recognizing the unique personality in every child, Lovable Labels inspires children to take better care of their belongings.  Our durable products withstand the dishwasher, microwave, washer, dryer, and the greatest test - your child!

I have a few of their products and I LOVE them!!  I'm actually going to pick up a few labels for O's teacher to use in the classroom during this sale. 

This sale started yesterday and runs until Saturday October 19, 2013!!

So, just what can you expect during this anniversary sale??? 

- 10 days of deals

- offering 50% off our most popular products

- offer runs from October 10, 2013 - October 19, 2013

- We will be launching surprise new products

- Sign up for our newsletter to get our daily offers delivered right to your inbox - Sign up HERE

- To check our daily deal of the day, check out our 'gift tree' HERE

This is the best time to stock up...or think of Christmas presents!!  I'm going to get some to help make labeling school supplies 10 times easier next year and as I said before I'm going to pick up a pack for O's teacher.  They label EVERYTHING in school!! 

I'm pretty sure everyone with a school aged child has struggled with labeling their supplies...it is not as easy as it looks to label 48 sharpened pencils.  Trust me, I've done it!  I will definitely be picking up these:

You do not want to miss this sale!!!  Head on over to Lovable Labels now to check it out!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  I will be compensated with a product for this post.

Pleygo - a Net-flix Like Service for Legos!

Yes...you read that correct -

Pleygo is a Net-Flix like service for Legos!  Subscribe, rent, play, and exchange sets of LEGOs unlimited times per month.  Shipping is always free both ways and sets are sanitized when returned.  We offer a convenient, quick, and inexpensive solution that relieves clutter and saves space at home while saving money.  Co-Founded by influential parenting blogger and creator of A-List mom Elina Furman, Plegyo is the perfect way to supply your child with endless developmental tools and allow for that much needed quiet time at home!

 

Three levels of subscription starting at just $15 allow you to find the plan that best suits you.  We offer credit towards your account for sets and mixed bricks that you donate to us, and we provide the shipping label too!  Pleygo is a perfect gift for a family friend, loved one, or birthday party.  Purchase a gift subscription and send it with a special message from you!  We are constantly expanding our inventory with more sets!

 

Receive your First Month FREE  HERE or directly at Pleygo to register!

 

How easy is this:

 

         

 

 

 

Owen would LOVE this.  He is obsessed with Legos right now.  He loves to build and follow the instructions, but once he builds it, he leaves it together and doesn't do much else with it.  This would allow him to constantly build different models, while leaving some money in my bank account!!  Legos are expensive, but I love the confidence and creativity they provide for young minds.  I would much rather Owen play with Legos than video games or watch TV!  I also love the independence they provide, Owen loves to sit and look at the instructions and try to put it together 100% by himself (which he does).

 

 

 

We cannot wait to try Pleygo program out and tell everyone about our experience!

 

 

Don't forget to sign up for your free month, HERE.  You can also follow them on Facebook for the latest news and updates!

 

 

Disclaimer - This is a sponsored post.  I may be compensated for this post, however all opinions are honest and my own.

 

SnapMe Swimwear Review - Summer Splash Sponsor

To say I love this bathing suit is an understatement....this is a must have suit for any Momma who has a little girl!! 

SnapMe Swimwear  offers super cute bathing suits for little girls that allow the dreaded diaper change or potty break to be a breeze!  They have snaps in the crotch so you do not have to remove the ENTIRE wet and/or sandy suit, just to use the restroom or change a diaper.

See what I mean when I say super cute?  ; )  You cannot even tell there are snaps down there.  I cannot wait to be the envy of everyone at the beach with this suit!!

It fits true to size - I ordered Brynnleigh the 3T since she is soo tall.  It has a bit of room to grow, which is perfect since our beach trip is in late August.  I typically have to buy her 2 sets of suits every summer - this year I won't!  I am just going to alter the straps a bit and it will be PERFECT!

To make this bathing suit even better - Brynnleigh did not want to take it off when we were done with our review - so I just threw her dress overtop!  That in itself is an accomplishment - at 2, this child is PICKY and getting dressed is a nightmare, she knows what she wants to wear, and how she wants to wear it!

We picked the Navy Polka Dot suit since I'm a sucker for navy and polka dots, but there are a TON of choices to pick from.  They even off the rashguard suits as well! 

The suits themselves even have UV protection built in!! Here are the facts for the Navy Polka Dot suit that we have...

Features:• UVP 50+
• 2 rows of snaps for adjusting
• fully lined throughout suit

I am always concerned that my kids suits will shift or stretch during the day to open up fresh skin that has not been protected, or worried that the sun can get through their suit!

To find out more about SnapMe Swimwear you can visit their Website, Facebook Page, or Twitter.

Even better - SnapMe Swimwear is sponsoring a giveaway on my blog, that ends TODAY - so hurry on over to enter HERE.

And now, more photos of my little princess in her awesome new suit!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Annual Summer Splash Blog Hop Giveaway!!

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Summer Splash Event hosted by Life With Two Boys and With Our Best!

A bunch of great blogs have come together to bring you some amazing prizes to help you kick off your summer... with a SPLASH! Each blog is giving away at least $25 worth of prizes, plus we have an awesome grand prize for one very lucky winner. Be sure to hop along to each of the participating blogs because the more giveaways you enter, the more chances you have at winning the Grand Prize!

Before we talk about the Grand Prize, let's talk about The BOAT's prize, a swimsuit from SnapMe Swimwear.  You can find out more about this great company and product by reading my Sponsor Spotlight.

These adorable suits come with snaps in the crotch to make diaper changing, or potty breaks super easy and quick!  Brynnleigh tried out the Navy Polka Dot suite, and to say we were in love is an understatement.

Stay tuned for our detailed review and lots more pictures of my princess and her new favorite bathing suit.

You can enter to win a SnapMe Suit using the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this post.

So what's this Grand Prize we're talking about? Thanks to Trex Outdoor Furniture, one very lucky winner is going to win a Yacht Club 3-Piece Rocker Set valued at $1,317! Made in the USA and constructed of durable HDPE recycled lumber, this Rocker Set is sure to help you slow down and relax this Summer and for many years to come!

Enter the Grand Prize!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Please note that the Summer Splash hosts and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prize. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation that they will fulfill their prize in a timely manner. While we are not responsible, we will make every effort to assist the winner in obtaining their prize.

SnapMe Swimwear Sponsor Spotlight (Summer Splash Blog Hop)

When I discovered SnapMe Swimwear I about died.  How many of us struggle to change the diaper of a wet and possibly sandy baby?  It's a pain!  I had gotten to the point that I would take an extra suit every time we went to the pool or beach so once I had to change her, I could just put on a nice dry suit that was easy to maneuver.  I also hated to completely have to undress her just to change her diaper, and to say I wasn't a fan of 2 pieces for little ones would be an understatement.

So, how does SnapMe Swimwear make this oh so annoying process easier?  It's the simplest of concepts, but it saves your sanity in more ways then one!  SnapMe Swimsuits have snaps in the crotch of their suits so you do not have to remove the suit for a simple diaper change, or potty break.  There is even an extra row of snaps so you can get a little more wear out of your suit!

These suits are adorable as is, and then the added convenience they provide is like a bonus.  I could not pick just one of these suits!

They even offer rash guard suits for the ultimate protection and convenience.

I was ecstatic when SnapMe Swimwear agreed to Sponsor The BOAT in the Summer Splash Giveaway Blog Hop.  Renee has been a dream to work with!

So lets find out a bit more about Renee and SnapMe Swimwear....

1) So tell us a little bit about your self: Mother of a 3 and 6 yr old girl. Studied photography in Philadelphia where I earned my BFA. Gave up work to become a full time mom.

2) Can you tell us more about SnapMe Swimwear and how it got started?

Hi, I’m Renee. Let me tell you about a typical Saturday during the summer with my family. We have a 2 daughters that love the beach, so we go as often as possible. We all get up in the morning, make breakfast, and then pack a ton of things that we need to bring. Before we know it, an hour has gone by. We get in the car and realize we forgot something. Another 5 minutes and we are finally on our way! It only takes us 10 minutes to get to the beach, and go figure, there is NO PLACE TO PARK!

Now it’s time to unload the car and drag all of my daughter’s toys, her bag, the umbrella, chairs, cooler, etc. onto the beach. We set up our little area and finally it’s time to sit down and relax. As fate would have it….SHE HAS A DIRTY DIAPER!!!
While I am trying to get her suit off she squirms and sand sticks to her. The suit is wet and I struggle trying to get it back on.
After too many experiences like this, I thought there has to be a better way! You know what they say, “Necessity is the mother of invention”. So I invented SnapMe!
Not only is SnapMe Swimwear good for diaper changing, but when your daughter shows signs that she wants to be a big girl and start to potty train you can easily pull off the snaps in no time!
Also, I am sure moms agree with me there is nothing more disgusting than a public restroom at the beach…ugh! You can use the SnapMe Suits for your older girl (sizes up to 4T) so she doesn’t have to drop her bathing suit on that nasty floor ever again!
If you can relate to a day like this, you need this bathing suit!
SnapMe Swimwear. Finally, bathing suit changing that’s a SNAP!

3) What is your favorite item and why? Hibiscus Stamp. I just love the style with the skirt. It's is very fashionable and functional.

 
4) How can I order? Visit www.snapmeswimwear.com and place your order there. Take advantage of the $2.99 shipping! We use paypal for secure payment so make sure you have an account.

Stay tuned to The BOAT for Brynnleigh's review of the suit and a giveaway!  The giveaway event starts tonight at Midnight!!!

Here's a sneak peak at B's photo shoot rocking out her SnapMe Swimsuit in Navy Polka Dot!

You can also follow SnapMe Swimwear on Facebook and Twitter!

Baker's Blooms & Bows Spotlight

I hope everyone read/saw my Baker's Blooms & Bows review HERE.


I'm not sure you can think of a hair accessory that is not available at Baker's Blooms & Bows.  They have pony tail holders, clips, bows, bottle cap clips, and the list goes on.



Lets find out more about Donna from Baker's Blooms & Bows shall we...


1) So tell us a little bit about your self..

I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mother of 2. I love to sew for my daughter. I am a member of our church choir. I teach the Kindergarten Sparks class at our church.


2) Can you tell us more about Baker's Blooms & Bows and how it got started?

Baker's Blooms & Bows was started because I was tired of paying SO MUCH for hairbows for my daughter. I saw this really cool bow that someone else has & thought, "I bet I can do that for WAY less!!"

3) What is your favorite item and why?

I love all the "Blooms". I think it is so neat to see all the different colors & varieties that you can find in flowers. Plus, you can put just about anything in the middle of one!!


4) How can I order?

You can order by clicking on any album on my Facebook Page.  Just post "sold" & your info on the individual picture of what you want & it's yours!!!

Love what you see? Then make sure to enter the Keeping Kids Creative Blog Hop Giveaway Event where you can enter to win a flower/bow of your choice!

Covered in Cuteness Spotlight

I hope everyone read/saw my Covered in Cuteness review HERE.

Covered in Cuteness has a ton of fun girly things...from bows, hats, and headbands to jewelry!  They even carry Bellanonna Beauty which is fun bath therapy, scrubs, cremes and much much more!


Lets find out more about Stephanie and Covered in Cuteness...


1) So tell us a little bit about your self...

I am a stay at home mom who enjoys crafting on the side. I also have a degree in Physical Therapy and do still treat on occassion.


2) Can you tell us more about Covered in Cuteness and how it got started?

Covered in Cuteness was started because we would often look for items that our young children could wear safely. Many items for infants had small beads or were held together by pieces that could easily come off thus posing a choking risk. Still, other items were held together by pins or glues that may be toxic. While no item is 100% safe, we take great pride in our products. After all, if we would not put them on our own children, we won’t suggest you put them on yours.

We have recently branched into carrying the all natural Bellanonna skin care line as well.


3) What is your favorite item and why?

My favorite item is the red rose headband with the pearl center. I love the feel of the red shabby flowers and the sophisticated look of this particular piece.


4) How can I order?

You can visit us at our website or on facebook.


Love what you see?  Then make sure to enter the Keeping Kids Creative Blog Hop Giveaway Event  where you can enter to win a specialty Halloween hat which fits ages 6 months to 3 years.

Jennifleurs Spotlight

Remember JenniFLeurs?  Yes, that is where the kids got their super cool super hero capes!  Make sure to read my review HERE.

Lets find out more about Jennifer from JenniFLeurs shall we...


1) So tell us a little bit about your self..

I am a stay at home mom, with one five year old daughter. She is very loved by my husband and I, as you can imagine :)


I graduated Arizona State University with a degree in Family Studies. Although I have never "professionally" used my degree, it seems as if everyday my education takes purpose in my life. I love volunteering in my daughter's school, cooking, being outdoors, etc. and I am extremely crafty and creative!


2) Can you tell us more about JenniFLeurs and how it got started?

The shop name Jennifleurs came from my Aunt Jac, which she endearingly nicknamed me, and it stuck. My ETSY shop began by the prompting of a few moms at my daughter's preschool. I had just taken up sewing, and decided to try making a few new capes for the kids dress up section at school. They were such a hit at school, that one of my friends suggested I put them up on ETSY...and here we are! I had no idea that they would sell. They were truly one of the first things I ever made. I always joke with my husband, that if I ever try sewing something new, I may just hit the jackpot!

3) What is your favorite item and why?

My favorite items are the custom orders. I have made matching capes for a family of four boys that were helping their mother battle breast cancer. I have made capes for two extremely premature twins, that I later learned were called their "prayer" capes. The parents would bring the capes in the NICU with them...and both twins made it home and are progressing everyday.


I love hearing the individual stories...whether it is a child's obsession with semi-trucks or a big brother welcoming his new baby sister....that is what has made this experience so rewarding.


4) How can I order?

You can order through my ETSY shop by visiting www.etsy.com/shop/jennifleurs. I have many appliques listed, but always accommodate new ideas and requests.


ETSY takes credit cards, debit cards and Paypal.

I look forward to working with you!!



Love what you see? Then make sure to enter the Keeping Kids Creative Blog Hop Giveaway Event where you can enter to win a custom super hero cape!

JenniFLeurs Reversible Super Hero Cape Review

I was so excited to receive and review these super hero capes.  Owen has gotten all into super heroes and of course Brynnleigh just follows behind.  Brynnleigh is actually obsessed with "Piderman".

Jennifer Edwards from jennifleurs etsy shop allowed me to pick/design any super hero capes I wanted for the kids.  O originally picked the pirate cape (see below) then changed his mind to spiderman. 

B of course wanted "piderman".  I asked Jennifer to switch B's up a bit and do a girly spiderman, and it came out perfect!  Both kids decided to do the lightening bolt initial for the opposite sides of their capes.

As soon as we got them, O HAD to put his on and started running around the front yard.  B was a bit timid at first, but then she was all about it.  "My ero Momma, put my ero on!"  It was soo cute!  Ever since then, neither has taken them off.  O has already asked if he can sleep with his on! 

Jen took so much time to make sure every last detail was perfect!  These super hero capes are top quality and a great steal for only $22.00 plus shipping!  These are great Christmas gifts too!  This may be my new birthday present staple!

The kids go back and forth with what side cape they want.  B normally wants her "piderman" side showing, and O switches it up throughout the day.  Somehow I didn't manage to get a pic of them with their spiderman showing, but I did take a picture of just the capes.

JenniFleurs graciously offered to sponsor The BOAT in the Keeping Kids Creative Blog Hop and will be giving away a personalized reversible cape to one lucky reader!!  Stay tuned, the giveaway starts tomorrow!

If you can't wait, and you need to order one now, you can go straight to her etsy shop or email Jen directly!