Review: Blessing Banks

Amazingly, it doesn't take much to convince my kids to give. They are very free with their money and I have learned a lot from them in this department. I love the philosophy of the Blessing Bank site:

Handmade keepsakes that teach children "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

Based on Jesus' words in Acts 20:35, Blessing Banks are more than a gift; they are a lifelong lesson in the blessing of giving. They are available in handcrafted hardwoods for boys and girls, hand-painted ceramic and also in a hammered, silver-plated option. And Little Blessing Bags are a convenient way for collected change to bless someone with an immediate need.

 We received one of the Blessing Banks for Girls in oak:

They also sent us one of these little blessing bags:

The wooden banks are VERY well made and a nice display piece - something that we are happy to keep out which promotes more giving because we actually remember we have it. My girls scavenge for loose change all the time to put in the bank and they love to count it. We've decided to save up to buy a goat for a family in need. We're about 1/3 of the way there already...just with pocket change!

The wooden banks are $30 each. The little bags are $2.50 each. They also have a variety of ceramic banks and silver banks at various prices. They offer free shipping on orders over $10.

Overall, a very nice idea and one I'm more than happy to promote.

Disclosure: We received the items you see above for free for the purpose of review. We made our own decision to buy the goat and are in the process of filling up the bank all on our own as well. I keep a proper disclosure statement available right here.

Review: Huggable Teddy Bears

Now *this* is what I call a huggable teddy bear. Seriously. I'm of the opinion that stuffed animals are a dime a dozen and I don't really choose to buy many (any) for my kids, but don't mind if they keep ones they are given. But I've been around the teddy bear block long enough to know that not all bears are created equal.

There are definite quality differences in the way various bears are made. And this guy? Well, he's a $40 bear. That's a bit on the high end in my estimation, but he's certainly a cute, soft, squishy bear and my girls love him. Well, the ones who have seen him love him. He's actually about to be wrapped up and presented to a certain soon-to-be-9-year-old next week. She's going to LOVE him.

The Huggable Teddy Bears website has a nice variety of Valentine's Day Bears and other Valentine's gift options as well.

I really liked how they put together some of their gift baskets. This Fun and Games Gift Basket would make any kid's day, don't you think?

The service was great and the shipping was super fast from the time my order was received. If you needed a quality gift to send to someone this would be a good site to consider. That's my honest opinion.

Disclosure: I received the bear you see in the photo above. I wasn't sure we needed another bear, but when I pulled him out of the box, I knew. He's a keeper.  I keep a proper disclosure statement available right here.

Review: Smiley Cookies

I can make a pretty darn good tasting cookie, but I'm not so great on the aesthetics. Just keeping it real, y'all. So I jumped at the chance to get a dozen of these heart cookies from SmileyCookie.com because I wanted some cookies that both tasted great AND looked pretty.

Mission accomplished.

Here's the box that arrived in the mail (this one was wrapped in an actual packaging box):

 Isn't that just the cutest thing right there? I was also impressed with how well packaged the cookies were inside the box. They really have to be, you know, since they are shipping them all over the place. Here are the cookies all wrapped up:

 Now you can see what they look like still in the plastic box, but unwrapped:

And finally, here's what they look like out of the box:

 Aren't they cute? And they did taste great too. I actually then rewrapped these individually and put them in take-home containers for my daughter's birthday party last Monday. It was a hit all the way around.

So if you are needing to kick it up a notch this Valentine's Day, these heart shaped cookies could very well be just the ticket for you.

The cookies start at $12.99/dozen and there is a $6.99 ground shipping charge on the entire order, so think multiples and freeze for later! 

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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Review: Becoming a Woman of Simplicity by Cynthia Heald

I have a confession to make: I haven't made the time to read this book yet - perhaps that is the single most reason I NEED this book? Even still, not having read it, I have read some of Cynthia's other books, namely, Becoming a Woman of Excellence and have had the privilege of hearing her speak on more than one occasion back when we were involved with The Navigators.

I whole-heartedly endorse anything she has to say. Here's the book description:

In a culture that pulls women in multiple directions at once, is it possible to adjust priorities, reexamine your time management, and reduce your busyness in exchange for what is truly important--becoming like Jesus?
Written by Navigator author and Bible teacher Cynthia Heald, Becoming a Woman of Simplicity is a topical Bible study that delves into Scripture to offer practical, real-life counsel on rest and stress to women.

Oh man, can you say convicted? I do feel pulled in multiple directions at once, but I'm the one pulling myself. It's a choice. I need to choose rest and simplicity.

This series of "Becoming a Woman of..." books by Cynthia Heald are set up in lesson/study form and have space for you to record your thoughts/answers.

Amazon has Becoming a Woman of Simplicity for $9.99 with free shipping. NavPress is selling it for $7.49. It would be perfect for individual reflection or a small group Bible Study.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." I do not hold NavPress responsible for how insanely busy my life has been since receiving the book.  I do intend to actually read this book. I'm hoping it happens soon. See my proper disclosure statement here.